Bucky's Anchor

Chapter 80 - Forever Together

The first few weeks with Steve are a blur of sleepless nights, diaper changes, and an overwhelming amount of love. Every day is a new challenge, but we're getting through it together. Bucky is by my side through everything, always ready to help. The bags under his eyes mirror my own, but I've never seen him look so focused, so determined.

"Do you think we're doing this right?" I ask him one night as I rock Steve in my arms, trying to soothe him after another bout of crying.

Bucky is standing nearby, watching us closely. His eyes are tired, but they soften as he looks at me. "You're doing everything right," he says softly, coming over to place a hand on my shoulder. "You're amazing, Emily."

I laugh, though it's a little strained. "We're both exhausted, Bucky. You don't have to pretend I'm superwoman."

"You are," he insists, reaching down to gently brush his fingers over Steve's tiny head. "I don't know how you do it. He's so small, so fragile... It scares me sometimes, you know?"

I nod, understanding exactly what he means. Every little movement, every cry, has me on edge. The responsibility of keeping this little life safe is so much bigger than anything I've ever faced. But when I look at Bucky, I see that I'm not in this alone. We're in it together.

"You're doing great too, you know," I tell him, leaning into his touch. "Steve's lucky to have you as his dad."

Bucky smiles, but it's a small, tired smile. "I just don't want to mess this up."

---

Despite the sleepless nights and constant worry, there are moments of pure joy that make it all worth it. Bucky wakes up for the midnight feedings just as often as I do, sometimes even more. I'll often find him pacing the living room, Steve cradled in his arms, whispering soft words to calm him down.

One night, I stand in the doorway and watch them. Bucky's back is to me, and I hear him humming softly—a tune that sounds familiar but that I can't quite place. Steve has finally quieted down, and I watch as Bucky gently rocks him, his entire focus on our son.

"You've got him down," I say quietly, not wanting to disturb the moment but needing to say something.

Bucky turns slightly, offering me a soft smile. "He's a good listener," he says. "Just needed some reassurance."

I walk over to them, my heart swelling with love as I watch Bucky with our son. "I think he's going to be a night owl, just like his dad."

Bucky chuckles, a sound that's so rare, but lately, I've been hearing it more. "Wouldn't surprise me," he says. "He's already got your stubbornness."

I laugh, leaning into him as I brush my fingers over Steve's little hand. "I think he's going to be a handful when he gets older."

"He'll have to be," Bucky says, his voice quiet, thoughtful. "The world isn't always kind, but we'll teach him how to handle it."

There's a seriousness in his tone, and I know Bucky's thoughts are already racing ahead, thinking about the challenges our son will face. But for now, in this moment, we let ourselves enjoy the simple joy of holding our child, of being together as a family.

---

Bucky is determined to be the best father he can be, and every day I see him learning. He watches everything, studying the way I handle Steve's needs, and slowly, he's gaining more confidence. He's still hesitant sometimes, afraid of doing something wrong, but I can see the pride in his eyes whenever he gets Steve to settle down after a long cry.

One afternoon, I find Bucky sitting on the couch with Steve lying on his chest, both of them fast asleep. I can't help but smile as I watch them, the two people I love most in the world, so peaceful in that moment.

When Bucky stirs, he looks up at me with bleary eyes. "I think I fell asleep," he says sheepishly.

"You both did," I say, walking over to kiss his forehead. "But it looks like you needed it."

Bucky carefully sits up, making sure not to disturb Steve too much. "I've been thinking," he says quietly, his hand gently resting on our son's back. "I want to teach him everything I never had growing up. I want him to know that he can be strong, but also kind. That he doesn't have to carry the weight of the world like we did."

I nod, sitting down beside him. "He's going to learn a lot from you, Bucky. You've already come so far, and you've taught me so much about strength and resilience. He'll grow up knowing what real courage looks like."

Bucky looks down at Steve, his expression softening. "I just want him to be better than I ever was."

I take his hand in mine, squeezing it gently. "He will be. Because he has you as his dad."

---

Sam visits often. Every time he comes over, he jokes about being "Uncle Sam" and how he'll teach Steve all the important things, like how to throw a proper punch. Bucky rolls his eyes, but I can tell he's grateful for Sam's presence.

One afternoon, we're all sitting on the porch, watching Steve sleep in his stroller. Sam leans back in his chair, grinning at Bucky. "So, Barnes, how's fatherhood treating you?"

Bucky shrugs, but there's a small smile on his face. "It's... different," he admits. "Harder than I thought. But it's good."

Sam laughs. "You're doing better than I expected. Honestly, I thought you'd be a wreck."

"I am a wreck," Bucky says, shaking his head. "I'm just hiding it well."

I reach over and place my hand on his arm. "You're doing great, Bucky."

Sam nods in agreement. "Yeah, man. You're doing good. Steve's going to grow up knowing what it's like to have a dad who cares about him. That's all that matters."

Bucky's smile grows, and for the first time in a long time, I see a glimpse of peace in his expression.

---

As the weeks turn into months, I watch Bucky settle into his role as a father. He's still haunted by his past, but it no longer defines him. He's found a new purpose in raising Steve, and I can see the way it's changed him. He's more open now, more willing to let people in.

One evening, we're sitting on the porch, watching Steve play in the yard. Bucky has his arm around me, and I lean into him, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. The sun is setting, casting a golden light over everything, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I feel truly content.

"We've come a long way, haven't we?" I ask quietly, looking up at him.

Bucky nods, his gaze fixed on Steve. "Yeah," he says softly. "We have."

I smile, resting my head against his shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Bucky. You've become everything you never thought you could be."

He looks down at me, his eyes filled with emotion. "I couldn't have done any of this without you, Emily."

I reach up and gently touch his face. "We did it together."

Bucky leans down and kisses me softly. "Thank you," he whispers. "For Steve, for everything. I didn't think I'd ever get to have a life like this."

I smile, my heart swelling with love. "You deserve this, Bucky. We both do."

We sit in comfortable silence, watching Steve laugh and play in the yard. And in that moment, I know that no matter what challenges come our way, we'll face them together—because we're a family now.