Chapter Text
Horrible idea. Great idea, but also a horrible idea. Bucky is unbelievably excited knowing that under his nice slacks there's a sweet little secret for his sweet little man. But there's also the fact that he hadn't accounted for the other people that are at the party. Students from Steve's other classes a lot of whom Bucky has met, but still a few he's only heard names. There are even a couple of professors, two art teachers that Steve has grown close to over the years and of course Professor Coulson. That's the most awkward for Bucky. He's been stuck in a conversation about the weather with a man who he has to see on Monday all while wearing women's underwear.
Plus Natasha and Sam keep smirking at him every time he makes eye contact. They had assaulted him as soon as he walked in, tearing him away from Steve to ask if he'd given the card with the picture in it yet. He hadn't. He still hasn't. Steve has been stuck in conversations all night, and they had met outside of Clint's house seconds before they walked in the door because he's in a relationship with a crazy person who STILL has paint in his hair.
He's happy to watch his man mingle with his friends though. It's cute, but also a little sad. He can tell he's not particularly close to any of these people. He's smiling and laughing and having a good time, but it's different from when the 5 of them hang out. It's genuine, but different.
So he's not all that surprised when Steve finally makes his way over to him and sighs heavily.
"Remind me why I thought it was a good idea to have a fancy party with a bunch of people?"
"Oh! I actually know the answer to this one. 'Because we're adults and we should do adult things like have adult parties.' and then you pushed me off the couch because I said something about an orgy."
"Funny how you can remember exactly what I said but the best you can do is 'something about' when it's what you said."
Bucky grins and loops his fingers into Steve's belt loops to pull him closer.
"I actually might have something to help make tonight a little more interesting."
"Do you?" Steve asks, more than a little skeptical but Bucky could see the excitement spark in his eyes.
Bucky leans back enough to pull an envelope out of the inside pocket of his jacket. Steve raises an eyebrow as he takes it.
"This is my birthday present?"
"Kind of. It's a picture. Of what I'm wearing. Right now."
Steve laughs heartily at this. Completely oblivious of what he's about to get into.
"It's a nice suit, Buck. I'm glad you felt the need to preserve the memory."
Bucky doesn't say anything in response. Just waits patiently as Steve opens the envelope. He'd just folded a piece of blank, white card-stock to put the picture in and he can see Steve's confusion. But the confusion doesn't last long. He watches the birthday boy closely, sees his eyes widen and his mouth part in that ridiculously sexy way when Bucky does something just so. Steve spends a good half a minute just staring at the picture before he seems to remember where he is and stuffs it quickly back into the envelope, a deep red blush rushing up his neck and into his cheeks just as quickly. Bucky smirks when he meets his eyes.
"Right now?"
"Right now."
Steve's pupils are blown wide and he honestly looks ready to take Bucky right here and now. And while he's being honest, Bucky is pretty sure he'd let him. Luckily the option is taken away (not like it was actually an option to begin with) when Clint comes up to them groaning.
"Jesus Christ, Rogers. You sure know how to throw a party."
"What?" Steve is still out of it.
"We're adults now, Clint. We can do adult things." Bucky supplies.
"Yeah, I didn't sign up for that. Come on. Anything. Pin the tail on the donkey!" Clint whines.
Sam and Natasha join them.
"I feel like pin the tail on the donkey with you would end up being shoot the tail on the donkey." Sam says.
"You joke, but that's how I lost the security deposit on my last apartment."
"Are you ever gonna let that go, Nat?"
"I will when you pay me the deposit."
"Can I pay that back in sexual favors?" Clint sidles up to her and she actually looks like she's considering it.
"We'll talk about it. How are you doing Steve?" Natasha smiles sweetly over at Steve, but Bucky can see the smirk in her eyes. Steve is still holding the card and he quickly stuffs it back in the envelope.
"Great. Really great. It's a nice party. Thanks so much for hosting. I'm having a really good time."
"Wonderful. Anything to make our little Stevie happy." Natasha smiles sweetly.
Steve looks her up and down and smirks.
"Apparently. Thanks for that too, by the way." Everyone is lost.
"For what?"
"For being such a great photographer."
Natasha Looks taken aback, but only for a split second. Bucky can feel the heat rising up his cheeks. Sam laughs directly at Bucky. Clint is still lost.
"Well, I try my hardest. There's a lot more where that came from, by the way. I don't have them, otherwise I would show you right now."
Bucky throws up his arms.
"That's why you don't have them! If you had them 'show you right now' would mean a slideshow to all of the guests on the big screen with fucking popcorn, probably."
Natasha only grins at him and Steve can't stop laughing.
"So we know what we're doing for his birthday party now." He says to Nat.
"You work on finding them, and I'll get the numbers of everyone on campus."
"I hate all of you! All of you!"
"Hey man, I don't know what the hell is going on."
"Clint is the only one that's cool."
"But it's my birthday!"
"You are cool until midnight. Then all bets are off."
They're all interrupted as a friend from one of Steve's art classes (Bucky can't remember which one) comes to wish Steve a happy birthday. They chat for a minute before the guy moves on and Steve sighs.
"No more adult parties. I'm over the socializing. I just need to go home."
Bucky and Natasha notice the way he subconsciously starts to bring his hand up to the pocket where the picture is. He realizes what he's doing and stops, but also turns bright red as he glances at Bucky. Bucky takes his hand and kisses him on the cheek.
"Soon, my darling dear, soon."
The other three friends roll their eyes at the cute and Natasha claps her hands together.
"Well, I'm gonna go make popcorn."
And with that she disappears into the kitchen, none of them entirely sure they heard her correctly. No one asked for popcorn...and Bucky is pretty sure you don't serve popcorn at a grown up fancy party. Pretty sure. Right? He's about to ask the group when Phil shows up again and starts a conversation with Steve. He think he should probably pay attention seeing as this is a person who could possibly bring him into the conversation, but watching Clint and Sam argue over the best place to hang a giant donkey picture is far more entertaining.
Everyone is startled when the smoke alarm goes off and the horrible smell of burnt popcorn filters from the kitchen. Natasha comes running into the living room, apologizing profusely and assuring everyone that everything's fine, everything's under control, the fire's been put out and does anyone know how to get rid of burnt popcorn smell? Clint starts to tell everyone to open windows, but Bucky kicks him in the shin. Natasha sure knows how to kill a party, and Bucky has never been more grateful.
The guests start filing out, giving their goodbyes and good wishes to Steve, Steve extending his apologies for the abrupt end. Finally the last guest leaves (it's Phil, and Natasha definitely does not whisper under her breath to Clint: "I told you that man is in love with him"), and the friends are left alone in a house reeking of burnt popcorn. Clint and Sam immediately rush to the windows and start throwing them open as soon as the front door shuts behind Phil.
"Jesus, Nat. Did you have to ruin my house to make everyone leave?"
"Calm down, it's not ruined. The smell will go away in a few minutes and everyone can go to bed. Or, not bed. I don't know where you guys like to do it."
"Aw, come on. Please don't encourage a list." Sam groans.
"Weeelllll-" Bucky starts, but is promptly elbowed in the ribs by an amused Steve.
"Leave the guy alone. He already puts up with a lot."
"So much. I put up with so much from you two. I know too much. I don't want to know so much. I've seen things," he turns to Natasha and Clint "things I will never un-see. You don't understand the trauma."
"When you've known Bucky for as long as we have, then you can complain. I can't even begin to tell you the shit that I'VE seen."
It's Clint's turn to get elbowed by his shorter companion.
"Honey, it's impolite to talk about previous partners while the current one is here."
"No, it's alright. Bucky's told me about the times he's been caught in the middle of things. I enjoy knowing the discomfort Clint has been in. It's comforting." Steve shoots the larger man a wicked grin.
"Oh yeah, did he tell you about the time I found him in Vegas with a can of-"
"YOU SAW THAT?"
"Yeah I did, and I'll tell you. I've never looked at Silly String the same way. Scarred for life, buddy. Scarred for life."
"Silly String?"
"No. That is one story I will never tell and everyone involved needs to forget it ever happened."
"What about the people who weren't involved, but still heard about it? Because I like having that one on hand for emergency conversation starters." Natasha grins at Bucky.
"We're leaving now. We need to leave." Bucky starts to steer Steve towards the front door, but stops. "Oh, I almost forgot. I got you all something." Everyone looks at him, confused and concerned. He jogs down the hallway and out of sight, then returns a few seconds later with 3 small bags.
"Where did you get those?" Steve asks.
"I brought them over this morning when I was helping set up. You could call them party favors."
"Isn't the host supposed to hand out party favors? And isn't the host supposed to be, like, five to hand out party favors?" Clint remarks.
"Well then don't call them party favors. Call them 'thanks for putting together a nice night for my boyfriend's birthday' gifts. Sam, yours is extra special for the extra help you gave. I wanted to make sure you got to experience the fruits of your labor."
Sam, for his part, looks terrified because he has no idea what Bucky's talking about. Natasha catches on immediately and is brimming with joy. Clint, who hasn't understood a damn thing all night, just looks plain confused and a little fed up with not being in the know. Bucky takes Steve's hand and slowly starts to back away towards the door again, really wanting to see the reaction he knows is coming, but not wanting to be within reach.
They're nearly at the door by the time Sam has piled all of the silly Dollar Tree crap Bucky got and is pulling out an envelope. Bucky opens the door at the same time Sam opens the envelope and lets out a pained yell as he sees the picture Bucky and Natasha took especially for him.
"GOD DAMMIT BARNES! I TOLD YOU I DIDN'T WANT TO SEE THIS! WHAT THE HELL DID I EVER DO TO YOU?"
"What, what is it?" Clint asks. Sam hands him the picture and Clint bursts into laughter.
"Let this be a lesson to you, don't give Nat anymore ideas! Goodnight everyone!" And with that Bucky shuts the door and is standing with Steve on the front porch, grinning triumphantly. He looks down at Steve waiting for praise for his devious payback, but Steve's look reminds him he actually has no idea what's going on. He leans down and gives him a kiss and starts walking to their bus stop.
"It was Sam's idea to take pictures, and Nat got involved as a result. He said he didn't want see me in a thong."
"Ah, well, it's not a thong."
Bucky laughs. "No, it's not."
"So, how did this happen anyways?"
Bucky tells Steve the whole story, starting with Natasha ignoring his very real problems, and all the nonsense that ensued after that on the bus ride and walk home. They finally arrive at Bucky's apartment and he smiles as Steve uses his key to unlock the door.
The smile doesn't stand a chance though because as soon as they're on the other side and the door is shut he finds himself being shoved against it and his head being dragged down into a rigorous kiss. Steve is all sorts of pushy and urgent, his hands moving over every part of Bucky's body that he can reach. Bucky jumps in with just as much enthusiasm, or at least tries to. As fast as his hands can grab onto the smaller man's waist, they're being torn off and slammed above his head. He can feel the rush run through his entire body go straight between his legs at that.
"Well shit, there Rogers." He says with a smile, more than a little surprised.
Steve recoils a little, not enough to break contact, but he's suddenly embarrassed. Bucky realizes his mistake and makes himself as pliable as possible before pitching his voice low and breathy.
"How do you want me, Steve?"
Steve meets Bucky's eyes, searching for confirmation that this is what Bucky wants, and fuck does Bucky want it. He finds what he needs and Bucky finds himself being dragged away from the door, then being turned and guided backwards towards the bedroom.
Once they're there, Steve does a full circle around him, keeping one finger dragging around his middle. It's slow and deliberate and Bucky is starting to tremble with anticipation. Steve is in front of him again; looking him up and down. He meets his eyes.
"Take off your shoes." The command creates a tingling in Bucky's stomach and he complies immediately, toeing out of his dress shoes. He almost bends to take of his socks before he remembers he's wearing the stockings. Meeting Steve's eyes again, he can see Steve knows this as well and is smiling a little bit.
Bucky starts to shrug out of his jacket, but Steve stops him. He slips his hands under the jacket over Bucky's shoulders and slowly guides it down his arms. It falls to the floor with a quiet rustle and Steve moves to the top button of Bucky's shirt. He's moving so slowly, and Bucky is barely able to hold back the moan threatening to escape when Steve says, dangerously low, "It's my birthday. I get to unwrap my present."
So Bucky stands there; watching Steve take his time. Part of him wishes Steve would be the type of person to just rip through the wrapping and fast as possible, but his breath hitches every time Steve drags his fingers down his chest to the next button. He wants to reach out and touch him, but he wouldn't dare. Wouldn't dare break the spell Steve has him under, or the spell Bucky seems to have Steve under.
The shirt joins the jacket on the floor. Steve stops to stare at Bucky. Bucky wants to tell him to keep going, that he hasn't gotten to the best part yet, but he can't bring himself to say anything when he sees the tenderness and want and fucking need in Steve's face. Steve steps forward and cradles Bucky's chin in his hands,brings him down into a kiss. It's sweet, and tender. No rush, just Steve and Bucky savoring every bit of each other.
When they break, Bucky's mind is hazy and slow. Steve rests his forehead against his chin, and breathes in deeply as he runs his hands down Bucky's torso. He doesn't move as he undoes Bucky's belt buckle and pulls it carefully from the loops. At this point every nerve in Bucky's body is on fire and he's trembling; jumps a little at hard clunk of the belt buckle hitting the floor. Steve, with his head still resting against Bucky, gets his pants undone, and instead of leading them off of Bucky he slips his hand in. Bucky shivers as Steve trails his fingers over the delicate fabric, then trace the line where the fabric ends ghosting over his skin.
He moves his other hand to the waistline and finally guides the pants down Bucky's hips. His palms follow the contour of Bucky's body until the pants fall the rest of the way on their own.
That's when Steve steps back again and sees. Sees Bucky, and holy fuck Bucky sees Steve. Steve, with such an intense look of hunger.
"Fuck, Bucky." He says reaching out. Bucky moves towards him, lets Steve guide him backwards onto the bed. Steve is running his hands up and down his legs, and the feeling of the stockings between them is so new and so much more than Bucky could have ever imagined. But he can't focus on that when Steve is mouthing at his hip. He bucks a little as Steve inches his way closer to his dick. He can hear the bastard chuckle, and then Steve is moving up and is leaning over him, kissing him slow and deep. And then Steve lips are on his chin, his neck, his ear and then he's talking.
"I'm gonna fuck you Bucky."
Bucky can only nod. He tries to speak, to say 'Yes. Fuck. Please' but he can't. So he nods and takes a shaky breath and completely misses the whole part where Steve gets the lube and condom because all of the sudden there he is, kneeling over Bucky setting them to the side. Distantly Bucky realizes he also missed the part where Steve got rid of his clothes, but it doesn't matter because he's staring into Bucky's eyes as he leads the panties down as far as he can, the garter getting in the way. Bucky unclips them quickly, and gone are the underwear, the clips loose. Steve spreads him, prepares him, and then he's inside.
Bucky's been on edge for what feels like hours now, and it's everything he can do to not come immediately. Steve is slow, and controlled, and oh god Bucky feels like he's going to explode. Steve is on the same level, because he's speeding up, ready, and grabbing Bucky, pumping in rhythm until they're both coming together.
They lay together for a long time, catching their breath. Bucky is the first to move, brushing Steve's hair away from his face. He continues to run his fingers through his hair and Steve hums. The vibration in his chest reverberates through Bucky's body and he loves it. Loves being close enough to this man that they can feel each other reacting to one another.
"Happy Birthday Steve."
"Thanks Buck." The smaller man shifts so he can look up at Bucky. "Thank you. That was simultaneously the most ridiculous and best present I've ever gotten."
Bucky huffs out a laugh.
"What else would you expect from a guy like me?"
"Not much. You're the best."
"You too."
It's takes a couple of weeks for the endless and merciless teasing from his friends to end, but eventually they drop his adventures in women's underwear for other, newer topics of humiliation (like the time Clint gets his head stuck in chained door Joey Tribianni style). Bucky had given Steve the rest of the pictures, and didn't see them again until months later when he finds them on Steve's computer in a folder titled "Taxes". THAT gets some mileage in the teasing department.)