Rude Boy: Blue Series 1 (Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes Modern California AU)

Eight

"I'm so ready for food," Natasha exclaimed, meeting up with the group of friends waiting for her.  She was searching through her bag, looking for a hair tie and over her shoulder, she nonchalantly asked, "You in, Buck?"

Steve held his breath, waiting for the brunet's answer.  Bucky was twisting his hair back into a bun when he looked up and locked eyes with Steve.  Bashfully, Steve averted his gaze.  A small smirk tugged at the corner of Bucky's lips.  Especially when he spotted the blush spreading on Steve's face.

"Sure," Bucky easily agreed.

Pressing his lips together to keep a hold on his grin, Steve chanced a glance at Bucky.  Undeniably, Steve was thrilled that Bucky was going to hang out with his friends.  The thing that Steve focused on the most was that he was going to spend time with Bucky.

"So, what's your real name?"  Tony questioned the brunet.

"Bucky," he simply answered.

Clint chuckled at that and asked, "Then how'd you come up with Jimmy Blue?"

There was a large grin on Bucky's face as he effortlessly explained, "My first name is James and my eyes are blue."

Steve looked at Bucky then.  Sure enough, Bucky had steel-blue eyes that sparkled just like the Ken Doll that Steve remembered from his childhood.  Steve couldn't look away then.  Steve wanted to retain the color so he could use it in his artwork later.

"Hey, Jimmy Blue," Sam called as he joined the growing group.  Bucky looked behind himself as Sam approached him.  Sam clapped Bucky's shoulder as he complimented the brunet, "You were pretty good out there."

"Thanks," Bucky stated, a blush forming on his high cheekbones.  Bucky returned the compliment, "You were amazing out there."

"Of course, I was," Sam sassily replied, briefly wrapping his arm around Bucky's broad shoulders.  He gave the brunet a comforting squeeze before dropping his arm from Bucky's body.

Steve shook his head and good-humoredly rolled his eyes at his friend.  Everyone was talking about where they wanted to go.  Natasha wanted Vietnamese.  Tony wanted sushi.  Clint was trying to convince everyone that pizza was the only way to go, while Laura was trying to play peacemaker while also suggesting Thai.

Surprising Steve, Wanda ran towards him and jumped onto his back.  Steve, used to this behavior, quickly wraps his hands under Wanda's thighs.  Wanda rested her arms on Steve's broad shoulders and gave his cheek a kiss before brushing her fingertip over Steve's groomed beard.

"You were phenomenal," Bucky complimented Wanda.

"Oh, thank you," Wanda grinned over at Bucky.

"How long have you incorporated fire?"  Bucky asked, almost ignoring the fact that Wanda was on Steve.  Almost like Steve wasn't even there at all.

"For a few years now," Wanda answered, "Maria -- she used to dance here -- she was a master with fire.  I swear, she was the best I've ever seen."

"Yeah?"  Bucky asked, intrigued.  Wanda nodded and Bucky declared, "I'd love to learn how to incorporate fire into my routines."

"Fire and skates?"  Steve asked, with his brows arched.

Bucky nervously chuckled and agreed, "That could turn out bad."

"I think it sounds exciting," Wanda interjected, poking Steve's cheek with her manicured finger.

Steve shook his head and good-humoredly rolled his eyes.  Informing Bucky, "Don't mind her, she's an adrenaline junkie."

Bucky giggled at that while Wanda climbed off Steve's back, complaining, "You're one to talk."

"Me?"  Steve scoffed, touching his chest while feigning offense, making Bucky giggle even more.  Steve preened with a fond grin on his face.  Chancing a glance at Bucky, Steve found that Bucky was already watching him.  Steve crossed his arms along his chest and started, "So, um, is being a burlesque dancer on that list of yours?"

"Right," Bucky worried his lower lip and rubbed the back of his neck before admitting, "Not in so many words."

Steve smirked, amused by the handsome man.  Steve was trying to think of something else to say when Natasha asked, "You boys coming?"