Christmas Time Of Year
Bucky spent his holiday season volunteering and getting to know the other people at the center. It took him a bit to get used to the new routine but after a month or two he got the hang of it and found himself enjoying his time at the LGBT center. He helped Sarah do any physically demanding things she needed help with, helped set up for different events they were hosting, and generally lent a hand wherever it's needed. Bucky liked that he was getting to be useful and make some new friends.
Of course there was Mason who he would always make time to talk to when he was there. Mason seemed to always be there whenever Bucky was. Over the few months that Bucky has been there they have formed a sort of brotherly bond. Bucky wouldn’t tell Mason but he saw him as a little brother in a similar way he had to Steve before he got the serum. They were both small physically but didn’t let it hold them back. Bucky could see that there was probably something at home that bothered Mason which was why he always was at the center but Bucky never brought it up. He only wanted Mason to bring it up if he felt comfortable.
Today was the day after Christmas and Bucky was spending his day at the center. He was never a very religious person and didn’t exactly come from money so he never really got excited for the holidays. He knew that a number of people who go to the center don’t have anywhere to spend the holidays because of complicated family relationships and dynamics so he felt good about being there should anybody want some company during a hard time of year.
He was there to help Sarah open and not fifteen minutes later did Mason walk in. He seemed in low spirits until he was Bucky there. Bucky was feeling some underlying concern for the kid because the last time they had spoken Mason had seemed genuinely excited for Christmas. He let Sarah know he was going to go check in with the boy and made his way over.
“Hey kid, how you doin’?” Bucky sat on the couch with Mason
“Hey grandpa. I’m doing okay. I saw a rat eating a gingerbread man on my way over here which was funny.” Mason was obviously upset but seemed to be avoiding talking about it so Bucky didn’t push. They talked for a while before Sarah needed help setting some stuff up and Mason helped too. After a few hours more people showed up and stopped by. Some gave little gifts to Sarah, Bucky, and the other volunteers. It seriously touched Bucky because he didn’t expect anything at all, but appreciated being thought of. That did cause him to remember that he had actually gotten Mason a gift he had put under the little artificial christmas tree they had in the rec area.
He was Christmas shopping with Sam for his sister Sarah and his nephews when he brought up to Sam that he wanted to do something for Mason.
“He has been a big part of my life recently and I know that things at home are rough for him sometimes so I want to get him something to say thank you. I just don;t know what to get him. I haven’t gotten somebody a present since the 40's. I need some help.”
Sam knew about Mason’s impact on Bucky, he could see how much progress Bucky had made since meeting him and it made him feel better knowing that he had other people supporting him. He also knew how big a part of Bucky’s life Mason had become so he wasn’t surprised when Bucky mentioned wanting to get the kid something for Christmas.
“Alright man, we can hit up a few more stores and get him some stuff. Do you know what he likes or do you have any ideas of what you want to get him?”
“Uh I know he likes the Avengers. I was thinking maybe some clothes? He’s talked about not having a lot of guys' clothes. Sam,I don't think his parents are supportive.” Bucky was unsure and didn’t know what he should get.
Sam had met Mason a couple times so he knew he was a trans man and that he liked the Avengers. He was kind of disappointed that he was ranked fourth but did rub it in Bucky’s face when he said he thought redwing was cool. With what he knew about Mason and what Bucky said Sam formed a plan of what places to go so Bucky can get a good gift.
It turned out that Bucky was actually really good at wrapping presents and his metal arm was great at getting the perfect fold. He wrapped the gifts he chose for Mason and the couple things Sam got him and had put them under the tree at the center to give to him. Since it was December Bucky had spent most of his time at the center decorating and it did slip his mind that he had meant to give Mason his gifts before Chritams.
It was already later in the afternoon and the center was only going to be open for a little while longer. It was just a couple of people plus Bucky and Mason still there so Bucky decided that it would be a good time to give him the gifts. He called Mason over to one of the little office/ study rooms for some privacy.
“Here.” Bucky pushed the gifts toward a slightly confused Mason who gave Bucky a surprised look. “Me and Sam got you a gift for Christmas. You can tell me if you hate it but I think you’ll like it.” Bucky gave Mason an encouraging smile.
“Bucky…” Mason was almost speechless. In the big box covered in Avengers wrapping paper was multiple pairs of mens jeans, shirts, boxers (which Bucky did feel a little awkward about buying), and three new binders. Mason had mentioned his was wearing down and he was down to one that actually fit right and didn’t hurt. Bucky learned that bad binders can actually be harmful and so he made sure to do his research and found the best ones he could buy to keep Mason safe.
Mason didn’t know what to say. No one had ever bought him guys clothes. At his family’s house for Christmas he was dead named and was given girl’s cut clothes. It hurt and had killed his holiday spirit. But Bucky knew him and Mason couldn’t hold it back. He got up and tackled Bucky in the biggest hug he has ever given.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Mason said into Bucky’s shoulder. Bucky was taken aback by the hug. He didn’t expect Mason to have such a strong reaction but was glad he liked the gift.
“It’s alright, come on you still have Sam’s gift to open. I didn’t see what he got you so I'm kinda scared to find out.” trying to lighten the mood a bit he got Mason to open Sam’s gift. He instantly regretted it when Mason opened the box filled with Avengers merchandise. It either had Sam in the Captain America uniform on it or a picture of Bucky in his howling commandos uniform, much to his dismay.
“O.M.G! This is amazing. Tell Sam he’s my new favorite Avenger. You have been dropped to number two old man. Omg a Bucky bear! I’ve wanted one of these since I was a kid. I love it!”
Bucky was not showing his amusement with the gifts Sam chose but could only hold back for a minute after seeing Mason’s reaction to the doll. Bucky heard about them making a plush from Steve’s exhibit at the museum but he didn’t know that they were still making them. It was sweet though, seeing how happy Mason was, Bucky felt proud of himself that he was part of the cause.
After it was time to close up the center and Buck and Mason made their own respective ways home Bucky sent a text to Sam.
“He loved the gifts thanks for the help”
Followed by:
“🧸🦾🖕”
“😃♥️” -Sam