Faces of Bucky Barnes - More One Shots

16. A Better Choice

In this alternate universe Thanos was defeated in Wakanda. Bucky was brought into the Avengers after being part of that battle. Tony forgave him for killing his parents after being shown proof of the torture that turned Bucky into the Winter Soldier and they are civil with each other, although still not quite comfortable together. Steve still handed the shield to Sam, wanting to step back as he and Natasha became a couple. Vision wasn't killed as the Mind Stone was successfully removed and destroyed. This one shot takes place within a couple of months, ending on December 22, 2018.

It had been a warm fall, one that the older folks often called Indian summer. Usually only a week or so in length this month-long session of warm hazy days and crisp nights made the October foliage glow in the sun's rays, lulling people into believing that it would be a mild winter. In New York's Union Square Park many people took advantage of the weather by flocking to the grassy areas exercising, visiting, napping, and even enjoying some romantic times with their loved ones. As Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes strolled through the crowded park the current Captain America grinned at the number of people using the beautiful day to be physically affectionate in public.

"To be young again and not care if people see you making out," he grinned as they passed another couple with their lips locked together. "Those were the days."

Bucky glanced at the latest people to catch Sam's attention and grunted in response. "They would have been arrested for public indecency in my day," he noted. Sam's reaction to that statement prompted him to make a disclaimer. "I'm not saying it's unacceptable in this day and age but seriously, some of them take it too far. Like they need to get a room or something."

"Sure, Grandpa," joked Sam, then he stopped and pointed towards the object of their search. "You want to tell them?"

Not even 20 feet away from the sidewalk a blond man and red-headed woman were pushing the boundaries of what Bucky referred to as public indecency. Approaching the pair, the two men waited, not saying anything until the woman smiled mid-kiss.

"I think we've been found," she mumbled, then opened her eyes and looked up at the two men whose shadow crossed over them. "Yup, Steve, we're busted."

The former Captain America pulled away from Natasha Romanoff and looked up at a smiling Sam and scowling Bucky. Grinning at them both he leaned back, seemingly not bothered at being found in this position.

"Guys." He greeted them with a small salute. "What's up?"

"Seriously?" asked Bucky. "We've been calling both of you for almost an hour. You couldn't take the call or text us back?"

"We were busy," replied Steve. "You're only young once. Why do you look like the assistant principal did when he caught you and Moira McGuire in the sports equipment room?"

"Okay, first of all he didn't catch us in the room, he caught us coming out of it," replied Bucky, exasperated. "Secondly, it was the janitor's closet, not the sports equipment room and he only heard us because I knocked the mop down. He asked who was in there and we came out."

Steve began to chuckle then leaned towards Natasha. "He knocked the mop down because Moira touched him in a special place."

"Steve!"

Bucky glared at him, making the other three laugh. In a huff he turned around and walked away, leaving Sam to deal with them. Offering his hands to help them up Sam waited until they were standing.

"We have a meeting," he said. "Something the PR people want us to do as the Christmas season descends upon us. Sunshine over there doesn't want any part of it."

"What is it exactly?" asked Natasha, holding hands with Steve.

"Don't know but he already doesn't want to do it."