THE CHAIN, B. Barnes daughter

35. life now

guys Sev and Bucky are free from HYDRA's grasp OFFICIALLY!!!!!!

THE NEW APARTMENT WAS MODEST,
but comfortable space, a far cry from the chaotic life on the run. Bucky had finally been pardoned for his past "crimes", but both he and Sev were required to attend mandated therapy sessions as part of their rehabilitation. It was a new beginning, a chance to build a semblance of normalcy.

Sev was sprawled out on the couch, a textbook open in front of her. Steve's insistence on her education had stuck, and she was diligently working through her assignments. The apartment was quiet, save for the distant hum of the city outside.

The front door creaked open, and Bucky stepped inside. Sev didn't look up immediately, engrossed in a particularly challenging math problem. It wasn't until she heard a familiar voice that she glanced up.

"Hey, Sev," Bucky called out, standing awkwardly in the doorway.

Sev's eyes widened in shock. Bucky stood there, his once-long hair now cut short. The new look was startling, a significant departure from the image she had grown accustomed to. For a moment, she just stared, trying to reconcile this new appearance with the Bucky she knew.

"Papa?" she finally managed, her voice a mix of surprise and curiosity. "You... you got a haircut."

Bucky shrugged, a small, almost shy smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, figured it was time for a change. What do you think? And don't say it's flustercluck."

Sev blinked a few times, still processing the transformation. She stood up and walked over to him, reaching out hesitantly to touch his now-short hair. It felt strange under her fingers, but as she looked into his eyes, she saw the same warmth and love she always had.

"It's... different," she said slowly, then broke into a genuine smile. "But it looks good. Really good, Papa."

Bucky's smile widened, relief evident in his eyes. "You think so?"

Sev nodded emphatically. "Yeah, I do. It suits you."

Bucky chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Thanks, Sev. I wasn't sure how you'd react."

Sev laughed, the sound light and genuine. "It's going to take some getting used to, but I like it."

They moved into the living room, settling into the comfortable routine they were building together. Bucky glanced around, taking in the sight of the apartment they were slowly turning into a home.

"How's the reading going?" he asked, nodding towards her textbooks. "You know you don't have to read textbooks, school doesn't start for a bit, and I'm probably gonna homeschool you."

"Steve said reading is beneficial." Sev groaned, rolling her eyes. "But Steve was just as bad at reading as I am."

Bucky chuckled. "Steve did suck at reading, huh?"

Sev smiled, grateful for his presence. "Yeah..."

NOT EATING HAD BECOME A ritual in their for Sev. Bucky watched as Sev pushed her food around her plate, her eyes distant and unengaged. He had made her favorite dish, hoping it would break through her malaise, but it seemed to have little effect.

"Sev," Bucky began softly, "you need to eat."

She glanced up at him, her face a mix of frustration and sadness. "I know, Dad. It's just..."

Bucky leaned forward, his expression filled with concern. "Just what?"

Sev sighed, dropping her fork and staring at the untouched food. "I hate eating because it doesn't fill me up. I just feel empty either way. What's the point? Why would I do something that has zero effect for me."