An Unexpected Christmas

Part 1

"Hey."

"What de hell!" You shrieked, toothpaste flying everywhere, including on Bucky's face.

"Gross," he groaned, wiping his face with the hem of his shirt.

You spat the rest of the toothpaste into the sink and rinsed. "That's what you get for scaring the shit out of me."

"You gave me a key."

"You're still supposed to announce your presence. What's up?"

"I need a favor."

You rolled your eyes and pushed past him.

"I need a date for Christmas," he explained, following you.

"You want me to play matchmaker?" You asked dryly.

Bucky snorted. "God no."

"Why do you even need a date?"

"Every year I go home without someone, my parents are always on my ass about it. They want me to settle down."

Now it was your turn to snort. "You couldn't settle down if you tried."

"I know."

"So you want a fake date?"

He nodded.

"What do you want me to do, play wingman for you?"

"Actually," he said slowly. "I was kinda thinking maybe you could be my fake date?"

You blinked. "Why in God's name are you asking me to be your fake date?"

"It'd be weird to ask a stranger! And you're my best friend."

"You realize we'd have to kiss at some point, right? Don't you think that would be a little weird?"

"Maybe, maybe not. Maybe we'll get away with not having to."

"The chances of that are smaller than you think."

"Please, will you do it?"

You groaned. "Dammit, Bucky, don't give me those eyes."

Ah, the trademark Bucky Barnes Puppy Dog Eyes. The eyes that could get almost anyone to do almost anything. They worked on you more than you cared to admit.

"I'll owe you," he said.

"Yes, you will," you replied.

His whole damn face lit up. "So you'll do it?"

You shrugged. "Sure. Could be fun."

He picked you up and swung you around. He kissed your cheek when he set you down, making you scrunch up your face.

"I love you," he said.

"I know," you sighed.

"Did you just Han Solo me?"

"Yup."

"You're such a dork."

"Yup."