Till the End of the Line: Our Life | Stucky Fanfic

Christmas with the Rogers-Barnes

Merry Christmas! - Jo

2072

The wind whistles outside, a soft whistle that life hums through as it swirls around the cabin. Snowflakes stick to the window and spread their icy arms as wide as they can, frosting the glass as if touched by Jack Frost himself in a delicate array of frozen art. The sun hasn't risen, but stars dim in the dark expanse of the sky.

Steve doesn't want to move. He nuzzles his nose into his pillow and sighs. It's dark and cold, even though there are several blankets draped over him and a large super soldier pressed against his back.

"They're awake," Bucky mumbles into his own pillow.

"I know. I can hear the kids moving around." Steve grunts as he rolls over, wrapping his arms around Bucky's waist. He smiles sleepily at his husband. "Hi."

Bucky shuffles closer, tucking himself under Steve's chin. "Hi. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," Steve whispers. "It's snowing."

Bucky lifts his head. "Snowing?"

Steve hums. "Yup. I don't know if they'll be more excited for the snow or presents."

"I still can't believe we got them all here."

"Me neither," Bucky yawns. He stretches into Steve's embrace, like a cat in the sun, but shuffles impossibly close so every last inch of his body is touching Steve's.

Down the hall, doors are opening and closing as whispered voices echo in through the wooden walls. The cabin creaks and moans as they tiptoe down the stairs and through the halls. Steve smiles as he hears shuffling outside their bedroom door.

"Poppy? Pop?" a quiet whisper with a brisk tapping that only a delicate hand could muster. "Are you in there?"

Steve peels himself away from Bucky, much to his dismay, and stretches as far as he can, fingers nearly brushing the low ceiling. He cracks his neck and rolls his shoulders as he walks toward the door. As he opens it, a fresh wave of brewing coffee hits him at once. It's just started, barely detectable, but Steve's no ordinary man. "Well hello there," he says as he kneels down to be at eye level with his visitor. "And what are you doing up this early in the morning?"

The little girl giggles as she bounces in her spot. "Santa came Poppy! But Daddy said we have to wait for you and Pop to come down before we can open the presents from him."

"Ah, so they sent you in to try and bring us slowpokes downstairs, huh?" Steve grabs her quickly and stands, tickling her as he settles her on his hip. She squeals and squirms, a laugh so piercing Steve swears a bird flew from the windowsill. He chuckles as he carries her to the bed, sitting beside the lump of blankets he left Bucky tucked into. "Well, if we're going to get up, we better wake Pop."

Bucky groans as he hides his face under a pillow.

"Pop, Santa came!" she says as she shakes him, still nestled in Steve's arm. "You can't get a present unless you get up."

Bucky opens one eye, glaring. "Ash, anyone tell you you're just like your daddy?"

Ashton giggles. "Only you, Pop."

"C'mon, Buck. Everyone's waiting on us."

"I thought when we became grandparents we wouldn't have to do the whole waking up early on Christmas morning thing?" Bucky mumbles as he sits up. He takes Ashton and bear hugs her close. "Merry Christmas princess," he says as he kisses her forehead.

Ashton wraps her arms around his neck. "Merry Christmas Pop," she says.

The three of them make their way downstairs, where Grant, Gabe, and Daisy were waiting with their families.