There are some things in life you never get over, no matter how hard you try or how much time passes. They stay there, like a thorn in between your ribs that won't kill you, but always reminds you it's there and that, even if you try to dig with your fingers into your own flesh to grab it and pull it out, it will always remain there.

For Bucky, it is Steve's death.

It happened too fast, all of the sudden – in his own territory. They were in one of their nightclubs in Queens that night when they were ambushed by Rumlow's men.

Someone in their ranks ratted out to their rival gang where they were going to be and at what point there was going to be less security. The next thing Bucky knew was that the place turned crimson in matter of minutes – he watched his men being shot down one by one, until Steve was mortally wounded.

Steve died shortly after, asking Bucky for two things: to take over their business and to take care of his only daughter, Sarah.

And, for the past eight months, Bucky has been trying.

Despite being only seven years old, Sarah is a whirlwind of blue eyes and blonde hair who sweeps everything in her path: curious, restless and with witty answers that leave even the most cunning adult speechless. At her age, she already runs rings around him, Sam, even Natasha sometimes.

However, she is still a child trying to adjust after losing both parents at such a young age. And Bucky is still adjusting to going from being a godfather to a guardian, the closest thing to a father figure she has now.

And it can be so difficult sometimes, even more when he has to balancing it with his duties as the new boss of the criminal organization – but Bucky would be lying if he didn't say that the only thing keeping him somewhat sane is taking care of Sarah.

Now, he has a person in his care and he cannot rush headlong into a reckless and risky revenge. He has to play smart and plan everything thoroughly so as not to risk leaving Sarah alone in this world again – and that is the only thing that holds him back from playing cruel and mercilessly.

Although, that doesn't mean Bucky has forgotten, he has dedicated a specific group of his men exclusively to track down every cell, every business and name linked to Rumlow and has taken it upon himself to personally take down each of them – patiently waiting for the right moment.

But, in the meantime, he has been reinforcing his security in every possible way. He has moved with Sarah and most of his closest team to the outskirts of New York, to one of the properties Steve left – big enough to house everyone. He has also pulled the kid out from school to get her a private teacher.

And that was a complicated topic.

Finding a teacher for Sarah was no easy task – she's not a bad kid, but can be a handful. None of the righteous teachers made it past the first week and Bucky was going crazy...

Until you came along.

He doesn't know how you did it, but it's been just a few weeks and Sarah seems to really like you – she starts the day looking forward to your arrival and even she has acquired the habit of reading.

And, for that reason, Bucky has summoned you to his office today.

Bucky's office is on the west wing of the house, a little away. He is already there when you arrived and gestures for you to sit in the chair in front of his desk to talk:

“I just wanted to talk to you for a minute...” Bucky says, but for some reason he's always lost for words when he talks to you.

“I think that– that... you have done a great job, you know, with Sarah. She's not... the easiest kid to handle– not that I'm complaining, but... yeah–”

Oh boy, isn't it embarrassing? Bucky Barnes, mafia boss, reduced to incoherent phrases.

“Just... want to let you know that we want you to come everyday and... give her whole lessons and all...” His hand moves as he speaks “We can negotiate your salary and... that sort of thing.”