Life in the Multiverse

If Y/N and Bucky Moved On

Y/N P.O.V
April, 2025
New York City
6:34 pm

    I continued to stir the pasta in the pot as the steam drifted up into the air. I smelled it, then added some salt to the pot. I turned to the side as I continued to cut some tomatoes, preparing to make some sauce. As I was cutting, I jumped in fright a little as two arms slipped under my arms and hugged my waist. I turned my head slightly to see Bucky looking over my shoulder.
    "You gotta be more careful," he said. "If I was an intruder, I could've just killed you with how easily I snuck up on you."
    "Maybe being around you just causes me to relax and let my guard down."
    He chuckled a little and kissed my neck.
    "Smells good," he said. "Though I told you that you didn't have to cook for me."
    "Oh, was I supposed to be cooking for two?" I said with a smile.
    He chuckled a little and hugged me a little tighter.
    "Oh, I love you..." he whispered, then kissed my neck again.
    I turned around in his arms and wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing him passionately.
    "I love you too," I said.
    When he pulled away he went to the sink and began to pour himself a glass of water. I was about to return to my slicing, but Smoak interrupted me.
    "Sir, you're going to want to see this," he said.
    He played a news report on his speakers so Bucky could hear as well. The GRC council was in trouble and the building was on lockdown. The Flag Smashers. Karli.
    Bucky and I exchanged only one glance and we began to get ready to leave. I went over to the dresser and pulled out a new suit, one I had just had made. I shamelessly took my clothes off and pulled on the dark colored pants, then pulled on the dark blue cut-off shirt and the dark blue leather vest over top, leaving my arms bare. I pulled on a pair of black calf boots, then looked up to Bucky who had changed into his uniform as well, his metal arm fully visible.
    I fought the urge to blush as his eyes raked over me.
    "I'm really liking the new suit," he said slowly.
    "Don't worry," I said. "You can take it off later. Let's move."
    He chuckled and followed after me as I made my way out the door and down to my car.

    I followed after Bucky through the crowd of people just outside the GRC building as Smoak connected our comms.
    "I'm almost there," Sam said into comms.
    "Y/N and I are approaching the building now," Bucky said. "What's the plan?"
    "Karli's gotta be close," he replied. "Keep your eyes open."
    "Well, it could be anybody," Bucky replied.
    As we approached the line of security they parted.
    "Sergeant Barnes, Mr. Stark," they said as we passed, before falling back into place.
    "And by the way, I called in some backup," Sam said.
    "Excuse me, gentlemen. Are you supposed to be here?" A man said as he approached us.
    We looked at the man confused as he took his hat off and pulled a holographic mask off. Sharon was revealed beneath.
    "Sharon, what the hell are you doing here?" Bucky said.
    "Relax. No one's looking for me here."
    "Is that Sharon?" Sam said.
    "Unfortunately," Bucky said, causing me to slap his arm lightly.
    "Hey, Sam," Sharon said. "I thought I'd get the band back together."
    "Thank you," he said. "You're risking a lot coming here."
    "I hear pardons aren't all they're cracked up to be," she said, looking at Bucky.
    "Depends on the therapist," Bucky said.
    "They'll move on the building soon, be ready," Sam said.
    The three of us moved into the building, making our way further inside.
    "Anything on your guys' end?" Sam asked.
    "Nothing yet," I said.
    "All quiet," Bucky added.
    "Karli's not coming in, she's trying to force everyone out. It's a misdirect," Sam said. "We gotta keep everyone inside."
    We finally entered the main atrium through the side entrance and heard some commotion on Sam's end of the line.
    "You guys are gonna have to do something," Sam said. "Don't let 'em out of the building."
    "Here's one of 'em," Bucky said, nodding towards one of the men. "I'll get the evac."
    He began to walk towards the stairs as I turned on the people who were hustling about the floor as they made for the exits. I cocked my head a little and my eyes began to glow blue as I started to search people's minds, looking for anyone suspicious.
    I found no one that struck me as a Flag Smasher, or otherwise. I turned back around to see Bucky lowering a phone from his ear. He met my eyes as he cursed and nodded me after him. He began to run down the stairs faster, causing me to lift into the air and lower myself over the railing, then fly after him. We emerged in a parking garage just after the transports left. Bucky and I slowed to a stop and began to search the garage for a vehicle.
    "Seriously, boys, you had one job," Sharon said.
    "You worry about your guy," Bucky replied as we ran for a motorcycle. I quickly got to work hot wiring it. He straddled it and revved the engine to life. I climbed on after him and wrapped my arms around him.
    The motorcycle flew forward and I held tighter as we made our way into the streets. Bucky began to go faster as a police barricade came into view ahead, the officers just beginning to set it up. I raised a hand and threw the barriers aside, clearing the way. The cops shouted at us as we zoomed past them.
    "You better hurry up, Sam. The chopper's about to take off," Sharon said.
    "Bucky?" Sam said expectantly.
    "I don't fly man, that's your thing," he replied as we skidded to the side on a turn and flew down the next road.
    "Y/N?" Sam asked next.
    "Shit!" I cursed as I nearly lost my grip on Bucky as he swerved around a car. "A little preoccupied, Sam! Oh, shit, Bucky!"
"What?" He said, thinking we were in immediate danger.
"I think I forgot to turn the stove off from dinner," I replied, causing him to sigh and chuckle in response. "Smoak?"
"I turned it off for you hours ago, sir," he said.
I nodded and sighed, relieved.
    We continued down the road, attempting to cut them off. I held onto Bucky tighter as we rounded another corner and began to head down the next road.
    "There they are!" I shouted, pointing to the two armored vehicles stopped ahead of us. There were two concrete barriers in front of us.
    "Get ready to jump off!" He shouted.
    I nodded and loosened my grip a little. He accelerated towards the barriers. I let go fully of him as we got closer and I lifted into the air. He slammed into the barrier below, leaping off last second and tackling one of the Smashers on the other side. I flew over the trucks and landed behind them, blue energy spreading across the ground as I landed.
    Bucky began to handle one of the Smashers as I handled another, throwing blasts of energy and throwing other objects. I looked over suddenly as one of the trucks erupted in flames, the people inside screaming for help.
    "Shit, Bucky!" I called.
    "On it!" He said, throwing his enemy away and rushing towards the vehicle.
    I grunted as the Smasher in front of me punched me hard across the jaw, sending me to the ground. Three others came over quickly and backed him up. I saw Karli stand just to the side, watching me closely. The four Smashers in front of me all kept a close eye on me, prepared to attack. I looked over to Bucky, who was pulling on the door fruitlessly, while looking at me surrounded, torn on what to do. I pushed myself to my feet slowly, my eyes alighting with blue energy. I summoned a ball of energy in my hand and looked at the Smashers in front of me.
    "I've had quite enough of you guys," I said slowly, my voice reverberating off the energy in the air.
    I raised my hand slightly and turned it. The eyes of the Smashers began to glow a faint blue through the holes in their masks. I waved my hand again and they turned on Karli, prepared to attack.
    She eyed the four of them and me carefully, prepared to defend herself.
    "What a predicament you've found yourself in," she said. "You could keep your control on them and finish me...or save the innocent, trapped civilians..."
    I looked over as Bucky continued to pull on the doors, the device holding them firmly in place. I turned back on the four men in front of me, who were facing Karli. I growled a little, then threw my hands forward. A cascade of energy threw them to the ground, as well as Karli. I rushed over to Bucky and nodded at him.
    "Let me," I said.
    I reached forward and began to pull on the device with blue energy. I looked over my shoulder as a loud voice called Karli's last name. I looked over my shoulder to see Walker coming towards her, a knock-off Cap shield in his hand. They began to fight, as well as some of the remaining Flag Smashers.
    After a few moments the device began to splinter, then fly off the doors. Bucky pulled the heavy doors open and we began to help the people out and to safety.
    Bucky tackled a Smasher who was about to slam a metal pipe down on Walker, as I cleared the debris away to allow the civilians to run away. When I turned back to the fight a Smasher leapt forward and kicked Bucky backwards. He went flying backwards and slipped off the edge down into the construction zone beneath us. I gasped, then dodged a strike as a Smasher attempted to punch me. I lifted my hand and easily threw him aside with energy. He rag-dolled to the side and crashed against the sidewalk.
    I lifted into the air, then lowered myself down into the construction pit as Bucky fought off a Smasher. I landed on the other side of him as they fought back and forth, the Smasher swinging a heavy piece of a metal construction beam.
    I threw a blast of energy, throwing the Smasher off balance. Bucky swung a fist at him, but the Smasher managed to dodge and whirl around on me. I gasped quickly as the metal beam came flying towards me. I called out in pain as it slammed into my side and threw me through the air. I slammed into some scaffolding and collapsed to the ground on my side.
    I gasped in pain as I rolled onto my back and struggled to catch my breath.
    "S-Smoak?" I gasped out.
    "I believe your lung is severely bruised, along with some broken ribs, sir. I don't believe it to be life threatening, but it will be very painful. However, if the condition of your lung continues to deteriorate, then it could quickly become fatal. You need to take it easy."
    "I-I can...I can w-work with that," I groaned. "Administer medication."
    "Right away, sir," he said.
    Some of my pain quickly vanished as medicine was administered through several medical injectors located in my suit.
    I looked over as Bucky eyed my limp, struggling body fearfully. He slowly turned his gaze on the Smasher as they squared off again. His jaw set to stone and the Smasher came swinging at him. It took only a few seconds for Bucky to disarm the Smasher, then smack him against the head with the metal beam.
    As soon as the Smasher was down and unconscious he sprinted over to me and crouched down at my side. He lifted my head slightly and we made eye contact.
    "Are you okay?" He said quickly and nervously.
    I nodded shakily as he squeezed my hand.
    "Bruised lung. Broken ribs. Nothing too serious," I said with a small chuckle.
    "He'll survive," Smoak said. "But don't let him talk it down, Mr. Barnes. We need to get him medical attention whenever possible. Not immediate, but soon."
    Bucky nodded and went to help me up, but stopped as there was a huge crashing sound above us. We looked up to see the other armored vehicle dangling in the scaffolding, about to fall down with the other senators inside.
    "Bucky," was all I could say as I watched it happen.
    He helped me to my feet and began to lead me slightly away.
    "Come on," he said.
    We watched the vehicle as it began to slide forward, then stopped, and began to be pulled back. Walker's shield came flying down through the rafters and clattered against the ground. It was very dented and scratched.
    I gasped as a Smasher and Karli pulled Walker away from the truck and they fell down through the rafters, crashing against the ground.
    The truck began to slide forward again, its front wheels coming off the ground as it fell. I reached up in an instant and blue energy spread across the front of the vehicle as I held it in place. I could barely keep my footing as I struggled to hold my powers in place. I was breathing heavy and wheezing partially. I looked up again as some of the pressure was released off me. Sam was holding onto the front of the vehicle, pushing it back up with his Redwing drones. I chuckled dryly a little bit.
    "Thanks for the catch, Y/N," Sam said. "But I've got this."
    I sighed and released my energy. I staggered back into Bucky's arms as I tried to catch my footing again.
    "Easy, Y/N," he said calmly. "Take it easy."
    I calmed my breathing down and looked up as Sam pushed the truck back onto the road. The people above us on the street began to cheer for him. I whirled on Karli as I saw her move on the corner of my eye. She wound her arm back then threw it forward as she shot a long metal rod at Bucky. I reached out and caught it with my powers before it could hit him. However, using my powers took another wind out of me that I barely had left. Before any of us could move again Sam's shield came flying into view and struck Karli, then ricocheted and hit the other Smashers as well.
He lowered down into the construction zone and folded his wings back.
"You of all people bought into that bullshit?" Karli said as she removed her mask.
"I'm trying something different," Sam said. "Maybe you should do the same."
There was a soft explosion as something struck the ground. A few others sounded as smoke began to fill the area and blind us. I felt Bucky reach out to me in the smoke.
"B-Bucky!" I called out as I coughed on the thick smoke. "I can't breathe!"
"Shit! Sam, we gotta move," Bucky said. "Y/N's got a bruised lung, he can't breathe in this smoke!"
"This way," he said, chasing after Karli.
Bucky pulled me lightly after him as we jogged out of the smoke and towards the Smashers and Karli. Once we exited the smoke cloud I was able to breathe a little better. We followed the footprints of the Smashers, chasing them through many hallways and construction zones.
"Sharon, we're underground. We entered the tunnel on William. Heading south," Bucky said.
"Looks like they split up," Sam said. "Here."
Walker split away from us and jogged down the opposite tunnel. Bucky sighed and looked after him, then shared a look with me and Sam.
"I got it," he said.
He grabbed my hip and kissed my forehead quickly, before starting to back away.
"Be careful," he said. "I won't be there to stop you from getting another bruised lung."
"I will. And I won't be there to stop you from getting stabbed by projectile objects. Keep your head on a swivel, okay?"
He nodded and smiled a little, then ran after Walker. Sam and I continued on after the other set of prints. We wandered about in the tunnels, searching for Karli and the other Smashers.
We whirled around as two successive gunshots went off. We sprinted after the sounds. When we came into the room Sharon was on the ground holding her stomach in pain as Karli stood above her with a gun.
"Stay back," Karli said, leveling the gun at Sharon.
I started to make my way towards Sharon, but froze as Karli pointed the gun at me. I stopped moving and raised my hands slightly.
"So what's next, huh? You kill one person this time, then, what, a hundred?" Sam said. "Where does it end? Please, let me help you."
"Don't try and manipulate me," she said.
She raised the gun again and aimed at Sharon's head. I watched as the muscles in her arm tensed. I reached out with a hand as a gunshot went off. Sam tackled her out of the way just after it went off. Once Karli was out of the way he whirled back around to see the bullet hovering in blue energy, inches from Sharon's head. I tossed it aside, then crouched down at her side. I reached forward and began to put pressure on her wound.
"You're gonna be okay," I said.
"You know, it's funny," she said. "Last time I saw you, you were a fourteen year old kid flying around in an Iron Man suit. Even then, you were always the smartest one in the room. Who knew that eight years later you would be sitting here trying to save my life?"
"You say that like you're gonna die," I said. "You're gonna be fine."
She sighed and breathed raggedly as I put more pressure on the wound. I looked up to where Karli was attacking Sam. Sam was not letting her win, instead refusing to let her land any attacks. She yelled at him to fight back.
"Batroc," she said, pointing to his body across the way. "He has a bag. It might have supplies. Check for supplies."
I nodded and hurried over, searching through it for any gauze or other medical supplies. I whirled back around as three gunshots went off. I saw Karli fall to the ground and Sharon staggered against a pillar, her gun in hand. Sam went over to help Karli as I walked back over and helped Sharon sit down. I pushed the gauze I found against her stomach. It didn't take long for me to realize that Karli didn't make it.
After we gathered our bearings Sam flew Karli back to the street and I flew Sharon back up. She leaned against a car and I promised her I would be right back. I wandered through the crowd of vehicles and people until my eyes landed on the person I was looking for, leaning against an ambulance. I hurried over and wrapped my arms around his neck, breathing him in.
He hugged me tightly back and held my head against his shoulder.
"I'm okay," I said.
We broke apart as Sam began to speak loud enough for everyone to hear. I stepped to the side, though Bucky didn't let his arm leave my waist.
"You know what? You're right," he said to one of the senators. "And that's a good thing. We finally have a common struggle now. Think about that. For once, all the people who have been begging, and I mean, literally begging for you to feel how hard any given day is...now you know. How did it feel to be helpless? Now if you can remember what it felt like to be helpless...and face a force so powerful it could erase half the planet, you would know that you're about to have the exact same impact."
I looked down at the ground and sighed quietly as I thought about the sentence he spoke. The sentence that applied to what my father had done all that time ago.
"This isn't about easy decisions, senator," Sam continued.
"You just don't understand," he replied.
"I'm a black man carrying the Stars and Stripes. What don't I understand? Every time I pick this thing up, I know there are millions of people who are gonna hate me for it. Even now, here...I feel it. The stares. The judgement. And there's nothing I can do to change it. Yet, I'm still here. No super serum, no blonde hair, or blue eyes. The only power I have is that I believe we can do better. We can't demand that people step up, if we don't meet them halfway. Look, you control the banks. Shit, you can move borders. You can knock down a forest with an email. You can feed a million people with a phone call. But the question is, who's in the room with you when you make those decisions? Hm? Is it the people you're gonna impact? Or is it just more people like you?"
Sam sighed for a moment and took a step away from the councilwoman. He looked over to where I was standing and gestured at me.
"Take a look at that man," he said. "Y/N Stark is the richest man alive. Not to mention the smartest man and biggest CEO. He may not be a government official, but he has just as much, if not more power, than you three do. He has the same abilities to knock down forests...or feed millions. Y/N, how much does Stark International give to charity and benefit programs?"
I cleared my throat a little as he asked my this.
"About a third of the company's profit every year," I said.
"About how much is that?" He continued.
"Around forty billion dollars," I said.
Sam was slightly taken aback, even though he knew the number would be large.
"And how much do you personally donate?" He asked.
"Around ten million a year."
"You hear that?" Sam said. "Not only does that man take ten million dollars from his own pocket to make the world better, but he made the effort to take money away from his company and make the world a better place. Why can you not say the same? I mean, this girl died trying to stop you, and no one has stopped for one second to ask why. You've gotta do better, Senator. You've gotta step up. Because if you don't, the next Karli will. And you don't wanna see 2.0. People believed in her cause so much, that they helped her defy the strongest governments in the world. Why do you think that is? Look, you people have just as much power as an insane god or a misguided teenager. The question you have to ask yourself is: how are you going to use it?"
He looked at the councilmen a moment longer, before walking away and coming over towards us. 
"Sorry, I was, uh, I was texting and so, all I heard was, um, 'a black guy in Stars and Stripes.'" Bucky said sarcastically.
Sam and I laughed a little as we walked away.
"Nice job, Cap," Bucky said.
"Not bad at all," I said.
"Thanks guys," he said.
We walked away from all the commotion to where Sharon was still leaning against a car.
"Sharon?" Sam said.
"Blocking my light," she said sarcastically.
"We gotta get you to a hospital," Sam said.
"She's not gonna listen," Bucky said.
"Hey, it's not the worst thing that's happened to me all week."
"Told you," Bucky said.
"If you're worried about going to a hospital because you're wanted, you can come to S-Corp Health. I'm kind of a big deal around there, they'll treat you, no problem," I said.
"Uh, Cap?" Someone called.
"Think he's talking to you," Sharon said. "Look, I'm sorry for how things ended down there. For what it's worth, suit looks good on you."
"Thanks," Sam said.
"All right, can we get outta here, please?" Bucky said.
Sharon, Bucky, and I started to head towards my car as Sam walked the other way.
"I didn't forget my promise," he said.
Sharon nodded in response and we continued to my car to head to the Stark International building.

Later the next day I was walking with Bucky down the hallway of his apartment building. He told me he was ready to talk to Mr. Nakajima. He was ready to admit to him what happened to his son. I squeezed his hand as we approached his door.
"I'll be just down the hall," I said. "In the apartment."
Bucky nodded and kissed my cheek lightly, then I walked away. I pulled my key out and unlocked the apartment, stepping inside and setting my keys down on the counter. I sighed as the feelings of dread, anxiety, and regret settled over me. Bucky's emotions. I noticed that the closer we got, the more prone I was to picking up on his feelings and unwillingly taking them on. I had a glass of wine and as I was finishing it up Bucky returned, his spirits crushed.
"How'd it go?" I asked carefully.
"I don't know," he said. "I told him, but...he didn't have too much of a reaction. I don't know if that's a good thing or not."
"He's probably just processing," I said. "Like you still are."
He nodded slowly, then took my hand in his metal one and pulled me against his chest. I looked up to him as he met my eyes.
"Thank you, Y/N," he said. "For everything."
"Right back atcha," I said.
He kissed me briefly, then rested his chin on my head. I leaned against his chest, enjoying his warmth.
"You wanna go for a walk before we have to go catch our flight to Louisiana to meet up with Sam?" He asked.
"Hm," I said. "I don't know if we'll have time. Let me ask the pilot. Smoak?"
"I believe you'll have plenty of time," he said.
"Pilot says yes," I said with a smile.
Bucky chuckled and took my hand, leading me after him.

When we arrived back at the dock-town there were already tons of people gathered. As we stepped out of the car, each carrying a dish, we were 'attacked' by the boys, initiating a play fight with them. Bucky and I walked over, setting our dishes down, then going to meet up with Sam. We exchanged hugs with him, then went to engage in the festivities. At one point, I looked over to see Bucky showing off as he easily held three kids hanging from his arm. I laughed and walked over.
"I didn't think you were one for showing off, Buck," I said with a smile.
He returned it as he flexed his other arm.
"Come on, Y/N," Sarah said. "Why don't you show him up?"
"Three kids?" I said with a smile. "How about three men?"
I raised a hand and some of the dockworkers behind me lifted into the air lightly. They laughed and chuckled as I moved them around, the set them back down gently.
Bucky smiled and set the kids down before lightly punching my shoulder.
As the music went on and on, Bucky took my hand and pulled me to the middle of the dock. He held my hands in between us, dancing to the homemade music and singing. I laughed and smiled as we danced with no rhythm, starting a trend as others started to dance as well. He smiled brightly at me as we enjoyed the party.
The festivities, dancing, laughing, and eating lasted all through the night until the sun started to set. Bucky and I walked over to where Sam was standing, watching the sun go down.
The three of us shared a small smile, then Sam wrapped his arm around Bucky's shoulders and Bucky wrapped his arm around my waist. We turned back to the dock and made our way towards the party again.