Phantom ▷ b. barnes [1] ✔️

xxxiii. vows under the christmas lights

"All we ever said dancing through my head. Waiting till it all comes back to me." -- Back to Me, KSHMR, Crossnaders

~ ~ ~ 

Christmas came with the falling of snowflakes and jolliness of spirits.

Sam sat in the pub beside Bucky, leaning her head against his shoulder. The others laughed and offered up their toasts, eyes alit and glowing. She couldn't help but smile with them. 

On the chain around her neck, her ring caught the fireplace light.

She hadn't experienced a Christmas with family since her mother died. William had always been in battle, sending a card of distant merry wishes. It was warming being around people she loved and adored again.

She could forget all her worries, for the day.

Steve sat beside her, grinning between her and Bucky. There was a knowing look in his eyes. One that made her want to both sock and hug him at the same time. Bucky grinned right back.

"You know what I like best about the holidays?" Dugan asked, raising his glass. Groaned echoed across the table and his beam widened. "Three things, lads. The drink, the food, and of course... the presents!"

Sam rolled her eyes.

She'd gotten each of them a gift. Of course she had, despite it emptying her pockets of nearly every coin she had. Setting a small box on the table, she snorted at the cheers that echoed.

Inside the package was a set of small silver wings. One to go on each of their army tags, grins broadening as they pulled them out. Bucky shook his head, pulling her close.

"To the Phantom," he cheered. The others raised their drinks.

"To the Phantom!"

Sam glanced sideways, pressing a kiss against his lips. It tasted like eggnog, making her laugh around his mouth. He pulled away, blue eyes dancing.

"I adore you, Smalls."

"I adore you more, Barnes."

Across the room, the pub door opened.

The room quieted slightly as a woman in a stunning red dress stepped inside. Peggy arched a confident brow as she sashayed over to their table, laying a hand on Steve's shoulder. "I trust you fine men are having a good night?"

"Men and woman," Sam corrected.

She chuckled.

"To what do we owe this lovely visit?" Dugan asked, taking the woman in. Peggy smiled, giving Steve a fond look. 

"I was in the area," she looked at Sam. "And Stark wants to see you."

She raised a brow. "Is that good or bad?"

"He wouldn't tell me."

"That doesn't sound great," Gabe said. Swallowing, Sam forced a smile, pushing herself up.

"You can never tell with Stark."

"I'll go with you," Bucky said, standing. She gave him a pointed look, gazing at his unfinished drink, and he tipped it down, grinning with a cough. "I'm going with you."

"You two warm my cold heart," Dugan snorted.

Sam shot him a look. He only winked, raising his glass. "To the Phantom and her menace!"

"Haha, Dum Dum." She ignored the cheers that followed, patting Steve's shoulder and starting toward the door. Though, her hand went to the tags around her neck. Her heart warmed.