Hold on to me as we go.

Peter Barnes was walking beside his father walking along a freeway, winding rushing through as cars passed by, he felt exhausted and hungry after escaping the HYDRA base. They've been walking on this journey for days, occasionally stopping to rest.

As we roll down this unfamiliar road.

He'd never seen the outside world, in all of his thirteen years, this is the first time he's ever seen grass that littered the terrain, the bright blue sky above with clouds. He thought the sight was amazing, even though he's been walking on and off for days, it was worth it in his eyes, to be free. He's finally safe from those who tortured him and his dad.

And although this wave is stringing us along.

When he was only three years old, HYDRA took him from his biological parents, murdering them in cold blood. They filled him with a drug that gave him... unusual abilities. But when he got to the base Bucky was assigned to him as his overwatch as the scientists called him, Bucky never hurt him.

Just know you're not alone.

Once they escaped they headed straight for America, they couldn't be in Germany, not when HYDRA could easily find them. Bucky knew they had to keep moving, but Peter in his fragile state couldn't move any longer. The two stopped walking, sitting down on a bench not too far from the road. Peter could hardly keep his eyes open. "I'm sorry Dad, I know I'm delaying our trip." Peter apologized.

Bucky pulled the boy close, "No, little one. It's alright you're tired and need rest." Bucky was a soldier, he didn't get tired as easily as Peter, who didn't have full control of his powers. For the rest of the walk, Bucky carried Peter on his back and soon they arrived at a train station. Bucky bought a ticket for him and Peter now they're off to New York.

'Cause I'm gonna make this place your home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once Bucky and Peter got to New York, they began to build their new life, Peter began to learn how to control his powers, focus on his education, and Bucky figured out how to raise a thirteen year old boy. The man got a job at a local restaurant as a busser to earn some money. And as time went on he was promoted to a new position, with years of hard work he bought a small studio apartment.

Settle down, it'll all be clear.

While homeschooling Peter for a few years he was able to enroll him into school. Midtown Tech to be exact, and he was enjoying it. He made friends with Ned & MJ, finding out Ned loves LEGOS, and this movie series: called Star Wars.

MJ likes to draw and be less than social. They never made fun of him, they helped him with homework, and most of all they made him feel like a normal teenager. He wasn't being haunted by his past. Don't pay no mind to the demons, they fill you with fear.

That would spiral into a bout of depression except he always tried to hide it with a smile, but one night specifically at two in the morning. Peter woke up dripping in sweat, his voice was raw, and his cheeks felt wet.

The trouble, it might drag you down.

He hadn't realized he was crying, his dad rushed into the room seeing him gasping for air and bunching the comforter. He rushed over to the boy and whispered sweet things into his ear to calm him down.

If you get lost, you can always be found.

"You're alright Peter, I'm here, we're not there anymore. I promise." He said, rocking Peter back and forth.

Bucky starts combing through Peter's tangled brunet locks, still whispering to him. "We're okay Peter."

"I'm sorry D.. Dad, I d.. didn't mean to wake you up." Peter apologized.

"No, it's okay, I'm not mad. Y'know I get nightmares too." Bucky said, still mobilizing his fingers through Peter's hair listening to his soft hums.

Just know you're not alone.

"Y.. You do?" Peter asked.

"Yeah, not frequently, but I still have them. Because everyone gets scared, even the people that seem the strongest." Bucky explained.

"How do you make them go away?"

Bucky paused, "Honestly, Pete, you can't make them go away. No matter how much you try, all you can do is cope with it, be honest with yourself and confront your feelings."

Peter raised a brow, "You really think so?"

"I know so, Peter. You are so strong and so smart and I love you with all of my heart."

Peter smiled sleepily, "I love you too, Dad."

'Cause I'm gonna make this place your home.
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The End of Chapter 226