Enjoy and for the love of all that is holy let me know what you think. I am venturing out quite a bit from the normal fanfiction romance thing and I need to know if you want me to reign it in or if you don't mind me just going crazy on this story. HELP!

20: The Horrific Gala

The night of the gala I was relieved to get a break from helping Jane. Though I have always appreciated science, I did prefer magic's simplicity. But this wasn't about physics it was about fun. I had even bought a brand new dress for the occasion; a long draped gown in the palest blue. I couldn't help but feel beautiful for what felt like the first time in years. When I arrived there was a slight fuss over who I was, but Ms. Potts came to rescue me.

"I am really glad you can make it. Tony really appreciates your help on this project."

We were approached by a waiter and given champagne. "I am happy to help, especially when it means saving the environment." I smiled at her and there was a boom of a microphone and some feedback. Then a red and gold man went flying by.

"I asked him not to bring the suit." In moments the well-dressed man was waving at the small crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to have you all here tonight to celebrate the biggest breakthrough in clean energy of all time," he motioned towards a large monitor. A video played about the revolutionary new Arc Reactor, and there were many awed faces in the crowd, ready to write big checks and get their own. Ms. Potts and I talked for a while after Tony finished his speech, but eventually she had to leave to take care of some business matters. I just stood there for a while, drinking whenever a waiter passed my way, so I could get a new one and get some clouds in my vision. Finally I went to the bar and ordered 'the strongest thing' they had. Once I got that I went outside to the balcony to get air.

After a few minutes of looking down at the city I heard the door open. "I thought you would be out here."

Bucky. "So they invited you, too?" He nodded. "And here I thought I was special." I took a sip. "I met this girl at work I think you should meet, by the way."

He just laughed. "You should come inside." He put his hand on my back and looked at the street with me for a moment.

"Maybe later," I hugged him before he started walking inside.

"I'll save you a dance," he winked before shutting the door behind him. I don't know what I was expecting from tonight, but this definitely wasn't it. I sighed and gulped the rest of the drink before walking inside on unsteady feet.

First trip; to the bar. "Another, good sir!" Then towards Tony. "Mr. Stark you sure throw a fancy party." I was swaying ever so slightly with the music.

He took the drink from my hand, "I think I should cut you off." I shook my head with a smile, "So you aren't angry at me for taking all the credit?"

"For what?"

"The reactor, some might argue that you did most of the work."

I laughed, "That's your baby, not mine. Besides," I patted his back, "you would have gotten there eventually."

"I told Pepper you wouldn't mind," he laughed, "but just in case I do have two surprises for you this evening. You didn't come with anyone did you?"

"Call me Han," he looked at me confused for a second.

"Oh, Han Solo, I get it." He didn't laugh.

"Oh come on, that was a good one." A condescending look splattered over his face. "Points for effort at least."

"Bruce, get over here. She's making movie references again." I turned to see none other than Dr. Banner walking over to me.

"Don't you look debonair, Doctor." I gave him a hug. "So this is the surprise? I love it. How long are you in town?"

"Not long, but I can stay a couple days." I couldn't help but smile.

"Well, I'll leave you two to catch up," Tony winked as he walked away. And with that we talked for a good thirty minutes about how we have been and what we have been up to. His stories were far more interesting than mine, but he still listened. I even managed to snag another glass of champagne without Tony taking it from me.

-o0o-

Banner was telling me the tale of how he saved a man's life in the jungle when it happened. Bruce had drifted off right in the middle of a sentence, and a shocked/confused expression took over his face as he looked past me. I turned to see what he was looking at, but he quickly turned me back to face him.

"What was I saying, oh right. So I was there, using leaves as bandages…" I turned around quickly so he couldn't stop me. "Wait!"

It was too late. Across the room, on the dance floor, there was Steve. There he was, Mr. Not-Ready, dancing with some girl. The glass broke in my hand, and I felt the strangest feeling in my stomach. Not anger, but something else entirely. In second Natasha was beside me. "How did you get here?"

I noticed her dress, "I was invited."

"Good God, was everyone invited to this thing? I mean, I spent days fixing that algorithm." I trailed off for a second. "But I am glad to see you. Look," I pointed back to Bruce, "Banner's in town for a couple days." She furrowed her brow, which only caused me to break out into laugher. "I don't feel well, friend. I feel all funny in my stomach. It's not good."

"Let's get you out of here," she began to lead me towards the exit: swift and subtle.

"Why? I shouldn't be the one who has to leave." I whispered in her ear.

She sighed, "I know, but we have to keep everyone safe." There it was. I grabbed her hand, and there it was. Plain as day. I was the threat. I was the unruly teenager who could level the whole block if I felt like it.

"I wouldn't hurt anyone." I released her hand.

"It's just a precaution." She looked over towards the dance floor and my eyes followed. Bucky was there, tapping Steve's shoulder and saying something that caused him to look in our direction. I couldn't help myself when I looked into his eyes, but only for a second.

"I just need air, it's fine. Let's just get to the balcony." And that we did. The cool air was like heaven on my skin, I hadn't realized how warm I had been. After a few seconds I spoke again, "I'll be fine. Get back in there and have a good time for me. Is Clint with you?" She nodded, "Then go have fun," I held her hands. "I'll be fine in a couple minutes, and if I am not I will head straight home. I promise."

"Are you sure?"

"Sure as shit, now get in there." She left me alone. Alone. My natural state. I took a seat on the bench and let out a deep breath. Maybe I was wrong about everything. The door creaked open and out popped Bucky. He walked over and sat beside me. Neither of us said anything for a long time. "I didn't cause a scene right?"

His arm wrapped around my shoulders, "Nope. Besides the broken glass you were a cool customer."

I rested my head on his shoulder, "Good."

"I didn't take you for a jealous girl," he laughed.

"So that was jealousy?" That funny feeling in my stomach was jealousy? "I don't like that at all."

"What's so special about him? If you don't mind."

"I guess I just never really wanted anything before, besides like, seeing my parents and stuff like that. He was the first thing I actually wanted, that I might get to have. Ya know?"

"I think it's just a lot of pressure on him." He had a point.

"I just wanted a chance."

He rubbed my arm, "I know." All I could think was that I did get a chance. I got one date, and I must have failed miserably. "But sometimes we just want things we can't have."

"How do you know?"

"It's happened to me before." I looked up at him.

"Pshhh. Don't be silly, you're the best."

"Well, I can't argue with you there." He stood up and extended his hand, "How about that dance?"

I harrumphed, "I just want to go home, I think."

"Then home it is."