rodrikstark's headcanons (part 1)

b. barnes + learning romanian

"la mulți ani!"

bucky's head raises to look at you instead of the table, where you've laid out a nice tablecloth, paper birthday hats, and a sheet funfetti cake with three glowing candles stuck in it: 1-0-6.

"what'd you say?" he asks, blinking at you.

"happy birthday!" you hold his present out with both hands.

bucky had never had an interest in making a big deal about his birthday, but he knows how much you loved going all out, so he indulged you.

the sweet way he indulges you, with most things.

"that's not what you said," he says, chuckling as he ignores the whole display you spent over an hour fixing up. he steps towards you.

"yes i did," you insist, feeling your cheeks warm.

"română?" he asks, a tiny smile tugging at his lips.

you clutch his gift closer to your body. "i thought it would be fun if we had our own secret language, so i learned a little."

he takes the box from you, putting it on the table and knocking over the party hats, which makes you frown.

but then he pulls you into his arms. "thank you. i love it."

you huff. "you haven't even opened your present."

he kisses you softly.