Masked Celebration
A/N: Some AU-ish ficlet with Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson again, because the prompt is too good to pass on for these two! A dab of mutual pining with oblivious idiots, lmaooo.
And the word count was hard to deal with. ; - ;
Word Count: 771
TW: None
***
Even with a sprawling crowd chattering, an orchestra performed a drastic and triumphant composition. Guests were dancing in pairs beneath the center of sparkling chandeliers in a glittering ballroom.
Several people have gathered and arrived to the event in expensive rides. Smell of well-prepared food wafted as caterers set them in elaborate tables. A champagne bottled popped when a bartender removed it's cap, where they stood close to tables filled with banquets of food.
He picked up a glass of red wine and took a quick sip, tasting cherry liquid.
Scanning the ballroom, Bucky noted each guests clad in finest clothing and gems, concealing half of their faces with different types of masks. Providing the party with a sense of mystery.
As if adding intrigue in order to make someone wish to know them.
He ran a fingertip on his wintry blue half-mask, settling his eyes on a man on the other side of a table ahead.
"Any sign of them?" Sam asked through comms, lifting a champagne flute to his lips.
"Nope," Bucky replied, dusting his powder grey tuxedo. "It's difficult to see because everyone's got a damn mask on."
"That's the point of a masquerade balls, Buck." Sam sounded playful as if enjoying things. "Of course, everyone's gonna wear one. Hell, we're also wearing one."
Bucky sighed. "So, this is seriously the only undercover missions we can do?"
"Yeah, I guess." Sam's lips curved up into a tiny smirk.
They had been sent to infiltrate a gala with a masquerade-themed event. To search for a scientist, suspected of illegal body modification, that would attend here. Torres was on the lookout for them as well.
Maybe he should have stayed back at the house, instead of joining this mission. However, it wasn't going too bad yet he considered it to be a tad tedious.
When Bucky turned around, Sam sauntered towards him. Immaculate in a lavender suit with a matching tie. His wished that crimson red and black decorate falcon-like mask didn't enhance his features and his general captivating charm.
He found it difficult to resist him like this.
A part of him wanted to slip it off and another knew it might be risky.
"Maybe I have a dance with you?" Sam asked, offering a hand.
Bucky blinked, arching a brow at him.
"What? Are you serious?"
"Yeah. Ya know, just a little distraction from all this boredom."
"I don't really dance much, Samuel."
Sam sputtered a hearty chuckle.
"Please, that's not what Steve told me."
Irritation twitched on his insides and he crossed his arms. Damn Steve for babbling to Sam about his dancing abilities back in the forties! His breath hitched at a thought of both of them dancing. . . together.
With Sam's hand still stretched out in front of him, the curiosity refused to be squashed.
"Go find someone else." Bucky gritted his teeth. "I'll watch."
Sam stepped back and away from him. Not sparing another glance.
With a grimace, he saw him lower his head.
Should he feel bad? Should he regret doing that? He practically rejected an offer from a great guy andâ
Sam approached a well-dressed woman, who beamed at him while he bowed slightly. She smiled politely as he led her to the dance floor.
Bucky tried looking away except his eyes kept tracking on where they were. Their steps matched a flowing rhythm of music as they began waltzing. They danced with smooth and graceful movements, appearing like they were brought to life from pages of a fairytale.
When did Sam learned to dance like that? With precision and skill?
Bucky rubbed a hand on his chest, where an ache landed on his heart.
He had to stifle a swoon as Sam twirled her, drawing her closer again. His breathing stuttered at how he carried her in the air like a swan. The shimmering chandelier formed a luminescent shadow over them.
Why couldn't that be Bucky in Sam's arms. . .?
Shit. Maybe telling Sam to go dance with another person might be a big mistake.
As much as he had trouble focusing on anything else, he couldn't help at potential danger looming in this ballroom. Torres stood near a buffet table, frowning like a kicked puppy at them.
Sam bowed to his partner once the music finished playing.
If he had to be grateful for anything tonight, it would be Tasha not witnessing this. He might have been so embarrassed.
Upon growing tense, Bucky scowled at Torres, who munched on his food. At least, someone seemed to be having a great time.
The sooner they complete this mission, the happier Bucky would be.
***












