Carousel of Time - An Alternative Bucky Barnes Story

Chapter 8. Pivotal Moment

Short chapter.  Most MCU canon resources place Bucky's fall off the train in early January.  In this story it happens later because, as Kate speculated, her being in this timeline and John's birth already changed Bucky's life somewhat.  Remember, until something actually happens the future is always fluid.
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Brooklyn

On January 2, John Nash made his monthly visit to Kate and presented her with two cheques.  The first was the split proceeds from the print sales.  They had proved to be a popular item for Christmas and the print run had sold half the prints.  That cheque was $2159.  The second cheque was for the third commission.  There were still half the paintings to be sold but he knew she could use the money towards the house.  That cheque was for $8700. 

"Kate, investing in your talent has been the making of me," he said enthusiastically.  "My only worry is that you still don't look well.  How are you feeling?"

"A little tired after the holidays," she admitted. "That cold took a lot out of me.  I'll be better once I make the move and can paint in my own home.  I would still like Ruth to be my assistant."

"Certainly," he replied. "She has her driver's license now and can bring the paintings back with her so you don't have to make the trip.  Do you have anything done yet?"

She showed him the two paintings she had done over December and he was pleased but told her to take it easy as they could always do another print run if the demand was there. 

She decided to deposit the cheques immediately and advised Ana she was stepping out for a bit.  She went to the bank, deposited the cheques and asked about how to prepare a cheque for the purchase of a house in Brooklyn.  They advised her to open an account at a branch in Brooklyn then she could request a transfer of funds to that branch.  Kate mentioned she would be getting married in the following year and they suggested she add her fiancé to the account at the same time.  Then she went to see the Ancient One. 

She waited in the reception room while the sorcerer was summoned.  The Ancient One smiled when she saw Kate. 

"Mrs. Horn, what a lovely surprise," she said, ordering tea for them both. "How can I help you?""

"I accidentally said something to Bucky that led him to guessing we were married in another timeline," Kate admitted.  "Has that affected anything?"

The Ancient One fingered an amulet that she wore and looked off into the distance before focusing on Kate again.  "Yes, but it will not change things in the long run.  The car is still on course,"  she said. "I'm more worried about you.  Are you feeling well?"

"I'm run down after a bad cold and then all the preparations for Christmas," Kate admitted. "I'm moving on the 1st of February so I'm preparing for that.  I can rest once I have moved."

"In your other timeline I sensed you enjoyed superior health from exposure to your husband's...essence. Is that a correct assessment?" asked the woman.

"Yes, in fact, I was slowly transforming into a female version of him that would align our longevity," said Kate.  "I wonder if by not being with him that I am losing the effects?  I was quite surprised that I got a cold and that it laid me out so severely."

"Mrs. Horn, is there a technology in the future that can speed up the process for your fiancé?  I am concerned about your health, that you may suffer serious issues before he transforms, you are planning for that I assume?"

Kate looked at her, a feeling of fear forming in her stomach.  "Yes, but it's in the future.  1948 or 1949 before they have a serum here in the U.S. and even then it would be experimental with serious side effects.  HYDRA has something sooner but I wouldn't allow Bucky to receive their serum."