homecoming » bucky barnes AU

chapter three

Laecie was getting sleepy. She hadn't managed to get drunk because she was too busy chatting to people that night, trying to get to know them. She surprisingly spent most of the night with Pepper and Tony, who she enjoyed talking to about their travels. They travelled around a lot at the moment, just to see things together and try do as much as they could, while they could.

She yawned and stretched her legs out on the blanket, getting ready to stand herself up and start heading back home.
"Nat?"
She called, Natasha spinning around in the lake in response.
"Where are we staying tonight?"

Natasha was drunk, like, really drunk. She was glued to the side of Thor, who was completely oblivious to her flirting. Sam looked on, forlorn, upset that Natasha wasn't trying with him. He had liked her for years now, she just never seemed to see him as more than a friend. Usually it would be Steve she'd go after during summer, and Steve would always happily oblige, she was a beautiful woman throwing herself at him. But tonight Laecie really felt for Sam. There was much more competition.

"We're staying at my place ok? Is that ok with you?"
She shouted back, slurring and gripping onto Thor's forearm so as not to lose her balance and wet her hair.  Laecie just smiled and shook her head. Her eyes wandered over to Steve and James, who were sitting with Wanda and Vision, talking music, debating what song was the better- Blue Monday or Take On Me. Loki was sitting on the blanket with Laecie and Sam, talking about books with Sam, who was clearly disinterested but nonetheless, attentive to the conversation.

Laecie could see James' mock shocked and disappointed face as Wanda insisted Take On Me was the superior track, and he shook his head and continued the argument. Steve agreed with James, and obviously Wanda agreed with Vision, although Laecie thought it was just to impress him.

"Hey!"
Laecie shouted over.
"We're all going to Natasha's now, are you guys coming?"

James' crystal eyes darted over to her, lips pursed as he was interrupted mid-point. Steve also looked over to her, giving her a thumbs up.
"I'm down."

James smiled awkwardly down at his knees, as if he made a mistake.
"James?"
Laecie asked.
"Me? Like me too?"
He asked, surprised.
"Well she did ask."
Vision chuckled.
"Oh yeah. Cool, I'd love to."
He said, smiling at her, resting his body weight on his elbow and staring at her still.

"Okay, well, I'm gonna go now. You coming Wanda?"
Laecie said, walking over. James didn't take his eyes off of her face, her soft features, her blonde bangs framing her face, her deep blue eyes looking over to her friend.

"Yeah, I'm ready. Are you coming Vision?"
She asked, placing her hand on Vision's bicep, looking to him with a hopeful look.
"Oh yeah, sure. I'd love to."

"There's plenty of space."
Laecie smiled. James liked her smile, the way her lips curled at the ends and her expression was softened and genuine. He held his hand up to the side of Laecie, who looked down at him confused for a moment before pulling him up.
Steve shook his head, smirking at his friend sideways.

»

Natasha's was lavish, but cozy. Her home was huge, her grandparents owned it for when they came in the winter, but Natasha used it in the summer. The living room radiated warmth. Her couches were loveseats, tan leather, each perched around a large black glass coffee table, which in this very moment was host to a multitude of spirits and beers. Beside this centre area, by the window, was a sleek, black grand piano. Behind all of this, a small dining area with more coffee tables which were lit from beneath, beside more windows. The windowsill was also able to be sat on, cream cushions tossed on there for extra comfort. This decor was top of the range, Natasha's family were well off and it was extremely obvious as you walked in the door.