#bucky barnes family

[sjsmith56]

A Family for Christmas

Summary: Bucky’s acts of kindness towards a single mother and her two kids leads to more.

Length: 4.7 K

Characters: Bucky Barnes, named OFC, named OCCs (one boy, one girl), Pepper Stark, Sam Wilson, Sarah Wilson.

Warnings: Abandonment issues, brief mention of domestic violence, sweetness overload.

Author notes: Admit it, this is the dream scenario many of us want for Bucky Barnes. Just enjoy it.

One dark and dreary late afternoon in December

The lineup at the grocery store was long, as the Christmas season had started. Bucky glanced at what people had in their baskets, seeing mostly party food like fancy cheeses, charcuterie meats, snacks of all kinds and some things he had never heard of or seen before. Other than the lady in front of him and himself, everyone seemed to be buying for a Christmas party. The lady in front of him, with a small toddler girl in the child seat, and an older boy looking anxiously at the items she took out of the cart, kept a close eye on the tally. When it got to $95 and she saw how many necessities were still on the conveyor belt, she sighed at the boy.

"I'm sorry, honey, we won't be able to get the snack mix or the kids' cereal," she said, then looked at the cashier. "Could you remove those from the tally, please? I only have $100 to spend." The cashier frowned at her. "I'm really sorry."

"Keep it on," interrupted Bucky. "I'll pay whatever is over that amount." He looked sympathetically at the woman. "I know what it's like to not afford things."

Her lips trembled, then she swallowed, but she nodded her head and whispered. "Thank you."

After everything was put through, the amount owing was $123.45. Bucky peeled off two twenties, then said to give the change to the lady. When she started to protest, he smiled at her again.

"It's alright. You take your kids to McDonald's or something."

"Thank you again," she whispered. "You're a kind man."

He smiled at her, watching as she pushed her cart out the door. Her son kept looking at Bucky until they were outside, then he heard the boy just before the sliding doors closed.

"Mom, that was Bucky Barnes."

Smiling, he watched while the cashier rang his things through, paying cash for his bag of groceries. As he stepped outside into the chilly December air, he could hear a car being started and failing. The person tried several times, then there was the sound of crying and he walked towards it. It was the mom, sitting behind the wheel, weeping. Her son was leaning over from the back seat, trying to comfort her while the little girl looked like she was going to cry at any moment. Walking up, he knocked on her window and smiled as she lowered it.

"I could hear you trying to start your car," he said. "Would you let me take a look at it?"

"You've already done more than enough, Mr. Barnes," she began, flustered, as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'll figure it out on my own."

That brought a smile to his face.

"The thing is, you don't have to," he replied. "I'm offering and it's going to cost you to get someone to have a look. It's getting dark and I don't like the idea of you and your kids sitting here in a parking lot waiting. Please, let me help."

"Okay, let me just pop the hood," she said, reaching below the dashboard for the release mechanism.

He lifted it up, pulled out his phone and activated the flashlight, looking at the engine. Then he went back to the window.

"What's your son's name?" he asked. "I'd like to borrow him to hold the light up so I can see what I'm doing."

"Liam," she answered, then she looked back at her son. "Would you help Mr. Barnes?"

He grinned at his mother, then opened the door. Bucky shook the boy's hand as if he were a grownup.

"Would you hold the phone up so that the flashlight is on where I need it?" Liam took the phone and aimed it to light up the area while Bucky began checking the wiring. "When I was a boy, it was a tough time for families. People got sick and died, some men lost their jobs and took to the road to find work, leaving their families behind. It was important for friends and neighbours to help those who needed it. I don't know how many times my mother made extra and sent me with food to a family that needed it."

"My dad left," said Liam, bluntly. He looked up at Bucky. "Said he didn't want to be a dad anymore because it was too much for him. I heard him tell my mom one night and, in the morning, he was gone."

Bucky hesitated, sickened at what he just heard. "I'm sorry. That makes you the man of the family now and that's a lot for a boy your age." He looked over at the woman. "Try it now." It still didn't catch, and he put up his hand for her to stop. "Does she have a job?"

Liam nodded. "Part-time so we don't have as much money. She cries every night after she gets home and Grandma leaves. I'd find a job but I'm too young." He wiped his eyes. "Why did he do that? Why did he stop loving us?"

"I wish I had an answer for you," said Bucky, "but I don't. I'll tell you what, Liam; I'm going to talk to some friends of mine and see if we can help you out, okay?"

He found what he thought was the problem and asked the mom to try again. This time the engine caught. Taking his phone back from Liam, he closed the hood and walked the boy back to the back seat door. Then he leaned down.

"I found a loose wire and fixed it, but it may come loose again," he said. "If you want, I can come over and do a better fix during the day. I'll give you my number and you let me know, okay? I wouldn't turn your car off before you get home, so maybe go through McDonald's Drive-Thru for dinner."

The woman swallowed and looked up at him, almost ready to cry but she nodded, and unlocked her cell phone, offering it to him. As she drove away Bucky memorized her licence plate number and made a phone call. After a short conversation he hung up and drove back to his place. He had some homework to do.

The following morning, he received a phone call from the mom, Lorraine, telling him that her car wouldn't start.

"I hate to be a bother," she said, "but I need it for work, and I can't afford to get it fixed at the garage."

"It's no problem," replied Bucky. "I offered. Give me your address and I'll come over."

Half an hour later, he arrived at her place, noticing the house had a For Sale sign on it. Lorraine met him at the door, all bundled up, then said she would open the garage door from inside. After meeting him inside the garage she retreated back into the house. The car had the hood up, as it appeared Lorraine tried to fix it herself before phoning Bucky. In the light of day, it was obvious the car was worn out. Carefully, he checked all the connections, tightening what he could. He started it up, let it run for a bit then stopped it before trying again. This time there was nothing except for a clicking sound and he sighed; it was a bad alternator. He could buy another one and install it but from what he just saw of this car there were other parts ready to fail. Taking his phone out, he phoned the number from the evening before.

"Hi, it's Bucky. I'm at the lady's house, trying to get her car started. It's worse than I thought. The car's old and worn out, and even though I can fix the immediate problem it's just a matter of time before the next part fails." He listened for several moments. "Her house is up for sale. I haven't talked to her about it yet but she's definitely in a tough position." The person on the other end of the call must have suggested something because he nodded his head. "Alright, I'll give it a try, but I would rather be the one tracking down the husband and making an example of him."

Removing the keys and lowering the hood, Bucky went to the front door and knocked on it. Lorraine arrived with her toddler on her hip, looking hopefully at him. He gave her the keys grimly.

"It's the alternator and I can fix it, but that car is already falling apart," he said, as kindly as he could. "It's only a matter of time before something else fails on it."

She swallowed, nodded her head and turned away so he wouldn't see her tears. Digging into his jeans pocket, he pulled out a clean handkerchief, offering it to her. That set her off and she walked back inside crying, leaving him at the door. Reluctantly, he entered and felt his heart break at what he saw. There was only a couch and end table with a lamp on it in the living room, no furniture in the kitchen or dining room. The couch had a sheet, blanket, and pillow on it. It was cold in the house, which explained why she and the toddler were dressed in several layers of clothes. As she sat on the couch, she wept for several minutes then gathered herself.

"It's been six weeks since my husband left us," she said, her emotions making her voice crack. "He took the car, cleaned out our savings and said he had enough of being leeched off of. Blamed us for all of his troubles, like we were the ones who got him fired for drinking on the job. I had another bank account that he didn't know about. I used that money to buy the car, as it was all I could afford. My mom looks after the kids when I have to work but she doesn't like it when I work an evening shift because it means she has to go home on the bus in the dark. I don't even get full time hours and there's no benefits. If any of us gets sick ...." She stopped, taking several long breaths to calm herself. "I've sold almost every piece of furniture in the house, except for this and the kid's beds. I sleep here on the couch. The heat is turned down to barely enough to keep us warm at night. I applied for welfare but because I co-own the house and have a job, they say I'm ineligible. I don't know what I'm going to do."

She looked up at Bucky, as he stood in front of her. He saw in her eyes something he hadn't seen since he was a boy during the Depression. It wasn't just despair; it was desperation. She was at the breaking point. He gestured to a space next to her on the couch, only sitting when she moved over for him.

"I was a boy during the Depression. I saw the worst in people, but I also saw the best, often from my own family. No matter what I went through since then I've tried to live by that since I became a free man. After I saw you last night, I gave your licence plate number to a friend, and we've already put things into motion to help you. Until we get everything in place I'll do what I can for you. One of the first things we'll do is to get you a reliable car. The one in the garage isn't it. So, we're going to pick up a rental. It will be paid for by my friend."

"Okay." Her voice was shaking. "How will I pay your friend back? My job isn't the best paying. It's a struggle to keep a roof over our heads."

"You don't," smiled Bucky. "She can afford it. As for your job, we think you should quit and focus on taking care of your kids and your personal life. She's going to hire you herself but is trying to find the right position that will allow you to have a work / life balance as she's a single mother herself. You know what she means?"

Lorraine nodded her head. "Thank you. I don't know what to say."

"There's more," he smiled. "We've put someone into finding your husband." She looked alarmed. "Not to make him come back, but to make him accountable. He cleaned out your savings account, so it's only fitting that he gives you sole title to the house. We're looking for a place for you and your kids, your mom, too, if you want. Until we get you moved into that new place, you crank up the heat here. I'll help you get some more furniture, a TV and maybe one of those game systems for Liam. He's a good kid and I can tell he wants to help you as much as he can."

"You would do that for me?" she asked, ready to cry again.

"Not just me," he smiled, then placed his arm around her shoulder and squeezed it. "My friend assigned me to be your helper. So, how do you feel about doing some furniture shopping, then I'll take you and your little miss for lunch before we pick up your rental car?"

If gratitude could be measured, Bucky was sure Lorraine was overflowing with it. Perhaps it was just knowing that someone cared enough to help, without expectation of repayment, that made her face light up in a way that made him feel good. They bought some necessary furniture, including a new bedroom set for her, and for the dining room, to be delivered first thing the following morning. They picked up a television set and game system as well. By the time lunch was finished, Bucky received a text message that the rental car was ready for pickup along with some other necessities that would be waiting. He felt like Santa Claus, after giving Lorraine a bank card with some funds already deposited that would allow her to look after herself and her kids until she started her new job. When he brought the television and game system to the house, he was met by a Stark Industries technician, who set it up for the family.

"Go pick up Liam from school, get some more groceries, and don't worry about money," he advised, before he left. "You have my phone number. Call me day or night. I'm at your disposal."

When he did receive a call, a frantic one made by Liam, two nights later, to report his father had shown up at the house, hit his mom, and broken the TV set in a fit of rage, Bucky wasted no time in getting there, quickly dressing, and asking Wong for a portal to the house. His wish to make an example of the father was granted as he entered the house, lifted the man one-handed, and held him against the wall, while instructing Lorraine to call the police.

"Pack some bags for yourself and the kids," he said, as her husband was being led away in handcuffs. "You're staying somewhere else tonight. I'll let my friend know that you need the new place sooner rather than later."

How a man could treat his wife and kids the way her husband had was beyond Bucky's comprehension. If they were his family, he would be beyond the moon to have Liam as his son, Larissa as his daughter and Lorraine for his wife. They deserved so much more than what her husband had subjected them to.

Three weeks later

After locking up the house, confirming it was all cleared and clean for the new owners, then giving the realtor the keys, Lorraine walked back to Bucky's car, not looking back at where she once lived. In the three weeks since she was at the lowest point of her life, she had learned to look forward to the future. Already set up in a new apartment, they had only stopped to meet with the realtor one last time to hand over the keys. Smiling back at Liam, her mom, and her daughter Larissa, she sat in the front seat with Bucky.

"So, where to now?" she asked of the man who had become her friend in that time.

"That's a surprise," he said. He looked back at the kids, smiling at Lorraine's mom, who still didn't quite trust him, then put his SUV into gear. "We have a company function to attend where you'll meet some of your new colleagues and their families."

"Is it a Christmas party?" asked Liam.

"It is," smiled Bucky. "I heard a certain jolly old man might be there."

"Santa." Larissa beamed at Bucky through the rear-view mirror, her toddler voice full of excitement. "I want Santa."

"We'll see when we get there, won't we?"

When they did get there, a prestigious hotel complete with valet service for the car, even Lorraine's mother was awed at the setup for the Christmas party. After checking in at the desk set up outside the banquet hall, Bucky escorted them inside to a winter wonderland, complete with people dressed as elves. It was full of the lights and sounds of Christmas. Larissa, overwhelmed a little, asked to be lifted up and carried by her mother, while Liam stuck close to Bucky, eventually grasping his hand, which pleased the big man immensely. He saw Pepper Stark in the distance and led the others towards her. Her face lit up when Bucky introduced them to each other.

"Lorraine, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," she smiled. "These must be your kids, Larissa and Liam, and Bucky said he convinced your mother to attend. Welcome all of you."

"It's you," gasped Lorraine. "You're the friend who's been helping us."

"Guilty as charged, although it was Bucky who got it going," said Pepper. "He couldn't bear the thought of what you were going through. I was in a position to help, and it was totally my pleasure. When you start in the New Year, you and I will have a good sit-down time together and we'll talk about a lot of things but today, just enjoy yourselves and eat, drink and be merry."

She squeezed Lorraine's hand, then smiled up at Bucky before greeting another attendee and their family by name.

"Come on, let's find a place to sit," said Bucky.

He saw Sam at a table with Sarah and the boys, waved to them and asked to join their table. Lorraine and the kids had already met Captain America in the few weeks since Bucky first met them, but her mother was almost dumbfounded at sitting with the famous hero. It wasn't just a Christmas party, there was also dancing, and a place for the kids to try out the latest in games. AJ and Cass invited Liam to join them in playing video games. Breathlessly asking permission of his mother, she nodded then glowed at how happy he seemed to be included by the other boys. When the band began to play The Christmas Song, Sam asked Lorraine's mother to dance, receiving a giddy acceptance. Bucky looked at Lorraine.

"What do you say? Would you like to dance?"

"We'll have to take Larissa with us," she answered. "I'm not much of a dancer."

"Not a problem," he smiled, then offered his arms to the three-year-old. "Do you want to dance with Mommy and me?"

"Pease!"

With big grins on their faces, Bucky held the toddler between them, then managed to lead Lorraine through the dance. Sarah watched, happy at how animated the super soldier seemed on the dance floor. Sam had told her about the woman's struggles and how Bucky became friends with the family after meeting them at the grocery store. She could see the beginnings of something between the couple, although he was too much of a gentleman to do anything while Lorraine's divorce petition had just been filed. As much as Lorraine and her kids deserved to have a good life, so did Bucky, and Sarah found herself hoping for the best for the tall super soldier.

One year later

The ten-year-old boy was on guard at the door of his bedroom while Bucky wrapped up two presents for Lorraine. The first present was a framed sign made by Liam with decorations by Larissa, and the second present a small box containing something special from Bucky. Liam heard his mother talking about leaving the kitchen and whispered at the dark-haired man.

"She's coming!"

"It's okay, I'm done," said the super soldier. "I'll let you put them under the tree."

Handing them off to the boy, he left the bedroom, heading towards the sound of Lorraine before she stepped out of the kitchen. Stopping in front of her, he placed his hands on her waist and maneuvered her to some mistletoe that was hanging. With an amused shake of her head, she raised her cheek to him for a kiss but was surprised by a full kiss on the lips.

"Bucky, what's got into you?"

"Collecting my mistletoe tax," he grinned. "I'm going to need several instalments."

Larissa tugged on Bucky's shirt. "Me, too?"

"You, too, little girl," he laughed, lifting her up until her head touched the mistletoe, then bringing her down so she could kiss his cheek. "Both my girls need to pay up. Your mom, too, when she gets here."

"Good luck collecting that," joked Lorraine. "She still thinks you're up to no good."

"Not anymore," he thought, recalling the special visit he made to her for her blessing.

Offering his help in the kitchen, he was soon chopping vegetables up for snacking on, as they were hosting several close friends on this Christmas Eve. While he did that Lorraine arranged cheeses and sliced meats on some platters along with crackers. It was easy to assemble and didn't require any time over a stove. With everyone ready, they both changed into something suitable for a family and friends Christmas.

The gathering was enjoyed by everyone present as Christmas songs played in the background, the kids played video and board games while the adults talked of many happy things. When it got close to Larissa's bedtime, Bucky called for everyone's attention.

"Before our little princess heads up to bed, I promised that she and her brother could give their mother a present." He pulled their special present out, handing it to Larissa to give to her mother.

"We made it together," announced Liam, as his mother unwrapped the box, then took out a framed handmade sign that puzzled her at first.

"What does "Say yes!" mean?" she asked, confused. "Is this about getting a puppy?"

"No, Mommy," laughed Larissa, then she reached under the tree for Bucky's present, and pulled him by the hand towards Lorraine. "Go ahead, ask her."

Several of the others gasped audibly, guessing what was happening. Bucky went down on one knee, then showed Lorraine the wrapped second box, holding it in front of her.

"Over a year ago, I met a wonderful lady, her son, and her daughter, on probably the worst day of their lives, but it was the beginning of something wonderful. I found someone that needed what I was ready to give, my love and my commitment. Lorraine, I can't imagine a life without you, Liam, and Larissa. Would you do me the honour of marrying me, becoming my wife, and allowing me to be a father to these incredible children?"

He handed her the box, then watched as she unwrapped it, opened it, and revealed a beautiful solitaire diamond engagement ring. With her lips trembling and her eyes glistening, Lorraine took the ring, placed it on her left ring finger and began to cry.

"Mommy, say yes," demanded Larissa, making everyone laugh.

"Yes, I'll marry you," she answered.

With a cheer from everyone, and Larissa clapping her hands excitedly, the couple kissed then Bucky pulled both kids in for a hug from him and their mother. As the others gathered around them, wishing them congratulations, Sarah Wilson sat and smiled at the happiness that radiated from Bucky's face, making him look younger than he ever did since she first met him. Sam sat next to her and nudged his sister in the side.

"You called that right," he said. "You knew a year ago it would come to this. How did you know?"

"Because they each found something they needed," she answered. "She found someone who was kind and giving. He found someone who needed him to be there for her. It was as plain as the sun shining in the sky."

"Right," he grinned. "So, you think they were meant to meet?"

She smiled at her brother, squeezing his hand. "If you meet the one you want to spend the rest of your life with then yes, you were meant to meet. You just have to open yourself up to the possibilities, Sam. You know that."

He did know that. Offering his help to Lorraine and her kids had opened Bucky's heart and now the man had a family for Christmas. It couldn't happen to a better person.

Later, after everyone had left, Bucky and Lorraine tucked Larissa into bed, then sat with Liam, as he snuggled down under his covers.

"You were surprised, weren't you Mom?" he asked. "Bucky asked me and Larissa first, then Grandma next, if he could marry you."

"You did a good job keeping that secret," she answered. "I was very surprised and I'm going to put your picture up where everyone can see it."

He grinned, then he looked at the super soldier. "Can I call you Dad?"

"If you want, I would be honoured. Liam, I want to adopt you and Larissa. Are you okay with being my son and taking my name?"

The boy nodded his head enthusiastically. "Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Dad."

They both kissed him on the forehead, returning the words. As the couple bustled around, cleaning up the last few things from the party, Bucky looked above Lorraine's head, noticing the mistletoe. He stopped her, taking some dishes from her hands and placing them on a counter. She looked up at him, her face glowing with the love she felt for this man who became so important to her and the kids in the past year.

"Final instalment?" she asked, looking at the mistletoe above his head.

"Nope." He shook his head. "That's a lifetime tax, payable on demand."

They chuckled, then kissed, sweetly at first then with more passion and intensity.

"With kisses like that we'll end up with another child very quickly," she murmured.

"If you want," he answered softly. "Do you know when I first envisioned having you and the kids as my family?" He breathed out noticeably. "It was the night Liam called about your ex showing up. I felt such a panic that I wasn't there. I wanted to protect you all from ever being in that position again. By the time we went to the Christmas party I wished for you and the kids to be my family some day." He caressed her hair. "Even though we started living together two months ago, today you gave me the best Christmas gift ever."

Lorraine's eyes were glassy as she listened. She placed her head on his chest while she hugged him, still not believing that this man was hers.

"I wished for the same thing," she whispered, before looking up at him. "You were kind to us from that first moment in the grocery store and it was something that had been missing from our lives. Thank you for being there when I needed someone like you the most."

"Always."

They kissed again, turned off the lights, and headed up to bed, where Lorraine's comment about the quality of Bucky's kisses proved prophetic. By the following Christmas, there was another stocking hung up on the fireplace but that is a story for another time. Needless to say, they both got their Christmas wish and more.

One Shots Masterlist

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[morgangalaxy43]

The Avengers 2012 era was the best time ever in the fandom

Thor loves pop tarts, Clint lived in the vents, Bruce and Tony did science together, Steve was the mom friend of the team and did art in his free time, Natasha was cool aunt of the team, Loki was there too and a bunch of other characters like Peter, Sam, Bucky, Vision and Wanda all lived in the Avengers tower together

It was a much simpler time where everyone in the fandom was chill and having fun together

[lavenderpanic]

It's so insane because every time I watch CATWS I'm like... Steve Rogers would literally prefer to die at Bucky's hands than go on living without him. Steve would rather die than admit that he really truly lost Bucky. He wants to look into Bucky's eyes as Bucky kills him because at the very least, it's Bucky. He knows for certain he's gonna spend his final moments with Bucky, whether that's a peaceful death decades from now, hand in hand, or right now, as Bucky beats him lifeless.

[hurtspideyparker]

The team learns about Peter's stress baking fairly quickly after he moves into the tower.

"Why does this place smell like cookies?" Tony asks suspiciously, "Pepper put an end to homemade care packages after that Cap incident."

Steve protests from the dining table. "Hey, that fan seemed totally normal. Y'know in my generation you do not mess with baked goods, that's sacred."

Natasha pats his back comfortingly as she joins the conversation.

"They came from the kid. They're actually pretty good, here."

Nat hands a still-warm cookie to Tony, who bites it curiously.

"Damn, it melts in my mouth like buttery ambrosia and still has a perfect crunch around the edges. Is that a nutty aftertaste?"

"Yes!" Peter yells from the other room, a clatter sounding before his head pokes around the wall, oven mitts still attached to his hands.

"I brown the butter, it really deepens the flavour!"

"Good on you kid. What's the occasion?"

Peter stutters, "uhhhh, no occasion. I just like cookies!"

He disappears around the corner again, and Tony sends a confused glance towards his teammates.

Steve shrugs his shoulders, mouth still full of cookie, and Natasha sends him an arched brow. Tony isn't sure what that means, but feels intimidated enough to exit the room anyway.

* * *

The baking lasts the rest of the week, until Peter comes home yelling, "I aced my calculus midterm!!!" running out of the elevator with a stapled set of papers in his hand.

"So no more baking?" Nat asks neutrally.

"Nope! Woohoo!"

Just like that the kid is gone, jumping down the hall towards his bedroom.

Tony looks at Nat quizzically.

"It was midterm week. He baked 3 dozen cookies, 2 types of muffins, and a cheesecake."

"So he stress bakes?"

"He stress bakes."

* * *

It becomes a "thing" in the tower.

Sam eats toast from freshly baked bread one morning while watching Bruce quiz Peter on his upcoming AP history test. Each slice is cut, toasted, and buttered to perfection by Peter while he explains sectionalism in the 20th century.

* * *

Bucky grates carrots while Peter mixes a bowl of dry ingredients furiously, the boy mumbling to himself non-stop.

"Has he gone insane?" Clint asks from the doorway.

"Spanish oral exam," Bucky replies.

"Ay caramba."

"Tal vez pueda sobornar a mi maestra con glaseado de queso crema..." Peter starts mumbling. (Maybe I can bribe my teacher with cream cheese frosting...)

Bucky and Clint share a concerned look.

Clint approaches the boy, "put down the spatula Pete, let's talk about this."

Peter looks up in alarm.

"In English! Just English!"

* * *

"What's up kid? It's spring break, what could you possibly be stressing about."

Today Tony walks into a full kitchen; Wanda, Natasha, and Pepper are occupying the space while Peter pours something creamy into a metal bowl.

"He's asking MJ out tonight, so he's making cookies and cream ice cream in case it goes wrong." Natasha crosses her arms when she replies to him, eyes focused on Peter's mixing.

"Does ice cream even count as stress baking? The very meaning of 'bake' is to put under heat. But I suppose it does feel wrong to call it cooking."

Peter looks up, his brown eyes large and sad like a baby cow, "I still baked the cookies from scratch."

"Yeah he's a real Nara Smith!" Wanda adds enthusiastically.

"Oookay... I'll pretend I know what that means. And since when do we have an ice cream maker?" Tony points to the fancy hardware out on the kitchen counter.

"Oh, I got that for him. We lacked a lot of the tools for basic baking recipes," Pepper informs him.

Tony ponders how ice cream machines count as a basic baking tool, and decides not to argue with three powerful women and their favourite lovesick teenager.

Peter picks up his bowl and moves it into the freezer, clearing away a couple frozen pizzas and a bag of peas.

"Should I even bother with the cones?" Peter asks with a pout.

"Pete she's gonna say yes! Also if you're wallowing in misery with a tub of ice cream we still want our cones so we can emotionally support you with a crunchy treat," Wanda says with a supportive smile.

The others nod along.

"You're right!" Peter agrees before turning around and grabbing an honest-to-god waffle cone maker, with the cone shaping kit to boot.

"Why..." Tony begins to protest, "y'know what, I don't care. Let me know how it goes kid."

The man is ignored as he moves through the kitchen to grab a banana, the women coaching Peter on his manners, flirting, and first date ideas as he exits the room.

* * *

Thor hums around the delicious treat.

"Mmm. You know young Peter, you could have a shop for your creations. Is there a Stark Industries for baked goods?" Thor asks the young lad, crumbs falling from his mouth as he chews the cookie bar.

"I didn't invent the blondie Thor. I was just trying to explain what it is, a cookie brownie! I did decorate them all by myself though," he says with a satisfied grin.

"Ah yes," Thor lifts up another blondie by the pretzel stick Peter put in the squares, attached with a bit of melted chocolate so they're shaped like Mjolnir, "now you are all worthy of the hammer. Ha! This is funny, I'm sure the others will find your talents equally amusing."

Peter picks up his own mini-Mjolnjr and waves it around, "it is I, son of Odin. Don't worry puny Midgardians, I will protect you with my mighty hammer and beautiful hair!"

Thor laughs thunderously at the impression, clapping.

Bruce walks into the room, enticed by the laughter.

"Ah! My friend, Peter has made edible Mjolnirs so you, too, may be worthy. It's delicious and hilarious. Imagine Banner wielding my hammer, ha! Ridiculous," Thor is all too amused by the situation.

Bruce gives Peter an offended look as Thor continues laughing with himself, the younger just shrugging. Bruce takes one of the treats anyways, pointedly not holding it by the pretzel stick.

"Y'know Pete, have you ever considered opening a bakery? You are quite talented. I think the Avengers alone would keep you in business," Bruce asks politely.

"Well I only like to bake when I'm stressed. That wouldn't be a very stable business model," Peter points out.

"True. Although running a business can be quite stressful, so maybe you'd have a continuous supply?"

"Hm. Efficient and unhealthy," Peter nods like it's the perfect plan.

"Wow you really are Stark's intern."

Thor bursts out into another bout of raucous laughter.

"Imagine Stark wielding my dessert hammer," Thor barely gets the words out, "Stark being worthy-AH HAHA."

Bruce and Peter share a look of wide-eyed alarm before joining in on the laughter.

They all share the moment before Bruce straightens up a bit to ask, "what are you even worried about anyways Peter?"

Peter wipes a tear from his eye, "I forgot to call Aunt May this morning like I always do and she only let me move here if I promised I wouldn't neglect her. So now I'm too scared to check my phone."

"I see," Bruce sympathizes.

"Yeah, baking is good for procrastinating. I pretend I'm being productive while also creating comfort food for after my breakdowns."

* * *

Tony steps into the dining room one afternoon to find Peter slicing apples while Steve sits across from him cutting intricate patterns into pie crust. There is an array of leaves and flowers set out on the flour-sprinkled table.

"So is the ornamentation necessary, or is Cap also developing a delicious self-soothing habit," Tony inquires.

"I was just talking to Peter about pie recipes from the 40s and he asked if I could help make his prettier," Steve smiles up at his companions, "it's actually a lot of fun, I can't say I've ever used food to make art before."

"He's a natural talent Mr. Stark!"

Tony agrees with the quirk of an eyebrow and cheeky sideways nod. He observes for a moment before asking something that's been bothering him recently.

"Pete, I gotta ask. Why baking? You inherited your Aunt's terrible cooking skills, and it's not like you're built for other domestic duties. Your room is a mess. What gives? How are you so... refined?"

Peter pauses his chopping to look up incredulously.

"It's science Mr. Stark. Baking is just chemistry! I'm great at chemistry," he says with a grin.

Tony thinks about it.

"Huh. I guess you're right. So, what has you stressed this time? Girl troubles? You get too good a grade in P.E. and Flash is suspicious? Decathlon competition?" Tony lists off some of his previous turmoils.

He hopes it's the decathalon again, those butter tarts were divine.

"Um. Can I finish my apple filling before I tell you? I'll lose motivation if you start yelling at me..." Peter says with a hopeful smile, strain lying underneath it.

Tony's eyes narrow.

"Okay so I maybe blew up your test tubes when trying to develop fire webs and Dum-E may have covered your entire lab in fire supression foam."

Tony's jaw clenches, "I'm gonna let you stew in fear for a bit longer because apple is my favourite - if this was pumpkin you'd already be squashed - but best believe I'm not done with you yet." Tony slowly takes a deep breath before pointing a finger at Peter. "Never change kid, never change."

Tony leaves, distinctly in the opposite direction of his lab, and Peter goes back to slicing apples, now with a genuine smile on his face.

[delicatebarness]

Hi! For the Barnes rogers family adventures could you do reader who is obsessed with her paci and Steve and Bucky try and take it but she get very whiny and upset and cries for her binky please? If not I understand! Please and thank you!!! 🎀🍼

The Barnes-Rogers Family Adventures | “No, I want my paci,” #005

Summary: ^^ Requested.

Warnings: This post and series are safe for work (SFW) regressions. Nothing explicit. However, please be aware that the rest of my blog is NOT. NSFW accounts are welcome to read and reblog, but please keep all comments SFW out of consideration for other littles.

Word Count: 477

Series Masterlist

A/N: I've always wanted a paci, but it's just never been something I've ended up having :( - Please feel free to leave feedback or let me know where and how you want the story to continue, this is just as much yours as it is mine. - B

Tags: @sapphirebarnes | Let me know if you want to be tagged specifically for this series.

Everything: @hallecarey1 | @pattiemac1 | @uhmellamoanna | @scraftsku35 | @ozwriterchick | @sapphirebarnes | @rach2602

Engrossed in your coloring book, you sat on the living room floor as the Sunday afternoon sun shined brightly through the windows. Your beloved pacifier is firmly in your mouth. Exchanging a glance, Steve and Bucky silently agreed that it was time to try and get to take a break from it for today. 

“Hey, Baby…” Steve began gently as he knelt beside you. “How about we try going without your paci for a little while?” 

You clutched the pacifier even tighter as your eyes widened. “No, Papa,” you mumbled around it while shaking your head. 

He stroked your hair, offering a warm smile. “We just thought it might be good for you to play without it for a little bit.” 

Tears welled up in your eyes due to the surge of anxiety that rushed through you. “No, Papa,” you insisted, your voice starting to tremble. “I need my paci.” 

Steve gently took your hand after exchanging a concerned look with Bucky. “We’re not taking it away forever, Baby, just a short break. How about we play a game together?” 

Spilling over your cheeks, your tears soaked your skin as you shook your head vigorously. “No! I want my paci!” you cried, feeling more upset with each passing second. 

Bucky sighed softly, reaching out to wipe your tears. “Shh, it’s okay, Tiny.” 

You hiccuped through your sobs, still clinging to your pacifier. “I need it, Daddy,” you repeated. 

Steve’s hand gently stroked your back, trying to calm you down. “Okay, baby. How about we try something fun together? Would you like to bake some cookies? Cupcakes?” 

You hesitated for a moment, tempted by the idea, your tears slowly. However, you clutched your paci even tighter. “No, I need my paci,” you whispered again, almost desperately. 

Another sigh came from Bucky as he gently lifted you onto his lap, rocking you soothingly. “How about we read one of your books together? Or… maybe we watch a movie?” 

Sniffling, you shook your head again. “No, I want my paci,” your voice wavered as you insisted. 

Steve and Bucky were at a loss as they exchanged another glance. “Okay, baby. We just want you to be happy.” Steve said softly, placing a gentle kiss against your forehead. 

“And, if that means keeping your paci for now, that’s okay,” Bucky added, his fingers tracing light patterns up and down your back. 

Nodding, you snuggled close to Bucky, content with your pacifier in place as you felt the warmth and love from them. Wrapping an arm around both of you, Steve’s presence soothed you. 

Just then, Peter rushed into the room, curiosity etched on his face. “What’s going on?” he asked, noticing the cuddle. 

He climbed onto the couch, and without a word, he squeezed in beside you and Bucky. Steve wrapped his arm around Peter as well, chuckling at the antics.

---

Series Masterlist

[book-place-incorrect-quotes]

Bucky: *trying to pull Y/N up from the side of a cliff she fell off of* Y/N, I can’t hang on!

Y/N: Pretend I’m your teammate, Bucky!

Bucky: *loosens his grip*

Y/N: NOT PETER- NOT PETER

[incorrectquotesmcu]

Sam: The hospital said I’m fine.

Scott: No, you suffered a traumatic experience.

Sam: I barely remember it. I remember crashing into the wall and the ambulance ride to the hospital.

Bucky: That wasn’t an ambulance, I drove you.

Sam: Then what was that siren?

Bucky: That was Scott screaming.

[sunsetmaidenwrites]

That TFATWS deleted scene! Whether you're SamBucky or BuckySarah or neither, something that's certain is that Bucky is now part of this family. When he arrives, the kids immediately greet him and ask 'what took you so long', indicating they've grown fond of him and there have been interactions that we haven't seen. The whole cake thing seems to be something he brought to the cookout with them in mind, too. (Kinda like, 'oh, I need to bring something. I bet the kids will like cake!')Then we get Sam's "Uncle Winter Soldier" comment, then at the end of the clip we see Bucky interact first with AJ and then Cass. He's important to them, and they are important to him. That concept of found family in this context, with all Bucky has lost and been through, is just really beautiful to see. It's a trope I've seen play out in fanfic again and again, and something I've written myself--and it just feels like the fandom won in so many ways in this clip.💖

[pretty-bratty]

Every Mafia AU

[waltermis]

Drive

*Natasha, Y/N and the team talking about driving with Peter to Fury*

Y/N: So... Peter got his learner's permit this week and some of us on the team have been taking turns driving with him...

*flashback to Steve, Bucky, Sam and Peter*

Steve: One of the really standard rules of the road is we want to keep a safe distance between us and the car in front of it.

Bucky *mildly panicking*: *through gritted teeth* That is not safe, right there. Not safe.

Sam: *puts on another seatbelt over his other seatbelt*

*flash to Natasha and Peter*

Natasha: Okay, merge.

Peter: Wait- I--

Natasha: Merge.

Peter: Na-

Natasha: Merge. Merge! Merge! Merge! Merge! Merge! Merge!

Peter and Natasha: FJJFIEAFJKEJFI AEJFKDXIEAKJFFKX

*flash to Y/N, Clint and Peter*

Clint: This navigation system's all messed up. It thinks we're in a park.

Y/N: OH MY GOD! IT IS A PARK!!

Clint: AWAY FROM THE KIDS!!!!!

Y/N: AIM FOR THE LAKE!

Peter *shrieking*: OH MY GOD!!!!

*flash to present time*

*Pepper and Tony coming back from a jog*

Tony *arriving at the compound's driveway*: I win!!!

Pepper: It wasn't a race...

Tony: That's what a loser would sa--

*Tony gets run over*

*Peter in the car*

Peter: Oh my-. What was that? Was that a person?

Tony: I'm good!

Pepper: Tony!

Peter: Mr. Stark?!

Tony: I'm good! I'm good! You're getting better, kid! Whoo!

*Natasha and Y/N looking from the window*

Y/N: We're all gonna die...

[huffelpuff210]

Ours Soft Dark Stucky x Omega Reader

Soft Dark Alpha Stucky x Omega Reader

Warning: Stalking, kidnapping, drugging, confinement, dark themes, Non Con, man handling, threats, mentions of past abuse, 

Summary: Day by Day Both Bucky and Steve feel like something is missing in their lives that is until they meet you. 

You work as a RN at the nearby hospital, you were just leaving an agonizing fourteen hour shift, dead tired, 

You were walking past a store, where there were TV’s you could watch from outside of the window,

The news was on, 

“This is Becky reporting from Stark tower where in a few minutes Alpha Tony Stark is going to make his big announcement.” The news lady says, 

You stand there with your arms crossed, a lot of people on the street were crowding around as well, 

The Alpha’s in Stark tower are a big deal to everyone so when they make an announcement it’s normally a big uproar 

Tony walks out to the stage, 

“Good afternoon everyone, as everyone may have been aware, the decrease in Omega’s in the past decade have declined drastically.” He says 

It was no secret that Omega’s appear less and less each year, in fact you read in the paper that there is 1 out of 5% that anyone would come across one, You were in fact one, but you take suppressants and wear a special perfume to mask the smell, 

“So as of today, I have signed a bill passing that if you are an Omega you must register, due to the decrease in our species this law is in effect as of today.” Tony says 

You eyes widen, 

“We also have a stations in each clinic to ensure you can find a place to register.” He says 

This made your blood boil, You didn’t like Alpha’s to begin with, Your father and brother’s made sure of that, always talking down to you like you were nothing compared to them, abusing you any chance they got, telling you, that you were nothing but a tool a mutt that your only purpose in life was to breed, 

And here is another example of how much you hate and yet fear alpha’s they think they can control Omega’s, 

“If any Omega’s fail to comply we will have no choice but to place you in a special program.” Tony says 

“That will be all thank you.” He says walking off stage, 

You shake your head and make your way to your apartment, but you couldn’t help this feeling that someone was watching you, You stop in your tracks, to look around listening, smelling, but there were too many scents, you brush it off as fatigue and paranoia. 

You finally enter your apartment, it wasn’t much given the salary to make, barely scraping by, but it was the only way, the only way to avoid detection not just from Alpha’s but your family that has been on the hunt for you since you ran away when you were sixteen, you are now twenty one, but they still continue to hunt you like an animal, 

All because you are an Omega, 

After taking your suppressant and showering, you are laying in bed when a smell catches your attention, It smelled like pine, and cinnamon, you sit up quickly, it wasn’t your father or brother’s but you don’t notice the smell which causes you to panic, 

You peek through the curtains not seeing a single person, you make sure everything is locked, 

You peek out the peep hole at your door, no one, 

You feel your heart rate slow down hoping you were just imagining it, 

Bucky just couldn’t believe his luck, he was on his way to the tower, when a smell caught his attention, sure it was very faint but his sense of smell is stronger than most Alpha’s it smelled like vanilla with a hint of cedar

“Omega...” He whispers

He finds a small petite woman, with long dark hair and green eyes, she was beautiful, but by the smell she’s definitely on something she shouldn’t be on, 

He opens his phone to call Steve as he follows her from a distance, 

“Steve, Your not going to believe what I found.” He says with a smirk on his lips, 

You didn’t go to work for a few days, you were getting paranoid, the smell kept getting stronger as if someone was in your apartment or on the fire escape at the window, 

But your boss called you today, telling you if you didn’t come in today you were fired, 

So you cautiously leave your apartment, just as you were locking the door an arm wrapped around your neck, with a hand covering your mouth, 

You elbow the attacker causing him to grunt, but he didn’t loosen his grip, 

“Shhh, sweetheart, we’re here now.” You hear a man’s voice whisper in your ear, 

suddenly there was a jab of a needle in your upper arm, you watch as the liquid is injected in your arm, 

“Everything will be alright.” Another voice says 

you feel your limbs give way, and your vision blur slowly slipping into darkness, 

Bucky catches you as you fall, picking you up bridal style, your head against his chest, 

Steve moves your dark hair out of your face, 

“She’s beautiful.” Steve says 

“Told you.” Bucky says 

“She’s light though.” Bucky says again, 

“It’s alright she has us now.” Steve says placing his hand on Bucky’s shoulder, 

Bucky nods, as they both smile down at you

[sjsmith56]

Chance Encounter - Part 4

Summary: Bucky and his granddaughter Anna meet her classmate and his mother, at the same grocery store where he met his daughter.

Length: 6.2 K

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Anna Barnes, OFC (named but not described), OMC (OFC’s named son, not described), Joaquin Torres, Katrina Torres.

Warnings: none, really except perhaps Bucky feeling out of the loop when he realizes something

Author’s notes: I left Part 3 with a small bit about Joaquin Torres falling in love with Katrina, deliberately leaving their story suggested but open ended. Well, I got to thinking about what Bucky would do if the couple did marry. How would he take it? I think becoming a father and grandfather had a profound effect on him, and helped him changed his attitude towards a lot of things. Perhaps that opened him up to feeling worthy of love.

<<Part 3

🛝 🍨 ☀️

Set a year and a bit after Anna's 4th birthday party and the day after another momentous event. 

It was late when Bucky parked his SUV on the parking pad of his Brooklyn brownstone.  He opened the back passenger door and carefully unbuckled his granddaughter, Anna, from her car seat.  A slight whine came out of her lips at being disturbed and he smiled.

"We're home, sweetheart," he said.  "Have to get you to bed."

"Where's Mommy?" she asked sleepily. 

"With Joaquin," he answered.  "Remember?  They went for their honeymoon straight from the reception.  It's just you and me for a couple of weeks."

He lifted her into his arms, letting her rest her head on his shoulder.  Closing the vehicle door, he clicked the lock button on the remote and headed towards the lower-level door, entering the door code to unlock it.  In the dark, he went up the several flights of stairs to Anna's bedroom and sat her on the bed, carefully unbuttoning her flower girl dress and removing it, then taking her shoes and socks off.  He pulled a nightgown over her head, then tucked the unicorn duvet around her, and placed her unicorn stuffy in her arms.

"Sleep tight, sweet pea," he whispered, kissing her on the forehead.

"Night Grandpa," she mumbled, then grasped her stuffy tighter.

Looking back at her for a moment, he breathed deeply, feeling once more how lucky he was to have this sweet little girl as his granddaughter.  Closing the door, he went to his bedroom and turned on the bedside lamp, taking his jacket off.  Checking the pockets, he removed his handkerchief and tie, then hung it up on the hanger, followed by his slacks.  The shirt was put into the laundry hamper, and he headed for a quick shower before putting a T-shirt and sweatpants on.  After brushing his teeth, he sat on the bed and texted Sam.

B:  Got home safely.

S:  Us too.  Joaquin texted that the flight was delayed so they won't be in Paris until late afternoon.

B:  That's what you get when you fly with the airline.  He should have taken Pepper up on her offer for the corporate jet.

S:  You know him.  He doesn't want to take advantage of his connections.

B:  Yeah.  I guess we're alike in several ways.

S:  Enjoy your two weeks with Anna, Grandpa. 

B:  I plan to.  Have fun on the missions without me.

S:  👍🏾

Placing the phone on his nightstand he turned off the light and laid in the dark for a bit, thinking about the wedding, and the fact that Joaquin Torres was now his son-in-law.  How the hell did he manage that?  He fell in love with your daughter, that's how.  Yeah, he was a good man, really, and had been wonderful to Katrina and Anna as well.  Until Katrina finished her degree, they were going to live in the brownstone but after that they were planning to move nearer to the compound.  It was going to be lonely once they moved but at least that was well off into the future. 

The next morning, Bucky made breakfast; for Anna her favourite pancakes, two blueberry, two chocolate chip, fresh fruit salad, and a big glass of milk, while he had his usual bacon, eggs, toast, and coffee.  While he read the newspaper, Anna watched a movie on her tablet. 

"Grandpa, are we going to the playground today?" she asked.

"After we pick up some groceries and run some errands," he replied.  "With all of the get togethers we had until the wedding we have hardly any food left.  Have to keep my little girl fed."

She smiled sweetly at him.  "Can we get ice cream?"

"Absolutely," he pinched her cheek lightly.  "Finish up so we can get going."

Half an hour later they were in the SUV headed for the same grocery store where he first met Katrina.  They got a shopping cart, and he reminded Anna to stay close to him.  As they walked up and down the aisle, he let her take things off the shelf, lifting her up to get to the things on the top.  Several older ladies asked him for help, and he obliged them, listening patiently as they said he had a cute daughter. 

"He's not my dad, he's my grandpa," said Anna, each time, getting more annoyed with each reference. 

"You must have been a teenager when you became a dad," they would exclaim, and he just smiled and let them believe that, as it was easier than saying he was older than they were.

Soon, he was at the till, where the cashier greeted both of them with a smile because they were regulars.  Anna helped him put the groceries on the conveyor belt while she asked him all sorts of questions, which he answered as best as he could.  At the next till a young boy was helping his mother with unloading their groceries, while keeping up a constant barrage of questions that she patiently answered.  A couple of times she glanced at Bucky, and he smiled at her in that way people do when they're just being friendly.  Both finished their purchases at the same time and pushed their carts towards the door.  Being a gentleman, Bucky let her leave first, surprised when Anna pointed at the boy, who she just noticed.

"That's Timmy," she said, excitedly.  "He was in my class.  Hi Timmy!"

The boy turned around and waved.  "Hi Anna.  Mom, look, it's Anna."

His mother waited until they were all outside before stopping and smiling at the girl.  "Well, hello."  She looked up at Bucky, then offered her hand to him.  "You must be Grandpa.  Katrina and I sometimes waited together when we picked the kids up from kindergarten.  I'm Jay, short for Jaylene but only my mother calls me that."

"Bucky," he replied.  "Nice to meet you.  I never noticed you whenever I picked Anna up."

"We only moved into the neighbourhood two months before school let out, so my son's caregiver was usually there.  On my days off I was.  I guess you might have been on missions then.  But Anna told us all about you, about her grandpa being an Avenger."

Several people came out of the store while they were still talking, and Jay shifted so they were more out of the way. 

"You're off today, then?" asked Bucky.

"Well, I'm off for a while," she answered, shrugging self-consciously.  "Cutbacks, so I'm looking for a new job.  At least they gave me a good severance package since I transferred to the office here and didn't lose seniority.  Still, I'll need to find something soon or else we'll have to move in with my mother, and although I love her dearly, I'm not quite sure I want to do that.  I can pick up some temporary contracts and work from home but it's harder to do when school's out.  I'm in IT."

He nodded.  "Well, if I hear of anything I can pass it on, if you want."  His face became warm, and he stammered slightly.  "You know, if you want to give me your contact information.  I would ask Katrina but she's on her honeymoon."

"That's right, she married her guy, didn't she?"  Jay looked genuinely happy.  "How was the wedding?  Do you have pictures?"

"Grandpa, maybe they can come to the playground with us, and you can show her all the pictures you took."

"I don't want to impose on you, unless you want to come.  We were going to run some more errands, then have some lunch then head to the playground for a couple of hours."

"Mom, can we?"  Timmy looked hopefully at his mother.

"Sure," she replied after a few moments, then looked at Bucky.  "Which playground?"

He brought it up on his cell phone, then texted it to her number.

"1 o'clock?" He smiled at her as she agreed.  "Alright, see you then.  Come on Anna Banana, the ice cream's going to melt if we stay out here any longer.  It was nice meeting you, Jay, and you, Timmy."

They headed towards opposite sides of the parking lot.  As he and Anna placed the groceries in the back of the SUV he kept glancing at Jay, wondering what her story was.  She certainly seemed nice.  Since the ice cream was already melting, they went home first and put everything away.  Then they headed out to run the few errands he had planned before stopping at a fast-food place for two kid's meals for Anna and a couple of burgers, fries, and a milkshake for Bucky.  He was recognized and agreed to a few selfies with people.  Anna, who was pretty used to it whenever she was out with him, just waited patiently.  Soon enough it was time to meet Jay and Timmy at the playground.  They got there just after the other two, and immediately Anna ran to the slides, encouraging Timmy to follow her. 

"Shade or sun?" he asked Jay, gesturing to two free benches.

"Shade," she said, sitting on one of them.  "I burn easily."  She looked at the two kids playing.  "Anna is a sweet girl."

"She is," said Bucky.  "She and Katrina mean everything to me."

"I think you mean the world to them, as well," replied Jay.  "Katrina told me some of her story from before you two found each other.  Her first husband sounded horrible."

"He was.  Joaquin is a much better man."

"Katrina said he's an Avenger as well.  Falcon?"

"Yes.  He inherited the wings when they were broken and fixed them.  Taught himself to fly.  Turned out he's a natural."

"What about yourself?" She looked up at him and he noticed her eyes.  "Anyone special in your life?"

"Just Katrina and Anna," he answered.  "I'm not terribly social.  Afraid of rejection."

"Really?  A big handsome guy like you?" Even though the words were said in jest, she looked away, as if debating whether to say anything more.  "I'm a widow.  We lost Timmy in the Snap, and my husband took it hard.  He ... killed himself a year after Timmy disappeared."

"I'm sorry."  Bucky felt terrible for her, losing her son then her husband.  "I turned to dust as well.  When I reappeared, we had minutes to reassemble to fight Thanos again.  No chance to deal with the fact that five years had gone by."

"At least Timmy disappeared at my mother's place," said Jay.  "When he reappeared, she was still living there.  She phoned me right away.  I was at work and jumped in the car, broke every driving law in the book."  She sniffed and wiped her eyes.  Bucky fished his handkerchief out of his pocket and gave it to her.  "Thanks.  Still makes me emotional.  Then I had to tell him his dad was gone for good."

"Lot of that went around."  He coughed to clear his throat, but his voice wavered anyways.  "A lot of people lost the ones they loved, even if they didn't turn to dust.  Things changed too much in those five years for some people to handle the returns, I guess.  Finding Katrina and Anna changed my life.  Can't imagine being without them now."

For a time, they were quiet, watching the kids playing again.

"Tell me, is dating for a single man as bad as dating for someone like me?"

He looked at her, unsure if she was being facetious but her face was quite serious.

"I used to be a great date," he replied.  "Was never serious about anyone but I knew how to have a good time and I did alright."

"But then so many years passed, the world changed and when you got back in it, everything was different, wasn't it?"

"Yeah.  Some of it was good.  Better birth control.  Women gained more rights that gave them independence and confidence.  Mini skirts were a great invention."  She playfully pushed his arm, which made him smile.  "But some things weren't as good.  Being a gentleman and having manners towards a woman was seen as patriarchal by some, when it was just being polite.  Everyone seems to be in such a hurry to jump into bed, without even spending some time enjoying flirting first.  I was no angel but there was an enjoyable dance to it and now there isn't, and it just doesn't feel the same."

She nodded in agreement.  "It's changed even from when I got married.  I knew Colin through high school, although we didn't start dating until college.  We had shared values, you know?  I've had a few dates since he died, and half those guys were expecting me to sleep with them right away because they bought me a meal.  Two were married and wanted me to be their piece on the side.  One had serious trust issues, and I ended it before it escalated to something harmful.  I did fall in love with one guy, but he didn't love me back because he wasn't over his wife dying after the Snap.  That one really hurt.  Sorry, I don't know why I've unburdened myself to you.  I barely know you."

Surprising himself, he briefly placed his gloved hand on hers.  "I don't mind having an honest conversation about this.  You're very easy to talk to."

"So are you."  She looked up to see her son trying something he shouldn't, preparing to jump from the roof of the covered platform over the slide.  "Timmy, get down from there."

"But Anna did it."

Bucky stood up.  "She forgets that she has special abilities.  Allow me?"

She gestured for him to go ahead and watched as he strode towards where Timmy was perched.

"Timmy, Anna can do it because her body is able to handle it.  Yours isn't, buddy.  I'm sorry but it is too dangerous for you."

"I'm scared." 

He could see it in the boy's eyes.  Glancing at Anna, he could tell she was sorry for forgetting about showing off her abilities. 

"I can catch you and I promise that I won't let you fall.  Do you trust me?"  Timmy nodded, unsure.  "Okay, on three, you just step off and I'll catch you."

Bucky counted down and expertly caught Timmy when he stepped off the structure.  He held him first, to make sure the boy was okay, then lowered him down to the ground.  Gesturing to Anna, he kneeled down so he was at eye level with both of them.

"Anna, you must remember that you're the only child who can do those things.  Expecting him to try it is putting him in danger and friends don't do that.  Timmy, you must remember that you don't have to do what Anna can do to be her friend.  It's okay to tell her no."

"Sorry, Timmy.  I forgot."

"'S okay.  Can we play some more?"

"Sure, just don't climb up so high, okay?"

Bucky raised his hand for Timmy to high five, then offered it to Anna.  Returning to Jay, he sat next to her again. 

"You're very patient," she commented.

"With kids, yes," he replied.  "Not always with grownups."

They sat quietly again, watching the two kids playing then Bucky's phone sounded.  He saw a text and picture from Katrina, of her and Joaquin at the base of the Eiffel Tower, with it lit up in red, green and blue.  Showing it to Jay, he sent a message back, along with a picture of Anna and Timmy playing.

Met your friend Jay and her son Timmy at the grocery store.  Having a play date for Timmy and Anna.

Katrina sent one back within seconds.

Be nice to her.

He smirked then opened his photo gallery, remembering he was supposed to show Jay the pictures from the wedding.  While she looked through them, he watched the kids. 

"Looked like a great wedding," she remarked, as she handed his phone back.  "She asked me to come but I couldn't get a sitter for Timmy."

"You could have brought him," said Bucky.  "There were other kids there."

She shrugged.  "I only knew Katrina and didn't want to intrude."

"Fair enough," he answered, not wanting to make a big deal about it.  "Just so you know I would have asked you to dance several times."

Glancing sideways, he noticed her smiling, making him feel good that she responded positively to his comment.  All too soon, it was time to go home, and they planned for another play date in a few days.  Bucky called Pepper Stark from his SUV, asking if she knew of any good paying IT jobs.

"You feel confident enough to get into that field?"  He could picture her smiling as she joked about his qualifications.

"I'm asking for a friend," he answered.  "She's a widow, single parent, transferred here and was just let go due to cutbacks.  Right now, she's living off her severance pay but you know that won't last long in this city."

"No, it won't," agreed Pepper.  "Give me her name and I'll check out her CV, see if we have something that fits her qualifications."  He could hear the sound of a keyboard being used as she entered Jay's information.  "She is very qualified.  Looks like that company let go several of their top employees and outsourced their work overseas.  That's not right.  Give me a couple of days and I'll come up with something for her."  Just before she hung up, she had one more comment.  "Bucky?  She's nice looking.  You should ask her out."

"I might," he answered.  "Thanks, Pepper.  I owe you one."

"No problem and if she's half as good as her resume states you don't owe me anything."

A few days later Bucky and Anna met up with Jay and Timmy at the playground.  She had a couple of coffees with her, offering one to Bucky.  He flipped open the lid to see it was black and Jay assured him there was no sugar either.

"How did you know?" he asked.

"I texted Katrina," she grinned.  "I have a job interview with Stark Industries.  You did that, didn't you?"

He shrugged, while avoiding looking at her, making it seem like he was watching the kids.  "I made a phone call, asked for some help.  Pepper's a good person."

"Well, I can't thank you enough for doing that.  She phoned me herself and since I'm a single mom she's offered to pay for childcare for the summer.  She made it sound like I already have the job."

"Like I said, good person."  He sipped his coffee then turned towards her.  "I guess that means I won't see much of you during the day.  Would you be open to dinner sometime?"

Even though he was trying to appear calm on the outside, inside he could feel his stomach churning a little. 

"I was going to ask if you wanted to bring Anna over for dinner sometime this week," she finally answered.  "I make good lasagna and my cheesy garlic bread is famous, at least Timmy says it should be."

"I'd like that."  Bucky sipped his coffee again.  "I'll bring some wine."

"Red, Cabernet Sauvignon would be good, if you're asking."

He grinned.  "Good to know."

When Bucky and Anna arrived at Jay's apartment three days later, he had the bottle of red wine and a bouquet of flowers in hand.  Jay beamed when he presented her with the flowers, gesturing him into the kitchen with her while she opened a cupboard looking for a vase.  It was on the top shelf and Bucky reached over her, placing it on the counter beside her as she started to cut the ends of the flower stalks.  Timmy invited Anna into his room to play with Lego. 

"There's beer in the fridge if you want one," said Jay.  "It's going to be a while before the lasagna is ready.  I had to make a quick trip to the bodega for some garlic."  She stopped for a moment.  "You're okay with garlic, right?"

"Can't have Italian food without it," he smiled as he reached for a beer, then offered it to her.  She shook her head, so he opened it and took a drink.  "Smells good.  Did you have the interview yet?"

"I did, and the job was offered to me before it was over," she said.  "IT Special Projects Manager.  I'm really excited about it."  For a moment, she looked down, swallowing.  "I can't thank you enough for doing that when you don't even know me."

"Katrina told me to be nice to you.  It wasn't hard to do that."

When Jay looked up at him, she saw a pair of blue eyes gazing kindly at her.  Damn, he was so handsome, it almost hurt to look at him.  With a quick exhale she filled the vase with water, then placed the flowers in and looked at the arrangement.

"No one's given me flowers in years.  Thank you."

"You're welcome.  Now, what can I do to help with dinner?"

Together, they prepared the cheesy garlic bread then Bucky took the lasagna out of the oven, impressing her with handling the dish with his vibranium hand, although he wore an oven mitt on the other.  With the bread browning in the oven and the salad made, she opened the bottle of wine to let it breathe.  Timmy and Anna were called to wash up and set the table.  Bucky smiled as she let them figure it out.  As long as everyone had a big plate for lasagna, small plate for bread, a knife, and a fork she didn't care how the table looked.  They were offered juice, water, or milk to drink, and Jay let Timmy do the honours.  The timer for the bread went off and Bucky pulled the tray out, placing the pieces of bread on another plate so everyone could help themselves.  Just before Jay sat down, she poured the wine for herself and Bucky. 

Just like in the grocery store both Anna and Timmy had lots of questions about various things.  Sometimes Bucky answered, sometimes Jay did.  There was a question that startled both of them. 

"Grandpa, do you like each other?" asked Anna, looking between the two.  "Is this a date?"

Bucky's cheeks felt warm at his granddaughter's direct question.  He had always encouraged her to speak her mind but this was something that could have been asked at home. 

"Well, I only just met Jay," he finally answered.  "I think we're becoming friends.  If we went on a date, I don't think you or Timmy would be with us."

"Why?" Timmy's question was spoken with a full mouth that earned him a look from his mother.  He chewed and swallowed.  "Why can't Anna and I go on a date with you?"

"We would talk about grown up things that would be boring to you," stated Jay, trying to help Bucky out. 

"They would kiss, too," said Anna.  "Like Mom and Joaquin."

"Probably," agreed Bucky, sneaking a look at Jay to see her reaction; she didn't seem against the idea.  "Would that bother you?"

"No, I like you, Mr. Barnes.  You're nice.  If you go out on a date, would you have a sleepover after?"

Jay snorted, and started to cough, bringing her napkin up to her lips.  "Timmy, I think that's enough questions about that subject.  Can we please talk about something else?"

He asked Anna if she watched Paw Patrol, and they compared their favourite pups.  Bucky kept eating then looked at Jay, whose face still seemed to show the effects of the question Timmy asked.  Slowly, she raised her eyes to his and he smiled, then nodded his head.  The rest of the meal passed uneventfully.  The kids relocated to Timmy's room while Bucky helped take the dishes to the kitchen.  As he rinsed the dishes, then stacked them in the dishwasher, Jay put the leftovers away before she stopped and leaned against the counters.

"Would you go on a date with me?"

"Are you asking?"  He stood tall, facing her. 

"Maybe, yes." 

"I would.  Would we kiss?"  It became very still as he waited for her answer.

"Yes, I want to."  She looked up at him then, at his lips first, then his eyes.  "Would you want to sleep over?"

Gently, he raised his right hand to her cheek and brushed against it with the back of his fingers.  Her eyes closed briefly as he touched her.

"Absolutely, if you want."

They were interrupted by Timmy asking if they could have ice cream on the balcony.  Spooning out two bowls of ice cream, plus some chocolate sauce and sprinkles she sent them out first, then began preparing two bowls for them.  Bucky took the bowls from her hands and put them on the counter, then looked to where the children were, still on the balcony, laughing at something.  Cradling Jay's head in his right hand, he wrapped his left arm around her and brought her in close, his eyes on her.  She didn't resist but she looked a little nervous, so he kissed the side of her cheek, then whispered in her ear.

"I want to see you as much as I can, kiss you every time I see you and when you're ready, stay for a sleepover.  I'm loyal, honest, and I think we could have something worth exploring.  May I kiss you?"  She nodded.  "Words, darlin.' I need to hear it from your lips."

"Please kiss me.  I want you to kiss me."

It was every bit as good a kiss as either of them were expecting.  She thought his lips were incredibly soft and the movements of his tongue hinted at so much more that it could do.  Bucky could still taste the fruity notes of the wine on her tongue and was very aware of the scent of her perfume that permeated his senses.  Even the way she molded her body to his during the kiss was arousing to him and he knew he would have to break it off before it went too far.  When he did pull away, his hand on her neck was the last thing to leave, then he watched her reactions to what they just did.

"Shit," she whispered, touching her lips.  "I don't think I've ever been kissed like that."

"Get used to it," he said smugly, picking his bowl up.  He glanced back at the balcony to see if the children noticed.  "I hope you have somewhere to leave Timmy all night when I do sleep over."

"I do," she said, her eyes unfocused a little, then she looked up.  "My mom's.  What about you?"

He shrugged.  "It will have to wait until Katrina and Joaquin get back.  Just over a week."

"Okay."  She picked up her bowl of ice cream but stopped and looked at him.  "Was that kiss part of the enjoyable dance you mentioned?"

He thought for a moment, then grinned, more at himself than at her.  "Yeah, I guess it was.  Thought I was out of practice."

Jay didn't say anything, but she did look thoughtful.  She sat out on the balcony with her son and Anna, then Bucky joined them.  They stayed out there until it was dark, laughing and telling stories.  There wasn't another kiss when he said goodnight, but a look passed between them that said plenty.  For the next week, they met at the playground once, then Jay started her new job, so Bucky invited her and Timmy for dinner at his house.  They managed a couple of kisses when they could then planned their official date for two days after Katrina and Joaquin returned. 

Bucky and Anna picked them up at the airport, with the latter holding a bouquet of flowers for her mom.  They both picked her up, kissing her enthusiastically, then Katrina kissed her dad, while Joaquin shook hands with him.  As they waited for the luggage Katrina studied her dad. 

"So, Jay said you've had several play dates with the kids, you've had dinner at her place, and she's had dinner at yours.  Does that mean you're dating?"

"First date is in two days," he said, trying to sound neutral.  "She's a nice lady.  Did she tell you about her new job?"

"She did," smiled Katrina.  "She also said you helped her get it."

"Her qualifications got her the job.  I just phoned Pepper to let her know about Jay."  The first suitcase appeared, and Joaquin snagged it, dropping it on the luggage cart.  Katrina stared at her dad with a knowing look on her face, which he noticed.  "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"No reason," she answered.  "But you do like her?"

He faced her directly.  "Did you set us up?"

Joaquin raised his eyebrows at her.  "You should tell him the truth, Kat."

Bucky glared at his son-in-law who took Anna with him to grab the next suitcase.  Bucky took Katrina by the arm and pulled her away from the crowd.

"Speak," he ordered.

"No, I did not set you up exactly, but when she moved into the neighbourhood, and I met her at the school she asked where the best grocery store was.  I told her.  She didn't know who I was, who my dad was or anything until Timmy mentioned that Anna's grandpa was an Avenger.  That's when she asked me, and I told her our story.  She told me her story, then she lost her job and was feeling down about things.  I just thought that given you're both older, and have been through a lot, that you could enjoy each other's company and comfort each other.  Was that wrong?"

For several long moments Bucky studied Katrina's face, then he placed his hand on her cheek before drawing her in for a hug.

"No, it wasn't wrong," he whispered.  "I do like her.  But no more setups, okay?  I want to see if this becomes something more."  Joaquin waved at him to show he had all the luggage.  "Let's go home."

With Anna perched on top of the luggage the three of them headed out towards the parking garage.  It was almost an hour before Bucky pulled up in front of the brownstone and helped carry the luggage in.  He let Joaquin and Katrina tend to Anna, as she sat on the bed "helping" them unpack.  Bucky did get Joaquin a beer when he came down while Anna had a bath.  They sat outside on the deck taking in the evening air.

"How was Paris?" he asked.

"I'd only ever been there for work before," said Joaquin.  "It was different being there with Katrina.  So much to see and do.  Were you ever there?"

"Several times with HYDRA," replied Bucky.  "After I got away, I was there a few days, but I was on the run, so I didn't exactly sight see."

"Anything pressing, mission wise?"

"No, at least I didn't get any alerts."  Bucky took a drink, then exhaled.  "When are you two moving to the compound?"

Joaquin looked at him, sighed and drank some beer.  "We were going to wait for Katrina to finish her degree, but Fury wants me closer as soon as possible.  He asked just before the wedding.  She's looking for a college in the area she can transfer to or see if she can do it online.  I wish we could stay, since I feel like you only just got started being a family and now it's like I'm taking them away from you."

"Thank you for being honest with me," replied Bucky.  "You're not taking them away from me.  You are married and I knew someday you would leave.  Are you going to adopt Anna?"

Joaquin nodded.  "I want to, with your blessing.  I love them both, Sarge."

"I know.  I've known since you sat with us in the cafeteria during Katrina's recovery.  You couldn't take your eyes off of her."  He looked at the younger man and offered him his hand, shaking it.  "You take care of both my girls or I'll kick your ass."

"Fair enough," smiled Joaquin.  Then he looked at his father-in-law with eyes that became glassy.  "She doesn't want you to be alone.  None of us do.  How you rose to the occasion when you found Katrina and Anna opened a lot of eyes to the type of man you are.  You deserve happiness, Buck.  You really do."

Bucky smiled wanly back.  It was a nice sentiment, but it didn't really soothe the hole that had just opened in his heart.  He was still going to miss his daughter and granddaughter, more than he ever thought possible.  The following morning, as he made breakfast for everyone, Katrina came down to the kitchen and wrapped her arms around her father, squeezing hard. 

"Joaquin said he told you," she whispered.  "I wasn't trying to keep it a secret."

"I know," he replied, patting her on the hand.  "It's just sooner than I was expecting.  When do you think you'll be moving?"

She released him and stood at his side.  "Before school starts for Anna.  You could always sell the house and move back to the compound."

He shook his head and looked around him.  "No, I like it here.  I like being in Brooklyn, and having my own place.  You and Joaquin need your own space to get your married life started.  I'll be alright.  At least you got me dating."  He looked down at Katrina.  "I'm not desperate.  Jay really is something special and I want to make an effort with her.  In fact, we have a date tomorrow and I plan to stay over."

Katrina stepped back with a surprised look on her face.  "Really?  That's quick, isn't it?  You've only known her a couple of weeks."

"Sweetheart, back in the day, I needed only hours." 

He grinned at her as she reacted with shock. 

"Dad, I really didn't need to hear that.  What about that 1940s morality I hear so much about?"

Shrugging as he continued preparing breakfast, he didn't answer except with a smile.  People would be surprised at how much sleeping around there really was in those times but especially with the war it wasn't unusual.  Life was short and most people didn't waste time with long courtships or engagements.  Just because he didn't settle down with anyone then didn't mean he hadn't been looking.  He just never found the right person and then it didn't matter after he fell.  After he got his life back, he still wasn't ready, as he dealt with the repercussions of years of abuse. 

Then a chance encounter suddenly changed everything for him.  In the two years that he, Katrina and Anna had been a family they had all grown, becoming who they were meant to be.  His eyes started to water as he thought about Katrina, forced into a marriage at 16 with an abusive man who treated her as little more than a slave.  Somehow, she grew past that to go to college, and fall in love with an incredibly good man who married her and was going to adopt Anna.   That little girl went from a silent witness of her mother's abuse to someone who loved everyone and everything, full of curiosity and wonder. 

As for him, he had probably changed the most out of all three of them.  The anger towards HYDRA, towards life, and even towards Steve for leaving, was gone.  In its place was the calm that he felt briefly in Wakanda before Thanos came to fuck everything up.  He rarely had nightmares either. Before the Flag Smashers he had been alone by choice, and painfully lonely, as he pushed away almost everyone who tried to connect with him, especially Sam.  It had been no way to live but he also thought he didn't deserve to live any better.  Not until Katrina and Anna came into his life.

She was setting the table, and was joined by Joaquin, with a hug and a kiss, then Anna who got up on a chair to hug her mother.  They already had the rhythm of their family going, as he got milk out for Anna, pouring it in her glass, while Katrina poured them each a coffee.  Putting everything on the plates for them to serve themselves Bucky nodded at the coffee pot that his daughter was holding over his cup.  Carefully, he brought the plates of food over and placed them on the table.  Then he sat down with them and felt the love as the morning sun lit up the kitchen, one of the things he loved about this brownstone in Brooklyn and didn't want to give up.  He would miss moments like these with these three, but it was time to begin the next part of his life.  Now he was ready to settle down with the right person and build his own life, the way it should have been all those years ago.

The End (probably but who knows?)

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[lefthandarm-man]

Bucky Barnes // The Winter Soldier Captain America: Civil War (2016)

the way he looks at steve (part 1, part 2, part 3)

(steve vers.)

[fandomfluffandfuck]

My favorite (and least favorite) thought is the idea that the first thing that the Avengers notice new about Steve when he finally, finally gets Bucky back is that they can sneak up on him.

With a building full of superheroes with various levels of stealth training and differing tolerances for practical jokes, it happens pretty regularly that accidentally or purposefully, someone gets snuck up on. Everyone else hears a gasp or shriek, swearing, then laughter or apologies, and they know exactly what happened.

Before, though, Steve wouldn't flinch. He might blink a few times, but really, he never seems surprised. No matter how out of the blue the scare is. It's like he expects it. They start joking about Cap's spidey sense or super-steel nerves.

But... now, sneak up on him, and he'll JUMP.

No one says it out loud, but when Natasha accidentally gets Steve good enough during a "family dinner" with her silent footsteps and sudden presence over his shoulder that he drops his plate (with food on it, goddamnit), they all share a look. Mostly, it's fucking funny, such a huge, muscle-bound guy shrieking and jumping a few inches into the air, but... throughout the dinner, then later into the following days when Thor is able to do it, too, raising his voice suddenly booming from behind Steve when he was supposed to be off-world, announcing himself, it dawns on them that it isn't so funny.

It's almost like before, Steve was constantly in fight or flight mode. Always aware and checking his surroundings, hackles raised, as if he never left active combat. Everything was an active threat.

But, now, with Bucky back... Steve eases off. Those hackles go down. And he jumps! He ruins a wall once, throwing a kettle bell in the gym through it when his grip strength loosens mid-jump. It should be funny, it still is, sometimes, scaring mighty Captain America... but it's mostly not. It's not because they can't believe that he was never relaxed and not on edge before. Without Bucky. But Bucky here and Steve's home, too, now. Bucky is home.

[spidergrotto]

retails for a dollar pls reach out for further inquiries

[leverage-ot3]

say what you want, sambucky and hardisoneliot are the same ship in different fonts:

insufferable coworker

serving looks on the job

camaraderie

it’s been a long hard day

bro power

hugs, of course

totally not in love

and their chaotic (iconic) first meetings

so if you sambucky fans want a smart witty tech guy in love with a smart grumpy punchy guy, I highly recommend leverage! five seasons plus the reboot that is running that has two seasons so far