AN: Wishing you all a wonderful new year. Thank you for sticking with me as I continue to write this story.
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Skye stood in her bathroom. It was just after six and she was starting to get ready. She was curling her hair first. As she was finishing curling the first layer of her hair there was a knock on her bedroom door.
"Yes?" Skye said.
Tucker went into the room carrying a garment bag and a backpack.
"Skye?" Tucker called out.
"Hi, I'm in the bathroom just curling my hair," she said.
Tucker went over to the door and smiled. "I'd kiss you but I don't want to ruin your grove."
Skye put the curling iron down and smiled at him "Kiss me."
Tucker chuckled and kissed her.
Skye kissed him back before unclipping the next layer of her hair and starting to curl that. "How was work today?"
"Busy," Tucker said.
"Hey, when you go to university are you going to keep working there?" Skye asked.
"I haven't fully decided yet. If I do it will only be one weekend day a week or every other weekend or something. I won't need the money but considering how good the man has been to me I don't want to just leave," Tucker said.
"I mean I think he would understand but I'll support whatever you decide," Skye said.
Tucker smiled, "I know you will. Because you are the first person to ever have my back fully and you never changed that."
Skye smiled, "Ditto."
Tucker smiled watching her.
"What?" Skye asked,
"I just can't figure out how I got so lucky," Tucker said.
"Oh?" Skye asked.
"To end up being your date to a Stark Industries party," Tucker said.
"Yeah. Well remember that feeling if things go wrong," Skye said.
"You're nervous," Tucker said.
"Yes," Skye said. "I'm not a hundred percent ready for this but my dad asked me to and I feel like saying no is letting him down. You're not allowed to repeat that by the way."
"I won't," Tucker said. "But I feel like you put a lot more pressure on yourself than anyone else does."
"I have big shoes to fill with Captain America for a dad," Skye said.
"No one expects you to be your dad," Tucker said.
"I guarantee the people who want to meet me tonight expect that I'll fill those shoes at some point," Skye said.
"Well it's not them that matter," Tucker said.
"They are part of who funds the Avengers," Skye said.
"Thought that was Stark Industries," Tucker said.
"Tony's company covers a lot of it. I'd guess the biggest amounts but there are government people and such that also pay part of it," Skye said.
Tucker nodded.
"I do want to be an avenger so I know it comes with the package but I'm nervous about doing or saying something to embarrass myself or my dad or anyone around here," Skye said as she finished with the final curl. She put the curling iron down and unplugged it before working her fingers through her curls and spraying her hair with hair spray.
Once her hair looked good she opened a couple of drawers of her bathroom vanity and took out some makeup and started to apply it.
"I can't say I have ever seen you get ready like this," Tucker said.
Skye chuckled, "I don't do this often. Last time was the wedding and you got ready at home for that."
"I did," Tucker said.
Skye looked at her phone for the time. It was just seven. "You probably should get dressed. I won't leave the bathroom before you are dressed."
Tucker chuckled "Yes dear," he said before he went into the bedroom and got dressed. Once he was dressed he went into her bathroom and started to fix his hair.
Skye smiled as she finished her makeup. "I'm going to put my dress on so you stay in here until I tell you all clear."
"Okay," Tucker said.
Skye went and put on her dress as there was a knock on her bedroom door.
"Yes," she said.
Wanda went in. "I have the earrings I promise you could borrow."
Skye smiled, "Tucker it's all clear you can come out I'm dressed," she said before taking a look at the gold dangly earrings that matched the gold in her shoes and clutch. "They are perfect. Thanks, Wanda."
"Of course," Wanda said. "Hello Tucker," she said smiling at the young man.
Skye put the earrings on and looked at Tucker, "that is not the suit you wore to my dad's wedding."
"I might have rented it," Tucker said before he smiled and said hello to Wanda.
"Tucker! I didn't want you to spend money on tonight," she said with a sigh.
Wanda left the room not wanting to get in the middle of that.
"Skye," Tucker said.
"That is a really nice suit. You had to have paid a fortune to rent it," Skye said.
"Okay, rent is the wrong word. I borrowed it," Tucker said.
"Oh. From whom?" Skye asked
"Promise not to lose it on me?" Tucker asked.
"Yes," Skye said.
"My uncle," Tucker said.
Skye tilted her head.
"He left his wife. When you told him that I wasn't being treated fairly in that house. He started to realize what was really going on when he wasn't there. He asked his wife and she avoided the questions enough that he realized he had fucked up. After he left her, he tracked me down and we have been talking. He called me last night to see how I was doing I told him about tonight. He asked me if I had a suit I told him I did and he asked for a picture so I sent him one of me from the wedding and he kind of told me I might want something a little nicer. He and I are the same size and well this is his," Tucker said.
"Wow," Skye said.
"We will never be close. But he apologized to me for what his wife and daughter put me through, for not realizing what was happening when I was there, and for going along with what his wife suggested in throwing me in the system. And he means it. He has fought for and has equal split custody of Carly and well I have seen firsthand him being tough on her. I don't know if it's going to change anything at this point but he has changed and is trying to help her change," Tucker said.
Skye let out a breath. "I've always told you that you get to choose your relationship with them. I won't ever tell you not to. I won't be around Carly until she has proven she has changed and sincerely apologized to me. But based on what you have told me about your uncle if you want me around him I will do that for you."
Tucker smiled. "I want to kiss you. Will it mess up your lipstick?"
Skye kissed him deeply, once the kiss was broken she smiled. "Nope. It's a lip stain."
"And you can get it off after?" Tucker asked.
"Yes. With makeup remover," Skye said as she sat on the bed, put her new shoes on, and stood up.
"Well you just got taller," Tucker said with a smirk.
Skye chuckled. "Heels will do that."
"I didn't think you like heels," Tucker said.
"Well never worn them much before. But it's something I will have to get used to," she said. She grabbed her clutch and put in her phone and a few other things before she looked at the time. "Let's get out there."
The two left her room and went into the living room where everyone who was already ready was.
"Well you two look amazing," Nat said with a smile.
"That's a different suit," Steve said going over to the teenager and fixing the crooked tie.
"I borrowed it," Tucker said with a smile not stopping Steve from helping.
Steve smiled and nodded.
"It's a very spiffy suit," Wanda said.
"I agree," Skye said with a smile looking at Tucker.
Once everyone was ready they headed down to the elevator to head downstairs. Tucker could tell Skye was getting more nervous so he took her hand and squeezed it.
Skye looked up at him.
"You've got this," he whispered to her.
Skye smiled and nodded.
Steve looked over, with his enhanced hearing, and in the small space, he had heard what Tucker said.
When they got to the floor and got off Steve gently took Skye's arm to hold her in place.
Tucker stopped when Skye stopped because they were holding hands. Bucky noticed his husband stopping and stopped as well.
Once everyone else had walked away Steve looked at Skye. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Skye said a little confused.
"You're sure you are up for this?" Steve asked.
"You heard what Tucker said to me," Skye said as the realization hit.
"I did," Steve said.
"I'm a little nervous. But I'm okay," Skye said.
"Okay," Steve said.
The four went into the event space that had been expertly decorated.
"Wow," Skye said.
"You know Tony, he spares no expense for things like this," Steve said.
Skye chuckled and nodded.
As people arrived Steve introduced his daughter and her boyfriend to the people who had expressed interest in meeting her. After introductions, Skye was able to keep up with the conversations that were being discussed. Steve knew she was smart but even he was surprised at how easily she was keeping up with the topics he wouldn't have known anything about at her age.
After an hour when Skye had spoken to everyone she needed to, she looked at her dad.
"Dad, I'm good. You don't need to hover," she said.
Steve smiled and Bucky chuckled.
"I'm not hovering I'm just introducing you to the people who I know wanted to meet you," Steve said.
"Is there anyone else?" Skye asked.
"Not at the moment," Steve said. "A couple more might show up."
"Okay. Well if they do you can come find me?" Skye asked.
"She's right Steve. Let's leave her and Tucker alone," Bucky said.
"Okay. But make sure you both grab something to eat," Steve said.
"Okay," Skye said.
Bucky gently led his husband away and Tucker gently led her over to a table with drinks and food.
She grabbed some water and a deviled egg. Tucker grabbed a drink as well as a bacon-wrapped scallop.
"Feeling more relaxed?" Tucker asked her.
"Yes," Skye said before she heard her name.
"Hi Skyler," Shuri said grabbing a drink.
"Hey Shuri," Skye said with a smile.
"Tucker this is Shuri she is who helped Tony with my suit, Shuri this is my boyfriend, Tucker," Skye said.
"The famous Tucker," Shuri said.
"The famous Shuri," Tucker responded as the two shook hands.
Skye chuckled.
"I hope Skye only told you the good things," Tucker said.
"Are you saying there would be, not good things?" Shuri asked with a smirk.
Tucker chuckled.
"No," Skye said smiling and shaking her head
"You're lying," Tucker said smiling.
"Well to be fair most of the bad things involved me," Skye said.
Shuri chuckled. "How are you enjoying your first Stark Industries party?" she asked.
"It's good. Was a little nervous at first but it's been okay," Skye said.
"Yes, most of the people are pretty nice," Shuri said.
"Anyone I should know about avoiding?" Skye asked.
Shuri looked around. "No one that I see here tonight. That I know of anyway. I do not know everyone."
Skye smiled, "Fair enough. Thank you."
"Anyone you recognize from the political events you went to when you were younger?" Skye asked Tucker.
"No," Tucker said with a shrug.
"You went to political events as a child?" Shuri asked.
"Yeah. My uncle is a politician. I lived with him and his family for a big chunk of my childhood," Tucker said. "So I went along when kids were involved."
Shuri nodded.
"But to be honest, I don't know if I would recognize anyone," he said to Skye. "I didn't focus on the adults at those things."
"Fair, you were a kid. The other kids were the people you wanted to interact with," Skye said.
Tucker nodded.
"Think anyone would recognize you?" Skye asked.
"Probably," Tucker said. He was hoping if they did they stayed away. He didn't want to deal with that.
The three continued to mingle and at one point a man came over.
"Tucker Nelson?" the man asked surprise in his voice.
Tucker put on the diplomatic smile he had been raised to have, "Yes. You are?"
The man introduced himself.
"Yeah. I recognize the name. Sorry, it has been so many years," Tucker said.
"That's okay you were very young when I lost saw you. Your uncle around here?" the man asked.
"Nope. I'm here with my girlfriend," Tucker said.
"Skyler Rogers," Skye said extending her hand.
"Captain Rogers's daughter?" The man asked taking her outreached hand and shaking it.
"Yes," Skye said, with a smile.
"You're involved with Captain Rogers's daughter?" the man asked Tucker a mix of surprise and doubt in his voice.
"I am," Tucker said.
Skye took Tucker's hand and squeezed sensing his tension.
"Yeah. We have been friends since we were like ten and started dating almost nine months ago," Skye said with a smile.
"Your father is aware of who he is?" The man asked.
Skye took a breath now she was getting annoyed. "He is. And fully supports us."
"I'm not sure I believe you," the man said.
Skye looked around for her dads but couldn't see them.
Tony saw Skye looking around looking nervous and excused himself to whom he was talking and went over.
"I see you have met Mr. Parsons," Tony said.
"I have," Skye said.
"I have vague memories of meeting him at an event with my uncle in the past," Tucker said.
"Oh," Tony said. "Yes. It would make sense, both Mr. Parsons and your uncle are in politics."
"Tucker and Skyler tell me they are dating," Mr. Parsons said.
"They are," Tony said.
"He seemed to doubt my dad is aware," Skye said.
"He knows. We all know and fully see how good he has been for Skye," Tony said realizing now why Skye was looking for help.
Mr. Parsons nodded still not believing it. "You are aware of what the boy has done?"
"You are aware of what I did when I was his age?" Tony asked. It was not a secret at this point. His past had been all over the media many times since the Avengers became a thing.
Mr. Parsons took a breath but didn't respond.
"Tucker is a good kid and his and Skye's relationship is fully supported by both of her parents, myself, and everyone else who has had the privilege of seeing how good he has been for and to Skye," Tony said. "And he will always be welcome wherever Skye is. So if you have an issue with that you know where the door is."
Mr. Parsons walked away. Their conversation had been kept quiet to not bring attention to it so thankfully no one was the wiser to what had happened.
Skye let out a breath, "thank you."
Tony looked at the two teenagers and nodded, "Are you two okay?"
Skye looked at Tucker.
"Yeah. I'm okay," Tucker said. "Thank you."
"Of course. And everything I said I mean," Tony said.
Tucker smiled and nodded.
"You're sure you're okay?" Skye asked. "We can go and get some air."
"No. I'm okay. Promise," Tucker said.
"If anyone else gives you any problem you can send them my way," Tony said. "Or find me in the room again. Was it me you were looking for?"
"Well no. Was looking for my dad or papa. But I am grateful you saw we needed help," Skye said.
"Of course," Tony said. "Enjoy the party and don't worry about assholes like him."
Skye smiled and nodded.
Tony went off
Skye looked up at Tucker. "If you aren't okay please tell me."
"Skye. I promise. No, I didn't like the way he was talking about me or at me but I'm okay," Tucker said. "Because of your support and Tony's support."
Skye smiled and kissed his cheek.
They both went and grabbed another drink before going back and mingling with others. At a minute to midnight, a countdown started and at midnight everyone screamed out Happy New Year and all the partners kissed.
Shortly after people started to leave. Steve and Bucky found Skye and Tucker.
"You two had fun?" Steve asked.
"For the most part," Skye said.
"Oh?" Bucky asked.
"You don't know what happened," Skye said.
"It's not a big deal Skye," Tucker said.
"Like hell, it's not," Skye said.
"What happened?" Steve asked.
"Do you recognize the name Parsons?" Skye asked.
"Yeah. I saw him around here tonight I was going to introduce you. He is one of the biggest supporters of the next generation of the Avengers," Steve said.
"Fuck," Tucker mumbled.
Skye looked at him. "I don't want support from a person like him anyway."
"What happened?" Steve asked again.
"He knew Tucker in the past. Through his uncle. He was surprised to hear that he and I are dating and that you fully support it. Um. He was very condescending and I looked around for you for help but Tony saw the look on my face and came over and stepped in to help," Skye said.
Steve sighed, "what did he say?"
"Well, he made it clear he didn't think you would support us, and when Tony came over and was told the situation he told him that you are very aware and support it. Tony was asked if he knew Tucker's history and Tony used his own history to prove he doesn't care about Tucker's past. And that you know and also don't care basically. Also said that Tucker was always welcome wherever I am and that if he had a problem Mr. Parsons knew where the door was," Skye said
Steve looked at Tucker "Tony is right. You're past is just that your past. We all make mistakes. You dealt with the consequences and it is not something that will ever be held against you by any of us that care about you."
Tucker nodded.
"And you are always welcome here and with Skye," Steve said.
"Thank you," Tucker said.
"And Skye is right. No one is going to care about losing the support of someone who would come to a party and corner two teenagers and make them feel uncomfortable," Bucky said.
"Come on you two. It's late. You are spending the night right Tucker?" Steve asked. As the last of the guests had left, and most of the family had already made their way upstairs.
"Yes," Tucker said. It had already been arranged.
The four of them went and got on the elevator.
Tony got on as well. Pepper had already gone upstairs right after midnight to relieve the babysitter.
"Skye told us what happened. Thank you," Steve said.
"Yeah no problem," Tony said. "Just told the man the truth."
They got upstairs and the first thing Skye did was remove her shoes.
"Shoes not comfortable?" Bucky asked with a smirk.
"Not after standing on my feet for five hours," Skye said.
Skye picked up her shoes and went with Tucker toward the bedrooms. The guest room was a couple down from hers and his stuff had already been placed in there.
Tucker stopped with her at her room and Skye smiled and leaned against the closed door.
"Good night beautiful," Tucker said.
"Good night handsome," Skye said.
Tucker kissed her deeply. Skye kissed him back and they made out for a minute before a throat was cleared.
Skye looked up to see her Papa and smiled innocently.
"Um. Good night," Tucker said before he went towards the guest room.
"Remember your dad and I hear everything, don't let us hear any door open and sneaking," Bucky warned Skye.
"Yes Papa," Skye said. "Good night," she said before she went into her room and closed the door.