Chapter Three: The Dance Begins
Sarah
The path in which Bucky had simply extended his hand and Sarah had taken it without a second thought as he led her to the dance floor felt like the most natural thing in the world. His hand settled on her hip, as her right hand held his vibranium left hand in hers without a second thought. And she gently felt the relaxation of his muscles as she placed a delicate left hand on his shoulder. It felt like it was meant to be as they swayed to the low, steady beat of the music.
Sarah felt the slow and sensual rhythm course through her, as she reveled in the strong and sure arm around her waist, and the closeness of their bodies as they moved in a small circle around the dance floor. The world around them disappeared for Sarah and all she could focus on was being held by the one man she hadn't expected to be this close to, as he drew her closer to him, and she let him.
She rested her head at the crook of his neck, breathed in the scent of him, his aftershave, as she could feel his warm breath near her cheek. Bucky's body felt solid against her, and she felt his muscular shoulder beneath her hands. A feeling of warmth enveloped her, a tingling sensation throughout her body at their close proximity, that she found she relished, with the only respite she had being the cool comforting feel of his metal hand in hers.
Her mind was so focused on their connection, and on his whole being that it took her a moment to realize the music had ended. Bucky smiled down at her, affection in his blue eyes as they remained in each other's arms for a moment.
"Bucky," Sarah said, as she raised her hand to touch his cheek gently. She could feel him move closer to her touch. "I'm having a wonderful night," she told him. They part from each other, their hands still entwined as she walked them both back to their seat, the far corner of the patio, overlooking the beautiful garden and stage below them where the audience applauded the first band who just finished their set.
~.~.~.~
Sarah wasn't aware of a place like the venue of their date had been so close by. It was an outdoor music venue and restaurant bar that had just opened a few months ago in what used to be a historical building.
As they sat and sipped on their drinks, and chatted, she couldn't help but ask him, "How in the world did you hear about this place?"
"I came by it on a run when they were moving in," he said, "And I was surprised Sam and the others at the dock hadn't heard about it when I asked them." Bucky took a swig from his beer, enjoying the taste, and then pointed at the stage below and the sea of people chatting, mingling and eating. "It's nice seeing this- people enjoying themselves, enjoying the music; the outdoors. It's like a hidden gem."
Sarah nodded her head and followed his gaze as he scouted the people below. For a moment they people watched, shared stories, and talked comfortably. Sarah couldn't help but smile as she listened to Bucky tell the story about the venue and how he came across it. She noticed his sparkling blue eyes, and his animated expression and the movement of his hands. She couldn't help but lean in towards him enthralled. When he felt comfortable, Bucky came out of his shell, and wasn't as reserved as she had thought of him when they first met a year ago.
When they fell into comfortable silence later when the second band began to play a their set below them, she took the opportunity to admire him, as his gaze was turned to the band with head bobbing slightly to the music, a fast paced ensemble that was a mix of jazz and swing.
This was the first she'd seen him like this. Fully relaxed, a smile on his face as he listened to music. She admired how he wonderfully cleaned up nicely just for her and their date. He shaved, the scruff he'd grown gone, and a smooth face-almost youthful-replaced it and his dark brown hair was slicked back, reminiscent of a dapper hairstyle from the past.
There were glimpses she'd see of him from his past life besides his hair the time she'd known him she could hear in his tone of voice a particular accent, in some words he'd pronounce. She wondered just how hard it was for him to change his diction from all the years of his earlier life pre-Winter Soldier. There was a twang sometimes in how he spoke, and on occasion he'd say phrases she hadn't heard before. She even wondered if maybe that's why Sam mentioned to her he stared a lot, or didn't speak as much as others until he warmed up to them. Maybe he was self conscious with how he spoke, she wouldn't be surprised by the amount of work he had to do to get in with the times.
Whatever the case, she liked those moments. It reminded her of who he was and what he had to overcome to be the Bucky that was here in front of her today. One day she hoped he could share with her his memories of those early years of his life.
How was his family? Did he have siblings?
She wanted to know everything about him, but was aware that to bring up his past would also come with the old wounds, such as the brainwashing and the loss of a best friend who was the closest to a brother he ever had. He only shared some of what happened, though not in detail, and not truly by choice. They were through his nightmares he had early on that Sarah had overheard him cry out names, and the pointed questions from AJ and Cass that he answered gracefully. There were also the stories she heard from her brother, who told her about his past as well he could when she demanded it before allowing him to stay at their home.
Deep in thought, it took her a moment to avert her rightful gaze from Bucky even after the song finished and he turned and almost caught her staring. Sarah quickly averted her gaze to look at the other patrons around them, some leaving early after the second band finished their set. Sarah turned to speak to Bucky when someone called out his name from distance.
"Bucky, is that you?"
Both Sarah and Bucky glazed over to where the voice came from, and saw a woman in her late 60s with bright auburn hair tied up in a messy bun striding towards their table. She wore a black short sleeved dress, and a bright red hibiscus flower tucked behind her ear.
Sarah couldn't help but study the woman, then Bucky, as he met her gaze and then turned back to the older woman to wave at her.
"It's nice to see you came back to enjoy the food and entertainment!" The woman said to them, as she stood in front of their small table. Bucky was about to stand up to greet the older woman, and introduce Sarah, but the older woman stopped him with a wave of her hand and spoke immediately, "No, no , no, young man. Please stay seated. It's just so nice to see you here again.
The woman turned to Sarah and smiled widely. "And who is this beautiful lady?" She asked. Sarah looked up at the woman whose bright blue eyes were warm and welcoming. "This is Sarah," Bucky introduced her. "Sarah, this is Lee, she owns Chet's Garden."
Lee waved at her, "Such a pleasant sight to see this young man finally bringing someone with him to this here Chet's Garden. Especially someone so beautiful. I mean where have you been, darling?" she winked at Sarah, as Bucky smiled sheepishly, most likely he caught on the term Lee kept referring him to. Sarah tried to stifle a laugh. If only Lee knew just exactly how old her "young man" was, she likely would have a heart attack.
"I'm so glad Bucky brought me here," Sarah said, as she placed a hand gently on his shoulder, she flashed him a smile and turned back to Lee. "He said you just opened recently. Chet's Garden is beautiful!"
"So kind of you, darling!" Lee exclaimed, "We opened a few months ago. So glad the neighborhood welcomed us and people are beginning to see what we offer."
"This is like a mini secret paradise." Sarah said, "What's the story behind it? Why is it called Chet's Garden?"
Lee touched a locket around her neck, and gave her a fond smile. "Chet was my husband. Passed away a year ago. He dreamt of us opening a place like this, or making our garden like this where friends could gather. That was before Hurricane Katrina and well, before he got sick, and I'm a stubborn one, so I promised I'd make our dream come true one day." Lee beamed at that last part, which touched Sarah.
"This is in his memory," Sarah said, touching her chest to her heart. "This is beautiful, Lee. I'm sure Chet is looking down with a smile on his face at what you've done here."
"Thank you, sweetheart. I'm sure he is. And this is why I'm so glad to meet all the folks who come around. I hope you two find the beauty here and feel the same love that Chet had for the music!"
"Thank you, Mrs. Lee," Bucky said, "You are such a wonderful host."
"I'm so sorry for your loss," Sarah added, a hand to her heart. "Truly, I hope you know there's so much love here. And I'm so glad Bucky, brought me here."
She gave Bucky a warm smile and placed a hand on his knee.
"Darling, you're so sweet," the older woman said, "thanks for those kind words. It makes running this place so worth it."
Lee stayed with them for a few more minutes to share pleasantries, until she had to bid goodbye. "Well," Lee said, "I have to make the rounds to the others, I just wanted to say 'hello' and just how wonderful it is to see you Bucky and also you Sarah."
"Lee, thank you, for all your help for tonight," Bucky said. Sarah wondered if it was Lee who helped them get such a lovely seat in the sought-after balcony with the view. She wouldn't be surprise is she was the woman to thank for that.
"Oh hush," she said with a smile. "Enjoy your time here, you two. And those drinks are on the house."
"Lee, you don't have to." Bucky shook his head.
"Nope, young man. I treat my regulars, especially when they bring in a beautiful woman with a winning smile."
Sarah couldn't help but feel her cheeks warm. She had no doubt this place would be her new favorite place as she watched the older woman leave and continue to greet others with an infectious welcoming energy. Even though she only met the woman, she already knew she liked her and the establishment she built.
She then turned back to Bucky with a smirk, "So, you're 'a regular,' young man?"
Bucky ran a hand through his hair, and chuckled. "Well, as a young man, it's important I know what's hip around here."
Sarah laughed and shook her head, "Okay, cool cat," she began, getting a raised eyebrow from Bucky, "How often do you come here?"
"I've been here four times since they opened. Stumbled on it on a jog around the neighborhood."
Sarah nodded. Four times… had he brought others here for a date? The question came to mind, but she immediately pushed it away knowing full well it was just her anxiety coming up. She took a sip from her drink and leaned in close, as she twirled the straw in her drink as she listed to him speak.
"When I found out they had live music every evening, I found myself coming here just to listen, especially after I needed a break from settling in the new home. It's been a while hearing jazz and blues like this, and there's something about this place I've never been to before."
"Am I the only one who you've taken to your secret spot?" She joked.
"Yes," he nodded his head, his gaze warming, "and I'd love it if you come back here with me again."
"On date one, and you're already asking for date two?" She feigned surprised, and before he could speak she continued on, "I'd love to and I love that you're already supporting a local business and settling in your new neighborhood."
"It's a fresh start, and something I'm putting as much effort in."
She touched his hand gently, "I'm happy you are, Bucky. And I can't thank you enough for finding this place and sharing it with me!"
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Sarah started as she let go of Bucky's hand and raised it to wave around them, admiring their surroundings. She then took a hold of her drink and took another sip and looked around them, admiring at the ambiance, the twinkling lights above them, the music and chatter. "This place is Lee's monument to the love of her life."
Bucky nodded in agreement. He pointed at a picture on the wall of framed photos behind her, "Look behind you, that's them"
Sarah turned around and let out a gasp of excitement, her hands flowing to her mouth. "Wow! I can't believe I missed these!"
There were pictures of a very young Chet and Lee as hippies in Woodstock, together in a boat, a picture of Chet playing his guitar looking like in his early 20s. Then an image of Chet playing surrounded by a group of people at a bonfire. Then one in which a pregnant Lee opens up a present in the shape of a tiny guitar, a present from a baby shower. And then Chet with a small auburn haired child, maybe their son, and what looked to be Chet teaching him guitar. Those were only a few of the images, and yet they all told a story.
It was touching to Sarah, just the amount of care went to arranging the photos on the wall. And that was when it dawned on her that all the photos and artwork she had seen around the venue were likely tied to Chet and the celebration of his life.
"This whole place is in honor of Chet's life," Bucky shared.
"Oh, Bucky, this makes this place even more magical. There's so much love put in this place. I mean look at them, they were so young and were together for so long."
She turned to him and studied his face, he had a very thoughtful look. What was going through his head as he studied those pictures also. To Sarah she briefly thought about her husband, and their life together before he passed away, and how they drifted apart long before he passed away. She thought of pictures in the attic, albums of them together she'd hidden, not wanting to reminisce of the good days and bad. It took her 6 years to finally allow herself to mourn, to reminisce and find the power to move on. And here she was with a man that she truly wanted to be with. If she was being truthful to herself, she wanted him so badly to be in her life, because she couldn't imagine it otherwise.
If she was thinking about these things, she wondered if those pictures reminded Bucky of his past. He lived for so many generations and saw so much. Did those images remind him of his life so many decades ago and of the passing years? Did he have a family then? Did he have someone he'd lost too during those years; a woman perhaps who he watched grow old and have kids with? She wouldn't be surprised if he did; nor would she be upset, as she knew who he was, how old he was, and that he had a long history of life and experiences more than her.
And she wanted to ask him about it, but bit her tongue. She didn't want to go there and ruin their date, even though she wanted to learn so much about him. She also didn't want to ask him, since she felt it'd just ruin the mood.
She looked down at her hands on her lap now, which she didn't realize were fidgeting and smooth her dress. She could feel him studying her deep in thought.
"Sarah, are you all right?" He asked her, his question and the worry behind them surprised her. She looked up at him and gave him her brightest smile, hoping that'd tell him that she was, but her smile faltered when she saw in his blue eyes an almost understanding and a sense of what could have possibly caused a change in the mood around them.
Sarah swallowed the lump on her throat, her nervousness making her palms sweaty. Should she just tell him what she was thinking? Ruin the day and just lay it out there?
"I'm okay," she said, "Just had some thoughts about… some pictures I have in the attic I hid away. These pictures just reminded me of them."
Oh, well. There she said it, kind of, and she hoped that was the end of it and he wouldn't ask her to explain further, even though she rather just get it over with and tell him. They might as well have the awkward conversation of past loves, and see what happens. Let the night be over, he'll change his mind about her and they'll just go back to being friends.
She feels him touch her hand on her lap and hold it, a way of begging her to look at him. She didn't realize she'd been avoiding his gaze for a minute.
"Those photos brought up some memories too," Bucky said quietly. "Thinking about how I don't have pictures, probably besides the ones you and Sam forced me to pose in." He smiles at her and she's grateful for the change of subject and the levity in his voice.
"'Forced'?" Sarah raised an eyebrow at him in amusement.
"Well, you remember that time at the grand opening of the restaurant and community cookout, when the newspaper came for a picture?"
"Yes! I got you to pose in that photo with us."
"Yes, the one with all of us, the crew and the folks from the community. Sam had it professionally framed, solid wood, heavy matting and even an article clipping from the newspaper framed along with it."
Sarah laughed, shaking her head. "Sam would do that. Let me guess, he gave it to you with a friendly threat to 'keep it or else'?"
"More like 'I paid a ton for this, Aj, Cass and Sarah helped me pick it out . Keep it.'"
Sarah shook her head, her eyes gleaming with amusement, "I'm starting to think he uses the boys and I as a way to get you to do things."
"I don't mind it. It makes it that more important. And —don't tell Sam— I didn't really take it and kept it by force. His threats don't work on me." He said, "I wanted to keep a picture of that day anyway, as a first photo of this new chapter in my life."
"Wow, so the Wilson family influenced you again!"
"I don't mind it, especially if most of that influence comes from you, Sarah."
The way he said it, his gaze falling on her eyes then down to her lips, as he licks his. Oh no… Sarah crossed her legs to try to hide the warmth she felt in her core. The look he was giving her was a heated one, his blue eyes venturing into another territory.
Not yet. Sarah told herself even though so many times that night she wanted so badly to kiss him or for him to kiss her. Somehow though, besides their hands touching and their dancing so closely, there was an unspoken rule they didn't cross that line yet. Not yet.
"So… pictures," Sarah started, "You really don't happen to have a picture of young Bucky somewhere you kept even after all these years?" The question came out before she thought of what she was really asking. "I'm sorry, you don't have to answer that."
He gave her a warm smile, "Nothing to be sorry about. And to answer your question: no pictures at all from the past that I kept personally; didn't have a need or want to. AJ and Cass beat you to that question a year ago by the way, so don't be sorry."
Sarah gave Bucky a look of embarrassment, as she could imagine the type of greeting Bucky may have gotten from her very curious boys.
"Oh my goodness, those boys and their poor manners. I can't believe it. So sorry!"
Bucky chuckled, "It's okay. It's nice, having them ask those types of questions, you know? It probably was the first time I felt like someone wasn't walking on eggshells around me. I know my past and I've learned to live with it."
He continued, "Your boys, they aren't afraid to ask those questions; they're curious and that takes courage. And plus, I don't blame them. I'd be asking questions if my Uncle and Mom let some metal armed stranger stay on their couch. Kind of wish more folks were straight shooters like that, you know? Must take it after their mom.``
Sarah touched his arm.
"Me?" She said faking shock, and looked around pretending to be appalled.
They both laughed at that.
"So…speaking of straight shooting," Sarah started, "Is that you giving me permission to ask you as many questions about you as possible?"
She wanted him to know she didn't want their conversation to be surface level; she really wanted to get to know him. And didn't want to be nervous asking or talking to him about certain things.
"Yes. " he says with a nod, "Only on one condition."
"What's that?"
"You ask me whatever question you have for me— don't sugar coat it—and I'll answer them."
"That goes both ways?"
"Yes." He smiles at her.
"Okay, I like this, no BS no sugarcoating, asking away," she said as she rested her head on her hand in thought. "Are their questions out of bounds?"
"No. You?"
"Nope." She told him, "As long as we do one more dance and you order us whatever is your favorite off the menu."
"Yes, ma'am." He said saluting her jokingly, which made her smile more.
"Oh, and never ever call me ma'am."
"Absolutely, doll."
"Better."
~.~.~
After they finished their drinks, and ate their meal, they ordered a few non-alcoholic beverages, a homemade passion fruit lemonade, a signature at the venue. The next band wouldn't be playing for another half hour, and the venue had a mix of jazz standards playing in the background, behind the bustle and sound of the now packed place.
The time flew as she and Bucky talked and caught up on what each of them had been up to, and shared jokes and memories as they enjoyed each other's company.
It felt so natural, as if this was what they'd always done. Sat together and flirted, chatted about the boat, the business, Sam as Captain America and her boys' constant obsession with all things Wakanda, Uncle Sam and of course 'Uncle Bucky'.
There was even a moment where they talked about their past and the people they've missed, but only slightly and not too in depth, only surface level, for now at least. Bucky shared a story about his mother and sisters growing up in New York City and Sarah shared her life before the Blip, and the boys and how she'd been studying to be a mechanical engineer before money became an issue and she had to support the family business. They were only glimpses, but it was a start, and they both knew that was okay for now.
~.~.~.~
If someone was observing them, they'd think the two of them would be together as a couple for a while. Their closeness and comfortability with each other was visible, as they mirrored each other's movements and reactions, and as they got up from their chairs and stood side by side leaning against the patio railings, looking down at the people below them.
Bucky placed his hand so easily on Sarah's waist, comfortable and so fitting. And Sarah leaned towards his touch so it couldn't be missed. He whispered something in her ear and she smiled at him, as he turned her to him, and she rapped her arm around his neck and they started to dance again.
One would have seen the tall man holding the woman close, and twirling her, her yellow strapless sundress bellowing beneath her, at her knees as he did so, as he spinned her in her heels, and dipped her. They'd also see the way she held onto him, her hand on occasion touching his chest, near his heart covered by his gray button up shirt, with the sleeves rolled up.
They were happy, and it showed. And to Sarah, this was one of the most beautiful nights she's ever had.
And when they stopped and returned back to their seat, smiling and refreshing with their lemonade, smiling ear to ear, Bucky asked her if she wanted to head out. And she knew exactly what he meant and the excitement continued and her heart beat quicker.