Steve leans against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest as he quietly surveys the party in front of him. It was his birthday party, his one hundredth, and the Avengers had turned it into something glorious, amazing. He sure appreciated it, thanked them endlessly, but it just didn't feel right.

Bucky had disappeared over three months ago. He just ran off with no warning, didn't leave a note, and hadn't called since. To say the least, it really hurt. So Steve stands and watches, a small smile on his face as he watches his friends enjoy themselves.

They had decided to make his party forties themed. He'd pulled out his army uniform just for the occasion, and he really loved the music. Soft jazz played in the background and he tapped his foot to the tune. He watches Tony twirl Pepper around the dance floor, her vibrant red dress swirling around her gently. Steve recalls that dull ache when he remembers he can't dance.

"Hey, Cap," Clint calls and Steve looks up. Clint grins at him and claps him in the shoulder. "Come on, birthday boy's gotta have a dance."

"I don't have anyone to dance with. I'm fine just watching," Steve protests while Clint nudges him towards the center of the dance floor. Clint merely grins and Steve sighs. He steps into the middle of the dance floor and the Avengers all whisper and giggle like children.

"Guys, I really don't..," Steve begins before he hears someone clear his throat.

"Can you believe this, Stevie? Can't these guys hush up for a second?"

The Avengers go quiet, giggling quietly amongst themselves. Bucky steps in front of Steve and smiles cheerily then waves. Steve stares at him, hardly believing he was right there. Bucky rolls his eyes a little, a smile still on his face. He looked a little roughed up; a fading bruise rested around his right eye and small stitches were on his right cheekbone. Other small bruises and scars were on his body, mostly healed.

"Buck?" Steve says quietly and Bucky smiles then nods once.

"That's me, doll," Bucky hums. Steve smiles and wraps him up in a tight hug. The Avengers all 'aww' and clap. Natasha smiles proudly at her boys. "Hey, took you long enough," Bucky laughs and Steve laughs softly, hiding his face against Bucky's shoulder.

"Come on, it's high time you got that dance," Bucky says quietly, running a hand down Steve's back gently. The blonde nods and the two clasp hands and move together. Tony starts the record and a soft tune flows through the crowd as they back up to give the couple some space.

Steve stumbles over his own feet and Bucky smiles. "Follow my lead, Stevie," he suggests and Steve nods, focusing on not stepping on Bucky's feet or tripping over their legs. Bucky takes slow steps, humming along with the tune as he leads his taller partner around the dance floor.

"I'm gonna cry, they're so cute," Sam whispers to Riley, who grins and nods excitedly. He loved it when couples acted adorable. He hugs Sam close and Sam kisses his cheek.

"Let's defrost, in an exotic mist. Let's get lost, get on everybody's list. And though they'll think us rather rude, oooh, let's get lost," Bucky sings quietly and Steve hums along. He carefully twirls Bucky around and dips him and the brunette looks at him with surprise.

"You suddenly got very smooth," he smiles, Steve blushes and shrugs. "Sure this is your first time?"

"You know it is," Steve replies as he pulls him back up, they resume their slow dancing.

"Alright alright, everyone, join in," Tony calls when the song draws to a close. The Avengers clump together and start dancing. Bucky pulls Steve from the crowd and Nat smirks as she watches them duck out of the party.

Steve sighs quietly once they're in the quiet hall outside. It was cool and quiet outside.

Bucky smiles softly as he looks him up and down. "So you do know how to clean up nice," he grins, Steve blushes modestly.

"Not too bad yourself," he comments and Bucky smiles at him. Then a thought occurs to Steve and his smile falls slightly. Bucky furrows his eyebrows in response.

"Stevie?"

"Why'd you go? You didn't leave a note, I thought something happened to you," Steve mutters and Bucky purses his lips briefly.

"I-I had to," he confesses.

"That's barely an excuse, Buck."

The brunette runs a hand over his cheek as he blows out a breath. "I'm sorry. I had work to do. You would've done the same."

Steve sighs softly. "I would've let you know I was alive, at least."

Bucky takes his hand gently and sighs. "I'm sorry, Steve," he says softly, honestly. It was the hardest thing he'd ever had to do, leaving the blonde. Steve looks up at him and smiles a little.

"I love you, Buck," Steve says softly and Bucky smiles and kisses him gently.

"I love you too, Stevie. Happy birthday," he hums and Steve smiles and holds him close.

////

I'm alive! I am so sorry I haven't updated in months, I'd lost inspiration and I was busy with life in general. But I'll try to get back on track, folks.