#because implications

***

The muffled sound of laughter roused Bucky to wake.

He didn’t move at first, just slowly opening his eyes.

The first thing he realized was how...at peace he felt.

Other than the kids obviously messing around outside the room, there was silence. Silence in the room, silence in his head.

No nightmares.

Bucky couldn’t help the involuntary soft laugh that pulled itself from his throat. A smile tugged at his lips as he soaked in the feeling.

For the first time in years, there was no nightmare. He’d slept well.

As he slowly sat up, his eyes lingered on spots around the room.

First he saw a framed picture of a younger Sarah and Sam and two older people. The man had the same kind eyes and the woman held the same charming smile that the kids did. Must have been their parents.

Then there was a dent in one wall, he wondered how it had gotten there.

There was also a drawing taped to the wall, likely a gift from one of the nephews. Which brought Bucky back to the reason he’d woken up in the first place.

He rubbed his own back gently as he stood, humming as his feet hit the floor. The surface was cold, shocking him slightly. But he was no stranger to cold, so he didn’t outwardly react. Just kept walking towards the door.

As soon as he turned the handle and swung the door open, he heard two small gasps.

“Put it back,” Cass hissed to his brother, halting their play. “Hurry!”

AJ was distracted at the sight of Bucky before hastily putting the shield back in the case on the floor. It was left unzipped, the red metal gleaming in the soft light where it peeked out.

Bucky waved slightly, cracking a slight smile as he watched them. “Hey.”