Chapter Text
Not even the rich chill of a well-deserved Manhattan is raising Bucky's spirits right now. The bar, he has to admit, is pretty upscale and the bartender knows exactly what he's doing, so Bucky can't complain too much. Still, as he takes another scan of the place, he can't help but think about the quiet warmth of his sofa at home.
Nat, who had all but wrestled a nice outfit on him and drug him by the ear out of his apartment, had abandoned him to slip through the crowd and find her way to the center of attention at one of the raised lounge areas. If Bucky leaned back at the right angle, he could sometimes catch her eye just long enough for her to roll her eyes at his pathetic loneliness. He just sighs and takes another sip of his perfectly crafted cocktail and mentally curses the bartender for making it impossible for him to hate being here.
He knows the all-black look Nat had picked out for him is a good one. He knows it would be easy to wander around and mingle politely until he found someone who caught his eye. He knows how quickly he could charm his way into the arms of any man or woman who's interested. But he also knows he's tired and he really doesn't feel like hooking up with another shallow one-night stand just to wake up in the morning awkwardly sneaking out the door before they open their eyes. Plus, Nat promised that if he didn't have a good time, she would make it worth his while and with the way that silky emerald dress is clinging to her curves, he'd kind of been hoping she meant that personally.
His thoughts take him back to that one tipsy night when Nat had climbed into his lap and let him take control for the first time in the short period that he'd known her. He'd only been living in the apartment complex for a few months at the time but the little redhead had danced into his orbit and stuck around ever since. There hasn't been a repeat of that night and they'd both guiltily admitted that they weren't actually interested beyond physical attraction, but there's no denying that they're a good match in bed.
Tilting his head back, he tries taking another peek at his neighbor-turned-one night stand-turned-best friend, only to find her blatantly flirting with a very kind-eyed, very attractive black man. He watches as she coyly bites at her bottom lip while blinking up at the man with faux-innocent eyes and shifts his gaze over to Tall, Dark, and Handsome to see him give her an appraising once over with an expression that hints he is not at all fooled by the act but that he very much appreciates it. They both lean a little more into one another's space and Tall, Dark, and Handsome flashes a smile that has Nat… blushing ? Bucky lets out his millionth sigh of the night.
Lucky bastard. But as Bucky casts one more glance over at his neighbor and the stranger, he's not sure which one of them he's referring to.
"Excuse me."
A warm, deep voice has Bucky snapping to attention. Turning in its direction, he feels his jaw go a little slack at the sight before him.
The man is tall- taller than Tall, Dark, and Handsome and at least an inch or two over Bucky. Dirty-blonde hair is carefully combed back out of his face, but one strand has fallen perfectly out of place and is now hanging beautifully by his temple. Long, thick eyelashes are framing sparkling eyes that share the same blue-green shift as the sea. Bucky tries his best to not look down at this man's mouth, but he can see those plump candy lips from his peripheral and his eyes betray him. A full, dark beard frames that pretty mouth and Bucky’s gaze follows it back up to where the hairs start getting blonder by his ears before the small quirk of an eyebrow draws his attention back to those ocean eyes.
Fuck.
"Excuse me," the man tries again because it's been a few seconds and Bucky still hasn't said anything. His cheeks are a little more pink than they were a few seconds ago, and Bucky honestly does not believe this man could be any more perfect. "Is it alright if I sit here?"
Bucky looks down at the stool beside him that the man's gesturing at, which is a mistake, because when he goes to look back up, his eyes travel the length of the man's body and holy shit, he is sexy. The man is narrow-waisted and broad-shouldered, large muscles not at all hidden by the white button-up that's struggling to contain his pecs. The man has rolled the sleeves up past his thick forearms, but his biceps are also putting up a compelling fight against the shirt's material. Recovering as quickly as possible, Bucky nods his head.
"Yeah, of course, go ahead."
The man smiles and Bucky almost melts to the floor, but manages to hold it together and give a small smile of his own in return. He turns back to his drink and takes another sip, hoping it will help him get a fucking grip.
The man slips onto the stool and immediately adjusts himself so that he's angled towards Bucky, thick thighs enticingly splayed and looking ready to cage Bucky in. He casually leans an elbow on the bar and raises a few fingers in a friendly wave towards the bartender who promptly makes his way over.
"Hey man, how are ya?" That deep voice rumbles even more beautifully now that it's closer to ear level. The bartender simply smiles and nods once. "Old fashioned, please."
Bucky picks up on the beginnings of a blush on the bartender's cheeks as he says 'Yes, sir' and gets to work, but he knows that Steve didn't because Bucky can literally feel Steve's gaze on the side of his face. Desperately fighting off a blush of his own, Bucky takes the final sip of his drink and asks the bartender for one more.
"Whiskey guy, too, huh?"
Taking a steadying breath, Bucky nods and looks over at the man.
"Felt like I deserved it," Bucky chuckles.
"I'm sure you do," the man says with the cutest half smile Bucky has ever seen in his life. He ignores the bartender sliding them their drinks and reaches a hand out to Bucky. “I’m Steve.”
“James.” Bucky tries not to think too much about how he really doesn’t want to let this man’s hand go.
Steve’s brows furrow when Bucky says his name and shoots a glance over Bucky’s shoulder. Bucky automatically follows his line of vision in the direction… Huh- in the same direction as Nat and her handsome acquaintance. Turning back to Steve, Bucky feels his own brows twitch downwards. He lets a small, confused smile shape his lips.
“Sorry,” Steve rubs the back of his neck and smiles sheepishly. “I thought you were someone else.”
Bucky feels the disappointment settle in like a punch to the gut. Steve takes a quick scan of the bar before his eyes settle back on Bucky.
“Oh, no worries,” Bucky chokes out. “Sorry to disappoint.”
“No!” Steve’s eyes widen. “No, that’s not- I’m not disappointed. Not at all.”
“Oh,” Bucky says dumbly. “Good.”
“Yeah, sorry. Fuck. Sorry, let me explain.” Steve huffs a laugh at himself. “I’m here with my friend, Sam, and he’s talking to this girl who said I could find her friend over here. Talked him up real nice, said he was smart and funny and strong and drop dead gorgeous and I- I just assumed it was you. Because you’re very easily the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”
Steve’s eyes are sparkling as he watches Bucky’s face and Bucky feels his cheeks getting hot.
“I’m sure Bucky’s great,” Steve continues, waving a hand dismissively. “But, if it’s alright with you, I’d like to stay where I am.”
Bucky feels the slow grin spread across his face and turns back towards Nat. When he spots her and Tall, Dark, and Handsome- Sam, he mentally corrects himself- they’re suspiciously already looking his way and quickly turn their heads to focus on something else. Bucky’s grin grows even wider. This was Nat’s way of making it up to him? Well done, Nat.
Bucky twists back towards Steve and offers his hand again, which Steve takes with a curious smile.
“Hi. James Buchanan Barnes. My friends call me Bucky. I’m here with my best friend Nat, the pretty redhead that your pretty friend is with.”
Steve’s eyebrows lift and his mouth opens a bit in realization. He casts one more glance over Bucky’s shoulder before looking back into his eyes.
“Steven Grant Rogers. I go by Steve. And remind me to thank your pretty friend before she leaves with my pretty friend.”
Bucky laughs, shaking his head. He does one more quick once-over of Steve and can’t seem to wipe the smile off his face.
“I’ll be sure to include your thanks with mine.” Steve beams at that and takes a sip of his drink, eyes not leaving Bucky’s.
“So, James.” Steve smiles playfully. “I hear you’re a bit newer to the area. How’re you liking it here?”
“Well, Steven,” Bucky shoots back, earning another smile from Steve. “I think I’m adjusting pretty well. Best job I’ve ever had by far. The new apartment is nice and the neighbors aren’t so bad either. It’s a lot different than my hometown. But I think maybe I’m a city boy at heart, so everything’s working out it seems. It’s great, really. And the people here are… Wow.”
Bucky makes sure to let his eyes rake over Steve’s figure at that last sentence. Steve smirks at that and they both sip their drinks. Bucky licks his lips, and feels a rush of self-satisfaction when Steve’s eyes drop to track the path of his tongue. When he meets Bucky’s eyes, Steve nods like he’s got Bucky figured out.
“Yeah? Liking what you see then, huh?”
“Yeah. I really am.”
Steve’s smile is small and private. Bucky feels the gentle fluttering of butterflies low in his stomach. Absolutely fucking not. He has to break eye contact before he gets caught in the moment and is physically unable to do anything besides get lost in the depths of those kind eyes. He curses at himself when he feels his face heating up again, hoping he can blame it on the alcohol. He curses again because he can’t just stare at his glass while this guy is talking to him, so he looks back up and offers a shy smile.
Steve’s little smile hasn’t faded at all, and one corner of his mouth twitches a little further up.
“You’re very cute when you blush, James.”
Fuck. Me. Bucky knows he’s turning from pink to red and decides to resolutely ignore it. He’s a big, tough, grown ass man. He does not need to be blushing like a teenager right now. But there’s something about the way Steve says his birth name that sends shivers down his spine. He tries to find a good response but comes up short and shakes his head.
“No. But thank you. You’re- I mean. Obviously I meant that I… think you also are, um, very attractive. And Bucky. You can call me that. If you want to.”
What the fuck is with the stuttering, Barnes? Get it together.
Steve, somehow, doesn’t laugh at him. He just ducks his head for a second before looking back up and searching Bucky’s eyes.
“Thanks, Bucky.” The warmth of Steve’s gaze is too much and Bucky scrambles for something to say.
“So, what do you do? For work?”
Steve blinks but his smile still hasn’t faltered.
“I work with this company that does architectural design.”
“Oh, wow,” Bucky says, truly impressed. “That sounds so cool. Do you do the designs or are you more, like, executive or something?”
“Uh, yeah I mean kinda both.” Steve swirls his drink around.
Bucky raises an eyebrow. It’s the first time Steve hasn’t seemed open and confident since he started talking. Bucky wonders if any warning flags should go up, but then he remembers that he’s not here to pick someone up and he shouldn’t make an exception to that just because of a pretty face. But Steve has a pretty everything, his hindbrain unhelpfully supplies. Beside him, Steve brightens again and faces Bucky.
“What about you, Bucky?”
“Oh, I’m in engineering. Research and development over at Stark Tower.”
Steve’s eyebrows jump and he blinks.
“Yeah I’m pretty lucky,” Bucky continues. “But I haven’t played a major part in any of the really cool stuff yet, so not that impressive really.”
Steve settles his surprised expression and shakes his head.
“Bucky, stop, that’s really impressive, actually. And uh, it’s- well… My company does a lot of work with Stark, just wasn’t expecting to hear that name.”
“You’re not involved with the construction going on at the tower right now, are you?”
Steve chuckles, and Bucky cannot believe that a damn laugh sounds so good.
“Yeah, actually. That’s us. Stark is great to work with, I’m sure he’s a great employer.”
“The best. I’ve never even heard of employee benefits this good before. He takes care of us for sure, but he’s definitely a little eccentric.”
Steve laughs for real at that and nods.
“Yeah, I love working with the guy. A lot of my favorite works have come from projects with him. Too smart for his own good. And very sure of what he wants. Luckily, I know him and his vision a little better than most, so every time he calls me, it’s not too hard to get a decent rough draft drawn up.”
Bucky doesn’t miss the accidental implication that Steve’s the boss, or at least a very important higher up, of this company if he’s taking direct phone calls from Tony Stark for a design. Not to mention how obviously expensive every detail in Stark buildings are, which means Steve’s company is very well-established. And Steve’s face when Bucky said ‘Stark Tower’… Did Steve help Stark build Stark Tower?
“Wait,” Bucky says after thinking about some of the name tags he’s seen on the construction people at the tower. “Rogers & Wilson. You’re Rogers?”
Steve gives a tiny smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “That’s me, yeah.”
Bucky looks at him for a second, then waves the bartender back over.
“Another old-fashioned, please.”
Steve gives him a funny look, but Bucky just takes the drink when the bartender is finished and slides it closer to Steve.
“Running a business that big? You definitely need a drink.”
Steve laughs again, head tipping back and then smiles brightly at Bucky.
“Yeah, thanks, Buck.”
The nickname makes Bucky smile and the butterflies in his stomach take flight again.
They go back and forth, trading information and smiles like they’re old friends catching up. He tries not to be completely charmed by Steve, but he’s failing miserably and finds himself leaning closer and closer. The more they talk, the more Bucky knows he can’t leave with this man tonight because leaving in the morning would be too hard. Steve flirts and Bucky tries not to flirt back, but he keeps slipping up. He’s lost track of how many times Steve has gotten him to blush and he’s feeling like he might do damn near anything to keep that precious half smile on Steve’s face permanently. Bucky keeps breaking eye contact and his hands are fidgeting with anything they can find and he cannot believe that he’s been reduced to this nervous mess when he’s normally the smooth charmer himself. He keeps telling himself he’s going to end the conversation, but then Steve catches his eye and looks at him so fondly that it almost hurts and Bucky can’t do anything but stay glued to this spot as time flies by.
“You don’t need to be so nervous, Buck.” Steve says lowly, after he’s caught Bucky glancing down at his lips for the hundredth time. “Whatever you want. That’s all I’m looking for.”
Bucky’s words get stuck in his throat as he stares at Steve’s earnest expression.
Eventually, Steve takes a deep breath and levels Bucky with a determined look in his eye.
“Buck,” he starts. “I’m really glad I found you tonight.”
Bucky knows what comes next and feels his stomach drop.
“Steve, I’ve had a great time talking with you. But I don’t really know why I even came here and… I don’t want to waste more of your time. I’m sorry.”
“You can waste my time,” Steve’s eyes soften. “As much as you want. I don’t really do this much these days but I just… You’re so pretty, Buck. And you’re sweet and I really wanna know how that whiskey tastes on your lips.”
Okay, so maybe Bucky can do one more one night stand. He’s had a long week. He’s done good work. He might even be on his way to a promotion to some of the cooler projects. And gorgeous Steve Rogers seems to think Bucky’s worth his very limited time. So, honestly, why should he not leave this bar with Steve? Probably because you have a real crush now and you’re going to hurt yourself over a guy you’ve known for a couple hours.
Bucky ignores his negative thoughts and looks over his shoulder to the last place he’d seen Nat. Her and Sam are nowhere to be found and Bucky knows if he were to check his phone right now, he’d have a text from her. Well, my ride’s gone, so now I have to leave with Steve. Oops.
“I’ll cover the drinks if you pay for the cab.”
Steve’s grin is breathtaking. “I know the guy who runs this place. You’re already on my tab.”
Bucky shakes his head in a mix of disbelief and amusement. “Then I’ll at least cover the cab.”
Steve’s grin turns into a smirk. “My place is just a few blocks away.”
Bucky gets brave and reaches out to touch Steve. He lets his hand settle on Steve’s knee and squeezes softly. Standing up and dropping several bills on the bar as a tip, Bucky finds Steve’s hands and gives a gentle tug. Steve looks up at him like Bucky’s the best thing he’s ever seen.
“Then take me home with you already.”
Almost immediately, Bucky realizes that he's made a huge mistake.
First of all, neither of them are really even tipsy anymore, so there's no alcoholic haze to blame in the morning. Second, it's a cool, fall night and Bucky had shivered for a second when the outside air hit him, so Steve had literally draped his jacket around Bucky's shoulders like they were in a fucking movie and Bucky hasn't been able to settle those damn butterflies ever since. Third, Steve had intertwined their fingers when they'd set off towards his apartment and his thumb is mindlessly rubbing patterns along Bucky's hand, making it really hard for Bucky to focus on anything else. Fourth, Steve hasn't kissed him yet and it's taking everything in Bucky to not press him against a wall and find out if those lips are as soft as they look.
And if none of that was enough, Steve is still talking to him in that low, rich tone that has goosebumps rising on Bucky's arms. It's just small talk, but Bucky's hanging on every word, completely enamored. Steve keeps looking at him with that attentive gaze and Bucky is absolutely fucked.
He was supposed to sulk in a bar until Nat had her fill of entertainment and then go back home. He was not supposed to meet this beautiful angel and develop an actual crush. They come to a stop at a crosswalk, and Steve pulls Bucky close to his chest. He pulls his jacket down a little more snugly on Bucky's frame, then frees his hand for the first time to use them in an attempt to warm Bucky by firmly and carefully rubbing up and down his arms. Bucky's heart is racing. Damn you, Steve Rogers.
Bucky looks up at Steve when Steve’s hands come to a halt at Bucky’s elbows. The city lights are illuminating his golden hair and throwing shadows on his chiseled features. Steve's looking towards the road, so Bucky drinks him in and takes a deep breath. He lets his forehead drop and comes in contact with a strong shoulder that’s frustratingly comfortable.
Steve is such a relaxing, solid warmth that Bucky kind of forgets where they are and who they are to each other for a second before he’s hit with a sudden mortification. Just as he’s about to pull back and mutter an apology, Steve’s hand is at the back of his head, cradling him like he’s something precious and not a two-hundred plus pound man. Bucky closes his eyes and holds his breath so Steve won’t be able to feel the rapid rise and fall of his chest. But then, Steve, the beautiful bane of Bucky’s current existence, presses his lips so softly to Bucky’s head and Bucky is so grateful that his hair is thick because if he had been able to directly feel those lips right now, he knows he would have actually melted in Steve’s hold. Still, even with his hair doing its best to protect him from certain doom, Bucky’s breath hitches and there’s no way Steve didn’t feel or hear that.
The people around them start moving, so they both pull back and Bucky knows his face is crimson, but he sneaks a peek up at Steve to gauge his expression and is pleasantly shocked to see a pink tint gracing Steve’s cheeks too. If Steve is feeling embarrassed, the blush is the only hint because when he takes Bucky’s hand when they start walking again, his grip is a little tighter and he keeps Bucky a little more tucked to his side.
There’s less conversation the rest of the way to Steve’s, but the silence is so comfortable and full of stolen glances and shy smiles when they get caught. Steve playfully bumps his shoulder into Bucky’s and fuck, Bucky feels like a teenager. He knows his grin is a little goofy right now, but he can’t get it under control and Steve is looking down at his mouth like he’s found a miracle, so Bucky’s choosing to not worry about it and just let himself enjoy the moment.
When Steve nods towards a sizable, intricately designed brownstone and starts guiding Bucky towards the steps, Bucky isn’t surprised but can’t quite mask his awe. Even the railing leading up to the door is beautiful. Of course Steve has a home and doesn’t live in a basic apartment. Of course.
The inside is just as stunning. Steve has perfectly integrated modern furniture and art with the old-fashioned foundations of the building. The color scheme is light with dark accents and Bucky wishes he could see it with the natural light spilling in from the huge bay window. Steve gives him a little smile as he lets Bucky scan his surroundings and takes his coat from Bucky’s shoulders, disappearing down the hall after he lets Bucky know he’ll be right back. Steve’s walls have gorgeous art pieces hanging, but Bucky is immediately drawn to the bookshelves built into the wall on either side of the cushioned seat of the bay window. He can picture himself settling into the carefully arranged pile of decorative pillows with a good book and bask in the sun filtering through the window panes.
What the fuck, Bucky? Stop thinking about coming back here, you’re not on a date.
Steve’s footsteps pull Bucky out of his thoughts and he looks over his shoulder to see him holding an unopened bottle of wine and two glasses.
“I have water, too,” Steve’s eyes settle on Bucky’s hand brushing over the spines of his books. “Whatever you want.”
“You keep saying that,” Bucky smiles and turns back to try, once again, to get the fluttering in his stomach to leave him alone.
Bucky doesn’t hear Steve cross over to him, but he can feel Steve’s heat at his back suddenly. He holds his breath again as Steve brings his arm around him to offer a glass that Bucky takes. Steve sets the other glass to the side, efficiently pops open the wine, and pours them both a glass.
As Bucky sips at his glass, he unexpectedly chuckles.
“You opened a new bottle of wine just to make me more comfortable, didn’t you?”
Steve huffs softly behind him. A strong arm winds its way around his waist, pulling him back against a warm, solid figure and Bucky’s heart skips a beat.
“Maybe,” Steve grumbles into Bucky’s ear and the goosebumps that spread along Bucky’s skin are instant.
Bucky takes another sip of his wine, closes his eyes, and relaxes into Steve’s hold. Steve gives him an appreciative squeeze and leans their heads together. Bucky’s free hand comes up to settle on the forearm at his waist and he lets his fingers roam against the raised skin covering Steve’s veins.
After several moments of quiet, shared warmth, Bucky hears Steve set his glass down and then smiles softly as Steve’s other arm joins in the embrace he has Bucky in. Those damn lips are back, but this time they’re skimming his temple and Bucky can’t take it anymore. Setting his glass down on the first flat surface he can spot, Bucky turns in Steve’s hold and wraps his arms around broad shoulders.
“Hey there, pretty boy,” Steve fondly smiles.
Bucky’s cheeks flush and his eyes drop to Steve’s plump lips.
“So, at what point in your very effective charming routine do you normally get to the kissing? Because, I mean, I think you could’ve gotten me back at the bar, but if you have more steps you-“
Steve’s lips are every bit as soft as they look. He starts the kiss with a gentle passion that has Bucky leaning more and more into his space until their bodies are fully pressed together. A hand returns to the back of Bucky’s head, and fingers grasp carefully in his hair, keeping him in place as if he’d ever pull away from this. Steve’s other hand is applying steady pressure to the small of Bucky’s back, keeping his hips pressed distractedly against Steve’s.
Kissing Steve is unfairly perfect and Bucky again is subconsciously worried about his poor heart tomorrow morning. But right now, his body and his mind are ecstatic that he’s getting to kiss this sweet, beautiful man and present-Bucky is feeling too good to care what future-Bucky will feel. I’ll get over it. It’s just one night.
All of Bucky’s thoughts stop when Steve’s tongue slips past his lips and teases at Bucky’s until he pushes back. Turns out, it was a trap, because as soon as Bucky gets his tongue in Steve’s mouth, Steve is lightly sucking at it and pulling a pleased hum from Bucky’s throat. He can feel the smile on Steve’s lips and can’t let himself be beaten that easily, so he gently bites at Steve’s bottom lip and pulls. Steve’s breath hitches and he lets himself be pulled down further into Bucky’s space.
Bucky kisses him again and the hand at the back of his head slides forward and comes to rest on Bucky’s jaw, thumb stroking against his cheek. Sighing into the kiss, Bucky relents and lets Steve take control again. Steve makes a pleased noise and his other hand comes up to cradle the other side of Bucky’s face. Bucky’s fingers squeeze at Steve’s hips and Steve’s tongue traces the shape of his lips.
They’re still pressed together and Bucky knows Steve must feel his obvious erection. Just in case, Bucky tilts his hips so that they push against Steve a little more and Steve grunts. He shifts and pushes back, and Bucky outright moans. The hard length that is now slotted beside his own is long and thick, and Bucky’s dick twitches in anticipation.
Steve gradually ends the kiss with lingering pecks until he’s leaning his forehead against Bucky’s.
“You wanna go upstairs?” His voice is low and rough and sends tingles crawling through Bucky’s body.
“Please.”