A year to Remember. Part 2, the Internship

To Loss, To Gain, To Trying It Again

Tony immaculately timing his return, "What's this about working till dinner?", he asks, slyly smirking.

"Oh, Mr Stark!", Ned, Peter and Abe all react startled, Ray and Logan laughing and chuckling respectively. "It's nothing, My aunt takes holiday shifts for her friends so-", his explanation couldn't even finish before Tony'd decided, finishing for him. "So you can come work with me until she finishes, I can get Happy to drive you back", Tony offers, not bothering to hear the rest of his point. Ray, Abe and Ned's eyes all widen at the casual offer, Tony almost insisting for Peter to join him for the day.

Peter wasn't as shocked as the rest, admittedly still surprised by the offer, but more used to Tony's — seeming — randomness. "Umm, thank you Mr Stark. If you don't mind", he mumbles back. Tony shrugs, "Like I told you before, If I ask, I don't mind", he repeats, Peter's almost obsessive worry over everyone something he plans to quell. "Now come on, Point Break, Green Bean and Chicken Wings are coming over and when Thor sees an all you can eat he takes it as a challenge".

He leads them to the buffet line, everyone grabbing a plate just as the aforementioned avengers join them. Bruce and Sam introducing themselves to their non-mentees, Thor taking the spotlight for all but Logan.

-

"Where are the flowers!?", He shouts.

A young black woman with a clipboard, wearing the sharpest Tux replying as she walks up to him. "Coming Mr Barnes, along side your cake and 150 boxes of bakery goods", Bucky relaxes, looking around Tony's ballroom, over two dozens of workers running around helping set everything up.

Split into three sections, in the back a giant table to fit every Avenger and guest, adorned with vases full of Red, Blue and White flowers, little paper stars of the same colours scattered across the top.

In the front a stage for the band and dance floor. A balloon arch covering the back of the stage, every colour of the rainbow scattered on it from red on its crest and purple on its ends. The dance floor itself had smart LED's that lit up as you danced, because Tony.

Between the two half a dozen bar tables sprinkled around, layered trays soon to be full of custom cupcakes, custom star shaped cookies or chocolate filled bread buns on all of them. Star shaped helium balloons tied to each tray.

Every wall was sectioned by sparkling streamers making decorative pillars, between a giant star frame holding a different picture of Steve. The roof was decorated by balloons, a singularity of all the pillars and by a projected visual of fireworks. Bucky was pretty satisfied by the set up, however there were a few more pieces to set in place before talking to him. "Good, and the band?".

"In the garage gathering their instruments", Patty crosses off of her checklist, Bucky's tension dissipating. "If you don't mind the question but I've booked Elton John for less... notable people, why did you pick a locally famous garage band for this event?", She asks, no ill will, just pure confusion. Bucky fidgets with his little pride flag pin on his jacket, grinning. "Our first date was at Uncle Charlie's, they were playing that night. Thought Steve would like it".

Patty's professional stance fades, a softer genuine smile coming through only for this moment. "It's very romantic of you, I'm sure he will", she grins. "Thanks", Bucky nods, "and the chefs and caterers?". Patty checks her clipboard, her professional demeanour returned. "Set up by the kitchen 2 doors down, they are hoping all the guests set their orders from four for dinner at seven, giving you two hours before the firework display. Don't worry Mr Barnes, we got this covered", She assures, even Bucky knowing she's the only reason this came together in two weeks.

"You're incredible", he compliments, too anxious to maintain his regular cool. "I got the invitations, I'll be back in an hour".

She hums, Bucky running out of the room, handing one to each avenger sans the ones at the lunch, Pepper and Happy, before heading over to Steve's room. "Steve?", Bucky asks walking in the door, a frustrated Steve by his easel, crumpled paper scattered around the floor. "Sup Buck", he replies, lacking his usual dope.