I threw open the front door to my apartment, dropped my bag with frustration, and flung the door shut again. With the last little bit of my strength and sanity, I made it a few feet to the couch before collapsing.

"That you, Beth?" I grunted, though it was muffled by the pillow my face took cover in. I heard shuffling and foot steps before feeling a cool, metal hand on my back. "Hey beautiful, are you okay?"

I pulled myself up in to a sitting position as he plopped down beside me. "Ever have one of those days? But, like, for a week straight?"

He chuckled. "I had one those of days for about 70 years."

I smiled sheepishly. "I know, Bucky. I'm sorry." I leaned in to kiss him and he met me halfway. All my stress started to disappear as he pulled me on to his lap, arms holding me gently close to his chest.

"Well, since you're in no condition to go out tonight, what if I made dinner and we watched a movie here?" That little side smirk always put me in a better mood.

"I don't know, "I jokingly hesitated. "Were electric stoves even a thing the last time you cooled?"

"Hey!" He laughed as he grabbed at his chest. "I'm not that old!"

I sighed happily, smiling softly and staring at him. I was forever grateful to Sarah Wilson for introducing me to this wonderful man. I was aware of his checkered past, but I also wanted to be a part of his future. He showed me every day how much he's changed, and how badly he wants to be alive.

"Hello? You okay, doll?" I hadn't realised I'd zoned out while staring at his ocean orbs.

"Yeah! I'm sorry, was just trying to decide what movie to watch." My smile grew as he cupped my cheek. I instinctively leaned into it and closed my eyes.

"Well whatever you decide, don't fall asleep halfway through this time." he smirked as he sat me back on the couch and stood up, stretching. "I'll go get some nachos and sweet tea made up while you get the movie started."

As he headed back toward the kitchen, I started to get nostalgic. We had only been together for six months but it was hard to not imagine a future together. Everything he'd been through, everything he'd seen and done, and this man is the one whose arms felt like home. He'd had so many firsts with me- sharing a bed, having a place to call home, having a birthday with friends- and he made me more proud every day. A white cloud hopped on my lap and brought me back to focus.

"There you are, Alpine." I drug my hand across his fur as I reached for the remote. I was still exhausted from the day, but my little family made it all worth it. I flipped on the TV and began looking at the movie selection. He'd enjoyed Episode 1 of Star Wars, so why not go with Episode 2? Just as I hit select, Bucky walked in with a heaping pile of food and two glasses of sweet amber liquid.

"Episode 2, huh?" He sat everything down on the table before gently removing the cat from my lap. "Come here for a second. I want to show you something first." I stared at him curiously as he took my hand and showed me to the apartment balcony.

I saw them as soon as I walked out.

"Bucky, they're beautiful." I smiled as he picked the bouquet of roses off the patio table. I inhaled the scent as he returned the gesture.

"Sarah told me about a little floral shop in town. I knew it had been a rough week for you, so I'd already started planning all this. You came home early, so I didn't have time to fix a full meal, but-"

I cut him off with a deep and loving kiss. "Thank you, Bucky. You could've made oatmeal and I would just be happy you were having dinner with me."

He wrapped one arm around my waist while the other hand brushed my hair from my face. "I love you, Beth." We both turned red at his words, but he kept his composure. "I know its been short, but you treat me like an actual person. You don't get scared off when things get bumpy. You're beautiful, resilient, and the source of so much of my happiness- the kind I haven't had since...I don't know if I ever have."

I could feel my eyes starting to water. "I love you, too, Bucky. I'm so proud of everything you've done." He gave me another kiss- so full of love and passion, like he never wanted to kiss anyone else. As he pulled away, I could tell his eyes were misty as well. We exchanged smiles before going back inside.

"So is this the one where he becomes Darth Vader?" He swatted Alpine away from the food as we sat back down.

I laughed and laid the flowers next to my drink. "You told me you didn't know anything about Star Wars!"

He shrugged, taking a sip of his tea. "I didn't, but I told Sam I'd started watching them, and he told me all kinds of stuff."

I shook my head, smiling. "Remind me to smack him later."

He motioned for me to curl up next to him. I hit play, then happily obliged. This was my little slice of heaven.