homecoming » bucky barnes AU

chapter twenty

It was the 4th of July. The weather was hot and dry, and Laecie was laying by the pool in Natasha's house to avoid seeing James at her own. Natasha was having a 4th of July party tonight at her place, while all the parents celebrated with a private event at the country club. Obviously, Italy didn't celebrate the 4th of July, so it was up to themselves to organise festivities.

"And, by festivities I mean booze, fireworks and a grill Sam picked out at the store. He's adamant to make hot dogs."
Natasha chuckled, sipping some lemonade before laying back down on the lounger.
"Very Sam."
Laecie replied, her eyes shut behind her sunglasses, her face to the sun.

She hadn't told anyone about her night with Steve. She didn't need to, because, it was just a night. And regardless of what anyone said, she needed that. It made her feel better. She did love Steve, so much, and in the moment it felt like the right thing to do, but she didn't love Steve in that way. She would always love him, but she could never be in love with him.

"Mmm."
Natasha agreed.
"Sam invited Bucky, just so you know. You probably won't even see him, so, don't chicken out. Just ignore him."
She said. Laecie sighed, her heart racing a little bit, scared to face him again. Scared to see him, to think about him all night.

"I'll still come. We share friends, it had to happen at some point. And I can't celebrate the 4th on my own. And also, I plan to be extremely drunk."
She laughed at the last part. Natasha laughed too, smirking in her very Natasha way.

"Sounds like a plan."
Natasha replied.
"It's 70s themed, too, so we can all dress up like disco stars and studio 54 socialites."
She said, the smirk still on her face. She lifted her sunglasses to look at Laecie's puzzled expression.
"Why would you do a 70's themed 4th of July?"
Laecie asked.
"Because I can't have a Halloween party in the middle of summer and I like dressing up."
Natasha replied simply. Laecie chuckled, shaking her head and facing the sun once more.

-

As night crept up on them, Laecie and Natasha went upstairs to get ready after setting up the living area for a uniquely themed "70's disco 4th of July party".

Natasha wore a black bell bottomed and sleeved catsuit with red sparkles running through its fabric. She swooped her red hair back into a Farrah Fawcett style and added large black glitzy sunglasses. Her lips were painted red, as were her nails and she wore large black platform heels.

Laecie, who was getting ready in the mirror next to her, wore a beautiful orange and cream 70's patterned tight fit boiler suit with short sleeves and a large chunky orange belt in the middle of her waist. The outfit was very 70's chic. She finished it with some teal eye makeup and platform shoes and large, rounded-square shaped orange glasses. Her blonde hair was loosely curled, like they had back then.

They both felt super cool.

"Let me take a picture of you."
Laecie said, pulling out her camera again. Natasha smiled, putting up the peace sign and placing her other hand on her hip. Laecie snapped the photo, giggling at her friend.

Sam and Steve were downstairs, also clad in 70s inspired fashions, trying desperately to figure out how to set up the grill. The smell of burning coals wafted up to Natasha's cluttered room.

"I suppose we should go down and get those two set up."
She said, rolling her eyes.
"Agreed. But, let's get drinks first."
Laecie said, intertwining her fingers with Natasha's.

They walked slowly down the staircase, supporting one another in their chunky shoes. They giggled together as they did, laughing at themselves for being in such massive shoes.