Author's Note: Hello, everyone! Welcome to the third installment of the ChristyVerse!

If you're not sure what that means, go read my other story entitled We Can Be Found. It sets up the background for this universe. If you're too lazy to do that, the basic premise is that all the Avengers live in the Tower and Steve Rogers has adopted a nine-year-old girl named Christy. My other stories: I Dream Things That Never Were (And Ask Why Not) and Lookin' At Life Through My Own Eyes also fill out this universe. The last chapter of Lookin' At Life basically sets up this story.

SERIOUSLY, THOUGH. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ MY OTHER STORIES, THERE WILL BE A LOT YOU WON'T GET ABOUT THIS ONE!

For everyone who has been reading this series, welcome to the "Bucky story" that I promised. The title comes from the song "Centuries" by Fall Out Boy, which I can't stop applying to Steve and Bucky ever since I found a video on YouTube with clips from Winter Soldier set to it. This chapter sets up a lot for the story, so don't expect a ton of action, but I hope you enjoy. As always:

REVIEW, FAVORITE, FOLLOW! Thanks!

Never Meant For You To Fix Yourself

Chapter 1

It was a semi-abnormal morning in Avengers Tower. Tony and Bruce were in the lab, working with Sam to update his wings before he and Steve began what Tony had christened "the Hunt for Red Bucktober."

Clint, newly returned from a quick check-in visit to Natasha, was fletching arrows and watching Netflix...in the air vents. Thor and Natasha were, of course, absent.

And Steve and Christy were in the throes of an argument.

(That was the 'abnormal' part).

"Christy, for the thousandth time, the answer is no. No, no, no, no…"

"But Dad…"

"You are not coming along with Sam and I to find Bucky and that is final."

Christy could feel her mouth moving into a pout. She stopped it by gritting her teeth. This was not the time to look like a spoiled little girl. This was the time to look like the mature, confident nine-year-old that she was.

Or, according to others, the mature, confident nine year old she liked to think she was.

She took a deep breath. Steve was already moving out of their living room and into his bedroom.

"Dad, it's summer. I don't have school, so you can't use that excuse. I know how to be quiet and I know how to fight. Give me one good reason why I can't come."

Abruptly, Steve spun around to face her. "One good reason? How about twenty?"

I didn't ask for twenty, I asked for one, Christy bit back. Sarcasm would definitely not help her cause.

"You are nine years old and I don't want to take you all over god-forsaken nowhere looking for a…a very dangerous assassin."

Christy didn't miss the way her dad's voice broke, calling Bucky a dangerous assassin.

"Dad, you're going to D.C. That's not 'god-forsaken nowhere.'"

"Christy, this isn't a game. I…don't know what he's gonna be like when we find him, if we find him. It could take weeks, months. This is a mission, not a vacation."

Christy sighed. "Fine." she muttered, walking off toward her room.

Truth be told, she'd known it was a stupid request. But it had been a very long time since she'd been with her dad for more than a week at a time.

I'd settle for just being in the same city as him!

"Christy, I know you're upset, but…"

The door shut with a 'click.'

Steve shook his head. What on earth had gotten into his little girl? "She has a few sessions with Natasha and suddenly, she thinks she can conquer the world!" he grumbled. "She's not ready. I don't care what she thinks. This is dangerous."

True, Christy had been very helpful to have around when Loki had been in the Tower. But they hadn't had to chase Loki down or subdue him; the magic had taken care of that. Steve touched one of the still-healing scars on his face and winced.

No, no matter how good Christy was around so-called 'hostiles,' this was not the time for her to come along.

A knock on the door drew Christy out of her funk. "Go away, dad." She said. "I don't wanna talk. I forgive you, it's okay. Go find Bucky."

There was a pause. Then, "Christy open up, it's Uncle Clint."

Christy frowned, puzzled. True, Uncle Clint had been taking care of her when Dad was in D.C., but there was no reason for him to be on their floor now.

"It's open, Uncle Clint. You can come in."

Clint came in and sat next to her on the bed. He smirked a little and ruffled her hair.

"Heard you and Cap got in a knock-down-drag-out earlier."

Christy frowned. "Where'd you hear that? And does Dad know you're here?"

Clint's smirk got bigger. "The answer to both questions is air vents."

Christy giggled, but she immediately turned sober. "I wanna go help. He won't let me come. And I have to sit here in the Tower, waiting and wondering. It's not fair."

"Hate to say this, kid, but I'm kinda siding with your old man on this one. The Winter Soldier is dangerous. There's a reason they call him a ghost. He shot Tasha once before and he's killed a bunch of people."

"His name is James Buchanan Barnes." Christy shot back, sounding so much like Steve that Clint almost drew back in shock. "Bucky Barnes. My dad's best friend. He's still in there. I know it. None of you guys thought Loki was gonna be redeemable either."

Well, the kid had a point. Christy had taken up the god of mischief's case as much as Thor, even standing up to Nick Fury himself. Something about Christy made her good with hostiles and lost cases—probably her unquenchable optimism and trust, which had made even the rag-tag lot known as the Avengers shape up on more than one occasion.

Which was why Clint was bothering to go through with his plan in the first place.

"No, we didn't, kid. We all know you're good with hostiles and I know you want to be near your dad. Which is why I've got a proposition for you."

Christy's eyes lit up and then slid into a careful mask. Clint smirked.

Someone's been taking lessons with Natasha. And taking them seriously.

"What's the proposition?"

"You, me, D.C. After your dad and Sam take off, we can head there. I can keep tabs on them, and we can wait out in D.C. for bit. Go to museums, be regular tourists and whatnot. I know a couple places in D.C. that are good safe houses. We can even meet up with Tasha for a bit. And if—when—they find him…"

"We can meet up and go back to New York!" Christy finished triumphantly. "And Dad'll be so happy about Bucky, we won't be in trouble! It's brilliant!"

Clint grinned. "Glad you like it, kid. Any specific places you wanna hit up in D.C.?"

"Uh…a lot of the monuments. And the Smithsonian, to see dad's exhibit, and…oh! The Holocaust Museum, of course."

"The Holocaust Museum, 'of course'? I swear, kid, you are the weirdest nine-year-old I've ever met."

Christy crossed her arms. "At least I care about history."

"Fair point. But Christy…"

Christy just crossed her arms. "I want to go to the Holocaust Museum because I want to remember what can happen when people forget to be people. Learn how things can get so bad that they create a super-soldier to fight bad guys. Learn what it takes to be that one person who says no and punches Hitler in the face."

Clint smirked. "You know, he never actually…"

"I know, I know!" Christy sighed. "I wanna learn about being a hero and part of being a hero is not pretending like bad things didn't happen."

Clint sighed, dragging his right hand through his hair. Yup, Crystal Rogers was definitely not your average nine year old. But she was right; with her life, what kid would be normal?

What was normal anyway?

"Alright; sure; fine; the Holocaust Museum it is, kid. Just make sure to cut yourself a break emotionally, okay?"

Christy nodded. "I will. And Uncle Clint?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks. A lot. You didn't have to do this. I sorta wonder if I should even be trying to, y'know, come. Maybe Dad'll need alone time and stuff…he's getting his best friend back and all."

Clint just shook his head. "No way, kid. Only reason he won't let you come now is 'cause he doesn't want you hurt. Why doesn't he want you hurt? Cause you're the best thing that happened to him since he got defrosted!"

Christy could feel her jaw going slack.

"Don't believe me? Kid, Cap was a mess after he woke up. He hid it well, still does, but he was hurtin' inside. He needed you just as much as you needed him. You reminded him that his life didn't need to be in the past, that there was still someone here who he needed to stick around for."

"Yeah but…" Christy sighed and blurted out what was bothering her. "But what about now? Now I'm not the only person he needs to stick around for. What if he doesn't need me anymore?"

Clint slammed his fist into her bed. Abruptly, he stood up and marched out of the room. Across the hall, Christy could hear banging and Clint saying:

"Rogers! Why is your daughter afraid she's getting replaced by a 95 year-old brainwashed assassin?!"

Christy froze. Because Uncle Clint was really mad and because Dad probably wouldn't be happy to hear Bucky referred to as a '95 year-old brainwashed assassin.'

The door opened and Steve stepped out. "Clint? What are you doing here? And what was that about Christy thinking she's getting replaced? She's not getting replaced!"

"Tell that to her!" Clint huffed, folding his arms. "Go on."

Steve's brain was whirling as he stepped into Christy's room. His daughter jumped up immediately.

"Dad, forget it, alright? I know you're not replacing me…" Steve just reached out and pulled her into a hug.

Christy's heaving sobs let him know that Clint was right. He sighed.

You've been running around so much since you've been back. You've barely had any conversations longer than five minutes with her. And then, you told her she can't be with you for the next who-knows-how-long? Rogers, you are an idiot.

"Nothing and no one will ever replace you." he said firmly. Christy looked up at him with red-rimmed eyes and sniffled. His heart promptly broke in two. "I promise; nothing and no one will ever replace you. You're my sunshine." Christy's face cleared a little at the endearment.

"I know I kinda sprung the whole 'search for Bucky' thing on you, and I'm sorry for that. Can you forgive me?"

She nodded. Of course she nodded. "I forgive you, Dad. I know you're not replacing me, I just…"

"I should've explained things better. I'm not trying to push you away, I just don't want you coming on the search because it's dangerous and I can't be watching your back the whole time." At Christy's protest, he added, "Come on, Christy, you know that's what I'll be doing! Can you at least understand that?"

She sighed, conceding to that point. "Yes, I can."

"Plus, we'll probably be running into HYDRA agents and…disposing of them. I don't want you to see that. But after everything, when we find him, that's where you come in. Then you can help to your heart's content. Understand?"

Christy smiled and whispered, "I'll do my best." Like she had all those months ago, when an angry god of lies had been dumped into the Avenger's metaphorical lap.

Steve kissed the top of her head. "Yeah, you will. That's my girl."

"You…you can go finish whatever you need to finish."

Steve glanced at his watch. It was two o'clock and he only had a few more details to cement with Sam. "How about we have pizza and movie night? It can be just you and me, if you want."

Christy shook her head. "Nuh-uh, I want everybody, even Sam. He's nice. And funny."

Steve smiled. "I'm glad you approve of him. Just give us a few more hours to hash stuff out. We can order pizza around six. Is that okay?"

"Yeah, that works. Can we watch The Princess Bride?"

"Whatever you want." Steve said. With one final hug, he exited the room, half-heartedly glaring at Clint, who was sitting on the sofa. "Satisfied?"

Clint just shrugged. "You're glad I told you, admit it."

"As you say in this century, duh. Of course I'm glad! How did you get in here anyway?"

"Air vents."

Steve groaned. "Right. Air vents."

"I'll look after her, Steve." Clint said quietly. "Make sure she goes to bed at a decent time, eats her vegetables; all that stuff."

"I know you will. That's why you're listed as next-of-kin." he sighed. "Look, I know you two are up to something, even if I don't know what. Just don't let Christy get hurt and we'll pretend I know nothing. Clear?"

Clint nodded, a little dumbfound. How in the world did he know…?

"Glad we settled that." Steve pressed the button on the hall elevator and stepped into it.

"Oh, and Clint?" Steve grinned. "The answer's super soldier hearing."

The elevator door closed.

Clint groaned. "Should've remembered that one."

Christy came out of her room, her expression cautious. "So…we still on?" she asked.

"Well he never said no…" Clint drawled. Christy's face morphed into a smile.

"Nope, he didn't."

"Princess Bride, huh?"

Christy nodded happily. "It's the best! And…the ending song fits me."

Clint raised his eyebrows. Christy was always finding 'theme songs' for everyone and everything, including herself, but he was sure he hadn't heard this one before. "Why does it fit?"

"Well it only fits because I misheard the lyrics, but I like my version better." Christy closed her eyes and started to sing, "My life is like a storybook story…but it's as real as the feelings I feel. It should be 'love' not 'life,' but I heard it wrong and now it's in my head, cause it's true."

The archer and the child shared a long look. It was true. Their lives were a combination of the fantastic and the mundane, like any good story, but every bit of it was very real.

Clint clapped Christy on the shoulder gently. "Come on, let's go for target practice. The next chapter of your storybook is about to begin."

Pizza and movie night was a rollicking success all around.

Like most Tower movie nights, there was a lot of chatter during the movie itself. Tony just rarely shut up anyway and Clint and Christy were usually quoting lines along with the actors or giving a running commentary. If Thor was in town, he would join in with them. Bruce and Steve just accepted the status quo and Natasha usually did the same, unless the noise level got too unbearable. Then, she would hiss in angry Russian until things calmed down.

Sam was simply enjoying everything. He was still getting used to the fact that he was in Avenger's Tower, with the Avengers, watching a movie. It was rather surreal.

"To the death." Humperdinck said on screen.

"No, to the pain." Westley replied and Christy echoed. She stood up and started mimicking Westley's movements while keeping up with his lines as well.

"What do we watch?" Sam whispered to Steve. "Her or the TV?"

"Depends." Steve whispered back. "Sometimes she's a lot more entertaining."

"Shh!" Clint hissed. Both men glared at him and Steve smacked his head lightly.

"Alright, alright!"

"Whatever happens to us, I want him to live a long life alone with his cowardice." Christy recited the line with an uncharacteristic bitterness. With Westley's soliloquy over, she sat down, looking pensive.

As the movie ended and the credits rolled, everyone started clearing out the trash from the entertainment area. Bruce caught Christy as she was throwing out a pizza box.

"Hey, are you alright? You looked like you swallowed a lemon for a minute."

Christy frowned. "I was thinking about Alexander Pierce. Is he dead?"

Bruce looked slightly shocked, but obligingly walked over to where Steve was talking with Sam, Clint and Tony. "Hey, Steve, did Pierce, y'know…is he still among the living?"

"Nope." Steve replied, short and cold. "Why?"

"Christy asked."

Steve turned to look at Christy, who was standing shyly a few feet away. "What made you ask that?"

"Well, he deserves it, but the line, the one about living a long life alone with his cowardice…it made me think of him."

"Well, Natasha electrocuted him and Fury shot him, so he's definitely dead." Steve said.

"Good. I don't like traitors or crazy people who try to rule the world."

"You also don't like bullies." Clint joked.

"That just comes with the territory." Christy replied, shooting Steve a look. Steve grinned.

"Alright, kid, I'm off to bed. Some of us are heading out early. You can stay up, but get to bed before eleven, understand?"

"Okay. Will you say goodbye to me in the morning?"

"You didn't even have to ask." Steve ruffled her hair and the two hugged.

As Steve and Sam got into the elevator and the door shut, Clint turned to Christy. "We'll leave around one tomorrow, okay? It'll give us enough time to make a road trip of things and still get to the safe house before dark."

Christy nodded. "Sounds good."

"You're leaving?" Bruce asked.

Clint smiled and said breezily. "Yeah, thought I'd take Christy on a little vacation, go see Tasha, sight-see around DC…"

"…wait around for them to find the Soldier and then casually reveal yourselves?" Bruce finished.

Clint and Christy smiled sheepishly.

"Are you two even the slightest bit concerned about security?" Tony cried. "I mean kid, you're a Rogers, so the answer is no, of course, but I'd expected better from you, Barton. D.C. is still a freaking mess and who knows what HYDRA personnel is still lurking around!"

"We're staying in a safe house." Clint argued. "I know plenty about disguises and how to lay low. We'll be fine!"

Tony still looked unconvinced.

"Besides, didn't you give your phone number out to a terrorist?"

"Yeah, but that was my life at stake, not…" Christy tapped his arm.

"Uncle Tony, I wanna go. I want to be a little bit close to Dad. I don't wanna be left behind." She flashed him her best puppy-dog eyes.

Tony sighed. "Look, just promise to call if anything happens, alright? And look after her, Barton, you understand me?" Tony took his job as 'uncle' seriously, probably more seriously than most things in his life.

Clint threw up his hands in surrender. "I'll watch her, I swear! Steve already read me the riot act."

"Steve knows?!"

"Suspects. He told me as long as nobody dies, we're good."

"They'll be fine, Tony." Bruce said. "Don't worry about it."

"They'd better be…" Tony muttered. "And how exactly were you two planning on keeping tabs on them anyway?"

"He's sending Natasha updates; she made him promise. He's probably also gonna be keeping in touch with Christy. It's not that hard."

"And when he finds out, what then? Just, 'oh by the way, we're in D.C.?'"

Clint rolled his eyes. "If he finds his friend, what makes you think he'll seriously care that we showed up in D.C.? He'll be mildly annoyed for like, two seconds, tops."

Tony sighed. "Fine. But I want updates. Send me pictures."

Christy folded her arms. "I'll send pictures if you get out of the lab."

Tony looked put out but Bruce replied. "Deal, of course. Stay safe, you two."

"Promise, Uncle Bruce." Christy said. Clint nodded. "We will. It'll just be waiting around."

Tony nodded and turned towards the elevator. "I'm out for tonight. See you guys in the morning. You coming, Bruce?" he added.

"Just one sec." Bruce sat down on the couch and motioned for Christy to sit next to him. He grabbed her hand.

"Chrystal Elizabeth Rogers, I want you to listen to me."

Christy's jaw nearly dropped at the seriousness of his tone. "Uncle Bruce? What's wrong?"

Bruce thought for a moment, trying to phrase things right. "You…you have this little button inside you, Christy; a 'value' button. It's a button that says, "people are valuable and deserve respect." And when somebody acts in a way that isn't respectful to others, they push your button."

Christy nodded. "Uh-huh…"

"Pierce pushed your button. HYDRA pushed your button. And if or when you find the Soldier, you're gonna find out a lot that will push your button even more. You will be angry."

"I'm already angry." Christy muttered. "They took my dad's best friend and made him do bad things. They hurt him, Uncle Bruce. And that makes Dad hurt, too."

"I know." Bruce sighed. "And sometimes…it's not bad to be angry. But I want you to remember one thing: revenge is a terrible gift to offer those we care about. And Christy, this is coming from the guy who knocks down buildings for a living. Don't let your anger control you. There are so many better things you can offer besides rage; things that are actually beneficial. Do you understand?"

Christy nodded slowly. "I think I do. I'll try, Uncle Bruce."

"That's all I'm asking."

They left at one the next day, taking one of Tony's less conspicuous cars.

Uncle Clint, Christy decided, was the best at road trips. He let her play her i-pod and much of the trip was loaded with Disney music. Around the four hour mark, they made it into DC. The traffic was present, but not terrible. Christy stared out the window at all the monuments and tall buildings. It was like New York, but different. D.C. always felt…older, grander, slightly calmer.

Clint started driving into the less official part of the city, into a neighborhood.

"This isn't where the house is, kid, but I thought we'd pay Tasha a visit."

"Why can't we just stay with her?" Christy asked.

"Because…well, maybe we can. I don't know. Sometimes she prefers to be on her own, it's safer for anonymity, but we'll see."

They parked up the street and walked into the apartment building. Natasha's room was on the first floor. Clint rapped on the chipped wooden door, which opened a crack after a minute or two.

"Clint? Why are you back so soon…is that Christy?!"

Christy smiled. "Hi, Aunt Tasha."

The redheaded spy just shook her head. "Get in; now."

They entered the apartment. It was sparingly furnished, but with a set up a bit like the Tower's Common Room. On the right was a small kitchen and dining area, on the left was a couch and TV. Further back were bedrooms and bathrooms.

"Alright, Barton, care to explain why you showed up, kid in tow? I thought Steve was back."

"He is back; well, he was back."

"He went with Sam to look for Bucky." Christy said quietly.

Natasha looked slightly friendlier at this. "So, you've met Sam. You like him?"

"Yeah, I like him. He's nice."

"So, let me see," Natasha sighed. "Steve and Sam took off looking for the Winter Soldier. Presumably starting in DC, last place they saw him. So you two show up in D.C. because…"

"Christy didn't want to be too far from Steve, which I can hardly blame her for. I figured I'd be a better choice to go with her than Bruce or Tony."

"So, what, are you two just gonna hang around and wait, or…"

"We're going sightseeing." Christy offered. Natasha rolled her eyes.

"Bozhe moy. Were you planning on crashing here then?"

"Only if you're not leaving soon." Clint said.

"And leave the two of you alone? Please. Does Steve know?"

Christy and Clint looked at each other.

"He suspects something…" Clint said.

"Oh, yeah, I'm definitely staying."

"Why?"

"To bail you out when Steve does more than suspect what you're doing!"

Clint grinned. "Great, it's settled! Let's get the luggage, Christy."

Natasha shook her head. Christy patted her arm. "Sorry to barge in, Aunt Tasha."

"No, no, it's honestly fine…I missed you too much, you crazy girl."

"Missed you too."

"Your dad never shut up about you, of course. Are you doing okay, with…everything? I know you bounce back pretty well, but…"

Christy shrugged. "I'm not amazing, but I'm okay. I'll feel better once Dad's back."

Natasha nodded. "I think we all will, sweetheart."

"Christy, come on! You need to get your stuff!" Clint called.

"Coming, Uncle Clint!"

As soon as the luggage was in the apartment, Natasha kicked Clint out to go get dinner. He protested, but she shot him her patented look and he was out the door faster than a speeding bullet.

Christy giggled as the door shut. Natasha turned to face her.

"Alright. Now, how are you really doing?"

Christy cocked her head. "I'll tell you if you tell me."

Natasha almost groaned. Coulson had taught her well; unless you bared your soul, you could forget about Christy baring hers. It was 'the deal.'

"I know Steve goes for that, but you can't expect me to. You don't want to hear it."

"Yes I do." Christy crossed her arms.

"Fine. Then we'll do this on the couch." She sat down. Christy snuggled into her like a cat.

"I'm…worried, and angry." she tried. "And tired."

Christy nodded. "I'm still upset and I miss Dad. I'm scared for him. And I feel bad for him, too. He missed Bucky so much and now he's back, but he's not and it's so sad…" the nine-year-old trailed off. "Oh, and Alexander Pierce should've died slower. The End."

Natasha could barely contain her laughter at the last remark. "You know how he died, right?"

"Yeah, Dad told me. I can't believe he was such a jerk!"

"Try being Fury."

Christy winced. "Poor Uncle Nick." Natasha really couldn't keep from laughing at that.

"I'm still not sure how exactly you get away with that, kid…" Christy shrugged.

"I think he kinda likes it. But, yeah, that's how I feel. I just want my dad but I know he needs to look for Bucky. So I feel bad for wanting him."

Natasha breathed out slowly. "Don't feel guilty, first of all. There's nothing wrong with wanting your dad. Second, don't ever stay alone if you feel alone. There are a lot of people who care about you. I know you and Steve are close, but there are so many people that love you…" She closed her eyes.

"I wished for that, when I was your age. And no, that's not a guilt trip. It's just true."

Christy nodded solemnly. "I promise."

"Good girl." Natasha brushed a stray lock of hair gently back from Christy's face. "Wanna get unpacked? My room has twin beds, so you could go in there, if you want."

Christy nodded. "Okay." She wasn't really picky about where she slept.

"Great. Let's get your stuff." As they got up, Christy eyed Clint's luggage.

"Where's Uncle Clint gonna sleep?"

Natasha smiled her 'Black Widow' smile, an expression that promised trouble. "Oh, we'll make him sleep on the floor."

"Is there only one bedroom?"

"Nope."

Christy laughed.

Next chapter actually involves the appearance of Bucky, so stay tuned! Hope you enjoyed.

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