AN: Hello! Once again, thanks for reading, commenting, following Usual stuff applies, don't own anything, sorry about any errors. I had so much fun writing this, pushing Bucky out of his shell just a little more. I love him and Amelia as friends and loved writing about the party. Will Steve make an appearance? Let's find out
Chapter 46: It Was Acceptable in the Forties
Rosie opens the front door for Bucky and Natasha and once again looks for Steve. Bucky panics and wonders why she's opening the door alone. Natasha greets her with a warm hug and carries her to the lounge. 'What are we watching?' Natasha asks, sitting on the couch beside the buoyant child. 'Spy Kids!' Natasha laughs, 'perfect. Good choice.' Rosie turns, hanging off the couch, looking closely at Bucky, scrunching her face and creasing her nose, 'you look different.'
He's wearing a light brown khaki uniform and hat, similar to his old suit. He looks down and pulls on the jacket, taking his hat off and smoothing his hair, nervously he looks at the little girl, 'good different?' She nods enthusiastically, throwing him a quick thumbs up and Natasha smirks at his need for the four year old's approval.
'Where's Stevie? Still sick? Is he very sick?' She looks very worried and Natasha leans in and explains, 'sometimes grownups get their heads stuck in places that really hurt and it's dark and hard to get out.' Rosie looks horrified and Bucky sarcastically thanks Natasha for the description, squeezing her shoulder a little too hard in warning 'good job, well done.' He shakes his head at her and tells Rosie, 'hopefully everything will be back to normal soon, Rosalyn.' He hesitates but ruffles her hair and she laughs, shaking him off.
Bucky glances around the house, 'I'm just going to…' he explains awkwardly, but neither Natasha or Rosie are paying attention. He climbs the stairs, approaching Andi's room, there's music playing and he taps lightly. She calls for him to go in and he struggles to enter, when he does, he can see a dress on the floor, blocking the door. She comes out of her bathroom and grabs the dress. 'Shit, sorry, it's a mess. I didn't hear you come in, Rosie didn't open the door, did she? She's been told not to do that! She hooks the latch with a damn umbrella! That was the best thing about the flat, I could hear the front door.'
Bucky looks at her properly, she is wearing a vintage tea dress, burgundy with a clinched waist and a deep V neck. Her hair is pinned back in long, smooth curls and her lips are dark red. She jumps at his side and kisses his cheek forcefully, leaving a lipstick stain on his cheek. 'Worth it,' she gushes, she steps back and lightly touches her lips, knowing it will need reapplying. Bucky watches her smile at her finger tips and he's struck by how beautiful she looks. She often dresses provocatively and he thinks she likes and looks for a reaction, but tonight she looks mature, modest and stunning. When he looks up again she is twisting her foot into a strapped heeled shoe and pulling a disgruntled face, muttering they used to fit. He smirks at her lack of grace and realises he prefers this side of her, honest and true to herself. Bucky dips his head and looks at her from under his hat, she finally straps her foot in and stands tall, smirking at him, 'you look unbelievable, Barnes. No wonder the ladies fell at your feet. Or what would the boys on base say? "On their knees?" Is that what I should I say?' He chuckles, 'don't be crude and you look pretty great yourself.' She gazes at him and strokes his suit, taking his hat and placing it on her head gently, 'remember, my mamma thinks I'm a good girl, so home by twelve and no hands.' Bucky laughs dryly, 'yeah, right, good girl? And since when have you done what your ma said?' She walks off to reapply her lipstick, 'you know you love it.'
Bucky fumbles for his words, he can only hear the word love echoing around the room. Andi saves him with talk of her sister, 'do you think he will show?' Bucky looks down and considers it, 'I don't know, I'm not sure he is even home.' Andi pouts in the mirror, 'shit. Fuck, that would be a bust. As in working?' Bucky just nods and Andi freezes. She quickly turns to find a bag, filling it for the night. She looks at Bucky, asking him, 'can you get Mia? Say something nice, she is our third wheel, kind of.' She waves her hands to encourage him and he sighs at her fantasy plans for the evening.
He nods and turns to leave, pausing at her voice, one hand on the door handle, 'thank you, love you!' He looks back and she's pinning her hair further and smiling in the mirror.
He leaves and stops in the hallway, back pressed to the door, wondering if he should discuss it with her and if she knows she keeps saying it? Do people really just spill it so casually, shouldn't it be under the stars, or on the Brooklyn bridge.
He looks down the hall and can see a light from under Amelia's door. He knocks and there's no response. He steps in slowly and looks around, the complete opposite of her sister's room. It's spotless, everything packed away neatly. He can hear the wind whistling through and spots an open door. He can see a figure on the balcony and he strolls further in. He stops and leans against the door frame, watching her. She's propped up on her arms, leaning over, smoking a cigarette.
He smirks and his brow pinches in shock, he coughs to catch her attention and she looks at him in surprise. She's wearing a fitted, floral print dress, with a mermaid flair and a sweetheart neckline. Her hair is in victory rolls and she has bright red lips. Bucky doesn't need to make anything up, she looks great and he has to pull his eyes up from following the seams of her tights to her heels. Somethings never change, he thinks to himself.
But what actually catches his attention is 'you aren't smoking,' he teases, standing next to her. She laughs, 'I quit a bad habit, so, I need a new one,' she jests, 'no, I was at the store for hairspray and thought, fuck it, I can do what I want, I'm a big girl.' Bucky eyes her, 'yes, you are' he says in a jokingly flirty tone. Amelia laughs, 'well played, Barnes, if I was a free agent, I'd be sold.' She offers him the cigarette and he asks 'aren't you?' She looks sadly across the city, 'I don't know, I lied, I can't quite kick the habit.' He watches her take another drag before passing it to him and suspects this isn't her first time. He accepts the cigarette, looking into the night sky, they fall into a quiet lull.
'You heard anything more from him?' Amelia looks at the ground, 'yeah, a few texts, a kiss in the car lot last week. Well, more of a grope, but nothing since you dropped us home that night.' Bucky nearly chokes on his inhale and Amelia laughs at him, 'careful Bucky, has it been a while?' He looks at her humourlessly, 'I can tell you have experience, and Andi likes to think she's the rebel.' Amelia smiles, 'yeah, but don't tell her.' She takes the cigarette back from Bucky and he asks her, 'so, tell me about this grope?' Amelia laughs loudly, 'no thanks, I am not sharing my sordid details, besides I am a single woman now, so may need that imagery in the future.' Amelia taps her temple smugly and Bucky raises his eyebrows, surprised by her forward joke, but he catches the sad look and suspects the comedy is masking something deeper. 'Well, he's missing out, you look great.' Amelia looks at him seriously, eyes widening and her head checking him up and down, 'oh my God, you look amazing, I just noticed, I'm so sorry. I'm becoming self-involved in my misery.' Bucky looks at her suddenly, 'would you take him back?' Amelia stubs out the cigarette on the metal railing.
'In a heartbeat. And that's the saddest part.' Bucky rubs her arm with his, leaning in next to her. 'Hey, can I ask you something?' She looks at him, waiting, 'anything.' Bucky laughs a little, hearing the embarrassing words before he even says them aloud, 'your umm sister, has said a couple of times, that she… that she loves me. Should I take this seriously?' Amelia grabs his chin and turns his head, looking at the red lips staining his cheek, 'yes, one hundred percent,' she chuckles. 'Bucky, she loves you, enjoy it, don't question it.' He smiles proudly and stands up straight, offering Amelia his arm. 'We need to go, or we will get a telling off.'
She nods, straightening and looking at him, 'are you ok about this, your outfit?' Bucky smirks, nodding, 'I always liked the uniform. As did the ladies.' Amelia groans at his cocky tone and they head towards the lounge.
Andi appears from the kitchen, pulling on a swing coat 'you two look amazing, Amelia you look stunning. You wore the dress, good girl!' Andi slaps her sister's ass and Rosie runs over and hugs her mother's legs, 'love you, mommy!' Amelia smiles down at her, warmth spreading through her, it is just what she needs to hear.
Andi kisses Bucky's cheek, pulling back and sniffing him, 'have you been smoking?' He smirks at Amelia and Andi adds, 'don't lead my sister astray, Barnes.'
The three walk into the event, Andi is holding Bucky's hand and Amelia hangs back, licking the corners of her lips and looking around nervously. The party is at a hotel, it's 1930s in character, with a large dance hall, theatre stage and there's a brass band. Everyone's dressed up and it's like stepping back in time, not one person in skinny jeans to remind you it's not 1941. Andi gushes about the venue, spinning around, looking about the room. Bucky is secretly impressed, it's pretty accurate and even the band are of the time. Andi grabs Bucky's hands, checking in on him, he looks fairly-relaxed and Amelia smiles at them and her sister's efforts at trying to be attentive.
Amelia looks around and swallows harshly. Noticing pink and red heart balloons and streamers, she squints, looking across the room at a banner. She turns quickly to her sister, 'is this a Valentine's dance, are you serious?' Andi bites her lip, 'in my defence, I didn't know that, but hey, it's for charity, so you can feel good about that!' Bucky looks awkwardly between the two, wincing. 'Andi, I don't have a date to an event solely about celebrating having a date!' Andi squirms under her sister's cold stare and gives Bucky a push, 'not true, you can have mine.'
People brush past Amelia and she shuffles on her feet, apologising, she seems to be in everyone's way. She gives up arguing and looks around the room, noticing lots of cosy couples. Andi bops to the music and Amelia suggests she finds them a table. Andi tries to apologise again and Amelia brushes her off, 'it's fine, let's just have fun.'
Bucky leads Andi to the bar, 'another great win!' she mutters despondently and he smirks at her, 'you're trying, kid, ease up on yourself. I'll buy you a drink.' Andi looks back at her sister, sadly.
Amelia spots a round table close to the dance floor. The music is upbeat and old fashioned, she grins as people fill the floor. There's older couples showing them how it's done and Amelia smiles fondly. She shakes off her shawl and sits down, toying with the table cloth. She adjusts her seat and hits the person behind her. Turning to apologise, an older lady smiles at her, saying no problem. The woman continues to sway and hum to herself.
Amelia searches the bar for Andi and Bucky and can see them laughing together, Andi is draped over him and he now has lipstick on both cheeks. Amelia can't help but feel a little jealous, it used to be just her and Andi and then it was them, plus Steve and Bucky and now she is a third wheel, not to mention alone.
'Is that your husband?' A voice asks. Amelia looks up at the lady, 'oh no, that's my sister and her partner.' The lady laughs, 'I'm so sorry. But it does explain the loving look you were throwing their way. They look fabulous and so do you, my dear. Where's your dreamboat?' Amelia smiles sadly at the old fashioned sentiment and presumption, she looks at her pink nail varnish on her linked hands, 'he's... oh, I'm alone, just came with my family, they are all I need.' The lady appraises her and leans in, 'well, he's missing out and I think you will have plenty of offers.'
Amelia smiles and turns to look over the other side of the room, people are looking at her, she's sat alone and she considers pulling her shawl back on, she looks down at her chest and exposed arms, wondering if it is too much flesh, it's definitely not her usual style. Amelia doesn't think anyone is looking at her in that way, she stares down at her lap and keeps herself to herself.
'Was this a mistake? This was a mistake,' Andi rattles out at the bar, biting her nails and looking back towards her lonely sister. 'Terrible idea, not going to work. And ughhh, Valentine's! Should have seen that coming.' Bucky leans against the bar and mutters 'I must admit, I would have said no to that bit, had you mentioned it…' Andi swings around and leans back against the counter. 'She's miserable, I did this, I've made this worse, shit…' Bucky grabs Andi's shoulders, gripping them tightly, 'honestly, kid. Stop! Just stop.' Andi stares at him, biting her lip and absentmindedly nodding, 'you're trying, that's what matters. Now, let's have a drink and try…' Bucky coughs, speaking lowly, 'try and have a good time.' Andi smirks at him, throwing him a side eye, as he resumes queuing, 'was that bitter on your tongue? A good time?' Bucky ignores her, shaking his head and chuckling at her jibing.
Amelia is still sat alone at the table, grateful for the dimming party lights. Eventually Andi reappears holding drinks, Bucky trailing with a tray of more drinks. Amelia's eyebrows raise, 'expecting company?' she jokes and Andi looks panicked, 'no!' Amelia grabs her glass and asks 'so, is it like you remember, Bucky?' He looks at Andi, swaying beside him and smiles, 'even better.' Amelia is satisfied with the answer and sips her pink drink, 'shit, two of these and I will be on the floor.' Andi giggles, she gasps at an old couple, who are dancing to the music, 'just think that could be us, one day.' Bucky smiles a little, trying now to dwell on the weight of that statement and Amelia looks for the bathroom, in-case she needs a quick exit. Watching them talk about their future, reminds her that her romantic one went down the drain four weeks ago.
'So, how did you hear about this, Andi?' She finishes her mouth of drink and explains, 'someone at work, a friend of hers organised it, she works for Stark as well, apparently. It's for charity, but I don't know what. I just liked the idea of dressing up!'
Amelia looks at her quizzically, 'you have really thought about this, I can tell…' She shifts in her chair and knocks her drink over, 'shit!' She jumps up and avoids the pooling liquid, looking about unsure of what to do 'I'm just going to grab some napkins, save my seat and watch my bag.' Andi salutes, as her sister disappears into the crowd.
Amelia looks around the bar for paper towels and then calls to the bartender. Someone comes up beside her, 'are you waiting to be served?' She looks over at a handsome blonde man and smiles, 'no, just spilt something, why? Were you going to help me, if I was?' The man purses his lips in contemplation and smirks a little, 'I was going to offer to buy you one, yes, take the burden of waiting, you know?' Amelia nods, faking that she's impressed, 'well, what makes you think you would be served first?' The man acts shocked, 'oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were a pro at this.' Amelia chuckles and he continues, 'I will race you, first to get a drink, the other person pays.' The man gives her his hand to shake. She looks at it dubiously, but thinks, why not, it's just a drink. She gives him a quick once over, he's dressed like a sailor, all in white, his hat is under his arm and he seems nice enough. She looks back and a member of staff is thankfully wiping up her mess. Andi and Bucky look happy and she thinks on it for a moment.
'Done,' she says confidently, they shake hands and Amelia suddenly pictures Steve and she physically shakes herself free of that image. The man asks, 'but wait, who am I racing?' She looks around and again, Andi is laughing with Bucky, now sat in his lap. 'I'm Amelia,' he beams, 'Oliver. Nice to meet you. Now remember, Amelia, all is fair in love and war.' She smiles genuinely at him, he seems sweet enough. She looks about, noticing the party is filling up, the bar is overcrowded and she's gradually being pushed closer to her new friend.
He counts down and she steps back a little, waving a hand high in the air and smiling at the waiter. He walks by and ignores both of their pleas and Amelia spots another colleague with a card machine in her hand. She waves at her and beckons her over, 'yes, miss, what can I get you?' Oliver drops his head in disappointment and Amelia grabs a drinks menu, perusing it over the slope of her nose and proclaims, 'umm, I will have a glass of cocksure and a bowl of presumptions.' Oliver laughs and Amelia says, 'no really, I will have a vodka coke and whatever he wants.' Oliver passes some money over and smirks at Amelia, 'you win, well played.' Amelia thanks the bartender when her drink arrives, 'at least I got to buy a pretty girl a drink,' he jokes, Amelia winces, 'you were doing so well, but that is a line!' Oliver drops his head, 'sorry, I'm not very good at this, I've never done it before.' Amelia smiles weakly at him, nodding 'I get that.' He watches her and she squirms under his scrutiny, 'I should go, my sister is waiting. Thanks again.' She tilts the glass to him and Oliver stumbles over his words, 'well, maybe a dance later? What do you think?' Amelia just blushes and walks away, calling back, 'maybe you should try with the hat!' Oliver looks down at his hat and sighs turning back to the bar.
Andi is sat on Bucky's lap, twisting his own hat from side to side. 'This place is heaving, people love the nostalgia, don't they?' Bucky nods, finishing his whiskey, 'yeah, it's a little different when you lived it.' Andi shifts in his lap and Bucky groans, 'what? Am I too boney for you, Barnes?' She just shifts again at the sight of his grimace and he grabs her hips, 'please don't do that!' He appears a little flustered and Andi grins at him. She looks over at the bar and spots Amelia laughing with a man. Andi taps Bucky's shoulder frantically, 'Bucky, Bucky, look, look.' He turns awkwardly and watches the pair, Andi stands quickly and asks 'who is that?' Bucky shrugs, 'I don't know!' He says with disinterest, she taps him desperately. 'Get over there, break it up.' Andi jumps a little, urging him to go, Bucky sighs and begins to saunter over, Andi shouts 'hurry up!' Bucky meets Amelia half way, surprising her. 'Oh, hey! Can you grab this, I got the napkins and a new drink, so not a complete waste.' Bucky follows Amelia and carries her drink, looking back at the green eyed man, following their movements.
Once back at the table, Andi probes, 'who was that, Mia?' Amelia swallows her new drink, 'a guy, just chatting. Nobody.' Andi nods and bites her lip, looking around for Steve, praying he makes an appearance. She focuses at Bucky and taps an imaginary watch, widening her eyes and titling her head, threatening his best friend for his tardiness. Bucky sips his drink and hopes to God, Steve at least shows, knowing he will never hear the end of it and uncertain what the future looks like for all of them.
'You two should dance,' Amelia offers. The music is louder and the room more crowded, 'I'm fine, I'll be here.' Andi looks reluctant to leave and Bucky relents, 'why don't we kick off, Amelia? Can I have this dance?' He holds out his hand to her and Andi squeals, pulling out a camera, she mouths thank you to him and encourages her sister. Amelia rolls her eyes, smiling at them both, 'fine, but I see what you two are up to, I'm ok by myself.'
Bucky leads Amelia to the dance floor, she shuffles closely behind him, squeezing between the crowd of dancers. A slow-paced number playing. 'Ugh is every song about love?' Bucky just shrugs. Amelia tries to keep a considerate distance between herself and her sister's date, she tries to ignore his dashing good looks and the fitted uniform. She looks over and Andi waves happily. Amelia smiles and holds Bucky's hand, accepting it with a sigh, swaying lightly.
'You're a good man, Bucky' he looks up at her surprised. 'I'm trying' he simply says. 'Thank you for bringing me, this is nice, it's good to be out. Not sat at home replaying the crash, Rosie, Steve, Peggy.' Amelia stops and looks confused, 'God, when did it all get so messy?' Bucky grins, 'when you fell in love.' They both cringe, 'so corny, Barnes. Too much time with my sister.'
She looks around the room at some of the older couples, 'do you believe in soulmates?' She asks timidly, he exhales, 'I honestly don't know. When I was younger I certainly didn't.' Amelia nods numbly, she doesn't know what answer she wanted. 'I don't want to speak ill of a young Bucky, but he was in it for the chase. And now, well, I am happy finding out. What about you?' Amelia thinks about it for a time, dancing slowly with her friend 'yeah, yeah I think I do. But it's what happens when you lose them, I'm not sure on.' Bucky grips her hand and offers a sympathetic tight lipped smile.
A couple dance close to them, 'you two look fantastic!' Amelia smiles gratefully and looks over to the bar, noticing the Oliver guy watching her. 'I'm not sure I can do this,' she nods towards him, Bucky looks over and he can understand her reluctance. 'You don't have to' he promises, 'doesn't look like your type anyway, no black eye makeup or tangled long hair.' She genuinely laughs, thinking about to her teenage bedroom, 'thank you for not saying blonde and America's hero.' He dips her to the music and she giggles, gripping him tightly, scared she might fall. Andi is sat with an older man, talking about the impressive event. When the songs finishes Amelia kisses Bucky's cheek, leaning up on tip toes, she whispers 'tell her how you feel.' She nods to her sister and Amelia disappears in to the crowd. Bucky stands dumbfounded for a moment, unsure of what he does feel, let alone how to vocalise it.
People bump into him and he realises he's stood in the centre of the dance floor. He can see Andi heading for the bar, smiling to herself and checking her bag, he slowly winds through the revellers to reach her. He gazes at her from behind, leaning across the wooden bar counter, kicking one foot in the air, her pretty heeled shoe, slipping off. He thinks about what he said to Amelia and understands, Andi is all the challenge he needs right now.
'Excuse me, miss?' He asks as he pulls up next to her. He slowly pulls off his hat, wiping the brim and replacing it. 'This is a pretty special night,' Andi nods and looks around, like it's the most obvious thing, 'how was your dance?' She asks and he tries to ignore how she makes everything difficult for him. He blanks her and continues 'well, I'm being shipped out tomorrow, this is my last night.' Andi turns back quickly, staring hard at Bucky, panicked by his words. 'My comrades are at home with their gals, but I wanted to see the city one last time. Dance under the stars and remember it this way.' Andi's face relaxes and a smile widens on her lips. Bucky smirks at her, trying to remain serious. 'They say we might not come back, but if it means protecting this great land we call home and dames like you, well it's got to be worth it, right?' Andi laughs loudly, 'oh God, it's even scripted, you are unimaginable.' She lightly hits his arm and he grins at her. 'Barnes, you goofball, that was amazing and worked one hundred percent. I'm sold, let's elope, fuck the war.' He laughs at her and she leans in to kiss him, laughing against his lips, she pulls away, 'I'm just going to the bathroom, get some more drinks, yeah? Love you.' She squeezes his hand and he pulls her back, catching her by surprise, he looks confused and asks lowly 'you know you keep saying that, right?' She smiles brightly, 'of course, I'm not an idiot.' He looks at her unconvinced, 'well, do you?' He asks awkwardly, shifting from foot to foot.
'Bucky, I love you. It is what it is, why make a big deal? It's what humans do.' She takes his hat and once again places it on her head, flattening her curls. He smiles at her wearing his uniform. 'It is what it is,' he mutters, shaking his head and smiling. 'You are like no one else, Andrea.' She starts to protest, but smiles at him when she sees his warmth in his eyes. She pulls the hat down hard, 'well duh! Of-course!' She begins to retreat to the bathroom, 'Oh here, catch!' She throws his hat and he grabs it, smiling down, as he balances it back on his own head. He looks happy and pushes his hand into his pockets. He remembers the last time he saw Steve as his skinny self, walking away from him, asking him not to do anything stupid. He turns away from the bar and spots Amelia, alone at the table, sighing and thinking of the stupid thing Steve went and did all these years later.
Walking over, he shuffles up to her, 'dance with me?' He suggests with a modest smirk. She laughs, 'again? Really? Nice hat, by the way!' It's at an angle and he winks at her, 'wearing it well, you know?' She nods and gives in, swinging off her chair. 'Fine, show me the moves. I was just getting my breath back,' Bucky laughs, 'don't let your sister know I leave you breathless.'
The song is quicker as she joins Bucky on the dance floor once again. Wisps of hair fall into her face and she blows them out of her eyes. Bucky holds his arm up and twists Amelia beneath, she laughs and Andi reappears, joining them. 'I love dancing and I never want to go back to the future.' The three dance, having a great time, Andi dances with an older gentlemen and then takes over with Bucky, 'should I be jealous?' He asks and Andi laughs, 'well he did use the same lines as you. And he's over eighty, so definitely my type!'
Amelia laughs at her and makes her apologies, deciding to fix her hair in the restroom. She steps away and watches Andi cosy into Bucky's arms.
Andi's footwork is pretty fast and Amelia envies her sister's natural grace that she always tries to hide. Amelia takes a deep breath, feeling like she finally has room to move. She tries to hide her hurt from her sister for the most part.
'You're pretty quick there, blondie,' Bucky playfully jokes, Andi spins under his arm, her dress kicking up and her hair floating in the air, 'if I could kick these damn shoes off, I'd be even faster, Barnes, watch me!' Bucky laughs and pulls her into a clinch, preventing her from stepping on a young boy, 'crap, sorry!' Bucky spins her around and she giggles uncontrollably, 'I'm glad we are here!' She shouts over the music, 'that we made it!' She doesn't mean anything other than made it to tonight, but Bucky thinks about how far he has made it. He's out, with a date, without Steve, working, interacting with normal civilians, it feels like a win. Andi cheers and shouts to the band and Bucky wonders how things would be different if he had refused to go to that damn photo shoot. He thinks back to Steve telling him he needed to be part of something… 'Bucky! You ok? You spaced out?'
Once inside, Amelia looks in the mirror, using her hand to scrape back her hair into the two parted rolls. Someone comes out of a stall, 'I love your dress.' Amelia looks down, 'oh thanks.' She smiles, she feels okay about herself, but still a little unsure of her sister's choice. She digs in her purse to reapply her lipstick. Her phone lights up in her clutch and she sighs seeing the picture of Rosie and Steve from a few weeks back. She misses him so much, but she snaps her bag shut and ignores it. Staring at herself in the mirror, her mind recalling, he left you, he abandoned you... She closes her eyes, willing her brain to be kinder to herself.
Under the disco ball, Bucky sways with Andi and holds her close, whispering in her ear and making her giggle. She has her back to him and Bucky holds her tightly to his chest. 'You're a good dancer,' Andi gushes quietly, 'I never got any complaints, I don't think so anyway.' She smiles at his thoughtful face, 'what did you get complaints about?' Bucky considers it, 'I got the wrong bedroom once, climbing into a girl's house one night, got her dad instead, he had a shotgun.' Andi's eyes widen, 'I bet Steve enjoyed reminding you about that!' Bucky spins her out, pulling her back close, 'actually, I remembered that all by myself, Steve wasn't there.' Andi smiles at him warmly, 'I hope you were at least invited to her house!' Bucky looks at her dryly, 'we were going steady.' Andi raises a sceptical brow, 'fine, we shared a shake, but yes, she invited me! Oh and my sisters used to complain about my dirty skivvies on the bathroom floor, but I don't believe anyone's ever criticised my dancing.' He smirks to himself and Andi watches him, thinking this is the first time he's relayed a story about his youth, his sisters, anything, unprompted. She's dazzled by his new confidence, expressing his history and his stories. 'Tell me more, I want to know everything,' she pleads, dancing close and lying her cheek on his shoulder. Bucky rests his head atop hers and thinks what a good time he's having, surprisingly.
Andi can feel his warm palm at the base of her spine and she looks over for her sister, just in time to catch sight of a familiar face, walking through the door.
Pushing Bucky away dramatically, 'fuck me!' She mutters, looking over at the entrance. She stands on her toes, balancing on Bucky and he follows her eye line and notices Steve, in a similar uniform to his, but wonders if it might be his actual uniform. 'God, he looks amazing,' Andi gushes, Bucky coughs awkwardly at her effusive tone as Andi stares at Steve, waving a hand at Bucky, 'you're still my boy, don't worry.'
Andi panics, 'shit, where is she? What do we do? Now what?' Bucky grabs Andi's hand and twists her to face him, 'we leave them. We don't get involved.' She begins to protest, 'but I did this, I…' Andi grins slowly, 'you're right, fine. I'll leave them. But admit it, I have orchestrated this to perfection, don't you think?' Bucky chuckles at her glee and sways her on the dance floor, his eyes flicker to Steve, who is looking around and Bucky dips his hat, in hopes of avoiding his best friend, for now. 'Just dance with me, kid, and try to be subtle, just give it a go, this once.'
Steve watches as the bouncers punch his ticket and then wave an ink stamp at him, he's unsure until one taps his wrist. 'Sorry, sure,' Steve offers his hand and looks down at the approved stamp. He leans past the staff and can just about see into the main hall. The music is loud and people are squeezing past him, trying to get outside for cigarette breaks. Guests are dressed like it's 1945 and Steve almost feels out of place, it's taken him so long to accept his new life in the 21st century, but here and now he feels in the wrong time. He closes his eyes momentarily, picturing a dream he's lived many times, he and Peggy dancing in a very similar ballroom.
Someone bumps into him, a man looks up with an unlit cigarette hanging from his mouth. Clearly drunk, the guy calls loudly, 'hey! Dude, can I have a picture, you look amazing! You're the real fucking deal!' Steve relents and nods, the man digs for his phone, he's obviously inebriated as he can't line up his finger print and forgets his pass code three times.
A woman appears next to them, 'Noah! What are you doing? Have a water, will you?' She looks up at the person next to them, jumping back a little. 'Oh, shit! Captain Rogers?' The lady looks flustered and sticks out her hand. Steve looks at her unsure, but politely shakes her offered hand. 'I'm Rita, I work for Mr Stark. Miss Potts' people contacted me about a ticket, but they didn't say it was for you, are you here on your own?' She asks looking behind him, he shakes his head a little, 'no I have friends inside, Noah here just wanted a picture.' Noah's chatting to someone else now, asking if they have a light and security are warning them not to do it inside. Rita looks up at Steve, 'just go, do what you gotta do, I don't want this to turn into a nightmare for you, if he wants a picture, everyone will.' Steve looks at her, surprised by her kind offer and also that he doesn't recognise her from the tower, he feels awful. 'That's… that's really good of you, Rita.' He spots a book of raffle tickets in her hand and asks, 'did you organise all of this?' The woman smiles, 'yes, me and two friends, it's all for a good cause, here have a drink token, have ours as well, Noah has certainly had enough.' She passes him a slip and he spots a charity name on the stub, 'what is it in aid of?' Rita smiles, turning to follow her boyfriend from the building, 'aftercare for service people.' Steve smiles to himself and when he looks back up, she has gone, just offering a small wave over her shoulder.
He walks into the main hall and is taken aback by the authenticity of it all, the band, the guests, the costumes, the hall itself. He looks out over a sea of dancing couples, trying to spot people he knows. He doubts himself, wondering if this was a good idea. Rita seemed happy to see him, but what about the person he really came for. Steve double takes as an older couple tap his arm and wave their camera his way.
Amelia walks out of the restroom and smiles at the song playing, spotting her sister, still dancing with Bucky. She checks her clutch and looks over towards the bar, thinking maybe she will get another or maybe look for that guy. As she begins to walk, she spots the back of a familiar head and stops short.
Her heart races and she watches the man in uniform. No beard, blonde hair combed over and khaki suit. Green shirt, brown suit, gold tie and she swallows heavily. The broad shoulders are a giveaway and Amelia hesitates before stepping behind a pillar, hiding from view like a child. She breathes deeply and wonders why he is there, what are the chances? She stops, thinking this must be a set-up.
Peering back over, she can't believe how good he looks, just from the back, she thinks she might melt at the front. She wrings her wrists, wondering if she can avoid him or if she needs to face him head on. She softens when she peers around the corner and he has his hands awkwardly behind his back, toying with his fingers and cuffs. He's looking for someone and a small voice inside, reminds her, it's you. She feels wobbly on her knees, she knows she still loves him, so much, she gave everything to him and she meant what she told Bucky, she wants him, but he needs to make her believe he wants it too.
Amelia chastises herself for how easy it would be to fall back into his arms. She looks over again and he's been accosted by an older lady, he's posing for a photo and she smiles softly at the scene.
She dashes back to the bathroom and checks everything, her hair, her dress, her stocking seams and her teeth for lipstick. She smells her armpits and grabs tissue paper, dabbing them. Speaking into the mirror, she tells herself, 'you can do this. You can't avoid him.'
Her heart is throbbing in her chest, beating at her rib cage, demanding she does something, anything.
She leaves the bathroom and then returns, quickly remembering and grabbing her bag from the sink. When she gets outside, Steve is still stood there, looking around. She rolls her eyes, for a super soldier, he can be pretty-slow. She straightens and walks up to him, her clutch under her arm. As she gets closer, she can see he has had his haircut and the ironed seams of his trousers are perfect.
'Steve?' She asks quietly. He doesn't hear her over the music and Amelia's romantic movie moment is ruined. She calls louder, 'Steve!' She's embarrassed, it was loud and a little aggressive. He jolts and turns around, realising it's her, his eyes widen and he looks her up and down and Amelia feels like she just found water after a drought. She feels shy under his gaze, rethinking everything she's wearing and tries her best to hold eye contact, she was here first after all. Steve licks his lips, blinking, 'Amelia...' he exhales and smiles genuinely, 'you look… incredible.' She looks down, not convinced she'd go that far, but he's here early enough that everything is still holding up, eyelashes are on, no runs in her stockings and she can still stand in her shoes. Her face heats up, and she gently closes her eyes, willing herself to stay in control.
Steve watches her bite her lip, looking shy at his complement, but he means it, he's never seen her look more stunning. She's perfect for the era, the kind of girl you would dream of coming home to, one you would write to and pin a photo of on your bedside wall. But that's not what he loves about her, watching her face him, a defiant stance, he's reminded of her independence, passion and beauty. He can tell it's difficult for her as well as him. He looks at her pale skin and curves poured into her dress, it splays at her knees and everything about her feels like coming home.
'What are you doing here?' She asks him in a harassed tone. He fidgets and thinks he better not drop Andi in it. 'I came for you, to make this right.' Amelia blushes a little and he doesn't know what else to say. He scratches his neck, his head, he feels like he's breaking out in hives, he feels sixteen again. He looks out across the room, 'you want to dance?' She's surprised, it seems a little forward, but against her brain, her heart cheers yes and before she knows it she is following him to the dance floor, stopping beside their table with her bag and then onto the wooden floor boards. Steve can't believe she said yes and he looks out across the sea of couples, wondering where they fit in. He feels like all eyes are on them, but in reality nobody cares.
She can't see her sister and it feels like it might as well be just her and Steve. He stands opposite her and looks down, offering her his hand and placing the other on her waist, carefully and cautiously. Amelia bites her lip to stop from gasping as he touches her. She looks to the ceiling and prays she can keep it together, not lose it and shout at a public event or scream and cry at the same event. Steve looks down at his hand, resting at the curve of her hip. People dance beside them, laughing and singing along.
He laughs a little, 'I never actually did this back in the day and I've only really danced with you. This all feels a bit surreal. Umm, the band are good.' He nods to the stage, Amelia follows his eyes and finds it hard to look back at him, it all feels too easy.
They sway lightly and Amelia eventually gives in and turns her head back towards him, she eyes his patches and pins. 'This is a good look on you' she says surely, he just smiles, staring at her. She looks around for her sister, and spots them at the bar.
Amelia looks up at Steve from under long lashes and he pulls her close, matching her steps and spinning her under his arm. She laughs, 'we are better at this than the first time.' Steve looks serious, 'that's what I am hoping for.' Amelia is surprised by his words. She gives in and leans her cheek against his chest. She mumbles 'I've missed you' and she almost hopes he didn't hear it, but the way he squeezes her, tells her he did. She remembers him saying those words, in the backseat of her car, his hand on her bare thigh. Steve leans down and whispers in her ear, 'how's our girl?' Amelia's heart flutters and she closes her eyes, feeling how easy it is to slip back into this. But it's not Rosie's fault and she won't hold it back from him. 'She's doing well, very proud of her pink arm. Just looking for a super power.' Steve laughs and his chest vibrates against Amelia.
Steve looks around, he thought Bucky was here, 'you know this is for soldiers?' Amelia nods, 'yeah, I looked it up on my phone when I was waiting at the bar, really lovely, hey? Turns out my sister really thinks when she puts her mind to it.' He looks around and smiles at the sea of couples. 'Speaking of, I should go find her, nice to see you, Steve,' Amelia politely dismisses him and searches for her sister. Steve pulls back in disappointment and looks at her, desperately trying to keep her there, 'don't go. How have you been?' Amelia looks up at him, panicked, unsure of how to answer. The truth is, terrible. The lie is, ok and the elaborate lie is, oh, I'm so over it.
Amelia steps back, and stares at Steve, the room is spinning and her legs feel weak. Suddenly it feels like she dreamt this from her bed, fantasised it from her work desk, she can't accept it's real, that he's actually here, opposite her, saying all the right things. She focuses on her breathing, then her throat, she can't swallow, her mouth is dry, but there's nothing to swallow but fear. She strokes her hair and her mouth moves as if she might say something. She feels another couple brush her back and Steve offers her his hand again. She stares at it, thinking take it, take it. But she can't commit, she can't take that leap, her faith is damaged and wounded. 'I… need to go, I need some air,' she backs away and Steve watches her dart from the room, winding through dancing guests and quickly running up the stairs, towards the exit.
He stares at where she stood and thinks he might be done, maybe he should just go home. A hand gives him a gentle push and when he looks over his shoulder, his best friend is there, 'go after her, punk.' He smiles a little, pleased to see him and finally spotting Andi as well, she nods expectantly, 'what are you waiting for?' Steve doesn't need telling twice, running to catch up with her.
AN: Super long chapter, I did think about splitting it and the next one, but didn't bother. One chapter to go for part 1 . I hope it's a good read. There were so many bits I loved writing and coming up with here, I like the Bucky throwback to Chapter 11 (I love a throwback). I really like coming up with little stories from Bucky's younger years, as there's not much written anywhere, you can inflate things and get creative.
So we will just wait and see if Steve and Amelia can make things right…
Thank you for reading, everyone's been really nice Take care, stay safe.