[COMPLETE/EDITING]Be My Hero

Fifteen

There I was sitting in the lounge area, sipping a cup of coffee and watching everyone else around me mingle. I wouldn't call this having a good time, but it was better than nothing. I glanced out the windows, marveling at the stars that glistened and winked at me. It was cold in the room, and my coffee kept my hands warm. I knew I should have been socializing with the others, but I wasn't in the mood. I was far too anxious. I could hear Natasha and Steve, and Bruce and Tony, all talking about their lives and new upcoming technology. Weren't they concerned at all? Weren't they nervous? I didn't understand how everyone seemed so calm.

I jumped when Steve and Natasha plopped down beside me on the couch, Steve on my right and Nat on my left. She took my coffee and set it down on the table in front of me. "Bucky, you're the only one being as quiet as possible," she said, staring at me. "Seeing as there's a chance we might die tomorrow, you should talk to people. Like Tony."

I sighed and shook my head. "Tony isn't exactly someone I wanna talk to," I grumbled. I knew there was a chance we would die tomorrow. How could I forget? I folded my arms across my chest and Natasha wasn't having it. She grabbed my forearm and pried my arms apart. "Then talk to us, for Christ's sake, Bucky," she said, exasperated and annoyed.

"Well, that's what's botherin' me. No one knows what to expect tomorrow, and yet they're all laughing and talking as if everything's alright," I argued, glaring at her. I didn't want to be mean, but I was irritated and tired.

"James," Steve said softly, and I turned to look at him. He never called me James. His calm voice stuck out more than the people around me shouting and chuckling. "Everyone is having a good time because this may be their last night. It may be our last night. I know you've thought of that. It's sad to say, but we gotta make the best out of what we have. How many times have we stayed up at night in overcrowded tents, dreading war the next day? How many times have we woken up in cold sweats from a nightmare that we've seen more than once?" Steve playfully nudged me, and I couldn't help but offer a sad smile. "Cheer up. Come on," he said, standing up and holding out his hand. Confused, I took it, and he lifted me up rather easily. I was suddenly very aware of my surroundings and as Steve pulled me further into the crowd of people, I glanced back at Natasha. She gave a silly wave and smiled before she disappeared behind two people.

Steve let go of my hand and I was stuck right in the midst of dancing people. I could see Tony and Bruce sharing laughter and drinks. Natasha and Scott trading shy glances. Sam and a girl I've never seen before. The lights in the room dimmed and people began setting down their drinks, rising from chairs and heading towards me. The music faded out, replaced by something slower. What was happening? My heart was beating out of my chest, and I struggled to find Steve. What did he want? Through the people surrounding me, I couldn't find him. I felt claustrophobic and wanted to get out. But before I could, a hand on my shoulder stopped me and turned me around. It was Steve with a sly, malicious smirk plastered to his stupid face. The people around us began to spread and break off, giving us plenty of space. What was happening finally sunk in, and it suddenly got very hot.

"James," Steve said, "since this may be our last night together, I ask that you dance with me." He slowly offered me his hand once more, and I felt my heart jump into my throat. I quickly scanned the area around us. Everyone was staring with small grins and I could hear the occasional snicker.

"You're a punk," I whispered as I took Steve's hand. He pulled us close, and I could smell his cologne; it was faint and resembled pine. "Jerk," Steve mumbled back, staring at me. His baby blues glinted and shimmered in the dim lighting, and as we swayed to the music pouring through speakers mounted on the walls, I began to notice more and more people joining us. Steve's eyes became half-lidded, and his pupils dilated. Fuck.

"Why am I in the woman's position?" I asked, breaking the silence between us. Steve grinned and his fingertips pressed into my back, sending chills up my spine. Heat flooded through my cheeks and I had to look away. "Does it bother you?" Steve said, placing a soft kiss on my neck. I licked my lips and shook my head.

"No, it doesn't. It's peachy."

"That's what I thought," he said, and suddenly, I was falling to the floor and didn't have time to brace myself. But I was caught mere inches away from hitting the ground, and Steve was right there in front of me, giving a toothy grin.

"You're a bastard," I grumbled, but was quickly silenced when Steve's lips were pressed against mine for a short moment. Seconds after he moved away, I was flung upwards and caught by strong arms that wrapped around me and pressed me even closer to Steve. "You're full of surprises," I said, breathless and shocked.

Steve chuckled lightly and shrugged. "I try. We've been a little distant lately, and... I wouldn't want to miss out on all the incredible things that go on in your mind."

"I think worrying takes up half of my thoughts," I said, frowning slightly.

"It used to be the other way around, you know?" Steve said, pointedly looking at me and his hand slid a little lower than I would have liked. My teeth sunk into my lip and I looked away, avoiding his eyes. I never knew he could be so overpowering, and this was definitely new. "I used to be the one to worry all the time. You would crawl next to me when you woke up and saw that I was still awake. Do you remember what we used to do during those nights?" he asked, his hot breath ghosting across my neck.

I swallowed and slightly grinned as I made eye contact with him. "I do," I said, fighting off goosebumps. "No one ever caught us."

Steve nodded and kept the silence between us. It was comfortable and I loved being so close to him. I could feel the heat radiating from him-- he was practically a human furnace. As the music slowly faded out, Steve began to lead me to the bar, hand pressed firmly against my back. As I passed Tony, he smiled at me and wiggled his eyebrows. I couldn't help but smile.

I suppose I would call this a good time.

10 days until the accident