Chapter Text
Bucky doesn’t like parties, Sam’s invited him to a few of his neighborhood ones but he rejects every single time. However, this time was different, Sam practically begged Bucky to come, he said he wanted him to meet someone. Although he still wasn’t fond of the idea he reluctantly agreed.
So that’s what led to today, the two were approaching Sam’s house now, chatting away as Bucky had his hands in his pockets, his stance rigid. Sam notices his tense demeanor and speaks up.
“What’s up?”
“I’m…just not sure about this Sam, your neighbors are friendly and all but these parties still aren’t my thing.” He says with a shrug, keeping his hands inside his pockets still.
“It’s fine, you don’t have to talk to anyone the whole way through if you just let me introduce you to this one person.”
Bucky wasn’t exactly scared about the party anymore, his nerves run a little deeper as he wonders why Sam is so adamant on him meeting this mystery person.
“And what exactly makes this person so special?” He asks as they stop right in front of the house.
“You’ll see,” Sam says with a smirk that makes Bucky’s stomach uneasy with curiosity.
As Sam drags Bucky throughout the house a couple people greet him, he responds back with his usual friendly voice. Meanwhile Bucky just gives everyone a nod, he didn’t know a single person here.
“Ah there you are!” Sam says as he lets go of Bucky and approaches a lady who seems to be in her 20’s, probably no older than 29.
“I want you to meet my friend,” though you stop dead in your tracks when you look at Bucky like he’s a familiar face.
Bucky’s stance goes rigid as he probably knows the reason, not many people recognize him as the winter soldier anymore because of his haircut and gloved hand. However you seem to recognize him right away, Bucky tenses as he anticipates your response.
Then a little girl comes running up, probably no older than 7, and she clings to you as she gleams at Bucky with excitement. Bucky raises an eyebrow at Sam, what is going on?
“Mommy it’s the Winter Soldier!!” The little girl says as she tugs on your arm. Mommy? This woman was a mom? Bucky’s thoughts swirl as he watches you two, just why did Sam want him to meet you?
Sam leans in and whispers into Bucky’s ear.
“Her daughter is a big fan of yours.” Sam says as he waits for Bucky’s reaction. So you’re her mom, and your daughter….was a fan….of him?
What sort of kid would be a fan of an ex-assassin?
Bucky stands there with his hands on his hips, trying to make sense of the situation.
“I wasn’t aware I had fans…”
The little girl smiles and her eyes sparkle when she looks at him. Then she pulls at her mothers arm.
“Can he sign my backpack?” She looks up at you with pleading eyes and well, how could you say no to that face?
You crouch down, a little hesitant to speak up, you purse your lips in thought.
“Oh- I don’t know the man is very busy,” you try to make up an excuse so as to not overwhelm the super soldier. You look up at him from where you’re crouched and Bucky’s words get caught in his throat at the sight, maybe he was feeling a little under the weather or something.
He swallows roughly before speaking.
“I could- sign it ... .if you’d like.”
He says as he scratches the back of his neck, you let out a small sigh of relief.
“Alright, go get it.”
You say as you nod in the direction of where the kid’s bag is. The girl jumps with excitement as she runs off to another room to go retrieve it. You stand up and cross your arms, smiling warmly as you speak.
“Her name's Emma,” you begin to explain.
“She’s been a fan of yours since everyone from the blip came back. She loves your redemption story.” You mention with a little hesitation.
It’s been a couple months since the legend Iron Man sacrificed himself and half the population came back to earth. Also since Steve left…..
Bucky nods with a small smile, he pushes down the thoughts of mourning his old friend.
“I never expected to have a fan, much less someone that young,” he says. Shifting his gaze to where Emma had run off to. You give him a shrug as your eyes follow the direction of his gaze, your hand on your hips.
“Yeah she’s 7 now, she’s always been a- unique kid…but I love her to death.”
“I can tell,” Bucky says quietly, before getting a good look at you now. For a single mom you definitely looked put together, and Bucky felt silly for admitting it but in his head he thought you were attractive. Whatever man was with you was certainly lucky.
You hum in response at Bucky’s remark, then Emma comes back in running. She places her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath for a moment. You bend down to her level again.
“You didn’t have to run y’know, he’s not going anywhere.” You say with a smirk as you ruffle her hair.
The design of the backpack catches Bucky’s eye, a silver bag with a giant red star in the middle. The same design he had on his old arm. You notice Bucky’s look.
“She saw it online and begged me to buy it for her,” you say as you bite back a smile.
“I didn’t even know they made them like these….” He says with a huff, a surprised look on his face.
“There’s a couple pieces of Winter Soldier merch out there,” Sam says. Bucky gives him a curious look and he explains himself.
“Okay look I was originally looking for merch of myself and I stumbled upon it,” Sam admits as he raises his hands in defense and you snort into your hand.
“Merch?” Bucky questions.
“Short for merchandise,” You answer.
“You people abbreviate everything these days,” he mumbles and you can’t help but find it endearing. Emma speaks up.
“Mom?” She waves her bag around with an impatient look on her face. Bucky chuckles at the kid’s persistence. He takes the bag from her hands, trying to conceal emotions which conflicted inside of him. Emma was adorable and Bucky couldn’t help but feel prideful that she has such admiration for him. He looks back up at you.
“Do you have a- marker or anything?”
Sarah pops in, having overheard the conversation. She grabs a sharpie from the counter and tosses it to you.
“Could you give that to him then come help me for a moment? The pies are ready.” Sarah says as she tries to hide the amused look on her face.
You click your tongue and hand Bucky the pen, your fingers grazing over his as you do so. You follow Sarah out of the living room and into the kitchen. Bucky tries to shove down the feeling the sudden contact sends through him. This is a married woman for Christ’s sake.
Bucky’s eyes follow you as you exit the room, he mentally shakes his head, snapping out of his thoughts as he looks down at the bag he’s holding. Emma grins excitedly, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Bucky smiles softly before uncapping the sharpie with his mouth, he looks at the design on the bag again for a moment. He smiles before he gently signs the fabric with his autograph.
Emma grabs the bag excitedly thanking him, he bends down to her level and smiles at her. Then without warning she pulls him into a hug, her small arms wrapping around his neck. Her attention quickly disperses as she goes to show Sam’s nephews her autographed bag.
Bucky lets out a quiet huff of surprise, twirling the sharpie in his hand. He wasn’t expecting the hug but it brings a small smile to his face as she leaves. Sam looks down at Bucky with a grin while he’s still crouched.
Bucky raises an eyebrow at his friend’s expression.
“What?” He says, crossing his arms.
“I told you so,” referring to the fact that Bucky would enjoy the meeting with the ‘special person’ Sam’s been talking about. Bucky huffs and grumbles, looking towards the direction Emma went off to, then his eyes trail to the direction you went….
“She’s cute right?” Sam asks as he moves closer to Bucky.
“Sure, but she’s with someone,” Bucky says, trying to keep his voice from changing octaves out of nerves.
“She isn’t,” Sam counters with a smug expression.
“What?” Bucky mutters as he turns to his friend.
“Not the traditional kind of family you’re used to I know, but the dad is long gone out of the picture. I can’t say much cause that’s hers to tell but….” Sam’s eyes land back onto where you were in the other room.
“All you should know is that she’s single,” Sam says with another shit-eating grin, Bucky scoffs at his remark.
But his eyes follow in the same direction, a puzzled expression on his face. You and your daughter were certainly an interesting duo.