A/N: Hi again. Here we are with a new chapter. It's nothing special I'm afraid but I still hope you'll like it.


CHAPTER 5: INVITATION

Miami, Barnes summer residence – August 12, 1909

George Barnes was inside his office reading some financial documents of new stocks he intended to buy. From the big windows he could see his son swimming in their pool while his wife was resting on a deckchair. He wanted to join them, but he knew that first he needed to finish reading those documents. The last investments he had made didn't work out as he had planned, so now he needed to find stable, valuable stocks that could act as some kind of guarantee in case his other stocks' value decreased. His thoughts were interrupted by Jarvis, who knocked on the open door.

"Forgive the interruption, sir. But a letter for you has just arrived" Jarvis said, walking closer to George's desk with said letter in his hand.

"Oh" George sounded surprised, wondering who could it be. He was surprised to see that on the front of the letter there was the logo of MARVEL LINE. "Thank you, Jarvis".

"No problem, sir" Jarvis then left the room, allowing George to read the letter in private. George then opened the letter and read.

August 4, 1909

To Mr. George Barnes

Dear Mr. Barnes,

I am Alexander Pierce, MARVEL LINE Chairman.

If you recall we met each other on January 12 of the current year at the Astoria Hotel, during the celebration for my Company's project of the new ocean liner "R.M.S. Titanic". On that special occasion we discussed about MARVEL LINE's future projects to take control of the Atlantic routes with a new class of ships, of which Titanic represents the progenitor.

As you can imagine, the creation of new ocean liners requires a great deal of resources. Mr. Thaddeus Ross, who as you know controls MARVEL LINE, financed Titanic's construction thanks to a partnership with SHIELD shipyard. For the imminent future, my Company programs to acquire a series of twin ships based on Titanic's model. However, in order to do that we need to obtain the financial support of people who understand the great potential of this project. People like you, Mr. Barnes. I know you and Mr. Philip Coulson, SHIELD's Chairman, have known each other for some time. He told me many great things about you and your financial abilities. I can assure you Mr. Coulson would be as happy as me if you could take part to our project. Many investors and businessmen have already shown interest, but only a few of them are worthy of our trust. And you, Mr. Barnes, belong to that exclusive category.

For these reasons I would like to invite you, and your family, to Belfast to discuss about our possible collaborations and future projects. Of course, shall you accept my invitation, I will provide you free tickets for the voyage to Belfast on one of my Company's ships, as well as an all-inclusive stay at Belfast's finest hotel. You and your family could also take advantage of this opportunity and visit SHIELD shipyard to see Titanic with your own eyes, for I am sure it would be a unique experience.

Hoping to receive a positive reply, I offer you my best regards.

Respectfully,

Alexander G. Pierce

MARVEL LINE

Once he was done reading, George let the letter go and sat more comfortably on his armchair to think. He remembered Pierce. And he remembered the conversation the two of them exchanged during that evening. Pierce personally asked him to invest in MARVEL LINE, which was going to take over the Atlantic routes thanks to Titanic and her future twin sisters. It sure appeared as a solid investment. Titanic alone, once ready, would subclass any ships currently on service. And with a fleet of twin ocean liners so great and luxurious, Pierce's company would certainly beat all competition. Even MARVEL LINE's historical competitor DC LINE.

George took a deep breath. Maybe this investment wouldn't allow him to obtain a profit as quickly as he would have liked. But he also knew that most of the times the best investments were the ones that took time to produce their effects. Patience was a fundamental virtue in that kind of job. And George was very good at his job.

"Dear"

His wife's voice brought George out of his thoughts. "Yes, honey?"

"Lunch is almost ready. I really hope you will be joining us. You've been here all day, you need a break"

"Of course, honey. I'll join you in a moment" George then stared blankly at Pierce's letter on his desk, lost on his thoughts.

Winnifred then walked closer to him. She stopped behind his back and put her hands on her husband's tense shoulders. "You seem worried. You've been like this for the past weeks. Is there any problem?"

George patted Winnifred's right hand. "Just small issues with some of my recent investments. But maybe I have a solution" he then stood up and kissed his wife on the cheek. "I'll explain everything at lunch" he then offered his right arm. "Shall we?"

Winnifred smiled and linked her arm with George's and together they walked to the dining room. A couple of minutes later, once they were both seated and ready to eat, Bucky came down the stairs after he got changed of his swimsuit and joined his parents at the table.

"James!" Winnifred gasped, looking at her son's looks. He was barefoot, wearing only simple white shorts and a short-sleeved blue button up that was left open, leaving his chest on full sight. Plus his hair was still wet and going on every direction.

"What?" Bucky asked, although he had a feeling about what his mother was going to say.

"Couldn't you at least try to look more presentable?"

Bucky looked at her, dressed as impeccably as always despite they were having lunch at their own damn home with no guests. "You mean looking like a porcelain doll like you?" he asked with a smirk.

"James!" when Winnifred heard a restrained chuckle from her husband, she looked at him with piercing eyes. "George! This is a serious matter!"

"Oh come on, mother. It's hot. And we're just having lunch"

Winnifred shook her head to show her disapproval. "It is not appropriate for a well brought up young man like yourself to be so… so undressed, no matter the circumstances. What if someone comes here, right know? An important guest, maybe" she then gasped. "Or worse, the daughter of an important guest. What would she think?"

Bucky rolled his eyes. His mother had been trying to convince him to start a relationship because "If you want to be successful and more importantly start a family, you'll need a good wife who comes from a good family". But that wasn't exactly his number one priority in life. Sure, he had already experienced some nice nights. But nothing worth commitment for life.

"Well" Bucky began, knowing he would probably get into trouble. "I guess after getting a glimpse of this-" he eventually said, indicating his naked chest "-she would probably follow my example after taking me to bed"

"Oh my God. Have mercy" George commented, while Bucky tried not to laugh at his mother's face.

"James Buchanan Barnes! These are not the kind of things you're supposed to say!" she took a deep breath to calm herself. "Now go to your room and put on something more appropriate for someone of your status"

"I was just joking" Bucky tried to defend himself. "You know I wouldn't embarrass you in front of other people, don't you?"

Winnifred collected herself. "I know that, Bucky" the fact she was using his nickname was a good sign. "But I stand on my opinion. There are certain things you are not supposed to say nor do. So please, go to you room and put some proper clothes on"

Bucky signed, ready to do as he was told.

"Winnifred, darling" George intervened calmly. "Let the boy be. The day he'll have to wear a suit all day like me will come soon anyway. Perhaps the way he's dressed right now is not the most appropriate. But our son is right. We're just having lunch together, as a family, in our own home. We should enjoy our time together and not worry about how we are supposed to dress"

Winnifred remained silent for some time. Eventually she signed deeply. "Fine, I probably overacted" she then turned to her son. "But, can you at least button you shirt? Please"

Bucky exchanged a quick glance with his father, who looked at him like he wanted to say "Don't make me regret defending you". So he simply obeyed. "Of course, mother" he said with a small smile.

"Thank you" Winnifred said once all of Bucky's shirt buttons were in place. "Now" she took the fork to finally start eating, soon copied by the two men "What did you want to tell us, dear?"

"Oh, yes" George suddenly remembered. "I received a letter from Alexander Pierce, MARVEL LINE Chairman. Remember him?"

"That name sounds familiar" Winnifred answered. "But I can't put a face to it"

"I can" Bucky commented, eating a piece of bread. "We met him months ago at the Astoria Hotel, right dad?"

George nodded. "On January 12, yes. On that night they presented Titanic, MARVEL LINE's new construction project"

"Oh yes, I remember that evening" Winnifred then took a sip of red wine. "It was very lovely. Why did Mr. Pierce write you?"

"If I remember correctly-" Bucky said before his father could answer "-that night you said Mr. Pierce asked you to invest in his Company"

"You do remember correctly" George confirmed. "That's why he wrote me. They are looking for investors. Someone ready to finance the construction of more ships like Titanic, and I happen to be in the list of people they'd like to collaborate with"

"Well, isn't that wonderful? It's a great honor that such an important company takes you under consideration. I'm sure Phil Coulson has something to do with it" Winnifred sentenced. "They work together on this project, don't they?"

"Yes. Phil controls SHIELD shipyard, which is where Titanic is being put together. Anyway, Pierce invited me to Belfast to discuss about a possible collaboration and his Company's future projects to take control of Atlantic routes. He actually invited us all. He even granted us free tickets for the voyage to Belfast as well as a paid stay at the finest Belfast hotel, as he called it"

"Hmm, he clearly wants you to go to Belfast that's for sure" Winnifred pointed out. "Are we going to accept his invitation?"

George signed. "I think it would be rude not to accept it, especially since he's willing to pay for everything. I'm still not fully convinced about the opportunity of this investment. But I guess I should listen Pierce's plans before making any judgment" he then looked at his son. "What's your opinion, Bucky?"

Bucky wasn't surprised by that question. His father had always asked him his opinions on business matters, even when he was a kid and didn't understand anything of it. But that strategy, which might have seemed odd to some people, helped him understand economics and business matters at a very young age. Then, as the years past, George didn't ask his son his opinions just because he wanted him to learn things. He asked because he was generally curious about his son's ideas. About what Bucky would do at his place. And that was because they both knew one day he would actually take George's place and run the family businesses on his own.

"Well" Bucky cleared his throat and straightened his back, like he was in an actual work meeting. "Mr. Pierce is asking for funds to complete his project of a new class of ocean liners based on Titanic's model. I think investing on that Company right know would mean waiting for years to see the profits of said investment. After all, these new ships will be ready in years from now. Even Titanic's construction has just begun"

George nodded, secretly proud that his son shared his same concerns. "It is scheduled to be operative in 1912"

"Right. And surely this investment you're supposed to make is not going to be a small one" Bucky continued. "I think we should accept Mr. Pierce invitation because, like you said, it would be rude not to. But I also think you should be very careful, because investments are made to gain a profit. And it seems here that eventual profits will take time to come" Bucky paused for a moment. "Personally I think it's a bit too risky, especially considering you're supposed to put money on the table right now. Meanwhile, God knows when this investment might generate profits"

"I understand your point of you, Bucky" George eventually said. "And I agree with you. I don't know how long it will take for the profits to come. I don't know how long it will take for MARVEL LINE to really take control of the Atlantic. But I do know this: that Company will become the world leader of transatlantic voyages" George sounded very confident about his statement. "Titanic alone will give the Company a prestige it had never experienced before. But of course before taking any decision I'll listen carefully to what Pierce has to offer" he then wiped his mouth with the napkin and drank a glass of wine. "I'll write him back, telling him we will come to Belfast. After we finish our holiday, of course" he then winked at his son.

Bucky signed. "Uff, thank God you said that. Of course I don't mind going to Belfast, especially if someone else is paying,"

"Bucky!" Winnifred scolded him, although Bucky didn't take her seriously because she was smiling.

"I actually can't wait to see Titanic with my own eyes" Bucky continued. "But I'd rather finish our holidays together first"

"Then I suggest we go golfing" George suggested with a challenging tone. "Let's see if you have the guts to beat me, kiddo"

Bucky smirked. "Bring it on, old man"


Atlantic Ocean, R.M.S Adriatic – September 14, 1909

After playing some billiard in the smoking room with some guys around his age, Bucky returned to his cabin to get changed for dinner. He knew pretty well by now that changing outfits at least three times a day was fundamental for someone like him. But sometimes he really wished he could just wear his pajamas all day.

Once Bucky entered the cabin he removed his shoes and stripped out of his blue suit, leaving it over the living room couch, until he was only in his underwear and undershirt. He then walked inside his bedroom and collapsed on the bed to rest his aching back. Once their summer holiday in Miami was over, they immediately left for New York to take the first ship that would bring them to Belfast so his father and Alexander Pierce could meet in person to discuss about business.

Like he had promised, Pierce organized a full payed voyage for the three of them on board R.M.S Adriatic, that would take them to the Irish city of Queenstown. From there they would travel by train to reach Belfast. Bucky was actually very excited about the trip. He had read on newspapers all about Titanic's construction progresses, and now he wanted to see her with his own eyes. While aboard Adriatic, which was pretty big and very luxurious, he couldn't help but imagine how much grander and beautiful Titanic would be once ready.

"Bucky!" George knocked on the door that connect Bucky's room with his parent's "Hurry up, or we'll be late for dinner"

"Coming" Bucky then got up from the bed and walked to the wardrobe to pick up a new suit. He eventually chose the classical dinner black suit with white bowtie and white vest. Once he was ready he walked outside his cabin, soon joined by his parents.

"Remember to stand up when the Maximoffs join us" Winnifred told Bucky as they walked to the dining saloon. "It's a sign of respect"

"Yes, mother" Bucky said in a robot tone. "I think I got that, by now"

When they found out during the voyage they would be sitting with an important family, the Maximoffs, for dinner, Winnifred immediately instructed him on how he was supposed to act and what he should or shouldn't do at their presence. The reason of that was that she wanted Bucky to impress Mr. and Mrs. Maximoff's daughter, Wanda. And even though Winnifred had been telling him the same things every evening since their departure from New York, she didn't seem willing to stop anytime soon.

"And remember to smile. You don't want them thinking you're a grumpy man, do you?"

"Winnifred, dear" George began while Bucky rolled his eyes. "I don't think our son has lost his good manners, you know?"

"I'm just trying to make sure he acts properly. The Maximoffs are a very important family. They own a very important fashion firm, you know? And Wanda seems such a lovely young lady. She would be a wonderful match for you, James"

"I don't think she sees me that way" Bucky honestly answered.

"Nonsense" Winnifred sentenced. "She's probably just a little shy and perhaps she has some doubts. I mean it's understandable, you two met for the first time only four days ago. I wasn't convinced too the first time I met your father"

George frowned. "Come again?"

Winnifred ignored him. "Maybe you could ask her to dance after dinner. As a way to break the ice"

"Yeah sure. As long as her brother doesn't kill me first" Bucky signed. "Every time I talk to her, he looks at me like I'm a psychopath who wants to kidnap her"

Eventually they entered the dining saloon and sat at their table. They didn't have to wait long for the Maximoff family to join them. After the ritual handshake with Mr. Maximoff, a bow to Mrs. Maximoff and an awkward nod to their son Pietro, Bucky charmingly smiled at Wanda and kissed the back of her hand.

"Good evening Wanda. You look lovely"

Wanda smiled, although Bucky thought it looked more like a smirk. "I'm sure you tell that to every woman you meet, James"

"Nah. Only those who really deserve it"

"Well in that case, I'm flattered"

Behind them Pietro rolled his eyes.

Once dinner was over, they all remained at their table to talk while the first class band played some music in the background. Under the table Winnifred nudged her foot to Bucky's and, when he met her eyes, she simply nodded to Wanda who was quietly listening to a conversation between George and Mr. Maxmioff. Bucky took that as his clue to make his move, if only to make his mother happy. And anyway he had to admit he wouldn't mind a dance with Wanda.

"Would you join me for a dance?" Bucky asked her, offering his hand.

"Oh" Wanda said surprised "I don't know if-" but she didn't get the chance to finish her sentence as Mr. Maximoff cleared his throat rather loudly. After a moment of hesitation she looked up at Bucky and smiled. "I wouldn't mind a dance"

"Watch where you put your hands, pal" Pietro said as Bucky and Wanda were about to leave for the dance floor at the center of the saloon.

"I'll be extra careful. Promise" Bucky mentally rolled his eyes. "God. What is wrong with these brothers" he thought, thinking about T'Challa's protectiveness for Shuri.

Bucky and Wanda joined some other couples on the dance floor and immediately started dancing at the rhythm of the music, performing accurate elegant moves.

"In case you haven't noticed, my father would like for us to get to know each other better, if you know what I mean" Wanda eventually commented.

"Yeah, I kinda figured that out" Bucky then let go of her waist and made her turn around. "My mother would like that too, actually"

"Right. And what would you like, James?"

Bucky raised an eyebrow. "You mean, for you and I?"

Wanda shrugged. "I mean in general"

"Well, for one I would like to choose my future wife on my own. Of course I'd like my parents to approve her. But if they don't, I wouldn't really care. What matters to me is finding someone who loves me for who I am"

Wanda chuckled. "What a romantic man you are, Jimmy"

"Jimmy?" Bucky grinned. "We're getting closer, aren't we?"

Wanda simply laughed and, following the music rhythm, turned around herself before returning closer to Bucky to keep dancing together. "Only on a friend-way, I'm afraid"

"I'm not. I don't mind liking you in a friend-way"

"Pietro will be very relieved then"

"Of course" Bucky playfully raised his eyes to the ceiling. "He really needs to chill out. I would be a wonderful match, you know?"

She smiled. "I know you would. Pietro's just doing what any older brother would do"

Bucky frowned. "Older? Aren't you twins?"

"Technically he's 12 minutes older than me"

"Oh I see. I bet he reminds you that allllll the time"

Wanda chuckled as Bucky made her turn around again at the rhythm of the music. "You're not wrong"

They danced for quite some time, hand in hand as they followed the music. Crushed by their respective families' expectations, they smiled and laughed as they enjoyed each other's company. It was a very nice, beautiful moment for Bucky.

Once they danced to the last song, Wanda grabbed his hand. "I'm not ready to get back there and listen to our families question us about or future together" she told him. "Would you like some fresh air?"

Bucky smiled. "Absolutely"

He offered his arm and, as Wanda accepted it, they both left the saloon under their families' penetrating gazes. Bucky could almost hear his mother thinking about the wedding already, so he was thankful about Wanda's offer of escape. The time to disappoint their parents would come soon enough. Together they reached the main deck. As they walked closer to the railing, Bucky looked up to the starry sky. The sound of the ship breaking the waves, the wind gently brushing his face. Everything felt so peaceful.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Wanda's voice brought Bucky out of his thoughts. He looked at her and realized she was staring at the sky, too. "Yeah" he eventually said "It's really beautiful"

"It is also incredible" Wanda commented, still staring up. "To know each of those little lights are actually huge suns. To think about the immensity of our universe"

"I guess, yeah" Bucky leaned against the railing and once again he looked up. "Such huge spaces make us fell small. It's almost terrifying, really"

"Do you think one day we will go up there?" Wanda asked, finally looking at him.

"In space?" Bucky shrugged "Who knows? I mean, look at what technology has allowed us to accomplish so far. I'm a few days from witnessing the construction of the biggest ship ever made. So yeah, I think one day we will go up there" he then smirked. "Although I'm afraid we'll both be dead by that time"

Wanda chuckled. "Yes, that might be the case". They remained silent for some time, just enjoying each other's company. "What will you say to your parents?" Wanda eventually asked.

Bucky rubbed the back of his head. "Uff, I don't know. Probably something like: yeah, she's pretty and nice to be around but I don't think she is the one. Or something like that"

Wanda smiled sadly. "Yeah. That's pretty much what I'm gonna say, too" she signed deeply. "I can already tell my father is going to lecture me about how important marriage is. About how I must get engaged and start a family with the right man, so I can keep the family's honor high. They don't put this much weight on my brother's shoulders"

"Believe me, they would if they didn't have you" Bucky commented, suddenly sounding serious. "I know that because I'm my parents' only child. So I have a lot of expectations to fulfill, just like you. I guess if I had a sister, things would be easier for me. But not for her. Because-"

"Because she'd be a woman" Wanda interrupted him. She then gave him a small smile. "But you don't have a sister, so you're situation isn't much different than mine"

"No, indeed" Bucky then took her hand. "You know? I wish there could be something between us. Things would be far easier. And our families would finally shut the hell up"

"We can try" Wanda suggested, her tone almost a whisper. "We could make it work"

"Wanda" he smiled softly at her. "You're beautiful. And nice. And strong. But I know it won't work. I can feel it, you know? And I think you feel it, too"

Wanda smiled as she played with Bucky's fingers. "You already know me pretty well" she signed. "It sounds silly, really. But you're right. There is something about us together that, somehow, doesn't work for me. I don't know how to explain it. I just know it"

"I know what you mean"

"It's a pity, though" Wanda commented lightly, like they were talking about the weather "We would've made a nice couple"

"I agree. But like I said, we both know this-" Bucky glanced at their joined hands "-this isn't our destiny"

Wanda simply nodded. "Do you believe there is someone out there who is meant for you?"

"I do" Bucky answered immediately. "I know, it's very cliché and romantic" Wanda chuckled at that "But I really do believe it. And I believe that when I'll finally meet the one, I'll know it"

"That might take some time, though" Wanda said.

Bucky shrugged. "Yeah well, if I have to spend all my life with one girl I want her to be the right one. And if that means I have to wait, I'll wait. Screw my parents"

This time she openly laughed. "You know? Maybe we know we won't get married. But we sure can be great friends"

Bucky smiled brightly. "Totally"

Finally, they let go each other's hand and went back staring at the dark horizon.


A/N: So this is it. Next chapter will finally see Bucky and Steve together for the first time! Unfortunately I'm very busy right now with University stuff and I also have some personal things I need to take care of, so I might not be able to update next week but I promise I'll do my best to do it as soon as possible.
Remember a comment about how this story is going so far would be really appreciated and, most important, very helpful.
Until next time, have a nice week you all!