Betrayal - A Bucky Barnes Fanfic

Chapter 9

Why was Steve answering Nat's phone? Never before had one of her boyfriends answered her phone and Ava wondered what that meant.

"Ehm, hi, I was actually looking for Nat," Ava replied more as a question after she had regained her composure.

"Oh, yes of course, sorry, Nat's just getting ready, I'll put her on."

After a bit of rustling and a short, muffled conversation, Ava had Natasha on the phone.

"Hey sweetie, you're calling at just the right time!" Ava could hear her excited glow through the receiver.

"Oh, is there any exciting news?" replied Ava with a playful tone, her mind wandering to a possible engagement of Natasha and Steve. But it was far too early for that, wasn't it? Ava imagined the two of them at a wedding; Steve in a tailored suit, Natasha in a stunning floor-length white dream dress. Her heart blossomed with joy.

"Not the kind of news you have in mind!" Natasha scolded her as if she could read her mind, "I was going to call you too, we were going to go to that club again to celebrate my joining the Taskforce." Ava shifted uncomfortably in her chair. An uneasy feeling spread through her at the thought of the club and she couldn't help but think of the night she had thrown up at James' feet. But she couldn't deny that the club had had a certain charm and the last time she'd been there she hadn't got round to dancing at all, even if she wasn't particularly skilled at it.

"I don't know about that, my last visit to the club didn't end so well."

"Come on, Steve and I will look after you this time and we certainly won't leave you alone with a guy who gets you drunk!" Natasha laughed, but Ava immediately realised it was a tense laugh. Didn't she like James? The thought of James warmed her heart. Maybe she would meet him again at the club? She shook her head quickly, why was this guy clouding her thoughts so much? She desperately needed a distraction.

"Alright, I'm in."

"Great, Steve's still got stuff to do for work, but I'll come over to your place and we'll get ready together, deal?" Ava could hear the anticipation in Natasha's voice and she was sure she'd bring alcohol for pre-drinks.

"Deal," Ava replied and that was the end of the conversation. She went to the kitchen and made herself a quick sandwich. She didn't want to have to throw up again, so at least she wanted to avoid drinking on an empty stomach.

She had just finished her sandwich when there was a knock at the door. Ava got up from her small kitchen table and went to the door. Natasha stood in front of her in an incredibly short dark red satin dress. She looked stunning as always.

"Wow, that dress is a dream!" squealed Ava as Natasha stepped inside with a bottle of champagne in her hand. Walking purposefully towards the kitchen, Natasha took two champagne glasses from the cupboard and popped the cork.

"Thanks sweetie, I bought this as a little reward for my promotion."

"Tell me everything!" said Ava excitedly as Natasha handed her one of the champagne glasses and they took a seat on her bed so Ava could go through her wardrobe for an appropriate party dress.

"It's amazing really, I'm just getting acquainted with the case, you know the devil is in the detail," Natasha told her and Ava reached for a dark grey halter dress and showed it to Natasha who shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't tell you too much, too many levels of security. But I will say this: you should stay on the story."

Ava beamed at Natasha. She was so glad that her best friend was getting this career opportunity and could finally prove to her sexist colleagues what a strong and unbreakable woman she was.

"I'm so proud of you, Nat," Ava grinned, pulling her into a hug.

"Things couldn't be going better right now. With Steve, too. He's an incredible gentleman, always polite and with good manners. But he leaves those outside the bedroom door," she winked at Ava, who playfully smacked Natasha's arm.

"Give me the kinky details!", Ava challenged her, unable to suppress a laugh.

"Just so you know, Steve knows exactly which buttons to push and he has incredible stamina. Not to mention the size of his penis ..." Natasha looked at Ava meaningfully and gestured with her hands at the size. Ava's jaw dropped and they both burst into giggles.

"And if you fancy another double date, Steve has some very attractive colleagues I could introduce you to," Natasha grinned at her. Ava's giggles died down and she became thoughtful. She actually always liked going on dates, but since she had met James, there seemed to be no room for another man in her thoughts.

"Maybe I'll take you up on your offer again sometime," Ava tried her best to put a smile on her lips.

Feeling the intense gaze on her, she pulled another dress from the wardrobe and showed it to Natasha, drawing attention to another subject.

"That's it!" Natasha slapped her hands together in excitement, almost spilling her champagne.

Ava changed her clothes and looked at herself in the mirror with satisfaction. She was wearing a shimmering purple dress of faux silk that was considerably longer than Natasha's. It reached her knees and accentuated her slender body. There was another knock at the door and for a moment hope arose in Ava that James was at the door.

"I'll get it!", Natasha's joyful jump brought Ava back to reality. Of course, it was only Steve who had come to pick them up. Why would James show up at her flat anyway? Ava felt like she was losing her mind. She had to get James out of her head, whether it was through drinking, dancing or snogging strangers, after that night she didn't want to keep thinking about the handsome, withdrawn man who was sending her confusing signals. Why did he first make out with her, only to abruptly break off the kiss? And why hadn't she heard from him since?

Natasha pulled Steve into the flat, beaming.

"You look good, Ava!", Steve pulled her into a brief hug. The pleasant smell of his perfume hit her nose and Ava had to suppress a giggle as she thought of the size of his penis.

"I can only return that," Ava said with a smile and looked at Steve. He was wearing a dark suit that looked expensive. I wonder how much an IT guy working for the police makes, Ava thought.

"Ready?" asked Steve and the three made their way to his car.

A short time later they pulled up outside the club. Even though it was Thursday, there was a long queue outside the club. Ava groaned, she didn't feel like standing in the hot evening sun for ages. She wanted to order a drink and hit the dance floor, promptly.

"Don't worry, I know the bouncer," Natasha winked at her from the front. Ava felt like a third wheel in the back seat of Steve's car. At least the champagne made those thoughts fade into the background.

Ava awkwardly got out of the car as Steve jogged around the side to hold the door open for Natasha and help her out. Now she felt even more stupid. Natasha giggled and accepted Steve's hand. They shared a passionate kiss. Ava cleared her throat and Natasha began to giggle again. Ava didn't know her like this, but she was glad to see this carefree Natasha in love.

After a brief chat with the bouncer, the three were let into the club, earning some annoyed shouts from those waiting in line. Inside, loud techno music greeted Ava, just like last time. Natasha immediately wanted to pull Ava onto the dance floor.

"I'm going to get a drink first," she announced over the loud music and Natasha took off with Steve instead. Ava made her way to the bar and ordered a Sex On The Beach. It felt like déja vu, not even a week ago she had been standing right here and had been surprised by James.

"Hey, can I buy you a drink?", Ava's heart almost stopped.