It's Been A Long Long Time

~ prologue ~

- 1 Year Later -

The loud base shook the walls of the elevator slightly as Kita and Lily stepped in. Tony was having a party at the tower to celebrate the Avenger's newest addition. Lily straightened the little black dress Natasha had picked out for her, not entirely comfortable in the back-less bit of lace despite her friend's reassurance. The doors opened to reveal a sea of sheild agents, press and numerous friends as the music became most deafening.

"And here's our guest of honor now!!" Tony slurred into the microphone as everyone turned to greet Lily. She felt a blush creep over her cheeks as everyone applauded. Spotting her now fiance across the room talking to his brother Thor and some others Kita shot a reassuring smile at her friend before teetering over to Loki's side, her green and gold dress flowing behind her majestically.

Lily saw Cap, Sharron and Sam talking over by the bar so she made her way through the crowds of people to join her friends. The blonde sheild agent had her arm looped through Steve's as his fingers lovingly intertwine with hers. They had been dating for about 7 months now and Lily couldn't be happier for her friend. It was difficult for him to move on at first but after a while he and Lily had come to an understanding. As she approached the small group, they fell silent. The red head awkwardly tugged at the hem of her dress and shifted her weight from one foot to the other, not used to this much attention.

"Do I really look that ridiculous?" She questioned, half jokingly.

Sam's mouth dropped open in shock and Steve beamed at her proudly, "you look stunning, Lily."

"This is the last time I'm ever wearing a dress like this." She muttered, swiping a champagne flute from a passing waiter and downing it in one go. Steve chuckled at how little his friend had changed over the years.

"Let's see... last time you said that was at the Stork Club, January of 1944 I believe. The night right before we took the Commandos to..." Steve's eyes went somber as he remembered. Looking down he finished lamely, "- that was the last time all four of us were together."

Sharon Carter looked at her boyfriend with confusion, "all four?"

He awkwardly shot a look to Lily for help, unable to bring himself to explain deeper.

"That was the night Steve, Bucky, Peggy and I went on a double date.. sort of.. it was the last time we all had a drink before Buck fell off the train and Hydra got me." Lily said. It felt weird talking about Steve and Peggy infront of Sharon but Steve's happiness is all that really mattered she figured.

Sam awkwardly cleared his throat and asked Lily to dance, to which she gladly accepted. Both eager to escape the unpleasant conversation.

Lily smiled as her favorite song began playing. It was one of the first songs Bucky had introduced to her when they were reunited and it always had a special place in her heart.

You're over my head
I'm out of my mind
Thinking I was born in the wrong time
One of a kind, living in a world gone plastic
Baby you're so classic

She smiled as they sang the words, feeling her heart get lighter and lighter with each word. Lily felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. She spun around and was met with Bucky's startling blue eyes. He seemed at a loss for words but soon recovered, looking her up and down once. That oh so familiar smirk crept onto his face but Lily cut him off before he could make any cracks about her dress.

"Not a word, Barnes. Just dance with me okay?" He shrugged and took her hands in his. Sam nodded at Bucky over Lily's Lily's with a knowing look. The winter shoulder shot a glare at his friend before returning to the dazzling redhead infront of him.