Rose Tinted Windows
When morning came, (Y/N) woke to the rays of sun that filtered through the slightly open blinds covering his window. He squinted as the light blinded him briefly, forcing him to sit up as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He was shaken from his thoughts of last night when a loud crash came from the kitchen. He swore under his breath before getting out of his bed. He paused for a moment, taking time to check if his pictures were still hidden before going downstairs to deal with whatever mess there was. When he reached the kitchen, his heart got stuck in his throat as he took everything in. His father was panting slightly with bloodied knuckles, the window was broken and his mother's tea cup and saucer was smashed to bits on the floor. His fearful eyes met his father's when he looked over. His father wasted no time grabbing him by his hair, yanking him up so his head was tilted back, his throat exposed to him. “You piece of shit! You drugged me last night didn't you!” He yelled in his face, causing (Y/N) to grimace slightly. “I did you geezer.” He said defiantly, not using "Sir" on purpose. He figured if he was going to get in trouble, he would make it completely worth it. “And I don't regret it one bit. I had fun last night.” He said with a smirk forming on his face as he looked up at his irate father. He threw (Y/N) onto the floor, watching as he fell onto the broken porcelain. He let out a small hiss as he tried to move off the floor but was stopped by a strong kick to his gut. He heaved slightly as he grabbed his torso, coughing harshly. His father roughly wiped the blood off his knuckles before grabbing his coat and shoving it on. “Get up. Get up!” He yelled at him as he pulled him to his feet. “Where we goin'?” He said in an irritated tone as he tried to pull away from him. “You're signin' up for the draft.” He grumbled as he pulled him along. As soon as they left the threshold of the house, his father's attitude changed in a heartbeat. He looked like he had a calm demeanor and was the embodiment of a good father as he made (Y/N) straighten up, giving those who passed them a nod and a brief smile. (Y/N) took a deep breath as he did his best to appear calm and uninjured. He was dragged halfway across town and his legs were sore and throbbing. He wouldn't be surprised if people could see the blood through his pants. He gave the man a stiff smile before signing the necessary things while he chatted with his father. He felt his stomach drop when he was brought towards the back rooms for the physical exam. After he undressed to his underwear, the man stared at him for a moment before giving him an odd look. “How’d you get hurt kid?” (Y/N) slowly shrugged. “I got into a scuffle with some other kids. Nothing major, Sir. I’ll be okay in a few days.” The man took a moment to write some things down before he continued his exam. “So, as I believe you’re aware you can’t sign up until you’re twenty one.. But since you’re Cohen’s son, I guess we can make an exception for you.” he said with a small smirk as (Y/N) tried to conceal his horror. “Thank you Sir..it would be an honor to serve if I am able to.” he said as confidently as he could. The man nodded a bit as he wrote down his results of the exam. “So, you’ll probably get your orders in the mail if one of us doesn't inform you first. You only need to serve a year but you can always request to serve for longer after the first year.” he said with a slightly monotone voice, obviously repeating something he’s said more times than he could count. “You sure you’re ready for this kid? It’s war we’re talkin’ ‘bout here.” (Y/N) hesitated slightly but nodded, knowing that if he didn't follow along with what his father wanted, he would be in deep trouble. “Yes Sir. I’m positive. I just want to be able to serve my country right. A lot of men lay down their lives for this country and I got no right to not do the same.” he said remembering how his father used to talk about serving. The man, seeming pleased with his response nodded with a proud smile. “Well you’ve passed your exam, kid. You can head on back to your father.” he gave him a stiff nod and a firm handshake before getting dressed again. “Thank you Sir.” he mumbled loud enough for him to hear before joining his father again, giving him the papers he was given.
About a week passed and he was unable to leave the house due to the injuries his father inflicted on him when they got home after he had him enlisted. He was mostly healed by the beginning of the next week but still had a slight limp. He was in the middle of making himself something small to eat when there was a loud knock on the front door. He made his way to the door as fast as he could in his state and took a moment to compose himself. When he opened the door, he saw the concerned faces of Dot and Bucky. He gave them an attempt at a smile before opening the door, letting them in. “Hey, come on in.” He said softly, letting them enter before he shut and locked the door. He made his way into the kitchen, letting them follow behind him. He did his best to hide his limp but he could only do so much. “To what do I owe the pleasure of havin' you here?” He said with a forced smile, putting his food on a plate, taking a small bite. Bucky cleared his throat slightly and shoved his hands in his pockets. “We were worried about you.” (Y/N) nodded a bit and leaned against the counter so he didn't have to fully support his own weight. “I'm alright. How's Steve doin’?” He said with a small smile. Dot sighed loudly and took a seat facing (Y/N). “He's okay. He's nursin' a black eye. He got into another fight but he's okay. Now, don't make me put you through the wringer, what happened?” She said in her slight southern accent that made him feel a tad bit safer. “My father. Nothin' major, you know how it is.” He said trying to downplay the events and not come off as if he was trying to hide anything. Bucky crossed his arms and gave him a slight glare. “Doll, tell us. What the hell happened to you? You're limpin', you look like hell.” He said trying and failing to mask his concern and worry with annoyance. He gave Bucky a warm smile and a weak laugh. “Like I said. My father.. and uncle. They uh, taught me a lesson after making me enlist. Said that I needed to learn how to act properly and sneakin' out with "whores" and actin’ like a “fairy” ain't how I should be conductin' myself and enlisting would teach me somethin’ good. It's alright, it was worth it.” He said with a small smile. Bucky shook his head while Dot looked concerned.” You’re not even twenty one yet, how’d he manage that?” she asked, trying not to get hysterical. (Y/N) gave her a sad smile. “When you know people, it makes things easy. Uncle serves and Father used to before he got discharged. He pulled some strings to get rid of me.” he said softly, dropping his gaze. “Darlin', you can't stay here anymore. You know that right?” Dot said softly trying to keep her worry and anger under control. (Y/N) shrugged a bit. “And where can I go Dot? Staying here is the best option I got until I get my orders.. S’ides, I don't think he’ll be hittin’ me anymore for now. Can't exactly show up injured, right?” He said solemnly. They were all quiet for a moment while (Y/N) took another bite of food before Bucky spoke up. “Move in with me.” He said just above a whisper. (Y/N) tilted his head a bit and looked between the two who had steadily growing smiles. “What..? What did you say?” Bucky smiled softly and walked up to him, placing his hands on his waist, pulling him a bit closer. “I said, move in with me. Well, technically it would be with Michelle, but we can go over the details later. A few days ago Dot, Michelle and I found this nice little duplex. It would be good for appearances and we could still be together and it would be private.. until you ship out. Our own space, even if it’s just for a little bit. How 'bout it?” He said, placing a small kiss on his temple, causing (Y/N) to laugh out loud. “You lot.. are ridiculous. You know that right? Utterly.. completely ridiculous.” He said with a wide smile as he leaned into him, hearing Dot's giggles in the background. “Is that a yes, sweetheart?” (Y/N) nodded a bit, leaving a kiss on his cheek. “Of course it is.. but, you know that if anyone finds out about us.. hell, if my father finds out, he'll hunt me down or call the cops on us.. all of us.. There won't be a safe place in Brooklyn for us, even if I’m servin’.” He said softly, gently fixing Bucky's shirt, smoothing out unseen wrinkles. He felt the laughter vibrate through his chest before Bucky kissed his forehead. “Sweetheart, I would happily be on the run with you than safe with anyone else, and I know you're worried but this right here.. this is as much my choice as it is yours. Your father doesn't scare me. What does scare me, is that you put yourself in danger like this. You let yourself get hurt this badly and for what? For your father's appearance? To hell with him, (Y/N). We can pack your bags today and be gone before he even gets back. If I knew this was still goin’ on, I would've gotten you out a long time ago.” He pleaded with him, pressing his forehead to his as he gently squeezed his hips. (Y/N) thought for a moment before pecking his cheek. “Okay Buck. Okay. We'll do it.” He said softly “But on one condition.” He said, trying to hide his smirk. Bucky smiled brightly and started to leave kisses on his cheeks, causing (Y/N) to giggle and Dot's heart to swell seeing her friends at peace for a moment. “Anything baby, anything.” He said with a smile before peppering more kisses over his cheeks and his neck. (Y/N) laughed a bit before pulling away to look at him. “I want a dog.” Bucky shook his head with a smile and laugh. “We'll get a dog then. Now come on, let's go pack.” He said before picking him up bridal style so he didn't have to put anymore pressure on his leg. Dot took the lead and rushed to (Y/N)'s room. (Y/N) smiled softly as he left kisses on Bucky as he was carried. They wasted no time packing his belongings into the bags he had. He let them handle his clothes as he reached under his bed to pull out a book titled "The Hobbit". It was the first gift Bucky gave him. He even got it signed for him too. He gently flipped to the middle of the book and was relieved when he saw their photo booth pictures still safe and sound. He closed the book and put it in one of the bags. As he was helping them put away the last of his stuff, he made his way to his father's room. He didn't care if it would end up getting him in trouble or not. He wouldn't let his father keep his mother's stuff. He went through his closet and found the small shoebox and the money his father stashed away. He realized that while he’s shipped off, he could use that money to help Bucky, Dot and Stevie. He put everything back before shoving the money in the shoebox that held his mothers belongings and tucked it under his arm and went back to his room. When he placed the box in his bag, the front door slammed open, hitting the wall next to it. “(Y/N)! Where the hell are you!” His father called out as he entered, slamming the door behind him. Bucky placed a comforting hand on his shoulder before him and Dot stood up. “We'll take care of him darlin' don't you worry.” Dot said firmly while opening the purse that hung from the delicate chain on her shoulder. His breath hitched slightly when he saw the hand gun she pulled out. Dot took the lead and (Y/N) let out a strained laugh. “Ya know. If I wasn't with you and she wasn't taken by Michelle, I might be sweet on her.” (Y/N) said with a shake of his head, causing Bucky to smile and shake his head a bit, following behind her. “Well, we already know you like them feisty and headstrong.” Bucky said with a knowing smile. When they got half way down the stairs, they saw Dot standing in the middle of the living room with his father halfway out of the kitchen. “Frank.” She said, addressing him firmly. “Dolores.” He said angrily from his spot, not moving from his spot as she had her gun trained on him. “I'm gonna need you to let us leave peacefully. You're gonna take a few steps back into the kitchen and let my boys come down. Now you cooperate with us or you can be leavin' in a body bag. It don't matter none to me.” She said calmly as she kept the pistol trained on him. He simply scoffed at her and took a step forward. “You won't use that thing on me in my own home.” He sneered at her. She simply clicked the hammer back and raised an eyebrow at him. “Y’know, my daddy raised me to protect myself. You really wanna be testin’ my aim?” He tried to take another step closer but she took one forward as well, causing him to stop. “I inherited my mama's temper. So I'll tell you again. Get back in the kitchen and let my boys leave or you'll be leaving in a body bag, Frank. Try my patience. I'm itching to pull the trigger and dust you over what you've been doing to (Y/N).” Frank looked at the gun trained on his face and then back to (Y/N) and Bucky who now stood at the bottom of the stairs with his bags. “You leave this house and I'll make you regret it boy. This cheap woman you associate yourself with won't stop me from finding you.” Bucky glared at him before taking the gun from Dot. He wasted no time shooting a bullet at Frank's feet, causing him to stumble back, landing on his butt. “There ain't nothin' cheap about my girl. You might think that you can try and intimidate us, but I'm not afraid to give it to ya Frank. Keep that in mind when you try poking your nose where it shouldn't be.” He said with a strange air of authority that (Y/N) never heard before but couldn't help being attracted to it. “We're leaving. Come on.” He said before giving Dot her gun back so she can put it away. He let the other two leave before giving Frank one last look before closing the door behind him. As soon as they got a block away from his home, he let out a shuddering breath of relief, still holding in the tears that threatened to break through. He was even more thankful that Bucky's parents were out when he was brought back with Dot in tow. He let Bucky hold him on his lap as he whispered praise and love to him. “You're so brave, doll. I'm so proud of you.” Bucky said softly as (Y/N) calmed down, his head resting on Bucky's shoulder.
When his parents arrived home, Bucky explained the situation but left out some details for their sake. (Y/N) almost cried when they said they would help them get the house and co-sign for them. “You just take good care of your girls. Okay? And as soon as you get officially engaged I wanna be the first to hear about it.” Bucky's mom said with a lightness that reminded him of Sarah. He just nodded a bit. “Of course ma'am. You'll definitely be the first to know.” He said with a small smile. He felt as if the weight of the world was relieved from his shoulders. He felt safe for the first time in a long time.