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Bucky paced around his flat absentmindedly, lost in memories and nostalgia, walking through a dream as he pieced together his fragmented life. Everything that was ripped from him, everything he tried to reclaim, what could have been and what was. His heart aching as his past flashed through his mind like a nonstop film, he had never wanted this day to come, a time when family and togetherness was heavily marketed. He never wanted to think of the day when Steve would leave him, hell he'd never seen Steve as someone who would ever abandon him. He knew Steve missed Peggy, the regrets he harboured, but they couldn't go backwards, only forwards. But it hurt to know Steve chose Peggy in the end, he went running back to her. Here he was without his best friend, Steve, someone he'd shared his life with, he wasn't here, he was gone, he'd left him behind.
It had been a year now since Sam became Captain America, since they went to Madripoor with Zemo's help and found out about the flag smashers and Karli. Finally understanding his role, to make the change he wanted, trying to live up to the expectations that Steve had forged, while paving his own path. He'd taken up the mantle like Steve wanted, inherited the shield, becoming the new face of America, the modern generation. Bucky knew Sam's life was busier now, new missions, new roles and a new life, but he always made time for Bucky, checked in and acted as his therapist and friend. Back in his small Brooklyn flat, he had never wanted the flashy life that the Avengers lived, it was too bright, too loud, it felt like a cell. His first Christmas as himself, not a fugitive, not as the winter soldier, but as James Buchanan Barnes. Self aware, conscious, free will, just a normal man, a broken man, but a survivor, trying to move on from his scars and re enter reality, what was real, what was fake and what was his life.
He sipped his chocolate and collapsed on the couch with a heavy sigh, watching the snowfall outside of his window, blanketing the city. Reminding him of the days where such luxuries hadn't been so blessed, the cold brick walls that felt like ice. Thank god for central heating, he didn't have to hide away in a cave of blankets huddling for warmth. Alpine curled up on his lap purring loudly. He remembered Christmases with Steve, how he always visited Steve's mother until her death and Steve moved in with him, sharing Christmas's with his family instead. Growing up together in the '40s, huddled around a tiny heater with his sister, Steve and himself shivering like ice blocks. Working extra shifts just to make enough money for himself, his family and Steve, coming home tired and exhausted but the pay was decent. Working himself to the bone to support his family, wrapping Steve up in extra clothes so he wouldn't get sick due to his health, or the time's Steve did get sick he was bedridden but everyone visited him. Bucky saving up all his money to get Steve new sketching material or his sister a new dress or a doll, just to see the look of delight on their faces to know the payoff was worth it. Happier times, simpler times, but treasured memories, a life he could never get back but one that had been precious to him, a life when he was free.
Suddenly, the silence was cut short by the sound of his phone ringing startling him, nearly jumping in his seat and spilling hot chocolate on himself. He was still getting used to the modernisation of using a mobile phone, the changes in technology he'd hoped to witness for himself. But Wakanda had been a large teacher for him in how advanced technology could become in the future. The same technology that freed him from Hydra's control, that gave him his arm. He'd had a flip phone for a while before Zemo had bought him an iPhone to help him modernize, which he begrudgingly accepted. He may have hated the guy but he could use his money as a benefit on this occasion. (Y/N) and Sam had helped him figure it out until he got the hang of things, teasing him for being an old man and how his face lit up in delight at every new advancement. Technology had changed drastically since the '40s.
"Hey Bucky, Merry Christmas" (Y/N) replied cheerfully, you'd sent him a card in the post and you hoped he'd gotten it, you had sent one to Sam and some of your friends. But you knew Bucky didn't have many people sending him presents, so you hoped he liked it.
Bucky smiled warmly, a tingle of joy forming in his chest, that's right, he wasn't as alone as he believed. Sometimes the loss was so painful he forgot the few in his life he was lucky to have. (Y/N) was his best friend, something you had learned through Sam was that you didn't befriend Bucky, he chose you, he trusted you when he was ready, he adopted you. Something special in you had earned his affection and loyalty, earning the right as his best friend. You could never replace Steve nor did you ever want to, they'd been friends since they were kids, they had been through hell and back together. It was all written out in the museums dedicated to Steve. All they had been through, what Steve sacrificed for him and the trauma that Bucky had been through. Much like Sam had you had forged your special place in his life, someone irreplaceable, someone he would protect. He'd met you shortly after losing Steve after he passed away from old age, fighting against the flag smashers. Once they had faced Walker, once he and Sam had fought against him and gone into hiding thereafter. The brief moment of peace that came after once the shield had been recovered. After he returned from Wakanda and came to terms with making amends as hard as they may be.
(Y/N) worked at a vintage bookstore and coffee shop as a waiter/barista, it paid the bills and you worked long shifts. He had become a regular face after a while and your favourite customer, even your coworkers would let you know he'd arrived no matter how busy you were. You always gave him a discount on his purchases, occasionally treating him to something on the house. He'd lost count of how much money he'd saved on literature because of you, aware of the fact he was a bookworm and had been since the '40s, introducing him to classics as well as modern literature. "Merry Christmas (Y/N)" he smiled, hearing your voice brought him so much calm, he couldn't explain it, it calmed the storm of emotions within him. He could listen to you talk about anything, your voice resonated into him. He would admit it to himself, it took him some time to warm up to you like he did everyone, he'd been hurt by Hydra and it broke his trust, that people had hurt him because they could. Leaving him wary, hesitant and defensive, he had never been a large people person, he wasn't the innocent mamma's boy he had been. Thanks to his trauma, torture and brainwashing he had trust issues.
But (Y/N) was so nice and patient with him, you had a healing touch that made him feel safe. You never got mad if he didn't feel like speaking if he just sat and sipped his coffee, you just gave him refills and suggested books. You gave him a warm smile and brought the bill without ever speaking a word, never speaking to him unless you sensed he was in a friendly mood. Sometimes you gave him a coffee and a slice of cake on the house, seeing the small smile and gratitude on his face when he was having a bad day. Recommending endless titles of books he would like, many from your own reading list. Much like him, you preferred older music to modern stuff, but you had your guilty pleasures, the older music taste ranged from the 60s to the 90s, but you also enjoyed modern hits. Educating Bucky on music closer to the era he was familiar with which he eased into. The two of you became close after a while, becoming comfortable in one another's presence, even feeling sad or lonely when you didn't see him. Sometimes you would spend hours of your shift just chatting to him before he left, soon he started to visit the café just for you, memorising the days you worked in order to see you. A brief happy moment in his day that left him smiling for hours.
(Y/N) was aware his chosen counsellor was unhelpful, stern and often apathetic to Bucky, one he never got to choose for himself and was court-mandated. Every time he had therapy he left in a worse mood and had more to complain about than doing any healing. Realizing that she wasn't doing anything to truly improve his mental health, you stepped in, meeting him after one of his sessions. On one of your days off, you helped him adopt Alpine from an animal shelter, a white tom cat that became his best friend. You knew many veterans whom had adopted animals that helped them recover from their trauma. Bucky took one look at the snow-white feline and the two became inseparable, the best thing that ever happened to him. Thanks to the healing of Alpine, his presence, Bucky truly started to heal, the small change in his behaviour becoming softer showed how much good adopting the cat became. When you weren't talking about books at the cafe, he was showing you pictures and videos of his cat, he'd even asked you about local pet stores and things Alpine may like. Alpine brought out the softer side in Bucky that he forgot existed in himself, the gentle soul who just wanted to love, to be loved and wanted to be needed. But for the first time in a long time, someone needed him.
(Y/N) had helped him set up a bookshelf in his flat, which later became several, so his collection of literature could grow and develop. He kept them pristine and cared for, many of his favourite volumes worn from being reread. Even going through one of his storage units that belonged to Steve, inheriting his old Vinyl player, a piece of his best friend. He carried small memorabilia that connected him to Steve constantly, the two had known each other for centuries, soulmates, you didn't forget someone like that so easily. As well as his dog tags that Steve was able to recover from the past, Bucky also wore Steve's alongside his own. You'd been by his side through it all, helping him to adjust to the modern age, understanding the world around him. (Y/N) had done more good for his mental health in two months than his therapist had in a year, he could trust you with his issues and trauma. You knew about his nightmares, you never minded if he called you when he couldn't sleep, calming him down until he felt sleepy. He could offload onto you and you just listened to him. You saw him as more than a killer, you knew he could be trusted, just like Steve you didn't give up on him.
"I… um… I got off work but… I… I have some for you, maybe… can I drop them off?" (Y/N) asked, you didn't want to bother him if he wanted to be alone. You knew Bucky had rough patches and though you checked in and took care of him, sometimes he just needed his space and you respected that. You didn't have to stay you could just leave them and go, they were pretty heavy and you didn't want to get robbed or carry them around. You'd put a lot of work into these gifts and you knew how much they would mean to Bucky, you knew he never asked for them or thought he was deserving of them. But you got him presents, it was a time of giving and you damn well planned on it.
Bucky blushed, back in the past he would always get a dame something nice on a date, flowers and sometimes a stuffed toy at a fair. He'd rarely gotten presents from anyone aside from his family or Steve occasionally, it wasn't seen as normal back then. Did you get him Christmas presents? God, he hadn't been given anything since before the war. Being doted on, someone thinking about him, someone spoiling him, he didn't think he was deserving anymore. But it felt nice, a surprise of being given a gift, made him feel special. "Uh… sure thing…" he mumbled shyly.
(Y/N) knocked eagerly on Bucky's door still carrying all of his gifts, wondering if a sack would have been more ideal given the season. Maybe wear a Santa hat and pretend to be jolly old saint nick as a joke. You were slightly covered in snow but you paid it no mind, you had wrapped up warmly for the weather, prepared to face the elements, rosy-cheeked and bright smiled. You had always been on the lean side, you worked out and you had some muscle, but you were small framed in comparison and weaker to the cold. You didn't have a serum in your body that made it easier to cope with. Bucky scooped you up into a warm hug, causing you to giggle in amusement, wrapping your arms around him, the scent of his shampoo, cologne and natural musk filling your senses. You always felt safe with him, you knew how strong he was and what he was capable of, but he protected you, just one look into those blue eyes and you melted. Alpine happily meowed as he caught sight of you, he could smell the catnip you had gotten him for Christmas. In the past, you had watched him for Bucky when he had missions or he was busy. He'd become familiar with you and become attached, he was rather particular about whom he showed affection to, so far Bucky being his favourite, but he'd imprinted on you too.
Bucky placed you down on the ground, smiling brightly at you, making sure you were steady on your feet. Watching you drop the presents gently to the floor and stretch in content. Admiring your figure as you removed your thick winter coat, showing off your figure. You closed the door behind you, unwrapping your coat and scarf with a heavy sight, enveloped in the warmth of his flat. "Warmth! Hallelujah!" (Y/N) sighed in relief, your fingers tingling from the cold, the blood returning to your nerves, frozen to the bone. Maybe you could form a makeshift fort here with Bucky and wait out the snow until the weather improved.
Bucky chuckled at your dramatics but let you make yourself at home, approaching the kitchen "I made hot chocolate" he offered. It would be just the thing to warm you up and make you feel all cozy. He had a box in his bedroom in which he kept blankets for weather like this, he had plenty of spares to keep you warm.
(Y/N) smiled eagerly, your eyes lighting up at the mention of a hot drink "please" you pressed, it sounded perfect. Bucky was a saint, once you got to know him, he was a softy. That smile of his sent flutters through your chest, you could just get lost in those eyes of his.
Bucky stirred hot milk and cocoa powder over the stove humming to himself, hot chocolate had been around when he was living with Steve, but not everyone could afford it due to rations or money. Being able to drink it leisurely in this time period was something he would never get sick of. He'd heard about all sorts of festive traditions that had changed that he wanted to try out, all the things he never could before. But he was glad he got to experience them with you. (Y/N) knelt beside the tree to slide the presents beneath it, memories of Christmas's past filling your mind, (Y/N) had tried to infuse as much of the festive spirit into Bucky as he could. The two of you had gone out together and picked a real one, the scent of fresh pine filling the house, decorating it with lights, baubles and tinsel, a traditional tree. You'd gone all out on Bucky and you knew he'd complain but you didn't care, feeling as though you'd done too much and worrying of what he could possibly do to reciprocate the gesture. But you just wanted to make him happy, to see him smile, he deserved to be spoiled, you knew Sam would agree.
A homemade red scarf with his initials of JBB on the end, Sarah had been kind enough to teach you how to knit and though it took patience you made a perfect scarf. It had a frayed end bound into place after casting off, you felt so proud of your creation and you couldn't wait to see him wear it. An abundance of cat treats to appease Alpine. Then the best one of all, (Y/N) knew how much Bucky loved the hobbit, reading it during the 40s as a young man, how he had told Sam about it and how he knew so much of the memorabilia. How he watched the film franchise based on the book adaptions. So you had bought him the collection of LOTR as a surprise, the sequel to the stories he had once adored in his youth. You couldn't wait to see the look on his face, a whole new volume of literature for him to pour over in his free time. A collection of new Vinyl for Steve's player, as well as some from Sam and Sarah they asked you to drop off due to not being able to deliver them to Bucky in person.
You couldn't think of anything better, all presents forged of love while thinking of all the things Bucky liked or may enjoy. After all it was the thought that counted in the end. (Y/N) then rummaged gently in your pocket, being delicate as to not damage it, walking towards the front door to reveal a branch of mistletoe, bound in red ribbon. It was a tradition that had spanned centuries, but you'd tested your bravery to see if Bucky would notice and hope something may happen. Hanging it over his door from the inside with a cheeky smile, it would be a fun excuse whenever you visited him. Deep down you had always had a crush on Bucky, you'd been drawn to him like a moth to flame, those piercing blue eyes just saw into your soul. Ever since the first day he stepped into your coffee shop you fell head over heels for him, nearly stumbling over your words and tripping over yourself. He was just such a charmer, over time you'd learned what a charmer he was back in the 40's. You heard Bucky approaching and flinched, beelining for the couch to collapse on it with a sigh, hoping your actions wouldn't be noticed or arouse suspicion.
Bucky handed you a mug of hot chocolate with a smile, he'd added some mini marshmallows to the top, just how you liked it. "Thanks, Buck" you hummed, blowing on it softly before taking a hearty sip. You felt the warm liquid ease through your body, your hands already warming from the mug, your insides heating up again. You sighed internally at the pleasant feeling, recovering from the cold and settling. Hot chocolate was truly a winter comfort and you would never get sick of consuming it.
Bucky averted his gaze to the newfound pile of presents under his tree, he'd never seen so many in his life, he knew they couldn't all be from you. But he was happy to know you were thinking about him. "Wow, you went all out" he chuckled, finding himself as curious as he was as a child, wondering what you had gifted him with. He knew if he pestered Sam he wouldn't tell him a thing, so he would be guessing until Christmas day. That is unless Alpine decided to open some because he liked the shiny bows.
"Some are from Sam and Sarah, they made me delivery boy" you chuckled, you had no issue bringing them over, it was an excuse to see Bucky. You didn't have a car but thank god for Uber and other taxi services. You couldn't wait to see them, you planned on visiting Sam for new years and all the fun you would have, you'd been offered to attend their Christmas but you'd had to work and you didn't want to leave Bucky alone. Sam promised that he would fly down sometime and check on you, that man had a heart of gold and you couldn't thank him enough.
Bucky rolled his eyes, preparing himself for some cringe gifts, he knew Sam loved to prank him and tease him about being an old man, but he had a good heart. Sam had been a better therapist to him having dealt with Veterans before. He'd become a close and loyal friend since losing Steve and they worked together as Shield agents. After the fight with Walker, getting back the Shield and having his arm repaired, he and Sam had made amends, becoming close friends. He'd found a new family and found people who weren't scared of him. Bucky perched beside you on the couch, Alpine crawling onto his lap from his shoulder, rubbing his furry body against Bucky's cheek. The two of you protected from the cold outside. As you watched the snow, (Y/N) couldn't stop smiling in amusement, something within you just couldn't resist, twas the season and it was traditional. Sharing your feelings with the world.
"I really can't stay, I gotta go away…", parting with Bucky was always the hardest, saying goodbye to that puppy dog look in his eye and the smile that lit up an entire room. Watching him leave your little coffee shop or even your company always made you feel lonely.
Bucky smiled, tapping the side of his cup absentmindedly "Baby it's cold outside" he responded
(Y/N) turned to face Bucky with a gentle glint in your eyes, amused that he had picked up on the spontaneous karaoke session "This evening has been…." You trailed off. All you'd done was sit and drink hot chocolate while snuggling on the couch, but it felt magical to you. Every second you were with Bucky, you felt like you were living a fairytale. You could be doing anything to bond, any random activity be it reading together, walking down the street or even just chatting while you were at work. Just being able to spend time with him meant everything to you and (Y/N) knew he felt the same. Having someone you trusted and cared for that much.
"Been hoping that you'd drop in…." Bucky teased with a fond smile, he'd been hoping to see you outside of work, knowing how hectic the festive season got for hospitality and retail workers. How tired you were, hos stressed it got for you, but knowing you still made time for him. That your default response was to call him or drop by for a while before going home, he loved being on your mind. He loved that he meant so much to you. When he heard a knock at the door these days part of him always expected it to be you standing there.
(Y/N) smiled shyly, shifting on the sofa "So very nice". Bucky was home to you, he was always your comfort person and the place you felt safest to be. Just being around him gave you butterflies in your stomach and the feeling of dancing on air.
Bucky shyly took one of his free hands to intertwine them with your own, stroking his thumb over your knuckles "I'll hold your hands they're just like ice". Your hands were still cold from being outside, but they had warmed up somewhat thanks to the hot chocolate. Being a super soldier, he could sense temperature changes faster and more accurately than normal people. But he was glad you were warming up, so you didn't get sick. But he would gladly act as a heater to you if you were chilly.
(Y/N) blushed, but you couldn't look away, watching as his fingers traced your hand delicately, your heart fluttering all over again. He looked so handsome right now, you wanted to leap across this damn couch and kiss the air out of his lungs. Bucky had been and always would be a mushy git, a classic old fashioned man with a heart of gold, no wonder he'd had so many dates back in the day, he just had a silver tongue. You licked your lips looking for something to say, not wanting to make things awkward or leave him waiting. Turning to face him "What was it like? With your sister and Steve?" you asked. You hoped you hadn't made things awkward or uncomfortable, you knew it was hard for him to talk about his past, but you were curious. Of the happier times, rather than the sad, the memories that Hydra hadn't ruined.
Bucky sipped his hot chocolate, reflectively pondering of his past when he became a sergeant and his last night at Stark Expo. Dancing with pretty girls, sometimes going down to the clubs or bars just to have a laugh or a dance. The carefree days before he was captured, experimented on and had his mind ripped from him. He didn't like to remember, it hurt too much, knowing what he'd lost. But it hadn't been all bad, he'd had a life before Hydra, before his kidnapping, before all of his life was broken. "Small, cramped, but cosy. Every year I'd save up so Steve could replace his sketching materials. All Rebecca ever wanted was a new doll or the biggest teddy in the shop window. I'd take extra shifts just to save up enough money" he reflected. The house he'd lived in was nowhere near as big as the houses people had now, hell he'd have loved such a luxury. But it was all he had and it was his home, one he had worked hard to afford. He knew Steve had skills being an artist and it made him happy, so he indulged in his friends hobby by replacing his tools. His sister merely needed to bat her eyes at him and he crumbled.
You stared at Bucky as his eyes twinkled, glazing over as if he was transported back to the 40s, as if he was home again. You hated knowing that in order for Bucky to forge this new life he had now, he'd been forced to suffer and endure trauma on the road to get here. Things had been so different back then, so much had changed, altered, become acceptable, making you glad you'd been born in the modern era. But hearing Bucky talk about it, having actually lived in that era, it was like listening to a walking museum. Bucky had to feel as though he was on another planet, it was no wonder he took so much time to adjust. "Well I'm glad I could treat you" (Y/N) smiled, you wanted Bucky to always know he was loved, that someone cared about him. You would pamper him for the rest of his life, no matter how much he complained, god that sounded like a marriage proposal.
"You're too good to me (Y/N)" he smiled, he'd once told Steve he didn't know if he was worth saving, deserving of such kindness. But over time you, Sam and Steve had reminded him that he was. You took care of him, putting your heart and soul into making him happy, you were the sweetest guy he'd ever met. Reminding him that he was human, that he was a person, he had never been a monster, he'd just been turned into one against his will.
(Y/N) gently places a Vinyl into the player, lowering the needle to the disc before pressing play, you'd bought some Christmas classics for Bucky last year and insisted on playing them. He had a large collection he was fond of, reminding him of his old life, back before when he was naïve, happy and carefree. It wasn't uncommon, many people in this era were now discovering how Vinyl filled a room better rather than some of the modern tech did. You'd explained it was called vintage or hipster, making old things cool. (Y/N) remembered the look on his face when you told him this, all the things he'd missed out on while on ice. You had finished your hot chocolate, placing your empty mug by the sink, wanting to help by preventing leaving a mess for him to cope with. Alpine was asleep on Bucky's lap, purring softly.
He made his way back to the sofa before making yourself comfortable, you gazed at Bucky fondly, your legs curled up as you watched them both adoringly. You wanted to stay here forever, lose track of time, they were your precious boys. You could get lost in those eyes forever, so blue, so perfect, you sighed as you checked your phone and realised the time. You didn't want to leave you didn't want to go, but the smell of coffee and work on you wasn't really comfortable. "I should go, I need to make dinner and change" (Y/N) hummed. You were still wearing your clothes from work and you were starving, maybe you could grab takeout on the way home. Slowly you stretched and climbed off the couch, cracking your stiff joints.
Bucky got to his feet, gently picking up Alpine and placing him on his shoulder, the latter happily perched on his shoulder purring loudly. Walking you to the door, a dull ache in his chest as he prepared to say goodbye to you again "Thanks for… well… all of it…" Bucky smiled. He couldn't thank you enough and he never knew how to repay you. How he'd been blessed with a guy like you in his life he would never know. He'd learned that becoming a gentleman, showing respect and having manners had somehow become lost in recent years. He was old fashioned like that, due to the era he grew up in. But somehow your family had passed those values onto you too. They had to feel lucky having a son like you. (Y/N) smiled shyly and put on your coat, sliding your arms into the sleeves and yanking it over your shoulders in one quick motion. The snow had stopped which meant you wouldn't have to worry about it being as cold.
Bucky averted his gaze, noticing the mistletoe above his doorway, wondering just when you had smuggled it in. (Y/N) must have subtly sneaked it in without his knowledge, you were a little mischief maker. Blushing at the prospect of being able to taste your lips, remembering his younger years at Christmas dances and parties, stolen kisses in a sea of faces and even some nights wrapped in sheets. Pinned against a door, being yanked by the tie or collar into a surprise kiss. The feeling of being wanted by another person. You were his best friend, a title that wasn't earned lightly, he couldn't thank you enough for all you had done for him. (Y/N) had been the second person he had let into his heart, Sam being the first since losing Steve. You didn't judge him, you were never scared of him, you never faked a smile around him.
He trusted you, he would take a bullet for you, he'd act as your damn shield. (Y/N) knew of his past, his crimes, all the people he had killed, while everyone else feared him, you never avoided him. The looks of judgement and whispers he noticed, you would shut them up or confront them on making him uncomfortable. You were always so sweet to him whenever he visited, you treated him as a person, making him feel welcome and giving him something to look forward to. You were both massive bookworms, you helped him find his furry companion Alpine, hell, you remembered him on Christmas. He'd been prepared to spend it alone, in isolation, pretending he didn't exist or reminiscing until it was over. Just the two of you sitting drinking hot chocolate, singing carols, watching the snowfall, hell, maybe next time you could watch Christmas classics on Netflix. Sam had helped him set it up and my god was it the best thing he had ever done. It had made him happier than you could believe, having a cute guy like you that made his knees go weak and his brain go numb.
He'd repressed his feelings for so long, the mentality of his youth kicking in, everything that had ever been enforced into him. During the 40s when he was growing up when he was younger, homosexuality was taboo, banned. Maliciously attacked, rampant homophobia, repressed, seen as a mental illness, back then he couldn't be a bisexual man. Much like any other teen and young man, he'd appreciated pretty girls and had numerous dates with them. But his eyes had roamed, roamed to handsome boyish faces and fallen in love more than once. He couldn't act on his feelings for Steve, or any other man he had ever harboured feelings for at the time. It had taken him a long time to adjust to these feelings he felt being ok, being natural. Remembering the day he finally felt comfortable telling Sam, forcing out the words as he explained his identity, coming to terms with himself. The latter being supportive, kind and even teasing him a little. But he had accepted him, Sam knew how he felt about you, urging him to make a move and care about his own happiness for once. He was an ally. It felt so right with you, he could be himself, he could be clumsy, awkward and sometimes grumpy and you still wanted to be with him.
"(Y/N)?" he blurted, jumping the gun before the opportunity slipped through his fingers. Before you could leave, he wrapped his vibranium arm around the small of your back, pulling you close. You just fit so snugly in his arms, as if you had always belonged there. His flesh hand cupping around your cheek, stroking your face, gazing into your (E/C) eyes again, so full of yearning desire. His breath gentle against you lips, trembling slightly from nerves, leaning down to kiss you, so softly, so sweet, as if you may shatter. His lips brushing against yours, (Y/N) still tasted like hot chocolate. He'd wanted this for so long, it didn't feel real. Kissing you, tasting you, it felt like magic, it was different from kissing a gal, but it didn't feel wrong.
Alpine yawned on his shoulder, ignoring the two of you. The music gently played in the background, like something out of an old fashioned romantic comedy, when the couple realised their feelings. Time felt like it had stopped as if a magic spell had been cast.
Bucky eventually pulled away from you shakily, he couldn't take this back, he couldn't pretend it hadn't happened, he'd taken the initiative. All he could do was wait, all he could do was hope, his heart hammering in his chest. His eyes were wide and anxious as he observed your reaction, licking his lips nervously. (Y/N) didn't pull away from him, you didn't get mad, which was hopeful, a smile then formed on his lips, bright and cheery. A smile he'd never seen on you before, but one he wanted more of. (Y/N) pulled on his shirt taking him by surprise, dragging him with all of your strength, pulling him into another kiss, hungrily capturing his lips. You smiled against his lips, this was all you had ever hoped for, kissing the guy you'd been obsessively crushing on for nearly a year. You couldn't wait to tell your best friend, they had been roasting you about making a move.
Bucky smiled back, eager for another taste, your lips were the sweetest thing he'd ever tasted, pressing you against the door, still cupping your face. He wasn't going to let you go anytime soon. The two of you eventually parted breathlessly, shakily standing there in a daze watching one another.
"About damn time Sergeant Barnes" you teased, for a guy who had been a playboy during his years before the war, he was rather clueless at picking up your several hints of flirting. You had wanted that for so long, dreamed of what it would feel like to kiss him, to feel his lips against yours. He was your ideal guy, the perfect one, he was genuine. Your coworkers teasing you for how much you stared at him, making sure your boss never caught you mooning over him. Your obsessive crush on the winter soldier.
Bucky chuckled, all the chances he'd wasted, all the moments he could have told you how he felt or asked you on a date. All of his fears suddenly felt foolish, knowing how long he'd waited for a guy like you. But it made it even sweeter, being able to finally have you where he wanted you. Bucky then gently pulled away, still smiling at you, opening the door and leaning against the frame as he watched you leave, a fond expression on his face. He wanted to assure your first date was special, to treat you as the prince he saw you as. "(Y/N)…." he called after you, watching you turn lightly on your heels before you walked away. He ran his hand through his hair awkwardly, when did this become so hard? "Maybe… do you wanna spend Christmas with me?" he asked hopefully. He understood if you wanted to spend time with your family or friends instead, he could always see if Sam didn't mind him joining his family last minute. It wouldn't be anything fancy, small, festive but happy. Alpine would be happy to see you, he'd be happy to see you and he knew Sam would be yelling praise down the phone at him for finally asking the guy he liked out. He wanted to do this right.
(Y/N) smiled, seeing Bucky all bashful made you want to run up to him and kiss him all over again. You'd worried you were intruding and maybe he might have plans for himself. Your family were living in another state, you hadn't managed to book plane tickets in time to see them and you couldn't currently afford them, so seeing them over facetime had been the plan. It was your first Christmas away from them, it was sad but you would cope and you could see them again soon. But being able to spend your Christmas with Bucky was even better. "I'd love to" you babbled shyly, messing with your fingers nervously as you forced the words out. This was better than spending it alone in your flat watching your family through a screen. You could spend it with your crush turned boyfriend, you would need time to get used to saying that boyfriend. It still didn't feel real, you'd need to pinch yourself later to make sure. You couldn't wait to see his adorable reaction to all the gifts you got him, knowing the utter nerd that he was, the childish glee he would show being able to admire them. You'd need to take pictures. You could always bring across the presents your family mailed across to you, hell being able to share the experience with someone else would feel special. (Y/N) turned on his heels and began to trek back home, grinning like an idiot, trying to muster your immature giggles.
Bucky slowly closed the door, still smiling like a fool, he wished Steve was here so he could share the news with him too. He felt elated like he was on cloud fucking nine, he hadn't felt like this in years. This same boyish excitement of a date or relationship, mentally preparing all the places he would take you. He'd finally mustered the courage to make a move, no more avoiding the question or cursing himself for being a coward. He'd confessed to you, telling you how he felt, pouring his heart out to you, and you returned the gesture. Hell, he had to admit hearing you say Sargeant was something he wanted to hear more often, maybe he could see if his old uniform still fit. But he had you, his favourite guy in his arms, that's all he ever wanted.