Although it's close to eleven at night and close to Sam's birthday being over, you lean on the kitchen table. Resting your chin in your hands, you stare lovingly at the cake in front of you but sigh sadly. You're not sad or upset at Sam (or Bucky) but you're just feeling down that he's on a mission and that he's not here to get to enjoy his birthday at home with you. Neither of you knew what time or day he'd be back, but inside you knew he'll most likely miss his birthday. So, he told you just last week to not even plan anything and obviously you didn't really listen to him.
There's a few balloons around the apartment, varying of many colors like the amusing red, white and blue, but mostly you had clear balloons filled with confetti to make it fun. You're hoping they don't fall to the ground by the time he gets here - whenever that is. You’re dressed up too. You want to get a rise outta him, make him feel special for the day or night. But as midnight got closer, you’re losing hope that he’s definitely not gonna make it. All you want, all you need is to hug him and celebrate all night with him.
But he had a job to do and this was his life and your life now. He’s a full time superhero, someone who is protecting the world and keeping everyone safe. You’re proud of him, you know he deserves this and everything in the entire world. You believe in him, and he’s incredibly happy he has someone in his life like you. His best friend, his true love.
Taking on the role as the new Captain America was taking a toll on Sam both mentally and physically. The days felt longer when he was gone with Bucky, or when you were at work dreading the entire day and thought of being alone at night in bed without him. It sucked. A lot. But, you're comforted by the fact that he is out there protecting people, saving the day. And every time he's finished a mission, he comes back home to you.
And when you two finally had time alone, things felt right. Sam loved to hold you at night and he loved when you held him. Whether he was cooking for the two of you, or on the couch when watching tv or in the shower after a long day...he loves when you hold on to him. Though you don't know when he's coming home, you're counting down the hours till you see him again.
Pushing yourself off the counter, you grab the box the cake came in and begin to place it carefully inside. Just as you’re about to turn around to walk to the fridge, you freeze as you see the front door open.
"You're here." You let out a tiny gasp, biting back a smile.
"Yeah, I’m home baby.” He smiles, opening his arms for you. The fact that Sam is standing here at home just as his birthday is about to end catches up to you. He’s home and you’re so fucking happy. You practically throw yourself at him, but carefully because you’re sure he’s sore from the mission.
“And I brought this one back with me." He gestures his head behind him and Bucky walks through the door.
"Sorry, didn't mean to-"
"Bucky, you know you never have to apologize or even ask to come here." You tell him as you wave your hands at them. "Come on boys, we've got a birthday to celebrate and cake to eat!"
Bucky smiles wholeheartedly at your words, Sam knocking him in the shoulder as an invite inside the apartment. The last hour of Sam’s birthday is spent by singing happy birthday off key, blowing out the candles and having a casual night. Although it isn’t the ideal birthday you wanted for him, it does make you happy that he’s smiling. Not every mission they go on is easy, you know that, and not every mission they go on is hard either. Tonight, you’re not sure which one it was, but you can tell by just looking at him that he’s relieved and happy to be home with you, and even with Bucky. To be alive for another birthday even if he missed it.
The three of you didn’t do much but talk, listen to Sam’s records and digest a whole lot of cake and some food you threw together. It’s simple, but Sam didn’t mind. All that matters to him is that he’s home.
"Happy birthday, Sam." Bucky pats his shoulder and Sam smiles in appreciation. As you stare at the two, you begin thinking how happy it makes you to see that their relationship has been getting stronger over the last few years. It's special to see them get comfortable and create that bond. Although they never explicitly admit it, they both know their friendship meant a lot to each other.
“Thank you for letting me stay tonight.” Bucky nods at you. “It’s late, so I’m gonna get going. You two better have fun tonight.”
“Damn right,” Sam smirks. “This woman knows how to make a man feel special. Know what I mean Buck?”
He squints, “Not really. But I think I got the idea.”
You laugh from the sink and turn your head around. “Thanks for bringing him home safe. And I’m glad you’re back too. Makes me feel relieved that you guys got each others back out there.”
“I kinda have to, or else I know you’d kill me.”
“Yeah, yeah.” You roll your eyes. “Get home safe, Buck, okay?”
“I’ll be good.”
You glare at him, “Bucky. Get home safe.”
Sam loves that about you, how you care so much for your friends. No matter how long you knew someone, you always care and for them. Bucky sighs then purses his lips, nodding at you and Sam.
“I will.” He smiles one last time and heads out the apartment.
The moment Bucky leaves Sam and yours apartment, you’re instantly wrapping your arms around Sam’s body. He’s sitting on the chair facing in the counter and you’re softly holding his waist. He hums at your touch, shutting his eyes in relief. You feel his breathing slow down as he relaxes in your hold, his heart flutters whenever he makes it home to you.
“I’ve missed you.” He says, letting his hands find yours and holds them.
“I’ve missed you more, birthday boy.” You whisper. “Missed your handsome face.”
You place a soft kiss right under his ear.
“Your smile.”
He feels your lips move to his neck, leaving a few more as you tell him all the things you love and miss about him. Gently, you feathered kisses are going further down his neck and on the side of his jaw.
“Really, Sam, I’ve missed you so goddamn much.”
“You keep that up, you’ll be in the bedroom in a minute.”
“Only a minute? Wow, Sam, that’s a lot.”
“Hey, I just got home from a mission.” He laughs.
“Then I guess tonight I’ll be the one to get you inside. Under a minute.”
Sam snickers at your teasing words, turning around in your grip. It’s his turn now to grab you by the waist and he does so effortlessly. “Come on, let’s get to bed.”
On your way to the bedroom, you can’t keep your hands off him. Walking down the hallway and into the room, you kept one hand in his as he led you inside. The other hand is constantly moving from his shoulder and down to his waist and around his lower stomach, trying to tease him. It kinda works, as your hear him groan in frustration. As soon as you enter the room, you kiss him and let your tongue glide over his lips. You open your mouth wider as you feel his tongue slip in yours and smile playing on his face.
You pull away quickly and begin to undress while walking across the room. You let him do the same for the next few minutes, letting him get out of his suit (something he usually always does as soon as he gets home). You watch him unbuckle his suit’s pants and drag down his thick thighs. He then effortlessly takes the jacket off and lazily throws it to the ground, then proceeds to cross his arms and take off his tight black shirt that clings to his body.
“Hey Sam,” you call from him. You stand on your side of the bed, undressed and staring at him intently. His shirt was off, showing his sculpted body and his smooth skin. Usually you’re practically drooling over him, but right now you’re admiring everything about him. The way his tired eyes are lighting up to the way you call his name. He furrows his brows softly, waiting for you to say something.
“I love you.” You bite the inside of your cheek. The two of you have been together for a few years and suddenly it feels like you’re admitting you’re in love with him. So, you tell him just that. “You know, for some reason I’m always so jittery when I tell you I love you. I guess that just means I keep falling in love with you every day and I feel that. I just hope you know that I’m so happy you’re with me. That you put your smooth moves on me that night because I was way too damn nervous. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I really do love you and you deserve everything from the entire world to the galaxy above. Because you, Sam, are just that worth it. Worthy of love, happiness and every goddamn thing you want.”
You feel like you’re rambling, so you stop talking and wait for him to respond.
He looks down to the floor, laughing to himself as his heart pounds against his chest. You’re the only one that’s ever made him fee like that; like a teenager when he talks to a crush, like he’s worth loving and like he feels special. It didn’t need to be his birthday for him to know you love him, or feel special. He feels it every damn day he’s with you, physically or not.
“What?”
“I’m just thinking about,” sam begins to walk around the bed, “how I’m gonna make you Mrs. Wilson and how lucky I’ll be.”
“Sam, stop.” You blush.
“It’s true, and it’s gonna happen. I promise.”
“You know, it’s your damn birthday and I’m the one who’s supposed to make you feel special. Celebrate the damn night with-”
“Ah,” Sam walks forward, bringing you with him in his arms. Your back meets the bedroom wall and you gasp in surprise. “My birthday might be over, but you make me feel special every day. Even when I’m not home, I feel the way you love me. I don’t even need to hope or ask if you feel the same way because I know.”
“I’m glad you know.” You wrap your arms around his neck tightly, pulling you into your grip and lean in to kiss his lips. “I’ll fucking love you forever.”
“I like the way you talk.”
Sam instantly attacks your neck with kisses like you’ve done just moments ago. You feel his hand glide down to your ass and kneads it while moaning into your mouth. You push him off of you after he tries to take your shirt off. He knows exactly what’s about to happen, so he smiles almost arrogantly and nods his head. Walking towards him, you place your hands on his chest and push him onto the bed.
“Happy birthday, baby.” You bite back your excited smile and lean down to kiss him passionately.