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His feet are soft and swift, as he moves down the dark silent hallway. He can't be seen, not when he is so close. His mission is simple, but that doesn't make it any less important. He will not fail.
His eyes scan the hallway, ears perked for any warning noises. When he finally reaches his destination, he releases a sigh of relief. His hand finds his pocket, fingers fishing out the small gift he had prepared earlier. He scans the halls one last time, and then ever so quickly, places the small bundle in front of the door.
Once happy with the placement, and sure it will in fact be safe from thieves, he turns and stalks his way back down the hallway. Ever more thankful for his skillful stride. When he reaches his own door he pauses, listening for any sounds coming from the other side. Upon hearing none, he carefully opens the door and sneaks inside.
It's much too early, when your blaring alarm pulls you from your slumber. Your hand aimlessly reaches out for the offensive device, eyes squenting as you peer down at the flashing phone. 4:15 am. God, why had you agreed to meet Sam for a run. Why hadn't you just politely declined, then you could stay snuggly warm in your giant bed.
Truth be told, you know exactly why you had agreed to the run. Sam's morning run included a certain beefy super soldier. And though watching America's ass, as he effortlessly trotted in front of you, was a great motivator to get up. It isn't the reason you had so eagerly agreed to Sam's request.
No, the real reason for you practically yelling yes, much too quickly might I add, was for one reason and one reason alone. James Buchanon Barnes. Captain America's shadow, or so it seems.
He was the newest member on the Avengers team. Had only been back from Wakanda for a little over seven months now. But in those seven months a small friendship had grown between the two of you. Well for you it had blown into a full on crush. But who could really blame you?
He was shy, but so very sweet. And though he didn't talk much, what he did say was usually wise and thoughtful. His blue eyes always looked a little sad. But sometimes, when he would be laughing, he would look at you and you could see the happiness finally shine through them.
And god could his soft smile destroy cities. I mean you would gladly do anything he asked, just to get the chance at a glimpse of his smile. His dimples on full display, his big pouty lips stretched tight over his toothy grin. Yea, you could easily see yourself tearing down the world for that silly little grin. Hell, it's the reason you are waking at such an ungodly hour.
You grumble to yourself, as you begrudgingly pull your covers off, and then hop out of bed. You make a mad dash for the bathroom, the urge to pee hitting you full force, once you are standing upright.
You feel much more yourself now, dressed in your cutest running gear. You look yourself over in the mirror, turning and giving your bum a shake, you can't help but love how your ass looks in these leggings. You pull your hair up, and pull on a headband. Hopefully your hair won't get too crazy from the run, though with the amount you are bound to sweat, you are doubtful.
You scurry to the kitchen, grabbing your prefilled water bottle from the fridge. Then slide on your running shoes, and head out the door. You are stopped immediately in your tracks though, upon opening said door.
Nestled in the crook of the doorway is a small ball of paper. When you reach down, intending to throw away whoevers garbage, you are surprised by it's weight. And when you inspect it further you realize it isn't a ball at all. You carefully peel away the paper wrapping, and are pleasantly surprised to find a pear.
Oh, but not just any pear. It's a royal riviera pear. One of your absolute favorites. They are only sold by one place. A place you had worked at once on an assignment in Ohio. You had told the team about it a few times, but hadn't thought anyone had really been listening. You had been wrong aparently.
You smile as you look at the little pear in your palm, and that's when you realize the paper wrapping has writing on it. You pull the paper to your face, and are surprised again to see that its not just any paper, but a piece of poetry that had clearly been skillfully torn from a book. Normally you would frown on someone causing such carnage to innocent literature, but you can't be mad once you read what was written.
At Last
Elizabeth Akers Allen
At last, when all the summer shine
That warmed life’s early hours is past,
Your loving fingers seek for mine
And hold them close - at last - at last!
Not oft the robin comes to build
Its nest upon the leafless bough
By autumn robbed, by winter chilled,
But you, dear heart, you love me now.
Though there are shadows on my brow
And furrows on my cheek, in truth,
The marks where Time’s remorseless plough
Broke up the blooming sward of Youth,
Though fled is every girlish grace
Might win or hold a lover’s vow,
Despite my sad and faded face,
And darkened heart, you love me now!
I count no more my wasted tears;
They left no echo of their fall;
I mourn no more my lonesome years;
This blessed hour atones for all.
I fear not all that Time or Fate
May bring to burden heart or brow,
Strong in the love that came so late,
Our souls shall keep it always now!
Your smile is soft as you read, and then re-read, the text. Folding the paper gently, and then securing it in one of you pockets. You had intended to eat breakfast after the run, but you can't turn down the pear.
You're humming happily, as you skip down the hall towards the common room to meet Sam and the others. You had the pear almost finished, when you finally reached the guys.
"Where'd you get that?" Sam questions you, as soon as he see's you joyfully munching away.
You take the finally bite, chewing and swallowing, before wiping your mouth and heading towards the trash to dispose of your breakfast. "It was a gift." You say as you toss the pear into the bin.
"From who?" Sam demands, brow quirked as he stares you down.
"And why is that any of your business?" You question him, folding your arms over your chest.
"I wanna know who is trying to steal my girl." Sam gives you a dopey grin, marching to you and wrapping you in a hug, before spinning you about.
You smack his shoulders as you squeal, "Put me down, put me down!" You're a ball of giggles, as he finally sets you on your feet. "And I'm not your girl, Samuel Wilson. You keep saying that and you'll run off my chances." You smile at him, missing the relieved look to take over Bucky's face.
Sam pouts now. "Wait, so you want this guy to steal you away. I knew you looked entirely too happy. Ok spill it, who is it."
"You really wanna know?" You ask shyly, and Sam nods out furiously. "Okay....but you'll have to catch me." And with that you take off towards the elevator, praying to the gods it opens fast so you won't have to take the stairs.
Sam takes off after you, leaving Steve and Bucky to watch your forms move down the hall.
"Wonder who gave her the pear?" Steve smirks to Bucky.
"Yea, I wonder." Bucky's eyes won't meet Steve's.
"Funny, really. Giving fruit was a way to start a courtship back in our day." Steve chuckles, "Well that and giving poetry."
"Yea, uhhh, how about that." Bucky's blushing now and hopes Steve doesn't notice.
"Well we should probably join them, you ready?" Steve decides to give his pal a break.
"Yea, led the way Captain."
It had been a few weeks since "The great pearing", as Sam had taken to calling it. And you still have no idea who it could be that left you the little gift. You know who you hope it is, but you doubt highly that he would ever have the same feelings for you, that you have for him.
It could honestly be anyone. You had told the story of your assignment several times. You really couldn't help it though, those pears are to die for. They are the best thing you have ever ate. When you had worked undercover, they became an almost addiction for you.
Hell, you almost blew the mission because of them. Sneaking off to indulge on the product, almost cost catching your target. But thankfully, in the last minute, you some how regained your composure, and was able to follow through with the plan. So yes, almost everyone had heard the story.
The poem was the only clue you really had. But not one that was of any help. Thinking about the whole thing, was starting to give you a headache, and you really couldn't afford that at the moment. You're due to meet with Natasha for training, any minute now. You push aside your investigative thoughts, and quickly check to make sure you have everything you will need for training.
Opening your door, you are quick to notice the little gift, in the same place as the last. You gleefully scoop it up, then scurry back into your room. Carefully, you unwrap the gift. Unsure if this one will also hold a sweet poem inside. Once unwrapped you are happy to see it does, as well as a bottle of perfume with a heart necklace resting on the neck of the bottle.
You sit the perfume down on your desk, you'll look at it later. Right now you are more intrigued by the poetry. You hold the paper up, and can't help the smile that forms as you read over the words.
Bright star! would I were steadfast as thou art
John Keats
BRIGHT star! would I were steadfast as thou art—
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night,
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like Nature’s patient sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth’s human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors—
No—yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,
Pillow’d upon my fair love’s ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever—or else swoon to death.
Keats, you love Keats. You pull the paper to your chest, and actually spin. Like one of those love sick girls in the movies. But soon a realization has you stopping in your tracks. You had mentioned said love of Keats the other morning during your run, when Sam had finally pulled out of you, who the gift was from.
You shake your head, plenty of people love Keats, so it really isn't that weird that you'd get a poem written by him. And clearly the person listened to what you said, so maybe you had mentioned it before and just didn't remember. Otherwise, that means Sam, Steve or Bucky are leaving you gifts, because those were the only three around when you mention your love of Keats.
You sit the poem onto the desk, picking up the perfume bottle next. It looks expensive, and is in French, so that is of no help. You pick up the necklace now, and realize it's actually a little locket. You carefully open it, and inside is a small tuft of brown hair. You snap the locket closed. This can't be happening.
Could James really be the one leaving you gifts? And if so why has he not said anything yet? Should you say something? No, you can't do that. What if your wrong and it's not him? The mortification. No, best to just wait and let it play out.
You do remember your Grandmother telling you about how your grandfather had courted her back in the late 40s, and she had mentioned him bringing her fruits and poems. And you are pretty sure, before he had gone off to war, he had giving her a small bundle of his hair. So maybe it was James. Maybe he is doing things the way he would have in his day. This thought both excites and terrifies you.
You really don't wanna get your hopes up, but at the same time how can you not? You take the necklace and latch it around your neck. The heart is cold on your skin. Maybe if James see's you wearing it, he'll fell more confident in telling you about his feelings. This gives you a giddy excitement, and you're practically bouncing out the door.
Natasha was waiting for you when you arrived in the gym. She gives you a playful smirk as you make your way to her. "Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to show up. I thought maybe you had chickened out."
You can't stop the small laugh that bubbles up, shaking your head as you look at her. "You know I'd never miss a chance at kicking your ass Romanoff."
Natasha's smirk grows wider, "Well come on then hot stuff, show me what ya got."
You met her on the mat, arms coming up to block your face, as you get into your defensive stance. Natasha wastes no time in here attack, she's fast and efficient, but so are you. You manage to do a good job keeping up with her in the beginning, but as time goes on your moves get sloppy. Her kicks become harder to block, and she takes advantage of your tiring state, using her signature move to sweep you off your feet and onto the floor.
You land with a hard thud, groaning as you lay there looking up at her. "That was probably your best so far." Natasha is beaming down at you. "You really had me in the beginning, we just gotta build up your stamina a little more." She's rambling as she reaches down to help you up. "Pretty soon you'll be taking me down before I even know what's happened."
You chuckle as you finally get to your feet. "I think you give me far to much credit Nat. You took me down in thirty minutes."
Natasha just scoffs, rolling her eyes playfully before addressing you again. "That's why I said we need to build up your stamina. You tired out, but if you hadn't, I'm sure you'd have taking me out just as easily."
The sound of the gym doors opening, draws both your attention. And your breath hitches as you watch Steve and Bucky enter. The two of them are in, what appears to be, an amusing conversation. Atleast Steve looks amused, Bucky seems a little annoyed and uncomfortable.
You watch as Steve say's something to Bucky, and then both their eyes focus on your direction. You see James shaking his head, before Steve chuckles slapping him on the back.
"Hey fellas, how's it going?" Natasha calls out to them, and the two soldiers slowly make their way towards you two.
"Hey ladies, Buck and I thought we'd get some training in."
Steve speaks, as him and Bucky come to a stop in front of you and Nat.
"We were just finishing up, but maybe we'll stick around for the view." Natasha throws Steve a wink, and he blushes softly as he shakes his head. His eyes then finding you, and looking you up and down.
"Hey that's a lovely necklace you're wearing." He smiles at you and your hand reaches up to gently grab the heart.
"Thanks, it was another surprise gift." Your eyes find Bucky's for a spilt second before setting on Steve again.
"Really?" Steve's eyes flick to his friend, a large smile stretching over his face. "Well it's very beautiful, any idea who the mystery man is yet?"
"It really is so beautiful, no one has ever giving me a locket before. I couldn't help but wear it. And as for my mysterious stranger leaving me gifts, I'm honestly not sure." Your eyes again look to James, but he is starring daggers at the floor, his face a soft shade of pink.
"A locket huh? Anything inside?" Steve questions, and this seems to intrigue Natasha.
"Oh let me see, did he leave a cute photo of himself inside?" She reaches out to grab hold of the necklace but is stopped by both you and Bucky.
"DON'T"
You and James both look at each other, as surprise and confusion take over Steve and Nat's faces. "Ok, weird. Why do you care if I look inside James?" The black widow now turns her focus fully on James, but he doesn't seem bothered by her curiosity.
"If there was something inside she wanted us to see, don't you think she would have already said something? She said she still isn't sure who the guy could be, so obviously there isn't a picture of him inside, or are you calling her a liar?" Bucky states plainly, seeming annoyed with the entire conversation.
Natasha's mouth falls upon, then snaps shut. "I guess that does make since. Sorry for grabbing at ya like that. My excitement just took over for a moment." Natasha apologizes to you, before giving Bucky a strange look.
"It's ok. But Bucky is right, no pictures inside, sorry guys." You look to James and give him a smile, hoping he can see the thank you behind it. And he must, as he returns the soft smile and gives you a quick nod. "Well, I...um.. should get going. Thanks for the training Nat."
"Anytime, we'll work on stamina next time. Really good job today." Natasha gives you a hug, which you return, before waving goodbye to Steve and Bucky, and then taking your leave.
More weeks pass, and though you had seen and hungout with Bucky on several occasions, he never mentions that he is the one leaving your trinkets. Actually, out of all the other team members, he is the only one who doesn't seem the least bit intrested in your secret admirer. He actively tries to shut the conversation down, whenever anyone does bring it up around him.
It confuses you. On one hand it makes you feel like it has to be him and he's just covering his tracks. But on the other, his flipped behavior could also been seen as you had feared in the beginning, that he doesn't hold the same feeling that you do, and could care less about someone else liking you. It's all just so frustrating.
You sigh to yourself, looking over the items you have once more. It really could be anyone. There are several shield agents and even avengers, who have brown hair. The problem is you don't want it to be anyone else. And if it is, you fear your dissappointment in it being them, would only break their hearts. And you really don't want that.
You need to get your mind off this, just a little break, then maybe you won't feel so stressed. Maybe Tony could use some company. He did always tell you that you're welcome to help him in the lab or his workshop, and you really could use the distraction. You run to your mirror, checking to make sure there isn't any dried food on your face or something else as equally embarrassing. Once happy that you look somewhat human, you head off to find Tony.
Your journey is short lived though, because upon opening your door you find another gift. This one is different though. It's a thing square wrapped in brown paper. Maybe this isn't from your admirer after all, maybe Sam is playing a prank. You lift the item, and are surprised by how light it is, though it is rather thin.
So much for your distraction. You take the parcel back into your apartment, turning the object over in your hands. You carefully undo the brown paper, and it is indeed from your mystery suitor. In your hands sits a record single of Again by Doris Day. And attached to the front of the album is another poem, just as skillfully torn as all the others. You gently place the record down, retrieving the poem to read it.
Rondel of Merciless Beauty
Geoffrey Chaucer
Your two great eyes will slay me suddenly;
Their beauty shakes me who was once serene;
Straight through my heart the wound is quick and keen.
Only your word will heal the injury
To my hurt heart, while yet the wound is clean—
Your two great eyes will slay me suddenly;
Their beauty shakes me who was once serene.
Upon my word, I tell you faithfully
Through life and after death you are my queen;
For with my death the whole truth shall be seen.
Your two great eyes will slay me suddenly;
Their beauty shakes me who was once serene;
Straight through my heart the wound is quick and keen.
Your heart thumps loudly in your chest, as you read over the poem. You're smile is immediate, as the words wash over you. You place the paper with its two counter parts, and then look at the album. You could have swore James had told you once, that he loved the way Doris Day sung.
You really wish you had a record player, so you could listen to the music. Then an idea hits you, you don't have a record player, but you know who does. Steve and Bucky.
Maybe you could go and ask James to use it. Then you could play the record, he'll obviously ask you to dance, and while he's holding you close he'll finally tell you the truth. Happy with your new plan, you take the record and head off to the two super soldiers apartment.
Your knocks are soft, doubting your plan now that your standing infront of their door. But before you have a chance to change your mind, and turn tail back to your own room, the door opens and a smiling Steve greets you.
"Well, hello. Is everything ok?" Steve looks you over carefully, clearly confused by your surprise visit.
"Hey Steve. Everything's fine. I...um...have a favor to ask." You shift awkwardly on your feet, before pulling the record forward. "I received another gift and was wondering if I could listen to it on your record player."
Steve is beaming, ushering you inside and then plucking the record from your hands. "Doris Day, wow your fella has good taste." He walks over and places the record onto the machine. The record crackles and pops, but soon the room is filled with the lovely voice of Doris Day.
♬♩♬♩Again
This couldn't happen again
This is that once in a lifetime
This is the thrill "divine"
What's more
This never happened before
Though I have prayed for a lifetime
That such as you would suddenly be mine
Mine to hold as I'm holding you now
And yet never so near
Mine to have
When the now and the here disappear
What matters, dear, for
When?
This doesn't happen again
We'll have this moment forever
But never, never again (never, never)
We'll have this moment forever
But never, never again (never, never)♬♬♬♬
Steve sighs softly, as he stands and retrieves your record. "I had forgotten how much I loved her voice." Steve says as he carefully places the item back into its holder. He then walks to you and hands it over. "You know it's funny, but this is actually one of Bucky's favorite songs. He loved any thing by Miss Day really, but this was his favorite."
You're trying not to let your jaw drop, at Steve's little confession. And you kindda wish Steve wouldn't have told you, because now you are just more convinced that it has to be Bucky. You need to calm down, your gonna set yourself up for disappointment, when you find out it's not really him.
Steve is still looking at you, clearly awaiting your response. "Yea, he told me a few times of his love for her. I didn't know this song was his favorite. What a coincidence."
"A coincidence indeed." Steve is looking at you like the cat who caught the canary.
"Steve do you know something...." Your question is cut off though, as the door suddenly opens and in walks the man of the hour.
"Hey Buck, come look at the latest mystery man's gift." Steve smirks to Bucky, who looks like he would rather do anything else. Bucky makes his way to you, but he resembles a petulant child, dragging his feet as he makes the trip. This only makes Steve's smirk grow.
"Hey Buck." You say as he comes to stand beside you, but he only grunts in return.
"Doris Day, Buck. Someone gave her a Doris Day album." Steve's excitement rings out, and you offer the album to James to look at. His whole face is pink, as he takes the record from you and looks it over.
"Neat." His voice comes out a little high, and you and Steve both look at him with curiosity, but don't push.
"Yea, Steve and I listened to it a little bit ago and it's a beautiful song. I can see why you like her singing so much." You say, as Bucky hands you back your gift. His weird behavior though is setting you on edge. "Well, I've bothered you two enough. Thank you for letting me use your player Steve. I'll..uh..see ya both later."
"You don't have to scurry off so fast." Steve calls to you, as you make your way towards the front door.
"Oh, I know. But I have some stuff I need to take care off." Your eyes sweep to Bucky, who looks pained. "I'll see ya later guys."
"Ok, but don't be stranger." Steve yells out to your disappearing form. His eyes then finding his friend, and Steve sighs. "Buck you really need to....."
"I know punk, I know. I'm working on it." Bucky rubs a hand down his tired face. "I just...it's not easy. I'm not that smooth guy you used to know Steve. I've changed."
"Buck, look I know your not the same guy, neither am I. But you know what I do know? You are a great guy, and I see the way that the TWO of you look at each other. She has feelings for you too punk. So just grow a pair and tell her already." Bucky is taken a back by Steve's response.
"Like I said I'm working on it punk. Don't push me." Bucky's large arms cross over his broad chest, as he glares down his friend.
Steve only chuckles. "Alright, alright. Calm down. I just want you happy Buck, but I'll back off."
"Thanks. And I am gonna tell her. I am." Buck nods his head, as though confirming his thoughts. Steve just smiles, he really enjoys ruffling his best pals feathers.
Two weeks, it's been two weeks since the last gift was giving. And try as you may, you can't stop yourself from hoping Bucky really is your mysterious suitor. You haven't even contemplated it being anyone else. You can't help but feel like all signs point to him.
What you can't figure out. is why he hasn't just said something yet? If he is trying to court you like in his day, shouldn't he atleast let you know it's him? He is shy, you know that. But that doesn't stop you from wishing that he'd just burst into your room, and confess his undying love for you.
Was he hoping you'd figure it you by now and say something to him instead? You're kinnda at your wits end here. Was this all part of the process in his day? Did men just leave little gifts, and then leave the poor women to figure it out? Because if so, it's a wonder people ended up together at all.
You sigh, this is getting you no where. You need to let of some steam, get out your pent up frustration. And there was really only one place you would be able to do that at, the gym.
You run back to your room, changing quickly into your workout attire. Then grab your water bottle in the fridge. Your shoes go on next, before grabbing your phone and heading for the door.
But once again, your plans are spoiled. Nestled in the same spot as all the others, is another small gift wrapped in paper. You shake your head as you reach for the item, clearly the universe isn't giving you any breaks, then head back in to see what has been left for you this time.
You peel the paper away delicately. Knowing by its color it's another poem. Then sit the small box it was covering, down onto your desk. You read over the poem, and must admit, if this is James he is clearly a romantic.
She Walks in Beauty
Lord Byron
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
It's beautiful, like all the others. And you can't stop smiling as you read the poem over and over. You can see why ladies swooned back in the day, as you can't think of a single time before this that a man had giving you poetry.
You grab the box next and carefully open it, but when you peek inside, you are nothing but perplexed. Reaching in you fish out the item, a pair of silk stockings. Then your mind flashes a memory, that has you dropping the box in your hand.
Your Grandmother's voice from your youth, rings out in your head, her soft giggle filling your senses. "I'll tell you what though, I knew your Grandfather meant business when he returned from war. He had brought me a pair of silk stocking, all the way from France. Stocking were so hard to come by in that day. As they needed the material to make parachutes for our boys. Some of my friends, and myself too, took to powdering our legs, and then helping each other draw the black line on the backs of our legs, that stockings were known to have. So when he handed me those stocking, I knew right then and there we would be married."
You're starring at the stocking currently resting on your floor, it can't be? Surely he couldn't, could he? No, he couldn't. He hadn't even admitted he was the one leaving you gifts, and now he just expects to jump straight to a wedding? Ok the two of you need to have a talk. You reach down and grab the stocking from the floor, before making your way to the soldiers room.
There is no answer at there door, and you want to scream out in frustration. They have to be around here somewhere, you'll just search until you find them then. And thankfully, your next stop at the common area, holds the two men your were seeking. Well actually your only seeking the one, but as everyone knows, where one super soldier is the others bound to be close by.
"Stockings James?" You almost screech, both soldiers eyes finding yours in an instant. Steve's are wide as he suddenly turns to his friend.
"You gave her stockings? What the hell, James?" Steve joins in, clearly as bewildered as you are by his friends actions. It's in this moment that Tony comes wondering in, clearly confused by all the commotion.
"Hey team, what's with all the yelling?" He looks the three of you over.
"Stockings, he gave me STOCKINGS Tony!" You're yelling, and Tony only looks more befuddled.
"And this is a bad thing because?"
"Jesus Tony, he plans to marry her." Steve sighs out, exasperated by the newest turn of events.
Steve's response has clearly broken Tony, as he can only seem to stare back and forth between you and the former winter soldier. "He...and...and you? I need to set down."
Bucky finally having enough finally speaks. "I don't want to marry you." But when he sees the sudden panic in your eyes, he is quick to explain. "I am the one leaving you gifts, and I would like to court you doll, if you'd have me that is." He suddenly gets shy, unsure if you feel the same for him.
But before either of you can say anything else, Steve pipes up again. "Then what would possess you to give her stockings?"
"How was I to know she would know what it meant in our day? I was running out of ideas punk, things moved a lot faster in our day." James defends himself.
"You know things would have moved a lot faster, if you have just told me how you felt?" You smile to him softly, and enjoy the soft blush the coats his ears and cheeks.
"I know, and I wanted to. I just wasn't sure if you felt the same way, and we've become such good friends I didn't want to ruin it if you didn't." Bucky sighs out.
"I do...feel the same way about you. Have had a crush for a while now actually. But like you I was afraid of ruining the friendship if you didn't feel the same." You finally admit, leaving it all on the table.
Bucky's smile is blinding, as he makes his way to you. "We really are a couple of idiots aint we doll. So will you have me?"
You can't help but return the smile, looking deep into the big blue eyes, you've come to love so much. "You already have me James." And with that, his lips find yours. The kiss is soft and sweet, and interrupted much to quickly.
"Ok, ok. That's enough of that. Thank you for ruining breakfast for me." Tony makes a face like he could puke, and you and James can't help but laugh, Steve soon joining in as Tony sulks.
It has been a over a year since you and James finally became an item. And you can say with assurance, your love for him grows stronger with each passing day. He really is the most romantic man you've ever known. What has made you the happiest, is his style of gift giving hasn't changed.
The proof shows on your wall, were every poem he has giving you is framed and hung with love and pride. The original four now joined by fifteen others, that you have received through out the year. You often find yourself standing in front of them, re-reading the passages you now know by heart.
A knock at your door, brings you out of your day dream. You slowly make your way to your door, opening it and smiling brightly at what you find. Nestled in the crook of the doorway, in the spot he always leaves them, is a small gift. You scoop it up, smiling as you walk back into you apartment. You carefully unwrap it's paper, already knowing there is a sweet poem inside waiting for you to read. In your hand sits a small jewelry box, which like always you sit down so you can read the poem.
I Love You
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
I love your lips when they’re wet with wine
And red with a wild desire;
I love your eyes when the lovelight lies
Lit with a passionate fire.
I love your arms when the warm white flesh
Touches mine in a fond embrace;
I love your hair when the strands enmesh
Your kisses against my face.
Not for me the cold, calm kiss
Of a virgin’s bloodless love;
Not for me the saint’s white bliss,
Nor the heart of a spotless dove.
But give me the love that so freely gives
And laughs at the whole world’s blame,
With your body so young and warm in my arms,
It sets my poor heart aflame.
So kiss me sweet with your warm wet mouth,
Still fragrant with ruby wine,
And say with a fervor born of the South
That your body and soul are mine.
Clasp me close in your warm young arms,
While the pale stars shine above,
And we’ll live our whole young lives away
In the joys of a living love.
You love it, of course you do. And your already planning its spot on your wall. You swap it out with the jewelry box, slowly opening its lid. Your shocked though to find an empty box. You turn around, intending to go find James and let him know of the mistake. But you freeze in an instant at the sight that awaits you.
On bended knee, with a ring in his fingers, is your James. Smiling like he has already won the lottery.