CHILD one-shots | james b. barnes

[ July 4th- ii ]

July 4th

[ for the first time in a while Bucky realizes he can experience whatever he was missing.
But he can't remember what it is he has to do. ]

July 4th 2021

ANGELIKA TOOK ONE GLANCE at her phone, before she'd jumped off her bed and sprinted straight to her papa's room. Today was the specialist day of the universe, and she was sure her papa wouldn't want to miss it.

She pushed open her door, and peaked her head inside. The lights were off and she could see the silhouette of her papa in the corner of the room, knees pulled to his chest. She hesitated, a nervous feeling settling at the bottom of her stomach.

"Papa?" She said quietly and he sighed, tilting his head to look at her.

He let out a sigh and she frowned.

"It's today isn't it? You can do what you've always wanted to. . ." She said and he turned his head.

"You know not to bother me today." He said, his voice cold and she flinched.

"But. . ." She said slowly and he pushed himself onto his feet.

"I don't know what I'm missing." He said with frustration, stepping towards her and she took a step back.

"And I'm angry because I missed it for fifty years only to not remember!" He snapped and Angelika gulped, lowering her head in a gesture of surrender.

Bucky paused, and shook his head, quickly pulling himself back into the corner of the room again.

"Go away Angie, I don't want to hurt you." He said quietly, shoulders sagging depressingly.

Angelika opened her mouth to reply, but decided not to, slowly closing the door. She stepped downstairs into the living room, seeing Steve eating a bowl of cereal.

"Uncle Steve." She said sadly and he looked up, concern flickering between his eyes.

"What's wrong?" He asked and she pulled back a chair, plopping down on it as she leaned her head against the table.

"Today's that day," she said, "when Papa is extra dangerous."

Steve furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"What do you mean by that?" He asked and Angelika let out a small sigh.

"The Winter Soldier never hurts me, ever," she made an X with her arms to prove her point, "he's always protected me."

She glanced down at her phone, waving the date in front of Steve's face.

"But today's July 4th, and on July 4th, the soldier hurts anyone and everyone- me, other agents- even Pierce was so afraid he left him alone." Angelika shuddered. "And no one knows why- he doesn't know why either."

Steve's lips twitched downwards into a frown and Angelika rubbed her arms.

"I think it's best if we leave Papa alone today, the Winter Soldier has more chances of seeping through." She said sadly.

Steve seemed to know something she didn't, and his frown deepened.

Sam stepped into the living room and grinned at the sight of Steve. He bounded over to him, before punching him in the arm. Steve choked on his cereal and Sam laughed.

"Happy birthday Cap!" He announced and Angelika blinked a few times.

"Was that really necessary?" Steve said with a small grumble and Sam rolled his eyes.