All Grown Up: Green Series 12 (Pre-Serum Omega!Steve x Alpha!Bucky Domestic AU)

Twenty-Two

Loading the dishwasher, Steve was startled when strong arms wrapped around his waist. Sure, he knew that it was his mate, but he hadn't been expecting it. Of course, he really should've considering what day it was.

Straightening, Steve leaned back against his alpha's strong, broad chest. Taking a moment to enjoy the embrace. Adoring his husband more and more every day. Even when he was a little shit and poked Steve in the side to purposely get him to squirm.

Bucky kissed Steve's temple before ducking down and kissing the mating scar. With his lips still pressed to Steve's skin – causing goosebumps to form – he said, "Happy anniversary."

"Happy anniversary," Steve smiled, tilting his head so he could kiss his husband.

Briefly, Bucky removed his prosthetic from Steve's petite frame. When he returned it, he was holding a rectangular velvet box. Immediately, Steve turned in his husband's strong arms and narrowed his eyes.

"I thought we agreed on no gifts until our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary!" Bucky feigned innocence, "I don't remember that."

"Of course, you don't," Steve sighed, accepting the velvet box. Opening it, he was stunned to see an elegant silver watch with a simple black faux-leather band. It was beautiful, and possibly completely out of their budget. Especially with them helping with their son's upcoming wedding...

"James Buchanan," Steve shoved at his alpha's broad shoulder. "This is way too much."

"It's not," Bucky promised. When Steve clearly didn't believe him, Bucky explained, "I've been saving for it for a while. So, it's fine. Really."

Looking down at the box, Steve could admit that it was really, truly lovely. Removing the watch from its holder, Steve was about to slip it on his wrist, but Bucky stopped him. Steve's brows furrowed as his husband turned the watch over.

Forever yours

Every minute

Every hour

For all of our days

Always

Standing on his tiptoes, Steve gave the alpha sap a kiss. Then, he headed for their bedroom. Behind his collection of horror movies on the top shelf, Steve retrieved a velvet box of his own. Sure, it was no fancy-schmancy watch, but they weren't supposed to give each other gifts to begin with.

'Guess great minds think alike...

With the small velvet box behind his back, he watched as the grin grew on Bucky's face. Not only was Steve a terrible liar, but his poker face was shit too.

Of course, after twenty-five years together, that probably didn't help either. Handing the box to his alpha, Steve bit back his grin. Not believing for a second that Bucky didn't know that he was getting a gift for this anniversary. After all, it was the anniversary of their first night together. According to the alpha, it was the day that changed his life forever. Considering the life they created together, he supposed it had.

"I thought we said, 'no gifts,'" Bucky mocked. Leaning in, he kissed Steve before lifting the top, revealing a simple keychain that held a quarter. Not just any quarter though, it was a quarter from the year they met and was engraved with, Here's to 25 more years!

Worrying his lower lip, Steve said, "I know it's lame."

"No," Bucky shook his head. Pulling Steve into a strong embrace, Bucky kissed the top of Steve's head. Assuring, "It's perfect, Stevie. I love it."

"Really?" Steve asked, looking up at his mate.

There was nothing but love in the bond and he nodded, "Really, really."