Author's Note: Hi all, sorry this took so long! But here is the final chapter to this epic. Hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 28: Winter's End

Rhea put the key in the lock and let the door swing open. She looked behind her and saw Bucky wrestle with some bags. She grinned to herself, the amount of times over the last year she had seen him struggle with boxes and bags while they moved from one place to another, they really had been like gypsies over the years. She left the door open and looked over at the their new apartment. The New Avengers facility was incredible, state of the art. Training areas indoor and outdoors to allow for some new recruit's powers, there was a gym fully equipped along with top class physiotherapists and other professionals to keep them all in living side of the facility was even more impressive than the Avengers Tower. Some of the more senior members of the Team even had their own apartments in out buildings that had been converted. Rhea and Bucky's apartment was a huge open plan space, the kitchen looked almost futuristic. It was white and clean looking with large floor to ceiling windows over looking the valleys of upstate New York that spread out in front of them. A noise broke Rhea's thoughts, she turned around and saw Bucky looking at her with the bags on the ground and one was broken.

Rhea burst out laughing, "I'm sorry babe, I was off in my own world." She walked over and went down to help Bucky with the things that have fallen. She looked up at him and smiled, but there was something behind his eyes. She leaned in and kissed his cheek, "You ok, you seem tense."

Bucky looked at her, "It's just Stark, how did you manage to convince him to let us come back?" He's eyes filled with disbelief.

Rhea gave a small smile, "Well it wasn't all me to be honest. It was his new….."

"I hope I'm not interrupting,"

Bucky jumped up, "Whoa!" He looked at the newcomer.

Rhea laughed, "I was just about to say, Bucky, this is Vision, he's new here."

Vision extended his hand to Bucky, "Pleasure to meet you Sergeant Barnes."

Bucky shook his hand gingerly, "Why do you sound like JARVIS?"

"Long story, but I am sort of JARVIS," Vision explained, "I exist thanks to him," He pointed to his head, "This infinity stone allowed me life."

"I see," Bucky nodded, "Well I've seen stranger things. It's nice to meet you, and I suppose a 'thank you' is in order too, I have no idea what you said to Tony but I'm just so glad to be back."

Vision smiled, "It was my pleasure, you have spent enough time in exile Bucky I didn't see the need for you to be punished further when you're already punishing yourself, all the time."

Bucky stared at him, "How did you…?"

"He can read your mind babe," Rhea said to him.

Bucky said, "Things just get more normal by the day." He straightened up and looked at Vision, "All I can say is thank you, thank you so much."

Vision bowed slightly to him, "You are most welcome. I'll take my leave, you have some settling in to do." He turned and walked out his cape billowing at his feet.

Bucky looked over at Rhea, "He is a little odd isn't he?"

Rhea laughed and walked over to him and nestled into his chest and he wrapped his arms around her, "Yeah he's a little strange but he's a pretty good person to get us back here." Bucky nodded and kissed her head.

"Oh my god! You're back!" Both looked up to find Steve standing in the door way holding the eight month old Oliver. He strode over to his best friend and sister and wrapped them in a hug.

"Watch the child Steve!" Rhea gasped as she felt Oliver struggle a little bit.

"It's so good to see you!" Steve smiled at them, "We're all glad you both are back. And to celebrate we're having a party in my place tonight."

"Will Tony be there?" Bucky asked straight out.

Steve paused, "Look Buck, there is gonna be an elephant in the room regardless, I think you're just gonna have to talk to him."

Rhea nodded, "Steve is right. All you can do is apologise. I know you've done nothing wrong but in his head you have." She took his hand and squeezed it. Bucky grunted a response and walked away to bring the bags into the bedroom.

Rhea sighed, "It's going to be hard for a while but it will get better." She looked after her fiancé. A gurgle from Oliver broke her thoughts, she turned to the child and smiled, "Hello again," She reached out and her nephew clawed away from Steve and into her arms, she laughed and hugged him close to you, "I missed you little man! You've gotten so big!"

He pointed at her and said "Eee-Aaah."

Rhea's eyes went wide, "Did he just say my name?" She stared at her brother in disbelief.

Steve nodded, "Yeah, Nat and I have been showing him pictures of you and Bucky, so he wouldn't forget you."

"God, Steve, that's so sweet, thank you," She kissed Oliver on the cheek, "Yes Olly, Eee-Aaah, I'm Eee-Aah."

Rhea ran her hand through her hair and let it settle just right then adjusted her dress, she moved to see herself in the mirror, the dress sat just right on her; thin straps held the red dress on her and it hugged her body down to just above her knees. Her eye caught a figure watching her from the door, she turned to see Bucky leaning against the door in a loose white shirt and jeans. She smiled at him, he grinned back, "I like that dress," He eyed her.

She rolled her eyes, "So do I," She leant up and kissed him, "So you ready to go?"

Bucky tensed his jaw, "Ready as I'll ever be."

They walked down the corridors to Steve and Nat's apartment, they could hear music playing inside and people talking, Rhea felt Bucky tense beside her, she rubbed his arm. She raised her hand to knock at the door but before her knuckles struck the door it opened. "Good evening," Vision said to them and let them in. Rhea smiled at him, it was calming to have him there. Once they stepped in everyone stopped, it was like that horrible moment in High School if someone walked out of the bathroom with paper on their shoe. Rhea paused, she could do two things; one, turned around and run, or two, smile say hello and try and get everyone to relax. She went for the second option before Bucky did a runner.

"Hi everyone," She gave a smile. Within seconds everyone was around them hugging them, Sam patted Bucky on the back saying how much he missed them, Clint and his wife were hugging Rhea as well as Pepper and Nat, Bruce was fiercely shaking Bucky's hand. Thor was the only one missing but he would be on Earth the following day. They all stood back to introduce them to the new members, Scarlet Witch or Wanda, Vision of course and Sam was finally a member, and Scott Lang or Antman. They all stopped and looked around, Tony was standing at the far side of the room, the group seemed to part like the Red Sea as Tony walked over. Rhea looked at him, he was unreadable. He walked straight up to Bucky. Bucky stood stock still. Tony looked up at him slightly and quick as a flash punched him across the jaw. Everyone stood in shock, but Bucky didn't move, then to everyone's surprise Tony wrapped him in a hug. "I forgive you, it wasn't you, and I'm sorry," Tony said.

"Wow, Tony said 'sorry' to someone," Clint said in shock.

Tony stood back and rolled his eyes, "Give it a rest Barton." He looked at Bucky and Rhea, "Look, what I said in anger was wrong, you've both suffered unnecessarily because of my anger. So welcome home."

Rhea wiped a tear from her eye, "Thank you Tony, we didn't think we'd ever be here amongst our friends and family."

Tony put his hand on her shoulder, "I'm sorry kid, I never wanted to do this to you."

Steve walked over, "Well guys, I hope we can all move on from this and maybe learn something?"

Rhea raised an eyebrow, "Wow, everyone, meet Captain America!"

Steve elbowed her, "Yeah, yeah give it up."

"Right lets eat everyone, seeing as the family is back together," Tony clapped his hands.

Bucky took Rhea's hand and ran his fingers over her knuckles, "Thank you babe," He said softly and kissed the top of her head before they walked over and sat down at the long table in Steve's apartment. Rhea smiled as her friends past the food around taking what they want, the general chatter was struck up. Rhea closed her eyes from a minute and listened, it was comforting, familiar. She felt Bucky's hand on her thigh, she looked down as the metal fingers moved in a calming motion, he was truly relaxed. She sighed and took a sip of her beer, she was home.

Seven months later:

"Rheeee-aaaaaaa!" A little voice screeched. Rhea closed the fridge door and looked down at her fifteen month old nephew as he staggered towards her. She smiled and bent down and he collapsed into her hand, giggling. The serum in Steve seemed to have affected Oliver too, he was developing much quicker then normal.

"What's up little man?" She asked him.

He looked up at her with bright blue eyes, "Uncle Bucky! He can't move his arm!" The child burst into laughter again. She stood up in time to see her fiancée walk in with his left arm hanging loose by his side.

She had to hold back a snigger, "What's going on?" She managed to say.

Bucky made a face, "I was playing aeroplanes with Olly and I was swinging around and I think he hit something in my arm."

"Well that brings a whole new meaning to 'dead arm'," Rhea quipped which earned her a look, she raised her hands in defence, "Fine, fine, let me call Tony." She went over to the phone.

"Hello?" Tony answered.

"Uncle Tony!" Olly yelled into the phone, "Uncle Bucky's arms broke! Come fix!"

Rhea laughed, "Well thats the general gist of what I was going to tell you Tony."

"I got it, I'll be over," Tony replied with an amused tone in his voice.

Rhea set down the phone and walked over to Bucky, "Well help will arrive in a few minutes," She smiled at him, he was sat on one of the stools at the breakfast bar, she lent in against him and kissed him then moved some loose hair from his face. Olly pulled at Rhea's trousers, she bent and picked him up and sat him on the breakfast bar.

Olly looked at his aunt and uncle, "When are Mommy and Daddy home?" He kicked his heels against the bar.

Rhea ran her hand through his hair, "They'll be back today little man, they're flying back from France, remember we learned about there the other day?"

The boy nodded, "They have the Eiffel Tower and croissants!" He said with a smile.

"Good job pal," Bucky raised his right hand and high-fived him.

The door opened and Tony burst in with all the subtly of a gun, "Where's the patient?" He walked towards them, "Right, everyone clear, we need to get this fixed! Vision!" He called, and from the open door Vision walked into the apartment.

"Em Mr. Stark, he isn't dying, is there need for all the theatrics?" Vision asked.

Rhea put her hand on Vision's shoulder, "You still don't really know him that well do you?" Then she turned to Olly, "Come on kid, this always creeps me out so lets find Uncle Sam and Aunt Wanda!"

She walked into the common room with Olly on her hip, he began to wiggle in her arms when he spotted Sam. Rhea had no choice but to let him down and watch as Olly high tailed it over to his Uncle. Sam reached down and caught him, "Well hi there little guy!" Sam swung the kid around in circle.

Rhea walked over and sat on the couch, "You know what? You can take him for a while, I've had him for a week, I love him, but I'm exhausted, all the questions!" Rhea rolled her eyes theatrically.

Sam laughed, "You got it." He turned to Olly, "Hey you want to come and see the new plane that we have?" Olly nodded and began to drag Sam out.

Rhea lent against the counter top and watched her nephew toddle off with Sam. She smiled and reached for a glass of water. She paused and pushed down the feeling of nausea.

"Ты в порядке?" Wanda asked, Are you ok?

Rhea nodded, "Yeah just feeling sick, Olly was up all last night, he was freaking out about monsters."

Wanda nodded, "You sure? Well I have to go to training, Steve told me to keep it up while he was gone." She grabbed her bag and headed to the gym.

Rhea waved at her as she left, then noticed the other person in the room, "Vision, hi! I didn't see you!" She put her hand to her mouth as she finished, another bout. "You not helping Tony?"

"No, he wasn't taking my suggestions." He walked over to her, "You're not feeling well?" Vision questioned.

"Just a bug I think," Rhea said.

Vision stared at her, "Are you sure? I have a feeling it could be something more."

Rhea's eyes widened, she didn't even question what he said, she turned and bolted towards the door, she needed to get to Bruce, was the serum mutating again? She burst in through the doors, "Bruce I need a blood test, now!"

"Whoa hold on!" Bruce appeared. "Where's the fire?"

"I'm feeling really sick and Vision said that there was something," Rhea said in a panic.

Bruce held up his hands, "Ok, calm down, sit up on the counter and I'll get the equipment ready." He went off to get the needles and testers.

Rhea sat on one of the counters, she felt sick again in her stomach, if the serum was reacting, why now? She has changed nothing in her life, Vision had freaked her out totally. Bruce came back over and wiped Rhea's arm, she didn't even flinch when the needle went into her arm. She kicked her feet against the counter as Bruce put it in for testing. He turned to her, "Look that's going to take a few minutes," He saw the desperate look on Rhea's face he decided to change the subject, "So what do you think about the New Avengers line up? Falcon, Scarlet Witch, Vision and that new guy, as well as the regular lot?"

Rhea shrugged, "Yeah they're a nice group, I haven't had a chance to meet Scott yet, Antman," She added as Bruce looked confused.

Bruce smiled, "He seems like a good guy," He looked behind him to see the print out of Rhea's test behind him, "Ok," He said as he tore off the page, "Red cells; normal, white cells; normal, your extra cells blue cells; normal. Everything looks good Rhea…. oh." He trailed off.

"What Bruce? What?" She leaned forward.

"Hang on a second," He turned and typed something into the computer, "Well we know what's wrong with you, and once again Rhea you've defied science." He continued to look at the screen.

"Jesus Bruce! You're killling me! What is going on!? Am I dying or something? Mutating again?" She asked desperately.

Bruce turned to her and readjusted his glasses, he smiled at her, "No Rhea, nothing like that, but you are six weeks pregnant."

Rhea's expression panned, she didn't think she heard Bruce right. When she agreed to take the serum that would save her life a few years ago Bruce told her that the chances of her having a family would be narrowed down to around 15%, she wrote off the possibility totally and when Bucky and her discussed in the past about having a family they always talked about going down the route of adoption, having their own was never really in the cards. She looked at Bruce, "Are you sure?"

Bruce nodded, "100%, you're six weeks along, that's why you've been feeling sick. Congratulations!" He smiled at her.

Rhea dropped down on to her feet again, a smile starting to spread across her face, Vision knew about this, he'd known about it for a long time. "I'm just in shock Bruce."

Bruce took her forearm gently, "I understand, but Rhea this is amazing, you guys get to have a family. I'm really happy for you both."

Rhea grinned, "Thank you Bruce," She pulled him into a hug, "Really, thank you."

Rhea walked back to the common area to see if Sam was back with Olly, she couldn't help but up her hand on her stomach and smile. She walked past the employees of the Avengers building smiling and saying hello. When she came into the common room Sam was giving Olly a juice box. "Eee-Aaah!" Olly shouted and ran over to her, throwing himself at her. She scooped him up and hugged him.

"Did you have fun with Uncle Sam?" She asked.

Olly nodded, "Lots! He showed-d me the new plane! It's really cool!"

Rhea kissed him on the cheek, "That's awesome buddy."

"You look different, everything ok?" Sam asked her.

She nodded, she wanted to tell Bucky first, "Yeah totally fine. I better go and see if Tony's put my fiancé back together and get Olly ready for Steve and Nat."

She wander back to her apartment, all the while Olly chatted about the plane and Sam's jokes. He said that Scott was there showing his daughter Cassie around, he said that Cassie was nice. She walked into the apartment and Bucky was making lunch, his arm all fixed. "Oh hey there you two," He said looking up from the peanut butter and jelly sandwich he was making for Olly, "Where did you get to?" He started to cut the sandwich into small pieces.

Rhea sat Olly down on a chair and Bucky passed him his plate. Olly grabbed a bite and then spoke, "Aunty Ee-ahh had to go to Uncle Bruce for a minute, but me and Uncle Sam went to see the new plane! It was amazing!"

"That's great buddy," Bucky smiled at him, but he looked over at Rhea, "So why were you with Bruce?"

Rhea shook her head and pointed to Olly, "Not with ears around," She saw Bucky's face, "It's nothing serious babe."

Before Bucky could answer back the apartment door opened. "Where is my little guy?" Steve's voice boomed. Olly's head snapped up at the sound of his father's voice, he shimmied off the chair and landed heavily on the floor. Steve stood with his arms out stretched. Olly ran towards his Dad and launched himself at him. Steve caught him and spun him around, he hugged his son close to him. "I miss you kid," He said into Olly's neck.

"Daddy!" He yelled and grabbed his fathers cheeks. He spotted Natasha as she walked in, "Mommy!" He grinned over at her.

"Hello my darling," She leaned up and kissed him.

Rhea felt Bucky take her hand as they watched the family reunion going on in front of them. She leaned up and kissed his neck, he returned the affection with a kiss on her lips. She grinned up at him and looked over at her brother, "So how was your vacation?" She asked.

Steve looked over at her, "It was amazing, really nice, and thanks for minding this little man for us."

"It was our pleasure pal, he was easy," Bucky replied.

"Well buddy, how about we go back to ours and leave Rhea and Bucky in peace. Mommy and I got you something in Paris," Steve said and jigged the child in his grip.

"Ok, bye Aunty Eee-Aah, bye Uncle Bucky!" Olly waved at them.

Rhea waved after them as they left, Nat shouted back to them, "We're having everyone around to ours later, we'll see you there?"

"Yeah of course," Bucky said, "We'll see you later." As the door shut Bucky suddenly turned to Rhea, "So what happened?"

Rhea took a breath, she had to tell him but had no idea how to. She looked up at Bucky's face, his brow narrowed with concern and his blue-grey eyes staring at her. She took his hand, and steered him towards one of the bar stools. "So, I've been feeling really sick lately and today Vision suggested that it could be serious."

"You're not sick are you?" Bucky blurted out, worry etched onto his face.

She shook her head, "No I'm not," She put her hand on her stomach, "Bucky I'm pregnant." The words just fell out of her mouth, she looked at Bucky to gage his reaction. She saw the information pass across his face, he looked at her, then down to her stomach where her hand was.

His eyes were wide, "Are you sure?"

Rhea nodded, smiling slightly, "Yeah, Bruce ran tests, I'm six weeks along. I've been so busy with training the New Avengers that I didn't even think me being sick would be caused by being pregnant."

Bucky stood up, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him. He kissed her hair and her neck, "Rhea, you've no idea how happy I am." She felt him squeeze her closer, she could practically feel the happiness radiating off him.

She pulled away and looked up at him, "Bruce said that I should take it easy for a good while, and no changing into Arctic Blue."

Bucky's eyes went wide, "But you did last week."

She nodded, "I was lucky, Bruce said that I can't train the New Avengers until the baby is born. It's a miracle I'm pregnant at all, I sort of wrote off us ever having a kid like this." She put her hand on her stomach and then looked up at Bucky, she laughed at the look of pure joy on his face.

"So only Bruce knows?" Bucky asked.

Rhea nodded, "Yeah, do you want to tell everyone tonight at dinner?"

Bucky kissed her again, "I think so."

Rhea let the silk of her blue dress flow over her body, she felt it slip over her slim frame, grinning to herself she wondered how long it would be before Nat was counselling her into clothes to try and fit her baby bump. She put on a neckless that Peggy had left to her in her will, beautiful pearls with a diamond in the centre. She looked in the mirror and smiled, she saw Bucky leaning against the door frame behind her, she turned towards him, "What do you think?" She asked him.

Bucky walked towards her, "You look beautiful doll." He kissed the top of her head and wrapped his arms around her.

"Hey, watch the dress, it'll crease!" She teased and play fully pushed her away.

Bucky laughed, "Right lets get going or we'll be late."

Rhea put her arm around his waist, "Yes Sergeant." Bucky rolled his eyes and pulled her to him, guiding her to the door.

They walked down towards Steve and Nat's apartment, the sound of music drifted down the hall and the smell of Steve's famous spare ribs filled their noses. Rhea peered around the door, "Knock knock," She said.

"Rheee-aaa!" Olly shouted and jumped off the couch and ran towards her, Rhea smiled. She felt even more happy to see her nephew now that she knew he was going to have a cousin.

"Hey there little buddy!" She hugged him close.

"Hey you two!" Steve waved over, "Barton, aim up."

Clint took a beer and fired it across the room at Bucky. Bucky reached up and caught it with ease. "Thanks pal!" Bucky said over to Clint and opened his beer.

"Rhea? Vodka and Coke?" Nat asked knowing her favour drink.

Rhea shook her head, "Not just know Nat," She said, then saw her friend's questioning look, "I have a head ache, just need water."

Wanda, Vision, Sam, Scott and his girlfriend Hope, Clint and his wife, Tony and Pepper as well as Nick. Rhea walked over to her old friend, "Long time no see stranger."

Nick looked down at her, "Yeah, been busy kid, but so have all of you."

"The team looks good doesn't it?" She looked around the room at the different conversations.

Nick nodded and took a sip of his beer, "Yeah, some good people you got now."

She felt a hand on her hip, "Fury," Bucky said in greeting.

"It's good to see you back kid," Nick patted him on the shoulder.

"Kid? I'm older than you," Bucky laughed.

"Hey guys! Foods up!" Steve shouted from the BBQ.

They made their way over to the gathering of people piling food onto plates. There was a flow of everyday chatter as people piled food on to their plates. Rhea saw Nat helping Olly with his own plate and foods he could manage, she saw Tony laughing as Pepper realised there was a serious lack of vegetables, Wanda laughed at Scott's joke and then tried to help Vision see the funny side rather than the logical, Sam and Bucky were talking about Sam's new flight suit and Bruce was trying to fend off Clint's stream of questions as to why he wasn't dating anyone. She smiled to herself and grabbed a plate and began to put some salad on it, Steve's voice broke her thoughts. "You ok Rhea?" He asked her, she looked up at his concerned eyebrows that were knitted together.

She nodded, "Yeah why?" She asked.

Steve shrugged, "No reason, you just seem a little off."

Rhea smiled in comfort, "Nothing's wrong big bro, get some food while it's still there."

Steve laughed, "Good thing Thor isn't here."

Rhea grinned in agreement and went back to putting some food on her plate. She wondered whether Steve just knew there was something up with her like when he was going to tell everyone about Olly how she knew about it, was it some weird connection they had seeing as for biological purposes they were twins for the best part. She looked down at her plate, it wasn't very full, but she wasn't all that hungry mainly because she was nervous about telling everyone. She grabbed a pulled pork sandwich and sat down next to Bucky. She reached forward and put her hand around his beer making it ice cold again. He grinned down at her and kiss her neck gently, she hadn't seen him look this genuinely happy in a long time.

The picked at her food while the meal continued and everyone was immersed in conversation around her. Even though she was an outspoken person and loved a conversation there was something about meal times and listening to everyone talk about their lives, sharing opinions and telling stories that made her just want to sit back and listen. She reached down and took Bucky's hand, even if it was his metal one, she just wanted to touch him.

Soon people began to lean back in their seats with full bellies, couples leaned into each other, Olly climbed onto Steve's lap and relaxed back again his father and began to stuck his thumb and curl his hair around his fingers with his eyes beginning to close. Rhea looked over at Bruce, he smiled to her knowing what she was about to do, then she glance up at Bucky and took a breath. "Em, everyone, could I just say something?" She said, her voice wavering slightly. Everyone's heads turned to her, and Steve gave her a questioning look. "Well as you know Bucky and I have been trying to have a baby for a long time but after what Bruce said to me about my chances thanks to the serum we were considering adoption."

Nat jumped the gun, "You're adopting!" She said excitedly.

Rhea grinned, "Well actually no we aren't." Rhea paused, she didn't know what to say.

Bucky took the lead, "What Rhea is trying to say is that we aren't adopting because we found out that she's pregnant today." He beamed from ear to ear.

A roar of happiness waved round the room from the assembled Avengers. Clint clapped Bucky on the back, Scott leaned forward and shook his hand, Bruce hugged Rhea and was then joined by Tony and Pepper. Steve and Nat had come around to their side of the table, Nat pulled Rhea close to her, "You're going to love the next 8 months or so," She grinned cheekily.

Rhea rolled her eyes, "Yeah can't wait." She looked up at her brother who passed Olly to Nat and enveloped her in a hug, Steve's towering height looming over her.

"I'm so happy for you Rhea," He said, his voice vibrating in her ear.

"Thanks Steve," She said hugging him closer.

"Come on! Let us in on the hugs!" Clint's wife Laura shouted. Steve laughed and pulled away from his sister.

Bucky and Rhea were swarmed by everyone asking questions and hugging them in congratulations. Olly squirmed in Nat's arms, "What's going on Momma?" He asked.

Nat smiled at her son, "You're going to have a little cousin."

"I can play with them?" He asked.

Nat laughed, "Yes you can."

Rhea and Bucky smiled up at each other, their baby was going to have the best place to grow up, it wasn't exactly normal, but what is?

8 Months Later:

Walking was difficult, Rhea waddled into the common area in the Avenger's facility. She stopped and put her hand on her stomach as the baby moved around. She sighed, no sleep, feeling sick and resembling a whale was starting to get on her nerves.

"Not a happy camper?" Tony asked her from one of the couches.

Rhea shook her head, "You could say that," She went over and took a water from the refrigerator.

Nat walked in with a slightly smug look on her face, "You look like you've swallowed a planet," She grinned at Rhea, quoting what Rhea had said to her when she was at this stage with Olly.

"Ha, Ha, Ha, very funny," Rhea rolled her eyes. The baby kicked again, Rhea groaned, "Come on! Get out! Just get out! I'm serving your eviction notice!" She shouted at her stomach, which got her a laugh from Nat as some of the other Avengers that came in from lunch.

"It'll be fine Rhea," Scott said to her, trying to give her comfort, "I remember when Cassie got to this stage, it's worth it in the end. Having Cassie in my life is the best thing, it kept me going in prison."

Rhea smiled, "Thank's Scott, but I'm the one doing the carrying here, I wish Bucky could have a turn."

"What's that babe?" Bucky's voice floated in from the gym entrance, he wiped his face with a towel. Rhea rolled her eyes and took another drink from her water. Bucky walked over and kissed the top of her head, he smelt warm, clearly he'd be pushing himself in the gym. She reached up and put her hand on his shoulder where the metal joined the skin to cool it down. He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him.

"So what's the day count now?" Sam asked.

Rhea didn't even have to think, "Ten days, ten long days." She looked out to the snow that was falling on the ground outside the facility, mid December and it was cold outside, or so the other told her.

"You're having a winter baby," Tony joked, "See what I did there?" He pointed to Bucky playing on his alias' name.

Bucky glared at him, "That was so funny I forgot to laugh Tony."

"Just a reminder to all Avengers, a group dinner is being held in the common room tonight," Friday announced.

Rhea sighed, "Well that's my cue to waddle off and try and get ready, Bucky you will need to come and get me out of the bath in 20 minutes." She waved at the group and headed back to her apartment. Bucky gave her a salute as she left.

She walked into her apartment and straight into the bathroom and started the bath running. She sighed again and began to struggle out of her clothes. Prying her arms out of her sweatshirt and then moaning at little at the strain of bending down to take off her leggings. She looked at herself in the mirror, she'd changed so much over the last 9 months. Her slim and fit frame had changed, her skin had stretched around her baby bum, she watched her stomach move without her tell it too as the baby rolled around knocking into her bladder. She grunted and put her hand on her stomach, "Please, just get out," She mumbled. With a huge amount of effort she lifted her leg and put it in the bath followed by her other leg then she eased herself down into the water. For once she loved the warm water, over her pregnancy she hadn't gone full 'Arctic Blue' she was worried that the change in her own biology would have effected the baby and the fact that she was pregnant was a miracle enough so she wasn't going to risk anything. She dipped her head under the water and ran her fingers through her hair.

Around fifteen minutes later the water was starting to get cold, she heard the apartment door open. Bucky stuck his head in the door, "Ready to be fished out?" He asked grinning.

Rhea rolled her eyes, her belly was above the water line, "Yes please," She raised her arms. Bucky gave her his metal arm, she took his hand and he lifted her out with ease. She stepped out, still holding his hand and he passed her a towel. She grinned at him, "Thank you."

He leaned down and kissed her, "You're welcome doll."

"Now comes the real mission," Rhea said heading for the door, "To find something that actually fits me."

Finally after about an hour of trying everything in her wardrobe on twice she settled on an outfit; a blue long maxi dress. She came out and saw Bucky looking at the window at the snow, she walked over and rested her head on his shoulder. He turned and put his arm around her and kissed her head. "Ты в порядке?" He asked, you ok? He sometimes lapsed into Russian when his mind wasn't on anything in particular.

Rhea nodded, "Да, но если бы вы могли носить его на некоторое время это было бы здорово." Yeah, but if you could carry it for a while it would be great.

Bucky laughed and kissed her again and held her close, "Я бы, если бы мог, ты же знаешь". I would if I could, you know that. "Come on, we're going to be late."

Rhea sighed, "Fine, но мои ноги будут опухшими в час." But my feet are going to be swollen in an hour. She grinned up at him.

They walked into the common room to find Tony's Iron Legion dressed up as waiters. Rhea burst out laughing, "Tony wait the hell?"

Tony walked over, "I see you have spotted the staff, well I figured for once we shouldn't have to host a party, so I got Friday to call in a favour."

"No problem sir," Friday answered, "Dinner should be ready in ten minutes if you all want to have a seat?" She asked and the Iron Legion went into the kitchen area to get the meal.

Bucky gestured to Rhea to go first and they sat down at the table. It was the first time in a long time that all of the Avengers, new and old were together. Tony was there with Pepper, Sam, Scott and Hope, Wanda and Vision were sitting next teach other talking, Steve reach forward and took Olly from Nat as Olly was stopping Nat from getting any of the food that the Legion brought, Thor was in deep conversation with Jane about her possibly moving to Asgard, Bruce was taking with Clint and his wife Laura who had journeyed up with their three kids to see the New Avengers Facility, while Maria Hill, Nick fury and James Rhodes or Rhodey we discussing new ideas for PR image. Rhea felt Bucky's hand on her knew as he was talking to Steve, she smiled and took a bite of her burger. She listened to the conversation around her and soon she heard her name being called, "Sorry?" She asked.

"I said, have you and Bucky thought of any names yet?" Nat asked her.

She looked up at Bucky, "Eh there are a few but I'm not really that sure yet."

"Well seeing as you're both going old school and not finding out if it's a boy or a girl," Clint teased.

"It's one of the few surprises I have left," Rhea said and stuck her tongue out at him.

"So let's here it, what have you chosen?" Hope, Scott's girlfriend asked.

Rhea looked up at Bucky to take the lead on this, "Well if it's a boy we thought about John or Steve," He looked over at his best friend with a smile, "Then if it's a girl we were thinking Willow or Lucy."

"They're great names, I hope it's a girl though. Just to balance the testosterone out," Pepper joked.

Rhea laughed and put her hand on her stomach as the baby did a somersault again. The conversation moved on to other topics and Rhea sat back in her chair and listened, Bucky's hand was on her leg, his finger moving on her inner thigh like always. She yawned and sat back in her seat. Suddenly she felt a pang in her stomach, she rolled her eyes, damn Braxton Hicks contractions, she said to herself. She'd been plagued with them for the last few weeks, the first time she almost lost her reason but now she was now just immune to the uncomfortable feeling of pressure.

Soon dinner had been cleared away from the table, the guys had opened a few more beers and were talking about missions that had gone wrong, laughing about various mistakes and complete mess ups that had happened. Clint pointed out that although it was funny now hanging over 30 feet off a cliff waiting for Sam to pick him up was not what he would have called fun. Rhea sighed and leaned over and kissed Bucky on the neck, "I'm going to bed, I'll see you later."

He looked at her, "You want me to go to?" He whispered to her so he wouldn't interrupted Thor.

She shook her head, "No, have a night with the boys, I'm fine." She rose to her full height, "Well I'm off to bed, have a good night fellas." She waved at them as she waddle off to her apartment.

She opened the door and kicked off her shoes, wiggling her toes in the delight that they were free again. She went over to the kitchen to make some tea when another wave of pain hit her. She reached out and gripped the counter top, well that was a little more intense, she put her hand on her stomach and continued over to where the kettle was. She clicked it on and waited, "Ow!" She yelled, another wave of pain. Panic began to rise in her throat, this was different she knew something had changed, it wasn't the same as before. "Friday," She said quietly, bracing against the pain.

"Yes miss?" Friday responded.

"Could you call an ambulance please? And possibly notify Bucky," She said as she made her way slowly over to her bedroom where she had a go-bag packed.

"Notify him about what exactly?" Friday asked.

"Well tell him that he's about to be a Dad," Rhea said wincing again.

In about 10 seconds flat the apartment door burst open revealing Bucky, looking extremely freaked out, Steve was in hot pursuit. Rhea had to laugh at the look on her fiancé's face and her brother's.

"Guy's pick your jaw's off the floor and help, I've told Friday to get an ambulance, so help me get to it," She ordered both of them. Like good soldiers they obeyed.

The hospital was only a ten minute ride away, most of it was spent by Rhea watching the ambulance crew stare at Bucky and ask him questions. Steve said he and the rest would meet them at the hospital later. Once at the hospital Rhea was taken to the labour ward, the doctors marvelled at how well she was dealing with the pain, she didn't want to tell them that after having the serum injection this labour thing was like a spa day. Buck sat in the chair next to her holding her hand looking a little worried. She gripped his hand and smiled at him, "Well Barnes, in a few hours it isn't going to be us anymore."

Bucky grinned back at her, "Yeah, it's making me sorta nervous, but its a good nervous."

She nodded in agreement, "Well, no going back now."

Two hours later Rhea looked down at the bundle in her arms, blue eyes looked up at her sleepily, a first grasped her fingers. She looked over at Bucky who was napping in the chair beside her before the invasion of Avengers came into the room. Rhea looked down at the blue eyes, she never knew how much she could love something. A knock on the door made her look up, and a series of what looked like floating head popped in, "Can we come in?" Steve asked. She nodded. The door opened and in flooded the Avengers, there was only just enough space in the room for them all. The incoming of bodies woke Bucky up and he stood up beside Rhea to make room for everyone.

"Well everyone," Bucky said and everyone's attention was drawn to him, "Rhea and I would like to introduce you to Willow Barnes." There was a resounding cheer to here that it was a girl.

Nat put Olly down on the bed at Rhea's feet, Steve put his hand on his son's back and said to him, "Go say hi to your little cousin." Olly tentatively crawled up the bed and knelt in front of Rhea and peered into her arms to see Willow.

"Hi little cousin," He said, and then lent forward and kissed her head, "I'm your big cousin, and I'm always gonna protect you." Everyone in the room melted when they heard him.

"That's so sweet buddy," Steve said. Olly smiled up at his father.

Willow was passed around the room so everyone got to see her, Steve passed her back to Bucky and he took his daughter gently in his arms. Rhea looked up at Bucky with Willow, the sense of pride and love showing on his face made her smile, he adored her, she was going to make everything in his life before seem like nothing. He held Willow close and kissed her head. "Proud Dad there if ever I saw one," Tony said to his friend.

Bucky nodded, "Yeah, that's one of the emotions I'm feeling right now." He gently passed Willow back to Rhea.

"Well guys, we better leave. If I remember correctly around now is when I was exhausted and wanted nothing but sleep," Nat said and smiled at Rhea, "So, come on, out!" She began to herd everyone out of the room. Rhea gave her friend a grateful smile, she was about to pass out with exhaustion.

Rhea yawned as the last person left the room. Bucky put his hand on her head and kiss her, "I'll take Willow for a bit, you sleep babe." He said taking the baby gently from her and holding her close. Rhea sighed and looked over as Bucky sat down in the chair with Willow. She closed her eyes and finally felt sleep take over.

Bucky looked over at Rhea, he listened as her breathing deepened and she was asleep. He looked down at his daughter in his arms. Holy crap I have a daughter, he was shocked. Never in his life did he think he'd ever have someone call him 'Dad'. After Hydra he didn't even think he'd find someone like Rhea, but he did. Then after her serum injection to save her life he didn't think that he'd ever have a family. But once again he was proven wrong by this bundle in his arms. He stood up and walked over to the window of the hospital room. He felt Willow move in his grip, a feeling of concern rose in him, what if she was worried about his arm, what if she freaked out? But something in his head reminded him of Pepper's niece Daisy, her instant acceptance of his arm, in fact her only concern at the time was if it hurt him or not. Children were the most accepting people, it was the adults that were the ones that were tainted. "Well my Willow, here you are," He said softly, "I don't even know where to begin to tell you what we all are or who your mom and I are, but it doesn't really matter. The fact is that your mom and I love you, so much, and all of our, well, family I suppose, love you to. You are going to have the most awesome childhood with your cousin Olly, you'll like him. And me and your mom are always going to be there to catch you when you fall." He leaned down and kissed her head. A fresh blanket of snow was falling, he smiled to himself. Well you are my little winter baby.

Author's note: Hey guys so that is the final chapter, I'll try and work on a little epilogue for it.