**Hmm...about to get interesting?...maybe...***

**Enjoy!**

Chapter 2: We're Done Here

The coffee table was covered. Printed documents of cell phone purchases, index cards with coordinates scribbled on them, map images printed and circled with pen or marker, and several photos showing surveillance snapshots. He sat on the couch, resting his elbows on his knees, staring intently at the information strewn about the coffee table.

Bucky's mind was in a thousand different directions, and the longer he stared at her pictures, the more off-track he seemed to go. It was taking every bit of restraint not to drive to the airport that second, and board the first plane to California, which according to the information that took him two days to open, was the last documented place of residence. However, it seemed Natasha's contact wasn't able to pinpoint an actual address.

He ran his hands through his hair, standing from the couch and walking toward the window. It was nearing sunrise, judging by the first hints of pale blue coming up from the horizon, signaling the start of the day for most of the people residing in DC; for him it was just a reminder that he had not slept all night. For the first time in years, he found himself at a crossroads.

It was nearly six months before she first made contact with him after leaving DC. She gave him no hint as to where she was, just that she was safe for the time being; although he sensed the slightest hint of distress in her voice, he didn't push it. She maintained their contact for the next three years, whether by email or a random phone call from an unrecognized number, but she always told him that she would make the contact. Then suddenly, it all stopped. The emails, the phone calls, she had gone completely off the radar.

Worry took root after nearly a year with no sign of her, but according to Steve and everyone else, she was dead; so addressing his concern was out of the question. He didn't trust Stark very much as to keeping a secret and Natasha was about as hard to pin down as any well trained spy. It didn't take long for Bucky's other demeanor to start surfacing, as if his own body was implementing a failsafe to keep his own sanity intact. The desire to keep her secret was slowly being over-ridden with the desire to find her. Sighing heavily, Bucky turned to the coffee table, hastily gathering everything up and stuffing it back into the envelope.

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"You want to do what exactly?" Stark questioned, taking a sip from his protein shake.

"I need to borrow your private jet" Bucky repeated, looking as if he'd rather roll a razorblade in his mouth than ask Tony for a favor.

"Umm, just encase you missed the memo, but are these things called airports for that kind of request"

"Encase you missed the memo…I have a metal arm…I won't make it past basic security"

"Where do you plan on going with my plane?"

"California"

"Well that's specific, are you aware of how big the state of California is?"

Bucky sighed in exasperation, he was well aware of how big that state was.

"I'm aware, look if it makes you feel any better, you can have someone just fly me out and drop me off, I'll find my own way back"

"You must really wanna go"

"It's important, yes"

Stark hitched his eyebrows and took another sip from his shake as he moved around the bar.

"Important enough to call you with a different burner phone every few months?"

Bucky went rigid and he lost his ability to swallow or breath. He eyed Tony dangerously as the billionaire casually strolled across the room.

"Jarvis"

On cue, as usual, a large holographic screen appeared between Stark and Bucky, displaying the exact same information that was inside the envelope he had tucked in his jacket. Scrolls of her old numbers flew across the screen, each one that was highlighted showed exact coordinates as to where it was purchased, along with a video playback of the security cameras; freeze framing as her face barely came into view. Bucky felt a familiar tightening in his chest, and he wasn't sure if it was because of sentiment, or the desire to knock Tony into the next dimension for crossing the line so boldly.

"We're done here" Bucky seethed, his fists clenched so tightly he could hear the whine of his metal hand.

The soldier walked through the screen, averting his eyes from Stark to keep from strangling him.

"She's in California by the way"

"Old news Stark"

"A hundred and sixty three thousand square miles is a lot of ground to cover"

"I'll manage" he growled, yanking the door open; startling Pepper who was in the process of walking in.

"Well then I advise you to start in San Diego" Stark called, dismissing the screen.

Bucky stopped cold, turning his eyes back on Tony, who was heading back to his mini bar on the side of the room so nonchalantly.

"What did you say?"

"Oh I'm sorry, now you suddenly want to talk?" Tony mocked.

"Enough with the smartass attitude Stark, what did you say!?" Bucky sneered; abandoning the door and quickly covering the ground between himself and Tony.

Pepper was slow to enter the room, being as quiet as she could be, as if she were expecting a fight to break out between the two; a fight Tony would no doubt lose.

"She's in San Diego, but more importantly, I have an exact address" Stark mentioned proudly, setting his now empty glass into the sink.

"How?"

"Because I'm Tony Stark, if I want to know where someone is…I find out"

"And if he's desperate enough, he'll give his home address over public T.V to get their attention" Pepper chimed in, assessing that the threat was low enough for her to speak.

"Honey, I thought you were taking Howie to school?" Tony asked, looking puzzled at Pepper's entrance.

"I already did, I hope you're playing nice" She advised, giving him a quick kiss on the lips and walking by him to go for the coffee pot.

"I always play nice"

"I'll believe that when I see that. So what's this about San Diego?"

"Nothing!" Stark and Bucky were both in unison, which led to Stark sending the soldier a raised eyebrow.

"Jinx, owe me a coke" Stark remarked quickly.

Bucky ignored the comment, glaring at Tony with an edge of panic, obviously wanting to keep a lid on the information.

"Oh is this about the fundraiser next week at the convention center?" Pepper asked, seemingly ignoring Stark's subtle eye gestures for her to stop talking.

"That? No, I'm not going" He remarked.

"Not according to what you told me last night, you were practically glowing when you said you were planning on going, you can't just change your mind like that Tony, especially after telling the mayor you were coming"

"You know babe, the idea of an invitation is that it's a free choice" Tony stated.

"A choice you already made, you're going…" Pepper enforced, taking a sip of coffee.

Stark opened his mouth to retort, but was silenced when she shot him a glance over her mug.

"…besides, I see no harm if you're heading there already, why not let Mr. Barnes, you know…tag along" she advised.

"Tag along? This isn't a bro trip, we're not going camping"

"I know, you're going to San Diego, and you're taking him with you"

Tony looked on as Pepper walked away, as if he was still processing what just happened.

"Mr. Barnes, it's good to see you by the way" Pepper chimed as she made her way to the door.

"Mrs. Stark" Bucky stated, nodding his head out of respect as the claimed matriarch of Stark industries left them alone.

"If you learn anything from me buddy, learn these two very important bits of advice. First, don't ever get married unless you are willing to sacrifice your shot calling days…Second…do your best not to owe anybody a favor, you will regret it in the long run" Stark advised in a matter-of-fact tone.

Tony came around the side of the bar, heading for the door; turning to face Bucky as he walked.

"8am sharp, next Wednesday, I'll have my P.A contact you with the details" he remarked, turning back to watch where he was going.

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Bucky pulled his phone from the clip, checking the time displaying on the screen for what felt like the thousandth time that morning.

10:12

"So much for 8 sharp" He grumbled to himself.

Returning the phone to the clip he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the hood of his car. Waiting nearly a week for this trip was hard enough, and he wondered if Stark was getting revenge for being practically forced into taking him along to whatever function it was he got himself into. While he was sure that Pepper had a hand in forcing Tony's, the chances of this fundraiser being held in the same city that he claimed she now resided in were far too coincidental for Bucky's liking; which had him wondering if Stark had this whole thing planned.

The growl of a high powered engine brought his attention to the main entrance as a red E-Tron came flying into the parking lot, pulling up to the walk-pad near the jet parked in the middle of the tarmac. Bucky reached back to grab the duffle bag sitting on his hood just as black Cadillac Escalade came speeding in shortly after, taking a spot next to the red car.

Slinging the bag over his shoulder, he began to walk toward the vehicles, hoping Stark didn't intend on taking the same amount of time loading up as he did to get there. Bucky suddenly stopped in his tracks as the back door of the Escalade opened up, and Steve got out, locking eyes with the soldier with an equally as stunned look.

"You gotta be kidding me" Bucky growled, seeing Sam come around the corner of the truck; hesitating momentarily when he saw him.

"Bucky?" Steve questioned.

"Stark!" Bucky hissed, ignoring his friend.

"Oh yea, I forgot to mention, I'm bringing these two along for the fundraiser. Part of a three for one deal for the mayor…and the fact I find traveling cross country alone with you incredibly terrifying" Stark chimed, disappearing toward the jet.

It took an amazing amount of self-control not to turn on his heel and walk back to his car, but Bucky was far too close to just give up. He knew he'd have to come up with an excuse if they found her, but at least he'd have the entire plane ride to come up with one.

"I didn't think you liked these kind of things" Steve remarked, walking to the back to retrieve his bags as Happy began rifling for Stark's.

"I don't" Bucky grumbled, storming past him and heading for the jet; ready to be in the air.

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They had barely been in the air for an hour before Sam was asleep in the chair, his head resting in his hand, propped up by his elbow that he hand planted on the wooden ledge. Bucky sat on the end of the curved couch tucked in the corner, quietly sifting through a few of the surveillance photos, keeping his ears tuned for any movement from Steve, who was sitting with Tony at the small table in front of Sam's chair.

The captain got to his feet and the moment he saw his friend turn toward him, he tucked the pictures into his jacket. Steve took a seat next to Bucky, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands together.

"So…if you're not going to the fundraiser…what are you doing flying to San Diego?" Steve asked.

It was the question he had been expecting since they arrived at the airstrip. Bucky took a breath, gathering his thoughts, ready to say what he had been rehearsing in his mind from the moment he boarded.

"I'm following a lead" he stated.

"A lead? For what?"

"A HYDRA informant"

Steve let out a soft sigh, leaning back into the couch.

"Bucky…it's been years since there have been any reports of HYDRA activity…for all we know, they've all been captured by authorities or killed"

"I want to be sure"

The captain rested his head back on the couch, a small gesture of defeat. It was a card that Bucky knew he would win with, using his deep hatred for HYDRA as a way to get Steve to back off. It took only a few heated arguments within the first year of his return to get the captain to realize that once the Soldier had a goal in mind…there was no deterring him.

"How accurate is this informant?" Steve asked.

"Impeccable"

With that, Roger's let out another sigh, getting to his feet.

"I hope you're right" he stated, heading back to his seat with Stark.

Bucky eyed him carefully for a few moments before he turned his gaze toward the small windows to the right. Lying to Steve about his state of mind was one thing, but this was going to come around and bite him; that he was certain of.

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Bucky came to the realization that there was one thing he hated more than fundraisers, and that was Stark's idea of driving. Between Tony and Steve in the front seat, he was starting to wonder who Stark was really married to; the twenty minute drive from the hotel seeming more like an hour with a husband and wife arguing on which direction to go.

The only thing that bothered him more than the two in the front, was the additional tag along seated beside him. It was bad enough that the dynamic duo came with them for the event, but he near wanted to strangle Stark with the $800 tie he wore last night when he insisted on the captain and his trusty sidekick coming along. His nerves were shot at this point, maddeningly trying to come up with an explanation as the imminent blow on her cover was drawing closer; providing Stark was right.

Tony pulled the car to a stop along the inclined curb, and judging by how quickly Sam scrambled out from the back seat, Bucky wasn't the only one that didn't enjoy the trip. He stepped out of the car, glancing around the houses as Stark bounded around from the front, crossing the street.

"6372 Calle Pavana, that's it" Tony stated.

He turned his gaze to the house directly across from them. It was a nice neighborhood, and a quiet street, with palm trees lining every few feet along the curb. The house looked to be a single story, the incline of the hill making it easy for a two car garage to be tucked underneath the right side; seemingly unused given the dark blue Ford Edge parked in the driveway. It had a creamy yellow Aztec style siding, with dark brown shutters and railing down the same colored steps leading up to the wooden door to the left of the garage.

"Pretty fancy for an informant" Stark jeered, lowering his glasses just enough to send a judgmental glare at Bucky.

The soldier ignored him, his mind reeling as they approached the steps. He wanted to see her again, he wanted her to be there…but at the same time…he prayed Stark was wrong. They climbed the steps, and Bucky took a steadying breath before he pressed his finger into the doorbell. He heard faint movement inside, but no attempts for the door.

"Man are you sure this is a good idea? How do we know that this informant even knows you?" Sam questioned.

Bucky tossed him an annoyed glare as he raised his hand to knock on the door. His heart skipped a beat when the deadbolt finally gave way, and the sound of a chain lock came loose. Suddenly the door was open and all four of them flinched when they were met with barrel of fifty caliber desert eagle aimed carefully. Bucky's ears were ringing as blood rushed through his veins, his heart hammering in his chest, but it wasn't the gun he saw; it was the set of narrowed heterochromatic eyes that seemed to soften just the slightest when they focused on him.

Seven years seemed to age well with her if any at all; which puzzled him long enough to pass the idea. Her dirty blonde hair had grown back out to reach just past her shoulder blades had it not been tied back into a messy ponytail. She looked leaner, and there was a slightly more athletic tone in her arms and stomach seen with the tank top she sported. He noticed the thigh holster for her gun strapped around a pair of seemingly tight fit blue jeans and barefoot on top of that; the only other accessory she sported was a wide, worn brown leather bracelet. It took only a few seconds for her to lower the gun, the 'ready to kill' look on her face shifting into a mix of livid and shocked.

"You gotta be kidding me!" she hissed, wheeling around and walking away.

"Yep…she knows him" Sam remarked.

"I can explain!" Bucky stated, ignoring the gesture and following her inside.

"The hell you can, what part of under the radar did you not get!?" she ranted, her vivid hand gestures including the gun she still had a hold of.

The others hesitantly followed the two into the open dining room, shutting the door behind them to avoid any of the neighbors seeing them.

"There's under the radar and there's off the radar, I lost contact with you for five years, I didn't-"

Bucky was silenced as she spun on her heel, eyes wild and strands of hair falling around her face.

"You didn't what? You didn't wait for me to contact you like you should have!? Gaps in communication is to be expected, I am in hiding! Damn it Bucky!" she snapped, wheeling back around and rubbing the sides of her forehead; seeming to put Stark at ease for the time being with the gun pointed the other way.

"Kadence, please just let me explain!" Barnes insisted.

He didn't have time to realize his error before her eyes were back on him with a scrutinizing glare.

"Kadence?...Kadence Jestings?" Steve asked.

Bucky's chest clenched painfully when he realized that the captain made the connection…a little too quickly for his liking.

"I thought you were dead" The captain finished.

Kadence sighed through her nose, and the smile that came across her face was only slightly un-nerving.

"Thank you, so much" she retorted sarcastically, holstering her gun.

"So, I'm going to guess she's not an informant?" Sam asked.

"No, she was former HYDRA agent that helped Bucky take town the Russian division by surrendering every bit of their information to the FBI…we were led to believe she was killed in action…we even had a funeral" Steve stated, glaring daggers at Bucky.

"Everyone had to think she was dead…it was the only way to convince HYDRA" Bucky retorted, returning the captain's glare.

Kade seemed to brush off the exchange between the two, glancing up at the clock and moving over toward the window; pushing the curtain aside.

"If HYDRA wanted her dead so badly, she needed to stay under our protection, not running off all over the U.S" Steve clipped, his tone suggesting he wasn't too pleased with the unfolding events.

"That wasn't your call to make" Bucky growled.

"Hello…I'm in the room…" Kade hissed, managing to draw the attention off the fight that was about to ensue in her dining room, continuing to glance outside.

"…look, you want answers, I get it, but now is not the time, you all need to leave" she urged.

The sudden desperation in her voice did not go un-noticed.

"We just got here" Stark argued.

"And you were just leaving" she snipped, gesturing to urge them out.

"What's the hurry?" Tony asked.

"I will answer all the questions you have, in great detail, just not now…come back tomorrow morning, preferably after nine, just…shit" she sighed, lowering her head in defeat and pinching the peak of her nose.

"I don't need to, thanks" Stark remarked.

"Cut the attitude Stark, and as for the rest of you…NOT a word…understand?" she threatened, eyeing them each dangerously.

"What's going on?" Bucky asked.

"Not…a word" she reinforced, glaring at him.

The sound of footsteps approaching the door suddenly had them all on edge, and then the front door came bursting open; a young boy on his way of bounding inside.

"I'm…home" his announcement tapered off when he instantly took notice of the four men standing in the dining room.

Bucky felt his heart lodge itself in his throat, taking in the sight of the boy that just walked in; who seemed to be assessing the strangers in his home. It almost felt like he was looking into a mirror from the past. Shaggy brown hair, intense blue eyes and even at this age he could see the definition in the jawline. He saw Steve glance at him questionably out of the corner of his eyes, otherwise unable to tear his gaze from the boy; who seemed to stare right back at Bucky.

It felt like hours before the kid finally pulled his gaze to the man next to him, his face lighting up almost instantaneously.

"Wait…you're…you're Captain America!" he beamed, with eyes wide as saucers.

"Uh…" Steve glanced over at Kade, who was still preoccupied with controlling the oncoming headache.

Wide eyes scanned over Sam, keeping their excitement as they made their way to Tony.

"No way…Iron Man!?"

"Jamie" Kade called, kneeling down with the intent to meet eye level.

"Mom…Tony Stark is in our house!" Jamie beamed.

"Mom?" Stark remarked, glancing over at Bucky.

The glare the soldier gave Tony had the capability to kill.

"I see that, come here" Kade warned gently.

"And he's with Captain America!" Jamie continued, having only a slight amount of difficulty walking straight with his eyes glancing back and forth between Kade and the four men.

"Jamie, front and center…" she enforced, gently taking his chin in her hands and forcing him to look at her.

"…look, these men are friends of mine…and we have some, adult stuff to talk about, so I need you to march to your room, close the door, and do your homework…understand?"

"but it's-"

"Ah! No…and don't even think about trying to eavesdrop…I'll know if you do" she warned, cocking her head forward to solidify her glare.

Jamie sighed in defeat, groaning as he trudged toward a small stairwell to the right. He made it up three steps before he turned, hoping down a step and leaning against the wall.

"Can they stay for dinner?" he asked.

Kadence shot a glare at him, which sent the boy scurrying up the stairs. None of them dared say a word until they heard the distinct sound of a door being shut.

"Mom?..." Stark reiterated, getting the same glare from Kade as he did from Bucky.

"…this just got really interesting" he finished.

"You have a son?" Bucky asked, his voice slightly raspy considering his lungs still didn't want to work.

"Yes Bucky, I have a son" She retorted, yanking the curtain closed and walking toward the kitchen that was adjacent from the dining room.

"How old?"

"…Seven" she replied, albeit shamefully.

Bucky abruptly lost the ability to speak.

"Oh I'm really glad I came along for this" Stark laughed.

Kadence looked like she was ready to go for the gun on her thigh before Steve put himself between them.

"I'm sorry we put you on the spot back there, and I'm sorry for showing up unexpectedly…we weren't as informed as we should have been" Steve stated, sending another warning glare at Bucky; the latter looking slightly paler than usual.

"Well the cat's out of the bag, no point in keeping secrets anymore…and I guess this is the point where I invite you all to dinner…because he won't let me hear the end of it if I don't" she remarked, tossing her head toward the stairs as she turned to the kitchen.

"Dinner sounds awesome, but I think soldier boy might need a candy bar or something…he's looking a little pale…low blood sugar perhaps?" Stark joked.

"He'll live" Kade growled, pulling a large frying pan from the lower cabinet.