I Do: Blue Series 2 (Stucky Modern California AU)

Six

Off in their own little world -- and separate table just for the two of them -- Steve and Bucky sat, staring dreamily at one another. Their kisses soon started to taste like the red raspberry wine -- a gift from Sharon and Sam -- that they sipped from their custom glasses. Steve's had Mr. Right written while Bucky's had Mr. Always Right on his.

Before Bucky and Steve knew it, it was time for the speeches. Neither had made it mandatory and decided to let their friends choose whether they wanted to speak publicly. To their delight, Sharon stood from her seat and graciously took the microphone from Harold.

"I, uh, I met Steve nine years ago," Sharon started. Some of the attendees seemed surprised by Sharon's statement, but Steve simply smiled at the blonde. "I know, that's a long time ago. Which I'd like to think of myself as a bit of an expert on Steve as a person."

Not knowing where Sharon was going with this, Steve's brows briefly furrowed. Of course, most people knew of Steve's past, he still wasn't sure he wanted certain things to be discussed. Not that Steve really assumed that Sharon would try and make Steve look bad. Especially not today it was just --

"Steve is one of the most genuine people that I've ever met," Sharon informed. Teasing, she added, "He's also the worst liar that I've ever encountered. Of course, that's a good thing to be bad at. It means that when Steve says something, he's telling the truth.

"So, when Steve told me about Bucky and said that it was different this time, you can bet your sweet ass that I believed him," Sharon informed everyone. Then, because she had been there in the beginning and had witnessed, first-hand, how Steve had handled everything, she declared, "Even when he didn't believe it himself yet."

At the memory, Steve felt all the guilt and shame of choosing to run from love rather than embrace it. Thankfully, Bucky was there beside him and Bucky laced his fingers with Steve's.

"Although, I have to admit that Steve's redemption is the most endearing part of his epic romance with the wonderful Bucky," Sharon admitted. "And I know that their love will get them through anything because they truly are meant for each other. I didn't know that I believed in soulmates until I met them."

Turning her attention back to the newlyweds, Sharon raised her glass in a toast, "To Steve and Bucky. May they always choose each other and live every day in love."

Steve and Bucky raised their glasses along with the rest of the attendees. As their friends and family echoed, "To Steve and Bucky," the pair clinked glasses with each other, shared a kiss, and took a drink.

Once Sharon sat down, she handed the microphone to Sam. Of course, Sam being Sam, he started with a joke, "All I know is that I'm usually the most attractive guy in any given room. So, kudos."

Steve and Bucky both softly chuckled and shook their heads at Sam's statement. Sam continued with an admission, "I'm not really sure how to follow that. But I am sure that I've never seen a couple more in love with one another than these two. I can only hope that one day, I'll be lucky enough to be where you both are."

Glancing down at Sharon, Sam extended his hand to her, and she gladly took it, gazing adoringly up at her boyfriend. Sam gave her hand a soft squeeze before removing his hand and taking his glass instead. Holding it high, Sam repeated, "To Steve and Bucky, and all the lovers tonight. May we be as lucky as these two beautiful bastards!"

Another chuckle among the attendees and another echoing of, "To Steve and Bucky."

Surprising everyone -- including Bucky; especially Bucky -- Steve stood. Although Steve was gregarious in the most appealing of ways, he wasn't necessarily a fan of being the center of attention. Even if it was a day honoring him and his partner in their romantic journey.

Taking the microphone from Harold, Steve cleared his throat and started, "If you told me a decade ago that I'd be marrying my best friend, I would've never believed you. I didn't want to believe that I could love someone this much because I knew the pain that comes when a person leaves; whether their choice, or not."

Steve exchanged a look with Sarah and Phil before continuing, "But that was before Bucky." With a chuckle, Steve acknowledged, "You can split my life into pieces. Before Bucky," Steve glanced fondly down at his husband, "And after."

There were tears building in Bucky's eyes, while also building in Steve's eyes. "I was just minding my own business when this beautiful man crashed into my life and turned everything upside down. While wearing a pair of rollerblades that he had absolutely no business being in.

"I think that my soul knew that he was special before we even said a word," Steve confessed with a small chuckle. Bucky softly chuckled as well and quickly wiped at a few escaped tears. Not being able to keep himself from doing so, Steve also tenderly wiped underneath Bucky's steel-blue eyes.

"I don't think it was an accident that we met," Steve lovingly caressed Bucky's jawline and referenced the letter from Tyler, "I think that someone who loved Bucky very much knew that I would love him the way that he deserves and made sure that we didn't miss out on each other. For him, I'm so fucking thankful."

Bucky gave Steve's wrist an appreciative squeeze as Steve finished with a promise to his husband, "I know that I'll spend the rest of my life doing everything in my power to love you the way that you deserve. You are the greatest surprise and the best thing to ever happen to me. I love you."

"I love you," Bucky whispered.

Steve set the microphone down and leaned down to give Bucky a sensual kiss while their guests cheered them on. Smiling into the kiss, Steve repeated, just for Bucky to hear, "I love you."