Soul ties (Bucky Barnes AU)

Part 8

"No, I don't wanna know, Where you been or where you're goin'

But I know I won't be home, And you'll be on your own"

Maniac by Michael Sembello was blasting from Wanda's room as she was going through her closet,  looking for something you could wear at the party. You were tapping your feet to the beat and shaking your head softly. 

  "This is perfect," Wanda said as she handed  you  jean shorts and a T-shirt. Finding something in your style had been hard, but the outfit turned out really cute on you. "And before you ask, I still have your plaid shirt if you want to wear that."

  Your sister knew you too well ; or maybe it was just her ability to read minds. You were pretty sure it was a mix of both. You looked at your watch : five in the afternoon were already passed and you knew Nat was supposed to arrive soon, so you went to the kitchen after changing. Actually, she was already there.

  "Nat!"

  "Happy birthday, girl! How do you feel about hitting thirty, huh?"

  "Surprisingly good, to be honest," you answered as you hug her tight. "I'm glad you came by."

  "Me too. Steve told me pretty interesting news about some guy." She wiggled her brows, making you raise yours.

  "Not that interesting. Yes, he is my supposed soulmate, but I got married last week, not matter how that's turning out."

  "Yeah, sorry I couldn't be there, by the way. However, if I trust Steve's words..."

  "Don't? Please." You smiled, making her laugh. You really must've sounded desperate, or in denial –  or, once again, both.

  "Fine. But I can't promise I'll hold back my thoughts." 

  "I know you won't," you joked. "Anyway, is the cake already here?" You asked Sam.

  "No, Bucky's not back yet."

  "Oh, alright. I thought since he left early..."

  "He had stuff to do, apparently." He shrugged, showing he didn't know any more than you did. A smirk appeared on his face. "Miss him already?"

  "Ugh, I hate you all."

  "No, you don't!"

  Everyone around you laughed and, frankly, you couldn't hold it in either. These people always had a way of making you forget about your problems, and Darren hadn't crossed your mind until now.  Hours went by and more people arrived at the compound. It wasn't supposed to be a big party, but Tony was obviously unable to resist to Peter Parker asking if he could tag along. This kid loved being around here, maybe as much as you did. Once eight hours rang, almost everyone was there, except for Bucky. You were sure he'd eventually show up, even though you  couldn't help but feel a little anxious while everyone shared champagne bottles.

  "Alright, close your eyes," Sam said, dragging you out of your thoughts. He put his hands on your eyes as you giggled softly. 

  "What is it now, you asked?" 

  "Patience, lady."

  You couldn't see  anything – obviously – but you soon heard voices around you singing you a happy birthday. When Sam removed his hands, your eyes took some time to adjust to the sparkling candles on the big birthday cake. More importantly, it took you a second to recognise the man carrying it. Where had his hair gone?

  "Your hair," you whispered once he was close enough.

  He shrugged. "C'mon, the candles will melt if you don't blow them out." His own smile quickly spread to your face as you blew out your thirty candles. Everyone applauded and Bucky started cutting it so that people could help themselves. Once seated next to him, you took a bite of your own piece and closed your eyes in delight.