Violets & Vibranium
(Hi guys… thought I'd get into a Bucky writing stage. I'd say this takes place after TFATWS but like…Bucky doesn't leave leave and everything that happens after doesn't exist? It's my world you're just reading it okay? I don't own any of Marvels characters. I like to play with POVs so this will be written in a few different styles.)
The cold floor of the apartment grounded him to the world. He couldn't remember the last time he'd even attempted to sleep in a bed, probably before Steve had come and gotten him all those years ago in Bucharest. Steve. New York was empty without him and since Yori wouldn't speak to him he was well and truly alone. Sam had offered for him to stay in Louisiana, but he didn't want to be a burden. He was always a burden. The early morning light of dawn began to push its way through the curtains and he sighed at another restless night of sleep. A nightmare had startled him awake sometime around 3am and he hadn't gotten a wink since, a thin sheen of sweat never drying as he tossed and turned on the cool floor beneath him. With a huff he pushed himself off the floor before starting a pot of coffee and heading to the bathroom to shower. The bright blue tint of the bathroom light makes the bags under his eyes darker than usual. He sighed, turning the tap to cold and splashing the water on his face and neck before toweling off. He tossed the towel somewhere in the corner before heading back to the kitchen, the dark brews aroma filled his senses. Grabbing a mug and pouring himself a heavy amount before taking a sip of the steaming liquid. Today's agenda was another empty day of roaming the city before therapy. Therapy. The last place he wanted to go. His phone dinging broke him out of his trance. It was unusual for him to receive any messages so he was caught off guard.
Sam Wilson
Hey man, the family is having a big bbq this weekend. Thought you might like to join. Flights on me. AJ and Cass keep asking about you. Let me know.
The invitation was tempting. It had been a couple months since everything that happened with the flag smashers and in that time his only company had been Dr. Raynor and the one random pigeon that keeps flying into his window. But the idea of crashing on Wilsons couch for another weekend made him feel heavy. He didn't want to be in the way. Despite the invitation he still felt unwanted, unlikely he knew but it was just the way his brain was wired. He finished his coffee off before slipping on his clothes and leaving the apartment. New York was particularly foggy that morning, the air getting crisper as the months dragged on. Louisiana would be a good place to be right now, the humidity subtly fading but the warmth staying present. The thought of a vacation plaguing his mind as he walked the streets to therapy. The lady at the front desk greeted him politely as he waited for Dr. Raynor. He met her with a nod, knowing his brooding facade would probably throw her off. As he sat there his mind drifted to whether or not he would make the trip, weighing the pros and cons of leaving new york.
"Sergeant Barnes, are you with us?" Dr. Raynors voice broke the silence of his thoughts as she finger wagged him into her office. He sighed before pushing his hands off his knees and unenthusiastically sauntered to the room and plopping down on the uncomfortable couch.
"So…anything new?" Raynor said, settling into her own chair.
"And by new you mean?"
"Have you slept at all? You look awful." she said.
"Thank you. I appreciate my therapist insulting my appearance."
"Well it's clear you're not getting better. Sam reached out to me. You've been ignoring him again."
"I'm not in the mood to talk. There's nothing to talk about." he said, playing with the fingertips of his gloved metal hand.
"He told me he invited you back to Louisiana." she said.
"Jesus what, did he call you before I got here?"
"You should go. You need to fill your social battery."
"My social battery is plenty filled, thank you." he said clenching his jaw.
"When's the last time you talked to anyone…besides me." She stopped him from interrupting and he rolled his eyes before hanging his head back against the couch.
"Better yet when's the last time you talked to a woman not in a professional manner," she added.
"And by that you mean…" he trailed.
"Have you been on any dates?"
"Women aren't exactly lining up to date a mass murderer with a metal arm." he said, holding up the appendage to make his point. "Plus online dating is a nightmare."
"Yes it is, which means you need to go out and meet people. Go to a bar, dance, anything." she stated.
"I haven't danced since 1943." he crossed his arms, closing himself off. She began making notes in her pad, something he always hated.
"You're going to Louisiana, Barnes. Drs orders. Go, socialize. Meet some new friends, get laid." she quipped.
"That seems wildly inappropriate for you to say."
"You're sinking back into yourself again James. Sam is good for you. You need to figure out what you're going to do now. You can't be a recluse forever." she said.
"I'm not a recluse, I just like being alone…" She blankly stared at him for that one. The therapy session dragged on for a while longer as she restated the same statements from every session for the millionth time. Though he had to admit he did feel a small pang of excitement in his chest at the idea of leaving the city. As he walked along the river sipping his new street corner coffee he spotted the boats, remembering helping Sam fix up the one his parents had owned. It gave him a purpose. He pulled his cell from his pocket, pulling up the text from the morning.
ME 11:14am
Alright I'll come. Raynor isn't giving me a choice.
The response was almost immediate.
Sam Wilson 11:15am
Bullshit you want to come. I'll send your flight info within the hour. The boys are gonna be real excited. Bring your bathing suit ;p
He laughed at that. It sounded almost foreign leaving his throat. As if he owned a bathing suit…
"Miss Ward?" the voice of the young boy pulling her out of her thoughts as she graded papers at her desk.
"Sorry AJ I was distracted with these papers. What can I do for you?" Charlie said, smiling at the young boy. Her after school program had dwindled down to just the two Wilson brothers as they waited for their mother to come pick them up.
"Do you know what time mom is supposed to be here?" he said sheepishly. The Wilsons had always been kind to her, in fact Sarah had babysat her many times when she was younger and now she was seemingly returning the favor. In her 29 years Charlotte knew children were her calling, so becoming a teacher was only natural and now she found herself running several after school programs to help kids with their homework or do various activities. The Wilson brothers attended many of the after school program days while their mother did the best she could do by herself. After the blip; things had gotten worse for her and the least Charlie could do was help watch the boys. She didn't mind in the slightest thought today Sarah was running almost an hour behind.
"I'm sure she'll be here any minute guys," she smiled at the boys. "Did both of you finish your homework? I'm sure you'd like it done before the weekend right?"
"Yeah it's done, good thing too! We're having a BBQ this weekend!" Cass said from his temporary desk.
"That's so fun guys! Is your family all coming?"
"Yeah and Uncle Bucky!" AJ said excitedly.
"Oh? That's awesome! I'm sure you guys are gonna have so much fun." she said organizing her stack of papers and tapping them against her desk before putting them into a folder and sliding them in her bag to finish later. A knock at the door frame caught all their attention. It was the boys Uncle Sam, a regular, who came to pick them up when Sarah was unable to get them and he was home. The boys rushed to pack their things and Charlie stood to greet the man.
"Sam! So good to see you. The boys didn't tell me you were home." Charlie said, extending her hand for him to shake.
"Sorry I'm so late. Sarah dropped her phone off the boat and was freaking out because she couldn't make it on time." he said, taking the hand firmly and giving it a shake before pulling her in for a quick hug. He had been around her since she was little, almost a second sister for him to protect. They had become close over the years.
"No problem. You guys know I have no problem watching them, besides it gave me time to catch up on some grading." she said politely.
"Did you guys have a good time?" Sam asked the boys as they approached.
"We always have fun with Miss Ward. We told her about Uncle Bucky coming to the BBQ this weekend!" AJ said proudly.
"You guys told her about Bucky but not about me?!" He threw his hands to his chest and faked being in pain.
"Sorry Uncle Sam. We're just so excited to see him." They said pushing past him at the door and out into the hallway.
"Can I walk you to your car Miss Ward?" Sam gestured to the hallway, smiling at using her teacher name.
"Sure, let me just grab my bag," she said, turning to her desk and grabbing her stuff. She flicked the light off as they exited and she pulled the door closed behind her, she was ready for the weekend. They walked down the school's hallways for a moment before she decided to make small talk.
"So, any crazy Captain America adventures plague you lately?"
"The usual. Low level criminals, nothing major. Honestly after the whole Flag Smasher thing the break has been nice." he said laughing.
"Yeah I'd think the less busy the better in your case," she smirked.
"It's nice having time to come home and see the family. These events seem few and far between now."
"Yeah it must be nice," she said a little sadly. Charlie hadn't had a family gathering in years. Most of her family was gone. Her grandparents on both sides passing away when she was young and her parents dying in a boat accident 3 years ago. The whole town had been shaken about their passing. They were a well loved family in the community. Her parents, had been unexpectedly caught in a storm off the coast and their boat had been lost for weeks before her parents were found. As an only child she had been lonely since they had been gone, the kids being really her only outlet. She had friends, but a family gathering was long gone. Sam picked up on her tone and an idea began brewing in his head. A devious plot worked to the forefront and a smile grew on his face.
"You have to let me repay you for being so late today." he smiled.
"Sam it's not a big deal you know I'll watch them however long Sarah needs," she giggled.
"Come to the BBQ! Join the festivities." he said, throwing his arms open.
"I don't know Sam, I don't want to intrude on your family's party."
"Charlie, you've been to plenty of our events before with your parents. C'mon it'll be fun. Have some good food and make some new friends. My buddy Joaquin is coming too and he's not well behaved at all." he laughed.
"Are you sure? I really don't want to impose."
"I swear if you say that again. Sarah will agree. It's settled, you're coming." he said as the two approached her car.
"Do you need me to bring anything? I don't show up empty handed." she said.
"I'm sure you'll think of something," he said, opening her car door to let her in. "You remember where the house is right?"
"I don't think I could forget after your sister's graduation party," Charlie laughed getting into the convertible.
"Great, see you tomorrow around 2." Sam said, closing her door and giving her a little salute before jogging to meet the boys at his truck. Charlie was honestly grateful she had something to do this weekend rather than stay home grading and reading. It had been a while since she had socialized and Sarah and Sam were the perfect company to keep. The drive home was filled with thoughts of what to wear and what to bring. The night went quickly as she busied herself with baking cookies, which she decided she'd show up with. A few dozen of various flavors as a thank you for the invite. Baking was a relaxing pastime for her, one her mother had instilled in her. She was an excellent cook but an even better baker. After the cookies were cooled and packed she nearly floated through the house to her bedroom swiftly falling asleep excited for the next day.
"Uncle Bucky!" the boys yelled as they came down the stairs that Saturday morning. He'd arrived late the night before, Sam picking him up from the airport and bringing him back to the house and getting him settled on the couch before going to bed himself. Bucky had actually slept a couple hours that night before getting up to make breakfast for the family. Being around the Wilsons gave him something to do. He'd never make breakfast for just himself, but the idea of waking the family up to the smell of bacon and pancakes brought him an overwhelming sense of joy he hadn't felt in a while, though he didn't show it. The boys barreled into the kitchen nearly mowing him over with a hug.
"Guys don't smother him please," Sarah said, coming into the kitchen behind them and opening the fridge door to grab the juice.
"Nice to see you guys too," Bucky said with a small smile playing on his lips.
"You made breakfast? What have you done with Bucky?" Sam said entering a moment later, stealing the juice from Sarah and drinking straight from the bottle.
"Use a glass!" she said in disgust. Sam's eyes widened and he laughed.
"Seriously though you seem happier already," he said ignoring his sister and taking another swig.
"I guess it's just something about being here. It feels good," Bucky said, flipping another pancake before putting it on a plate and sliding it in front of the boys.
"I'm glad you came then. Joaquin should be here in a bit." he said, placing the juice on the counter.
"I'll take it back," Bucky said, rolling his eyes.
"He respects you man, be nice, besides I have a surprise guest for you." Sam said deviously.
"A surprise guest?" Sarah asked, confused.
"Yeah I figured Buck could use a friend outside of us and the team."
"I told you not to call me that…" Bucky said, crossing his arms, his face going from slightly happy back to brooding.
"Still not there yet?" Sam laughed.
"Who's this guest?" Sarah repeated.
"Miss Ward," AJ chimed.
"Charlotte?" Sarah's eyes widened in knowing.
"Yeah I thought they would get along swimmingly," Sam said. Sarah threw her head back and laughed.
"Why haven't we thought of that before? That's genius." she quipped.
"Whoah whoah what is happening?" Bucky said, leaning against the counter.
"Sam's setting you up." Sarah laughed again.
"I don't want to be set up man, I'm not interested." Bucky said now getting more serious.
"It's not a set up. She doesn't have any family and she'd be alone all weekend so I thought I'd invite her. But I think you'll take a liking to her." Sam wiggle his eyebrows.
"You're an idiot," Bucky said grabbing a pancake with his hands and biting it.
"Swear jar!" Cass said from his spot at the counter. Bucky smiled and slapped him in the face lightly with a pancake.
