More and more people keep saying that this story is similar to Beyond Repair by typewriter improvisor. I'd like to clarify - I AM NOT plagiarizing her story. To be completely honest, I think hers is better than mine. I've spoken with her about this months ago when I first started getting comments. We've both agreed that while our stories have the same pairing, beyond that we simply used the same way to get our characters involved in the stories. Both of us drew from family histories for some of the events in our stories, both of us have read each other's stories and she's agreed that if I ever do anything that crosses the line into plagiarism or makes her feel like my story is coming too close to hers, she'll let me know, seeing as hers came first. I've laid out a lot of the plot details for my story for her and she agrees that it's not a rip-off. So, there. That's my piece on that.
But anyway, enough ranting. Instead, let's focus on the good - DOUBLE UPDATE. If a pair of chapters focus on the same event or topic I usually like to upload them together just for the sake of continuity. This chapter and the next both focus on Howard's Christmas party, but one if from Josie's perspective and one is from Yori's.
Chapter 35: Josie's Night
The knock on my door pulled me from a conversation with Yori. I glanced sideways at my reflection in the mirror to give myself a last once over as she got the door.
The deep navy dress was made of the same satin material as Yori's and had the same wider skirt but it was cut a bit tighter at the chest and had three-quarter-length sleeves. I wore a black belt, pumps, and gloves as well and my hair had actually been let down from its normal bun and fell into waves over my shoulders and down my back, just for Bucky. Red lips and eyes with a hint of smoke completed my outfit.
"Josie." Bucky distracted me, sweeping me up into his arms and kissing me soundly on the mouth before pulling back and spinning me. I smiled in amusement, looking him over in his khaki uniform. As usual the tie was slightly crooked and his hat was tipped jauntily but I wouldn't have it any other way. Without the tiny rebellions, he wouldn't be my Bucky.
"You look very handsome tonight soldier," I told him, smiling.
"And you, Miss Ealum, are looking ravishing," Bucky said, spinning me into his arms for a hug. I smiled at him as Steve moved off to greet Yori. Leaning up, I kissed him lightly on the lips.
"Merry Christmas," I murmured to him.
"Merry Christmas," Bucky whispered back, eyes glowing with mischief. "Fair warning. I plan to drag you under every sprig of mistletoe I can find tonight."
I laughed and hugged him. "There are worse fates," I said, glancing over to the other couple in the corner. I watched in awe as Yori took off the mask at Steve's quiet urging. I couldn't pull her out of her slump but Steve had managed it with a simple request and a joke. Yori was still pulling at her sleeves and fidgeting with her belt but she looked a little bit more confident.
Steve came towards me and I stared over his shoulder at Yori, mouth opened in surprise. She was watching Steve's back as he left her side and the look on her face, a mix of longing, frustration, fear, and something softer. If I didn't know any better, I'd say…
Oh. Oh sweet Jesus.
"You look great, Josie," Steve said, smiling at me and giving me a spin. I grinned back and leaned up to kiss his cheek fondly, but my eyes lingered on Yori over his shoulder. Her face was now carefully blank – she'd gotten herself under control.
"Not too bad yourself soldier," I replied, crooking his tie with a joking flick. Steve, of course, fixed it immediately. Arms coiled around my waist and pulled me back against a broad, strong body. I smiled and reached down, placing my hands over Bucky's without thought as he set his chin on my shoulder.
"Not trying to put the moves on my girl, are ya pal?" Bucky teased lightly.
"Never," Steve promised, holding up his hands. He looked back over his shoulder and offered an arm to Yori. "Shall we go? Howard will have our heads if we're late."
"I'd like to see him try," Yori smirked, her usual confidence fixed firmly in place as she moved to Steve's side, but I noticed that she didn't take his hand.
"Shall we?" Bucky's eyes were gleaming happily, fondly, lovingly as he looked down at me, offering me an elbow.
"Thank you, Sarge," I cooed, and coiled my hands around his arm.
Together we left the room and Bucky and I took the lead, Yori and Steve lingering behind us as we made our way to the mess hall, which was the only room in the base big enough for a party. At least, the kind of parties Howard Stark threw. There could be no live music or dancers, but that hadn't stopped him from buying up most of the Christmas decorations London had to offer and importing booze from all over for the evening.
Music could already be heard drifting down the hall through a speaker system. Popular favorites as well as standard Christmas carols alternated as we walked and I pulled Bucky's arm over my shoulder, tucking myself against his side and smiling as the seasonal cheer washed over me.
The mess hall doors were wide open and the usual long tables were gone, replaced by small round tables with white tablecloths and centerpieces of winter flowers. A buffet lined one wall, but most of the room was cleared for dancing. Soldiers spun around with secretaries, the ratio of men to women staggering. The ladies were jealously guarded once claimed and ruthlessly poached by the others. Flashbulbs popped as a couple of photographers roamed the room, getting pictures of the event.
Bucky pulled me up short before we could go inside. I looked up at him questioningly.
"Mistletoe," Bucky said, looking up at the lintel above up. I smiled at the sight of the red berries. Leave it to Howard… Folding my hands behind my back, I leaned forwards and smiled, waiting. Bucky grinned and grabbed my shoulders, kissing me sweetly. He didn't let go, happily continuing to kiss me until someone cleared their throat.
"Some of us need to get in this room," Steve said pointedly, grinning at us fondly as we pulled apart.
"You're just jealous you don't have anyone to kiss under the mistletoe," Bucky said.
"I will stab you with my tail if you try," Yori said hastily, looking alarmed. Bucky laughed and I chuckled, but I was watching Yori as she looked sideways at Steve like she simultaneously hoped and feared he'd kiss her.
"Don't worry, I won't kiss a lady unless she wants me to," Steve assured her. "You're safe."
"Want to dance?" Bucky asked as we stepped inside properly.
"I'm going to sit," Yori said firmly, gesturing to a nearby table. She looked to Steve and nodded at Peggy, who was caught in the arms of a soldier and looking less than pleased about it. "Go save your dear Agent Carter, you're wasting your night with me," she urgedd, before moving off.
Steve watched her go before looking to me. "Has she always been that blunt?"
"Oh yes," laughed a voice. I looked around and smiled as Nevade swept out of nowhere, seizing Steve's hand and dragging him onto the dance floor. "I'm claiming this stud's first dance!" she called over her shoulder to me as several soldiers laughed and wolf whistled at Steve as he was dragged past. Ever the good sport, Steve let her pull him into a dance.
"Can't let them show us up, can we?" Bucky asked with a smile as In The Mood came on. I grinned, remembering father dancing me around the living room to this song before the war started.
"Let's go," I smiled and we rushed onto the dance floor eagerly. I gripped Bucky's hand and he wrapped his arm around my waist. I laughed delightedly as he spun me out and back in before beginning to twirl me. I let myself be dragged around, smiling at Bucky as he spun and twirled me in and out. I threw an arm out wide and narrowly missed a blonde secretary's face as she danced past. I didn't care though as Bucky tugged my hand. I strutted back towards him, swaying my hips and twirling under his hand and back around, his hand settling on my waist once more.
Bucky swung me out and around as Nevade steered Steve towards us, eyes glittering happily as she nodded to Bucky.
"And he can dance!" she praised. "Keep this one, he's good!"
"I plan to!" I laughed as I shimmied my shoulders and Bucky swung us around.
"Enjoying yourself?" Bucky teased Steve, who responded by gripping Nevade tightly and hoisting her into a lift. My great-grandmother laughed uproariously as she was set back down. Bucky and I howled as Steve yelped when she pinched his rear.
"I may keep this one!" she called to me before they were lost in the dancers again.
"I love your grandmother!" Bucky laughed as I spun once more and kicked my feet up.
"Hey now, be careful talking like that Sarge or I might get jealous," I said as he tugged me back into him. He tried to grab me around the waist but I dodged and snatched his hat off his head, dropping it on my own and smirking as I swished my skirt and sashayed back up to him.
"Honey, you are one of a kind," Bucky laughed as I plopped his hat back on his head as the song ended and made sure to twist it slightly off center.
"And don't you forget it," I grinned, grabbing his tie and tugging him in for a quick kiss. I had nearly as much adrenaline going as I did in a fight. Dancing with Bucky was pure energy and happiness and I couldn't imagine a better feeling.
"Mind if I cut in?" asked a smooth voice. Howard snagged me by the hand and tugged me into a shimmy.
"Howard!" I yelped in surprise before throwing my head back and laughing. I waved to Bucky and he waved back, retreating to the drinks as he watched me in amusement.
"Sorry to steal you from your fella but I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I didn't grab a dance with the prettiest girl here tonight," Howard grinned, his mustache turning up.
I chuckled. "You been using that line on every girl tonight?" I asked knowingly.
"Maybe I will, how'd it work?" was the immediate reply. I chuckled and spun out and back in before going into a deep sway. I smiled at Yori and Steve at a table in the corner and waved. Howard pulled me into a spin and kept me going, my skirt rising around my legs and flaring widely before he wrapped an arm around my waist and hoisted me up into a turn. I dropped back to the ground with a smile and pecked Howard's cheek.
"If I didn't know you any better I'd say you actually thought you were trying to win a date from me."
"Luckily you know me better," Howard chuckled. "I don't really want to fend off an angry soldier coming after his Josie."
"She was my Josie before anyone else."
"Father!" I smiled as Thomas Ealum appeared at Howard's shoulder. He raised an eyebrow at the millionaire. "Mr. Stark, mind if I cut in?" he asked with a grin.
Howard stepped away from me and gestured to me with a dramatic bow and wave of his arms. "All yours, Lieutenant Colonel!" he said, and quickly snagged a redhead out of the arms of another soldier.
"That man," father said, shaking his head.
"He's brilliant and what's worse, he's aware," I said knowingly. Father smiled down at me.
"Exactly." His smile fell. "Jojo, I don't want to ruin the night but I want you to know that your mother was out of line earlier…"
I sighed. "Daddy I know. I also know she'll never change. I'm sorry you can't have us both around but I think that'd cause you more pain than just spending time with us in turns."
Thomas winced. "It shouldn't have to be that way…"
"It's Christmas Eve, daddy," I cut him off. "We can discuss this later. For now, we should just enjoy this wonderful night Howard's planned for us all."
"I quite agree," said a familiar voice. I turned around and grinned at Peggy in an equally red dress.
"Father, this is Peggy Carter. Peggy, this is my father, Thomas Ealum."
"Pleasure to meet you sir," Peggy said warmly, shaking my father's hand.
"As I hear it, you took my place training with Jojo in the mornings," father said, looking at me fondly.
Peggy's eyes glinted wickedly. "Well, Jojo certainly gave me a run for my money." I pouted teasingly.
"She does me too," my father admitted conspiratorially.
Peggy opened her mouth to say something else, but scowled thunderously. "Oh rot, he's found me."
I followed her line of sight and saw a burly soldier pushing his way through the crowd, eyes locked on Peggy like she was some kind of prize to win at the county fair. My father followed my eyes and scowled as well.
"Want me to head him off?" he offered.
"If you wouldn't mind," Peggy said gratefully. Thomas smiled.
"Not at all. Happy to help," he said, and headed off to run interference.
"I can't get away from them!" Peggy exclaimed in frustration, throwing up her hands. "I know it sounds petty to be upset over all this attention but I haven't been able to sit for a second since I walked in the room. Half of them don't even ask for a dance, they just grab me!"
"Well then you need a partner," I said, and offered my hand to Peggy. She looked surprised and then amused as she took my hand with a gallant flourish.
"I'd be flattered," she said coyly before we made our way onto the dance floor, getting laughs as we spun each other around and twirled, clapping our hands and swaying our shoulders. I'd been to a few parties in my life but they were all usually business and this was pure pleasure. I was having a blast, dancing with everyone and passing from partner to partner.
I caught sight of Bucky sitting with Steve and Yori in the corner, all of them holding glasses of punch. I blew them a kiss before grabbing Peggy and lifting her up. She gave a surprised shout as she spun. A flashbulb went off and I made a mental note to request that picture from Howard when the night was over. I'd pay dearly to see that expression on Peggy's face.
"I always forget you can do things like that," she said breathlessly as I let her down.
"Sorry Agent Carter," Bucky said as the song ended. "I'm going to reclaim my date now if you don't mind."
"Not at all," Peggy said and stepped back, letting Bucky scoop me up into his arms. Peggy's eyes widened as the solider from before popped out of the crowd, looking frazzled. She swore and dove for the refreshments table like the hounds of hell were after her.
Benny Goodman's Sing Sing Sing came on and Bucky began to guide me around the floor in an energetic swing.
"I've only gotten one dance with you," he pouted. "People keep hoarding my girl."
"I'm all yours the rest of the night," I promised, then added teasingly, "Well, unless a better offer comes along."
"Oh honey," Bucky said, tugging me in close and pressing his forehead down to me. There was a little husk in his voice as he whispered in my ear, "You're not gonna find anyone better than me."
I shuddered and pulled back, eyes gleaming challengingly. "Let's test that, shall we?" I asked archly, and guided him into a series of complicated steps, twists, and turns. Bucky followed skillfully and didn't so much as bat an eye as he lifted me and rolled me over his back before swinging me over his hip. The crowd wisely cleared away from us as we swung and turned and twisted all over the place. I laughed the whole time, flushed and happy as Bucky was close and then at arm's length and then close again. The song climaxed and Bucky pulled me into a series of tight spins before dipping me. I spun towards the ground and, as expected, Bucky caught my hand. I hung a scant few inches from the ground but securely caught, smiling up at him as once again the flashbulbs popped. The few people who'd gathered to watch clapped wildly and dispersed to find partners as a slower song came on.
"Do I want to be with you as the years come and go? Only forever, if you care to know," Bing Crosby crooned and I sighed as Bucky pulled me up into his arms. I pressed closer to him, resting my head on his chest contently. I wasn't tired by any means but it was nice to dance to something slower after so many fast paced numbers.
"I love this song," I said fondly as Bucky gently swayed with me.
"Only forever, huh?" Bucky said thoughtfully. "Ya know, I was never too fond of this song and I could never figure out why until now."
"Why's that?" I asked, looking up curiously.
"I could never imagine forever with a girl until I met you," he said sweetly, eyes glowing warmly and crinkled in a soft smile as he looked down at me.
"And you say that I'm the one who has the perfect words," I said with a smile as my cheeks went pink. "You're gonna make me swoon, Sarge."
"Sarge," Bucky repeated. He leaned close, nuzzling my nose with his. "Is that what you're gonna call me on holidays, then?"
"Mm, I think so," I said decisively.
"I can live with that," Bucky approved. "But back to the perfect words. I think Bing Crosby wins on this one." He leaned forward to sing along in my ear. "Would I grant all your wishes and be proud of the task? Only forever, if someone should ask."
"I wish to dance with you all night long," I requested. "What can you do about that?"
"Happily granted," he said, and pecked my lips before pulling me close again. I rose up on my toes, still swaying with him as I sang softly.
"How long would it take me to be near if you beckoned? Off hand I would figure less than a second."
"As fast as you are that might not be far from the truth," Bucky chuckled. I laughed along with him.
"Just say the word, my love, and I'll come running," I promised, draping an arm over his shoulder to toy with his hair. His hat was knocked even more askew but neither of us cared.
"Do you think I'll remember how you looked when you smile? Only forever, that's puttin' it mild," Bucky sang the next verse. "Geez, compared to you I sound like a trainwreck."
I giggled at that. "Well, I have had vocal lessons," I admitted. "Part of that Southern Belle upbringing. Do you think I'll remember how you looked when you smile? Only forever, that's puttin' it mild."
Bucky squeezed me tightly as the song ended and it knocked the breath from me even though he wasn't very rough. It was the way he hugged me, like he'd rather die than let me go. "You mean that, sweetheart?" he whispered in my ear. "Could you really see a forever with me?"
I pulled back and I couldn't have stopped smiling it I wanted to, cupping Bucky's face between my hands.
"I will love you forever," I swore. "And I'll keep loving you for another eternity after that."
Bucky smiled at me and kissed me tenderly. "There you go with those perfect words again," he said against my mouth. I hummed happily and kissed him back contently, the rest of the world fading away and leaving only our perfect moment.
The moment broke with the flash of a camera. Bucky and I jerked apart in surprise to see Howard standing there with a camera, a startled photographer next to him with his hands still raised. Apparently Howard had snagged his camera and snapped a picture of us.
"Invite me to the wedding," he sang before diving off to grab Peggy for a dance.
"Howard," I laughed fondly as Bucky tucked me against his side and steered me towards the refreshments for a drink.
"I've gotta get a copy of that picture from him," Bucky said with a smile. "I wanna remember you like this forever. Pretty and smiling and happy and mine."
"Stay around and I'll always be like this," I teased as he handed me a glass of water. I drank gratefully, happy to get something cool down my throat.
"You seem to be having fun."
I looked up as Yori swung around a dancing couple with a scowl at them as the secretary gave her a fearful look. I sighed. I was having the time of my life tonight and I wished that Yori could too.
"I am," I said as Bucky fell silent by my side, letting us chat for a moment while he looked around the room curiously, chugging his water. His hand remained coiled around my waist and I laid my hand over his contently.
"Have you danced even once?" I asked Yori a little desperately. Her dark look answered my question. No, she hadn't, because no one had asked her and she'd be damned before she risked getting turned down to ask one of the men.
Steve moved past us. His eyes were fixed hopefully on Peggy, who was chatting with Nevade at another table. I felt a bit guilty for pulling him away from his beloved Agent Carter but nonetheless I grabbed him by the arm.
"Steve, take Yori for a dance," I nearly begged. Yori glared at me thunderously as Steve blinked and flushed.
"Oh, I guess… I suppose I could." He offered her a hand. "Yori?"
Yori blinked and flushed, mirroring Steve. She gave me one last incredibly black look but her expression softened as she looked back to Steve. She placed her hand in his wordlessly and let Steve pull her out onto the dance floor.
I bit my lip. No way could this end well. Steve was head over heels for Peggy and I couldn't hate him for that. Peggy liked him just as much and they were wonderful together. Yori was much darker, much harder than Peggy. She didn't care for people lightly and no matter what she'd be crushed by this because she'd never make a move on Steve and he'd never make a move on her even if he did feel similarly.
"What happened?" Bucky asked, pinching a bit of my skirt between his fingers to get my attention. "You look sad all of a sudden."
"Steve and Yori," I said, nodding to the couple. Bucky raised an eyebrow.
"What about them? They look pretty uncomfortable," he observed.
"She likes him," I said bluntly. "And she'll never say anything and Steve will never care for her the same way. It's a shame," I sighed. "Yori could use someone like Steve to keep her calm and level. Someone who'd treat her like a princess."
Bucky was surprised. "Yori likes Steve?" He squinted at them, taking in more than just their awkward dancing. If you were paying attention and knew her well enough, Yori's expression was visibly much softer than usual. Bucky whistled. "Oh lord."
"I agree," I said with a sigh.
"Hey." Bucky squeezed me briefly. "It's not your business and getting involved will just hurt yourself as well," he warned.
"I know," I groaned. "I just want her to be happy."
"We could get her drunk?" Bucky offered innocently, tilting a head towards the generous bar Howard had prepared where Dugan and Morita could be found in a drinking contest. I snickered at that.
"Yori and I can't get drunk," I explained laughingly. "Our metabolisms are too fast."
"My sympathies," Bucky chuckled.
There was a burst of feedback and everyone turned towards Howard, who had produced a microphone form somewhere and was holding it and a glass of bourbon. I had a sneaking suspicion it was my family's label.
"Alright everyone, it's time to begin the countdown to Christmas!" Howard called cheerfully. "Ten! Nine! Eight!"
"Seven! Six! Five!" the crowd took up.
"Hey," Bucky murmured in my ear. I looked around as "Four!" echoed around the room.
"Yes?"
"Three!"
Bucky pulled a hand out of his pocket. Mistletoe dangled over my head. I laughed.
"Two!"
"You did promise," I recalled.
"One!"
Bucky leaned down and kissed me as the clock struck midnight. It was officially Christmas and thus far this one was starting out better than any other I'd celebrated.
"I've got a gift for you," Bucky said huskily as he pulled back. "It's in my room."
"If that doesn't sound like a line…" I chuckled. Bucky winced.
"Promise it's not."
"As it happens I've got something for you too, Sarge," I said, reaching up and tweaking his hat. "Shall we meet back there after we get our gifts and exchange them before we go to bed?"
In any other context 'go to bed' might have sounded like a euphemism but in this case it wasn't. Aside from a few morning kissing sessions Bucky and I still hadn't gone any farther than that despite the fact that we still shared a bed and I was content with the way things were.
"Sounds like a plan," Bucky said, brushed my hair back from my shoulders. "I'll see you in a minute, alright?"
"Alright," I agreed.
We went our separate ways. I hastily stripped off my dress and hung it up, stripping off my accessories and swiping off my makeup on a damp rag. I brushed some of the curl out of my hair and donned a nightgown and robe in emerald silk for the holiday before grabbing Bucky's package. I snagged a bottle of whiskey and two glasses as an afterthought before sneaking out of my room.
By some miracle we'd yet to be caught. At least, not by any of the other soldiers. Yori was aware, considering she had served as lookout for me one or two nights and Howard had caught me sneaking back through the halls in my pajamas one night.
I knocked on Bucky's door and as instantly welcomed inside. I sat down at the table and poured us both a glass of liquor. Bucky, clad in nothing but an undershirt and loose drawstring pants, dug into the drawer of his bedside table before pulling out a package wrapped in twine and brown paper.
"Sorry about the paper," Bucky said as he sat down, fingering his glass. "I've never been able to wrap a present to save my life and I figured this looked better than most anything I'd be able to manage."
I laughed. "Don't worry, I've been wrapping my father's gifts for him for years," I assured him. "You're not the only one." I slid his gift towards him and he slid mine towards me. My box was larger than his, I noticed, and wasn't surprised considering mine had more than one thing in it. I took a sip of whiskey, savoring the burn for a moment.
"You first," I urged, and Bucky tore open the paper like a child tearing into his presents. I smiled at the gesture, finding it oddly adorable. He lifted the lid off the box and grinned.
"'To keep you warm when I'm not around,'" Bucky grinned, reading the note that rested on top. He lifted out the quilted blanket made from patches in shades of blue and grey, some patterned, some not. He examined the stitching. More specifically, the stitching inside one corner. "Christmas '43. Love Belle," he read and looked up at me in surprise. "Did you make this?" he asked in awe.
"I may not like mending hems but I do enjoy sewing," I admitted as he stood up, spreading the quilt out so that he could examine the pattern. I opened my mouth to protest, but it was too late as a small box fell out of the folds and hit the floor.
"You didn't have to get me anything else," Bucky chastened gently, tossing the quilt so that it lay somewhat smoothly over his bed before reaching down to pick up the other box. "I love the quilt enough."
"I like giving gifts," I said with a shrug, refusing to be ashamed. "Go ahead, open it," I urged, reclining in my chair and taking another drink. Bucky lifted the lid and stared.
"Oh. God Josie, you didn't have to…" He winced. "This is too much."
I shook my head, frowning. "No it's not."
"This must have cost a fortune," Bucky said, lifting out the pocket watch. It gleamed gold, with a simple pinstriped etching. He opened it up and laughed softly as he examined the picture of me tucked inside.
"I hope that wasn't too presumptuous," I fretted. "You can take the picture out if you like, I just thought maybe…"
"No," Bucky stopped me, placing a hand over mine. "I love it," he promised, but his expression was still pained.
"Then what's wrong?" I asked worriedly. Bucky shook his head and swallowed.
"I'm a delivery boy from Brooklyn. Your stepmother's right about one thing – I'll never be able to buy you pretty things. I've been pinching pennies my whole life just to get by and you grew up with so much money. I just wish-"
"You stop that right now." I was annoyed now. I pulled my hand out from under his and scowled at him. "You think I don't know you have less money than I do?"
Bucky winced. "You're not making this easier…"
"I don't mean to," I said shortly. "You could live in a castle or a cardboard box and I wouldn't care. I'm not so idealistic to say money doesn't matter but I am realistic to know that I've got enough money for the both of us. I'd happily toss it all in the Thames right now if it meant we got that forever we were talking about."
Bucky smiled faintly. "It sounds good when you say it like that but I still wish I could buy you pretty things. I want to give you the world and I can't, and that's frustrating."
"Give me things that make me smile, give me things that show how much you care about me, and I won't give a damn how much they cost," I told him bluntly. "You got that?"
Bucky laughed, his good mood restored. He saluted me. "Understood, ma'am."
I nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now, do you like your gifts?"
"Love 'em," Bucky promised. He smiled as he held up the pocket watch. "We'll match," he said, referring to my mother's pocket watch that I always wore when I wasn't in the field.
"I'll have to get a picture of you to put in mine," I mused.
"Ask Howard, I'd say he just got a good one."
We laughed for a moment and then Bucky reached out, pushing his gift towards me.
"Now you," Bucky prompted. I nodded and cut through the twine with a sharpened bone form the tip of my finger. Bucky laughed. "Never have to look for a letter opener, do you?" he asked drily.
I smiled as I pulled back the paper and revealed a worn flat paper box. Curious, I lifted the lid. The bottom was lined in cotton and slumped in the bottom corner was a gold locket in the shape of an oval. There was a heart etched on it surrounded by flowers and leaves. It was very plain and a little worn, obviously second hand, but I immediately fell in love with it.
"Oh Bucky," I breathed, lifting it out by the chain. "It's perfect!"
Bucky coughed. "I just got it in this little second hand shop a couple blocks over. It's not as nice as the watch."
I scowled at him. "Quit insulting my necklace or I'll throw this box at you," I said sternly, raising the box warningly. Bucky held up his hands in surrender.
"Alright, no violence. You really like it?"
In answer I turned around and handed him the necklace, sweeping my hair up. "Put it on me."
Bucky wrapped the chain around my throat and fiddled with the clasp for a moment before letting it fall. It hung just below the start of my cleavage, the perfect length. Bucky laid a kiss on the back of my neck over the clasp, running his hands down my arms.
"Merry Christmas, Belle," Bucky murmured in my ear, planting another kiss just behind it. I shivered and looked at him over my shoulder.
"Let's move this party to the bed," I said, standing up and grabbing my glass.
Bucky bobbed his eyebrows at me. "If that doesn't sound like a line," he teased.
"Oh, quiet you," I huffed as my cheeks went red. I stripped off my robe and crawled under the sheets with Bucky, curling contently against his side.
"Keep my nightmares away?" I asked as he wrapped an arm around me. I shifted to drape a leg over one of his, something I'd developed a habit of doing. Bucky teased that I was like a burr in my sleep.
"Only forever," Bucky promised with a gentle smile. I hummed in contentment and sang,
"Do you think I'll remember how you look when you smile? Only forever, that's puttin' it mild."