AN:Hello, thanks for reading, I know I say it every update, but I do really mean thank you Usual Disclaimer applies, don't own anything, all Marvel's!
Chapter 15: Best Laid Plans
'Welcome everyone to this extraordinary wedmin planning session.' Bucky rolls his eyes and rubs his face in despair, as Andi conducts her "meeting." Steve looks about the group, Amelia is almost falling asleep after a day at work and Bucky looks fed up already, 'is this really necessary? A meeting?' Andi looks aghast, 'yes, I tried to book an actual conference room, so this is a huge step down, us in some unkept Avenger kitchen. Pinning you lot down is hard work!' Steve watches as she hands out printed lists, issuing each person with one. Bucky frowns at the document, 'this is a very long list.' He flips it over, shocked to see a second page. Steve smirks at some of the things listed, 'cake tasting?' Andi looks annoyed at his lack of respect and Amelia throws an arm in the air, waving lazily 'I will do that, that sounds like fun.' She's propped up at the kitchen bar, her eyes dim as she yawns loudly. Andi shakes her head, 'no, jobs are assigned.' Steve casts an eye down the list, 'most of these have my name against them…' Andi shrugs, 'well I can't send Barnes alone for suits, he might never return, and definitely not with the suit he went for.'
Steve looks back to the list, 'I'm in charge of all of this? Confetti, flowers, balloons? Really? I'm not the one getting married.' Bucky scoffs and Andi looks over to her sister quickly, feeling guilty. Amelia pats his knee, none the wiser, whispering, 'be supportive, please.' Steve feels bad and turns to Andi, 'sorry, this looks great. Seriously, I'm very pleased to be involved in any way.'
Natasha walks in, looking around the group, before heading towards the fridge, she asks, 'involved in what? Am I involved?' Bucky perks up, 'sure, you can have my list.' Andi scolds him, 'hey, come on now!' Natasha peers over Amelia's shoulder, reading carefully. She smiles to herself, looking between the two men, 'looks like fun, enjoy!' Bucky watches her leave, jealous of wherever she's going.
'So, does everyone know what area they are in charge of?' Amelia groans, 'not going into labour at the altar, most likely.' Andi looks down with embarrassment, the clash of dates is still a point of contention. 'Is there really no way you can shift it?' Amelia pleads and Andi looks guilty, 'we paid, it's all done. I'm sorry, that was all they had and I just didn't think.' Steve looks at her sceptically, standard.
'Ok, so first things first, a guest list. My big idea was Bucky and I do a list each and then we combine. If we have a deadline for say, Thursday?' She acts like it's off the top her head, but Steve can see her mad scribblings in her notebook. 'Thursday is my sixteen week scan,' Amelia sleepily contributes.
Steve gently rubs her back, 'we should go home soon, you look tired.' Andi grins at them, leaning across the counter, 'you decided yet?' Steve looks confused, 'on what?' She beams, 'if you are finding out the sex.' Steve lightens, announcing 'yes' as Amelia states 'no.' Andi purses her lips, waiting for the awkwardness to ensue. Steve turns to Amelia, 'is that, no, we haven't decided? Or, no, you don't want to know?' Amelia shuffles uncomfortably, 'I don't really want to know, I didn't with Rosie, it's exciting not knowing.' Steve looks stressed at the idea, 'but how do you plan, decorate, buy what you need…' he looks around, three sets of eyes giggling and taunting him. Amelia leans against his shoulder, 'you're sweet, but babies are babies, whatever the gender. You can only plan so much.' Steve doesn't look settled with this level of uncertainty. Andi chirps in, 'well, get them to stick it in an envelope and make a call at a later date. You know, if you two get bored of each other and need something to do one night.' Steve looks at her with a raised brow and Amelia tugs his attention back to her, 'that's a sweet idea. It's exciting not knowing.' Steve just nods, Andi flips the kettle on, 'oh, Barnes, when you make your guest list, don't forget your perky little stalker.' He looks confused and then she reminds him, 'Torie?' Bucky grumbles under his breath, Steve lighting up, 'I never asked how your tour went that day.' Bucky mutters something and Steve pushes him, 'sorry? What? What did you say?'
'I fell asleep, ok? Missed the agreed meet and never caught up with her. I've had some guy in my ear for two weeks, she's away training, apparently. I don't know.' Andi chuckles as she makes coffee, laughing at him. 'I mean, what a heart breaker, am I right? Steve? Did he miss a lot of dates back in the day?' Steve scoffs, Bucky stands quickly, 'alright, alright, I felt bad, I'd forgotten about it until you idiots brought it up.'
Amelia looks confused, yawning 'sorry, who is this person?'
Andi grins, 'well, "call me Torie" is Bucky's new communications assistant. She whispers sweet nothings in his ear all day. Oh, and she has a big old boner for Barnes.' Amelia's mouth drops open a little and Bucky protests, 'she does not, grow up.' Steve coughs and Bucky challenges him, 'what was that?' Steve shrugs, 'nothing, nothing. But she did seem very effusive on that tour with you.' Andi reaches for a mug, 'they had lunch together. I interrupted.' Bucky slams his hands on the counter, 'she isn't interested!' Andi gives him a look and he recovers, 'and neither am I. I'm engaged for Christ's sake.' There's cheers and whistles, the group excited to hear him say that. Bucky tells them to be quiet, storming from the room.
'Are you worried?' Amelia asks her sister gently, once he's gone. Andi just laughs, 'of what? No! She's way too peppy, he'd have enough. Quickly.'
'Ah, hello, people who don't live here, how are we this fine evening?' Tony strolls into view, grabbing Andi's freshly made coffee, 'hey!' Tony eyes up Amelia, 'how's things, Mrs Cap? How's my God child growing?' Amelia blushes a little, her sister encouraging her to stand and show her tiny bump. 'Stop it, Mr Stark, doesn't want to see that.' Tony smiles at the pair, 'I saw the kid watching TV out there, but where's your miserable boyfriend?' Andi bristles, 'fiancé!' Tony sighs, 'sure, I'll believe that when I see it.' Andi opens her mouth to respond, he stops her 'you booked a venue, I know, I know, we keep discussing it, well you do.' Amelia giggles a little. 'I actually came to speak to you, Captain Amazeballs.' He points at Steve and the super solider looks put out, 'hmm, really?' Tony nods, indicating for him to step out. Steve gives in and stands slowly, his chair screeching across the floor. He kisses Amelia's head, 'I'll be back, then we will head out, try and stay awake.'
The two women watch them go, Andi gritting her teeth in faux fear, 'wonder what that is about.' Amelia shrugs, disinterested. 'I see that I am down for some dress shopping.' Andi smiles in delight, 'I can't wait, I've invited Dana.' Amelia pauses, 'I thought you'd asked mom?' Andi nods, 'I have, they speak, it's no big deal.' Amelia looks panicked, 'that could be catastrophic, can't you change it, un-invite mom? Just please, don't put me through that!' Andi looks a little uncertain, 'it will be fine, don't be dramatic.' Amelia just hums in disagreement, 'what about bridesmaids?' Andi swings her arms happily, 'well, you, obviously. And Rosie is Maid of Honour.' Amelia cuts in, 'I thought that was a joke? She's six!' Andi laughs, 'yeah, but like you say, you're going to be incapacitated to a certain extent.' Amelia doesn't like the wording there at all. 'I can hold some flowers and a dress!' Andi blanks her, 'I thought about asking Mel but I think I'm going to suggest Bucky has a choice, picks the third. I think we all know who it will be, unless it's his comms officer, he only knows one other woman… Oh and Maria Hill, but she's terrifying.'
Amelia looks back at the list she's been issued. 'You haven't told him, have you?' Amelia whispers harshly, Andi shrugs, 'told who? What?'
Amelia stresses, 'Bucky, the bigger wedding thing, that you don't want tiny! What are you going to do, surprise him on the day with one hundred of your closest friends and family? Poor guy!' Andi wipes her face, feeling guilty, 'no, well no, not that many, seventy? Is that really that big? I mean that's just a rough calculation I did at work one day.' Amelia groans, 'oh my God, do you do any work?' Andi waves her hands at her sister, 'please be quiet, he might hear you!'
The pair can suddenly hear raised voices and Andi whispers, 'shhh! Listen.' The voices are mumbled, getting clearer and closer as someone walks down the hallway.
The sisters look at each other, Andi grinning, enjoying listening in.
'Forget it, Tony. I told you! You swore to me.'
Amelia straightens, realising its Steve's agitated voice.
'There's nothing I can do, Cap, fires need putting out, you've got the water. That's the way it works. Now, it was me or Fury breaking the news to you, so be grateful.'
'One. Day. Tony. That's all I asked for!'
'I know, I get it, it's… unlucky.'
'Unlucky?'
There's silence.
'What if I don't go?' Steve's voice is strained.
'You and I both know that's not happening,' Tony laughs.
'What if I go?' Another voice adds to the mix and Andi mouths 'Bucky' to her sister in confirmation. Amelia nods, swallowing and listening to them.
'Gee, thanks, Terminator, but if it could be you, don't you think I would have asked you? Save myself this grief. No, it needs to be Steve.'
'Can't you reschedule?' It's Tony's voice and he sounds genuinely desperate.
'To find out how my baby is growing? No, I can't change it.'
Andi bites her lip, locking eyes on her sister, who looks pale. Amelia looks around as if they've been caught listening. 'Mia…' Amelia shakes her sister away, 'it's fine.' Andi asks, 'can you change the date?' Amelia wipes her tears quickly, 'I don't want to, it's a sixteen week scan and I'll be at sixteen weeks.' She looks at her sister frankly, she looks tired and fed up, 'I can't keep missing things, being late, putting my life on hold. So no, I cannot cancel. I won't.' She stands quickly, grabbing her coat, 'let me know about dress shopping, when you need me,' she sniffs, 'I'll be there.'
Andi offers quickly, trailing after her sister 'I would come with you to the scan, but Tony and I… I'm going with him to Chicago for a meeting, I'm so sorry.' Amelia offers a weak smile, 'it's nothing, honestly.' She feels a drop in her stomach, knowing it's the opposite, it's everything.
The voices get further away and then Bucky strolls back inside. The tension is apparent in his shoulders and he suddenly makes eye contact with the girls, muttering, 'fuck. Take it you heard all that?' Amelia doesn't respond, pulling her jacket on. Bucky tries to speak to her but to no avail. 'Rosie's asleep out there' he explains and Amelia sighs, a quick getaway off the table. She pins him down with a hard gaze 'can you carry her to the car?' Bucky jumps into action, 'uh sure, you not waiting for St…' Amelia shouts, 'no! I'll meet him down there!' Andi and Bucky share a look and Amelia offers a half assed wave, leaving quickly. Andi stops Bucky, 'speak to her, do something, I'm going to kill Tony. How hard is it for a war not to break out on one effing day?' Bucky just nods, heading after Amelia.
…
Bucky follows Amelia to the parking lot, a dozy Rosie in his arms. 'Where are we going?' She mumbles into his shoulder. Bucky mutters, 'home, bed time.' Rosie shakes her head, grumpily, 'no, not yet, I'm not tired.' Bucky chuckles, her eyes closing softly.
Amelia keeps her head down, willing herself to hold it together in front of Bucky. She checks her pocket for their keys and thinks about just leaving and abandoning Steve at the tower.
Once they arrive at the car, she takes Rosie, wrestling her into the back seat, strapping her in and closing the door as softly as possible. She breathes out in relief when she checks the little girl is still passed out.
Bucky puts his hands in his pockets awkwardly, unsure what to say. 'Good luck with the scan, you know.' Amelia bites her lip, looking away. She uses her sleeve to rub something off the car, looking for any distraction.
'Steve's not even going to be there, is he?' Bucky's mouth opens and Amelia knows the answer. She inhales steadily, 'we haven't really agreed if we are finding out the sex. It's all such a mess. I knew he wouldn't be here.' She kicks the ground, 'sorry, this isn't your issue.' Bucky offers desperately, 'can't you move it? So, he can be there?' Amelia looks up in frustration, 'what, so he can bail again? Cancel last minute? No. I have to live my life too.'
Bucky looks at her sadly, before he can stop himself he offers 'I could go with you?' Amelia stops short, pausing and slowly looking at him, 'really? You'd do that?' Bucky looks unsure, wondering if he can take it back. She looks touched, which suggests it's too much. 'Uhh, I mean, if there's nothing going on here, don't see why not, I offered to go in his place for the job, but no dice.' Amelia stares at him is shock, he continues 'I mean, Andi's away all week with Stark.' Amelia wells up, 'why would you do that? You hate hospitals.' Bucky looks at her seriously, 'I do, but I don't hate you.' Amelia offers him a watery smile, her lip shaking with emotion. 'That's really sweet of you, umm yes, ok, yes, let's do that. It's not weird, right?'
Bucky shrugs, 'who's to say.' Amelia smiles at his attitude, 'good point. Thank you so much, so I'll just wait and see if you're free and we can go from there?' Bucky swings on his feet nervously, Amelia flatters 'I mean Steve may be back and then you'll be let off… Fine, who am I kidding, he won't be there, it's my life we are talking about.' Amelia suddenly steps in close, hugging him tightly, murmuring 'thank you.' Bucky holds her warmly, cupping her shoulder and pulling her close, he feels her squeeze him a little and he hopes he's done the right thing.
As Steve steps through the fire exit and enters the lot he stops, spotting Bucky and Amelia embracing. She looks content, eyes closed and wrapped up by his best friend. Steve feels a surge of something as he watches on.
Amelia senses someone and her eyes open, Steve staring back at her coldly. 'Uh, you should get back inside, get started on your guest list.' Bucky steps back, 'yeah ok, umm, see you Thursday?' Amelia nods gratefully and he spins to leave. Coming face to face with Steve, he stops, surprised he missed him, but continues past. Stalling next to him, he looks at his friend, but has nothing to offer. He looks back at Amelia, 'you two will be there, at the wedding?' She nods vigorously, 'yes, of course.' Bucky shrugs, 'guess I'm done with that guest list then.' Amelia smiles fondly after him and Steve spits out, 'Thursday?' Amelia holds her own, folding her arms and explaining, 'Bucky has offered to come with me, to the scan.' Steve swallows, his throat visibly moving. 'Right.'
'Amelia, I'm sorry, I have and I will keep trying everything to get out of it, I will be there.' She scoffs at his pleas, Steve looks at her desperately, 'can you cut me some slack?' Amelia's eyes widen, 'seriously?' Her voice lifts a little and Steve looks in the car, checking that Rosie is asleep. 'I am on your side, Steve. I don't want you to miss out, I'm sorry that it hurts me and upsets me that you won't be there. I am not going to sit by and nod like a little woman and tell you "oh that's ok, dear. There will be more." I don't intend on pushing anything else out of there, I tell you!' Steve watches her, as her face flushes and her arms wave furiously, he grumbles 'well at least you have Bucky.' Amelia halts, 'oh get over yourself, he was being a friend!' Steve scoffs, 'yeah looked like that.' Amelia can't believe this is what they are discussing. Steve sighs, 'look, just leave it with me, I'll be there.' Amelia says nothing and he states again, 'I'll be there.' She looks at his sad pleading face and she reminds herself that he did try to get out of it, she heard him near on beg for a reprieve. Steve stutters, 'but if I can't be there, then I am pleased Bucky will be, that's good of him to offer like that.' Amelia can see how that thought eats away at Steve, his best friend holding her hand and not him.
Softening, she steps closer to him, 'I wish it was you.' Steve doesn't make eye contact, biting his gum in shame. She reaches for his hand, 'I understand.' Steve looks up, surprised by her honest, genuine tone. 'I'm just disappointed.' Steve was feeling better, but that stings, he'd rather she was mad at him. 'Come on, let's go home.' She nods to the car and drops his hand, strolling away to the passenger side.
…
'Right, so that all looks good. Just one last thing…' Amelia subtly checks her watch, ready for this morning meeting to wrap up. Looking over at Richard, his blonde hair overly groomed and his white shirt tactically poking out his 100% wool sweater. She's trying to warm to him, but things he says and does just rile her. She looks around at the fawning colleagues, who seem to think he was sent from on high.
'It's a bit of a rising story and I am not at liberty to say where I got the info from, but… well, have a look for yourselves.' He issues a sheet to each of the production team and Amelia accepts a copy politely. Scanning over it, her eyes centre in on the headlines. She looks up displeased, 'but this isn't right, it's not even true.'
Richard shrugs, 'according to my source, it is.' Amelia re-reads the sheet, 'who's your source?' Richard folds his arms smugly, 'can't tell you or I'd have to kill you.' There's a wave of laughter from around the board room and Amelia rolls her eyes at the oldest line in the book. 'You can't run this, it's nothing, it's hearsay.' She looks across at Mark, expecting him to agree with her. He's still reading, leaning back and nodding, 'I think there's enough here, put it on the couch gossip section and we can go from there, good job, Rich. Right, thank you everyone and back to work.' Amelia watches as her boss leaves the room, signing off on the printed nonsense in her hand.
People begin to leave and Amelia approaches Richard, 'you are something else, I can see through you, through your nice guy persona.' Richard just laughs at her, snatching the paper back, 'better take that, don't want it in the wrong hands.' Amelia shakes her head at him, 'you're a snake and I can see it, Natalie can see it, soon the others will.' He laughs bitterly, 'Natalie? Your snack buddy? Honestly Amelia, this isn't high school, get a grip. Anyway, I'm kind of impressed you have the courage to call me out. It looks good on you.' Amelia seethes close to him, 'you air that and you are besmirching the name of the world's greatest heroes.' Richard looks impressed, 'besmirching, good job, someone went to college.' Amelia shakes her head at him, 'that is lies, all of it.' Richard shrugs, 'or your boyfriend just doesn't tell you the good stuff.' Amelia falters a little, wondering if there are things she doesn't know about. Richard looks down at her, 'Amelia, you need to calm down, you are pregnant.' Amelia can feel a scream rising in her throat, using all her energy to block it. 'And? What does that matter?' She demands and he smirks, 'you're right, nothing, it would be unfair on me to go easy on you because of "that."'
Beth appears at the entrance to the conference room, 'hey, Rich, ready to go?' He nods, winking at her, 'yeah, meet you down stairs.' She smiles flirtatiously and retreats seductively. Amelia watches in horror and he tilts his head, 'hey, now, don't be jealous.' Amelia leaps back, concerned he might touch her, 'dream on. I need to go, I need to find Mark.' She leaves quickly, 'great talk, until next time,' he calls after her, grinning to himself.
Amelia races to catch up with her boss, spotting him beside a coffee machine. 'Mark, please don't run that story.' She's breathless and he checks she's ok. He puts his money in the machine and turns to her thoughtfully, 'which story?' Amelia sighs, 'the last one, Richard's story. About Stark, The Avengers, I don't know where he got it, but it's not…' Mark smiles 'oh yes, that one.'
Amelia panics at his small grin, 'but it's not even right, it's not true.' She's pleading now as he bends and grabs his drink. He starts to walk for his office, Amelia in tow, still pleading.
Mark smiles blowing on his hot drink. 'He told me he had something good and from a very credible source.' Amelia pauses, concerned, 'who? Who is this source?' Mark shakes his head, 'doesn't matter, but a rift in the Avengers, big news and a huge scoop for us.' Amelia shouts, 'there is no rift! Who is the source?' Mark eyes her, patting her shoulder. 'I can't disclose that, Amelia, but I will tell you it was from within the tower, see, credible! But it's confidential, clearly you are too involved in this one.'
Amelia growls, 'it's not the FBI, Mark. Please, I need to know.' Mark sips his drink, watching her at the door to his office, 'no and I think its best you stay away from this story. Your personal life is clouding your judgement. News is our job. Your job. Once upon a time you were hungry for a story like this.' He steps into his office, 'good luck with your scan tomorrow, we will see you on Friday,' he closes the door smoothly.
…
'Don't think I can't see what you are up to, trying to push me out,' Amelia stares ahead, watching the descending floor numbers, Richard beside her, smiling smugly. She ducked him for the rest of the day, in hopes of not punching him. When it came time to go home, she audibly groaned as he joined her in the elevator. 'Don't be ridiculous, Amelia, it's business. I like you, I have a lot of time for you, but you being part time makes no sense.' Amelia looks round at him slowly, 'I meant that nonsense you are spreading about Ste.. about the Avengers.' He laughs loudly, 'oh right, yeah.' Amelia looks at him sharply, 'what has my part time contract got to do with you?' Richard adjusts his coat, 'a lot actually, what makes sense is me taking the lion's share of the work and if that means your segments, I'm truly sorry.' He pauses, 'ok fine, only kind of sorry.' Amelia grits her teeth, muttering 'asshole.' Inside she feels panicked, desperately trying to hide it from him.
Richard chuckles at her, she turns quickly, 'I won't let you do this, we were fine before you arrived. You might be happy brown nosing your way to the top, but I've worked for this since college, raised my little girl on my own and worked the entire time. Being a mom has made me better at this job, not worse. I know hard work.' Richard folds his arms, mocking her, acting impressed, 'wow, you hero. All on your own? Don't you live with your sister and aren't you dating Captain America? Calling in the Avengers for baby-sitting duties? Yeah, seems like a hard gig. Oh, and soon you'll be pushing out another one. Martyr status achieved.' He leans in closer, 'but what really gets to you, is that Stevie-boy might be hiding school yard details from you, isn't it? They've had a big old slap on the wrist and you had no idea.'
Amelia tries to hide her shock, she didn't think he knew any of this, only the farfetched versions in the magazines. She swallows, feeling backed into a corner, 'I'm not discussing this with you.' Richard laughs, 'you should, it's really juicy stuff, I'd love to pick your brain sometime.'
'Stop smiling,' she insists, noting him grinning in her periphery.
He takes his phone out, checking it, scanning the screen quickly, 'you want to get a drink?' Amelia double takes, 'sorry, are you mad? A drink with you? You and me?' He nods flippantly, 'yeah, I quite enjoy the whole Tom and Jerry thing we have going on.' Amelia scoffs, 'no! I have plans.' Richard barks out a laugh, 'sure you do, I'm sure he's at home waiting for you.' Amelia blushes shyly, 'oh do shut up. Stop talking!' He laughs to himself, still flicking through his phone, occasionally glancing at the tightly wound brunette. The elevator opens and Amelia hurries out, she can hear Richard calling after her and she snaps back, 'what now?' He just shrugs, 'nah, it can wait, I'll let you enjoy your evening.' She hears her name again from another angle and turns around, 'what!?'
Steve stands there, looking concerned, 'hey, you ok? We came to pick you up, maybe grab some dinner?' Amelia stutters awkwardly, relieved to see him, but dreading what's coming next. 'I'm fine, let's go, quick.'
'Amelia, I don't want you to...' Steve looks past her, spotting the man calling to his girlfriend, 'oh, looks like I was wrong about one thing,' Richard smiles. Amelia wipes her face in exhaustion, 'you can go, we are done here.' Steve is so confused by her rude tone and she turns to him sweetly, 'wait, you said we?' Steve steps to one side so she can see Rosie watching bubbles in a wall installation. 'Oh hey there!' She calls over and Rosie turns spotting her, 'mommy!' She cheers running over.
Richard stands there arrogantly, when she realises he isn't going anywhere, she gives up and introduces him.
'Oh Steve, this is Richard, Richard this is Steve.' The men shake hands and Amelia hopes the interaction ends there. 'I'm Rosie,' she announces proudly and Richard bends down, 'Hi Rosie, I'm Rich, nice to meet you.' The little girl is flattered by the attention, waving shyly. 'It's Richard,' Amelia grits out and Steve looks concerned by her manner. 'What a lovely family you have, Amelia.' She folds her arms, biting her tongue and avoiding his eye.
Steve watches the guy, as he chats with Rosie, smiling back at Amelia in provocation. He straightens and looks Steve up and down. 'You're smaller in real life, big guy. We will have to get you in on the couch, chat about those rumours.' Steve looks unimpressed, 'what rumours?' Richard shrugs, smiling 'dunno yet, but a word to the wise, the press take no prisoners. I guess you do have a woman on the inside.' Rosie looks him up and down, 'you are very tall,' Richard nods down at her, patting her head patronisingly, 'cute kid, perceptive, she'll go far. Just like her mom.' Amelia is about to lose her patience. 'I'll see you tomorrow, Amelia. Oh no, wait, I'll see you the day after tomorrow. Don't worry, I'll look after the ship whilst you're away. Good luck with your scan, bring pics.'
Amelia watches him swing by the front desk and make the staff there ruffle with giggles. She's infuriated that everyone seems to think he's a miracle worker, with great hair and white teeth. Steve steps in close to her, 'ok, what was that about?' She looks at him, well, almost everybody. 'You know, let's get that dinner and go home, we need to talk.'
…
'You know, I never told you how cute it was, you offering to go to Mia's scan,' Andi grins, shoving takeaway into her mouth. Bucky looks up at her, surprised and blushing a little, 'ah, well you know, it seemed like the right thing to do, you're not going to be here.' Andi watches him across the jet, 'yeah, this is our last night, still it's only a few days, it's normally you flitting off somewhere, look out Chicago, here I come!' Bucky chuckles, chomping on his own food, he scrapes the carton with his wooden fork she supplied and quickly peers about, 'you didn't need to do this, bring dinner.' Andi nods, crunching on a cracker, 'no, I know, but last supper and all, I didn't know when you'd be home and this seemed like a good idea and a touch romantic, shame about the view though.' They both look up at the grey hangar door in front of them, through the quinjet window. Bucky scoffs, 'oh shit, it's Hill, head down!' Andi ducks, flustered in her co-pilot seat, almost knocking rice everywhere, as Bucky laughs and catches the container. 'I'm kidding, chill out.' Andi stares at him angrily, 'not funny, I'm on strict warnings not to come down here, let alone picnic in the front seat.' Bucky laughs, he thought it was funny.
They eat side by side, Bucky lounging in the captain's seat and Andi beside him, feet on the dash. 'Can you believe they are having a baby?' Bucky munches on his food, killing her as she waits for an opinion, 'no.' Andi sighs with discontent, he did that on purpose. 'So this wedding…' Bucky swallows audibly at that part, 'uh, yeah?' Andi pokes her food idly with her chopsticks, 'I uh, ummm…' Bucky waits impatiently, 'spit it out, kid, come on, your dinner's getting cold.' She takes a deep breath, 'I… I'd like a cake.'
Bucky breathes out, grinning, 'ok, I can handle cake, what kind?' She shrugs and licks her lips, berating herself for not being honest. 'Just cake, any cake.' Bucky's face creases, 'ok, no need to look so scared about cake.' She laughs awkwardly, 'no, I guess not, so there's some room for manoeuvre then?' Bucky places his empty dish on the control dashboard and folds his arms, 'yeah, I mean, it's a wedding, I get it, I believe this is what they call compromise.' Andi nods, smiling and relaxing a little.
Looking about, she queries, 'think we will still be here in five years?' Bucky shrugs accepting her leftovers that she can't finish, 'I… I don't know, and that's ok.' Andi laughs loudly, 'ok, Avengers Anonymous, that was very preachy and therapy like, but I guess the sentiment is true, it's ok to not know what's going to happen next.' Bucky nods, pouring rice into his mouth, 'that's what my Doc. says.' Andi thinks on it, 'maybe I should get some therapy.' Bucky frowns, 'for what?' She looks insulted, 'hey, we all have our own issues, it's not a competition.' She opens her mouth with a gasp and an idea, he immediately cuts her off, 'no, you ain't coming with me, never.'
AN: Thanks for reading At this point, Amelia may be being a bit unreasonable, but she's had enough. Andi's ploughing on with her 'medium' sized wedding, Steve is still stuck between two worlds and Bucky spoke without thinking and may find himself in a gynaecologist's office next chapter ;)
Stay safe and take care x
