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

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( 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!

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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.

[Honestly, it's a good look on Steve. It's new - well. Relatively new, because the only (last) time he saw it, Peggy was walking up to them wearing a dress that clung to her in all the right ways, and Bucky had felt like he was - well. Invisible.

Now, though - now, the full force of that look is right on him, and it feels fucking amazing. So does the kiss Steve draws him into, even if it doesn't last nearly long enough, and Bucky half-laughs, half-snorts when Steve ends it with that silly peck to his nose.]

I never mooned over anybody in my whole life. [Yeah, that's a lie. A big one. Steve could probably name at least six or seven girls, easy. Bucky just dares him to.] Not about to start with you, but you're still welcome to try to get a good hit in. Maybe I'll let you.

[He maybe pulls Steve a little closer, maybe does what he'd normally do with a dame he likes because as long as he doesn't let himself think about it too hard - it's okay. It's more than okay. And he wants it to be okay, dancing cheek to cheek like this. God, it's intoxicating.

He definitely laughs at that last line.] I guess that's true. You sayin' I get you all to myself? I might enjoy that. I think you might, too, if I get it right.

If we survive this dance, anyway, [he murmurs, voice low since Steve's ear is right there.] I think you're getting it down, though. Not much to this kinda dancing, huh? You like it?

[Steve laughs at the blatant lies and Bucky's teasing. It's a full sound he's had more occasion to use in these last months than he has in years. All because of the man in his arms and this world he was dragged into against his will. Now Steve has friends he never would have expected. He has a new boyfriend that, Christ, who would have suspected that one happening? Sure he was a prisoner and sure this all was terrifyingly fleeting. But right now, at least to himself, Steve is grateful.

His arms tighten up and his face turns, breathing in the scent of Bucky he'd almost forgotten about. The smell of home.]

I don't mind it when I have the right partner...

[The right partner. He's not sure if Bucky remembers that line with Peg but even if he doesn't Steve does. It's insane how he went from having none to now having had two. Life was strange and beautiful like that.]

Don't think that you can get me off doing a jitterbug or whatever else you wanna do. That you'll need Nat for or...I don't know. Maybe Kitty? Anyone but me.

[He smiles though, privately playful.]

'long as I get to watch.

[Bucky remembers. He remembers, but instead of feeling jealous... he feels grateful. He even feels a little pleased, a little proud, that he can be that partner. And maybe, even, if he lets himself really do some evaluating... not all that surprised, in the end. Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you like that - it's just that for people like them, the results aren't usually this good. But it's okay. He'll definitely take what he can get.

Which, apparently, doesn't involve anything more complicated with Steve on the dance floor. He laughs;] Are you sayin' you got a voyeuristic streak, Rogers? 'Cause that's... maybe kinda hot.

[Bucky takes one hand away to lightly punch him in the side - and then pinch him, for good measure, before wrapping that arm back around Steve and leaning close.] I think I could teach you. Probably overnight, honestly - but I guess we could do that in private. If you prefer. I won't make you do it your first time out.

[Steve laughs again before smothering it against Bucky's lips. Kissing is something he is quickly getting addicted to. Or maybe it's just Bucky that he's hooked on. The thought breaks the kiss with another short laugh and Steve retreats back to Bucky's cheek.]

I always liked watchin' you dance. I figured it was just because you were so good. Maybe now I need to rethink it.

[There are a few moments from the past that Steve now looks at in a different light. Evenings on the couch when he'd lean up against Bucky and fake being asleep so he didn't have to move. Mornings where he'd watch Bucky get ready for work. So many small moments that add up to them here and now.]

I'll take you up on those private lessons, though. So long as those are honest lessons and not you trying something....

[Kissing is something Bucky's always liked, honestly - and generally been pretty confident that he's good at, if he's being honest. Kissing Steve is new and exciting and thrilling in a way that kissing no one else has been, and he's quickly feeling just as addicted. Maybe he likes the way Steve seems so goddamn happy. So sue him, that's the phrase, right?]

Yeah? Well, I can't argue with that - you're an artist, right? Trained to admire perfection?

[Now he's just being dumb, and his big, dumb smile says he knows it. Honestly, he's flattered - and maybe a little sad that he never knew it.

His eyebrows do rise at that, though.] Excuse me, Rogers. You think I can't be a perfect gentleman?

[And just for that, punk, he shifts so that they're a "proper" distance apart, instead of dancing literally wrapped around each other.] It's six inches for the Holy Spirit, right? Maybe we'd better make it seven...

[He is grinning like a jerk.]

[Steve can't stop laughing. It's like with one small decision his years of pain and sadness have ebbed away. Maybe that was what a relationship could do. Lord knew he had no experience.

He shifts forward and wraps his arms around Bucky's waist once more. No inches for anything needed. They've lived long enough to be daring, now.]

The Holy Spirit can take a backseat.

[Cheek to cheek once more. He could get drunk on this, he thinks. He feels halfway there already as the song seems to be coming to an end. It's alright, though. They'll be more dances. There will be so many more dances, now.]

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