Wanda has an interesting conversation with Steve's old friend.

Wanda sat on the couch and faced Bucky. He seemed like a very nice man. Funny, easy going, the kind of person who knew how to work a crowd and keep them happy. He was an opposite of her dad, so she understood why they had been close. Bucky clearly continued to hold a high opinion of her dad since he helped Steve get a managing job at a nearby art gallery.

"So you're the best friend."

"Yeah, I've known Steve since we were little kids in Brooklyn."

"Back in the jerk and punk days, huh?" Wanda grinned.

"I guess he told you about me?"

"Mmhm. I bet you have a lot of funny stories about him."

"I do."

"Good!" She rubbed her hands together and glanced at her daddy, who stood a few feet out of earshot, talking to Bucky's friend - but probably more than a friend - Maria. "Can you tell me about them? I'd love to know what dad was like when he was younger."

"Oh, come on. I can't believe that he didn't tell you about his childhood in New York."

"He told me some stuff, but I want to know what you thought about him when you were both kids. It's nice to hear about your parents from someone else."

Bucky cocked his head to the side. "Or maybe you just want the dirt on his past so you can tease him about it."

"I don't tease. That's what little kids do!"

"I hate to break it to you, Wanda, but you are a little kid."

"Am not! I am nine years old and I'm going to be ten this year. I've graduated from being a kid."

"When you're twenty-four, then that statement will be accurate."

"You're very frustrating."

"And you use a lot of big words for such a tiny person."

Wanda flared her nose. "I'm not tiny. I'm just a little short for my age, is all. As for my words, I like to read the dictionary."

"For fun?"

"Yes. Words are interesting and I like to learn."

"So you don't play with Barbie dolls, then?"

"Ew, no. I prefer action figures."

"Now I've seen everything." Bucky laughed and rubbed the side of his forehead. "What about art? You any good at that?"

"I can't paint very well, but I like drawing. It's a lot of fun. Dad says I'm talented, but I think it's too soon to tell."

Wanda blew out a breath before continuing. "Mr. Barnes, can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

"Did my dad ever tell you that he liked redheads?"

"Uh, he said something about liking them in college, so yeah. Why?"

Aha. So he wasn't teasing me when he said he thought they were cute!

"Just wondering." Wanda beamed at Bucky and was about to ask him another question when Steve and Maria came over.

"And what have you two talking about?" Steve poked Wanda in her side and she giggled.

"Just getting to know each other. You pick good friends, dad."

"A compliment from my own daughter! Are you feeling okay, sweetheart?"

"Stop trying to make me look bad!" Wanda pushed his arm away and everyone laughed.

Maria glanced at her watch and made a squeal of surprise. "Oh, wow. It's already past ten thirty."

"Really?" Bucky furrowed his brow. "Well, we'd better hit the road. I know you have a meeting in the morning." He stood up and walked around the couch with Wanda following close behind. "It's been great seeing you this evening, Steve. We have a lot to catch up on." He bent down to Wanda's level and stage whispered, "I want to know about all the girlfriends my buddy left behind in Brooklyn, okay, Wanda?"

The brunette gave him a salute. "No problem!"

Maria chuckled. "Your daughter is adorable, Steve. I hope to get to know you both better as time goes by."

"So do I. Any friend of Bucky is a friend of mine." He shook her hand and gave Bucky a hug.

"I'm glad you're here, man."

"Me too. See you around." Steve and Wanda walked Bucky and Maria to the front door and bid them farewell.

After they'd left, Wanda turned off all the lights and Steve took her hand in his as they headed upstairs.

"So what did you think of Bucky?"

"I like him a lot and I understand why you were such good friends growing up. I wish I had a friend like that..."

"Hey, turn that frown upside down. Remember what I said earlier? When you go to school on Monday, you'll end up having so many friends, that you won't know what to do with them. Don't feel anxious about it, Wanda. You're the bravest kid I've ever met."

"Besides you, you mean."

"I'll call it a tie. We're both pretty brave."

"Sounds good to me."

When they reached her bedroom, Wanda let go of his hand and kicked off her slippers. She'd already taken a bath, brushed her teeth and was dressed in her favorite red sleep dress.

Climbing into bed, she pulled the covers up to her neck and smiled.

"I have a good feeling about this place, daddy."

"So do I. It's a new beginning. Maybe a little scary, but that's what we've got each other for, right?"

"You got it."

Steve bent down and kissed Wanda's forehead and whispered, "Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you."

"Goodnight, daddy. I love you too."

r.