#singledad!bucky

it all started innocent.

"hi, i'm bucky, you new in town?"

"how do you like it here?"

"if you need any help feel free to reach out."

and y/n in fact did reach out, cause she needed help when her apartmet flooded. it was out of the blue the next day when bucky came to the bakery, but he was more than happy to help. that day y/n and bucky get to know each other a little bit more. she found out he has two daughters, annie (4 years old) and bea (6 years old), he owns one of the biggest farms in town and it's in his family since... forever, really. she was sure he is married, he was wearing a wedding ring, but that was just a habit - his wife died two years ago in an accident. the conversation was smooth, it was clear that the chemistry was there, but nobody made a move.

"all should be fine now." was what bucky said when he finished fixing y/n's plumbing problem. was she starring at him a bit when he was fixing her sink? yes.

"thank you, really, i had no idea what to do and i don't know that many people here... so i kind of had to ask my friendly neighbourhood customer for help." she chuckled and licked her lip a little bit.

"oh, it's nothing, actually i have a favor to ask, myself... it's okay if you feel like this is too much, but i have to help my friend out of town on the weekend, he has some problems with his animals and i can't leave girls alone, could you babysit? i can pay!"

"what? babysit? i- i never did that, but if your daughters are even half as kind as you, i bet they are angels, so yeah, i can do that, i'm not working over the weekend, you don't have to worry. and you don't have to pay me, it's favor for a favor."

was it a bit weird and a bit fast? for some people maybe, but both of them really felt like they could've trust each other. and that's how y/n became a babysitter for annie and bea. the girls were little angels, that was true. it became a thing that y/n was coming over to play with them and watch them, when bucky was working or when he was busy with whatever he needed to do. girls adored her. she baked cookies with them, they played outside together, she loved reading books with annie and bea and they loved to listen to them.

one night bucky came home really late, the girls were sleeping and y/n fell asleep on the couch too. closing the door woke her up and looked at bucky all sleepy.

"huh? you are home? i better pack my thin-"

"are you crazy? it's 3am, you are staying here, i will drive you home in the morning." he said it with a tone that left no place for arguing. she was a bit turned on by his voice, but no way she would ever tell bucky that. they were friends. only friends, with a weird chemistry, but still friends... but are you really friends when it's 3am and you are sitting on a couch with a man so much older, talking about life, drinking and being really and i mean really comfortable with each other?

that night went peaceful and quietly, in the morning bucky made breakfast for all three of the girls and when his kids were ready all four of them left his farm. first bucky and y/n dropped annie and bea at their preschool and then they made their way to y/n's house.

"you know, they adore you." bucky said while he way driving. y/n felt her cheeks getting a bit more pinkish. and she had no idea why, it was a compliment from his daughters, kind of, not from him. but at this point she knew she was falling for this man and there was nothing she could do about it.

✧✧✧

a few months passed and everything was going great for both bucky and y/n. they were meeting almost every weekend and more than one time during the work week. one day bucky invided her to a picnic at his farm, but... it was only two of them. the girls visited their grandma, and the truth was bucky wanted to spend some time alone with his... friend? his who? that was maybe a little bit more complicated than he wanted it to be. farmer was thinking about her all the time and he was ready to make things official. he wasn't in a relationship since his wife passed and that was over two years ago! he deserved to be happy.

when bucky asked y/n to be his girlfriend she was speachless, cause of course she wanted it, she wanted it bad. she wanted him bad, to be honest. soon she found out bucky wasn't always that sweet and caring man everyone thought he was. he was a very typical girl dad, he was making breakfast for his kids every morning, doing their hair, but he was also that type of man to pull your hair very hard when you were alone. and y/n loved it. every second of it.

their relationship was perfect, y/n loved waking up next to him almost every morning, she moved in really quickly. it wasn't even strange for the girl, they accepted it, after all annie and bea loved having y/n around.

one night y/n and bucky put the girls to bed earlier, because they planned a dinner. bucky cooked and prepared everything and all y/n had to do was to just look pretty when everything was ready.

"god, angel, you look stunning." was what bucky said when he saw y/n in her short, black dress. they ate their dinner, had some red wine and since it was warm summer they left home to sit outside. the moon looked marvelous and y/n looked even more beautiful in it's light.

it didn't took much for bucky to start kissing her. first her lips, then her neck, her exposed cleavage. y/n started breathing faster and then he dropped on his knees and rolled her dress up. first he was kissing y/n's thighs, then his lips were on her already wet panties. her noises were getting louder, then bucky took off her underwear. his lips were soft at first, teasing her, but when she buckled up her hips to him that was a sign he had no idea he was waiting for. bucky's tounge was making her more and more wet and she was only getting louder. her hands ended up in his long hair, pulling them hard when he added fingers to his ministrations.

"c'mon sweetie, you are making really cute noises, but you can be louder than that... girls are sleeping inside you can be as loud as you can." he hummed, his lips still so close to your aching pussy. it was hard being quiet with this man, he was making y/n feel like she was floating with his fingers and tounge alone. after her first orgasm they moved to their bedroom. they ended up naked a second after the door closed behind them. lips and hands were everywhere. their bodies so close, lots of moans and gasps. it was a perfect mix between soft love making and rough fucking and it made y/n lost her mind. at some point bucky covered her mouth.

"shh... we are not outside anymore, girls are sleeping next door, you have to be quiet now, doll." he whispered into her ear as he bit it. he was moving inside her with a steady rythm. her hands were on his back, nails in his skin leaving marks, it wasn't long before y/n finished again. when bucky wanted to move she wrapped her legs around him.

The iron gate is warm under his touch, the rising sun low enough in the sky that the iron railing has now begun to cool. He watches his dark-haired boy run around the ‘arena’; lasso gripped tightly in his small hands as he gives the calf chase.  

Bucky chuckles smile pulling at his lips as he calls out to his son, “champ you got to get that rope off the ground if you want to catch ‘im”. The boy all but stops in his track, feet throwin up dirt chocolate eyes locking on his, “the ropes to long daddy, I’m trying!” he pouts.  

Clambering off the rails his feet hit the dirt as he makes his way into the gated ‘arena’ closing the distance between him and his son. He gets down to eye level, pout still adorning his boy’s lips, “you, Uncle Steve, and Sam make this look so easy, I don’t get what I’m doing wrong, I'm doing exactly how I see you do it.” 

“Not doing anything wrong champ, c’mere,” he says pulling his son close. “Put your hand here, and wrap this,” he says adjusting his sons' hands, “right here, make sure it’s tight now, don’t want to lose your grip on it and risk that calf getting away from you now.”  

Grant follows his father’s directions, “alright, now that we got the rope secured let's get it above our heads.” He helps his son get the rope going, “see, you’re getting it, now, I want you to throw it right at that spot over there imagine the calf's just sitting, focus now,” He advises finger pointed to a spot just feet ahead. Bucky watches his son, tongue peeked out of his lips as he concentrates, rope still swinging. It falls quiet for a moment, then the soft thud of rope hitting dirt meets their ears. Grants grin is wide as he snaps his head back to look at his dad, “I did it daddy! I did it!” He mirrors his son’s smile pulling him in for a bone-crushing hug, lips finding the side of his chocolate locks, “knew you could bud, knew you could.” 

“I can’t wait to tell Aunt Tasha about it!” the boy’s excitement grows, “well how about we get a few more rounds of practice in, we still got some time before she gets here.” 

They’re outside in the arena practicing till the sun begins to dip into the west horizon making way for the moon and stars that have begun to decorate the still early night sky. Bucky leads him and his son from the arena, leaving the calf with his mom in the barn before they make their way to the house. Steve’s truck is parked out front, him and Natasha sitting on the porch waiting. 

Grant spots his aunt and uncle first, excitement hardly contained as he drops his dad’s hand bolting to the front porch, his aunt’s name on his lips. Bucky stops by the front of Steve’s truck watching his son, he’s in Natasha’s arms, raving about his day to them, Steve and Natasha hearing him with wonder in their eyes. 

“You’re going to be running circles around the arena in no time bud, put all of us to shame, especially your dad” Steve teases meeting his eyes. 

Bucky laughs, “The day he puts me to shame in the arena will be the greatest day of my life, means I taught him well.’ 

“While we can’t wait for the day he puts ALL OF YOU to shame, I’d like to enjoy my little man while I can, right champ?” Natasha grins hoisting the boy higher on her hip. Grant is taken with his aunt hands curling around her neck as he squeezes her there cheeks mushing together. 

There’s an ache in Bucky’s chest as he watches the scene before him, like the many restless nights he has he can’t help but to think in this moment what he could have done differently, what he could have said to make her stay. He’s her carbon copy, he hates it. She doesn’t deserve to have any piece of him, not after she just up and left without so much as a word. Bucky still recalls the urgent call from the daycare asking if anyone would be coming for Grant. He hadn’t been able to get ahold of her since that day, not that he’s tried much since Grant’s 3rd birthday. 

“Buck - hey pal everything good, you sure you still wanna meet Sam at thirsty barrel?” 

The brunette is pulled from his reverie, eyes falling on his best friend who has since approached him, he shakes his head, “yeah - yeah pal sorry just thinking.” He looks over Steve’s shoulder, Natasha and Grant waving at him, he waves back, “have fun you guys, me and little man are gonna have some fun of our own, isn’t that right!” 

“Make sure he’s in bed by 9, 10 the latest.” 

“Yeah, yeah, whatever dad, get out of here!” Natasha replies waving them off. 

Steve and Bucky chuckle making sure Natasha and Grant get inside the house before they clamber into Steve’s truck. 

“You sure you feeling up for tonight?” Steve questions him as he turns the key in the ignition. Bucky watches the house, getting a glimpse of Grant through the window, “I’m sure, my thoughts just got the best of me but I'll be fine.” Steve puts the truck into drive, “she’s not worth it Buck, the day she decided to leave, cut all contact with you, with grant that’s the day she stopped being of any importance.” 

“Yeah,” he murmurs eyes drifting out the window as Steve backs out of the ranch, “it’s just I wonder if I had done things differently if she would still be here.” 

“You gave her your all Buck; I don’t think there’s anything more you could have given her to make her stay.” 

And though Bucky knows Steve is right, his words don’t sting any less. 

The thirsty barrel was in full swing, the bar packed to the brim. Bucky, Steve and Sam had managed to snag the last remaining booth, drinks being run to their table as they talked business. 

“So you find anyone to watch little man when we hit the road at the end of the month?” Sam questioned over his drink. 

Bucky sighed, he had forgotten, he had been so busy with Grant, with the ranch that he had forgot to look into a caretaker for his son. Another thing he would have to add to his to do list for tomorrow. He shakes his head taking a sip of his beer, “not yet, been looking around but I haven't settled on anyone yet.” 

Sam tsks, “We have two weeks before we’re needing to head out on the road Buck, and little man can’t come with us because of school.” Bucky places his drink down running a hand over his bearded scruff, “you don’t think I know that Sam, I'm trying, just haven’t had luck, can’t just trust anyone with him either, I need to know he’s going to be safe, cared for.” 

“I can ask Natasha to skip this trip Buck, I’m sure it won’t be a problem, she loves spending time with grant.”  

Bucky shakes his head at Steve, “absolutely not pal, I know how much Natasha is looking forward to seeing you ride, I can’t ask that of you or her – I'll find someone – I will.” 

A damper has been placed on Bucky’s mood despite the change in subject, and he’s quiet for most of the night tuning in here and there when Steve or Sam directs something at him. He’s there, but not really, his mind drifting to the thought of his son. If Sam or Steve notice his absence, they don’t mention it, nor do they push him to converse, they know how hard it's been for him since she left, and they try to do all they can to help him. 

They’re not at the bar long, Sam being the first one to throw in the towel, Steve seconding the notion, Bucky doesn’t argue as they pay the tab, each leaving a tip for their waitress. The trio say their goodbyes outside of the bar, Sam promising to stop by the ranch tomorrow to see grant, get some riding time in with the boy, Steve jumps in to join as well. “Can use all the practice, only got two weeks left,” he chuckles. 

Bucky and Steve see Sam off before they get inside the truck, it's quiet most of the ride home, Bucky appreciates Steve for giving him this. It’s only until they’re pulling into the ranch 30 minutes later that he does decide to speak up. 

“I’ll help you find someone for Grant,” he says putting the truck in park, eyes meeting his friends, “make sure that it’s someone we can trust, the closest to family that we can get.” 

Bucky nods, the fear of that not being possible choking him, Steve reaches a hand out laying it on his shoulder, squeezing, “I promise pal, we’ll find you someone, we’ve got two weeks.” 

Two weeks. 

Two weeks. 

Bucky’s nodding again, “I appreciate you pal, listen I'll go get Natasha for you, know you two have quite the drive, don’t want it getting late for you.” 

Steve gives him his thanks watching him get off the truck, make his way up the steps and to the front door. Bucky disappears inside, returning a few minutes later with Natasha. Steve watches the two exchange a few words before she’s pulling Bucky into a tight embrace more words shared. The two pull away and Bucky watches her as she gets into the truck safely.  

They all wave one final time at each other before Bucky heads back inside, the lights of his home flickering off one at a time. Steve waits till the last light has been turned off before he’s putting the truck back in drive, making his way out of the ranch. 

“How was he?” Natasha questions finding Steve’s hand. 

“He’s not doing good,” Steve answers, “he’s worried about leaving Grant at the end of the month.” 

“I can stay, you know I don’t mind, I can watch you ride anytime.” 

Steve looks over to her, “he already said no, you know he isn't going to go back on his word,” his eyes flick back to the road, “we just need to find someone he can trust; we need family.” 

It goes quiet in the cab of the truck for a moment, Natasha speaks up a few minutes later, “I might have someone, she’s a family friend, I could have her come meet us at the ranch tomorrow.” Steve gives her a questioning look, the redhead rolls her eyes, “Bucky doesn’t keep anything from me where Grant is involved, it’ll be perfect everyone can meet her, see how she fits in.” 

Your POV

You huffed, smoothing out the front of your dress, hyping yourself up in front of the mirror before slipping on your heels, taking them off and putting them back on again.

Then slipping one off before strapping it back on firmly in place.

There was no reason for you to be nervous.

You looked amazing. There was no doubt there. That shade of pink was radiant against your skin. Not a hair out of place. Your makeup was perfect. Yet your heart wouldn't stop beating just a smidge too fast. You deserved this. After a long, exhausting week you deserved a day to yourself to just feel good and relaxed. Yet your nerves were lit ablaze while you double checked your lipstick.

You were a grown ass woman, you didn't need to explain yourself to anyone as to why you were seeing this movie alone.

Dressed up in your cutest matching pink outfit.

You could do whatever you wanted...Is what you whispered to yourself before grabbing your purse and making a beeline towards to door before you changed your mind again. You pulled into the parking lot, glad your decided to wait a while to see this movie instead of going on opening night, noting it was a much quieter night, easing some of your nerves.

You went over to the snack counter, browsing the wide selection of candy, grabbing both sour candy and chocolate before joining the line to have your ticket scanned. You glanced down at your outfit once again, smoothing your a hand over your hair before straightening your shoulders.

You deserved this.

Bucky's POV

Bucky's heart swelled at the little clicks his daughters dress up heels made as they made their way up to the snack counter hand in hand; she was a ball of pink and frills with a tiny purse to finish the look off. She stumbled slightly, keeping up with his long strides, eyes wide taking in her surroundings along with the smell of fresh popcorn.

"What do you feel like getting jellybean" Bucky picked her up, letting her scan the rack of candy while he ordered a large popcorn and soda.

"This please daddy?" She pointed to a large swirly rainbow lollypop, waiting patiently when he set her back down making their way towards the ticket line. Her hand was still firmly holding onto his, a gasp slipping past her lips when her eyes landed on the best thing imaginable. Bucky looked up towards the direction his daughter was staring in, curious about the tiny gasp she let out and what had suddenly caught her attention.

The prettiest doll she'd ever seen. But in real life.

She couldn't take her eyes off her pretty pink dress or her matching heels. She was sure her favorite Barbie doll at home had the same shade of lipstick as hers. She clung onto Bucky's leg as they made their way over, tugging at his jeans to get his attention.

"Daddy! It's a Barbie doll" She whispered as he crouched down to her level, "She's so pretty" He could tell by her antsy squirming she wanted to talk to the real life Barbie boll, itching to take off at any moment. Bucky blinked, feeling his heart flutter, brows furrowing at why it was doing that, stop that.

But Bella was right.

She was pretty.

As soon as he saw who his daughter was pointing to, his own mind momentarily stopped working, only noticing her take off when he saw a blur of pink dash away, making a bee line towards the young woman.

Shit.

Your POV

"Hi" A small voice chirped behind you, leaving you confused when you didn't see anyone near by. Until you looked down. You smiled seeing the little girl behind you dressed in all pink, the tiara on her head slightly crooked, a lollypop sticking out of her purse. "You look so pretty"

"Thank you sweetheart" You cooed, gasping when a handsome stranger, clearly her father, grabbed her into his arms, shaking his head. He had a sparkly gold tiara on his head matching hers, flecks of pink glitter dusting his cheeks, some sprinkled onto his fluffy chestnut locks. You couldn't help the smile that spread onto your face when your eyes landed on the many magnets that were stuck onto his arm ranging from pink hearts to rainbows and the Barbie logo.

"Bella" He scooped her up, blowing a raspberry onto her cheek making her giggle, "You can't run off like that babygirl"

"Sorry daddy, wanted to see Barbie" She gave him her best pout, making you laugh, your own cheeks heating up when he looked over at you with a shy smile, matching hers.

Fuck, he was beautiful.

A whole ass DILF.

You shook your head, figuring he probably had a wife or girlfriend, there was no way he was single.

Bucky's POV

"She's really exited" Bucky said apologetically while you both had your tickets scanned, walking towards the same theatre room, butterflies fluttering in his tummy again.

"It's okay, this little princess made my day" You tried to sound light hearted though you were nervous meeting his soft baby blue eyes.

"Can she sit with us?" Bella pipped up before anyone sat own, giving her dad another dose of puppy eyes and a pout before turning to you and giving you the same treatment.

"Oh-uh-" Bucky figured you would've come with friends (maybe even a boyfriend...hopefully not...), though he didn't see anyone around when you were in line earlier. Either way, he was sure you wouldn't want to spend your movie day with a single dad and his very cute, albeit excited little girl. "I don't know baby-

"Actually, it's just me, I-don't mind" you smiled at the way Bella's eyes lit up along with an excited squeak, wiggling out of Bucky's hold to slip her hand into yours, pulling you to the middle of the row.

"Thank you" Bucky gave you a grateful smile, a tiny greedy part of him happy to sit with the sweet stranger his daughter was enamored with.

****

You adored watching the movie with Bella, leaning down whenever she'd whisper something, her hand often holding onto your pinky through most of the movie. You both made your way out of the theatre once the end credits began to roll, feeling a pang of something again when you noticed your cars happened to be parked side by side.

What were the chances-

Stop.

He probably has a partner, you scolded yourself internally while Bella gave you a sleepy hug before Bucky settled her into her car seat and shutting the door softly.

"Hi again" Bucky smiled bashfully, hoping the pink on his cheeks wasn't too obvious as he leaned against his car door, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. Why would someone as pretty and kind hearted as you want to go on a date with someone who came with baggage.....but maybe...

"Hi again" You nearly stumbled over your words, your heart hammering while he fidgeted with his phone, chewing his lip before speaking.

"I wanted to say thank you again. For today. I-I hope this isn't too forward but-uh-to say thank you properly-maybe coffee? If you don't like coffee then something else-dinner? Maybe a date-unless you don't want it to be a date-"

"I'd love to" you cut off his nervous rambling while Bucky let out the breath he was holding, giving you his phone for you to add your number in. He waited for you to get into your car, waving as you pulled out before getting into his own car, surprised to find Bella now wide awake with a cheeky smile on her face.

"Will we see Barbie again?" Bella eyed Bucky curiously while Bucky's phone pinged with a text message from you.

Can't wait to see you, keep the tiara on x

Bucky grinned, reaching behind to playfully tickle her foot before smiling at his phone again.

he ran a brush through it, detangling it again, and holding onto it right above the roots to ensure the knots would cease without causing any pain to her. she was distracted by the accents of her outfit, and he blows out a deep sigh, guilt-stricken at the thought of disappointing his daughter.

“sweetheart, are you sure you can’t have it like this?” he gently attempted to break the news to her, but she adamantly shook her head.

“no, daddy, it has to look like this!” she showed his reference picture again, and he nodded solemnly. he knew that the hair made or broke the costume, and he couldn’t ruin something she was so excited about. checking the time, he decided to employ his last resort. he turns his daughter’s chair around, taking her hand.

“c’mon. let’s go on a lil’ trip.”

bucky didn’t live with his daughter’s mother. the break-up had been swift enough, and he wasn’t too upset about ending the relationship, but he did regret the sheer loss of contact with the woman. she was never really too involved in their child’s life - invested in her own projects - and, though he didn’t too much mind that part, it did become difficult when he needed a woman’s expertise or perspective on certain topics. as close as he and his daughter were, there were simply some things better expressed within her own gender.

that was where she stepped in. she’d moved to the neighborhood just a while over two years ago. at first, they rarely met - her job keeping her out of the house for hours and sometimes days at a time. they’d met at the occasional barbecue or out on their lawns, and those few times showed just how good she was with his daughter. sometime last year, though, she’d switched to working from home and, suddenly, her schedule started lining up with his much more often.

after that, they’d drop by at each other’s places often. first, it was to ask for basics - do you have some sugar i could use? the store’s closed by now and i seem to have forgotten it… or could i borrow a wrench? my old one’s been a bit - er, misplaced, i suppose! - and, after that, it was to ask for small favors - i hate to bother you but i think my sink’s a bit broken and i hate to ask this of you, but could you look over her for a half-hour? i’ve just got to run into the shops.

since then, she’d pop in without warning, a dessert or snack in her hand - homemade, usually. then, when she found out that the young barnes’ favorite pastry was apple pie - courtesy of her uncle steve - she would bring it whenever she could. she’d be met with fond smiles and sung praises from bucky, but also a playful admonishment for spoiling his daughter.

though, he came to realize that, as he did, his daughter also absolutely adored her. she’d been a massive help when confused as to how to deal with his daughter’s expanding interests and emotions that he couldn’t really get.

he still remembered when he’d gone to her - completely baffled - with the topic of his daughter’s new kindergarten boyfriend. she was so young - and he couldn’t fathom the possibility. in fact, he had looked so grief stricken that she had unfortunately laughed when describing the problem, much to his indignance.

she was fantastic and, of course, absolutely gorgeous. had he been anyone else, he would have allowed himself to indulge in the thought of her so much more than this, though close, strictly friendly, neighborly relationship. but bucky knew that, though he was content in his choices, others say parenthood and the light of his life - his daughter - as a burden. after all, she was successful and seemingly fulfilled; who was he to add such a major role to her life.

still, he loved remembering the ways his little girl’s eyes shone at the mention of her.

he rapped on the door, his knuckles tapping the wood loudly. his daughter’s whole hand basically wrapped over one of his fingers, but she’s quick to release it at the sight of her opening the door, instead excitedly rushing to greet her. she grunts at the speed of the little girl’s pounce.

“oh, hello! is everything alright?”

“yeah, yeah, of course!” he reels his daughter back to him, keeping her in place, before swallowing, “just - look she’s got this idea for a hairstyle and i just can’t get the hang of it. could you - uhm -” she nods immediately, ushering the both of them in without hesitation.

they’d been inside several times and, as she ushers his daughter to go wait in the bathroom, he watches her try to finish arranging her candy for the night.

“oh, i’ve got that, please.” he immediately moves to her side, pulling at the super-sized bags on candy to place them in the neatly labelled buckets. she looks as though she wants to argue, but decides against it, smiling graciously as she goes to tend to the little one.

it doesn’t take long for him to finish emptying out the bags into the buckets, and he’s gone to see how the progress is going. she’s already got half of the girl’s pinned up delicately and cleanly, with not much more than a strand out of place. he watches her work her magic with a mixture of fondness at his daughter’s smiling face, and just a sheer awe at her ability to do something that he so struggled with.

it takes her no more that a few more minutes, taking the young girl to do a twirl in her completed outfit in the full-length mirror in the hall. she was giggling as she was being spun, before running to her daddy to show him her hair.

“wow.” it’s a true statement of wonder, and he looks up to see her blush lightly at the inherent complement. she crouches to be at the height of his daughter, caressing her dress with one hand to ease out any wrinkles and lightly taking her hand in the other.

“will i be seeing you, my little warrior?” his daughter looked up at him, and he pursed his lips in thought.

“oh, i’m not sure if your candy emporium -” she laughs at the analogy, “will still be open. we’re hitting our neighborhood last.” he daughter dejectedly looks at her, upset by the news that was new to the both of them. seeing this, she immediately shakes her head.

“it’ll still be open, i promise. d’you promise to come, honey?” she nods eagerly, babbling a promise! back at her, making her laugh, “d’ya promise, buck?” she tilts her head up to look at him, and he smiles.

“i promise.”

his daughter’s arms had gotten tired about halfway through with holding her heavy bag of goodies, and he was quick to her her out. now, with an absolutely brimming bag, they get to their last door of the night. he lifts her up a little so that she can reach the doorbell.

the door opens in moments and, with a toothy grin, she brandishes her bucket (with some support from her father)

“trick or treat!” she smiles at the little girl, picking out a large chocolate bar for the girl.

“and for, my little warrior, the best candy of them all!” having not seen the candy anywhere else, the young girl is elated, grasping at it and thanking her several times over. she looks up at the somewhat exhausted image of bucky, and smiles sympathetically to him, “wanna come in for a bit?” he looks a little surprised by the offer.

“are you sure?”

“’f course.” his daughter looks up at him.

“can i show her my candy, daddy?” she responds for him.

“of course you can, honey. c’mon, let’s got to the couch.”

as his daughter arranges her assorted goods on the coffee table, she brews hot chocolate for everyone, presenting the sweet drink in front of them in a few moments.

his daughter begins to explain her different treats but, as her drink dwindles, so too does her energy, and she’s quick to pass out on the floor. her father places her onto the couch, stroking her arm lightly to keep her in the soft lull of sleep.

“you’re real nice to her, you know.” he says it after a moment of silence, and it catches her a bit off-guard.

“she deserves it. she’s a real good kid - in most part due to her father.” she can see him flush at the compliment, and smiles.

“you help me out a lot, y’know.” she knows, but she also knows that he’d do the same for her.

“well, you are my favorite neighbor.”

“you mean it?” his tone’s a little different, and she looks up to see a gleam of flirtation in his eyes.

“i mean, who else could make single parenthood look so easy - and look good doing it?” he laughs, and she does too.

“she really likes you…loves you, i think. is that forward?” he’s a little worried by the comment, but he knows she won’t take it too oddly.

“not at all - i like-slash-love her too.” he smiles, as they both go silent, and for a moment, she knows what he’s thinking.

“do you think i could ever-”

“yes.”

“i didn’t ask the question?”

“shit, oh - no, it was just very obvious what you were gonna ask - go ahead, though, you can be a gentleman about it.” he laughs at her blunt response, but continues.

“alright then - could i ever take you out for a dinner? or a drink?”

she had been nodding already as he was asking the question, and he suddenly felt elated at her lack of hesitation

“please, that would be lovely.”

“will you come over to mine, then? friday?” she thinks for a moment, before nodding.

“friday’s good.” he looks at his daughter.

“i’ll find someone else to babysit for a change, then.” she laughs.

“nah, she can stay. i think it’ll be nicer.”

“y’think?”

“i know - who wouldn’t want her. she’s adorable!”

“you’re adorable.” she rolls her eyes at the cheesy comment, but the pink on her neck indicates her actual feelings.

“that was awful.”

“you liked it.”

“only because you’re the one saying it.”

“what can i say?”

“don’t say. get home, tuck her in and pick me up friday - 7 p.m.”

He’s part of a world that once had dirty diapers and burp cloths and now his world is full of hair braiding and unicorns.  

And everything is calm during these wee hours of the morning.

The calmness, the eerie stillness around him before he would fire off a shot from his rifle.  This, this was the calm that spread over him now, as he reached over to pull another towel into his hands. Corner to corner, fold, corners again, fold, and they better match up perfectly.  

Add it to the pile.  

Repeat.

Bucky found great comfort in folding the laundry.

Pick up another towel from the basket. Fold. Repeat. He often felt that it was therapeutic; his brain stopped running in circles, his thoughts generally focusing around the girls.  

His girls.

He has a hard time remembering what life was like before them. They consume his thoughts most days. Every leaf that falls, every laugh he hears – he thinks of his girls.

Maybe he’s getting softer with each year that passes. There are no longer missions for him to go on; he gave that up long ago, when fatherhood became his number one job.

Piper came first; silently she fell into this world (and his arms) 8 years ago. He cut the cord and she was handed over to him first, her tiny eyes looked up and he swore that she knew he was her dad. Bucky had never felt love like that before and if anything, it got stronger as each day passed.

He pleaded for a second child and 15 months later, Riley was born. Oh, and did she come into this world screaming; red faced and hands in fists, punching at the cold air. Every day for the last 6 years has been an adventure with his younger daughter. She was the fire he needed, the motivation; his strength to keep going each day and to not give up.  

He was forever in debt to his daughters for making him a better person.

And then there was you.

He couldn’t put a name to it yet, whatever it was that was going on.  

Friend, confidant, oh he wishes he could up the ante. Lady friend, sweetheart, lover. He shouldn’t get so far ahead; his fantasies were pulling him deeper. He hadn’t even...  

“OOF!”  

The sudden shout and then feeling of sinking yanked him out of his dream-like state. He heard her giggles before he saw her limbs flailing from the centre of the laundry pile beside him on the couch.  

“Daddy you had the goofiest look on your face and you were bitin’ at your lip and you didn’t even hear me do my sneak attack. I must be getting really good at the super spy stuff!” Riley laughed, pushing the wash cloths and towels to the floor.  

Bucky tries to make a serious dad face at Riley but the washcloth resting on her strawberry blonde curls has his smiling ear to ear. “You goof,” he laughs, swiping the blue cloth off of her head.

“But I am the best super spy, right Pops? Better than Pip, right?” She crawls out of the pile and into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.  

“Yes, my sweet girl, even better than Pips. BUT she rules when it comes to listening to other people’s... CONVERSATIONS!” Bucky reaches his left arm behind the couch and scoops up his oldest daughter, who is so full of laughter than her face is turning red and tears and almost springing from her bright blue eyes.  

“POPPPPPPS!! PUT. ME. DOWN!”

He knows this is the end of his alone time but it is also the beginning of a new day with his daughters –and nothing will ever top that.  

He does wonder about you though. What are you doing this morning? Are you sleeping still? Maybe you are thinking about him as well. He watches Piper and Riley scamper off into the kitchen and hears the clank of the bowls and utensils that girls are taking out of the drawers. Once they are out of sight, he picks his phone up from the side table and opens up his messages. Last message, two days ago – he had wished you good luck before you went for your review at work. He should send you a quick text, see how things went. Maybe you wanted to come over for breakfast. He tapped a short message and sent it off, leaving it open for her to pop by anytime this morning.

Maybe she would fold laundry with him between giggles and quick kisses while the girls ran around in the back yard.

Maybe the girls could go by their friend's house and he could forget about the laundry and kiss you longer and brush the hair back from your face. You would shy away and hide behind it but he would want to see the way your eyes sparkled before and after his lips were on yours.  

“Pops, can we have waffles? The yummy chocolate ones you make, please?” Riley asks pushing her face right into his.  

“Yes, yes. How about you pull out the mix and set everything up on the counter, ok?”

“Sure thing,” she says, smiling wide, clearly happy that she can help Bucky and have her breakfast of choice.

The girls are silent as they scoop berries and whip cream into their mouths; their waffles have long been devoured (he has left two for you in the oven, he knows you how much you love them). There’s a quick tapping at the front door and it opens slowly, your voice shouting “Barnes family, I have come to eat all of your waffles! Where are you hiding them?”  

Riley stands up on her chair shouting “In the oven! THE OVEN!”

“Oh Barnsey, trying to keep me away from my sweet waffles. I see how it is.” She walks towards where Bucky is sitting at the table and reaches out, tickling the back of neck and giggling.

He pretends to be annoyed and tries to brush her hands off of his neck but she is determined to make him squeal, maybe even scream. Standing up from his chair, her hands still trying to tickle him, he turns quickly and pretends he is going to lunge at her. His girls are quick though and wrap themselves around him, Riley has managed to cling to his right leg, while Piper is pulling his left arm and telling him she is stronger than his fancy arm. Their giggling is contagious and he can’t help but join in. Once their laughter seizes, he unwraps his youngest from him leg and sends them off to get washed and dressed for the day. They both hug y/n and set off upstairs to get changed.

She moves to the oven and reaches in with her bare hand to retrieve a waffle, instantly taking a bit of the warm square. “Oh, these are extra good today, did you put extra love in it for me,” she says winking at him and hopping down the steps to the family room. She takes one look at the laundry on the couch and floor and raises her left eyebrow. “Well Barnes, you sure know how to rile a girl up,” she says poking at the laundry on the couch. “Are these the kind of dates you have planned for me?”

Bucky just stares and keeps staring until he starts feeling a bit uncomfortable and he knows that you can tell because a smile is slowly forming on your lips. She moves forward and before he knows what you are doing (he would have been a horrible super soldier around you) you’ve tackled him down on the couch. He smirks and thinks that, this is where he wanted you in the first place and now that he has you here, what is he going to do with you. A week has passed since you had kissed, while lying in the backyard, staring at the clouds together. He’s pulled out of his thoughts when you shift above him, straddling him and staring back into his eyes.

“Well Barnes, do I get to kiss you now?” Her left eyebrow has lifted as the she speaks; he loves how she looks at the very moment and nods his head in response. “Good. A week was too long not being able to be this close to you.”

Oh, and does he ever want to be closer than this with you.

She leans down, her hair tickling his face right before their lips are touching, Bucky’s flesh hand moves to her side rubbing it softly and shifting her dress around. “Better not lift that too high Barnsey, you don’t want your girls to see anything.”

“That’s not, that’s not what I was tryin’ to...”

“I’m just trying to work you up, you goof. I know you wouldn’t even fathom doing something like that.” She leans runs a hand through his hair and leans down into another kiss.  

He hears their feet, elephant like, bounding down the stairs and quickly shifts y/n off into the laundry pile that still remains on his couch. “Is this your way of telling me that you want me to finish folding your laundry? You could have just asked instead of throwing me into it,” she jokes.

Bucky chuckles at her smart-ass response and turns to catch Riley as she is about to wrap her arms around his neck.  

“Ha! Not this time, sweet pea! I heard you thumping down the stairs like a wild animal!” He pulls his youngest into a big bear hug and kisses the top of her head. “Go get your shoes on and we’ll meet you in the backyard, ok?”  He watches Riley run off to grab Piper and their shoes a nd when he turns back around to give y/n a quick kiss she whispers in his ear,  

Suddenly the weight of work, bills, keeping a roof over their heads and being a brand new single father weighed heavily on his shoulders. 

He was still hoping Dolores would change her mind and come home. He needed her as much as Winnie did. A sickening feeling brewed in the pit of his stomach, something telling him he wouldn’t be seeing Dolores again. 

---

Winnie’s cries echoed through the house. Bucky sat up, wiping the sleep from his eyes as his legs swung over the side of the bed. Bucky sighed and checked the time, it was only 1:14 in the morning. He had only been asleep for two hours. 

Winnie’s night schedule has been this way since they brought her home. She didn’t necessarily need anything since Bucky soon learnt it was probably the company his daughter needed. 

Bucky slipped some sweatpants on and walked sluggishly to her bedroom down the hall. He peeked inside, the nightlights dancing around on the walls and ceiling. Her legs flailing in the air as her lungs screamed out an ear-piercing cry. Bucky walked in sighing and shushing her as he approached the cot. 

“Shh darling, it’s alright. Daddy’s here.” He bent down to pick her up and snuggled her into his chest, checking her diaper which was still dry. Bucky took a seat in the rocking chair in her room, positioning her head so it was right above his heartbeat. Her little cries quietened down and soon enough she was lulled back to sleep on her dad’s chest. “At least someone gets to sleep huh.” He chuckled quietly, his finger stroking her tiny head. “I don’t mind, I’m here for you sweetheart.” A stray tear runs down his cheek as he thinks about the uncertain future. 

---

“Have you considered a live-in nanny?” Steve suggested over a coffee. He often visited Bucky and help out with Winnie if he needed to desperately get caught up on sleep.

“No, I haven’t. What is one of those?” He asked as he waited to warm the milk bottle up on the stove, not even realising he hasn’t lit the gas. “And don’t laugh Steve, even the word refrigerator has lost all meaning.”

“See? You’re not functioning. I didn’t wanna say anything but you haven’t even turned the stove on to warm the milk.” Steve cackled. “Your daddy is so silly Winnie.” Steve cooed as he bounced the baby in his arms. Bucky cursed under his breath and lit the gas ring on a gentle heat. “A live-in nanny is a nanny who lives in your home and helps you take care of Winnie. You have a spare bedroom and it’ll take the pressure off you and it’ll be great company. And you never know, you might end up in a fairytale and live happily ever after.”

Bucky rolled his eyes. “I’m never dating again, knowing my luck; we’d get married, have another baby and then she’ll do the same as Dolores and leave me with two kids instead of one.” Bucky groaned at the thought. 

Steve chuckled and shook his head. “You don’t have to marry her Buck. Look, all I’m saying is, think about it. I know a really reliable girl who is desperately looking for a nanny job. She isn’t with an agency but she helped us with Grant.” 

“How much did she charge?” Bucky asked hesitantly. 

“$20 an hour. She worked 9AM-4PM and she had her own room with a bathroom and meals provided.”

“Sounds too good to be true, Steve.” Bucky was suspicious, why wasn’t this person registered with an agency? Did she have real qualifications or just learnt on the way?

“Not all nannies are with agencies, Buck. She’s genuine and I highly recommend her. She just finished another job two weeks ago and needs another. She has bills to pay too, you know.” Their conversation carried on as Steve explained what duties his nanny provided for his son and Winnie was happy to finally receive her milk.

Over the next couple of days, things didn’t become any easier. Bucky tried so hard to prove to Steve that he was coping, but it couldn’t be any further from the truth. He was reluctant to hire the nanny Steve had recommended because it was his way of surrendering and asking for help. But he didn’t know what to do, he couldn’t get any sleep, he couldn’t work and quite frankly, he was closer to having a serious breakdown.

Bucky put Winnie down for her nap and pondered over Steve’s idea. A live-in nanny would certainly be helpful. He opened up google and started to research about their duties. Steve was right, this would take a lot of pressure off him. He was just a bit worried about having to pay the $140 a day since the money had to be tightened up right now in reserve for the bigger bills.

There was no harm in negotiating a little, right?

Bucky pulled his phone out and dialled Steve’s number. A couple of rings and Steve answered.

“Hey, Buck?”

“Hey, Steve. Can you put me in contact with the nanny you used?” 

“Absolutely. Just want you to know buddy, hiring the nanny doesn’t mean you’re weak and incapable. Her name is Y/N Y/L/N.”

Yikes well here it is! Please let me know what you think!! :)

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