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HOME SWEET HOME,
NEW YORK

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She almost missed the train leaving for New York. If it wasn't for Ally's repeated miscalls Czarina would still be under the covers past nine in the morning. Since the girl was in such a rush she didn't have time to drop by Hazel's before leaving. But a half hour call while on the road made it up for both of them.

"Say hi to your dad for me!"

"Will do. Don't worry he already knows you."

"Wow, so you have been telling your dad about me, huh?" Hazel teased me on the phone.

"Okay that's it. Bye! I'll see you in a week!"

After she hung up it was quiet again, she didn't feel like using her phone or reading so Czarina spent the next hour staring at the train's window while listening to music. She didn't tell him he was going home for the break. As far as her father knows the pardon states that they will be separated for a year to take care of their amends separately. For some reason the court sees that as reasonable but for her it's just  the way of the government being cautious about putting two former HYDRA super soldiers in one place.

A part of her cannot blame them but a part of her also wants to see the only family she has. So the girl came up with the decision to submit a proposal to the judge for advance visitation. With some help from the court-appointed lawyer and her personal therapist, Czarina got the proposal stamped approved within a week.

And she is now riding for New York to surprise her dad with arguably the best news he'll get this year. She misses him everyday. Considering the former life they lived together, separation can be terrifying. The day the court declared that she won't be staying with him relieved the days on HYDRA where the superiors would put them away with no assurance they'll see each other again.

But this time, of course, he'll remember her exactly who she was before they were separated. No more memory loss, mind wiping or confusion who's the girl that's been tailing him ever since they saw each other. So maybe, it's not so bad after all.

"Attention passengers the South Central Express will arrive at platform number three shortly"

Czarina blinked twice to check on the time on her phone to see if what she's hearing it correctly. She really is here. In New York. Where her dad has been staying for the past six months. Her heart pounds loudly against her chest, feeling all the nervousness as she takes in the idea that in just a few minutes she'll be seeing him again.

It took some time for the girl to find a cab in such a busy place but eventually one picked up and didn't complain about the location she asked to be dropped off. As the ride drove further down the streets of New York, Czarina began to wonder how her father was for the past six months without her. Is he around these places often, or has he confined himself in that apartment all this time? The girl would like to think it's the former. She's hoping he found company in the people around him here, just like how she did back at Boston.

"Here you go, girl. Barnes residence." The  driver spoke.

"Thank you," Czarina answered, handing the fee as she climbed down the cab.

"You're one of them, aren't you?"

For a split second she felt her heart drop. "What?" She stuttered.

"You know the Blipped ones," the man gestured a snap of fingers. "You look a bit lost with all of these. I've seen a lot of those around here."

"Oh, yeah..." Czarina sighed heavily before nodding with a small smile. "I'm one of those."

"Don't worry girl, you'll get used to it quickly. Not much has changed in those five years. At least here in Brooklyn."

Czarina watched the cab driver roll up the window and drove away from the lot she was dropped off. Even after he left the girl stayed still on the spot for the next minute, just staring at the doors of the apartment building.

You're one of them, aren't you?

"Yeah, one of the murderous soldiers the Avengers fought over seven years ago." She muttered under her breath and made her way into the building. Surprisingly it was quiet in the halls. Unlike the place she was from.

32B. A gold metal etched on the grey door in front of her. Czarina took a deep, shaky breath before finally knocking on it twice. She bit the tip of her tongue as she thought of proper words to say once her father showed up.

The door then swung open, revealing a middle aged man with a clean shaved face and a  cropped dark hair. He looks far younger and healthier compared to the last time she saw him. A grin immediately crept up on the girl's face upon seeing the surprise look on the man's.

"Hi. Surprise." She spoke in a small voice,  spreading her arms a bit as a here am I gesture. Without any hesitation Bucky went for a complete embrace on his child. Tightly wrapping Czarina's small frame with his arms. Slowly the girl's hands made its way around his back, returning the warm hug to her father.

And in that moment all Czarina's worries and concerns about seeing him again disappeared, it's not like before anymore. This time he remembers her.

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"I didn't know you were coming," Bucky spoke as he frantically cleaned up the laundry laid out on the sofa. Along with the flatscreen TV, it was the only furniture in the spacious living room.

"Well that's kinda the point of surprise, dad." Czarina answered and picked up a faded shirt from the bunch and started folding it.

"Come on, you don't need to do that. You're already tired." Bucky snatched back the clothes from the girl's hands. "Just take a rest for a while or something."

Czarina reluctantly sat down on the empty side of the couch, resting her back and head on the soft cushions. The girl's eyes roamed quickly around the whole place, just like the living room the rest of the apartment is unoccupied and untouched. There were no picture frames or displays to hang up so the walls are bare clean too. It's obviously an old but newly opened apartment. Probably no one lived on it during the five year Blip.

But now even with an owner for six months it looks like anyone barely lived on it. Her eyes then drifted back to her father as she sighed lightly on the realisation.

"What?" The man asked, quite puzzled with an expression she gave away.

"Nothing. It's pretty cozy here." She smiled, her shoulders stifling. "Nice place."

"Yeah, it's government assigned."

Czarina then stood up and slowly made her way to the kitchen. Not a single appliance looks used except for a microwave. Thick dust had also covered most of the cupboards and cabinets around. A heavy feeling started to settle on Czarina's chest by just observing around the house. Yet still, she could only hope not all of what she's thinking is true.

"Have you eaten anything today, malyshka?" Her dad questioned from the other room.

"Just a few snacks on the way here!"

"Well...," Bucky peeked his head in the kitchen, "go change and we're going out for lunch."

"Or we could just cook." Czarina suggested and wiggled her eyebrows. The two shared a locked stare before bursting out into light laughter.

"Ha-ha, very funny," Bucky mockingly replied. "I'm not burning this kitchen. Come on, go clean up. I'm just gonna finish this."

It didn't take much for Czarina to shower and change into new clothes. When she's finished Bucky is also done folding his laundry.

"You don't have a lot of neighbours here, don't you?" The girl noticed as they sat down at an unoccupied table inside the resto-bar, just below the building.

"Yeah, most of the people who lived here moved out during those five years." Bucky confirmed. "Just the usual, two orders." He turned at the serving staff who quickly placed the order on the counter.

"So, you wanna tell me how you get in here so soon?" The man asked, bringing his attention back to the girl.

"Well, the train didn't have stopovers today."

Bucky only scoffed on the girl's frivolous response. "Rina...," he spoke in a less amused tone, "the court says visitation is not until a year. So unless you have permission from our court attorney, you are not supposed to be here yet."

"I didn't sneak out. Promise!" Czarina replied in defense. "I had permission from our judge for advance visitation this year. It was submitted by Attorney Walters then approved by the court. So I'm here legally."

With a hint of doubt painted on his face, Bucky stayed silent and seemed to wait for a further explanation. He then crossed his arms against his chest. Something that made Czarina feel like sinking into her seat.

"I submitted a letter of request to see you sooner, it got the approval because I was performing well at school and with Dr. Greene." She admitted, her head still lowered. "It's been six months I've wanted to see you, dad."

"Hey," Bucky called out in a softer tone, his gaze also less hardened. "I just wanted to know what happened, I don't want you to get in any trouble just so you could be here."

"But it was break and I want to go home to you." Czarina explained as she bit her lower lip.

"I know. I want that too." He exhaled. "It's just... it's my job to find a way to see you again. It shouldn't be you stressing over that and all."

"But your plan worked out well. You really are good at convincing people, malyshka." Bucky smiled softly, sounding quite impressed that her daughter was able to pull it off. Seeing his expression made Czarina smile too. The tense air between them started to clear off.

"Well, I had a good teacher." The girl smirked.

"Of course you do. I'm a great one."

"No. Actually it was Mama." She teased back, raising a brow.

Upon the mention of the woman the blonde could swear she saw her father's eyes light up, and at the same time glistened in discomfort, but it was only for a second. The painful expression was quickly overwhelmed by the happier one.

"Two orders, James!" The staff said and placed down the two plastic trays in front of them. The food on the plates is still smoking warm, emitting different kinds of aroma that instantly makes Czarina's stomach grumble.

"Will that be all?" The brown haired man in the apron inquired.

"Yeah, that's all. Thanks, Allen." Bucky turned to him with a nod.

"Oh wait, I haven't seen this one." Allen looked over at Czarina with quite a curious look. "She's with you, right?"

"Yes, this is my daughter, Rina. Rina, this is Allen."

The girl can see the quick change of the man's look from confusion to complete shock. His eyes widened as he stared down at her.

"Ohhh, that was her. The one you've been talking about!" He exclaimed giddily. "I'll leave you two alone, have a nice lunch!"

"He's just like that, really friendly. He's the resident waiter around." Bucky said as the brown haired walked away from their table.

"And maybe one of your friends around?" Czarina hopefully suggested. But her father didn't entertain it and went straight to dig on the dish served in front. Seeing it the girl promptly does the same. As soon as she made the first bites, it was quite a relief. She didn't realise how hungry she was.

"So, how are things in your first year?" He pondered. "Are they treating you nice? How are you holding up?"

"Oh, it was great. Kinda scary at first but I'm doing good now." She explained with an obvious hint of excitement. "The people are nice, the teachers are little mean but it's college. Lucky for me I'm good at making friends!"

With the mention of friends, Bucky's eyes once lit up happily again. "Well, that's nice. Are they from around here too?"

"Oh no, they are both from Boston. That's why Hazel wanted to come with me here. She says she has never been here."

"So... why didn't you bring her?"

"I-- I didn't...," Czarina stuttered. It's difficult to find the right words for her reason at the moment. Was she supposed to say that she assumed his state to be quite reclusive to the point he won't be interested in new people? But no, that isn't what she meant.

"I guess I just didn't think you'd be... I'm sorry dad, I didn't think you'll be okay with new people around."

"Hey, hey. It's okay." Bucky immediately said. "Also, you had your plan surprising me. And it'll be ruined if you told me you were coming over."

"I could just tell you everything about them!" She offered with a smile. "I had a lot of friends back there."

"Okay I'm all ears."

"Ah, fair warning. I talk so much, you might regret that." Czarina scrunched her nose.

"Nothing I haven't experienced before!"

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After their lunch together, the rest of the day went pretty quick for the two Barnes. Since the apartment's bedroom hasn't been cleaned up yet, the both of them are staying in the living room to sleep. Czarina occupies the couch while Bucky makes himself comfortable at the makeshift bed just right down the floor.

Had a great day today
with my dad! You were
right, it wasn't so bad.
It had a lot of talking to
catch up but it wasn't bad!

That's gooddd to hear,
Rina! Told ya :D

Maybe I can bring
you here next time....

PLEASE DO. I'm revoking
our friendship card
if you don't,,,, jkkkk

A chuckle came out as she scrolled through the text dump Hazel sent to her about some crazy drama at the party she went to. It's been only a day but she already misses the brunette a lot.

"Who are you talking to?" Bucky asked with his attention half focused on the football on the television.

"Oh, just Hazel. I forgot to call her when I arrived here. She's just catching up."

"Ooohh, Hazel. The one you're going with in Florida?" He recalled from their previous talk at lunch. When Czarina mentioned their plan for the rest of the break.

"Yeah. She's just checking on me. By the way dad, any nearby libraries or bookstores around here?"

"There's one on the Fifth, but if you're planning to go out," Bucky stood up and turned off the TV, "that's a plan for tomorrow."

"I know, I'm not going out this late." The girl raised her hands in a mock retreat.

"Come on, phones out. It's already late." Bucky tapped Czarina by the shoulder.

The girl sighed in slight protest but placed down the phone and turned off the lampshade on her foot. The chilly temperature made Czarina tuck tightly, leaving only her head out of the blanket.

Seconds passed, then minutes and probably a half hour but she remained in the same state. Still wide awake and far from needing a rest despite the long day.

"Why are you still awake?" Bucky muttered, left arm placed on his forehead.

"Why are you still awake?" She replied.

"Go to sleep, Rina."

"Nah, you first."

"Please, just sleep.

"No, you sleep."

"Okay, you want me to hold your wrist?" Bucky cut through the banter.

Czarina grunted softly but turned on her side and reluctantly slipped off her left arm under the blanket for Bucky to reach it. Years ago during a particular mission on Budapest she was reunited with him, as Winter Soldier, to help her eliminate a group of rogue HYDRA agents that were too slippery. They had to camp at a local hotel inn instead of going back to their base the usual way. It didn't take long for Bucky to notice the habit of Czarina, where she would lock her hand on metal handcuffs attached to the headboard of the bed just so she could sleep.

A very harsh and inhumane practice she clearly picked up from the Red Room. Though scars or cuts would instantly heal the sharp metal would still pierce painfully on her skin throughout the night. It would visibly bruise  purple and black the next day on Czarina's wrist. But despite this she was already so used to the chains tying her down that it's impossible for her to sleep without it.

So Bucky had to come up with something else.

Sleep to him was as stranger as peace during his days as the Winter Soldier. He didn't feel the need to rest his eyes and lay on his back. It only brings him dreams that were too obscure and distracting. That's when he realised he didn't have to waste it on hours of staring aimlessly in the void. At night he would move his chair beside Czarina and instead of metal cuffs it'll be his metal hand wrapped gently on the child's wrist.

It didn't bruise or hurt at all, sometimes Bucky would bring out some hidden books he has while holding the girl as he waits for her to fall asleep. Or sometimes it'll be the papers of their targets and victims. But there were also rare nights that he'll hum and sing lullabies from distant memories. It'll help her sleep and give him a break from the rest of the world beyond those moments.

For him those days was a rest better than any kind of sleep.

"Do you want me to sing you a song?" Bucky asked as he lightly tapped his thumb on her wrist.

"Nah, I sang better." Czarina chided.

"Can't disagree with that one, you got it from your Mama."

"Yeah...," Czarina whispered. Her eyelids start to feel heavy and so does her head. "I wish I heard her sing, even just once."

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ASHA'S NOTES !

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I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO FINISH THIS CHAPTER after a month of no updates it's finally here. I'm sorry for all those who waited (if anyone did). This might felt crammed and filler but I enjoyed writing the reunion between them and the domesticity <3 I promise we are getting closer to the actual timeline of the show. I take these kinds of chapters as necessary to reveal more background story for Bucky and Czarina. Also I hope someone catches the reference I used on this chapter that was from a Marvel show *wink wink* Please tell me if someone catches it.

Anyways I wanna hear your thoughts on this chapter please, it would really mean a lot.