Steve stands in the living room of his and Loki's Brooklyn home, arms folded across his chest, "do you think he'll like it?"
Bucky smiles at his friend and places a hand on his shoulder, giving him a little squeeze. "Of course he will."
"I'm not even sure he understands what Christmas means. We didn't really get a chance to talk about it before he got called back to Asgard."
Bucky has to turn away from the brightly lit tree to hide his grin. He finds it cute that Steve is so worried, but he knows Loki has a fairly good understanding of the meaning of Christmas. Or at least as much understanding as a 1000 year old Norse God from another realm can. When Loki brought Bucky back from Asgard several weeks ago, the god asked the super soldier just what it all meant and Bucky was happy to explain. After all, Christmas was always one of Steve's favorite times of the year.
"I just want it to be special, you know? It's our first Christmas together. Last year I didn't get to celebrate at all. We were on the helicarrier," Steve continues as he steps forward to adjust the placement of a couple of ornaments. "Of course I'm probably being selfish. This is really more for me. He won't even care."
"He'll care Steve, and he'll love it. Now knock it off and show me what you got him."
The blonde goes to retrieve a long wooden case from his bedroom and sets it on the kitchen counter. Bucky takes a moment to admire the intricate carvings that cover every surface before he opens it, revealing 2 stunning daggers. The long blades are inlaid with the same patterns from the case. Both handles are covered in woven black and green leather. They are utterly beautiful and deadly, just like the man they are meant for.
"Loki is going to love these. You did good Stevie."
The praise should make Steve happy, but instead he frowns, "its not enough. He gave me half of his life. How can I ever give him something to be worthy of that?"
Bucky lightly slaps the back of his best friends head, "if you weren't worthy of it, he wouldn't have done it. And I am fairly certain that Loki wasn't entirely selfless in doing that. You can't spend the next 2000 years feeling like you owe him something. That will not be good for your marriage. And I know Loki doesn't want that," he admonishes.
With a sheepish smile Steve pulls his friend into a hug, "you're right. Thanks Buck."
"Of course I'm right." He pulls back and walks to the front door where he puts on his heavy jacket to guard against the cold outside. "I've gotta go. Have a Merry Christmas Steve. I'll see you in a couple of days."
And now Steve feels guilty, "you can stay. I'm sure Loki won't mind."
"Oh no. I am not going to be the third wheel on your first Christmas. Besides, I've got plans."
It's clear by the look on Steve's face that he doesn't believe him. "Don't look at me like that. I told you, I have plans. Natasha's coming over with a bottle of vodka. Sam said he may stop by too. Although, I won't be disappointed if he doesn't make it," Bucky tells him with a wink.
"Fine, go. I'll see you for New Years." When Bucky is gone, Steve once again stands in front of the tree, nervously moving ornaments until he is satisfied. He stacks some wood in the fireplace and then concentrates on pulling forth his magic. He knows that no amount of practice will ever give him a fraction of the skill his husband wields, but still he practices diligently, with the same determination that he applies to everything else in his life. He is rewarded when a small flame sputters to life and slowly spreads within the fireplace. He smiles to himself, knowing Loki will be pleased.
