The Odd Place

Bucky was even worse. It was like shopping for your dad- nothing he would love. Maybe cologne, or a watch–but those are big gifts right? After hours of debating, and browsing stores you crashed on a bench with an Auntie Anne's pretzel. Watching people run around in panic at the mall, then it finally hit you. Get Becca a homemade art kit! Soon enough you collected a basket from the craft store, and put tubes of paint, brushes, glitter, even some markers. Then Bucky’s gift–saddly it took a turn for the worse. You picked out a cologne that smelled nice, warm, spicy. It was a little pricey, but worth it. Then you picked out a pair of slippers, they looked like a white cat with ears. You knew he probably wouldn’t wear them, but you couldn’t pass it up. 

Every week leading up to Christmas the weather was getting worse, but not bad. The flirting between you, and Bucky had been getting worse. First you started getting to work early so you could share coffee then they ate lunch together. Even when you were decorating the office for Christmas, Bucky was right behind you while you were on a stool putting up snowflakes. 

“I’m just here to catch you if you fall” He said letting his hands ghost over the back of your knees

“Or looking up my skirt” you giggle looking down at him from the chair. “Maybe I am, but…is that really my fault?” he teased 

The night of the Christmas party, the day before they closed, and it was kind of big at the office. Steve's wife, Peggy was there. She was nice, shockingly British. Sam’s girlfriend, and a few other stores next door came over. Becca fell asleep upstairs hours ago while the adults were drinking, and picking at food. Bucky hung around Steve, or the wall. You couldn’t take your eyes off him, the way he had his stubble grown out for the winter, or how the extra layers made him even bulkier. After a few drinks, mainly for courage to not embarrass yourself in front of him. You were a little stumbly, and as things died down you tried to help Bucky clean up. Picking up crockpots and putting them in the sink before stumbling to the trash.

“How do you plan on getting home?” Bucky asked coming back into the breakroom

“Mmm walk– or drive if I can find my keys…” you mumbled out patting your pockets 

“You’re not getting those, it's getting bad out.” bucky said jiggling your keys before sliding them into his pocket. “Come on, you can stay upstairs tonight.”

“Mmm, are you flirting?” you giggled reaching for your keys “no, and no keys. Come on you can sleep in the bed” 

He led you up the stairs in the back to the apartment part of the store before leaving you on the couch. It was darkish, the snow from outside lit the house up enough to see. Then you saw the tree that was clearly decorated a lot by Becca. It melted your heart into a puddle as the alcohol hit hard enough you felt tired. You shimmied your shoes off before curling up on the couch into a ball, and falling asleep.

The next morning you woke with a pillow under your head, and a large blanket draped over you. “Goodmorning” bucky grumble laying coffee next to your head. “Thank you”

“Are you making bacon?” she mumbled walking into his kitchen wrapped in the blanket 

“Yeah, Becca would bite my head off if she didn’t have it” he said smiling at the thought

“So I guess I was a little drunk. Thanks for taking care of me.” you hummed stealing a piece of bacon

“Yeah, yeah, well I don’t think you’ll be able to make it home after dinner” he said glancing at the window “we’ve got about 12inch, and they aren’t going to be able to work the roads for hours.” 

“Shit, really?” you asked before getting ready to look out the window. He wasn’t lying, the snow was piling high, and it was still pouring down. “Well, are you sure me crashing here is okay?”

“Yes, honestly Becca will be happy, she’ll be up soon.” he hummed piling bacon on a plate and soon enough a sleepy Becca stumbled in purple truck pjs, and all. 

“You had a sleepover, and didn’t tell me?!” Becca said almost jaw dropped seeing you standing with her dad.

“Well– uh” she mumbled “It was so snowy, and your dad offered–”

“I wish you told me! We could have baked cookies!” becca said eating the bacon bucky set out

Throughout the day you helped bucky prepare Christmas eve dinner, and watched movies with Becca. Bucky was seasoning the ham, when you managed to sneak back in the  kitchen with him. “So how do you guys do Christmas?” You asked 

“Uh we open all the gifts tomorrow morning, and we bake cookies for Santa of course.” he said putting the ham into the oven.

After the amazing dinner, and watching home alone on the couch with becca snuggled between you, and Bucky. Even alpine curled up at your feet acting as a nice heater. As the movie ended Becca got up to set the cookies out before watching you make your spot on the couch up for bed.

“What are you doing?” becca asked in almost horror watching you lay down

“Um, going to bed…”

“No, you have to go to bed! Santa can’t come if someone's in the living room" Becca said “dad, she- she can’t sleep here” 

Bucky glanced between you, and becca “it’s okay she can sleep in my room, right?” he asked 

“Uh, I mean yeah” you said shimming up to follow bucky

Becca exhaled a sigh of pure relief before walking back to bed. Soon in Bucky's bedroom he shut the door and glanced at you weirdly. “Do you want to shower? I mean you’ve been here a while- I can lend you clothes” he said

His shower lacked most things, just a 3-in-1 bath soap. He gave you a pair of his sweat pants, and t-shirt. You came out like a soaked rat to him sitting in bed twiddling his thumbs, more nervous than you have ever seen him.

“So, um can I just get in with you?” you ask nervously glancing at the open spot

“Yeah, you look….” he started staring you up an down 

“Like a drowned rat?”

“Like a cute rat” 

“Really?” you say laying your head back on his pillows 

“Really” he said laying back next to you

You can listen to his breathing in the dark quiet room, and everything felt—right. You closed your eyes leaning closer to him before he wrapped his arms around you. 

Next

She was unfortunately right, stupid logical. But you couldn’t get it out of your head. Not leaving once the shop closed, but going upstairs to there apartment with him, the cat, and Becca. How nice it would be to bring them to your mom’s house on Christmas. Let Bucky meet you brother- or well his grave. You also ended up talking to him for a while, sitting alone in a graveyard telling him all about what’s happened in more detail than you did your mom.

“Oh and he’s really hot. He’s got a little gray in his bread, and I don’t know if he works out or if it’s just from his work but he is built. I bet he could pick me up, and his daughter. Oh, and she is so sweet, you would’ve loved teaching her swears, and giving her toys that would make a mess. Ya know all the uncle stuff” you say leaning on his headstone

“Don’t worry I’ll make him come meet you before we start dating” you said standing up and wiping your legs off grass “bye, I’ll see you in a few months” you said readjusting his flowers before walking back to the car

You said goodbye to your mom the next day, before driving back, but you did make a small stop at the closed shop before going home. Becca squealed running to hug you “your back! I missed you!” She said 

“Aw thanks, I missed you too” you say picking her up, and walking into the garage where only Bucky was working “your back early.” He said wiping his hands off after pulling them out of an engine 

“Yeah, well I guess I was excited for work” you shrug watching how he moved to stand infront of her “uh, me and Becca were gonna go get lunch at the dinner across town, if you wanted to join” he said

“Oh I don’t wanna intrude daddy daughter time” you say putting Becca down “please, it’s always just me and dad. We haven’t seen in you in sooo long” Becca said 

“I guess I can, and I was gone two days Becca” you said, poking her shoulder as she dragged you to Bucky’s truck. It was older, but in very good condition. Red on the hood and sides with a sliver base. It looks polished and clean, with what looks like new leather on the inside. It was only one row, but it was cozy. Becca made herself comfortable in the middle as you climbed in next to her, and Bucky sat in the driver's seat.

“Wow, you take amazing care of this car. I feel like I’m in the 70s” you said double checking Becca’s seat belt 

“It’s my dad’s old car, he bought it in 1973, I fixed it up when I’m bored.” He shrugged, pulling out of the shop's parking lot with practiced ease. It was a quiet, but peaceful Becca sang along to the radio quietly looking at the window, but your eyes kept catching on Bucky driving. Calmly, it felt safe, like you could fall asleep and rely on him. 

The dinner was small, with a charming atmosphere. You walk in together, sitting in a booth in the corner. Becca calmed the seat across from you, and Bucky sat on her left. As you look over the menu, Becca barely looks at it, same with Bucky. It’s enough to make you hurry and pick something. Cheeseburger, fries, and a coke- Diet Coke. Becca got the same, but a large chocolate milk shake. Bucky the same, minus a milkshake.

“I guess you two come here a lot?” You ask watching Becca play with a packet of sugar 

“Yep! Every Sunday dad takes me, but I think he should take you too because he likes you“ Becca said not realizing how red her dad’s face got 

“You a good friend, plus I think Becca needs another girl in her corner” he said quickly in an attempt to defend himself

“Thanks? I’m glad, Becca is a very good kid.” You say blowing the paper on your straw at Becca 

“Hey! That’s not nice” she said “how did you do that”

“I’m sorry, but it was funny” you say putting your straw into your own cup “here just take the paper off at the top, and blow” you say moving your eyes at Bucky trying to get her to aim for him, and she does. Giggling as she hits his face “really, Corrupting my sweet little girl?” He said in a teasing tone before blowing the paper of his straw right between your eyes 

“Nice shot, I don’t think I’ve ever been hit there” you say leaning across the table 

“Well, I’ve got my own secrets” he shrugged “oh, dad can she go to the movie with us too?” Becca asked staring back at you 

“I mean, I don’t have anything else to do tonight. I wouldn’t mind if it’s okay with your dad” you shrugged 

“Yes, I can’t wait now!” She said 

After you ate you reached for your purse to pay your part before Bucky shoved his card down  “it’s fine, you do a lot for me.” He shrugged 

“It’s okay, I can by 20 dollars for my own food” you said watching the waitress walking away 

“Yeah, it’s my treat” he said before the woman handed his card back “you two have the most beautiful girl. She looks just like you two” she said handing Bucky his card and recite back 

“Thank you” he said taking Becca’s hand as the three of you walked back out to his trunk

Oh my god, why didn’t he say anything. Becca wasn’t you kid? She was his and another woman’s. A woman you still don’t know, but— maybe it was just so he didn’t have to explain. Yeah, that's more realistic, you were just friends. Becca probably just wants a mom.

Bucky drove back to the shop while Becca kicked her feet back and forth. Becca said your name taking you out of your trance “can’t you just stay with us until we leave for the movie, I can show you my room, and dad’s really old photo” she asked 

“Becca, she might want to go home. I can just pick you up if you want” Bucky said glancing over at you before back to the road 

“I don’t mind staying, unless you want me out of your hair for a while” you say 

He nodded slowly, almost unsure, but Becca was very happy with your choice. She kept talking about how much she wanted to show you her room.

Once you got to their apartment above the shop Becca dragged you inside showing you her room first. It was purple head to toe with a little camo bear on her dresser.

 “This is dads home uniform” she said handing you the bear “I got it when I was really really little. I don’t even remember him not being here” she said 

You turn the bear in your hands. “This is very sweet, I’m sure he missed you,” you say, glancing at Bucky in the door. He seemed mixed about the toy in your hands, also grieving or angered at it. You set the bear down in its shelf before she showed the rest of her room off “I should probably go wash the grease off myself” he said stepping back into what you assumed was his bedroom “oh- yeah, I’ll just hang with her” you said point to Rebecca who was setting up a tea party 

He walked off shutting the door as you at the very tiny table that caused your knees  to be pushed up to your chest. You drank pretend tea as Rebecca poured it for you.

“My dad does talk about you all the time. I don’t know why he doesn’t just say it” she said 

“Maybe your just misunderstanding him” you said putting you teacup down

“I don’t want to, I wish you were my mom. Everyone else at school has moms” she said looking down at the table “I’m the only kid with just a dad, and my mom doesn’t come to see my anymore” 

“I’m sorry to hear that Becca. If you were my little girl I’d come see you all the time” you say reaching to hold her hand giving it a squeeze “but you do, so doesn’t that mean you could be my mom? You help me with my homework, you play with me, you help me when dad’s busy, isn’t that what moms do?” she said 

“I- I don’t think you dad wants that” you say pushing her hair back as she frowned 

“I wish your were my mom then” she said laying her head on your shoulder 

You just nodded pulling her to sit on your lap as you braid her hair not knowing what to do without over stepping so invisible line you’ve set.

Bucky eventually comes back in non-work clothes. It’s the first time you’ve ever seen him like it. He had white shirt on, covered with a flannel, jeans, and he trimmed his bread slightly. “Are my girls ready?” He asked as you finished her last braid

His girls, did he just call you his? No, your imagination things, there is no chance he said that to you. Becca nodded, jumping up to go back to the car. At the movies Bucky paid for your ticket and you got his popcorn. Becca shoved you two together and sat next to her dad. While a kids movie played about some green ogre. Bucky rested his arm over your seat, but didn’t quite touch your shoulders. Becca was asleep by the time the credits rolled, it was sweet watching him carry Becca out to the car. You sat next to her watching him drive.

“Thank you for this. Best date” you say jokingly of course

“Ah great, I took the best woman on a date with my five year old” he said sarcastically but he did mean it even if you couldn’t pick up on it “do you mind if I ask about what happened between you and Becca’s mom?” You asked quietly glancing at him 

“A lot, it was mainly my fault. I had a rough time after the army, and I was having nightmares. I just started staying up all night, or sleeping on the couch so I didn’t want her or Becca to wake up. We started fighting a lot more too. It wasn’t great, and then I found out she was cheating on me, a lot. I only found out when Becca was born. My mom made the bear for her, and Becca thinks it was made when she was 2 or something. I don’t really know why, Sharon probably told her. She used to come visit her once a summer, but she stopped last year” he said, gripping the wheel tighter. “She left when Becca was 6 months old. I started therapy, and I just wanted to be better for her.” He said 

“I’m so sorry, I really am” you say, reaching your hand onto his shoulder. “At least you have Becca, and you can come to me” you said as he pulled up to your apartment building. He got out to walk you in leaving Becca asleep across the seats. 

“This is me” you said point to your door “thank you, I really did have fun today” you say again unlocking the door before turning around to him 

“I’m glad, you're great with her,” he whispered, brushing hair behind your ear. 

You didn’t know what to do, but your heart wanted to race and yearned to pull him in, luckily you didn’t have to, he did. His lips hit your softly, slowly as if savoring the moment. “Bucky-“ you breathe back as he pulled away resting his forehead on yours “sorry, I’ve been wanting to do that all day” he whispered 

“Don’t be, I liked it. I like you” you say softly resting your hand on his shoulder 

“Next date, I won’t bring a five-year-old.” He said smiling at you

“Mm, I don’t know if you can top this one” you say kissing him again this time more heated 

“Oh, I promise I can top it” he grinned against your lips “I’ll see you tomorrow, I gotta get back before Becca thinks i abandoned her” he said 

You watched him walk off before going inside and screaming into your pillow like a teenage girl. No, did that actually just happen? Yes, yes it did. The man you worked for, the most grumbling, aloof man kissed you? You barely slept that night so excited to go to work and see him.

Next

“I know, I know just a little longer sweet girl” he panted squeezing her hip harder

Buzz!Buzz!

Bucky's eyes licker open turning his alarm off, 6am, before looking down at the tent formed in his pants “damnit, I’m worse than a teenage boy” he groaned rolling back over “she’s technically my employee” he groaned to himself onto a pillow.

After he fed rebbecca and sent her off, you were there. The one person who had been flooding his mind like a parasite. Torture in his opionion, and he was actual tortured. It just stung more when Sam started hanging by your desk more. It made his chest ache, with growing anger at Sam, and anger at himself for not being that guy. 

“So any plans for thanksgiving, ya know you can always show up welcome to my place?” Sam said, leaning closer than he should have to her desk.

“Mm, I don’t know yet. I might just stay home, and get takeout.” she said

Alone, and going to fucking Sam’s house. That fucking ass. Bucky grumbled under his breath, accidentally chipping his coffee mug as he set it down. Why Sam? What did he have? A stable life, no kids, baggage. He was….good for her, for anyone, and well Bucky’s mind couldn’t leave him alone with how unfit he was for her. Someone who he wanted. 

Around 3pm, and the bus ran and Rebeca came running off making a b-line for her dad. “Dad! I made this” she squealed, shoving a paper with turkey handprints of three turkeys before explain that it was supposed to be her, Bucky, and you,

“Can I give it to her and ask her to come over for dinner?! Pleaseeeee!” Rebecca said 

“Becca she probably has her own plans for thanksgiving.” He said “but you can give it to her” he said secretly hoping that maybe if a little girl asked you to stay for thanksgiving you wouldn’t go to Sam. He knew it was wrong to guilt trip you using his kid, but the idea of you at Sam’s house makes his bones ache.

Becca ran off to show you and begged you to keep it on your desk. You told her you couldn’t go to their thanksgiving. She pouted before sitting by your leg probing for details of why you wouldn’t. 

By the time Bucky closed the garage he may his way to the front lobby where you hand a asleep Becca on your side, as you finished a spreadsheet 

“Hey, you don’t have to work this late” he said watching how Becca’s head laid on her leg 

“Oh I know, I just needed to ask if I could have the weekend off, and come in on Monday?” you asked her hand idly combing through Becca’s hair

“Oh, thanksgiving plans?” He asked grumbling at the thought of her with Sam that long 

“Yeah, I’m gonna go to my mom’s. I’ve never not gone to her house” you said 

“oh ... I'm sorry becca bother you then. She really likes you”

“I can tell. She doesn’t bother me, it’s kind of sweet” you say glancing at the clock then your bag.

“Here I’ll take her upstairs, and have fun at your mom’s.” he said softer an usual as he picked becca up “no, I want momma to stay” becca whined half awake in his arms

Bucky eyes shot back at your face, how wide your eyes were, and flushed your face was. “Uh, I should um- go. Bye” you yelped rushing out flustered

Next

Author's Notes

You: sure I’ll be there

After a google search you found out that the shield is a bar, and with some regret you got dressed. Once you walked in you saw Wanda with a group of other girls, one red head, and one brunette. Wanda waved you over to their table smiling.  “Hey, oh this is Natasha, and Maria” Wanda said as the other two waved at her. Throughout the night you find yourself having real fun for the first time in years. The group played darts as you went up to the bar to get a drink when you ran into Sam. “Hey, I did know you come here” he said setting his beer down

“Oh I don’t- it's my first time here. Is this a spot you hang out at?” you ask fiddling with your drink straw

“Yeah, me, Steve, and Sam used to come here a lot.” he said taking a sip of his beer “great veterans discount too”

“Oh, I had no idea you served.” you say relaxing more you talk to him 

“Well we all are. I guess Buck doesn’t talk about his time a lot. We all use to go to group counseling together” 

“That explains a lot actually” you say leaning on the bar “is that how bucky lost his…” 

“No, that was a motorcycle accident, a few years after. Not my story to tell though” Sam said "honestly, Bucky never talks about serving. He doesn’t use a discount. He just acts like those years never existed. That brooding stare is actually a lot better than it used to be”

“Youre kidding? Honestly I’m shocked he was nice to a woman long enough to have a kid” you say bringing your drink up to your lips has he laughs

“Oh he was prom king, and the star football player. the man can be charming when he wants to be”

Your eyes widen in disbelief, no possible way. I mean, he owns the shop but he never spoke to the customers because, well, he normally just came off as a gruff, asshole.After a few more drinks, you stumbled home at 11pm before passing out face down on your bed. 

As soon as it got to October you decorated the shop all out. Halloween was one of your favorite holidays. Dressing up, watching movies with your brother, making him wear matching halloween costumes with you. Becca was ecstatic, all Bucky had ever done was throw a few pumpkins they paint out, and call it a day. You had fake cob webs, a skeleton, and a giant orange bowl you were filling with halloween candy in the breakroom while Becca sat on the counter sneaking a few pieces into her pocket. “So what are you going to be for halloween this year becca?” you ask opening another bag 

“Dad said I can just wear my old Batgirl costume, but I really wanted to be Alice this year. From the movie you showed me” Becca said inhaling a Reccecup she sold “Why wont he get you a new costume?” you huff taking a piece out of the bowl yourself  “He said something about us just walking down the block and back, and it wouldn’t be worth it” becca said looking down as she kicked her feet 

“Hold on Becca, I’ll be right back” she mumbled walking towards the actual garage swinging the door open “Bucky Barnes, are you kidding me!” you huffed kicking his foot as you stood over him while he was slid under a car. “Youre ruining her childhood! You don’t decorate- or take her trick or treating! I bet you don’t even dress up with her” 

Sam, and Steve both stopped working to stare as Bucky slid out from under the car “what?” he huffed up at you with his same brooding glare “she doesn’t like halloween that much, besides it’s not a real holiday she gets candy all the time.” 

“That is not the point! You will take her to the biggest neighborhood in this town, and then you’ll let her eat all the candy her sweet innocent little tummy can handle!” she huffed throwing a rag at him “because the best part. I will go get her the costume of her dreams, and you will dress up with her.”

“Absolutly not, I will take her, but I am not dressing up,” Bucky said standing up “you also don’t have any right to but in on how I raise my daughter. She has had average halloween for the last five years”

“That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put the effort in! What is she going to think when you're dead, and she's alone, and she just has half assed holidays to remember you by!” you say not backing down

“I’m going to take her to the store, and we are going to get her a costume” you huffed walking back inside to grab your purse. 

“Buck, are you really just gonna let her….ya know, take Becca” Steve said watching as Bucky stared at the now empty spot “maybe she’s right, I’ve kinda half assed her childhood” he grumbled sliding back under the car “I’ll close early for Halloween this year.” He grumbled

At the store you, and Becca found a Alice and wonderland costume, plus a mad hatter costume for Bucky. It was weird, being alone in public with a little girl, that technically you had no relationship too. At the counter Rebecca sat in the buggy wiggling her legs as you paid 

“You’re daughter is adorable.” the woman at the counter said counting you change.

“Yeah, she is,” you blurted out before you could stop yourself. It was a lie, you knew Becca wasn’t yours, but….it was easier than explaining why you had a child that technically wasn’t yours

Halloween night, you spent a few hours making Rebecca costume more fun. Something in you wanted to make it perfect enough it blew her away. Watching tutorials on how to make the costume’s skirt more fluffy, and warm so she wouldn’t freeze. You spent an hour embroidering a teacup into the apron. Plus arguing with Bucky about wearing his. Finally once it was late enough to go trick or treating, you put a small amount of your makeup on Becca after she put her costume on. Bucky came down in his costume a few minutes before 5 while Becca was saying very long goodbye to Alpine

“Oh- you shaved…..and you have eyeliner on” you say slowly in disbelief staring at him 

“You told me to do this” he huffed fidgeting uncomfortably with the costume

“I told you to put a costume on” you correctly placing the hat onto his head “well your Alice is ready, she is just kissing alpine goodbye. Can I just ask if you got the eyeliner though? I didn’t peg you for a guy to have that” 

“It’s uh, my ex wife’s, I’m kind of worried about how old it is. Or the fact that I might get crabs from using her shit” he said more gruffer than normal 

“Oh, that’s something. I’m sorry for making you go out. I just miss being Rebecca’s age during this I guess. My family just went all out” you say before Rebeca came running in with her bucket “thank you!” She said hugging your side as tight as she could before pulling Bucky out of the lobby “I’ll bring you back candy, I swear!” She said practically foaming at the mouth to get a taste of sugar. You couldn’t help the way your heart pounded as he helped her into his truck just to drive her to a neighbor so she could get candy. 

You spent your night handing candy out in a Halloween sweater, before calling your mom.

“I’m fine mom, you don’t have to worry about me all time anymore” you say holding the phone up to your ear

“I know but, after he died, you haven’t been the same. You two use to torture me and your father on these nights” she said you could hear how she smile, and how much it hurt her too much to admit most days.

“I know, I’ve missed him today, but I’ve been doing better. I promise, I’ve even made friends” you said laying your head back on the couch “hey, uh is dating your boss still bad if it’s a small business?”

“What?” your mother said adding your name to the end of it “I don’t think it’s a good idea, at all. He’s probably not even your age, or he’s married.” 

“Yeah, you're right. It’s just a little crush. I’ll tell you more when I come over for thanksgiving” you say

After your mother gave you all of her church’s gossip, and how someone who you knew when you were six died. You said goodnight before climbing into bed trying to drift to sleep before your phone dinged.

Bucky: 5 photos

Bucky: Her best Halloween

They started out with one of her back with two king sized candy bars, another of them together, and the last one of her passed out in the backseat with candy smeared around her face, and a lollipop still in her grip

Next

Authors Notes!

“Here, new tires on” Bucky said tossing the keys at you ruffling Beca’s hair “so ... are you guys hiring?” you ask slowly shoving the keys into your pocket

“Yes, but I don't know if that's a good ide-” he said before Beca jumped in “Yes! Dad, she’d be perfect! She colors with me, and she is nice. Plus you said she was prett-” Beca was half way through the word before Steve shoved his hand over her mouth to carry to the bag like a ragdoll while shooting bucky a look that says ‘you owe me’

“I didn’t say that- She's just not around other girls a lot, and I just agreed with her” Bucky said running his through his hair “I guess if you want to do an interview right now” 

Holy shit, right now? You’re not prepared for an interview; he doesn't even know your qualifications. “Sure, I’d love to,” you say, following him to his back office. 

“Have you even done this before?” he asked sitting down at a desk 

“Kind of…I used to be an accountant, I have my bachelors in accounting, and I’ve worked in a lot of offices before, I’m decently organized to answer the phone.” You say fidgeting with your hands

“Well…someone helping with the books would be helpful, but you’d be around Rebecca a lot. She’s a good kid, but she's a handful.” Bucky said leaning back in his chair

“I don’t mind, she’s…sweet” you say praying someone will hire you before you go bankrupt. Bucky walked you out the Lobby lacked Rebecca or Steve. 

The next sunday 5pm

Incoming call

Unknown number

“Hello?” you answer, putting your half eaten ramen down.

“It’s James, well Bucky. I was wondering if you’d actually like a job, I can only 25 dollars an hour, but I really need the help” he said

“Yes!- When can i start”

“Can you come in tomorrow around 8?”

8am

You showed up ten minutes early, with a coffee cup in hand. For once a quiet, tired Rebbeca sat with a backpack bigger than herself. 

“You look tired”

“Dad made me get up for the bus.” she grumbled petting the same white cat

Bucky walked “uh, this is your desk. It’s a little messy, and that’s Alpine. She’s our cat.” he said, trying to give a tour of his messy lobby. “Sam’s back this week, and I think you met Steve.

12pm

You meant Sam, he was nice, a little flirty but fun. Steve was actually sweet, more friendly than Bucky’s three word directions. You spend most of your day cleaning the office and trying to befriend Alpine. Overall it wasn’t bad, his books were scattered, but simple enough to fix before Rebbeca’s bus dropped her off at 3pm. “Hey, how was school?” you ask as rebbeca looked around the clean lobby. “It was boring, and dad’s gonna make me do my homework” she groaned 

You giggle at her pulling out a colouring book “well I got this for you, so we can colour once you finish your homework?” you offer watching her dig her in a backpack, Becca jerks around to you, her eyes sparkling “please, please help me with my homework so we can colour!” she begged pushing a math worksheet into her hand 

5pm

You and Becca have been colouring for a while, as you answered whatever questions she had. “My dad like likes you” she said looking up at you 

“Why do you say that?” you asked finishing the strawberry on your page

“He said ‘I don’t understand how someone that pretty can be that awkward’, I don’t know why him, and uncle steve acted like that over me saying he called you pretty.” she said

You sighed looking back at her “I don’t know how to take that"

you mumbled as Bucky walked pushing his hair back covered in oils, and dirt. “Homework done?” he grunted before sitting next to becca 

“Yes” she said sitting on his lap showing him her colouring sheet “Can we hang this one up too” she asked. 

He looked so much softer when was there, like they melted into each other. You can’t help, but notice how his eyes soften for her.  No, you shouldn't feel that-, he’s your boss now.

“Oh, you can clock out now” Bucky said, his voice gruffer. “Got it, 8 to 5” you said tidying up her desk before waving goodbye to a tired Becca

Once you ate, and crawl into bed with your ipad to draw alpine. You’d seen the cat all day. Why not draw her, she was cute. That's when your phone went off. 

“Thanks for everything. The lobby hasn’t been this clean since my dad was still working.” – Bucky

"no, problem" you sent back turning your phone off. No, you can't have a crush on your boss. Kids just say weird things, plus he insulted you, but still his softened eyes is making your heart melt

Next

The car was old, a 1969 plymouth roadrunner, but it was new to you. I was your brother’s prized possession, now it felt like all you had left of him since he… nevermind. This is when it started to hit you, did you actually just quit your job–no, you never do anything that irrational nor would you recklessly drive a car in a town you didn’t know. 

After a phone call later, and a 15 minute walk you made it to a shop. “Barnes Garage” It looked run down, and half way abandoned when you stepped inside. The tiny bell on the door rang, and a white cat jumped off the abandoned front desk. Then a little girl came tumbling in “Uncle Sam!” she yelled. Her little brown curls slapped into a sloppy pony-tail, and bright blue eyes. She stopped right before hitting your leg “You’re not Sam” she mumbled

“Uh, no? I mean, ah crap- I shouldn’t say that. Does one of your parents work here? I uh, broke down.” You manage to get that out forgetting how bad you are with kids. 

“Yes! This is my dad’s place ... but he’s working sooooo that means you have to colour with me until he’s done” She said, grabbing your hand, and dragging you to the coffee table filled with coloring books, and a giant bag of crayons before you could ask a question.

After 30 minutes of coloring with a child, she asked a lot of questions. Soon enough you’d find out that her name was Rebbeca, but everyone called her Beca. “I like your hair, I wish my dad could do mine like that” she said colouring a horse blue.

“Thank you…I like your hair too. I’m sure your dad is trying his best. You’ll love those curls one day” you say, picking up a crayon to color the page she gave you. Finally a man’s voice called out for “Beca!” as the door slung open. He was covered in grease, hair slicked back, unshaved stubble, and a name tag bearing the name “Bucky” on his work shirt. His eyes soften on the little girl, before shifting to you with confusion, and concern that a random woman was sitting close to his daughter.

“Oh, uh she said you were busy--and to color with her” You confess realizing a child had pushed you around for an hour and a half. Finally standing up to walk over to him.

“You didn’t think to look for another adult?” He grumbled staring at you like he was sizing you up

“I uh, I’ve had a really long day. Please, it's ‘69 out there. I really really need a new tire, preferably kind of cheap.” You mumbled back he sighed before digging around to hand her paperwork "I'll have to order tires, but they won't be in until Saturday. I’d suggest calling someone to come get you” He said, then after a few minutes of double checking where your apartment was you decide to just walk there. It was only a block away, and you had the key. You grab a few bags from your car before crashing on an air mattress in what was supposed to be your living room. “Tomorrow has to be better,” you told yourself. You’ll find a job, fix your car, and heal. This is a new start, a redo of adulthood.

6am.

“Why is school closed for a weather warning?” Bucky grumbled to himself. No sleep last, just nightmares, waking up sweating. He ended up staring a ceiling for three hours. Soon enough Becca was already up chasing the cat around. Normally her being out of school wouldn’t be a problem. He’d have Steve, and Sam in the shop so getting work wouldn't be that hard. Unfortunately for him. Sam was in Louisiana visiting his family, and Steve had to just get sick. Stupid influenza

8am

Breakfast, fruity pebbles, and toast. Toast is healthy enough, right? Besides, a five-year-old wants oatmeal for breakfast. Becca was practically ecstatic to not have school, and spend the day with her dad. She bounced in her seat while he tried to wrangle her hair into a ponytail.

10am

Bucky was downstairs in the shop, working under a car. He set Becca up with a colouring book, and left the door to the office open. “God I need to hire a receptionist” he mumbled glancing into the scattered mess that was the lobby of his shop to check on Beca. Bucky loved his daughter, she was his world, but today she was getting on his last nerve. Constantly five year old level chaos. He felt like he needed to go, and apologize to his dad for all the shit he must of cause at her age.

3pm

It was quite, way too quiet for Bucky’s liking considering how loud she had been today. “Becca!” He called, pushing himself out from under a car “Becca, baby where did you go?” He said, glancing around, getting more panicked. His mind raced with worry thinking “She’s locked herself in a cabinet and can’t breathe- she ran out into the road, she accidentally got ahold of one of my tools, and hurt herself”

“Becca!” He called, opening the office door in a rush. His eyes landed on Becca and his heart started to calm down. Then the woman, who- how didn’t he hear her come in, and why was she sitting so close to his daughter.

Next

Authors Notes!