Chapter nineteen
Tracey stood in her closet. She huffed as she stared at all the clothes hanging on the racks. She ran a hand through her hair and adjusted her glasses. It had been a month since Bucky had asked her out and her face and arm were finally healed and her stitches were removed a week ago. Yesterday she had talked with Bucky and they agreed that tonight would have been a good night to go to the swing club. Now here she was standing in her room in sweats staring at all her clothes with no idea what to wear. She groaned, grabbing her hair in her fists.
"Okay, calm down."
Tracey turned around to see Natasha walking in with Sharon and Pepper behind her. She waved a hand. "Hey."
"What's the problem?" Nat asked, sitting on the end of Tracey's bed. Pepper stood to the side and Sharon sat at the blonde's desk.
"I have no idea what to wear," Tracey groaned, walking over and flopping down on her bed fast first.
Pepper patted the young woman's back. "You've got something to wear. That's why we're here to help."
"What?" Tracey said, lifting her head. She raised an eyebrow. "Not that I don't appreciate you guys helping, but I can get ready on my own."
"We know, but we're not letting you," Natasha smirked.
"I don't need help, I can get ready by myself. Plus knowing you, Nat, you're going to be teasing me the entire time I get ready."
"Damn, you are smart," Natasha said with a laugh. "Sharon, grab her."
"Wait what?" Tracey said.
Sharon and Natasha quickly grabbed each of the blonde's arms and pulled her off the bed. The entire time she struggled and complained. They set her down at the vanity in her bathroom.
"Seriously, guys, this isn't funny," Tracey complained.
"We don't' care, we're helping you," Sharon said as she searched through the drawers and cabinets. "Where's your makeup?"
Tracey sighed, but laughed. "I'm gonna lose this argument. It's under the sink."
"Thanks," Sharon said, grabbing a bag out. "Okay, Natasha, you get her hair, I've got her makeup. Pepper get the dress."
"Dress?" Tracey asked as Sharon pulled out the makeup from the bag.
"We bought you a dress," Natasha said, plugging in a curling iron.
"You guys didn't have to do that."
"But we did," Pepper said, laying a garment bag on her bed. "You'll see it when we're done with you."
"Fine," Tracey laughed, roller her eyes.
"Hold still and close your eyes," Sharon said, holding a brush close Tracey's eyes.
The two set to work as Pepper looked through the closet for shoes and jewelry. Tracey sat still for far too long as Sharon did her makeup and Natasha worked on her hair. The whole time her heart was racing. She was still shocked that Bucky had asked her out. She never thought he thought of her like that. However, Natasha had pointed - out as she grabbed a section of hair - that he was always staring at her. Tracey blushed at the news. How had she never noticed that? She thought back to the time they danced and the time he had put his arm around her as they watched TV. During those times he was constantly looking at her. And the way he smiled at her… She groaned. She was an idiot for not noticing.
"And we are done," Natasha said, releasing the last section of hair.
Tracey stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her makeup was simple with light brown eye shadow, light blush, and red lips. Her hair was in loose waves falling down her back. She was stunned. She couldn't remember the last time she got dressed up like this.
"You look great!" Sharon grinned. "Come on, let's get you in your dress!"
Once Tracey changed into her contacts and clothes she stood in front of the closet mirror hanging on the door. She was once again stunned. The dress was a sleeveless black one with a lace covering at the top of her torso and flowed at the knees. It was matched with black heels. It all went together with the hair and red lips. She turned to her friends with a smile.
"Oh, Tracey," Pepper nearly squealed. "You look beautiful!"
"Bucky won't be able to take his eyes off you," Natasha said, a proud smile forming on her lips when she saw Tracey blush.
"What time are you leaving?" Pepper asked.
"Eight," Tracey answered, still feeling her face heat up. Her heart pounded. It was already seven thirty.
"Gives you enough time to do any final touches," Sharon added in. "We'll let you be. See ya."
"Be sure to tell us everything tomorrow," Natasha said giving her a wink as the three walked by.
Tracey turned back to the mirror once more when they left. She flattened the skirt and turned every which way. God she was nervous. She couldn't believe this was happening. She turned when she heard a bark. Looking down she saw Dexter at her feet.
"Hey, buddy," she said, bending down and petting him. She sighed. "Oh, Dex. I'm gonna need a lot of encouragement from you."
ooOOoo
"Bucky, just breathe," Steve said. "Calm down, everything will be okay."
He had been watching Bucky practically running around his room trying to get ready. He was now pacing back and forth, mumbling to himself. Steve wasn't worried for his friend. He knew that once the date started he'd calm down. But right now he was over reacting.
"I know, Steve. I'm just…I'm just nervous," Bucky said, running a hand through his hair.
"I know, Buck, but it's just Tracey. It's not like you're taking some random girl you don't know," Steve offered.
"But that's the thing. It is Tracey. I don't want to screw this up." Bucky stopped at the mirror in his bathroom, looking himself over. He buttoned up his shirt, taking a deep breath.
Steve stared at his friend from where he sat on the bed. His mouth fell open and closed. "Buck…you really care for Tracey, don't you?"
Bucky sighed, pulling a tie around his neck. "Yeah…I do. I just want this to go right."
"I don't think I've ever seen you act this way about any girl before," Steve said, a smile growing on his face. "You really like her. Wow…"
Bucky smiled at himself as he fixed his tie. His metal and flesh fingers moving and turning around the fabric as he tied it. "Yeah…I don't know. There's just something about her that's different from every other girl I've met. She's incredible."
"Damn, Buck. I know you've never said that about a girl before. Call them pretty and nice, but never incredible. I think you're losing it," the blond soldier laughed as Bucky walked out of the bathroom.
"Shut up, punk," he said, punching his friend's arm. "Well," he said, holding his arms out, "how do I look?"
Steve smiled at he looked his friend over. He was wearing a pair of slacks, a button up shirt with a tie. On his feet were a pair of brand new dress shoes. His hair wasn't slicked back like he would have back in the forties. It was styled to look messy, but in a nice was. He chuckled lightly, thinking about how he and Bucky grew accustomed to the way men styled their hair in the twenty first century. He nodded at his friend.
"You look great, Buck. Now just take a deep breath and calm down. Everything will go well tonight. Are you ready? It's already eight ten."
Bucky's eyes widened. "Shit!" He grabbed the coat off his bed and ran out the door.
"Good luck!" Steve called out with a laugh. He shook his head and stood up, leaving the room for his own room.
ooOOoo
Bucky took a deep breath as the elevator came to a stop at Tracey's floor. This was it. It was actually happening. He still couldn't believe he was taking Tracey on a date. His heart raced as the doors opened. Walking off he was greeted by Dexter running to him. The dog looked up at him, wagging his tail happily.
"Hey, bud," Bucky said, bending down to pet the dog. "Where's Tracey at? Huh, buddy?"
"Coming!" Tracey called out.
Bucky continued to scratch the dog when he heard heels clicking on the tiled floor. Looking up his eyes grew wide. He quickly stood, mouth agape. He couldn't think of what to say. The black dress she wore looked amazing on her. The way it hugged her waist and flowed at her legs. Her heels showed off her legs. And just the way she looked! He seriously couldn't think of anything to say.
His speechless expression changed to a smile as she looked at him with a questioning look. "You look…beautiful."
Tracey's eyes widened and her cheeks heated up. She blinked. "I…I do?"
"Yeah," Bucky breathed.
She looked down, trying to hide her blushing face as she smiled widely. "Thank you."
Bucky couldn't stop smiling. This was definitely happening and she looked beautiful. He seriously couldn't believe this was happening. He was actually taking Tracey on a date!
"Uh…sorry for being late. I lost track of time," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.
She giggled. "It's alright," she said, smiling up at him. She grabbed her purse off the counter. "Are you uh ready?"
He nodded. "Only if you are, doll."
Her face heated up once more. "Oh god, you don't have to call me that," she said laughing.
"Maybe I want to," he smirked. He held his arm out. "Ready?"
"Definitely," she smiled, looping her arm with his.
ooOOoo
"You seriously didn't have to give me your coat," Tracey said as they walked down the street.
Bucky told her that the swing club was only a block away and thought it'd be a nice walk. Although he quickly asked if Tracey would prefer to drive there. She only laughed and reassured him that walking sounded nice. It was a nice night out anyways. Now they were nearing the club and Bucky couldn't stop looking down at her the entire walk.
"You looked cold, I don't mind," he said with a smile.
She smiled back up at him before turning her attention back in front of her. They began to slow down as they got closer to their destination. Bucky kept looking up at the buildings next to them as he looked for the building numbers. He smiled as he saw the building in front of them.
"Looks like this is it," he said.
He held the door open for Tracey, who gave him a thank you. Upon entering she was speechless. It truly looked like she went back in time. There were tables set up on one side of the room with a bar to the right with people sitting here and there. The walls were covered in black and white photos and some colored ones mixed in. The other side consisted of open space for dancing and in a back corner was a live band playing actual forties swing music. People were everywhere spinning and turning as they danced and drinking and laughing off to the side. Her face slowly grew to a grin, amazed at the place. She felt a hand on her back and looked up to see Bucky. She smiled even more at his stunned face.
"Feel like you're back in the forties, Sergeant?" she asked.
"Yeah," he said, looking around the building. "Wow…I actually remember this place. It hasn't changed."
"Really?" Tracey asked, eyes wide. "You used to come here? Holy crap. So you used to take girls here on dates?" She looked at the dancers. She was nervous about that part of the date. She didn't know how to swing dance or any of the dances some of the older couples were doing.
"Yeah, I did," he said, smiling down at her. "But I've got a new girl to take dancing tonight."
Tracey smiled as the blush came back on her face. "I'd hate to say this now that we're here, but I don't know how to do any of the dances you know."
He chuckled, grabbing her hand and lacing his fingers with hers. "Don't worry. I'm here to teach you." He smiled when he saw her blush even redder as she smiled up at him. "Come on."
Tracey laughed as he led her to a table, taking her coat off and setting it on a chair before taking her hand again and pulling her out onto the dance floor. He smiled at her reassuringly as he took her hands in his. He spun her around, laughing when she let out a laugh of surprise. He watched as her skirt flared out around her legs as she did. He remembered the look on the girls he took dancing's faces as they danced. They were always smiling and enjoying every moment with him. But those girls knew how to dance. Tracey didn't. He enjoyed watching her face light up as he taught her different footsteps and spins and turns. She laughed and smiled the whole time. His heart swelled whenever she looked at him, her brown eyes lighting up. He loved her smile. Her smile alone could light up a room.
They stayed out on the dance floor for what felt like forever. The band played all sorts of songs. Fast, upbeat tunes and slow songs to cool down the dancers. The whole time the two stayed together, smiling and laughing.
"Do you want a drink?" Bucky asked after a song ended.
Tracey laughed. "I could use a break, if you don't mind," she said, smiling up at him.
"I don't mind at all, doll," he said, taking her hand in his as he led her to their table. "I'll be right back."
He smiled at her one last time before heading to the bar. The smile never left even as he ordered the drinks. The entire night was going well so far. He was on cloud nine by now. He was having the greatest time of his life with Tracey. Teaching her all the old dances he knew from the forties and seeing her laugh and smile as she did her best to learn them. He couldn't be happier. At this point, he didn't know why he was nervous earlier.
He thanked the bar tender as he handed him two glasses. Turning around the smile fell from his face. It quickly grew to anger. His hands gripped the glasses in his hand. The one in his left quickly shattered, spilling the drink and shards of glass all over the floor.
ooOOoo
Tracey smiled as she watched Bucky leave for the bar. She couldn't stop smiling the entire night. She couldn't remember a time where she felt this happy with a guy. Of course her last experience with a guy wasn't the best. Dave would have never come to a place like this. No, the only dancing he did was the kind at the clubs he'd drag her to. Never once did he ever ask her what she wanted to do, never once did he ever give her compliments. Bucky, however, was a real gentleman. Her heart had skipped a beat when he first saw her. He had called her beautiful. She was speechless when he did. She wasn't used to someone calling her that after everything Dave would say to her, criticizing how she looked on a daily basis practically.
She shook her head, looking down at the table. Dave wasn't a problem anymore. He was out of her life. Now it was Bucky. He was actually kind to her and made sure she was having a good time the entire time they were dancing. She smiled. He was a wonderful man.
"Hey, babe!"
Tracey's eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat. She looked up and saw the one person she didn't want to see slide into the seat next to her.
Dave smiled at her, winking. "Hey, Tracey, babe. You know I haven't heard from you in a while," he said, leaning towards her.
Her nose crinkled as she caught a whiff of his breath. He had been drinking.
"What are you doing here, Dave?" she hissed.
"I was walking by and spotted you sitting by yourself in here," he said, looking her up and down. "Thought I'd give my girl some company." He grabbed her face, smashing his lips onto hers.
Tracey's eyes widened. She quickly shoved him away, his chair wobbling as she did. "What is wrong with you?"
"What do you mean, babe?" Dave said, his brow furrowing.
"Don't call me babe. We aren't together anymore. Or has your ego inflated so much that you forgot," she shot at him.
"We are together. We're over when I say we are," he growled.
Tracey rolled her eyes. "Get over yourself," she said, turning away from him.
"You're my girl!" Dave shouted, causing heads to turn. He grabbed her upper arm roughly. "We're going."
He yanked her out of her seat too quickly causing her to stumble and fall. People around them stared and whispered among themselves. He pulled her back onto her feet and started to make his way to the door with Tracey yelling complaints at him to let her go.
"Hey!"
Dave turned around to the yelling voice only to be pushed off of Tracey. He was face to face with Bucky, his shirt balled up in the super soldier's metal fist. Bucky's face was already scrunched up in anger seeing the dark haired man with Tracey. However, it scrunched up even further when he caught a whiff of Dave's breath. The bastard was drunk!
"Leave her alone," he warned, his eyes narrowing as he stared down the man he had in his grip.
"Or what? You're going to fight me?" Dave said, glaring right back as he pushed Bucky off of him. "Last I checked, you were scared of hurting people."
Bucky's face grew into a snarl, his eyes growing dark and his other hand balled into a fist; he began to raise it. However, he was stopped by Tracey putting her hand over it.
"Bucky, don't hit him!"
"Why not, Tracey? Give me one damn good reason why I shouldn't punch this asshole in the face?" he yelled. He was mad, nostrils flaring as he looked from her to the man in front of him. He wanted to punch him, he really did. He wanted him to pay for what he did to her.
"Because I don't want to see a fight break out."
Dave snorted. "Holy shit, you still hate to see people fight? You still don't know how to let loose and have fun, babe. Maybe that's why you never put out."
Tracey's face reddened and Bucky's eyes widened with fury. In a split second he punched Dave square in the face. Bucky could feel the bones in his nose breaking against his fist (the bastard is lucky he didn't use his metal arm). Dave fell to the ground from the force. Gasps were heard from all the onlookers around them.
"That's not how you talk to a lady," Bucky yelled, glaring at him as he stood over the man. "The next time I see you near Tracey again I won't be afraid to rip your head off. And don't call her babe, she's not your girl."
Bucky placed his hand on Tracey's back, gently pushing her out of the club. He was fuming. Furious! He couldn't even see the people watching as they walked by; he didn't hear the cheers from some of them. He couldn't believe Dave had the guts to show up, thinking Tracey would want to still be with him. He was suddenly stopped by the sound of stumbling and yelling. He and Tracey turned to see Dave coming towards them through the club's doors. The drunkard was pointing a finger at Tracey as he approached.
"So you'd rather be with some man – a freak - with a metal arm then?" he roared.
Bucky stiffened. This asshole was asking to get killed. But before he could even raise a finger, Tracey had beaten him to it. The blonde woman punched Dave in the face causing him to stagger backwards.
"At least he's more of a man than you'll ever be!" she screamed. She turned on her heel and looped her arm through Bucky's pulling him down the street and away from Dave.
It was quiet as the two walked back to the tower. Bucky glanced down at Tracey and frowned. There was a look of sadness, maybe anger too, on her face. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it. She looked up and he smiled warmly down at her.
"Everything's going to be okay," he said, repeating the same thing she and Steve had been telling him since day one.
She looked down at her feet as they walked. "Thank you," Tracey finally spoke up, her voice soft.
Bucky turned to her, a bit relieved that she wasn't mad. "I couldn't just stand around and let him treat you like that." He paused. "Did you mean what you said?" he asked slowly, unsure whether he wanted to ask the question or not. "About me compared to him."
Tracey stared up at him astounded. "Of course. Bucky, you are a good person. Far better than Dave. You actually care about people and are kind. Of course I mean it when I say you're a better man than him. One of the best I've ever met."
He smiled lightly, nodding his head slowly. "Thank you."
It was silent again as they continued their walk. Neither didn't know what to say after that. The whole incident with Dave had ruined the night and neither knew what to say. At the tower they made their way through the lobby where they only saw the receptionist at the desk and a few workers leaving for the night. Even in the elevator it was silent between them. It wasn't until they got to Tracey's floor did they speak.
Tracey turned to face him as they stood in front of the elevator. She smiled at him. "Thank you for tonight," she said. She stood up on her toes to reach his height and kissed his cheek.
Bucky smiled that charming smile of his and lifted her hand up to his lips. "Any time, doll," he said, kissing her hand.
"Goodnight, Sergeant," she said, smiling before she turned to go down the hall to her room.
Bucky grinned widely once she was in her room before he left on the elevator. Tonight couldn't have been better.
It finally happened! Bucky and Tracey had their first date! I know a lot of you have been waiting for this to happen and so have I. I've actually had the fight scene all the way to the end written out before I even started this chapter, so I was excited to write the date part of the chapter. I really hope you guys liked it and sorry for bringing Dave back in, but I wanted Bucky to have a bit of relief knowing he got to punch him in the face. Also I wanted to show that Tracey may be a computer geek, but she still has fight in her.
Its currently 2 am and I'm an idiot for being up right now. I've had this done for a few hours now and I thought about waiting to post this til the end of the weekend, but I really wanted to post this and I have a bunch of homework tomorrow. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter!
If you guys would like to ask Tracey, Barry, and the Avengers (Sharon and Pepper are included in the list) any questions, feel free! I love getting questions from anons and non-anons! It's so much fun coming up with answers for each character! Look me up under
winter-is-ending
Again I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I would love to hear what you guys thought! So please leave a review. I'm not forcing it on you guys so don't feel obliged to leave a review. I won't feel upset. You guys are amazing!