A/N: I did not think I would write this pair. I tried to just right this as a buddy thing but it kept veering off into Stucky. Oh well!
Jitterbug
-Brooklyn, 1935-
Steve clutched his coat tighter as the cold January wind howled through the narrow streets. He jogged a bit to catch up to Bucky as they hurried down the sidewalk.
"I can't believe you talked me into this," Steve muttered for the umpteenth time.
Bucky threw an arm around Steve's shoulders. "Steve, I keep telling you, you gotta learn to dance. Girls love dancing."
"All the things you have to do to make girls like you, I'm starting to wonder if they're really worth it," Steve said.
Bucky didn't have any problems with girls. All he had to do was smile and they fell at his feet. Steve could learn to dance like Fred Astaire and they would still look right past him.
"Look, your Mom already paid for the class, let's just make sure we put it to good use," Bucky said.
Steve sighed as they hurried down the windy street.
000
The dance studio was chilly, but at least the windowless room blocked out the wind. Bucky and Steve stood against the wall while an older woman with impeccably combed gray hair floated around checking names.
"Class," she said in a high voice that managed to pierce through the chatter. "I am Mrs. Morris. I will be your dance instructor for the next three months. Now I know that some of you already know a little bit. I'd like to ask you to help those who are less practiced. Everyone can learn to dance, it just takes some people a little more time. I'd like to introduce you to my assistant, Nikolay. He will be helping me demonstrate."
Nikolay smiled at them. He had blond hair, a strong chiseled chin, and looked like he didn't speak a word of English. He also looked like he was probably giving it to Mrs. Morris when Mr. Morris wasn't around.
"Now pair off and we'll go over some of the basic steps."
All of the girls looked over at Bucky expectantly. He felt a small thrill, but remembered that he was there to work on his dancing. There would be plenty of time to talk to all of the girls when he could lead them around the floor like Fred Astaire. His eyes landed on a homely looking girl with thick glasses and dull flat hair. Despite her lack of beauty, she looked light on her feet. What he needed right now was a graceful partner, not a pin up model.
"Hi, I'm Bucky," he said.
She gave him an appraising look. "Myrtle."
"Would you like be my partner tonight?"
"That would be swell," she said. She smiled, but didn't seem overwhelmed by the offer.
He saw Steve talking to a pretty girl. Everyone else had paired off and she looked disappointed to be left with Steve. Bucky felt a flutter of irritation to see Steve get passed over by the girls again. At least with the numbers the way they were, one of them would have to dance with him.
"Ok class," Mrs. Morris said. "Let's go over some basic steps. Watch carefully."
Mrs. Morris and Nikolay demonstrated a simple two step, then instructed the class to practice. As he had expected, Myrtle performed the moves flawlessly. Maybe when the class was over he would try to set her up with Steve. She was a bit bossy for Bucky's taste but Steve seemed to like the strong types.
Beside them, Steve's partner kept tripping. Steve was barely staying in rhythm as it was and the girl was all over the place. Both of them were going to have bruised toes before the night was over. Bucky decided to see how well that one learned to dance before he asked her out.
"My feet hurt," Steve complained as they walked home. He was limping slightly. The girl, her name was Anna, had stepped on his foot with the heel of her shoe during a turn. From what Bucky could tell, Anna might be a worse dancer than Steve. Together they looked like Porky Pig and Daffy Duck on the dance floor.
"Tell you what," Bucky said. "Next week I'll let you dance with Myrtle and I'll see if I can teach Anna a few things."
"You'd do that for me?" Steve asked.
"You bet!" Bucky said, slapping Steve on the back. "I'll even help you practice so you don't embarrass yourself. I think you and Myrtle might hit it off. "
Steve smiled, stumbling slightly on his tender feet. "Maybe this dance class won't be so bad after all."
"I appreciate this Buck," Steve said as Bucky helped him move the coffee table aside. "I'm just not getting this."
"Don't worry. I'll have you dancing like Ginger Rogers in no time." Bucky said, though he wasn't sure it was possible. They had been in class for a month and Steve was doing even worse than before. Myrtle had danced with him once before moving on to one of the other boys. Now he was back with Anna. Bucky wasn't sure if Steve's lack of coordination was the problem or if he was stumbling because his feet were injured.
Bucky turned on the gramophone and held out his hand to Steve. "I'll lead first and then I'll help you through it the next time around. Just pay attention to where I'm telling you to go and follow my movements."
Steve stepped in and put his hand on Bucky's shoulder while Bucky put a hand on Steve's narrow hip. He was always shocked at just how skinny Steve was. He took Steve's other hand in his and led Steve through the steps. Steve faltered a little but mostly managed to keep up with him. If he had been a girl, he would have been doing well, but leading was harder than following. The song ended and Bucky took his hands away to switch positions.
"Can you lead one more time?" Steve asked. "I think I almost have it."
Bucky's stomach fluttered slightly as Steve looked up at him with those pale, pleading eyes. He took a deep breath.
"You got it. Let me grab a glass of water first. Lunch isn't sitting right."
Bucky took a few sips to settle his stomach and reset the gramophone. Steve improved that time, barely missing any steps. The song ended and he set up for Steve to lead.
"Ok, just do what you've been doing except in reverse and kind of push me where you need me to go," Bucky told him.
They ran through the dance a few times. Steve was doing better than Bucky had seen him do in class, but he was still having trouble remembering to direct Bucky. He let Bucky get too close and stepped on his foot a few didn't bother Bucky, but girls liked someone more assertive on the dance floor. The turn came and Steve went the wrong way. Their feet got tangled up and they fell to the floor, with Steve landing on top of Bucky. For a moment they lay there to catch their breath. Steve let his head slump on Bucky's chest.
"This is hopeless," he moaned.
Bucky patted him on the back, fighting down the funny feeling in his stomach again as Steve's weight pressed down on him.
"Let's take a break. I think I've got enough money for us to split a soda."
Steve sighed. "Yeah, I that sound like a good idea."
It was mid March, and the snow was starting to fall as Steve and Bucky walked home from the dance class. He had been stuck dancing with Anna again. She had stepped all over his feet and even kicked him in the shin a couple of times. He knew he was a bad dancer, but she was a walking disaster. Bucky had tried to take her off of Steve's hands, but Mrs. Morris always asked him to pair up with one of the girls who was a little less hopeless. Despite what she had said at the beginning, Steve felt like she has all but given up on him and Anna learning to dance. He found himself wishing he could just dance with Bucky. At home in the living room, he was actually getting better, but when it came time to lead a girl, he froze up. He wasn't sure he was going to survive 4 more weeks of this.
"Wait, hold up," he said, leaning against a wall to give his foot a break. Anna was heavy for a dame and he was sure she had broken something this time.
"Boy she really did a number on you," Bucky said.
"I just need to get home and soak my feet for a bit," Steve said.
"Say no more," Bucky knelt down. "Climb on."
"Buck," Steve started to protest.
"It's dark, no one's going to see. If your feet are really that bad, you need to keep the weight off them."
Steve put his weight on his foot to test it, but it was worse than before. Reluctantly, he climbed onto Bucky's back. It was embarrassing to have to be carried home, but Bucky wouldn't have offered unless he thought Steve really needed it.
"Thanks, Buck," he muttered as Bucky carried him down the dark street.
"Mom?" Steve called as he and Bucky entered the apartment. Bucky set Steve down in the dark apartment. Steve turned on the light and hobbled into the kitchen. There was a note from his mother on the table.
"She picked up an extra shift," he told Bucky. "Do you want to stay over? It's a bit cold to be going back out tonight."
"Yeah," Bucky said. "Get those shoes off and let's have a look at those feet."
Bucky put on the kettle while Steve sat down in one of the kitchen chairs and took his shoes off. He took a large bowl out from under the counter. Steve winced as he took off his socks. Bucky could see a sizable bruise forming on the right foot.
"Here let me take a look." Bucky sat down to examine the foot. He was used to dealing with bruises and sore muscles from boxing. "Doesn't look too bad. Do you have any epsom salt?"
"Top of the cupboard," Steve said.
The kettled began to whistle. Bucky set it aside and got the salt. He poured in a generous amount and then added the water from the kettle. He filled the rest from the faucets to cool it down and set in on the floor for Steve. Steve put his feet in the hot water with a relieved sigh.
"Sorry I'm being such a lousy host," Steve said.
"Are you kidding?" Bucky said. "I practically live here anymore. You don't have to fuss over me."
Bucky took a saucepan and poured some milk in it to heat up. Helooked through the cabinets for the cocoa. With the snow outside, they could both use something warm to drink before bed.
"So, have you thought about who you're taking to the spring dance?" Steve asked.
Bucky shook his head. "That's a month away and it's snowing outside! Besides, I think I may just want to go stag."
"But it's your last year!" Steve protested.
"Exactly," Bucky told him. "It's not like I'm going to marry whatever girl I take. I'd rather just spend the evening with my best pal and dance with whoever I want to."
Steve smiled and the flutter returned to Bucky's stomach. He turned around to stir the milk so that it didn't burn. Being around Steve had been a bit strange since the dance class started. He had mistaken it for indigestion at first, but now he realized it was nerves. Something about the way Steve held his hand when they practiced made his heart flutter. It wasn't unpleasant, but he just didn't know what to make of it.
He took the saucepan off the burner and stirred in the cocoa. It was probably just jitters about graduating. Steve still had one more year and the thought of leaving him alone terrified Bucky. Steve had no problem standing up for himself, he just didn't have the physical strength to back it up. Come next fall, Bucky would be working and Steve would getting beaten up in an alley without Bucky to come to his rescue. Steve would survive, he always did, but Bucky couldn't help worrying about him.
He poured the cocoa into two mugs and handed one to Steve. Sipping his cocoa, he took a seat at the table.
"You're still going to be around after you graduate though, right?"
Bucky smiled. Steve had read his mind. "You really think I'd leave you to fend for yourself? You'd get eaten alive."
"I can handle those idiots at school," Steve said.
Bucky laughed. "I meant the girls."
Steve smiled and sipped his cocoa. "Jerk."
Bucky grinned. "Punk."
"Alright, boys and girl's settle down!" Mrs. Morris called. "Today we're going to work on the foxtrot."
The girls smoothed their dresses and glanced coyly at Bucky. He had enjoyed the attention for a while, but now it was getting old. All of the girls kept tripping into him, and he was starting to think they were doing it on purpose. He was getting more practice in Steve's living room than he was in the class.
"Unfortunately Myrtle and Anna are out sick today so you boys will have to take turns."
Bucky raised his hand. "Mrs. Morris? What if Steve and I pair up. If two guys are going to have to sit out anyway, why don't we just partner up."
A cry of dismay rose from the girls and Mrs. Morris looked scandalized.
"It's just practice," Bucky said before anyone could get the wrong idea. "It's a waste for some to have to sit out."
"If you insist, James," Mrs. Morris said stiffly. She went to start the gramophone.
"You sure about this Buck?" Steve asked, eyeing the gaggle of heartbroken girls.
Bucky shrugged. "We practice like this all the time in your living room. You want to go first or should I?"
"You go. My foxtrot is a little rusty."
Bucky took Steve's hand and put his other on Steve's back, ignoring the flutter in his gut. He heard a few of the girl's giggle. Steve blushed which just made Bucky's stomach worse.
"Ignore them," Bucky said. "Just focus on my hands."
Mrs. Morris turned on the music. "Alright boy and girls. One, two."
"That class was great," Steve said, skipping down the street as they went home.
"You really didn't mind dancing with me?" Bucky said. He had enjoyed it more than he wanted to let on. After dancing with all of the girls in the class, Steve had ended up being his favorite partner after Myrtle.
"Well my feet don't hurt and I actually learned something for once," Steve grinned.
"Too bad the class is over in a few weeks," Bucky said. He realized he was going to miss practicing with Steve. Steve almost had it and soon he wouldn't need Bucky's help anymore. For some reason the thought of not dancing together made him a bit sad.
"Well we can just go dancing for real," Steve said, clapping him on the back.
Bucky forced a smile, but he knew he wouldn't be able to dance with Steve at any of those places. Still, it was good to see Steve happy. He threw an arm around Steve's shoulder, hoping that Anna and Myrtle would be out for the rest of the classes too.
Steve led Bucky around the living room. They had one more class and Steve was determined to learn the dance before next week. He lifted his arm to do the turn. Bucky had to duck under, but Steve managed to do it without tripping either of them this time. The song ended and Steve let go of Bucky's hand to wipe the sweat off his forehead.
"Ready to stop?" Bucky asked.
"I'm ok," Steve told him. "But you lead for a while."
Bucky reset the gramophone and took Steve's hand, putting the other gently on Steve's back. The music started, but Bucky just stood there.
"Buck, you're leading," Steve reminded him.
Suddenly, Bucky moved his hand to cup the back of Steve's head and quickly leaned in. Steve froze as Bucky's lips pressed softly against his. He tightened his grip on Bucky's hand, not certain what to do except stand there and let Bucky kiss him. Slowly, hesitantly, Bucky pushed his tongue into Steve's mouth. Steve twisted away, his breath coming in short gasps. Bucky's hand was still on the back of his head, keeping him from moving too far away.
Bucky looked into his eyes, hurt, scared, but not apologetic. He was waiting to see what would come of it, but Steve could see that he would not apologize, no matter what the answer, Steve was glad to see that. He had no idea what he was going to say in the next five seconds, but he didn't want to hear an apology.
"What about the girls?" he said finally.
"Honestly, they're kind of annoying," Bucky said. "I'd rather dance with you. Even if I have to let you lead from time to time."
The door rattled. Bucky let go of Steve and took a large step back as Steve's mom entered. Steve stood frozen to the spot, his heart racing.
"Oh hello James!" she said.
"Hello, Mrs. Rogers." He went to help her with the groceries. "I'll get these."
"Thank you! Practicing for your dance class?"
"Yes, ma'am," Bucky said, carrying the bags to the table.
She looked at Steve. "Honey you seem a bit flushed. You're not getting sick are you?"
"No, Mom," Steve answered. "I'm just tired from practicing."
"James, are you staying for dinner?"
Bucky looked at Steve. Steve avoided his eyes, hoping that he would decline the invitation. He had no idea what to say to Bucky right now and he didn't want to sit through dinner with this hanging over them. Bucky seemed to take the hint.
"No, thank you. I need to be going. I'll see you tomorrow at school," he said as he left.
Steve stared at the door for a moment remembering the feel of Bucky's lips on his.
"Honey, can you set the table for me?" his Mom asked.
Steve pushed all thoughts of Bucky out of his head. "Sure Mom."
Steve wasn't at school the next day and he missed the last dance class the following week. Bucky went by to see him a few times, but there was no answer. He was starting to worry until the following week when Steve showed up at his place.
Bucky was in his room getting ready for the spring dance. He heard the front door open, but ignored it until Steve appeared in the bathroom doorway. Bucky glanced at him and went back to combing his hair.
"You had me worried there," he said. "You feeling ok."
"I meant to come by sooner, but I had the flu and mom wouldn't let me leave the house for two weeks."
Bucky looked at him carefully. He looked thin, and paler than usual. "I went by to check on you."
"I think I heard you knock a couple of times, but I was pretty of out of it."
"So you haven't been avoiding me?" Bucky asked.
"Maybe a little," Steve admitted quietly.
Bucky set the comb down and looked at Steve. "So?"
"So, it my best pal's last school dance," Steve replied. "I can't miss that."
Bucky grinned and feeling the knot in his stomach loosen. It wasn't the answer he'd been hoping for, but it wasn't the worst one he could have gotten.
"And Mom's working late tonight if you want to stay at my place," Steve said.
"Yeah, that sounds great." Bucky could hear the trepidation in his voice, but after two weeks without so much as a word, they needed some time alone to sort things out. He headed for the door, throwing an arm around Steve.
"So do you remember anything from the class, or did the fever burn it all out of your brain?"
After the dance, Bucky and Steve walked back to Steve's apartment. It had been swell, but all evening, Bucky's mind had been bursting with questions that he had no chance to ask. Now that they were alone, the words had left his mind.
"So you like guys?" Steve asked before Bucky could think of anything to say.
Bucky shook his head. "I don't really know. I think I still like girls too."
Steve looked at him, just as confused as he was.
"I like you." Bucky told him. "That's what it comes down to. The last several weeks, holding you in my arms, I wanted to kiss you more than I wanted to kiss any of the girls in that class. Don't get me wrong, I've thought about asking a few of them out, but I just have more fun with you."
They climbed the stairs to Steve's apartment. Steve looked nervously at the key in his hands.
"If you don't want me to do that again, I won't," Bucky said. "We'll just pretend it never happened and go back to the way things were."
"No one ever wanted to dance with me before," Steve said quietly.
Bucky felt his breath catch. He looked at Steve hopefully.
"Like tonight. Most of the girls I asked make an excuse to get away as quick as they could. I like dancing with you too, Bucky." Slowly, tentatively, Steve reached out toward him. "I like the way you hold my hand. All the girls act like they're going to break me."
Bucky took Steve's hand firmly. Steve opened the door and led him inside. Bucky felt Steve's grip tighten and he reached up to stroke Steve's cheek.
"Anytime you want me to stop. Just say so."
Steve just stood there, staring into his eyes. Bucky released his hand to go turn on the radio. A few strains played as he walked back and took Steve's hand.
"Can I have this dance?"
Steve nodded as Bing Crosby began to sing.
"Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you,
Let me hear you whisper, that you love me too.
Keep the love light glowing in your eyes so blue
Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you."
Bucky could feel Steve's palm start to sweat as they danced. His hand moved closer to Bucky's neck, curling his fingers in Bucky's oiled hair. Bucky moved his hand to the middle of Steve's back drawing him closer. For weeks now, he had been wrestling with the feelings he had whenever they danced. Now, with Steve here in his arms, they finally seemed to make sense.
Bucky leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Steve's rosey lips. Steve tensed up and Bucky worried that he had overstepped, but then Steve put a hand on his cheek. He was still stiff, but he wasn't pushing Bucky away. Bucky ended the kiss and Steve laid his head on Bucky's shoulder.
"What are we doing here Bucky?" Steve asked, fearfully.
Bucky lifted his chin to look him in the eye. "I don't know either, but I like being with you more than I like being with anyone else."
He finally felt Steve relax in his arms. Steve stood up on his toes to kiss Bucky. It was soft and timid, but it was all Steve's doing. The kiss ended just as haltingly as it had begun and Steve laid his head back on Bucky's shoulder.
"So am I your girlfriend now?" he asked.
Bucky frowned in confusion. He hadn't really thought about it in those terms. He definitely didn't see Steve as his girl, but the idea of having a boyfriend felt strange. If Steve was the boyfriend, what did that make him?
"Let's not worry about what we're calling it right now," he said finally. "I just like being with you."
He stroked Steve's cheek tenderly as the music played on.
"Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you,
Let me hear you whisper, that you love me too.
Keep the love light glowing in your eyes so blue
Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you."
-End-
Thanks for reading! This will be an ongoing fic, but later chapters may have a good deal of sexual content, I haven't quite decided. I may not be able to post them or will have to edit them if that ends up being the case. The full version will be on my AO3 account. archive of our own users/ Darth_Claire (remove the spaces as doesn't let you past external links.)