The Captain And The Black Widow(Next Avengers/MCU)

An Offer Of Vengeance

The Next Morning

Therapy is never easy. Truthfully, it can be downright boring at times. But it still is essential.

That was the case for Bucky who had to go to therapy today. Not because he wanted to, though. He had gotten much therapeutic time while in Wakanda. No, this therapy was strictly part of a contract for his freedom.

After the Blip, an agreement was made for him: in exchange for a presidential pardon, he must regularly visit a military therapist. It wasn't the worst condition in the world. Easy as pie...or so you would think. Bucky found it unnecessary, boring....and a bit tedious.

But, wanting to turn over a new leaf, he went along with it and went to his session. He had been going for almost two months now. And according to his therapist, a Dr. Christina Raynor; former army officer, now doing therapy sessions with the former "Winter Soldier", there was "slight progress" being made.

"So, how've things been going with you, James?" She would ask him.

"Fine," he replied. That was his normal response, often followed with his usual quiet stare. But this time, there was almost a small smile in there.

Dr. Raynor nodded in surprise. "You know, I'm actually tempted to believe you this time. What's made it so fine?"

The super soldier thought about it and his mind wandered to his friends, the Rogers-Romanoff Family. Steve, Natasha, Jamie, and Nikki.....sure, Sam too. These five were the main source of his happiness. Especially the twins. He loved those kids like they were his own, and they loved him.

That was something he never thought he would have. Not kids, but people loving him again. Let alone kids loving him. And yet, Jamie and Nikki did.

"James, are you still with me?" Dr. Raynor called out.

That brought Bucky out of his thoughts and back to the present.

In reply he shrugged and said, "Sleeping a little better."

"While I'm sure that's true, and I'm happy for you there, I can tell that's not where your mind was at just now." She stated, a light smirk on her face. "Who were you thinking of?"

Bucky shook his head and scoffed at her and her observation. This woman was relentless.

Finally, he admitted his thoughts. "I was thinking of my god children."

"Ah, Jamie and Nikki." Bucky nodded at that, "I take it they've made your transition to civilian life a little easier?"

A huff and a smile came and Bucky bobbed his head. "You could say that."

For the first time in a long time, Dr. Raynor smiled for Bucky. She was genuinely happy to hear this. "Well, that's good. That's really good, James. I have to say, I'm impressed."

"Thanks, doc."

As soon as he said that, though, Raynor opened her notebook, clicked the pen and wrote something down.

"Aw, come on. The notebook, really?"

"Yes. It's a marker of your progress. You're able to communicate more, you're comfortable around children. Or worse, teenagers. That's not so easy to do, James. And yet, you're doing it."

Bucky shook his head at the doctor. This woman was something. Well, at least the note wasn't bad.

A thought rolled into Raynor's mind. One based on their current subject. "Have you ever thought about having kids?"

That question stunned Bucky so much so it left him speechless. His mouth opened to say something, but he couldn't. He could only laugh and stutter as he tried to find his words.