bucky barnes imagines

lxxvii. BIRTHDAY GIRL

A/N — Thank you guys for all the birthday wishes today! This is a short imagine, dedicated to myself. :)

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"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to—"

"Oh God, please don't sing," you laughed, groggily rolling over to face Bucky. He greeted you with a cheeky grin, before leaning forwards to kiss you affectionately.

"Happy birthday, doll," he repeated, happily grabbing your hand and attempting to coax you out of bed.

You found his eagerness absolutely adorable. This happened every single year; although it was your special day, he was arguably more excited than you. It only made you even more grateful to have him by your side.

"Bucky," you whined, drawing out his name a little. "Cuddles first?"

Of course, he didn't want to wait a second longer before showering you with the gifts he'd bought; however, you knew that he wouldn't be able to resist if you asked him to cuddle. Despite his outwardly tough appearance, he was quite possibly the biggest softie you'd ever met.

Nodding a little, Bucky carefully rearranged the blankets around your body, making sure you were warm and comfortable. He then shifted towards you a little, wrapping his arms tightly around your waist and allowing you to snuggle into his chest. Every so often, he would place gentle kisses to the top of your head, an undeniably sweet gesture that brought a smile to your face.

After a while, you sensed that he was becoming slightly restless, so you stretched your arms out and sat up with a yawn. Bucky's eyes visibly lit up as he jumped to his feet; he rushed over to his closet and quickly offered you one of his sweatshirts to put on over your pyjamas, knowing that you loved wearing his clothes instead of your own.

"Breakfast or presents first?"

"Is that even a question?" you responded. "Always food first."

You wanted to help him cook, but Bucky insisted that you take a shower and get dressed while he prepared everything. When you eventually made your way into the kitchen, you were surprised to see that he hadn't burnt anything; instead, he was proudly organising several plates and dishes on the table. He'd cooked eggs, bacon, pancakes and waffles, and had even arranged some fresh berries in the shape of a heart.

When he noticed you hovering in the doorway, Bucky quickly smiled and pulled out a chair for you. You moved to sit down, giggling in surprise when he suddenly pulled you into a hug, squeezing you tightly.

"I love you," he mumbled, blushing a cute rosy pink when you kissed his cheek.

The two of you ate in relative silence, as usual. About halfway through breakfast, Bucky moved from the seat opposite you to the one on your left, just so that he could hold your hand under the table. He was always extra loving and clingy on your birthday, which you absolutely loved.

Once you were both finished, he covered your eyes and led you into the living room. When he removed his hands, you gasped at the pile of gifts that lay on the carpet, each one neatly wrapped in bright, holographic paper.

"You didn't have to—" you began, but Bucky shook his head.

"Can't I spoil my gorgeous girl?" he asked, sitting cross-legged beside you. "You deserve it, doll."

As you opened every present, he seemed delighted with your reactions. Among your favourites were a new laptop, matching headphones, a huge box of fancy chocolates, a distortion pedal for your electric guitar, and tickets to see your favourite band live.

When you thought you were done, you leaned over to collect the discarded wrapping paper, intending to move it to the bin. However, Bucky stopped you, motioning for you to stay still, as he handed you one final gift.

It was thin, almost paper thin, and rectangular, leading you to assume that it must be a gift card of some sort – you had mentioned that you needed a new pair of shoes, so that would make sense. But then you opened it, and it was simply a card that read, in Bucky's own handwriting, "turn around." So you did.

He was on one knee, smiling bashfully, a black velvet box open in his palm.

And, just like that, it was the best birthday ever.