#this is literally Sam's best moment (snd there are a lot)

[a-splash-of-stucky]

I Know This Game | Eleven

Pairings: Bucky x Foster!Reader

Summary: You’ve won the ultimate prize

Warnings: Implied smut? This is pretty PG, fam. Just some much-needed fluff.

Notes: Chapter title and some of the dialogue was inspired by Halsey’s ‘Now or Never’. Visual insp for this part [x] [x] [x] and [x]. Bucky’s suit and hair. 

This is the ‘end’ end of my first-ever foray into the world of Bucky Barnes fanfiction. IKTG is how I met many of you lovely people — and y’all know who you are 😉  — so for that, this fic will always hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for sticking around with me, my darlings, you’re the best. I dedicate this final chapter to you ❤️

side note: props to you if you get where the ending line comes from ;)

IKTG Masterlist

To say that you’re nervous right now would be more than a little bit of an understatement.

When Bucky asked you if you were nervous earlier this morning, you’d told him that you weren’t — and to some extent, that statement still holds true. You’re not nervous. 

Well. You are a little bit nervous. It’s complicated.

You’re not nervous about the fact that in about fifteen minute’s time, you’ll finally be able to call Bucky your husband and know that there is nothing, no force in this entire universe strong enough to keep the two of you apart from each other.

You are nervous about having to walk down the aisle and say your vows in front of all those people, though. Sure, ‘all those people’ literally means no one besides your family and your closest friends, but still. The thought of having to say something momentous and profound in front of them is rather nerve-wracking. You want to be married to Bucky, of this you have no doubt; you just don’t know if you’re ready to get married to Bucky, right now.

Why did you turn down the idea of eloping, again?

It is at this point that the door to your dressing room opens and Jane steps inside. She looks wonderful, swathed in a tea-length burgundy tulle dress with her hair pulled back into an elegant bun.

“Hey there, sis,” she murmurs, coming to sit beside you on the couch. “How’re you feeling?”

“I don’t know,” you admit. “Like—I do kinda wish mum and dad were here.”

“Yeah,” Jane sighs, “Takes dedication to work to a whole new level, huh?”

You shrug. “At least we’re used to it,” you mutter.

Your parents are currently somewhere in the depths of the Congo rainforest, tracking down some rare species of beetle previously thought to be extinct. Because their funding is due to run out in about a month’s time, they’d had no choice but to go now. Sure, it would’ve been nice to have them around for your big day, but you’re not particularly close with them, anyway. Their absence is not that big of an issue for you.

“But you’re okay?” Jane prompts, nudging you with her elbow.

You release a heavy sigh as you nod your head. “Yeah…besides that…I just wanna get this over with,” you say, turning to flash her a tired smile. “Don’t get me wrong — I’m happy and excited, and all of that good stuff, but—,”

“You just wanna skip to the part where you’re Mr and Mrs Barnes, huh?” Jane finishes, chuckling as you nod your head fervently. “Well, in that case, are you about ready to get out there and get married?”

“No,” you say sharply, a sudden rush of panic bubbling up your throat. “Janie, I feel like m’gonna be sick,”.

“Y/N,” Jane sighs, taking both of your hands and pulling you to your feet, ignoring your weak protests. “Everyone says that. What’s gonna go wrong, huh? You love Bucky, Bucky loves you, and both of you wanna get married to each other. Where is the issue in all of this?” As she speaks, Jane reaches up to straighten the delicate lace headband in your hair.

“Jane I…I don’t know, okay?” you huff frustratedly. Jane snorts, grabs your hand and leads you out of the room.

“Are you ready for this?” she asks, turning to look at you over her shoulder. Jane’s voice is firmer this time.

“I don’t know!” you squeak, allowing yourself to be dragged out of the room and down the corridor, “I just—I’m allowed to be nervous, okay? I’m the bride. It’s my day,”.

You can practically hear Jane rolling her eyes in amusement. It’s possible that she says some choice words under her breath. The two of you walk in silence until you get to the double doors at the end of the corridor. Once there, Jane stops, turns around and puts her hands on your shoulders, levelling you with a stern, but loving, gaze.

“Sis, trust me. Everything’s gonna work out. You just need to relax and enjoy yourself, okay? I’m not gonna sit here and lecture you about love and your future with Bucky — I’m probably the least qualified person around to do that — but what I do know is that you’ve been through hell and found each other again. Now, I don’t believe in fate, but something tells me that the universe clearly wants you two to be together. So, we’re gonna get out there, you’re gonna walk down the aisle like you own it, and then you’re gonna make him your husband, you get me?”

“Jane,” you breathe, stunned by her sudden outburst of emotion. “I—,” instead of finishing your sentence, you throw your arms over her shoulders and squeeze her in a suffocatingly-tight hug. 

“Love you. Thank you,” you whisper fiercely.

“Okay, okay,” Jane laughs, patting your shoulder awkwardly. “You ready now? Wanna do this?”

You step back, shake out your hair snd roll your shoulders. Jane snorts at your dramatics, but bends down to fluff out the skirt of your dress nonetheless. “You look gorgeous,” she murmurs adoringly, flashing you one last smile before taking your hand and looping it around her elbow. 

Perhaps it is a tad bit unconventional to be given away by your little sister, but then again, ‘conventional’ is a word with little meaning to you, nowadays.

The two of you wait in front of the door for what feels like an eternity, before you finally hear the opening bars of the hauntingly beautiful piano melody that you’ve chosen as your procession song. It’s a piece with a name you can’t pronounce, written by some obscure Russian composer — Nat had suggested it to you and you’d fallen in love with it the moment you heard the first notes.

Right on cue, the doors swing open with a dramatic flourish. 

After sparing one last glance at each other, you and Jane step out onto the rooftop. You’d come out here earlier this afternoon to see how the set-up was getting on, but at that point, most of the decor had only been half-finished.

Now, your eyes widen in wonder as you take in the beauty of the setting. Fairy-lights and lanterns are strung over the aisle in a sort of ethereal canopy, flickering and twinkling merrily above everyone’s head. In the distance, the setting sun paints the sky in a burnished orange hue, its glowering rays bathing the entire rooftop in a soft, warm glow. Red and blue — the colours of your wedding — decorations complete the scene.

The next few seconds past by in a blur. You dimly register Jane taking a step forward and prompting you to follow her lead. You feel like you’re in a daze. Your eyes roam over the assembled crowd. It’s small; only your family members, your closest friends, plus a few colleagues dotted here and there. Everyone is smiling, and a lot of people already have tears in their eyes. You make eye-contact with a beaming Pepper, who’s looking gorgeous in her pale pink shift dress, one hand resting protectively over her baby bump. You owe so much to her — not least because you have a strong suspicion that she had a large hand in vetoing a lot of Tony’s more extravagant ideas.

You spot Nat, Wanda and Peggy to the left of the flower archway at the end of the aisle; your three best friends decked out in red dresses, each one in a slightly different style to accentuate their best features. Sam is standing underneath the archway, hands crossed in front of him, smiling at you like he’s the world’s proudest dad. Steve looks like he’s barely holding himself together. When his best friend had asked Steve to be his best man, Steve — in true Steve fashion — had said yes with tears brimming in his eyes.

And then, your eyes land on him.

Time slows right the way down.

Bucky looks fucking spectacular. His hair is groomed back into a neat man-bun, emphasising a stunning jawline which is covered in the faintest dusting of stubble. His navy blue suit fits him like a goddamns glove, the deep colour perfectly complimenting his complexion. As much as you like him in the suit, you also can’t wait to get him out of it.

You find yourself wishing that the aisle was shorter.

Bucky’s grinning from ear to ear, practically bouncing on his feet with excitement. In the blink of an eye, you find yourself standing in front of him, taking his hand in yours and waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Sam waits for everyone to settle back into their seats before clearing his throat and beginning. 

“Now, I know that Y/N and Bucky have prepared their own vows,” he starts, “And I’m willing to bet that they’re dying to get this show on the road, but first, I’ve got a couple of things I’d like to say,”.

He pauses, looking between the two of you with fondness in his eyes. “I don’t pretend like I know everything about love and relationships. But, I’ve seen people get in them, I’ve seen people fall out of them and I’ve seen all manner of strange arrangements in between. And from all of this—well, I’ve made a few observations. I’d like to share one of them with you today, if I may,”.

Sam raises both hands and gestures towards you and Bucky, as he addresses the crowd. “If you’ve seen these two together, you’ll know that this here? This is love. All love. Right here. Bucky and Y/N have been through hell on this earth — for Bucky, I mean literal hell — but they found each other, and most importantly, found safety and happiness with each other. And y’all? That is what love is. That’s what’s important when two people get married — the love they have for each other, that undying, unyielding force. I know these two love each other more than any one of us can hope to understand, and that they respect each other and want to keep each other happy, so…yeah,”. 

Sam nods his head as his voice trails off, pleased with the way his little spiel turned out. He’s somehow completely oblivious to the fact that he’s just left you completely speechless.

“Now,” Sam says brusquely, clapping his hands together. “Your vows?”

You and Bucky catch each other’s gaze and burst out into hysterical laughter. “I don’t know if I can follow up from that, Sam,” you chuckle.

“Yeah, you kinda set the bar high there, Wilson,” Bucky adds.

You shake your head in amusement as you turn to face your husband-to-be. 

You’re a complicated mess of emotions right now. Tears are threatening to spill from the corners of your eyes, your pulse is roaring in your ears and you feel like you’re about to projectile vomit the cereal you had for breakfast at any second. In your peripheral vision, you can make out the silhouettes of your closest friends and family, all gathered here to celebrate one of the most momentous days of your life. All eyes might be on you right now, but you only have eyes for one person.

Bucky Barnes, the love of your life. The man who will officially become your husband, in just a few short minutes.

If you can get through this ceremony, that is.

Noticing your hesitation, Bucky reaches out and takes hold of your other hand, squeezing it reassuringly. You take a deep breath, slowly count to three in your head, before opening your mouth to recite the words that you’ve written, scratched-out and re-written countless times in the last month.

“Bucky—,” your voice comes out shaky and a little croaky, so you clear your throat noisily before trying again. “Sweetheart, I never thought this day would get here. And…now that it’s here…I kind of feel like I need to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. I know you don’t like thinking about…the past, but sweetheart, we’ve been through it all. We’ve…we’ve been through really tough patches, and really good patches, and that’s probably how it’s gonna be for the rest of the time we have together,”

Bucky chuckles softly, nodding his head in agreement.

You pause to take another deep breath. “I just…I just want you to know that I’ll be your biggest cheerleader, your solid rock, your shoulder to cry on, your best friend—your home to come back to. I promise to support you and all the choices you make, believe in your dreams and most of all, love you unconditionally,”.

A fat tear rolls down Bucky’s cheek. You’re pretty sure you’re not faring off much better yourself but you forge on, nonetheless.

“I know it’s taken us a while to get here, and I am glad that we are where we are, but at the same time—I wish we’d done it sooner. You’re it for me, sweetheart. No one else gets me the way you get me. Not a day passes by without me thinking just how goddamn lucky I am to have you in my life. You make me happy. So happy, just—in general,” you chuckle wetly.

“My point is, well—I want you to love me now, forever, and always, because that’s the only way you’re gonna be able to keep up with me, darlin’, with the amount of love I got for you. I wanna hold you down, wanna keep you around forever, because there’s no one else I can see myself spending forever with, sweetheart. I love you, and I’m gonna keep on loving you for as long as we have together, and maybe a little bit beyond that, too,”.

Practically everyone at the ceremony is openly bawling now. Bucky brings both of your hands to his mouth and gently grazes his lips over your knuckles; tenderness, vulnerability and raw, unbidden love are all apparent in his expression. “I’m gonna keep on loving you too,” he vows quietly, flashing you a watery smile.

Bucky straightens up and clears his throat. “Wow,” he says, “You done good, sweetheart. Remember I said something about you being a writer if the whole clinic thing doesn’t work out, once upon a time? This is exactly why,”. 

A titter of laugh ripples through the crowd. Bucky shakes his head fondly, squares his shoulders, then locks eyes with you, looking at you like you’re the only thing keeping him sane.

“Y/N—,” and that’s as far as he gets before his voice gets all choked up. Bucky tips his head forward to rest his forehead against yours. You rub small circles on the back of his hand with your thumb in an attempt to soothe him. He takes another, shakier breath, then tries again.

“Y/N, first off, I’d like to say this: you little shit,”.

A startled laugh bubbles out of your throat.

“How the fuck am I supposed to follow up to that masterpiece? Why did I agree to go second? Why did we even want to write our own vows in the first place? Hindsight is a fucking son-of-a-bitch, man,” Bucky huffs. You giggle weakly in agreement, as the audience erupts into uproarious laughter.

“I have a confession to make,” Bucky admits, as everyone attempts to compose themselves. “I don’t actually have a speech prepared,”. At your arched eyebrow, he elaborates, “Winging it is more my thing, anyway. I—yeah, sure, I’ve been trying to write a speech, but I don’t have one because…well…I didn’t know what to say. Not—not because I don’t have anything to say, but because I have so much I wanna say. Sweetheart, there’re so many crazy good things about you, I didn’t even know where to begin. So many reasons why I love you, why you’re the greatest person I’ve ever met, why you’re the only girl I wanna spend the rest of my life with — there are so many reasons why I wanna stay with you. Forever,”.

Bucky takes a deep breath and squeezes your hand a little tighter, like he needs to ground himself. “I never knew how much I needed you in my life until…until you weren’t in it. I know we both hated those six months, but—well, now I know I need you ‘round with me,” he huffs.

“Yeah, it’s like you said. You’ve been through the ups and the downs with me. You’ve—god, you’ve done so much for me, stuff you probably don’t even know you’re doing. I’m so fucking happy that this day’s here because now…now I know that you’re mine. Forever,”

“Always gonna be yours, Buck,” you breathe.

Bucky laughs breathlessly. “I love you, sweetheart. That’s…that’s kinda why we’re here, right? Don’t you worry about me having problems keeping up with you, sweetheart—,”

“Super serum takes care of a lot,” you hear Nat mutter behind you.

“—I got a whole lot of love and I…I want to be able to love you for the rest of my life, Y/N. I want to always be there for you, the way you’re always there for me. I mean sure, sometimes you’re the pain in my ass, or the chip in my shoulder, but the point is, I never want to be apart from you, ‘cause I can’t get enough of you as it is,”. The audience erupts into a chorus of tearful ‘awws’ at that.

“I promise to make sure that you know that I love you, every second of every day. I’ll say those three words until you’re sick of them,”.

“That’ll never happen,” you swear, twisting one hand free of Bucky’s grip so you can brush away the tears staining your cheek. The corner of Bucky’s lips twitch up into a smile. 

“Even when we’re mad, or upset, or on opposite sides of the world…we’re gonna make it work. Because you’re worth it, sweetheart. I love you, I love our life, and I’m gonna try my damn hardest to make every day that we spend together a million times better than the day before. So…marry me already, will ya?”

The rings are exchanged. It’s possible that Sam says something along the lines of “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” but in all honesty, your brain has blocked out all other stimuli, in favour of focusing solely on Bucky. He winks impishly, then wraps his arms around your waist and leans in close, brushing his lips against yours. Distantly, you register the audience bursting into joyful applause, but nothing else matters, nothing else exists besides you and Bucky and the little bubble you’ve created for yourselves.

You and Bucky remain intertwined until Sam obnoxiously clears his throat, looking like he’s trying hard to hold in his laughter.

“Save it for the honeymoon suite, guys,” Steve mutters fondly.

———————————

The rest of the evening passes by in a series of flashes — snapshots of wonderful, intimate and at times, downright hilarious moments. You’re giddy with excitement, floating in Bucky’s arms as he spins you around the dance floor. Like a butterfly in a flowering meadow, you’re fluttering between conversations, trying to make sure that you’ve said hi to everyone that’s turned up. The white-gold wedding band on your finger is a foreign, but strangely comforting weight.

There’s plenty of laughter, a whole lot of alcohol-drinking, and Steve surprises exactly no one when he starts choking up in the middle of his best-man speech. It’s quite endearing, actually.  

Everyone whoops and hollers when Bucky enthusiastically scoops you into his arms and whisks you off to the honeymoon suite. You throw your arms around his neck and pepper soft kisses along his jawline as he scampers towards the lift like an excited puppy. Once he’s stepped into the lift, you find yourself trapped between the wall and Bucky’s warm body, his lips passionately locked onto yours.

“I know the rings don’t really make anything different between you and me,” says Bucky in between kisses, his eyes sparkling with exhilaration, the corners crinkling with excitement. “But sweetheart, I sure am glad you said yes,”.

You’re silent for a minute, looking at him adoringly as you catch your bottom lip between your teeth. Bucky cocks his head to the side in curiosity as his flesh hand comes up to cup your jaw. 

“What is it, darling?” he whispers, stroking his thumb back and forth over your shin. You tip your head to the side, pressing into the comforting touch.

“Nothing,” you murmur, “I’m just the luckiest girl in the world. You know why?”

Bucky arches one eyebrow as if to say what?

“Because I’ve finally finally won the game,” you husk, curling your fingers into the lapels of his jacket and drawing him close. Bucky’s dark, musky scent enshrouds you, making you feel safe and loved and turned on, all at the same time. “And not only did I win this game, I hit the jackpot, baby. I got the ultimate prize,”.

“Oh sweetheart,” Bucky croons, hooking his finger under your chin and tipping your head back so that he can gaze into your eyes. “I’m the lucky one here. What’d I ever do to land a girl like you, huh?”

Your smirk at that. “Yeah? Well, either way, I want my trophy,” you breathe, looping your arms around his neck as you press a coy kiss to the corner of his lips. “Gimme that gold,”.

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