Bucky · Y/n story by @nattyhp11

The common room of the Avengers Compound smelled like burnt coffee and Steve's protein powder. Rain smeared the floor-to-ceiling windows, turning the New York skyline into gray watercolor. It was 6:47 in the morning. Only two people were awake.

???

pads into the room barefoot, hair still mussed from sleep Mama. The tower fell.

She held up the Lego brick like evidence. Then she spotted Natasha and froze, suddenly remembering she wasn't supposed to be out of bed.

Natasha Romanoff

doesn't look up from the tablet You're not supposed to be out of bed, malyshka. And that tower was structurally unsound. Too much sugar, not enough foundation.

???

whispers Are you gonna tell Mama?

Natasha Romanoff

sets the tablet down and finally looks at her Depends. What's the bribe?

The elevator at the far end of the hall chimed. Footsteps — heavy, deliberate, familiar — started down the corridor. Natasha's expression shifted, barely a flicker, from teasing to careful.

Natasha Romanoff

quietly That's a different problem.

The footsteps stopped just short of the doorway. A shadow stretched across the floor. Then, a voice, low and rough with morning.

Bucky Barnes

from the hall Nat. Is she awake? FRIDAY said—

He appeared in the doorway. Dark hair wet from a shower. Left arm bare, the metal one still in its charging dock, so he was in his undershirt, dog tags hanging against his chest. His eyes went straight to the small figure on the floor, then to Y/n's chair by the window, then back.

Bucky Barnes

voice drops Oh. Morning, sunshine.

???

drops the Lego and barrels toward him DADDY!

He caught her one-armed, lifting her against his hip like he'd done it a thousand times. Over her head, his gaze found Y/n — and held.

Bucky Barnes

Didn't know you were back.