Summary: Reader leaves Bucky, giving him he option to find her when he was ready. When he does find her, he learns of depressing news.
Warnings: mention of miscarriage
Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader
Words: 962
A/N: This if for @sebashtiansatan 700 followers challenge using “Real feelings just don’t go away.”
“Sure, Bucky. Whatever,” Y/N grumbled as she grabbed her coat and keys, “You keep telling yourself that I would be better off without you. You know what? You’re the one that insisting that this won’t last, not me. I believe that we could work it out, that we would make it as a couple.” She kissed his cheek and opened the door, turning to him with a sad smile. “You know where to find me when you change your mind.” And out the door she went.
The scene replayed over and over in Bucky’s head for the whole week; he had taken the coward’s way out of that relationship, knowing Y/N was the best he ever had, and there was no way he could even face her again. Especially when he emptied the bathroom trash the day after she left. The white stick with the purple cap was lying in there, out of placed amongst the tissues, random bottle seals, and cotton swabs, calling to him like a beckon. He had to look, didn’t he? It was just as much as his business to know? The result of his curiosity nearly killed him the next few days. Broken metacarpals and jammed fingers from punching the bag too had for too long. Natasha got the better of him during sparring and Steve’s shield nearly took his head off when they were in the SIM room.
“Bucky,” Steve interjected his friend’s thoughts, “I know Y/N leaving was hard, but you have to rather make up or move on. Get your head out of the past so you don’t get killed.” Bucky watched the blond step on the shield, sending the disc upwards to the magnets on his left bracer, filling the room with its metallic sound. “Call her,” Steve urged.
“I can’t,” he muttered, refusing to elaborate on his reasoning. How could he tell his best friend that he let the love of his life walk out on him...pregnant? That she never told him? It would make the soldier become his closeted romantic self and try to reason with both of them, convince them that they belonged together when in reality, Bucky would only bring pain to Y/N and the baby she was carrying.
“She loves you and she’s worried about you, Buck,” Steve muttered, his blue eyes starting get a hint of sadness that for some reason made Bucky want to hit the punk ass in the face.
“If she was, then why did she leave? Why haven’t she called?” He looked with forlorn at Steve, his thumb swiping across his lower lip.
“Real feelings just don’t go away,” Steve offered, “Call her. She’s staying in Wanda’s room if you don’t want to wait. Just go talk to her.”
Bucky didn’t answer, too many thoughts about how badly this could go for him. He just bid Steve goodbye and made his way to his room, hesitating at Wanda’s door as he compleplated of knocking. He was about to walk away when he heard a sniff and what sounded like a sob behind the door. His brow furrowed as his hand went to the knob, turning it slowly. Y/N was on the couch, curled up clutching a blanket to her.
“Y/N?” he whispered, as he knelt down next to her. His hand smoothed her hair as he looked her over. She was wearing a sweatshirt, cuffs over her hands as she held the blanket to her chest. “What’s wrong?”
Y/N looked at him, sniffing as she pulled her hand out of her sleeve to produce a wrinkled tissue to wipe her nose. “I’m…”
“Don’t say fine,” Bucky chided softly, his hand pushing a stray tress of hair away from her face, “you’re not fine.”
She took a deep breath and nodded as she shifted herself to face him fully. “Bucky,” she pretty much choked out, “I have to tell you something.”
“That you’re pregnant?” he whispered, giving her a small smile, “I know. You left the test in the trash when you left.”
“No,” she sniffed, “Bucky...I’m not denying that I am but I’m not...not anymore.” Her eyes wouldn’t leave her fingers as she played with the tissue. It took a minute before he realized wha she said, the meaning with it. the smile fell, as his stomach dropped. He leaned forward and placed a kiss to her forehead, lips lingering.
“Oh, Y/N,” he whispered, his hand finding her hand under the cuff and laced his flesh fingers with hers. “I’m so sorry, baby doll.” There weren’t any words he could utter to make her feel better, or even himself, but he just held her hand and stroked her hair as she started to cry again. “I was an idiot to let you walk out,” he muttered.
“I was an idiot to walk,” she countered with a combination of a sob and chuckle. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you to your face about…” Another choked sob cut her off.
“It’s okay. I’m not mad,” he soothed, “I’m just worried about you. What can I do for you?”
Y/N sniffed and brought his hand to her lips kissing his knuckles. “Just...hold me for a bit, then take me home?” she whispered. He nodded and stood, adjusting her so he could sit on the couch before gathering her in his lap, arms holding her close. “I do love you, that hasn’t changed,” she muttered into his chest.
“Yeah. I heard that real feelings just don’t away,” he replied softly, “I’m sorry if I doubted that. I’ll try my best to help you through this.” He pressed another kiss to the top of her head, letting her dictate when she was ready to leave.
Word Count: 1,132 words.
Summary: You can’t stay put and decide to go out.
Warning(s): idk like angst in the beginning. Fluff. Like one curse word. Bad writing, not proofread
A/N: This is my entry for @sebashtiansatan‘s 700 Follower Celebration. Congratulations, my dear! Thank you for letting me join and sorry the title sucks and if this story sucks and if my writing sucks. Happy reading
masterlist
** gif not mine **
It was rare that you find yourself bored to the brink of losing your mind, especially when your line of work was diving head first into the unknown, consciously aware that what lay behind could rip your soul from its body, where death would be a merciful ending. So when the evils of the world decided to hit the pause button when the last stronghold of HYDRA was practically burned to the ground, the team was rewarded with a long break –one you thought was overdue.
But it took you merely a month and a half before you wished anyone could bark orders at you again. Training was not the same as in the field, though it managed to help you rid some of the restless feeling that resided in your bones. You don’t know why your body just craved to fight, as if the luxury of relaxing was a warning that everything was too peaceful, that something terrible was being planned and you are unaware of it, blissfully ignorant in the confines of the Avengers facility.
It was unnerving.
When yet another weekend comes along with absolutely no plans in your schedule, you heaved yourself up from the comforts of your bed, deciding you’d have enough of being detained in the four walls of your room. Walking towards the common area, you found yourself to be glad that some of your team mates decided to stay at the compound.
Bucky and Sam are too focused in their game as you walk in, passing by their intense session of Mario Kart with a small smile on your lips when you notice their serious faces. You slip between the gap of both men as you greet them.
They only grunted in response.
“You both are unbelievable” you tell them, though it fell on deaf ears.
The friendship between Bucky and Sam more often than not confuses you. Most of the time they’re bickering with each other, arguing over petty things like who ate the last slice of Pizza, squabbling incessantly that you wonder how Steve manages these two.
But then there are times of peace. Times like this, where they’re just playing a game quietly where the funky music of their game is the only noise that’s surrounding the lounge area, without both of them…
“Barnes!” Sam suddenly yells, making you jump in your seat. Your eyes instantly go to the screen just in time to see Bucky’s player throw a round ball before it explodes behind Sam’s character’s vehicle, stopping him from progressing any further. You can see the finish line is just around the far corner.
“You’re cheating right now!”
“I am not!”
“Yes, you are!”
“Dear God!” you finally break, screaming just as loud as they are.
You’re out of your seat in seconds, moments before Steve emerges. He’s about to ask what’s going on but judging by the way your eyebrows are furrowed and Bucky and Sam’s quarrel, he releases a defeated sigh.
He makes his way to the kitchen where you’re standing, trying to be far away from the noise. He gives you a sheepish smile, as if wordlessly saying ‘I’m so sorry for my idiotic friends’.
Honestly, who could stay mad when Steven Grant Rogers is in the room? Your feature softens, the slight scowl turning into a small smile. You’re grateful that Natasha isn’t here –having decided to tag along with Clint somewhere in sunny Spain, or else you would’ve seen that infamous knowing smirk as she wiggles her perfectly shaped brows in your direction. There is no such thing as a secret between you and her; the women’s too good of a spy not to know.
Not to know of your super-secret crush towards the super soldier.
“What are you up to today?” you ask him as he moves to grab a couple of glasses from the top cabinet, before grabbing a carton of orange juice.
“Nothing much. Planned on maybe training the recruits”
“Again?”
He sighs. “What is there to do?”
You could only let out a small laugh. It seems as though you aren’t the only one feeling like this. He pours both glasses before handing you one. You grab it from his hand and take a sip as an idea pops in your head.
“How about we go out?” you ask, acting casual. “Walk around the city, maybe grab lunch –“ you continue before being interrupted.
“I’m in”
It wasn’t even Steve who answered. It was Bucky. He’s leaning with his hands on the kitchen counter, Sam crossing both his arms next to him.
Master spy can’t read that you’re trying to go out with just you and your crush the voice in your head snaps. Not wanting irritation and disappointment to show, you immediately say “Okay, cool. I’ll see you guys in the lobby in 10 minutes” with a smile plastered on your lips. None seem to see that its forced as you walk back to your room to change.
The stroll around the city plan is quickly abandoned just as soon as people go “Dude, no shit! It’s Captain America!” before swarming, wanting his autograph or to take pictures. Some are congratulating him, not forgetting Bucky and Sam as they’re surrounded by fans as well. But you can see Bucky’s slightly uncomfortable with the attention, making Steve and Sam quickly react to escape from the limelight.
“There’s a great bistro a few block from here”
Which is how you’ve all ended up sitting at the far corner. You’re sitting next to Steve, looking at the same menu and deciding what to get for yourselves.
“Oh God. I feel like a third wheel now” Bucky suddenly comments from across the table, seeing how you both are talking about what to get, as if oblivious to the world.
“Same” Sam nods, agreeing from next to Bucky. You could only laugh at them both, handing the waitress the menu set you and Steve were looking at after you’ve placed your orders. You’re about to say something when Steve mumbles quietly “Maybe you guys are”
Everyone snaps up at Steve, who only then realizes that he’s said it aloud. He looks down at you, anticipating you to look at him incredulously. But it’s far from that.
You’re smiling so genuinely and brightly for what seemed like ages that it makes him feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. He can feel the slight heat spreading on his cheeks but he doesn’t care, not when you’re inching closer to him in the booth as you pull his arm to drape around you.
“Now you’re actually third-wheeling us” you surmised, making them both roll their eyes as a response, but it doesn’t stop them from grinning like idiots at the sight of you and Steve.
Word Count: 2.1k {don’t know how to write smaller chapters}
Warnings: None.
A/N: This is my submission for @sebashtiansatan for her 700 FOLLOWERS CELEBRATION, Congratulations Darling. You deserve each and every follower. This one is going to be a short series of 3-5 Chapters’. Gonna keep it all light and fluffy but with some family drama.
Prompt/ AU: CEO!AU
Summary: After being overthrown by his own board, defeated & lost CEO!Bucky travels back to his hometown to find, what he left behind in his quest for success. In the journey back home he meets reader who not only encourages him to rediscover his passion, but also helps him reconnect to his roots.
Tags: Tagging my usual squad @buckyboystan , @dani-si , @dangerousvikings
P.S. : Please do not share my writing on anywhere other than Tumblr w/o my consent. You can also find my writings on AO3.
P.P.S: Images are taken from “Google”, collage made by me.
How did he, end up here?
How the HELL did ‘he’, end up here?
His own board overthrew him!
They called him reckless, egotistical, megalomaniac, and what not!
By now whole world will know the infamous ‘James Buchanan Barns’ is no longer CEO of his own “Inc”. The one he started from his dorm room at MIT with his college senior & best friend Tony Stark.
The moment he launched his first product, the ‘Venture Capitalists’ were running behind him.
Everyone wanted to invest in his Idea.
Everyone wanted to be part of his success story.
Wall street journal had praises for him. He was named youngest CEO in Silicon Valley.
Today they called him megalomaniac but back then when he started he was called Ambitious, most Promising, and the Future of Technology world!!!
He was praised from everywhere he went and he reveled in it.
Ohhh, how he basked in the highs of his success?
The Glory, The Name he created for himself!
How he ripe the fruits of his labor over the years, Biggest mansion in the Silicon Valley, Fastest Cars, Finest Suits, Private Jets, European holiday homes.
And
‘Natasha Romanov’ the Russian beauty!
The infamous Victoria’s Secret Model as his fiancée, he had met her at some ‘After Party’ of a movie premier he was invited to.
They were called the “It Couple” “Power Couple” even had their own ship name too.
They sizzled on the red carpets; all the men wanted to be him and all the women wanted to be her.
Every magazine wanted them on their cover.
Offered millions to feature their engagement photos, people magazine, E! news wrote articles about their engagement party & its preparation.
Who’s who was invited to the “Party” & it was considered to be prestige issue to be on the Guest List.
Champagne was sourced from ‘South of France’ & 7 course meals were planned by most celebrated chef from France, Italy & Japan to deliver most exquisite & scrumptious delicacies to their guests.
Only his childhood friend Steve & his girlfriend Peggy had come to his engagement party.
His parents didn’t come neither did his sister Rebecca & her family. Rebecca had just delivered her 3rd child and couldn’t travel and his parents chose to stay with her to help take care of the older kids while her husband Sam took care of her & their new born.
Deep down he knew they just didn’t want to come; His mother didn’t like Natasha rather approve of her as his life partner.
The argument ensued when he had requested them to come & stay with him as he wanted to introduce his girlfriend to them.
He had told them that he planned to propose her for marriage & asked his mother for his grandmother’s ‘Ring’ the family heirloom.
She had outright said No! There was no room for discussion or way to convince her.
After his father’s intervention the fight was subdued but he knew he didn’t have his parents blessing for this Union.
He just needed to get out of the house so he went to Natasha’s & told her everything, she assured that she didn’t mind not having them her life.
She had been on her own for long time & was more than happy to have just two of them as family. He felt happy & had proposed to her right there without the ring. She said ‘Yes’!
They drank a little too much that night to ‘Celebrate’; eventually he had to go back to his place & make announcement to his parents.
He was arrogant enough to think he could handle his alcohol so drove back, at the turn he couldn’t control the speed & car took a hit at road barricades. Which in made it twist & turn and slam into a truck coming from other side of the road.
He woke up in the hospital with substantial injuries & his left hand being crushed to the point where to get it functioning he had to go through considerable amount of physical therapy.
It still hurt & he had tremors in his shoulder regularly. He had no mobility in the hand when pain was just too much.
His lawyers made best use of his money & reputation to keep ‘Drunk Driving’ off the records, but his father knew drunken driving accidents when he saw one.
‘George Barns’ had retired with a respectable career from NYPD & had seen too many drunk drivers in his life.
His accident drew the last straw in their relationship; his parents were disappointed in his behavior & left him to his own devices the moment he was brought home from hospital.
That was three years ago.
Then ‘Board’ suggested bringing, a helping hand till he was recovered fully, enter ‘Clint Barton’ ever so charming.
The moment man entered his life everything started going downhill. Clint questioned his every move, also second guessed all his decisions, openly.
Clint, had a way to sweet talk into peoples heart until he got he wanted. Always acting modest, trying to charm people with his ever so genuine demeanor.
Barton was street-smart but not ‘Intelligent’. The type of guy who believed in, “fake it, till you make it” with no real talent. “Jack of All, Master of None”.
Clint was the major reason why, he was overthrown from his position & his own company.
He was brought back to his senses when, small a back-pack dropped on him.
There you were standing, next to him in with one heavy bag by your leg and another one you were trying to shove in overhead compartment.
The moment you realized what had happened you clasped your hands to your mouth and dropped another bag in your hand on him.
This time he cursed loudly “What the fuck?”
“I’m sorry”, you replied as you picked up your bags.
He just shot you annoyed looks but didn’t respond.
Your repeated apologies towards him, he just groaned without looking at you. As you picked bigger bag and managed to shove it over his head.
You shoved the other heavy bag under the seats.
You were looking at your ticket and seat number to make sure you had correct information.
“Ummm, sorry but you’re in my seat” you told him.
He just made noncommittal noise, you were guilty disturb him already so you just tried to get past him as effortlessly as possible.
Just when your ass was in his face, your phone in back pocket started ringing.
“Ohh, Dear God” his temper rose.
“Sorry” you apologized again while answering your phone.
“Where the fuck, are you?” “Did you reach, in time?” guy spoke through speaker.
“Calm down Peter, just reached was about to sit when you called” you replied.
“Wait, let me find my headphones, you’re on speaker” you said.
“Aaaarg, you need to change your phone” Peter responded.
“Shut up, idiot I don’t have money for it” you replied as you tried to locate them in bag in overhead compartment.
The stranger was definitely irritated since, your stomach was on the side of his face now. He just cursed under his breath.
“You didn’t have to travel to all the way out there & spend all your savings to buy that server, then you could buy a decent phone” Peter retorted “Did you get it by the way?”
“Fuck off; We HIT a Jackpot, it’s in the best condition! Wait till you see it” you grumbled as you connected headphones.
Just when you again tried to slide past other passenger the trained moved and you fell into his lap.
“What the Fuck” the stranger had lost it by now and was giving you death glares.
You on the other hand were just, gawking back at his blue eyes and beautiful face. Completely entrapped by his gaze you just sat in his lap.
“Do you mind moving?” he asked you in rather rude tone.
“Ohh, am really sorry” you apologized thousandth time.
“Yeah, you keep saying that” he retorted “But here we are”.
You just shot up and finally settled in the window seat.
“Are you still there? What happened?” peter asked.
“Nothing Pete, will call you in the morning.” You replied “Just be at the station to pick me up”
“You got it, see you. Have safe journey” with that Peter disconnected the call.
You were just calming yourself, with what had happened. You could feel your co-passenger brooding by your side.
Now you were completely annoyed with him, as well. First off he was in your seat, and then he was being complete jerk to you.
You tried ignoring him, so you put on some songs and looked through window.
As time passed you decided that before you fell asleep for the night, you could make yourself some sandwich and make hot chocolate from the milk you brought in the thermos.
When you moved, you saw from corner of your eye that your co-passenger was cursing at his phone, clearly it was dead.
You just rolled your eyes, pulled power-bank from your back-pack and handed it over to him.
He was little taken aback but mumbled faint ‘thanks’.
You removed bread, peanut butter & jelly jars, disposable cutlery and started making sandwiches.
Just when you were about to take a bite you heard sound of growling stomach, you looked in the direction of the sound.
He tried to look away but he was indeed hungry, after all he had today, was his morning coffee.
You just slide other half towards him while eating yours, & started making more.
He was surprised by your kind gesture after all he had nothing but a jerk to you but, he would exchange pleasantries later.
Right now he was really hungry.
As he took first bite, taste of peanut butter & jelly struck a chord in his heart.
It just felt like ‘Home’, really familiar.
There was no way this regular breakfast snack was his mother’s recipe or made by her for that matter!
Back in the day this was his ultimate ‘comfort food’. When he moved to college, his mother used to make Jars of chunky peanut butter & jelly, which he used to relish, during his midnight study sessions.
As he was down his memory lane, you slide some more sandwiches & hot chocolate in paper cup towards him.
This time he said thanks loudly, you just nodded.
Once done, you just cleared everything and snuggled in your jacket. He also started to lean into his seat and closed his eyes.
Vibrating phone in your pocket woke you up, you tried to move but there is a weight on you.
When you open your eyes your co-passenger is sprawled on you. You tried to push him away gently when he opened his eyes.
Clearly not coherent about his surrounding, he looked at you questioningly; you just shrug and answer your phone.
“Hey, where are you?” “Have you reached yet?” ”Why didn’t you, answer your phone sooner?” “Did peter reached to pick you up?” the person on the other side doesn’t give you time respond.
You just roll your eyes, “relax Dude, am yet to reach, Pete will be there to pick me up; just woke up” answering in one breath.
“Don’t dude me, just come straight here when you reach” he waits for your bye and then hangs up.
You stretch yourself and try to see where you reach, just then someone asks question and you turn in the direction of the sound.
“Where is this train going exactly?” he asks you
“Seriously?” you asked surprised “you traveled for overnight journey and you don’t know the Destination?”
“Well, was not in a state to think!” he replied “Don’t even remember how I got here, just needed an escape”
“We are headed to New York” you informed him.
He looked little shaken, his subconscious brought him Home? Why?
Just when he was having some kind of internal conflict, train started to slow down. You scurried to gather your luggage.
“Will you be alright?” you asked forehead creasing in worry lines.
“Guess so” he just snorted.
“Well, then. Goodbye” you stretched your hand.
He shook it, “thanks for everything” he said gratefully.
Word Count: 3.9k {Hopefully chapter will justify the length}
Warnings: None
Summary: After being overthrown by his own board, defeated & lost CEO!Bucky travels back to his hometown to find, what he left behind in his quest for success. In the journey back home he meets reader who not only encourages him to rediscover his passion, but also helps him reconnect to his roots.
A/N: Thank you all for overwhelming response to this story, You can catch up on first chapter below. *kiss & hug* to all the ones who liked and re-blogged;
This one is a long chapter, but just it’s felt important to give insights to the character's history that are involved or more significant to Bucky‘s journey in this story. We also get insights into reader's life and how she is involved with people related Bucky.
Please leave me comment or Reblog or an Ask, would love to here from you if you’re enjoying the story. Thanks once again for reading.
Part 1
Prompt/ AU: CEO AU
Tags: Tagging my squad plus people who requested through asks and comments, strike-through means couldn't tag you please change your ‘Visibility’ settings. if you wished to be tagged from next part please send an ask :) :D
If I forgot to tag you, please know it was not intentional. You can resend ask for it. :-)
P.S. : Please do not share my writing on anywhere other than Tumblr w/o my consent. You can also find my writings on AO3.
P.P.S: Images are taken from “Google”, collage made by me.
The train came to halt, just as you dragged your bags towards the door. You were about to call Peter when you got down at the platform, when he came running towards you, MJ following close behind.
“Y/N, you made it” Peter said hugging you
“Hey Babe, had good journey?” MJ asked as she gave you a quick side hug too.
“Yeah! Just exhausted. I want coffee and shower”, you replied
“Well that has to wait; Tony just threw a fit when I told him where you went.” Peter said “We need to head to his place first”
You sighed and said “Yeah okay.”
Just when you turned to pick up bags you saw Bucky getting down, his phone ringing. He was looking completely Lost.
“Whoa, is that?” Peter’s voice trailed
“Yup, he is”, you replied “Sat next to me the whole journey, he seems lost though. Didn’t know where he was going or how he got there.”
“Well, of course. Poor Guy” MJ replied
You looked at her quizzically.
“His board overthrew him yesterday it was all over the NEWS, They appointed that Clint Barton as new CEO.” She informed you, of course she knew!
She was aspiring Journalist.
“Ohh! No wonder he looked so beat up.” You said
“You think we should tell you know?” Peter asked
“What’s the point? Don’t think he is planning to show up on their door step.” You said
“He is looks HOT though, did you click a selfie with him at least.” MJ asked
To this both Peter & You rolled your eyes
“No, just fell in his lap and shared my food as apology”, you said innocently
“You WHAT?” Both of them screamed making you jump a little.
As three of you made your way to exit you explained them events of last night. They just laughed.
Bucky made his way out of the station; still unsure, of his next move! His phone was ringing continuously, but he was not ready to answer the world as of yet.
He sat in the cab looking outside, admiring the City Life passing by.
You reached an old four story Redbrick building, you kept the bags in MJ’s car and made your way to Tony’s workshop.
As you entered, you met Pepper on her way out.
“OMG Y/N, darling good to know you’re alright. Don’t you ever go anywhere without telling us” She says in mock anger as she hugged you tight and continued
“Am rushing out late to courthouse, see you at dinner. Don’t be late” said bye to all three of you.
“You are grounded” Tony said from behind the paper he was reading.
You just rolled your eyes at him, “I’m 21, we don’t live under the same roof anymore, again I’m 21 that means I’m adult in this free country”
Tony huffed in annoyance “Don’t talk to me like that.”
“You very well know you’re not allowed to go out of this City and you crossed states without so much of a text; and to do what exactly diving some dumpsters” he accused.
“Ohh, C’mon!” you retort,
“If had asked you, you would have said No! So had to sneak out”
Peter & MJ were just looking between the two of you like it was a tennis match.
“Of course, would have said No! It’s a brutal world out there, not safe for young girls like you”
Tony said, you rolled your eyes again.
“I gave third degree to Peter here, to spill your whereabouts’. Sometimes I don’t like that you guys are thick as thieves” he gave annoyed looks to you three.
You just threw head back and raised your hands in surrender,
“Hence, didn’t inform you!!!”
“You always overreact” you said & Tony huffed
“Well did you at least find what you were looking for?” Tony asked now coming to you and giving you side hug.
“Yes, sure did!” you said proudly, as you hugged him back.
“I’m glad you’re Ok, Kid. Don’t do that to your OLD man again.” He said fondly looking into your eyes,
“I couldn’t sleep last night, I love you kiddo. More than my life” he confessed.
“Well, first of all stop calling yourself OLD, Dear Brother” you said as Tony laughed
“And secondly, I love you too Tones, to the moon and back” Tony blushes and turns away from you to hide his watery eyes clearly.
“Well, if the happy reunion is done. We should get going.” Peter interrupted,
“Aunt May will be waiting for us and you need that shower”
“Ok, don’t forget about the dinner kiddo. I want to hear all about your escapade” Tony winked at you.
“Ohh yeah, you should totally tell him about your train journey back… here”,
MJ’s voice died down as you glared at her and Peter made ‘cut-it out’ gesture at her.
“Why what happened?” Tony’s voice laced with worry.
“Nothing, nothing important” You hurried the other two out of the door,
“See you at dinner” you waved goodbye.
“Phew! That was close” Peter said.
“Seriously, you guys not gonna tell him about Barnes?” MJ asked
“Not really, it’s not like he is going to be there at the house?” you shrugged
“Yeah, from what y/n told us, think he’ll be heading straight back to where he came from” Peter said
“Well, if you believe so!” she shrugged and started the car.
---------------
The cab came to halt, bringing Bucky out of his thoughts, he was lucky to have some cash on him so he paid the driver.
As he got down in front of the two story house, he was hit with nostalgia.
His parent had moved to this house when he was two years old and Rebecca was not even a month old.
His mother Winfred fondly known as Winnie didn’t like the rough neighborhood of their apartment building.
When George received promotion as Station Chief & Winnie told she was pregnant with second child, they bought the house immediately.
Couple liked that the neighborhood, it was all modest working class families, with kids that played in front yard, rode their bikes on the road that passed through the houses.
George had met Winnie at the ER of local hospital, when he brought some GSW victim in his police car. He was instantly awestruck by her empathy & compassion. She was a nurse after all but had certain gentleness that was well suited for the job.
The first day they moved to the house, their neighbor was heading out to her job with kid as old as their son on her hip.
Sarah Roger’s was a military widow, who lost her husband year before, in a rescue mission gone wrong.
She becomes instant friends with the couple as their boys become best friends.
Sarah worked at a local factory made decent income to put food on the table & saved her husband’s military pension for her son Steve’s future.
The house she lived in belonged to Steve’s paternal grandparents left to him after his, father’s death.
Just when Bucky was about to climb the staircase, he heard child wailing & a man’s scolding.
“That is exactly why I told you not to jump two stares at once, Sarah” man said.
Bucky’s head turned towards the familiar voice “Steve”? He asked.
“Bucky?” Steve looked genuinely shocked but just then infant in his hand started crying.
He bounced the baby in hand while little girl pulled at his pants.
“Just a minuet Sarah, your brother is crying” Steve told little girl,
who was now peeking from behind her father’s leg as he talked to the stranger.
“How are you?” Steve asked Bucky still bouncing his baby.
“Well, am ok I guess!” Bucky said, “You had a baby”? asked to his friend
“Ahhh, two babies!” Steve corrected, “This little troublemaker is 3 and this is Grant 4 months old.” He added proudly.
“Didn’t know you were coming home? Ma or Pops didn’t say anything” Steve enquired.
“Ohh, umm, didn’t exactly plan my visit.” Bucky said.
“It’s a kinda surprise, not a happy one I guess, more of an unplanned visit.” Bucky struggled to get words out.
“It’s ok. I figured, but they are, I mean no one’s home; I think” Steve told him.
“You want to come freshen up? Then you can go with me, I was just heading out to my studio.” Steve said.
“Uhhh sure, I don’t want to be inconvenience. I mean it’s unannounced and well you look busy. I’ll wait for them here.” Bucky pointed at the porch chair of his parents’ house.
“It’s no bother Bucky, don’t be so formal. Come on in.” Steve said as Sarah was now running back towards the house.
Steve expertly opened the door, took his daughter’s bicycle in one hand and gestured his friend inside.
“Wow, life for you changed”, Bucky remarked.
Bucky briefly remembered the argument that transpired right after they graduated from high school & Steve had informed his mother and Bucky’s parents that he had listed in Military and wanted to follow his father’s footsteps.
How Sarah had begged Steve, not to go as, she didn’t want to lose her only child. George & Winnie too raised their concerns but Steve was determined.
He did couple of tours in Afghanistan & got seriously injured in a US-UK joined mission where he met Dr. Peggy Carter who saved his life with minimum resources in the middle of nowhere.
Due to the injury Steve retired with honors, love was too strong to ignore between Steve & Peggy so she quit her job and followed him to States.
Years of hardship & loneliness took toll on Sarah; she suffered from heart condition and passed away not long after Steve moved back.
“Yes it has. Was lucky to find Peggy. She changed my life for better no for best.” Steve smiled fondly.
“Where is she?” Bucky asked
“She is at the hospital. She works as trauma surgeon at the same hospital, where your Ma used to work.” Steve says proudly.
“Bathroom is down the hall on your left, you should be able to find towels in the cabinet behind the door” Steve continued,
“Will find you some cloths” As he put grant in the make shift crib & Sarah in high chair in the kitchen.
Steve went got him a t-shirt, sweats, & a jacket. Knocked the door and handed it to him.
When Bucky came out, Steve was in the kitchen; coffee brewing and had started on breakfast for Bucky.
No matter how much time & issues past Steve was never the one to hold grudges and Bucky was grateful for that.
He hoped, others will be this welcoming or forgiving towards him; though he knew it was a long shot he still wished.
Steve pulled him out of his thoughts when he put a plate full of scrambled eggs, pancakes & mug of steaming coffee.
“So, how have you been?” Steve asked
“Okay, I guess” Bucky responded as he dug into the food in front of him, when he gazes up his friend is, looking at him intently.
Trying to decide, what to say next.
“You know, am here for you right?” Steve tells him
“Yes, I know. It’s just that…” Bucky’s voice trails.
“You don’t have to tell me anything right now, I’m just glad you’re here” Steve said.
Bucky snort, “Don’t even remember, how I got here”,
“one moment was fuming & leaving the office and suddenly was brought back to reality when a stranger dropped her bag on me” Bucky told his friend.
“Poor kid, I was such a jerk to her, she helped me charge my phone & shared her dinner with me” Bucky said remembering.
“Well, it’s always good to find kindness in strangers” Steve replied.
“So what are your plans? While you’re here?” he asked Bucky.
“Seriously, I don’t know dude, as I said have no idea what to do or where to go” Bucky said
“It’s okay to take a break, may be all this will give you time to get a perspective” Steve offered
“Huh, may be” Bucky exhaled.
“Well Ma & Pops are not coming back anytime soon, so if you’re up for it you can come with me to my studio & we can catch up” Steve said
“Else you can rest in guest bedroom”
“No, wouldn’t feel comfortable doing that.” Bucky said his discomfort evident.
It breaks Steve’s heart to see his carefree, cheerful, flamboyant friend act like lost puppy; it’s as if he is meeting a Stranger.
“Well, ok then. You can come with me to my studio” Steve announces.
Steve took the plate & mug to sink, took Sarah out of her highchair.
“Ohh I forgot my phone in the jacket, let me get it.” Bucky said
“Sure, you can hang your clothes in the closet below the staircase”, Steve pointed
Steve went to living room, to get his kids ready to go out.
Just then someone knocked on the door, Steve went to answer,
“Hey Steve, sorry I don’t have a key; can we keep these bags at your place, we will take them in the evening” you said in one breath.
“Ohh Hello to you too, Y/N” Steve sassed,
“Good to know you’re alive!”
“Ohh good god, would you all please STOP exaggerating” you groaned, Peter just laughed from behind.
“Guess, you already met Tony, huh” Steve laughed.
“Sure you can keep them here, am just heading out to Studio” he informed you.
“Thanks see you then” you gave him a hug and blew kisses to Sarah who just waved.
“Who was that?” Bucky asked coming out of the bathroom.
“Ohh, just neighbor’s kids” Steve said dismissively.
Bucky found it odd but didn’t push.
“You ready?” Steve asked him
“As ready as I could be” Bucky said
“So how’s everyone?” Bucky asked
“That’s a loaded question” Steve replied
“Okay, so let’s start simple? What is it that you do now days?” Bucky asked as Steve locked door and they made their way to his studio.
“Well, you know had to retire military due to the blast injuries I survived while on mission?” Steve asked & Bucky nodded to continue.
“After that came home to Ma being bedridden and me trying to survive PTSD; Peggy was still stationed in middle-east with minimal to no communication, But still picked on my symptoms and asked me to find help” Steve told his story,
“Started therapy, well there are Centre’s for retired officers to survive and settle back in civilian life; met lot of struggling people like me, by then Ma was in worst shape, was so helpless, so lonely, your parents helped of course so did Becky and Sam, But it was Peggy who gave me sense of home again. She moved here just before Ma passed away, at least they got to meet” he smiles at the fond memory.
“Then Peggy encouraged me to draw again, once I found my solace in it she steered me towards getting college education.” Steve informed.
“We found out about pregnancy right before we came to your engagement, it was the best thing that happened to me; Sarah is the ray of sunshine, she made me want to be a better human being, better man. We got married in the City Hall, Ma & Becky made special dinner and Sam was my best man” Steve smiled again.
Bucky’s heart was clenching with happy & sad emotions at the same time. He had missed so much; he was not there for his best friend’s life’s best & worst moments.
“Sorry didn’t invite you, I mean it was so abrupt; just us & couple of friends” Steve explained when he saw Bucky’s pained expression,
“Didn’t want to make you fly all the way down here for such small affair” Steve said.
“You have nothing to be Sorry for, am the one who should apologize.” Bucky responded,
“Have missed so much in my life, just left everyone and everything behind and for what?” Bucky asked although it was a question to himself more than anyone else,
“You know no one tells you the consequences of you choices, downside of success” he sighed but gestured his friend to continue.
“Well after that, took artwork more seriously; started sketching and more detailed art work but not just on paper. More like on things, like tiles, crockery, wall paint, personalizing gadget covers, etc. Have done couple of ‘Tattoo’ designs for friends as well.” he laughed shaking his head,
“Have my own ‘website’ and everything” says in disbelief.
“Do some freelance designing for Tony, he remodels bikes & car’s both new and vintage” Steve said then paused,
“Tony?” Bucky asked “As in Stark? Tony Stark?”
Steve nodded “Yeah!”
Silence fell between the two men.
“When was the last time the two of you talked?” Steve probed.
“It’s been years” Bucky confesses,
“To be honest, we never talked after the fight we had where he told me he didn’t want to continue our path to Silicon Valley” Bucky had anger & sadness in his eyes.
“Did you ever ask him why?” Steve probed
Bucky gave him a curious look, “Why what?”
“Why he didn’t want to continue? Why he chose to leave promising career like that? Why he chose a simple life? Why he didn’t continue his father’s legacy?” Steve asked.
“Well yeah, once or twice! But you know how difficult it is to get anything out of him” Bucky said defensively.
“May be you didn’t try harder” Steve said with little hard expression.
“Ohh, so everything is always my fault?” Bucky asked little loudly.
Sarah tugged on her father’s hand after sensing the tension, showing discomfort towards the stranger’s raised voice.
Steve composed his face immediately, looking at her with gentle smile to show everything was fine.
Bucky just realised his mistake, “Shit, sorry”
Steve just nodded.
They fell in comfortable silence, Bucky just matched his friend’s footsteps.
Steve on the other hand talked to his daughter about what they’ll do today when they go to studio and she was bouncing with excitement, about the idea of hand painting and some other masterpiece she will be creating with her father.
No matter the mood Bucky couldn’t help but admire his friend, it was like he was meant to be a family man, great father. Just like his, own father!
Subject of Tony brought lot of memories back; Bucky briefly remembered how he met him at a midnight hacking session, in one of the dorms common area.
It was 2am but felt like, 7 in the evening. Everyone cheering, screaming and taking shots of tequila.
“Eat my ass Stark” Justin Hammer screamed from other side of the table. Slamming his headphones and cursing loudly.
“Ohh, but would rather eat your girlfriend’s” Tony sassed & winked.
Everyone laughed as Justin lunged forward at Tony’s throat but ‘Happy’ restrained him.
It was regular Wednesday night where someone dared someone to do something really stupid & not get caught.
‘Happy’ had dared anyone who was interested to hack into Pentagon’s servers, just jump the firewalls without getting caught.
Catch, was it should get detected but not tracked and before doing so you had to down 6 shots of tequila.
Tony asked “Anyone else wants to beat my record?”
“No one?” he sassed,
“C’mon anyone? Will announce you winner if you beat me even if by a second” he continued,
“I’ll do it, in half of your time & with 7 tequila shots” Bucky said as Tony turned towards him.
“Ahhh, the newbie Barnes is it?!” Tony asked
“Yes” Bucky nodded while taking the first shot everyone roared.
“Sure, be my guest” Tony
Although they had many classes together, due to Bucky taking advance classes; they never really spoke to each other.
There was an unsaid completion between the two in all classes and they tried to beat each other every class.
Just as Bucky took his last shot, he cracked his knuckles and started his work, what looked like only couple of minutes and he said “Done!!!”
“What its less than half time of Stark”, Happy said in disbelief
“Guess got the late start” Bucky winked with arrogant smirk
“Wow, newbie” Tony appreciated “Finally, MIT gave admission to someone intelligent other than me”
“Bucky” Barnes introduce himself giving hand to Tony
“Tony” Stark shook his hand.
And that was the start of the brightest friendship ever. Both Bucky & Tony were crazy braniac’s who loved to challenge each other and develop apps & gadgets.
When Thanksgiving came Bucky invited his new best friend over to his house, as Tony told him he didn’t enjoy going home since his parents were in an unhappy marriage where mother was a trophy wife and father was typical successful business man who spent more hours in office than in his house.
Love between the two was dead long gone and all there was left was bitterness & resentment which they showed to each other every chance they got.
Tony’s perspective towards ‘life’ changed after that holiday. He saw a happy couple who kissed, hugged & appreciated each other; siblings who took jab at each other but quickly teamed up against their parents, childhood friends who knew all the secrets and neighbors were the extended family.
A mother who fussed over her children, who’s warmth just radiated not only for her own but all the children in the house;
A father who’s tough demeanor resolved moment his daughter hugged him and blushed when she called him her hero.
Tony gravitated towards the family so much that he would give up his fortune just to have this all to himself.
By end of the holiday Tony was part of Barnes family & he truly loved them all.
Later in the term, Bucky & Tony decide to release their new software in the market; it was a huge success.
Tony was adamant not to take any help from his father which Bucky agreed.
Soon they captured attention from Silicon Valley & venture capitalist were running behind them;
Then between the term Tony received a call from his mother that his father suffered a heart attack& was fighting for his life.
Howard Stark passed away within a week & left Tony with lot of mess than he could handle.
That moment Tony decided to give up, on his dream to become of entrepreneurship and adapt to simple life.
He appointed his childhood friend Rhodes as sole entity to care of his father’s business and moved to New York.
Bucky & Tony had a huge fall out over Tony’s decision where Bucky pleaded him to change his decision but efforts were fruitless.
Just then Steve brought Bucky out of his reverie when they stopped in front of a four story Redbrick building.
Bucky saw a beautifully crafted board with initials “S & G” in Gold metal emboss above huge glass display & double doors .
He admired the board and beautiful display in awe. His friend truly was a talented artist.
“It’s supposed to signify both past and future” Steve said when Bucky gave him the questioning look,
“The Tree on the board, it has strong roots which indicate the past or the start & flowers and fruits they are the future…” explain to his friend.
A/N: This is my submission for @sebashtiansatan for her 700 FOLLOWERS CELEBRATION, Congratulations Darling. You deserve each and every follower. This one is going to be a short series of 3-5 Chapters’. Gonna keep it all light and fluffy but with some family drama.
Summary: After being overthrown by his own board, defeated & lost CEO!Bucky travels back to his hometown to find, what he left behind in his quest for success. In the journey back home he meets reader who not only encourages him to rediscover his passion, but also helps him reconnect to his roots.
P.S. : Please do not share my writing on anywhere other than Tumblr w/o my consent. You can also find my writings on AO3.
P.P.S: Images are taken from “Google”, collage made by me.
