"Of course." A small blush formed in his cheeks. Shrugging it off, he stood up and walked over to the three of you.

After you helped your niece and nephew to stand, Bucky reached out a hand for you. With an appreciative smile, you took it and let him help you off the floor.

"Thanks Buck," You nodded at the man while putting both your hands behind each six-year-old, "Now let me introduce you to the twins."

Bucky got down to their height and rested his flesh hand on his knee, "Hey there, I'm Bucky. Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

"I'm Tia!" The little girl greeted with a big grin on her face, rocking back and forth on her tippy toes. The boy jumped next to his sister, saying loudly, "And I'm Joel! We're twins!"

"And none of them are shy, I'll tell you that." You got down to their height as well, about to give them side hugs, but they had already launched themselves at Bucky.

The brunette quickly brought his vibranium arm behind his back, while cradling the twins with his flesh one. At first you laughed at the sight along with the three of them, but when you saw the overwhelmed look in Bucky's eyes, you reacted quickly.

"Take it easy now." You said while lifting both kids off the super solider. You shot him an apologetic smile which he returned with a reassuring one.

After letting the twins go, you spoke to them with an excited voice, "Hey why don't we go get the ice cream we bought? We need to put it in the freezer."

Both kids nodded and started running to the kitchen exit. You let out a sigh and looked at Bucky, "Yeah so that's my niece and nephew I told you about. They're staying the weekend, and with their level of energy it should be enough to drain me like a crimefighting mission."

Bucky laughed at your joke when a thought entered his mind, "I know you got this on your own, but you don't have to. I can help babysit them."

Your heart felt warm at his offer, knowing he wasn't the most comfortable around kids because of his arm, "I can't ask that of you-"

"You don't. I'm offering, and you should know I always love helping you out."

"I know, Buck. Ditto. Thank you."

"Auntie Y/n!" Tia yelled at you from the entrance, where she and her brother were waiting for you impatiently.

"Sorry sweets, I'm coming." You assured her from across the room, before you lowered you voice for Bucky, "We're ordering takeout later, you wanna join us?"

Bucky was more than happy you agreed to let him tag along, "Sure."

"I guess we'll be co parenting then." You winked at the man, getting a flustered look in return. You giggled at the sight before kissing his cheek, and hurrying over to the twins.

Saying you didn't know what you were doing to Bucky, would be a lie.

-

With soda cans and paper bags in your hands, you walked over to the benches where Bucky and the twins were waiting.

The skies were blue, and sun was warming your skin, making the perfect opportunity for a small picnic outside the compound. A burger and nuggets picnic to be exact.

"Here's your junk." You said and placed Tia and Joel's food in front of them, "Eat n' wreck."

"Yummy!" The twins cheered in union.

You sat down opposite of Bucky and handed him his food, gaining a 'thank you' in return. Before you got the chance to open your own bag of food, Joel stretched out his hand with a toy in your face.

"Look who I got!" The boy cheered while showing it to Bucky next. Taking a closer look at the toy, you noticed the red, white, and blue stripes. It was a Captain America action figure.

"Hey, that's my best friend." Bucky gave Joel a nod and smirk which made the boy's mouth gape. "You're best friends with Captain America! Wow!"

"That's great Joel! Did you get a toy Tia?" You turned to the girl who nodded and brought the action figure forward.

While studying the figure you didn't notice Bucky turning in his seat to hide away his vibranium arm. Tia was holding a Winter Solider figure, which you probably hated more than Bucky.

You knew Bucky's worries and insecurities when it came that person. It wasn't Bucky, it was a brainwashed machine. The fact that they still made toys and merchandise of him instead of Bucky, and his new arm, angered you.

 Tia looked at Bucky for a moment and raised her eyebrows, "He looks like you! You both have metal arms!" So, the kid had acknowledged his arm. The girl waited excitedly for Bucky's response, but none came out.

 This time you noticed how Bucky straightened his posture. You shared a quick glance with him before commenting, "I don't think they look alike at all. Bucky's arm is way cooler!"

Hesitantly Bucky brought his hand forward to let the girl study it. She looked from the vibranium arm and back to her toy, before dropping it into her paper bag again, "You're right! Way cooler!"

"So much cooler!" Joel joined in, making a smile appear on Bucky's lips.

The super solider wasn't too fond with the attention his arm got, but grateful for the way you had turned things around.

-

As the sun went down, the four of you found yourself inside your room. You were fifty minutes into watching a movie on your tv, laying comfortably in your bed.

You were resting your head on Bucky's shoulder, his vibranium arm holding around you. Tia was sitting on Bucky lap, leaning back against his chest, while Joel was laying stomach-flat by Bucky's feet.

Spending time with you and the twins like this got Bucky's imagination flying around. This day had been a special one. You weren't even a couple, but it had felt like he was sharing a family with you, something he dearly wished for some day.

In the moment of daydreaming, he kissed the top of your head and rested his on top of yours.

The atmosphere in the room was relaxing, but unfortunately, your phone going off interrupted. You let out a yawn and rolled out of Bucky's embrace grab your phone.

It was a message from Steve: "Y/n, Nat and Clint. I'm sorry to call you in on such short notice, but you are needed for an emergency stealth mission. The jet will be ready for you in 15 minutes."

 You let out an uneasy breath, your thoughts immediately going to the twins. When Bucky saw the worry in your eyes, he brought his hand forward and caressed your cheek, "Everything okay doll?"

"I got called in for a mission, right now."

Bucky let out a breath and tilted his head, "Perfect timing."

 Your nephew and niece were looking at you now, questionable looks in their eyes. You told them you had to leave for a mission, but first, you would call Steve and ask if someone could step in for you.

After five minutes, you stood outside your room, just done with your phone call with Steve. The Captain had apologised over and over again for sending you on the mission, but your skills were very much needed, which you understood.

Bucky came out from your room with the twins trailing behind. He looked at you expectantly, but when you sook your head, he knew you had to go.  

He let out a sigh before assuring you, "I'll watch Tia and Joel till you're back. Don't worry."

You were about to thank him, but the twins rushing forward caught your attention. Tia looked up at you and asked with a hint of understanding, "You really have to go?" You nodded at the girl apologetically.

You got down to their height, holding your hands on each kid. The uneasy look in their eyes broke your heart. You really didn't want to leave them.

"Tia, Joel." You looked both kids in the eyes, making sure you had their attention, before asking, "Do you trust me?"

Tia fiddled with her fingers for a moment, but was the first to nod. Joel looked at his sister, then at you, and thankfully nodded with small movements.

You gave them gentle smiles while continuing, "Tia you're a smart young lady, and Joel you're a brave young man. And if you trust me," You looked at Bucky for a short moment, "I ask of you to trust me when I say you'll be safe with Bucky while I'm gone."

In the corner of your eye, you could see Bucky's tensing. Getting your niece and nephew's trust meant a lot to him. He already knew you accepted him, but it was important for him to be accepted by the important people in your life as well.

Your voice sounded a bit more serious as you continued, "I trust Bucky with my life. If there is anyone in this entire world I would leave you alone with, it would be Bucky. Will you trust Bucky too?"

 Your confession got Bucky blushing. By the way you were speaking, he knew you were completely honest with the kids.

The brunette held in a breath as he waited for the twins' answer. When he saw them nodding and you hugging them with a proud smile on your lips, his entire body felt warm.

Your niece and nephew accepted him.

While hugging the six-year-olds, you smiled up at Bucky. He mouthed a silent 'thank you'.

"Alright sweeties, it's time for me to go." You gave them one last squeezing hug before standing up, "Why don't you go back to the movie and wait Bucky there?"

Tia nodded with a smile, and so did Joel. While Tia rushed back to the bed, Joel stopped by Bucky's feet, "Be quick." The boy folded his arms, with a stern look on his face.

Bucky chuckled and ruffled Joel's hair, "I will, I promise."

Their interaction melted you heart, assuring you the kids would be comfortable around Bucky without you there.

Pleased with Bucky's promise, Joel rushed off to join his sister. It gave you some privacy with the super solider before you had to leave.

Bucky's eyes were on you the second you were alone. They carried a look of concern. Instead of speaking, you went in for a hug. He cradled you against his chest, holding you tightly, one hand resting behind your head.

"Be careful out there okay? It's a pretty spontaneous mission." Bucky whispered into your hair.

With your eyes closed, you mumbled a response, "I will."

After a moment of comfortable silence, you didn't fully retract from Bucky's embrace, but enough to look up at his blue eyes.

"I should go, but thank you again Buck," You smiled softly, "I'm forever grateful for all the help you give me. I owe you."

"You owe me nothing. I know you'd do the same for me." Bucky stroke his thumb over your cheek and kissed your forehead.

"I'm only a phone call away if you need me, but I know you'll be fine," You said before fully loosening yourself from Bucky, "I'll probably be back by Sunday."

"Promise you'll come back to me- us in one piece, yeah?" Bucky asked while talking hold of your hand. You nodded and placed a kiss on his cheek, "Promise."

With that you left the super solider alone. He wasn't really alone for long though, your niece and nephew had grown impatient and were already dragging him back into your room.

-

The next day the twins and Bucky got along very well without you. Bucky made them breakfast, they got a tour of the compound, played hide and seek - and who knew, despite Bucky's assassin skills, finding the kids was hard. He had been looking for about thirty minutes now and his heartbeat was quickening.

He searched in your room, the kitchen, the lounge room, and the bathrooms, but he still couldn't find them. When he reached Steve's office, he heard the joyful sound of children’s laughter.

With a hint of hope, he rushed inside and let out a breath of relief when he saw Steve chasing the twins.

"Tia, Joel!" Bucky yelled and got their reaction immediately, "You can't run off like this! I've been looking everywhere for you!"

He got down to their height and looked at them seriously, gaining apologetic looks in return, "We're sorry." His eyes softened, and as he reached out his arms, they rushed forward and hugged him.

Steve was standing a few meters away, his hands on his hips. Seeing Bucky this comfortable around your nephew and niece brought joy to his heart. He knew it meant a lot to Bucky for them to be this comfortable in return.

"I'm glad you're okay." Bucky looked from Tia to Joel, then he looked up at his friend with a smile, "Thank you for watching them here."

Steve nodded, "Of course."

When Bucky stood up, Joel grabbed his vibranium hand. The boy didn't notice, but Bucky were taken back. He let out a deep breath.

Steve watched with a proud smile om his face, almost blocking out Joel's question, "Is Bucky your best friend?"

"Huh? Yeah, the best." Steve winked at the kid, who's eyes grew wide. Tia and Joel looked at each other before jumping with excitement, "That means you are Captain America!"

Steve nodded and laughed, Bucky joining in. Tia pointed at the famous shield by Steve's desk, "We saw your shield when we came in here! We knew it!"

Steve looked from the girl and up at Bucky, "They're smart kids." The brunette couldn't agree more, "Brave, smart, understanding. You wouldn't even know."

Tia and Joel shared prideful looks at the compliments, growing to like Bucky more and more.

-

As the evening came by, Bucky and the twins were relaxing on the sofa, eating the ice cream you had bought for them.

"It's sad Auntie Y/n can't be here and have ice cream with us huh?" Bucky asked after swallowing a spoon of vanilla ice cream. Even though it had only been day, he really wished you were with them.

"I miss her." Tia pouted while lightly stabbing her ice cream with her spoon, her brother mimicking her actions, but with his fingers.

Seeing the kids like this gave him and idea, "What do you say we call her? I can't promise she'll pick up, but we can try."

"Yeah!" Joel said eagerly, his sister nodding along.

Bucky brought out his phone, dialled your number and put it on speaker. All three leaned towards the phone, eagerly waiting as the phone beeped loudly.

"Come on, come on..." Tia crossed her fingers, and when the beeping stopped she thought your answered. Unfortunately, the call went to voicemail.

"I'm sorry..." Bucky apologised, afraid he had made them disappointed, starting to regret having called you. However, to his surprise, the smile om the twins’ faces told him differently.

"It's okay, we have you!" Tia said and jumped into Bucky's lap, which Joel did as well. Those words did it for Bucky, but instead of getting emotional, he started tickling the kids till they were screaming laughing.

As the night went by, it was time for the young ones to sleep. In their daze between awake and asleep, Bucky kissed their heads and turned off the lights, "Sleep well you two."

When he was bout to leave, small fingers grabbed his arms. He turned around to see Tia sitting up in bed, rubbing her eyes. "We had a lot of fun today." She reached out her arms, signalising for Bucky she wanted a proper hug.

With a chuckle, he leaned down and placed another gentle kiss on top of her head, whispering, "I'm glad. Now, get some sleep princess."

With a yawn she leaned down against her pillow, mumbling, "G' night Uncle Bucky."

Bucky froze at her words, a blush creeping over his face. Had he heard her correctly? Oh, if the girl only knew how badly he wanted to be their legal uncle. If she only knew what her words just did to his heart.

That night Bucky went to bed with the most love filled overwhelming feeling he had experienced in a while.

-

Sunday finally arrived and you were looking out the jet, the Avengers compound coming into sight.

You had seen a missed call from Bucky on your phone, but never had time to call him back. You hoped it wasn't anything important, but you weren't worried either, you knew you could trust Bucky with the twins.

"So, Barnes' been alone with the kids all weekend?" Clint asked while picking up his bow and arrow.

"Yeah, but I know he's handled them well." You assured him.

"Oh yeah I don't doubt that. I'm more worried about his wellbeing to he honest." Clint stated and you raised a brow at him, "I have three kids, and I've never been as exhausted as I was after watching the twins for two hours."

"I have to agree. I love you're nephew and niece, but they're wild." Natasha turned in the steering seat to face you.

You shook your head with a smile, "They've got a lot of energy at times, but they're angels."

"Sure they are, but-"

You interrupted Clint, folding your arms and leaning back against the wall, "Spare me Barton, just admit the Y/l/n twins are too much for you to handle."

Clint raised a brow at you as he spoke, "If that's what you'd like to hear, we can pretend."

You smirked at the cockiness in his voice, "Sure."

Within a few minutes the jet finally landed at the compound. Grabbing your gear, you rushed outside, expecting to see Bucky waiting for you as usual. When neither him nor the twins were present, you looked around like a question mark.

Clint noticed and commented, "I told you so! It's the kids! Bucky's probably hiding somewhere."

You rolled your eyes and headed for the compound entrance, "Very funny arrow boy."

"Don't call me that!" Clint yelled, but you ignored him as you disappeared inside.

Once inside you went to your room to see if Bucky and the twins were there, but it was empty. Since you didn't have any visible blood on your suit, you went to go find them without changing.

As you neared the kitchen, children’s laughter filled your ears like music. A wonderful smell and a pleasant sight met you as you entered the room.

Fresh pancakes were placed on the table, plates and glasses for four. You didn’t have to ask to know they had set the table for you as well.

Tia and Joel were dangling from Bucky's vibranium arm, holding on for dear life. He was lifting it up and down, lightly shaking it, trying to make it hard for the kids.

Usually, you would admire the sight of Bucky like this, he was practically flexing his muscles. Though none of that crossed your mind. What made you feel warm inside, and almost weak to your knees, were the happiness on Bucky's face.

The brunette was laughing loudly, corners of his mouth stretched to his ears, eyes shining with joy. He looked comfortable, relaxed, especially judging by the way he let the twins play with his arm.

Seeing Bucky this comfortable with your niece and nephew made your mind start dreaming. To see him like this with your own kids one day would be amazing, but then he'd have to be yours first.

"Auntie Y/n!" Joel yelled when he saw you by the entrance. He let go of Bucky's arm and rushed over to you, "You made it back for pancakes!"

"Really? I'm so lucky!" You brought the boy into a hug, letting Tia join in when she rushed over as well, "Have you had fun with Bucky?"

When both kids nodded in response, you stood up and looked at Bucky, "Thank you Buck. I knew you'd be fine."

Bucky didn't respond right away. You watched as his eyes scanned your face and body for any sign of injury. When he didn't see any, he brought you into a tight hug.

You chuckled and hugged him back, "Promised I'd be back in one piece."

"We've missed you," Bucky said with a gentle voice and gestured to the kids who agreed.

"I missed you too! Now please let me know all the fun things you did!" You clasped your hands together and looked at the kids curiously.

"We'll tell you later!" Joel grabbed your hand and dragged you towards the kitchen table, "First we have to eat the pancakes Uncle Bucky made for us!"

Your eyes widened at the title, the title you wished were real more than you would admit out loud. You quickly looked back at Bucky, who's hand was dragged by your niece.

Even though his cheeks were reddening, you could see a hint of pride in his eyes. He winked at you as he spoke, "Auntie Y/n and Uncle Bucky, huh? Doesn't sound so wrong if you ask me."

You chuckled a little hesitantly, your heart beating harshly against your chest, a tingle present in your stomach, "I guess not."

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