The Other Rogers

Chapter 28

Bucky exited the car, watching how Anya stuck close to Fury after they had both disappeared from Peggy's room. He was worried about her, she put on a brave face, but after doing so for decades, he wondered how much longer she could pretend. It seemed like Fury saw straight through her and wasn't afraid to pull her up on her bullshit; maybe he should have been doing the same thing.

He watched as people ran about, Tony among them. He had no idea what this was about but from the amount of people and press it had to be something huge.

The amount of military personal that was present started to worry the man as he didn't know why they were needed.

He gulped and looked around feeling quite lost as they were assaulted by shouting and the flashes of cameras. He closed his eyes and took a moment to centre himself, and instantly started searching for Anya when he reopened them.

They were met by a man who looked rather familiar in a military uniform. He led them through a pair of large doors and into what seemed to be a main room, or a ballroom at least. It was rather extravagant, with large windows lining the walls, brilliant chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, and a dozen of diamond shaped tables with red, blue and white tablecloths and red roses as the centrepieces. He felt as if he had walked back in time.

He mingled, not happy with meeting people on his own but he had seen Anya attempt to make her way back to him several times only to be bombarded by another person; so, it made him feel slightly better knowing that him being alone wasn't the plan.

His eyes took in the design of the room and felt slightly trapped until a soft palm landed on his shoulder, fingers tapping in tune with the beat that was playing in the background.

Smiling, he spun around and caught Anya in his arms, as he walked backwards till, he reached the middle of the room where there multiple couples dancing.

Kissing her forehead, he let his mind and body lose itself into the music and they glided across the floor, in intricate moves. The music flowed as they danced, their bodies following the beat.

It wasn't until they were seated down at the tables did the purpose the evening make sense.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am James Rhodes and I have the upmost pleasure to introduce you to our host tonight. Please put your hands together for Tony Stark!"

The crowd went wild, cries and cheers bounced off the walls. He held Anya's hand as Steve turned in his seat, both his brows raised. "What is this about? Did Fury say anything Anya?"

She shook her head, biting her lip as they watched Tony walk out from behind the curtain and bowed.

"Thank you everyone." He smiled at the crowd and walked up and down the stage. "Now normally I would make a show out of this, but tonight is for three individuals who deserve to be recognised so no show for now."

Bucky watched as another man made his way up to the stage, his aging face catching on the strobe lights. His salt and pepper hair styled the same way he used to back in the forties, the man's moustache kept neat and tidy. He walked like he owned the place; his suit pressed without a single wrinkle.

Anya tensed as the man approached Tony and the middle of the stage, her nails digging into Bucky's palm causing him to pull her closer to him till she was practically on his lap.

The man smiled as he faced the crowd, "Thank you Mister Stark. Many of you may not know who I am, I am a retired Lieutenant General of the U.S Army. Those who do know of me, know my name to be Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross."

Bucky snorted into Anya's neck as she shook with suppressed giggles.

"Thunderbolt?" She whispered to him as he shook his head in amusement urging her to be quiet.