Flashing lights and high stakes
“You alright?” Steve whispered in Bucky’s ear. The pair had just waded their way into the building through the ridiculous amount of paparazzi and press. Their holding hands did not go unnoticed.
“I’m good. This looks amazing, Stevie.”
Steve smiled softly at Bucky, thankful Bucky wasn’t as freaked out as Steve had thought he might be. He remembered his first time at an event like this, back when the war was just over. He remembered the bright flashes, the way the sounds all mashed together into one overwhelming wave of noise. It sent him straight into a panic attack.
“Yeah, well, wait till you’re a few hours in. Tell me again then.” Steve laughed.
“Whatever. Let’s get something to drink and go dance.” Bucky proposed.
“Dance?” Steve spluttered, feeling nervous all of a sudden.
Getting that drink was more of a challenge than Bucky had hoped. Steve immediately got recognized by everyone in the room. Soon, Steve’s hand was pulled from his grip and Bucky was watching him shaking hands with senators, hugging wives and signing autographs for everyone with a napkin and a pen in their vicinity.
Steve’s eyes finally caught Bucky’s, mouthing ‘sorry’. Bucky nodded. Nothing he could do about the constant stream of people that adored their good Captain America.
Steve finally managed to shake all of his ‘fans’ and make his way over to the bar where Bucky was sipping on a drink in silence.
“Heya fellas, how’s it going?” Clint asked, sliding his arm around Natasha’s waist and kissing her neck before returning to looking at Bucky and Steve.
“Fine.” Bucky replied curtly.
Natasha quirked an eyebrow.
Steve shrugged, “Doesn’t like the attention, I think.”
Natasha and Clint both nodded in understanding.
A couple of drinks in, Natasha managed to drag Clint onto the dancefloor. “Sorry, guys. When you gotta go, you gotta go.” Clint said before being dragged away.
Both soldiers laughed, but then Bucky had to ask Steve to dance too.
“Ehmm, well. I don’t know how to-, how to dance.” Steve almost whispered the last part.
“You’re not still that much of a dead hoofer as you were back in the day, were you?” Bucky asked, grabbing Steve’s hand and dragging him behind him onto the dancefloor, therefore missing the bashful look on Steve’s face.
“Buck, I really can’t-“ Steve tried, but Bucky smiled softly, “Just follow my lead.”
“Are you sure? I’d hate to step on your toes..” Steve said softly.
“Just move like I do. Put your hand here and the other one in mine. Now just follow my feet. It’ll be fine.” Bucky said as he took the lead.
~
“You looked good up there. Didn’t know you could dance, Cap.” Sam smiled, walking past the soldiers, who were on their way to the balcony to catch their breaths and breathe some fresh air.
“Yeah. Me neither.” Steve blushed.
“Tony’s up there too, in case you were looking for him.” Sam informed the pair before descending down the stairs.
“Should we-? I mean… we can wait? Tonight’s a good night though, but, otherwise too.” Steve ended lamely.
Bucky knew what Steve meant, though. They’d talked about it enough for both men to know exactly what they wanted. But was the timing right? What if it was too soon? What if Tony didn’t even want to?
Oh god.
“Eh. I don’t know. Maybe let’s just talk first?” Bucky offered, helping himself out of his thoughts spiraling.
~
The cold night’s air brushing against his skin was just what he needed.
Stupid events.
But he went without too much dragging his feet for Pepper. She was still one of his best friends. And he knew she was right when she argued the importance of these events. She was right.
He closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation of the wind fanning over his face and listening to the hum of the music and the conversations still going on inside. He silently wondered what Steve and Bucky were up to.
He let out a deep sigh.
“Something wrong?” A voice asked from behind him.
“What the hell!” Tony yelped, turning around, “You can’t sneak up on people like that.” Tony chastised, pointing his finger at the super soldiers.
Steve chuckled, not looking at all sorrowful, “Sorry, Tony. But are you alright?”
Tony sighed again, “Yes, I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine, Tony.” Bucky said, looking a bit worried.
“Well, thanks, Buck. And here I was thinking I looked dashing.” Tony said, rolling his eyes and turning back to stare into the dark garden.
“That’s not what we mean.” Steve said.
“I’m fine.” Tony continued, “I just don’t like these events. There’s no fun in them when I can’t get drunk.” Tony deadpanned, “I really don’t understand how you guys do that. Alcohol barely works on you. God, I’d never survive.”
“Drinking isn’t really a solution. But we know something to make this more fun. Come dance with us.” Bucky offered, smirking at Steve before shifting his eyes over to Tony’s form, who had turned his head to listen.
“You asking me to dance? You know I’ll dance you straight off the dancefloor, right?” Tony snickered.
“Is that a challenge, Stark?” Bucky dared, already grabbing both men to drag them back inside.
“It sure is, Barnes. Do you accept it?”
“How could I not. Steve, you’re judge.” Bucky said as he turned to Steve.
“What? Not fair." He grumbled, but Bucky gave him a sweet smile and he quickly gave in, "Well, alright then, but this better be good.”
“I’ll make it better. What are the stakes?” Tony asked, a mischievous look on his face.
“Stakes hmm? Let’s say... the winner can pick something for the loser to do for a day. Sound good?” Bucky said.
“Deal!” Tony agreed. Their dance off had officially begun.
Both Tony and Bucky started dancing, showing off their best moves for Steve to judge.
“Am I winning, Steve?” Bucky asked while squinting at Tony.
“Of course you’re not. I’m obviously the better one, right Steve?” Tony said, smirking.
“It is a tough decision...” Steve said, looking very serious.
“And?” Both dancers asked.
“I’ve decided that although both were truly formidable dancers, only one can win, and that one is Tony.” Steve announced, smiling fondly at Tony.
“What!? Traitor.” Bucky almost hissed, pouting at Steve.
Steve just shrugged and smiled.
“Ha! I knew it. Steve knows a good dancer when he sees one, obviously.” Tony bragged.
“Well, I guess I should congratulate you, Stark.” Bucky said, smiling too.
“Thank you very much. You know, events are a lot more fun with you guys. I’m thinking maybe I’ll drag you along with me every time!” Tony said, smiling devilishly.
“Well, with you, I guess it won’t be that bad.” Steve said.
“Oh and by the way, Barnes. Tomorrow, I own you.” Tony said, looking very pleased with the idea of bossing Bucky around all day.
“Shit. Don’t make me do your laundry or something!” Bucky complained.
“Oh, I have something much better planned."