Chapter Text
The sound of skates scraping against ice filled the stadium. Sticks clapped on solid ice, and pucks were being slapped into the goal. A whistle sounded and the men slid back and forth in the rink. Their labored breaths echoed against the walls, and you found your friend Natasha waving you over. She was sitting in the bleachers close to the rink, and you got to her easily, considering no one was there because the hockey players were just practicing.
“Hey girl! I almost thought you were gonna bail on me again!” Nat said as you set your bag down before sitting beside her.
“I wanted to, but I know how anxious you are for me to meet Steve. Which one is he?” You asked looking at the college boys going through a rigorous hockey practice.
“The hunky blond one.” Natasha said pointing him out. “Number 13.”
You followed Nat’s finger and nodded. “He’s cute. Is he nice?”
Nat nodded quickly. “He’s such a gentleman. Holds the door open and pulls out the chair for me on dates. Captain of the hockey team isn’t a bad title either.”
You laughed. “Yeah. I’m happy for you. Now, the only reason I agreed to come here is if I could work on some sketches for my art class.”
She watched as you pulled your sketchbook from your bag, along with a pencil. You flipped to a blank page and looked at the players. They looked like they were having a water break, and you were able to get a better look at Steve. He laughed at something the brown-haired man beside him said. You began to stare at the guy beside Steve, taking notice of his strong physique and angular jaw. He must have felt you staring at him, because he turned in your direction, shooting you a wink, before he got ready for more drills.
“That’s Bucky Barnes.”
The voice snapped you out of your thoughts. “Huh?”
“The guy who obviously just winked at you. That’s Bucky Barnes.” Nat said nudging your shoulder. “I think he likes you.”
You turned toward Nat with a glare. “He’s probably like that with all the girls.”
“Maybe. He’s pretty handsome, and you’re single.”
“And I’m going to fail my art class if I don’t do these sketches.” You countered as you began sketching one of the players, which your hand decided would be of Bucky.
Nat hummed and went back to watching Steve as he practiced. You studied Bucky’s movement as you sketched him. You pencil glided against the paper, sketching every little detail of Bucky’s features and uniform. You didn’t notice Nat had started watching you and as you sketched the last detail of his uniform number Nat spoke.
“You so like him!”
“Nat!” You hissed bringing your sketchbook to your chest. “Why are you being so loud, and second, it’s just a sketch for my art class. He just happened to be what my hand started to sketch.”
She eyed you and grinned. “If you say so…”
You finalized your sketch of Bucky, making sure the lines were smooth and that the shading made him more in depth. Before you knew it, a silky deep voice was suddenly beside you.
“Whatcha drawing there, dollface?”
You slammed your sketchbook shut quickly and turned to see two blue eyes staring into yours. You had been so focused on your sketch that you hadn’t realized practice was over. He had a smirk on his lips, and you really hoped he hadn’t seen your sketch of him. That would be awkward.
“Just something for my art class.” You said shoving the book and pencil inside of your bag.
He hummed and adjusted his duffle bag on his shoulder. “Well, I’m sure it turned out great. It was a pleasant surprise to see you at practice. You got a favorite player?”
His hair was wet, probably from sweat, and pulled into a cute little bun at the back of his head, a few brown strands escaping. He had changed out of his uniform and was now wearing a fitted grey t-shirt and some black shorts with thin blue lines trailing down the sides, a matching sports jacket resting on his shoulders. You noticed he looked a little tired, but the teasing look he was giving you reached his eyes.
“No.” You responded throwing your bookbag over your shoulder. “I just came to meet Nat’s boyfriend, Steve. She wouldn’t stop bothering me until I agree to come to a practice to meet him. But it seems she has run off without me.”
“That’s a shame. Woulda loved to see ya wearing my jersey at one of the games.” He said giving you a smile. “And about your friend, she’s heading this way with Mr. Golden Boy.”
You turned around and saw Nat practically dragging Steve over to you guys. Steve had a slight tint of pink on his cheeks as she pulled him through the bleachers, but he looked happy. Once they reached you, Steve ran his hand through his golden hair before fiddling with his duffle bag. Nat’s eyes flitted between you and Bucky before sending you a knowing smile.
“Steve this is my best friend, Y/n.”
Steve stuck his hand out with a grin. “Pleasure to meet you. I see you’ve already met my knucklehead of a friend, Bucky.”
You shook his hand and glanced at Bucky. “Knucklehead for sure.”
Bucky placed a hand on his chest, feigning hurt. “Ouch guys. You really hit me in the heart with your words.”
“That’s the point, Buck.” Steve chuckled clapping his on the back.
“Great choice, Nat. He’s a keeper for sure.” You said as you guys walked toward the exit of the stadium.
“You need someone to escort you back to your dorm?” Steve asked as the chilly air from outside hit your skin.
You shook your head. “I should be fine but thank you.”
“Come on, doll.” Bucky spoke up. “It would be rude to let such a beautiful dame walk back to her dorm…alone…in the cold…”
You rolled your eyes. “Do people even use the word ‘dame’ anymore?”
Bucky shrugged. “Always works when charming the ladies.”
“Yeah, well, not this one.” You said pulling your jacket closing. “Steve, it was nice meeting you. Nat, I’ll see you tomorrow. And Bucky, as enticing as your offer was, I’m afraid I’ll have to decline. See ya guys!”
You started to jog away, and Bucky watched as you jogged away, his smile growing bigger by the second.
“I like her.” Bucky mused as Steve sighed.
“Yeah, good luck with that, Mr. Playboy.” Steve said wrapping an arm around Nat’s waist.
Bucky punched Steve in the shoulder. “Hey! I’m not that much of a playboy.”
“Oh really?” Nat cut it. “And where are you going to tonight?”
Bucky shoved his hands in his pockets. “It’s a small party. Come on guys, lighten up.”
“Whatever, man.” Steve mumbled. “But I don’t think you’re going to win her over with just a charming smile and a couple sweet words. She doesn’t seem that shallow.”
“Steve’s right.” Nat confirmed. “And have you ever been in an actual relationship?”
“No, but how hard could it be?”
“I pity you, Buck, but you do you. Just don’t drink too much tonight, please? You get whiny in the morning when you’ve had too much to drink.”
Bucky waved off Steve as he started to walk away. “Yeah, yeah, okay dad. You guys need to live a little.”
“Good night, Buck.” Steve grumbled. “And if you bring a girl back to the dorm, for goodness’ sake, keep it down. I don’t need to be hearing that nonsense at 3 in the morning.”
“Whatever you say captain.” Bucky said giving lazy salute before tossing his bag into his car.
After Bucky strapped himself into the car, he grinned. “Party, here I come.”