As the sleek Quinjet sliced through the clouds en route to New York, the mood among The Avengers was surprisingly light. With Charlotte's press conference looming ahead, there was a ripple of nerves from those who preferred to remain out of the public eye, balanced out by those who were more on the veteran end. Several days of preparation had led them to this mid-morning flight, where the team had decided to make a weekend of it. With their headquarters being upstate at the compound, there wasn't much need for the team to be at the Tower in the city. Tony spent the most time there of anyone, residing there with Pepper most of his days. His research and development space was ten times the size of the lab at the compound, spanning nearly twelve floors and responsible for producing all the newest tech to outfit the team. Other than that, it was used as a base for any Avengers who had business in the city, or just wanted to get away. There were two large residential floors with around twelve bedrooms each. Some of the more seasoned members, like Steve and Natasha, had their own personalized rooms from years of visiting. Others just chose a guest room when they came to visit. Peter was the only other one who spent considerable time there, with the Tower being only blocks away from where he took college classes during the year.

The interior of the Quinjet was full, with people occupying nearly every sitting area. Nat and Steve sat at the front, piloting the ship. Calla sat behind them, eyes glued to her laptop, chatting to Bruce on the phone pressed between her cheek and shoulder. Sam and Peter sat across from Wanda, Charlotte, and Bucky in the open back galley. Wanda had made a game of tossing grapes into the air for Sam to attempt to catch in his mouth, but he was continually derailed by Peter snatching them away at the last second with a well-timed web.

"Aw, come on man. That's not cool." Sam rubbed his jaw, having just bit down on nothing. "You better sleep with one eye open, kid."

Charlotte leaned back in her seat, watching the playful exchange between Sam, Peter, and Wanda with a small smile. She glanced over at Bucky, his expression unreadable as usual.

"You know," she said, nudging him lightly with her elbow, "you could join in on the fun too. Unless you're afraid of losing to Sam."

Bucky raised an eyebrow. "I think I'll pass. Not really in the mood to fight another grown man for food today." He frowned at Sam flailing his arms to catch his balance after lunging to catch a grape in his mouth. "Or to look like…that."

Charlotte chuckled. "I see you're feeling especially cheery today."

"Of course I am," he replied, his lips quirking up into a small smirk. "Today's your big day."

"Don't remind me." She slumped lower in her seat, covering her eyes with her hands before peeking through her fingers at him. "Is it too late to make a break for it?"

"Sorry, you've exhausted the number of times I'm willing to jump out of a plane for you this month." He gave her his usual semi-annoyed look before softening it into a half-smile. "Don't be nervous. You'll do great."

Charlotte nodded, a small sigh escaping her lips. "I mean, it's not even the interview that's bothering me. It's the fact that everything is, like...official, you know? I know I've been at the compound for a while, but I still kind of felt like I was just crashing there. Even the training exercises, all of that…I just feel like I've been staying as long as I'm welcome. But this, telling the world, I don't know."

Bucky nodded in understanding. "I get it. I do. Don't think this changes anything. You still have complete freedom to walk away whenever you want. This is just part of what we do. You aren't trapped anywhere." His hand twitched on his leg like he wanted to reach for her, but he didn't.

"Thanks, Buck," Charlotte said, offering him a grateful smile.

"No problem," he replied, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than usual before he turned to look out the window.

Charlotte felt a flutter of something in her chest at his lingering gaze, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. With Bucky's reassurance, she felt a little more confident about the upcoming press conference. She followed his glance out the window and allowed herself to zone out for the rest of the short flight.

Once they landed, the team dispersed into the Tower, each member attending to their own pre-conference rituals. For Charlotte, this meant entering a world she was far less familiar with than she expected.

Pepper led the trio of women to a spacious room filled with racks of designer clothes and a vanity table laden with makeup and hairstyling tools. The scent of luxury perfumes mingled with the smell of coffee being brewed in the corner.

"Welcome to the glam squad headquarters," she announced with a flourish, a warm smile on her lips. "Any of these outfits are available for you to wear today, and our lovely team will ensure you look your best before we hit the stage. I'll come back for you in about an hour and a half. Let me know your lunch order and I'll make sure it's delivered." She gave one final reassuring nod before stepping out the door.

Wanda was already browsing through the outfits, her fingers dancing over the hangars with an appreciative hum. "You're going to look stunning, Charlotte. The world won't know what hit them. I am a little jealous, though, I didn't have half of these options when I joined." She gaped at the designer dress covered in plastic she tugged off the rack.

Charlotte chuckled, though her nerves were bubbling just beneath the surface. "As long as I don't fall flat on my face, I'll consider it a win."

"That's the spirit," Natasha quipped, her tone light but her gaze assessing. "Remember, if you look hot, they'll only half pay attention to what you say anyways."

"Gee, that's uplifting." Charlotte cocked an eyebrow.

"Well, it's true." Nat shrugged. "Might as well use it to your advantage." She held up a blazer dress with a plunging neckline.

"I love, but I think we should go for pants this time around." Charlotte tugged the hem of her cargo pants up, revealing the almost-healed stitches still marring her leg.

"Probably for the best," She agreed. "Wanda, you got anything good?"

The outfit ultimately chosen for Charlotte was a pair of cream, high waisted slacks and a matching vest-style tank top that complemented her athletic figure perfectly while hiding her unsightly battle wounds. Though her advanced healing had taken care of the various cuts and bruises across most of her body, her ribs remained black and blue and the leg…another story completely. The fabric was forgiving enough to allow for comfortable movement, yet tailored to show off her curves. The ensemble was accented with a simple gold belt, adding a touch of sophistication without overdoing it. After an hour of ironing, curling, being made up by a team of beautiful but somewhat rough-handed women - the three Avengers were left alone.

Wanda, with a gentle touch, brushed a few of Charlotte's curls, loosening them with her hands. As she worked, she shared her own story of the first press conference she attended, the nerves, the fear of being judged, and how she found her strength. She had the shit luck to have to do a press conference shortly after a particularly public failed mission, with the news not being especially fond of her at the time. The look in her eye said she still carried the weight of their judgment.

"It's about owning your story, Charlotte. Not letting the world dictate it…because they will try. Don't let them tell you who you are or who you should be."

Charlotte listened intently, absorbing the wisdom being offered as well as the glimpse of vulnerability. She looked at her reflection, seeing not just the physical transformation but feeling a shift inside herself. She could do this. She was playing a part, just like every other time she'd stepped into a new world before. "Thanks, you two. For everything."

Natasha placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, locking eyes with her in the mirror. "We've got your back, always. Pepper won't let it go sideways, and if anyone tries anything…." She winked and tugged at the hem of her dress, revealing a thigh holster.

With a final gloss touch-up, Charlotte stood ready, the epitome of a public figure: poised, confident, and only somewhat reluctantly embracing her new role in the spotlight.

It was a blur of activity from there.

Pepper came to retrieve the girls and guide them to a small room beside where the conference would take place. The men of the team were already waiting, having undergone a slight transformation themselves. Most of them wearing some variation of a button up or suit jacket, they looked equally as handsome as they were lethal. The sounds of a crowd in the next room carried through the wall, catching Charlotte's attention. Stepping back through the door, Pepper stood to usher everyone through to take their seats at the long table on the stage.

As they walked to the doorway, the team offered their affirmations to Charlotte, each one expressing their confidence in her in their own way. Steve's reassuring nod, Tony's overstated wink and thumbs-up, and Wanda's warm, encouraging smile. As they filed out of the room, Charlotte was left alone in the sudden quiet of the room, unable to make her feet move.

"Hey."

Charlotte jerked her head up to see Bucky leaning against the doorframe with an ease that belied his own turbulent history with the spotlight. He watched the others leave, ensuring they were alone before turning his full attention to Charlotte. "You look ready to take on the world out there," he remarked, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Charlotte met his gaze, her expression a mixture of gratitude and burgeoning panic. "I feel like I'm about to face a firing squad."

"That's just the press. Less lethal, but twice as persistent," Bucky quipped, moving closer. His tone softened. "Hey, look at me," he coaxed gently until she did. "You've got this. You're strong, you deserve to be here, and you've faced shit ten times as bad as this in the past two weeks. This is nothing."

Charlotte huffed a laugh, tension easing slightly at his attempt to lighten the mood. "I think I'd take the airborne dogfight over this right about now."

"Careful what you wish for."

Looking up at him, her eyes pleaded. "What if they hate me?"

"That's impossible." He didn't miss a beat. There was a pause as he stared down at her before shrugging, a mock-serious expression on his face. "Plus, if I can win over the court of public opinion, then a superhero gymnast with a penchant for high-stakes blackjack doesn't stand a chance of failing. Plus, you're not half-bad looking."

Her laughter was genuine this time, cheeks flushing. "Thanks, Bucky. Again."

He offered her a reassuring nod, his gaze sincere. "Don't mention it. Just remember, those people out there? They're not your judges. You're not on trial. You're here to tell your story, on your terms. That's all."

As Pepper opened the door, giving them the final call, Bucky stepped aside, offering her the way out. "Showtime, Charlotte. Time to introduce the world to the newest Avenger."

With a deep breath, bolstered by Bucky's words and the support of the team, Charlotte stepped through the door. The room buzzed with anticipation, a sea of faces and flashing cameras directed at the stage where Charlotte took her seat beside Pepper Potts, who had assumed the role of moderator for the event. Charlotte's gaze swept across the crowd, taking in the eager expressions and lifted recorders. Despite the butterflies performing acrobatics in her stomach, she held herself with an almost deceptive calm, playing the role of the poised and practiced figure she so desperately wished she was.

Pepper stepped forward, offering a warm smile to the audience. "Thank you, everyone, for joining us today. As you know we're here to introduce a new member to the Avengers Initiative, Charlotte Rossi. Many of you might know her from her impressive gymnastic achievements in the past, but today, we're here to discuss who she is and her new role with us." She read from her notes, clearly well-rehearsed, because she only glanced down every few sentences. She gave their pre-written statement about Charlotte having been recruited and training with the Avengers for the past few months, and how they believe she will be an incredible asset to the team. When she finished, she looked back up at the crowd with her usual poise and calm. "Questions?"

The first question came swiftly, a hand shooting up from the front row. "Charlotte, many people in the gymnastics world were confused and angry about your sudden appearance on the scene. Where, exactly, did you come from?"

Nervously, Charlotte leaned into the microphone and joked. "How much time do you have?" The ripple of laughter through the crowd relaxed some of the tension in her shoulders. She was warned not to bring up her heritage, Pepper reaffirming how skittish the American press could be when it came to 'outsiders' in positions of perceived power.

"Charlotte, can you tell us about your transition from gymnastics to becoming an Avenger? How did those skills translate?"

Charlotte's response was more relaxed, her voice steady. "Well, I've found that dodging bullets isn't all that different from navigating a balance beam, except the mistakes are a lot more dangerous than a five-point deduction." Another round of chuckles amidst the raised hands.

Another question followed, more personal this time. "There have been rumors of your...let's say, 'adventurous' nights in Las Vegas. Care to comment?"

Finding her rhythm, Charlotte offered a wry smile. "What can I say? I like to keep life interesting. But to set the record straight, no laws were broken. Unless you count breaking the bank as a crime, in which case, I think you'll be more concerned with Mr. Stark over here."

The atmosphere of the room lightened with her candidness, her ability to address rumors head-on while still maintaining a playful air about her. A seasoned reporter from a major news outlet raised her hand, her expression one of genuine curiosity mixed with the tenacity of a journalist looking for a deeper story.

"Charlotte, much of your background remains a mystery to the public. Would you mind sharing some of your experiences that shaped the person and the Avenger you are today?"

Charlotte took a deep breath, her training with Pepper reminding her to navigate these waters carefully. She had been instructed to answer honestly, to allow the world to see her as a person and get invested in her story, but also not reveal so much that any potential enemy would gain an edge on her. She gestured down the table at the rest of the team, all watching her with encouraging smiles.

"Everyone here has a story, a journey that led them to where they are. Mine was...complicated. I was orphaned, abducted, and subjected to years of horrific experiments and abuse that I don't know if I'll ever go into detail about." The room was silent, the eyes of her teammates somber. A few, Natasha and Bucky in particular, looked like they'd rip the head off of anyone who dared interrupt Charlotte in this moment. "I've faced challenges and situations that tested me in ways I could never have imagined. Ways that you probably can't imagine. But it's because of those challenges that I learned resilience, the importance of standing up for what's right, and the value of strength—not just the physical kind, but the strength of character. Those are the qualities I bring to the Avengers. I want the horrors of this world to continue to remain a mystery for all of you, and your children, and their children. I want to stop the evil before it starts. I want to protect the innocent the way I, and so many others," Her eyes darted to the side, to Wanda and Natasha, before facing forward again. "...weren't protected."

A murmur of approval and slight applause went through the crowd, cameras flashing wildly now that the vulnerable moment had passed.

Another question followed swiftly from a bald man in the front row, touching on her capabilities. "Can you tell us more about your powers? What makes you a valuable asset to the Avengers skill-wise?"

Smiling slightly, Charlotte replied, "Why don't you come up here and find out?" More laughter, except from the reporter asking the question, who paled. "I have enhanced reflexes, strength and a very adaptable mind, which, when combined, allow me to anticipate and counteract threats in ways that are... unconventional."

Her answers were measured, revealing enough to satisfy curiosity without delving too deeply into the traumas of her past or the specifics of her abilities. It was a balancing act—showing vulnerability to make her relatable but maintaining enough distance to keep her privacy intact. The mock-conferences and press training with Pepper had seemed like overkill at the time, but Charlotte silently praised her for mandating them. Ten or so minutes passed with similar questions, asking about things they knew she wouldn't be able to answer, like future missions and training protocol. She gave them the canned answer she'd practiced so many times. It went around and around before the inevitable question about her love life emerged from the crowd, thinly veiled as professional interest.

"As the newest Avenger, there's bound to be speculation about...romantic connections within the team. Any comments?"

Charlotte's laughter was soft, flipping her hair behind her shoulder as she leaned in to answer. "I wasn't aware that joining the Avengers came with a dating service. I'll have to check on that. Right now, my focus is on settling into my role and using my abilities for the greater good. But thanks for asking."

Pepper raised her hand to quiet down the chuckles of the crowd and the clamoring for further questions. "I'm afraid that's all the time we have today. Thank you all for coming, please feel free to contact me with any further questions regarding Ms. Rossi or the rest of the team," She was cut off by an overzealous reporter in the second row.

"Wait, wait, Ms. Rossi," She was flushed, clearly nervous. "What should we call you? I mean, there's Black Widow, Captain America, the Falcon…and you?"

Charlotte felt Nat's hand squeeze hers under the table as she grinned. "Mockingbird."

The evening sky was streaked with hues of orange and pink as Charlotte stood alone on the balcony, taking in the breathtaking view of the New York skyline. The gentle breeze tugged at her hair, sending strands dancing around her face. She savored the stillness of the moment, a welcome respite from the chaos of her thoughts.

A soft voice interrupted her daze, and she turned to see Bucky stepping out onto the balcony, his figure illuminated by the fading sunlight. The team had opted to stay dressed up for the evening, with Tony throwing an over-the-top dinner party for the occasion. She'd borrowed a loose, but low cut black slip dress from Natasha, not caring that the bandages on her left leg showed beneath the calf-length hemline. It was only the team tonight, anyways, and they'd seen much worse. Bucky's black dress shirt hugged his chest, his long hair falling just above the collar where it was tucked behind his ears.

"Hey," he said, his tone surprisingly gentle.

"Hey," Charlotte replied, mustering a smile.

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, both lost in the beauty of the sunset.

"Quite the view, huh?" Bucky finally spoke, breaking the silence.

Charlotte nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "Yeah, it's... surreal," she said softly.

Bucky chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Tell me about it. Never thought I'd be watching sunsets from a place like this."

Charlotte's gaze lingered on the skyline, a playful glint in her eyes as she turned to him. "Just taking it all in. Hard to believe I went from some shit orphanage in Russia to this."

Leaning next to her, Bucky chuckled. "Hey, you had a few steps in between. Vegas, right? I'm sure you saw some views there that put this one to shame."

"I'm embarrassed to say I didn't see much of the sun while I was there." Charlotte chuckled sheepishly. "I spent most of my time in the casino, losing track of time. And money."

"Sounds like you acclimated to modern life quicker than I did. I was still figuring out smartphones while you were racking up chips at the Bellagio, and I had about five years of real world experience on you."

Charlotte laughed, a hint of mischief in her smile. "Hey, a girl's gotta eat. We figure out what we have to do to survive."

Bucky nodded in agreement, a wry smile playing on his lips. "I don't disagree…but it does sound like your methods of survival are more on the glamorous side." He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Like I said," She winked. "A girl's gotta eat."

There was another moment of comfortable silence as their chuckles faded into the cool air. Shifting her weight on her heels, Charlotte glanced back up at Bucky.

"How'd you manage?" She asked, her curiosity evident. "To acclimate to all…this." She gestured across the horizon.

"It took me a while to find my footing. Everything moves so fast," Bucky replied, glancing at the bustling city below. "I used to live over there, you know." He pointed to a suburb across the skyline. "Brooklyn. Steve and I grew up there. It was so simple back then, but of course, we didn't realize it at the time."

Bucky paused, considering his thoughts. "The team helped a lot. Steve, especially. He'd just gone through it a few years before I did, so he was extra empathetic. I don't know if I would have figured out half the shit that I did if it weren't for him."

"Is that why you've been helping me?" Charlotte nudged him. "Just paying your super-soldier duties forward to the next poor soul thrust from cryo into the modern world?"

Regarding her carefully, Bucky shook his head before looking back out into the last few beams of light. "Something like that."

Charlotte's laughter filled the air. "Damn, Sarge. Here I thought you were doing it out of the goodness of your heart."

"Maybe I just like feeling like I'm not the most out of touch person on the team." His voice bordered on playful.

"Whatever stops the tears." Charlotte gave him a light shove, picking up her heels from where they were discarded on a nearby patio lounger. "But for now, we should probably head back before Tony sends a search party."

Offering his arm with a gentle tease in his tone, Bucky said, "After you, Ms. Rossi. Let's not keep the man waiting."

The evening unfurled under the twinkling lights of the Tower's lavish dining room, an opulent space that could easily have doubled as a ballroom in another life. It was somehow sleek and modern, but regal and timeless all at once. The massive table, hewn from a single slab of dark, polished wood, stretched across the room, its surface gleaming under the soft light of numerous crystal chandeliers. Each setting was a masterpiece of fine china and gleaming silverware, flanked by crystal glasses that caught the light and scattered rainbows across the white linen tablecloth. Around the table, a jovial atmosphere bubbled among the Avengers, the change of scenery causing everyone to let loose for the evening.

The press conference had gone off without a hitch, marking yet another victory for the team, not just on the battlefield but in the court of public opinion. It was an occasion worth celebrating, and Tony, ever the consummate host, had spared no expense. His private chef had outdone himself, with course after course of exquisite dishes that would have made a Michelin-starred chef green with envy. The air was filled with the rich aromas of gourmet cuisine so fancy that Charlotte couldn't even place half of it.

As the first round of plates were served, Tony stood, glass in hand, capturing the room's attention with the clink of a knife and a flash of his charismatic smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, and Spiderlings," he began, winking at Peter. "Tonight, we toast to many things. To the newest Avenger, Charlotte, who's shown us all that a life of white collar crime and card counting is something to aspire to." A round of hollering and whistles filled the room, Nat rustling Charlotte's hair as she giggled.

"To Pepper, whose brilliance behind the scenes ensures our press conferences look more like award shows than the PR minefields they truly are. All while looking absolutely delicious, if I do say so myself…and I do." Another wave of laughter and applause swept through the team, with Pepper smiling modestly, her cheeks tinged with a blush of pride.

"And let's not forget to raise our glasses to Sam and Calla," Tony continued, his smile broadening. "The two people on my payroll who managed to keep the biggest secret from what was previously thought to be the world's leading intelligence organization. We really should be more concerned about that. To Sam and Calla!" The table erupted in a chorus of congratulations, with the couple beaming, their hands intertwined.

Tony's gaze swept across his team, a twinkle in his eye. "And because no celebration is complete without a challenge, even our super soldiers aren't off the hook tonight. Thanks to a little intergalactic bartering, I've secured a keg of Asgardian mead. So, let's see if those enhanced metabolisms can keep up with the gods. Cheers!"

Laughter bubbled up around the table as Tony poured the golden liquid, serving two glasses to the reluctant super soldiers across the table from Charlotte and Natasha. Crystal glasses were thrust into the air around the table, clinking and spilling as the buzz from the wine served at dinner caught up to everyone.

"Here's to us," Tony declared, his voice carrying the weight of their shared trials and triumphs. "To the Avengers, new and old, and to a night that we'll remember—probably. Actually, hopefully not. Drink up!"

Charlotte

I don't think I've ever felt so full in my life.

Six courses. Plates practically licked clean. Dessert still on the way. Which, of course, I'd ordered two dishes. Who the hell could choose between red velvet cake and bananas foster anyways?

The meal didn't seem to slow anyone down. Earth's Mightiest Heroes with Earth's Mightiest Appetites. Looking around the room, it was like the most chaotic renaissance painting you could imagine. Sam, with his arm around Calla, was telling a story that somehow had Peter terrified, Wanda laughing so hard champagne was about to come out her nose, and Pepper looking mildly concerned. Tony was engaged in conversation with Calla, somehow tuning out her fiance's antics. Though his eyes had the classic red-wine-glazed look in them, a quick glance at his lips told me they were talking about carbon fiber photon reactors. Snooze. On Sam's other side, Steve was playing right into Natasha's hand. She was leaning forward onto her elbows, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger as she pretended to listen to his story about the Yankees' World Series win back before the war.

I couldn't help but admire her tactic. Poor Stevie, looking equally as excited to be talking about Babe Ruth as he was to have Natasha's undivided attention. I chuckled, taking a sip of my wine, catching Bucky's attention across the table. He shook his head ever-so-slightly, rolling his eyes at the scene unfolding beside us before turning back to pretend he was listening to Steve as well. Amid the joviality, I found myself continually stealing glances at Bucky. He was surprisingly engaged in Steve's story, a ghost of a smile on his lips as he listened. There was a warmth in his eyes that I'd grown accustomed to, a subtle shift from the guardedness I'd seen when we first met.

Then, Tony, with that mischievous glint in his eye, raised his glass for attention, and the room fell silent. "I've got the best idea for our next fundraising initiative," he announced, his voice cutting through the air. "The 'Women of the Avengers' swimsuit calendar. Think of the headlines, the buzz! Pepper, get Sports Illustrated on the phone. We need to get the ball rolling."

The table erupted in groans and laughter, and Pepper promptly smacked Tony on the arm, a warning in her eyes. Amidst the chaos, I caught Bucky's gaze. His eyes traveled over me slowly, appreciatively, sending a shiver down my spine. Leaning in slightly, he murmured, just loud enough for me to hear over the chaos, "I'd hang that on my wall."

My cheeks flushed and my heart somersaulted in my chest at his audacity. In a room filled with drunken laughter and shouting, we somehow shared a private moment, our eyes locking amidst the chaos.

I wondered if he was thinking the same things I was. The same filthy, depraved things. It was a fleeting connection, but it was enough to make my pulse race and my breath catch in my throat.

Before I could fully process the moment, Steve elbowed Bucky, teasing him about his newfound appreciation for modern digital calendars, and the spell was broken. But the ghost of Bucky's gaze lingered, burned into my skin. As I forced myself to turn my attention to the rest of the table, I couldn't shake the feeling of his eyes on me, an almost intoxicating thrill that danced along my skin, igniting a spark of…something.

I could only hope it was a firework and not an atomic bomb.

After dessert, the atmosphere had shifted as everyone moved to the lounge while the staff cleaned the table. Tony, who seemed to get his kicks from getting everyone drunk and causing trouble, had suggested, "How about a game to keep the night interesting?" which was met with an enthusiastic chorus of agreement and raised glasses.

We settled into the spacious living area, sitting in various degrees of sprawled across the sectional and the floor. At the heart of our haphazard circle, a bottle of Asgardian mead, now half empty, stood proudly. "Alright, we're playing 'Never Have I Ever'," Tony declared, brandishing five fingers in the air, "Avengers edition. And let's not forget, honesty is the best policy, especially with FRIDAY, and Jesus, as your judge."

The game started with mostly harmless confessions. Pepper shared that she'd never dyed her hair, prompting Tony to jest, "Really? I totally had you down for a secret pastel goth phase."

The stakes and laughter rose as the rounds progressed. "Never have I ever stolen something," Sam chimed, casting a glance around the room as if Scott Lang were present to take the fall in that round. Grinning, I put a finger down and took a drink, seeing Natasha do the same across the room.

My turn came, and I felt a momentary hesitation, keenly aware of all the eyes on me and everything I truly hadn't done. With a dazed smile, I ventured, "Never have I ever been mistaken for a celebrity." The room erupted into laughter as several fingers dropped. Tony grumbled about his frequent mix-ups with Elon Musk, and Peter, flushing, confessed, "Someone thought I was Tom Holland once."

Bucky, who had been partaking with a quietly amused smile, chose his turn to engage fully. "Never have I ever gone skinny-dipping." His declaration sent a wave of laughter and surprised exclamations through the group as multiple fingers, including Steve's to everyone's astonishment, were lowered.

"Alright, Rogers, you've got to have a tale behind that," Tony prodded, only to be met with Steve's good-natured refusal and a chuckle as he took a sip, "Not a chance, Stark."

As the game unfolded, laughter and pure drunken candidness seemed to dissolve the last remnants of formality among us. I found myself caught up in the genuine joy of the moment, laughing with an ease I hadn't felt in ages. Surrounded by friends, real friends, I felt the burdens I'd been carrying for so long lighten, even if just for the evening.

As Wanda took her turn, her grin widened mischievously, lighting up the room. "Never have I ever made out with someone in this room," she announced, and the room fell into a brief, suspenseful silence before bursting into laughter and gasps of faux outrage as nearly everyone lowered a finger.

Wanda's eyes twinkled with mischief as she confidently dropped a finger of her own, her gaze briefly connecting with Peter's in a silent, shared joke. One by one, fingers descended amidst smirks and secretive glances. Pepper and Tony exchanged a look of amused resignation, Steve and Natasha shared a glance that spoke volumes, confirming rumors without a word, and Sam's arm found its way around Calla - everyone taking a sip of their drink.

Well, all but two of us.

All eyes eventually drifted to Bucky and me, the lone two not ensnared by Wanda's cleverly laid trap. The air between us felt thick, suffocating, as our teammates' expectant glances bore down on us.

"Come on, you two, don't hold out on us," Tony teased, his smile broad and mischievous. "This is a safe, albeit slightly incestuous, place," he assured.

"Yeah, join the club. We're all exceptionally good friends here," Sam added, winking as Calla elbowed him.

I couldn't help but laugh somewhat nervously, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. Bucky's reaction was so characteristically him. "What, do you want me to do a backflip or something? Fuck off." He waved off the laughter and boos of the team, taking a longer drink than usual from his glass. I had never been more thankful for his grumpy old man shtick.

My stomach warmed as I gulped down more champagne, averting my gaze briefly before recovering with a playful retort. "Alright, storytime, everyone. If we're airing out our laundry, let's make it a show. What about you, Steve, Natasha? And Peter, Wanda, do tell," I said, managing to deflect attention while fueling my own curiosity. Peter? Wanda? Really? Do I know these people at all?

Bucky simply shook his head, amusement touching the corners of his eyes.

The room murmured with anticipation, everyone's attention now laser focused on Steve and Natasha. After a shared, silent exchange, Natasha leaned in, her voice low. "Let's just say, long missions can get... interesting. You find ways to pass the time," she teased, leaving much to the imagination. Whistles and catcalls filled the air as Steve blushed, looking sheepish but not ashamed.

The spotlight then shifted to Peter and Wanda, the former wearing an expression of embarrassment mixed with fond remembrance. "Peter wanted to make an ex-girlfriend jealous, and being the wonderful friend I am, I agreed to help," Wanda explained, grinning.

Peter chimed in, "It was more effective than we anticipated," eliciting another round of whistles from the group.

The chaos reached a new height as everyone seemed to freak out at the new revelations about how salacious, and as Tony said, incestuous our little team truly was. I made a mental note not to refer to us as a family, ever. I opened my mouth to excuse myself, but the team was so distracted, I saved my breath. Pushing myself off the ground, I grabbed my glass and made my way around the massive couch. I hadn't quite realized how much I'd drank until standing up, feeling my head spin. Maybe mixing the Asgardian mead with expensive champagne wasn't my best idea, but hey, Tony said the goal wasn't to remember tonight, and I was well on my way.

I found myself at the bar, reaching for a bottle that promised to cool the warmth in my cheeks and the flutter in my stomach. My hand brushed against metal fingers, and the world seemed to tilt slightly on its axis. Bucky, with his stupid silent approach, apparently had the same idea, and was reaching for the same escape in a bottle.

"Sorry," he whispered, his fingers closing around my fist, gripping the neck of the bottle. Yet, he made no move to distance himself; instead, he edged closer, the air between us practically crackling with electricity.

Our eyes locked, and in that moment, the crowded room, the laughter, and the music faded into a distant hum. I could smell his cologne and the bitter scent of the otherworldly mead. I could see the stubble along his jawline.

"No, you're not," I found myself whispering, the words a mix of challenge and invitation, laced with a yearning for the line we'd drawn in the sand to be crossed.

His smile was slow, deliberate, dark. "Not even a little," he confessed, his voice husky.

The air around us seemed to thicken, time slowing as we leaned closer, the rest of the world blurring into insignificance. The anticipation of the moment was almost palpable, our breaths mingling, his lips the last thing I saw as I closed my eyes. My stomach seared with the fire that ripped through it and threatened to burn me alive.

"Hey, you two! You're missing the best part of the party!" Sam's voice had never felt more unwelcome as it carried around the corner, his fists banging on the wall.

We sprang apart, the spell broken. I swore I felt the moment freeze over and shatter into a million pieces on the ground. Bucky's gaze turned guarded, yet a smile lingered on his lips, a silent acknowledgment the fact that, I don't know…fucking everything almost just changed. I couldn't tell if it was the base of the music or my own heartbeat thundering through my bones. All I could see was a set of blue eyes, watching me, daring me to say anything.

Bucky released his grip on mine and the bottle, muttering, "I think I've had enough tonight."

"Coming, Sam," I managed, my voice steadier than I felt, my heart still racing, my muddled brain struggling to process what just almost happened.

As we rejoined the group, the buzz of the party enveloped us right back in. I settled onto the couch between Wanda and Peter, animatedly cheering Steve on in a game of flip cup against Tony. I took a slow sip of the champagne I'd refilled and a deep breath along with it.

Atomic bomb, for sure.