HAPPY || b. barnes ✔️

048

• • •

"Hold my breath as you're moving in,
Taste your lips and feel your skin.
When the time comes, baby don't run, just kiss me slowly"

Parachute,
Kiss Me Slowly

• • •

T H E week vacation that was Oliver's Christmas break passed by quicker than anyone had expected it to. The days blended together in perfect harmony, as the three occupants of the house grew even more comfortable in their situation.

And by the end of that week, after a note of approval, Charlie's cast came off her foot and she was fully healed. She didn't pay attention to how quickly the wound healed; she was only thankful for it.

And when New Year's Eve came, and Oliver went to Aiden's to celebrate the new year with his friend, Charlie was able to celebrate the impending year in a way she hadn't for a while.

Addie came over to celebrate with her, and brought the drinks.

By the end of the night, Charlie was intoxicated with a string of mixed alcohol. Her cheeks had been flushed and her lips stained red from wine. Her eyes were glassy and the smile never seemed to leave her face.

She was bubbly with laughter and happiness, and for once, she didn't feel the stress or burden of becoming the sole parent of her younger brother.

And of course, Bucky was there to celebrate with them. And despite the amount of alcohol he consumed, his body didn't soak it in like Charlie or Addie's. While he still remained sober, he still had fun watching as Charlie and Addie laughed over every little thing and take shot after shot while dancing to music he couldn't understand.

He didn't worry over Charlie that night. He knew that she needed a night, one night, where she could be freely off duty. So he made sure that she was safe, as well as Addie, and let them have their fun.

And well after 2024 began, and Addie passed out on the couch, Bucky carried a half asleep Charlie to her bed. He used the makeup remover wipes he had seen her do several times to rid the mascara and foundation from her face, and covered her in blankets because she was always so cold.

Then he let her sleep it all off.

Before he went to bed for the night, he made sure to put a blanket over Addie as well.

The next morning, Charlie woke up with a just barely there hangover. Despite the light that streamed from the window caused her head to spin, she was for the most part, okay.

Then the nausea settled and she stumbled from the bed to make it to the bathroom before she released the contents of her stomach.

When she flushed the toilet and leaned against the wall, there was a knock at the door. She turned to look at the door with narrowed eyes. "What do you want?"

"Charlie," It was Bucky. "How are you feeling?"

She rose to her feet and then proceeded to splash water on her face and brush her teeth. After a few moments, she opened the door and walked out of the bathroom.

"How are you feeling?" Bucky asked again. He was leaning against the wall; dressed in jeans and one of her fathers old Yankee sweatshirts.

"Tired. But I'm okay. How much did I drink last night?"

"A lot. Addie left already. Are you hungry?"

Charlie shook her head. "No, I think I'm going to lie down for a little while."

"Do you want me to pick up Oliver later?"

Charlie nodded, "You can take my car."

Then without another word, she walked back down the hallway and collapsed into her bed. It was still warm from where she was only a few minutes ago, and she quickly wrapped her thick blankets around her body.

Bucky followed her, making sure that she was okay. He wondered why she wasn't more hungover, because she had a lot, but he didn't question it too much. He was happy that she was feeling alright.

"Come lie down with me." Her voice came from underneath the blanket.

A smile graced Bucky's face at the sight of her underneath all the blankets, and his heart beat faster at how adorable she looked to him. Even though her hair was a mess and she still had a linger of alcohol on her, he wanted nothing more than to lie down with her until he needed to get Oliver.

So he did exactly that.

With a move of confidence, his arms wrapped around her waist and he pulled her closer to him. Charlie's back pressed against his chest and she let out a sigh.

"Do you think Wanda liked pizza Friday?" She asked quietly, grabbing onto his metal hand to examine it. The metal was dark with gold lining. She liked the way it looked.

"I think she had a good time. She likes you."

Charlie half smiled. "Everyone likes me."

"That's true." Bucky said, moving her hair so he could just barely see her face. "I'm going to talk to a doctor on Wednesday. For the first time."

Charlie moved, turning around so that she was facing him. "I know, I'm excited for you. Don't be grumpy towards him."

"I'm not grumpy."

"You can be pretty grumpy sometimes." Charlie laughed softly. "But it's okay."

Bucky didn't say anything to her teasing tone, and instead set his finger under her chin to tilt her head up. Then, after sharing a brief moment of hesitation, he kissed her softly.

The overwhelming feeling still lingered over him as he kissed her slowly. But it was different this time; it was more familiar. They had only shared a few kisses, most not lasting more than a few seconds, but it was getting easier for Bucky. Almost.

When they parted, he sighed. He wanted to continue the kiss and to keep himself wrapped up in her, but he knew that he couldn't do that just yet. Besides, he believed he had all the time in the world.

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