February 22 2026

Inside, the ballroom was a spectacle, crystal chandeliers glowing, slow music drifting from the background and tables dressed in white silk and roses, People were walking by, keeping up with a quiet tone while others were greeting and having a nice chat with new people.

It was supposed to be a party hosted by Valentina, While seeing parts of the infamous Avengers. Political leaders, philanthropists, even military figures gathered under the same roof, a picture-perfect evening for the cameras. . . But behind the glamour, There was some rising tension.

Anne Winters was seen in the crowd, But she wasn't lost. She was intrigued by the scepter that was in the display, She knew exactly who it belonged too. Winters continued looking around as people walked by, Everyone was dressed so nicely, She couldn't help but watch them.

(This is an interesting party so far. . . )

A man bumped into her, apologising as Anne nodded and told him it was fine, He then tried to ask if they could have a drink together but Winters kindly refused, The man understood, walking away as Winters couldn't help but chuckle.

Anne: *Mutters* Really? People are asking me out?

???: Maybe because you look stunning, Miss Winters.

She turned around and saw Mel who had a smile on her face, Anne's eyes lit up with surprise, She wasn't expecting to meet her tonight and it was so sudden. They never spoke to each other after the last confrontation with Valentina.

Anne: Oh. . . Hey Melissa and thank you.

Mel: *Smiles* Mel is fine.

They both chuckled and shook hands, Anne wasn't sure what Mel was here for. . . But it seemed like she didn't have any intention for anything.

Mel: It's been awhile since we spoke to each other, Miss Winters.

Anne: Indeed, I don't see you so often unless it's your boss.

Mel: *Shakes her head* My boss well. . . You know-

Anne: Understandable, Even my boss keeps me busy. Your boss. . . Disturbs me.

Mel looked at her before awkwardly laughing as Anne stared at her with a small smirk on her face.

Mel: Uh, I don't know what to say. . . I'm sorry though.

Anne's eyes softened before shaking her head.

Anne: Oh no, It's not your fault, Don't worry.

Mel: She has a way of. . . twisting people's lives without them even noticing, You know?

Anne tilted her head, studying her, intrigued by the honesty in her voice.

Anne: You sound like you don't approve of her either.

Mel: Approve? No. But working under her is. . . complicated. She's not easy to say no to.

Gold quietly looked away for a moment, observing if anyone was watching her. Anne kept staring at her, noticing the honesty in the look of her face.

Anne: Tell me about it. . . She cornered me in the hallway just the other day. Tried to convince me to "work with her" from time to time.

Mel: *Nods* And you said no-

Sydney: Anne, Oh my gosh! You look gorgeous!

The conversation was interrupted, Both turned around and saw Sydney walking towards her, Anne couldn't help but smile at her as Sweeney squealed, admiring her best friend which made Anne chuckle.

Anne: Thanks, Syd. You look amazing as well, I bet Evan almost fainted, Didn't he?

Sydney: *Laughs* Oh he can't stop staring at me, But we gotta talk about you, gorgeous!

Anne laughed, slightly embarrassed. But she loved Sydney's energy and support, Melissa couldn't help but smile at them, loving their banter.

Sydney: Oh my god, Spin around right now.

Anne: Uh, Excuse me?

Sydney: Come on, Just do it!

Mel had a huge smile on her face as Anne was skeptical before gently lifting her dress, spinning around.

Mel: *Smiles* That was beautiful.

Sydney: See? Even Mel approves!

Mel looked up and noticed Congressman Barnes was watching them, Mostly, His eyes were on Anne who was spinning around before she stopped and quietly laughed, covering her mouth. Mel continued staring at him before looking back at Anne. Soon, Evan arrived with a smile on his face and greeted them before taking Sydney's hand and walked away.

Anne: *Chuckles* She always makes me do stuff like that. I kinda enjoy it.

Mel: Pretty sure Congressman Barnes enjoyed what he saw.

Anne froze and first looked at Mel with confusion, She smirked and gestured to look at the staircase, Winters saw Bucky standing there, watching. as Anne suddenly felt her cheeks warm up.

Anne: Oh wow, Awkward. . .

Mel: *Chuckles* You should go and check up on your boss. . . And by the way. . . It's sweet that you're loyal to him.

Anne looked at her, surprised by what she said. She would have doubted her words but there was something about Mel that she couldn't doubt. Winters just smiled a little as Mel spoke again.

Mel: You know, it's kind of obvious, the way he looks at you.

She smiled as Anne blinked, looking surprised and blushed a little. Mel heard Valentina calling her name as Gold smiled again, saying "Bye" to Winters before melting into the crowd as Anne just stood there, thinking about her words.

(The way he looks at me. . .)

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Anne walked upstairs where Barnes was quietly watching the crowd, She can tell her he was thinking about something, Winters stood next to her, resting her hand on the railing as Bucky noticed her and spoke.

Bucky: You seem to be enjoying yourself.

Anne: I am, Examining displays makes it more fun.

Bucky: *Chuckles* And spinning around with a beautiful dress is fun too, Right?

Anne: Uh. . . Sydney forced me-

Bucky: It's okay, You look beautiful tonight anyway.

He looked at her, giving a soft smile which made Anne stare at him before she smiled back, blushing a little.

Anne: Thank you, Sir.

Bucky chuckled as Winters continued staring at him, Couldn't help but admire him. Both of them looked at the crowd in silence before Barnes noticed some couples were slow dancing as Winters was speaking to him.

Anne: You know, I'm surprised a senator hasn't caught you yet.

Bucky: Oh, they've tried. I've gotten very good at dodging.

Anne: *Laughs* Well, you'd make quite the catch for them. Congressman.

He had a smile on his face and took a step close towards her.

Bucky: And yet, you don't sound interested in lining up with them

She stared at him, blinking twice as Bucky looked at the dancing couples again before turning his attention back to her, He extended his hand, almost like it was an invitation.

Bucky: What do you say, Miss Winters?

Anne: . . . . A-Are you asking for a dance?

Bucky: Of course, With you.

Anne: *Chuckles* I wouldn't say no.

He smirked before Anne gently placed her hand on his, agreeing on dancing with him.

Soft and slow music was playing, matching the vibe of the gala. Couples continued dancing, Others were looking for a date to dance with, Sydney and Evan were also seen dancing to the rhythm of the music.

Meanwhile, Valentina and Mel were seen talking to the senators and congressman's while sharing a laugh over something

They shared drinks and continued talking to each other, Until one of the congressmen noticed something.

Congressman: *Chuckles* Congressman Barnes and his secretary seem to be having fun.

Valentina: Oh?

Val immediately looked around with interest before she caught both of them dancing, Mel looked over, noticing them as well and a small smile grew on her face. They were slow and careful.

Anne's hand rested lightly against his shoulder while his metal hand carefully supported hers, the other settled respectfully at her waist. They moved slowly in rhythm with the music, Bucky guiding her with surprising ease. When Anne looked at him. . . He was already staring.

Anne: I wasn't expecting this.

Bucky: Me neither, It feels right though.

She giggled as Bucky had a soft smile on his face, keeping his eyes on her. His hand gripped slightly tighter as Anne held his hand a bit tighter. Something was brewing between them, Some people in the room could already see it.

Valentina: Ohhh. . . now that is interesting.

Bucky: *Smiles* You're doing great, Winters.

Anne: Thank you. . . I'm surprised I haven't stepped on your shoe yet.

Bucky: I wouldn't care if you did.

He grinned, leaning his face towards her. Anne could already feel her cheeks warm up, Without realising, She moved closer to him. Feeling the heat of his body towards her. She blushed a little but Barnes didn't look away.

Valentina and Mel could see how close they were, Both of them looked at each other as Val sipped her drink, smirking.

Valentina: Cute. . . Very cute.

Anne looked around, noticing people were staring at her. It made her a little nervous as they continued dancing.

Anne: Sir, They're looking at us.

Bucky: So? Let them.

He moved his vibranium hand, interwining with her fingers, Anne felt her heart skip a beat as he held her hand tightly.

She looked at his vibranium hand for a moment, Her heart was racing. He spinned her around as Anne giggled. The duo continued dancing while Valentina and Mel continued watching them with a smile on their face.

Valentina: Too close for a Congressman and his secretary. . .

After five minutes, The dance was interrupted when Congressman Gary walked by and spoke to Bucky, He was a little annoyed but knew it was about duty. Gary asked if they could talk as Barnes nodded. He looked at Anne for a moment as she gave a small smile and thumbs up.

As both of them walked away, Anne felt her heart race, The dance. . . It touched her heart. The way his hands moved towards her. . .

She tried to snap out of her thoughts and walked away, But Winters couldn't stop thinking about him.

(Come on, Anne. Don't feel this way. . . )

She confirmed walking until someone stepped in her way, It was Mel. Anne was confused as Gold had a small smile on her face.

Mel: That was quite a dance between you and Congressman Barnes.

Anne: *Chuckles* I'm not really a good dancer but thank you.

Mel: You were graceful. And he. . . seemed genuinely focused on you.

Anne: *Blushes* I guess. . . he is.

They both smiled, Mel could see she was blushing. Gold continued staring at her until her smile faltered just a little.

Mel: Miss Winters. . . Are you familiar with galas like these?

Anne: No, It's my first time attending one.

Mel: Well. . .  There are always people watching at events like this. . . people with their own agendas. It doesn't hurt to be prepared.

Mel looked around for a moment as Anne looked confused, crossing her arms.

Anne: Prepared for. . . what exactly?

Mel: For those who operate behind the scenes. Some can be helpful. . . Some, less so.

Anne: *Tilts her head* What are you saying, Mel?

Gold was quiet and looked around again, Noticing Valentina was talking with the senator, lost in the conversation with them. Mel looked at Anne again who was still puzzled.

Mel: I'm just saying, Some officials can be corrupted. . . But knowing the right contacts can make things easier

Anne tilted her head as Mel bit her lip nervously, Winters narrowed her eyes and continued staring at her until her eyes lit up, realising something.

Winters opened her purse and handed her a business card.

Anne: Keep this with you in case you want to reach me out.

Mel: *Smiles* Of course, Miss Winters.

She nodded and took the business card before walking away, Winters raised an eyebrow and stared at Mel, Judging by her body language, She seemed a little nervous.

(Something's up. . . She wants to tell me something)

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and stay strong!!! :)