#or when hes feeling snazzy buchanan

[haveihitanerve]

Okay we all know and love when Sam calls Bucky Buck because ‘ahhhh theyre besties they love each other!!!! Awwww!!!’ but please just imagine for me, them, playing Monopoly or something, and Sam lands on Buckys property. And bucky says all smug ‘you owe me seventy three million dollars’ and Sam looks at him and goes “what the fuck James.”

[cjsinkythoughts]

Ocean Eyes, Cherry Lips, Ivory Keys

Pairing: 40s!Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 2747

Warnings: Cursing, mentions of alcohol, I think that’s all

A/N: This is a headcanon I’ve had for a while that I’ve been wanting to write about 40s!Bucky, pre-War. I kinda want to write a series about it, so that might happen. For now, enjoy this little tidbit I’ve written, with the prompt of Occasion for HBC’s Lucky in Love Day 18! (This isn’t beta’d so please excuse mistakes.)

He’s something of a celebrity. A living legend. A God amongst humans. Starting as a kid in Brooklyn, his fanbase rapidly grew, expanding to Queens, Manhattan, even parts of New Jersey, just in the past few years.

You don’t get it. So what if he’s got cool blue eyes, soft chocolate hair, and a charming smile? Who cares if he’s got smooth moves and even smoother words? He’s just a man - a human being - with flaws just like everyone else. A talented and gorgeous man, who has all of New York wanting to fall to her knees to please him, but still just a man.

James Buchanan Barnes.

Most everyone knew his name, but there was a lot of mystery surrounding the actual character. 

You just don’t see what all the fuss is about. You’ve never personally met him, or even seen him, but you know people who have. Your friend’s cousin even claims to have danced with him once. Not that that would be hard. You hear he’s never danced with the same bird twice, and, considering most start dancing in their teenage years, that’s a lot of dames.

It’s not that you’re not curious about him - if he’s actually as dashing as they say - but you’re not about to stop your life for him like some of your friends. They’re obsessed with getting his attention. With seeing if they’d be the one. The one to finally chain him down and tame him. The one he’d go steady with.

It feels like that’s all you ever talk about anymore. It was amusing at first, but now it’s just getting annoying. It’s been three years since that day in March of 1938, when your roommate ran into your room, plopping down onto your bed, before ranting and raving about the new ocean eyed piano player at her favorite bar. And since then, he’s been in your life without actually being in your life.

Speaking of, here you are. Listening to Lucy, MaryAnne, and Jean gushing over the man, trying to enjoy your milkshake.

“I heard from Sally that Thomas said that he knew the brother of one of his friend’s in high school!”

“That can’t be true! I heard from Billy, who heard from Martha, who was told by Ben, that he only had, like, one friend in high school.”

“You’re kidding, right? There’s no way a man like that had only one friend.”

“I hear he does boxing and that’s why he’s got a body sculpted like a Greek God.”

“Oh my God! MaryAnne!”

You rub your temples, resisting the urge to roll your eyes as the three burst into fits of giggles. If you have to hear one more word about-

“I heard he’s going to be playing at Georgie’s on Friday!”

Gasps echoed around the table. “No way! Georgie’s?”

You raise an eyebrow, this actually intriguing you. Georgie’s is a popular little hole in the wall, on the edge of being a speakeasy, which doubles as a pub and a dance hall in Brooklyn. It’s one of the best hang outs for kids like you and your girls, but it isn’t very high class. Maybe that’s why it’s one of the best. “Isn’t Georgie’s a little…cheap for him? He’s been playing at the best bars and restaurants for a while now.”

“It’s a classic in Brooklyn. Near his home, probably.”

“Do you think he lives near there?!”

“Ooo! Maybe we could find out!’

You scoff. “That,” gesturing to Lucy with your glass, you take a sip of your milkshake. “Is called stalking, my friend.”

Jean waves towards you dismissively. “I think he lives near Tin Pan Alley. That’s where he plays the most, after all. Georgie’s was probably just an old hang out for him and his pals.”

“Wait, wait,” you shake your head, a thought popping into your head. You turn to Lucy, confused. “How’d you find out he’s playing at Georgie’s anyways? Isn’t part of his whole act not telling anyone where he’s playing?”

Giving you a smirk and a wink, Lucy shrugs. “I’ve got my connections.”

You roll your eyes again, turning your attention back to your milkshake. “So?!” MaryAnne squealed. “We’re going on Friday, right?”

“Hell yes!”

“Absolutely!”

“Not.” You mumble, causing the other three to stare at you incredulously.

“Not?!”

“I’m not wasting my Friday night going to see some fella you all have a crush on. Especially when he might not even be there.”

Your friends groan, exchanging glances. “And what’re you gonna do?” Jean crossed her arms with a pointed look on her face. “Sit down and read a book like you always do?”

You huff. “I like reading, sue me. I don’t get a lot of time to myself. You know that new girl’s been gumming up the works and I’ve had to stay late to fix her mistakes all week.”

“This is exactly what you need, then! Come out, have a drink, jive a little-”

You look up at that, an amused kind of smirk on your lips. “Jive? Me and my clumsy ass?”

You all laugh. “Okay, so maybe not dance, but c’mon! It’ll be snazzy, you’ll see!”

“Fine, fine.” Standing up with a sigh, you collect your things, smoothing down your dress with your hands. “I’ve gotta scram.”

“We’ll see you on Friday, right?”

You give a small smile, shooting them a wink. “I guess I can make it.”

***************

Friday comes a lot faster than you anticipate. You dress up; a navy blue dress going to your knees with white, heart shaped buttons and a bow around the waist. The shoes you’re wearing are your nice black and white Mary Janes. Lips painted deep red, and hair pinned back in loose curls, you glance over yourself in a mirror. You’ll admit; you look damn good. You don’t wanna go, but you might as well try to have some fun since you are.

It’s a cool evening, early May meaning the summer humidity hasn’t hit just yet. You didn’t even think about bringing a coat, but you start to regret the decision as you start walking. MaryAnne, who you actually room with, already left, being way too excited to stay put.

It doesn’t take you long - you live on the border of Queens and Brooklyn - but your feet are more sore than you’d like when you arrive.

“I knew you’d come!” Lucy grins, coming up besides you and linking her arm in yours. MaryAnne comes up on your other side and does the same to your free arm.

“Where’s Jean?”

“Where do you think? She already found a Joe to swing with.”

You laugh. “Of course she has! So is your dreamboat here?”

The grins that are immediately on their faces answer your question and they quickly drag you inside.

It’s hot and crowded and dim. Skirts with their beaus, guys with their broads, swinging and dancing to the lively music of the band on stage. Smoke from cigarettes, pipes, and cigars is evident in the air as they neared the bar portion of the building, mixing with the boisterous sound of laughter and chatter.

“Everyone’s talking about it! He’s here, but he hasn’t played yet. We’ve been trying to catch a glimpse of him, but we think he’s in a back room.” The dramatic sigh MaryAnne gives makes you laugh a little.

“Okay, khaki whackies. Let’s get a drink.”

You, just as you thought would happen tonight, are left alone at the bar by your friends who quickly found partners to dance with. A few men asked you, but you have never been a good dancer.

You’re lost in thought, running a finger gently around the rim of your cup, when a voice sounded besides you, pulling you out of your thoughts, a slight rasp to the otherwise mellifluous voice.

“You gonna drink that, doll, or just stare at it all night?”

You raise an eyebrow at the jest, turning your head, only to have your breath hitch. What a specimen. Ocean blue eyes, fluffy brown curls, cherry pink lips. A white dress shirt is pulled over his broad chest, gray dress pants hugging thick thighs, matching suit jacket across wide shoulders. He has a blue, black, and white plaid tie around his neck and you can see the edges of his blue suspenders under his blazer. He’s put together, but it’s nothing special, a normal Sunday best suit, that much you can tell.

“Uh, not all night.” You look back to the drink, before looking at the clock with a hum, tilting your head playfully. “Maybe another hour.”

He chuckles, gesturing for the bartender. “Tell me this, sweetheart. What is a beautiful dame like yourself doin’ drinking alone?”

“I’m not very good on my feet, I’m afraid.” You laugh nervously, taking a sip of your drink.

“Don’t come here often, then?”

“Only for special occasions.”

“What’s the special occasion this evenin’, sugar?”

You shrug. “My friends dragged me here. They’re practically in love with this guy who’s supposedly playing the piano tonight. James Barnes. Have you ever heard of him?”

He chuckles, a grin pulling his lips upwards. “Yeah. Yeah I’ve heard of ‘im. Not a big fan yourself?”

“I’m sure he’s fine. I just don’t understand the fascination with him. Let the man be.”

“I agree.” He hums with a nod, grabbing the glass of whiskey the bartender set in front of him. “I actually know him.”

“Really?” You look at him in interest.

He tilts his head with a smile towards you that makes you melt. “Yeah. He feels the same. He just likes playin’. That’s all. He didn’t want all the attention. He gets enough without that.”

You raise an eyebrow, finishing off your drink. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. I’m Bucky by the way.”

You eye his hand, grabbing it after a second, letting him bring your knuckles to his lips. “Y/N.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, mama.” He shifts his body more towards you, running a hand through his hair. “You said you ain’t fond of dancin’?”

Shaking your head, you quickly defend yourself, “no, no. I like dancing. I’m just not very good. Got two left feet.”

He smirks, tongue poking out to run over those plump lips of his. “Well, with the right partner, it doesn’t really matter.”

“Are you asking me to dance, Bucky?”

“Not if you’re gonna say no.” He responds with a toothy grin, leaning his elbows on his knees.

You sigh and shake your head. “I’m afraid tonight’s not your night, pal. I just can’t seem to get myself in the mood.”

He hums, leaning back. “Is it the music? Too fast for you?”

“I wouldn’t mind if they slowed it down some, I suppose.”

He smiles cheekily. “I can help with that. Hold on.”

You grin at him, nodding. “I’ll be here.”

Watching him stand and make his way over to the stage, you quirk an eyebrow. He seems to know the band well, if the handshakes and the claps on the back have anything to say about it. He says something to the lead, who nods with a grin, shooting him a wink. Bucky laughs, but you can see a tint of pink dusting his cheeks, making you wonder what they were saying.

He makes his way back over as the band shifts tones, the animated swing changing to a slow jazzy number. Bucky beams at you, holding out his hand as he approaches. “Care to dance?”

You purse your lips, narrowing your eyes, but taking his hand anyways. “How’d you do that? Do you work here?’

“Uh…somethin’ like that.” He states vaguely, leading you to the dance floor with the other swaying couples. Pulling you as close as appropriate, his hands resting politely on your waist, he starts moving you side to side. 

“That’s not ominous.” You place your hands on his shoulders, following his lead as you stare at your feet.

He chuckles, hooking a finger under your chin to lift your gaze. “I’ve gotcha, doll. I won’t let you fall.”

“I’m going to step on your feet.” You explain.

“Nah. You’re doin’ great. You just need to get outta your head. Relax a little. Tell me something about yourself.”

You hum. “Like what?”

“Anything.”

“Uh, okay…I have a roommate who is one of the girls who begged me to come, I’m a secretary - I know, boring - and…I dunno. I like reading.”

His eyes lighten at this. “Reading? Whaddya like to read?”

“Different things. Depends on my mood. I’m re-reading The Hobbit for, like, the twentieth time right now.”

“I love The Hobbit.” Bucky grins, making you smile back. “I read it almost as soon as it came out.”

“Me too! I was planning on reading it tonight but,” you gesture around. “Here I am.”

Bucky lips pull up softly, his hold on your waist tightening ever so slightly as he pulls you closer. “Well, as much as I love that book, I’m glad you came out tonight.”

Giving him a little tease, you tap your chin thoughtfully. “Eh…I think I’d rather be at home.”

He pinches your side gently, making you squeal and squirm. “That hurt, sugar. That physically hurt me. C’mon, mama, your gonna say you aren’t havin’ a good time?”

“I just met you ten minutes ago.”

“Well, sweetheart, if you think we’re movin’ too fast, I won’t introduce you to my folks just yet.”

You laugh, blinking up at him. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Buck.”

The two of you rock for a little while longer, before the band stops, announcing they’re taking a break and a special guest is going to play a little something.

“Maybe James Barnes is here.” You say, a bit of intrigue lacing your tone, trying to see through the crowds of people who started gathering around the stage to catch a glimpse of the charming pianist. “I see why he would be over the attention.”

“Yeah.” Bucky sighs, almost sadly, giving you an apologetic look. “Listen, I’ve gotta go work for a bit, but I’ll be right back.”

You smirk. “So you do work here?”

“Um…kinda. You’ll see.”

You raise an eyebrow at his words, but he’s kissing your knuckles and walking away. You frown, but can’t think more on it when three young women are on you, babbling about their dates.

“Who were you dancing with, Y/N? He was cute!”

You roll your eyes, feeling yourself heat up, and not because of the many bodies in the vicinity. “Just…some guy.”

“C’mon, c’mon! We’ve gotta get a good spot to actually see him!”

You huff, letting the drag you through the crowd, shoving their way towards the front just as a familiar deep voice spoke. 

“Thanks for comin’ out, everyone. I hope your havin’ a good night. Let’s get this hop started, yeah?”

Your eyes widen when you finally catch sight of the man sitting at the piano with a polite smile on his features. He catches your eye and shoots you a wink, before his fingers start flying over the keys. The beam that he gets while tickling the gleaming ivories, his azure eyes lighting up, and you can’t fight the smile you get. He looks so relaxed, so invigorated, that it makes you happy just watching him.

“Oh my God! Weren’t you dancing with him?!” Lucy shook your shoulder obnoxiously, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care, mesmerized with the way he played like it’s the only thing he wanted to do with his life. Which, as you remember his words, ‘he just likes playin’. That’s all.’ you figure it is the only thing he wanted to do with his life.

You just danced with James Barnes…and he’s just as perfect as everyone says.

You’re still trying to wrap your head around it, your friends jumping around you, trying to get every little detail of him from you, when your heart skips a beat and your brain malfunctions. Bucky had started up another song, slower and more intimate, and he’s looking right at you. 

You find yourself doing something you never thought you would; you’re swooning over James Barnes, smiling like an idiot, heat blooming up your neck and flaming your face. And yes, he’s just a man - a human being - with flaws just like everyone else. But he’s a talented and gorgeous man, who has all of New York wanting to fall to her knees to please him.

And now that includes you.

[buckybarnesappreciationsociety]

Jessica Barnes-Jr. CEO

Summary: “Bring Your Kids To Work Day” takes on a new meaning. First, let me set the stage for this hilarious story!

Pairing: CEO Daddy! Bucky Barnes x  Jessica Marie Barnes

OFC: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Wanda Maximoff, Natasha Romanoff, Sam Wilson

Scott Lang and Peter Parker

Word Count: 1,618

Warnings: Mention of death. Also, MAXIMUM fluff

A/N: A huge “thank you” to the incredible prompt goddess, @shy2shot. My motivation sunk to a new low and I couldn’t see my way out. So, I sent her a message for a daddy Bucky prompt. From her recommendation, this fic came to life.  @rebelicious THANK YOU for helping me. ILY! Thank you for reading and comments are always welcome!!!

“Exquisite Designs,” a commercial architectural firm owned by James Buchanan Barnes and Steven Grant Rogers, longtime friends, boasted some of New York’s wealthiest clients. For over 15 years, the firm built some of the most elegant office buildings dotting the skyline in New York City.

Their number one client, Stark and Wilson Land Developing, is in the process of adding a new wing to the Brain and Cancer Research Center at Mt. Sinai’s Children’s Hospital. This project is special to Bucky. His wife, Lillian, died from a brain aneurysm, caused by cancer 3 years ago, leaving behind an adorable daughter with rich brown hair like Bucky and hypnotic amber eyes identical to Lillian’s.

Now 5 years old, Jessica Marie, whose middle name is the same as her mothers, is the light in her daddy’s life. After his wife’s death, Bucky retreated into depression and couldn’t care for Jess properly. Her grandparents stepped in and assisted him. Steve’s position within the company escalated from COO to CEO. Bucky was kept abreast of all dealings and chimed in when needed.

On Jess’ 4th birthday, she and her daddy hopped on a plane and headed to Maui for some much needed alone time. Bucky brought photos and videos of Lillian, for Jess to watch. She only had flickers of her mommy’s memory. Bucky wanted her mother to be more than a fleeting memory.

Page after page of a photo album held heartwarming memories. As best he could, Bucky explained to Jess where her mommy was.

“Daddy, don’t be sad. Mommy is in Heaven. She can see us, just look up.”

Indulging his daughter, Bucky turned his gaze towards the cloudless sky. “Mommy told me to smile and take care of you.” Wrapping her chubby arms around his neck, for the first time, Bucky openly wept in front of Jess.

“Thank you Jess. I love you so much and Mommy is proud of you too. From now on, I’ll spend more time with you, I promise. We’ll go to the park, eat ice cream and play dress up!”

Jumping from Bucky’s lap, Jess danced around the room singing and clapping. She’d been feeling like he didn’t love her anymore. All the little one needed was a constant in her life: her daddy Bucky.

When they returned home, Bucky held a meeting with all staff members present. He unveiled the plans for “The Lillian Marie Barnes Child Care” center. As you could imagine, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, including Bucky’s. The best part, there’s no cost to the family!!! From 1 to 5 years old, employees could visit the daycare center and have lunch with their son or daughter. Moral soared 500%.

BRILLIANT IDEA

WIth the Howard and Maria Stark Children’s Wing on schedule, Peter Parker, Director of Marketing, pitched an idea to Bucky.

Gathered in the spacious conference room were Bucky, Steve, and Peter. Bucky’s executive assistants Wanda and Natalia. Also, Steve’s executive assistants, Maria and Pietro were in attendance as well.

Peter began the impromptu meeting. “Thanks everyone for coming. An idea, brought to my attention by Pepper, peaked my interest. She suggested the “Bring Your Kid To Work Day.” A chorus of yes, oooo’s and ahh’s echoed around the cherrywood table.

Wanda interjected, “Wow, Peter I love the idea. Jess would be the Jr. CEO and Steve’s son, Malachi as COO.”

Maria Hill cooed, “That’s a wonderful idea, Peter! What do you think?” she asked before looking towards Bucky and Steve.

Bucky nodded, “The kids would get a kick out of being Jr. Executives for a day. How about this Saturday? We’d shut the phone system down for a few hours and route all calls to the answering service.”

“Looks like the Rogers family’s going shopping this evening.” Steve beamed with pride.

Peter’s eyes gleamed. “Yes! The kids will have so much fun.”

Bucky asked Wanda to send out a company-wide email informing everyone about Saturday. The replies were overwhelming.

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS

Jessica ran to her daddy’s arms. “Hi sweetheart. How’s my girl?”

“I’m fine daddy. We had a good day in class. I said my ABC’S and numbers.”

“What? My goodness you’re smart!”  Bucky kissed  her cheek, nose and forehead. “How would you like to come to work with daddy on Saturday? You and the rest of the kids will run the company for the day!! How does that sound?”

Unable to contain her enthusiasm, Jess sang, “♪♫I’m the boss, I’m the boss♫♪”

Bucky reminded Jessica, “It’s important to treat your staff members kindly.”

“Okay daddy, I’ll be good.”

“That’s my big girl. Now, time to go shopping for a power suit, briefcase and shoes.”

TIME FOR WORK

Decked out in her suit with her briefcase and phone, Jessica Marie Barnes, CEO, reported for work. Already in boss mode, she greeted her “staff.” “Good morning everyone,” she said confidently.

Cameras clicked as the kids, dressed in business suits and dresses, laughed along with their parents.

Natasha’s daughter, Sage, donned a navy blue pantsuit, white blouse and blue tie. Malachi Grant sported a gray 3 piece suit, powder blue shirt, and striped tie. Other kids wore dresses or snazzy shirts and pants.

Wanda, Sam and Scott gushed over the kids. “Scottie, Mason and Jason are the cutest.” “Thanks Wanda. Thomas is quite handsome as well.”

Parents and kids alike assembled in the lobby. There were about 15 little ones; ages varied from 3 to 5. How much trouble could they get in right?

Bucky addressed the room. “I must admit, this is the best dressed staff in all of New York. Now kids, there’s cookies, fruit and juice boxes in the small conference room. Jessica, you have the floor.”

“Thank you Mr. Barnes,” Jess said. “Good morning. My name is Jessica Barnes but you can call me Jess. It’s time for our morning meeting. Follow me to the small room.”

Everyone applauded as Jess led her friends in for snacks.

Malachi instructed the “staff” to eat while he and Jessica spoke. “Okay, folks. We have a lot of work to do. There’s a meeting with people who want something built.”

One little lady asked, “Mr. Drant, who?”  Malachi replied, “I dunno let’s make something up.”

BIG MISTAKE

Now, whoever decided to furnish snacks, didn’t take in consideration that pastries, fruit and juice boxes contained copious amounts of SUGAR! 3, 4 and 5 year olds hyped up on sugar makes for serious hijinx.

Jess, Malachi, Mason and Jason wandered away from the others and ended up in one of the copy rooms. Mason, with wide eyed wonder, suggested making copies of their faces. How they turned the machine on is one of life’s biggest mysteries. They took turns copying faces, arms and legs. Jason, however, took it one step further. He sat on the machine and took a picture of his bottom.

Next, a group of 3 year olds snuck into a few offices with sticky hands, pressing on the keyboards. Yep, they made a mess.

Not to be left out, Jessica and the gang visited the employee break room. The refrigerator and lower cabinets were raided, devouring sandwiches, chips, Christmas candy, and cookies leftover from an office meeting.

Smeared on the pristine white walls were tiny chocolate handprints, water and orange juice got spilled onto the floor, and a few kids ate too much and threw up. The room was an absolute MESS.

Mason and Jason tried to clean up the vomit by throwing paper towels over the 2 spots. Needless to say, they used an entire roll! Malachi retrieved a mop from the custodian’s closet and attempted to mop the liquid mess from the floor.

Instead of cleaning it up, he slipped, face first, soiling his new suit. Jessica, completely flustered, plopped on the floor in tears.

Checking the conference room, Bucky was alarmed. No kids in sight. Frantic, everyone split up searching for them.

Wanda, Sam, Scott and a handful of parents landed in the break room. Surveying the damage.

Nat gasped, “What the-?” Bucky shook his head. “This is our fault. Unattended kids equals a recipe for disaster. I’ll call the cleaning company.”

Pictures were taken and sleeping little ones snuggled in their parents arms.

Bucky and Steve stood in awe of their Jr. CEO and COO. “Buck, what a mess. Guess I’ll take Malachi home” “Yep!! Jessica’s reign is over.”

The “Bring Your Kids To Work” disaster was a bit hit, for the children. The time had come to clean up and prepare for Monday morning. Hope was that the computer keyboards are cleaned, along with the delightful “copies.” Someone’s in for a major surprise! Jessica Marie Barnes will remember the day forever. She was the “CEO” of her daddy’s architecture firm. In Heaven, Lillian Marie Barnes was their Guardian Angel.

[aslightstep]

19 - Winteriron

I’m not their hero/But that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t brave

This is honestly a little bit away from the prompt.

Song is:

I’m Not Your Hero

“Take a trip with me,” Tony says, collapsing on top of him, grabbing the remote out of his hand before Bucky can stop him and turning off the TV, cutting Megyn Kelly off mid-sentence on another one of the seemingly endless roundtable discussion on the Winter Soldier’s place on the Avengers roster.

At this point Bucky is pretty sure he can do an accurate impression of both sides of the debate. Bucky the Victim vs Bucky the Assassin. Rarely, they get creative and add in the ever popular (and Bucky’s personal favorite) Bucky the poor unstable woobie, those brave Avengers for taking him in, I hear Tony Stark’s dating him, how precious, now lets keep him away from the weapons but no need to lock him up, of course!

(It’s rarely used because its hard to sum the position up in a snazzy caption, you see. Tony calls it the ‘Bucky the Dog’ argument. ‘You’re like a rescue,’ he’d explained. ‘Apparently we need to feed you, house you, but not let you out because you’ve been raised badly and don’t know any better, and might go gnawing off some poor kid’s arm for looking at you the wrong way.’

Tony hated Bucky the Dog.)

“Ignore the crazies,” Tony wheedles. “Pay attention to me.” He makes grabby hands that Bucky grabs up and uses to drag his boyfriend closer. “So take a trip with me?”

“Why?”

“Because I want to take a trip?” Tony says, affecting an innocent expression. “Because the Tower has access to too many 24 hour news channels? For the opportunity of new and exciting places to have sex? Bucky! Stop with the patient eyebrows.” Bucky mouths ‘patient eyebrows’ to himself, shaking with laughter. “It’s a surprise.”

“Oh, God,” Bucky groans. The last ‘surprise’ of Tony’s was a cake filled with strippers. For Natasha.

Tony seems to read his mind and points an accusing finger at him. “You cannot deny that was amazing and she loved it.”

Natasha had loved the strippers. She knew at least eight new ways to bend now.

“Alright,” Bucky agrees, and accepts his boyfriend’s gleeful, slightly sloppy kisses with a smile.

“It’s not an argument of what James Barnes deserves, that’s a complete strawman. It’s a question of what he can handle. The man has had an incredibly difficult life, one that’s produced well documented instances of PTSD and dissociative attacks. This is not a man equipped to handle the kind of stress the Avengers are put under every day-”

“He was a monster, plain and simple. And maybe we can believe Mr. Stark and Captain Rogers here, maybe the monster has been taken out, but what kind of scars did that leave-”

“I mean, in all honesty, how can he ever be trusted? How will we ever know?”

“Hey.” A foot kicks at his own, knocking Bucky out of his miserable recollections.“I know that face. This plane is a That-Face Free Zone.”

He kicks back at Tony. “It’s nothing, Punk,” he says, mustering up some semblance of a smile. It just makes Tony grimace, then crawl over so he can sit beside him.

“How ‘bout just no faces at all?” he asks as he settles. “For a former super spy you have horrible facial control.” Bucky stiffens up beside him and Tony sighs, taking his hand. “James.”

James. That’s all its ever taken from Tony. His name, said in that fond, slightly impatient tone. “James,” Tony had said, finding James in the aftermath of a panic attack that had ended in the destruction of his living room. “James,” he had said when he built a new arm and the first thing Bucky did with it was play fetch with the bots. “James,” he had said when Bucky had finally surrendered and kissed him. “What took you so long?”

Now Tony sits with him, patient, staring out the window so James feels distinctly unenclosed. He hadn’t been like this at the start of their relationship and its nice, sometimes, to think that Bucky has taught him some things, too.

“They’re not wrong,” he finally says, and Tony takes that as his cue to finally turn and look. “The news. I’m a complete mess three days out of five. I remember all of it, everything I did, so it’s all still there in my head. I can’t be trusted.”

“I trust you,” Tony responds immediately. “Am I an idiot?”

“No.”

“No, James, I am very smart.” Bucky smiles painfully and Tony clenches his hand. “Look, you being an Avenger? That’s always your choice. I’m sorry if we’ve pressured you-”

“You haven’t-”

“Oh, we totally have. Especially Steve. But you’ll need to discuss that with him. As for the rest - those vultures have only ever seen skin-deep, trust me on this. If I listened to them, let them dictate my life, I’d’ve ended up face down in a ditch bleeding Patron by the time I was twenty five.”

Bucky pulls his hand away so he can wrap his arm around Tony and hold him close. “You hate tequila,” he mutters, and Tony laughs.

“See? They don’t know anything. All they saw of me was a drunken overgrown fratboy and all they see of you is the Winter Soldier. Thing is, yeah, they’re not wrong every once in awhile, but they never have all the story. The Winter Soldier is not everything you are. You’re Buck, you’re James, you’re Sergeant Barnes.

“And by the way, you’re only a mess two out of five days. At most. The other three?” Tony smiles at him. “You are the best, the bravest man I have ever known.”

“Jeez, Tony,” Bucky breathes, because he never knows what to do with these pep talks. He wants to believe him, but he is constantly surrounded by heroes nowadays, and he is always reminded of his bloody past and how painfully he falls short, how impossible it seems to ever come back from that, even when he sleeps every night next to a man who did just that. He drops a kiss on Tony’s head and leans back into the chair. “So where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise, Buck. A surprise. Your dementia is showing again, old man.”

“I’ll show you old-” Bucky tips his boyfriend over in the seat.

“Oh God, I’m so glad you believe in stubble-”

“Believe? Facial hair’s not like Santa Claus, doll-”

“James.”

They touch down in Washington, DC. Tony takes them to a hotel first to freshen up, which for some reason means busting out the baseball caps and shades for both of them. Then they hope in a car that drops them off at the Mall. Tony leads them to the National Museum of American History and Bucky stops dead.

“The Smithsonian? Tony, I’ve been here before…”

“Yes. When you had just broken your brainwashing. Somehow I’m thinking you weren’t exactly absorbing all that you could.” Tony looks at the ground, the space where Bucky has taken a step backwards, and grabs his hand. “I just wanted you to see something, but we can leave.”

Bucky stares up at the building. The last time he’d been here was a blur of memories without context and a constantly building terror at what had happened to him. He had been scared. But Tony is with him now. “No, I’m fine. Show me.”

The Captain America is as busy as ever, and this time Bucky notices how many of the exhibits bear a tiny inscription under the description: Donated by Howard Stark and the Stark family.

Tony smirks when he notices where Bucky’s gaze is lingering. “Yeah, let me tell you there is nothing quite like meeting the men your dad quite literally collected.” Bucky waits for a moment to see if his smirk goes sharp and sad, but Tony just wanders on. He’d let go of his anger about Howard around the same time he’d let go of his anger towards Bucky.

They stop in front of the glass wall bearing his name, date of death (which bears a new addendum in tiny print of his miraculous recovery in 2016), height, serial number, rank, and a summary of his life. 

“James Buchanan Barnes,” Tony murmurs.

“Five hundred words or less,” Bucky says. He doesn’t mean to sound as bitter as he does, but Tony just smiles sympathetically at him and takes his hand, leading further.

They pass wall after wall of Steve Rogers, Captain America, Brooklyn’s Favorite Son, and American Legend. Bucky can see where the facts have gotten muddled: for example, he knows for a fact that the assault on the HYDRA base on the border of Luxembourg was planned by Dugan, not Steve, and was a smashing success, but facts rarely stand up to myth. “Bet Steve hates that.”

“He does. We’ve been petitioning to make them get their asses in gear and change that for years,” Tony groans lowly. 

Tony tugs him further, further into the exhibit, a part Bucky never visited before, too skittish about lingering last time. There is a wall with a long line of booths cordoned off by black curtains. The Howling Commandos: From the Other Side, a banner reads overhead, and Tony leads Bucky into one. They squeeze onto a seat, Tony puts his arm around Bucky, and then he presses play.

An old man appears on screen, looking to the side as if listening to someone. He nods, and chuckles. “My name is Peter Montcourt,” he says, his French accent extraordinarily thick. “I was nine years old when the Howling Commandos liberated the town of Bayeux from Axis control. My hometown.”

“I had lost a brother, a father, already. My town was overrun with Nazis, Italians. People disappeared during the night, never heard from again. Everyday we heard - it might be you. You might be next.

“Then one night we heard gunfire and explosions and I remember thinking that this was it, they had grown tired of watching us, now they were killing us all. A soldier burst into my house with a gun, and I stood over my mother, but the shot never came. He was gunned down.

“I never met Captain America. Steve Rogers did not liberate Bayeux. He was leading another push. Bayeux was liberated by-”

“It was me,” Bucky breathes, tears in his eyes as he remembers, and Tony’s hand smooths down his arm.

“Sergeant James Barnes. The same James Barnes who gunned down the man who wanted to hurt us. He came into our house after that, he told us who he was and that he was a sniper, and asked us kindly if he could take a position in my room upstairs, because it had good sightlines. We of course agreed. He told us to hide, but I stayed and watched him. He remained calm, and efficient. He never panicked. He was very brave.

The man grows a little teary-eyed. “People do not talk about Bayeux much, because the very same day Captain Steve Rogers freed a POW camp near Lyon. But I do not forget. None of us in this town do. We owe Sergeant Barnes and his men our lives. I was very sorry when he died. He was a good man.”

The video freezes and Bucky lurches forward, pressing his hand against Montcourt’s face. “He grew up, James,” Tony whispers. “Had a family. All because you saved him.”

“I’m not him,” Bucky says hoarsely, tears nearly blinding him. “I’m not the sergeant.”

“Mm. But he is a part of you.” Tony intertwines their fingers. “I just…I wanted you to see, know, I guess, that you are…more than the Winter Soldier. More than whatever they call you. That there’s as much greatness in you as darkness. You were a good person, Buck and…we can’t all be war heroes. Sometimes we’re just victims. It doesn’t diminish you or what you did or what you can do. I’m - shit, I’m sorry, I’m so terrible at this. I just thought you should see.”

Bucky is quiet for a very long time, staring at Montcourt. He remembers that little boy and his mother. He had remained in their home for three days, defending it and taking out enemy soldiers. The woman had brought him food that he never ate. The boy kept him awake with conversation. They had been the brave ones.

He withdraws his hand and places it over Tony’s. “Thank you,” he tells him, and the other man smiles tentatively. “I - I get it.” He isn’t the Soldier or the Sergeant. He’s just Bucky now, with shades of all of them thrown in, but maybe…maybe that isn’t so bad. At the very least, he remembers how to be strong and good. And if he needs a reminder, he has Tony and Steve and the Avengers.

They don’t get to decide what he is or isn’t. Only Bucky does that. And he doesn’t have to be a hero. He can just be…an Avenger.

“Are there more?” he asks, gesturing towards the screen. Tony’s smile goes full-blown and Bucky can’t help it, leaning forward to kiss him soundly. “I love you.”

“You, too,” Tony replies softly, pulling away. The moment goes soft and sweet for a moment, but that was never Tony’s particular style and sure enough he pulls away, his grin going positively wicked. “Ninette three booths down tells a charming story involving you, her, Dugan, my dad, two goats, and a modified washing machine. I would love to hear your version of it.”

Outside the booth an old man is waiting his turn with his wife. He steps aside for Bucky and Tony but freezes dead when he catches a good glimpse of Bucky’s face, looking back over his shoulder at the Barnes Memorial for a moment before turning back. Bucky freezes when the man raises his hand, but he merely salutes.

Bucky returns it, sloppily, then heads for Tony, who has been lowly calling his name: “James.”

[buckybarnesappreciationsociety]

Jr. Executive: CEO For A Day

Summary: “Bring Your Kids To Work Day” takes on a new meaning. First, let me set the stage for this hilarious story!

Pairing: CEO Daddy! Bucky Barnes x  Jessica Marie Barnes

OFC: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Wanda Maximoff, Natasha Romanoff, Sam Wilson

Scott Lang and Peter Parker

Word Count: 1,618

Warnings: Mention of death. Also, MAXIMUM fluff

A/N: A huge “thank you” to the incredible prompt goddess, @shy2shot. My motivation sunk to a new low and I couldn’t see my way out. So, I sent her a message for a daddy Bucky prompt. From her recommendation, this fic came to life.  @rebelicious THANK YOU for helping me. ILY! Thank you for reading and comments are always welcome!!!

“Exquisite Designs,” a commercial architectural firm owned by James Buchanan Barnes and Steven Grant Rogers, longtime friends, boasted some of New York’s wealthiest clients. For over 15 years, the firm built some of the most elegant office buildings dotting the skyline in New York City.

Their number one client, Stark and Wilson Land Developing, is in the process of adding a new wing to the Brain and Cancer Research Center at Mt. Sinai’s Children’s Hospital. This project is special to Bucky. His wife, Lillian, died from a brain aneurysm, caused by cancer 3 years ago, leaving behind an adorable daughter with rich brown hair like Bucky and hypnotic amber eyes identical to Lillian’s.

Now 5 years old, Jessica Marie, whose middle name is the same as her mothers, is the light in her daddy’s life. After his wife’s death, Bucky retreated into depression and couldn’t care for Jess properly. Her grandparents stepped in and assisted him. Steve’s position within the company escalated from COO to CEO. Bucky was kept abreast of all dealings and chimed in when needed.

On Jess’ 4th birthday, she and her daddy hopped on a plane and headed to Maui for some much needed alone time. Bucky brought photos and videos of Lillian, for Jess to watch. She only had flickers of her mommy’s memory. Bucky wanted her mother to be more than a fleeting memory.

Page after page of a photo album held heartwarming memories. As best he could, Bucky explained to Jess where her mommy was.

“Daddy, don’t be sad. Mommy is in Heaven. She can see us, just look up.”

Indulging his daughter, Bucky turned his gaze towards the cloudless sky. “Mommy told me to smile and take care of you.” Wrapping her chubby arms around his neck, for the first time, Bucky openly wept in front of Jess.

“Thank you Jess. I love you so much and Mommy is proud of you too. From now on, I’ll spend more time with you, I promise. We’ll go to the park, eat ice cream and play dress up!”

Jumping from Bucky’s lap, Jess danced around the room singing and clapping. She’d been feeling like he didn’t love her anymore. All the little one needed was a constant in her life: her daddy Bucky.

When they returned home, Bucky held a meeting with all staff members present. He unveiled the plans for “The Lillian Marie Barnes Child Care” center. As you could imagine, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, including Bucky’s. The best part, there’s no cost to the family!!! From 1 to 5 years old, employees could visit the daycare center and have lunch with their son or daughter. Moral soared 500%.

BRILLIANT IDEA

WIth the Howard and Maria Stark Children’s Wing on schedule, Peter Parker, Director of Marketing, pitched an idea to Bucky.

Gathered in the spacious conference room were Bucky, Steve, and Peter. Bucky’s executive assistants Wanda and Natalia. Also, Steve’s executive assistants, Maria and Pietro were in attendance as well.

Peter began the impromptu meeting. “Thanks everyone for coming. An idea, brought to my attention by Pepper, peaked my interest. She suggested the “Bring Your Kid To Work Day.” A chorus of yes, oooo’s and ahh’s echoed around the cherrywood table.

Wanda interjected, “Wow, Peter I love the idea. Jess would be the Jr. CEO and Steve’s son, Malachi as COO.”

Maria Hill cooed, “That’s a wonderful idea, Peter! What do you think?” she asked before looking towards Bucky and Steve.

Bucky nodded, “The kids would get a kick out of being Jr. Executives for a day. How about this Saturday? We’d shut the phone system down for a few hours and route all calls to the answering service.”

“Looks like the Rogers family’s going shopping this evening.” Steve beamed with pride.

Peter’s eyes gleamed. “Yes! The kids will have so much fun.”

Bucky asked Wanda to send out a company-wide email informing everyone about Saturday. The replies were overwhelming.

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS

Jessica ran to her daddy’s arms. “Hi sweetheart. How’s my girl?”

“I’m fine daddy. We had a good day in class. I said my ABC’S and numbers.”

“What? My goodness you’re smart!”  Bucky kissed  her cheek, nose and forehead. “How would you like to come to work with daddy on Saturday? You and the rest of the kids will run the company for the day!! How does that sound?”

Unable to contain her enthusiasm, Jess sang, “♪♫I’m the boss, I’m the boss ♫♪”

Bucky reminded Jessica, “It’s important to treat your staff members kindly.”

“Okay daddy, I’ll be good.”

“That’s my big girl. Now, time to go shopping for a power suit, briefcase and shoes.”

TIME FOR WORK

Decked out in her suit with her briefcase and phone, Jessica Marie Barnes, CEO, reported for work. Already in boss mode, she greeted her “staff.” “Good morning everyone,” she said confidently.

Cameras clicked as the kids, dressed in business suits and dresses, laughed along with their parents.

Natasha’s daughter, Sage, donned a navy blue pantsuit, white blouse and blue tie. Malachi Grant sported a gray 3 piece suit, powder blue shirt, and striped tie. Other kids wore dresses or snazzy shirts and pants.

Wanda, Sam and Scott gushed over the kids. “Scottie, Mason and Jason are the cutest.” “Thanks Wanda. Thomas is quite handsome as well.”

Parents and kids alike assembled in the lobby. There were about 15 little ones; ages varied from 3 to 5. How much trouble could they get in right?

Bucky addressed the room. “I must admit, this is the best dressed staff in all of New York. Now kids, there’s cookies, fruit and juice boxes in the small conference room. Jessica, you have the floor.”

“Thank you Mr. Barnes,” Jess said. “Good morning. My name is Jessica Barnes but you can call me Jess. It’s time for our morning meeting. Follow me to the small room.”

Everyone applauded as Jess led her friends in for snacks.

Malachi instructed the “staff” to eat while he and Jessica spoke. “Okay, folks. We have a lot of work to do. There’s a meeting with people who want something built.”

One little lady asked, “Mr. Drant, who?”  Malachi replied, “I dunno let’s make something up.”

BIG MISTAKE

Now, whoever decided to furnish snacks, didn’t take in consideration that pastries, fruit and juice boxes contained the dreaded SUGAR! 3, 4 and 5 year olds hyped up on sugar makes for serious hijinx.

Jess, Malachi, Mason and Jason wandered away from the others and ended up in one of the copy rooms. Mason, with wide eyed wonder, suggested making copies of their faces. How they turned the machine on is one of life’s biggest mysteries. They took turns copying faces, arms and legs. Jason, however, took it one step further. He sat on the machine and took a picture of his bottom.

Next, a group of 3 year olds snuck into a few offices with sticky hands, pressing on the keyboards. Yep, they made a mess.

Not to be left out, Jessica and the gang visited the employee break room. The refrigerator and lower cabinets were raided. They devoured sandwiches, chips, Christmas candy, and cookies leftover from an office meeting.

Smeared on the pristine white walls were tiny chocolate handprints, water and orange juice got spilled onto the floor, and a few kids ate too much and threw up. The room was an absolute MESS.

Mason and Jason tried to clean up the vomit by throwing paper towels over the 2 spots. Needless to say, they used an entire roll! Malachi retrieved a mop from the custodian’s closet and attempted to mop the liquid mess from the floor.

Instead of cleaning it up, he slipped, face first, soiling his new suit. Jessica, completely flustered, plopped on the floor in tears.

Checking the conference room, Bucky was alarmed. No kids in sight. Frantic, everyone split up searching for them.

Wanda, Sam, Scott and a handful of parents landed in the break room. Surveying the damage.

Nat gasped, “What the-?” Bucky shook his head. “This is our fault. Unattended kids equals a recipe for disaster. I’ll call the cleaning company.”

Pictures were taken and sleeping little ones snuggled in their parents arms.

Bucky and Steve stood in awe of their Jr. CEO and COO. “Buck, what a mess. Guess I’ll take Malachi home” “Yep!! Jessica’s reign is over.”

The “Bring Your Kids To Work” disaster was a bit hit, for the children. The time had come to clean up and prepare for Monday morning. Hope was that the computer keyboards are cleaned, along with the delightful “copies.” Someone’s in for a major surprise! Jessica Marie Barnes will remember the day forever. She was the “CEO” of her daddy’s architecture firm. In Heaven, Lillian Marie Barnes was their Guardian Angel.