37 In the Crosshairs

Oh yes, I'm finally back. I will have so much more time to post and write in the coming weeks. Be prepared.

Thanks for the favorites and follows: , and angelwings1990!

Thanks for the awesome reviews: Currahee506 (If you have an idea for a name I am actually curious, tell me!), Dreamer558750 (it just might), Sapphire Roz (Yes, we all should hate Hydra.), Princess of Paris (the reference was the camera pen. Happy you like the Harry Potter name. Both Alyssa and I are Harry Potter fans.), person D (DRAT! The name she gets away with is on that list! Not kidding.)

If anyone wants to try to guess what Steve and Alyssa name the kid, I am seriously curious to see what you think it might be. I already know so I am just curious.

It wasn't hard to see how quickly things were taking a turn. Everywhere we looked, People were dying. At HYDRA's hand no less.

Everywhere we turned, it was getting worse. Only we knew it was HYDRA. The actual authorities had nothing solid and HYDRA was really good at hiding. Coulson had his mind wrapped with HYDRA as much as all the Avengers. Only, he still had to stay under the radar. Everyone is just getting restless.

Tony and Bruce are spending time in New York, doing science bro things. Clint and Natasha are doing their spy thing. Deadpool is… well as he put it 'de-living' people. He says it like that because 'killing' didn't sound nice.

Everyone knows something bad is going to happen. No one knows when or what.

And no one likes not knowing things.

And me? I'm just hanging out in my lab every once and a while and babysitting Lily.

Lily is currently taking a nap on the couch. She is curled up like one would imagine a kitten or a puppy would, only taking up one cushion on the couch.

I wish I were in her position right now. Not curled up sleeping, but with her innocence. She is completely unaware of the mess of a world is around her. Every TV station, newspaper, and social media… the eyes are on what HYDRA is doing. Except no one knows how bad the monster really is. They haven't scratched the surface.

But… for once, even I know, there is no way we can do anything.

All we can do is wait for the other shoe to drop.

And I have a feeling we are way to close.

"You know… staring at the many screens of newsfeeds are not going to help you, if anything it will melt your already aging brain." Natasha crossed her arms across her chest. She was watching Steve scan countless of news programs from all over the world.

"Don't start Natasha."

"Don't get mad at me. Barnes was the one worried."

"Tell him I'm fine."

"He'd never believe me. I wouldn't either if I was him. I think everyone save Stark is worried about you."

"You all shouldn't be worried about me."

"Someone has to be. That's why Bucky sent me."

Steve laughed a little. "Even after all these years and the guy is still mother hen-ing me."

"Steve, Alyssa noticed you're not right. The second most un-aware person in the world noticed something is wrong!"

"Alyssa said something?" Steve seemed a little shocked.

"She sees you everyday, you would hope she notices these things. We just don't have much hope for Starks."

"That's my wife Natasha, be careful. Why didn't she say something to me?"

"She knows you don't want her to worry. You don't tell her anything you think would make her worried. Alyssa may have many negative quarks but blind stupidity is not one of them."

Steve looked at her curiously.

"Back hand full of knuckles with that complement, thanks Natasha." Alyssa came in rolling her eyes.

"Are you really worried Alyssa?" Steve frowned at Alyssa.

"Yes. You are consuming yourself with this. I'd rather you not. Take a breath."

"I don't think I can."

"Sure you can Steve, leave the tower and spend time outdoors." Natasha commented.

"I don't think you will be resting either Natasha. Look at this." Steve said as he paused one of the screens.

Natasha and Alyssa looked at the frozen picture.

'Avengers, make a move.' A wall read the words painted in red.

"That could just be vandalism." Natasha shrugged.

"There's another one." Alyssa pointed to a different screen.

Steve paused that screen and read the words.

'Avengers, Shall we play a game?' another wall said in red spray paint.

"Uncreative." Natasha rolled her eyes.

Soon, more graffiti appeared.

'Avengers, we are winning'

'SHIELD won't save you.'

'Avengers will burn'

'Avengers, you have no more moves'

"This is terrifying." Alyssa looked on wide-eyed.

"Look who signed them." Steve pointed to the corner of every wall.

If you looked closely enough, there was a HYDRA logo. On every single one.

"Hey James, you look happy." I look at Bucky as he burst into the apartment.

"What an observation Alyssa." Bucky rolled his eyes.

"You do seem strangely happy James." Steve pointed out.

"That's why I'm here. Look!" Bucky started waving papers around. I snatched them from his hands, making Bucky glare at me.

I skimmed the words and smiled. "Making it official huh? Good job." I pass the papers to Steve.

"Adoption papers, you are adopting Nathan?" Steve looked to Bucky.

"Yeah, Val and I talked about it and it made sense."

"Congratulations James. That's very cool." Steve smiled.

"You are now responsible for another human! Yay!" I grin.

"Thanks guys. All I need is for Steve to sign this. Like a recommendation or verifying thing. I don't know. Valerie explained it and all I understood was 'get Steve to sign it'." Bucky poked at one of the papers.

Steve nodded and looked at the papers. I watched him and sighed. He was actually reading the paper.

"JUST SIGN THE DAMN THING STEVE! IT'S NOT LIKE BUCKY IS SELLING YOUR LUNG!" I startled both Bucky and Steve.

"Jeez Steve, your girl is scary." Bucky mumbled.

"Just for that Alyssa, I'm going to take even longer to read it." Steve glared at me.

"Don't do that Steve. Don't make me suffer too." Bucky looked at his friend.

"Jerk. You're supposed to be on my side."

"Not when you're wrong punk." Bucky shrugged innocently.

"Aren't you two adorable?" I roll my eyes.

Steve stuck his tongue out at me and Bucky gave a mock death glare.

"What? Just an observation of you two and the borderline couple cuteness. Now sign the damn paper Steve, James should go spend time with the cute little boy he's adopting." I point out.

"Yeah, that would be nice." Bucky nodded. "So hurry up, old man."

"You're older then me." Steve glared as he passed Bucky the papers.

"Thanks pal. I'll leave you two to do… whatever it is you two do when no ones around. What do you guys do?"

"Normal stuff. What do you think we do?" I look at Bucky weirdly.

"Honestly? We have different theories. The main one is a lot of kissing. Clint thinks a lot of the other thing." Bucky shakes his head.

"The other thing?" Steve questions.

"Yeah, the thing that got you two a kid in the first place." Bucky laughed before leaving. Steve facepalmed.

"Why does everyone think all we do is have sex?" Steve asked rhetorically through his hands.

"It's a valid assumption. I mean we were pretty um… eager in the beginning." I smirk.

"You don't help do you?"

"Not really no."

Meanwhile in a HYDRA base…

"Sir, we have a visual." One of the HYDRA agents told his superior.

"Good, are they alone?" Rumlow asked.

"As of two minutes ago yes."

"Team, get ready to mobilize." Rumlow commanded into the communicator. "I want that kid." He mumbled under his breath.

"Tony, you alright?" Pepper asked her boyfriend worriedly.

"I'm all good Pep." Tony smiled weakly.

"JARVIS how much coffee has Tony had?"

"Sir is on his fifth cup since six o'clock Miss Potts." JARVIS sold out his creator.

"Its only nine Tony. What's wrong?" Pepper asked.

"Its this." Tony showed Pepper the tablet. The screen showed some news article.

"Oh my… it's getting worse." Pepper sighed.

"HYDRA is on a killing spree. No way to predict it." Tony continued. "Rogers and Romanoff think they could be hunting people that Project Insight was supposed to hit."

"I didn't know that."

"There's no way for us to know for sure. I didn't want to worry you."

"I was already worried. Now I'm more so."

"Then I'm sorry. Just forget it."

"I'm not gonna forget it. And I'm never gonna stop worrying."

"You shouldn't have too."

"I have you, Alyssa and Lily. I'm surprised I'm not grey." Pepper gave a small chuckle to lighten the mood.

"I'll protect you guys. No matter what. The three of you are everything to me." Tony assured.

"Yeah well just don't get yourself injured in the process."

"I make no promises." Tony said innocently as he walked away.

"Yeah. That's what I'm worried about." Pepper sighed.

I was busy working on a project at home when my phone started to ring. From the ringtone I can tell it is Valerie.

"Hey Val. What is…"

"Do you know where James is?" Valerie pleads with an extremely worried tone. "I've tried to get a hold of him but he probably crushed his phone again."

"Might be with Steve. What's wrong?"

"Nathan's missing. He went down for a nap and I came in to check on him and he was gone."

I stood up and franticly got ready to leave. "Oh my god. Is there a sign of a break in? Do you have any ideas on who may have taken him?"

"That's why I'm scared Alyssa. With everything that is going on right now…"

"Just give me something and maybe I can figure out something useful."

"I'm… I'm scared it might be Nathan's biological father."

The moment I called Steve, him and Bucky raced over to Bucky and Valerie's apartment. Valerie was in hysterics and I don't think I have ever seen Bucky look so scared and heartbroken. Steve wasn't doing much better, but neither was I. Natasha and Clint had been informed along with Coulson.

Now, the police were here. A detective was asking Valerie and Bucky some questions. Steve and I just watched on with worried faces. Well, mine was worried. Steve had his 'thinking face' on.

"Please don't tell me you really think what I think your thinking face means." I whisper.

"I'd really like to believe our enemies would have better morals then this but… considering what we know…"

"Just… just don't say the H word Steve. With everything they are doing masked as SHIELD…" I say on the verge of crying.

"I know. I'm worried too. But I cannot overlook the possibility that…"

"Valerie said it could be Nathan's biological dad. That doesn't mean HYDRA."

"But that also doesn't mean he isn't HYDRA. Val used to work for SHIELD. HYDRA had been in there for so long…"

"What would HYDRA want with a kid?"

"Who knows? HYDRA would have twisted motives. But I know I worry about HYDRA trying to come after you right now because of…"

"Our baby possibly having your serum and my enhancers?"

"Yeah… HYDRA is messed up. Natasha said the red room stole children to train them young. HYDRA could be doing that. Maybe an experiment. Either way I don't like any of it. And we are going to get Nathan back. I promise. And nothing short of me dying would keep me from breaking a promise to you."

"Yeah, that worries me too. All of that. And you need to bring Nathan back. Got it?"

"Loud and clear."

In a HYDRA base hours later…

Nathan had stirred awake hours to go, only to realize he wasn't at home. Instead he was in a cell. No one was around. Nathan sat on the cot, wondering where he was and very nervous. Suddenly he heard footsteps.

"Mommy?" Nathan called out, hoping for a response.

"Your mothers not coming for you kid. But I think its time we got to know each other." Rumlow answered making himself known to the small boy. Rumlow opened the cell door just enough for him to get through. He kneeled down in front of the scared little boy.

Nathan's eyes widened in fear at the words.

"Settle down kid. No ones gonna hurt you on my watch."

"I-I want… my m-mommy… and d-daddy…" Nathan sniffled, gaining fear quickly.

"I just told you kid, they aren't…"

"Crossbones, we got a breach on the east side." A HYDRA agent informed his superior.

"Well then… looks like they came to fight. Guard him." Rumlow barked as he left the room.

Captain America, Falcon, Hawkeye, Black Widow and an extremely pissed off Winter Soldier were quickly and efficiently taking down HYDRA agents to make way into the compound.

"Nice of you all to show up." Rumlow announced sarcastically.

"Where is Nathan? You have about a two seconds to answer that." Steve growled menacingly.

"What are you gonna do Cap? Kill me? It's not your style." Rumlow answered smugly.

"It is when you have kidnapped a child. Now. Where is he?" Steve continued.

"Under HYDRA's protection."

This made Bucky angry. He bolted at Rumlow and held him by the throat with his bionic arm, cutting off Rumlow's air supply. "Listen, I get HYDRA is fucked up. I've been your guy's favorite weapon. Tell me where my son is and maybe I wont kill you right away!"

"What makes you think Nathan's your son?" Rumlow choked out. "When in truth he's mine."

That admission made most of the team look to each other.

"Wait… Valerie… and that nut case? How does that even…? Wha?" Clint said out loud in confusion.

"Yeah, sometimes we get a little caught up during undercover, right Cap?" Rumlow snidely commented.

"Doesn't matter. I'm his dad. Not you. You are in no way involved. I know that. You gave up your rights and all association to him and Valerie when you told her to fuck off when she told you about the pregnancy." Bucky's anger grew. "NOW TELL ME WHERE MY SON IS BEFORE I KILL YOU!"

"Did you know about this? Him being Nathan's father?" Sam asked mid-flight.

"I just knew in general what happened, not that is was this son of a bitch!" Bucky yelled.

"Barnes, let go of Rumlow. You and Barton go into the compound and get Nathan. Leave Rumlow to the rest of us." Steve commanded.

"Rogers… I know you wanna be the good guy… but I really want to…" Bucky started.

"Kill me, don't kill me. HYDRA will still win." Rumlow smirked.

"Romanoff?" Steve looked to Natasha.

Natasha pointed her pistol at Rumlow's back and an electric current ran through him just as Bucky let go. Rumlow fell to the ground.

"Hit his spinal cord with about eight milliamps of electricity. He's paralyzed from the waist down." Natasha smirked.

"Let's go get him." Steve looked to the group and they rush into the compound.

Bucky's brain went on autopilot as he followed the group. Pushing past anyone in his way. The minute they reached the cell and Bucky saw Nathan was safe Bucky had never felt so many feelings at once.

"Daddy!" Nathan rushed up to Bucky with arms wide. Bucky dropped to the ground and engulfed the little boy in a hug. Then, Bucky started to cry.

That was how the rest of the group found them. Bucky hugging Nathan and crying. Everyone shared a sigh of relief. Silently watching father and son reunite.

"I missed you so much buddy. Are you all right? Are you hurt?" Bucky started inspecting the boy.

Nathan shook his head in the negative. "I missed you daddy. And mommy."

"We missed you bud. We missed you so very much. We were so worried about you." Bucky was still tearing up. He lifted up Nathan into his arm and kissed his forehead.

"Why don't we go home and back to mom? She was so worried and scared about you."

"You scared too?" Nathan's dark eyes looked into Bucky's.

"Terrified." Bucky answered honestly.

"I was scared. But I knew you come get me daddy." Nathan clutched to his dad tightly as they exited the compound. "You're my daddy, you always come get me. Even when I gets scared."

"Nathan, you're my baby boy. I'll always come get you." Bucky promised as they entered the helicopter.

"You were very brave today Nathan." Natasha told the little boy. "Just like your dad."

Nathan shook his head. "Daddy, I'm hungry."

"Here, have a protein bar." Clint passed one over. "There's a box of them in here."

That launched Clint and Sam into a debate about why there were protein bars in a helicopter.

As Nathan ate the protein bar, Bucky continued to hold onto him tightly. Eventually Nathan rested his head on Bucky's chest.

"Daddy?" Nathan whispered.

"Yeah buddy?" Bucky whispered back.

"I love you." Nathan said before closing his eyes.

"I love you too little man. More than anything." Bucky whispered quietly back.

Next Chapter: Lily and Alyssa have sister bonding.