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crazyunsexycool · 1 year ago

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My little love

It's Christmas!!!!!!!!

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word count: 7.2K

Warnings: FLUFF CITY BABY!!!!!!! Little bit of tears but they're happy ones.

A/N: Finally our sweet Angel and Sweet Boy get to celebrate their first Christmas. I was so excited to write this and just give our favorite Barnes duo the love and happiness they deserve. I hope you all like it and happy holidays!!! Also see end of bottom of the post for some explanations on certain gifts....

Series masterlist

It was your favorite time of year and you couldn’t wait to share it with Charlotte and Henry. The year had its ups and most definitely its downs. It was definitely time for some holiday cheer. You wanted to make sure that everything was just perfect because it was also Lottie and Henry’s first Christmas. Although the kids were excited they still weren’t sure what they were celebrating. Lottie heard the word present and she was on board with the holiday immediately.

The first thing you needed to do was go shopping for decorations and a tree. You and Bucky took the kids to a tree farm first to pick one out.

“This one, mama?” Lottie pointed at a tree that was not much taller than her.

“I think that one is too little, Sweet Angel. We need one as tall as daddy and Steebie.”

“Is so big.”

You chuckle as you slowly walk around the trees. “It is big but we have a big living room.”

“T-wee goes inside?” She looks up at you with huge curious eyes.

“Yes, and we get to make it pretty with decorations and the presents go under the tree.”

“I get pwesents?”

“Of course you will. So will bubba and daddy.”

“An mama and Steebie?” She asks.

“Yes. Everyone gets presents.” You crouch so that you’re eye level with her. “The best part is getting to buy presents for everyone. Are you gonna get bubba, daddy and Steebie presents?”

Her eyes light up at the thought of getting her favorite people presents. Charlotte was a gift giver at heart.

“Yes, can buy pwesents.”

“Then we can have a mommy and Lottie date.”

“Yay.” Lottie bounces in place and giggles.

“Hey Sugar.”

“Yes?”

Bucky’s head pops out of one of the rows and smiles in your direction. “Henry found one.”

Lottie gasps and she runs towards Bucky, who catches her and lifts her up in the air. She laughs and wraps her arms around his neck when Bucky settles her on his hip. You catch up and take his hand so that he can lead you to the tree Henry has found.

****

“Are you lost honey?” A worker asks Henry.

“No ma’am, my daddy just went to call my mama to show her the tree I found.”

“Well it’s a very lovely tree. I’m sure she’ll love it. Are you excited for Christmas?” She gets down to his level and smiles.

“Yeah, it’s mine and my sister’s first Christmas and mama says we can bake and decorate cookies.”

“Well your first Christmas is the most special. I’m sure you’ll love it.” She says before looking up at you and Bucky. Her eyes go wide when she recognizes both of you.

“Thank you.” You tell her before turning to Henry. “Ok bubs, where is the tree?”

“It’s this one.” He points over his shoulder with his thumb.

You take a step back and look at it, giving a little hum.

“Mama is a big t-wee.”

“It is.” You nod as you do a little walk around it. Henry anxiously awaits for the verdict. “I think it’s perfect.” You smile at him.

“We’ll take this one.” Bucky tells the worker. “Do you deliver?”

“Yes sir. Where would you like the delivery to be?”

“The Avengers’ tower.”

She gapes at Bucky before quickly nodding and tagging the tree as sold. “And if you don’t mind me asking, what are the kids' names?”

You and Bucky look at each other, a bit reluctant to answer.

“We make ornaments with names on them and seeing as it’s their first Christmas I thought they should have one each.”

“Henry and Charlotte.”

“Ok. You can meet me in the front in a few minutes. There’s also a hot chocolate bar by the entrance if you’d like to wait there.” She says and makes a quick exit.

****

The four of you sit at a picnic table drinking some hot chocolate and waiting for the worker that helped you.

“Careful Doll, it’s really hot.” Bucky says as he sets Lottie’s cup on the table.

“Is kay, I wike it.”

“Just blow on the hot chocolate a little bit. We don’t want you to burn your tongue.”

“Kay.” She says before pursing her lips and blowing on her drink.

Bucky takes a seat across from you, smiling as you enjoy this small moment of family time. Since finding Charlotte all you and Bucky wanted was to be able to go out together and show her, and then Henry, all the good things the world had to offer. Henry and Lottie talk amongst themselves and giggle as they watch people trying to move trees around. Soon enough the worker that had helped you stops by your table.

“Here you go.” She holds out three clear boxes that hold one ornament in each. “Everything is set for delivery.”

One had Henry’s first Christmas and the other had Charlotte’s first Christmas. The third was a surprise, it had The Barnes family’s first Christmas.

“Merry Christmas.” She says and waves at the kids before stepping away again.

You smile as you look at the ornament and then hand it over to Bucky so that he can see it as well.

“It’s perfect.” He murmurs before looking up at you. “We should go.”

You nod and you all finish your drink.

****

“Wow.” Henry says under his breath as he takes in all of the colorful Christmas lights and decorations everywhere. It’s like he was in a trance. You had to grab his hand to avoid him bumping into people and things.

“Careful bubs. Alright, now we have to do the second most important thing.”

“What mama?” Lottie looks up at you before she turns to look around the store.

“We have to pick out everything we need to decorate.”

“Can help?”

“Of course you can sweet Angel.”

“Uppies dada?” Lottie stretched her arms out and did grabby hands. It was unusual for her to get tired so quickly but it had already been a busy and exciting morning.

“Big uppies, Doll.”

Bucky grabs her and settles her on his shoulders so that she can see everything. Lottie’s eyes go wide as she looks over the crowd.

“Alright, let's get some decorations. First stop is the Christmas lights.”

****

There were boxes upon boxes of Christmas lights and bows and ornaments. It was starting to feel like a lot but at the same time not enough. The kids decided they wanted every color for the decorations and you wouldn’t deny them that. You even picked out a small fake tree that could go in their room. As the four of you walked through another aisle Lottie stopped in her tracks and gasped before rushing to a shelf and grabbing a box.

“Wook it. Is a goat!” She shrieked. “Can habe it? Pwease.” She clutched the box to her chest and looked up at you and Bucky.

“Of course you can, Doll. But…” Bucky had moved toward the same shelf. “Goats need friends so let’s take another one ok?”

Charlotte was practically vibrating with excitement as she held onto her inflatable Christmas goat. Henry just giggled as she babbled about how cute it was.

“Alright. I think we have everything we need. Charlotte, can you put the goat in the cart please?” You say as you look over everything you’ve grabbed.

“Mama, is my goat.” She whines at the thought of giving it up.

“Sweet Angel, we just have to pay for it and then I’ll give it back. You can hold it in the car too.”

Lottie pouts but holds up the box she’d been holding for the last half hour.

“Thank you, baby.”

Once everything was paid for and put away in the trunk of the car the four of you finally went home to rest.

The goat sat in Charlotte’s lap.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The tree is delivered bright and early. After breakfast you get to working on decorating. Of course Bucky, Henry and Lottie are very excited to help. Steve is even recruited to help by the kids. At the store the previous day you had bought them Santa hats and Charlotte and Henry ran around with them on.

Christmas music played as Bucky put the lights on the trees and you organized the ornaments. With the help of the kids you decorate around the living room. The inflatable goats were placed outside by the door at Lottie’s insistence.

Once the lights were ready it was time to decorate the tree. Henry and Lottie were bouncing all over the place with excitement as they ran around the tree and hung ornaments anywhere they could reach. The three ornaments you had been given were neatly placed front and center. Seeing them there made you tear up a bit. Bucky kissed your temple as he admired them.

“It’s kind of insane isn’t it?” He murmurs.

“After all we’ve been through? Yeah. But I’m glad I get to celebrate with you.”

Bucky’s smile is soft, eyes full of adoration as he looks down at you. He gives you another quick kiss before stepping away.

“Alright now the most important part of the tree-��

“The pwesents?” Lottie interrupts Bucky. Everyone chuckles at her excitement.

“No. The most important part is the Star.” Bucky says as he grabs the star out of the box. “Who wants to put the star at the top?”

“Bubba do it.”

“Henry, wanna do the honors?”

“Yeah.” Henry grabs the star and stares down at it with wonder.

“Ok, let’s get you on my shoulders bubs.” Bucky nods at Steve who grabs Henry and has him stand on Bucky’s shoulders.

Carefully, Bucky moves towards the tree and gives Henry time to place the star right at the top. You record the whole thing and cheer Henry on once the star is set in place.

“Doll, come do the honors and turn on the lights.”

With Bucky’s help she plugs in the tree.

“Wow.” Charlotte says under her breath. Her eyes are wide as she takes in the sight of the finished Christmas tree.

You, Steve and Bucky stand in the middle of the living room and admire the completed room before some sniffles get your attention. When you look at the kids you find Lottie wiping away tears and Henry shifting between solid and translucent.

“What’s wrong?” Steve asks as he looks between both kids.

The question seems to be what breaks the floodgates.

“Is so pwetty.” Lottie hiccups and runs to Bucky who catches her and holds her close.

Henry quietly moves to your side and lets you pull him in for a hug.

“What’s going on bub?”

“I love it, everything is so nice. I never wanna go with the bad guys again.”

“Oh my sweet boy. Daddy and I will never let that happen.” You squat down to be at his eye level.

“I know.” He hides his face on your shoulder as he hugs you. “I just want it to be like this all the time.”

“We’ll see what we can do.” You smile up at Bucky and Steve.

“Why don’t we watch a movie?”

“What moobie mama?”

“A Christmas one of course.”

~~~~~~~~

The whole team stood in a private section at Rockefeller center. It was the night for the tree lighting event. Tony had always been given an invitation but always declined. This year though everyone was there, including the kids. Your dad, Luke, Molly and Olivia were also there.

“Make sure the kids keep these on.” Tony held his hand open to you, revealing three pins.

“What are they?”

“I made them for them. It’s to prevent the paparazzi from getting pictures of them.” Tony explains. “I thought it’d be good to give them a little more protection.”

“You’re amazing. Thank you Tony.”

Tony shrugs but gives you a pleased grin before you turn and call the kids over. Each of them gets a pin placed on their coat. It gives you a little piece of mind that their faces won’t be out there just yet.

As the show starts Bucky stands behind you, his arms wrap around your waist. Lottie, Henry and Olivia stand at the edge of the private section and dance along with the music. When it’s time to finally light the tree Charlotte is on Bucky’s shoulder. Olivia is sitting on Luke’s shoulder and Henry is standing by your side. You all watch as the tree lights up. Everyone cheers and talks amongst themselves. It’s perfect timing because it starts to snow lightly.

“Hey kitten.” Ed says as he walks up from behind you.

“Hey dad.”

“I was thinking.”

“Uh-oh.”

Ed raises an eyebrow in your direction. “Careful missy, I can still put you in time out.”

Henry looks up between you and your dad and laughs.

“Whatever you say old man. What were you thinking about?”

“The forecast says it’s going to be snowing soon up toward the cabin.”

“Really?” Your eyes light up. Now this is a family tradition you’d love to share with the kids.

“Yup. I was thinking of leaving tomorrow morning and getting everything set up. This year has been really tough on all of us. Maybe it’d be good to spend some family time together. Get these kiddos used to some family traditions.”

“That would be amazing. We can definitely be there.”

“Good. I can’t wait.”

“We should get going, it’s getting late.” You give him a quick hug. “We’ll see you up there.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was only a few days later when you showed up at the cabin. Snow had started to fall just as Bucky parked the car. With any luck there would be enough snow on the ground to let the kids play outside and maybe build a snowman or make snow angels.

The door opens before you’ve even made it up the porch steps.

“Gwandpa.”

“Grandpa.”

Both Charlotte and Henry exclaim as they rush to hug your father.

“Hey there kiddos.” He hugs them both before looking up at you. “Hey kitten, Bucky. How was the drive up?”

“It was good.”

“Good, good. Let’s get you in here before the cold snaps your toes off.”

Lottie screams at that and runs inside, exclaiming that she doesn’t want an owie on her toes. You all chuckle before Bucky tells you he’ll get the suitcases and that you should go in.

“Finally.” Josh announces and he gets up from the couch to embrace you.

Ever since the team found you and brought you back your family had been more present than ever. Sofia and Joshua, who lived in the city due to being in college, came around the tower the most. There seemed to be some sort of underlying guilt but mostly it felt like they were trying to make up for lost time.

“Sibling hug.” Sofia announces as she hugs you from behind.

The hug is finished by Luke who somehow managed to wrap his arms around both twins with you in the middle. You giggle like a little girl as they finally pull away.

“Hey, Molly.” You greet your sister in law.

“Hey, Y/N.”

“Auntie So-So.” Lottie pulls on Sofia’s sweater. “Can make bwaid?” She runs her little chubby fingers through her much longer raven hair.

“Of course I can. How about I give you and Oli matching hairdos?”

“Yeah.” Lottie jumps up and down and darts toward the room the kids will be staying in.

Bucky walks in with all of the luggage under his arms.

“Let me help you with that.” Luke offers and takes the kids' suitcases. “The kids will be in the same room as last time and you’ll be in Y/N’s old room.”

You and Molly move to the couch as Bucky and Luke disappear further into the cabin.

“So how is their first Christmas going?” Molly asks.

“It’s going great but I’m constantly fighting the urge to do more. I feel like it’s not enough but I also don’t want to overwhelm them.”

Molly hums in agreement.

“I just want it to be special, you know.”

“I do but don’t worry about it too much. Those kids adore you and Bucky. Anything you do with them will make Christmas special.”

“You’re right. We have a whole lifetime to fit in everything we can do during the holidays.”

Ed takes a seat on his recliner while Bucky and Luke take a seat next to you and Molly.

“So what’s the plan for this weekend?” Bucky asks.

“Lots of fun.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hold on, Doll. You too Olivia.” Bucky says as he settles a skate mate in front of each of them.

Bucky held on to the front of the skate mate as he walked them through what they needed to do. Luke was behind them, making sure they wouldn’t get hurt but also encouraging them. You were further up in the rink with Henry. He was a quick learner and not afraid of falling. Soon enough he was gliding easily along the ice, holding your hand as you did a lap.

“Did you skate a lot when you were my age, mama?”

“Yup. Grandpa used to take me to this ice rink, just the two of us. We would skate for hours.” You smile down at him.

“Do you know any tricks?”

“I do and I’ll show you.”

You pick up a bit of speed and do a few tricks. It’s a bit easier doing them now with the serum. You call Henry over and show him your jumps and soon enough he’s doing them too. The music changes to something more upbeat and the lights flash and bounce to the rhythm.

“May I have this dance?” Your dad stops right beside you, his hand stretched out for you to take.

You smile and let him lead you around the mostly empty rink. It was just like when you were little. Your laugh filled the space as Ed turned and dipped you. Soon enough Bucky was doing the same with Lottie and Luke with Olivia. You skated over to Henry and took his hands, leading him around the ice the same way your dad did. Everyone was partnered up and a new tradition was born.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The morning after the ice rink was perfect. It had snowed all night long providing the perfect amount of snow to be able to play outside. Once the kids heard about the plans for the day, breakfast was a quick affair. Dressed in their warmest and waterproof clothes Henry, Lottie and Olivia head outside.

You make sure to take videos and pictures of them playing in the snow. There’s laughing and yelling and everything a kid’s Christmas should be.

“Auntie Y/N.” Olivia calls you shyly.

“Yes Oli?”

“Can you help me make a snow Angel?”

“Of course sweetheart. Let’s find a good flat spot.” You take her hand and walk a little bit further from the main entrance and help her lay down.

“Mama what you doing?” Lottie asks as she watches you.

“We are making snow angels. Wanna make one?”

“Yeah.” She does her best to run but the snow is slowing her down.

Henry soon joins too and you teach them how they should move their arms and legs. A few minutes later the three snow angels are done and you take a picture of those too.

****

“Don’t let him see you ok?” You whisper into Henry’s ear. He’s giggling uncontrollably as you hand him a snowball. “Don’t let him hear you either.”

Henry nods and disappears. The only trace of him are the footprints in the snow but they’re surprisingly light. From your own hiding place you watch as Luke walks out of the cabin and stands on the porch. He had been the only one to stay inside while everyone played. The whole family was in their spots and waiting for just the right moment.

“Molly?” Luke calls out after not seeing his wife. “Olivia?”

“I feel bad.” Molly says.

“Don’t. He planned plenty of these surprise attacks on all of us.” You murmur.

You hear the snowball hit him, right in the face too. Henry reappears briefly and laughs before there are snowballs flying from all directions. Luke, Bucky, Josh and Henry take it very seriously and soon enough the four of them are in a proper snowball fight. Teams have been formed and snowballs are flying from one side of the yard to the other nonstop.

You, Molly, Olivia and Lottie decide to make a snowman instead. It takes a bit of explaining from you and Molly so that the girl will understand that the snowman will not come to life like in the Frosty the snowman movie. They’re slightly disappointed until Ed and Sofia walk out with hot chocolate for everyone.

You sit on the stairs with Bucky pulling you in closer. His eyes are bright and his cheeks are flushed pink and his smile is beaming. He kisses your temple before taking a sip from his mug.

“So what do you think so far?” You whisper.

“I couldn’t ask for anything better. Hopefully we can do this next year too.”

You smile and nod before looking at everyone on the porch, grateful for this moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Bucky where are we going?” You ask as Bucky leads you down to the entrance.

“I told you Sugar, it’s a surprise.”

“What about the kids?”

“Eddie, Sofia and Josh were taking them into town for some shopping and dinner.” He tells you as he grabs your coat and holds it out for you to wear.

Bucky looked amazing in his dark blue sweater and jeans. His hair which was just below his ears was pulled into a small man bun. He had also picked out your own outfit since he didn’t tell you where he was taking you. Much like his own outfit you had on your warmest sweater and a pair of jeans. Bucky also made sure you had your gloves and a scarf.

“Let’s go before it gets late.” Bucky opens the door and lets you go first.

The sight before you takes your breath away. Sitting on the front lawn of the family cabin was a beautiful red sleigh led by two black horses.

“How did you do this?”

“Luke helped me out. He’s on his own sleigh ride with Molly. Said it was tradition.” Bucky says as you both walk to the sleigh. “Do you like it?”

“Bucky this is the best surprise.” You turn and smile at him before wrapping your arms around his neck and giving him a kiss. “Thank you. I love you.”

“I love you too, Sugar.”

Bucky helps you up and you place the blanket that was waiting for you on yours and Bucky’s lap. He takes the reins and leads the horses down to who knows where. It didn’t matter where you went though as long as you got to spend some time with him. You snuggle up to him and enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland before you. The two of you talked about everything and nothing. You told each other of the things you wanted to do as a family and as a couple. It was wonderful to just be with Bucky.

Houses were all decorated and Bucky would slow down whenever you passed one in order to admire it. Soon enough you got closer to town. And just on the edge there were a few figures you recognized anywhere. Before the sleigh even came to a complete stop you turn to look at Bucky with nothing but love in your eyes for him.

“You’re amazing, you know that. Tonight is just perfect.”

“It’s going to get better, Sugar.” Bucky says as the sleigh comes to a complete stop.

“Hi mama.”

“Hi my babies. Hi dad.”

“Hey kitten. Having a nice time?”

“The best. But apparently it’s supposed to get better.”

“I’m sure it will but you’ll need these two troublemakers and this.” Eddie holds up a picnic basket for you to take.

Then he helps the kids up on the sleigh. Once they’re settled with Lottie sitting in your lap and Henry between you and Bucky, Eddie sends you on your way.

The night did end up getting much better. Bucky took you and the kids to a drive or ride through, Festival of Lights. While enjoying the light shows you sipped on hot chocolate and snacked on what had been packed. Henry and Lottie were ecstatic as they pointed out their favorite parts. You couldn’t help the smile on your face as you looked over at Bucky. Both of you with loving looks in your eyes.

This was the perfect way to end a small getaway with the family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Mama, why are we taking a picture with someone we don’t know?” Henry asks as he looks at Santa Claus.

“Well it’s Santa Claus, you can tell him what you want as Christmas presents. Then you take a picture, it’s just to have it.”

“But why would we ask him if you and daddy always get us presents?”

You smile at that.

“You don’t have to ask him for anything or take a picture with him if you don’t want to.” You look down at him before turning to check on Lottie and Bucky. “Do you know what you want to ask Santa for?”

“Yup.” Lottie twists her hips from side to side to make her dress swish. “I wike my dwess mama.”

“You look very pretty, sweet Angel.”

“Tank you, mama.”

“Next.” One of Santa’s helpers calls out and you move toward Santa. You give them a piece of paper with the kids names on it.

“Alright Lottie, go ahead.”

“I’ll go with her mama.” Henry says and takes Charlotte’s hand.

“Merry Christmas, little ones. Charlotte and Henry, how are you doing today?”

“Am good.”

“Good.”

“Now tell me what would you like for Christmas?”

They both sit on the bench next to Santa and start listing things they’d love to get. A doll, a new video game, some candy.

“An I want a huwa hoop.”

“Oh a hula hoop can be quite fun.”

“Where did she learn what a hula hoop is?” Bucky murmurs in your ear.

“That chipmunk song she’s been listening to nonstop.”

“Oh. I guess I tuned it out after the third time.” You both chuckle.

“An I want-“ Lottie starts talking but then she looks from Santa to you and back, a smile that means mischief on her face. She kneels next to Santa and cups her hand around her mouth to whisper. “A baby sissy.”

Santa immediately blushes and laughs.

“Sometimes it takes a while but maybe mom and dad can help with that request, little one.” Santa looks up at you and Bucky and winks. “How about we take a picture now?”

“Kay.”

Santa’s helper sets the kids up and the picture gets taken. Then each kid gets a candy cane and they walk back to you.

“Let’s get you guys changed and then we can go shopping.”

****

You walked through a department store. Bucky had taken Henry and you were with Charlotte. Although you had already bought the gifts you were meant to give, Lottie also wanted to pick something out for her family.

She stood in front of a clothes rack, one hand on her hip and the fingers of the other tapping on her chin.

“Mama, that one.” She pointed at a short black slip dress with a slit to one side.

You pull the dress off the rack and hold it up for her and she nods happily. Her cart was already full of things for everyone. It was cute how excited she was to go shopping.

You met up with Bucky, he then left with Lottie and you took Henry. He knew exactly what he wanted to get Bucky. You were in the men’s section and Henry just walked around until he found exactly what he wanted for his dad.

With all the gifts purchased you meet up with Bucky and head back home.

~~~~~~~~~

“I have the icing and gumdrops here.” Steve says as everyone sets down all of the ingredients to make gingerbread houses.

“Alright, let’s start building.”

“Steebie help me?” Lottie looks up at Steve from her seat.

“Of course, sweetheart.”

Clint and Sam get easily distracted by throwing candy at each other to see who can catch more. Tony starts making a gingerbread Ironman suit. Nat and Wanda are helping Henry make something that resembles more of a mansion.

“What are you making Sugar?”

“Don’t know, maybe we can make the cabin.”

“We can give it to your dad as his Christmas gift.” Bucky chuckles.

“He’d love it and then eat it.”

“It doesn’t sound appetizing.”

“He won’t care.” You look at him and smile. “Now come on and help me put the roof together.”

There was laughter and lightness amongst the team. Jokes and teasing happened around you. Henry was having the time of his life with his aunties. Lottie looked at Steve like he hung the moon and the stars as he guided her on where to put more decorations. She giggled when Tony leaned in and ate the candy she had been holding. Bucky had to pull the candy bowls from Sam and Clint since they kept tossing them at each other. It was all you could have ever wanted for the kids first Christmas.

~~~~~~~~~

Music blasted from the speaker in the kitchen. The oven was preheating. There were ingredients everywhere. Everyone’s apron was covered in flour, you could even find flour in Lottie’s hair. It was great.

“Make sure you keep even pressure.” You stand behind Henry and help him roll out the sugar cookie dough. “If not, the cookies won’t bake evenly.”

Henry was completely focused on his task. He’d double check everything before going on to the next step.

“Ok now we get to use the cookie cutters.”

“Can help mama.”

“Yes you can, come over to this side.” You step back and place a stepladder in front of the counter.

Lottie gets up and looks up at you waiting for instructions. You grab a few of the cookie cutters and show her.

“Which one do you want to use, sweet Angel?”

“Um-“ she looks them all over before choosing a snowman cutter. “This one mama.”

“Good choice. How about you sweet boy?”

Henry goes with a stocking cutter.

“Alright now you just have to press it down on the dough like this.” You show them what they need to do. “Then you pick it back up and do the same thing a few times. You can even change cookie cutters if you want.”

There’s a little bell that goes off letting you know that the batch of cookies in the oven should be done.

“I’ll get those.” Bucky says as he walks around the kitchen island and heads for the oven.

“Don’t eat any of them daddy.”

“Yeah, no habe cookies.”

Bucky scoffs. “I haven’t had a single cookie.”

“Yes you have. I’ve seen you.” Henry laughs when he turns to see Bucky with a cookie halfway to his mouth. “You see, I caught you again.”

“Dada. No habe cookie.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Bucky says before taking a bite out of the cookie in his hand.

You chuckle and shake your head.

Recipe after recipe you end up making a nice mixture of cookies. From sugar cookies and chocolate chips to snickerdoodle and crinkle cookies. There was enough to feed the building.

“Don’t forget to leave some for Santa.” Henry reminds you as you box some up for the team.

“Don’t worry, those right there are for Santa.” You point to some cookies that have been separated.

“Good, I wouldn’t want daddy to eat them all.”

“Hey!” Bucky pouts. “It’s not my fault you’re so good at cooking and baking. The cookies are too good.”

“Yeah, bubba. Cookies are so yummy.”

“See it’s not only me.”

Both you and Henry look over just in time to see Charlotte stuff another snickerdoodle cookie in her mouth. Her cheeks puff out as she tries to chew and she sends a thumbs up Henry’s way. You laugh and finish packing the last bit of cookies.

~~~~~~~~~

Christmas Eve you spent in your apartment. The four of you watched some movies and listened to more Christmas music. The kids had been determined in wrapping the presents themselves. At the end of it there was wasted tape and wrapping paper and gifts that were poorly wrapped. But they were so excited and proud of doing it themselves and placing them under the Christmas tree.

****

“Please daddy. We have to match.”

“I’m not wearing that.”

“Pwease dada.” Lottie pouted and looked up at Bucky with her big doe eyes.

You held up his pair of matching pajamas seeing as you and the kids were already changed into them. It really wouldn’t have been a problem for Bucky except the pajamas in question were white with little ornaments, presents and characters from The Grinch movie.

“Please.” You add as you hold out the pajamas the kids had chosen. “Don't be a Grinch.”

“Yeah dada, no be a Gwinch.”

Bucky groans but fails to hold back his smile as he takes the offending clothes and heads into the room to change. You Lottie and Henry celebrate while waiting for him. The kids cheer when Bucky walks back out in his pajamas and Lottie hugs his legs and waits to be picked up. The night is spent playing some board games and watching movies. When bedtime rolls around you and Bucky read Twas the night before Christmas to the kids. They fall asleep quickly and happily.

****

“Wake up sweet boy.” You rub Henry’s back. “C’mon sweet boy open those pretty eyes for me.”

“Mama? What’s going on?”

“You have to come see.” You whisper.

Lottie was already a pouting mess in Bucky’s arm but the four of you crept your way out from the bedroom down the hallway and stopped short of the living room.

“Be quiet but take a look.” You whisper to the kids with a smile. By now curiosity had driven away Lottie’s sleepiness.

Bucky sets Lottie down and takes out his phone to record as she tipped toed toward the entrance of the living room with Henry right behind her. There’s a light gasp from both kids. There in the living room illuminated by the soft glow of Christmas lights was Santa placing gifts under the tree.

“Mama is Santa.” Lottie whispers.

“I know sweet Angel.”

“Can we say hi?”

“Do you think he’ll like my cookies?” Henry looks from Santa to you.

“You tell me.”

You nod toward the living room and Henry turns back just in time to watch Santa take a bite. He hums in approval, even giving his signature Ho Ho Ho laugh, before drinks some milk. Henry is ecstatic.

“Let’s go back to bed now before he sees us.” Bucky says as he puts his phone away and the kids run back.

They were way too excited to sleep now but it was worth it. As Bucky keeps them distracted you stay by the living room waiting for Santa.

“How excited were they?”

“So excited, I’ll send you the video.” You look up at Santa and smile. “Thanks for helping with this dad.”

“You got it, kitten.”

You hug your dad and walk him to the door.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, kitten.”

“Goodnight dad.”

You close the door and head back to the kids room and hear them talking about Santa and how they were so excited to open presents.

~~~~~~~

Christmas morning comes with two little balls of energy. One currently pulling on Bucky’s hand and the other straddling your waist.

“Mama no seeping. It’s Chwistmas, habe pwesents.” Lottie says in your ear rather loudly.

“I’m awake, sweet Angel but you have to get off of me.”

“Kay.” She says as she scrambles off of you and the bed.

“Move faster.” Henry insists from the door.

They were both practically vibrating in their spots. You turn to look at Bucky who had a sleepy but adoring smile on his face. Henry takes Lottie’s hand and they start running to the living room.

“We should go before their heads explode.”

****

Both kids sat by the tree. All the presents you’d finish placing under the tree after they had gone to sleep overflowed. Lottie and Henry pointed at the gifts with special wrapping paper and wondered if those were the gifts from Santa.

“Ok, should we have breakfast first?” You tease knowing the kids wanted to get to the presents.

“No mama. Want pwesents.”

“Please.” Henry looked up with pleading eyes.

You looked back at Bucky who had a camera set up on a tripod and ready to record.

“Ok I guess we can open gifts now then.”

The kids cheer and you all sit down. Gifts are given and wrapping paper is ripped into. Henry and Lottie smile and gasp and cheer as they open each gift. Lego sets and video games, baby dolls and hula hoops. Art supplies and baking items. It was everything they’d wanted. Tears of joy gather in both yours and Bucky’s eyes as you watch the kids get to experience something as wonderful as Christmas.

“Mama is fo’ you.” Lottie holds out a wrapped gift.

“Did you buy this for me sweet Angel?”

“Yeah.” She says bashfully.

You open the gift to find a teddy bear, a dress and some of your favorite candy.

“I love it sweet Angel. Thank you.”

“So mama no have bad dweams.” She holds up the stuffie.

“Oh baby. You are so sweet.” You hug her tightly and kiss the top of her head.

“Mama I got you this.”

You grab the gift from him which was pretty big as well. When you open it you find another bear and a knitted blanket in your favorite color. You smile at him and hug the blanket and stuffie to your chest.

“I think baby and I had the same idea, mama.”

“It’s ok my sweet boy. I love everything.” You hug him.

“Fo’ dada.”

“Thank you doll.” Bucky unwraps his gifts. One is a very nice watch and the other is a pair of very stylish sunglasses. “These are amazing, doll. I love everything.” He gives her a hug and a kiss.

“Here, open mine now.”

Bucky opens the gift which is a very nice leather jacket.

“It’s perfect. How did you know I needed a new one?”

Henry just shrugs but he has a small proud smile on his face.

Next you and Bucky exchange what you got for each other. A beautiful bracelet and earring set for you and an expensive bottle of scotch, a cologne you knew he’d love and a rare first edition copy of the Hobbit.

Even Alpine got treats, toys and at Lottie’s insistence some bows and a cute collar.

“We should have breakfast and meet in the common room to exchange gifts with everyone else.” You said.

“That sounds like a plan. Let’s go.”

~~~~~~

The whole team and family members gathered in the shared living room after breakfast. Almost everyone was still in pajamas and Sam made sure to tease Bucky about his Grinch pajamas.

“Alright, alright.” Eddie quieted everyone down. “I think it’s time for presents.”

Everyone exchanged presents before opening them. Tony gave all the guys, and kids a customized lightsaber, which he had been working on. To everyone else he gave an expensive perfume made specifically for them. Sam gave Lottie and Henry bikes and all of the necessary protections. Bruce gave the kids science kits and even promised to do some experiments with them. Wanda and Nat replaced some of the kid’s favorite things including Lottie’s make up kit and accessories and Henry’s cookbook and toys.

In turn Henry and Lottie gave everyone their gifts. From mugs to a tool kit for Tony, which he didn’t need but appreciated anyway. Wanda got some sweaters and earrings while Nat got the black dress Lottie picked out and a bracelet.

Steve was last and you knew he had worked hard on whatever it was that was going to give them. He gave Henry and Lottie their gift bags and he waited anxiously for them to open it. There were two books in each bag. Lottie’s eyes immediately lit up and then watered.

“Steebie I lobe it.” She murmurs as she looks at the sequel to the Lottie Adventure book Steve had drawn up for her. As well as a copy of the first book, that he had gifted her for her birthday and which was lost when hydra had attacked the compound.

Her eyes fill with tears as she hugs Steve as a thank you.

“Oh sweetheart you don’t have to cry.”

“Is my fabowite.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

Henry opened his gift to find his own Henry’s Adventure book. He rushes to Steve and hugs him as well and thanks him.

“You’re welcome bubs.” Steve smiles as both Charlotte and Henry cling to him.

You hold out the gifts that the kids chose for him so that they could give him their gifts. Lottie chose a record player with various records. Henry had opted for a new personalized leather bound sketchbook along with pencils and charcoals.

The kids played amongst themselves and so did the adults. It was good to be together and be able to share in the laughter and love.

~~~~~

When the day came to an end and Lottie and Henry were tired and on the verge of sleep, you and Bucky tucked them in. They were mumbling about how much fun they’d had but Charlotte had one complaint.

“Am mad at Santa, mama.” She murmured in her semi sleepy state.

“Why is that my sweet Angel?” You pushed some hair out of her face and felt Bucky move to kneel beside you.

“Asked Santa fo’ a baby sissy an no find baby sissy unduh the twee.”

There was a little pout on her lips as she blinked owlishly at you.

“Well we can write Santa a letter tomorrow to complain ok?”

“Kay.”

“I love you sweet Angel.”

“I love you Doll.”

“I lobe you mama an dada and bubba.”

“I love you too baby.” You heard Henry say sleepily from the top bunk.

With the kids asleep you and Bucky sat in the living room with a glass of wine. You were tucked into his side and you enjoyed the comfortable silence between you two.

“I’m tired.” Bucky mumbles. “How was this the longest yet shortest month ever?”

You chuckle and nod in agreement. “It was amazing wasn’t it?”

“Yeah. I want to see those smiles the rest of my life.”

“Me too.”

Bucky turns to look at you. A soft adoring look in his eyes. Then he leans in and kisses you softly. He rests his forehead against yours.

“You’re the best gift I could have ever asked for.” He mutters.

You smile and kiss him again.

“Funny, I was going to say the same thing about you.”

Bucky huffs a laugh before you kiss him again. This time leaving him breathless. Neither of you could wait to do this again, to celebrate Christmas again or any other holiday for that matter. Because at the end of the day the best gift you could have was each other and the kids. The laughter and the love. The ups and downs this life threw at you.

And considering you had been thrown many downs it was nice to end the year in an up with the people you cared about the most.

Extra notes: So although it's not stated in the main series. For Charlotte's Birthday Steve gifted her with her own book, with Lottie being the main character (as she should be). He did the illustrations and worked with a local children's book author to create a story for her. This was based on an ask that I received and I thought that it would be something Steve would keep adding to. So for Christmas he replaced the one she lost (book 1) and gave her the sequel. He did the same for Henry.

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