Something To Believe In || Bucky Barnes x Reader

CHAPTER 17 |

You waddled down into the kitchen, tying up your hair as you smelled something good. After rubbing your eyes and mumbling a good morning, you were bombarded by a hug "Y/N!" Natasha, your best friend yelled, pulling away and looking over you. "I'm so glad you're okay." You smiled and hugged her back, "Thanks Nat" You looked over to the table and saw all of the Avengers sitting down, ready to eat.

Steve hugged you next, enveloping you in his super soldier arms. "I missed you, kid" he talked into your back. "I missed you too, Stevie." The rest either waved or got up to hug you as well. The last was Tony, who became your guardian when your parents died years ago.

"I'm sorry I let you down kiddo." He said as he pulled you into his arms "I promised your mom and dad I'd protect you." He sighed, and you could tell he was being incredibly sincere. He was best friends with your parents when they worked for SHIELD, and before they went on an incredibly dangerous mission, Tony promised them he'd adopt you and take you in as his own if they didn't come back. Tony wasn't really much of the dad type though, so he settled for more of the laid back uncle kind of guy.

"It's okay, Tony." You gave him a reassuring smile before turning to sit in between Nat and Wanda, who had saved a seat for you.

-

"So, you girls ready to go shopping for the ball tonight?" Nat asked you and Wanda excitedly after breakfast as you got dressed "Hell yeah!" you responded. Normally you didn't like going shopping, but when you were with your two best friends, it was bound to be a day full of fun.

"Has anyone asked you to go yet?" Natasha asked you both as you grabbed your keys to the car and headed out "Vision asked me, or at least I think he did. He's not the best with words." Wanda chuckled as she recalled the event. You and Nat congratulated her before they turned to you expectantly "Actually," You smiled a little "Bucky asked me." Natasha squealed as her and Wanda jumped up and down excitedly "Sam owes me ten bucks" she sang out.

"What?" You asked confusedly, your cheeks turning a dusty pink "Oh c'mon, Y/N" Wanda said "Everyone knows Bucky likes you, we saw it the moment you rescued him." She teased. "And you should have seen him when you were passed out after he brought you in!" Nat cooed

"Shut up" you told them playfully, a wide smile playing on your lips as you started the car.

You got to the mall and headed immediately towards the fanciest dress shop. As a way of apologizing for forcing you all to attend the party, Tony generously let you take one of his many bank cards to pay for your dresses. Nat, deciding to play fairy godmother, ran around and draped tons of dresses over yours and Wanda's arms, while also choosing some for herself. You all ran into the dressing rooms, trying each dress on one by one and modeling for each other.

You walked out in an enormous black ball gown "Too much?" You asked them. They nodded with wide eyes. You decided to try on a turquoise one with peacock feathers instead, coming out unsure. Wanda shook her head and Nat did the same. You decided to try on a red off the shoulder gown. It was simple, yet hugged all your curves the right way. You walked out of the dressing room and met Nat and Wanda, who audibly gasped. "You look stunning Y/N!" Wanda exclaimed. Nat nodded in agreement "That's the one" you smiled and agreed with them before changing back into your normal clothes and helping the other girls with their dresses.

- time skip -

Giggles could be heard from the outside of your door as you girls got ready. By now, you are all in your gowns with your makeup done and are putting on your final accessories. You all looked amazing, Natasha in a sleek black dress, Wanda in a magenta one, and you in your red gown (whole look in picture).

A faint knock at your door caused the room to go quiet. You checked your phone, it was 8pm on the dot. "Damn gentleman" you mumbled as you giggled to yourself. You grabbed your bag and prepared to leave. Nat took her chance to open the door quickly, but not too much, leaning in the doorway. "James" you heard her say "I must say you clean up incredibly well." Bucky thanked her "Y/N will be right out" she winked at him as you went to grab the door from her "Speaking of the devil!" She exclaimed, stepping behind you. Bucky's jaw dropped to the floor as you bashfully stepped out of your room.

He was dressed in an impeccable all black suit, his brunette hair slicked back and his blue eyes as striking as ever. "Y/N..." he said almost breathlessly "You look..." Natasha cut in already, pushing you towards him "Stunning? Tell me about it. You two kids have fun, but not too much." She smirked as you both blushed even more  "I'll see you at the party" you told both her and Wanda as she closed the door.

"You really do look great Y/N." he said, looking at you in awe. You played with the strap of your bag as you smiled "Thank you Buck, you don't look too shabby either." The blush never seemed to leave either of your faces.