1941 {Bucky Barnes x OC}

We continue seeing each other several times a week over the course of the next two months. He never fails to bring me flowers when he comes to me.

"I am having the best time with you, James." I smile as we return from the cinema one Saturday afternoon.

"Good, I am too." He nods. "So, what are you doing for your birthday?" He asks.

"Well, Howard and I usually go out for dinner, you're welcome to join."

Howard. "Well, I wouldn't want to intrude on tradition." He shrugs.

"It's not intruding if you're invited. Besides, new traditions can be better than old ones. Come. I'd enjoy for you two to meet."

"Will Howard be okay with that?" he asks sounding almost bitter.

"Well there's two things to consider... One being; Howard enjoys seeing me happy. The other being, Its not his birthday. Stop asking questions and agree to come Mr. Barnes."

He stares at me for a moment, trying to read my expression. There is little amusement in her expression. I would like to meet this Howard guy, maybe get more information about this puzzle going on. I would like to see for myself there's nothing more between them before we go too far. "Alright, but clear it with him first doll?"

"I will speak to him, first thing on Monday." I assure him. "When you pick me up after work Monday, we can discuss the plans further." I smirk.

"How long do you want me to stay over for?" He raises an eyebrow, while a grin plays on his mouth.

"I haven't decided just yet." I bat my eyes at him.

"Come have dinner with me tomorrow night, with my family." He tells me.

"That sounds delightful."

"Perfect." No amount of time with her feels long enough. I've gotten to know her more in the last weeks than most people I've known for years. She's genuine. I trust her. I've never felt this way about someone before. This must be it. "My mother is going to love you." He grins. Just looking at her I can tell, she is going to change my life. This is what my mother always told me about love, I understand now what she meant. 

We arrive at my building and head inside once the cabbie is paid. James keeps his arm wrapped around me snugly as we head in.

William eyes us in the elevator again but simply nods this time. Maybe this is more. Mr. Stark told me to mind my business about her. We'll see how he responds when they get there. It's better that I called. What if she's in danger? Maybe Mr. Stark will give me a better job.

Howard is upstairs? Must he always be the protective type for me? I roll my eyes at William's thoughts. Ignorance.

We get to my unit and I see the door isn't fully closed.

"We locked that when we left..." James whispers.

"It's fine, it's probably just-" I start.

"Just wait here. I'm going to check it out." He places a firm hand on my shoulder.

"James wait."

"No. Wait here." He looks me in the eye, nudging me away from the door as he slips into the apartment stealthily. I hear Howard shout in confusion then a bang. "What are you doing here?" Bucky growls.

I rush in and see Bucky is holding Howard against the wall by his shirt, feet dangling a few inches above the ground. "James, it's Howard!" Panic flashes across his brain but he keeps his expression stern. He drops my friend back to the floor. Howard has pure shock on his face.