An unconventional trio

"Your Giz is just...Giz'n hard today..."

Bucky's POV:

I wake up to the soft pressure of something nudging my arm. It's Nova, her head pressing against me like a determined little puppy, making these small frustrated sounds. I can't help but laugh, still groggy but...completely entertained.

"Giz, what are you doing?" I ask, my voice thick with sleep.

Her head keeps butting against my arm, her words muffled slightly by the mattress. "I...I'm trying to...ug...move your arm! I want in there!"

I laugh even more, amused by how much effort she's putting into it. Her frustration is downright adorable. Still chuckling, I lift my arm, giving her room to slide in. An excited "yay!" escapes her, and she immediately burrows against me, snuggling close like she's found the best spot in the world.

"God, you're cute," I murmur with a grin, pulling her tighter to me. She fits perfectly, her warmth sinking into me, and I just want to stay like this forever.

I'd stay like this all day if I could, just enjoying the warmth and quiet, but apparently, Nova has other plans. I feel her brush her nose against mine. When I don't respond, she does it again, a little more determined. And when I still don't react, she tries one more time, almost like she's trying to nudge me into alertness.

I grin, finally opening my eyes to meet hers. She's staring at me with this huge, goofy, almost childlike grin. I can't help it—I burst out laughing at the sight of her. She just looks so ridiculous, and sweet and adorable, all at once. It's only when I see her bottom lip start to jut out in a pout that I manage to rein it in.

"Aw, no. Don't do that. I'm sorry, I'm sorry," I say, still chuckling as I reach to cup her face, pulling her close. "I'm awake. I promise."

Her face softens, the pout fading as a small smile creeps back. "Good," she says, nestling even closer, her forehead pressed to mine. "Because I missed you."

"Missed me?" I tease, sliding my hand down to rest on her back, holding her tight. "I've been right here the whole time, Giz."

"Still." She murmurs, wrapping her arms around my neck and burrowing into me as if she could somehow get closer. And just like that, I'm gone, lost in the comfort and warmth of her in my arms, right where I want her to be.

"Hmmm, does my sweet girl need attention?" I whisper, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on her cheek. She doesn't say anything, just nods her head in that adorable, eager way. I chuckle, shifting to sit up against the headboard and pulling her onto my lap, facing me.

"Hi," I say, grinning at her.

"Hi!" she replies, her voice full of excitement. I brush a strand of hair behind her ear, letting my hands come to rest gently on her hips.

"How has your morning been?" I ask, keeping my voice soft.

"Good!" she answers, her eyes lighting up. "I, um... I made breakfast."

I raise my brows, delighted. "Did you now?"

"Mmhmm. I did. I made pancakes," she says, her tone almost childlike, full of pride.

"Is that so?" I reply, fighting to keep the smile off my face.

"Yep! From scratch!" She's beaming now, and I can't help but let out a hum of approval as she lists off what she made. "Pancakes, eggs, toast, and bacon. Special bacon!"

I raise an eyebrow, trying to hide my amusement. "Special bacon?"

"Oh, it's basically candied bacon," she explains with a pleased smile. "I bake it with brown sugar."

"Wow, that all sounds amazing, baby. Thank you," I say, feeling a wave of gratitude and adoration for her.

She grins, leaning in closer, pressing her forehead to mine. "I wanted to make it nice for you."