Being on the run means survival. It’s about protecting those you love. They’ve been holed up in this dingy motel for weeks, ever since the fight with Tony. Ever since he took Peter back. His son. No—Bucky’s son too. Their son now.
Steve won’t lose him again. Not Bucky. Not Peter. Not to the Avengers. Not to Tony. Not to anyone. Steve had been right about one thing when it came to Tony—after learning the truth about his parents' killer, Tony wouldn’t rest until he got his revenge.
He wouldn’t stop until he exacted justice, until he killed the man responsible. And that man wasn’t Bucky. But that didn't matter. Tony's singular focus was ruthless. He would pursue it relentlessly. Especially when it came to Peter.
The war had never been just about Bucky. It was about Peter, too. Steve still recalled those venomous words, sharp as daggers, aimed to sever any love that had once bound them. The love he hid and nurtured in silence for his knight.
You don’t deserve him. None of you do. Not Sam. Not even Natasha. But don’t worry, Captain. He’ll be safe with me. I’ll take care of Peter.
Never.
Steve stared out the window at the rain, watching it blanket the city in darkness. The familiar tower loomed in the distance, obscured by the storm, standing tall among the towering skyscrapers that surrounded it.
He frowned at the stark symbol of the Avengers. He loved Stark, but now he had to protect his new life from him. At least he still had Natasha and Sam.
Turning away from the rain-soaked view, Steve’s gaze landed on Bucky and Peter. A slow smile curled on his lips.
Bucky lay on the motel bed with their son nestled against him. Peter’s tiny body was pressed against Bucky’s warm chest, using his flesh-and-blood arm as a pillow instead of the plush one left abandoned. Bucky's metal arm gleamed in the dim light, resting gently on Peter's tiny hand. The boy had clutched the cool metal like a comforting blanket, as if its eerie silver glow could chase away the monsters that lingered in the shadows. Nearby, a plush Iron Man toy had fallen to the cold, rugged floor.
Steve frowned at the fallen plushie, then stood from the couch and retrieved it. He placed the Iron Man toy close to Peter’s cheek, tucking it in beside him.
A soft squeak escaped Peter as he yawned, stretching before drifting back into dreams, cocooned in Bucky’s embrace. Steve smiled at the sight.
Yes, this was his family now. And he would defend it to the end of the line.
Quietly, Steve leaned closer, pressing a gentle kiss on their foreheads before returning to the couch. He stared at the off TV, contemplating their next move as dawn approached.
Unbeknownst to him, he soon drifted off to sleep.
The heavy rain finally eased to a drizzle, and Steve sluggishly awakened on the couch. As he moved, he noticed a blanket wrapped around him. Confused, he glanced at the bed and felt a pang of shock—only Peter lay there, alone, with just the blanket and a pillow resting on his head for support. The Iron Man plushie hugged tightly against his tiny body completed the scene.
Steve’s heart raced as he turned to the window, frowning at the familiar sight outside the room. He stood up and stepped out into the dim light, finding Bucky staring into the empty darkness, the rain finally ceasing its nightly tears.
Steve approached him slowly, careful not to startle him. He gently draped the blanket over Bucky’s shoulders. A soft chuckle escaped Bucky, followed by silence and a deep sigh as he lowered his head, letting his hair fall across his face.
Taking his place beside Bucky, Steve leaned against the damp railing, his eyes fixed on him.
“You okay?”
Bucky didn’t respond or move.
Steve frowned, inching closer until he rested his cheek against Bucky’s cold, metal shoulder—the arm that had become his favorite. He could feel Bucky shivering from more than just the chill. His concern deepened. He understood why, but...
“Hey, buddy, we’ll be okay. We’re going to be alright,” Steve tried to soothe him.
Bucky remained silent, yet he cherished the warmth of Steve’s touch. “What’s going to happen to us?” he finally asked.
Steve paused before whispering, “We are going to be alright. I’ll protect you and him.” He offered a reassuring smile.
Being on the run was far from enjoyable, but it was their only means of survival. They couldn’t afford to be separated. Though Natasha suggested that she, Sam, and the rest stay apart to avoid detection, Steve chose to remain close to Bucky, with Peter by their side. The thought of Bucky hiding alone only increased his worry.
“I can’t stay near you or Peter. I have to leave you both...until something changes. But until then, I need to find a way to protect you,” Bucky insisted.
Steve pulled him close. “You know that’s not happening. Not on my watch, jerk”
“Steve, this isn’t funny.” Bucky finally turned to him, eyes filled with distress. “I’m a threat to you and Peter. I need to go...I’m dangerous to you. To everyone,” he whispered, rubbing his arms nervously. He stopped when he touched his cold metal limb, clenching his fist as his hair fell further into his face. Anger flashed in his memory of Tony's eyes when he learned the truth. It was a stark reminder of the danger he’d put Steve and Peter in. Even put Natasha and Sam in for they are their only allies they have left. With Tony now hunting for them, Bucky felt trapped. He feared the worst—a life of solitude was better than endangering Steve and Peter. Yet, the thought of facing the modern world alone filled him with dread.
“Bucky...” Steve spoke softly, gently cradling him. “We’re going to be okay. I promise I’ll protect you and Peter. I won’t let him take you both from me”
“I...I started this,” Bucky cried, his shoulders trembling. “I killed...I killed his parents” He gritted his teeth in anguish.
Steve tightened his embrace. “Bucky...it wasn’t you, baby. Everything that happened...it wasn’t your fault. None of it.”
Bucky scoffed, turning his gaze away. “How do you know that?” he growled, squeezing his eyes shut.
Steve carefully brushed Bucky’s hair behind his ears, his fingers brushing away the tears mingling with the rain. He cupped Bucky's cheek, compelling him to meet his gaze. With a soft smile, he wiped away more of the tears. “Because this is you, James Buchanan Barnes. This is who you are”
Bucky stared at him, and with a deep, shaky sigh, he leaned down until his face met Steve's. Their hearts found a fragile peace in that moment. Steve held him close, whispering, “We’re going to be okay. We’re going to make it”
“I love you,” Bucky said softly, tears streaming down his face. “I...I need you.” He clenched Steve's shirt, his voice trembling. “I need both of you”
“We're going to make it,” Steve vowed, pressing a gentle kiss to Bucky's head.
They remained silent as the night enveloped them, but in that moment, they felt safe.
Then a sweet, small voice broke through the quiet. “Daddy? Uncle Bucky?”
They turned to see Peter, rubbing his sleepy eyes and clutching his Iron Man plushie. The sight of their son melted away their troubles, fears, and guilt, replaced by smiles.
“Hiya, buddy,” Steve greeted, immediately wrapping his arms around his son. As Peter settled against his shoulder, he let out a yawn, resting his cheek against his father's warmth. Bucky smiled, brushing his fingers through Peter's soft brown curls as they led him back inside.
Steve gently laid Peter back in bed, and Bucky tucked him in with the ruffled blanket. Peter yawned again, his sleepy eyes barely open as he gazed up at his dad and uncle, worry etched on his tiny face.
“Dada...Uncle Bucky? When will we go home? When will we see Uncle Tony and the others again?” he asked, his voice filled with innocent concern.
Steve frowned but kept his smile bright. “We will...soon, buddy”
“Will we see Uncle Tony again?” Peter pressed, his brow furrowed.
Steve leaned down and kissed Peter’s forehead, his voice soothing. “Go back to sleep, buddy. We have a big day tomorrow, and we might see Uncle Sam, Clint, Hank, and Aunties Wanda and Natasha. I bet they can’t wait to see you again”
Peter’s tired smile returned. “Yay,” he murmured sleepily. Then he yawned once more and added, “I missed Uncles T’Challa and Tony. I miss them all.” His adorable sincerity tugged at Steve and Bucky's hearts, and before they could respond, Peter had drifted back into a peaceful sleep.
Steve watched him for a moment, his heart swelling with love. He then glanced at Bucky, who held his gaze for a fleeting moment before looking away.
Standing, Steve wrapped his arms around Bucky, holding him close. “We’re gonna be okay”
Bucky nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
He believed.
Being on the run after the war was a challenge, but as long as they were together, everything would be all right.