Author's Note:
So I found myself with some spare time and decided to upload another chapter. I think this might be the first one where Steve doesn't show up. That is not going to be a common occurrence. Anyway please review and let me know what you think.
Astrid had a pretty vivid imagination. She could imagine a perfectly crafted torture regiment for each person she came across. Know exactly how to destroy a person completely and utterly. Make them tell her what she wanted to know. But even she never thought that this process would be this painful.
"We'll find you the right dress Astrid," Anna stated coming back into the dressing room. A couple more dresses in her hand. Shamira took them from her and she quickly left the room again. Astrid could hear her through the door. "I'm sure of it. We have to keep looking."
"Right," Astrid replied rolling her eyes. She was getting married in a week and she hadn't found the right dress yet. There was something wrong. Too short, too long, too poofy, not poofy enough, to much lace, to little lace. None of them worked. Somehow dress shopping had turned Astrid completely insane. "How many have I tried on? 100?"
"125," Shamira said helping Astrid out of the one she was currently in. "Three dress shops. Two of which you got us kicked out of. At this point, we're in lucky number 4. Honestly, we could probably find a cute little cocktail dress that would work. It doesn't really matter."
"Of course, it matters, it's my wedding dress."
"Astrid, you could walk down the aisle in a potato sack and Steve wouldn't care. Your gorgeous in whatever you're wearing."
"I'm not wearing a potato sack on my wedding day." Shamira slipped her into one of the new dresses Anna brought in. "I'm not wearing this either. Look at this lace." She picked at it with her fingers. "It looks like it was made by a drunken buffoon. And my chest." She gestured to the front of her body. "I look flat-chested. Is that what I really want Steve thinking? That I don't have breasts." It turned out that Astrid was one of those brides. Which surprised everyone except Shamira.
Shamira groaned for the umpteenth time that day. "I'm pretty sure that Steve will be thinking a lot of things. Not one of which is the fact that you're flat-chested. Which you clearly aren't."
Astrid tsked. Dropping her arms. "It's not even worth showing it to the others"
Shamira sighed undoing this dress. "Astrid I love you but I'm seriously about to kill you."
"I don't blame you." She was having a hard time coping. Everything else was set up. The invitations, food, flowers, cake. The only thing left was this damn dress.
Anna knocked on the door again. Coming in with another dress. "I think this is going to be the one."
Astrid glanced at it. It was an older style but definitely flattering. As she slipped it on, she knew. She knew this was the one. Older certainly, probably used but that was fine. It was more affordable that way. She heard Shamira let out a breath. Unable to say anything. Basically a confirmation that this was the right choice.
She stepped out of the room towards the others. Anna, Thomas, and Bucky were all with her. Helping her make the decision. Bucky and Thomas got dragged into helping after day 2. Something that Steve found hysterical when he found out.
"What do we think?" Astrid asked twirling around. Anna was near tears. Holding her hands in front of her face. Thomas was equally speechless. Looking somewhat like a proud father.
Bucky smirked. Wrapping an arm around Shamira waist once she got close enough. Pressing a quick kiss to her head before looking up at Astrid. "I think Steve would have to fight off every man in New York if they got a look at you."
"I just so happy it fits," Anna let out coming up and hugging Astrid. "Once I knew your measurements, I hoped it would fit but I'm glad that it does."
Astrid glanced at Shamira who shrugged her shoulders. Unsure of what was going on. "Am I missing something?" Astrid asked.
Anna sniffled letting Astrid go. "Before Sarah died the two of us became very good friends." Astrid felt her breath stutter. "She would have absolutely loved you. Your everything she wanted Steve to find in a woman." That…that got to Astrid. She always wondered. To have it confirmed was gratifying.
"Before she died she asked me to keep something safe for her. In case it was needed. When Steve was ready to get married." She started crying. Tears dripping down her face. "You're wearing her wedding dress. And it looks absolutely stunning on you." Now Astrid was going to start crying. Or at least getting a little teary. Looking down at the fabric. Even Bucky was getting a little watery-eyed.
Astrid swallowed the lump in her throat. "Do you think Steve will like the dress?"
Everyone chuckled, shaking their heads fondly. Soon she was having the dressed tailored to her body. Creating the absolute perfect fit. Fitted with Astrid's homemade bridal crown, it created the perfect ensemble.
"I'm getting married," she stated to herself. "I'm actually getting married."
Shamira came up from behind. "Yes, you are." She tapped the side of her head. Asking Astrid to connect. "You ready for this?"
"I honestly don't want to wait the week. Can I just marry the love of my life now?"
Shamira rested her head on Astrid's shoulder. "Sadly you are going to have to wait a week." Astrid groaned. She didn't know if she had the patience. Not after seeing herself in the dress. "You having any doubts?"
"Not a one."
"Thought so." Shamira helped Astrid out of the dress. Giving it to Anna once it properly packed up. Less chance of Steve accidentally finding it that way. They all parted ways then. Bucky heading over to Steve while Anna and Thomas headed home. Astrid and Shamira strolling the streets. Taking in the city. As they did when the first arrived.
"So what do you want to do in your last week being single?" Shamira asked twirling around Astrid.
Astrid smiled at Shamira. She honestly had no idea what she would have done without her.
"You are my soulmate Shamira," Astrid stated in her mind. "You know that right?"
"I always have Astrid." Shamira squeezed her hand. "Since the day we've met. I have known that."
"Then please tell me the truth." Astrid sighed. She needed to know. With the date so close. Because if she was honest with herself she was still on edge about it. Despite how much her body might be craving it. "I know I've done some stuff with Steve. But it's not close. Not close to the real thing. So tell me." She took a deep breath. "What is sex actually like?"
Shamira blinked a couple of times before stopping. Standing in front of Astrid and taking her hand.
"Sex with someone you love. Really truly love. It sets you on fire. Your mind blanks and all that matters is the person you are with. The feel of them around you. Their scent and warmth. Pure pleasure coursing through your veins. It's indescribable Astrid."
Astrid smirked at her. Letting go of her hand and continuing walking. "Is that what you feel with Bucky?"
"Honestly? No, but I think in time." Shamira bit her lip. "In time definitely. I would probably feel it now except…"
"He isn't Jewish." Shamira bobbed her head back and forth. There was that little fact. But Astrid knew her friend. A little more time and that fact probably wouldn't matter. Plus Bucky would absolutely convert for her. If the two of them went down that route.
"You still haven't answered the question by the way. What do you want to do this week?" Astrid paused. She wasn't quite sure. Work had given her the time off to make sure that everything was good to go and then she had another two weeks for the honeymoon.
"You have any ideas?"
Shamira shrugged her shoulders. "It's your wedding. You really should decide." Shamira was right. At the end of the week, her and Steve would be starting a new life together. One that she was ready for. She sighed. Pondering her options.
"I don't know," Astrid said with a shrug. "What do most people do?"
"Don't know. You're the first person we know that's getting married. I guess we could set up a polterabend."
Astrid let out a laugh. "Right. Let's explain that to all our friends. Plus I really don't want to be cleaning up dishes with Steve."
"I'm guessing that you don't want to be kidnapped either. I'm sure Bucky and I could find a bar to hide you in." Astrid punched her lightly in the shoulder. "Point taken. Is there anything we're missing? You got the wedding shoes."
"Saved my pennies for them."
"We finally have the dress. Is there anything else?
Astrid shot Shamira a look. "The new place will be ready when Steve and I get back?" Astrid's gift to Steve. She had found them a new place closer to wear both of them worked. With the raise, she managed to get from Chief, and Shamira living with them, it was affordable.
"Bucky and I will make sure of it."
Astrid clicked her tongue. That covered everything. Which still left Astrid with a week to kill. As she wracked her brain for ideas it suddenly hit her. She turned to Shamira with a smile.
"I think I know what we're going to do for a week." It was obvious. Astrid was surprised that she didn't think of it sooner. "Remember when we first got to New York?"
Shamira snorted. "Which part? Our awful first apartment? You finding your job or the week we spent being bumbling tourists?"
"The week we spent being bumbling tourists. Except that we won't be bumbling this time." Shamira gave her a look. Astrid shrugged. "I'm a surgeon Shamira. Don't exactly have a lot of free time. Plus, I'll be married soon, which will cut my free time more. Particularly if Steve wants to have kids soon. Let's take a week and be young single women in New York. There is still so much that we haven't seen."
Astrid was right. There was so much they hadn't seen. The two of them got so caught up in their lives. Which is how the two of them started their whirlwind tour of New York. Hitting all the highlights. Getting up early in the morning and staying up late into the night. Ending their travel spree by going up to the top floor of the Empire State Building. Looking over the city. The city Astrid was probably going to live in for the rest of her life. Raise her kids in. It really was a beautiful sight. The twinkling of the city lights. She had never seen anything quite like it. And for the first time, she thought that she could truly love this city. Felt a peace in her heart. This, this crazy city with its even crazier people was home.
She could have stayed up here all night. Though they had to call it an early night compared to the others. Astrid was getting married tomorrow after all. Wanted to get a good night's sleep. If that was even possible. The anticipation would probably keep her awake all night.
They left the observation deck and headed back to Brooklyn. Ready to head into bed. Both of them had a long day tomorrow. Astrid was beyond excited. Her heart pounding in her chest. A bounce in her step. It was finally time. Felt like it was forever ago that Steve proposed. Nothing could kill her good mood. Even the wolf whistles coming from the guys that she walked past.
Astrid groaned. They had almost made it an entire week. An entire week where every man with a complex left them alone. It was glorious. But apparently it could not last. And they were so close. They were standing right outside their building. Shamira rolled her eyes as well. Ready to ignore them until one of the guys stepped in front of the door. Blocking their path.
"What's the rush ladies?" the guy asked letting out a puff of smoke. Cigarette in hand. Astrid had to admit. He wasn't bad looking. Nowhere near Steve or Bucky's level but would probably catch a few girl's attention. His friend moved to stand beside him. Crossing his arms in front of him. "The two of you seem like you are looking for a good time. One we would be happy to provide. How about we take the two of you dancing?" Astrid lurched back as he reached out for her.
Astrid gritted her teeth. Hand slipping to her hidden blades. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Shamira's hands curled up into fists. These guys did not stand a chance.
"Normally I would be a little more lenient," Astrid growled. "But as I'm getting married tomorrow, I don't have the patience. Get out of our way or I'll rip your kidneys out of your body and hang them on the street lamp over there." She gestured her head towards the street lamp. "You have five seconds. I suggest you use that time wisely." The guys blinked a couple of times before bolting. Running down the street. At least they weren't complete idiots. Shamira chuckling the entire time. Clasping Astrid on the shoulder.
"Only you Astrid. Only you." The two of them walked up to their apartment. For Astrid, this would be her last time. By the time that she got back, Shamira and Bucky would move everything to the new place.
When the stepped inside Astrid stopped in the middle and took it in. She had a lot of good memories of this place. Of her and Shamira, later Bucky and Steve. A part of her was going to miss this place. All that it represented. Shamira shot her a smile before heading into her room. Giving Astrid the space she needed.
Astrid flopped on the couch. Staring at the wall. The week had been a whirlwind but now that it was over it was finally truly hitting Astrid. Starting tomorrow everything would be different. A new life, a new name. An actual future. An actual future with one of the most amazing people Astrid had ever come across. This was the longest she had gone without seeing Steve since they started dating and starting tomorrow she would be with him every day. Was she really ready for that? Going steady with someone was one thing but marriage. Actual marriage. That was another story altogether.
But was surprised her more was that she wasn't even worried about it. No cold feet, no fretting. She was fully confident in her decision. Because it was Steve. Her Steve. And together they could take on any challenge and come out of it. No matter what may happen the two of them would make it through. Together with Bucky and Shamira. The four of them could take on the world and come out on top. Of that, she had no doubt.