Bucky laid on his bed, eyes wide open as he watched the sun light shine through the window. His mind could not stop thinking about last night. Serenity and he were up until nearly 2 o'clock in the morning. He learned how to send a text message, he sent one to Bruce. He smiled when he recalled the look on her face when he sent it. It was the biggest smile he ever saw. During his thoughts of Serenity, a knock hit his door. He glanced over and sighed.
"Rise and shine, Buck!" Bellowed Steve as he knocked again.
He swung his legs over the edge of the bed as he sat up. He walked over to the door and opened it. Smiling at Steve as he leaned up against the frame, "Good Morning."
"Ready to head out?" Steve asked
"Oh yeah, sorry. Give me a few minutes. I need to change." Bucky stated as he walked back in.
Steve followed him and sat in an office chair near a wooden desk. He took a better look at Bucky's clothes and raised a brow. "Are those the same clothes you wore yesterday?" Steve asked playfully.
Bucky slowed his pace and looked down, "Yeah, I just never changed out of them after I went to bed." He continued into the bathroom. "By the time I got back I didn't feel like changing."
"Got back?" Steve seemed confused by the statement, "Got back from training?"
"Well, after our run…I ran into Serenity. We grabbed a bite to eat in the cafeteria." Bucky replied as he removed his old clothes.
"Oh really?" Steve drew his vowels out in a curious tone, "How was that?"
Bucky chuckled at Steve's reaction, "It was, really nice. We listened to music. She taught me how to send a text message." Steve could hear the smile on Bucky as he continued, "She was very patient with me. It was…fun."
Bucky walked out of the bathroom in a pair of jeans and red T-shirt. He stopped when he saw Steve's goofy smile. "What?" Bucky asked with a slightly suspicious glare, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"When did you call it a night?" Asked Steve as he stood up from his chair.
Bucky grabbed a pair of socks and slipped them on, "Um, like 2ish. I think."
Bucky was putting his boots on, so he could not see Steve. Who was mouthing the words, oh my god. The man was giddy, but had to quickly hide it once Bucky looked up. "Ok, I'm ready." Stated Bucky. Steve nodded and the two of them headed out the door.
"So, are you planning on seeing her again?" Steve asked as he glanced to check Bucky's reaction.
"Umm, well she will be at Tony's dinner tonight, so yeah." Bucky replied, unaware of Steve's true reason for asking.
"Good." Steve said as she shook his head, "Then let's go get that suit."
On the other end of the compound sat Serenity, who was working on another gadget. She tinkered away at the details and hummed along to the music that was playing in the lab. Normally she wouldn't play music, because of Bruce. However, he told her he would not be in the lab today. So she took the opportunity to play some. She smiled when the song Photograph by Ed Sheerdan played, her feet began tapping to the beat. Her mind zoned out to last night. She loved seeing Bucky so innocent as he tried to send the text. The phone looked foreign in his hands. The phone had issues with his metal fingers, so he had to use one hand. Once that thought crossed her mind she stopped what she was doing. She sat down her tools and rolled her chair over to the other side of the lab. She opened a desk drawer and rummaged through it. It wasn't long before she came across a phone. It was her old one, but it was still in great condition. She pushed herself back over to the desk and sat in down close by.
Hours passed, unbeknownst to Serenity. As she had been fiddling with the gadget from before. She glanced up at the clock on her desk and jumped up.
"CRAP!" She exclaimed as she grabbed the phone.
There was only a couple of hours before the dinner. She sprinted down the hall and stairs to the common room level. She bursted into her room and began undressing. She pulled out her dress, shoes, and jewelry, placing them on the bed. She hopped in the shower and quickly cleaned up. After she exited the shower a knock echoed in her room. She placed a robe on and saw that Natasha was standing outside her door.
She opened it and gave Natasha a smile, "Hey."
Natasha's mouth dropped, "You aren't ready yet?!" She was borderline irritated, but she also seemed to be holding back a laugh.
Serenity walked back into the room, "Yeah, just give me like 20 minutes."
Natasha shook her head, "Ugh, bring me the blow dryer."
The rehearsal dinner was now under way and in full Tony fashion. It was being held at their home in East Hampton, New York. However, even by the standards of the Hamptons, it was a colossal home. It was secluded, modern, and sat on the beach front. All of which was really no surprise to anyone. One of many limousines pulled up to the entrance of the home. Bruce was the first to step out, he wore a full black suit, most likely picked out by Tony or Natasha. He extended his hand to Natasha as she slipped out of the vehicle. She adorned a long, form fitting, black dress that glimmered in the light like stars in the night sky. The strapless dress was accented by a graduated diamond necklace. Once out, Bruce extended his hand to Serenity. Her cream, round toe heels touched the pavement as she took hold of his hand. She stepped out in a dark blue satin, off the shoulder, tea length dress. A single strand of pearls adorned her neck. The layers in her hair bounced and feathered back off her face. Her hair was no longer tied up and was free to cascade down her back.
Bruce linked arms with Natasha and gestured forward, "Shall we?" He said as they began walking forward.
Serenity was close behind, she felt rather uncomfortable in this environment. She never usually dressed like this. Parties were never an issue, but the dressing up part was. Although, she had to admit, she did feel beautiful. Natasha went easy on her make up. Just mascara, a neutral smoky eye, and a dusty rose shade of lipstick. It was still more than she wanted, but she did not get a choice in the matter. They entered the home and into a grand foyer. The place was full of people, but it was no where near cramped. The home was just as big on the inside as it appeared on the outside. She walked around the house, shaking hands with familiar faces. During which she came across Pepper and Tony.
"You look lovely, Pepper." Stated Serenity as she admired her long, strapless, cream dress.
"Thank you. You as well." Pepper smiled and hugged her.
Tony walked up behind Pepper and kissed her on the cheek. He looked over at Serenity and lowered his light blue shades while smirking, "Someone cleans up well."
Serenity crossed her arms and tried not to smile, but found it difficult, "Thanks."
More people walked up to the couple and Serenity took that as her signal to leave. She made her way out of the house and onto the patio. When she opened the patio door a cool, salty breeze hit her skin. She let out a sigh of contentment, happy to be out of the house. There were only a handful of people outside, most likely since it was colder. There were a few heaters placed along the patio, but the cold was bearable for now. She walked over to the short fence that lined the patio and looked out at the sandy beach.
On the other side of the patio sat a familiar group of people. Steve and Bucky sat at a table with their team mates. He sat in his chair, not actually engaged in the conversation. Steve was speaking with a tall, blonde man whose arm was draped around the shoulder of a beautiful redhead. A sharply dressed dark skinned man also sat with them as the conversation progressed. Bucky was observing all the them, when a blue dress caught his eye. His jaw slowly dropped when he noticed who it was.
"Woah…" he whispered to himself. However, it wasn't quiet enough.
"What was that Buck?" Ask Steve as he looked over at Bucky. He was confused by the dumbstruck expression. Following his line of sight, he saw who his stare was locked on. Steve smiled and turned back to Bucky. "Go say Hi."
Bucky nodded and stood up, straightening out his dark grey suit and navy tie. He ran his fingers through his shaggy hair and slowly walked in her direction. The others at the table seemed to notice.
"Yo, where is he going?" Asked the dark skinned man.
"You'll see." Smirked Steve as he watched the interaction unfold.
Bucky walked up to Serenity, "Hey there." His voice slightly shaky.
She turned around and smiled when she saw him. It pierced his heart like an arrow. She could not help but blush at how dapper he looked in his suit. "You look very handsome tonight." She said, bringing her hand up to her cheek.
He nodded, "Thank, Thank you. You, You look gorgeous." He tripped over his words as he tried to speak.
She giggled at his reaction, "Thank you."
"Would you like to join us?" He asked, turning to reveal a table of people that were starring intently at them. They raised their glasses at the two of them.
She nodded, "That sounds lovely."
He extended his arm to her, ready to lead the way. She was slightly taken a back by the gesture, but linked her arm with his. They walked across to the other side of the patio and were they were met with warm welcomes.
"Hello everyone." Serenity stated, "Nice to see you again, Steve. You too, Sam." She said as she walked up.
Bucky unlinked arms and pulled a chair out for her. She took the seat as Sam replied, "Good to see you too."
Bucky sat in between Steve and her. She looked over at the couple and extended her hand, "I don't believe we have ever been introduced, I'm Dr. Serenity Sinclair."
"I'm Wanda. Pleased to meet you." Stated the red head as she shook Serenity's hand.
Serenity moved her hand over to the man beside her. They gently shook hands, "I am Vision. It is a pleasure to make your aquatints. Bruce has spoken highly of you."
Serenity smiled, "Good to hear."
"Serenity, would you like a drink?" Asked Wanda.
"Oh no. Thank you, but I don't drink." She stated, "Alcohol that is." Clarifying herself.
"So, have you made any new gadgets yet?" Asked Sam after he took a sip of his drink.
"Actually I just made a new EMP device for Bucky." She looked over at him, "I was able to connect it right in his arm. I felt very honored to be allowed to do so." They made eye contact and both smiled.
"Really?" Asked Steve, who seemed quite surprised by this.
"Yeah…" Bucky said bashfully, "She explained what it was and it seemed like a good idea."
Vision interjected, "Fascinating. How do you control it?" His question directed at Bucky. He looked at Vision with wide eyes. Serenity gently placed a hand on Bucky's arm.
"I was able to get a schematic of his arm from Shuri. With that I was able to connect it to his neural receptors. He thinks of using it and then presses a panel on his arm. This allows the device to go off." She smiled at him and he nodded at her. His eyes thanking her for stepping in.
"How do we know it's safe?" Steve asked, his face locked in a stern look at Serenity.
She turned to him, "I know what I'm doing." Her tone sharp.
"I understand that, however, how do we know this device won't be used to hurt him." He straightened up and stared into her eyes.
Serenity's jaw tightened, she did not break eye contact, "Are you suggesting I would put something in his arm other than the device I spoke of?"
He shrugged, "It's possible and –"
She cut him off, turning her entire body to face him, "Let's get something clear! The device in his arm is an EMP and nothing more. I am not a nefarious person nor do I have other intentions." She stood up and pointed her index at the now startled Captain. "I like Bucky and I wanted to do something that may help him. The device is not hackable, so no one can use it except him. It's perfectly safe."
Everyone seemed shocked by her actions. Bucky looked at her, then back at Steve. Who nodded his head as he stood up. "I'm sorry. I'm not use to people, especially scientists, who have good intentions. I was just concerned."
Serenity took a deep breath and clenched her fist, "I understand, but I'm not like them. I just want to help." She looked at Bucky, then back up at Steve. "That's all."
He extended his hand, "My apologizes."
Serenity accepted the hand shake, "Thank you. I'm sorry if I got defensive."
The two sat back down, "It was actually refreshing." Steve said with a small smile on his lips.
"Sooo…" Everyone looked over at Sam who had a slightly mischievous look, "You like Bucky?" He sipped his drink as he waited for her response.
A nervous laugh came out of her mouth that she could not stop from escaping. "Uhhh…ummm. Well…I uhh…" Her heart was racing as she messed with her dress.
"Hey guys." Asked Natasha as she walked up.
"Oh thank god." Whispered Serenity as she looked up at Natasha.
Natasha looked around the table, "You guys are such party poopers. Come inside and mingle." She crossed her arms and popped her hip out.
They all let out different moans of dissatisfaction and disappointment. However, they complied and made their way inside. The party was still just as full as earlier. The music had begun to pick up pace, now playing upbeat rock. Serenity stuck by Bucky's side, who did not seem to be too comfortable with being close to this many people. It was by no means crowded, but it was definitely more people than he was use to. Steve stuck by Bucky's side too and the three of them stayed near the patio door. Bucky glanced between Steve and Serenity a few times. After a minute, Steve came to a conclusion.
Steve looked at Bucky and smiled, "I'm going to go get a drink. You two enjoy yourselves."
Bucky and Serenity looked at each when Steve left, both smiled at the other. "That was brave of you." Said Bucky as he tucked some stray hairs behind his ear, "Standing up to Steve."
She nodded and looked down for a second, his blue eyes melted her heart. "Yeah. I guess. I just…I just know he was worried about you, but I didn't like being accused of anything like that." She pulled on some of her hair, twirling it in her fingers. "You're a good person and I have no intention of hurting you."
He placed a hand on her shoulder, "I know." She looked up at him and once again made him weak in the knees with her gaze. He swallowed hard and removed his hand.
She smiled, "I almost forgot. I have something for you." She dug her hand into one of the pockets in her dress. Bucky looked surprised at the statement, "For me?" He asked.
She pulled out the phone from earlier. There were a pair of headphones wrapped around it. He took the phone, their hands grazing in the exchange. He let out a small chuckle, "Seriously? You got this for me?"
"It's my last phone. It's fully encrypted, so it's safe to use. My music is still loaded to it." She put her hands together in excitement.
"Thank you. You didn't have to do this though." He unwrapped the headphones and placed them in his pocket.
"I know. I wanted to. You seemed to really enjoy the music. So I figured this would be a great way for you to continue your technological education. My number is programmed in the phone, but you will need to add everyone else's." She moved in closer and pointed at the screen, "This one should read your other hand, so you can use both."
"Great. I will play around with it later. You are much better company anyway." He said while putting the phone in the same pocket as the headphones.
Serenity looked around the party, "Let's go back outside." She gently grabbed his arm and pulled him back out to the patio. He followed with no protest. She took a deep breath once the fresh air hit her. She walked over to the railing and began taking off her heels, using Bucky to keep her balanced.
"What are you doing?" Bucky asked, confused by her actions.
"Take off your shoes." She tried to sound stern, but her smile betrayed her. "You can keep them on, but it's never fun getting sand in your shoes."
He looked out at the beach and then back at her. She had already jumped over the rail, waiting for him. He kicked off his shoes and pulled off his socks. Jumping over the rail, she grabbed his left hand, leading the way. The cold sand flying as they ran down to the beach. The crashing waves could now be heard, with the music behind them. She looked back at him, with a smile that could not be contained. They stopped just short of the water, hands still intertwined. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. Bucky looked down at her, then did the same. They stood in silence, the sounds of the ocean and the faint music the only noise floating in the wind.