Drop by, Say "Hi"

Bucky sits up, getting a better idea of why his sweet wife is eating a handful of froot loops while baking enough cupcakes to feed an army.

Or in this case, an entire school.

"She had the nerve to claim it was an accident but just happened to have her own dessert in her car. Who happens to have three dozen cookies in their truck? She did that on purpose because she can't stand it that the kids like my cupcakes more than her dry raisin cookies." You rant, adding more softened butter to the mixture, furiously whipping the spoon around it.

"She's one of our rivals?" Bucky might not understand the intricate inner workings of the PTA and he really doesn’t want to but he knows how to take down enemies.

"She is Papa. We dont wike her." Bee states, her little fist hits the counter. "She's mean, right mommy?"

"Yes," you proclaim, staring down at the third bowl, quickly going through your options.

The first batch has froot loops in the batter and you're going to place more in the icing, the second set will have a strawberry filling, you need something special for this last one.

You're torn been making a caramel stuffed cupcakes paired with ice cream and cookies or key lime ones with bright green frosting and graham cracker crumble.

You're reaching for the eggs when the sounds of furtive whispering catches your attention. Slowly peering over your shoulder, you see little Bumblebee now sitting on the counter in front of Bucky.

"We need to get a handle on this Keaton," he muses, eyes narrowing as he contemplates who he should call in for this job. "Who should we get?"

Bee mimicks his expression, cupping her chin. She loves this game. "I can ask Mr. Tato, he knows people."

Bumblebee goes to one of his meeting, just one and now her stuffed dino is an mob enforcer.

You blink twice, turning around to face the conspiring duo.

"Bucky no," you state firmly, giving him a pointed stare before gazing at Bee, your curiosity getting the better of you. "And what do you mean 'he knows people'?"

Bee shrugs, lifting her tiny hands up. "He does Mommy. He knows everything. He helps Papa with business."

Bucky laughs, a deep, rich sound that brings a smile to Bee's face. You fight to keep one from pulling at your lips, not wanting to encourage their antics. "I'll handle Keaton myself."

Bucky smiles, a familiar look in his blue eyes. "Alright Malyshka," he acquiesces with a sly drawl to his voice.

He could tell you that he's going to have one of the guys block her driveway so she'll be late tomorrow, giving you enough time to set up your desserts in peace but he likes it when your imagination runs wild. And he knows you'll get the information out of him tonight.

"Bucky I mean it."

"I know. If you come up with a better plan than ours, we'll let you handle it. But if not..." He gathers Bee into his arms, whispering something that has her giggling before returning his attention to you. "No one mess with a Barnes."

"James if anything—"

Bucky's eyes flit back to you. "I'm sorry Malyshka but I have a meeting with Mr. Tato in five minutes and he doesn't like to be kept waiting."

"We needs to go mommy," Bee agrees, waving at you as Bucky carries her out of the room. "Sees you laters."

"My husband is going to commit a crime," you groan, pinching the bride of your nose. "And my baby is going to be an accessory."

Your fingers fly across your screen. Text after text to Bucky. Letting him know that his daughter brought 10k in cash and a deck of cards to school and is now up 5 grand.

Three little dots appear and disappear. Appear and disappear.

"Mrs. Barnes? Are you still there?"

"Yes. Thanks for letting me know. I'll talk to her when I pick her up."

A beat of silence fills the air. You can tell she wants more from you. An apology. An explanation of sorts. Neither is warranted in your opinion. Bee was playing a harmless game. It just happened to involve large sums of cash. Her father can afford it.

"Of course I could always have Bucky stop by," you casually drop, tone sweet and light.

"No that won't be necessary," she coughs out. "Thank you for your attention to this matter. Have a good day."

"You too."

Finally Bucky responds.

That's my girl. You know that blackjack tournament is this Saturday.

Absolutely not.

Later you have to explain to befuddled Bee why she can't play cards with her friends. Or why she can't give them "betting monies".

"I know you wanted everyone to play but you can't bring your money to school anymore."

"Not even a wittle bit of monies?" Bee's shoulders slump, her face pulling into a frown when you shake your head no. She doesn't understand why the growns up at school made her and friends stop having fun. And now she can't have her school monies. This was a tough day for her. "Okays Mommy."

You shouldn't feel bad but you do. She's so damn cute. And she was just having fun.