Today was Auset birthday. No big deal. She wasn't expecting anyone to make a fuss over it because she never had before. To her it was just another day that passes by. In fact she had had so many of them that she really wished she would forget the day all together. But Tony being Tony was not going to let that happen. He wanted to welcome her to the team and show her that there were people among them that cared. He cared. Auset would be a valuable member to the team. Especially with her immortality. She could reign in several thousand years of keeping earth safe. Until there wasn't even an earth anymore. He also knew that Bucky liked her. Wanting to mend the very brittle and broken fence between him and the former HYDRA assassin, why not throw the object of his affections a party. Seeing her smile would most certainly make Bucky happy. Besides he was sick of the Soldier brooding about. Change was a coming.
Tony had pepper arrange a small gathering at the tower, with just the Avengers and a few of the shield agents they had been working with. A small party of about 50 people or so. All the Avengers would be there except for Loki and Thor. The two had to return to Asgard for something and would be back in a few weeks. Some kind of summer solstice party.
At first Auset was against it , but then she quickly realized that she could celebrate now. No need to keep hiding. She had agreed to join the Avengers so why not hang out and get to know most of her teammates better. Her and Natasha had grown kind of close. Nat' taking her under her wing and showing her around. The Maximoff twins were a delight. Wanda getting use to American culture, Pietro being like the little brother she never had. Super annoying but shockingly sweat.
Auset took a shower and proceeded to get ready for the evening's festivities.
Auset was currently by the bar talking to a shield agent who she had trained with a few times. Cute guy. Typical tall, dark and handsome. Perfect teeth chiseled jawline what's not to like? He had even openly flirted with her s few times. Which she had brushed off.
"I've heard a lot about your wings, I would love to see you in action."
Auset smiled. What was his name again. Michael, Micah. That's it, it was Micah.
"Well then one day you'll have to stop by for a demonstration." Auset replied sweetly. She was not feeling the conversation but she didn't want to be rude. She didn't feel a connection with him. Cute yes, dating material, not really.
"I would like that. Hey can I ask you something?"
"Sure." Auset wanted to blurt out he technically just asked her something but decided against it. Micah seemed like the type who's macho who might be bruised if she was too witty.
"It's been hard to find out, and trust me I've been asking but if you're not seeing anybody would you like to maybe go out sometime? Dinner and a movie or a walk in the park?"
Auset almost choked on the fruity concoction she was drinking. She had just been asked out. For the first time ever. It would be a lie to say she wasn't a little giddy but at the same time she knew she couldn't really be interested in him. She was still telling herself she wasn't interested in Bucky. Liar liar pants on fire. She smiled to herself forgetting that Micah had asked her a question. Oops.
"Oh...well um… I don't think that dating in the workplace is exactly allowed…" Auset trailed off. She was unsure how to say no without sounding like a complete bitch. However, she wanted draw that mine right now so he understood she wasn't interested in him that way.
"You're kidding right, you know how many inter office relationships there are here? Besides, I'm just asking for dinner. Not your hand in marriage. At least not yet anyway." Micah replied with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
His last remark caused her to giggle. The sound of her laughter carried over to Bucky's ears who had been observing the scene for some time now. He didn't like the guy standing in Ausets space. Like he had some claim over her. That particular agent had a reputation. Not the good kind. At least when it came to his dating habits. He had overheard him on more than one occasion bragging about dating two girls at the same time. He hoped that Auset wasn't falling for his seductive charms. She seemed to be a smart girl. Hopefully she wouldn't end up getting played.
Bucky watched her from across the room. His jaw clenched, brows furrowed. He was a little jealous that Auset's attentions were honed in on someone else but more upset at the fact he was pining after her and couldn't even make a move. He was too afraid. Afraid that she might actually like him back and afraid the dark side of who he was now would ruin it. So he continued to suffer in silence. But by God if he just didn't want to kiss her pretty little plump lips. That were painted a sinful red that made her eyes just light up.
Fuck. He thought. He really needed to grow a pair and let her know he was interested. Besides doing the whole watching her from a distance like some kind of creepy stalker weirdo.
"Why don't you just go over there and talk to her?" Tony asked sipping the amber liquid from his glass. The aged whiskey was smooth traveling down his throat. He was pacing himself and by pacing himself meant he was on his 5th drink.
"And say what? I'm the former winter soldier I enjoy long walks on the beach and murder. I could teach you all you need to know about killing. Wanna go on a date?"
"Or, you could start with Happy Birthday and let the conversation go from there." Tony replied. Downing the rest of his drink.
It was no secret that Tony and Bucky had had their fair share of disagreements especially when Bucky was responsible for the murder of his parents. Their relationship was a bit strained but had came a long way. Which was why Bucky was surprised he was offering him advice let alone initiating the conversation. This was a major step for the both of them. Bucky was appreciative he felt inclined to talk to him. Making a mental note to perhaps in the near future to extend the same courtesy that Tony was giving him.
"Look I've seen the way you look at her. Just go over there already or I will be forced to ask her out myself. She's really pretty, she would be good for you. Just don't wait forever. I know you've experienced some time hopping but you're not getting any younger gramps."
Tony walked away to go refill his glass, leaving Bucky there to ponder his words. Bucky took a sip out of his beer and approached the bar, standing behind Auset. Asking the bartender for another Heineken. Listening intently to what she was talking about.
"Well can I think about it? I'm still getting adjusted to living here and training. I wouldn't mind perhaps maybe just getting to know each other as friends though."
Micah lowered his head in defeat. Still smiling brightly even though he had been rejected.
"Just don't make me wait too long." Auset smiled and Micah walked away.
"That was tough to watch." Bucky said from behind her and Auset turned around.
"Tough? How was it tough?" Auset could've wiped the smug look of his face if it wasn't so damn sexy.
"You broke his heart."
Auset scoffed. How did she break his heart? Why was he eavesdropping.
"Were you present for the whole conversation? So don't assume nosy."
Bucky smiled playfully.
"I didn't assume and I heard I enough. Besides I could see how uncomfortable with him all up in you face."
Auset shook her head and downed the rest of her drink and got another. Bucky admired her profile before he spoke again.
"Happy Birthday old lady."
Auset scoffed. She the back of her hand in her forehead dramatically. Looked like she could've starred in a romantic drama when the pictures were black and white.
"Bucky you sure do know how to make a girl feel appreciated." She said sarcastically. Which caused Bucky to laugh.
"Oh come on, it's going to be a reoccurring thing for everybody; Tony especially, to make fun of your age."
"Well I think I look good for an old lady."
"You aint lying."
A deep blushed flushed across Ausets face. She was thankful for her brown skin, hopefully Bucky couldn't see the affect he had on her. She was enjoying his company immensely. She would suffer through a lot more birthdays if this moment could happen over and over again.
"I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable." Bucky said seeing he had flustered her.
"You didn't."
An awkward silence hung in the air. Bucky out of things to say. Auset unsure of what to say. Suddenly the music got a little louder and Alina Baraz's 'Show Me' began to croon through the speakers.
"You know how to dance?" Auset asked a little bashfully. And nodded towards the dance floor. Bucky perked up at her question. Did he know how to dance? He may have been a man out of time but dancing was timeless. Not bothering to respond, he grabbed Auset's drink and set it down on the bar and led her out to the dance floor.
Ausets heart fluttered a little in her chest as Bucky pulled her closer. His metal hand snaking around her waist and resting gently there. The other hand holding hers. Auset was wearing a cute little floral summer dress that was low cut and exposed her back. The crisscrossing straps hugged tightly around her waist. The skirt of the dress hitting right above her knee. She was thankful that she had worn some strappy wedged heels because she reached just below Bucky's chin. She was so petite. Bucky loved it. Usually he went for tall women. Auset was small but wasn't exactly thin. She had hips and ass perfect for grabbing. Her breast were even on the larger side.
Bucky's heart was hammering in his chest. It had been so long since he had a woman in his arms, albeit the last time was a little more risqué but holding Auset up against him dancing, made him swell with pride. Heat radiating between them. Auset was so nervous she was sure her palms were a little sweaty. Hoping Bucky couldn't really tell. She was breathless. Unable to take her eyes off of his. Bucky pulled her a little closer and Auset rested her head in his chest. The moment so intimate, yet comfortable for the both of them. Her hair, which had been tied up into a elegant ponytail, smelled of coconuts again. If he ever smelled coconuts he would always associate them with her.
Her warm breath fanning his neck Even though Bucky was extremely nervous his touch was gentle. Sweetly soft. He even let his hand graze the skin of her exposed back. The cool metal sent a shiver through her. Making her hand glide a little further up his chest. The tips of her fingers grazing his neck. Auset had half a mind to run her fingers through his chestnut locks but decided maybe that was a little too much, at least right now. Bucky secretly cursed the metal appendage. Wishing he could feel her skin for himself.
"Are you cold?" Bucky whispered up against her hair. Auset shook her head and pulled away to look at him. His eyes were burning a hole through her skull and making her stomach do flips. Was this normal? It was just a dance. She was getting way too worked up over something so simple. But damn Bucky was fine and he was looking at her like she was the only girl in the world and she was ready to ask 'how high' if he said jump. Bucky clouded her senses a little. Or a lot. Auset didn't mind, she was here with him because fate had saw fit. Never would she question it again.
Bucky spun her out and dipped her down in a swooping motion and eased her back up against him. Auset laughed. It was music to his ears.
"You're a good dancer." Auset said a little out of breath.
"You're not so bad yourself."
"You're a good leader."
"So I've been told."
"Got a big head too."
"Now darlin' don't spend the whole night complimenting me. It's your birthday."
Auset rolled her eyes but allowed Bucky to continue to glide her around the dance floor. Even when the song changed to something of a similar tune they didn't break away from each other.
"Look at your boy." Sam nudged Steve and pointed at the dance floor. His mouth almost hung open at the sight in front of him. Not because Bucky was dancing with Auset but by how close he was holding her against him. How their bodies were molded together, moving in sync. Bucky looked absolutely captivated by her and Auset was smiling brightly up at him. The two of them talking lost in each other.
This was major for Bucky. A drastic improvement from a few weeks ago when he could barely get him to attend a party. Now he was dancing with a beautiful woman with stars in his eyes. He knew that look. Bucky was smitten. He just hoped Auset could hang in there and love Bucky through everything. In spite of him being the Winter Soldier. He hoped that she would grow to love him through all of his flaws. He wanted that for Bucky. If anyone deserves happiness it was Bucky.
The song came to an end and just in time because a few caterers rolled out a very large birthday cake with sparklers on top of it. And maybe at the very least 100 candles. It was red with a pair of black wings attached to it. A joke on Tony's part no doubt. Auset smiled and turned her attention towards the D.j booth. Blowing out her candles. Her wish kept secret.
Tony had the microphone and lead the room in a very drunk rendition of Happy Birthday. Auset was embarrassed but enjoyed the moment. Her hand still entangled into Bucky's. Even as the music started up again Bucky lead her back over to the bar and continued to hold her hand.
Tony walked up to the two of them breaking their hold on each other.
"So Auset how'd you like my singing."
"That was you? I could've swore a cat was dying."
"A little feisty huh? Careful Barnes you may have bit off more than you can chew."
Auset rolled her eyes an excused herself, she needed to use the restroom and touch up her lipstick. Walking down the hall Auset began to feel the effects of the drinks she had. She wasn't drunk but she definitely felt warm all over. It was either Bucky or the liquor and she wasn't complaining about either.
"So that's why you turned me down."
Auset turned around confused. She looked at Micah and folded her arms.
"Excuse me?"
Micah walked closer to her and stood right in front of her face. His nostrils flared with brows furrowed. Suddenly he didn't look so attractive anymore.
"I said that's why you turned me down. You're fucking the HYDRA minion."
"I turned you down because I'm not interested, who I'm fucking is none of your business. He is not a HYDRa minion. Talk about him like he's not a person again and I will rip your tongue from your throat. Now if you'll excuse me-" Ausets words were cut short when Micah grabbed her arm to prevent her from turning around.
"You're a stuck up bitch, do you know who I am?" Micah said through clenched teeth. His grip painfully tight on her arm. It all happened so fast. Auset put her hand on Micah's and a bright light consumed the hallway and Micah screamed. Alerting the others something was wrong.
When Steve and the rest of the team made it down the hallway, Auset was standing over a crying Micah who was holding his severely burned arm. Auset had her hands over her mouth horrified. Bucky rushed to her side and and comforted her. Steve kneeling next to Micah.
"What happened?"
Auset looked at Steve unable to articulate. Her mind racing a mile a minute. She attempted to tell him what happened.
"He grabbed me and then… I tried to get him off of me and...and then I don't know he got burned from my hand." Auset started crying and Bucky pulled her into his chest. Steve and Sam carried Micah away and Tony started shuffling the guests towards the elevator. Clint and Natasha trailing behind Steve and Sam.
A few moments later Auset was sitting in the lab. Though she was there in person her mind was a million miles away. She hoped she didn't kill him. She hoped that she didn't burn him to bad. She didn't even know she could do that. She felt terrible. Auset felt the bile in her stomach rise and got off of the gurney and ran over to the trash can, where she proceeded to empty the contents of her stomach up. Suddenly not feeling so good. Bruce and Bucky were at her side in an instant. Bruce ready with some anti nausea medicine, Bucky rubbing her back. When she felt like she was done she stood up and took the towel Bruce handed to her and wiped her mouth. Her tear rimmed eyes heavy with sadness. Bruce helped her back on to the gurney. Auset just staring off into space. Bucky placed a comforting hand on her knee.
He didn't know exactly what happened but he would be there for Auset. Judging by the nice bruise she had on her arm Micah had what she did to him coming.
Whatever did happen was clearly and accident.
Tiny entered the lab and began speaking with Bruce.
"How's she doing doc?"
Bruce stopped writing in the clipboard and looked up at Tony.
"She's in shock. Hasn't said a word since Bucky brought her in. Vitals are fine. Experiencing some nausea. Her heart rate is a little irregular. Which is to be expected."
Tony walked over to Auset and placed a hand on her knee.
"Is he dead?" She asked unable to meet Tony's gaze.
"No but he should be. I pulled the video feed. You won't have to worry about him anymore."
Auset sniffled. Trying to fight back her tears.
"Is he okay? His burns, will they heal alright?"
"He's fine he will recover just fine. Don't worry about him. You did nothing wrong."
"Can I go back to my room now?" She asked Bruce still not looking up at anyone.
"Sure just-"
Auset hopped off the gurney and high tailed it towards the door. Bucky right behind her.
"Auset wait."
"No don't come near me Bucky. I don't want to hurt you too. Just stay away from me. I want to be alone. It's what I deserve." She said harshly and ran down the hall.
The last thing Auset wanted to do was hurt Bucky. Someone who had already suffered enough. She couldn't be responsible for hurting him too.
Bucky watched her flee towards the stairs. Wanting to go after her but deciding against it. Heading back into the lab he walked over to Tony.
"Show me what happened." He demanded.
Tony held up his hands in defeat.
"Okay terminator. Uh FRIDAY play the video feed, the one with Auset in the hallway before she burned Micah."
"One moment Mr. Stark."
The holotable in the lab distorted then a clear image of Auset and Micah was shown, audio included. Bucky watched on in anger as Micah accosted Auset in the hallway. That punk had some fucking nerve touching her. He was going to go to his medical room and teach him how a man was supposed to treat a lady. He was fuming.
Bucky turned on his heels and marched out of the lab. He was on a mission and all he could see was red.
A/N: Here is another chapter! Thank you to those who subscribed! It warms my feels to know people enjoy the story. Any and all feedback is appreciated. To Winwypipo (cute guest name btw) I'm glad you like Auset. I'm trying to keep her as independent as possible. I don't want her to rely on the Avengers for saving her, she is perfectly capable of holding her own even when she doubts herself. Enjoy the chapter, let me know what you think! Thanks for reading.