Chapter 35: Sober Thoughts.

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Steve noticed Bucky standing off to the side, nursing a drink and looking like he wasn’t enjoying himself at all. With a determined sigh, Steve made his way over to his old friend, clapping him on the back.

“Come on, Buck,” Steve said with a grin. “You look like you’re at a funeral. This is a party, remember?”

Bucky glanced at him, forcing a half-smile. “Yeah, I’m just not really in the mood.”

Steve wasn’t buying it. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a flask filled with Asgardian liquor that Thor had generously shared with him. “I think this might help change your mind.”

Bucky raised an eyebrow, recognizing the flask. “Is that what I think it is?”

Steve smirked. “Straight from Asgard. Come on, one drink, and then you can go back to brooding.”

Bucky hesitated, but the look in Steve’s eyes made it clear he wasn’t going to take no for an answer. With a resigned sigh, Bucky took the flask and downed a hearty gulp of the potent liquor. He winced as it burned its way down his throat, the warmth spreading through his chest.

“Not bad,” Bucky said, handing the flask back to Steve, who took a swig himself before stashing it away.

Steve nodded toward the dance floor, where Y/n was laughing and dancing with some of the other guests. “Come on, let’s have some fun.”

Bucky watched as Steve made his way over to Y/n, who lit up when she saw him approaching. He took her hand and spun her around, pulling her close as they started to dance together. The music was lively, and Y/n was clearly having a great time, her laughter ringing out over the sound of the party.

Steve kept her close, their bodies moving in sync, his hands resting on her hips as they swayed and spun. It wasn’t overly suggestive, but there was an undeniable chemistry between them, a playful flirtation in the way they moved together. Y/n’s smile was radiant as she looked up at Steve, and he couldn’t help but smile back, enjoying the moment.

Meanwhile, Bucky watched from the sidelines, feeling a pang of something he couldn’t quite identify—jealousy, maybe, or regret. Without thinking, he reached for the flask and took another swig of the Asgardian liquor. And then another. And another, until the flask was empty, and the world around him started to blur.

He leaned against the wall, the room spinning slightly as he watched Steve and Y/n on the dance floor, feeling more alone than ever despite the crowd around him. Eventually, the alcohol took its toll, and he stumbled out of the room, needing to clear his head and get away from the painful sight.

As the night wore on, the time for toasts arrived. The music softened, and the guests gathered around, each holding a glass as they prepared to share a few words about Y/n.

Tony was the first to raise his glass. “To my daughter, Y/n,” he began, his voice thick with emotion. “We’ve missed you more than words can say. You’ve been through hell and back, and yet here you are, stronger than ever. We’re so damn proud of you. Welcome back, kiddo.”

There were murmurs of agreement and soft clinking of glasses as everyone took a sip. Wanda was next, her eyes shining as she smiled at Y/n. “Y/n, you’re not just a colleague, you’re family. You’ve brought so much light into our lives, and we’ve missed that light every single day you were gone. I’m so glad you’re back where you belong.”

Natasha stepped forward, raising her glass with a mischievous grin. “Y/n, you’re the only person who can keep up with me in a sparring match and still look good doing it. We’ve missed your strength, your wit, and your heart. It’s good to have you back, girl.”

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