"Hey. Wake up."

Sam leaned over Bucky and smoothed down his fluffy brown as Bucky opened his tired eyes. It was 3:52 in the morning and the sun hadn't yet risen up over Delacroix.

"I have to go, okay? I'll be back soon. I just got a call from Torres, he needs me over there soon. It shouldn't take long."

Bucky closed his eyes and held his arms out for a hug before Sam left. He took every one of Sam's early morning missions as an opportunity to be affectionate with him for a peaceful moment before they resumed their chaotic lives.

Sam leaned down into his arms. A moment later, Bucky scooted over to the middle of their bed to let Sam lay down next to him.

"You do this every time I have a mission. I don't wanna be late," Sam laughed lightly.

Bucky opened his eyes again and looked at Sam sadly. He gave in and shuffled onto the bed next to him. "Okay, but just for a minute," he said. It always worked.

Sam put one arm around Bucky's torso and the other one under Bucky's head. They laid there for a minute, enjoying each other's warmth and company.

Sam stroked his back and smiled. "So this is the only time I can have you like this, huh? At 3 in the morning?"

Bucky grinned and snuggled closer to his chest. The truth is, he enjoyed Sam's morning missions, because it meant he got to have moments like these. He hadn't even said a word all morning, yet here Sam was, holding him tightly and giving him all the love he would ever need. He secretly wished they could do this every day. Of course, he wouldn't admit that to Sam out loud. Yet.

Sam smiled. "Oh well. You can be grumpy Sergeant Barnes all you want out there, but you're my Bucky this early in the morning." He kissed Bucky's forehead. "Don't forget that when you're out there yelling at people."

Bucky looked up at him lovingly.

Sam tilted his head. "You're staring again."

Bucky smiled and put his hands on Sam's face, bringing him down in for a kiss.

Their morning kisses were always so soft and sweet. Bucky savored them for as long as he could. It made his heart flutter to see Sam right there, looking at him with love. It was even better feeling his soft lips on his, so gentle yet full of meaning and desire.

Sam pulled away but stayed close to his face, bringing his forehead close to touch Bucky's. Bucky's hands stayed on his face, gently rubbing Sam's check with his thumb. He was mindful of his vibranium arm, trying not to hold him too hard or make him too cold. Sam didn't seem to notice. If he did, he certainly didn't mind.

They didn't speak. They didn't need to. The silence surrounded them but didn't suffocate them; the quiet brought them a sense of calm that they didn't find many other places than this.

Sam savored it for a moment more before whispering to Bucky. "I have to go."

Bucky made a tired smile. "No you don't. Torres just called me. He canceled."

Sam chuckled, stroking Bucky's cheek. "Oh really? He did?"

Bucky pressed himself against Sam's t-shirt and grinned. "Yep. He said he understands that you have more important matters at hand."

Sam let out a laugh and gathered Bucky in his arms. "Oh, I love you."

Bucky held onto his warm body tightly before looking up at him again.

"Try not to miss me too much while you're gone."

Sam kissed him again, laughing. "Now I've really gotta go. Don't make me tell Torres I was late because you wouldn't let me out of bed." Bucky smiled and reluctantly let go.

Sam gave him one more kiss before getting up. He grabbed his case with his suit in it and stood in the doorway.

"See you in a bit, Bucky." He blew him a kiss.

Bucky smiled at Sam's playfulness and "caught" the kiss in his hand. "It's five am. You have to call me Sergeant Barnes now."

Sam grinned and headed out the door. "I love you!" He called.

"I love you too," Bucky said quietly. He knew Sam had heard him.