Things Bucky Barnes Doesn't Do Well

Non-Lethal Competition, Part I

Bucky does not like the idea of leaving Avengers Tower. He hasn't been there very long, but the others are restless and need to blow off some steam. Apparently, attacks from otherworldly creatures or plots from evil organizations do not happen enough for some of the residents. But he remembers enough about Steve to know that getting him to lighten up is an important job, one he must remember to do frequently or the little guy (big guy) will be unbearable.

So when Stark's kid, Tony, suggests they all go out clubbing (not the violent reference he initially thinks), he throws in with him. Much to everyone's surprise.

"See, even the Summer Sergeant wants to go," Tony says triumphantly.

Natasha rolls her eyes. "Maybe he's not the most reliable person to consult," she suggests dryly, but she gives Bucky a wink.

He smiles.

"Come on, guys, it'll be fun! Cap, you can bring your favorite super-spy. It can be a date," Tony continues, grinning.

"It could make for an enjoyable evening, Steve," Thor suggests, turning to look at his friend. Steve is frowning, looking as serious as ever.

Tony claps Thor on the shoulder, delighted at the support. "You and Jane, me and Pepper, Cap and Sharon," he pauses for a moment, then grins mischievously. "That Soviet Union over there," he adds, waving toward Bucky and Natasha.

A laugh is startled out of Steve at that, while Natasha adopts a mock-indignant expression.

"Excuse me, Stark, but I don't recall agreeing to make your triple date a quadruple one," she tells him.

"Yeah, I'm sure you hate dancing," Tony teases.

She tosses her hair, hands on her hips, and turns to look at Steve appraisingly. "Well, Cap, you're in charge here."

Steve hides his smile, but Bucky can tell it's difficult for him. He and the ex-Russian spy are surprisingly close, all things considered. After realizing all eyes are on him, Steve adopts his Captain America face. It's familiar, and Bucky is struck with the thought of seeing it before, during the war, where the evening's entertainment was concerned. Something about the boys wanting to go to the bar before Steve was quite done debriefing them. He wonders if Steve has the same memory.

"Alright, fine, let's go have some fun," Steve relents at last.

"Great! I know of the perfect place. Very discreet. Go call your lady friends, and we can pick them up," Tony says happily.

The three men quickly leave the living room to get ready, leaving Bucky alone with Natasha. He glances up at her, perched on the back of the couch by the window, and clears his throat. Watching the others, she turns her attention to him and smiles.

"Do you want to go?" he asks quietly.

She shrugs. "I do love to dance. Not sure how he knew that," she adds, wrinkling her nose in Tony's direction. "But I do. Come on, let's go find you something appropriate to wear." She gets to her feet and he looks down at himself, supposing that sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt are not the right attire for many activities. Comfortable, though. But Nat's great with clothes, so he doesn't mind following her.

An hour later, they are at a club. All of them are dressed up, though he wouldn't say formally. Jackets and/or vests, but not the kind of thing he would wear to, say, a ballet (another kind of dancing). Natasha and the other ladies are all wearing dresses, though sleeker and showing more skin than a formal setting would likely require. And sneakers, which look oddly more fitting than heels would. He's wearing gloves to cover up his left hand, somewhat concerned to be out in public with it. It's certainly noticeable to the touch. And as discreet as Tony considered this place, they have plenty of company.