Hello! How exciting was the F&WS premiere last week! If you've been reading Fanfiction for years like me, its sooo exciting to see Bucky doing everyday things like on A DATE! Scenes that we've all read and written here! I loved it.

Anyhow, usual disclaimer applies, own nothing, making no money.

It's Bucky and Andi's rehearsal dinner, let's go!

Chapter 36: The Night Before

'Why do I need to practice dinner, again?' Bucky asks absently, Andi smiles at him, straightening his tie and patting his chest. 'It's not like that, it's just a meal, a meet up, before the big day.' He looks her up and down, she's wearing a light pink strapped dress with an ombre yellow effect. He wonders when it became summer, he feels like he slept through that part. He thinks to himself that she looks like an ice lolly, but a nice one. 'You're very over dressed for a meet up,' he offers and Andi looks down at the floaty dress, 'Mia made me, but it's nice, makes it feel special. It is special.' She backs away and he pulls his tie loose again once she's out of sight, sighing and instantly feeling cooler.

'You feeling ok?' Bucky looks up quickly at the question, he snaps 'yes, why?' She chuckles, 'uhh, because we are getting married in the morning!' Bucky straightens his cuffs, 'well, not until one o'clock.' Andi rolls her eyes at his awkward behaviour.

She pauses and frowns in concern 'you're sure you're ok?' He just nods and she reluctantly accepts the answer. 'Okkkkk.'

She busies herself, looking for her phone, her camera, 'well, I can't wait. I've got these nervous butterflies, but that's good, right?' Bucky looks up hopefully, 'really?' He's pleased to hear it's not just him. She agrees, 'oh yeah, it's normal, I'm sure.' Andi shakes her hands anxiously, 'but this time tomorrow, we'll be married, it will all be over. Then we will probably wish it wasn't.'

She watches him, admiring his black suit, matching tie. 'You look very handsome.' Bucky twists his metal wrist and looks over at her, 'so do you, beautiful, I mean.' Andi grins, 'not like a popsicle?' Bucky closes his eyes, unaware he said that bit aloud. 'No, not at all, sorry.'

'Have you got your vows?' Bucky signals a yes and looks over to his nightstand. He thinks back to the day he spent writing them, the numerous rewrites, the balled-up wastepaper and the pencil he broke in half.

Andi slips into her shoes, 'I hope Mia's dress still fits tomorrow, or that could be a disaster, she tried it when she collected it, but that was… are you even listening to me?' Bucky shakes himself from his thoughts, 'sorry, you hope your dress still fits?' Andi sighs, 'close enough.' Bucky stares at his stiff metal fingers, remembering what they are capable of, his mind floating to the not so buried secret.

Suddenly Andi is coming closer and he tries to focus on only her.

'So, I'm staying at Mia's and you will be here as normal.' Bucky looks around the room, in a few weeks it won't be his room, he won't have a room or a place in the team and he still doesn't know where he could end up. Andi can see his thoughts and looks at him sadly. 'You feeling ok about this support job that Tony's proposing?' Bucky shrugs, 'what else can I do?' He drops down onto the bed, looking at his palms, cracking his fingers, noticing a metal one not bending.

'You're sure you are ok? You have been quiet lately.' Andi floats across to him and softly perches in his lap. He wraps his arms around her waist, his black suit contrasting with her light and happy dress. 'Just looking forward to being us again,' he mumbles into her neck and Andi tries not to be offended, understanding what he means. He kisses her neck and she sighs happily, 'we could just stay here?' Bucky looks keen on that idea and she laughs, 'I'm kidding, lots of people will miss us. Tony will be annoyed with me if his posh booking goes to waste.' Bucky freezes at the mention of the billionaire, quickly recalling the dark secret he agreed to forget.

He holds her tightly and she calls 'hey? You ok? You're pinching me.' He nods and explains, 'just can't wait to marry you.' He looks into her eyes and knows it's the truth. 'Me too,' she smiles sincerely. She tries to move away, and he stops her, he struggles to find the words 'why are you marrying me? I have no prospects, no home, no work.' Andi's face drops, aware his confidence is in tatters, 'because I love you. I do. I want to be with you. Now, I can't tell you anymore, it will ruin tomorrow's big vow reading. But know this, none of that matters, I'd marry you in a cardboard box, on the streets of New York, ok? And actually, you have the world at your fingertips, you're you.'

Bucky finds his mouth opening, resigned to tell her the truth, 'Andi…'

She jumps up, 'right, we need to shake a leg, Mr Boss-man has loaned us a car, not sure why he's being so nice, but I'll take it.' Bucky swallows and stares at the ground tensely. He watches her find a bag and he drags himself up. Tugging his suit down and taking a deep breath.

…

'Hi dad, Dana, you ok? What did you think of the venue? Bucky's choice!' Andi grins at the pair, stood beside an uncomfortable Bucky. He smiles awkwardly and looks about distractedly, he can't remember the last time he was with so many people and he suspects this is only half of what will be there tomorrow. He squints around, not recognising many at all. Dana hugs Andi close and Bucky regains focus as he's dragged into an embrace with the older woman. 'Sargent Barnes, you look very dapper, how you feeling, son?' Bucky swallows nervously, 'yeah, fine. Good trip?' Dana frowns a little at his preoccupied conversation, 'yeah, not too bad, we got here at lunch time. The hotel is beautiful, right in the heart of the city…' Bucky stares off, peering over both shoulders. He nods distantly, 'that's a shame…' Dana realises he isn't listening and follows his gaze, 'you ok?' He looks back, 'yeah, fine. Well, have fun, there's dinner, I think. It's a rehearsal of dinner.'

Peter shifts up to greet Bucky and the Sargent feels tense. 'James.' Bucky winces at the formal tone, 'nice suit, you look sharp. I went with the brown for tonight, just to cause a stir, but treated myself to a grey number for the big day.' Bucky loosens up, the older man not taking him to task over the lack of involvement. 'I'm… sorry about the not asking… you know…' Peter cleans his glasses and it's oddly menacing, slow and controlled. Bucky observes him blow on them and Mr Miller admits, 'even people who ask my permission don't do it, it's fairly irrelevant at this point.' Bucky follows his gaze to Steve, and he understands, 'right...' Peter and Dana disappear into the crowd, waving to people they recognise.

Maggie and Ty are next in and Bucky nods as a greeting, Andi hugs the woman close, 'hey! You made it!'

Bucky rudely excuses himself and makes his way to the bar, Andi watching him leave but continuing to chat and greet people. She quickly makes excuses for him but looks over forlornly, hoping he's ok.

Bucky orders a whiskey and takes a deep breath, noting people stood drinking and chatting in what looks like a brewery to him. Large barrels as tables and a metal grill above their heads, with green foliage trailing the ceiling. He shakes his head and knocks back his drink when it appears. Amelia arrives beside him, pulling out a bar stool, 'you come here often?' She flirts jokingly and Bucky raises a brow, welcoming the distraction. 'No, but I might now.' She laughs loudly as he casts an eye over her, he thinks she looks nice, a terracotta dress with white spots. 'You've had a haircut,' he notices, her hair straightened and just caressing her shoulders. 'Yes, makes me feel a little less heavy, at this point I'm looking for anywhere to lose weight, don't look down, but I'm only wearing one shoe.' He checks and she laughs, 'Ha! Made you look!'

'You doing ok?' She asks kindly, Bucky nods, ordering another drink at the question. He raises a brow as Amelia orders a whiskey, 'it's for Dana, don't worry, hardcore, hey? Don't judge me but I may smell it. A wine would certainly make this a little easier.' Bucky looks at her sceptically, 'you not having fun?' She moves her head in indecision, 'I'm not not having fun, but I'd rather be at home with a hot chocolate, in my pyjamas.' Bucky relaxes a little, knowing he's not alone. 'But, I know someone who is enjoying it.' She nods at her sister and Bucky looks over, watching her greet Bruce and Natasha. He smiles genuinely at her, 'she does look happy.' Amelia agrees, 'but that's because she's marrying you, not because of this weird vineyard restaurant.' Bucky laughs and smiles at the brunette, 'it is weird, right?' He eyes her silently, 'thank you.' She looks puzzled, 'for what?'

'Reminding me.' Amelia shuffles closer, patting his knee 'I'm good at that. Oh, you wanna know a secret?' Bucky nods, 'sure. It really is twins?' Amelia is displeased, 'you better not have a pool going! No…' She shuffles closer and drops her hand onto the bar, flashing a ring on her right hand. 'That's very nice, where did you get that?' Amelia looks at him dryly, 'you're the first person I've told, got married in my lounge the other week.' Bucky's eyes flick across to Steve, noticing him staring and turning away quickly. 'Think he's jealous right now.' Amelia laughs, 'I like a bit of green on him. You know, I haven't even told my sister.' Bucky touches his chest, 'I feel pretty special then.' Amelia grins and kisses his cheek 'you are special. More than you know.'

'So, what secrets have you got for me?' Bucky freezes, thinking of the one big one. 'Nothing that good,' he lies and finishes his drink. Looking about, he asks 'when's dinner? I'm hungry.' Amelia rubs her belly, 'so are we, but I can't ask, everyone just thinks pregnant woman, always hungry.'

'Where's Rosalyn?' Bucky asks sadly, 'with a sitter, we thought about bringing her but she'd be tired for tomorrow and we just…' She peters out weakly.

'Wanted a night off?' Bucky smirks and Amelia taps the bar with her palm, 'yes, bang on! Uh, excuse me, can I have a diet cola, could you put an umbrella in it, jazz it up a bit?' Bucky smiles, shaking his head at her, looking to the bartender, 'I'll have another as well, hold the umbrella.'

Amelia smiles at him knowingly, 'I can't wait to be your sister-in-law.' Bucky smirks, 'you sweet talker.'

Amelia rubs her tummy and peers about, suddenly groaning loudly. Bucky double takes and spies Andi welcoming Sharon at the door. 'Why is she here?' Amelia asks childishly and Bucky can't hide his smirk, 'Steve insisted I invite her, she's helped us out a few times, I guess she's a friend and her and Steve…' Amelia tenses, snapping 'yes, I know, her and Steve, I know…' He pats her shoulder, but says nothing to reassure her.

Steve appears and wraps a not so subtle arm around Amelia, 'how you doing, Buck?' Bucky just stares at him, 'I wish people would stop asking me that, then I'd be much better.' He sips his drink and Steve watches him in concern.

Amelia stares up at him, 'oof, you look even better up close, I was enjoying ogling you from the bar, but hey, this is even nicer.' Steve turns red at her brazen pick-up lines and Bucky hides a laugh. Amelia nods to her tummy, 'got a fanfare going on in here if you wanna get involved?' Steve touches her tummy gently and Bucky smiles at the pair, it seems to come naturally for them.

'Aww, Pepper looks lovely, God, I feel fat,' Amelia announces and the three look over as Andi greets her boss and Pepper Potts. Bucky looks away quickly, Steve watching his movements closely. Amelia squeals and declares 'oh, there's Ben and Mel, I'm going to say hi, I'll be back.' Steve watches her leave and takes her vacant seat. He doesn't say anything and Bucky answers sternly 'I'm fine.' Steve agrees, watching Amelia greet her friends, they instantly point, ask and then touch her tummy as she laughs loudly.

'You want to get married, right?' Bucky is taken aback by the frank question, 'uh, I… yes… of course. Why?' Steve shakes his head, still watching the sisters by the door with their friends, 'you seem sad, that's all.' Bucky turns to him, 'ya think?' Steve softens, 'things will work out, in time you may decide signing is the right th…'

'You know it's not that,' he nods over at Tony, chatting with Andi's dad. Steve sighs to himself and whispers to the ground. 'We agreed to bury that, you need to do better, you're letting it slip already.' Bucky feels guiltily and stares at the bare wood of the bar. 'She deserves to know what she's getting into.' Steve groans, rubbing his face, 'she does know, she knows everything that happened. She's worried right now, look at her.' Bucky turns back, spotting Andi wringing her wrists and watching him with obvious concern. 'You need to get over there, try, for her. Not you, not me, for her.' Bucky agrees, knowing he's right. One last gulp and he's pulling himself up and strolling across to Andi.

As he approaches, he can hear her chatting with Ben, 'you should have brought him, Rosie will be so upset.'

'Hey,' Bucky greets, cutting in and she lights up, 'you're back.' Ben makes his exit, 'congrats, man, catch up later.' Bucky nods, biting his gum and focusing on Andi, 'I'm sorry I was a bit.. it's just work and yeah, but I see now, I'm wasting it, this is great. I'm glad we are here.' Andi melts, reaching for his hand, 'me too. Don't say sorry. It's a lot. You're doing great.'

He watches their entwined fingers.

She drops his palm to greet Sam Wilson and Bucky looks back to a nodding and encouraging Steve, Amelia stepping close to him as he kisses the top of her head.

Sam looks the pair over, 'well, well, well, someone scrubs up nicely, you don't look bad either, Andi. But hey, this guy, you're every bit the main man.' Andi glances about, 'where's your date?' Sam smirks, 'oh, she's coming tomorrow, don't you worry! Found this guy outside though.' Scott pops out from behind Sam and Andi hugs him close, 'hey, where's Hope? Where's your date? What's going on here?' Scott shuffles on his feet, 'we had a disagreement, hopefully she will be there tomorrow, but who can say. You look great. Sargent Barnes, good to see you.' They shake hands and Andi interrupts, 'I haven't seen you since the whole dreaded accords thing, you made a decision?' Scott shrugs, 'you know me, I've never operated within the law, not intentionally. Hey, is it an open bar tonight?' Andi looks confused, 'no.' Scott's disappointed and Sam drags him away, 'catch you guys later.'

Bucky watches them go find the bar and he's envious. He feels a cold chill at the next person's name uttered by his fiancé.

'Mom!' Andi announces and Bucky shudders, slowly turning back. 'Hi, Miss Miller.' Evelyn looks him up and down, 'see you took my advice and trimmed the mop on your head.' Andi whispers apologies and Bucky sighs, thinking on something, before stepping close and hugging the older woman. 'Thank you for coming,' he squeezes her tightly, Evelyn looks distressed and confused, Andi's eyes blowing wide. Bucky steps away, 'you look amazing, you two could be sisters.' Evelyn looks pleased and Andi frowns, wondering where this behaviour has come from and hoping that's not true.

'I just finished Saints of Eden,' Andi corrects him and Bucky continues, 'Sinners of Eden, it was a fine piece of writing. I really liked the way the male protagonist treats women as dispensable.' Evelyn appears impressed, 'I have just as high hopes for your speech tomorrow, James, you've always struck me as a wordsmith.' He grins at her, 'have a seat, grab a drink, put your head in a bucket, dinner will be starting soon.' Andi laughs to herself, watching her mother smile at him and clearly miss his sarcastic overtone. She disappears into the crowd and Andi sighs, 'that was hideous,' Bucky straightens his suit, 'I had fun.'

Natalie arrives with a man she met at a gas station and she gasps at the sight of Amelia, pushing past Bucky and racing over to her. Andi looks across and spots her mom making her way towards her father. 'I need to get over there, grab me a drink, will you? Think I'll need it.'

Bucky nods and watches the door, no more guests arriving. He wonders how long he should stand there waiting. He looks around, people from work, Steve and Amelia laughing together, Andi with her parents. Bucky swallows at the sight of family. Andi looks tense, standing between her mom and dad. He peers about and spots Tony at the bar, leant against it, smirking over at Pepper and suddenly Bucky's chest feels tight. He shifts his collar and decides to get some air, leaving via the door the guests have been filtering through for forty minutes. Bucky stands on the paved sidewalk, looking up at the stars in the night sky. It's a little cold and a breeze floats past. He looks through the window and can see Andi, once again talking to familiar faces from her hometown. She looks at ease, mature and comfortable. He nods to himself, thinking how far she's come, feeling like he's only slipping backwards. People mill past outside, and he looks away from the party, turning his back.

After two quiet minutes, he feels someone beside him and he doesn't need to look over to know who. 'Nice place, hey? She did well to get a booking.' Bucky nods and scuffs the ground with his shoe, 'I mean, it's like she knows the right people.' Bucky looks at Tony with a sober face. 'Wow, who died?' Tony jokes and Bucky's heart skips a beat. 'It's ok to be nervous, who isn't? It's the rest of your life.' Tony looks back inside, 'but she's a solid choice, I think you two will be happy.' Bucky doesn't speak, stepping away and pushing his hands in his pockets.

'My parents became serious in their old age, you gotta keep the laughs going, you know? My dad was all work, my mom deserved more.' Bucky just nods at the mention of his mom and dad. Tony continues watching through the window and chuckles, 'families, hey?' He sees Andi with her mom, it looks like they are disagreeing about something and Tony turns back to Bucky, 'I'm sorry how this ended, Barnes, but we'd have you back, just sign and we can reset the clock.' Bucky winces at his wording, 'no, we can't' he grumbles lowly and Tony shrugs, 'well, at least come inside and be by her side, poor girl. It's not her fault, she's tried to persuade me every day. How ever much of a dick you think I am, she's certainly not.' Bucky clenches his fists, turning to the older man, 'look, Tony…'

A voice calls to them from behind, it's Steve and he suggests 'come inside, dinner's just coming out. Everything ok?' He looks between the two men in concern and Tony nods, 'yeah, Sargent Barnacle was just about to confess his love for me.' Steve looks at Bucky questioningly, 'right, well, food's coming, so get in here.' Tony waltzes away, 'no need to be jealous, Cap, he's not my type.' Steve watches him go, turning to Bucky, 'you coming inside?' Bucky takes a deep breath and one final look at the Brooklyn sky. The bridge in the distance, but even home can't comfort him anymore.

Steve smiles warmly, 'you're doing good,' he tells his friend.

'Good at keeping secrets?' He asks bitterly and Steve answers, 'good at moving on, now come in and have a good time. The place is nice, Andi is so happy and I have a speech to make after dinner, so come back. I want to celebrate with my best friend on the night before his wedding.' Bucky manages a small smile and follows him in. A waiter stops them, armed with presents and packages, 'where do you want these?' Bucky shrugs and Steve points, 'there's a table in the orangery, whatever that is.' Amelia calls Steve over and he gives Bucky a final look before moving away, 'have fun, enjoy it.'

Andi bounds over, 'are you having fun? Isn't this great?' Bucky smiles genuinely at her. He watches her face, her cheeks lightly flushed, her hair tickling her shoulders softly. Straightening her dress strap and cupping her cheek, he kisses her slowly. Andi is shocked, but quickly gets lost in him. Pulling back when applause and shouting starts. 'Ignore them,' he pleads, trying to recapture her mouth. She giggles, looking down, 'I can't, dinner's here. Come on.'

He watches her breeze away and show people to their seats. He finds a chair marked for him and looks down at the table, place settings with everyone's names scrawled neatly. He pauses at a black and white photo of him as a child, with his name under it. Looking across, Andi has the same, a picture of her with braces, squeezing a pet rabbit. He's not sure what's the point of it and he sits down.

Steve on his right and Andi finally making it to her own seat on his left. She squeezes his knee and kisses his cheek. Steve keeps an eye on his friend and then looks over to Amelia next to him, she's busy chatting and Steve has to lean back to see it's Scott beside her. He grits his teeth and quite enjoys it when Amelia's mother ushers him along.

As dinner wraps up, Andi nudges Bucky's foot, asking lowly 'sure you're ok? Is this too much? We can cut out early?' He shakes his head, running a finger over her cheek, 'no, it's great.' Bucky can see Steve from the corner of his eye, reviewing notes for his speech and straightening his tie, as if limbering up.

He swallows, as Steve rises and taps a knife against his glass. It's very polite and the chatting guests almost miss it, until Tony and Sam help him out, tapping their own glasses.

Steve looks a little nervous and her stares down at Amelia, who nods in reassurance. Andi is shuffling in excitement beside Bucky and he looks away.

'Good evening, I'm Steve, the best man.' There's laughter around the restaurant, as he really didn't need an introduction. 'I've kept it pretty short, the main event being tomorrow.' Bucky is grateful, short sounds good. 'Being Bucky's best man and best friend is one of the privileges of my life. But truly, he is the real best man. The best of men…' Andi looks over at Bucky, touched by the words, noticing him staring at the tablecloth avidly. She reaches for his hand, clasping it in hers.

Bucky finds himself zoning in and out, the flattering words making him uneasy. He believes Steve's description is unjust and inaccurate.

'…Andi and he are the perfect match and he's certainly met his match in her…' Bucky scrunches his eyes closed, trying to shut out the sweet gasps and chatter around the room, as well as Steve's kind words.

'At one point I never thought we'd spend another day together in Brooklyn and I certainly didn't think we'd be spending his wedding day here.' Bucky hesitates but looks up at Steve, watching his mouth move, missing the words. Bucky feels sick. He looks about, Andi still squeezing his hand, Amelia grinning at Steve stroking her belly. Sam smirking, Scott grinning and Natasha sipping her drink. His eyes find Tony, arm swept across the back of Pepper's seat.

He zones back in as Steve begins to wrap up, 'I wish them all the best for tomorrow, I won't say anymore, got to leave some good stuff for the big day… To Bucky and Andi.' Bucky watches as people toast and manages to find a smile, but looking over at Andi, he doesn't have to search too hard for a smile for her.

Dessert is served and Bucky thanks the waiter quietly. Dana is wiping her eyes and calls to Steve, 'I don't know if I will be able to cope with a round two tomorrow!' Amelia grins, 'I've read it, it's amazing.'

…

As the night draws to a close, Amelia yawns, strolling over to her sister. 'You ready to go?' Andi smiles softly, 'yes, I guess. Let's head on, shall we?' They find Steve and Bucky sat outside at a metal bistro table, under a heater. 'We are going home, Sargent Groom!' Amelia announces, she kisses Steve goodbye, and he stands, 'I'll walk you out, get you a cab.' Amelia hugs Bucky, 'can just about reach, ughhh.' He grins as she jokes and she whispers, 'see you tomorrow, love you.' He pauses and squeezes her a little, 'not too hard, it might pop out,' she warns with a finger, accepting Steve's open palm. 'I can call my own cab, you know…'

Bucky watches them leave and turns back to Andi, 'this is it then, one final night apart, for a lifetime together. Any regrets?' She's nervous for the answer. 'No, only one.' She looks up as he tucks her hair behind her ear, 'I wish I'd met you sooner.' She lightens and relaxes, 'we were different people then, I'm glad how it happened. It's been the best adventure and to think, this is just the beginning.' Bucky nods, 'yeah, a new start.' She smiles widely, 'yes, a new start. You and me.' She nods firmly and he reciprocates, 'you and me.' He kisses her hand gently and she backs away, 'don't forget the rings. Don't forget your vows and don't forget the wedding! One PM, I'll be there. Wait until you see the outfit I've got, it's just something I threw together.' Bucky chuckles a little at her. She lights up with an idea, 'oh!' She runs back over and whispers something in his ear. He smirks and she pulls away, asking kindly, 'you're sure you are ok?' He nods, 'just lots to think about, want to remember this.' She smiles happily, 'can you take the gifts back to the tower with you, didn't think we'd have so many tonight, you know? Maybe we should have done that registry after all.' He agrees and watches her walk away, she smiles, calling back, 'love you!' He nods to himself, walking inside, the restaurant empty, just staff cleaning up after them. Steve returns, rubbing his hands together, 'right, let's get back to the tower, shall we? We taking the gifts?' Bucky nods soundly, walking up beside his friend, 'thank you. For everything.' Steve looks him in the eye, 'you're welcome.'

AN: Thanks for reading, stay safe.

The wedding is next. x