"Martial Arts"
Bucky made a mental note to thank Howard for this later. He nudged forward his foster kids as the instructor walked over to them.
"Welcome," he said. "You must be Mr. Barnes?"
"That's right," Bucky said, shaking his hand. "Uh, you can call me James. Or Bucky. Um, Bucky, I guess."
"Phil Coulson. Pleasure to meet you. So, who's joining the group today?" He looked over the children, thankfully choosing to ignore Bucky's blunder.
"This is Natasha," he said, touching the redhead's shoulder. "She doesn't speak much English, but she understands a lot, and Clint will translate for her."
"I'm not here to train," Clint said, his arms crossed as he stared up at Phil. "I do archery."
"If you decide to join in, you're welcome to," Phil said. "Who else?"
"Bruce here… is a bit quiet," Bucky said, scruffing Bruce's hair with his fingers. "An' Steve here—"
"I wanna learn how to fight," Steve said. "So the bullies'll leave my family alone."
Bucky had his reasons for dragging his wards along to this. Howard Stark swore by these instructors; the last few times someone tried to kidnap Tony, Bruce's best friend, they hadn't gotten far, and were all arrested. Considering that Natasha was tiny, and bullied for being an immigrant; considering that Bruce came from an abusive house-hold where fists were both currency and 'discipline'; considering that Clint could've done with a bit more self-defence training (because who fights with bow and arrows?); and considering Steve's habit of getting into fights with bullies and ultimately getting thrashed…
Well, his foster kids needed a bit of help, a bit of training and proper discipline, and an authority figure other than Bucky. Apparently all the moms – and some of the dads – had crushes on Phil, which he could really see. If ever someone would make an excellent authority figure, it would be a man like this.
"I'll stay to watch," he told the kids. "I promise, I'll only be over here."
"S'long as you don't start flirting with single men," Steve muttered, but he had that twinkle in his eyes that reminded Bucky of how much of a troll his oldest charge could be.
"Just do your best, and imagine how proud Thor will be when he gets back from his vacation with Jane," Bucky said. Their next-door neighbours absolutely doted on Bucky's children, and if it wasn't for the fact that Thor was HUGE, Bucky would've happily asked him to train them. No. This was a better plan than encroaching on his friends' time, especially since he'd feel compelled to offer to pay, and times were getting tough with Steve's iffy health. At least the Shield Academy of Martial Arts had family rates, and gave free lessons to those who couldn't afford it. The exercise might even improve Steve's health.
"You all look smart," Phil said. "I'm sure you'll learn fast. Wanna take the tour?"
They fell into step behind him – even Clint – like ducklings, and Bucky forced himself not to stare at the view of Phil from behind.
You pervert, Bucky. And in front of the children! Won't someone please think of the children?
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