Hello! Hope you are well, happy WandaVision day, not sure what to expect from that at all! But I can't wait for the Falcon/Winter Soldier show.
Thank you for all the comments, lots of Bucky love! So, we are going dress shopping and Bucky fills his empty days
Stay safe x
Chapter 29: Weddings and Wednesdays
Andi peers up from her desk, distracted by a noise. She looks over to see a dented starred shield drifting across the lab, Tony tucked behind it. She rolls her eyes, 'don't shoot,' he jokes. She just turns away, muttering 'not funny.' He discards the shield and walks across, dropping a pastry bag on her desk. 'Peace offering,' he states coolly, and she glances at it sadly.
'You look smart,' he comments and her eyes flit down to her tailored suit, 'just hiding my heartache,' she admits softly.
'How's things?' He asks semi seriously, Andi shrugs 'not good. Honestly, I'm quite relieved to be out of the house, he's not in a good place.' Tony nods, 'yeah, it was pretty rough. Oh, and hey, good job, Bonnie, on running down there and making things worse.' Andi eyes him, 'I've been formally warned by Steve the Almighty. It won't happen again.'
Tony grits his teeth, 'he reappeared then? Great, that means I'm his next stop.' Andi watches him move fluidly around the lab, she grumbles 'where's the arm gone?' Tony shouts back, 'tucked away, safe and sound next door. I promised it would be here when he gets back.'
Andi gulps, 'you sound so confident. Being confident has taken it out of me these last two days.' Tony stops and walks back across, 'I believe him, I do. But it's serious and we owe it to her to investigate, the CCTV didn't catch anything, which in itself is suspicious. You know, when Fury came to me and suggested he joined the team, I wasn't keen, buuuut, he's done good work, he's a solid ally. It would be a shame to lose him.' Andi watches Tony, Bucky's deal coming to mind and she wonders how she missed it, has Tony always said stuff like this, why is she only seeing this now? Fury is behind all of it, people always say he has lots of secrets.
Tony interrupts her thoughts, 'look, a word of advice, Barnes needs to argue and justify every point. Character witnesses speak volumes, that's a great place to start.' Andi looks up at him with pleading eyes. 'Can't, little Miller, you know that, I'm involved.' Andi groans and grabs her pastry, looking in the bag, she's secretly pleased he remembered her favourite.
'You still needing Monday off? For whatever it was.' Andi nods, answering dryly 'wedding dress shopping? Yeah.'
After a while, she adds, 'he wants to carry on.'
'And so you should! I've thrown parties under way worse scenarios, trust me.' Andi scoffs, then mumbles 'I hope he's ok at home.' Tony chuckles, 'Barnes is a big boy, he can look after himself.'
Sam Wilson pokes his head around the door and waves, 'knock-knock, hey there, sorry to interrupt, just looking for Barnes. Any sign?' Andi swallows and looks to Tony, ushering 'you haven't told people?' He just shrugs, Sam appears confused, 'I am interrupting something? I'll umm…' Tony waves him over, 'no, come in. Uhh, Barnes isn't going to be here for the foreseeable, when I see Captain A-Hole I will know more. For the time being I have asked FRIDAY to remove him from all call sheets.' Sam appears alarmed, turning to Andi, who is tinkering idly with a screwdriver. 'Is he ok?'
Andi doesn't move. Tony winces, moving his head from side to side, 'depends what you mean by ok, but yes, he's alive and well, with all three limbs.' Andi drops her screwdriver, annoyed by the comment.
'Like I said, Steven may have more information, when he drags his lazy ass in.' Tony points to the door and Sam takes the hint, leaving quickly, 'right ok, well ok, sure.'
Tony breathes out, looking across at Andi biting her nails and staring off absently. 'Focus up, blondie.' Andi looks at him awkwardly, 'how come you can call me nicknames?' Tony doesn't know the answer, 'we both get a kick out of it and I know you call me names behind my back.'
Tony quickly thinks of something, 'hey, can you go find Happy, break it him that his annual physical is due, otherwise that medical is not getting renewed.' Andi looks at him as if he's joking, realising he's not, she drags herself up.
'Oh hey, how's your sister?' Andi stills, 'very pregnant and out of your league. You know, if you were trying to make my day better, sending me with bad news to Happy feels counterproductive.' Tony chuckles, watching as she mopes out the door. He breathes out, relieved to be rid of her morose aura.
The door flies open only a few minutes later and Tony calls 'back already? Happy must have taken it very well.' He turns around to see a very straight-faced Steve. 'Oops, wrong person, how you doing, Cap? Thought I saw your picture on the side of my milk, I was wondering where you got to?'
'Tony…'
The billionaire continues, 'I hear you were away having a steamy weekend with my favourite brunette.'
'Tony?'
The older man babbles 'and now you have another petulant child living at home, which is what I assume you are trying to ask me about?'
'Tony, stop!' Steve shouts and Tony finally pauses, leaning against a desk, 'you don't come down here very often anymore, a guy could get a complex. Right, let's get this over with. Barnes. Can I do anything? No. Can you do anything? Doubtful. Do I know the decision? Not yet. Was that all?'
Steve braces, 'I wanted to say thank you, Bucky said you were very good to him and I appreciate it.' Tony is shocked but laps up the appreciation. 'You just missed your sister-in-law, she's taking it pretty hard, didn't even bring coffee this morning. We do have another issue though, someone needs to break it to team A. I've already had to lie to Wilson once today. Think you can do that?'
Steve looks concerned and confused 'what do I even say?'
'The truth, but no details, who said what, the content etcetera. Actually, make something up!' Steve agrees sombrely, Tony shouts 'FRIDAY, set it up, get all the minions in conference room B, kick whoever's in there out, shall we say… eleven? Give them something to chat about over lunch?' Steve nods sadly, 'look, Steve, this will go to a hearing, a disciplinary thing, whatever it's called, it's a serious allegation, prepare for that, that's all I'm saying.'
Steve peers around the lab, no Bruce, no Andi. 'There's something else I need to tell you,' Steve announces, and Tony closes his eyes, 'oh God, if you've knocked someone up in payroll, I quit, quit my own company. Done. Out of here. It's too much.' Steve looks horrified at the notion, 'how are you so inappropriate all the time and Bucky is the one being held accountable?' Tony shrugs, genuinely unsure.
'No, it's something else…' Steve waivers and Tony yawns, 'I've aged as much as you, waiting for you to cough up whatever righteous twaddle you need to air. Oh, don't forget the gala next week, you're making a speech, bring the wife and her bump. I miss her, it's been an age.' Steve stares at him, knowing he isn't going to get the message across today. 'A speech? About what?'
Tony shakes his head, pouting 'make something up. No, wait, it's for the gifted and talented programme, isn't it? Just talk about the future, great place to work, blah blah blah.' Steve rolls his eyes, 'yeah, I get it. A great place.'
Tony looks up, 'I'm not sure if this is worth reiterating, but Barnes cannot be there, he's banned from entry to the building and any related work events. I guess if the world ends, he could step in and brood, but otherwise, big no-no.'
…
'Mommy never lets me touch these paints, I'm so excited.' Bucky looks down at the little girl, the tips of his fingers bright pink with nail polish. 'That looks pretty,' she gushes. 'Blow!' He does as he's told, blowing on the nails steadily. 'What shall we do next?' She asks merrily.
Bucky sighs and looks around the lounge, toys everywhere, craft supplies, cushions, sheets, dens. He grumbles, 'tea party?' Rosie lights up, 'oooh yeah, I'll get the cups, don't move!' Bucky looks down at the wet nail paint as she runs up the stairs, grabbing yet more toys.
Andi told him to treat it like a long weekend and just relax, but he feels like he has nothing left. He doesn't know how to be, let alone relax. He checks the clock on the wall, only eleven AM and Steve and Andi have both called already, as well as missed calls from Wilson and he wonders what the team know.
Rosie returns, breaking his thoughts. 'I got the cups, and I brought this dinosaur as well, he can join.' Bucky nods, folding his legs on the hard wood floor and greeting the plastic toy with a tilted head, 'cheers,' he mutters grabbing an empty toy cup.
'I haven't made the tea yet!' Rosie whines, brushing him off, taking the pretend cup back from him.
'Why aren't you at work?' She asks innocently and he looks up at her in surprise. 'Why aren't you at school?' She giggles, 'there is no school today.' Bucky just watches her, stirring imaginary tea and chatting to herself.
'Are you sick?' Bucky scoffs, 'yeah, I'm sick.' Rosie crawls closer, 'would you like a hug?' Bucky pats her head awkwardly, he takes a deep wobblily breath, announcing 'I'd like my tea, that's what I want.' She returns to the toy crockery, 'tea is coming up. Oh, you need a hat.'
Bucky doesn't hear what she said, watching as she rummages through a toy chest. She pulls out a crown and a fire helmet for herself, 'you can be the queen.' Bucky accepts it and places it on his head, downcast and just about keeping up.
'Now I'm anyone's!' Rosie announces and Bucky looks at her in confusion, 'auntie Andi always says that about her pink wine.' Bucky shakes his head, 'well, she's silly, don't copy her.'
The front door unlocks, and Bucky looks over hopefully, Amelia slipping in, armed with a cat carrier. Bucky stands to help her, she looks bigger by the day. But she places it down and Rosie runs across, screaming the poor cat's name. She unlocks the cage and drags him out, almost squeezing the life from him. Amelia watches and scratches her head, 'I'm sure he's doubled in size, he's going to hate it back here, compared to chateau Natalie.'
She walks in and flops on the sofa, 'nice hat.' Bucky nods, reaching for it and pulling it off slowly, 'nice bump.' Amelia gently taps it, 'it's like a nine-month workout, like someone has taped weights to me. But I'm gaining weight, that's the cruel part.'
'You doing alright?' Amelia asks in concern, Bucky nods, standing, his knees cracking and Amelia winces. 'Has she been ok?' Bucky shrugs, 'yeah, it's nice to spend time with someone that doesn't ask me the same questions again and again.'
Amelia lies down on the couch, eyes closed, 'wanna talk about something else?' He just nods, 'please, anything.'
'Is $200 an hour too much for a stripper?' Bucky looks to her, 'what?'
She giggles, 'for the bachelorette party! I forgot I offered to organise it, seeing as her maid of honour is six.' Bucky shrugs, 'he just takes his clothes off, does he really need an hour?' Amelia sits up, beckoning him to join her on the couch. 'Bucky, Bucky, Bucky, you have no idea. These people are artists, story tellers. They tell stories with their bodies.' Bucky is perplexed 'quite the expert, I see.' She leans back, feet on the coffee table, 'I like to think so. But I've never booked my own. I don't want to overpay, but equally I don't want to be a cheapskate and miss out on the good stuff.' Bucky rubs his face, ready to go back to discussing his tattered life now.
'They have websites,' she announces, and Bucky just nods. 'Want to see?' He's shocked but after a while eases up, 'yeah, sure.' He leans back beside her, as she rolls over and reaches for her laptop.
'I'm giving Digby a bath!' Rosie declares from the hall and Bucky looks over in concern.
…
Steve arrives home in the evening, expecting peace and quiet and a grave Bucky, but instead finds Rosie running around, Andi and Bucky chatting in the lounge and Amelia busy elsewhere. He calls 'flash' but Rosie is too busy singing to hear him.
No one looks up or greets him and he slips into the kitchen. 'Hi.'
Amelia glances up at his voice, 'oh hey, you ok? How was your day?' Steve groans, taking a seat, 'tough.' He looks back, checking Bucky isn't in earshot. 'I told the team. They are all very confused, think he's killed someone, which is almost more believable.' Amelia watches him sadly, 'no, don't say that.' She looks down, noticing the large envelope in his hand. 'Is that for him?' Steve nods, 'yeah.' She climbs down from her stool and wanders close to him and perches between his legs, 'it will be ok, you know that?' Steve eyes flutter down, 'it feels wrong without him there.' She nods, hugging him, resting her face on his shoulder, 'did you speak to Tony? You know about moving…' Steve shakes his head, 'no. Oh and more bad news, I'm making a speech at this benefit next week, so we definitely can't get out of it.' Amelia smirks, 'well, you can't... I'm kidding, I'll be there. What about Bucky?' Steve shakes his head and she trembles with upset, 'oh.'
'You better give that to him, he's been waiting.' Steve nods and stands, looking around, he asks 'have you eaten?' She looks up warmly, explaining, 'Bucky cooked, desperate to escape Rosie, I think.'
Steve strolls into the lounge, 'what are we doing?' Andi stares up at him, a small miniature of tables and pins in front of her. Bucky is lying on the couch and Rosie is dancing beside them.
'Sleeping,' Bucky mumbles and Andi coughs dramatically, 'sorry, seating.' Steve smirks and Rosie runs to him, dragging him in closer, 'look dad, look at the little people.' Steve stares down, surprised by the number of guests, 'yeah, wow, this looks, fun?' He almost asks and Andi ignores him, 'important job, Steve.' Bucky looks up at him, 'yeah, at least I have one left. It's kind of like enemy camps, you know?'
Steve grins, thinking back to the Hydra maps and Peggy's markers. 'Yeah, I can see that, where am I?' Andi leans over the miniature, 'uh, there, top table.' Rosie runs over, 'where's me?' Andi shows her and she beams, 'yay, am I next to Bucky?' Andi shrugs and removes a pin, moving one up. 'You are now. Sorry, Steve.'
Steve smiles and advises seriously, 'shouldn't you be in bed, Rosie?' She looks shy, chewing her sleeve and simply explains 'but seating.' Steve gives up, waving the envelope at Bucky and nodding for the hallway. 'Got a minute?'
'Yes, anything, thank God.' Bucky jumps up and Andi shouts 'I heard that!'
Steve passes the envelope to him once they are alone. 'For you, summons, I believe. It was in my tray at the end of the day, they don't have an address for you. Disciplinary hearing, no doubt.'
Bucky rips it open, quickly reading the letter, 'yeah, good guess, top points for you. Disciplinary, two weeks away.' Bucky stares at it hard, 'fuck, can you believe this? Sexual harassment? Can you fucking believe it? Of everything I have done, the one thing I didn't.'
Steve watches him sadly, reaching for his shoulder 'umm no, I can't actually, but just say you're sorry and let's get this sorted.' Bucky looks at him quickly, 'Steve, I didn't do anything wrong, nothing, I'd admit it if I did.'
They share a look and Steve softens, 'yeah, I know. I didn't mean it like that.' Bucky shuffles, agitated, 'do you? You're not very convincing!' Bucky glances around hopelessly, 'well, maybe if they check the CCTV again, I dunno, have another look? She kissed me in that amphitheatre place, the communications centre, you know, looks like NASA.'
Steve purses his lips, 'have you told Pepper that?' Bucky sighs, 'what's the point? They said they checked, it's faulty, I don't know.'
Steve is desperate, 'but it might prove you're innocent?' Bucky waves him off, 'it's not a trial, Steve. We've been there, done that, it's not Hydra that will get me, but lies and a miscarriage of justice. All because I shout too much and I tried to let someone in. Everything about her read as don't let her too close, but you lot all boast friendship is so damn fun, I thought what's the worst thing that could happen?' He waves the envelope at his friend, 'and here it is. This could ruin everything.'
'Ruin what? What have you done wrong?' Rosie asks and repeats at their feet, Steve looks panicked, 'nothing! Cleaning up after himself.'
She giggles and holds her toy up to them, 'Mr Goose has two eyes now. Mommy fixed him.' She skips away and Bucky envies how quickly she can move on. Steve nudges him, 'it's two weeks on Wednesday, want me to come?' Bucky sighs, 'no, I'll just call someone from the superheroes' union.' Steve chuckles and Bucky looks at him nervously, 'can you write me, umm, a character reference? Andi mentioned it might help.' Steve's brow pinches, again wondering how it's come to this, 'already started. I'm with you on this.' Bucky appreciates it, Steve smiles kindly, 'how was your day here?' Bucky grins, 'varied, Mia and I booked a stripper, Rosie did my nails, the poor cat…' Steve cuts in, 'what?' Bucky just smirks, 'don't worry, it would blow your mind.' Steve lets it go, unsure what's been going on here. Bucky watches as his best friend begins to back away, 'hey, you want a real challenge? How about wrestling a live wire six-year-old into bed?' Bucky starts to walk the opposite way, 'not interested, sorry.'
…
The doorbell sounds on Monday morning and Amelia calls down the stairs, 'that's my mom, can you get it, Bucky? I'm so sorry, but apparently, we don't want to wear a shirt today! Even though we are six, not three!' He looks behind, groaning and dragging himself off the couch. Wandering to the door and checking though the peep hole, suppressing a yawn, he slowly unhooks the latch and opens up. The older woman pauses, confused, checking she has the right house. 'Oh, it's you. Good morning, James.' Bucky tilts his head, stating lowly 'Ms Miller.'
She's dressed in a white Kashmir sweater, with straight legged pants and a grey coat. He opens the door wider and she strolls past, standing in the hall and looking around. She brushes her arm of dust and glances to him, 'where are the girls?'
Bucky shrugs, 'what girls?' She looks him up and down, joggers and black zip up, lanky hair and facial scruff. 'My daughters, my grand-child. Honestly, did you just get up? Do you have a job, James? You look like you fell off the wagon, both figuratively and literally.' He grumbles, 'sore point right now.'
She folds her arms, 'are you going to offer me a cup of coffee or just stare at me all day? I assume they are still getting ready, Andrea will probably be late to her own wedding, mark my words.' He nods half-heartedly, not really listening. 'I hope you will be having a haircut before the big day? Not to mention a shave.' Bucky stares at her, then offers forcefully through gritted teeth, 'coffee?' She squints at him, not hearing him properly, 'what was that?'
Bucky pushes his hands into his pockets, 'good trip?' She looks at him like he's speaking a foreign language, 'your flight?' She catches on, 'oh yes, fine thank you. And here…' she rummages in her bag, passing him a copy of her book, 'signed and everything!' He stares down at the novel, 'The Sinners of Eden.' He grimaces at the smouldering couple on the front cover, flicking open the first page, he can see her signature, Evelyn Miller. No personalised message or sweet words for her daughter. 'This is… yeah.' Bucky is at a loss, 'umm, Amelia's helping Rosie get dressed.' Evelyn looks concerned, 'she's not coming with us? Is she?' Bucky yawns again and shakes his head, chucking the book onto a random shelf, 'no, I'll keep an eye on her.'
Evelyn eyes dart up and down at him suspiciously, 'really? You? And do you do that often?' Bucky nods, 'yeah, just the one time I let her play with matches and there was the time we climbed onto the roof, no wait… she went out there alone.' Andi's mother rolls her eyes, ignoring his jokes. As she opens her mouth to ask about her other daughter the front door opens.
'Woah, what are we doing in the hallway? Move along.' Andi comes through, Dana at her heels. Evelyn bristles, holding her arms in front of herself formally. 'Andrea,' she declares and kisses both of her daughter's cheeks. Andi grins forcefully, 'hi, mom, you made it. You remember Dana?'
Evelyn looks past her blonde daughter and checks the older woman over. Turning back, she explains, 'I gave James a copy of my new book, signed and everything.' Andi's face scrunches, 'who? Oh, you mean Bucky.' Evelyn nods, 'yes, James.'
'Mom, just call him Bucky, please? I told you this.' Andi grabs a bag from the stairs, 'my good underwear and shit, for the dress shop' she jokes, looking at her fiancé.
Dana steps forward, 'Evelyn, so nice to see you again, how are you?'
They shake hands and Andi eyes Bucky, muttering 'give me strength.'
'How's Pete?' Evelyn asks, intentionally using a casual name. Dana smiles, 'he's well, yes. I left him painting the garage door, it was raining, but nothing can stop him when he gets an idea in mind.' Evelyn purses her lips, unimpressed, 'yes, well he wasn't very active when we were together. Now, where is Amelia? We need to get going.'
Bucky watches the women cluck around the hall and he's ready to leave. Dana approaches him slowly, 'how are you, Bucky? We missed you at Christmas, all of you. Maybe next year?' Evelyn eyes the pair, secretly surprised by the closeness. Bucky lets her hug him and she whispers in his ear, 'how are you bearing up?' He doesn't want to talk about it, having forgotten for maybe ten minutes, 'fine. Wedding's coming together, Andi's a good task master.' Dana gives him a smile, patting is cheek, 'gets that from her mother, no doubt.' Evelyn is stood staring down at a basket of shoes, dirty sneakers, filthy boots, she grimaces and peers further into the house.
Amelia starts down the stairs and when she can hear her mother, she almost turns back. Rosie runs ahead of her, shooting for Dana.
Bucky falls back, not enjoying the awkwardness of it all. Evelyn peers around, 'no Steve, yet again?' Amelia rubs her tummy, her spotty dress hugging her bump. 'He's working, mom. Plus, I don't think we could get many more people in hallway. Shall we get moving?' Andi agrees thankfully, 'come on, mom. I'll hail us a cab.' Rosie follows behind, bare footed and sitting on the concrete steps outside.
Amelia sags when they all leave, 'what did I do in a previous life, hey? Dana, you're so good for coming. I almost don't like my sister enough to go.' Dana smiles warmly, chuckling, 'I've never been to a dress fitting, not even my own, I'm so excited. Your mother doesn't scare me, but she hates me, that is clear.' Amelia hugs her close, 'she hates everyone, except herself.' Dana looks down at her baby bump, 'I hope you aren't storing two in there.' Amelia shakes her head, 'I wish people wouldn't joke about that, I still have a couple months to go.' Bucky watches the pair, trying to be pleasant a smile never really reaching his eyes. Amelia asks him, 'you're sure you will be ok? With Rosie? I made some jelly sandwiches; they are in the fridge.' Bucky shakes his head, 'not a big fan of jelly.'
'Well, lucky for you, I didn't make them for you, make sure she eats.' She blows him a kiss and leaves. 'Wish us luck!'
Bucky waves them goodbye and Rosie runs back inside, her feet cold from outdoors 'auntie Andi is going to buy a big white dress and then you can kiss and I'm having an orange dress, that's what I want! And I'm not eating sandwiches! You can't make me.' Bucky nods in agreement, 'sounds plausible.'
…
Amelia sits in a leather bucket chair, fanning herself with a flower brochure and staring out the shop window. Her mother chatting beside her, 'I haven't picked an outfit yet, I want to know what you're wearing, we wouldn't want to clash. But I'm never wearing a hat again, wore a hat to Gemma Acton's daughter's wedding and was the only person, couldn't take the damn thing off, my hair was flatter than your sister's behind.'
That wakes Amelia from her daze 'mom!' Andi's voice calls, 'Bucky likes my ass just fine,' from behind the changing room curtain. Dana chuckles and Evelyn cusses her, 'Andrea, don't be so crude, I don't care to know what you two get up to.' Amelia laughs, 'yes, Andrea, the wedding dresses might hear you.'
Dana smiles, 'so, Andi? You have left it quite late, you have a good idea of what you want?' Andi pokes her head out, 'I stopped by, had a scan, I know what I don't want, so it's a pretty short maybe list. I'm not that bothered, just never given it much thought, it's just a dress. Besides, it's what's underneath that counts.'
Amelia looks about sadly, unsure she'd get a leg in any of these dresses at this time. Dana pats her knee, sensing her tension. Evelyn sips her champagne, leaning back in her seat. Amelia returns to the window, her mum clicking her fingers and summoning her. 'Amelia, are you even listening?'
She nods and reaches for her sparkling grape drink, 'yes, mom, I'm all ears.'
'When do you think you and Steve might, you know?' Amelia's confused, 'get engaged? Or is it not that serious?' Amelia is dazzled by her mother's lack of common sense, she looks down at her growing bump and back to her mom, 'no, it's pretty casual.' Dana tries to hide her laugh and the three jump at a cough behind them.
'Shit,' Amelia gasps, holding her chest. 'Mom, you remember Natasha from Steve's work.' Evelyn jumps up, 'ah yes, hello again.' Natasha smiles politely, pulling a stool up beside Amelia, waving at Dana. 'How we doing? Is that champagne spare?' Amelia nods, 'have it, they apparently missed that I am carrying a basketball up my shirt.' Natasha eyes her, 'basketball team, more like.' Amelia groans and shuffles uncomfortably, 'feels like that.'
'Is that Nat?' Andi calls, Evelyn smiles, 'yes, lovely Natasha is here. Just in time.'
'Ooh lovely, you're like the svelte, graceful daughter she never had,' Amelia jokes and Andi calls, 'speak for yourself.' Pulling the curtain open and stepping out, the four women look up at her. She's wearing a satin dress, straight and clinging to her slight curves. A Grecian, cowl neckline and string straps.
Amelia covers her mouth, emotions bubbling 'you look so beautiful.' Andi shakes her head, 'no fuss, please. What do we think?' Natasha pours herself another glass of drink and states 'it's a solid seven.'
'Oh no, Andrea, I can see your hip bones through it!' Evelyn complains, Amelia shrinks in her seat, groaning 'I used to have hip bones.' Dana reaches across and strokes her arm, smiling warmly. Andi looks over at her, 'shut up, you're next. I don't want to hear any whinging; think of the beautiful baby you will have at the end of it all! I mean it, once I'm sorted, you two need to step up.' Amelia looks about swallowing, she doubts there's anything that will even look like a dress on her.
'The white really suits you,' Dana gushes and Andi bats her eyelids, 'that's my virginal ways coming out. Right, next one.' Evelyn takes a stroll of the shop. Amelia reaches into her bag and pulls out a large bag of chips, Dana nodding and sharing amongst the three of them.
'How's Barnes?' Natasha asks and Amelia swallows, unsure of what she should say. Natasha reaches into her pocket, passing over an envelope, 'character reference, pass it on, will you?' Amelia nods slowly, 'that's good of you, thank you.'
'Is it nice having everyone under one roof?' The red head jokes and Amelia groans, 'it's something, alright.'
Andi shouts, 'are you talking about me?' Amelia denies it and Evelyn reappears, 'there's some lovely fuller dresses, Andi, shall I get you one?'
'No! I don't want a puffy, marshmallow one, thanks!' She opens the curtain again, a strapless lace dress, with a thin brown belt and a halo of flowers in her hair. 'No! Who wears brown to a wedding?' Evelyn asks, 'and what's that on your head? You aren't Stevie Nicks.' Andi looks up slowly, mouth agape, 'well that might be the cruelest thing you've ever said to me.' Amelia speaks with a mouth full of cheese puffs, 'I prefer the first one.' Andi turns to Natasha and she shrugs, 'five out of ten?' Andi seems fed up, 'we are going the wrong way.' She returns to the changing room, Dana reasoning, 'we are only two in. Have faith.'
Andi eventually reopens the curtain in a two piece with a slight sliver shimmer and Evelyn suddenly looks faint. 'Just kidding, but your faces.' She disappears again and Amelia groans, 'we are going to be here all day.' Andi shouts back, 'well, you have a look, Mia.' She grumbles about getting up and Natasha volunteers, strolling away. Evelyn leans into Amelia, nodding at the Russian 'she's beautiful, so striking. Her figure… really beautiful, wasted as a soldier.' Amelia frowns at her mother ogling their friend, dismayed by her, 'you look beautiful too, dear. In a more natural way.' Amelia feels the baby kick and moans, 'mom… can you… I'm glad you are here,' she lies, changing her mind at the last minute.
Five dresses later, Amelia is almost lying in her chair. Her mother flipping frantically through a dress book. 'I like this one,' Andi calls. Everyone looks hopeful and relieved.
She steps out in a strapped, deep V-neck dress, with lace detailing. The skirt is A-line and heavily detailed with fine diamonds and crystals.
'I'll shove my hair up, might look better that way? Who knows? But I love it, what do you all think?' Amelia is full blown crying and Natasha nudges her knee, 'you really need to pull it together.'
'I know, I know, but it's my baby sister, she's getting married.' Andi grins at her sister, looking in the mirror and stroking the dress, 'I love it.'
Evelyn nods, 'it's nice, Andrea. Very low at the back though, where's the rest of it?' Andi chuckles, 'you're right, I like it even more now.'
'I'm having this one,' Andi announces and Amelia cheers, 'thank God, we've missed lunch for this.' Natasha smirks at the pregnant woman, 'I like it, it's a ten from me.' Andi is pleased with their reactions.
The sales clerk helps her adjust the straps, as Andi peers down and tries to picture marrying Bucky, how that will feel, what will he say, will they kiss when she arrives or kiss at the end. She feels a flutter in her tummy, excited butterflies circling inside.
When Andi steps back out of the changing room, she's back in jeans and looking at the dress on a hanger. 'Sorted. I love it so much, we can take it today. You still ok to cover it, mom?' Evelyn blushes, 'oh, well yes, of course, sorry, I almost forgot that.' Andi grins, 'well with Whores of Eden looking like it will be a big hit, I'm sure it's a drop in the ocean for a famous author like you.'
Evelyn ignores Andi, 'oh Natasha, here.' She reaches in her bag and passes another copy of her book. 'Apologies Dana, I only brought two copies.' Natasha looks down at the book, 'thanks…'
Andi laughs, 'ah, no distractions, you two are next. I've got something in mind already.'
Amelia looks over in concern, 'surely mine will be a tent or a gazebo, we can't all buy off the rail.' Natasha offers her a hand up, 'come on, mama, where's your sense of spirit.' Amelia looks down, 'last time I was spirited, I ended up pregnant.'
Evelyn peruses a magazine, calling to her youngest daughter, 'what's your first dance?' Andi finishes hanging a rejected dress up, 'oh, there isn't one.' Amelia looks away awkwardly, knowing what's coming next. Their mother frowns, aghast and shrieks, 'what? How can that be?' Andi shrugs, 'we don't want one. No cake cutting either, but there is a cake.' Evelyn's mouth falls open, 'well, this is James' doing, no doubt.'
'Bucky!' Andi shouts, spitting his name out. Silence falls over the shop and then Andi groans, 'mom, don't start, it's a compromise. Maybe if you'd done that, your marriage might have lasted a little longer.' If Evelyn hears, she blanks her daughter, she bristles, folding her hands defensively 'you only do this once, though I'm hoping you might do it twice.' Andi is scandalised and even Dana mutters the older woman's name. 'What? He's robbing my little girl of her big day.' Andi scoffs, 'your big day, more like. Anyway, enough of this crap. Nat, Mia, dresses, chop-chop! Let's get the hell out of here.'
AN: thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it.
Next up, a Stark party, those are always fun! And Bucky is not invited x
