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After a most tiring battle a few days ago, Tony Stark has decided it’s time to take the edge off—it’s New Year’s Eve after all. You just recently joined the team and this is your first time partying at the Avengers Tower, so ‘excited’ is an understatement.
“Security breach,” the man himself says jokingly as the elevator doors reveal you.
“Come on in, Y/N!” Pepper Potts beckons you in. “We’re celebrating.”
“No drinking, kid,” Stark tells you. Pepper rolls her eyes with a chuckle.
“I’m way past 21, but thanks,” you reply, mirroring their playful smiles.
You find it cute that Tony treats the youngest Avengers as ‘kids’ sometimes, but only because it’s become an inside joke by now and it doesn’t blind him to the fact that you’re all actually adults. It’s all in good fun.
You check your outfit, hair and makeup one last time and leave your spot by the mirror. Stepping into the party, you take a quick look around. You like how the overhead lights are dimmed and the area is mostly lit by neon signs and fairy lamps.
You head downstairs. Despite the excitement, you’re also a bit nervous. Even if you’re quite acquainted to pretty much everyone there, you can’t help but wonder if you’re gonna mingle properly—or at all. I mean, these people are your co-workers. While some of you may live together at the tower, you barely see the others when you’re not out saving the world. You’re able to count your actual friends on the fingers of one hand.
At the lower floor, countless people are either firing up the dancefloor, sat on the sofas chatting, at the bar drinking, or gathered by the pool table playing. You make a beeline to the bar first, where Thor is behind the counter making drinks. Peter Parker stands by with his girlfriend MJ and their best friend Ned. As you approach them, you notice Thor has just handed the lovely couple two stein glasses filled to the brim.
“Oh, these aren’t alcoholic drinks, are they?” Peter toasts with MJ, then takes a sip. “Oh my god, guys, that’s disgusting.”
This makes the rest of you laugh, except Thor, who pretends to take it seriously. Parker looks embarrassed until the God of Thunder finally drops the act and roars with laughter as well.
“It’s alright, my little spider friend,” he assures. “Mead is not for everyone.”
“Oh, come on, Pete,” you try to make conversation. “You’re legal now, have some fun.”
MJ offers you a soft smile—you like the way she’s naturally quiet and collected. Ned, on the other hand, lets out an enthusiastic ‘yeah, it’s a new year!’, further encouraging his friend to drink up.
You can tell Peter wants to humor his friends, but he shakes his head instead. “I don’t think so.”
“I’ll take this, then.” Ned shrugs, snatching the glass from his hands.
“Let’s dance,” MJ invites. “Y/N?”
“I’ll pass,” you say.
“We’ll see you later.”
With this, the trio walks over to the dancefloor, leaving you alone with Thor.
“So, what drinks can you make?” you ask him.
“I offer you mead and ale, friend,” he replies. Weird how you used to feel so intimidated by him when most of the time he’s actually a ray of sunshine, like right now.
“That’s not making a drink,” you tease.
He laughs. “Well, the best bartender around here is Romanoff, not gonna lie.”
“I’ll have a pint then.”
Thor is quick to pour you a glass of beer. In the meantime, you hear a loud crash somewhere behind you and turns around to find out Ned has just dropped his own glass. He crouches down to pick up the shards, a funny look on his face.
“Oi, friends!” Thor shouts from across the darkened room. “Let’s not waste mead like that! No more drinking for you, Leeds!”
Laughter ensues and soon people stop staring as the mess is fixed.
“Do I know you?” Someone suddenly puts a hand on your lower back, their speech slurred. “I- I feel like I know you.”
“Oh, piss off,” you recognize Natasha Romanoff’s voice as she pushes the man.
“Sorry,” he pleads.
“No worries.” Loki joins her out of nowhere, scaring the stranger away once and for all with his deep voice and cold gaze.
You’re startled at first, however, your face brightens when you set eyes on Natasha and Loki. You simply love having them around, and it seems the feeling is mutual, which is the best part.
“Hey, Y/L/N.”
“Hey, Romanoff.” You smile at each other. “Loki.”
He nods while Natasha orders a pint for herself. She and you toast and down the beers in record time, rather impressing Thor.
“You look good tonight, Y/N,” Loki says all of sudden.
“Oh?”
Thor rolls his eyes and Nat makes a funny face, raises an eyebrow at you. There’s a rose tint on your cheekbones now that lets her know you’re not entirely opposed to him hitting on you, if that’s the case.
“Sorry. I’m a little bit full,” Loki admits.
“You mean drunk,” you correct with a grin.
“I mean full.”
“Okay. I intend on getting full too.”
Thor and Nat breathe out a laugh. Then the song changes, the neon lights shift to match the ambience. At the same time, the elevator doors slide open and two more people walk in. You look up, smile faltering as you stare at Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson at the top of the stairs. Natasha follows your gaze.
“Loki, you should drink some water,” Thor says absentmindedly.
“Only if you’ll have tea with me,” he retorts.
A random passerby with a colorful cocktail in hand lets out an excited ‘woo!’.
“Tea? I don’t drink tea.” Thor looks disgusted.
“What do you drink?”
“Not tea.”
“Exactly.” Loki smirks, his plan of refusing to sober up apparently working.
They’re still unaware of the sudden shift in your attention. Reflexively, you adjust your hair and check your outfit. Even if it’s your best one, you need to make sure it’s good enough.
Right. The other reason for your nervousness. You have a crush. And every time you think about it—about him—it makes you feel like a silly high school student. Nat eyes you suggestively, dampens her lips and presses them together in an attempt to tease you.
“Cut it out.” You huff.
“No, you cut it out.” She takes your hands, makes sure you’re looking at her. “You look about a second away from fainting, Y/N.”
“Nat...”
“You look amazing,” she reassures you in a whisper.
You sigh and shake your head, catching Bucky’s eye on his way downstairs. He and Sam stop at the bar to get two bottles of beer, greet the lot of you and walk away again, Bucky winking at you as they leave.
“They’re not very talkative, I suppose,” Thor notes.
After making sure Bucky and Sam are no longer around, you rest your elbows on the counter, groans quietly into your palms.
“Ugggghhhhhhh.”
Natasha rubs your back. “More ale, Thor.”
“What was that?” He furrows his eyebrows.
“Oh. I know.” Loki sings. “Someone has a crush.”
“For a drunk man, you sure pay a lot of attention to details,” you remark, rolling your eyes.
“I’m a drunk god, thank you very much.”
“Barnes? Really, Y/N?” Thor narrows his eyes in an amusing manner. “Or is it Wilson? I’m team Wilson. Hey, Loki, do you reckon someone will get lucky tonight?”
“How am I supposed to know?” He crosses his arms. “I can’t see into the future, I’m not a witch.”
“No? Then why do you dress like one?”
“Hey-”
“Just give me my beer,” you ask. “I need to sit down.”
Thor hands you a stein glass. Natasha looks like she’s about to follow you to the lounge, but then Bruce Banner approaches. She looks at you to make sure you’re okay and you give her a subtle thumbs up in return, a gesture only she is able to see. You’re probably not getting lucky tonight, but you’re not cockblocking anyone who might.
“Move, Thunder God,” she demands. “Go enjoy the party. I’ll take care of the drinks.”
Thor and Loki scatter as Nat walks over to stand behind the bar.
“Hey, Y/N.” Bruce fixes his glasses.
“Hi, Bruce. Bye, Bruce,” you say playfully. “I’ll see you later, Nat.”
She winks at you. As you leave, you hear part of the conversation she strikes up with Banner.
“I was just telling Y/N about this guy I like,” she begins. “He spends his life avoiding the fight because he knows he’ll win.”
“Sounds amazing,” he marvels.
“He’s also a huge dork.”
You smile a little to yourself and find a seat on one of the sofas, not realizing who’s standing by the huge doors behind the furniture that lead out to the balcony. Drinking in silence, you watch the most different characters enjoy the party at their own fashion. You spot Wanda Maximoff and Vision from across the room, talking and giggling to each other as she sits behavedly on his knee. Still on the dancefloor, Parker and MJ sway slowly to the rhythm of the music, foreheads touching, Ned nowhere to be found. In the further corner, Peter Quill and Gamora make out. Hard. All these couples are starting to make you green.
It doesn’t help that you also start to reminisce about the moment you and Bucky had a few days before, right after the fight was won. You were so worried about one another. Hands touching, a near kiss, high anticipation on both ends... Until Steve Rogers accidentally interrupted you. After this, you still haven’t had the chance to pick up things where you left. And you have no idea if Bucky even wants to.
A second loud noise of glass shattering carries across the party, cuts your recollection short. Some people jump and you flinch as well, instantly laughing. This time, the perpetrator is Thor and he shouts ‘another!’, which only makes the scene funnier.
“Hey, buddy.” It’s Kate Bishop’s voice. She’s followed by Yelena Belova, the two making themselves comfortable on the sofa on each side of you.
“Katie, Lena!” you exclaim, securing your beer between your thighs to reach out and pull the girls into a double side hug. “I didn’t know you were here.”
“Clint brought us.” Yelena points at the Bartons standing at another end of the lounge. Clint and Laura wave, happy to see you. “So, why are you drinking alone? It is very sad to drink alone.”
You chuckle and take a swig. “I’m just... studying my surroundings.”
“Nope.” She shakes her head. “You’re overthinking. And I know what’s on your mind. Or should I say who?”
“How do you know about that?!” You gape at her.
“Please. I’m Natasha’s sister.”
You laugh loudly now, bites down on your bottom lip to try and keep your cool, shaking your head.
“Oh, god,” you mutter with eyes closed.
“What? Who?” Kate perks up, shifts on her seat to face her friends, eyebrows raised. “I’m invested.”
“I can’t say it, Kate Bishop.”
“It’s alright, Lena,” you say. “She can know.”
“No, I know that. I still can’t say it. Not right now,” Yelena adds emphatically.
You frown. “Why not?”
“You do know who’s standing right behind you, right?”
Your eyes widen. You don’t even need to look over our shoulder to know who she’s talking about. Yelena smirks.
“Don’t worry, don’t worry,” she says in her perfect Russian accent that you love. “I’m just messing with you.”
You sigh in relief. “So he’s not there?”
“No, no, he is.” Yelena nods firmly, alarming you again. “But he can’t hear us. The music is too loud. Phew.” She gives you a shit-eating grin.
Katie’s jaw drops and she smiles at the same time. “Which one?”
“The one with the metal arm of course.”
“Lena!” you call her out.
“Oops, sorry!” She cups her mouth, lowers her voice to a whisper, “The one with the metal arm of course.”
“What do you mean ‘of course’?” you joke, then chuckle at Yelena’s reaction of simply raising her hands in surrender.
“She means you have taste.” Kate beams. “Come on, let’s dance. It’ll get his attention.”
“That’s not necessarily a good thing, Katie,” you say, making Lena laugh. Kate pouts, forcing you to add, “Alright, I will! Just let me finish my beer. You two go first.”
And they do, leaving you to your drinking and overthinking. For a moment, all you do is watch Kate and Lena have fun on the dancefloor, dancing next to Quill and Gamora. You finally finish your drink, already feeling slightly drunk. You suppose you should get up and join your friends, however, the knowledge that Bucky is right there and might see you dancing is unnerving. Oh, the horrors of being perceived.
Sylvie walks by, talking to Valkyrie and Mobius. You hear her ask them, “You know what brain freeze is, don’t you?” Their answer is unknown to you though, as they’re quick to disappear among the other guests.
You sense some shuffling behind the sofa, but you don’t dare turn around to check. Not that you have to—you can tell it’s him, and perhaps another person or two that he’s chatting with. They’re much closer now, so your stomach drops, the butterflies going crazy at the proximity to Bucky. While you want to get up to go talk to them, you feel glued to your seat, spends another moment or two scanning the party and Tony’s guests for little details most people don’t notice.
As you gather the courage, from afar, you smile at the sight of Nick Fury engaged in a loud conversation with Carol Danvers and Maria Hill. The three of them have drinks and snacks in their hands as they speak enthusiastically. It looks like they’re having a lot of fun. Why can’t you? Another minute goes by. You inhale deeply, hold your breath for a bit. The beat in the song is about to drop, only then can you identify the voices in the chatter behind you.
“How do you know about Gandalf?” Sam asks, surprised. Steve laughs. You have no idea how they ended up on this.
“I read the Hobbit,” Bucky replies. “In 1937. When it first came out.”
You sigh. He’s too adorable. Fuck it, let’s do this. You lay your head back on the headrest, stares upside down at the trio behind you from under long lashes.
“I love Tolkien,” you say, loud enough to be heard over the music, barging in with your loveliest smile.
They smile back at you, Bucky looking somewhat happier than the other two. You get up and walk around the sofa to greet Rogers, who you haven’t been able to talk to yet. He gives you a tight hug, then you chat with the guys for a while until Steve and Sam excuse themselves to go talk to Scott Lang, who’s been having a heated yet funny argument with Parker about which bug is best.
You look at the dancefloor every now and then, always knowing what to expect when Kate and Yelena catch your eye. And here you thought you wouldn’t be able to mingle.
“Your friends seem happy that we’re talking,” Bucky remarks.
You giggle. Should you feel embarrassed? Or is he flirting?
“Yeah.” You scrunch your nose. “They think it’s important that I have other friends, so I can get out of their hair.”
“What?” He frowns. “I’m sure that’s not true, Y/N. You’re one of my favorite people to hang out with. I love talking to you,” he assures, perhaps reacting too protectively and talking a tad more than he should.
You press your lips into a thin line, moves a hand to your mouth to hide a smile. Bucky seems to realize a second too late that you’re joking.
“Oh-”
“I was-”
“You were joking.”
“Yeah, just kidding.” You chuckle at his embarrassment, blushing. “Thank you, though. For your words.”
“Only the truth. Hey, do you want to-”
Before Bucky can finish his sentence, Loki shows up and puts his arm around your shoulders, pulls you close into his chest. Someone—and you just know it’s Yelena—throws an empty beer can at the God of Mischief, punishing him for interrupting you and Bucky.
“Ow,” Loki complains. He turns to Bucky, “And who are you?”
You roll your eyes. In the background, you see Nat around the restroom area. She facepalms at your situation, laughing, then disappears inside the ladies’ room as the song changes.
Elbowing Loki, you say, “That’s Bucky. You know who he is.”
“Oh.” A light bulb apparently goes off in his head. “My apologies. I’ll leave you to it.”
You sigh, rubbing your temples and smiling nervously even though Loki’s gone. “Sorry, he’s drunk. So...”
Another interruption, this one worse than the others.
“Bucky?” A woman touches his metal arm and he shifts his attention to her. Your face drops.
“Leah, hey,” he greets her, offers a side hug while assessing your reaction. He knows you know they used to go on dates before.
“Thanks for the invite,” she says with a grin.
“Sure. That’s, uh, Y/N.”
You raise your eyebrows, forces a smile with your lips pursed. “Excuse me.”
You make a beeline to the restrooms because you need to see Natasha, burst through the door to find her chatting with Wanda.
“Hey, are you okay?” The latter asks when she sees your face.
“Y/N, what happened?” Nat furrows her eyebrows.
You turn the tap on, wets your neck and wrists. “He invited Leah.”
“So what? They’re just friends.”
“Come on, Nat. Who does that?”
“I’m... lost,” Wanda says adorably.
“Sorry, Wanda. I just thought Bucky was into me, is all,” you blurt out. “But I’m not so sure anymore.”
She falls silent for a second.
“Huh. You’d be surprised.”
“What?”
There’s a knock at the door. “Wanda?” It’s Vision’s voice.
“See you guys later. Relax, Y/N.” With this, she walks out.
“Y/N...” Natasha begins, but you stop her.
“I need a minute, Nat. I’ll be right out.”
“Okay.”
As soon as she leaves, you decide not to feel sorry for yourself anymore. And you think Loki might’ve read your mind, because he’s waiting for you outside when you return to the party, looking almost too good in that all-black outfit.
“I can’t believe Bucky ditched you for that girl,” he says casually. “So, naturally, I went to talk to him about it, and you know what he did? He told me to shut up!”
“You did what?! Yeah, I don’t think he’s wrong. You should shut up.”
Loki laughs nervously. “Right, right-”
“You should shut up and kiss me.”
“Uh...” He trails off, but he’s smiling at the idea, doesn’t even need time to consider. That’s all the answer you need.
When the beat drops, you pull him by the lapels of his suit, your lips crashing into his in a rough manner, but it has a pleasant feeling to it at the same time. He’s quick to explore your mouth with his tongue, palms your lower back to keep you pressed against his body. With his other hand, Loki cups your face, then runs his fingers through your hair, grabs a fistful of locks and deepens the kiss. You smile into it, enjoying the moment.
Kate and Yelena have their jaws on the floor. Remarkably, this is them trying to keep their cool. They start giggling to one another, inadvertently drawing attention to you and Loki instead. Most people don’t pay you a second glance, they just shrug and go about their business—it is a party. Bucky hasn’t even realized what’s going on yet, too busy playing pool with Leah, Steve and Sam to care. It isn’t until Scott whistles at the scene with a ‘holy shit! That’s crazy!’ that Bucky and those around him notice the kiss, which includes Nat and Wanda.
Pulling away, you catch your breath and tell Loki, “I love this song. I’ll go dance with my friends, okay?”
“Of course.” He nods with a smirk.
When you join Kate and Lena on the dancefloor, they welcome you with excited shrieks.
“Finally!” Yelena laughs.
“‘Finally, you’re dancing’ or ‘finally, you’ve been kissed’?” you ask playfully.
“Both!” Kate answers, the three of you snorting with laughter.
“You do have some explaining to do, though.”
As you dance, a couple feet away, Leah stares at Bucky.
“You two should talk,” she suggests.
“I think someone’s booked,” he scoffs.
“C’mon, man,” Sam says. “You know why that happened.”
“Exactly.” Leah agres. “Y/N saw me and got it all wrong.”
“It’s all a misunderstanding, Buck,” Steve adds. “Go dance.”
Bucky huffs. “I haven’t danced since 1943.”
“Just go, dammit.” Leah pushes him in your direction. “We’re kicking your ass anyway.”
He glares—how dare she say he sucks at playing pool?—but it’s all in good fun. “Alright, alright!”
Bucky downs his drink and meets you at the dancefloor, where you’re surrounded by your girlfriends. Nat, Wanda and MJ have all joined you by now, but he doesn’t seem to be intimidated by it. He touches your arm lightly and makes you look at him.
“Can I talk to you for a sec?”
“Um...” you begin. Natasha nudges you. “Sure.”
You two walk past the huge doors that lead into the balcony, retreating to a more private spot. Outside, the moon serves as your own personal disco ball, sheds a silver light on Bucky’s face that makes him look even more handsome.
“What’s up?” you ask.
He’s more straightforward than you’d anticipated. “Are you jealous of Leah?”
“Excuse me?”
“Is that why you kissed- fucking Loki?”
At the party, Kate motions to follow you two outside, eager to eavesdrop, but Yelena pulls her back by the collar of her shirt.
“No, Kate Bishop. Leave them alone.”
“You too, Loki.” A male voice calls from behind the girls and they realize the God of Mischief had the very same intention as Kate.
He nearly jumps upon seeing Mobius. “How long have you been here?”
“Loki, partner, you’re too tense!” Yelena mocks in her distinct Russian drawl. “Let’s have a drink, shall we?”
“I’ll pass, comrade,” he scoffs.
Mobius offers him a small smile. “Let’s go.”
Back to you and Bucky, you’re now in the middle of a serious talk about your feelings for one another.
“I just wished you were honest about the way you feel,” you whine.
“What haven’t I been honest about?” He gestures exasperatedly.
“I mean... Ever since Steve caught us, I wasn’t sure if that’s what you really wanted, and then you bring Leah here. I was like... Hey, Y/N, learn how to take a fucking hint!”
Bucky shakes his head, wants to laugh but stops himself from doing so. “My god, you’re so messy!” he exclaims. “Leah is my friend. She and I were never meant to be. We went out on, uh, two dates. Two! And it sucked. For me and for her.”
“You could’ve told me that!”
“You could’ve asked. But, hey, I shoud be more honest, right? Well, how about this?”
Some ‘Peeping Toms’ at the party let out a delighted and excited yell once they realize what’s about to go down outside. Steve, Sam and Leah look your way and beam at the scene unfolding in the balcony. Bucky quite literally sweeps you off your feet and into a kiss, grabbing your waist to steady you with one hand while the other digs into your hair. He knocks the wind out of you, takes his time exploring your tongue, nibbles at your bottom lip and even kisses your jaw before returning to your mouth.
“How’s this for honesty?” Bucky asks when you break the kiss, out of breath.
“It’s- pretty good. Pretty good, yeah.” You nod eagerly, eyebrows raised in an amusing manner.
Bucky laughs, gives you a gentle peck on the lips before taking your hand in his so you two can go back to the party. Right as you step out of the balcony, you’re met with Thor. He hands you a colorful cocktail—‘Romanoff made you this’—and offers Bucky a beer, which he gladly accepts. Suddenly, Loki appears. Thor decides to linger a minute longer just in case.
“I don’t mean to impose...” Loki tries, but Bucky doesn’t give him the chance to finish his sentence. Instead, he just glares and straight up smashes the bottle of beer with his Vibranium hand. It’s a warning. “Nice. Very droll. Lovely.”
“For Christ’s sake, why is everyone breaking everything tonight?!” Stark’s exasperated yell carries across the lounge, his voice cracking. “People! Manners!”
Glass shards collect at your feet and beer drips down Bucky’s arm. You bite down on your bottom lip, step in between the two men and look up at Bucky with those doe eyes he falls so easily for.
Even though you’re not looking at Loki, you still ask him, “You’re here for a truce, right, Loki?”
“Of course. Y/N and I are just friends, Barnes.” He nods and reaches out to him. “How about you and me?”
A long silence ensues. You and Thor exchange funny looks; Yelena and Kate hold their breath in anticipation; Natasha shakes her head at the whole drama; other people around await patiently, invested in the outcome. You instantly remember what Bucky has said about you a few minutes ago. God, you really are messy. Hopefully this won’t follow you into the new year.
“Friends.” Bucky finally extends a hand to shake Loki’s.
Whew. You exhale, relieved.
“I’ll get you another one of those, buddy,” Thor tells Bucky, at which you laugh loudly.
Things quiet down eventually, and it’s nearly impossible to measure just how thankful you are for that. All the prying and gossiping were starting to drive you up the fucking wall. You’re messy alright, but people should mind their own business, right? With the exception of your friends. They’re allowed to meddle. Hmm. Sometimes.
As Bucky follows Thor to the bar, the Princess of Wakanda herself approaches, has a grin on her face as she greets you. You fumble on your next words, even try bowing.
“Princess. Your Highness. Hi.”
“Please.” She waves nonchalantly, assuring, “None of that. We saved the world together. Shuri is fine. But hey, Tony Stark is looking for you.”
“Oh?” You gape. “Am I in trouble?”
She chuckles. “I don’t think so. Come, he’s with my brother.”
Damn. King T’Challa is here too? While this makes you happy, you fear you might be a little underdressed for the occasion. It’s not always that you get to hang out with the royal family after all, no matter that you’ve been able to spend some time with them before. Hell, that’s an understatement—you did save the world together. But nah, you don’t think you’ll ever be ready for this.
Shuri leads you upstairs to Tony’s majestic wine wall. It sits right next to several expensive vases and other equally expensive items of decoration. He’s talking quietly to T’Challa and Parker. It doesn’t surprise you that the latter is also there, he and Tony are attached at the hip most of the time.
“King T’Challa.” You bow as you join them. He smiles, tells you ‘none of that’ just like Shuri. Then you regard Stark, “You wanted to see me, Tony?”
“Yeah.” He snakes an arm around your neck, keeping you under his wing to pull Peter into a double side hug that mostly looks like an awkward headlock. “You two okay? Enjoying the party?”
You furrow your eyebrows at Peter. He shrugs, confused.
“Yeah,” he says.
“Same.” You nod.
“I heard some shit about Barnes facing off with a literal god, is that true?” Tony jokes. Peter sticks his tongue out at you, even T’Challa and Shuri are laughing.
“What can I say? Dude’s a legend.” You wink at Shuri despite the embarrassment, a shade of red creeping up your cheeks.
Tony turns to face you, raises an eyebrow. “I just want to make sure no one dies in our lounge, understand?”
“Don’t worry, it’s all settled now.”
“Who did you pick?” Peter asks.
“Seriously.” You roll your eyes. “You guys are embarassing me in front of the royal family.”
T’Challa laughs loudly at that.
“I hope it’s Bucky,” Shuri says.
“Why?” Her brother sounds cautious now. “Do you think he’s cute, too?”
“Quite the opposite,” she replies. “I think Loki is cute.”
The lot of you roar with laughter at those silly comments, all falling into a comfortable, familiar atmosphere. Meanwhile, downstairs, Yelena is approached by Loki.
“I’ll have that drink now,” he tells her.
She smiles, a suggestion already on the tip of her tongue, “Vodka soda?”
“Thank you.”
Yelena beckons him to follow her, bumping into Thor and Bucky on their way toward the bar, where Kate is already preparing a couple beverages on her own. She keeps a lighthearted conversation going with Ned and MJ while working on their orders.
“Anyone can be a bartender these days,” Lena says playfully once she’s close enough to be heard.
“Oh, she told us she’s the best,” MJ joins in on the sarcasm to tease Kate. Still, it doesn’t phase her.
Kate merely shrugs. “Drinks!” she announces happily.
Yelena nudges her friend, makes her scoot over so they both can share the space behind the counter. Kate hands Ned his glass, but not before sticking her tongue out at Lena like a brat.
“Ah.” Ned slowly shakes the scarlet liquid, pretends to appreciate the scent, which amuses MJ to no end. “Love me a glass of wine.”
Yelena starts to work on Loki’s order while Kate finishes MJ’s. Ned takes a good look around the party while sipping on his drink, widens his eyes once he spots Natasha and Bruce making out in a dark corner.
“How?!” he mutters exasperatedly to himself. He looks up at the upper floor, his expression changing as he sees you and Peter being held close by Tony. “Aww. Cuddles.” He smiles lovingly.
Upstairs, you’re all still making silly conversation, sharing crazy stories that make your stomach hurt from laughing so hard, nearly cause you to tear up with amusement. So far, you’ve made King T’Challa laugh a bunch of times, which makes you feel very special. You’re only interrupted when Pepper shows up, bringing Morgan Stark with by the hand. Tony is quick to let go of you and Peter, prepares to pick up Morgan as she jumps into his arms.
“Oof,” he breathes out, making her giggle. Tony points at you. “Have you met Y/N?”
“Yes!” Morgan replies. “Y/N did my hair.”
You smile sweetly, looks at Pepper to see her mirroring your expression with a nod.
“What, today?” Tony asks.
His daughter shakes her head cheerfully. “No, daddy.”
“No?”
“It was, like, last week,” you explain, regard Morgan with tenderness. “Right? Are you excited for the new year?”
She gives you a thumbs up, making everyone around her chuckle.
“Speaking of,” Pepper begins, “this is why we’re here. It’s almost midnight.”
“Oh! Let’s go, people!” Shuri says excitedly, pulls you by the hand to go downstairs.
As soon as you descend, you catch Bucky’s eye from across the room. He waves at you, urging you to go meet him. And you try to, but a blond man with a mustache steps in the way, reaches out a hand to greet you.
“I hear you’re Loki’s friend,” he says. “Loki’s friends are usually my friends, so...”
“Hey. Y/N.” You shake his hand, smiling. “Nice to meet you.”
“This is Sylvie,” he continues, gestures to a short-haired woman that you realize is the one you’d seen earlier talking to Valkyrie and this very same man, Mobius, if you’re not mistaken. Sylvie gives you a small smile. “We’re all Loki’s friends.”
“Then I’m sure you’re all great people.”
Attentive as always, Tony seems to notice your immediate discomfort and need to get rid of these people. While you don’t mind getting to know them—they do seem nice, and they’re Loki’s friends—you simply can’t risk missing the transition into the new year at Bucky’s side, so maybe another time.
“Y/N, I think your boyfriend is looking for you,” Tony says loud enough so the others are able to hear. He raises his eyebrows in the sequence, pretends he’s just now seeing Mobius and Sylvie, puts on his best surprised front. “Oh, hi there.”
“My boyfriend. Right.” You nod, turning to Mobius, “I’ll talk to you later, yeah?”
“Sure!” he says in response, eagerly. He’s kinda sweet, you note. “Don’t keep your boyfriend waiting. I’m Agent Mobius, by the way,” he adds, but you’re far away now.
“Would you like a drink?” Tony asks him. “I’m having one.”
You finally run toward Bucky and leap into his arms. He’s quick to catch you, steadies you as you snake your legs around his hips, palms the back of your neck to pull into a joyful kiss.
“Can’t believe I’m finally having a midnight kiss after...” Bucky mumbles into your mouth, pretends to be deep in thought. “God knows how long.”
You snort out a laugh, about to reply, but something else draws your attention. A huge, fancy—and you mean fancy—digital clock is now dangling in the middle of the lounge, counting down to midnight. It’s transparent in a way that the inverted numbers are visible on the other side. Another one of Stark’s technologic shit, of course.
Everyone gathers around the device, most of them with a glass of champagne in hand, others snacking some of the party food. You can see your friends and co-workers scattered across the room, all with their best smiles on, eyes shining nearly as bright as the full moon outside. Everyone seems so happy and hopeful, it makes you so happy and hopeful.
Mobius walks past you and Bucky, holding no less than three bubbly glasses, meets Loki and Sylvie at another end.
“Champagne?” he offers them.
“Ah!” Loki exclaims. “Yes, thank you very much.”
Sylvie shakes her head. “No, I'm good, thanks.”
“Oh, I’ll take hers.” Loki snatches what was supposed to be her drink. “Thank you. Cheers.” He toasts with Mobius.
At some point, a man wearing red-tinted sunglasses touches your arm. You jump at first, then relax once you recognize who it is.
“Sorry,” he tells you. “Didn’t mean to startle you, Y/N.” You look at Bucky beside you. Matt Murdock will never cease to impress you. “I wanted to congratulate you two. About time. Do you guys have any idea just how fast your hearts beat around each other?”
“Oh, my god.” You facepalm, grinning. “You were probably the first one to know.”
“Damn right.” He laughs. “Me and Wanda, actually. Anyway. Congratulations.”
“It’s not like we’re engaged,” Bucky comments. You glare. He will deny it, but he can be such a dork sometimes. You guess that’s what years of missing out on social life will do to a person.
But Matt simply smiles gently. “Give it time.”
Natasha and Yelena find you amongst the sea of people, excited to welcome the new year at your side. You see Clint and Laura with their three children and Kate, laughing at something together. At their spot, Loki, Mobius and Sylvie talk, and judging by the way Loki stares at the other two it seems you and Bucky won’t be the only ones having a midnight kiss. Next to them, May Parker and Happy Hogan hold hands adorably, with Peter, MJ and Ned nearby.
Wanda and Vision embrace, so in love, while Thor looks like he’s giving Banner a pep talk, flapping his jaw nonstop and tapping his friend’s back with his much larger hand. Another couple, possibly the most gorgeous one you’ve ever seen, T’Challa and Nakia, also share a sweet moment. Not to mention the countless other familiar faces. Finally, Tony and Pepper join you and Bucky, Morgan in Pepper’s arms. The little one waves at Bucky, which you find lovely, especially when he waves back in the same tenderly manner.
“Another!” Loki shouts, breaking the indistinct chatter as he smashes his now empty glass of champagne on the floor.
“Loki!” Mobius scream-whispers at him, gestures apologetically at the other guests. Sylvie rolls her eyes.
You regard Tony, who has a funny expression on right now, seems unphased at this point.
The countdown is nearing its end and people start to count aloud with it. Bucky hugs you from behind, securing his arms around your waist while his chin is nestled in the crook of your neck. In this embrace, you caress his hands and lean into his snuggle. He presses a gentle kiss to your temple.
“I love you,” he tells you, studies your face. It’s alight.
You grab your bottom lip with your teeth for a second, then turn slightly to the side to look up at Bucky with a smile. “I love you, too.”
Shortly before the strike of midnight, you nudge Tony. He has a glass of whiskey in his hand.
“Hey,” you whisper to him. “Sorry about all the broken stuff.”
Tony laughs, then shrugs, waves nonchalantly. “Meh. It’s fine.” He bumps his fist into yours. “We earned it, kid.”
You can’t help but beam at that. Yeah. You most certainly did.
Fireworks ensue.