Invisible String

"And isn't it just so pretty to think
All along there was some
Invisible string
Tying you to me?"

One year later

Steve enjoyed never having to be anywhere at a specific time unless he wanted to. He could wake up at noon. He could eat breakfast in bed. He could do whatever he wished and it was beautiful. Did he miss the shield? Yes. But he'd gained so much more than he could have possibly ever have imagined in its absence.

His heart had never been so full. Domestic life was just as, if not more, fulfilling than what he had done in his previous life. He wasn't retired as such more freelance if he had to categorise his work. He helped out Sam and Bucky whenever they needed it and he filled his days with community and charity projects that he poured his heart and soul into.

He didn't think it was possible to be this happy. And he knew Bucky was too. That made him happiest of all. Seeing how much he had changed.

Steve lay in bed in no particular rush to get out of it even though he'd been awake for a while. The sunlight was filtering through the gap in the curtains in their home. It was cold Steve had used double the amount of logs to keep the place hot. It was 2 weeks until Christmas and from the quality of the light Steve could tell it had snowed through the night.

Dodger was snoring loudly in the corner. Steve smiled as he heard the softest click of the door and the padding of socked feet on the floorboards. Without his enhanced hearing Bucky's movements would have been silent. Some things from his extensive military and Hydra training hadn't faded.

He heard the rustling of clothing and then the pressure of Bucky lying on the mattress. Bucky had been on nightshift. He liked to lie in bed for a little while with him before he'd take Dodger out for a long walk to leave Bucky to sleep. It was their routine when he worked nights.  They had a routine now and he loved it.

He hated sleeping alone now he missed Bucky's warm embrace too much. He couldn't believe how easy living and being with Bucky was. They'd taken 6 months to completely fix this place up exactly the way they wanted it. They'd built a beautiful home together. They'd been living together for almost a year and Steve had never felt more content.

Steve shivered as Bucky pressed himself against Steve's back.

"You're freezing." Steve mumbled.

"Sorry. It's snowing and I was out in it all night."

Steve could hear the exhaustion in Bucky's voice.

He pressed himself against Bucky.

"I'm giving you my warmth. That's how much I love you."

Bucky wrapped Steve up tightly as they lay like spoons in a drawer.

Being loved by Steve was life changing. It was all encompassing. He had never dared to dream of it and now his reality was better than anything he could ever have dreamed of.

"I love you too."

Bucky's lips pressed against the tender spot on his neck and Bucky's hands began to wander. Steve felt goosebumps erupt on his skin from Bucky's cool fingers on his hot skin and the feel of his hands on him. Gentle yet possessive.

Steve turned his head to plant a kiss on his lips. He felt Bucky's skin warm against his. Skin on skin.

Steve pulled back slightly looking into his beautiful blue eyes.

"Are you warm yet?"

Bucky grinned.

"Mmmm maybe you could give me a little more."