A few years after Steve saved Bucky from hydra mind control he stayed with the avengers. Then one day he just left. Only Steve really knew why. Everyone else was curious, upset even a little mad, then they slowly let it go.
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@sovereignThe city hummed with the rhythm of a summer afternoon, cars honking, people laughing, the smell of hot dogs from a cart drifting through the air. Sam Wilson was mid-sentence, gesturing broadly with his free hand, a paper cup of coffee balanced in the other.
Sam Wilson
—I’m just saying, we’re due for a decent taco spot. There’s like, nine sushi places within two blocks, but a guy can’t get a proper al pastor—
Tony Stark
You can get al pastor at four places in Brooklyn alone, and you know it. You just like complaining.
Steve Rogers
chuckles, shaking his head It’s good to get out. Feels like we never do this anymore.
It was true. The team, piled together for a rare weekend outing, were an odd sight—a collection of heroes that had saved the world more times than any of them could count. Yet here they were, ordinary, walking down a sunlit street in New York. Natasha and Clint walked a few paces ahead, bickering fondly about something on Clint’s phone. Bruce trailed slightly behind, hands in his pockets, enjoying the calm.
Tony Stark
pauses, sunglasses sliding down his nose, squinting Wait. Wait, wait, wait.
Sam Wilson
What now?
Tony Stark
points across the street Is that—tell me that’s not who I think it is.
Steve’s steps faltered. His eyes followed Tony’s finger to a man standing outside a small bookstore, head bent over a stroller, adjusting something. The man was broad-shouldered, his dark hair longer than it used to be, tied back loosely. He wore a flannel shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbows, exposing a vibranium arm glinting in the sunlight.
Steve Rogers
quietly Bucky.
Tony Stark
already moving Oh, we’re doing this. We’re absolutely doing this.
Sam Wilson
Tony—
Tony Stark
Five years, Rogers. Five years and that guy just disappears off the grid, no calls, no emails, no smoke signals—and he’s here, buying books? Nope. Not letting this one slide.
The team crossed the street in a loose, casual pack, trying to look like they weren’t on a mission. But anyone watching would’ve seen the tension—Tony leading the charge, Steve’s jaw tight, Natasha and Clint exchanging a look that said here we go.
Bucky Barnes
notices them, straightens, a slow, unreadable expression crossing his face ...Well. That’s a sight.
Tony Stark
arms spread wide Barnes! Fancy meeting you here. You know, we’ve been looking for you. Not hard, apparently, because here you are, browsing paperback bestsellers like you didn’t just vanish off the face of the earth.
Bucky Barnes
sighs, tugs at his sleeve Tony.
Tony Stark
Tony, he says. Like we’re old friends who lost touch. We’re not. We’re coworkers who you ghosted.
Steve Rogers
steps forward, softer Buck. It’s good to see you.
Bucky Barnes
meets his eyes, a small, almost apologetic smile You too, Stevie.
For a moment, silence. The team stood in a loose semicircle around him, the awkwardness palpable. Tony broke it, gesturing at the stroller, which was wiggling.
Tony Stark
And what’s this? You got a dog in there? Because that’s a weird choice for a bookstore.
Before Bucky could answer, a small voice piped up from behind him.
Jamie Barnes
Daddy! I want the one with the trucks!
A tiny boy, no more than five, with a shock of dark brown hair and enormous blue eyes, tugged on Bucky’s pant leg. He was clutching a picture book with a fire truck on the cover, his little face scrunched up in pure determination.
Tony Stark
blinks ...Daddy.
Bucky Barnes
crouches down, brushing the boy’s hair back Yeah, baby, we can get that one. Go show it to the nice lady at the counter. I’ll be right there.
Jamie Barnes
beams, then looks up at the strangers, eyes wide Are you my daddy’s friends?
Sam Wilson
slowly Uh. Yeah. Yeah, kid, we are.
Steve Rogers
kneeling down to Jamie’s level, voice gentle Hi there. What’s your name?
Jamie Barnes
I’m Jamie! I’m five. Do you like trucks? Because this is a fire truck. It’s the best one.
Tony was still staring, mouth slightly open, looking between the kid and Bucky. Bruce was hiding a smile. Natasha’s eyebrow was rising inch by inch.
Tony Stark
Barnes. Is there something you wanna tell us? Like, I don’t know—that you have a house and a kid and a—
A soft noise came from the stroller. Bucky glanced down, and for the first time, a genuine warmth spread across his face. He pulled back a corner of the blanket, revealing a baby girl with dark curls and wide blue eyes, gumming at a teething ring.
Bucky Barnes
quietly Sophia. She’s one.
Tony Stark
flatly You have two kids.
Bucky Barnes
straightens, tugging his sleeve again, the motion nearly automatic Yeah. I have two kids.
Steve Rogers
standing, a smile breaking across his face Bucky, that’s—that’s amazing. Really.
Bucky Barnes
looks at Steve, something relieved passing between them It is.
Tony Stark
And you didn’t think to—I don’t know—tell us? A call? A text? A carrier pigeon? We thought you were dead, or in a HYDRA bunker, or—
Bucky Barnes
cuts him off, voice low I know. I’m sorry. It’s—complicated.
Sam Wilson
crosses his arms Yeah, I bet it is. A wife, kids, a whole life. Where you been hiding out, man?
Bucky Barnes
hesitates, glancing down the street, then back We live north of the city. Little farmhouse. Quiet.
Tony Stark
slowly And your wife? She here? Or is she at home, hiding from us too?
Bucky’s jaw tightened, a flash of something protective in his eyes. Before he could answer, Jamie tugged on his hand again.
Jamie Barnes
Daddy, I wanna go home. I want Moose and Goose. And Mama said we’re gonna have cake.
Bucky Barnes
softening, ruffling Jamie’s hair We’ll go soon, buddy. Let me just talk to my friends for a minute.
Tony Stark
mutters Moose and Goose.
The little boy nodded solemnly, then turned his gaze to the strangers, scrutinizing them with a five-year-old’s seriousness.
Jamie Barnes
Do you guys wanna come have cake too?