Very Merry Rivals

Chapter 6 (Final)

            "Why would you do that? Bucky growled as soon as you both left the hospital. "Now I gotta fix this mess or get married to you!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you coming up with any good ideas." You retorted, crossing your arms. "And I didn't know marrying me was such huge deal. Divorce is a thing you know. Or fake wedding?"

He pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled. "You know what? It's fine. I'll figure something out. Let's go."

"It's obviously not fine." You said following him to the car. "You're upset."

He unclenched his jaw and sighed. He wasn't mad at you; he was mad at the situation. He stared at you softly as he ran a hand through his hair. "I am upset, but...I just...I hate... this." He gestured between the two of you.

You looked away from him, but he wished you were still looking at him as you spoke. "I know, you hate me, but you're the one who started this. Once the holidays are over, you can be done with me. Just forget I even exist if you like."

Bucky pulled his hair slightly and groaned. Was he really going to do this right now? He shoved his hands in his pockets. "That's the thing, I don't...I don't want things to end."

"I don't understan—"

"I like you, okay? Gosh, I've liked you since day one. When you walked up to me that first day, I was smitten. And I don't know why you hate me so much."

He watched you nervously rub your arm and sigh. "I don't hate you, Bucky."

"Then why did you just cut me off? The only reason I started being mean to you was so I could get your attention. I figured I'd rather have a rivalry with you than to not be noticed by you at all." Bucky said, his chest heaving.

You stood silently for a few moments. "I didn't want to cut you off, but Mark...he didn't like you. And after we broke up, I thought...I thought you would be angry with me for not taking your hints about how Mark wasn't the person for me."

"I never—"

You gave him a pointed look. "You might not have said it directly, but trust me, I know you thought it."

He huffed. "Yeah."

"And then, I thought you were angry, because, y'know, we started arguing."

Bucky lunged toward you, pulling you into his warm embrace. He felt your arms wrap around him, returning the hug, and he let out a soft chuckle.

"We really are something, eh, sugarplum? And I'm sorry about everything."

"Me too." You whispered into his jacket.

He pressed a kiss to the top of your head and squeezed you tighter against him. It felt good, letting his feelings out.

"Come on, we don't wanna be late to your own Christmas party, do we?"

~~~~~

You smiled as you watched your Christmas party go out with a bang. Bucky's parents were talking with yours, laughing and eating cookies. You felt a warm hand slid across your back and you looked up. Bucky was looking down, a grin on his face, a few strands of his hair escaping from his Santa hat. You loved him.

"Looks like our families get along pretty well." Bucky chuckled. "And your mom told me that you talked a lot about me? I hope it was good."

You laughed. "I wouldn't say talked, more like ranted. Though she did tell me I would end up with you at some point."

"Hmm. Smart woman." Bucky hummed before leaning down to kiss you.

"Ew, seriously." Becca groaned. "I did not sign up for this."

"Deal with it Becs." Bucky said before kissing you again.

You heard Becca groan again. You gently pat Bucky's chest.

"Be nice to your sister."

"Fine." He breathed as he tucked his face into your neck. "But, um, we should get our wedding planned, right?"

~~~~~

1 year later...

"You may kiss the bride!"

Bucky pulled you into him, before locking his lips with yours in a passionate kiss. The audience clapped loudly and Evelyn Barnes cheered the loudest.

"That woman will live forever, I swear." Bucky chuckled. "Ever since we told her about the wedding, it seemed like her healing has been so much better."

"Hm, you think it's because the power of love?" You asked with a giggle.

"Oh, most definitely." Bucky said as he dove in for another kiss. "I love you, Mrs. Barnes."

"And I love you, Mr. Barnes."