Chapter 1

There was always another way.

There's no one way about it. Even when faced with the impossible, there was always another way, a different avenue. We can't always travel down the path of least resistance; that path isn't always cut clearly. But we travel onward because no matter which way we take we end at our destination either because we're headstrong or too proud to turn back. We cannot do if we do not try.

Bucky knew this personally from experience. He had no other choice but set his goal and move forward because turning around was not an option. Even before the war he knew this is how it was, is, and always will be. We gotta' move on.

Tony Stark and Natasha Romanov died six months ago. Ross had threatened to arrest Wanda, Sam, Steve, and Bucky at Tony's funeral until the winter soldier "fucking dared" him and he backed away. Within 26 days the Sokovia Accords were ratified and each member was exonerated. Clint and Scotts records were immediately expunged without due process. The New Avengers were set to reform and continue the mission back in the states.
In that time Pepper Potts had taken it upon herself to rebuild the Avengers HQ in upstate New York if not for his memory then for the sake of humanity. The construction crew broke ground quickly and had a main structure within a month. It took more time and man power than originally calculated to complete the new compound but it was completed and fully operational with Stark Industry funding.

There was large painting and plaque in honor of humanity's savior, Tony Stark, that Bucky would walk by every morning on his way in to "work". He would stop and look and pray Tony was in a better place with no regrets. Then he'd move on and help train with the other New Avengers.

Bucky had surprisingly bonded quickly with the young spider-ling Peter Parker. He guessed Tony never shared his parents' demise and who was responsible for it so Bucky never mentioned it. Steve said it might be better that way.

Steve Rogers was a man of many things, one thing in particular was selflessness. Before Steve returned to 1950 he asked Bucky if he wanted to go with him. Bucky said no, he might be better off here. A metal arm had no place in that time and had already made his peace with long dead family. Even though he was a known international soviet terrorist, he had begun making a life here and felt his place was set. He could the guilt in Steve's eyes leaving him behind but Bucky sent him on his way, "Be selfish for once. Do what's best for you." So he did and he was better for it.

While said spider-boy was practicing Tai-Chi from Youtube-sama, Bucky opted for the 150lbs. boxing bag. These were custom made for the super beings who trained and lived here. Without Tony they began relying on Bruce Banner, Shuri, and Helen Cho for equipment upgrades and medical diagnoses.

Bucky counted his reps for each arm swinging in succession at the bag, his flesh hand wrapped in gauze as Peter posed, kicked, and made ridiculous noises that were supposed to "center" his balance and aura while attacking for the full effect. Bucky said ok and cut him loose on the gym floor.

"Yo, Barnes!"

Bucky stop throwing his weight into the bag and turned about.

Sam and Rhodey came striding up.

Bucky preferred to remain quiet and let others speak, a lackluster habit programmed in curtesy of HYDRA.

Sam proceeded once they reached his personal space, "I was just telling Rhodes about how you decided to get an apartment off campus…"

Before he could even suck in a breath to rebuttal, Rhodey cut in, "Which is ridiculous. This facility was built for the entire team, everyone has their own room. Wanda, Sam, even the kid who is only here half the time. There's no reason to be wasting money."

Sam threw his hands up, "That's what I said!"

He continued, "Look, I don't live here and I still have a room to myself for when I am here. Every team member does, that's what Pepper intended. What if we get called out and have to wait for you to show up?"

Bucky slowly put his hands up, "Look, it's an apartment 3 miles away. It'll be fine. It's just better this way."

Sam gave him 'that' look but he continued, "I told Sam about this and I'll tell you. I don't feel comfortable here even if Ms. Potts came up to me herself and invited me. It's just… this place is for Tony Stark. Rhodes… you know what happened, what I did. You know how he felt about me in general. It's just better this way and no one gets disrespected."

"It wasn't your fault. A room was built for you-"

"No," Bucky interrupted smirked, "a room was built, period. Just drop it, please."

Rhodey shook his head, "Fine, I give up. But when rent starts piling up, you're coming here."

"Deal," Bucky stuck his hand out and they shook on it.

"Uh, guys?" Peter yelled from across the gymnasium.

They turned their attention to the commotion he was staring at. Just outside the wall of floor to ceiling windows was a fairly large white and orange ship descending onto the property. Sam and Bucky mirrored the others expressions not knowing what exactly was going on.

Rhodey clapped Sam on the shoulder, "Looks like the Guardians are making a stop in. Let's bring them the welcome party."

"The who?" Bucky asked. Sam shrugged.

The four of them met with Banner, who Bucky did not previously realize had a big green alter ego he had recently unionized with, and Scott outside as the ship landed on the neatly cut grass. Tony always had a thing for proper lawn maintenance and even after he was gone it was still kept in tip top shape.

Scott gripped his hotdog as the turbines of the ship wound down, "Good thing it's not Taco Tuesday again, right?" he elbowed Banner.

Air pressure released the landing gear and lowered the steps, blowing Scotts dog right out of its bun.

"Damn it…"

Bucky saw the talking raccoon and walking tree from the first battle descend followed by a human man, and another man who he believe they had called Thor.

Rocket took to human culture and shook Rhodey's hand, "We're returning precious cargo, Quill is citing irreconcilable differences," and gestured to Thor.

Bucky remembered seeing Thor on the battlefield those long six months ago looking none too slim but unbelievably powerful and mighty. His hair was still long, top half tied back, and his beard and waistline had been trimmed. Bucky guessed he wasn't completely back in shape but was looking better.

"Greetings Avengers!" He shouted clapping Scott on the shoulder hard enough to make him stumble.

"Dude," Rhodey asked, "What's going on? I thought you took a leave of absence."

"I did, and now I have returned."

Peter Quill, as was named by Peter Parker, cut in, "We're dropping God of hammers off home because he can't listen to directions. I told you I would turn that ship around!"

Rocket laughed, "We'd be dead if he didn't take the lead on Tekton."

"I am Groot."

"Exactly."

Bucky looked around, "What is happening right now?"

Same folded his arms over his chest, "Looks like we're getting a new roommate…"

Quill pointed angrily to his vessel again, "My ship, my rules! Archie Bunker stays here! I'm done messing around, we need to find Gamora before it's too late. We had our lead on Tekton and now it's gone because someone destroyed the Tektians base and records!"

Thor laughed leaning on Stormbreaker, "It was me or them, the choice was clear."

Quill stiffened his lip, "We're leaving. If we find Gamora, we'll let you know, let's go." And with that he turned and receded back into his ship.

Rhodey turned to Rocket, "If you guys need any help, you know how to get a hold of us."

They bumped fists, "You know it. Let's go Groot before PMS-Lord ditches us here too…"

"I am Groot."

They loaded up, lifted off, and were gone as soon as they had came. Scott walked over to Thor, "Don't you have a kingdom in Norway?"

"Not any longer," Thor answered, "I had gifted it in a way to Valkyrie. She was more than worthy to rule and protect the Asgaurdian people. I was hoping you had room here. It looks as though construction was complete through our communications."

Scott turned to Rhodey, then back to Thor, "I'll show you to your room."

Bucky watched them walked towards them. Time might have stopped for just a second as Thor brushed gently passed Bucky quickly excusing himself and smiling. He noticed Thors blazing eyes that looked like they could calm the oceans and start wars. He was tall and smelled oddly enough of gold and sandalwood. He watched them march on inside the massive building with his usual hard expression.

"You'll like him," Sam said, "He's alright when his entire world isn't being destroyed or his family members stop dying. "

Peter blinked sadly at them. Bucky looked on, "I guess we have something in common…"