whtaft:

The doors to the pizzeria slam open at 9:03 PM, bell chiming with a little ding. Steve looks up from the register to see a man, wet from the rain, looking at him with wide eyes.

Well, Steve knew the risks of opening a business where he’s the only one who closes up. He just hopes that his murder will be cool enough to get onto an episode of My Favorite Murder.

“Oh thank goodness… I didn’t think you’d still be here,” the guy says. He looks up and pushes the wet hair out off of his face, revealing a set of piercing blue eyes. “Could you still make a pizza?”

“We’re technically closed,” Steve says.

The guy’s face falls in an instant. “Shit,” he says. “Shit, shit, shit, sorry, I’m just…” He sighs.

“Are you okay?” Steve asks.

“I’m having a very bad day,” the guy says. “And I love your pizza. I realized it was too late for delivery, but I thought that if I hauled ass I could…” He pauses. Exhales. “Sorry,” he says. “For bothering you. I’ll get going.”

“What kind of pizza?” Steve asks, closing the cash drawer.

“What?” the guy asks.

“What kind of pizza do you like?”

“You’re closed,” he says.

Steve shrugs. “The restaurant is, sure, but that doesn’t mean I need to leave.”

“But you’re—”

“What kind of pizza?” Steve asks again with a smile.

“Thick crust with pepperoni and spinach,” the guy says.

“Coming right up,” Steve says, before turning the lights back on in the kitchen and heading back.

— —

“I’m not exaggerating here, but if I were on my deathbed and someone brought this pie into my room, I’d pop back up and come back to life.”

Steve shakes his head and smiles. “That’s kind of you to say,” he says.

“I’m serious,” Bucky says with a mouth full of food. They’ve been chatting for a while now, Steve sipping a glass of wine while Bucky eats his pizza. He’s a good conversationalist.

“Keep us on speed dial, then.”

“Honestly, I wish I’d been here sooner,” he adds, adding a vigorous shake of red pepper flakes to his fourth slice.

“Why’s that?” Steve asks.

“The delivery guys aren’t nearly as cute as the proprietor.”

Steve blushes as red as the sauce on the corner of Bucky’s lip.

But before Steve can think of something to say in response, Bucky starts talking again.

“But in all seriousness, you saved a real shitty day, Steve. I appreciate it and,” he doesn’t quite meet Steve’s eye, “I hope I can return the favor someday.”

“Just come back,” Steve says with a small shrug.

“Yeah?” Bucky asks.

“Yeah,” Steve says with a smile. “I can use someone to try out some new recipes with.”

Bucky takes a big bite of pizza and says with a full mouth, “It would be my pleasure.”