Where Hearts Lead
2019
Steve woke up before the sun rose. Every part of his body screamed at him to get back in bed as his feet touched the floor. He tip-toed over to the other side of the bed. He could see Bucky’s sleeping face from where it was sandwiched between two pillows.
He felt his heart warm up as he reached out to stroke Bucky’s cheek. This was his best friend. His other half. His soulmate. He treasured every second they spent together. They were given a second chance so how could he not?
He longed for the ability to tell Bucky where he was headed. Maybe to bring him along. But no. He had to do this alone. Even if it meant Bucky waking up to a cold, empty apartment.
He planted a quick kiss on Bucky’s forehead before leaving.
Bucky woke up to a kiss and soft I love you whispered against his forehead. He didn’t bother to move. Steve leaving early in the morning wasn’t something he was a stranger to; just not something he enjoyed.
He rolled into the middle of the bed and spent about 40 minutes convincing himself to get out of it.
He made it as far as the living room before collapsing on the couch for an hour-long nap. He had a hard time justifying the extra sleep; especially with all the wasted time Hydra kept him frozen. Though he settled on saying he was making up for the days when he was out on missions while Steve was frozen without interruption.
Bucky eventually made his way to the coffee shop down the street. Steve never kept coffee in the apartment. Just like alcohol, caffeine had no effect on him. And whenever Bucky complained, Steve pointed out that if he wanted the coffee, he had to buy the coffee. And buying it in bulk just wasn’t worth it.
The TV in the corner of the shop was turned to the news. Bucky didn’t pay any attention to that shit anymore. Thanos was dust, his boyfriend was no longer an active superhero and life was good. Though right now it was on and he was bored.
The biggest news story was from the Smithsonian in Washington. And this time Bucky payed close attention when they said the Captain America exhibit had been broken into. Nothing noticeable had been stolen, but things were certainly moved around. He made a note to mention it to Steve later. Hopefully it wasn’t something that had once belonged to either of them.
Back at the apartment, he could immediately tell that Steve was home. All the lights had been turned on and the pillows he had knocked on the floor were placed back on the couch. Bucky smiled and went to the bedroom, expecting to find Steve asleep under the blankets.
However Bucky found him standing next to the bed. He looked visibly shaken when Bucky walked in.
“Morning, Punk,” Bucky greeted, “You okay?”
Steve took a shaky breath and started to settle down a bit, “Someone once told me to follow my heart. That if I did, I was gonna be alright.”
“And where has your heart led you?” Bucky asked softly.
Steve knelt down in front of Bucky and held out a ring, “My heart has led me to you. It has always been you. So Bucky, my sweet Bucky, will you marry me?”
“Always, Stevie,” Bucky heard himself say.
Steve reached out and slipped the ring on Bucky’s right hand; knowing that it would be more welcome on flesh than on metal. He stood up and pulled Bucky into a tight hug.
Bucky buried his face into Steve’s shoulder and let Steve stroke his hair.
“Why did you leave so early this morning?” Bucky asked.
“Had to go to Washington to get the ring from the Smithsonian. It used to be my father’s wedding ring. Found it unlabeled under a pane of glass last time we went. No one’ll miss it.”
“Never stop being you, Stevie,” Bucky laughed into Steve’s shoulder, “You damn punk.”