A/N: Check the links in my profile for some of the gala attire.
The three days between Ruth getting home and the gala went by at full speed. She had a ton of work to catch up on plus finishing up the last minute details for the gala on Saturday. Steve, Bucky, Natasha and Sam got called up on a mission on Thursday. Bucky stopped by Ruth's office to tell her before they headed out.
Ruth looked up from her computer at the knock to see Bucky standing in the doorway in full tactical gear and armed.
"You got a mission."
It wasn't a question. She knew exactly what he was there for. She stood from her desk and met him just inside the door.
"Ruth I'm sorry. I know how much this gala means to you and I promise to do everything in my power to be back for it."
Ruth put a finger over Bucky's lips to quiet him.
"It's ok Bucky. I completely understand."
"You're not upset?"
"No. I know what you do and what that means. I hope you make it back in time but I understand if you don't. Please be safe and come back in one piece."
"I will. I love you."
"I love you too. Now go save the world."
Bucky chuckled and kissed her.
Ruth and Vi woke early on Saturday morning. They sat at the table eating breakfast and drinking coffee and enjoying a few moments of peace before the whirlwind of the day began.
"Are you actually ok with Bucky not being here for the gala?"
"I mean I'm bummed but there's nothing I can do about it. I can't make him feel bad either. I understood what I was getting into when we got together. If the price of being with him is that he occasionally has to miss important events, then that's a price I'm willing to pay. He's worth it."
"Aw look at you all in love."
Ruth laughed.
"Seriously Vi, I've never felt like this for anyone else. I've never been this willing to sacrifice for a man before."
A sly smile crept across the redhead's face,
"I have a question for you."
Ruth narrowed her eyes, suspicious,
"What?"
"Would you marry him if he asked?"
Without hesitation, Ruth replied,
"Yes. But I'm fairly sure that's not something he's considered, and I will never expect that from him. He still is in awe that anyone could love him after everything so I think that if marriage ever crossed his mind he would immediately assume I wouldn't want it."
"God that's heartbreaking."
"Yeah but I'll keep loving him. I don't need him to marry me to know he cares."
"You two are too much."
Ruth laughed,
"Gee thanks."
"But seriously though, I'm happy for you Ruth. Having love and a relationship like that is pretty special, especially nowadays."
"I feel pretty lucky. Now we just need to find that for you and we'll both live happily ever after."
Violet threw her head back laughing.
They cleaned up their breakfast and got ready for the day. Ruth had a couple errands to run before they got ready for the gala. When she returned to the apartment, Vi helped Ruth put together the thank you goody bags for the donors that helped make the event possible. They packed them all into a box and then went about getting themselves ready for the gala.
A few hours later found both women dressed in evening gowns with hair and makeup done and heading down the stairs with box in tow. They climbed into the car Pepper had arranged to take them to the venue and headed off. Ruth had planned to get there an hour before start time to give her time to make sure everything was set up properly and to deal with any last minute snafu that was bound to arise.
Three hours after they arrived the party was in full swing and running like a well-oiled machine. Most people had finished eating dinner and were making their way onto the dance floor. Ruth had requested a lot of vintage music from the DJ and he had obliged. She was standing off to the side of the dance floor watching everyone as Frankie Valli came over the speakers with "Can't Take My Eyes off You" when she heard,
"Hey doll."
She spun around, causing her skirt to twirl and float around her, to find Bucky standing there. He was wearing a navy blue suit with a gray vest and burgundy tie that matched her gown almost perfectly and he'd gotten a haircut. Before she could form a thought into words, he was leading her onto the dance floor and they began to sway to the music.
She finally got over her shock,
"You're here."
"I couldn't miss this night."
She just stared into those gray blue eyes a moment. Soaking in that he was here.
"You look stunning Ruth. I couldn't take my eyes off you when I came in."
A smile graced her lips and she looked down. He pulled a hand from her waist and tilted her chin up to look at him. He kissed her gently. The song came to an end and he led her back off the dance floor. The spell he'd cast over her when he arrived finally broke and her brain and mouth finally connected.
"You look incredible Bucky. You got a haircut."
"You like it?"
"I love it. I love your long hair too but this gives me some real Sergeant Barnes vibes."
She winked at that and Bucky laughed. He took her hand and they stood off to the side watching people dance and talk.
"You pulled off quite the party darlin'."
"I had a lot of help."
Natasha walked by in an elegant black, strapless gown and waved at them then Sam walked over and joined them. He hugged Ruth and took up a spot next to her, chatting with both of them. Something caught Ruth's eye on the dance floor,
"Is that…is that Steve?"
Sam replied,
"It is."
Bucky chimed in,
"That's Violet with him."
The two were dancing together to a slow song. Ruth tried to suppress a smile and looked at Bucky who was grinning. He caught her eye,
"Oh you can't tell me you didn't see this coming?"
"What?"
"When we met you at the airport, he couldn't take his eyes off her."
"Hmm."
Glenn Miller came over the speakers and Ruth's face lit up.
"Oh we have to dance to this!"
She grabbed Bucky's hand and pulled him to the floor. Bucky took charge immediately and they swung across the floor to "In the Mood", Ruth grinning from ear to ear the entire time. The burgundy tulle of her skirt floating around them as he twirled and lifted her along with the music. The couple caught everyone's attention but neither noticed as they moved with the other couples on the dance floor. The song came to an end with Bucky dipping Ruth and everyone bursting into applause.
Ruth blushed deeply as Bucky pulled her back up. She'd been so lost in the dance she hadn't noticed the stares. The DJ kept the atmosphere with some upbeat Andrews Sisters and Bucky and Ruth exited the floor and headed for the bar. Bucky got them both drinks and they found a quiet corner away from everyone to take a moment. Ruth sipped her gin and tonic and watched Bucky watch the room. She set her empty glass on a high top table and slipped her hand in Bucky's to get his attention. He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
"I have to go make a quick speech but we're not done dancing Mr. Barnes."
"Whatever you say Ms. Wood."
She smiled and headed toward the small stage with the DJ. He handed her a microphone and she took a glass of champagne from a server. The DJ cut the music and Ruth began,
"I won't keep you long. First, I would like to thank everyone for coming out tonight and for all your generous support of this program. Your donations have helped 300 plus wounded veterans this year get the medical care, prosthetics and therapy they need to have functional and productive lives and careers. I would especially like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Stark for their unwavering support for our veterans. Both financially and technologically helping get these programs up and running. Cheers!"
She raised the flute in her hand to the room then took a sip as everyone joined her.
"Now, please enjoy the evening and let's dance the night away!"
Ruth stepped off the stage to a round of applause and was met by Steve.
"May I have the next dance?"
"It would be my pleasure, Captain."
Steve led her around the floor to a Glenn Miller tune, one hand holding hers and the other resting on her waist. Ruth let her hand fall on his shoulder and she noticed that the blue jacket he wore was indeed velvet. Captain America had style that was for sure.
"So."
He looked down at her in questions. Her smile in return was mischievous.
"I saw you and Violet dancing earlier."
Steve looked up, with an almost shy look on his face.
"She's my dearest friend in this whole world so I have to ask. What are your intentions with her Captain Rogers?"
Ruth swore she saw a blush bloom across his cheeks.
"Am I that obvious?"
"Well Bucky noticed before I did. He said you couldn't keep your eyes off her when you met at the airport. I trust his judgment being your best friend and all."
"I haven't really done this before. Closest I've come…well I think everyone knows how that turned out."
"Can I give you some advice? As a friend."
He finally met her eye.
"Be direct and honest. Violet values honesty and appreciates when people are straightforward. If you do actually want to pursue her then tell her you do. She will always be forthright with you. She won't lead you on so don't lead her on. And just be yourself. Just be Steve."
He nodded. The song ended and Ruth leaned up to kiss Steve on the cheek. She found Bucky not far away and he pulled her close and they danced for several more songs. Ruth felt like her wildest dreams were coming true.
Ruth and Violet excused themselves to freshen up. Ruth looked at Vi through the mirror reflection as they both touched up their makeup.
"Alright, Vi. Spill."
"Spill what?"
"Girl I've seen you and Cap dancing all night. Looks like more than just platonic in my opinion."
Ruth saw Vi purse her lips in an attempt not to smile. The brunette put her lipstick away and turned to look at the woman next to her. She finally broke.
"Ruthie he's divine but I don't want him to think I'm just into him because he's Captain America."
"So tell him Vi. He's not naïve. Just be you. And…I may be a little biased on both sides but he deserves someone like you. He truly is one of the best men you will ever meet and I know for a fact he likes you."
"You do?"
Ruth took Vi's hands in hers.
"I don't know what it is but tonight is magical so grab it with both hands and be yourself. If it's meant to be it will be."
The girls hugged then Ruth helped Vi straighten the royal blue gown she wore and they headed back to the gala. Ruth checked in with all the staff to make sure everything was good for the rest of the evening then went to find Bucky. She found him dancing with Nat and just watched them glide gracefully around the floor. She caught a glimpse of Steve holding Vi close as they danced before Bucky appeared next to her.
"Hey doll."
"Hey Sarge."
He held his hand out and led her back to the floor for a slow dance. He pulled her close with his left hand on her waist as the trumpet on "It's Been a Long, Long Time" began.
"Oh, I love this song. It's one of my all-time favorites."
She rested her head on Bucky's shoulder as they swayed gently with the song.
