Here is hopefully the first of many one shots! I hope this is enjoyable! Have a wonderful day! *hug!*
Bucky stared at the three enthusiastic kids with a suspicious glance. Cooper, Lila, and newborn Nathaniel Barton were visiting Stark Tower with Clint, and they were staying in one of the many living rooms, one where Bucky was currently occupying, looking aimless at the TV that was on some sci-fi channel. Clint was off in a meeting with Fury and Steve; both would be back soon although Nat didn't seemed to mind if Clint was gone longer, not with the way she gushed over the children. They adored her, and she adored them.
Natasha was holding Nathaniel carefully, so delicately that it almost seemed like she was a whole different person. She rocked him back and forth, humming under her breath softy as Bucky tried his best to act like he wasn't there. He was watching her with interest. She was a friend, a very close one and he had hardly ever seen this side of her, a motherly side of her that was beautiful to look at.
Conner and Lila were too busy playing with Tony's Legos (Pepper had to but several packs of them to appease Tony's need to build more suits) to notice the inner nervousness of one Bucky Barnes.
"You can hold him, he won't bite." Natasha's tone was soft, not looking ta Bucky as she continued holding the baby tenderly, caressing his cheek sweetly as he gurgled happily at the touch of Aunt Natasha. "He has his pacifier for that." She looked up, smiling at the nervous ex-assassin with a knowing look. At one point, maybe she was in his same shoes with the awkwardness of being around children…in fact, Bucky wouldn't be surprised if that was why she always was so patient and kind with him.
"I don't know if that is a good idea." Bucky said, looking back at the TV with purpose, although he kept looking back at Nathaniel, who seemed fascinated with his metal arm.
Natasha, being Natasha, looked at Bucky for a spilt second before she effortlessly sat up from her seat and moved towards where Bucky was sitting. Bucky scooted away from her but she only scooted closer. "I can tell you want to hold him." She said perceptively. "I read your file; I know you had little sisters, you know from past experiences how to hold a baby."
Bucky looked from Natasha to Nathaniel, deep in thought. Yes, he barely remembered having little sisters, he had some memories of holding a baby, feeding them, watching in pleasure as they smiled up at their big brother lovingly. Natasha held out the carefully wrapped Nathaniel out by him, smiling sweetly at him. Seeing no other way out of this situation, Bucky cautiously moved his arms in the correct position and with ease, Nat put the child in his arms.
Like some sort of muscle memory, Bucky pulled Nathaniel closer to his chest so he wouldn't roll away and watch in complete fascination as the baby closed his eyes and promptly fell asleep, seemingly feeling safe in the arms of an assassin.
The smug look on Natasha's face had Bucky glare playfully at her as he stick his tongue out, holding the baby closer and grinning even more when she slapped the back of his head fondly. Bucky was doing so much better; Steve had a lot to do with that but Nat was pleased to see how far he had come in these short months.
"Good meeting Clint?" Nat asked, her skills of detection unmatched as she sensed that Nathaniel's father was watching from the other room, Steve at his side watching Bucky with the most affectionate look on his face. Clint was clutching a hand to his chest with emotion as he gazed at his child sleeping. "He's sleeping." Clint whispered in excitement. "He never sleeps for anyone except Nat."
"Maybe he likes Russian assassin babysitters." Nat offers, gently nudging Bucky with her elbow.
"Bucky always was great with kids." Steve added tenderly, sitting on the empty seat next to Bucky and swinging an arm behind him, his fingers carding through Bucky's hair comfortingly. "His sisters were always wanting him to pick him up." Bucky ducked his head in embarrassment at Steve's praise. Honestly, Bucky didn't really know how to deal with kids, but at times, there were bits and pieces of memories of him back when he was James Barnes…and he remembered that with kids…well he remembered that he always wanted to be a dad. A husband to a beautiful wife and a father to amazing children. Now, that was unlikely that he was to ever be a father, but the feeling was still there.
"He must really like you." Steve said, leaning his head against Bucky's. Nat gently cupped the back of Nathaniel's head as she looked at Bucky, smiling at him.
"I guess." Bucky said shyly, still rocking the baby with such gentleness that one would forget that he could snap one's neck using just his thighs.
"Do you want me to take him back?" Nat asked, holding her arms out in case Bucky was needing a break.
"…No, I-I think I'm okay." Bucky looked down at Nathaniel sweetly, holding him securely against his chest in a protective fashion. He didn't notice as the other looked at him, all thinking of how grateful they were that Bucky Barnes was more than part of the team, he was family. Steve stayed by Bucky's side when Nat left with Clint to talk over the meeting with Fury. Steve and Bucky stayed where they were.
"I think I like kids." Bucky said, looking up at Steve smiling.
"I think you do." Steve laughed lightly.
"Can they come over more often?" Bucky asked timidly, thinking that it wouldn't be logical to allow the Winter Soldier to watch children.
"Of course." Steve said matter-of-factly. "I think Laura and Clint would welcome the chance to get a break."
Bucky grinned, nodding his head happily.
Later, when the kids were taken back home, Bucky and Steve stayed on the couch, watching with mild interest at the discovery channel was playing.
"I'm glad I'm here." Bucky whispered in a tired voice, scooting closer to his friend as he closed his eyes peacefully, wrapping his metal fingers around Steve's wrist gently.
"Me too Buck." Steve said with all honesty, bending his head down to rest his chin on top of the man he conserved a brother's head.
Steve looked down at the sleeping Bucky who was lying on Steve's chest with affection. Wrapping his arms around Buck, Steve closed his eyes and allowed himself to fall asleep, knowing that for the first time in a while, neither of them were going to have nightmares tonight.