The Slip Up

Chapter Thirteen

Y/N gave him some details, but Steve jumped in saying he would help Bucky with the school part of it to ease both of their minds.

Once they got that situated, Steve was about to go pick up the kids.

"Think you can handle it?" Steve asked.

"I hope so," Bucky sighed.

"You go this. It's just like babysitting your niece. It's not like you haven't helped in raising a little girl already." Steve patted his friend's shoulder.

"I guess you're right. Though that was the fun uncle way of it, and this is a lot more serious. Like actual dad serious."

"Speaking of that, I meant to ask you. When is Y/N going to finally introduce you to Rori as her father? Or is that both something you two are waiting on?" Steve questioned, turning to fix a few things on his desk before grabbing keys and a whistle.

"I don't know man. I mean at first, I was all for Y/N taking her time with that. The two are all the other had for the longest time, and with me coming in so late, I didn't want to scare Rori or make things weird. I wanted them to be comfortable and ready. But now..." Bucky looked at the ground before running a hand through his hair. "I love spending time with them..." He paused a smile forming on his lips as he thought of the both of them. "I mean Rori, of course," he said, slightly catching himself after the little slip. Steve smiled but stayed quiet letting his friend get his thoughts out. "And if I'm going to really be her dad, I want her to know so it's not just me walking on eggshells a good part of the time, making sure I don't say something to make this go sour... You get what I'm trying to say?"

He looked up throwing his hand out to the side and looking back at the blonde with curiosity in his eyes. He really wanted to see if it made sense or if he was overthinking it.

"No, no. It makes sense 100%." Steve reassured his friend. "Have you talked to Y/N about that though?"

"No."

"Well, I would start there because at the end of the day, she gets a big say so in that discussion." Steve patted Bucky's back again as he walked past him to leave his classroom and head to the playground. "You'll be back here at 3:00, right?"

"Yeah, 3 on the dot," Bucky shook his head out in thought.

"Good. Don't be late, or you'll have me to deal with."

"Sir, yes, sir," Bucky mock saluted following him out.
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Bucky ran a few errands before heading back to the school a couple of hours later. He did as Steve asked; parked and came inside to the office, checked her out as a visitor, and came to the gym to take her from Steve's line specifically.

"Ok Miss. Rori, looks like your ride's here," Steve announced, spotting Bucky walking in.

"I don't see my mom," Rori said standing and looking around.

"Remember, she called and said someone else was coming to pick you and take you to her work?" Steve chuckled.

"Oh, right. But who-" she stopped mid-sentence seeing Bucky now that he was closer. "Bucky!"

"Hey kiddo," Bucky grinned at her excitement.

"Why are you picking me up?" she asked in an innocent childlike manner. Head cocked to the side, eyebrows raised, and a look that Steve had seen Bucky make multiple times in his life when confused.

"You're mom got stuck at the office and I volunteered to help out. That ok with you?" Bucky wanted to ask her permission as well.

"Yes!" she jumped running to grab his hand.