latibule ? bucky barnes

"How is it Bucky?"

"... It's okay."

Anastasia's smile faltered. She had managed to drag the man outside for the first time since he came - which was approximately nine days ago - but he didn't seem to be enjoying himself. She couldn't understand why; the weather was quite sunny for Winter. The skies were clearer than the purest water, the birds were chirping merrily in the distance and the gusts of wind rustled the emerald leaves of the tall trees, the mix creating an orchestra unique to nature.

They were also in an isolated area in Central Park, where the traffic and the noises of the city were almost nonexistent. It took her all her efforts to get Nick to agree to let Bucky roam the city, she was disappointed to say the least that he didn't like it.

"If you don't like it... We can always return..." She murmured gently, leaning against the trunk of the large oak tree they were seated under.

"... No."

Her lips curled upwards at that answer. He liked it after all, he just wanted to seem tough on the outside.

Typical Bucky.

Silence fell upon them, but Anastasia didn't mind. It was normal for them to sit in comfortable silence. Bucky wasn't a man of many words, and Anastasia was never good with words. Bucky usually spoke when he was ready, and Anastasia knew not to rush him.

She occupied herself with a book while Bucky sat there quietly, observing the scenery. Her headphones rested on her shoulders, as always. She hadn't had a chance to listen to her music much now that she was taking care of Bucky.

"Hey Ana?"

Anastasia hummed in response, pleased that he used her nickname. She closed her book and turned to face him, only to see him already looking at her.

"Thank you."

Anastasia blushed, averting her gaze to the side. "It's fine really... I-I mean, I only got you permission to go outside-"

"It's not just that." Bucky interrupted, shaking his head. "Thank you for... Everything; for trying, for... Waiting and being patient with me and... For being my friend."

Anastasia's eyes softened considerably, and her cheeks went an even darker shade of red.

"There's no need to thank me..." She said softly. "I'm... I'm happy to help... And... And I-I am glad you consider me as a friend."

The corner of Bucky's lips twitched slightly, and Anastasia's smile widened.

"Do you want to stay here? Or explore the city?" She asked. Bucky pondered over the question for a moment, but then he gave her a smile - an actual smile - making her eyes widen, and said,

"No, I'll stay here. You've done enough for me, and I don't mind staying as long as you're here."

➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳ ➳

Silence.

Even in the tower, secluded in her room it was rare for Anastasia to experience absolute silence. There would always be a disturbance, whether it was the ding from the elevator, the ridiculously loud noise of the sleepless city outside or noise created within the tower itself. However, confined in her giant, private library Anastasia was allowed the silence she yearned for.

She seated herself on one of the large, soft seating areas by the stainless glass window, surrounded by an array of colourful pillows and a quilt blanket. In her hand was a book, Court of Thorns and Roses by the brilliant and underrated Sarah J. Maas, one of her all-time favourites.