[Brooklyn] What are you doing New Year's, New Year's eve?

[from_the_outside]

Her parents had been in full party-prep mode when she and Bucky rolled up to the house, Alpine in his brand-new soft-sided carrier. They'd dodged the caterers and florists and the cater-waiters and found Harrison and Amanda deep in a discussion of which champagne glasses to use. Sharon, recognizing the signs, had given them both a hug and a kiss and promised she and Bucky would be in attendance, then brought Bucky and Alpine up the stairs to her room.

The early sunset had been gorgeous, glowing off the snow-coated woods, but full dark has fallen now. She can hear cars pulling into the drive and the strains of music drifting up from the big room where her parents are greeting their guests. 

She's not quite ready yet, blinking at herself in the bathroom mirror as she applies mascara, her hair in curlers. "How's it going in there, baby?" she calls towards the room. "Does that suit fit okay?"

Comments

[nerves_of_ice]

"I'm sure," Bucky promises her, and flashes a sunny grin at the other veterans. "See you guys in a while."

[from_the_outside]

She winks at the others and slips her arm around the small of Bucky's back in turn, smiling up at him as they walk away.

"Looks like you made some new friends."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Looks like," he agrees. "Your mom's a good person."

[from_the_outside]

"Yes, she is."

She squeezes him, fond. "I really don't mind if you want to hang out with them tonight, you know."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I know you don't." He tightens his arm around her, then draws them to a stop and turns to look down at her. His faint smile is soft and warm.

"You're a miracle in my life, Sharon. Do you know that?"

[from_the_outside]

She looks up at him, her eyes warm and dark and smiling. "I feel the same way about you," she murmurs. "I can't believe I got so lucky."

[nerves_of_ice]

"That makes two of us." He takes her free hand in his and circles her around in an impromptu dance step, heedless of anyone around them, then starts walking with her again in the same direction they'd been heading.

[from_the_outside]

She laughs and lets him spin them around, then cheerfully walks with him. "Keep those moves ready," she tells him. "There might be dancing later."

[nerves_of_ice]

"We'll sweep the floor if there is," he teases. "As long as you're dancing with me at midnight."

[from_the_outside]

"Better believe it," she teases back. "I might let my mom steal you away for a dance or two, but you're mine at midnight."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I'm yours for a lot more than that," he murmurs, as they approach another group of people at the end of the room. "Never doubt it."

[from_the_outside]

She smiles and leans her head for a moment against his shoulder, one of the earrings he'd bought her to match the star necklace pressing between them until she lifts her head again.

"These are some of my mom's friends from Richmond," she murmurs, as they approach the group. "They're all involved in the same charities."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Any particular causes I should be aware of?" he murmurs back, as he smiles a polite hello.

[from_the_outside]

"Lately they've been focusing on helping people affected by the Snap," she says, low. "I told her about how Sam had trouble getting a bank loan, and now they're working with an organization helping people who were gone with getting their finances in order."

[nerves_of_ice]

"People are better than systems any day." Soft and sure. "Good. That's some good news. Okay, baby, I'm ready. Show me off if you want."

[from_the_outside]

She gives him a wink and walks with him to the group of women. "Hi, everyone," she says, smiling. "I'd like you introduce you to Sergeant James Barnes. Bucky."

Sharon looks up at him and indicates each of the women in turn as she introduces them. Gloria, a steel-haired lady with a sharply chic bob cut, shakes Bucky's hand, smiling. "Delighted," she tells him. "Amanda's been simply raving about you."

[nerves_of_ice]

“The feeling’s mutual,” he assures Gloria. “Mrs. Carter’s a wonderful woman. And it’s great to meet you, too.”

He glances around at them. “Sharon tells me you’re leading a number of charitable initiatives. That’s really impressive.”

[from_the_outside]

"Oh, we're just the facilitators, dear," Gloria tells him, waving off the compliment. "Our goal is to make sure people who need assistance are matched with someone who can give them that assistance without having to worry about cost or logistics."

"I know Mom loves working with you all," Sharon tells her. "You've certainly helped a lot of people."

[nerves_of_ice]

“It’s not always easy for people to ask for help when they need it,” Bucky observes. “What you do helps with that, too. Don’t sell yourselves short.”

Absolute sincerity echoes through each word.

[from_the_outside]

"Not to worry," chuckles Helen, another of the group. "We certainly won't. Sharon, darling, we were so happy to hear you were home. And your mother was over the moon about your reinstatement."

"She wasn't the only one," Sharon says, warmly polite, and pushes all thoughts of her second phone and job out of her mind. "I'm happy to be back."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Well, we’re all certainly glad to have you back,” Melinda declares. “And here. And perhaps even at another event soon. You’ll escort her, won’t you, Sergeant?”

“I’ll go with Sharon anywhere she asks,” he agrees, easily.

[from_the_outside]

"Isn't he a gentleman?" Gloria chuckles. "You hold onto this one, dear."

"I'm certainly trying to," Sharon tells her, amused.

[nerves_of_ice]

“Don’t worry,” Bucky teases. “You don’t have to hold too hard.”

[from_the_outside]

"Glad to hear it," Sharon teases back, as the doors open to the newly cleared dining room, now transformed into a dance floor with snack and drink stations around the edges. She glances over, then smiles at the ladies.

"If you'll excuse us, Sergeant Barnes here owes me a dance."

[nerves_of_ice]

He holds out his hand to her with a grin and presses a kiss to her fingers when she takes it.

“Nice meeting you ladies,” he tells the others.