homecoming » bucky barnes AU

chapter eighteen

It didn't take long for Bucky and Steve to return. Their conversation hadn't ended well, with Bucky not answering Steve's question and Steve sighing, shaking his head and walking off.

They returned to the main group to find Wendy happily socialising with the welcoming group of girls. Bucky bitterly scowled for a moment at the sight of Laecie and the girls laughing loudly at something Wendy had said, with Laecie clutching her stomach. He relaxed his face as her eyes met his, which made him soften.

He smiled at her. She smiled back, this time she had no suspicion of the situation and had seemingly not even noticed Steve and Bucky had talked. Steve walked away from Bucky quickly, not saying anymore after his gesture of disapproval. In Steve's mind, the game was on- the best man would win, and either way, Steve would be satisfied with the outcome.

Bucky stood by Laecie, placing his hand in hers obviously so Wendy's eyes would notice the movement. They did, her brown eyes following down their intertwined arms and landing with a sudden halt at the hands with clutched on to one another. Her face faltered momentarily, but she ended up looking back at him with a faint smirk, letting him know she acknowledged their hands together but didn't really find it threatening.

"So, Wendy, where are you from?"
Laecie asked enthusiastically. Bucky could already feel his stomach looping into horrifyingly tight knots.
"Oh, didn't the boys mention?"
She asked, fake surprise and mischief in her tone.
"I'm from New York, Brooklyn, I've been good friends with Steve and Bucky for a while."
She said, eyes laying into Bucky as if she wished to set him on fire. Bucky's brow stayed where it was, slightly knitted together, as he looked back at her, asserting her with his stare. She laughed at him.

"Oh that's great! I'm sure you'll have fun- and embarrassing stories to tell us."
Natasha smirked, elbowing Bucky on his other side. He laughed nervously.
"We're going back to my place tonight, you should totally come. We have a friend I think you'd like."
Natasha said, winking at Wendy. Wendy made an 'oh, stop' motion with her hand and laughed a little.
"It's fine, honestly Natasha. I have my eyes on someone right now anyways."

She was blazé, but Bucky knew that was a somewhat threat. He squeezed Laecie's hand. He wasn't sure if he was angry Wendy had showed up, or if he was angry that he was actually really happy and relieved to see her. How dare she, but also, why not sooner?

-

Later that night, at Natasha's, everyone was mingling and talking once more. Everyone was there, even Carol, Stephen, Clint and Rhodey.

The mixtape was amazing, courtesy of Wanda and Vision. Everyone was mixing well, Wendy fit right in.

Bucky escaped from the girlie conversation about other boys, from Laecie and Natasha, to the restroom. He knocked once then immediately opened the door, obviously not leaving time for a reply. As he ducked in, his eyes looked into the mirror to find Wendy in a gold dress with hoops dangling from her ears, rings adorning her fingers and another smirk plastered on her face.

He stopped, staring at her in the mirror as her reflection's eyes met his.

"James."
She said, amused.
"Strange to see you again."

Bucky gulped secretly, straightening himself and looking right back to her in the mirror.
"Wendy. I must admit, it's been a surprise."

She laughed a little, turning herself to look at him.

"I haven't seen you since you and Steve fell out."
Her tone was smug and knowing, her deep brown eyes speaking a million words as she plucked at her afro with careful fingertips.

"Have you missed me?"
She questioned.

In the moment, she looked so sexy and her eyes told Bucky of forgiveness and shame. He didn't reply, though.