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October 29, 2023
Standing at the back of Tony’s funeral was a strange occurrence for Bucky, but not in the way you would think. Bucky didn’t know the younger Stark, but he felt guilt over what transpired decades before with his parents. Even if they had made up slightly on the battlefield, Bucky didn’t think that was enough.
It was why he was anxious to go to the funeral in the first place. He had heard them planning one a few days ago, but he didn’t think he’d earned an invitation.
To his surprise, Pepper was the one that had called him to come a few minutes before Steve, Sam, and Wanda left. He’d wanted to find a suit, but there wasn’t enough time, so a jacket and tight jeans were what he had to go with. He’d barely had time to shower.
He stood back with Sam and Wanda, who both dressed well for the occasion. Bucky felt a little less out-of-place standing next to them.
Steve had gone ahead, helping carry the casket to the river, and Bucky knew this was a hard day for him. Steve had been silent every day since they got back, but he’s barely said anything today. He had a haunted look in his eyes, so Bucky wasn’t going to meddle.
“He’ll be okay,” Wanda said, jostling Bucky out of his thoughts. He looked over at her, and she clarified. “Steve. He’ll be okay. He’s got you.”
He gave her a smile—one she returned—and said, “Yeah, he does.”
Sam’s hand on his back tightened, so Bucky turned to him and gave him a slight grin, and Sam smiled back.
It was nice to be by Sam’s side again. Sam had just got back from Louisiana after not seeing his family in five years—seven if you counted him being on the run, which his sister apparently did.
Sam said that his mother passed a year into the Blip, and Sam didn’t even know she was sick. When Bucky asked, he said he was fine, but Bucky could see through him. It was the same way Steve acted when Sarah died: disassociated, nonverbal, complete denial.
It was understandable—the man lost his mother. Bucky could offer his condolences, but he could bring her back. He knew that was what Sam wanted.
Bucky shut those thoughts down and looked ahead, only to find his family staring right back at him.
Steve was facing them, giving off that haunted stare, and Bucky wanted nothing more than to go and wrap him up in a hug. And luckily, no one here would stop him.
Everyone slowly and quietly dispersed, walking away from the dock, walking away from Stark. Bucky watched as Steve carried himself over to them, and when he was in arms reach, Bucky grabbed him.
He held on tight, wrapping his arms around Steve, and he felt Steve sigh into his neck. They didn’t say anything, and Sam and Wanda let themselves in on the hug after a minute, which Steve greatly accepted.
Steve made a motion that he was ready to be let go, and so they did.
“You feeling better?” Sam asked him, and Steve only hummed.
“Starting to,” he said, but his words were meaningless—his eyes told the true story.
“They still need you here?” Bucky asked him, hand rubbing his hip, trying to be reassuring.
“I don’t know,” Steve said. “I’ll go ask Pepper.”
“‘Kay,” Bucky said, squeezing his hip and smiling at him, one Steve barely returned.
They all watched his retreating back, and Sam let out a heavy breath.
“He’s feeling rough.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said. “His mind is… not good.”
Bucky silently agreed but tried to ignore their comments, not letting them get to him. He knew Steve, and even if he’s different after five years, he’s still Steve. He’s tough; he’s strong, he’ll be able to handle it. And Bucky will help the best he can.
“I’m gonna take a walk,” Wanda said. She left them alone, and Bucky watched her walk down to the lake, taking the long way.
Further out, he could see a silhouette standing near the riverbank, but he couldn’t tell who. He shrugged it off and turned to Sam, who looked lost in his own world.
“You alright?” Bucky asked, putting a hand on his shoulder.
Sam shook his head and sighed. “Not gonna lie, I’ve been better.”
“Me too,” Bucky agreed. “Especially when the United States government didn’t want my head on a platter.”
“Yeah, I heard about that,” Sam said. “They spotted you leaving the battle, right? Now they want you in custody?”
Bucky nodded at the ground.
“They can’t just take you, man. We won’t let ‘em.”
“I don’t have a choice,” Bucky said. “Dead or alive, you saw the report.”
“Does Steve know?” Sam asked after a while.
“I’ve mentioned it, but he brushes it off every time.” Bucky shoved his hands in his pockets and swayed on his toes. “He thinks if we don’t talk about it, we don’t have to address it.”
“What do you think about it?” Sam asked softly.
Bucky looked at him, shrugged. “I can’t ignore an arrest warrant. I’m looking into lawyers, but Steve’s been no help. I don’t know how to tell him.”
“It can’t be that hard,” Sam said.
Bucky fixed him with a look. “You try talking to Steve Rogers about something he doesn’t want to talk about.”
Sam clicked his tongue. “Yeah, you got me there.”
Bucky looked at Sam and felt an appreciation he hadn’t felt for the man before. There was always understanding, no argument, just straight logic, and that was refreshing after the past few days.
“Thanks, Sam,” Bucky said, bringing an arm around his shoulders. Sam wasn’t prepared for the hug, and it showed in the interaction. Bucky silently laughed it off, and let go, patting Sam on the back. “Tell your nephews I said hi.”
“You got it.” Sam seemed to want to say more, but Bucky saw movement on the patio, and his eyes followed it.
Standing there was Steve, eyes lighter but still solemn, looking at Bucky. “We’re free to go,” he said.
Bucky smiled, turned to Sam, patted his back, and then made his way to Steve. Steve walked down the steps and met Bucky halfway.
Time stood for a moment as they watched each other, and Bucky felt a small smile form on his face.
“You ready to get outta here?” Bucky asked, extending his hand out.
Steve smiled then and took his hand, squeezing it. “Yeah, let’s go.”
They walked away, though not before Steve waved bye to everyone in the vicinity. Once that was done, they got to the car, and Steve drove them back to the Compound.
Or well, what was left of it.
✪
The Avengers Compound was still in ruin, but the damage was in the process of getting restored. Luckily, Thano’s missile hit the front of the building and not the back where Steve said their rooms were.
They were the first one’s back, but when they reached what was left of the entrance, armed soldiers were waiting, and an older, suited-man stood, blocking the door.
Bucky had a bad feeling about this.
“Steve,” he started.
“Stay in the car,” Steve grunted, and he was out of the vehicle in less than a second. He marched up to the older man, and the soldier’s guns followed him.
Bucky got out of the car then.
“Hey!” He yelled, advancing to stand next to Steve. The guns were now trained on him. He then heard something fire, and he braced himself for a bullet wound.
What he felt was a restriction around his ankles, binding them together. By the time he looked to Steve, Bucky’s arms were strapped to his sides, and they were forcing him to the ground.
He could hear Steve’s angry yelling over the commotion, and he felt high-grade magnetic cuffs being placed on his wrists. Once they were in place, they dragged him up where he was propped on his knees.
He watched Steve be held back and shook his head, signaling for him to stop yelling. Once he did, Bucky spoke.
“Who are you?” He asked the older man, who was prowling up to him.
“Oh, Mr. Barnes,” he said. “I think you’ve got it mixed up. We’re the ones that ask the questions. Here’s my first one: Did you really think we wouldn’t catch up to you?”
Dread filled Bucky’s stomach, and he slumped, eyes on the concrete.
“HYDRA,” he whispered.
“Oh, no, no, no,” the man said quickly, stumbling over his words. “We’re not them. Gosh, you don’t recognize me?”
Bucky looked up and studied the man’s face. He shook his head.
“Oh, right, you wouldn’t know. You were dead for the last five years.”
As the man laughed at what Bucky suspected was a joke, he saw Steve get visibly irate over the comment. He knocked one of the men restricting him, but another quickly fell in his place.
“Oh, was that not funny, Captain Rogers?” He turned to Steve, and Steve was displeased. “Jeesh, everybody’s a critic. The name’s Larry Johnson—Senator Johnson if you will. Now, this may look like an odd job for a senator, but I’m here to take you in. President’s orders.”
He pointed at Bucky.
“Now, if you could make this as seamless as possible, I’d appreciate it. Come on, boys, take ‘im in.”
Bucky felt them heave him up, but he wouldn’t budge. He put all his weight into the ground, and their power was no match against his.
“Wait,” Steve said, still trying to get out of their hold. “Give us a day.”
Johnson scoffed. “He’s a fugitive of the law that’s been in hiding for almost a decade. He’s had more than enough days free.”
“Please,” Steve pleaded, “just give us a day. He’s barely been back for a week; just give him one more day.”
The senator stilled, letting Bucky chime in.
“I’ll turn myself in tomorrow,” he said from the ground. “Wherever you want me to go, I’ll go there—no tricks. Just give me a day.”
“You expect me to believe that?” Senator Johnson asked. “What do you take me for, an idiot?”
“I’m serious, no tricks,” Bucky repeated. “You can put a tracker on me if you like. I just want one more day.”
Bucky saw that they almost had him.
“Please,” he pleaded.
Johnson stood, hands on his hips, and turned to one of the men standing in front of a military vehicle.
“Get a damn tracker out,” he demanded. He looked at Bucky, “If you try to run, we’ll catch you eventually. And the punishment will be worse.”
“I won’t, I promise,” Bucky said. “Steve’ll take me, won’t you, Steve?”
Bucky turned to Steve, and Steve looked heartbroken. He solemnly nodded again, but Bucky could see that they would talk later.
“I will,” Steve said. The soldiers finally dropped their hold on him, and he shook them off, glaring before turning his glare on the senator. “Where do I need to take him?”
“The FBI building is in New York City,” Johnson gruffed. “If he’s not there before 6 PM, there will be consequences.”
Bucky nodded and slumped limplessly as they placed the tracker on his ankle and uncuffed his wrists.
Bucky stood once he could, and Steve was immediately by his side, helping him stand. He lifted his hand on Bucky’s face and ran the other through his hair, and Bucky sighed.
Johnson eyed them suspiciously and said, “6 PM tomorrow, gentlemen. Don’t be late.”
Steve turned to him like he forgot he was present. “He’ll be there.”
Johnson stared for a minute. “Y’know, Captain, you fought harder in these five minutes than you did in the past five years.”
Steve glared at him, and Bucky grasped his side, squeezing gently.
“What about it?” Steve pushed.
“Hmm,” Johnson hummed. “Nothing.”
He turned and left them, and his henchmen followed. They watched on as the trucks drove away, but Bucky had a feeling they were still being watched.
“C’mon, Steve, let’s get inside.” Bucky prompted him forward, and Steve led the way.
They bobbed and weaved through the rubble of the destroyed building, and Bucky was amazed that it was still standing. The clean-up crew was massive, and Bucky made sure to smile and thank them for their help.
They reached Steve’s room, and Bucky was surprised by the size of it. It was smaller than his hut in Wakanda, and Bucky was saddened by the fact that the hut was destroyed five years ago. He had been planning to rebuild it once they got around to it, but he now had places to be by tomorrow.
They walked in, and Steve sat on the bed, then patted the spot next to him. “C’mon, Buck, we got a lot to talk about.”
“This feels like an intervention,” Bucky joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Steve nodded. “It does. Don’t worry, though. It’s not.”
Bucky breathed out and nodded, waiting for Steve to continue. When he didn’t, he looked at him, and it seemed Steve didn’t know where to begin. Bucky didn’t either.
“You know I’m turning myself in tomorrow, right?” Bucky asked. Steve avoided his eyes. “I wasn’t lying about that.”
Steve looked skeptical. “We can work something ou-”
“No, Steve,” Bucky interrupted. “I’m done running from it. It was bound to happen, and the quicker it is done, the less we have to deal with it.”
Steve shook his head. “I don’t trust it,” he said.
“You think I do?” Bucky asked. “I barely trust anyone, let alone the government. But I have to get it done.”
Steve didn’t look convinced. “I don’t know, Buck.” His eyes were turning watery; he still wasn’t looking at Bucky. “What if they lock you up? Forever.”
“Then we’ll fight it,” Bucky said. He moved closer to Steve, wrapping his arm around his middle. “I’m not alone anymore. I’ve got you, Sam, Shuri. I got people to fight for me now.”
Steve finally looked at him.
“I’ll always fight for you,” he said, smiling.
“I know,” Bucky smiled back. He kissed his cheek and leaned his forehead on Steve’s cheek. “We’ll figure it, alright?”
“Okay,” Steve whispered.
They sat for a while, breathing the same air, and Steve spoke again.
“There’s some stuff I have to do first. I’d like you to be there with me.”
“Yeah,” Bucky nodded. “Anything.”
✪
October 30, 2023
The next day was hectic for Bucky. Maybe it was the fact that he was used to downtime in Wakanda and only did basic things every day. Today wasn’t like that, though.
Firstly, Steve had to take the stones back to their respective timelines, and Bucky was a little amazed by the science that went into it—though it still confused the hell out of him.
Steve wasn’t to mess up any timeline, which it sounded like they had already done that in their first time travel adventure. Steve had told Bucky about the trip a little, but Bucky still had no idea if it would work.
Steve told him that it was safe, but they both have different meanings to that word.
Steve was currently suited up, standing in front of the board that Bruce would be in control of during the trip. Sam was next to him, and Bucky couldn’t be happier about the surprise they had in store for him.
Bruce finished detailing the mission one last time, and Steve closed up the case, locked it, and held it in his hand, ready to take on the world. Or, well, worlds.
Bucky was sort of surprised that this is their lives now, but deep down, he knew that their stories wouldn’t end in 1940s Brooklyn or even the War.
They’ll stand the test of time—literally, because of non-aging super-soldier serum. But Bucky was glad they had more time. Even though they spent so much together, it still feels like it wasn’t enough.
Bucky came out of thoughts when he noticed Steve and Sam were walking over. He listened in on their exchange.
“Y’know, if you want,” Sam said, “I could come with you.”
“You’re a good man, Sam,” Steve assured him. “This one’s on me, though. Plus, I got some loose ends to tie off.”
Bucky watched him pat Sam on the arm and make his way over, giving him the most authentic smile he’d seen since he’d come back.
“Don’t do anything stupid ‘till I get back,” Steve said, a smirk on his face.
Bucky only slightly rolled his eyes. “How can I? You’re taking all the stupid with you.”
They embraced in what felt like their thousandth hug for today, and Bucky would gladly take more. He gripped onto Steve, and Steve chuckled.
“You’re gonna have to let me go so I can do this,” Steve said in his ear.
Bucky nodded and let go slightly but didn’t let Steve get far.
“Whatever you’re planning,” Bucky said, “just be safe.”
“I will-”
“Promise me, Stevie,” Bucky pleaded.
Steve’s eyes went soft, and he gave a gentle kiss to both of Bucky’s cheeks and then placed one on his lips. When he finished, their foreheads touched.
“I promise,” Steve said. “I’ll be okay, Bucky.”
Bucky nodded and kissed him one last time, giving him another hug, and Sam said, “Today, fellas.”
Bucky flipped him off.
“Be safe,” Bucky said, squeezing Steve’s hand one last time.
Steve nodded and walked to the platform, leaving them behind. Bucky moved to stand next to Sam, and he hip-bumped him, to which Sam shoved him back.
“You boys gonna behave while I’m gone?” Steve joked. He picked up Thor’s hammer, which Bucky still had no idea how it worked.
“Maybe,” Bucky said, and Sam shoved him again.
They all laughed it off, and Steve turned to Bruce. “Ready when you are.”
Bruce nodded.
“How long is this gonna take?” Sam asked.
“For him? As long as he needs,” Bruce said. “For us? Five seconds.”
“We don’t got all day, Bruce, come on,” Steve rushed him and transformed into his quantum suit.
Bucky was about to tell him to shut it, as he didn’t think time travel was something to be rushed.
Bruce pushed some buttons and placed his hand on the lever. “Going quantum in three, two, one-”
Steve disappeared, and Bucky held his breath. Sam, too, went still beside him.
“And returning in, five, four, three two one-” Bruce pulled the lever once more, and nothing happened.
Bucky’s breathing turned heavy.
“Where is he?” He asked, turning to Bruce.
“I don’t know,” Bruce said. “He blew right by his time stamp. He should be here.”
“Well, get him back,” Sam yelled.
“I’m trying,” Bruce said, messing with the buttons.
Bucky rushed over and shoved the smaller man aside. “He’s not doing this today.”
Bucky didn’t know which button to push, but that didn’t matter. He pushed random controls and pulled the lever as hard as possible, and he saw something flash.
Looking back at the platform, Steve was standing, and Bucky felt he could breathe again. Until Steve fell to one knee.
Bucky rushed from behind the control panel and jumped onto the pad, grabbing Steve’s shoulders. The helmet retracted, and Bucky could see Steve’s eyes, which were lighter than they’d been in years.
There were almost tears in his eyes, and Bucky could feel tears in his own.
“I thought I told you to be safe,” Bucky whispered, jostling him a little.
Steve chuckled. “I was.”
Bucky laughed and hugged Steve but quickly let him go to assess the damage. As if knowing what he was doing, Steve brushed him off and stood up, forcing Bucky to follow.
“I’m fine,” Steve assured. “Really.”
“Okay, okay,” Bucky said, dusting his suit a little. “So, wanna tell me what happened? Why you were late?”
“Yeah,” Steve nodded. “There’s something I gotta do first.”
Steve looked behind Bucky, and Bucky followed his gaze to Sam, who seemed relieved that Steve was back.
“Oh,” Bucky said, turning back to Steve. “You wanna do that now?”
“Yeah,” Steve said. “I’m sure of it now.”
Bucky hummed. “‘s there a story to that?”
Steve smiled. “Later. Did you put it where I asked?”
Steve moved past Bucky, and Bucky turned to follow him off the platform.
“Yeah, it’s there,” Bucky said. “Nice and polished.”
“Good,” Steve said.
They reached Sam, and Steve and Sam embraced briefly.
“Glad you’re back in one piece, man.”
“Glad to be back,” Steve said. Bucky hung back and watched Steve contemplate his following words. “Can I talk to you for a second, Sam? Over there?”
Steve pointed to a bench by the lake, and Sam looked concerned. He gave Bucky a look, and Bucky only smiled.
“Uh, sure,” Sam said, and Steve turned to lead the way.
Sam held back for a second longer and looked to Bucky once more.
“Go ahead,” Bucky nodded, encouraging him forward.
That seemed to be all he needed, and he turned to follow Steve out to the bench. They both sat and talked for a few minutes. Bucky couldn’t hear a word they said, but that didn’t matter to him.
He watched as Steve pulled up the bag and took out the shield, placing it in Sam’s lap. Sam looked down for a long time and glanced over his shoulder to look at Bucky.
Bucky nodded his head, and Sam turned back around.
Both men talked for another minute before standing, and Sam then put the shield on his arm, posing stoically.
Bucky would be lying if he said it didn’t look right.
✪
“Are you sure about this?” Steve asked for maybe the hundredth time since leaving the Compound.
“Yes, Steve,” Bucky repeated. “You called that lawyer you know, right.”
“Yeah,” Steve said, “but he’ll be out of the state for a while. His daughter just came back, and he and his wife want to spend time with her.”
“I get that,” Bucky said. “We’re not in a rush. The world is gonna be moving in slow motion for a while now.”
“I know that feeling,” Steve said.
Bucky had finally talked him out of his funk, but Steve kept making sarcastic comments like that. At least it was better than bottling it up.
“Look, he’ll get here when he gets here,” Bucky said, watching the traffic move by. “And if he can’t make it, we’ll find someone else to represent me. It won’t be that hard.”
Bucky only half-believed the words that came out his mouth.
Their conversation fizzled out the closer they got to the FBI building. They both knew their time was limited.
Steve pulled up to the entrance of the building and saw all the press camped out front.
“Someone must’ve leaked we were coming,” Steve hissed. “Probably that senator.”
“Yeah,” Bucky agreed as Steve maneuvered through traffic to find a place to park. “They’ll have the press on their side, at least.”
“I don’t know about that,” Steve said, pulling into a space. “Apparently, the Avengers are being hailed for bringing back everybody. Add in Nat and Tony’s death, well.”
Steve shrugged and put the car in park. Bucky watched him breathe in and out, steeling himself for dealing with the commotion outside.
“You still get camera shy, huh?” Bucky said and gripped his shoulder, trying to calm him. “We’ll be alright.”
“I know,” Steve said. “Just…”
Steve didn’t finish his sentence and just shook his head, trying to put on a smile.
“You ready?” He asked Bucky.
Bucky nodded. “Only if you are.”
“I am,” Steve said.
They both got out of the car, and Bucky went over to Steve’s side immediately, making sure he knew he wasn’t alone.
They walked close together but didn’t hold hands, not wanting to give the press more to talk about. They bumped shoulders a few times, and that was enough for him.
As soon as people noticed who they were, they were bombarded and pushed closer together. It was a sea of people asking questions, and Steve had told him not to answer any of them.
Some were hard to ignore, though.
Mr. Barnes, is it true you killed Tony Stark’s parents?
Bucky’s jaw hardened, and he felt Steve’s hand grip his back. They ignored everyone and pushed forward, walking into the FBI building.
Entering brought a hush around them and his eyes focused on everyone.
Guards were blocking every exit of the lobby, and everyone was focused on Bucky—guns too. He saw Steve stand taller, and he put his hand in front of him, not letting him start anything.
“Mr. Barnes,” Senator Johnson said from in front of them with a devilish smile on his face. “So glad you could finally join us.”