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Bucky hummed in reflective sleepiness, his blue eyes cracking open as he felt daylight shimmer across his skin, a new day approaching and yet he didn't harbour any reservation or indifference to the world around him. In the past he would have ignored texts from Sam, contacted Yori or found a way to distract himself from the endless thoughts swirling in his mind. But now he felt refreshed, calm and intrigued by the world around him, he might go and do further repairs on the boat, go for a ride on the motorbike he fixed up. Sam had helped him find a bike at a second hand garage, thought it needed work done it was no trouble for Bucky. Giving him a distraction to work on, mobility to get around and allowing him to go on drives alone to clear his head. For once he had experienced a night of peaceful rest, his mind wandering to fantastical dreams conjured by his own mind, reminiscent of his adolescence before he became a soldier and Hydra repressed his memories. A brief moment where his mind and body were calm, instead of anxiety plaguing his thoughts and leaving him in a cold sweat. Free of the trauma he had been forced to relive since regaining his mind, no memories of Hydra, no memories of his crimes of the winter soldier, of the victims, he had harmed during that time of his life. A peaceful sleep of nothingness, something he didn't think was possible anymore, his body feeling lighter, his conscience unburdened.
He heard some clamouring in the background, averting his gaze in the direction of the noise, he was used to the silence, due to living in isolation since the aftermath of the snap. He was used to living in companionship but unpleasant sounds were not something Bucky welcomed into his life, after numerous unpleasant surprises in his past. He'd learned to be cautious and wary, knowing that danger was always lurking in the background. No longer did he look over his shoulder to watch out for trouble, but he was always instinctively prepared for what may try and jump out at him. His gaze falling upon Sam's nephews messing around with Steve's old shield, having become curious and checking out the shield. Surely they would have seen it in the past being wielded by Walker, but never in person. This would be like something out of a comic book to them, a dream come true. Wanting to touch it for themselves to see if it was real. But Bucky knew all too well it was, the same one Howard had created back in the 40's, memories of his past life. The man he used to be, the man before he was broken, the boy who still had hope, naive, innocent and happy.
He chuckled to himself, they had no idea he was even awake "Hey" he called in amusement, raising his hand to signal they had been noticed. The kids panicked, dropping the shield abruptly and scattering from the room, hoping not to get caught. This was the first time in a while he had woken to the sound of children's laughter, reflecting upon when he awoke in Wakanda to see some of the local children watching him sleep. Causing Bucky to chuckle further, adjusting his position. He felt something shift atop him and fluttering warmth filled his chest, smiling adoringly at the figure sleeping beside him. This was a sight he would never grow sick of, wishing and wishing she was by his side in Madripoor. Now she was here, she was warm and she was real. Nat was curled up on the sofa atop his body like a deadly sleeping kitten, she was the epitome of approach with caution. Soft snores escaped her lips as she remained undisturbed, showing how much she trusted him. Around anyone else she would have been restless or already awake. Her messy red hair falling in front of her face delicately, after defeating Thanos she'd grown it out and allowed her natural red hair to return. One of her hands gently gripping his shirt, preventing him from leaving without her knowledge. Resting comfortably atop his chest, sleeping to the sound of his heartbeat, one leg intertwined with his own. The outline of her lace panties flashing through the blanket covering them both, causing him to smirk mischievously, allowing his gaze to roam. Her jeans and shirt discarded on the floor beside them, crumbled into a pile of mismatched belongings. Having borrowed a shirt from Bucky before they went to bed, seeking something personal of his after being separated from him. Scent was something personal, primal, as though he was part of her, which turned him on like crazy. He loved seeing her in his clothes, given how much she had worried over him, having one of his shirts brought her comfort.
After Zemo escaped to the Sokovia memorial, wanting to make peace with his demons by being able to bid goodbye to his family. Bucky had tracked him using the help of Ayo and the Dora Milaje, handing him over to their jurisdiction where he would remain imprisoned on the raft. Finally reclaiming the shield back to Sam's rightful ownership as wished by Steve, after regaining it by force from Walker. Bucky had then left, knowing he had to make amends with others, fixing the messes he had created along the way. After finally making peace with Ayo and having his arm repaired after the fight with Walker, no longer carrying burdens on his shoulders. Bucky had returned to Sam's house, the only place he could turn to, knowing Sam would listen and he could breathe easier. Getting away from the city, the eyes and the fear which had kept him chained. Sam had sat up with Natasha, sensing her worry about Bucky being missing, waiting for him to show up. Hating the idea of him being alone, after hearing he'd been roughed up by Walker in battle and his arm had been damaged. Bucky was a super-soldier, his body worked differently, but that didn't mean he was immune to harm like everyone else. Though she appeared level headed and blank-faced to everyone around her, he was able to recognise the small symptoms of anxiety she exhibited. Her body language being tense, constantly on guard around others and patrolling the house like clockwork. Defensively folding her arms, gripping them to her chest and her gaze always miles away, her smile never reaching her eyes. Always watching out of the window, pacing, distracted. Comforting her that Bucky would be ok, he didn't belittle her concerns or try to play it off that Bucky was fine. But he tried to distract her before her worry ate her alive, doing her body damage. She had helped babysit Sam's nephews and helped with dinner, finding a sense of calm that eased her.
When Bucky finally appeared the next morning helping to unload the trucks, stunning everyone with how casually he carried objects far beyond normal limits. Natasha had appeared on the docks, appearing like a ghost before them, nobody hearing her coming. Steely-eyed and watching him patiently, yet the tension in the air, the emotions flowing from her were palpable. Sam and the others watching the tense reunion and expecting Bucky to get his ass kicked by Natasha for worrying the shit out of her. He'd seen her fight him in Winter Soldier mode and hold her own, the battle at the bridge, when Zemo triggered him using the Hydra code words, holding her own at Wakanda. He was more than prepared to see them go toe to toe and betting on who would win. Bucky flashed her a soft apologetic smile "I'm home doll" he chuckled. He didn't deny that she would be mad, the expression on Bucky's face made it clear he already knew. Awaiting Natasha to possibly punish him for worrying her so much, acting recklessly or leaving her behind. Natasha had then fast-walked at him, touching his face tenderly, stroking his cheeks with her thumb, watching him as to observe whether he was faking his smile. Before kissing him fondly, smiling into the kiss and leaning against his body, easing into his touch. His hands roaming to cup her waist, enjoying the feeling of her lips on his own after so long. Natasha then giving him her famous half-smile, reassuring him he was home, that it was behind him now. They still had work to do, but the worst of it was over, they had the shield back and Walker was out of their hair. Then she moved closer to him, closing the space between them, simply hugging him for a while, Bucky resting his head in her hair. Touch starved and lonely, having missed the warmth of one another's bodies. Bucky closing his eyes as he memorised the shape of her body, the warmth of her skin, the beat of her heart, breathing in the scent of her shampoo, he was home.
The rest of the evening they had spent babysitting Sam's nephews, joking around the table and enjoying a home cooked meal. Sitting around a table reminding Natasha of the battle against Loki in New York, the party before Ulton disturbed with Mjolnir and everyone trying to lift it, and now she had new memories to make. Natasha and Bucky recalling embarrassing stories together, some of Steve, some of Sam and some of their friends. However, much like the shield, Sam's nephews were curious of Natasha and Bucky, bringing up questions about the two. Sensing the hesitation on Bucky's face when they noticed his vibranium arm. Though it was mere childish innocence and curiosity, the only person Bucky had ever shown his arm to was Natasha and Steve. Previously it wasn't something he took pride in or liked, the arm before this one was created to kill, while this one he used to protect. Revealing it to new people was uncomfortable for him, something strange, stepping out of his comfort zone. But he was able to brush it off and Sam managed to deter the conversation, sensing Bucky's discomfort. Sitting around the fire later in the evening by the docks, sharing a beer with Natasha and Sam, enjoying the night air, stargazing and joking around. Reminiscing, finally relieved to be back home. Natasha sitting comfortably on his lap, her fingers delicately brushing through his short hair, sipping her beer and enjoying the water, Bucky's arm rested around her waist protectively, while the other traced figures on her leg absentmindedly. Later retiring to sleep on the couch with Bucky for the night, Sam offering pillows and a blanket from the cabinet.
They would need to call Nick later to explain the events against the flag smashers and what went down, putting it all into files as to hold onto it should they need to use it as evidence. Karli's plans, the destruction of the recreated Serum. Walker becoming US agent and working under Valentina Fontaine, keeping tabs on Zemo should he attempt to escape the raft. According to Shield, so far the only two known super soldier's for the longest time were Bucky and Steve, the perfect serum was never recreated. Assuring the new batch remained destroyed was their priority. Keeping tabs on the power broker and assuring nobody made a third attempt at recreating the serum. But Sword would want to know about this too, Sam speaking high praise of them after it was founded by Maria Rambeau in honour of her friend Carol Danvers. Given the supernatural elements that took place, her daughter Monica Rambeau had been involved with The Hex and events that took place in a town called Westview. Wanda had gone into hiding and was unreachable, finally healing herself after the loss of Vision, her children, her brother and the snap. Coming to terms with her grief and learning about her powers, finally making a life for herself that didn't involve fighting. Natasha still communicated with her but she expressed her need to be alone, which they respected.
Bucky's flat in Brooklyn was still empty due to his travelling with Sam, though he still wore his dog tags that Steve was able to retrieve from the past. Reclaimed from the time period after he was captured by Hydra, but Natasha was helping him redecorate to fit modern vintage styles. Walker had ended his mandated therapy to allow him to become a better asset to the mission, as hostile as he had been with Raynor, she had helped him and he appreciated her patience. Sending her his notebook of names, proving he was better. Finally able to find redemption and become a better man. It still felt strange, the feeling kicking in, realising he was beginning life anew, shedding himself of the darkness that had once choked his life. He was finally freed of the shackles chaining him to his past, redeeming himself and removing the winter soldier identity. He wasn't the monster Hydra created anymore, he was a man trying to find his way. He was still a super-soldier and always would be, he would always have the powers bestowed upon him due to experimentation in the 40's. But he wasn't a killer anymore, he could move on and become someone else, remaking himself while accepting the changes in his life. Natasha could move on too, living alongside him, making peace with her demons.
Though Sam had inherited Steve's shield and The Captain America title, becoming a new hero to reflect the modern age of America and doing right by the people. What did that make him? What was the new identity that would follow him through his life? He was still working through the severity of losing Steve, his childhood best friend. Sam being understanding and patient with him, aware he and Steve had been friends since they were kids. He was a man, he was a soldier, he was a survivor and a victim. But he was also a partner, a best friend and the love of Natasha's life, he had her and she would do anything for him. Finally able to love Natasha in peace, becoming someone new, not the winter soldier but James Buchanan Barnes once again, not the black widow, but Natalia Romanov. He'd worked for shield briefly, alongside Sam with the flag smashers and reinstating himself in the US Military with his rightful position as Sergeant. But in terms of future positions and working for them permanently, if Nick trusted him and wanted to use his talents in their team or not. If he could gain his own team or if he would simply become an asset. Whether he left Sheild and went to work with Monica at Sword, or if he took on the white wolf identity with help from Wakanda and Shuri. He didn't know, but he was ok with that.
He smiled to himself, still admiring Natasha's sleeping form, how blissfully content she was, how she lowered her guard around him. Showing the depth of the trust she had placed onto him. Reminding him of how god damn lucky he was, how his tragedy led him to meeting the perfect woman. Of all the loves of his life, all the flings and crushes he'd experienced during the 40s. None of them had thrown him off his feet like Natasha, metaphorically and literally, she knew about his demons, his skeletons in the closet and his trauma, she knew all about his history, the good and the bad, but she didn't fear him for it. He didn't have to lie, make excuses or create an idealistic version of himself to impress her, he was a broken man but she adored him, loved him. She showed her affection for him both subtly and openly, making sure he never felt alone. Reaching out to finger her hair fondly, still as soft as he remembered, after being away from her for so long, he craved her. Wanting to remove all the discomfort, disgust and unpleasantness embedded onto his skin in Madripoor.
Natasha mumbled in response, aware someone was touching her, yet she didn't shift from her position, if this had been anyone else they would be a dead man. Simply warning him that she wasn't in the mood for games "Too early to be feeling frisky Barnes" she huffed. But his fingers running through her hair did feel nice, soothing her mind and reminding her this was real, his touch spoke more than words ever could. She'd been stressing out for weeks, worrying about his mental health, his safety, whether Zemo was baiting him, if he was hurt, if he was sleeping ok. She wasn't going to be letting him out of her sight anytime soon. She'd be keeping tabs on him, going with him everywhere and checking in like crazy. She knew this mission had gotten to him, it was returning to a past he would rather forget. Another fight, another enemy, someone else to save, it came with the job. Luckily she would be joining them in the last battle against Karli in New York, on the ground and keeping tabs. She'd be working alongside Bucky against Karli's thugs, making sure civilians were kept safe and casualties were minimal. She knew Bucky would try something reckless, he always did, using himself as a human shield which caused her distress. Walker had since been relieved of active duty, his medals and losing the shield. Nick had confirmed the Steve's emblem was now Shield property as well as Sam's. Meaning a situation like Walker couldn't be repeated again.
"Sorry doll, you just look so damn adorable" he hummed, if looks could kill Natasha would have hundreds of them, but what would scare the shit out of anyone else, was something he loved about her. Having her sleep beside him for the first night in a long time, he'd felt safe, her presence relaxed him. He was away from Madripoor, Selby, The brass monkey, he was away from the fights, keeping undercover, pretending to be a killer. He was back home, he was in a small house in the south, he was sleeping on his best friends couch. He'd spent the night reminiscing, drinking and feeling safe. He couldn't keep taking advantage of Sam's good will, he'd let him rest here which he was more than grateful for. Sam would have his hands full as the next Captain America, a lot of new responsibilities and expectations ahead of him. He'd have to return home, or maybe Nick would have him sent elsewhere as to become closer to Shield. He would always have a safe haven and someone to turn to here, but he needed to find a new home, he needed to find his new self.
Natasha tilted her head to face him sleepily, her wavy red hair framing her face angelically, her green eyes watching him intently, but there was a softness to them that warmed his heart. It would take her some time before she felt reassured he wasn't going to run off and do something stupid again, a short period where she would let him go off by himself and not be suspicious. She was just happy to have him home, she didn't want him running off and getting into mischief without her. "You sleep ok?" she questioned, she'd been by his side all night, listening to his heartbeat and breathing, sensing any changes in his reactions or body language. She would have been woken instantly had he had a nightmare, she knew all the triggers and the symptoms by memory. But sometimes he had internal flashbacks, once that were less noticeable and subtle. Memories dancing behind his eyes while he remained awake, reliving them in silence, while his eyes became glassy and shifty.
Bucky smiled, still stroking her affectionately, he could tell she was watching him, checking for any signs of him lying or hiding something from her. "Best sleep I've had in months" he chuckled. No longer did the red ledger of his past plague him like they used to, like her he'd managed to get a clean slate and become someone better. Natasha softened, the dark circles he usually had from nightmares and stress had eased, the tension in his body lifted and he looked well rested. He was getting better, not just mentally but physically, she could see the changes in him. As awful as reliving his past had been for him, he'd become unburdened and closed some chapters on his life that had been suffocating him. Rolling onto her stomach to face him, smiling down at him, reaching out her hand delicately to run her fingers across his stubble, hearing him growl slightly under his breath. The two shared a silent expression of fondness, finally reunited after a hellish couple of weeks, two words comforting them in silent communication.
"I'm here"
Sarah had no idea who Natasha was when she arrived at their home to protect them, just a stranger in her life amidst the chaos she dealt with at home. Sam spoke so little of his missions, only the need to know stuff that wouldn't cause her to worry. Only that she worked for Shield and worked alongside her brother, helping Steve against Hydra and against Thanos. She was a well equipped fighter with a dark past but someone they could trust. Upon learning that Natasha and Bucky were an item she was surprised, Sam only mentioning that Bucky was a friend and him showing up unexpectedly to help with the boat. Knowing a spy and an assassin were lovers, two of the deadliest people in the world were in love with one another. Though disappointed that Bucky wasn't available, she was supportive of their relationship regardless. Natasha had protected her family, she had abandoned her life in New York at the drop of a hat because Sam and Bucky begged her to. Watching them around the clock and assuring none of them came to harm. Kept Karli from contacting her family and attempting to attack them, blocking all of their phones and giving them cloaking equipment to prevent further communication from the rebel. Kept John walker from tracking her brother, creating breadcrumbs, hacks and other issues to warp John's system and make it harder for them to be found. Meaning he wouldn't be two steps behind them anymore, but several hours behind them. Keeping them safe from the sidelines, doing all she could to intervene from the sidelines, without ever having been involved in person, showing her skill as a spy.
She owed her a huge debt, one she didn't think she could ever repay, Natasha could have been harmed, threatened or secretly attacked while living with them. Karli could have sent someone after her, they could have used her to get to Bucky. Showing an understanding of their bond and welcoming Natasha into her home, surprised at how maternal Natasha was towards children. Later Natasha had opened up about a few of her personal relationships, at least the ones she was comfortable talking about. Natasha explaining her relationship as godmother to Clint's children now that he had passed away, while expressing her sterilization to become a widow. Sarah showing sympathy towards Nat and yet forming a friendship with the redhead, understanding unlike herself she had never known a normal life. Her parents had died when she was young, she was but a girl when she was trained to become a Black Widow. How she met Nick and became an Avenger, how she befriended Clint and about how he died to protect the earth. Sarah expressing Natasha always had a home with them if she needed one and to never be shy.
"Back to Brooklyn or back to Wakanda?" she asked playfully, she didn't think Yori would ever feel comfortable seeing Bucky again after knowing the truth. He had no friends back in Brooklyn anymore, Steve was gone. But he wasn't alone, he had people who cared about him, but it was time to make new roots. They could try to be normal people, living in a broken world recovering from the trauma of the snap. Bucky still had people he needed to make amends to, Pepper and Morgan whose grandfather/father in law Bucky had unwillingly murdered as the winter soldier. Wanda was still isolated but she would be able to help Bucky recover in some way too. There were connections Bucky still had that would create a safety net of friends. No matter what choice he made she would follow, Brooklyn was where he was born and raised, living as a soldier and a young man in the '40s. Then it became but a brief memory after he had his brain was wiped by Hydra, then it became his safe space to return to after he returned to being a civilian. But Wakanda had been his home for several years during the healing process of removing the triggers of Hydra, finding peace, calm and rediscovering himself. Ayo had made peace with him after he returned Zemo to them and made amends for his crimes, apologizing for betraying them and the shame he felt for his actions. Accepting whatever punishment they saw fit. Ayo was proud of his growth, his acceptance and ability to acknowledge his mistakes. The winter soldier in him was gone, merely a memory of the past he previously lived. But he would need to fight again someday, he would need to protect and he would be called upon. The name white wolf had become a new nickname for him, perhaps one that could be explored. She knew Ayo and Shuri would discuss the potentials for a suit for Bucky too, making better use of weaponry and becoming a new soldier.
Bucky hummed, he wasn't so sure anymore, though he'd tried to become himself again by hiding away in Brooklyn it hadn't made him happy. It wasn't the person he was anymore. He'd made amends with Ayo after breaking Zemo out of prison, handing him over to the Dora Milaje so he could be imprisoned on the raft, finally making amends for his crimes as Hydra's right hand. He had his flat in Brooklyn but he could always visit Delacroix and know he would be welcomed, he could stay here until he felt otherwise. Shield had helped Steve find a purpose, they had helped him grow as Captain America and learn from his past. Learning of what became of Peggy after he went on ice, what he inspired in her and doing right by humanity. Maybe they could do the same for him, finding his own redemption. "I'm just that boy from Brooklyn now, but Wakanda will always be open. But maybe I can become SHIELD's right hand now" he chuckled
Natasha smiled chuckling, she knew he would always choose home, it was where he felt safest "Brick walls, the scent of coffee in the morning and sleeping on the floor" she teased. She had to admit the food over there was rather nice and there were hidden treasures for them to visit anytime they wanted. Hell maybe they could go and hide away in a cottage somewhere after going on a trip with his bike, a spontaneous romantic holiday. She'd known worse, nothing surprised her anymore, not after the things she had seen. Bucky smiled, just him and his best girl, sounded like heaven to him. She leaned down towards him, pressing her soft breasts against him, leaning down to kiss him. Bucky brushing his hand across her hair to cup her cheek lightly, she smelled like oranges, spices and honey, how he had missed it. Tilting her head towards him to capture her lips in a soft kiss, the sweetest thing he had ever tasted, this was his home.
"Aw c'mon man, not on the couch and not in front of my nephews" Sam complained, he'd heard them talking and given them some privacy. They had a lot to discuss and clearly they had missed each other. Now that he was Captain America he would be working under Shield as a new leader, something he was still getting used to. But Bucky had to find his own place, they would always be partners but he was free to make his own choices now. But he was smiling like a dork, he couldn't deny how adorable his best friends were being and how he was a little jealous. He had never seen two people so perfect for each other. He remembered how Natasha bolted out of the house when she saw him pull up, demanding to know where Bucky was and why he was alone. Expecting them to come home together, knowing Sam would never leave Bucky behind if he didn't have to. When he explained Bucky got hurt and had to return to Wakanda for repairs, her expression changed to eerily came and silent rage.
She would shoot him silent glares and check her phone for communications from Bucky, constantly expecting a text, a phone call, anything. Just to reassure her he was ok. Pacing around the house, barely eating until Sarah or himself coaxed her into eating something that wasn't just a snack. Avoiding conversation. He knew she was worried, which he understood, she;'d lost enough people to default to fearing the worst in every situation. But he didn't patronize her, he understood the reason behind her feelings and reactions, how she coped with her experiences. Using his counselling skills to help calm her down, convincing her to sleep and even eat something. When Bucky showed up on the docks at last, the tension in the air was thick, just looking at them both he had put bets on whether they would fight and how long it would take Natasha to kick his ass. Sam waiting for Natasha to attack Bucky for worrying her so much, to throw verbal barbs at him and put him in his place. Maybe give him the silent treatment and make him beg. Given her behaviour during his absence, he expected the worst, prepared to tease Bucky for messing up. But instead, she just kissed him, holding him in her arms and imprinting the memory of hugging him into her brain, reminding herself it was real. That she hadn't lost someone else, that he had truly come home to her and she didn't have to attend another funeral. Sam released a small "aww" in the background, acting as an audience, glad they were finally reunited, happily embarrassing them despite the warning looks that they both gave. Though he had a feeling Natasha would be visiting Zemo on the raft soon to give him an earful of what he put Bucky through.
Bucky groaned under his breath, collapsing his head onto the sofa cushions, disappointed at being disturbed. But he began to chuckle under his breath, at least this time it wasn't redwing checking in on them. Both he and Natasha had a mutual hatred of Sam's robotic companion and would relentlessly avoid it whenever possible, openly talking of their dislike of it. Natasha smiled at him "Morning Sam" she chuckled, she knew Bucky wasn't a morning person and he didn't like to be disturbed. But any sense of anger or tension wasn't present in his body. If anything he was just moody at his morning fun being interrupted.
"Sarah made pancakes as thanks for everything, plus you both look like you need coffee" Sam responded mischievously, they both would need something decent to eat before they left. Bucky still had amends to make and Natasha had plans for what his next workplace, Sam's position as Captain America and working alongside Shield. But it was a slow morning and they had nowhere to be for the time being. Walking away to give them some privacy, but muttering quietly about closing the door next time.
Natasha rested her head onto Bucky's chest, laughing softly before raising her head to gaze at him, she knew Sam would drag them out if he had to. Their peace and quiet had been disturbed and they wouldn't be getting back to it any time soon. "We should get up" she sighed, they had a lot of work to do, plus the mention of pancakes had piqued her interest, eager to fill her empty stomach. Slowly rolling over to grab her jeans from the floor.
Bucky snaked his free hand around her waist, keeping her in place, he knew she would make a quick escape and he wasn't going to let her go anytime soon. He wanted to make up for lost time, enjoy this moment, enjoy touching her. He'd been stuck with Sam for weeks, he could go a bit longer waiting for him to get up. Natasha raised her eyebrow but she didn't move, trying to predict what scheme he was conjuring up "Just a little more sugar" Bucky smirked. He wanted to kiss her until he was breathless, until he was seeing stars and all he could taste was her. He'd missed the taste of her lips, he'd missed everything so fucking much.
"Sergeant Barnes" Natasha scoffed mockingly, as if she was scolding a small child for misbehaving in class, but she was smiling at the corner of her mouth. The two of them were trouble together and Sam knew it, but she was the one who kept Bucky in line. Bucky grinned, sensing the sarcasm in her tone and biting back a laugh. Natasha leaning down to kiss him again, laughing between kisses. Just enjoying laying on the couch together before they decided to be productive, though the scent of pancakes was growing more tempting by the second.