9pm NY
"Dinner was great guys! Thanks," Steve stands to follow everyone out onto the roof.
"You know," Tony says as he sits down, "it's almost like these fireworks are for you. I'm kinda jealous. I think the country should set off fireworks in my honor."
Steve chuckles, "Well, it's always a perfect end to my birthday."
The fireworks pop and bang covering the sky in a rainbow of colors. All the Avengers sit on the roof well into the night laughing and joking until the light show stops. By then it can't be called night anymore.
When Steve gets to his room he grabs his recorder. Bucky had been in Spain last year on his birthday. He finds the message and hits play.
"Sorry I'm not there with you Stevie."
"It's find Buck," Steve hears himself say, "I know you'd be here is you could."
"You know it. I hope you've had a great day even though I'm not there to help celebrate. I hope you still got ice cream."
"I did."
"Enjoy the fireworks?"
"Yup. Wish you could've seen them. They were even more fantastic than last year's show."
Bucky chuckled, "I've gotta go now. Happy birthday. Love you Stevie."
"Thanks. Enjoy the rest of your trip."
At that, Steve stops the recording. "I love you too Bucky. You were the best friend I could've ever asked for."
