All I Want Is Everything

Business

Remember when the words were new
They carried a meaning, a feeling so true
Well, I'm looking for a long romance
Not a picture of passion or one time chance

Berlin, No More Words

Their idyll ended the next day. Ella had a lengthy meeting to finalize details about her tour and make more decision, and Bucky was set to start his first gig as a session musician. In some ways it was a come-down from the heady stratosphere as a premier drummer in a hot band, but there was a metric shit-ton less drama, so Bucky wasn't dissatisfied. It would widen his acquaintance in the music scene, both with musicians and the others who worked the business side. Ella had built up an extensive network that he envied. She, like Pepper, wasn't shy about using it to help others, but he wanted his own connections and again, to be a functional adult in his field rather than relying on others, no matter how dear. He also wasn't certain whether he wanted to be in a band anymore, and wanted time to think about that while still making money. He'd remembered that he had a college degree in communications and was starting to wonder how he could leverage that into something interesting too.

They lingered over breakfast, both of them regretful to be parting, and Ella busied herself with the mail that had stacked up while she and Bucky were delighting in each other. She also had her planner, as she added appointments so they could find times when they could be together as Bucky cleared the table before sitting next to her again.

"We've got the listening party for the last album," Bucky said. "That's Friday." His very kissable lips were pressed together. Ella waved paper at him.

"I got an invitation from the label. Nick said they were inviting all their artists. Would it be better for you if I went or stayed away?" Bucky squinted at her and she smiled fondly. "I mean it. It's not that big a deal to me. I'd go to support you if you'd like, or stay away if you'd prefer to minimize your distractions. Nick will understand."

He beamed at her. "Maybe... we could go together, make it sort of official that we're a couple?" His tone of voice was tentative, negating the power of his smile. She put out her hand and smiled brilliantly.

"Let's do that, then." He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingers.

"That gives me something to look forward to. But..."

"Are you worried about what Steve will say?"

"No, not really... well, maybe. He hasn't reached out since I quit. And I'm a little hurt by that. I was hoping that maybe he'd still want to be friends even if the band was impossible." Ella snorted gently.

"I don't know if he knows how to be conciliatory," she said astringently. "Certainly he hasn't overflowed with concern about his twin. But he might have thought that you didn't want to continue associating with him," she modulated her voice into gentleness. "He might have thought that you were done, the way that things ended. He's not the type to risk getting shot down. Or, as he probably prefers to think of it, he's respecting your choice. You just don't know right now. Just as you haven't reached out to him."

"I hate having to see the other side," Bucky said after a moment, and Ella smiled.

"I know the feeling. So take some time and just think about it. Meanwhile, I'll tell Nick I'll be attending."

"You're the biggest fish in the Flerken pond," Bucky said, nuzzling her neck. "It'll still be a big get for the party even if you're coming as my girlfriend." Then he sat bolt upright. "Are we? You know, boyfriend/girlfriend? It seems kind of soon, but on the other hand, it's not a new acquaintance." He looked anxious.