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Bucky helps Steve clean up as I change for this evening. I pilfer through my bag deciding on a new navy blue polka dot dress I bought my last week of school. I move over to my vanity as a knock sounds on my door.

"Come in." I turn to find Steve in the doorway with an icepack on his face. "Hey."

"Hey." He smiles.

"You okay?" I ask, picking up one of my favorite perfumes.

"Yeah, of course." Steve nods. "You should see the other guy." He cracks.

"I did, fall on his butt as Bucky kicked his ass." I muse. "Is he ready?"

"Oh yeah, he's just calling our dates." Steve answers, glancing over his shoulder to check if Bucky's still on the phone. The last word drenches me like ice cold water. Dates.

I stumble my blush, clearing my throat. "Oh." The word softly leaves my lips. "Dates?"

"Yeah." Steve nods as if it's not a big deal- it's not. "He said he was going to pick up the dates and he'd be back shortly. "He said I'm about be the last eligible man here in New York." He rolls his eyes.

"Right." I manage out, absentmindedly picking up my brush. I thought it was going to be just be the three of us for tonight... I don't want to fifth wheel. "You know, maybe I should stay home. Unpack, and let you tw-"

"Absolutely not." Steve shakes his head. "You're coming with us." He says strongly. "You just got in and Bucky's leaving tomorrow. It's our only night to all be together again."

Then why is he bringing a date?

"Right, no, you're right." I swallow, nodding slowly. "Sorry. I just- I just don't want to impose, or be a fifth wheel."

Steve walks over to me, placing his hand on my shoulder. "Saoir, you will never be fifth wheel, or any wheel, to us." He assures me greatly.

I inhale, taking in his words. I'm being silly. They can bring dates if they want. Steve is single... Bucky is single.

"You could bring a date, if you want." Steve suggests lightly. "Then you wouldn't have to feel like a fifth wheel. Don't tell Bucky," He lowers his voice, "But I'd rather spend time with you over a date any day."

I chuckle softly, turning to hug him. "Thank you."

"Of course. You're my sister. You always come first." Steve's bony arms wrap around me.

"Love you, Stevie."

"Love you, Saoir." He laughs.

"Who would I even ask in such short notice?" I ask as we pull apart.

"Ah, Max down the street has been asking about you while you've been away pretty often. We usually talk about the newspaper when we see each other. You could invite him?" He offers. "Bucky doesn't seem to like him very much, but he's always been nice to us."

Hmmm. Max is nice. He went to school with us and has lived up the street since we were kids. We went to lunch a few times after church over the years.

"Great idea. Do you mind going down the street to ask him while I finish getting ready?"

"Not at all." Steve happily heads that way.

"Thank you!" I call after him, turning back to my vanity my eyes land upon a newspaper clipping of Bucky, Steve, and I for helping the community when we were in school. My fingers trace over the photo, lingering over Bucky's face before I pull myself together and focus... ignoring the disappointment lingering in my chest.

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Knuckles wrap on my door once again though it's cracked this time.

"Oh, come on in." I say, struggling to clasp my necklace.

"Hey." Bucky steps inside. "Need some help with that?" He smiles and I huff, blowing strands of my hair up.

"Yes please." I laugh at how silly I must look.

He steps over, his fingers grazing over mine sending chills down my spine as he takes the necklace in his hands. His hands over my neck and for a minute I think I can hear my heart beat slamming in my chest and swear he can too.

My chest heaves up and down as I feel his breath against the crook of my neck as he leans in. "Are you ready for tonight?" I nod slowly, sucking my lip in between my teeth. His knuckle drags down the spine of my dress. "Here." He zips it up the rest of the way, where I couldn't go any further, and clasps the button at the top.

"Of course." His voice strains and he pulls himself away, the cool air hitting my back from the lack of his body heat against mine and I turn to face him, eyes meeting his. "You look breathtaking. You'll be the most stunning woman there."

"Thank you." I smile breathlessly. "You look very handsome yourself." He smiles coyly, as if he doesn't hear that constantly.

"Means the most coming from you." He says, as if he's reading my mind. "Shall we?" He holds his arm out for me and I hook mine around his.

"We shall."

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𝟶ʙᴜᴛᴛᴇʀʙɪsᴄᴜɪᴛ𝟽 sᴘᴇᴀᴋs!

Hey, heyyy!! As if it hasn't been for literally ever... welcome back to Cobalt!! I miss this bookkk!!

Anddd happy birthday to my best girl... SAOIRSE ROGERS!! She was born 2-3 months early (yes that's possible lol) and proved to be a fighter since the day she was born!! <333 Saoirse was also my 2nd marvel oc to create so she holds a special place in my heart!!

This update also comes with an updated version of the book cover!! And I changed the series title!! I just wasn't 100% happy with the series title & after like the fifth time changing it, I am so happy with it!!

Sooo... I hope y'all enjoyed this chappp!! The yearning, the tensionnnn, AHHH!! Don't be afraid to comment your thoughts, questions, & reactions!! And wish my girl Saoirse a happy birthday!! Until next time, mwah!! <333