Looking at the familiar faces, Leo exclaimed, âYou guys are here! How lively!â
As he handed the tray of food to Bucky, Bucky immediately started placing slices of lamb into the pot. He shook his head and chuckled before taking off his jacket and casually tossing it onto the couch to his right. Then, he found an empty seat and sat next to Erik.
âWe also invited Uncle Peter and Aunt MJ, but they are visiting Granny May, so they couldnât make it.â Erik and Leo had been living together for two years and he was all smiles as though he had forgotten all the sadness.
Natasha joined in as she sat next to Leo, carrying a gust of fragrance aroma with her.
Erik noticed the tiny Steam in Natashaâs hand and was instantly attracted by it. He eagerly asked Natasha for Steam, wanting to play with it.
When Natasha leaned over to pass Steam to Erik, she caused a slight bump with Leo.
Excited, Erik received Steam and was engrossed in having an amusing conversation with it, triggering merry waves of laughter from everyone.
Meanwhile, Natasha quietly approached Leoâs ear and whispered, âThat thing on your waist poked me just now. Put it away before you hurt Erik later.â
Stunned, Leo instinctively looked down and realized that Natasha was referring to the Smart Utility Belt around his waist. The belt was entirely black and wider and thicker than the normal belt, with a particular imposing dragon emblem on the front. The belt must have accidentally poked Natasha earlier.
Since he understood the matter, he smiled faintly and pressed the center of the dragonâs head with his left hand. In an instant, the belt swiftly detached and shrank before wrapping around his wrist like a watch, with the dragonâs head serving as the dial.
Lowering her head, Natashaâs gaze fixated on Leoâs wrist and she clicked her tongue in envy, âI want one too.â
âActually, Iâve prepared something similar for you, but itâs still a work in progress. So, wait for a bit.â Leo whispered to Natasha, âBy the way, what about the matter I told you last time? A list of detailed requirements for the suit.â
Hearing Leoâs words, Natashaâs heart warmed and she replied softly, âI have it. I will give it to you after the party.â
âSure,â Leo nodded.
At that moment, Foggy, who was sitting next to Olâ Tom suddenly announced, âI have some great news for everyoneâŠâ
But he paused midway and winked at Matt instead, saying, âMatt, if youâre not going to say it yourself, Iâll do it for you as your partner.â
Everyone immediately shifted their attention to Matt, including Leo as their eyes sparkled curiously. Even the tiny Steam flickered its eyes, gazing intently at Matt.
In the season of cold weather, while enjoying a warm hot pot, it wouldnât be complete without some gossip!
However, everyone knew that Matt couldnât see with his eyes, so everyoneâs gaze didnât pressure him at all. But he could still sense the anticipation from the collective sound of their breaths and heartbeats. Besides, it wouldnât be long before this news became impossible to hide, so there wasnât any need to keep it a secret.
Holding his wife, Heatherâs hand, Matt stated, âWe are expecting. Iâm going to be a father soon.â
Although Mattâs eyes couldnât show anything, everyone could see the expression of happiness and longing on his face.
Natasha hurriedly leaned in closer to Heather and they began chatting softly with each other. While the others were genuinely happy for Matt and Heather as they applauded enthusiastically, filling the room with joy and cheer.
Taking the opportunity, Bucky grabbed a piece of sliced meat and savored it for a moment before nodding in delight, âThe meat is cooked perfectly, and the taste is perfect. I specially sourced an authentic Sichuan hot pot base from a Chinese restaurant owner I know. Itâs not something you come across every day. Come on, give it a try!â
As for the mischievous Erik swiftly took a slice of meat before hurriedly gulping down a glass of cold water while fanning his mouth, âHot! Hot! Hot!â
Bucky burst into laughter immediately while Olâ Tom also took a slice of meat and wore a contented ace, âWow! When I had it for the first time, Iâm already loving it! Canât get enough of it.â
âNo wonder I saw you at that hot pot restaurant on Street 54 the other day. So, who was the lady sitting with you? I feel like Iâve seen her more than once.â Foggy dug in as well as he teased Olâ Tom
Glaring at Foggy, Olâ Tom declared, âThat? Sheâs my girlfriend! Youâre jealous, huh?â
âCongratulations! Old man, you finally found true love at the age of forty-five! Iâm happy for you!â Foggy appeared to have a good relationship with Ol Tom.
The fire of gossip among the group grew stronger and everyone was eager to know what Olâ Tom had been up to. Olâ Tom began to recount his story. It turned out that six months ago, he met a divorced woman who was thirty-eight years old and they fell deeply in love at first sight and shared a strong bond. Recently, they had been discussing marriage. Perhaps in the near future, Olâ Tom would purchase a new home and move out from the current one.
Blessings poured in from everyone as they ate and chatted.
Next came the anticipated section of the conversation. Every single man and woman present was questioned about their love life. Even Erik couldnât escape as Natasha questioned him about his ambiguous relationship with a girl from school.
Only the tiny Steam remained entertained throughout the evening, happily rolling around the table.
With satisfied bellies and merry conversations, time quickly passed and midnight soon approached.
On January 1, 1995, at exactly 12:00 AM, the bells of all the churches in New York began to chime. People started to pray, silently making their New Year resolution. Leo, too, couldnât resist but silently made a resolution of his.
After midnight passed, everyone had their fair share of fun and it was time to rest. Together, they tidied up the trash in the house, and then Matt, Heather, and Foggy bid their farewells and left.
At home, Erik and Olâ Tom, who had limited energy for staying up late, went to bed. As for Bucky who was fueled by a bit of alcohol, was still brimming with energy and prepared to head out to find something to do.
In the living room, only Leo and Natasha remained. Not wanting to disturb Erik and Olâ Tom resting, Natasha pulled Leo by hand and led him into her bedroom.
It was Leoâs first time entering Natashaâs bedroom. The room itself wasnât large and the interior decoration was simple, consisting of a bed, a chair, a table, and a cabinet.
Natasha had the usual cosmetics that women commonly used, and there were quite a few of them, all appeared to be premium brands. But there were also things that werenât typically found in a womanâs bedroom.
As Leo peered through with his Mechanical Force Vision, there were two handguns in one of the drawers and two metal batons underneath the bed. For some reason, he instinctively activated his Mechanical Force â Insight to observe his surroundings. Maybe it had become a habit.
Switching off his Mechanical Force Vision, he looked at Natasha with a puzzled gaze.
Natasha pulled a chair over for Leo to sit and then took a seat on the bed herself. âA couple of days ago, I asked about the matters with Africa after Teacher Bucky came back. You want me to accompany him to eliminate the H.Y.D.R.A. base located in Africa?â
âThatâs right, Iâm planning to do so,â Leo nodded. âWhy? Donât you want to go?â
âNo, Iâm willing to go,â Natasha replied. âBut you usually take care of these things yourself. Why do you suddenly want us to take care of it? I heard from Teacher that you even want Matt and Peter to join in.â
Evidently, a womanâs intuition is sharp as Natasha keenly sensed that something was amiss. It seemed like Leo was planning for military training.
âLet me make it clear first, it was Buckyâs idea to involve Matt, not mine. I wonât take the blame for that,â Leo clarified his innocence first before posing a serious question to Natasha.
âNatasha, do you yearn for the vastness of the starry sea?â