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Exactly one month before Christmas and the Avengers find another Hydra base. This one abandoned like most are now but still no less of a threat.
The plan was easy. Get in. Gather intel. Get out. And blow the place to the ground.
And for once everything was going well. Everyone had gotten what they needed and were on their way out.
Bucky was doing the final run through of the basement. Making sure all the charges were set and nothing important was left behind.
“You almost done down there Buck?” Steve’s voice crackled through the comms.
“Yeah punk. Just doin’ the final sweep.” Bucky ran along the corridor, looking into the rooms he passed to make sure they were good to go.
Near the end he saw something glowing out of the corner of his eye. It was tucked under a shelf in the corner of the room.
Taking a few steps into the room, Bucky felt like he was being pulled to the object. Alarm bells started going off in his mind but it was like he couldn’t control his body. He needed to get to the thing and touch it.
When he reached the shelf Bucky snapped out of it enough to reach for his comms. “Stevie? There’s some weird glowy thing down here.” Bucky bent down and started reaching toward the object as he kept talking. “I don’t know what it is. Gonna grab it and-” Static took over the comms and Steve panicked.
“Buck?! BUCKY?! What’s happening?!” He got no response and started running back toward the building.
Tony was already heading in the door and on his way down to Bucky’s last known location.
When they both got there they searched the entirety of the room but all that was left was Bucky’s favourite knife.
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Bucky woke up in a strange place feeling completely disoriented. The last thing he could remember was telling Steve about that weird glowy thing then… then touching it.
Bucky cursed himself to high hell. How was he stupid enough to touch that damn thing. Obviously it was Hydra and Hydra means danger. Damn it Barnes, why are you so goddamn stupid?!
Gathering his bearings, Bucky realized how cold he felt. Cold was never good. Cold meant going back into cryo and getting wiped and Bucky hated being cold. Opening his eyes and looking around, Bucky was obviously not in that base anymore. It seemed as though he was in a forest and there was a thick layer of snow coating the ground. No wonder he was cold.
Bucky got up and tried to see if there were any other signs to tell him where he might be and was met with a vague feeling of familiarity.
The sun was starting to set as Bucky began to head west. Fairly certain that he would find himself in the middle of the Brooklyn streets soon.
Coming across a well maintained trail, Bucky followed it the rest of the way and found that his assumptions were correct. There he was, standing on the side of the streets he’d roamed with Steve as a child.
The flood of memories almost took Bucky to his knees. He remembered running from bullies, playing tag and hopscotch on the sidewalks, and at the end of the day, heading home for dinner.
But of course with all these happy memories there are bound to be upsetting ones as well.
Memories of sitting by Steve’s bedside while he suffered through his latest bout of pneumonia, coming home after long hours working on the docks and not having anything for dinner because they had no money.
As much as Bucky missed the simpler times he really couldn’t help but appreciate what he had in the future. A healthy Stevie, enough food to feed a village, and a big family in all of the Avengers.
Brushing off those thoughts, Bucky started down the street, keeping to the shadows as much as possible. It was getting dark and he knew he needed to find shelter and figure out a way home.
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It was two days later and Bucky still had no idea how he was going to get back home. If he was gonna be stuck here for any longer he’d need to find a way to fit in.
He had seen a newspaper stand the day before and noticed the date, November 26, 1934. Of course I would get sent back in time to the Great Depression.
Knowing how little money people had during this time he felt bad about what he was about to do. He was scoping out the area when he saw a clothesline in someone's backyard with an outfit that looked like it might fit him. Checking that the owners were not around he snatched the clothes and went back to the broken down warehouse he’d been squatting in.
A layer of snow had fallen and coated the streets even more in the days Bucky had been here. He hated it. It left him feeling chilled to the bones and the warehouse wasn’t much warmer than outside.
Once he had gotten dressed into the stolen clothes, he started formulating a plan.
Food was next on that list. Now that he had clothes and could blend in he needed nutrients. He needed to keep his strength up if he had any hope of getting home.
But of course money was the next issue. It was the Depression, Christmas, and he didn’t have his wallet with him. He didn’t want to steal because he knew how hard it was during this time but he needed to do something.
So Bucky went to the one place he knew he could work for some little money, the docks.
It was early morning and he knew there would be many other men at the gates, hoping to be chosen that day.
He worked his way as close to the front as he could. With his serum enhanced body he stood out a bit from the rest of the men who looked thinner than normal from the lack of money and food and constant heavy labor.
He hated trying to take the opportunity for money from these people but he had to eat if he was gonna live long enough to find a way home.
When the dock manager unlocked the gates all hell broke loose. Bucky was getting shoved around as everyone tried to get to the front. Hoping to be picked.
As the manager was picking today’s workers he made eye contact with Bucky who was just standing there hoping for the best.
“You! Get in here! You’re in today!” The manager yelled over the roar of men trying to get picked themselves.
Bucky made his way to gates and entered with the 10 or so other men who had been chosen. Once the manager closed and locked the gates again he turned to the men he had chosen and started handing out assignments.
Bucky along with 5 of the other men were on offload duty. The bags they were moving were at least 50lbs and some even larger.
As they settled into a steady working pace more memories flooded back to Bucky.
He had hated working on the docks way back when but he did it anyway. He had to feed Steve one way or another and the medical bills had to be paid by someone.
He remembered the other guys he had met here. Everyone there for the same reason. They would build a strange camaraderie somehow similar to what Bucky had with the Howlies.
He really missed them. The Howling Commandos were like his brothers and he wished he knew what happened to each of them after he fell. He’d have to find out when he got home.
In his distraction he hadn’t noticed he was using his super strength and some of them others seemed to have noticed. They were staring at him with very critical eyes.
Bucky pulled the façade back up but not before one of the men came over to question him.
“Man those bags are heavy as shit! How on earth were you liftin’ ‘em like that?” Bucky flailed for a second before settling on a response, “Those ones were jus’ a bit lighter is all.”
The man looked incredulously at Bucky and said, “Sure pal.” Before walking back to his area.
Bucky was a lot more cautious after that. He couldn’t let these men question him or he might not be able to come back.
So he kept his head down and continued working.
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At the end of the day the manager came back with money in hand and asked the men how many bags or crates they each had transferred. Bucky was the last to respond with almost two times more than the other men.
“Oh! Well then I best see you back here tomorrow boy.” The manager then handed out the cash.
When Bucky realized he had been given more than the other men he felt even worse. He didn’t want to take the chance at money from these other people.
He resigned himself to this fate, even if it made him feel like a shitty person, and made his way back to the warehouse.
On his trek, he came across a small child, no older than 2, just sitting huddled up against a building.
It was November, cold and snowy and this poor little child was here freezing to death.
Bucky knelt down by the shivering child and spoke lowly, “Hey pal… whatcha doin out here all on your own in this cold?” The small child startled at the sound of Bucky’s voice. Must have been asleep. Bucky thought to himself. When the boy caught sight of Bucky he tucked even further into the wall.
“Hey buddy, where’s your mommy?” Bucky kept his voice as gentle as possible while speaking to the boy.
“Gone.” the boy mumbled out quietly. Bucky’s heart broke even more for the kid.
“Okay buddy, why don’t you come with me and we’ll get you all warmed up and some food in your tummy, huh? That sound good?” The little boy looked back at Bucky with eyes full of wonder and nodded slowly. “‘M hungwy.” Bucky smiled down at the boy and put his arms out to scoop him up. The clambered quickly into Bucky’s arms and relished in his warmth.
Bucky stood up with the boy in his arms and started heading towards the warehouse. He really didn’t know what he was thinking at this point. Bucky was now responsible for a random child while being stuck in the past with no way home.
Pushing the thoughts of missing home away, Bucky noticed a small grocery store and headed towards it. He needed food for both himself and the boy.
“Hey buddy, can you help me pick up some food?” The boy looked up from where he had hid his head in Bucky’s neck and smiled. Excited at the prospect of food the little boy started squirming in Bucky’s arms.
Bucky smiled down at the adorable little boy in his arms and set him down in the store. The boy immediately ran to the fresh fruits in their baskets along the wall.
Grabbing the essentials that he could use without a stove or even kitchen (and all the fruit the little boy wanted) Bucky and the little boy continued on their way.
After a short walk, they reached the warehouse where Bucky’s been staying.
“This is my home I guess buddy. It’s where we're gonna stay for a while.” Bucky said as he put the child down.
“Home?” The little boy asked, looking up at Bucky with wonder in his wide, brown eyes.
“Yeah bud… for now.” Bucky smiled down at this little boy with adoration. They were in a very shitty situation and this small child is excited at the idea of calling an old warehouse home.
Bucky grabbed the boy's hand and walked them inside. He only had one blanket, a pillow, and one bed roll. He would be fine without them tonight. The little boy needed them.
Realizing that he still didn’t know the boy’s name Bucky thought he’d try to figure it out.
“Hey buddy, can you tell me your name?” The little boy just looked back at Bucky, not saying a word.
“Okay… how ‘bout I try to guess it?” That got a smile and a quick nod of the head from the little boy.
“Is it.... Andy?” A head shake no. “How about Steve?” Another no. “Okay then… What about James? That’s my name by the way.” The boy softly spoke out Bucky’s name then smiled up at him and shook his head yet again. “Hmmmm… What about Ben?” The little boy jumped up at the mention of his name.
“Yeah? You’re Ben. Is your full name Benjamin?” Bucky asked with a smile and the boy nodded happily and hummed out an “mhm.”
“Okay then Ben, let’s get some food in you then we can head to bed. How’s that sound?”
“Mkay.” the boy responded with a smile.
Bucky set to making a makeshift dinner for the two of them. Once they had finished eating he led Ben over the bedroll and laid him down.
“This is where you’re gonna sleep okay bud?” Ben looked hesitant but still nodded his head and climbed under the blanket when Bucky lifted it.
“You get some good sleep so you’ve got lots of energy tomorrow. I’ll see you in the morning, little man.” Bucky smiled down at the boy.
Moving away a bit so he wouldn’t disturb the boy Bucky settled on the ground himself.
Not 10 minutes later Ben called out to Bucky in a whisper. “James?”
Bucky heard it right away and went back over to the boy. “Yeah bud?” What’s up?”
“I’m cold.” The boy whined out.
“I know bud. Do you want me to come under the covers too and we can cuddle? Maybe that’ll warm you up.” Bucky offered.
The little boy responded in his soft whispered voice. “Yes please.”
Bucky climbed in with the boy and let him tuck up against Bucky with his head on his shoulder. Ben fell asleep within minutes and looked so soft and peaceful.
As Bucky settled in to try and get some sleep he started thinking about the weird and crazy situation he currently found himself in. Just a few days ago Bucky had been relaxing with Steve and everything had been good. And now he’s stuck in the past with a child to take care of and if he’s honest? He’s scared.
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Bucky fell into a routine with Ben. Every morning Bucky would be up before him and make something simply for breakfast. A piece of bread with jelly, some fruit, always something light but healthy. They still didn’t have much considering Bucky only got paid so much.
After breakfast Bucky would tell Ben to stay at the warehouse while he’d head back down to the docks in hopes of being chosen to work again. Most days he was. The foremen had picked up on how “fit” Bucky was and liked to have the big muscle working for them.
On the days he wasn’t chosen Bucky would go back to Ben and the warehouse and they’d spend the day learning more about each other and playing with whatever they had.
After a week of straight work Bucky was able to buy Ben a little stuffed bear and the boy absolutely adored it. Ben had even taken to calling Bucky, Daddy.
It was almost Christmas, only a day left, and Bucky was losing hope of ever getting home. At least he had Ben. Bucky wouldn’t trade him for anything. Not even a chance to go home. Ben had grown to be Bucky’s son and he loved him as such.
Since it was Christmas Eve Bucky decided he and Ben could stay up late and see the lights and tree in the park. Bucky had worked super late that day and didn’t get home till almost 9 at night. But he had promised Ben and he wasn’t gonna break a promise.
When they got to the park, Ben was simply looking around in awe. He had never seen anything so bright and beautiful. They each got candles to carry around with them.
After they had walked around and seen everything it was already starting to near midnight. Ben wanted to stay out till Christmas truly started. So they found the perfect spot. Tucked up near a little café on a bench, where they could see the lights of the park and the stars in the sky.
While Bucky was chatting to Ben he heard a familiar tune.
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
Bucky started to hum along and Ben looked up at him. The sad expression on Bucky’s face confused the boy so he reached up with his little mitted hand and pet Bucky’s cheek. Bucky laughed at the boy’s sweet antics. Whenever the boy was upset Bucky would soothe him with gentle touches and running his fingers through his hair and it seemed the boy had picked up on it.
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
Bucky closed his eyes and started to sing out loud to the boy.
Thinking of home. Of Steve and the other avengers. Of all of the small things in the future he really took for granted.
I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have some snow and mistletoe
And presents by the tree
Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
The song continued and so did Bucky. He pulled Ben into his lap and sang right to him. The boy giggled and tried to join in with his sweet baby voice. Bucky’s heart melted at the sound and he pulled Ben into a tight hug. He really has grown to love this boy as his own.
I’ll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
As the song came to an end Bucky suddenly felt like he was about to pass out. The feeling scared Bucky as he looked down and saw Ben’s eyes droop as he fell asleep on Bucky’s chest. Bucky fought the feeling as much as he could but eventually it took over and he was out.
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Steve had gotten almost no sleep all month. All he wanted to do was get Bucky back.
Every night he’d get into bed and roll over to cuddle up to Bucky, but he was never there. Steve could feel Bucky’s absence in everything that he did. When he trained, when he cooked, even just when he would watch tv.
He came to a boiling point on Christmas Eve. Steve had spent the entire day determined to find Bucky and get him back.
He knew Tony was sick and tired of his whining and begging for help finding Bucky.
Tony missed him too though. He had grown used to seeing Barnes around the tower. They were late night buddies and Tony missed having someone to talk to about whatever happened to be keeping him.
Even Peter had been moping around the tower. He and Bucky had gotten close before he disappeared. Peter had made it his mission to help Mr. Barnes and Mr. Rogers get used to the 21st century and he had grown on the pair. Peter considered them his friends and not having Bucky to chat with or spar with or just be around.
Even though Peter himself wanted Bucky back he knew Mr. Stark and Mr. Rogers were taking it really hard and had barely been getting any sleep because of the search for Bucky. Peter was determined to brighten Mr. Stark and Mr. Rogers’ moods since it was practically Christmas. It was just about midnight and they had been at this all day. Both of them needed at least some sleep.
Christmas music… That was Peter’s plan.
So he marched down to the lab where he knew Steve and Tony were and asked FRIDAY to start playing one of his favourite Christmas songs as he entered the room.
Steve and Tony jumped at the sudden music before noticing Peter standing in the doorway to the lab.
They both smiled at the boy and waved him over. “Hey Pete, what’s the music for?” Tony questioned.
“You and Mr. Rogers have been down here trying to find a way to get Bucky back all day and I know that Christmas starts like right now so I wanted to lift your spirits! This is my favourite Christmas song and Bucky even mentioned it being one of his so I thought what better song than this!” Peter rambled. Nervous that he had maybe stepped out of line.
“It’s great Peter. Bucky did really love this song.” Steve smiled down at Peter and ruffled his hair.
The three of them listened to the song in silence and when it came to an end then saw a flash of light from across the lab.
There were two bodies that had just appeared out of nowhere. Steve looked closely and recognized the long brown hair on the large body. It was Bucky! His Bucky! And he was home.
As Steve approached the two forms Bucky seemed to jolt awake. Scrambling up till he was standing and immediately looking down to the smaller form in his arms before he started speaking.
“Ben?! Buddy, are you okay?” The small body began wiggling and looked up at Bucky with a quiet, “I’m ‘kay Daddy.”
Steve stumbled backwards in shock at what he heard the little boy say.
Bucky then lifted his eyes to take in his surroundings. “Steve? Is that you?”
Steve took a second to respond before he said, “Yeah Buck, it’s me. But who’s that you’re holding?”
Bucky looked down at Ben for a moment then back at Steve before he marched over to Steve and pulled him into a tight hug, Ben getting slightly caught between the two. “I got so much to tell you Stevie. You won’t believe where I been this past month. But to start off this is Benjamin. I found him in the first few days I was stuck there. Both his parents died and he was alone on the streets. I took him in and… Steve, he's my son. I swear this little boy has wormed his way into my heart and I love him more than anything. Is this okay? I don’t want it to hurt us but he’s my baby Steve.” Bucky rambled as he spoke. Scared that Steve would be upset at what he had to say and the fact that he now had a child.
“Bucky… I love you okay? And if this little Ben here is your son? Then he’s mine too. And I’ll learn to love him like you do. Cause you’re all I need Buck. And a little boy to call our own? I’m excited. We can have the family we always dreamed of.”
Steve leaned his forehead against Bucky’s and Ben nuzzled himself between their chests.
Bucky was home and they now had a family. That was all they needed. Everything would be okay now.