A Failed Experiment

Chapter 7

Aideen had a list of things she could say to make Bucky say if he liked her, as apparently he'd been giving her signals, " You could grow mistletoe under every doorway we walk through !" I face-palmed,
" We're not in harry potter, Deen." I told her, wishing I was anywhere else,
" Uhum, Missy, I see that look ! You're such a hypocrite !" I tilted my head,
" How so ?" She painted a little sadistic grin across her face,
" Tell me, how many times do you talk about Stephen a day." I smirked,
 " Only a couple times a week. " She sighed,
" Ok, let me re-phrase, how many times do you wish he'd walk into a room a day ?" A flush crept across my cheeks,
" Point taken ." She crossed her arms and smiled victoriously. Mordu came running up to us,
" Girls ! I finally found you ! You're both invited to the Christmas costume party ! The theme is masquerade and the colors permitted are red, white, green and black." He handed us both paper invitations, " Aideen, give this to your pet introvert, I can't find him anywhere." She stared at him with a confused look until she read the name on the invitation,
" Yeah, he practically hides from most people. " He chuckled,
" I know a couple people like that, sorry it's such short notice, but I'll get out of your hair." Aideen nodded,
" Alright, bye !"I waved him out,
" I'm making the dresses, I think green and white should suite you." She nodded,
" I'm going to find Cyborg, I'll leave you to tailor." I glared at her, " Tailor, verb, to fit clothes to someone's body, which would require your presence."
 " Goodbye Astor." She sighed, I picked up my notebook and left for my room.

I'd scribbled a few designs down, in every colour and colour combination, when a sharp rap of the door interrupted the quickly mind-numbing task, " Hey Astor, Merry Christmas ! " I couldn't help smiling at the sight of him in just about the ugliest Christmas jumpers I've ever seen and a Santa hat, " Merry Christmas, Santa. " He noticed what I was referring to as I went back to sketching. He leant over my book, " Are you being a good girl ?" A panicked flush quickly made itself known, he kissed the top of my head, " I'm joking, your adorable when you panic." I hit him in the forehead, " God, stop !" He chuckled and sat down, " What are you working on ?" I handed him my sketchpad, " Are these for the Christmas ball ?" He asked, tracing his finger along the outlines, I nodded, " Aideen will love them, I'm sure, but speaking of the Christmas ball, " He handed me a paper bag, " I'd like to give you an early gift." I took it cautiously and opened it. It was a deep red, mid length, long sleeved dress with white details on the skirt and a pair of white gloves, " Oh-oh Stephen ! Their beautiful ! Thank you !" I hugged him tightly , " O-ok Astor, that's adorable but I can hardly breath." He whispered, " Sorry !" I quickly let go. He chuckled softly, " You're ok Astor, but I have a question to ask you." I tilted my head, " Sure, what is it ?" I physically turned to look at him, " Uh- can I take you to this ball ? Like as a date ?" My eyes widened and I think I could hear my heartbeat in my ears, " Y-yeah ! Of course !" I let out a staggered breath, " Great, that's great." He leant back and ran a hand through his hair, " ASTOR! We need to talk, Stephen, shoo !" She pushed him out of the room, I crossed my arms, " What ?!" She grinned, " I got myself a date !" A sarcastic smile painted my lips, " Poor guy. " She chuckled, " Poor guy nothing, Bucky asked me ." I couldn't help laughing, " About time, " I never got to finishing that sentence, " WHAT ?!" I chuckled nervously , " Yeah, he's been all over you these past few weeks. " She seemed an inch away from slapping me, " AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME ?" I flinched, " Sorry. " I murmured, " Ugh, I can't believe you, anyway, I have gift wrapping I need to do ." She went to leave, " Wait ! Pick a dress." I told her, she looked over them, that one in green, please and thank you, Astor, your the best!" I smiled as she left, and opened the wardrobe to find a sacrifice for fabric. I remember, in HYDRA, I used to teach the younger kids to sew. I'd rip down curtains and sew makeshift dresses to wear while the one piece of clothing they allowed us was being washed or changed for a new one, those who didn't know how to sew in those periods were likely to freeze to death. I snagged my victim and repressed the memories.