"Hey, Buck. What are you up to?" Steve asked. Bucky barely looked up. "Just trying to remember." Bucky often did that, just sat in contemplation trying to remember all the details of his life before the Winter Soldier. "You can't just sit around all day, Bucky. You need to get out sometimes." Bucky looked up at Steve. He was a little wary about being out in such a large city with so many people.

"I agree with Rogers. You're bringing us all down, Barnes." Bucky glared at Sam. "It'll do you some good, Buck," Steve said softly. Bucky sighed. He knew Steve was just trying to help and in truth, Bucky was running out of excuses not to get out. "Fine." Steve beamed. "Great! It may not be a lot of fun, but maybe going to a library would be good for you. Not only could you look for new books, but it's quiet and there's not a lot a people." Bucky reluctantly agreed and got ready to go.

Steve was right. The library was quiet with few people. It was comforting to Bucky. Most people wouldn't know it, but Bucky loved the smell of old books. It gave him a feeling of nostalgia. And he loved getting lost in the pages of a good book. The only problem now was finding something new to read. He really needed to catch up on all the books he'd missed while under HYDRA's control. Steve clapped Bucky gently on the shoulder before going to find a book himself.

Bucky wandered through the library, perusing the shelves lined with books. The titles glared out at Bucky. The library was so big and Bucky couldn't help but stare at the different types of books in front of him. How would he ever pick one or two to try and read? It was almost overwhelming. Bucky bit his lip, trying to figure out what to do. That was when he heard a voice.

"Something I can help you with?" Bucky spun to face the intruder of his thoughts, his eyes wide. "Sorry!," you squeaked out, "I didn't mean to scare you." Bucky relaxed a little. "Y-You didn't. I was just a little- " You smiled. "Lost?" Bucky nodded. You placed another book on the shelf next to you. "That's understandable. Do you know what kind of book you're looking for?"

"Not really. I haven't...had a lot of time to read lately. Maybe something different." Your brows furrowed over your (e/c) eyes. "Well, tell me about your interests. Maybe I can help you." You placed the last book on the shelf and gestured to Bucky to follow you. You lead him to a small table hidden away in a corner and sat down.

Bucky was hesitant at first, but his eyes scanned the room and found Steve. Steve smiled and nodded at Bucky. That gave the former assassin the courage he needed to sit and talk with you. He sat while you waited for him to start speaking. Bucky let his gaze travel over your face. He found nothing threatening or judgmental. Only curiosity and a willingness to help.

After a few minutes, Bucky took a deep breath and asked, "Do you have any books on the mind? Like the human brain?" You scrunched your brows again. "Sure do. A lot. Are you interested in psychology?" Bucky nodded, unsure of himself and you smiled. "Hey, it's okay. I wasn't judging your interests. I never would. I just want to make sure we find the right books for you. Come with me and let's see what we can find."

Bucky got up and followed you through the library to the section you were looking for. "Here we go. All the books we have on psychology and the inner workings of the brain. Peruse through these and then maybe we can find something a little more light-hearted as well. I've read most of these and they aren't exactly the easiest books to get through. I'll be around if you need me again." You turned on your heel and headed off, leaving Bucky to watch you.

Bucky stared at the empty space you had occupied for a couple seconds too long before shaking his head. "Get it together, Barnes," he muttered to himself. He focused his attention back on the books, hoping to find one that could help him with his problem. He found a couple that looked to be worth a read then went in search of you again. Maybe you'd help him find a book that's he'd read back in the 40s. Something familiar that could be comforting. Maybe he'd also find a reason to learn your name.

*time skip*

"Where are you off to, Barnes? Library again?" Bucky nodded without a word. "Man, I've never seen a guy read so much," Sam commented and Tony laughed. "I don't think Frosty's going to the library to check out the books. I think it has more to do with Y/N, the librarian." Bucky stopped short and turned to face Tony.

"You know her?" Tony smirked. "Of course. She's great. A little quiet sometimes, but I guess that comes with the job, which she loves. I invited her to the party tomorrow. She actually agreed to come this time. Maybe it's got something to do with you, Barnes." Bucky willed the blush creeping up his cheeks to stay down.

For months now, Bucky was off to the library every chance he got. Sometimes, he hadn't even fully finished the books he got the last time. He just wanted to see you. It was nice to talk to someone that wasn't Steve or one of the other Avengers. Nothing against them, but Bucky sometimes felt like he didn't belong around them. It wasn't like with you.

You always greeted him with a genuine smile. You never let his seemingly endless questions bother you. And you were always willing to help or even just to sit and talk with him. He got to know you a bit better and he liked what he learned. A lot. He hadn't shared a lot of his past with you, but you seemed to know not to press him. After so long, the list of things Bucky liked about you was too long to recite. He knew he had it bad.

"Y/N...she's coming here? Tomorrow?" he asked, as if just realizing what Tony had said. Tony smirked and exchanged a glance with Sam. "Yep. If I were you, I'd skip the library today and focus on looking your best for tomorrow. Pepper went with Y/N shopping yesterday and her dress looks amazing. Just saying." Bucky turned on his heel without another word and ran to the one person who could help him with this. Natasha.

To his surprise, Natasha didn't laugh at him. She simply nodded and thought for a moment. Then, she offered suggestions, with Steve at her side agreeing with her. By the next night, Bucky looked and felt like a different man. His long locks had been cut shorter and combed back out of his face and he wore a tux tailored to fit him perfectly, metal arm included. For a while, Bucky began feeling like his old self. And then you walked in.

As soon as he saw you, Bucky's mouth went dry. The dress you wore was a stark contrast to your normal attire, but it complemented your figure nicely. Every part of it. You wore bolder make-up than you usually did and your hair was done to perfection. You looked positively radiant to Bucky. He couldn't take his eyes off you. Not that he could normally anyway. What you were wearing now simply accented the physical parts of you Bucky had already come to love.

Bucky was so lost in his staring that he didn't notice Tony approaching him with you on his arm. "I believe you already know Barnes here." Bucky blinked in surprise at seeing you so close to him. "Of course I do. Hi, Bucky." Bucky managed a soft "hello" before going quiet again. Tony rolled his eyes. "I leave you in his capable hands. Here, Frosty. Dance with Y/N." Before either of you could protest, Tony left.

Bucky made no move toward you and you smiled. "We don't have to dance if you don't want to, Bucky." Bucky gave you a grateful smile. "Thanks, Doll. It's just been a long time. I wouldn't know where to start." You reached over and took his hand in yours. "How about we start by going somewhere a little more quiet? You just seem a bit put off by all this." Bucky nodded. "Sounds good."

You let Bucky lead you outside to a nearby balcony. You could still hear the music from inside, but it got you away from the crowd. Bucky breathed a sigh of relief and let go of your hand. "Thank you, Y/N." You shrugged and told him it was nothing. "You don't have to stay out here with me, though. You should go enjoy the party. Dance with Tony or Sam or someone."

"What if I want to stay out here with you?" you asked, catching Bucky by surprise once more. "Why would you want to do that?" You looked up at him with a soft expression. "Haven't you guessed, Bucky? I really like you. I know you haven't told me everything about your past, but it didn't take me long to figure out who you were. And yes, I still like you. You aren't the Winter Soldier anymore. You're Bucky Barnes, the man who wandered into the library completely lost. The man I am hopelessly in love with."

Bucky froze on the spot, his blue gaze gluing to your (e/c) one. He could see how flustered you were at having confessed your feelings and how you were waiting for his rejection. "I-I-You love me?" he stuttered and you nodded. "Yes, Bucky." Bucky couldn't speak. He looked inside before glancing back at you.

"Dance with me, Doll?" You smiled and nodded. At least he hadn't told you to buzz off. Bucky carefully gathered you in his arms and started to sway. It wasn't as graceful as he'd hoped, but in his defense, it really had been a long time since he'd danced. He let his cheek press against your temple and he whispered, "I love you too."