Chapter Text
It starts at breakfast the next day. Bucky eats his usual share of pancakes and then gets up to make another batch of batter. He actually eats lunch that day too instead of skipping it for a larger dinner. Bucky had always put on a bit of weight in the colder seasons, had always had a big appetite, but after that day on the hayride, he ends most days thoroughly stuffed.
“You need help with that?” Steve asks a few weeks into the sudden diet change. Bucky is star-fished on the couch with his hands shoved underneath his sweater and pressing against his belly. He grumbles unintelligibly, but then he starts moving his hands again in smooth circles to sooth his stomach.
Steve brews some peppermint tea for both of them. When he hands Bucky the mug he rests it on his belly which seems to sooth some of the pain. Steve tries to ignore his spinning thoughts and just let Bucky rest for now, but eventually his curiosity wins out.
“You’ve been eating a lot,” he says as casually as possible. He keeps his voice carefully neutral and takes another sip of tea.
“I’m getting ready for the holidays.” Bucky states matter of fact, like Steve can’t see him eating his weight in holiday sweets and baked goods. His eyes flick up at Steve and he sucks his bottom lip between his teeth.
“I thought you’d like that.”
“Of course,” Steve reassures him, “but that looks kinda painful and you don’t gotta go 100% all the time with it, y’know? It’s supposed to be fun too.”
Bucky partially hides his face behind the steaming mug and when Steve sees his eyes crinkle at the corners, he knows Bucky is hiding a smile. He rolls his eyes, but doesn’t even try to school his face into a more neutral expression.
“It is fun,” Bucky insists, “but I could use some nice hands over here that aren’t my own.”
Steve almost spills his tea as quickly as he tries to spring into action and Bucky laughs at how eager Steve is.