Chapter 15. Tonight, We Feast (Sexual content)

Content warning: Contains sexual content which may be unsuitable for readers under the age of 18.

Brooklyn, Autumn 2024

It's not easy planning a wedding in six weeks. But it is easier if you have a community that rallies around you and the many friends that the couple made with the volunteers at the newcomer centre, dock workers, and Tracey's fellow nurses offered their forces to help Bucky and Tracey. Several who had fought against Thanos stepped up as well, offering their help, even from afar by agreeing to help in any way they could. It also helped to have the funds and the know how to do it, especially when the know how came from a surprise source.

Several days after the engagement was announced Bucky returned home from the docks and was surprised to see a dark limousine parked in front of the house. Fearing the worst, he braced himself to face whomever was now inside the house and tell them in no uncertain terms to leave him and his family alone. He shouldn't have worried for as soon as he stepped inside, he was shocked to see Pepper and Morgan Stark sitting on the couch, with their driver Happy Hogan perched on a dining room chair pulled into the living room.

"Hi Bucky," said Pepper warmly, standing and extending her hand to his. "I'm sorry we stopped by without letting you know first but we just heard about your engagement. Rhodey mentioned it in passing and well, I wanted to offer my help to you, if you'll take it."

At first, he didn't know what to say. He had seen Pepper on the battlefield during the second fight against Thanos, then at Tony Stark's funeral but had always assumed she wouldn't want to have much to do with him, considering what the Winter Soldier did to Howard and Maria Stark. His thought must have also occurred to her because she looked at Happy who gave up his chair to Bucky and went to get another one. She smiled kindly at Bucky as he sat, then at Rebecca.

"You're confused that I'm here," she said. "Tony was never very good at admitting when he was wrong. Heaven knows, it was like pulling teeth even for me to get an apology from him. During the Blip he found a lot of information about what was done to you, and the fight you put up constantly to resist HYDRA's programming. With all that happened to you this past while, with Ross and Fontaine trying to force you back into that life I may have provided the information Tony uncovered to Rhodey and your lawyer."

"You? You did that for me?" asked Bucky, his face turning hot as it coloured pink. "Why?"

"Look at you," she replied. "Ever since we defeated Thanos you've done everything that was asked of you, and more to make amends for crimes that you, Bucky Barnes, were not responsible for. Not only that, but you also got on with living, getting a real job, taking care of your sister, Rebecca, finding love, and a place in this community that values you."

He was aware that Amina was standing there, long past the time she should have returned home after her shift. She smiled at Bucky with glistening eyes and nodded at him. He tried to clamp his jaw down, to force back the emotions that were bubbling up inside of him. Pepper said nothing, allowing him the time to speak.

"I still don't understand why you're here, in our living room," he finally choked out. "Why would you help me?"

"Because you're a good man, who deserves a lifetime of happiness," she answered, her own eyes becoming glassy. "I'm in a position to help with that and I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you sooner, when you were struggling and trying so hard to take care of your responsibilities." She glanced at Rebecca. "So, allow me to help plan your wedding, as I do have some organizational skills, having been Tony Stark's personal assistant for far too long. On his behalf, let me begin to make amends to someone who deserves it." Morgan tugged on her mother's sleeve and whispered, making Pepper smile. "Morgan wants to know if your arm hurts. She knows that Tony destroyed your other one."

Bucky reached into his pocket for his handkerchief and dabbed his eyes, then wiped his nose. Smiling, he looked at the dark-haired girl.

"No, not anymore. The people in Wakanda gave me a really good arm and took all the pain away."

"Can I see it?" she asked sweetly. "I build Lego robots."

Another smile crossed his face, and he took his jacket off then ran his long sleeve up past his elbow. Morgan shyly approached him and touched it gently with her fingertips, tracing the seams in the different segments. He explained how it was full of electronics and computer circuitry that he really didn't understand but it worked very much like a real arm and hand. She nodded.

"My dad would think this was cool," she said. "Can I come to your wedding?"

He looked at Tracey, who smiled and nodded. "Of course, you and your mother will both be invited, Happy too. There will be lots of kids there, music, and dancing, and people from many different countries."

"I heard about the newcomer centre," said Pepper. "Rebecca told me how much they helped you both when you needed caregivers. I'm always looking for charitable organizations to support."

"Stay for dinner," said Bucky, impulsively. "I'm a pretty good cook and we can talk about the centre, and the wedding."

"He is a good cook," agreed Rebecca. "You're more than welcome."

"Only if we can help," replied Pepper. "It's not cheeseburgers, is it?"

Happy blushed while Morgan giggled making Bucky wonder if that was a private joke. Amina took her leave after thanking Pepper for offering to support the newcomer centre, inviting her to visit and see for herself how it had changed many refugees' lives. Bucky walked her to the door and looked at this small woman from the middle of Africa who meant so much to them.

"Am I allowed to hug you?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

"It's not really permitted since you aren't my husband," she smiled, "but you are like my brother ... my brother from another mother." She giggled at her joke. "Your family is my American family. You've been through so much and you never gave up. Miss Tracey already asked if we would come to the wedding. It would be a privilege to share that day with you. Baraka Allahu fik, Mr. Bucky. May Allah bless you."

"Baraka Allahu fik, Amina Nyok. Thank you."

She bowed her head then stepped down and began her walk to the nearby bus stop. He watched her from the steps, making sure she got on the bus okay before he turned back to the house and helped prepare supper. Pepper, Morgan and Happy stayed for several hours talking about the newcomer's centre, and what the couple wanted for their wedding. When Morgan fell asleep on the couch with her head in Rebecca's lap and Alley Cat curled up in her arms Pepper decided it was time for them to go. Happy gently lifted the little girl up and carried her out to the limousine.

"So, Tracey, Rebecca and I will go dress shopping this weekend," confirmed Pepper, "while Bucky and Sam go looking for tuxedos. Then we'll meet up and visit the newcomer centre to discuss the reception. Happy will arrange transportation for the wedding party. You'll figure out where the ceremony is to be held?"

Bucky nodded. "We'll work on the guest list this week and get that to you before the weekend," he said. "Your printer can get them done quickly so we can address them and mail them out."

There was a serious hiccup when a broken water main flooded the newcomer building just days later. It meant they would be unable to hold any event there before Christmas so after meeting up on the weekend they reluctantly went looking for a new venue. Fortunately, with Pepper Stark on it she learned that a unique facility was available the first weekend of December. A heritage building, near the Williamsburg Bridge, the Weylin was originally the Williamsburg Savings Bank when it was built in 1875. Both Bucky and Rebecca remembered it being a bank back in the day. As they toured the grand space the brother and sister looked at each other then Bucky turned to Tracey for her take on it. After they whispered together Bucky looked at Pepper with regret.

"It's beautiful but it's much too grand for us," he said. "I'm a dock worker, Tracey's a public health nurse; it isn't really us."

Smiling kindly Pepper accepted that then took them to her second choice, the Metropolitan Ballroom. They had a cancellation on Thanksgiving weekend and a bonus to using them was they could provide a halal menu for the Muslim guests that would be invited. As they toured the space while it was being prepared for a wedding later in the day, they still found it quite grand but with lower ceilings it seemed a little more cosy to them. The manager assured them they could make it fit their own style. Agreeing to hold the ceremony and the reception there the contract was signed and the couple, with Pepper's help, made an appointment to visit during the week to finalize the décor, flowers, and menu.

After being dropped off back at home Rebecca decided to have a nap. Before she went to her room, she asked Sam to briefly speak privately. Bucky looked at his friend and best man, wondering what he and his sister had cooked up, but Sam refused to say anything without Rebecca present. While she slept Sam went out with Janice and came back with the makings for jambalaya, beginning to prepare it with her and Tracey's help.

Once Rebecca got up Bucky cornered his sister in the dining room. "What are you and Sam planning?" he demanded. "It better not be a surprise party."

"What if it is?" she countered back. "You've done so much for me and now I want to do something nice for you. Won't you let me?"

She gave Sam a little wink when she said this to Bucky. "Yes, I don't mind you doing things for me but I just need to know what's going to happen so I can prepare for it," he replied. "I'm a private man."

"You're a grumpy old man," she chirped back. "What do you say, Sam? Should we let the cat out of the bag?"

"Sure, it's not like we haven't brought it up before," replied Sam, grinning as he cooked in the kitchen.

"I used our little emergency fund to book a blues club and band for tonight," said Rebecca, standing unaided in front of her brother and looking defiantly up at him. "We invited anyone who wanted to help celebrate your engagement. I figured now that you're a millionaire we could splurge a little and have some fun. Sam and Pepper arranged it, arranged the limousine and we're going in style."

Bucky looked down on his white-haired younger sister, caught between amusement and irritation. Then he bent over and hugged her, easily picking her up so her face was level with his.

"I do love you," he said, his voice catching. "It's a nice surprise and we'll have a great time with friends." Kissing her on the cheek he hugged her again and let her down gently. He noticed Sam grinning like a demon at him. "Don't you start. Rebecca gets a pass because she's my little sister and I love her."

"You love me, too, Buck, admit it," said Sam, still grinning. "I'm your best friend and you would do anything for me if I needed it."

A scowl crossed Bucky's face that didn't fool anyone, and Tracey hugged him, kissing him on the cheek. She went back to helping Sam with the jambalaya, both her and her mother listening carefully as he walked them through it. Rebecca put some music on and swayed in the living room alone before reaching out for Bucky.

"Dance with me like you used to when I was a girl," she said, laughing.

"You used to stand on my feet," he said, taking her hands in his, then positioning her so her feet were on his. "You're heavy."

"You're a super soldier and can handle it," she retorted. "Humour me." He looked at her with amusement again, but concern must have shown on his face as she looked up at him. "I feel good. Really, I'm ready to cut a rug, boogie down, trip the light fantastic."

Bucky smirked but kept dancing with his sister. The three in the kitchen came out to watch and Tracey snapped some pictures on her phone.

"You going to dance with me tonight, Rebecca?" asked Sam. "I'm not taking no for an answer."

"Sam, I'll dance as much as I can for as long as I feel the music," she replied. "I want to celebrate having my brother again, him finding someone wonderful to spend his life with, good friends, life, all of it. What did Auntie Mame say in the movie? Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death. Well, tonight we feast."

Everybody laughed in agreement and when Bucky's eyes met Tracey's he knew by the way her eyes sparkled that he wanted to make love with her that night. At that moment, dancing with his sister, his best friend and future mother-in-law watching, and seeing the woman he loved returning that love in her eyes, he felt like the luckiest man in the world.

Sam's jambalaya was a big hit; every bit of it eaten and enjoyed immensely. After cleaning up they all got ready for their night on the town. Bucky wore his grey suit and white shirt, while Tracey wore a blue dress that Bucky couldn't help but bite his lower lip when he saw her in it. Janice looked years younger in her navy-blue dress, which almost matched Sam's suit. Rebecca, with Tracey's assistance, came out dressed to kill, in a red lace dress with sequins that accentuated her white hair.

"Wow," said Sam. "You looking to find a boyfriend with that dress, Rebecca?"

"As long as he can keep up with me," she laughed. "I feel young tonight. If he's not over 50, I'm good."

Bucky smirked and his sister tapped him on the arm. He put his hands up in mock surrender then kissed her on the cheek. She was on fire, and it was fun to see her like this. The doorbell rang to reveal their limousine driver at the door. Sam and Bucky helped the ladies on with their coats then Rebecca waved off Bucky's offer to carry her out and instead walked down the steps on driver's arm to the limousine, charming him in the process. He took them to a hole in the wall club in Williamsburg, which had a "Closed for a private party" sign on the door. When they were let inside there were already a number of people there; Rhodes, Torres and his girlfriend, Matt Murdock, Foggy Nelson, Wong, dressed in his traditional robes, Marie Peters and a couple of Tracey's nurse friends with their escorts, Rick from the docks, as well as several guys from Bucky's crew. A few minutes after they entered Thor came in, followed by Maria Hill, Clint Barton, and surprisingly to Bucky, Peter Parker and Kate Bishop.

"I thought you were keeping under the radar," Bucky said to Peter.

"I'm not wanted or anything," said the young man. "I'm really happy for you, Bucky. You deserve it all. I don't think you've met Kate, yet. She's the new Hawkeye."

Bucky shook her hand, while she looked a bit starstruck at the other Avengers that were there. She had been contacted by Rhodes already but with the team still forming she hadn't gone on a mission yet. Rhodes came over to them but was distracted by Tracey's mother, Janice. Leaning towards her he kissed her on the cheek.

"It's nice to see you again," he said to her. "You look amazing tonight. We are going to dance, right?"

"I was hoping," she smiled at him. "I wouldn't mind a drink."

Giving her his arm Rhodes led her to the bar and they began talking. Bucky looked at Tracey and shrugged then they and Rebecca were shown to a booth where they could see everything. Sam excused himself and went up to the stage, taking the mike.

"Well, there are a few more people still to come but we're going to get started because the guests of honour are here. Tonight, we're celebrating the engagement of our friends Bucky Barnes and Tracey Harris. They're getting married Thanksgiving weekend because Tracey said she would marry Bucky in a New York minute and he decided to get it done before she could change her mind." There were hoots and hollers while everyone clapped. "Also with us tonight is the lovely Rebecca Barnes Proctor, Bucky's younger sister, who at 94 years of age decided she wanted to have a party to celebrate him finding someone willing to put up with her grumpy older brother." Bucky shook his head but he was smiling and Rebecca took his hand, squeezing it. "In all seriousness, this is a special night for Bucky and Tracey. They were fortunate enough to find each other in this big city. Right from the start others could see what was happening between them. If there are two people who are made for each other it's them. We all wish them happiness and a long life together. You were given two drink tickets when you arrived. The first two drinks are on your hosts but it's a cash bar after. Drink responsibly and don't drink and drive after. Let's get the music going and the party started."

The band, at least a dozen musicians, crammed onto the stage and the piano player took the mike as he sat on his bench looking out at everyone.

"So, I got a call a week or so ago, asking if I could round up enough musicians to do some big band classics, plus some newer blues and jazz that people could dance to," he began. "That's kind of a tall order so I asked what the event was. An engagement celebration, I was told. Okay, what person getting engaged in 2024 would want stuff from the 1930s and 40s to mark their engagement? The man on the other end of the line said Bucky Barnes, born in 1917, a certified blues and jazz fan who actually saw some legends perform live back in the day. I do like a challenge so I pulled some friends together and we're going to do our best to pay homage to the acts you loved so much back then. Feel free to dance as this is a party. We'll start off with some Benny Goodman, Stomping at the Savoy."

Bucky had a big grin on his face and turned to Tracey as the band started. "Darlin', you have to dance this with me. I'll keep it simple but I can't sit if this is playing."

She put her hand out and Bucky led her to the floor then began showing everyone what he hadn't done in public for 80 years. As others braved the floor Bucky showed them how it was done in his day, bringing whistles and cheers as he twirled Tracey around the small floor. When the song ended he shook the hands of the musicians at the front, telling them it was perfect. They got into some Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Harry James, and other songs that Bucky remembered from his younger years. Sam got Rebecca up for a couple of slower songs, as did Bucky and Joaquin. Rhodey danced a lot with Janice and even the younger people got into it, trying to emulate Bucky's moves. As more guests arrived, including several from the newcomer's centre, the place was packed, the drinks flowed, and a steady stream of finger foods found their way onto people's tables. There was laughter, more dancing, and a lot of visiting between the different friends that Bucky realized had been made since Tracey came into their lives and reached out to a group of strangers for their help.

At midnight Rebecca finally admitted she had enough and the party began to wind down. Before the last song was played, Bucky came up on the stage, which in itself was an unusual thing. He pulled Tracey up with him and looked emotionally at everyone who was there.

"In about 5 weeks this lovely lady and I are going to get married," he said. "I hope the party then is as good as the party tonight has been. I didn't know I had this many friends."

"I came for the free drinks and music," yelled someone, and everyone, including Bucky laughed.

"It's been great, hasn't it? Are you guys playing my wedding?" The piano player gave him a thumbs up and Bucky reached over to high five him, gently. "I look forward to it. Thank you all for coming. Take care getting home and we'll see most of you at the wedding on Thanksgiving weekend. Tracey, do you want to say anything?"

"No," she said, to laughter from everyone. "I'm just here because I fell in love with some guy who likes old music."

Bucky kissed her passionately, starting up the hooting and hollering from the guests again. As the band began to play Goodnight Irene he helped her off the stage and danced with her to the last song on the packed dance floor. It still took a while for the club to clear and to be safe Bucky carried Rebecca in his arms to the limousine. He sat in between her and Tracey, with his arms around both their shoulders. Sam and Janice sat across from them as Bucky looked at Tracey with a soft smile, whispering occasionally into her ear then kissing her neck. With a sudden realization, Sam understood the situation and whispered into Janice's ear that she should wear ear plugs when she went to bed. He shifted his gaze to Bucky and Tracey which made her mother smile and she nodded in understanding. Then Janice leaned forward and touched Bucky's knee.

"Rebecca and I have talked," she said. "I'd like to stay while you two have your honeymoon so I can be there with your sister. You won't have to worry about her. Between me and her care aides she'll be well looked after."

"Thank you," he said. "I was going to ask. It's very kind of you."

"No, it's the least I can do for you taking me in," she said. "I've had more life in the last month than I've had in years."

When they got to the house Bucky carried Rebecca into her bedroom, followed by Tracey and Janice, who took over getting her ready for bed. She was almost asleep by the time they brought her back from the bathroom and put her nightgown on her. Sleepily, she laid under her covers as Bucky sat on the edge of the bed and caressed her hair with his large hand.

"Thank you," he said softly. "That was the most fun I've had since I was a young man. I love you so much." His emotions grew full as he tried to stem them from overwhelming him. "I wish we had more years together. You are the best sister anyone could ever have."

"I know, me too," she whispered. "But we have each other now and you've been wonderful to me. Now give me a kiss and let me sleep. I love you, Bucky."

Smiling, he bent over and kissed Rebecca tenderly on the forehead. Then he tucked her in again and turned off the light before closing the door. Tracey went to change while Bucky locked up. Sam and Janice had already gone downstairs to their beds. When he entered the bedroom Tracey was in bed, sitting up with just the sheet covering her. Her bare shoulders drew Bucky's attention and he took his suit off, hanging it up, then unbuttoned his shirt, draping it over the chair, in the hope that Tracey would wear it after. His briefs came off and he climbed onto the bed laying next to her, propped on his elbow and reaching with his flesh hand to touch her cheek. Lying down on her side she looked at him with her soft brown eyes. With tenderness he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her softly, pulling her body under the sheets closer to his body above the sheets. Slowly she pushed the sheet down and laid under him, feeling his hard cock on her already wet folds.

"Do you trust me?" he whispered. "I want to try something."

"Yes," she whispered back.

"Get on your hands and knees ... please."

Tracey moved to the position he asked for, feeling both anticipation and anxiety. Bucky reached for the bottle of lubricant and smoothed some over his rock hard cock. Lining up behind her he gently inserted himself in slowly until he was fully in.

"You won't hurt me, will you?" There was some nervousness in her voice as they usually did oral first to help when he entered her.

He ran his hands over her back then leaned over and kissed her shoulder. "No, I'm going to take care of you," he replied. "But if it does I'll stop, I promise."

Holding her hips close to his he asked her to sit up until her back touched his chest. She gasped as she felt the pressure of him fully in her.

"You okay?" he asked, his mouth right beside her ear. "You feel incredible like this. I can kiss your neck and shoulders from here. You can move my hands wherever you want. While I'm in you I'm going to touch you everywhere."

He began to move, thrusting himself up into her while one hand fondled her breast and the other reached down to her folds. Tracey placed her hands on his and moved with him, feeling the pleasure as she felt him deep within her. In his arms she felt supported and she laid her head back on his shoulder opening her neck to him. Taking his cue from that he mouthed her neck, focussing on the sensitive spot under her ear. Within minutes Bucky could tell by her breathing and heart rate that she was aroused and he breathed softly into her ear.

"You're making me hot inside. I'm so close but I want to hear you and feel your body as you come. Can you do that, angel?"

She moaned and began grasping his hands, making his hand movements more pronounced and intense. He began rolling her already hard nipple between his thumb and forefinger. As he went harder and faster into her the sounds coming out of her throat grew louder and more desperate. Placing his mouth next to her ear he breathed into it before running his mouth down her neck to her shoulder. With a cry she suddenly stopped then pushed back against him several times, groaning in ecstasy as he kept rubbing her clitoris. With a gentle nudge she moved his hand from it, bringing it up to her other breast and he massaged them as he kept thrusting. His own orgasm only took a few more seconds and he held her tight as he thrust several times before he finished. Gently he enveloped her in his arms, caressing her breasts and body as he kissed her neck. When he released her she went down on all fours and he pulled out, still supporting her as she dropped flat onto her stomach. Placing himself beside her he stroked her back until she rolled onto her side.

"I never did that before," she said. "It was intense."

"Did you like it?" She nodded. "So did I. Thank you for trusting me."

"Always," whispered Tracey. "I trust you with my life, Bucky."

They kissed again, languidly, their tongues exploring sensuously before breaking apart. Getting up, Tracey put Bucky's shirt on and went to the bathroom to clean up before returning back and getting under the covers with him. After Bucky turned out the light Tracey curled up with her head on his shoulder, her hand over his body and one leg over his thigh. He pressed his lips into her hair and kissed her on the side of the head, murmuring her name. Then they both closed their eyes, secure in the arms of the one they loved more than anyone or anything.