What better way to wake up than to find a handsome century-old guy by my side? Well, of course, not just any guy, but the one who's currently having trouble opening his eyes.

"Hi you." I smile as I run my hand through his hair. "Sorry, I really didn't want to wake you, you looked so relaxed. But we have a plane to catch."

"What time is it?" He rubs the bridge of his nose. "I haven't had a night's sleep like that in a long time."

Hearing these words melts my heart. I hug him, wanting nothing more than for him to go back to sleep in my arms. But as much as I want to, today is not the day to stay in bed.

I'm just getting up to make breakfast when Bucky's phone rings.

"It's Sam." He tells me, still half asleep.

We share an alarmed glance before he takes the call.

"Aren't you home?" Our friend's voice comes over the speaker. "I'm here to drop off your suit."

"I told you I'm not wearing that thing."

"A little elegance won't hurt." I can almost hear him rolling his eyes. "Where the hell are you anyway?"

Bucky looks at me, his eyes calling for help. I don't know what to say any more than he does, but I'm probably more awake than he is.

"Hi Sam, we're at my place." I decide to speak.

"Together?" He gasps.

"Bucky stopped by to pick me up, we were about to go. For once we're punctual, you can't complain. By the way, he's okay about the suit."

"I-" My boyfriend protests before I put my hand over his mouth.

"See you at the airport, bye Sam!" I say before hanging up. "Well, that was a close call."

"Why on earth did you tell him I'd be wearing his damn suit?"

"Because you've got nothing to wear other than your yesterday's clothes. Besides, I'd love to see how it looks on you." I add teasingly. "We don't have much time, I'm going to get ready. Make yourself comfortable."

I press a kiss on his lips and quickly head for the bathroom, ignoring his protests. I shower, put on a simple dress, and apply a little make-up.

When I join Bucky in the kitchen, I can't help but blush as I catch his gaze on me.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart." He says as he moves closer to me. "It's not fair, you know, you make things even harder. I'm going to want to kiss you every single time I see you."

"So you'd better make the most of it now." I reply, biting my lip.

He grabs my thighs and lifts me to sit on the table. Standing between my legs, he leans in to kiss me. I let my hands get lost in his hair and deliberately forget to breathe. I wonder if he knows the effect he has on me. Right now, my whole body is on fire under his touch.

"It's a shame we have to leave." He whispers as he pulls away. "I have a feeling it's going to be a long day."

I watch him walk away, totally dazed. By the time he gets out of the shower and we get in the car, I've barely collected my thoughts.

We make our way to the New Orleans airport where Sam, sunglasses on his nose, comments on our late arrival. Next to him, Sarah and Sharon stare at us curiously.

Bucky changes in the airport bathroom and I have to restrain myself from hugging him for the long three hours to New York. The suit jacket fits him just as well as his usual leather jacket, and the classy look it gives him is very attractive.

When we arrive at our destination, Bucky squeezes my hand briefly before stepping out of the cab. I give him an encouraging look before turning my attention to the compound's grounds. It's way more crowded than the last time I was here.

I'm impressed by the number of people who came. For the first time in a year, the event brings together all those who took part in the battle against Thanos and their families. All these people come from different corners of the country, the globe, and even the universe. Some are elegantly dressed, others are in their hero suits.

Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D agents, friends and brothers in arms... Seeing all these personalities in one place is quite intimidating.

A few Wakandans have also made the trip, and Bucky seems thrilled to see them again. I know how much they helped him get out of Hydra's control.

I recognize several faces, including Scott's, who comes towards me with a big smile. He introduces me to his friends Luis, Dave, and Kurt. The three guys are as nice as they are funny. I listen attentively to Luis' fascinating story involving Belgian Waffles, although I find it hard to follow.

When Bucky interrupts our conversation to get us to our seats, he stares at them with one of those looks only he can master.

"All things considered, I don't know if it was such a good idea to keep us a secret." He whispers in my ear.

"It won't remain a secret for long if you stare like that at everyone who comes near me." I chuckle. "Could the White Wolf be jealous?"

"I don't like the way some guys look at you."

"Is this a subtle way of telling me you think I'm pretty?"

"No, I can tell you that directly. You're beautiful." He adds, lowering his voice.

I'm pretty sure my cheeks are turning red.

The commemoration ceremony is beautiful and touching. I know I'm not the only one to feel my eyes moisten listening to the moving testimonies. Sitting between Sarah and Bucky, I admire the sacrifice of these heroes while dreading the thought of one day finding myself in the shoes of their loved ones who have lost them forever.

After the tributes, Pepper invites us to stay for the reception she has organized. A sumptuous buffet has been laid out for the occasion. I lose sight of my friends but find Scott and his girlfriend, with whom I chat while sipping a cocktail.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot the sergeant of my heart in deep conversation with Sharon. She glances at me with a smirk before putting her hands on my boyfriend's arm. I turn my attention back to Scott and Hope to avoid unwarranted feelings. I trust Bucky, and tonight I'll be the one in his arms.

Suddenly, the earth begins to shake.