Bucky x Reader find a baby
First, I'm sorry that the baby is NOT multi-racial. This is the best I could find in the meantime. Second, this is a gender neutral reader. I also don't know the term for gender neutral parents. I tried to look it up! I'm sorry I made a reader with a museum worker, but I think A. It's a good realistic way to meet Bucky B. I'm sorry, I'm a museum person and I didn't want to do librarian or coffee shop. Btw, It's cannonical that Bucky calls his grandmother "GamGam".
Enjoy!
The two of you met at a local museum containing history and science exhibits. You had been a curator for several years and enjoyed your work, even if it didn't pay well. Seeing all the artifacts behind the scenes that the public didn't see made you giddy. You were used to people spending time on their phones, taking selfies, or just zooming through the exhibits, but you always appreciated those who bothered to actually view your and your colleagues' hard work.
You left your office ready to head out to lunch when you saw someone who glanced your way multiple times. It was a new exhibit on the history of cookbooks. The man looked to be in his early 30s. You stood next to the young man and had to repress a gasp. No way. Of course, you had to hold your excitement upon seeing Bucky Barnes enter the establishment. You had read about him before. He was dressed inconspicuously, but he seemed genuinely interested in the books.
"You know, my Ma had one of those. It was passed down from my Gamgam. My Mama had this one, too." Bucky began. You gave a small, shy smile, still a bit starstruck, but you didn't give up the opportunity to speak to him.
It was there that you started to strike up a friendship with him, as he was genuine in his interest and seemed rather lonely. He came back often to view this and that, sometimes sighing wistfully at a memory that was unlocked. He was especially animated around the various scientific exhibits, like the history of submarines.
From there, he shyly asked you for coffee, and of course, you said yes. It was a slow friendship, and your romance was even slower. You knew who Bucky was, but you never asked about his past. He knew you knew, and eventually, you mutually acknowledged his identityābut he was greatly relieved you did not cause a fuss over it. Eventually, he proposed, and now you have been married for two years.
The two of you had discussed having children, but only fleetingly. Steve always said he'd be a good father, but Bucky doubted himself, given his past. You suggested adoption, which Bucky was all too happy to agree with - if the time came.
The time came when Bucky received a phone call from an attorney in Indiana, his native state. Bucky had inherited his great-grandmother's farmhouse and had been working on preserving it and rebuilding a relationship with Rebecca's great-grandchildren.
It turned out his great-grand niece had a baby, which was nothing new to you and Bucky, having heard the news months ago.
Unfortunately, her mother had passed away after a chronic illness, and instead of fostering, she wanted Bucky and you to take the child.
You were stunned. Why you two? His great-grandniece had other family to care for the baby. Yet the lawyer had a handwritten letter from the baby's mother insisting on the will.
Bucky hung up the phone after saying he'd think about it. It was such a massive and serious step. This was both of your chances, and it fell right into your lap. Worryingly, you found out the baby was 8 months old, making it more difficult for the baby, who would be confused and torn from her original home. It would be traumatizing for the baby. Bucky decided the best option would be to hold a family call to discuss the situation. It surprised Bucky when the family blessed you two to adopt the baby with the stipulation that they still be involved in her life, which Bucky readily agreed to.
That night, Bucky paced the room to the point that he could have made tracks into the carpet. You encouraged him to sit with you and make a pros and cons list. Bucky and you finally decided that, since you had stable finances, one of you had a stable job, plus savings and support from loved ones, the two of you would be able to handle it.
It was decided that since you had a job, he would be the stay-at-home parent unless he was called away for work, which was rare as he was mostly retired and mostly consulted. You would take paternal leave to bond with the baby and have time for parenting classes.
The next day, Bucky confirmed the two of you's decision to adopt the baby, which was met with sighs of relief and promises of support. Of course, Bucky immediately texted Steve the news.
*The next day, you scheduled parenting classes on everything from nutrition and baby psychology to simple things like changing diapers and common errors.
Then, you and Bucky went shopping, deciding on a Winnie the Pooh-themed nursery with decals, blankets, outfits, and stuffies. Outfits were expensive, so the Barnes family donated what they could of clothing and other supplies.
The two of you decided to keep the baby's name, Nora, as Bucky found it beautiful and old-fashioned. Her middle name was Winnie, another reason why Winnie the Pooh fit. Bucky also remembered it from his own childhood.
Bucky's eyes lit up as he realized he could design and build things for Nora in the house. You heard him hammering and sawing in the garage, creating something he insisted would be a surprise.
When you finally met Nora, your eyes filled up with tears. This was real. Bucky was similarly choked up as he picked up the baby from her carrier. You hugged his great-grand niece, who dropped her off, with Bucky similarly giving her a hug and a thank you before the woman left.
At first, all Bucky could do was stare at the baby cradled in his arms, staring at him in return. The baby had the Barnes' signature grey eyes and chestnut brown hair with hints of curls. It was obvious that Bucky was immediately smitten as he smiled widely, almost the widest you'd ever seen, as he whispered, "Hi. I'm your new Daddy, this is your new _" He said, turning the baby to face you.
That night, not everything was sunshine and roses, nor did either of you expect it to be. She seemed well enough during the day, but nights were a struggle, yet Bucky took it like a champ, insisting he didn't need sleep. Of course, you didn't allow him to use that as an excuse and worked to split the work as best as you could.
Time was spent between New York and Indiana, but Bucky spent most of his time in Indiana. However, Steve, Sam, and Natasha visited often while in New York or came specially to Indiana to visit. Steve was, of course, the godfather. The other Avengers also sent their love and gifts, often causing Bucky to insist that the gifts slow down. Bucky was uncomfortable with gifts to begin with, but the house was getting full with items for Nora.
At this point, Nora could crawlā¦ and quickly. Your stamina and Bucky's super serum stamina were tested, and even babyproofing the house never seemed enough. It seemed as though one of you was constantly carrying her backā¦ thankfully, you had a playpen which Bucky called "baby jail" as Nora hated being in there and would pout at you to set her free. Bucky sometimes relented, causing you to playfully scold him. However, Nora behaved well and sat with her baby books, blocks, and baby piano.
Bucky was a total girl dad. All the baby had to do was look at him a certain way, and Bucky might be convinced to do what she wanted.
Bucky hardly put her down. He was always carrying her in her wrap. You had to convince him to put her down so she could play or so you could hold her.
Bucky was very confident carrying her while out, not giving a damn what other people thought, as plenty of people gave odd looks. It was less in New York. Bucky took her to meetings with Sam and anywhere else that was needed.
Walks were important to you both, and Nora loved them. When she was older, she would point at each dog and proclaim "Doggie!". She, of course, wanted to pet them all, and at some points, Bucky was actually late to things because he let her pet too many dogs.
Bucky slowly introduced Nora to Alpine, making sure that Nora treated her gently and that Alpine was comfortable. She loved Alpine and would crawl after her in the house. Alpine was very tolerant of Nora, but would retreat when she felt uncomfortable. However, Alpine would also curl up beside Nora to take a nap.
She was never around iPads unless it was Bucky quickly communicating with work that he couldn't complete on his phone, or was too lazy to get out his laptop. However, the two of you decided some screen time was okay and would cycle around an episode of Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, or Reading Rainbow. However, most of her entertainment came from enrichment toys and books.
Nora loved animals, and her favorite animals were bunny rabbits. Of course, her favorite stuffed toy was a rabbit, and her overalls and PJs had bunnies on them.
Steve would bring art supplies and sit down to draw with her, drawing her pictures of whatever he thought she'd like. When she was older, Steve taught her how to hold a crayon, and they drew pictures together. Bucky always gave them a place of honor in the house.
If the baby is fussy at night and you all are in Indiana, Bucky would drive her down country roads to help her fall asleep.
Bucky was an insomniac, but if he was in a safe place for the baby, too, then there were definitely times when Nora fell asleep on his chest. You, of course, took lots of pictures.
Feel free to request more hc's! I've worked extensively with children, being a former weekend preschool teacher and having family.
