“Capsicle you still frozen or something? We’re trying to have a meeting here?” Tony grumbled as Bucky placed a hand on Steve’s shoulder who was quickly startled out of his daydreaming. “Um yeah. Sorry Tony please repeat what you said.” Steve asked fighting the urge to blush as the eyes of the table turned to face him.
“So Solider here’s deprogramming seems to be going as expected so far. That right Banner?” Tony asked looking towards the scientist who nodded with a soft smile. “Okay, so then once Wanda here gives the all clear you will be able to go on nearby missions as long as you are paired with Triple Imposter here.” Natasha smiled towards Bucky as Steve followed her gaze to his best friend
“You alright with this Buck, remember you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.” Steve fussed as the shorter man rolled his eyes at Steve then looked to Natasha “ Я с нетерпением жду сотрудничества с вами Natalia.” The table looked to the Russian speaker who replied in English for the table to understand. “And I look forward to our missions James.” Steve fought the urge to frown. These days Bucky rarely spoke, and when he did it was seldom in English. He was glad his best friend could speak to someone but he’d be lying to himself if he didn’t feel a pang of jealously deep in his heart that it was not him.
Steve quickly spaced out again as the meeting droned on. Only spiced up by the literal drone Tony decided to fly around during discussions. Like father like son Steve supposed as memories of the ever eccentric Howard Stark came to mind as he smiled at the fleeting memory. Even as the meeting drew to a close and the sky began to sink into the horizon people still hovered around the meeting room. Nobody ever wants to be the first to leave. Everyone besides Clint who always seemed to disappear the second the meeting was officially ended. Steve flitted towards the radio, at least to overpower the sound of the vents rattling as he pressed the button until an achingly familiar jazz started to fill the room.
“UGH! its Grandpa hour! I’m getting outta here!” Tony said as he walked out the room with a dramatic wave of his arm. Steve smiled at the genius and his antics, even if they didn’t get along at times he had to admit a warm fondness had begun to bloom for the genius. But nothing compared to the garden of love he had for his best friend, who was currently tapping his foot to the smooth beat of the song. “I remember.” Bucky trailed off as he tilted his head as if to listen closer, his foot still keeping perfect time as he did. “What did ya remember Buck?” Steve asked, internally cringing at the hopeful tilt to his voice.
He remembered this very song. It was their very first dance after they had decided to be together in secret. Both of their inhibitions hazed with alcohol as they foolishly danced around one another as if they were the only people in the bar. Both of the still- human hands of Bucky caressing his tiny waist as he swayed him to that beat of the ages; staring into each other’s eyes as if they held the secrets to the universe itself. His heart leaped in his throat as he prayed to a god he was unsure he believed in anymore. That his love would finally remember their past “I remember that night, I danced with that dame.” He paused to think for a moment “Betty wasn’t it?” Steve’s heart leapt into his throat only to sink deep inside of him as he realized the memory his friend was recalling. Nonetheless he gave Bucky a proud grin as he nodded. “Yeah Buck! You danced the night away lady to lady. She was your last dance.” He chuckled trying to hide his nervousness from the Russian spy who was watching more intently with every passing second. Steve shuffled his feet as he made his excuses to leave the room, almost ignorant to the eyes wavering over his form.
He decided to go for a run to clear his mind. But it seemed determined on remaining in the past, with every step he could only think about how much the world had changed around him. From the new stores with their flashy signs all the way to the advanced cars that raced by his side. But no matter what the era, he was always running. In this case in more ways than one. As the sun finally retired for the day he returned to the shining tower, smiling to Natasha who called him over with her finger. “You doing ok?” Natasha asked as Steve attempted a smile and nodded. “Wanna go out tonight? Thor owes me a Favour and you sure as hell look like you need one.” Steve paused as he mulled over the offer in question. “It’s an exclusive club. No press. What happens there will STAY there.” Natasha spoke with a threatening edge. That very finality that made Steve agree as Natasha grabbed his arm and began swiftly walking there.
The night faded away with each of the ancient casks that were emptied. Thor was naturally the life of the party as he flipped his golden locks to whatever song was currently blasting out of every speaker. Steve tipped back his second drink enjoying the pleasant fuzz that overtook his senses. He walked over to check on Natasha who waved at him with a wide grin, her cheeks flushed a light red. “Cap you seen this guy? He’s a hell of a dancer! C’mon move it old man!” Natasha cheered as the man grabbed him by the arm. “Dancing with Captain America, I’m going to make this the dance of the century.” The man spoke as he looked up to the blushing Captain who began to dance along with the stranger, taking the lead as a sensual ballad began to play.
The dance was perfect, with every beat their hips swayed in time with one another as Steve lifted his arm to spin his partner in a circle gently as their hands met once more and they moved to the center of the floor. "C’mon Steve go get some!” Natasha cheered as Steve giggled at the comment, his lips straining with the width of a genuine smile. If only there was room in his heart that wasn’t already taken by a fellow solider lost in time. The man’s sweaty hands slid from his shoulders to his waist, where HE used to hold him as they danced until sunrise. He peeled himself away as he ran out the door as his vision blurred with tears. Before long Natasha drunkenly stumbled out the bar, surprisingly lucid considering the sheer volume of alcohol she had consumed. “c’mon Steve it’s okay.” She said as she placed a hand on his broad shoulder until his sobs finally subsided.
…. The next day….
Bucky found himself tapping the table impatiently. He had long become acquainted with everyone’s daily routine. Tony is usually last to crawl out of his lab-cave usually chatting to Bruce if it’s a good day to grab coffee. Often he catches Clint and Natasha heading off. Natasha always comes from her room around 8am. Clint shows up the same time but nobody is sure how he gets there. But the one thing in common is Steve is almost always there, giving everyone a good morning and asking if they slept well. To not see the smiling blonde in the kitchen disturbed something deep inside of him in a way he couldn’t place. “Chill out Manchurian. Even America’s ass surely sleeps in once in a while.” Thor laughed as he heard the discussion at hand. “Do not fear my friend, he was out with me and spider, the night was truly glorious. I need to owe her more Favours.” He chuckled to himself at that last comment as Tony placed his hand over his chest in mock offense “A party without the party king Iron Man how unbearable!” Tony gasped as he walked off with the largest mug they had filled to the brim with coffee. Bucky still felt uneasy but he had to admit that the group made logical sense. He tried to put it out of his mind for the time being as he walked down to the sparring room.
…
He clashed with Natasha as he managed to wriggle out of her headlock. “Not bad James.” Natasha smirked to her sparring partner who smiled back at her. He had found himself forming an unlikely friendship with the Russian spy. “You know what’s up with Steve.” Bucky stated as he noted Natasha’s face twitch slightly in surprise before smoothing into a mask of neutrality. “Not my story to tell James. But keep an eye on him.” Bucky took a deep breath at this. “I will, he’s my best friend. Till the end of the line.” Bucky repeated, the phrase felt right on his tongue in a way that almost soothed his worry. That was temporary as he passed the punching bag area on his way out. He stood there quietly, honing his assassin skills to spy on his best friend. He couldn’t help but feel angry at what he was seeing and before he knew he was intervening.
Bucky caught a wound-up punch with his fist causing Steve to pause and blink in surprise. “Buck! You should of told me you were down here!” Bucky just growled, not let going of his fist as he dragged him to the nearby bench silently. “Stay.” Bucky commanded almost tempted to smirk as the Captain obeyed his order as he grabbed some more boxing wraps.
“Hands.”
“Buck, they’re already wrapped. It’s –“
“Hands Now.” Bucky said in a tone that left no room for argument as Steve held out his red hands in defeat as he let his best friend silently wrap them. Bucky felt so many emotions at once, all of them tempting him to carry Steve away in his arms, but he doesn’t remember if they ever had feelings that way. But he sure knew whatever was happening right now was wrong. He noted these thoughts down for when he arrived at his appointment with Wanda.
“If you don’t want me babysitting you wrap your hands like I taught ya Punk.” Bucky scolded as he got up to leave. “Whatever jerk. Thanks.” Bucky waved a hand as he left the door, ignoring the pounding of his heart.
“Hey Wanda.” Bucky said as he entered her room as she smiled back softly, wringing her hands nervously. "So any good news?” Wanda asked, her eyes lighting up like Christmas day as he nodded. “I remembered a dance from my war days. But the edges of the memory are fuzzy. I have a feeling Steve has something important to do with it.” Wanda nodded as she paused for a moment in thought. “We can work on those today if you wish, but if it’s important it may be harder to clarify, it may… distress you. Are you willing to take that risk?” Wanda asked viewing Bucky closely for any signs of hesitance, even though there were none to be found.
“For an important memory with Steve? Definitely.”
“Okay. You ready?”
“Ready as ever.”
Bucky braced himself as the memory was explored but the dame that had flashed into mind previously was nowhere in the vision of his past self. In her place was the smaller version of Steve. Bucky heard himself audibly gasp as they explored the memory. Even back when Steve was smaller he was positively gorgeous as he swayed in his arms softly his blonde hair softly framing his face, his eyes shining like a beacon calling him home. He tried to relax his mind to let Wanda dive deeper into the vision as he saw the small apartment seen in other visions. But unlike the other visions of them talking or even laughing this time they were cuddling into each other’s arms with matching peaceful expressions. “My beautiful doll.” Past Bucky whispered as his fingers threaded through Steve’s hair who only snuggled impossibly further into him, planting a kiss on his neck for good measure. A perfect pair of secret lovers.
The vision of the recovered memory began to fade as the pair faded out the memory and stared at each other once more. “So you and Steve. Can’t say I’m surprised.” Wanda smiled at the flush taking over Bucky’s cheeks. “Well that certainly explains a lot.” Bucky huffed but his eyes were wide. He finally could understand why his heart jumped in his chest every time the blonde grinned truly; as well as the urge to rip apart anyone who made him rub his eyes harshly that way he still did whenever he was overly stressed.
“Would you like to discuss what we saw today another time? I’m sure you have a lot to take care of at the moment.” Wanda said with encouraging smile that he for once was able to return.
“If you mean a certain punk to knock some sense into then you’re damn right.”
Bucky stormed into the tower as the all the eyes snapped towards his entry, he wordlessly beckoned Natasha towards him who shrugged at her company and began to silently follow the solider. “You knew about us didn’t you.” Bucky said dangerously low, though Natasha wasn’t fazed by his threatening aura. “As I said, not my story to tell. Plus a certain American solider practically begged me to keep it quiet. Making sure it was your choice without any influence.” Bucky glared at the shining floor with ire. “Of course the selfless bastard would.” Natasha sighed. “Figured you’d react this way; He’s on the top floor balcony, knock some sense into your man.” Natasha left with a smirk and a firm hand on his shoulder. He practically punched the button in the lift as he steadied himself for possibly one of his most important missions.
“Steve we need to talk.” As predicted he jumped to face him as he disguised his startle by clearing his throat. “Of course Buck! Is everything okay?” Steve fretted, his hands gripping the balcony ledge. “I remember us. The dance between us.” Bucky echoed as he watched Steve make an unreadable expression as his feet bounced nervously “I see. I’m glad you remember but please do not feel-“ Bucky cut him off with a hand to his cheek. “You’re not going to pressure me into feeling shit Rogers. I may not remember everything yet, but I could never truly forget you doll. So don’t give me that perfect solider Captain America… Give me that selfless idiot Punk I love.” Steve practically melted into his arms, finally able to lower his shoulders and his guard. Home for the first time in literal years.
“Ssh I got ya dolly, you’ve been alone for so long. I’m here now sweetheart it’s okay.” Bucky soothed as he felt Steve’s shoulders begin to shudder, the weight of thousands finally pushing him to his breaking point. He felt a breathless kiss brush against his neck faintly that only tightened his hold on his lover. For once he knew it felt right, loosening his grip on Steve to lift his chin with two fingers.
“But you know you’ve been bad punk. Hiding shit from me.” Bucky scolded gently as Steve looked almost ashamed as he mumbled “Yes sir.”
“Want me to make it all better? Make you my good boy again?” Bucky said as his lips ghosted over Steve’s “Cuddles first?” Steve asked, as if Bucky could ever refuse an offer to hold him. “Anything for you doll~” Bucky murmured on his lips as he guided his lover to his room…
After the telling creak of a door closing Natasha landed smoothly onto the balcony, looking up to knock on the vent “All clear.” She said as the archer quickly tumbled out the vent and stretched his back with a groan “I thought they would at least sit down and talk it out, not get straight to raw-dogging.” Clint whined as Natasha just laid her palm flat in front of her as Clint placed the promised twenty dollars into it “Not my fault if you didn’t notice the goo-goo eyes they gave each other at all times.” Natasha shrugged as she walked back to her room, just another mission under the belt of the Black Widow.