driftfleet | ( open ) you are cordially invited...

Entry tags:

( open ) you are cordially invited...

Who: EVERYONE!
Broadcast: Nope
Action: Jim Kirk and Victor Frankenstein's wedding, and everyone is invited!
When: March 30th

The Bachelor Party (( CLOSED to invited CR ))

The evening before the wedding, Jim and Victor gather up their closest friends, admittedly not many when they haven't been on the Fleet for that long. Bachelor parties would usually happen in separate, but that's difficult to do when they share so many friends, and so they decide to throw the party together.

The setting is simple but cozy; they've picked out a small pub in town, and reserved a rustic little room in the basement. There's a large table with a few games, most notably a chessboard, and a sitting area with couches and chairs gathered around a coffee table, in front of a lit up fireplace. On a small bar by the corner there are a few drinks on offer, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and on a table next to it there is a selection of snacks and various kinds of finger foods to make for a light but hopefully filling dinner.

Courtesy of Kirk 1.0, there's also a music system and a microphone set up next to the sitting area, and you know what that means... karaoke! It's guaranteed to be more fun the drunker you get. Speaking of drunker, someone will definitely be tossing around the idea for strip chess, so hopefully you won't get too embarrassed if people start losing pieces of clothing. But hey, at least everyone's a winner.

The party will go well into the night, and Jim and Victor likely won't leave until everyone else does. So feel free to stick around, play games, sing songs and get drunk... if you get really drunk, you can always make yourself comfortable on one of the couches and fall asleep there. (The patrons can just kick you out eventually, it's okay.)

You Are Cordially Invited... (( OPEN to everyone! ))

The preparations were rushed and the invitations sent out in a bit of a hurry, but it's not like there's ever a lot of time to prepare for a wedding, when one doesn't want to do it aboard one of the ships. But everything seems to be well put together, and there's a very rustic and homely feel from the moment you arrive.

The ceremony proper happens at the lodge, a spot that has been set up with a few seats and a set of stairs leading up to a small canopy, all of it decorated with white fabric and an abundance of flowers. It's short and sweet, and after vows are exchanged and a few words from the one performing the ceremony (hopefully no one will find it too weird that it's the other Jim), they slip on their rings and share a kiss, delighted to let the celebrations continue onto the reception.

With Jim and Victor taking the lead, the guests are walked across a bridge, lit with candle lanterns, strings of white flowers embellishing the wooden frame. The good portion of the reception is outside, and everything is decorated with lanterns, string lights hanging everywhere and resembling stars more and more as the sun starts to set, and (yes, you guessed it) more flowers.

As a matter of fact, there are flowers a little all over the place. In jars hanging from trees, tied to the backs of chairs, bundled up in crates that are spread out all over the area. The food is set up on large tables, divided by starters, main dishes and desserts, the wedding cake having its own smaller but more prominent stand near the dessert table. There are no assigned seats, however. After all, everyone was invited and it's not like there are that many people on the Fleet, so just grab a plate, help yourself, and take a seat wherever! You might even find a few of the locals joining in on the party a little later, but both grooms seem more than happy to welcome them too.

The party goes on a little into the night. Everyone is free to hang around for as long as they want, or leave early if you're scared of the dark...

but don't worry, there are lights all over the place! There are also plenty of cozy little nooks and corners where guests can make themselves comfortable, and if you start to get a little chilly, feel free to borrow one of the many blankets on offer, or simply head into the indoors portion of the reception. It's small but there are a few seats and even a fireplace to keep the place warm.

If you like sitting by a fire but would much rather stay outside, a small campfire will be lit up just before the sun starts to set, and a small table with plates of something that looks close to marshmallows, chocolate and biscuits set up nearby. Have a seat around the fire and build your own s'more, and toss in a campfire song or two if you're feeling inspired.

And of course, can't have a wedding without a dance floor! Or two, as it so happens: one indoors, and another one outside, the latter far more enchanting, with endless string lights hanging high above a flat wooden platform.

There's a fairly modern music system so you might recognize a lot of late 20th and early 21st music playing, but for those more musically inclined there are also plenty of local instruments you can pick up and try your luck at playing a song, or even sing.

The party is very loose and carefree. Do what you want, come and go as you please, steal either of the grooms away for a dance, or find a pair among the other guests... whatever you want to do, and however long you want to stay, feel free to do as you please!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That's not enough...

[There is a critical piece missing from all of this and it's what Bucky wants. And Steve's no stranger to sacrificing what he needs to for other people. This is no exception.]

Look. Buck. I'd rather have you just as we are now than not at all. And I don't want you forcing yourself into something that you don't want. I'm fine... I'll be fine. What we have is enough.

[And he means it. Their relationship means everything to him. But still, Bucky steps closer and Steve's hand can't help but fall to his hip, holding him there.

Wanting. It had been so long since he'd felt that drag of want. It felt good as much as it felt terrifying. It takes everything in him to not press their foreheads together again. The action had a different meaning now.]

Just having you here is enough.

Steve. [Bucky blows out a frustrated breath. Leave it to this big dumb blonde punk to not be able to take a hint - but Bucky should've known. He's going to have to spell it out. Which was never hard, in front of a dame - but it feels impossible, to admit to Steve. And it shouldn't be. It shouldn't be, but it is, because this is something he's felt his whole life, and just never expected would morph into anything more. Never expected to feel again, really, because Steve was dead - only he's not.]

You're not gonna lose me. Do I look like I'm walking away? [He opens with that, but then he stops and takes a breath, blows it out.] On my birthday. When you said I'd almost died. The way you looked -

I almost kissed you right there. [It's hard to admit, like he's got to force the words out. But it's true, even though he'd immediately tamped down on the urge, figured it was ridiculous, meant nothing, couldn't figure it out at all. But he remembers, vividly, looking at the loss and fear on Steve's face, and wanting to kiss it away. He'd thought it had come out of nowhere. But he guesses it really hadn't. Not with the floodgates open, and Steve admitting he wants this, and Bucky realizing that if he could just stop being so damn scared for five seconds, he kind of wants this too.

It's... weird. He doesn't want this with his Steve. And he doesn't know if Steve would want this with his Bucky - and, selfishly, he's too scared to ask. But he wants what Steve wants - to grab whatever the hell this is with two hands and live it, and he is not some doormat dame who's letting it happen without any say. And if Steve thinks that - well. Steve is an idiot.]

I've got to spell it out for you, don't I, [he sighs, very put upon, though the truth is, of course, that's just a front and maybe Steve even knows it.] Let's fucking change. I want to change, okay?

[He snorts a little, softly, and loops an arm around Steve's waist, too.] I swear to god, I used to be good at this shit. I don't know if it's different with a fella. And you're my goddamned best friend.

[He has no idea how this works, but it's not like that ever stopped Steve, so why should it stop him. He's been trying to be more like Steve since the idiot went and died.] I want you to be happy. I want to be happy.

[Finally, Steve smiles. He relaxes even though he shouldn't because this is the beginning of his problems, not the end of them. He and Bucky will need to figure out what this means. They'll need to figure out if their feelings were enough to sustain a real relationship. Steve will need to figure out what a real relationship was. But for the moment, that was a distant concern.

Right now, Steve just grinned and frees his other hand to grip Bucky's cheek and lead him into a firmer, more confident kiss than before. He lets it linger, getting used to the feel of it. When he pulls back that smile is still all over his face.]

That's the first time I've kissed someone more than once.

[A sad but true fact that makes him release a bit of his tension through laughter. Steve's thumb traces Bucky's cheekbone, touching places he's never been able to linger in, before.]

And yeah. You gotta work better at wooing fellas. Took this long for me to even know you weren't tryin' to let me down.

[Teasing. Familiar teasing and a familiar body pressed closed to his own. Steve can hear music, distant and slow. He can imagine going back out there and dancing even though the old-fashioned part of him itches at the thought of people knowing they're not just messing around. The rest of him wants to show off, though. Really, who wouldn't want to?]

How 'bout you work on your lines and see if you can convince me you're worth the trouble? I heard about you, Bucky Barnes...

[His face warms.]

You steal hearts.

[Bucky laughs softly against Steve's lips.] Yeah, I can tell.

[Honestly, it could be worse. It could be a lot worse - and frankly, Steve's probably kissed someone in the much more recent past than Bucky has, which only serves to turn things more upside-down, on top of the way Steve's touching him. Part of Bucky's brain is screaming that it's supposed to work the other way around, but part of him also really doesn't mind, letting Steve take the lead, because that's just how it's always worked. Steve leads, and Bucky follows. He's pretty sure that he might need to do some leading of his own, in the not-too-distant future, so he can certainly give Steve this one for now.]

That's because you're the idiot who isn't used to people saying yes - and it's a fuckin' shame, and I always thought so. [Because Bucky knows just as well as Steve does how many times he's been let down in the past. How many girls have turned him down, and how he doesn't deserve any of it.] For an optimist, you're always expecting to hear the worst, pal.

[None of which is working on his lines, but then again,] I don't have to say anything smooth - you're already smitten, punk, [he says softly, with a gentle, warm smirk.] That's your mistake - you led with how you feel. Now I already know, and I don't have to work for it at all.

[Which is an utter lie. Steve deserves somebody to put in the work. And Bucky can do that. He can. Because,] Wanna make it another record, and go for three?

[Which is clear baiting, and maybe a little sneaky - because if Steve does, Bucky's slipping him some tongue. Steve's probably got a lot to catch up on, but fortunately, he's a fast learner. Bucky already knows that.

And besides. If Bucky jumps right into the deep end, he can't freak out either. So it's good for them both.]

[Steve laughs and this should be harder but it's really not. And that more than anything seems to show him how right he was about this move. It's almost natural to move back in and kiss Bucky a third time, nipping his lip in retaliation for the teases. But then Bucky slips in the tongue and...yeah. Yeah, okay. He's very quickly not thinking about anything else.

The deeper kiss lasts longer. Steve understands now why some people would kiss until they're literally gasping for breath. Even though he pulls away before that, he still feels like there isn't enough oxygen in the room. Everything's funnelled down to his best friend and his warmth close to Steve's. He puts both of his arms around his neck, now. Head tilting to the side.]

Smitten, hm? Coming from the fella who wanted to kiss me weeks ago?

[Steve bumps his nose against Bucky's, playful in a way that also should have been harder to fall into. It feels like second nature. Steve scratches his fingertips into Bucky's short hair, pulling lightly on it.]

You're gonna have to keep me around. Once the shine wears off and I remember how bad you short sheets you're gonna need those smooth words to make sure I don't find another hundred-year old to date.

[Date. Christ. Date. They're dating now. Bucky was his boyfriend. His face breaks into a hopelessly fond smile.]

[Bucky's lips curve bemusedly against Steve's, as the other seems to catch on quickly to why kissing can be so nice. Bucky's never kissed a guy before tonight, but he's quickly discovering that it's really not so different from kissing a dame. It feels a little different, sure - they fit together a little differently, and Steve's the tiniest bit taller, and that's fucking weird. But the actual mechanics are identical, and that, at least, is both comforting and enticing, because Bucky likes kissing and he'd also like to think he's damn good at it.]

Shut up, Steve, [Bucky murmurs, digging his fingers into Steve's side playfully.] Your face is already dumb enough, don't make it worse by letting words come out.

[But fuck, Steve's really not ruining anything at all - he's got his hands in Bucky's hair, and that feels good. He's practically manhandling Bucky into another kiss, and that's far more thrilling than Bucky might be quite ready to admit to himself, just yet.

Short-sheeting your bed is part of my charm, [Bucky points out - and yeah, he's feeling the same thing. Flirting with Steve should not be this easy - but the thing is, it's definitely not that hard. And it's definitely not that different from most of the stupid conversations they've had, and that fact sinks this all a little deeper into his bones, settles it better, makes him suddenly wonder if this really isn't just something that should have happened a long time ago.

But it didn't, and it couldn't have, and he knows it - and while he could choose to regret that, right now it doesn't seem like it's worth the wasted time.] Maybe if you'd stayed short, you wouldn't have a problem with it.

[Steve and Bucky are...still Steve and Bucky when they are kissing. Steve barks out a laugh and punches into Bucky's shoulder before slipping it around his neck again.] If anyone is letting dumb out, here, it's you, jerk. Don't forget that the stupid follows you around, pal.

[Their last conversation in Brooklyn. The sour feeling he usually gets thinking about it is gone now. Instead it's replaced with the bubbling excitement that it wasn't their last, anymore. There wasn't any concrete lasts. For all he knew, he could drag Bucky back with him and have him in Brooklyn once more. Or maybe they'd find something similar out here.

There were possibilities open that hadn't been before because he hadn't had Bucky. And now he does in every way.]

If I'd stayed short I wouldn't be able to push you around so easy. I'll take the trade off, Buck.

[As though to prove it he uses his body to push against Bucky's, walking him backwards nearer to a close tree. His heart is beating out of his chest with the forwardness of it. With someone else he wouldn't even joke.]

I think you don't mind either...

Yeah, and the stupid's name is Steve Rogers, [Bucky points out smugly; the last time they had this conversation isn't lost on him, either, but for him, too, it feels comfortable and well worn, instead of sharp and painful. It's felt that way largely since he got here, since he'd started hanging out with Steve... and really, what is this, except for a different kind of hanging out with Steve?

Or, suddenly, hanging on to Steve, as he starts walking them toward a tree, and Bucky snorts.] You just like pushin' people around with that giant body of yours. I didn't say anything about whether I liked it or not.

[But he's not professing to not like it, any more than he feels the need to point out that Steve probably would have tried to pull the same shit if he were small, and Bucky... probably would have let him get away with it. He realizes that now, even if it gives him a strange, bittersweet, twisted-up feeling to imagine them doing this before the war. He honestly can't, really - not easily, anyway. It would've been more stupid, more dangerous, and maybe he wouldn't have let it happen. Maybe he's changed - maybe the future has changed him, being safe for things like this. He really can't say - but he does know that if he thinks too hard about it, he'll lose the rhythm now, and Steve will notice.

[So he waits until Steve's got them backed up to the tree, and kicks back with one foot enough to use the trunk - and his hands on Steve's waist - for leverage to push himself up an inch or two, until he's off the ground and balanced on the one leg enough that it's about right for their old height differences.] Nah. That's better, [he says, and this time, he won't make Steve be the one who goes in for the kiss.]

[He was smaller for years. Most of his life was spent looking up at Bucky so there's something familiar about how his chin tilts up to see the angle of Bucky's face peering down. His own hands push Bucky's hips to the tree, helping him stay at the increased height.

He makes a soft noise into the kiss, imagining if this was what it would have been like, before. It's impossible to imagine; neither of them would have taken the risk with the other. Not when they could be locked up or bashed. They got punched enough as it was.

But either way, this feels surprisingly good. Steve thrills at the fact that Bucky initiates this kiss and answers it with as much enthusiasm as he can. Hopefully it covers his lack of skill until he learns everything Bucky has to teach.]

You [He's breathless, lips red.] are a punk. You're damned lucky you got me; who else would put up with ya?

[Okay, so Steve's hands on his hips send a definite thrill through Bucky, and it's probably good he doesn't have time to examine that much more closely, because he's too busy enjoying the noises Steve's making - or the dumb comments.]

Probably someone with a nose ring or a lip piercing or something, [Bucky laments. Because those are the people Natasha seems intent on setting him up with - and they're nice girls, really they are, but he just hasn't been interested. Not in them, not in anything intimate in the twenty-first century.

But right now, Steve's got him interested, and it's a strange, thrilling, almost comforting feeling, for all that it's utterly foreign. It's why he's so damned out of practice, after a several-year dry spell, thanks to the war and the weirdness of the future. But it seems like that is now abruptly and - ideally permanently - at an end, because Bucky doesn't want to imagine this going south, so he just plain refuses.]

I should be getting a medal for putting up with you. I mean, if all you've ever gotten is first kisses, it's no wonder you don't know what you're doing.

[But then, even just teasing Steve about that seems a little too cruel. So Bucky leans in closer, lips curved into a soft smile and his voice warm when he adds,] I think it'll be fun to teach you. How long can you hold your breath?

Yeah. Nat tried to set me up with those girls too. [Steve's in too good of a mood to mind the comment about first kisses. He has Bucky looming over him and the ability now to kiss him whenever he wants. Nothing can get him down right now.

Especially when Bucky throws out lines like that. Steve breaks into a fit of laughter, interrupting it only to press small, barely formed kisses against his friend's mouth. Each one was more smile than kiss honestly.]

You really are outta practice. What sorta diver are you planning on seducing, here?

[He laughs more but let's the next kiss silence him even if it doesn't take away his smile. Steve keeps this one going longer. Uses what he experienced before to try and deepen it with uncertain success.

It's awhile before he actually pulls back and he's still grinning.]

Think maybe you should finish teachin' me to dance before you start adding to my resumé?

[Bucky shoves at Steve's shoulder.] Yeah? Go fuck yourself, Rogers. If you don't like what I've got to say, you can take your chances with anyone else around here you want. Don't think I never saw the way the girls in every city and village we liberated threw themselves at you, pal.

[Not that Steve was ever interested, and they both know it; and not that Bucky's actually mad - how can he be, when Steve is trying so goddamn earnestly to french kiss him?

It's actually kind of adorable. And he should probably never tell Steve that, specifically. But it is.

When they part, Bucky raises an eyebrow at him.] You'd rather learn to dance? I mean - if you want.

[Honestly... it's probably the better move. They're at someone else's wedding reception, after all. It's way more polite to dance with the rest of the guests than hide out in the shadows and lock lips.

So Bucky kicks off the tree a little, twisting out of Steve's grasp so he can start making his way back toward the reception hall.]

We talking just the slow numbers? Or do you think you can handle something faster than a waltz?

[Steve hadn't exactly meant now. But it's the best thing to do before they got carried away. Or before someone spotted them and the whole thing became a drama. Already he can almost hear the credits surging into his account from ratings.]

I could try. I don't think anyone does the Lindy anymore but you could try bringing it back.

[Steve walks beside Bucky and hesitates a moment. They've been kissing and are about to walk into a party and dance some more but he can't help but feel a little unsure about what he's about to do. They've done it already, but not with the additional weight of a relationship on it. Steve isn't the type to hesitate for long though.

He reaches out and takes Bucky's hand in his, continuing to look ahead as though this were nothing. Just another thing that they did all the time. Which. Okay. Sort of (another thing he's a little amazed be didn't put meaning into before). But also sort of not. Steve knocks Bucky's elbow with his, trying to keep it light.]

Just as long as you don't ask me to do any of that obscene 'dancing' kids are doing now. I told you already, it ain't dancing. It's just... inappropriate.

[Bucky's sure they're both going to end up with plenty of spending money after tonight - which, fine. If people want to give them money to live their lives? Great. He still doesn't like the idea of anybody watching this - in fact, it makes him feel sick, that something like this is plastered all over televisions or whatever across some galaxy - but he can still hate it and not let it stop him from seizing the moment at the same time. So that's what he's gonna do.]

Sansa said she'd let me teach her, [he practically chirps, looking rather pleased with himself as they walk.

Although then Steve takes his hand - and Bucky glances over at him, and the expression he gives him is soft, almost fond. He definitely makes no move to pull away, because he gets it. Things are different, now. And he'd said he was okay with that - he isn't about to take it back now. He's certainly not ashamed - overwhelmed, yeah. Feeling like a kid on his very first date, definitely - and doing his best to hide that. But ashamed - never.]

Don't want me shaking my ass in your face? [Bucky laughs, but,] No, you don't have to worry about that. This is a wedding reception. You ain't getting a lap dance, no matter what kinda music they're playing.

[Fortunately, when they get back inside, it sounds upbeat - not quite swing - but definitely nothing like he's heard in twenty-first-century clubs.] You think you can follow my lead?

I don't want that. [Steve's face turns a light pink as he tries his best not to picture that and fails miserably. Thankfully the music doesn't seem to be supporting that sort of dancing. Steve manuvers into the stance he'd had moments before.

Moments before when they were fighting and friends. Whereas now... Now they were friends and so much more. Steve doesn't fight his grin as he looks at Bucky with his heart in his throat (and likely in his eyes). This feel like the very first dance he's ever had and he's nervous. But also this is Bucky Barnes and he would never trust anyone as completely as he did this man.]

You followed mine. [Part of him wants to be that dumb little kid that Bucky knew, once. But now he's just too happy to really regret anything.] I can follow yours.

[He looks around, feeling exposed here but also bold. Yeah. Yeah, he and Bucky were different now. It took decades to get here and he wasn't about to shy away from it now. If he could help it he'd never shy away from it again.]

Go easy on me, alright? Unless you wanna get crutches.

Neither of us want that, [Bucky chuckles softly, definitely not missing the flush on his friend's face, and maybe enjoying it a little, now that it feels like he's got free rein to do so. It's... still a little weird, suddenly equating actual flirting, kissing... and more, very likely more, with Steve. But he's adaptable. They both are. They'll make it work, if Steve's hand in his is any indication at all.]

Yeah, [he agrees,] And look at where it got us. Who'dve thought? [It's clear from his voice it's a good thing - where they are, how they are, now, despite everything. Bucky's definitely learned that sometimes the shittiest situations can give you something good. Hell - that's what this entire night is about, right? The two guys getting married have been kidnapped twice, and they're here, now, doing what they can to tie themselves together, even in the face of the unknown.]

I did neglect to wear my steel-toed loafers to this party [Bucky observes, but there's definitely a tease under his voice. He's got to tease, because... yeah, this is new for him, too. He's used to leading during the dancing on a date - because apparently this is now a date, right? - but with a girl. Not with a guy. Is it the same? Is it supposed to be the same? At least Steve'll still let him lead; he gets them onto the dance floor, twisting their hands a little for an easier grip, and grins at Steve.] Come on, pal. Put that serum to work. I know you can copy people's movements in about five minutes, because if I can, you can - and probably better.

[So when he starts moving, he is going easy on Steve... but maybe not as easy as Steve might want.]

[Steve's problem with dancing was always the fact that he thought too much about it as opposed to just feeling the rhythm. With Nat he'd done pretty well near the end when she'd distracted him. Lucky for Bucky and Steve both, having a new significant other so close is plenty distracting.

He follows easy at first. There's a stumble here and there but nothing too awful. Bucky's toes are safe for the moment. Steve squeezes Bucky's hand.]

Could you imagine coming home with me to tell Ma? [He wants to think she'd be glad but it was a different time and his mother had been very Catholic. He'll simply never really know. But he smiles all the same, preferring his imagination to the realities of that age.]

'Hey. So we were at a wedding of two guys and decided, why not?!' She'd have a cow.

[He laughs and shifts his body a little closer, too tactile and encouraged to give his friend space. Of course, that's when Steve's foot aims right for Bucky's toes. He couldn't be perfect, after all...]

Oh, hell, [Bucky murmurs, though he is actually trying to picture it, and... he's honestly not sure what the outcome would have been. It was such a foreign concept, such taboo, that part of him isn't sure even Sarah Rogers would have been all right with it.

He'd had a couple of conversations with her about Steve, of course. Usually when Steve was sick in bed and Bucky had come over, looking to visit his friend, spend time with him. Sarah had seemed to understand their bond, at least, as best Bucky could tell - had understood they were fiercely loyal, like brothers, that Bucky would certainly rather be cooped up in a stuffy apartment with a sick Steve than running around with other boys outside.

But this? He just doesn't know; part of him's glad they'll never find out. But even so, he laughs, because,] Oh, is that what this is? You figure I'm an eligible bachelor, and why not? What a way to make a guy feel special.

[And then Steve steps on his foot, and Bucky is actually too busy laughing to care than a two-hundred-plus-pound man just stomped on his toes.] Aw, come on, pal - is that payback for the nose? [And as payback for that, Bucky holds Steve's hand in his tight and throws him out for a spin, knowing he won't be expecting it.]

Payback for the nose would be shattering your foot!

[Steve laughs as he's spun out. It's alarming and a little disorienting but he manages alright. When he curls back in, he makes sure to smack into Bucky's chest with an exaggerated 'oof'. His other arm loops around his neck.]

I think I'm doing alright, considered. Most girls woulda moved on or tried to get on your dance ticket by now. I have to be improving somehow.

[He's happy and grinning despite it all and can't help leaning in to peck lightly on Bucky's lips. It feels decadent to be so public. Like he's daring the whole crowd to make something of it, nevermind the couple they're here to celebrate. Steve's arm curls tighter and he holds Bucky close as he smirks.]

I think that makes you plenty special, hm? Who else would I wanna be with 'cept the fella that can keep up with my dancing? And not bleed after?

Eligible or not, I'm partial for you, pal.

Overreacting much, Rogers?

[Bucky just takes the smack into his chest with a dumb smile and keeps them moving as smoothly as he can, given - well, Steve.] I mean, the bar's pretty low; I guess I'll say you're improving if that's the only time you almost break my foot tonight.

[He does get thoroughly distracted, though, then Steve's lips touch his. It's just a light, quick thing, but - they're in public. Some part of him freezes inside, but - no. That's stupid. This is clearly okay now - both because they aren't gonna get arrested, and because this is what he and Steve are now. And he's excited about it - and excited that they can show it, even if Steve might be the one to instigate in public a few more times, before Bucky really catches on.

Still, he does for the moment, and he adjusts their hands, at least, so their fingers interlock.]

I guess I'm stuck with you, then, if I'm the only one who can keep up. I wouldn't wanna inflict you on anyone else - not when I've got years of dealing with you under my belt. I guess this is for the best.

[But even though his voice is teasing as he says that, his eyes are intense, locked on Steve's, at the same time. He means it. This is for the best. He can handle Steve. He wants to handle Steve, and anything and everything he can throw at him.] We gonna dance cheek to cheek if the music slows down?

[Steve meets that gaze with his own, smiling light and letting his thumb brush against Bucky's.] Yeah. You're stuck with me, pal.

[He doesn't even have a chance to answer the dance question before the music does just that. Couples pair off and now, suddenly, Steve is among them. He's a couple, now. He's dancing with his partner and no one here is going to mind in the slightest. Except maybe Loki, but that was for completely separate reasons.

Steve unwinds his arm and rubs his knuckles against Bucky's cheek.]

Ya coulda made it easier on me and shaved a little. Hm?

[He's lying and the skin is nice and smooth. Steve shifts closer and settles at this new distance. Cheek brushing against cheek. His heart thuds almost out of his chest as he slows down to the music. As he takes this dance with Bucky.]

Do you remember trying to teach me the first time?

[His voice is a low hum.]

I musta been eleven. Just you and me in your room with the record on...

[Bucky snorts, but decides not to dignify Steve's dumb statement with a reply; except for the fact that he smiles anyway, skin stretching up under Steve's touch and then tilting his head so their cheeks do press together. It's... thrilling, and terrifying, and pretty much completely encompasses what being friends with Steve is like, if he had to admit that, Bucky thinks, with a warm feeling bubbling up in his chest. Steve just does things and worries about the consequences later; Bucky's always been the one to think them through a little more, but eventually, given enough time, Steve sort of rubs off on you - and now here they are, dancing close, unapologetic even if he can feel the way Steve's heart is pounding in his chest, pressed so close. Bucky's is doing the same.

Still, the question makes him laugh softly, and he hums in agreement.] Yeah. I do. We probably looked ridiculous. I didn't know what I was doing yet, and you were six times as uncoordinated.

[Still,] It was nice, though. This is nice, too. [His hand squeezes Steve's, as Bucky's feet move them across the floor, the motions now so ingrained that he barely needs to think about it - which is good. He's thinking about a lot of other things, at the moment.]

It's a good thing nobody had iPhones back then, though. One of my sisters woulda recorded it and put it on Instagram, you know it.

I feel so bad for kids these days. Every mistake is put up there for everyone to see. Can't imagine what that's like to live your whole life so publicly.

[Steve twines their fingers together and leans into Bucky like he might have once upon a time. Even at the same height and strength Steve can't help but feel like Bucky is still the strong one between them. The sturdy one he can depend upon. After so long without Steve falls back into it all so easily.

God. He must have been half in love with Bucky his whole life for this to be so simple now. He really must have been.

Steve pulls back and stares at Bucky for a moment before leaning in and kissing him tenderly. Just a brush of lips, really. A reminder to them both how this is now allowed. When Steve pulls back he's smiling warm.

Half in love his whole life, indeed.]

I would actually have liked some photo proof of the first time you got a shiner for me though. That was a pretty good day.

[Bucky laughs a little.] I think they've got nothing on us, right now.

[Not that he really wants to think about it. He knows the Atroma are watching, but the only way to get past that and not spend all day holed up in a cabin is just to... stop caring. To shrug it off and keep moving, live your life - like the two fellas they're here celebrating tonight. Apparently, Bucky muses, watching Steve's face with an expression that shows he's just a little bit gone on the guy, he and Steve are kind of taking that plan of action pretty literally.

Besides,] Your life back home ain't pretty public? I mean, everybody always wants a piece of Cap. It was true last century, and it's true in this one.

[His hand squeezes Steve's, Bucky's lips curling up into that soft kiss, sort of like he's saying, Guess I get the biggest piece. It feels like that's true, right now.]

F'yo u wanna see me with a shiner, you've just gotta beat me in sparring, pal. Easy peasy. [Bucky leans forward again, this time for a longer kiss, a little more passionate, a little more daring. Nothing outright lewd, of course, but something he might've tried on his third, fourth, or fifth date - not his very first, but hey. This is different. This is... bigger.]

[Steve melts into the kiss with a small exhale, eyes shutting easy. The music could go away entirely and everyone here along with it. He wouldn't notice at all as long as Bucky was still here and kissing him like this.

He remembers, long ago, how girls would moon over his friend. How a few kisses would have some dame following after him like a dog on a chain. Steve had never understood it but he does now. God, does he now. When he pulls back, Steve has a dreamy yet heated look on his face. He leads him back in with a hand to the jaw for another long kiss. Already addicted.

God, this was just. Too easy. Steve breaks off with a smile and a peck to Bucky's nose. ]

Easy peasy. Maybe I can distract you a little better now. Get a few punches in while you're mooning over me. [Steve settles his head back so that his cheek is pressed to Bucky's and his arms wrap around his waist and back. Steve's never really danced with a guy like this but it somehow seems a bit less confusing than with a girl. Or maybe it's just Bucky.]

And don't worry about anyone wanting a piece of me, pal. I think we both just got the monopoly share of Captain Americas, here.

( open ) you are cordially invited...

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Wrap? Or close to?