There was a certain feeling of nostalgia as the trio enjoyed Christmas Eve together.
For years, they had a hard time figuring out their dynamic as a group. When they were all just friends, Bucky had felt like Lizzie belonged to Steve. She was his friend but it felt like a friendship of convenience. Then Lizzie and Bucky got together and Steve felt like he was giving Lizzie away. It wasn't until the last couple years that they figured out that they all belong to each other.
There was no outsider because they all belonged to each other in different ways.
They all were very aware that this could be the last Christmas together and that put them in a very reminiscent state.
"Do you remember the time where you snuck Steve and I out of class?" Bucky asks.
"I still can't believe I let you guys talk me into doing that. That's the only time I ever broke the rules I'll have you know," Lizzie says.
"He talked you into it, I just went along with it," Steve interjects.
"You should both be thanking me, we had a great day," Bucky says.
"That we did," Lizzie admits with a small smile.
Bucky had convinced them to all skip a day of school. It was Lizzie's job to break them out because all the teachers would trust her to tell the truth.
She was so stressed out that she can't even remember the lie she told but it worked and she got them both out of class.
They didn't even do anything all that exciting. The excitement came from ditching school but they just spent the whole day together. They just walked around New York and ate hot dogs and ice cream.
They even pooled their money and took photos at a photo booth. They could only afford one set so the each have a single picture from the strip.
Lizzie's is set in the corner of the mirror in her's and Bucky's room. Steve's is in a box in his room with a bunch of other memorabilia. Bucky never leaves the house without his because it's always in his wallet. It has been in his wallet since they took the picture near ten years ago.
The evening quickly passes and soon enough, Steve decides it's time to leave.
Bucky and Lizzie walk Steve to the door but he doesn't leave right away.
They all look at each other and realize that this may be the last Christmas they will have together.
Bucky grabs on to each of the twins and pulls all of them into a hug. They all hold onto each other and hope this isn't the last time.
"I love you both," Steve says.
"We love you too, Merry Christmas Stevie," Lizzie says.
"Merry Christmas, pal," Bucky says.
"Merry Christmas," Steve says with a sad smile.
He leaves with one last wave over his shoulder.
When the door shuts, Bucky pulls Lizzie closer into his embrace and rests his chin on her head.
"Meeting you and your brother has been the biggest blessing of my life," Bucky admits.
"And we were lucky to have you," Lizzie says.
Bucky looks down at her and pecks her quickly on the lips.
"Let's go to bed," he says.
The next morning, they wake up and head downstairs for breakfast. They wake up pretty late so Lizzie decides to make a big brunch.
Bucky decides to savor each meal Lizzie makes him because his decent meals are limited. When he leaves, he'll be back to camp food.
They lounge on the couch for several hours. Bucky sits with his back against the arm rest and Lizzie sits between his legs and leans back against his chest.
She reads a couple Christmas books to him while he enjoys the feeling of her in his arms.
While she is reading she feels Bucky's head fall against the top of hers.
"Are you asleep?" She asks.
"No, just taking everything in. I'm trying to memorize everything there is about you," Bucky explains.
"What were you trying to memorize just now?" She asks curiously.
"The way your hair smells and the way your head fits perfectly under mine," he says.
"Do you think remembering me will make it better or worse when you miss me?" Lizzie asks.
"A little of both," he says wryly.
"I'm going to miss you," she says softly.
He turns her around in his arms so he can see her face.
"None of that, not today. It's Christmas," he says.
"Okay," she whispers but he can still see the sadness in her eyes.
"Do you want to open presents?" He asks.
She nods and sits up so he can get his gift.
"It's not much but I know you'll appreciate it," he says.
He hands her a rectangular package and she automatically assumes it's a book and when she opens it up, it is a book but the cover is blank.
"It's a journal. I know we aren't going to be able to write a lot when I'm overseas but I tried to write as much as I could so you could have something to read when we can't talk," he explains.
She quickly flips through to see almost every page of the journal is filled. Some pages are only filled with a couple sentences while others have the whole page filled in cramped writing.
This is the most perfect thing he could've gave her. That way when she's lonely, she will still have his words even if she can't have him.
"This is amazing, Jamie. Thank you," she says.
She leans up and kisses him softly.
She leans over the side of the couch and pulls out a tiny square box.
He opens it and finds a simple silver band.
"I was saving up while you were at boot camp for it. It's a little simple but it will do it's purpose," she says.
He looks up at her in confusion.
"What's its purpose?" He asks.
"I want it to be your wedding band. When you get back, I want to get married. I know we said we'd wait so my degree would say Rogers but I'd be incredibly honored be Dr. Barnes. I know you don't want to get married before you leave because you're scared of me being a war widow but as soon as you get back, will you marry me?" She asks.
He tackles her back on the couch and sprinkles kisses all over her face making her laugh.
"Well?" She asks with a smile.
"The day I get back, we'll grab Steve and my family and go down to the courthouse. I've been ready to marry you for years," Bucky says.
"It'll be worth the wait, I promise," she says.
As she smiles up at him he knows this is a moment the neither of them will ever forget.
He quickly gets up and walks over to the radio and turns it on. Dream A Little Dream Of Me by Ozzie Nelson is playing.
He thought he might have to search around for a good station but this was perfect.
He walks back over to her and extends his hand to her.
"Dance with me?" He asks.
She nods and lets him pull her into his arms. He grabs her right hand and rests his other hand on her waist and her left hand goes to his shoulder. She rests her head against his chest and he places his head on top of hers.
He leads her around the living room, gliding gracefully to the music.
Lizzie isn't listening to the music though. She is focusing on his heart beat against her ear and praying that it stays beating for many years to come.