"When's Tony's Christmas party going to be?" Steve asks, but he's more focused on listening for his name.
"Oh come on, you know it's Pepper doing all the planning, it's about time she gets the credit," Sam answers indignantly.
"Of course I know that, but it's not like she wants the credit anyways. So, when is it?"
"I think Barton stole my invite when he was over, but I believe it's on the 23rd."
Steve finally looks at him, "A week from today? That soon?"
"Of course, didn't expect it to actually be on Christmas, did you?"
Before Steve can answer, the barista calls 'James', the name Steve uses when he's in public. He sits back down with his steaming White Chocolate Mocha (with an extra shot of espresso, of course.) "You know," Steve says, looking down at his coffee, "I think I'm going to try to tell Bucky...you know.., at the ball."
Sam doesn't blink, "Uh huh."
"Look, I know I've chickened out before but I really feel like I can do it this time."
"Steve, you've said that every other time. Besides, you can't even say it out loud with me." A small flush starts to travel across Steve's cheeks and Sam's glad that even after this long being friends, he knows how to embarrass him.
"I'm going to do it, and I'm telling you because you're my closest friend."
Sam sighs dramatically, "Don't try to play the guilt card on me, buddy. I'm just trying not to get my hopes up again."
Steve Rogers, the esteemed Captain America, sticks his tongue out at his best friend at their local Starbucks.
-
"James, have you not seen how that man looks at you? It's completely obvious he's head over heels for you."
Bucky sighs. "Nat, please. We've been over this. He doesn't look at me any differently than he did when we were younger."
One side of Natasha's mouth turns up like she knows a secret, "To be truthful with you, I wouldn't be surprised if he's loved you since you were children."
This causes Bucky to turn to look at her and stop fiddling with the tux he was trying on. "He doesn't like me in that way, and if he did, he would have said something by now. I mean, he's definitely had the time."
"I think you overestimate Steve's courage. That man can easily go into battle but he has trouble talking to pretty girls. I imagine that coming clean about his feelings for his best friend would be terrifying for him."
"Nat, I love you, I really do, but I'd really appreciate if you'd stop. He doesn't like me and I don't need to get my hopes up. Now will you please help me with this damn tie?"
Natasha stands up and glides over to him, swatting his hands away and fixing his tie nimbly. "I'm sorry, James. You know I only want the best for you." She stands back to look and gives him a rare smile. "You look stunning. Everyone will be drooling over you."
Bucky grins and pulls her into a hug, "Don't get all mushy on me now. I need you to keep me in line." He gives her a wink when she pulls back.
"Oh, don't worry, I'm not getting soft. I could beat you in a fight just as easily."
"I've no doubt about that." Bucky turns to check himself out in the mirror and gives an approving nod. "I do look rather nice."
"All thanks to me, of course. Now, you have to come help me pick out a dress since I just spent two hours directing you away from disasters."
