THE FACADE

CHAPTER 22

Author's note:

Spotify song list for this chapter:

1. Lana del Rey- Radio

2. Chris Isaak- Blue Hotel

3. Traffic- Dear Mr. Fantastic

4. Hippie Sabotage- Options

5. Mierno- 21 days

Warnings:

cursing, lying, manipulation, assassination

Bucky's POV

"So what's your plan, big boy?" Tony asked.

Since my secret mission with Steve, a couple of days went by and now we all were sitting in the meeting room and discussing the matter of future events. Well, not all of us were here. Ivy wasn't here. Natasha called the meeting and I was a little thrown off when I found out that Ivy wasn't invited. Nat quickly caught us up with the subject of the meeting and I internally facepalmed myself. This Friday was Ivy's birthday and I didn't even know about it. She didn't tell me nor did she even throw any hints related to that matter. I wondered why she didn't say anything. Maybe she wanted to be a surprise? Or maybe she didn't want anybody to know about it?

So when Tony asked me what I was planning to prepare for her I was caught off guard. Big time.

"I'm not sure, I was thinking if you all would be willing to help me. I admit I'm not a big party planner so I appreciate all the help from you."

"I have some ideas." Nat spoke up. "That's why I called the meeting to discuss the agenda for Friday."

"We can throw a big party for her." Tony added, rubbing his hands.

"No, no big party. As far as we already know, she's not a fan of pompous parties. She would probably like to spend the day with the closest people. Just a small celebration, only for friends." Nat interrupted. "So I think we can have a nice dinner at the restaurant and then go dancing."

"But that's so mediocre!" Tony whined.

"Guys..." I tried to intervene, but Nat beat me to it.

"Look, I know you all want to give Ivy the best birthday day ever, but I'm telling you guys, the simplest we go, the better. She's not a big fan of over-the-top parties. It's like you don't even know her..."

"Ok, so what are you suggesting?" Tony asked her, defeated.

"We're gonna do this..." Nat started.

Ivy's POV

And there goes a Friday. My birthday. I didn't tell anyone about it. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. I wasn't considering it as something big or important. At least since my parent's death. When I was little Mom and Dad used to throw parties just for the four of us, including Vivienne, and they were the best parties ever. Always involves some sort of theme, depending on my current interests. And they were great. But since their death, I have not celebrated my birthday. I even forbid Minnie to throw me any party so we only do a simple dinner and drinks. And don't let me start with the birthday presents. I don't do gifts. It's not my thing. I've got everything I want and need so there's no purpose in wasting the money on me. Instead, I always suggest putting that money into the charity of their choice. It would do better than an expensive candle or jewelry.

The only thing I did for myself on my birthday, since I turned 18, was getting a tattoo. All of them were small, easy to hide under the clothes, not exactly with any meaning. It was a small gift for myself. I was doing them for fun because I could. Because I wanted them. Because I liked them.