Betrayal - A Bucky Barnes Fanfic

Chapter 47

"I'm coming!" Wanda announced as Vision and Ava stood impatiently in the hallway outside her flat. Wanda had insisted on changing into a different outfit for the club and now that Wanda was pulling the front door shut behind her, perfectly styled and wearing a damn sexy red dress, Ava felt way too underdressed. Her black, tight-fitting dress still passed for a party dress, but her Doc Martens, which had definitely seen better days, didn't look particularly glamorous.

"You look like a punk icon," Wanda said with a sly smile when she saw Ava's uncertain look. "Besides, we're hardly there to pick up guys, are we?"

Ava noticed Vision looking sheepishly at the ground and she wondered what was going on between them.

A good half hour later, they finally reached the club. The last few times she had been here with Natasha, she had met James. Now she fervently hoped that wouldn't be the case. She just wanted to have a fun evening with her friends and forget the worries of the last few weeks. She was even willing to hit the dance floor tonight, Ava decided as she saw Natasha waving outside the club entrance. Steve had a firm grip around her waist and looked exceedingly smart and wealthy in his suit.

"There you finally are!" Natasha came strutting towards Ava, but stopped abruptly when her eyes fell on Ava's bandaged hand. Immediately she rushed to her best friend and looked into her eyes with concern. "Ava, what happened? Are you alright?"

"It's nothing, really," Ava waved it off and pulled her bandaged hand from Natasha's tight grip. "Just a little kitchen accident," she lied. She didn't want to argue with Natasha now about how dangerous and stupid it had been to drive to the warehouses alone. The thrashing from James had been enough for her. Besides, she didn't want to risk Natasha reacting the same way Peter had and accusing James of being violent. She still cared about him.

"This looks really bad," Natasha pressed on.

"I'm serious Nat, it's not even worth mentioning. Besides, we're here to have fun. Not to worry about my clumsiness." At last Natasha dropped her gaze from Ava's hand and now looked at Wanda and Vision standing silently beside Ava.

"This is Wanda and Vision," Ava introduced her two new friends, glad to finally check off the subject of her hand. Politely, Natasha and Steve shook their hands.

"Nice to see you again," Steve said with a smile to Ava as the round of introductions ended. "I'm really sorry about the James thing." He looked down at the floor sheepishly and Natasha poked him in the side. Ava could guess that Natasha had given Steve a proper briefing before Avas arrival that the subject of James should most definitely be avoided at all costs. However, Ava couldn't blame Steve for at least saying something about the whole situation. After all, James was his best friend.

"Forgive and forget," Ava said and marched forward towards the entrance.

Inside the club she was greeted with loud techno music. Today was more crowded than the last few times Ava had been in this club. The dance floor was full of people moving their bodies close together to the rhythm of the music. It was a fascinating sight – a single, sweaty mass dancing away all the stresses of everyday life. Ava could hardly wait to become a part of this mass.

"Let's dance," Ava announced. Adrenaline was pumping through her veins now and she grabbed Wanda and Natasha's wrists with confidence. She navigated them through the dancing crowd until they had no choice but to move to the rhythm of the music as well.

Ava wasn't sure how long the three of them had been dancing and having fun together. By now sweat had spread over her body and a guy was snuggling close to her body from behind. She let him, the atmosphere in the club intoxicating her senses. Suddenly Steve appeared behind Natasha and nestled his body close to hers. Immediately Natasha turned to him and sank into a passionate kiss. Vision had also appeared in the meantime. He was tall and towered over the dancing crowd. His movements seemed mechanical and awkward. Ava couldn't help but laugh at the sight. He looked like a robot just learning how to dance. Wanda didn't seem to mind. She put her arms around his neck and whispered something in his ear. Then Vision and Wanda also sank into a passionate kiss. Ava could hardly believe her eyes – finally they were a couple. Surrounded by two smooching couples, Ava became truly aware again that no man was making his way to her through the dancing crowd to put a protective arm around her. Her thoughts snapped her out of her euphoria. The guy still snuggled up to her was now causing her to feel uneasy. She desperately needed a drink.