AHHH BDAYBDAYBDAY!!!

Idk how I feel about this chapter anyways

BUCKY BARNES PACED back and forth in the living room, his mind wrestling with the decision he was about to make. It had been three weeks since he and Ellie had spoken, their last conversation ending in a heated argument about her going to that party. He knew he was being stubborn, but his anger was rooted in concern for her well-being.

Bucky leaned against the doorway of Ellie's room, the early morning light casting a soft glow on the posters and pictures decorating the walls. He hadn't spoken to her much since their argument three weeks ago, and the silence had been a heavy burden on his heart. It was Ellie's 15th birthday today, and he knew he had to make things right. Pushing back his lingering frustration, he took a deep breath and knocked gently on her door before opening it.

Ellie was still in bed, half-awake and blinking groggily at the light streaming in. She looked surprised to see her dad standing there, a small, hopeful smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"Hey, birthday girl," Bucky said softly, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him. He carried a small, brightly wrapped present in his hand, which he set down on her bedside table. "Can I sit?"

Ellie nodded, shifting over to make space for him on the bed. Bucky sat down, the mattress sinking slightly under his weight. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, glancing at her and then away, feeling the weight of their recent silence.

"Ellie," he began, his voice low and earnest, "I know things have been... tense between us lately. And I know we haven't talked much since that argument about the party. I've been stubborn, and I'm sorry for that. But today is your birthday, and I want us to be okay. I miss you."

Ellie's eyes welled up with tears, and she looked down at her hands. "I miss you too, Dad. I hated not talking to you. I'm sorry about the party. I didn't mean to upset you."

Bucky reached out and gently lifted her chin, making her look at him. "I know, sweetheart. I just... I worry about you. You're growing up so fast, and sometimes it scares me. I'm not ready to let go, and I overreacted. But I shouldn't have shut you out."

Ellie sniffled and wiped her eyes. "I understand why you were upset. I should have been more honest with you about where I was going and who I was with. But I need you to trust me too. I promise I'll be more careful."

Bucky pulled her into a tight hug, holding her close. "I do trust you, Ellie. I just need to learn how to show it better. We'll figure this out together, okay?"

Ellie nodded against his chest, and they stayed like that for a few moments, just holding each other. When they finally pulled apart, Bucky reached for the present on the bedside table and handed it to her.

"Here, open this," he said with a smile. "Happy birthday, Ellie."

She tore open the wrapping paper to reveal a beautiful silver locket. Her eyes widened in surprise and delight. There was a genuine smile on her face that Bucky hadn't seen in a long time.

"Do you like it, El? I mean, I thought you could put a picture of us in there," Bucky said, his voice soft. "So you always have a piece of home with you."

Ellie beamed and threw her arms around him again. "I love it. Thanks, Dad."

Bucky hugged her back, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. After a moment, he pulled back and looked at her seriously. "Kamala called earlier. She really wants to have a sleepover for your birthday, and I think it would be good for you to go. You can go, as long as Bruno isn't there."

Ellie's face fell slightly. "Bruno?"

Bucky sighed. "I saw you two kissing at that party, Ellie. I'm not ready for that yet, and I'm far too protective to let you hang out with a boy I know you kissed. It's just... it's too soon for me."

Ellie blushed and nodded, understanding his concern. "Okay, Dad. I get it. I promise, no Bruno. Just me and Kamala."

Bucky smiled and ruffled her hair. "Thanks for understanding, kiddo. Now, get ready for the day. We've got a birthday to celebrate."

7 years ago

Ellie's eighth birthday dawned bright and clear, with the sunlight streaming through the windows and casting a warm glow over everything it touched. The sounds of birds chirping filled the air, and the scent of fresh morning dew lingered. Bucky was up early, bustling around the kitchen, trying to prepare a special breakfast for his little girl. He wanted everything to be perfect for her today.

Ellie awoke with a burst of excitement, her eyes wide and sparkling as she remembered what day it was. She practically leaped out of bed, her feet barely touching the floor as she rushed down the hallway. She could hear her dad humming softly to himself in the kitchen, and the smell of pancakes and bacon wafted through the air, making her mouth water.

Bucky turned just in time to see her bounding into the kitchen, her face lit up with joy. "Happy birthday, Ellie!" he exclaimed, dropping the spatula and opening his arms wide.

Ellie ran into his embrace, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Daddy!" she squealed. "I'm eight today!"

"I know, sweetheart," Bucky said, lifting her up and twirling her around. "And we've got a whole day of fun planned just for you."

He set her down gently, and Ellie scrambled up onto a chair at the table, her eyes widening at the sight of the delicious breakfast spread before her. "Wow, this looks amazing, Daddy!"

Bucky grinned, pouring syrup over a stack of pancakes. "Only the best for my birthday girl."

They spent the next hour enjoying breakfast together, laughing and talking about all the things Ellie wanted to do that day. After breakfast, Bucky handed her a small wrapped present. Ellie's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she tore off the wrapping paper to reveal a beautiful charm bracelet.

"Do you like it?" Bucky asked, watching her reaction closely.

"I love it!" Ellie exclaimed, throwing her arms around him again. "Thank you, Daddy!"

The bracelet had tiny charms, each one representing something special to them: a little book for her love of reading, a ballet shoe for her dance classes, and a star because she always said she wanted to reach for the stars.

Ellie arrived at Kamala's house with a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was her 15th birthday, and Kamala had planned an epic sleepover to celebrate. As they set up their sleeping bags and snacks in Kamala's living room, Ellie felt a sense of normalcy and joy. The past few weeks had been tough, but tonight she was determined to have fun with her friends.

Kamala's house was filled with laughter as the girls played games, watched movies, and indulged in way too much junk food. Ellie felt herself relax, enjoying the carefree atmosphere. For a while, she managed to push aside the lingering shadows of her argument with her dad and the stress that came with being a teenager.

As the night wore on, the group began to wind down, and Kamala suggested they get some sleep. Ellie settled into her sleeping bag, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her. She hadn't realized how much she needed this break, this moment of normalcy with her friends. Closing her eyes, she hoped for a peaceful night's sleep.

But peace was fleeting.

In the middle of the night, Ellie's dreams took a dark turn. She found herself back in the cold, sterile halls of HYDRA's facility. The familiar sense of dread and fear gripped her, and she could see the shadowy figures of HYDRA agents looming around every corner. In her dream, she was alone, desperately searching for her dad, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Jamie?" she called out, her voice echoing through the empty corridors. "Jamie, where are you?"

But there was no answer, only the chilling sound of footsteps getting closer. Panic set in, and Ellie started to run, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She could feel the agents closing in on her, their sinister laughter ringing in her ears. She turned a corner and saw a dark figure standing ahead, blocking her path. She tried to scream, but no sound came out.

It was Dr. Evans.

"Ellie," a voice called, soft and comforting. "Ellie, wake up."

She jolted awake, her heart racing and tears streaming down her face. Kamala was kneeling beside her, a concerned look on her face.

"Ellie, you're okay. It was just a nightmare," Kamala said gently, placing a hand on Ellie's shoulder.

Ellie struggled to catch her breath, her body trembling. The terror from the dream still clung to her, making it hard to distinguish between reality and the nightmare. She looked around, disoriented, before realizing she was safe in Kamala's living room.

"I... I had a nightmare," Ellie whispered, her voice shaky. "It was—they were coming for me..."

Kamala's expression softened, and she pulled Ellie into a comforting hug. "It's okay, Ellie. You're safe here. They can't hurt you...whoever that is..."

But despite Kamala's reassurances, Ellie couldn't shake the fear that gripped her. She pulled away from Kamala, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I need to call my dad. I need to go home."

Kamala nodded, understanding. "Oh, you sure? I mean we can watch a movie or something to get your mind off of it."

"Maybe another time, I really need to go home." She said, pulling her phone out.

Ellie fumbled with the phone, her hands still trembling as she dialed her dad's number. It rang a few times before Bucky answered, his voice filled with concern.

"Ellie? What's wrong, sweetheart?"

"Dad..." Ellie's voice broke, and she had to take a deep breath to steady herself. "I had a nightmare. It was really bad. Can you come pick me up?"

Bucky didn't hesitate. "I'm on my way, Ellie. I'll be there soon. Just hold on, okay?"

"Okay," Ellie whispered, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She handed the phone back to Kamala, who gave her a sympathetic look.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Kamala asked softly, sitting back down beside Ellie.

Ellie shook her head. "No, I just... it's so stupid."

Kamala nodded. "I have those too. He'll be here soon. Do you want to stay here, or do you want to wait outside?"

"Outside," Ellie said, standing up and grabbing her jacket. The cool night air might help calm her racing heart.

Kamala followed her to the door, offering silent support. They stepped outside, the quiet street a stark contrast to the chaos of Ellie's nightmare. She wrapped her arms around herself, shivering slightly, and Kamala draped a blanket over her shoulders.

When Bucky came she was so upset and Bucky hurt when he saw her.

The ride home was silent, save for the occasional sniffle from Ellie as she wiped away the remnants of her tears. Bucky kept glancing at her from the driver's seat, his heart aching at the sight of his daughter looking so small and vulnerable.

He wished he could take away all her pain and fear, but he knew that wasn't possible. Still, he could be there for her, and that's what he intended to do.

When they finally pulled into the driveway, Bucky turned off the engine and took a deep breath. "Ellie, let's go inside and talk for a bit, okay?"

Ellie nodded, though her expression was hesitant. They walked into the house, the comforting familiarity of their home doing little to ease the tension in the air. Bucky led her to the living room and gently guided her to sit on the couch.

"Do you want something to drink? Maybe some water?" he offered, trying to make her feel as comfortable as possible.

"No, thanks," Ellie mumbled, pulling a blanket from from her couch house tighter around her shoulders.

Bucky sat down next to her, reaching out to take her hand. "Ellie, I know you don't want to talk about it, but I need to know what's going on. I can't help you if you don't tell me."

Ellie hesitated, her eyes downcast as she fidgeted with the edge of the blanket. "It's just... it's hard, Dad. It feels so real."

Bucky squeezed her hand gently. "I know, sweetheart. I know it's hard. But you're not alone in this. I'm here, and I want to help you through it."

Ellie took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. "It was a flashback. I was back in that place, with HYDRA. I saw Dr. Evans."

Her voice cracked, and she blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears. "I saw her face. HYDRA, they made me kill people and I know she was there to judge me for that...if that makes any sense."

"Ellie, it wasn't your fault. They forced you. You didn't have a choice."

"I know, but it doesn't make it any easier," Ellie whispered, her voice barely audible. "I just want to forget it all, but it keeps coming back."

Bucky held her tighter, wishing he could absorb all her pain and make it disappear. "I'm so sorry you have to go through this, Ellie. I wish I could take it all away. But you're so strong, and you've already come so far."

Ellie pulled away slightly, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and determination. "I just feel so... so stupid, I know I'm too old to be this scared but I just am."

"You're not broken, Ellie. You're human. You've been through unimaginable things, but you're still here, still fighting. That's what matters," Bucky said firmly, his voice filled with conviction.

Ellie nodded, but the sadness in her eyes remained. "Thanks, Dad. I just... I need some time. Can I go to bed now?"

Bucky felt a pang of sadness as she stood up, already distancing herself emotionally. "Of course. If you need anything, I'm right here."

"Goodnight, Dad," Ellie said quietly, not meeting his eyes as she headed toward her room.

"Goodnight, El," Bucky replied, watching her go with a heavy heart.

He sat on the couch for a long time after she left, the weight of her pain and his own helplessness pressing down on him. He wanted so desperately to make things better for her, to erase the horrors of her past, but he knew that wasn't something he could easily do. All he could do was be there for her, offer his support and love, and hope that it would be enough.