THE CHAIN, B. Barnes daughter

36. changes

CHAPS WILL BE LONGER NOW!!! YAYYYYY!!!!!! THIS ONE IS LONGER SO YAY. Guys idk why I always start things with them eating, it's literally just easier 😭😭

This chap is so random, it's like Sev and Bucky just hating on each other by ranting to their shared therapist on how they both piss each other off 🙏😭

TW: PAINIC ATTACK GUYS

BUCKY STOOD AT THE STOVE, stirring a pot of spaghetti sauce. The rich aroma filled the small apartment, mingling with the sounds of clattering utensils and bubbling sauce. He hummed quietly to himself, lost in the routine of cooking dinner.

Sev entered the kitchen, her steps hesitant. She watched him for a moment before speaking. "Hey, Dad, can I help with anything?"

Bucky paused, the spoon mid-stir, and turned to look at her, eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "Dad? That's a new one," he said with a small, curious smile. "What happened to 'papa'?"

Sev shifted uncomfortably, her eyes avoiding his. "I don't know. It just feels... embarrassing now. Like, I'm not a little kid anymore."

Bucky's smile faltered slightly, and a shadow of sadness crossed his face. He turned back to the pot, giving it a gentle stir. "I see," he said quietly. "Well, if it makes you more comfortable, you can call me whatever you want."

Sev noticed the change in his tone and stepped closer. "It's not that I don't like calling you 'papa,'" she said, her voice softer. "It's just... I guess I'm trying to fit in more, and calling you 'dad' feels... I don't know, more normal?"

"Did someone say something?"

"No..."

Bucky knew when she was lying, and she wasn't lying. This had just been an insecurity for her.

Bucky nodded, though a twinge of melancholy lingered in his eyes. "I understand, Sev. Really, I do. You're growing up, and things change." He offered her a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm still the same guy, whether you call me 'papa' or 'dad' or anything else."

Sev sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist in a hug. "Thanks, Dad. I just didn't want to hurt your feelings."

Bucky set down the spoon and turned to hug her back, resting his chin on her head. "You could never hurt my feelings, kiddo. You're still my baby no matter what you call me."

Sev squeezed him tighter, finding comfort in his embrace. "Thanks... Dad."

Bucky's smile grew a bit more genuine, the sadness ebbing away as he held her close. "Now, how about you help me set the table? Dinner's almost ready."

Sev pulled back and nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Sure thing."

THE SUN WAS SETTING, casting a warm golden glow through the apartment's windows. It was the next day. Bucky was in the kitchen, rummaging through the fridge, trying to figure out what to make for dinner. Seven sat at the kitchen table, her textbooks spread out in front of her, pretending to study but clearly distracted.

"Please...I have a family."

Breath.

"Again!"

Breath.

"Do it."

Breath.

"Sev, you want pasta or chicken for dinner?" Bucky called over his shoulder.