Winter is for Lovers (Bucky Barnes X OC) [Book 1]

16. The Last Waltz

We found Rebecca wrapped up in the arm of a man named John Proctor, an architect from the city and former soldier. He was a little older than us, having to be at least thirty or so. He had dark, slicked-back hair, dark eyes, and a full beard with random strands of gray poking through. John seemed nice enough, for only just meeting him, but I think Rebecca was just happy not to be a third wheel, knowing that Steve wasn't with us.

The four of us grabbed a taxi, headed to a dance hall not far from the convention center, and quickly piled out and into the busy building.

The dance hall was filled with people, other men in their dress uniforms trying to find their last ounce of freedom before shipping out in the morning. There was laughter and chatter, the noise so loud I could barely hear myself think until Rebecca pulled me aside and away from the boys, who were quick to find some other soldiers they knew.

"Where is Steve?" Rebecca asked me, but I shook my head at her.

"He said he'd catch up with us," I told her, knowing that if all went well in the recruitment center, he would be at home packing his things and getting on a bus to New Jersey in the morning.

"I'm surprised Bucky didn't drag out him by the ears," Rebecca sighed, keeping her voice low so that only I could hear her.

"James may not agree with Steve, but he understands why he wants to fight so badly," I told her.

"I don't get it," she said, rolling her eyes. "Why anyone would want to go and fight in a war is beyond me."

"Some people don't have a choice," I told her. "War is forced upon most people."

"Always the cynic," she huffed.

"I'd like to think of myself as a realist," I countered.

"And I think you're just boring," she scrunched her nose at me before looking over at her brother. "I am glad you two worked it out."

"Me too," I said.

Bucky was staring back at me, smiling, as he talked amongst his friends.

"Well, thank goodness, because I was not about to have you two spoil my evening," she skipped away, taking John's arm and looking up at him adoringly.

He was an entire foot taller than her, even in her heels.

"I'm going to the bar. Does anyone want a drink?" John asked us all, looking down at Rebecca with the same adoration she gave him.

Bucky and I shook our heads, not really in the mood for anything at the moment. He pulled me close to his side, planting a wet kiss on my cheek before getting close to my ear.

"You wanna dance?" He asked.

"You have to ask?" I pulled on his arm, dragging him out to the dancefloor.

He wrapped his arm around me, spinning me around as I held onto his shoulders, letting him whisk me to the middle of the dancefloor. A familiar jazz tune started blaring from the band's trumpets, and the two of us got lost in the music together.

"You know I love you," I said to Bucky, watching the dim lights of the hall twinkle in his steely blue eyes.

"I know you do," he said with a smile. He twirled me around, spinning me a few times before bringing me back into his arms.

"I do," I said to him, wrapping my arms back around his neck.

"I'm gonna miss you, doc," he said, keeping his voice low and quiet as the music started to die down to something slower.

And then they started to play our song, and it took a lot for my eyes not to get teary-eyed.

"Do you really have to go?" I asked, laying my head on his chest as he held me tighter, swaying to the beat of our song.