Chapter 10
Bucky is not prepared for what greets him in the lab. He usually never is, since he only recently got clearance to enter the lab due to his and Tony's developing friendship, but today is definitely different.
Rewind a few minutes; Bucky had woken up with a bit of a headache and some slight queasiness that Bruce had said would be normal until trimester ends, and could persist if he didn't properly hydrate himself or his blood sugar levels got too low. So, he went to the communal kitchen to get some tea that both Bruce and Tony had said helped with headaches that Doctor Strange had gifted them a few months ago as well as a little something to eat. He opens the pantry and finds that they're all out, which he should have been expecting since they had all been stressed and more prone to headaches recently in between the pregnancy and wedding planning, so he figures he should go ask Tony, since the latter usually keeps an emergency stash in his lab.
This brings him to the present; not only is Tony in the lab with Strange, Nat, and Bruce, they aren't even working on some sort of technology. Instead, there are red solo cups stacked everywhere, tons of un-inflated balloons that look suspiciously like penises, and at the center of it all, the four are designing a giant drinking game olympics board. Well, Tony is designing it and the others are nearby doing their own things. Natasha is assembling a tower of beer cans, Bruce is keeping track on some sort of list, and Strange is using magic to write "Groom to Be" in gold letters on a black sash.
"What's going on here?" Bucky asks.
The four of them gasp, with Tony clutching his chest in surprise and Strange cursing as his magic fizzles out a bit.
"Jesus, we've got to to get you a bell," Tony sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. "FRIDAY, why was I not notified that Barnes was coming?"
"He has been granted clearance by you and you never instructed me to do so," the AI responds, and Bucky wonders if it's possible for AI's to sounds sassy.
"Ah shit, well I guess now you know the surprise," Tony says, placing the marker he was using down.
"What surprise?" Bucky asks, raising an eyebrow.
"You seriously don't know?" Tony asks. "I thought the alcohol, giant dicks, and sash would give it away. We're throwing you a bachelor party! Well, we're helping Nat throw you a bachelor party."
"You guys are throwing me a what-now?" Bucky asks.
"It's a party to celebrate the last night before getting married," Bruce explains. "They're pretty fun. We're doing something more low-key than a normal bachelor party, but we still wanted to include some fun stuff. If that's okay with you, of course?"
Bucky smiles and says, "That sounds amazing, guys. Thank you so much for doing this, I really appreciate it. Sorry about ruining the surprise, though."
"Eh, it's probably better that you found out," Nat says. "That way you can add some input."
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Bucky is pretty sure this isn't exactly low-key.
Don't get him wrong, it's not over-the-top either, but there are still quite a few people here. Sam was throwing Steve his own bachelor party somewhere else, so the people on Steve's side of the wedding party were there, so Bucky guesses it could be worse.
So far though, Bucky, Tony, Pepper, Bruce, and Natasha are the only sober ones at the party. Most of the people drinking, he expected to drink, but there were some who he did not expect at all, most specifically Doctor Strange, since almost every time he had seen the Sorcerer Supreme before today, the man had been the picture of seriousness and discipline, with the occasional biting sarcasm, usually directed at Steve. Though Tony has denied it several times, claiming that's just Strange's personality, Steve knows that the former neurosurgeon is not particularly find of him. To be honest, the only person Bucky has seen Strange loosen up a bit around has been Tony, which Bucky chalks up to how similar the two men are.
Bucky is currently drinking a Shirley Temple on the couch with Tony and Pepper, smiling at the events unfolding in front of him. Strange is absolutely destroying Clint at beer pong, though neither of them are anywhere near sober, since Nat had defeated Strange in the previous game. As fun as this whole thing is to watch, Bucky thinks he should probably pull the plug before Clint falls over.
"Okay, let's take a quick break from this game," Bucky says, getting up from the couch and adjusting the sash that had started to slide down his shoulder. No one listens to him and keeps their eyes on the game.
"Hey everyone, the wings are ready!" Pepper shouts, as Dum-E enters with a giant platter of wings. Everyone immediately forgets about the game and rushes over to the robot.
"Ugh, thanks," Bucky sighs, slumping onto the couch.
"No problem," Pepper replies. "I just know what works from experience. Drunk people like food."
A tall figure appears in front of the couch and Bucky looks up to see Strange offering them a bunch of wings. "I grabbed a bunch before ev'ryone took 'em," Strange says, words slurred. He then looks at Bucky and smiles. "Congrats on the wedding."
"Thank you," Bucky replies, taking a few wings.
"Aw, thanks doc, you didn't have to," Tony says, taking some wings.
Stephen gasps and smiles before saying, "Of course I had too. We're, we're... awesome facial hair bros." Tony laughs and scoots over, motioning for the taller man to sit.
"I thought you hated that," Tony chuckles, taking another wing.
Stephen shrugs. "I like you, so it's fine." Stephen then stage-whispers, "I think I might be drunk."
The three of them laugh, but Bucky notices a strange look in Pepper's eyes as the two look at each other for a few seconds longer than normal.
"Um, let's play never have I ever!" Bucky blurts out, hoping to save this uncomfortable situation. Everyone quickly gathers around Bucky on chairs and on the floor. "Okay, so no one needs to drink alcohol if they don't want to, I'm assuming you all know the rules." Everyone nods. "Uh, Tony you start."
"Never have I ever kissed someone of the same sex." Almost everyone takes a drink, including Pepper and Tony. "Okay, so I was not expecting that. Pep, you're next."
"Never have I ever had sex with someone of the same sex." About half of the people take a drink, and everyone seems surprised when Tony does as well.
"What, you guys seriously though I was straight?" Tony chuckles. "Next question."
"Never have I ever had a whole fist up my ass!" Clint shouts. Bucky sighs and takes a drink before nearly choking at Tony's reaction to Stephen also taking a drink.
"Huh, I always knew you wizards were kinky," Tony jokes.
"Oh, that was way before I was a wizard," Stephen replies, winking.
"Never have I ever been tied up during sex," Bucky says, before Stephen does something he and Tony might regret. Tony, Clint, Natasha, Bruce, and Stephen take drink, as well as some other guests.
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By the end of the night, they gain some, ahem, insights, into some of the team's kinks, some people throw up, which was to be expected, some people started crying, also expected, and Stephen passed out on Tony's shoulder, unexpected.
"Damn, Barnes, as far as bachelor parties go, I'm pretty sure that's the best one I've ever been to," Tony says once the last guest leaves.
"How are Clint and Strange?" Bucky asks, since they were probably the most drunk. Tony didn't want Stephen to leave that drunk, so he's letting him spend the night in one of the guest rooms.
"Eh, Nat said she had no problem putting him to bed, but I'm not sure how much I believe that," Tony says. "Strange, on the other hand was a bit of a handful. We had to detour at my bathroom for him to puke, then he didn't want to get into bed, and then he wanted some water."
"They're going to have a bitch of a hangover tomorrow," Bucky says, shaking his head. "Reminds me of Steve before the serum. Punk didn't want to accept that he was a lightweight."
"Tomorrow morning I'll have Dum-E help me make a nice greasy breakfast for everyone and I'll be sure to brew tons of coffee."
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"You look like you barely slept," Natasha says, brushing Bucky's hair. The day of the wedding has arrived and Nat is helping him get ready.
"I don't think I did," Bucky replies. His reflection in the mirror looks as tired as he feels and he feels slightly queasy from excitement/nerves.
"Nervous?" Natasha asks.
"A little bit, but mostly excited," Bucky says, yawning. "That dress looks really nice on you, by the way." Natasha was wearing a chiffon teal dress that went to her knees and had her hair straightened; she looked very pretty. "Thanks, I like the dresses you picked out," she says, spraying some conditioner in his hair. "I must admit, I was a little skeptical when Tony said the two of you were picking the dresses, but you have good taste." "I used to help me sisters get ready a lot back in the day," Bucky shrugs. "I had to get good at it, or my ma and sisters would complain."
"Excuse me, I'm just going to grab this quickly and put it in the car," Tony says, entering the room and grabbing a teal satin pillow and a white basket full of teal petals. Bucky and Steve had chosen Peter and Shuri to be the ring bearer and flower girl, respectively. With Tony helping to plan the wedding, the event had become extravagant very quickly. Doctor Strange was even going to make a bunch of doves appear when they kissed, since Tony had asked him. Bucky hadn't know the doctor that well when they were sending the invites, but they were already inviting so many people, he figured what were two more, since he was bringing Wong.
"Ah, the beautiful bride," Tony sighs, putting a hand on Bucky's shoulder. Tony's face then goes serious and he says, "Um, thanks again by the way."
"For what?" Bucky asks.
"For letting me walk you down the aisle," Tony replies. Bucky nods. He had asked Tony the day after their bonding session if he could walk him down the aisle, since they had grown close, and joked that he was practically like the dad since he was paying for it all. Bucky had not expected Tony to eagerly accept and then proceed to hug Bucky and almost cry.
"Barnes, you look great!" Thor exclaims, beaming. "I am very excited that you and our dear captain are to be wed. I hope you like your gift."
"What gift?" Bucky asks, confused and looking at Tony. He and Steve had said they didn't want gifts since they already had what they needed.
"Hey, don't look at me, I tried telling everyone you and Spangles didn't want anything, but everyone insisted," Tony says. "Besides, I may or may not have gotten you a gift myself."
"Goddammit," Bucky facepalms.
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"Okay, so you're going to link your arm in my arm, I know it's hard because of the size difference, but just bear with me," Tony says, holding his arm out. They had arrived at the botanical gardens a few minutes ago with Bucky's half of the wedding party and Bucky could hear the music from inside. Tony had hired a pianist and a string quartet for the whole affair. Bucky fiddled a bit with his bouquet (he always wanted to do the whole throwing the bouquet thing and no one could tell him anything) and sighed.
"Okay, I'm ready," Bucky says, linking arms with Tony.
"Sam, we're ready," Tony says into his watch. A few moments later, Bucky hears the music begin to play. The doors then open and the people in front of him begin to process in. Bucky smiles as Peter walks in holding the rings, followed by Shuri who is tossing teal petals on the floor.
Now it's his turn.
Tony looks over to him and nods before they start to process in.
Everyone is standing as they walk in and Bucky is surprised by the amount of people that are here. It seems like every hero and their mother came to his and Steve's wedding. He sees Nick Fury, some SHIELD agents, Peter and May, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, and a good majority of the X-Men. Bucky feels a bit self-conscious and isn't sure if he should be smiling or just hold a neutral expression, but his neutral expression makes him look angry and that's not the vibe he's going for, so maybe he could try to neutral-smile?
And then his eyes meet Steve's.
And he can't help but smile widely.
Tony leaves him at the altar in front of Steve before taking his place next to Natasha. Steve reaches out and cups Bucky's face, looking like he might cry. The officiant, Judge Lee, motions for everyone to sit.
"Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to celebrate the unification of two individuals, whose love for each other have stood the test of time, overcome deep emotional wounds, and proved again and again to be unwavering and unfailing. These two have been together longer than some of us have been alive and demonstrate time and time again what it means to be in love. Steven Grant Rogers and James Buchanan Barnes fell in love in this beautiful city where they grew up, have risked their lives for each other repetitively, and have always returned to each other. We will now invite Natasha Romanoff, Tony Stark, and Samuel Wilson to say a few words."
Steve and Bucky face each other and hold hands while everyone else sits down. Natasha rises from her chair and walks towards them, taking out a piece of paper before she begins speaking. "I will be reading the following untitled poem by R.M Drake:
You will be the clouds
And I will be the sky.
You will be the ocean
And I will be the shore.
You will be the trees
And I will be the wind.
Whatever we are, you and I
Will always collide.”
Steve had picked out that poem for the ceremony, since he had seen it on Bucky's Pinterest and had immediately loved it. Now, Steve was smiling softly at Bucky as a single tear slides down his cheek.
Tony then walks over and takes out his piece of paper, saying, "I will be reading the following except from 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez:
Madly in love after so many years … they enjoyed the miracle of loving each other as much at the table as in bed, and they grew to be so happy that even when they were two worn-out old people they kept on blooming like little children and playing together like dogs."
Tony had helped Bucky choose that one, since he and Steve always joked about how old they were. Steve and a few others are chuckling a bit and Bucky smiles widely at this man- the love of his life.
Sam then walks up, smiling at Steve and Bucky, and takes out some paper before beginning. "I will be reading the following poem, "Always" by Lang Leav:
You were you
and I was I;
we were two
before our time
I was yours,
before I knew
and you have always
been mine too."
Bucky feels his eyes grow wet, since that had been the first reading he and Steve had picked out, and they had picked it out together. They were walking through Central Park and stumbled upon a poetry reading, and immediately knew they wanted it read at their wedding.
"Thank you for the lovely readings, Natasha, Tony, and Samuel," Judge Lee says. "We will now move to the reciting of the vows. Mr. Rogers, you will go first."
Steve takes a deep breath and begins. "James Buchanan Barnes, every single time I look at you I become that sixteen year-old kid back in Brooklyn again who just realized he was in love with his best friend. What a romantic cliche we are, but I know you've always secretly liked those. I promise to hold and keep you, love you, and comfort you for all the days of my life. I want to grow with you to build better lives for ourselves and each other. I promise you my unconditional love and devotion and vow to be with you, for always and forever, until the end of the line."
Judge Lee turns to Bucky and says, "Now you, Mr. Barnes."
Bucky has tears streaming down his face, as does Steve, so he takes a calming breath and starts, "Steven Grant Rogers, you never fail to take my breath away; every time I look at you I feel as if I'm falling in love all over again. Every promise that I make to you is a gift; I cherish the fact that I get to be with you every step of the way. I promise to unconditionally love you, for better or for worse, for the rest of my life. I promise to be there for you, even in occasions where we can;t physically be together, I will always come back to you. You have my heart, Stevie, and I am proud to be presented with the gift of being with you until the end of the line."
"The couple will now present each other with a ring as a sign of their unbreakable bond," the judge says. Peter rushes towards them with the rings, trying to look like he wasn't crying. Steve slides the ring onto Bucky's finger, and Bucky does the same. The judge then exclaims, "I now pronounce you husband and husband! You may now kiss."
Steve grabs Bucky and dips him in a passionate kiss as the crowd cheers and Doctor Strange releases the doves. The couple smiles and waves at everyone before walking down the aisle together, husband and husband.