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frostironfudge · 8 months ago

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Labyrinth - Bucky Barnes - Epilogue

Summary: labyrinth (noun), a complicated set of paths and passages, through which it is difficult to find your way. Bucky and You would do anything for Steve and Wanda, your respective best friends. In an attempt to avoid a tradition Steve and Wanda come up with a lie involving their best friends. A lie, that involves building a labyrinth. Bucky and You begin to build but will you two find your way out or be caught in it?

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader, (Modern AU)

Word Count: 7.3 k || Dividers: @firefly-graphics

Warnings: chapter contains 18+ moments, minors DNI, fluff, sm/ut, dir/ty talk, p in v, hot bucky, swearing, soft bucky, protective bucky, feels, family drama, bucky is a whole green forest, bucky is the cutest, animal adoption, feels, family issues, tox/ic family dynamics.

Main Masterlist || AO3 || Fic Masterlist ||

“Allow me to understand this,” The tone carries disappointment and anger in differing proportions.

Bucky bites the inside of his cheek, for once his composure is not maintained. The nerves that wrap around him as if a python is going for the slow kill. He nods.

“You lied to all of us.” Yusuf Khan stares at his stellar employee. An employee he began to view as family after the night they all interacted.

Bucky wants to give a reason, explain it all but he chooses to say the one worded truth, “Yes.”

Yusuf contemplates, tapping on his desk, “And your fiancé?”

“She’s my girlfriend now.” He responds, eyes moving between the tapping digits of his boss and his own feet.

“Is it because you wanted to get in my good books?” Yusuf is on the brink of disappointment.

“No, it is a long story actually… Steve Rogers, my best friend–,”

“Steve Rogers the acquisition lawyer?”

“Yes, well about several months ago he proposed to his long time girlfriend and well, it um, it sounds really stupid to my own ears…” Bucky runs a hand over his jaw, moving up to tuck his stray strands of hair back into place.

“I’ve got time, sit.” Yusuf gestures to the chair.

Bucky takes a seat and begins to recount the events that began in the diner all those months ago.

“So it was an elaborate plan to get the two of you buttheads–,”

“Kamala.” Muneeba chastises her daughter.

“It wasn’t even a bad word!” The youngest Khan complained only to sigh at her mother’s stern expression.

“Yes, it was their elaborate plan to make us,”

‘Buttheads’ Kamala mouths and you nod, she grins.

“To make us realise and act upon our buried feelings over the unresolved miscommunication.” You explain, Bucky returns with your plate filled with appetisers.

“They played us.” He shakes his head, still not understanding how he did not catch onto the lies. You pat his knee to keep him from getting grumpy about it.

Though it was adorable when he started getting a little pout on his lips. You kept that little information to yourself.

“Thank you for allowing us back into your home.” Bucky adds, even though the remainder of the staff wasn’t there that night. Yusuf had requested Bucky and you to join the Khans for dinner.

Once they all heard what exactly was the history the two of you shared, the lie or as Muneeba put it, ‘The two of you got your chance to fall in love again.’

You liked that point of view.

Sharing a glance with Bucky observing as his shoulders did not have the slight droop which indicated his distress over telling the full truth. It made you happy he wasn’t dismissed or treated coldly as one of his co-worker had experienced.

The dinner passed by in a blur of laughter and happy memories. A part of you glad you had the experience and opportunity to interact with a family as warm as the Khans. Tayesha and you had taken an immediate liking to each other, talking much more in depth than the opportunity previously provided.

Dessert was fast approaching you had brought over cookies, the dinner invite came at the very last minute amongst the other orders you were fulfilling. Muneeba suggested making tea but Yusuf sweetly kissed the back of her palm, called her Jaan (life) and told her the men would do it.

Drawing a very reluctant Aamir away from a game of Monopoly Deal he was winning against his sister, much to her delight. Yusuf nodded towards Bucky to follow them into the kitchen.

“You know, the reason you are welcome back here is because of your honesty.” Yusuf explained as he brought out the containers of ingredients. Bucky watched as Aamir drew measurements based on feeling; a contrast to the meticulous way he had observed you measure.

“I didn’t want to keep it from you, it's just that day in front of everyone I got cornered and well…”

Yusuf nods, “You couldn’t damage control as much as you preferred and I put you in a tight spot.”

“Sort of and I didn’t want to disappoint you. It would be true had Sunshine and I—I mean had Y/N and I gotten together earlier.”

“Always refer to them by their nicknames; they love it.” Yusuf advises with a smile.

“And they love you more for it.” Aamir brings out the tea cups.

Bucky grins then, “I’ve always thought of her as Sunshine.”

“It shows how she brightens your life my dear boy.” Yusuf then says a word in Arabic, “We say it when we do not want the evil eye to befall on anything.”

“I see.” Bucky smiles, “Thank you, I didn’t think I’d find more people to consider family.”

Aamir grins at him, “The first time dad mentioned you, I knew you’d become his little protégé.”

Yusuf chuckles, “Well, you know I have a healthy gut.”

Aamir groans, “Not that joke again.” Exasperatedly running his palms down his face.

Bucky laughs, “Your gut is healthy so your feelings are all right?”

“Precisely.” Yusuf winks at him.

The tea is strained into the cups, Bucky holds the biscuit box and the cookie box as they re-enter. There are photo albums opened across the coffee table.

You’re sitting cross legged on the floor with Kamala as she shows you the Khan family through history. Bucky observes as you delicately trace your fingers over the photographs. When you look up at him, your smile doesn’t reach your eyes.

He frowns, Muneeba distracts the two of you by asking about future plans.

It has been two weeks and you find yourself opening the chat with Bucky scrolling to the shared media page and staring at the picture with the Khans. All seven of you squished onto the couch. The camera set on a tripod, you leaning against Bucky because the two of you were balancing on the armrest.

The same as Tayesha and Aamir on the other side. You trace the picture yet again and shut the message thread. Your heart cautions you yet again from saving the picture, the permanence of family was not a privilege awarded to you.

Alpine brushes herself across your ankles. You pick her up and pepper her cute squish-able face with kisses. She chirps in happy approval till she has had her fill and then leaps out of your arms. Bucky emerges from his post workout shower, finding you in the kitchen absentmindedly stirring the saucepan.

“Are you going to tell me?” He broached the subject the very night of the dinner as the two of you drove back home.

You declined him then, put on a front that he saw right through but didn’t mention. He let you stew in your mind because you weren’t willing to see the hand he extended towards you. Into the void that was labelled ‘crappy family’ but you weren’t willing to be brought out.

Bucky has had enough of you drowning yourself in sadness. He can taste it on your lips. He can feel the cracks on you deepen when he holds you close. He’s had enough of you letting this eat at yourself.

“Soare, I’ve let you take your time with this but you’re falling into a deep pit and I do not know if I will be able to pull you out. So I’m willing to go down with you, so I can help you climb back out.” Bucky steps closer, shutting off the stove and turning you to face him, palm cupping your cheek. “Let me in, please.”

You meet the beautiful eyes that anchor you.

Concern and worry brimming in them as he looks into your eyes, knowing there is a sadness looming. Knowing he wants to protect you. You grab at his arms, blinking but the tears form. Your mind, body, heart and soul know he is your safe space.

He is your everything.

The one you can be authentically yourself and he will love you.

He still held onto you when he thought the worst of you.

You still held onto him when you thought the worst of him.

Bucky feels the same way about you, the love you share is unconditional. Allowing each other to grow individually and together.

“Sunshine, you gotta talk to me sweet girl,” He gnaws at his bottom lip watching you.

Your hands rest on his chest and the damned dam breaks. Your hands move around his neck pressing yourself to him and you begin to cry.

Bucky’s warmth surrounds you and he pulls you closer. Arm around your waist and the other holding your head, keeping you pressed to the crook of his neck.

Sobs wrack your body, he doesn’t hush you, the soft movements only encourage you and allow you to know that he is here. He is here for you and you should let it all out.

“My strong Sunshine, let it all out okay? We can fall apart in front of each other okay? Such a strong girl, my sweet Sunshine.” He whispers through your breakdown.

When your sobs turn to sniffles and he presses the cool water bottle into your palms, helps you drink it. Bucky wipes away the tear stains, kissing your entire face.

“You okay Sunshine? You wanna head to bed?” He questions and you shake your head with a sniffle.

“Take your time baby.” He encourages, rubbing his warm and loving palm along your back.

“It's just, I miss my family? Being around the Khans that night? Kamala showed me the pictures. I didn’t think I’d be sad for this long, I’m so sorry, I know you’re trying to help. I just thought I could handle this alone. That I’d get over it. I always have but, I, they accepted you back and me after we made mistakes and hurt them and, and Bucky that is what family does…. Why couldn’t mine do the same? Was I that bad? Am I that irredeemable?” You blurt out, gingerly taking more sips as he brings the bottle to your lips again.

“Sunshine, you haven’t committed any mistakes ever that are non forgive-able. Your family has treated you like crap. Basing your worth—making you think and believe that your worth is tied to a fucking douchebag? Just for their gain and access to the guy’s bank account by extension? God, I want to punch your brother so bad.” His hands brush away your tears,

“Look, baby, you can handle things alone, sometimes which is most of the time but you should not have to, I learned this pretty fucking late too. You have a support system in place. Wanda, Steve, their parents, Becca, my parents, and me. You can lean on us whenever you want, okay? We’ll catch you.” He nudges your jaw with his nose. It makes you smile.

Bucky’s heart eases as he watches your eyes light up after days of dark clouds.

“Pietro too…” You giggle at his responding growl.

“Look, it isn’t wrong to want your family on that list, okay? If you want to mend your relationship with them I’ll drive you over myself and stay with you. You want privacy? I’ll wear noise cancelling headphones and sit in the kitchen. You want Wanda there? Steve? Becca? Even fucking Pietro will turn up for you in support okay?” He makes you look up at him, “You say the word, my love, Soare mi, I’ll make whatever you want happen. If it is in my capacity of bringing to fruition, I’ll fucking bring down the sun to worship at your feet, Sunshine.” He promises.

You cup his cheeks, thumbs grazing over his stubble, “I love you so much. You all in my life, you’re enough okay?” Guilt eats at you for wanting more than what you have for being greedy.

“I know we are but there’s nothing wrong with wanting more.” Bucky says, reading your mind almost, “You think about it, but don’t let it make you turtle all the way down. I need my girl to shine.”

Your eyes mist again, kissing him before being tucked against the crook of his neck again.

A few more days later Bucky drives you across the city towards the neighbourhood where your family lived. The hand rest under your intertwined palms is warm in the sun belting down overhead. It’s an unseasonably hot day. Good enough to blame the sweat pooling at the nape of your neck upon it.

Ever so often Bucky raises your hand and kisses the back of it. You needed this, you wanted it and you were prepared in case things go south to leave them be in the past they wanted to remain in. Bucky was in correspondence with Steve and Wanda on a separate chat. The three ready to take over for you in case you needed to just be though they were rooting for a happier outcome. For your sake only.

Walking up the pathway of the house is bittersweet and nostalgic. The house is in good enough condition. Lawn mowed and kept in compliance with the HOA.

Your grip on Bucky’s arm tightens, “You’re the second man they will be meeting.” You try to lighten the conversation.

“Well they’ll know you got it right this time.” He chuckles, heart twisting as you laugh but the nerves begin to claw at you.

He wonders if he could shield you from this the way he shielded you from the cold. He wraps an arm around you. You’re tucked right against him. Your head rests right at the spot of his tattoo dedicated to you.

The doorbell rings.

There is shuffling and a bit of yelling. A common occurrence.

Your brother opens the door, his eyes move to Bucky and then to the arm at your hip. Then at you, “This your trade in for the rich fucker? This is—,”

“He is an upgrade from the cheater.” You cut him off, “Are mom and dad home? I wanted to talk as well as introduce James.” You look up at your man, Bucky squeezes your side in encouragement.

Your brother scowls and then pads inside, from the doorway you see him gesture to come into the hall. Your mom and dad sit on the couch. He takes the chair that leaves the smaller loveseat open for the two of you.

The five of you sit in silence for a few minutes, Bucky observing them and they observe Bucky. He watches as they take in the kind of clothes he wears, the brand of his watch already caught their eyes. He wonders if this is why you were worried that they would judge him.

Your eyes however are all over the old home you had. The wall with your heights marked. The smear of nail paint they could never get out from one of the walls. The ceiling that was the floor of your room.

“So,” Your dad begins, “This is?” He vaguely gestures towards Bucky.

“Wait a minute. You, you’re fucking married!” Your brother points to the wedding bands.

“Are you serious? Y/N, fuck I had hope you’d marry the rich dude. God, do you never think about the benefit of this family?”

“Do you ever let her speak or do you all always walk all over her?” Bucky seethes at the three of them.

“Who the hell are you? To talk to us in this manner.”

“James Barnes—,”

“That scholarship idiot who she was pining behind? So pathetic. Mom, remember I told you about finding her one day crying over him that weekend she came back?” Your brother says looking at your mom who looks at you with disappointment.

“Sweetie, don’t you think about us? Our needs?” Her tone may be soft but her words are fully inducing a guilt trip you do not deserve.

“Are you fucking—,” Bucky shuts up when you squeeze his thigh.

“I’m running my baking business now—,”

“There goes the money, do only I have to do the work around here?” Your brother groans.

“It’s doing well enough, I thought we could mend things after the horrible way I was treated.”

“You?” Your dad scoffs.

Your mom snorts, “If anything you got us into this mess and now you want to sell Betty Crocker with your name on it.”

Bucky can’t take this anymore, half a mind to chew them out, your squeezing hand keeps him quiet. He stays quiet for you. Anger ebbing into a simmer.

He knows where your brother worked. The boss is an old friend of Bucky’s dad.

Small world.

One little word and this man would be put on the midnight shift.

“As I was saying, I came here to mend things. Clearly you have no place in my present or future. Also you do not get to disrespect the man I love. So what if he had scholarships? That means he had more brain cells than you three combined to get a degree.” You stand.

Bucky stands with you, “I’m proud of him. I stand by him and he stands by me. He told me he would be there for me today so I wouldn’t have to endure the horrible crap you all say alone.”

“Boo hoo you weren’t abused.” Your mom waves off looking at you without an ounce of guilt.

“Abuse isn’t always physical. Neglect isn’t always physical. You all made me emotionally broken.“ You bite your cheek, you can’t cry.

You won’t cry.

“Finances aren’t ever the responsibility of a child. I went through it myself. It isn’t for us to grow the fuck up earlier than required because you as parents, failed miserably.” Bucky adds, squeezing your hand, “She did her best given she had to be an adult before she was required to be. When you,” he points to your mom and brother, “Were supposed to be adults. Not her all alone.”

“Exactly, you made me grow up and then treated me as if I was a tantrum throwing child. When you all were the childish ones.” You point at all of them, “I did my best. With what I had, I did my best.”

They all stare at you, baffled at you calling them out. They clearly weren’t ready to admit their faults. Nor were they prepared for civilised conversation. Your brother stares into his phone and then widens his eyes, “You drove Beck into a loss?” He asks Bucky.

Bucky rolls his eyes, “Is that all you people care—,”

“That means he got more than that cheater.” Your dad adds cutting him off.

You scoff, “Fucking rich.” You grab Bucky’s hand leading him towards the door.

He follows while glaring at all of them as they watch on and then sputter into action.

“He has an expensive car too,” Your brother groans,

“You couldn’t be respectful?” Your mom swats the back of his head.

Bucky shuts your door, before rounding the car to the driver’s side. He keeps the door ajar so you can catch the conversation, “Do not expect to get anything from her. I’m going to make sure you cannot touch a penny she has to her name.”

“We’ll claim as family once she’s married, she has nothing to her name but a failing business.” Your dad informs him walking with his walker to the driveway.

Bucky settles into the car, he gives you a once over. You watch a calm demeanour take over him and his next words are in a voice you recognise he uses at work, “You seem to be curious people. I’ll tell you what, come after her. No seriously come after her and see where you end up. This cute three bedroom is spacious right?”

The three of them nod, still thinking they have a shot at something better.

“Try and do anything remotely stress-inducing to my girl, even if it's a damn Christmas card. I’ll shove you three into a matchbox.” He rolls up the window and pulls out of the driveway. Exhaling loudly when the house is out of view.

You reach over, holding onto his hand, “Thank you.”

“You need not thank me, Sunshine.” He kisses your hand.

You’re too lost in your thoughts, the car stops and you blink. Bucky opens your door just as the door to Wanda and Steve’s home opens as well. The two stand at the door.

“Thought you’d need your family tonight.” He smiles as you look at him.

“We’ve got wine, take out, I’ve printed pictures of your brother to be a dart board.” Wanda pulls you into a hug, “Steve has the best thing though.”

“I’ve checked the law, multiple times. They really can’t come after you. You’re above eighteen. In the event you do want to protect future and current assets we can put them into a trust.” Steve says, “But we can discuss this later on in depth for now, how about a hug and I ordered your favourite take out. Also, Wanda’s lined up your comfort show.”

You look at all three of them, heart bursting at the seams for all the love they have to offer you. You open your arms, all three, engulf you in a group hug. Bucky and Steve laugh when Wanda grumbles about them being giants.

Months further pass.

A blur of date nights, date days.

A haze of falling even more in love with James Barnes.

The pink rivulet runs along his jaw, you lick your lips as his thumb prevents the further fall of the strawberry juice.

“You’re right, I should not eat these laying down.” Bucky chuckles, the sound of him sucking his thumb has your ears echoing your heartbeat. This man should be aware of what he does to you. You hope he does.

Reverting your gaze back to the book at hand, you try not to let your thoughts get side tracked. Bucky had planned this picnic date, his only request was your strawberry tarts and chocolate covered strawberries. Hence the devil incarnate side-tracking juice.

He sits up bemused looking down at you, you still remain laying, book open but the words are a blur.

“Hi, Sunshine.” Bucky greets, leaning over, lips brushing against your own.

“Hi Puffin.” You kiss him, he smiles against your lips, hand gently grasping the book from your hands. He pulls away slightly, finding the bookmark and placing it before shutting the book and returning to your lips.

The taste of chocolate and strawberry explodes upon your tongue. You cup his cheek, your left hand moves to his hair, undoing his bun is one of your favourite moments. A small laugh escapes between the two of you as his strands tickle your cheek.

Somewhere his phone alarm rings and you huff, he kisses your cheek, making you sit up, across his lap.

“Sunset’s about to start, and I brought you here for that.” He explains yet again.

“Well you knew you would get horny hence the cockblock alarm.” Nipping at his jaw, you laugh as his hands tickle at your sides.

“Pay attention to the view, Sunshine.” He chastises with a grin of his own.

“I am, Mr. Barnes. You are a delectable view.” You coo as he blushes at your words and rolls his eyes.

Shaking his head, he grabs your jaw to make you face the view. The colours begin to change, dusk creeping into daylight. Bucky had found this view after driving around for the better part of his shitty day years ago.

He stayed there, only heading down the hill to pick up food from a burger place nearby, returning to watch the sunset. At first it was a shitty day relieving place, slowly it turned into a weekly thing. Now, he’d brought you here.

“It’s beautiful.” The colours change to pink and orange, you’re tucked right against him. Bucky drapes his jacket over you. Chin resting on your head after placing a soft peck.

The two of you watch the sunset, his arms tighten around you. Your hands rest above his, “How did you come across this place? Thank you for sharing it with me.”

“You know, how Dr. Cho said we need to tell each other about how we processed ‘the event’?” He keeps his gaze on the darkening sky.

You swallow, nodding allowing him the space to speak.

“I found this place in the aftermath, at first it was mostly to escape crappy days. I was here often when the two of us interacted. You know, sort of snide comments, glares, and disdain.” He sighs, shoulders slumping, “Then I came here on a night I did something that made me question things. Ultimately I realised the thing I did was a happy one.”

The silence engulfs the two of you, the sounds of people packing their own picnics begins as night completely takes over. Solar lamps flicker on as pathway guides.

“What was it that you did?” You ask, playing with the ring on his finger.

Bucky says nothing, only smiles but you can’t see it.

The proof of what he did is framed in your home in the name of Jamesetta Barnette. He would tell you eventually. The perfect moment was already handpicked.

“Bucky?” You look up, he brushes his knuckles over your cheek.

“I’ll tell you soon enough.” He promises, resting his forehead against yours.

“It made you happy, that’s enough for me to be happy about as well.” Your eyes close, “I love you.”

“I love you, my Sunshine.”

The very bookstore café that Bucky and you frequent now houses your baked mini cakes and other dessert items. Your little logo plaque rests proudly above the display. A full six months went into this, you began pitching ideas to bookstore-café combinations a week after Steve and Wanda’s wedding.

Bucky made sure to help you with the numbers aspect of your presentation, making it simplified. Staying up late surrounded by leftover food hearing you pitch to him over and over. Not once did he belittle you for asking questions, not once did he make you feel inferior for not understanding the integral aspect of finances. You knew enough to get by and file your yearly taxes but not this meticulously, while keeping your business in a growth mindset.

Now seeing the signed contracts with a few cafés and especially the one where one of your risqué fantasies had come true really was the icing on the cake.

Bucky deems a celebration is in order and the book buying journey turns into you both finding yourselves in the secluded section yet again.

Only this time you’re the one tasting the dulce de leche off of his skin. The way he loses himself is sending you on a powertrip. His little whimpers and gasps, the groans that leave him.

You’re straddling him, his head thrown back just at the teasing of your lips. Shirt unbuttoned and showing his beautiful skin. Surrounded by books and the promise of him recreating one of the scenes that had you go very quiet and calm as you read it. You smile as the blush that dusts his cheeks as he had read the scene is the same way right now.

His pretty pink lips parted, large hands on your hips guiding you over his bulge. Sending shivers of pleasure thrumming through you in between your torture upon him.

“Sunshine,” His voice was hoarse, but you weren’t done. You smear another bit of the sweetness on his lips. Leaning down, the kiss is salvation and sin, heaven and hell.

“Fuck, baby,” He groans.

Bucky’s left hand moves, gripping the back of your head, his knees bent and you hold onto him as he shifts the two of you with ease on the carpeted floor.

You’re beneath him now. He grinds against you, swallowing your moan of his name. Your nails clawing at his back, pulling him closer.

“You know anyone could find us this way.” He teases, “You, fuck–, being a good girl for me, my pussy taking what she wants from me.”

You moan at his words, your satin shirt unbuttoned. Bra unhooked, discarded somewhere. Fingers carding through Bucky’s hair as his lips latch onto your nipple, sucking hard.

Your clit pulses demanding attention, he grinds down at the very moment sensing your need.

“Fuck, Bucky, God—,” Your fingers tug on his hair, he moans against your hardened peak. Your hips move against him, demanding more.

Bucky pulls away, his body covering yours, shielding you from prying eyes, he’s asked management to close off the section. He’d tell you afterwards he holds a stake in this store as an investment but not in the decision making. For now though you look so pretty and he can feel your arousal soaking the material of his pants and if he does not get even a little taste he thinks he might just die.

Dipping his head to capture your sweet lips, he pauses brushing them, your nails—leaving a delicious burn in their greed. He loves it, loves all the marks you leave upon him.

“Oh, oh fuck—what? Bucky? Y/N?! Holy shit!”

Bucky stares down at you confused, you feel your body heat up and then tense. Then ice coats your veins.

“Someone—,” You can’t complete your thought, Bucky’s hands are working at record speed, you now wear his henley. Your legs no longer wrapped around his waist but together and he pushes you behind him.

You peek up from Bucky’s shoulder at the intruder and find a red faced Steve Rogers standing at the end of the aisle while staring down at his shoes.

“Steve, what the fuck?” Bucky breaks the silence.

“I um, I came for the books and uh, I’m going to go now…” He scratches the back of his neck.

“What book?” Bucky looks at the aisle you both are, it begins at maternity books and ends on culinary books. Where the two of you are currently.

“Are those pregnancy books?” You narrow your eyes at the books in his hand.

“Uhm, yes the pregnant lady downstairs wanted another set of copies so I volunteered.” He explains with a cough.

“How far along was she?” Bucky tilts his head at his best friend.

“Um? I don’t know… Also I didn’t realise this was the way to get pregnant with a live demo aisle.”

“Wait a minute,” You look at the books again, then Steve and then recall the way Wanda had been the past two weeks.

You lunge your phone while Bucky struggles to keep you covered. Steve just turns his back towards you both but remains standing in the aisle.

Wanda: 911 call me asap

“Bucky!” You squeal, your man turns to you with eyes wide and confused.

“What?” He holds onto his hoodie, you narrow your eyes at him.

“You had your hoodie but gave me your henley?” You huff, typing back a response to Wanda.

“Is that… relevant to whatever is going on with Steve and I suppose Wanda?” He hands you your jeans, you let the topic slide away for another day.

“Can you both please get dressed?” Steve offers advice and plea.

“Now you know what the two of us have to deal with when Wan and you are at it.” Bucky rolls his eyes.

“Jerk.”

“Idiot.”

“Punk.”

“Stupid.”

“That's the only series of words you both say.” You comment.

“That's because your Bucky has all the stupid with him.”

Bucky snorts as he hands you your socks. Waiting for you to finish before he takes his clothes sans hoodie which you have conveniently stolen during his argument with his best friend.

Right from under his nose.

His heart somersaults nonetheless seeing his clothing on you. His dick however sends a very risqué image of you just in his unbuttoned shirt on top of him to his brain.

You raise a brow at him, he only licks his bottom lip. Blue eyes sparkling with an intent you know all too well.

He leans in, “Sunshine, I love fucking you and I fucking love you.” A sweet, innocent kiss is placed on your warm cheek before he puts on his shirt.

“Finally.” Steve sighs with relief when Bucky taps his shoulder.

“So?” Bucky claps Steve’s shoulder as you head to your respective cars.

“So?” Steve repeats.

“Man, if you don’t tell me.” Bucky glares at him.

“Okay fine you remember her dream?” Steve grins.

Wanda’s call comes through, you move away from the two giggling boys.

“Wan?” You hear silence on the other end. Then a sniffle, “Oh Wan, what is it?”

“I don’t think I can do this?” She manages to breathe out just as there is clattering.

“You’ve been preparing for this, so what if it seems daunting?” You offer, concern washing over you, “I’ll be over in a few we can talk then okay?”

Bucky lets you drive, following behind Steve.

Wanda is sprawled on the floor, instructions to make the crate covering her face.

“The adoption did go through, we’re picking him up tomorrow.” Steve informs.

“First of five?” Bucky grabs the misaligned crate parts.

“First of five.” Steve confirms.

You lay down near your best friend, the instruction sheet big enough that you too join in under it.

“Hi.” You whisper.

“Hi.” Wanda whispers back.

“We’re in the kitchen okay, babygirl?” Steve calls out.

“Let me know if you both need anything, Soare mi.” Bucky pats your knee as they head to the kitchen.

“I will, Draega mea.”

“Look at the blush.” Steve teases Bucky.

Wanda and you hear a swatting sound, it makes her chuckle finally. She looks over at you.

“I can do this right?”

“I have no doubt you’re going to be a great dog mom.” You smile at her, “Plus you bought that expensive baby stroller so of course my god-puppy is going to be spoiled rotten.”

Wanda laughs, she lets out a breath. Tears spring to her eyes, “I’m nervous.”

Your hand reaching for hers, hiding under the blanket or your textbooks was a common theme.

“What have I told you, I believe about nervousness?” You remind her.

“It means I care.” She answers, breathing out, the instruction sheet flutters.

“Exactly, and your puppy is going to love you, along with the other random animals you will end up making Steve adopt.” You chuckle.

“I saw a rat in the basement, he was so tiny.” She gushes and gestures with her free hand the size of the rat.

“What did you name it?” At this point you know she potentially adopted it already. Setting up non-hazardous traps for it.

“Rara or Bugsy.”

“Hey, Bugsy is reserved for the hamster you adopt.” You need to set your foot down on the matter.

“You’re right, probably Remy. Yeah that makes sense.”

You shake your head but decide to sit up, immediately your best friend hugs you.

Steve approaches the entryway, a smile on his face. Mouthing a thank you to you.

“Oh by the way Wan, I caught them fucking at the bookstore.” He says with a shit eating grin.

You glare at him, Wanda screeches.

“Tell. Me. Everything.” She grabs your shoulders, “Also, Stevie you owe me money. I told you one time we’d catch them there.”

“How about I turn the cash into a cute purse?” Her husband offers to a very willing Wanda.

“Ya’ll bet on us?” Bucky feigns betrayal.

“Oh please, as if you both didn't place some bets on us.” Wanda points her finger at him.

“You told them?” You ask Bucky.

“Steve wondered where I got the cash for buying rounds at the bar.” Bucky defends, a sweet smile taking over his features, the crinkles by his eyes showing. Your heart beats harder, reminding you of your feelings.

“Smitten kitten.” Wanda whispers as she had years ago.

You still swat her arm the same way.

“Bucky—,” Your quip is broken into a giggle. Strong arms encircle you. Bucky grabs onto the railing entrapping you against him.

He brings his face close to yours, blue eyes bright and a smile on his face.

“Sunshine.” He says happily, nose brushing against your own once, twice, several more times. You blush, heart roaring at the happiness you feel in this moment.

A clamour of ‘oohs’ distract the two of you. Then the silence envelopes the small crowd gathered.

Bucky gazes to the side, shifting slightly so you can see the view better.

The snow capped mountains of Switzerland being embraced by the sunrise. Slowly taking over, your head rests upon his chest. His cheek upon your head as you both watch the dawn of a new day.

“Beautiful.” You murmur, arms wrapping around him.

“Not as beautiful as you, Sunshine.” Bucky chuckles, “I know I’ve told you this at every sunrise we’ve seen but it's true.”

“All across Europe you’ve favoured me over the view.” You pull back to look up at him only to find him looking at you already, “That and the eskimo kisses.”

Bucky laughs, “Oh remind me to tell you about that when we get home, tomorrow.” He cups your cheek, pulling you in for a kiss. You melt against him, the past three weeks were one of the best.

After a year and a half of working hard to make the baking business take off. Bucky asked if you’d be willing to take a vacation. The business was better, you’d rented out a sort of studio space. Which could be versatile in its purpose on those weeks that you didn’t have many orders. Those days it was given to people looking for hosting their own classes or group sessions.

Bucky had done the math, your next goal was owning a space as this, doing the same thing but you’d own it. He projected an achievable timeline.

Progressing at his firm under the tutelage of Yusuf. Bucky himself was thriving in front of you. On some days you couldn’t believe you both were out of the labyrinth holding hands.

Alas, the trip had come to an end. The memories would live on. Carried in the little photo album of polaroids. Negatives of films ready to be developed and the digital photos tucked away in memory cards and back up ones.

Sleepily walking into the apartment, you were hoping to crash on the couch itself. The small clock read close to five a.m.

“Take a shower, you will feel better.” Bucky kisses your forehead.

You whine in response, “Sleepy.”

“Sunshine.” He uses the kind of stern tone you can’t fight against.

“Puffin.”

“Cmon, you knew I’d help beat jet lag.” Bucky leads you to his and now your shared room.

“Only because you have a fancy shower.” You grumble, allowing him to help you out of your coat.

He only laughs, placing a sweet kiss to your jaw.

“Join me?” You offer the most innocent expression on your face.

“Tempt me all you want Sunshine, I am not going to shower with you again, you’re my angel but your water temperature can rival hell.” Bucky kisses your nose, squeezing your ass just as you pull away.

Swatting his arm you head into the bathroom, “Don’t tell me later, ‘Can’t dick down Sunshine in the bathroom.’”

Bucky sputters the water he began drinking, “That was one time and Steve fed me weed brownies!”

“I had those too! I didn’t say Bucky is a wimp during warm showers!” You call out over the sound of the lovely said warm water.

“More like scalding.” He peeks into the bathroom, getting a good view of you.

“Did you not want to unpack the chocolates we bought?” You remind him, he smiles nodding and heading out.

After your shower you find your favourite hoodie from Bucky’s collection on the bed. You could cry because it was warm.

“Hey Sunshine, are you out yet?” Bucky calls out.

“Yeah, just a second.”

“I wanted to know is the hot chocolate supposed to go in the fridge?”

“You remember what happened to the Cocoa Powder of February don’t you?” You pause your stride to the kitchen.

Several paper hearts line the floor to the little balcony. A balloon floats tied to the handrail. You pad over, Bucky not in sight.

“Bucky?” You call out, pulling the balloon down, there isn’t anything written on it.

Warm arms encircle you, just as they did at every observation deck, during every sunrise. As if he planned it down to the minute, the sky breaks into colours of dawn, you turn to face him.

“Puffin?” You stare up at him.

Bucky leans in, eskimo kissing you. You smile as you always did when he showed his affection this way.

“One sunrise at home. More than a year ago, at sunset I proposed to you albeit it was a staged one. This one isn’t staged. I put something on our vision board. Maybe you hadn’t seen it.” His hands move to grasp yours, “Do you know puffins mate for life? They sort of peck their beaks to know their love.”

“Is that why you’ve been eskimo kissing me?” You wanted to cry.

He wipes your cheek with the back of his, your hands still intertwined.

“I haven’t even started the proposal yet.” He chuckles, but his own eyes are misty. Tears gathering. His cheeks turned pink.

“I got the chance to fall in love with you again. Maybe that is a blessing. To watch you grow and see you in different lights. Sunshine, I’ve seen you eclipsed, I’ve felt your warmth on cold mornings. I’ve dreamed of you when you aren’t near. I’ve dreamed of you when I have you in my arms. I’ve lost you. I’ve found you.” He pauses, taking a deep inhale.

“I’ve been the worst foe to you. I’ve had the honour to be your friend. I’ve had the honour to have your trust. You say I’m your home Sunshine but I’ve found my peace with you. I want you for the rest of my life. I’ve seen what an engagement to you is like, I want to know what marriage is with you.” He slowly gets down on one knee.

Tears flowing out of his beautiful blue eyes.

“Oh Bucky,” You blink the tears free.

“I know, I’m not perfect,” He begins, “I’m not either,” You remind him.

“But we, we fit right.” He smiles when you wipe the tears from his eyes.

“We do.” You agree.

“Sunshine, will you be mine, to have, to hold, to love, cherish, in sickness, in health, in life. Whatever may come our way, will you allow me to be your husband? Will you be my wife? I also promise to say ‘Where is my wife?’ just like those book boys of yours.” He chuckles.

“You’re way above them, I love you so much. I didn’t think I’d get to know what it is to be yours, once I had a taste. I didn’t think I could go back.” You kneel as well.

“Puffin, I’ve seen you grow and I want to grow with you, two trees in the same forest. Roots expanting, branches fanning out. Puffins mating for life. I didn’t think I could find happiness. Let alone find the happiness that I thought was lost between us. So yes, I will be yours, husband. To love, to cherish, in sickness, in health, in life. I love you more than my book boyfriends.”

“More than that one bodyguard book dude?” Bucky’s teasing you know it, you laugh and nod.

“Yes, even more than him.” Your forehead rests against his, Bucky slips something onto your finger.

“We had wedding bands but never an engagement ring, I knew you wouldn’t want those replaced. I had the ring designed to match the original band. So you could wear both.” He explains the beautiful piece of jewellery.

“I love you, husband.” You grin as Bucky blushes, a shyness he only showed in front of you takes over him.

“I love you, wife.” Bucky cups your cheek, drawing closer.

His lips meeting yours, the morning light shining bright around the two of you.

A.N: thank you for waiting, loving and reading this story, i find it very difficult to part with the worlds i create and labyrinth is so close to my heart so very close to my heart i will miss this fic so much im crying brb

tagging: @slutforsexyseabass @elle14-blog1 @sxnshinebxcky @sebsgirl71479 @pandaxnienke @stevesmewmew @tfandtws @povlvr @tanyaspartak@maggiejackson3@brodymarx @ladylee76 @buckyinluv @buckymcbuckbarnes @almostcontentcreator @alltoounwellread @unaxv @stickyjudgeturtleghost(strikedthrough if unable to be tagged)

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