The lights dimmed and the crowd roared at the packed Madison Square Garden. Spotlights scanned the crowd and sent light beams into the sky, signaling to the entire city that something massive was happening. This was the first of three nights in New York, the final leg of the tour in America before the team flew off to begin the international shows. This was the biggest crowd the tour had drawn thus far, and the biggest Gianna had ever performed in front of in her career.
Standing beneath the stage, Gianna shifted her weight from side to side as her glam team touched up her lip gloss and gave her hair a final spray. She listened for the cues from the sound crew and drew in a deep breath. Gianna wasn't phased by the size of the crowd, she felt as though the crowd sizes would start to blend together. When she was on stage with the lights in her eyes, the deafening screams all shook her the same. Whether it was 1,000 people or 100,000 people, she would give everything she had to each performance.
Tonight, there was a new level of pressure.
Tonight, the Avengers would be in attendance.
In an effort to surprise Bucky, Gianna had arranged for all of them to be invited and gifted a private VIP box suite to watch the show. She hoped that seeing his friends would assuage some of the loneliness she could only imagine Bucky felt. Loneliness was a feeling all too familiar to Gianna, but the difference was that Bucky actually had people back home to miss. He deserved to see them before they left the country for three months.
Selfishly, Gianna wanted to meet them too. Not just because she, like most of the world, was enthralled with Earth's Mightiest Heroes, but because she wanted to see another side of Bucky. The two parts of him she knew so far, she struggled not to be completely enamored with.
The first side she encountered was his stoic side, all business. He had an icy stare that sometimes even made Gianna nervous, although it typically disappeared the minute his eyes came to rest on her. This side of Bucky was strong, serious, dependable. He was consistent and protective, one hand leading them and one hand guiding Gianna. He was equal parts terrifying and comforting.
The second side was softer, more vulnerable, but only slightly. This side of Bucky was where Gianna discovered his lopsided smile, and how it may as well register on the Richter scale with the way it shook her. His eyes could turn from icy to warm in a split second if Gianna caught him off guard with the right joke or sarcastic comment, and it became her personal mission to make it happen as often as possible. He leaned into her when they sat, and seemed to relax when they were alone with each other. This Bucky was oozing with charm, even though he blushed every time she would return the same flirtatious energy. Gianna was smitten with this Bucky, although she'd never let herself admit it.
She couldn't get enough. Considering Bucky served as her personal security, with nearly round the clock hours, that was saying something. Where she used to wish for the tour to fly by so she could recover and return to writing, her favorite part of her career - she now wished for the days to slow down. The end of the tour would bring the end of Bucky's assignment and that was a reality Gianna wasn't ready to face.
"Gianna, position please."
Her mind snapped into autopilot as the same words from the same stage manager were uttered for the umpteenth night in a row. She climbed onto the dark acrylic platform and stood, cocking her hip to the side. She felt hands at her back flipping her receiver on, and she reached to adjust her earpiece in her ear.
"T2, we're good to go backstage. On you."
"Roger. Lifting in 5, 4, 3…"
The countdown coming through the other end of the walkie talkie faded away as Gianna slipped into her onstage persona. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in through her nose. The rhinestones on her microphone pressed into her palm as she squeezed it in her right hand. The platform slowly started to rise, and with it, the volume of the crowd.
The first few notes of the song began to play and the crowd absolutely erupted. As her strawberry blonde head rose through the center of the stage, every single bit of glitter and sequin on her body caught the light.
As the platform clicked into place, Gianna stepped off and began singing. Completely on autopilot, she could only think about the fact that she had three more eight-counts before the choreography had her turn around. Aka, when she could steal a glance into the wings, where she hoped Bucky stood. Every single show, he was in the same place. Consistent. Waiting for her off stage right, encased in shadow. Every single show, she found every opportunity to pick those blue eyes out of the dark.
When the time came, Gianna flipped her hair and led the duo of backup dancers walking towards the massive screen. As she strut, fully in character, her eyes darted to the side of the stage. Sure enough, Bucky stood, hands in his pockets, grinning from ear to ear.
Gianna couldn't help but smile, breaking her seductive, bedroom-eye look that she typically wore for the first few songs. Feeling the warmth in her stomach, Gianna raised the microphone back to her lips, determined to put on the best show of her life.
Avengers POV
In the VIP box, the gang was full of energy at their night out. Although they lived in one of the most lively cities in the world, it was rare that they ever took advantage. Especially all of them together. The room was dimly lit, with all the light coming in from the stage in front of them. With their vantage point, directly in front of the stage and high enough to look slightly down, they could see everything.
The suite was massive, so it easily accommodated the Avengers. After helping themselves to the fully stocked bar, the gang made their way to the balcony to watch the show. The average concert-goer couldn't possibly see Bucky in the wings, but the Avenger's weren't the average concert-goers. That left them privy to the front row few of their Super Soldier friend looking almost giddy as he watched the show.
As Gianna pranced across the stage, hitting each beat with her perfectly timed choreography, one move caught the eye of every Avenger. As she danced, Gianna tossed her microphone up and caught it backhanded, seamlessly flowing into the next move.
"Wait -" Peter exclaimed, pointing open-mouthed at the stage.
Sam and Cap caught each other's eye, mouths gaping.
"That move look familiar, Cap?" Nat crooned, winking at Steve.
"It should," Tony interjected. "That move was almost the last thing he saw when Cyborg was the one doing it."
Steve shook his head, laughing, still trying to wrap his head around the fact that a world-famous pop star just casually threw one of the world's most dangerous assassin's signature moves into her choreography. Maybe there was more going on than Bucky had let on.
Crossing her arms and leaning onto the railing, Natasha shouted to Steve. "So, Captain, how long do you think it'll take for Bucky to confess his undying love for this girl?"
Steve smirked. "Oh, I'd say about as long as it takes Tony to admit he's not the center of the universe."
Tony scoffed, raising an eyebrow. "Hey, I am the center of the universe! Just ask JARVIS."
"It doesn't count if you programmed him to say that." Nat rolled her eyes.
Stepping forward with a seltzer in one hand and vodka cranberry in the other, Wanda giggled. "I must admit, it's quite amusing watching Bucky try to play it cool. His eyes practically turn into heart emojis every time he looks at Gianna."
Peter laughed, then immediately got quiet so as not to draw attention to the fact that he had a beer in his hand. Tony looked over disapprovingly, raising an eyebrow, then turned back to the stage as Peter gulped.
Natasha stood straight, sipping her gin and tonic. "I'm sure Bucky thinks he's being subtle, but the guy's about as discreet as Tony trying to get the attention back on himself whenever Thor's on-planet."
"Hey, that's two digs in a row, I'm gonna start adding to your tab with the next one." Tony pointed at Natasha and Steve, laughing at his fake rage.
"Seriously though guys, get it all out now before Robocop makes the grand introduction. God knows if we embarrass him, the odds of him making a move will drop from zero to negative eleven-teen." Tony warned.
"What, are we just supposed to play dumb and pretend we can't see him standing there all googly-eyed?" Nat teased.
"As much as I hate to say it," Sam strode forward, meeting them at the railing. "Tony's right. That man's got more emotional baggage than the entire airport at Thanksgiving. He needs to decide if and when he's gonna 'fess up, but on his own. Lord knows if I get involved, he'll put me through another wall."
"Yeah, let's not run that one back, my drywall guy is getting sick of hearing from me." Tony snarked.
Wanda, ever the romantic, brought the subject back. "If Bucky can't find the courage, maybe we should set up little…romantic intervention. Like a meet-cute, but they already met! We could lock them in a room together until they spill their feelings or make out or something."
Tony rolled his eyes. "Oh, yeah, because trapping two people in a room always ends well. Just ask me and Steve about that elevator incident."
Natasha smirked. "I'm sure they have plenty of time locked in rooms together, you guys saw that morning-after photo he sent. Maybe it's not the same Buck who left the compound three months ago."
"Awwww, little Barnes, all grown up." Sam elbowed Steve, who grinned and looked down at his beer before anyone got him to confess what he knew about the staged photo.
"If he could get her in bed, surely he can get her to dinner. It's more of the awkward dinner conversation I'd be concerned about, the man's only ever said five words to me." Sam continued.
"Have you considered that it's just because it's you?" Nat winked at Sam, her voice teasing.
"Hey now -" Sam warned, laughing. Steve took his shoulder and turned him back to face the arena, wanting to change the subject to spare Bucky the further discussion. He looked back to his friend, standing off to the side.
Steve sipped his beer, watching the concert with a sense of awe. He knew that Gianna was talented, but seeing her perform live was something else entirely. Her voice was powerful, her stage presence commanding. She didn't seem to tire or lose energy, even two hours into the show. Steve could see the beads of sweat on her forehead, but she didn't seem to be affected.
As he watched her perform, Steve couldn't help but notice the way Gianna snapped her head to look backstage any chance she got. He followed her gaze to the backstage area with his super soldier eyesight and saw Bucky watching Gianna with a look of pure adoration on his face.
Steve POV
I stole glances at my fellow Avengers, who were fully engrossed in the performance. My attention was elsewhere, fixed on Bucky, standing near the edge of the stage, his posture attentive and his eyes locked on Gianna.
The soft glow of the stage lights illuminated Bucky's signature features, making his eyes shimmer with a mix of admiration and longing. His dark hair was styled, but there was an uncharacteristic hint of dishevelment, as if he had run his fingers through it nervously. Dressed in his standard dark jeans and leather jacket, he seemed to blend seamlessly into the shadows, like a guardian angel watching over Gianna.
Bucky's gaze never wavered from her graceful movement across the stage, his eyes tracing every step, every note she sang. It was as if the world around him had faded into the background, leaving only Gianna's presence to captivate him. His normally stoic demeanor had softened somehow, replaced by a subtle vulnerability that only a person who really knew Bucky could detect.
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I observed him.
The sight of Bucky, usually so guarded and reserved, wearing his heart on his sleeve was a beautiful contradiction. The man who had once been a weapon was now completely defenseless against the girl he'd fallen for.
I glanced at the rest of the Avengers, who were caught up in the theatrics on stage. Tony's eyes sparkled with mischief and liquor as he tapped his foot to the rhythm, while Natasha's dance moves made a play for his attention. Wanda's eyes were wide, taking in the entire atmosphere, seeming like the normal teenage girl she never got a chance to be. The suite was full of my closest friends, enjoying the oh so rare night free from the pressure of saving the world.
The fact that Gianna had afforded us this night alone was reason to be grateful to her, seeing the Avengers laugh and dance and truly let themselves relax.
But I couldn't tear my gaze away from Bucky. I wanted nothing more than for him to build a life, find someone to share it with. And yet, at this moment, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. The way Bucky looked at Gianna, as if she held the universe in the palm of her hand, was something I yearned for, something I had had and lost.
Deep in my thoughts, I barely noticed Gianna finishing her last song, the applause thundering through the venue. She was thanking the crowd, the band, the crew, and taking her bow. I stepped forward to the edge of the balcony to finish out the show with my friends.
Gianna x Bucky POV
As the concert came to a close, Gianna not-so-surprised everyone by returning to the stage for an encore. The song she and Bucky had written together wasn't officially recorded or released, but thanks to the internet, had become a fan favorite. Everyone who attended the concert expected to hear it, the new signature encore song.
As Gianna walked back out onto the stage by herself, dropping the overly dramatic and sexualized persona she often used to perform, she approached the piano.
Sitting down, she spoke into the microphone and cut through the crowd.
"I'm sure you all know what's coming, but I want to tell you anyways." Thunderous applause and cheering ensued. Gianna smiled.
"This song was written on the road for this exact tour, and we haven't quite had time to record it yet. Don't quote me on this…but it may be my favorite song yet." She paused to let the crowd calm down, smiling into the microphone.
"I wish I could take all the credit, but this song was inspired by and co-written by someone who means more to me every day. This one's for you." As she finished her introduction, Gianna's eyes were locked on the side of the stage. Without breaking her gaze, she began to play, fingers dancing across the keys. Every time she sang Going Under her voice sounded more raw, more vulnerable. The longer she knew Bucky, the more she had to wrestle with the things he'd been through, the more the song felt gut-wrenching to deliver. The pain and emotion was evident in her voice, captivating the crowd.
After her encore performance, Bucky stood offstage, waiting to greet Gianna. She blew a final kiss to the audience and strode backstage, eyes bright with adrenaline. Looking for the one person she always sought out after a show, Gianna spotted Bucky leaning against one of the speakers, a huge grin on his face.
"Every time I think you can't get any better, you prove me wrong." He handed her a bottle of water and pulled her into his side, a one-armed hug that left them both wanting more.
"You killed it out there, but what else is new." he said, teasing her.
Gianna rolled her eyes, laughing. "Thanks, Bucky. I had to show off a little for your friends," she winked.
"From the little bit I saw of their box, it looked like they most definitely enjoyed themselves. I haven't seen Stark dance in…well, I haven't seen Stark dance. You should be proud."
As they walked back to the green room, Tom approached them with a clipboard. "Ms. Cruz, your guests, would you like me to bring them backstage? We can arrange for security to escort them here if you'd like to introduce yourself."
Gianna looked at Bucky nervously, as though looking for reassurance.
"I mean, yeah, I'd love to meet them, if they don't mind coming back here. They've already been here for over three hours, I hate to make them stay just to say hi to me." She pulled her earpiece out and dropped it on the vanity, unwinding the cords from around her back.
"Gianna, doll, I hate to break it to you, but you're kind of the main attraction here." Bucky sat down next to her in the dressing room chair, shrugging.
Blushing, Gianna nodded at Tom.
"Sounds good, we'll send for them now. You should have about ten minutes if you want to change or freshen up." Tom closed the door and left them alone.
As much as Gianna wanted to take off her boots, she felt like wearing her stage ensemble would present the best. At least, it would make her look cooler than the sweats she planned to wear back to the hotel. She sat next to Bucky in the unoccupied chair and flipped the vanity lights on.
"So, should I be nervous?" Gianna asked, applying a new coat of pink gloss to her lips.
"If anything, I should be nervous. I know at least three of them are planning to embarass me as much as they can as quickly as they can." Bucky ran a hand through his hair.
"Better you than me." Gianna winked. "Oh, and are we still pretending we hooked up? Did you ever come clean?"
Bucky's cheeks flushed ever so slightly and he chuckled, looking down at his lap. "I told Steve it was staged, but everyone else still thinks it's real." He paused. "You don't have to pretend it's like that…it's funny, but I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."
"Yeah, Buck, I'm super uncomfortable with you." Gianna rolled her eyes as she lifted her long hair off of her neck and fanned herself. "Need I remind you that you've witnessed me cry, trip and fall numerous times in rehearsals, you've seen every stage of the glam process - most of which is NOT glamorous, probably heard me talk in my sleep, and I've probably even drooled only you when I fall asleep on your lap in the car."
Bucky laughed, nodding. "Only once or twice."
She reached out and gave him a light shove. "The point is, I can't be uncomfortable with you."
Her words rang in the air as they both processed what Gianna had said. Their smiles faded but their eyes remained locked on one another, both wanting to speak but neither knowing what to say. The moment was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door.
"Everybody decent?" Tom's voice called.
Gianna perked up immediately, the familiar mischievous twinkle returning to her eye.
"Oh, God, one sec!" She called out frantically, although she remained sitting in her chair. She turned to the mirror and mussed her hair up, then turned to Bucky and ran her perfectly manicured hands through his as well. Winking at him, she leaned down and planted a warm, sticky, lipgloss-y kiss on his neck, just below his jawline. Subtle enough it wouldn't seem like an obvious plant, but visible enough to be noticed.
"Okay, come in!" Gianna stood, smoothing her hair without making any real effort to correct it. Bucky stood behind her, clearing his throat as the door opened.
One by one, Earth's Mightiest Heroes filed into the dressing room.
Natasha Romanoff and Wanda Maximoff approached Gianna first, smiling warmly. Gianna pulled them both into a hug before stepping back and introducing herself.
"Hi, I'm Gianna, I'm so glad you guys could make it! It was such an honor to be able to perform for the Avengers, I mean come on, this is so much cooler than having Tony Romo in the suite." She gushed.
Wanda seemed starstruck, but Natasha spoke for them both. "It was our pleasure, thank you for having us. This bunch of morons isn't always suitable for public appearances." She gestured behind her to where Steve and Sam had gone to talk to Bucky, and were now mock fighting.
"So that's Sam, Peter, Steve, and of course, Tony." Natasha pointed everyone out, landing on a man in a suit Gianna estimated to cost around $4,000.
"Tony Stark, otherwise known as the man who helped provide you with your own personal Brutus for the road." He reached out and shook Gianna's hand, his voice oozing confidence.
"Well, Mr. Stark, it sounds like I owe you one." Gianna put on her best doe-eyed look as she shook his hand slowly.
Tony cocked an eyebrow, amused.
"Glad to see it's a good fit. Barnes can be a little abrasive, I was hoping there wouldn't be too much friction." Stark said, clapping a hand on Bucky's back.
"I'm happy with the amount of friction there's been." Gianna said cooly, not breaking eye contact with Tony.
Sam nearly choked on his drink. Steve patted him on the back, chuckling and looking over at Bucky, who looked equal parts shocked and infatuated. Wanda and Nat exchanged glances, and Peter looked like he'd witnessed something he wasn't supposed to see.
"Alright, alright, you guys, give Gianna some space. She just performed for three straight hours, something none of you neanderthals would know anything about." Nat winked at Gianna as she began to usher the men out.
"We're all probably gonna go back to the Tower and hang out for a while if you want to join us." Wanda offered, hanging back in the room.
"Oh wow, yeah, that would be great! I don't have to do soundcheck until tomorrow afternoon, so I can stay up past my bedtime." Gianna elbowed her teasingly.
"Perfect, Bucky knows where to go. See you soon!" Wanda exclaimed, blowing a kiss over her shoulder as they left.
Steve was the final one remaining in the room with Gianna and Bucky. "Looks like I'll see you in a few." Reaching out, Steve flipped Bucky's collar down to reveal the pink gloss mark on the Super Soldier's neck. Steve raised an eyebrow and smirked, turning to leave the room.
"Gianna, it was a pleasure meeting you." Steve politely nodded at her, shaking her hand.
"Pleasure's all mine." Gianna mock curtsied.
As the door shut behind Steve, Gianna turned excitedly back to Bucky.
"Oh, my GOD, I can't believe I just met the Avengers. I can't believe I'm going to go have drinks with the Avengers at Avengers Tower. I can't believe I just convinced the Avengers that I'm sleeping with another one of the Avengers. What the ACTUAL fu-" Gianna exclaimed, throwing her hands up.
Bucky laughed at her, too excited to begin to sort through his emotions.
"Come on doll, let's get you changed. You're a little overdressed for cocktails at the compound."
Steve POV
As we walked back to the parking lot where the helicopter was waiting, I turned to Natasha and Tony.
"Bucky's got it bad," I said, hearing the amusement in my own voice.
Natasha nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "He's smitten, for sure."
Tony grinned. "I always knew I had a knack for matchmaking," he said, his voice joking. "Maybe their firstborn should be named after me."
I rolled my eyes. "I don't think they're quite at that point yet,"
"Wait until they've had a few of my world famous dirty martinis. Wouldn't be the first time they've led to a conception." Tony remarked.