Charlie's POV:
Bucky's cybernetic arm rests softly and low on my stomach, he swears that he already feels a difference every day. He loves seeing the tiniest of baby bumps that's only barely there at twelve weeks. I've just barely felt the teeny flutters, and only rarely, but of course my super soldier is one hundred percent positive he will feel the baby's movements soon.
A heavily disguised Steve walks out in front of us with Maggie, walking through the animal shelter in search of the perfect cat for Maggie. Steve points out a few of them, all of which the small girl has said, "It's cute, but it's not for me. I'll know when I see it." I feel her growing uncomfortable at the unease of the animals here. If she could, she would take all the babies.
Bucky halts at one of the stalls that Maggie and Steve must have overlooked. He bends down low to view the kitten at eye level. It's bright ocean blue eyes peer up at him. Bucky places his right forefinger in the cage and its tiny pink nose wiggles at it curiously. Quickly it begins to rub its folded ears on his finger, releasing a loud purr. "Maggie James. I think you missed one." He calls over to the tiny girl.
Even the cat itself has short little legs, much like Maggie's. She spins around, and sees Bucky squatting down to view the tiny kitten. At first glance to the cat Maggie gasps. Sitting down on the floor, crossing her legs, watching the kitten before slowly placing a small hand through the cage. The pure white fluff ball looks at it before nuzzling up against her hand purring. Bucky's head turns up to look at me with a smile that spreads across his face, bright blue eyes shining up at my hazel ones.
Steve squats down to look at the cat with the pair, "I think this may be the one Maggie James. What cha think?" He asks his daughter.
"Yes! It's perfect. Is it a boy or girl?" Her voice starts getting louder since she's more excited now that she's found the cat, she's going to take home. An employee sees this and walks over to the blonde girl.
"Oh, Snowball is a boy. Is this the one you want?" She asks Maggie sweetly.
"Yes, but does its name have to stay Snowball?" Maggie's large blue green eyes look up at her and then back at the small ball of fluff.
"Of course not. Once you adopt him, you can name him whatever you want." She looks in between all of us. Confused on who she should address, and then at Steve who looks awkward with a ball cap and dark glasses in doors. I wave at her and she gives me a nod. "Follow me, we'll get the paper work situated and payment."
Bucky stands with him; his hand protectively covers the baby bean's womb and walks with me. Maggie stays sitting on the floor with Steve close by. I bet we are an odd quartet. Two large super soldiers, a petite woman, and a little lady.
After everything is situated, she brings out a carrier and walks out to us. "Alright Maggie James, you are officially a cat owner. Take care of him. You'll have to let me know what you decide to name him." Maggie's little head nods excitedly as she watches her put the tiny kitten in the carrier.
Once we arrive back at the cabin Steve takes his disguise off, plopping himself on the couch. I feel a distance and bitterness brewing inside of him, and I'm not quite sure how to approach him or even Bucky about it. "Little pearl, have you thought about any names?" I sit on the opposite side of the couch. Of course, the brunette super soldier sits beside me, pulling my legs up to rest across his lap, and his metal hand takes its new home on my stomach.
"I don't know. I keep thinking of some. Snowflake. Fluffy. Blizzard. Frosty. Boo, like a ghost. None of them sound right." Her little hands gently pick his small body up and holds him up against her chest.
"So, you like naming it after snow or ice?" Steve asks.
Her bright eyes look at him and she nods her head. "I thought about Winter, but...it doesn't suit him."
"What about naming him after a snowy place? Like Colorado?" Steve asks. Maggie's face scrunches and she shakes her head no.
"Let me see him." Bucky tells the little girl. She walks over to Bucky, handing the furball over. Bucky eyes the small cat. Holding it up and then resting him on his chest. The kitten crawls over his shoulders before sitting up on his right shoulder, leaning its flopped ears on his face. "What about Alpine?" He turns his head to look at the kitten and a small pink nose touches Bucky's. It was in the moment that I knew that Bucky was the biggest softie. His eyes nearly glass over. And when he notices the big smile on Maggie's face, seeing that he suggested the perfect name makes him even happier.
"It's perfect. Just like Alpine. Thank you, Bucky." She gives him a big hug before collecting the cat and walking to her room to show the small thing it's new home. Bucky stares after my small child, and wiggles around on my stomach.
"It's getting bigger, honey." I smile at him nodding my head. He's positive that he feels every stretch of my body. Any small swelling of my womb, he feels it. His hand rests there enough he just may. "I'm serious. Pretty sure the Vibranium arm feels things differently." Steve huffs out a laugh. I'm not sure why he's still here. "You look tired, doll. Why don't you go take a nap? Steve and I can make supper."
"I sleep better when you're with me."
"I may be up later then. Go rest. You're growing our baby." He leans to me giving me a quick kiss. I know Steve's huffing and puffing is getting on his nerves and he wants to be the one to address it. Most of the time things run smoothly, but sometimes it does feel like we have an extra child.
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Bucky's POV:
I get up to get Steve and I both a beer. It won't do anything to us, but the taste is pleasant. I hand the opened bottle over to him. He grabs it and takes a long swig. "You want to talk about it, Steve?"
"Talk about what?" His voice is flat.
"Well, my girl is pregnant and she reads emotions. You and whatever it is you're dealing with is exhausting her. Why are you still here? You've been here for eight weeks." His eyes narrow to me. "It's not that we don't want you here. It's nice, and Maggie loves it, but she loves it better when you're not so hellbent on being miserable."
"I can't go back."
Now I narrow my eyes at him. He's going to ruin our reality. And I'm happy, beyond ecstatic with the way things are. "Why?"
He sighs, "There's this group. It's complicated...If I go back, I'm stuck there. They've allowed me to stay for two weeks after your baby is born, and then either I stay and create another reality by messing with the timeline or I go back for good, and only old man Steve gets to spend time with you guys." I watch as his usually bright eyes are just dark.
"Okay." I answer. I don't really know what to say. "So, you stay here until that time. But I have to ask you to quit with the moping. Quit with the hateful looks when we make loving comments to one another, or kiss. The builders are coming tomorrow, and we'll build you a tiny house and you can stay there." A small laugh exists his mouth. "I'm serious Steve. Have you not noticed how exhausted Charlie always is?"
"She's pregnant. She stays exhausted. Growing a baby and all."
"See even that you say with a not happy tone. Sam will be here in a couple weeks to see you. Just be pleasant for her. For me. I'm asking and begging you. I need our baby to grow in a happy environment."
"Mine didn't. She stayed crying about you the whole time." Dammit. His bitterness is getting to me. "Maggie turned out perfect."
"That's enough. Either you change your tone or you can stay at the compound." His face looks at me, nodding and agreeing. Knowing that this is final.
"Why haven't you asked her to marry you yet?" He asks, giving me a smile. I know there's more to his brooding, but we're dropping it for now.
"I had thought I would ask when you went back, now that I know you're not. I can ask. What are you doing tomorrow night?" His eyebrow cocks as he looks at me. "I mean, I would like to take her somewhere. Just the two of us." A sadness flows over Steve, he's killing my happiness buzz. "What is it?"
He shakes his head unable to look at me. "Steve...what's bothering you?"
"I still love her." He whispers out.
"Yeah...I know." A silence settles over the living room. The only sounds are Maggie in her room, playing with toys and talking to Alpine. Neither one of us can look at each other. Speak to one another.
"She was always going to choose you. We thought you were dead and she still wanted you. Even if I didn't go back, it was always going to be you." He slouches down on the couch. Covering his face. "I'm sorry. Seeing you two is bittersweet."
"Wish I could say I was surprised. I'm not going to apologize. Even when you had her, when she had eyes only for you, you ignored her."
"I don't know what I thought I would accomplish. I just want her. Just one more time."
"No."
"Even if it was like in Vienna with both of us." He's pushing it.
"No."
"You're not even going to let her get a say in this?" The bastard smirks at me. "And just think, then I will drop it. It won't be long until I'm out of your lives."
"Yeah, because you're going to stay at the compound if this gets brought up again. I'm going to take a nap with my girl."
I feel his eyes on my back as I walk up the stairs. The audacity. Even if I would be okay with that, I don't think it's ever crossed Charlie's mind. When I open the door to our bedroom, I see my beautiful girl. She's curled up in a ball, her hand is taking up mine's resting spot. Her lips are puckered up while her humming snores lightly float through our bedroom. Her freckled nose scrunches up at whatever she's dreaming about. She's stunning. And she's all mine.
I kneel on her side of the bed. Watching her face, but my eyes constantly move down to her growing bump. I feel my metal hand is a bit more sensitive, and it's more protective. I always want to protect our growing child. I gently move her hand away, and she continues to sleep. I kiss her belly, and place my Vibranium hand to rest there. "Little baby bean, this is going to go by so fast and slow, isn't it? Your mom's app says you're the size of a plum this week. I don't know if you know this, but plums are my favorite."
I look back up to Charlie's face only to see her softly smiling at me. "What are you doing, Bucky?"
"I was having a sweet moment with our baby." She gives me a little giggle and makes grabby hands at me. Almost as if she's touch starved, she always wants my hands on her. "Scoot over doll." Her body shuffles over on the bed and I lay down beside her. "You know I love you, right?" She gives me a nod. "What feelings from Steve are you taking on that's exhausting you so much?"
"What makes you think it's Steve's emotions that are making me tired? I'm growing a baby. What did he tell you?" Her fingers traces around my face, before her palm caresses along my beard.
"It's not important. Don't feel like you need to absorb his emotions. He's a big boy. And you don't owe him anything, okay?" She gives me a little nod, her eyes still heavy. "C'mere, honey." I pull her closer to me, inhaling her always sweet-smelling self. Vanilla honey shampoo, a smokey vanilla tobacco perfume. The perfume isn't her usual, but this scent agrees with her sensitive nose more.
Our lips connect, sweetly and softly kissing on one another. A feverish heat crawls up Charlie's skin, and she pushes my shoulder back flat on the bed. "I want you so bad right now, daddy."
"Oh yeah. You gonna fuck me, then?" She bites her lip and smiles. Standing up she walks over to the door, completely closing and locking the door. When she spins back around to look at me, her arms pull off her shirt. She turns to the side and rubs along her barely protruding belly, but it's there. There's no denying that she's pregnant while undressed. "What are you waiting for?"
"Take your clothes off. I want to see my boyfriend naked." I smile at her little irritation to me not proposing to her yet. I need to make an honest woman out of her, not to mention I have never been so sure about something in my life. Quickly I take my shirt off throwing it to her. She pulls down her leggings, eyes looking over at me, waiting on myself to remove another article of clothing.
I inch down my jeans, tossing them in the floor. Quickly she removes her bra. Her breasts already swelling due to the pregnancy. She begins to inch her panties down, but noticing that I'm not removing my boxers she stops. I then stand, walking over to her body, wrapping my arm around her, my metal hand rubs along her bump. loving the slight stretch of her skin, the way she's already swelling with my child.
Our lips kiss along each other's skin, just wanting to feel one another, have our moments of closeness. "You're so perfect, doll. And you're only going to get more beautiful. I can't wait to watch you grow with my child."
Scooping her body up and carrying her bridal style I take us to the bed. "James, why is it that you know exactly what to say? Every word that comes out of your mouth makes me so hot and messy for you."
"Oh yeah?" She cheekily nods her head. "You want me to take care of you, honey? Make you feel really good?"
"Please, James." Softly I lay her down, kissing down my goddess's body. Memorizing the way she feels in this moment, she wants to tell me the changes to her body are minimal, but to me every change her body is making is big to me, because it's changing for our baby.
Spreading her thighs apart, I plant myself at her entrance. She smiles down at me. "My pretty and sweet pussy is already glistening for me." I remove her soaked panties, facing back to her spread core. My mouth instantly connects to her sensitive bud. Charlie's whimpers fall out of her swollen lips. Still sucking on her clit, I enter two fingers in her throbbing cunt, curving them to hit the sensitive area that causes her breathing to change with every pump of my fingers. "My pussy has missed me, doll. She's begging to make her cum."
"James, we fucked this morning." She whines at me, clearly her body isn't objecting to my fingers fucking into her.
"But I haven't got to taste her in so long." My head only lifts to respond to her, before burying myself deeply back in her warmth. I feel her tightening around my fingers, but I want to push her over the edge. I listen as her whimpers turn into a deep moan, not allowing her to ride out her orgasm I continue the pace I'm going. Her legs squirm around but I rest my metal arm across her hips, holding her in place.
"James..." Utters off her lips. I hum on her clit, softly rolling the bud in between my teeth. And then it happens, I feel her gush on my face, and I slurp and indulge in all her sweet honey.
Giving her thigh a little slap, "That's a good girl. Making a mess over daddy's face." Her eyes are a deep onyx as she watches me wipe of her glistening cum off my beard. Sinking my body lower on her, and hitching my hips forward, crashing my angry cock into her over stimulated pussy, never giving her a moment to adjust just relentlessly pump into her cunt.
Vulgar squelching sounds vibrate through the room. "Don't. Stop. Fucking. Me. James." Charlie is able to breathe out. My hips thrust rough into her. Her legs curl around mine. I watch the swelling of her stomach from my cock with every thrust. Watching it completely entranced, by how my body is able to contort hers. How my body can bring her so much pleasure that she doesn't want me to stop.
I bring my body lower to her so I can kiss along her skin. "Give me another one, doll. I still want you to ride my cock." Jack hammering quickly, feeling her squeeze me tightly. Her fingers grip my hips almost as tightly as her cunt. Her mouth moves to my wrist as she bites down and screams into it. "Fucking hell, Charlie." Not wanting to feel myself not in her I roll us over on the bed, pulling tightly against me. "Gotta make me cum, honey. We'll keep going until I cum. Ride daddy's cock like a good girl."
Her hips roll on top of me as she plays with her nipples. I can't help but rub my hands around on her stomach. Loving this woman more every day. "James Bucky Barnes, tell me you're going to be my husband." She demands.
"Yes, you're going to be Mrs. Barnes." A shiver runs up her spine at the mention of Mrs. Barnes. "You're...mine, honey." Sliding my hands to her hip, I grip tightly rocking her harshly on top of me. "I'm...almost there. Don't stop." With the devil in her eyes, she rolls her hip one more time. Her cunt gripping my cock tightly, milking every bit of my hot cum. "I love you, Charlie. My perfect little doll, with the pretty pussy."
"I love you, Sargeant Barnes." Sitting up my arms come around her waist, pulling her into another round of kissing.
"You guys finished? Dinner's ready." Steve calls through the door. It's my turn to smirk, knowing he heard everything. Listening to us is as close as he's going to get to having sex with Charlie again.
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Bucky's POV:
"The doctor's number is on the fridge. You have mine and Bucky's number. I already called to have pizza delivered. Maggie is allowed two scoops of ice cream if she behaves. Make sure that Alpine is fed and watered. Also, Maggie you and daddy need clean out his litter box. He's really liking his new food." Charlie rattles off a list of to-dos for Steve and Maggie. She's overly concerned about leaving them, for a few hours. I roll my eyes every time she looks away. He's not the babysitter, he's, her father.
"Oh, and, I would appreciate if the dishwasher was unloaded so that way all the dirty dishes can go back in. Please, don't make a mess. I don't want to come home to a dirty house and have to clean it alone. Maggie, don't stay up too late." Maggie only halfway listens as she tries to grab at an Alpine that is circling around on my shoulders. He quite likes his tall resting perch. Maggie tells me it's because he's a munchkin cat.
His flopped ears rub across my cheek and he releases a loud purr. "Is anyone even listening to me?" She asks.
"Pizza being delivered. A whole pint of ice cream for Maggie. Alpine has been fed and you're going to empty his litter box. Stay up as late as you want. Make sure the house is extra dirty so you can clean it when you get home. Is that everything?" Steve says with a smile. Maggie lets out a soft giggle and even I have to smile as I hand the small kitten back to Maggie.
Charlie rolls her eyes and sighs loudly. "It's like I have three kids in this house." Alpine lets out a loud meow. "Four." She rubs along on her stomach. "I don't know if I want you to be like your daddy anymore baby bean."
"Woah, woah, woah. I think she has a perfect dad."
"I want him to look like his dad, but definitely not act like him." Charlie is convinced the baby bean is a boy while I'm hoping for a girl, preferably one that looks like her. Hazel eyes and a scattering of freckles and all. She's already created one perfect daughter, and I would love to have another.
"Doll, I think they can handle it. Okay? Now let's go on our date before we lose our reservations." Charlie begins to add something else, but I gently push her towards the door. "Have fun, and we'll see you later."
I pull her towards the door, but she doesn't move just picks up Maggie, holding her tightly. "I love you little pearl. Be good for daddy, okay? Bucky and I will bring you two some cake back." She kisses her cheek, placing her back on the ground, but her eyes stay looking back at the two blondes.
After we get in the car, she takes out her phone looking at it. "Are you okay?" I chuckle at her.
"He's never been alone with her. Like actually alone. You have the watch, right? It's locked up?" I reach in my pocket and pull the watch out. She gives me a sigh of relief knowing he can't take her, which is good considering if he goes back, there's no coming back to this time. "Thank you. You're so smart, babe."
"Can you relax enough to enjoy our time out then?" She gives me a nod and settle into easy conversation. Talking about everything we remember from being young children. Both of us grew up in very different places, Charlie in Asgard, and me in Brooklyn in the 1920s.
Dinner was delightful, almost too fancy for the two of us, but nice. The closer we get to the end the more nervous I get. It just means we're one step closer to me actually popping the question. Regardless of the fact that I know she'll say yes. Everything needs to be perfect for her. It's only what she deserves.
Once we arrive back at the cabin, I pull her back from entering the house, "Let's stay out here a bit longer. The lights are off. They're either sleeping or watching a movie."
"You want to extend this date night a bit longer, Bucky?" I hum, nodding my head with a smile and hold the swing for her. Her soft blue dress blows in the early summer breeze as she sits in the swing, looking up at my face. I lean forward giving her an upside-down kiss before pushing her. Her legs freely glide through the air. And the thought of this is our life. She's mine. My girl makes me ready to drop to my knee and finally ask her to officially marry me.
Through all the heartbreak and everything that we have done and has been done to us, we're still here, and we're still together. She's still the one. I don't fully remember when I knew she was the one. If it was the moment, I met a small girl being held by John Garrett or if it was the moment, I saw her more than the China doll. Not just someone to protect, but someone to fall madly in love with. Throughout our years our love has grown.
Walking in front of the swing I stop the movement. And dropping to my knees to be nearly eye level with her, I stare up at my beautiful girl. She is simply perfect. "Why are you staring at me like that, James?"
"Why wouldn't I? You're amazing, and you're mine." She gives me a roll of her eyes, beginning to make a comment of how she's, my girlfriend. "Eh...I don't want to hear that. Charlotte you are my favorite person. I didn't think I would ever find someone like you back in the 40s, and then when I was in Hydra, I never had a choice. I wasn't human, I was just a weapon for them to use. Until you. You brought humanity back into this soldier's old bones."
Charlie's eyes go glossy as she watches me. "The whole time there all I ever wanted was to protect my China doll. I fell in love with her, and saved her, but brought more pain to myself. And I would do that all over again, if it meant you stayed safe, and somehow through all that time, we were still able to find one another. We might not have understood, but I know you knew the moment we met again. Even then I just wanted to protect, absorb the warmth that radiates off you."
"James..."
"I'm sorry for five years I wasn't here with you and for you. I'm sorry that you had to deal with me turning to dust in your arms. I'm sorry that I left you for those five months. The one thing that I'm not sorry about is loving you. I'm not sure about a lot of things, but one thing I know for sure is how I want to spend the rest of our lives together." I reach in my pocket pulling out the small box. "I want nothing more than for you to be my wife. What do you say, doll? You ready to spend the rest of your life with me?"
Tears stream down her face as she quickly nods. Opening her mouth to say yes, but no sound comes out. I remove the delicate round cut diamond set on a diamond band. Slipping it on her small finger. I have never seen a more beautiful hand it my life. "I love you so much, James. And I'm not waiting to marry you."
"I'm counting on it, honey. I'm more than ready to call you, my wife." I watch as her left-hand rubs softly on her tiny bump.
"Besides, the longer we wait, the bigger this baby gets. I may be away from you more. Got to plan with Pep." She smiles bringing her lips to mine, wrapping her arms around me. I lift her body from the swing. Her legs blanket around my waist. We're almost official.
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Third Person POV:
Pepper, Laura, Wanda, and Sarah stand in a room with Charlie that has been dedicated to being the bridal suite. Laura softly brushes out her long brunette hair that now has natural honey highlights from the sun. Her freckles painted along her nose are a bit darker as well. Wanda stares at Charlie, she's heartbroken from her current life, but when the Avengers contacted her and told her what was happening, she knew she had to be here with Charlie. She can return to her lone cabin when this is over. Sarah keeps a steady conversation looking over at her beyond happy friend. Pepper knows it's time for Charlie's something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.
While Charlie might not be the most traditional person, without a doubt her old man that she's marrying is. And she would do anything to keep him happy. Pepper walks over to Charlie's dress. Her fingers glide against the soft chiffon and ivory lace. She flips over the left side of the dress and her fingers make contact with the small piece of blue that she had sewed on the backside of Charlie's dress. "What cha got over there, Pep."
Pepper turns towards Charlie looking at her with tears in her eyes. "Come here." Charlie walks over to her, looking at the silky blue heart.
"What is that?" Almost knowing exactly what it is.
"It's a piece of one of Tony's silk ties. He was always quite fond of this one. It was an anniversary gift from me." Charlie's eyes well with tears as she stares up at the leggy blonde. "I had to tell you before we started your makeup." She engulfs her in a tight hug. Holding on to the woman tightly.
Now it's Sarah's turn to speak with Charlie. She hands her a small box. When Charlie opens it, she sees a beautiful diamond hair comb. "This was my gradmama's. My mom wore it on her wedding day, and I wore it to mine. This is your borrowed. Not to mention it looks perfect against your dress." Now that Laura is finished with her hair, soft tendrils fall around her face, but most of it is down, and pulled to the side. Sarah places the comb in her hair. The intricate swirls of the comb mix perfectly with the soft brunette waves, making Charlie look ethereal in just a robe.
Laura walks over to the petite woman. Handing her a long box. "Laur...what did you do?" She asks her aunt.
"Well, you had to have something old. This was found at the crash. I'm pretty sure your dad had plans to give it to you. It might be a bit small." Charlie opens the box to find a white gold tennis bracelet. Laura takes it out of the box, placing it on Charlie's wrist. The diamonds glitter against her skin.
Before Charlie reacts, Wanda walks over to her. "We never got to have our conversation after the airport. I'm happy for you Charlie. I know my emotions are all over the place, but I am happy for you. It's a good life...being a mom. Being a wife. Can I?" She motions down to Charlie's belly. Charlie smiles, moving aside her arms for Wanda to touch her eighteen-week bump. "Do you know?"
"Know what?" Charlie smiles.
"What...it is?" Charlie shakes her head no. "Do you want to?"
"Not without Bucky, no. Maybe later?" Wanda gives her a nod; she wouldn't want to know without Vision either. Pepper sits and does Charlie's makeup, making everything soft and beautiful just like her. Bucky wouldn't want her to be wearing a lot of makeup.
Once she's finished with her makeup Pepper leaves, returning with Morgan and Maggie. Both girls have different shades of pink dresses on. The dresses are the same chiffon material, and an only slightly different shades of pink, to match the pink peonies of the bouquets. "You ready, Charlie? It's time to get dressed." Pepper tells her.
Butterflies fill Charlie's stomach, it's almost time. Pepper and Laura assist the woman into her dress. Her bump now clearly visible, especially with her bare belly. Her lace ivory undergarments on full display as the young girls turn looking away giggling. "Oh Charlie. I didn't realize how much you had grown." The women dote on her. It's a chorus of praises for her as they slip the ivory chiffon and lace dress on her. The empire waistline accentuating the baby bean. The v cut of the bodice is modest, showing only a peak of her swelling cleavage. Charlie opted for a dress with sleeves so she can move freely without having to worry about anything falling down. Delicate lace cascade softly over her shoulders.
Wanda walks behind her and places the cathedral length veil in her hair, Pepper stands in front of her spritzing her signature perfume on her. Thankfully the smell doesn't still make her sick. Bucky will love smelling the sweet floral scent on her again. A soft knock rings through the room. When Laura goes to open it, she asks everyone to leave for a moment. Steve Rogers stands outside the door staring at the woman who he was once engaged to. And now she's marrying his best friend.
She looks stunning. Charlie's arm cradles the bump, the layers of chiffon give the appearance of having a bigger bump than she actually has. "You look beautiful, Charlie."
"Thanks, Stevie. You look handsome yourself. How's he doing?"
"Freaking out. You seem to be doing much better than him." He dares to walk closer to her. Softly kissing her cheek. "Just wanted to see you before everyone else. Didn't want your beauty to take me by surprise."
"Oh stop, Steve." Charlie deeply inhales, nerves threatening to rise up her body.
"I'm serious. You know I am. I should go though. See you out there Charlie Barnes." He gives her a forced smile. Wrapping his arms around her and giving her another kiss, this time on her temple. Like he used to do. Biting his lip he leaves, only for Sam to walk in.
"Wow. Charlie...I'm so proud of you two. Can't believe we're here." He places a warm hand on her belly. Knowing this is one of the few times he can do this without Bucky biting his head off.
"Sammy, you've always been there for me, you know? Nothing has ever been complicated with you. Thank you." She tells him. Her emotions are just on the edge of her losing it, but Pepper would kill her.
"You deserve that. You're a good one. There's a large god standing outside the door that wants to see you before walking down the aisle. Then Clint will be here shortly, okay?" She gives him a nod and deeply hugs him.
"Lady Charlie." Thor shouts walking into the bridal suite. "You look as beautiful as your mother when I first met her. You actually look like a prin...."
"Stop. Val is the ruler of Asgard. I'm just Charlie, almost Barnes."
"Should you ever want to take up..."
"I don't Thor. I do have a question though." This is something she's wanted to know for so long. He nods his head. "Well, I'm half goddess, so how does the aging work? Like I'll age faster than you, but will it be slower than Bucky?"
"Hmm...I don't know. Banner may know. I can do some searching on my journeys."
"Please. I can't imagine a life without him." She stands on her tiptoes giving him a sweet kiss.
"While I might not be the man who raised you or acted like your father for that matter. I love you, and I've always been proud of you. I'll see you out their Lady Charlie."
Charlie sighs, having a moment alone. Just her and the baby bean.
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Stressfully Bucky tries to straighten his tie. Failing every time. "Fucking hell." He grunts throwing the silk on the bed. Steve walks into the room, seeing the distress his friend is under he walks over to help him. Expertly wrapping the material around him.
"She looks beautiful, Buck."
"She always does." He huffs at him. Steve only smiles nodding his head. He knows Bucky is going to turn into a puddle when he sees her walking down the aisle. While Steve and Sam wear traditional black suits, white shirts, and soft gray ties, Bucky is in all black. His suit is a black-on-black pinstripes, where the pinstripes and lapels are satin and create the illusion of a slightly different color. With a deep matte black shirt, and a satin black tie, now resting on top. His total darkness will compliment her classy ivory colors.
"Can't believe you're getting married today, jerk."
"And to the most amazing woman." Bucky looks at himself in the mirror, messing a bit with his hair before taking a drink from the whiskey glass. The liquor will do nothing for his nerves, but the taste soothes him a bit. He pats down his tie, turning from side to side taking in his appearance. It'll do. She'll love it. He picks up the box that houses her wedding band in it. Making a fist with his metal arm. The Wakandans created a special extension to add to his left hand, in place of a ring. "Alright. It's time. Let's go. Sam meets them outside the room and they walk outside to the converted compound.
Flowers drape everywhere from the trees. Pink peonies and ranunculi are everywhere. Peonies have become Charlie's flower ever since her first date when Bucky handed her the beautiful bouquet. Walking to the front of the alter, staring at their friends and family. This is a small affair, but they have so many people who want to celebrate them.
"Alright, kiddo. It's time." Clint lifts his elbow to her. Wrapping her arm in his, she follows his lead to hers and Bucky's wedding.
From the distance she watches as Sam and Steve escort the two girls up the aisle. Sitting back down, letting this moment to only be about Bucky and Charlie. Clint guides her over to the aisle. Everyone stands, turning towards her, but her eyes are tearing up to the man up front. Neither of their eyes leave one another. Neither one of them barely able to see with the tears welling up and blocking their vision. Bucky's hand comes to his eyes while he wipes away the tears that quickly flow down as he stares at his almost wife.
Clint gives his blessing of giving Charlie away, taking her fluffy bouquet back with him. She stands in front of Bucky, smiles never leave their face. Holding tightly on to each other's hands.
"Today we are gathered here to celebrate the union of marriage between James Barnes and Charlotte Allen. All of you here know them, you know their story. You know their separate stories and ultimately the story that brought them here. Before they declare their vows, I want to hear you confirm that it is indeed your intention to be married today. James, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Charlotte in marriage? If so answer, I do."
"I do." Bucky holds tighter to Charlie's hands, fighting the urge to pull her closer to him.
"And Charlotte, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to James in marriage? If so, answer, I do."
"I do." She smiles up at the tall man.
"Charlie...I promise to be the man that you believe me to be. You have always believed in me, always trusted me. I promise to protect you and our family always. You brought happiness and light in to my life, and have continued to do that. I know that no matter where life takes us, that we're doing it together. You're stuck with me, doll. Every time I see you, I'm reminded how amazing and magical you are. And I can't wait to spend every day of my life with you." Bucky leans forward to give her a kiss.
The officiant stops him, "Not yet son." Causing the guests to giggle a bit.
"I don't remember the first words I said to you. How could I... I was eight? So, I'm sure it didn't make sense. And then when we were older, and the beginning of our relationship I longed to know your parents so I could tell them that they made the most perfect human that I had ever met. I wanted to die for just a second so I could thank God for that extra time He spent making the crinkle of your nose when you smile at me. And thank Him for putting the stars in your eyes. The eyes I get to look into for the rest of my life. Every time you tell me you love me; I could listen to you say that a million times. I can't tell you the exact moment when I fell but I can tell you when I knew. I knew in a plane flying to Siberia that I wanted this life with you. You're able to tell me a corny joke or kiss me and you fix a bad day. My day is incomplete if I don't make you smile. And I knew when I wished your laugh was on iTunes so I can download it and listen all day to my favorite sound in the whole world. I knew when it became a reflex like breathing and blinking every day I wake up and I love you, and I know I'll never stop. I'm so proud of you, and proud to say you're mine. I love you James Bucky Barnes. With every part of me. You've got me."
"Wow, doll." Bucky whispers as tears roll down his face. Normally he's the one who has all the right words. She's the one who's made him speechless.
"Your wedding rings are the outward and visible sign of the inward and invisible bond which already unites two hearts in love. James, place the ring on Charlotte's finger and repeat after me."
Bucky slides the ring on Charlie, staring at her like she's the only one in the world, repeating the officiants words, "I give you this ring. Wear it with love and joy. As this ring has no end, my love is also forever."
"Charlotte, place the ring on James's finger and repeat after me."
Charlie grabs the special ring that Shuri designed, sliding it on Bucky's left finger. It quickly molds onto the Vibranium appendage. "I give you this ring. Wear it with love and joy. As this ring has no end, my love is also forever."
"May the wedding rings you exchanged today remind you always that you are surrounded by enduring love. And so now by the power invested in me by the state of New York, it is my honor and delight to declare you husband and wife. You may seal this declaration with a kiss. Now, son." He taps Bucky's shoulder. Bucky grabs ahold of Charlie, holding her tightly pressing his lips against hers in a bruising kiss. Holding onto her and never wanting to let go. She's his wife, and he's, her husband.
"Okay, that's enough." Thor growls out. They finally pull apart. Charlie giggles up at the super soldier, and He smiles at her with the biggest grin he can. The kind of smile that makes your cheeks hurt.
"I am pleased to present the newlyweds, Mr. And Mrs. James Barnes."
Bucky pulls his wife close to him. Cybernetic hand caresses his growing child, kissing her again, for their family and friends. They enjoy their night of celebrating their love. They're finally here. They made it. Bucky can call her Charlie Barnes and not just in jest. It's official now. They dance and smile the night away; Bucky watches as different members of the Avengers come and steal her away from him for a dance.
Steve walks over to Bucky, watching his best friend. His eyes smile at his wife dancing with Sam and Maggie. "She's it, Steve. She's my home. Wherever life takes us. That's it. It's like having your heart outside of your body."
Steve gives him a smile. "I know. Just wanted...she loves pushing your buttons just so she can have angry sex. She loves deeply, everyone she loves becomes her family. She lives to make people happy. She smiles to see you smile. She loves when you leave love notes throughout the house. Even if it's been there for a week. She'll smile whenever she finds one. She doesn't do well with compliments. She doesn't like getting gifts, but she loves to give people gifts. And they're not always big gifts, but their gifts that she's thought about and knows that you will love. She sleeps best when it's a little stormy outside. She loves when you play with her hair when she's sad. Kiss her every day, on every part of her body. No matter how many times you tell her she's beautiful, she won't understand how beautiful she is, but tell her anyways. You've got her heart Buck, now don't be stupid and break it again."
He gives his friend a weak smile. Bucky knows why he's telling him this. He still loves her, but more importantly he has loved her and lost her. Not bothering to tell anyone goodbye he walks into the compound where he's staying for a few days, needing some time away from the couple.
Bucky stands walking over to Charlie, extending his hand. "Dance with me, doll." Like all the other times before she gets butterflies in the pit of her stomach, taking his hand in her own. "I love you Mrs. Barnes."
"And I love you, too, Mr. Barnes."
Enjoy the fluff for now! Things can't always stay sweet in this world.