#catcw

Then it kind of spirals after that.

“I knew him.”

The blond boy from his memories came back. A friend came back.

“Buck. Do you remember me?”

“Your mom’s name was Sarah. You used to put newspapers in your shoes.”

Then it slowly came back with each passing second. Memories flooding in like a broken dam. He starts to recall who he was before and after the fall. Before and after the war. Before and after everything. So as he made his way to Siberia with his friend, Steve, he remembers something that was like a knife to his heart.

“I have a daughter.” Bucky said, cutting Steve off.

On his time on the run, he remembers his time growing up in the 40s. The time he saved his best friend’s ass from being picked on, or the way he took his younger siblings to the park, or helping his mother bake, or fixing the car with his dad. But there were a few memories he was confused by for a long time.

First he only heard little laughs, or someone trying to sing a child’s song. Then he saw little toys and dresses. Then he saw a little face with big, wondrous eyes. It didn’t take him long to realize who she was.

He met with his friend’s eyes quickly, almost getting choked up. “I have a daughter, don’t I?”

Steve opens and closes his mouth a few times, before settling his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “You do.”

Bucky looked away, the confirmation sending his mind spiraling again, and The Captain could tell.

“Do you remember her?” Steve asked, watching him nod slowly. “What do you remember?”

Bucky thinks long and hard. What did he remember about you?

“Um… I remember she was tiny… always tiny.” He chuckles quietly, making Steve smile. “She uh… had um… (Y/H/C) hair that was kind of wavy when she got older. Um… big, bright (Y/E/C) eyes. She… she um… smiled a lot… I think?”

“Yeah, she did Buck. All the time.” Steve said, patting his shoulder gently as he could see the joy it was bringing to his friend.

Bucky laughs again. “Uh… you used to call her by a weird nickname. What was it? Uh…” He purses his lips. “Po… Potato?”

Now it was the blond’s turn to laugh. “N-No. No. Close… Starts with a P, though.”

“Um…” His eyes light a spark. “Oh. Yeah. I remember now. We took her to her first Halloween pumpkin patch when I could hold in one hand because she was so tiny.”

“Yep. That’s what I called her. Your Ma tried to dress her up like one.”

“Oh, yeah, she did.”

And then it got quiet, and Steve saw the bright light in his friend’s eyes go out when the wheels started to turn again. He held his breath, knowing what he was recalling next.

Bucky swayed on the balls of his feet a bit, looking at the floor. “She was four the last time I saw her.” He says, bittersweetly. “I remember, the night before, I took her to Coney Island, and we just played games and ate until our bellies ached. I got her a stuffed bear on the ring toss…”

Steve squeezed his shoulder, trying to give him some comfort because he knew there was no stopping any memories of you.

“She was with you when I left. I gave her hugs, and kisses and…” His voice starts to break. “I love you’s…. Um…”

“Bucky...” Steve begins, hating how hurt he looked.

“Steve. W-Was that last time you saw h-her?”

Steve closed his mouth, thinking to himself. He couldn’t lie. He was a terrible liar which the brunette always sees through. So what was the point of even trying?

Cap shakes his head. “No. I saw her when she was six.”

“S-Six?” Bucky asked, just above a whisper. “W-Why?”

“Um…” He swallows. “I had to…. I had to tell your family about, you know… the train… and you.”

The soldier went distant. “O-Oh…”

“I wanted to make sure I was the one to tell them.”

“Oh…” Bucky started to get teary eyed. “D-Did you tell her?

Steve held his breath again. It was like his mind started to relive that day.

You looked so happy to see him, but he watched that expression vanish when you saw his sadden face. It hurts to take you by the hand and into your room. It hurts to see how you’ve grown, and to think he got to see and not your dad made the situation a whole lot worse.

He wanted to lie and tell you your dad was hurt.

He wanted to lie and tell you your dad was still at war and won’t be home for a while.

He wanted to lie and say everything was going to be okay.

But he couldn’t, and felt like it was his duty to tell you what happened to your father, to his best friend.

He knew if the situation was reversed, Bucky would be doing the very same thing now.

And when he did tell you, he hated how you kept on denying it. You called him a liar, and god he wished he was.

“I-I did…” He said, feeling his eyes sting as well.

Bucky jaw clenches. “A-And?”

Steve looks away for a second. “She cried for three hours.”

“O-Oh…” Bucky looks away too. “I always h-hated when s-she cries.”

With his hand still on the brunette shoulder, he gave him another comforting squeeze. “She…” Cap chokes, his memories flooding in all at once. “S-She um… she gave me her blanket, the one that she came home with. She um, wanted me… to promise to come back to her. But um… I failed at that, I guess.”

Bucky frowns. “Steve-”

“I tried finding her, Buck.” He finally looks at him. “When I came out of the ice, SHIELD managed to give me some of my things from the war. I kept the blanket in my chest, so… I tried finding her, because I didn’t want to break that promise to (Y/N), but…”

“You didn’t find anything?”

Steve shakes his head. “No.” He whispers, exhaling shaky. “I’m sorry, Bucky.”

“Hey.” The soldier says, getting the blond’s attention. “Thank you, Steve. I mean it. You were always so good to her, and to think you never stopped looking after all this time means A LOT to me. Do you understand? You helped my daughter when she was at her lowest, and I thank you for that.”

Steve smiles. “No need to. I will always be there for the both of you.”

Bucky returns the gesture. “As will I.”

“Now, let’s finish this, shall we?”

//////

You were confused, that was for sure.

“Hello, (Y/N). My name is Helmut Zemo, and I will be your new handler.”

You were confused by everything about him. From the way he talked, to the way he dressed, to the way he was being… nice to you? But you couldn't question it, you just had to listen and do your job like you're supposed to.

“What is my mission?” You asked, straightening your posture, and morphing your expression into a blank canvas.

He smiles. Again. Which makes the wheels in your head turn once more. Why was he smiling at you like that?

“As of right now, I don’t have a mission for you, (Y/N).” Zemo said, truthfully. “All I need you to do is follow me.” He starts to move, but notices your puzzled face again. “What?”

He watches you say nothing, and quickly figures it out.

“Oh. I see. They’ve trained you well.” He replies. “You have permission to speak, Soldier. Tell me what’s on that little mind of yours.”

“You called me… (Y/N)?” You said, confused. Why was he calling you that? A foreign, yet familiar name?

“Well…” He shrugs a bit. “That is your name, isn’t it? Or do you prefer me calling you Winter Soldier or… Phantom, perhaps?”

You nearly shivered at that name, which was completely unlike you. Not once have you ever been scared of being called that. So why isn’t it any different?

Yet.

You still didn’t wish to speak out about it.

“You can call me whatever you like, sir.” You said, shutting your mouth closed until he gave you permission again.

He hums in response, seemingly pleased with your answer. “Noted.” He said, gesturing for you to follow him. “Let’s go, Soldier. We’ve got work to do in Siberia.”

You followed him like you were ordered, staying close like you were supposed to do with your handler, unless stated otherwise. You were the last line of defense in case somebody tried to assassinate your handler. But as he guided you around the base, you took note that it was clearly empty; From the lack of people present, to the way your footsteps echoed across all the hallways and rooms. It was… odd to say the least. Just you and him? That sounded incredibly stupid if you asked yourself. What if you go rogue and attack? Then what would he do without backup?

He must be a mind reader (or so you’re convinced), as he glances over his shoulder for a split second to ask, “What’s on your mind, Soldier? You can speak.”

Should you? You never once haven’t given this much freedom before.

Is it a trap? Should you even dare attempt to cross it?

No matter how much the feeling of HYDRA’s control kept weighing you down, the way he spoke to you was countering its effects. You suddenly started to feel a bit of warmth in your mind. Like the sun was shining on a stormy day.

“Why aren’t you using the trigger words? Aren’t you afraid I’ll rebel?” You asked, curiously. You watched him shrug again, before turning his attention back in front of him.

“The trigger words I feel like would be unnecessary for this mission.” Zemo said, truthfully. His eyes fall to the folder in his hand. His fingertips brushed over each word on the paper carefully, taking in what was in red ink.

Yearning.

Broken.

Fire.

Daylight.

Fifteen.

Malicious.

Eight.

Forthcoming.

Zero.

Railway.

So similar to the one’s he read earlier. It was HYDRA’s twisted sense of humor he supposed.

“As for the rebelling part, I’m not worried about it, Stevie.” He said, emphasizing another name proudly.

Stevie? You wondered, before there was a sudden pain in the back of your head. You stumbled a bit, touching your temple. What the…?

.

.

.

You stared at your Uncle, tilting your head. Your grandmother had just called you Stevie, which was apparently your middle name, which puzzled you because-

“You have the same name as me.” You said, watching your Uncle laugh.

“Yeah, I guess I do.” He says, grinning.

.

.

.

You furrowed your brows. Was this your memory?

(Y/N)? Stev- You start to wonder, but Zemo clears his throat to get your attention.

“We’re here.” He said, once inside the open hanger. You could feel the gust of cold air and droplets of snow seeping in and touching your exposed skin.

You realize you were still in your ratty tank top and pants with no shoes. Maybe you really have grown numb to your surroundings in your time with HYDRA. You followed him onto the small plane, where he told you to sit in the passenger seat as he took the pilot seat. You remained quiet as he started the plane, and took off while saying they’ll be there in no time.

“Your mission will begin soon, okay, Barnes?” He said, grinning.

.

.

.

There were flashes of a man she’s always been seeing, yet, he looked a little bit different. You saw in an old military uniform, a hat tucked under his arm. He was crouching down, looking at you with a little bit of warmth and sorrow.

“(Y/N) Stevie Barnes, get out from the corner.” He said, sternly.

“No!” You said.

“(Y/N), you’re going to get stuck. Get out.”

“No!”

He sighs. “Look…” He shifts to sit down completely, setting his hat to the side. “I’m sorry, Doll. But this is part of my job, I have to leave. But I’m coming back, you know that. Right?”

.

.

.

Your head spiked again.

(Y/N).

It was a name he told he came off the top of his head, but knew deep down it would fit you.

Stevie.

You had an Uncle, a friend with a similar name. You start recalling his sky blue eyes and blond hair on a skinny face. You start recalling his sky blue eyes and blond hair on his muscular form of red, white, and blue.

Barnes.

You remember the man with the brown strains and ocean colored orbs that always had a big smile. You remember all the good times you had with him. You remember all the bad, but he always stuck by you. Your mind started to unwind, the brainwashing slowly becoming undone as you recalled who he was to you.

Your father.

Your eyes widened. “I’m (Y/N) Stevie Barnes.” You announced, only to find yourself gasping when you felt cold metal against your temple. You stilled in your seat, and in the corner of your eye you saw his dark expression.

His finger never once twitched against the trigger, eyes looking into yours as he had the plane on autopilot. “So, you finally remember? Good. That’s what I was hoping for.”

You clenched your jaw. “Why? Why go through the trouble of breaking the control?” You asked, because it didn’t make any sense. Why kidnap a Winter Soldier if you aren’t going to use one for what they’re made for?

“Originally, I was going to activate you, but… where’s the fun in that?” Zemo replies, grinning again. “Besides, I want to see the look on your father’s face when I end you.”

You don’t know why, but you suddenly felt exactly your age again.

“M-My Father?” You choked, puzzled.

“Yes. From what I read in the file, you’ve come across him before.” Zemo tilts his head, waiting for the wheels in your head to start turning again. “Do you remember, (Y/N)?”

.

.

.

“(Y/N)!!” He yells, sounding like your dad, sounding like your Bucky.

“Papa!”

“(Y/N)!!” Bucky says, again, trying to get past as the guards start to grab him. “(Y/N)!!”

“Papa!!” You yelled again, as the two men that had you in their grasp started walking away with you. “Papa!! Help me!!”

“God dammit! Leave her alone!” He yells, after getting kicked in the stomach. “She’s my daughter, you fuckers! You get your filthy hands off of her!!”

.

.

.

You felt your heart sink, and tears started to prickle in your eyes. “I… I do.”

His smile grows, and so does the cold look in his eyes. “Good. Now-” He presses the barrel into your eight year old head some more, making sure you were getting the point. “You will do exactly what I say, and if you do then I’ll let your father live, but if you don’t, I’ll kill him and then you next, got it?”

You swallowed hard, and nodded. Too scared to say anything.

“Good.”

You stayed quiet again, watching him keep the gun close to him as he landed the plane. You are once again met with cold air and snow as you arrive at another HYDRA base, one that you haven't been to before. He pushes you ahead, aiming his weapon at your head. After wandering around for some time, your sensitive ears started to pick up harsh voices from afar. Your stomach sinks again, wondering what awaits you.

Before you could even think about it some more, Zemo manages to snake his arm around your throat, lifting you off the ground. You started to get choked up and began clawing at his arm.

“Keep struggling, and your father’s done. Got it?” He whispers, harshly as he pushes the gun back into your temple.

You whimpered, and stopped moving your hands. Instead, you keep him on his arm as he drags you through a set of doors, staying in the shadows. As tiny spots danced your eyes, you looked out into the open room. Horror filled you when you saw a familiar chair, and torturous devices along it; But the fear went out the window when you saw who was there.

Aside from a man in a red metal suit, your breath got caught when you saw them. Your father just like Zemo promised, and to your surprise, your Uncle. You watched as the man in the suit demanded for the shield back, and you watched Steve, who was holding onto your father, ready to toss it.

That's when Zemo made his move.

"Leaving so soon? We just got acquainted." He said, staying in the dark.

Steve stiffened, irritation was radiating off of him as he carefully slid Bucky's arm off him. He takes hold of his shield, ready to throw it blindly where he heard Zemo's voice from.

"Not so fast, Captain. I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” He warned, taking a step. “I am holding some precious cargo for the both of you.”

Confusion was up in the air for the blond, and he held his breath as the Baron came out from his hiding spot, showing off you with a gun at your head. He smiles when he notices a new shade of white brushing over Steve's skin.

"Ah. You recognized her. I was afraid that you wouldn’t after so many years apart.” Zemo said, tilting his head. “And what about you, James? Do you recognize your little (Y/N) after so much time?”

He gives your neck and squeeze, causing you to wince and whimper, “P-Papa…”

Bucky’s eyes snapped up from where he was kneeling on the ground, the pain in your voice was something that caused that certain instinct to kick back on. Although, the more you looked at him, the more you could see all the damage HYDRA had done; But the wheels in his head were luckily turning to draw up more memories buried deep.

“(Y/N)?” He whispers in disbelief.

That small crack in his friend’s voice was enough to knock Steve out of his trance. He wasn’t even going to question how you’ve been alive and still a kid after all this time, he just needed to get you away from the psychotic man.

“Zemo, let her go. Your problem doesn’t involve her.” Steve said, cautiously but still stern. He could see Bucky’s left hand curl into a fist in the corner of his eye.

“Why should I? You should feel my pain. The both of you.” Zemo said, pressing the barrel into your temple some more to prove his point. The grip on your neck tightens too, causing you to cough and squirm against him.

A sudden thought crossed your mind.

Why can’t I phase willingly?

Never have you ever thought that you’d be wishing for that, but you were scared, and couldn’t breathe. You could tell that your father and uncle were too afraid to move, but desperately wanted to save you.

“Zemo, I’m begging you, please don’t you dare hurt her. She’s just a kid.” Steve said, holding his hands up. It reminded you of someone trying to tame a wild animal (or a mad man in this case).

“And so was my son. But you Avengers didn’t seem to mind that.” Zemo said, bitterly. “Now James here will know exactly what it feels like to hold your child’s corpse in your arms.” He chuckles darkly. “And even you, Captain America. It seems like the two of you are close, so maybe you’ll feel my pain also.”

You could hear his finger starting to pull on the trigger, and started to cry.

“P-Papa!...” You cried out, and you could see the two of them start to move.

The sound of the gun went off, and you screamed as it echoed around you.

Echoed.

Wait… what?

The gun most definitely went off, but it didn’t go through you. So, what just happened? Suddenly, Zemo’s grip was starting to loosen on you, and you hear someone start shouting from behind.

“Let her go!!!” T’Challa said, his hand on the barrel of the gun.

Zemo struggled to keep you in his hold, but wouldn’t give up until your savior managed to throw him off you. You shrieked as you were tossed on the ground, curling into yourself as the battle began behind you.

Zemo manages to dodge T’Challa’s attack, as he fires a few shots to buy himself some time to get away.

“Your Highness!” You heard Steve say.

“You take the kid, and get out of here! I’ll meet up with you afterwards.” T’Challa replies, and you hear him run off.

Soon, you were met with a warm embrace.

“(Y/N)!” Your dad said, pulling you into a protective grasp.

With teary eyes, you looked up to see a face you haven’t seen in so long. “P-Papa…” You replied as the child you were. You clutched the jacket he had on, and buried your head into his neck. You sobbed. “Papa…”

“Baby doll… I got you…” He whispers, sounding like he was on the verge of breaking. “Y-You’re safe.”

“Papa…”

“(Y/N).”

“Bucky, we gotta go.” Steve said, touching his shoulder to ground him.

Bucky nods. “Right. Okay.”

He uses his left arm to hold you up, while using his right to hold you closer to his chest before standing up. Your sensitive nose could smell the blood and sweat coming off of him, which made you a bit nauseous, but you could care less at this point. You were finally reunited with your dad after so long.

“You go ahead, I’ve got one more thing to do.” Steve said, ushering you two head for the door.

So that’s what the two you did, as the blond man strolled over to his teammate, tossing the shield to the ground beside him. Tony stared at it as it wobbled around before settling, then gave him an expression of mixed emotions.

“See? He’s not as bad as you think.” Steve said, keeping a straight face, but you could see how his eyes glass over. “I just wished you would understand the situation he’s in.”

Tony’s jaw slacked, then tightened as he asked, “Was it worth it? To start a war? To be… divided? A fugitive?”

Steve nods slowly without a split second of doubt. “Yes. But… if that was you, or any of my friends, I would do the same exact thing in a heartbeat.”

And without another word, Steve turned and left Tony behind with his father’s creation. He left with a jab in his heart, but he will stand by what he’s doing to save Bucky, and now you.

And he’ll surely stand by what he said about doing this all over again in a heartbeat.

//////

You were now riding in an airplane that was so much different than the one Zemo took you on earlier, it was so much more… advanced than the ones you’re used to. Speaking of that man, he was now tied up somewhere in the back, and was guarded by a group of women called the Dora Milaje who were called upon by their king (Which you found a bit awestruck. How many could say that a king saved their asses?).

“We’re almost to Wakanda.” T’Challa said, entering the seating area, coming to stand next to Steve.

“Thank you.” He said, gratefully.

The two of them started to make small talk which you would have listened to if it wasn’t for your father starting to stroke the top of your head. You looked up at him from the spot on his lap, and he was giving you a small smile that didn’t match the expression in his eyes. Which was understandable, giving everything that’s happened.

You found yourself frowning, a sadness hovering over you. “Papa?”

“Yeah?” He said, quietly.

“Do you remember me?”

You felt his hand stop moving, and the metal left arm that laid on the sideline twitch a bit at your words. The look in his eyes grew, which made your heart ache, but he still kept the smile you saw in your dreams.

“Yes.” Bucky said, softly. “Of course, doll. I remember everything about you. I remember your little giggles, and how you put sparkling clips in my hair-” He boops your nose which makes you laugh. “And your dollhouse that we use to play together. Everything.”

You watched him laugh as well, as he held your cheek in his palm, taking a better look at you. Through the darkness in his orbs, you could make the sense of fondness in them.

“You’ve gotten so big.” He said, realizing you didn’t look like the four year old he left on the poarch for war. It amazed him, but honestly scared him at the same time. “How old are you now?”

“Eight.” You told him, almost nine you wanted to say, but didn’t want to add more salt to the wound.

“E-Eight.” He choked, and it was like a knife to each one of your hearts. “Eight. Oh my god… t-they…”

He lets his head fall while shaking it, and you look at him worriedly, wondering if you should have just kept your mouth shut. When he raised it back up, you could see the struggle he was having of trying not to cry. He wanted to be strong for you, and you were debating with yourself if that was a good idea or not.

“Oh m-my god, (Y/N).” He stutters, realizing something. “I-I thought you were an hal-hallucination that day in the l-lab. I thought th-they were playing tricks on me again.” He shudders, almost making you cry. “I-If I had known… that was r-really you I would have lo-looked for you. God dammit. (Y/N)... I’m so s-sorry, I-”

You shook your head, and touched your father’s shoulder. “N-No, papa, no…dad..” You trembled, starting to get choked up yourself. “It’s not your fault. They made me forget you too! Honest!”

Both T’Challa and Steve shifted a bit as they listened. Biting their lips at what HYDRA has done to them. To your father. To you, a child.

Bucky sniffles, his heart breaking even more at those words. “(Y/N), doll, I gotta ask.” he begins. “W-When did they take y-you?”

“Um…” You start to think, and that day soon hits you like a slap in the face. That horrible, horrible day. “It happened when I w-was six. It um… it was after… y-you died.”

You and Bucky missed the way Steve froze in his place and his stomach tied into knots. You were six and were taken after your father had died. He left you alone and you were taken. You were targeted the moment he left your house.

Steve swallows hard, and covers his mouth with his hand as he looks at the floor. Guilt surges through his serum induced viens. HYDRA took you when you were practically in his arms’ reach. But you weren’t done with your tale that would soon leave him and your father emotionally destroyed.

“Um… They… th-these men… they came into the house and um…” You could still see the blood all over the hallway, and made you want to vomit on the spot because it was their blood. You sobbed and tears started to fall. “T-They… they killed them… Papa…”

“Papa, they… they k-killed Auntie Rebecca, a-and El-Eleanor, and Vic-Victoria, and… and.. Gr-grandpa and grand… ma…” You started shaking, that you were missing the Earth shattering look on your dad’s face. “They killed them, and th-then took me.”

“B-But…” Bucky trails off, trying to put this all together. “B-But why?”

You sobbed again. “Be-Because. They said th-that since I'm y-your kid, that the s-serum could work on me.”

“W-What?”

“T-They wanted another W-Winter Soldier, s-so they made m-me. They m-made me like you, b-but more.”

You started taking in gulps of air because you started to feel like you couldn’t breathe, all while your dad touched your cheek again, pressing away some tears with his flesh thumb.

“What do you mean?” He asked, keeping the trembling out of the question with great difficulty. “What did they do to you?”

“T-They called m-me Phantom. They g-gave me the ability to walk th-through walls and st-stuff.” You reply, painfully. You hated that part of yourself so much. “But… It wouldn't al-always work, so… so they would hurt me, a-and yell at me, and… t-touch me until I could do it.” You sobbed loudly. “I-I always hated that, papa… and they w-wouldn’t stop!”

By the end of your story, Bucky was already crying while you were full on bawling. Your face red and eyes puffy as you shook under his palm. Steve had to look away, or otherwise there would be three people down for the count when they got to Wakanda. One look at yours and Bucky’s faces would destroy him in an instant.

Bucky mentally started cussing out every single HYDRA agent that you came across. Laid hands on you. He wanted nothing more to send them over to the next life. He starts making soft shushing noises, and stroking your cheek.

“Baby doll… sweetheart… It’s okay.” He said, gently. “It’s okay.” He pulls you in close with his one arm, not even daring to touch you with the one that those monsters gave him. “Shh. It’s okay, you’re safe. I promise. I promise.”

You sobbed into his chest, soaking his jacket as he made a small rocking motion in his seat. It was something he used to do with you when you were younger and got upset. It worked like a charm when you were a baby, and it helped out a lot when you were a toddler, so he was determined that this was going to work on an eight year old as well.

He started muttering the same words over and over again for a while, until he started showering the top of your head with kisses. It reminded you of the day he left for war, holding you in his arms and giving you a big hug; Kissing with all the love he had for you before passing you back to Steve.

You croaked his name and held onto him like he was going to fade away if you did. You felt so small again, just like you did when those men came into your house and brought you into the depths of hell.

//////

You sat next to your dad, watching as the doctor finished examining, and preparing him for something that you quite didn't understand. The man told your dad they'll be getting it ready.

Getting what ready? You thought, watching the man leave the room.

"Papa?" You asked, curiosity sparking you.

"Yeah, (Y/N)?"

"Where are you going?"

The look of sadness crossed his eyes again, but his fond smile never left his face.

"Well…" He begins, brushing some hair out of your face. "Your dad needs to go away for some help."

You frown. Help? Why? "Why do you need help?"

"Well, your dad's not right in the head, sweetheart. I'm… sick. Unwell. Those people really messed me up."

Those people meaning HYDRA you soon figured out.

“Oh…” You whispered, sadly. Your eyes started to sting again. You had just got your dad back, and now you were going to lose him again.

He kisses the top of your head, as you reached for his hand to hold it tight.

“But don’t worry, I’m going to get better. Get this thing off too.” He said, showing off his prosthetic arm. “So, I’m going to have you stay with Steve for a little while. If that’s okay?”

“Uncle Steve’s going to be with me?” You asked, a way of mixed emotions coming through you.

“Yeah. Are you going to be okay with that? I mean you two are going to have to stay off the radar for a while. At least until the dust settles.”

“I understand, Papa.” You smile bittersweetly. “I like Uncle Steve.”

He copies your expression. “Me too.” He kisses your head again, before pulling you into a side hug. “I love you, (Y/N).”

You bury your head into his chest again, throwing your arms around his neck. Although it’s going to hurt to be away from him for a little while longer, you could see how much he desperately needed this; And all you wanted was to see your dad to be happy again after years of suffering.

“I love you, too.” You said, happily.

//////

Bucky was placed back into cryo, only this time it wasn’t in the clutches of the enemy. His arm was removed, and the scientists began working on a way to remove the bad words swimming through his head.

You were asleep in another comfortable embrace, your father’s best friend holding you close as he stared out the window that overlooked Wakanda. Steve felt almost a wave of relief that you were here in his arms, but couldn’t shake away the horrible feeling that you were still a kid after all this time. You should be bigger, an adult. Possibly married, maybe have kids of your own, but…

Not this. Not what your father had endured over the last seventy years. It made his look on HYDRA even worse. So he holds you close like he’s seen your dad do. He makes soft shushing sounds when you whimper, and scrunch your nose at a bad dream, trying to soothe you into getting a good night's sleep. God knows you probably need it.

He keeps his attention on you and the city, only glancing over when someone comes up next to him.

“Thank you for this.” He replies, truthfully.

T’Challa stays quiet for a moment before saying, “Your friend and my father were both victims. If I could help one of them find peace…” He trails off when his voice gets shaky, which doesn’t help Steve’s nerves.

He keeps his jaw tight, trying to keep a good composure. “You know, if they found out he’s here-” He looks at the King. “They’ll come for him.”

T’Challa almost scoffs at that, and puts on a strong face as he gazes over his home. “Let them try.”

Steve hums in amusement, while fixing his hold on you again. Your head rolled into his neck, and your hand held onto his shirt, as you muttered something incoherent.

T’Challa looked at you worriedly. “How is she?”

“Doing alright. She just wants her father, though.” Steve replies.

“Which is understandable, giving everything that I’ve piece together.” He frowns. “Although I understand what HYDRA was trying to do, making people into weapons, I draw a line at using a child to do terrible things.”

“I agree.”

T’Challa steps closer, revealing something he’s been holding for a while. A case file with bold letters saying ‘PHANTOM’. “This was on the plane that Zemo took. It has everything they’ve ever done on Miss Barnes.”

Steve doesn’t make a move to grab it, only staring at it with a subtle look of hatred. “S-So what did you find?” he asks, as the king tucks it under his arm.

“From what I skim through, they’ve pretty much repeated the history of her father. Trained her. Experimented on her. They even got her to kill a few people in the early run.” He said, watching the blond man look away. “They’ve even implanted triggers in her head. Although, I don’t think we have to worry about that.”

“What makes you say that?”

“It’s simple, she’s a kid. Although they're easy to mold, they also don’t listen.” T’Challa said, getting the man to laugh at that. “From her record, she rebelled a lot, but managed to get brainwashed before repeating the cycle again.”

“So, are you saying she’s safe from them?” Steve asked, hoping that’s true.

“She might be. A child needs love and nurturing. Give her that, and maybe she’ll break free. We’ll even test it out in a year to make sure.” He places a hand on the Captain’s shoulders, who seemed torn between two worlds at this point. So he continues,

“I know you seem hesitant to try, but when I saw the Barnes together earlier I could see there was still joy in the darkness of her eyes. Her father has it too, but it’s very, very small, so he needs the extra push to bring him back to the other side. All she needs is someone to hug her lovingly every night.”

Steve blinked away the stinging sensation in his eyes, because T’Challa was right, you need someone now more than ever. Although, he would prefer if it was Bucky with you right now, he wouldn’t mind stepping in until his friend was better.

“I think I can manage that.” he replies, smiling a little. Unfortunately, T’Challa saw something else that his eyes gave away.

“But you aren’t staying, aren’t you?” The king asked.

“No. I have friends I gotta save. Got to find.” His mind wandered to his teammates that threw everything away to make sure he and Bucky could escape. “I’ve got to return the favor.”

“And you’re taking her with you?”

“That’s the plan. I know I should keep her here, but she needs someone she knows.”

“I completely understand. Just be careful, Mr. Rogers.”

“I will. Thank you.” He says, and he truly means it.

//////

And that’s what the two of you did. He looked after you, and comforted you when you needed it, all while Steve was working up a plan to get everyone he knows out of prison. He waited with every passing day for a single call.

And then months later, he did. A cryptic but secretive message sent by the only person who escaped being sent to jail; And that was-

“Natasha.” Steve beamed, with a smile that stood out in the dark color of his beard.

He greeted her just outside the forcefield of Wakanda, hugging the faux blond haired assassin.

“Steve. It’s good to see you.” She said, smiling as well. “New look?”

“Makes the two of us.” He replies, touching his chin. “What did you call it, Pumpkin? My crime beard?”

He looks down at you as you walk over, a small backpack over your shoulder. You purse your lips, and shake your head. “No. Your criminal beard.”

“Oh, right. That’s it.” He said, before patting your shoulder. “(Y/N), this is Natasha. This the hardcore friend I was telling you about.”

You gave her a small, nervous wave. “Hi.”

“Hardcore? That’s nice of you, Steve.” She said before bending down to your level. “Hi, (Y/N). He’s told me a lot about you.” Her face softened when she saw how shy you were, going behind your uncle’s leg a bit. “Don’t worry, although I’m a spider, I don’t bite.”

That made you giggle a little, watching her stand up.

“Ready for a prison break?” Nat asked.

“As I’ll ever be.” Steve says, before looking down at you again. “Once we find everyone, we’ll come back here, and hopefully your dad will be out. Okay?”

You nod. “Okay.”

You take his hand, and follow them towards the aircraft. You already had a feeling you were going to be gone for a while, but that was alright with you. By the time this will be over, your dad should be free from cryo and the trigger words again.

You smiled at that thought.

You couldn’t wait to see your dad again.

(TBC in ‘IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ENDGAME’)