Vices & virtues // Bucky Barnes

V

Draw the cat eye, sharp enough to kill a man
You did some bad things, but I'm the worst of them
Sometimes I wonder which one will be your last lie
They say looks can kill and I might try
I don't dress for women
I don't dress for men
Lately I've been dressing for revenge

Taylor Swift, Vigilante Shit

   I never liked such galas. Every time I had to attend one with Steve I felt sick to my stomach. Being in the eye of the storm of photographers and so-called important people made me want to hide and never go out again. But this time it was much, much different.

   Even though the outfit was amazing, my hair done perfectly along with the manicure and make up, I anxiously jogged down the stairs, just to hear both Sam and Bucky wolf whistle at me.

- Cap America is gonna cum in his pants seeing you, sweetheart. - Sam commented, making me scoff in annoyance.

- Bet he will. - Barnes added, grinning unapologetically. - I'm having the prettiest date to the gala.

- Thanks. Can we go already? I don't want to be late. - I asked, readjusting the earring and checking if I've got everything I need in a small, embroidered clutch.

- Isn't it all about being late? - James bit back, opening the Lexus doors for me. - Don't you want to make a big entrance, doll?

- Do you prefer to be in the spotlight, Jamie?

- I told you...

- To not call you that. - I scrunched my nose, trying to cheer myself up. - Will you be drinking?

- Blair, I'm driving.

- Oh, alright.

- And I need to get things done with Crossbones, so please don't worry if you won't see me around for a while, okay? - He reminded me, while I was shifting in my seat.

- Sure. I'll go talk to my brother then, just let me know you're going.

- Would you worry about me?

   I gave him a hesitant look and he just laughed.

- And try to put yourself in a good mood. - He added. - We're going to have some fun tonight, sweetheart.

   I smiled, quite enjoying the idea of going out for the first time since my almost death. I looked good and I knew it, especially beside Barnes dressed in a black suit with indigo details, matching my dress and an embroidered cape. I was feeling myself and I was gonna kill it all night.

   Can't wait for Bones to make fun of me.

   We, of course, arrived late. The gala has started long ago, and just in time we arrived, Steve has started his speech as the Hero of the Year. We checked in, I laughed off the fact that Bucky mumbled that he should announce me as his wife, and when we entered the main room, I could feel the eyes on me.

   Not just Steve's: I saw Stark staring at me, mouth agape, quickly nudging his wife, Pepper, to look at me. There also was T'Challa with his sister Shuri, who both grinned wide at my sight, and the Spider-Boy, Peter, a kid I knew and liked. I smiled back at them all, approaching our table. James, as the old fashioned gentleman he was, took of my cape and helped with my seat. The waiter came up quickly, offering us the drinks, and I was more than glad to sip on a cold champagne as Bucky studied the gala's schedule.

- Who's playing after the speeches? - I asked, ignoring Steve's speech.

- Uhh, let me check... Uhh, Lana Del Rey.