I want a recovered Bucky who dates. A Bucky who remembers that he's a damn flirt, a gentlemen ladies man. He likes taking girls out and having a good time. He's respectful and sweet and it's never serous, just a good time.
Steve's always there of course. He's Bucky’s best friend. Steve adores Bucky and is just happy to see him happy.
Then Bucky, who's gotten comfortable in the modern world and fucking loves that things are just a little more accepting, starts asking guys out too. It's still casual, just a good time, and he gets to be himself.
Steve starts biting his tongue. Not because Bucky is dating guys now too, but because they're not him. But Bucky is still happy and that's all that matters.
Slowly the flings settle into something deeper. One dates turns into two. Casual turns into serous. Bucky enjoys being in a relationship and falling in love, and battling through thick and thin. He likes being there for someone else. He feels whole and happy and like he deserves a future.
And when he gets his heart broken, like he will because that's part of love and life too, Steve is there to pick up the pieces. He knows Bucky will be okay, of course. Bucky is strong and good and brave. He'll be fine and maybe he'll finally see the one who's been there all along.
And Bucky doesn't because they're both idiots. He gets back out there after a while. Of course it hurts sometimes, but it's worth it because love also feels good and he's brave and he can survive.
And the invaluable day comes when Bucky drags Steve out to help him buy a ring. Tony tells them all places to go, to use his name and they'll get a discount. Steve knows the guy/girl and as much as he thinks anyone can worthy of Bucky they are. He watches Bucky fawn, and oh, and ah over the selection and the way his eyes light up, "will they like this one, or this one. Steve what do you think about this one?"
Steve isn't prepared for how much it hurts. He's glad that Bucky is happy, it's all he’s ever wanted for him, but he can remember when Bucky told him that he if could marry anybody he would him. He burns hot and cold, glad his best friend is happy and angry because he feels like he's lost Bucky all over again.
Bucky picks a ring and Steve really likes it. He goes home, knowing that Bucky will ask him to be his best man and Steve will have the find the strength to stand next to him and support him and lose him. It hurts like he's been shot and even remembering that Bucky is happy isn't enough to help this time because Steve is pain.
Then there’s a knock at the door and Buckys in a suit, a ring Steve recognizes, and a tentative smile. "It was always going to be you. I'm sorry it took me so long to figure it out. Do me the honor?"
And the answer was always going to be yes.
