Hello! Usual disclaimer applies, fan work only, own nothing, not making any money or trying to!

Huge apologies for the delayed post, I'm going to be frank and say… I was/AM super nervous to post this part. Full notes at the end, as I hate spoiler-ific notes up top!

Thank you for the new readers, old readers and new reviewers it means a lot. Hope you enjoy it x

Chapter 41: Exile

'Pick up, pick up…' Steve watches Amelia nervously, hoping she's right and that they can intervene in time. She asks frantically what time it is, and Steve checks his phone 'five forty-five. Still early.' The phone dials and Amelia crushes her eyes shut, 'maybe not early enough. Come on, pick up, someone is there.'

'Oh, hey, didn't expect to hear from you so soon!' Amelia ignores the sarcastic tone, launching into 'Richard, it's Amelia, is there any mail for me, anything in the office? On my old desk? With Natalie? My pigeonhole? Anywhere?'

There's silence and she closes her eyes praying. 'Missing us already, hey?' Amelia cuts him off, 'Richard, just check my desk, please? I am begging you.'

He sighs loudly, 'no rest for the wicked… uhh noooo, nothing, just crap belonging to the new guy, oh wait, because you don't work here anymore, dumb-dumb. I watched you quit, remember? We're missing you terribly, by the way.'

Amelia winces, frowning, she was sure this made sense 'are you sure, nothing at all?' She's half relieved and a little disappointed that it's not over.

'Well, there was one package…' Amelia freezes, 'but it got passed onto me, because again, you quit, remember? Pregnancy has really addled your brain, I see.'

Amelia exhales shakily, 'Richard, please, don't open it. I'm coming now.' She hastens to climb out of bed and Steve stops her, alarmed by the movement. Her ex-colleague laughs on the other end, 'too late, babe. It's opened, it's watched, it's ready to go on the morning show. You're too late. But hey, thanks for one last exclusive.' Amelia swallows and tears gather in her eyes. 'Hear you had the kid! Huge congratulations, maybe pick another God-parent, I think Barnes is about to be indisposed.' Amelia closes her eyes, lowly begging 'please, I'll do anything, give you anything you want, just don't air it, please! It's not what you think.' Steve looks up at that part. 'Actually, I think it's exactly what I think and proves I was right, they can't be trusted. Amelia, there is nothing you can offer me, this is about to be the biggest story in the world right now, and it's mine. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Maybe we can catch up, you know, when you've lost the weight and…' Amelia hangs up, her arm hanging limp at her side.

She stares at her feet, 'he has it, he has the tape. He has a copy.'

She looks to Steve, her face crumpling, gasping for air 'I couldn't stop him, he has it. I'm so sorry. I tried…' Amelia cries profusely and Steve hugs her close, climbing onto the bed. He comforts her whispering that she did what she could. The baby wakes with a scream and Steve feels like joining in, racking his brain of what he can do now, he had ten minutes, now almost five and he can't think of anything, all out of ideas. The only person who could maybe get it stopped is Tony and he's blanking his calls.

Outside in the hall, Andi looks up at the TV, news starting, a new day dawning. The day that should be her honeymoon to the new compound, because they ran out of money and couldn't agree on what constitutes a holiday. She shakes her head, disinterested.

'Good morning, I'm Beth Dawes.'

'And I'm Nathan Braybury. It's six AM on Saturday twenty eighth of May. We are bringing news of an exclusive breaking story this morning…'

She looks up at the black framed screen. The CCTV footage filling the monitor and headlines running across the bottom. The news anchors describing the scenes.

'Scenes that some viewers may find upsetting…'

She grabs up her stuff, rushing into Amelia's room. Pushing the door open, 'we have a big problem,' she announces. Steve is holding the baby and staring out the window. His head drops and Amelia looks to the ceiling.

Andi realises they already know and she softly shuts the door, stepping inside and blocking out the report, as it echoes throughout the hospital halls.

…

'Wow, you Millers like some drama, don't you?' Sam asks, staring down at the baby in Amelia's arms. Natasha nudges him and he apologises. Amelia nervously looks to the door, waiting for Steve. 'Hey, you ok?' Nat asks, she just nods, rambling 'Steve, he's trying to speak to Tony, find Bucky, I don't know anymore, I can't keep up. I just want to go home, but the nurse said, my vitals, something is low or… I dunno.' Nat just nods, peering over at the little girl, she shifts with uncertainty, 'you want to hold her?' Amelia offers and Natasha is shocked, recovering quickly, 'yeah, ok. Sure.'

She accepts the baby girl and sits beside the bed. She strokes her small hat, holds her tiny hand, her skin pink but smooth. 'She's beautiful,' she utters and Amelia grins, 'I agree, but I'm bias, she's a bit early, but you wouldn't know, her skin is perfect, maybe they got it wrong?' Sam jokes 'or it's the super serum?'

They fall into silence, lost in watching the new baby. 'Tiny, hey?' Sam asks, craning over Natasha's shoulder and Amelia shifts in bed, 'felt plenty big enough on the way out, I tell you, Wilson.' She looks to the door, still no Steve.

'I mean, is anyone going to mention the elephant in the room?' Sam queries and the women share a look, 'Barnes, doing a runner, killing the Starks, I mean, where did that come from? What a day.' Amelia just stares at him and Natasha makes small talk about the baby. 'How's Andi?' Sam queries, not taking the hint, 'she's ok,' Amelia confirms sadly, 'gone home to change. Tired. We haven't really had a chance to speak. Had a baby, you see.' Sam looks at her dryly, 'yeah, I can see that!'

Natasha touches the baby's face softy, admiring her delicate skin. Sam jokes, unaware of her situation 'someone's broody.' Amelia looks over sympathetically, playing with her own hands nervously.

Steve walks in and all three look up. Amelia relaxes and she hates herself for doubting him. He reads stressed, but he smiles at the room of friendly faces, warming up when he spots the baby in Natasha's arms. 'Congrats, Cap, she's beautiful,' Sam exclaims, shaking his friend's hand. Natasha agrees, 'takes after her mother, that's for sure,' Steve nods in agreement, 'that's for sure.'

'Sorry, man. But you look like death warmed up.' Steve nods, scratching his neck, 'that feels about right, but thanks.'

Amelia reaches for his hand, 'you ok? Anything?' He shakes his head. 'No, now they are talking about Agents here, at the hospital doors. In case he turns up. Like he's some mad man on a rampage.' Sam looks surprised, 'he wouldn't be foolish enough to come here, would he?' Natasha doesn't miss the way Amelia squirms in bed at the mention. Steve just shrugs, Natasha picks up on the vibe and suggests, 'we should leave you to it.' She offers the baby to Amelia, but she nods to the crib. Placing her down carefully and looking at her one last time. 'She's perfect, guys. Congrats.'

Steve kisses Amelia's head, proudly, 'she is perfect. I'll show these two out. Then I need to grab some things from home, I won't be long.' The visiting pair wave goodbye, kissing Amelia's cheek one by one. Steve promises he will be back soon and she watches them go, missing being out there, being involved. She lies back and hopes her sister is ok. She wonders where Bucky is. She hopes her dad is coping with an excitable Rosie.

Looking around the empty room, she sighs, with nothing she can do right now she gently reaches for the brand new baby 'just you and me, little girl.'

…

Steve stares out across the city, his back to his friends. 'Got to say, this feels pretty high without my wings,' Sam comments, leaning over the edge of the building. Natasha looks about the hospital roof and turns to Steve, 'what are you thinking?' He shrugs, turning to them, 'find Buck, bring him back. I don't know, another trial maybe? Additional time? I dunno, we could find a way, he didn't need to do this.' Natasha frowns, folding her arms, 'so much for a pardon, if the CIA don't find him, Tony sure will, not taking sides, but I can see why he would run.' Sam scoffs, 'sorry, Cap? You know who we are talking about here? Iron Man's parents. It's a pretty big deal and Tony's got ties, power, if he wants Barnes to pay, he will make him pay.'

Steve closes his eyes, knowing the truth but hating hearing it from Sam or Nat, 'look, I don't know, but I sense the CIA will be a more humane way then what Tony has planned. I've never seen him like that, he was completely possessed.' Steve's mind floats to his own family, 'can't say I blame him. I'd be the same. But if I can bring Bucky back, I can possibly fix this.'

'What if you can't?' Sam asks, folding his arms, 'I mean bring him back, let alone fix this.' Steve licks his lips, staring out across the New York skyline. 'Then Tony is going to take me down with him.' They look confused and Steve drops his head and admits, 'I knew. Only recently, but I knew. I didn't do anything. I thought burying it was the right thing. It's just another… but it's not. I was kidding myself. This is on me, I should have done more and I should have seen this coming.' They both stare on in surprise, turning to one another and then back to him 'well, you will need help,' Natasha states and Steve eyes her, 'it's dangerous, it's illegal, it's outside the accords…'

'Good job I didn't sign then,' Sam admits and Steve nods.

'What about you? Amelia? The kids?' Natasha probes and Steve looks to the sky sadly, 'either way we are going to be apart, but this way, I can find him, I can get him back here and deal with it. It's the only way. Then I'm done.'

Sam is confused, 'done with what?' Natasha eyes Steve knowingly. 'No more Captain America, my last duty will be to do the one thing I couldn't do all those years ago. Saving my best friend.' Sam is astounded, he opens his mouth, but decides to leave it, Steve appearing adamant, 'done.'

Steve admits, 'it's not just him, these tapes, the footage, it has to be Hydra, doesn't it? Who else? Rumlow- he, he said… he knew about… they know about my family, I have to finish this, find Bucky, find the person who's doing this to him, once and for all. Otherwise, none of us will ever be free. I am putting them in danger until this is done.'

'How long are you anticipating it will take to find him?' Nat asks. 'A month, tops,' Steve answers coolly, Sam steps forward, 'no disrespect, Steve, but you're dreaming, took us almost a year last time and we didn't actually find him in the end. If he doesn't want to be found, he won't be.'

'Well, we have to try!' Steve announces angrily, his phone buzzes and he checks it quickly, 'that's Andi, CIA were at the house, on their way to the tower next. God-damnit.' Sam whistles lowly and Nat confirms, 'they will be here next, get your story straight, Steve. Speak to Amelia, prep her. I'm in, where do you want to meet?'

Sam sighs, 'fine, yeah, I'm in too. Nothing better to do. Out of a job and all that. What about the others?' Steve crushes his eyes closed, he's tried to avoid thinking about the others, his mind strays to Wanda and how he promised he'd help her, train her, hone her abilities.

'Cap?' Sam calls.

Steve agrees, grateful to both of them. 'I'll send you details, you both need to go. Let me know if anything changes.' Sam starts for the exit and Natasha stops beside him, a soft hand on his arm, 'Tony might change his mind, he's a reasonable guy at heart. This could pass by tomorrow. You and him, it's always been rocky.' Steve shakes his head, 'he won't. We are talking about his family. I know he won't stop, because I wouldn't stop and if a few weeks affords me a lifetime, I'll take it. This is what has to be done.'

…

Steve lets himself into the house, quietly pushing the door closed. He can't see Andi but he can hear Peter and Dana's hushed whispers somewhere in the kitchen, the kettle whistling, shocked stories from the day's events. The hallway is crammed with unopened gifts, floral displays, and a very tall cake. He glances up the stairs and makes a dash for the steps. He can hear a small voice and as he arrives at the top floor, he closes in on the sound. Giggles and singing filling his heart and suddenly he's not sure he can do this.

Walking closer to the door, he pushes it open and Rosie looks up, dropping her dolls and gasping at the sight of him, 'is Phoebe here? Is mommy back?' Steve kneels down beside her and she jumps into his arms, squeezing as tightly as she can manage. He whispers, 'mommy's still at the hospital, resting, so is baby Phoebe, they will be home soon, I promise.' Rosie pulls away and pats his face, 'why are you crying?' Steve sniffs and shakes himself, thinking he was a better actor than that. 'I'm not, it's just a big day. Happy tears.' Rosie toys with her sleeve, covering her small hand and patting his damp cheeks.

'Rosie?' He asks and she hums in agreement, still stroking his face. 'I…'

'I have to go away for work, something has happened. You remember how I help stop bad things?' Rosie nods, chewing her thumb and listening closely. 'Well, something bad happened and I need to go and help.'

Rosie pauses and rocks on her feet, 'but, but… you'll be back for spaghetti tonight?' Steve brushes her hair gently behind her ears, 'no, not tonight, but soon, real soon. As soon as I can manage, I promise you.' Rosie frowns, squinting, 'why is everyone so sad?' Steve hugs her tightly again, the little girl asking questions beyond her years and he sighs, he decides to be honest with her 'uncle Bucky made a mistake, he's confused and got something wrong, so I need to help him.' Rosie pulls away, lighting up 'oh, then you must go daddy, go now, off you go, help Uncle Bucky! Then I can put my nice dress back on.' She grins up at Steve and he softens, 'I could be gone a little while, like times before.' Rosie fidgets on her feet, 'I remember, I miss you when you go. But now I have Phoebe and today I'm going to see her again, later and then I'm going to have some cake.' Steve's eyes drift past her to a plastic version of his shield, hooked on her wall, like a ticking clock reminding him time is running out. 'I'm the best big sister,' she announces, and Steve refocuses, 'I know you are. Be a good girl, yeah?' Rosie agrees and thinks for a moment, 'tell Uncle Bucky that saying sorry makes things better, but you have to really mean it, or it won't come true. That's what mommy says.'

Steve watches her, impressed by the wisdom, 'I will. Go back to your toys, I'm sorry I interrupted you.' He kisses the top of her head as he stands up and she gasps, 'oh, here.' She rushes to her bed and reaches under the covers, 'Mr Goose will go with you.' She passes it to him, and Steve holds the soft toy tightly, touched by the thought, 'won't you miss him?' Rosie shrugs, 'I know where he is.' Steve agrees, 'I will keep him safe for you,' he stares down at the tatty teddy, mismatched eyes and chewed wings, recalling his first meeting with the stuffed toy.

Steve smiles at the trio, looking at the little girl between them, 'so, Rosie, what is your duck called?' Rosie giggles into her hands, 'he's a goose!' Steve gives her a dramatic oops and an apology. 'He's called Mr Goose!' Amelia and Andi chuckle at her, 'he was my mommy's!' Andi barks a louder laugh and Amelia ceases finding it funny, looking embarrassed, muttering, 'when I was a child, Rosie.'

'I love you,' he calls as he stands beside her door, 'you too,' she sings distantly, now fully submerged with her pretend play once again.

As Steve makes it to the front door, a voice stops him. 'Steve?'

Peter appears, confused to see him 'I didn't know you were here? Where… what are you doing here? We are meant to be visiting in an hour or so. Is everything ok? Andrea's just gone again, said she needed air, can someone just explain what the hell has happened?' Amelia's father pleads, he looks exhausted. Steve stops and rubs his head, lying 'uh, yeah, just needed to grab something.' He stows the goose under his jacket and Peter sighs, 'the news… did you see? Did you know?'

Steve halts, 'I… Pete I really need to go, get back, I promised Amelia I wouldn't be gone long.' Peter steps closer, seething 'if I find out you knew…' Steve swallows and nods, 'I have to go now.' Peter explains, 'Steve, there were agents here, looking for him, for you. Grilling my daughter after everything she's been through today. Tell me what's going on?' Steve blanches, colour draining from him. He gathers himself and declares 'Mr Miller, everything is under control, that's all I can say right now' and with that Steve leaves, shutting the door quickly behind him.

…

Steve enters the room slowly. Amelia watching the TV, she quickly turns it off, trying to pretend she wasn't. 'You shouldn't be watching that,' Steve reprimands and she looks down sadly, 'it's everywhere. They are saying awful things. Lies.' Steve nods, not mentioning the pandemonium surrounding them outside the hospital walls. Taking a seat on her bed, he smiles sadly at her. She shuffles up, 'you want a cuddle with her?' She offers and he looks over at the baby, Amelia follows his gaze, 'she had some lunch, while you were gone, not much, not as easy as I remember.' Steve stares at the little girl, dressed in one of the outfits Amelia pre-packed.

He licks his lips and starts lowly 'Amelia?' She looks at him hopefully and waiting for him to continue.

'I have to go and find Bucky.'

Amelia agrees, squeezing his hand 'I know, I just hope he will listen, you know what he's like, do you have a lead?' He finds her hand, toying with her engagement ring.

'No. I have to go after him.' Amelia is confused, 'but he could be anywhere. Europe's pretty big.' Steve strokes a thumb over her knuckles, not sure how to say this. 'Something happened. Tony has given me an ultimatum and if I don't find Bucky, he's threatened to do something stupid and take me out at the same time. I don't really know what that means, but I have to stop it. Tony he was, he's possessed. Consumed with grief. If he implicates me, tells the CIA I knew, I-' Amelia pulls her hand away, 'but he's your friend… your family. Tony wouldn't do that.'

Steve sighs, shaking his head 'he's hurt, he's… when I think how I'd feel if it was you or Rosie, or Phoebe… Look, I just have to go, I can't explain, it makes no sense, but I need to fix this. I will be back and believe me when I say, this is the hardest decision I've ever made in my entire life. You are my life. I don't take it lightly, I've weighed everything up, I need to keep you safe. I have to do this.'

'How long?' She barks and he jumps, looking over at the baby, 'how long are you going for?' He turns away from her, 'a month? I don't know, as long it takes.' Amelia sobers, 'as long it takes?' Steve regrets his words instantly, 'you know I don't mean that, I will be back, I will be here, I want to be here. I don't want to miss anything.'

Amelia shakes her head, running through what he just said 'you're choosing him over us, over your baby. She's not even a day old.' She looks around the room for answers, holding her forehead. He tries to reach for her, 'no! No! Don't! There's nothing you can say, no way you can dress this up, you're leaving us! Leaving me! You're no better than the rest of them.' He tries to speak and she inches up the bed, sliding desperately away from him.

She points at the door, sick of his sad face. 'Go! Go now, get out! You don't want to be here, so leave, fuck off!' She pushes him, trying to shift him from her bed, pummelling his arm, 'go! Just leave! You want to leave, so go! We don't need you.' Steve shakes his own tears away, gripping her wrists 'I'm doing this for us, so we can be together, when I'm back, we will be a family, a real family. I quit, I'm done with the shield, all of it.' Amelia doesn't believe him, looking away, 'you always say that, you can't let go. You're abandoning us. You're looking for a fight, but he did this!' Steve desperately pleads, 'look at me. Amelia, look at me, this is for us, so we can have a better life, you can be safe, we can be together.'

'You always say that! I am safe! No! I'm calling a nurse, I don't want you here, or around my girls, get away from me.' She reaches for the button and Steve moves it away. 'What are you doing?' She demands in a hiss and he hugs her against her will as she sobs, 'no, no, I don't want this. Let go.' He's distraught by her reaction, unsure what he really expected. She sobs loudly against him, pushing back, resisting his warmth.

'Amelia, it's not just Bucky. There are bad people in the world, trying to hurt him, trying to hurt me. That name, the one you asked me about?' She stills. 'He knew about you, he knew where you work, about the baby, Rosie... Someone sent these tapes, it has to be them, Hydra, they want Bucky and I can't risk them coming for you. I need to keep you safe. I will make sure you are safe while I'm gone.' He kisses the top of her head, as she trembles under him. He pulls away, clutching her face in his hands, 'I have to keep you safe, do you understand?' She offers a watery nod, trying to regain her breathing pattern.

'Just a month?' She nervously asks and he can only nod back to her.

She eventually softens and her fighting subsides, crying loudly in realisation 'please don't go! Please, I'm begging you.' Steve kisses her head, holding her tightly, he looks across at the baby shifting from the noise. 'Please, just stay,' she begs, 'we can do this together, we'll come with you.' Steve pulls back firmly 'no. Amelia, the sooner I go, the sooner I'll be back. I don't want to miss a minute of Phoebe's life, but if I don't go, I risk a hell of a lot more than a few weeks. Tony will make good and we won't be able to be together. You can't come, you have to stay here, you have a life. It's not safe.' She looks up at him with a weepy face, 'I don't have a life, I quit my job, he ruined my sister, my parents are heartbroken, I have another little girl to raise alone! We were building a life together! What do I tell Rosie?' He looks winded by that question, recalling her face just an hour ago 'I- tell her… I've gone to work. I don't know the right answers either.'

'Maybe I can speak to Tony?' She offers pleadingly and Steve shakes his head, 'we need to sort this without him. Bucky's my family, you understand that?' He rubs a thumb over her wet cheek, crying himself. She nods, weeping, 'but you're mine.' He feels his heart break, her face stained with tears.

'We will be together, someday very soon.' He holds her chin and kisses her softly, pulling back. 'When do you have to go?' She asks, he sighs, staring at the baby. 'I'm meeting Sam and Natasha tonight, but the police, the FBI, they will be here soon, we don't have long left. They will ask questions, probably just standard, as far as I know, they don't know anything more than what was on TV. They want to know who knew what. I'm going to wait downstairs in the lobby, but we need to run through what they might say, you can't let on that you ever knew. I should have never said anything, I've compromised you as well now.' She sniffs nodding frantically.

Phoebe starts to cry and Steve looks over, swallowing, 'umm, I'll…' He stands and wanders across, reaching in and stroking her small belly. 'Hey, don't cry, you need to be a good girl for your mom…' Steve looks over, but Amelia is facing away. He stretches into the cot and picks up the bundled little girl, she immediately stops crying and he smirks 'well, you're going to be trouble, little Miss. Aren't you?' He holds her in his folded arms, looking at her in amazement, 'don't forget me,' he begs, emotion bubbling inside him. 'I need to bring that uncle of yours home, I need to put things right. I need to be the best dad I can be.' Amelia lies back and looks at the ceiling, ignoring Steve and the baby.

'Your big sister is so excited for you to go home, your room is all ready and everyone can't wait to meet you.' She moves slowly, squinting and Steve strokes her head, 'be good.' He places a gentle kiss to her head and lowers the baby down slowly, hesitant to let go. He looks around, focusing on anything but what he's walking away from, his phone sounds, 'that will be Sam, we need to get moving, you ready to talk about the CIA, what you need to say?' She looks up, frowning 'you said FBI? Which is it?' Steve looks to the ground shamefully, 'CIA. It could be Sharon's team, if we are lucky.' Amelia looks hurt, 'she's going to help you? You trust her more than me, don't you?' Steve shakes his head, 'no, I love you, I trust you to stay behind and protect our children, there's no one else in the entire world I would trust to do that.'

Amelia nods despondently, 'fine, just tell me what to say.'

…

Steve exits the elevator on the ground floor, wearing his baseball cap and keeping his head low, he sees the agents at the front desk, officers at the doors and he quickly steps into the gift shop out of sight. Looking around and ducking behind a card stand, watching them walk by.

'Are you ok there, sir?' Steve jumps and turns around at the voice, seeing an older lady who clearly works in the small store. He just nods and walks around, acting as relaxed as he can. Candy, gifts, cards, baby-grows, magazines, teddy bears, all generic stuff. He stares at the baby gifts, rows of sweet outfits, he lifts one up 'Daddy's angel,' he's not sure. He can picture Amelia refusing to put the baby in it, he doesn't blame her. He stops, thinking she's not just the baby anymore, she's here, she's started her life, she's Phoebe. Then he looks away, realising this is the life he's given her, disguises, sneaking about, missing persons, murder...

He spots some cookies and smiles, thinking of Amelia balancing them on her bump just a few weeks prior.

'Are you looking for something in particular?' He turns around, the grey-haired woman smiling up at him, 'oh, no, I'll just take these.' He places the cookies on the counter, and she rings it up, 'you visiting a new born? Saw you looking at the baby-grows.' Steve double takes, faltering 'uh, yeah… umm, friend of mine. Little girl.' She looks at him dreamily, 'how lovely, what's her name?' Steve looks thoughtful, considering lying, but the woman seems genuinely interested and he can't resist the opportunity to be a proud parent 'uh, Phoebe. Her uncle chose it actually.' She nods, accepting his change and cashing it up, 'aww lovely, Phoebe, Greek I think. You'd have to check the meaning.' Steve is surprised and she gushes, 'oh, I've worked here a long time, I've read every keyring. You know, my husband always says children are a great metric of time, you look up one day and they're flashing their IDs, buying alcohol, going to college. Even in a month or two, she will look like a different child. Is it their first?' Steve nods numbly, distracted by her words, 'umm, they have another, she's six.'

He misses Andi storm past the window, heading for the elevators. He accepts his change and neglects her parting words, missing what she says and leaving with a sad frown.

He wander's the hospital, finding an empty waiting area on a different level and slouching in his chair, head down, looking at the cookie packet, waiting for the signal from Sam to go back.

…

Andi bursts into Amelia's room, 'ah hah! I asked you outright where you were going next, she's just had a baby, this is wholly unacceptable, you need to leave. Now. She doesn't know anything!' Amelia looks up, her sister freshly changed, gone are Bucky's clothes and she appears entirely too confrontational. The CIA agents share a look, 'Miss Miller, we just want to speak to your sister, as we did with you, see what she knows. It would be helpful if you could take a seat and let us do our jobs. We are happy for you to stay, that's why we allowed your sister to call you, but we need you to let us go about our business undisturbed or we will remove you.'

Andi doesn't relent, 'come on then, ask your pointless questions. Does she look like she's harbouring a criminal under her bed?' She waves a hand, permitting for them to go, 'go on, say what you've gotta say.'

There's two men in suits and Amelia wishes one was Sharon at this point, even that would be easier. A nurse showed them in, just like Steve said, they're so formal and intimidating, towering over her as she lies in a hospital bed in nothing but her pyjamas.

'Is it Miss Miller?'

Amelia nods, 'yes,' her voice is croaky and she agrees desperately with a nod, when her voice falters with a crack. 'When did you last see Sargent Barnes?' Amelia blows a shaky breath from her mouth, thinking, 'uh, the rehearsal dinner.'

They ask how he seemed, she scratches her knuckles anxiously 'he was just Bucky, he's always a little temperamental, he has a lot of… umm… things to deal with, but nothing unusual that night.'

Andi folds her arms, 'see! Same as I already told you.'

The first agent nods, 'and when did you find out about Sargent Barnes' involvement in the murders of Howard and Maria Stark?'

Amelia wilts, swallowing and looking to her baby, hating her being there for this. She wishes she'd let the nurse take her now, but Steve has spooked Amelia and she's not sure who to trust. She shakes her head thinking, 'umm, I didn't… a package was sent to my work, but I never saw it, I found out from my… from Steve, he told me, he broke it to me last evening, about a thumb-drive that had been sent to Mr Stark. No, umm, not that… Tony, Tony Stark. He told me, umm, yeah, last night, after my baby was born. He also received a thumb-drive in the mail.' The two men shuffle, looking back at the tiny girl.

'Phoebe, her name's Phoebe!' Andi explains and they nod, 'yes, congratulations, we promise we won't keep you much longer, we just have a few more questions.' Amelia nods briskly. 'When did Captain Rogers find out about Sargent Barnes' and Mr and Mrs Stark, about the murder?' Amelia huffs, 'I just said, he received a letter or a box, I dunno, we all did, a tape, a computer drive with footage of… well you know of what. Please don't make me go over this again.'

'We have reason to believe Captain Rogers was previously aware of the crime.' Amelia and Andi look confused, 'what? why?' Amelia asks.

'No, Steve's the most honest person to have ever graced God's earth, of course he didn't know, you're mad, both of you,' Andi demands critically and Amelia swallows, worried she's suspected as well.

'Is Captain Rogers intending to sign the Sokovian Accords?' Amelia looks up, 'yes, definitely, he told me, I saw him with it, he was going to mail it off. Why?' They nod, making notes, 'no reason, just that as of today, the Secretary of State hasn't received his signed agreement, but he still has a few hours.'

Amelia blanches, her face pales, she looks down and wonders if he ever planned to sign, her mind spirals and she snaps back at the mention of Steve's name.

'We would like to talk to Captain Rogers, we haven't been able to reach him. Nobody seems to know where he is, that's a little strange don't you think for someone who just became a dad. Do you know where he is?' Amelia shakes her head tersely, Andi cuts in 'do your research, moron, he's already a dad.'

Amelia shuffles, 'he went home to get some things and he's been looking for Bucky…' Andi frowns a little, 'he's trying to make it better, he left his family to find him. Isn't that enough? Isn't that proof? That he'd do anything for the good of everyone else? What do you want from us? From me?' Amelia's tone raises in pitch and volume, Andi pushing her to lie down reassuringly. Phoebe wakes, her auntie turning to the agents, 'oh, well done, thanks for this, got what you came for, have you? Time to go back to the Men in Black!' she shouts loudly and the men look at the baby with uncertainty.

'She needs a feed,' Amelia offers nervously, quickly spilling the words as she begins to unbutton her shirt, the two agents shifting for the door. 'Miss Miller, we still have more questions, we will wait outside. The sooner we get things straightened out, the better. Things could get pretty ugly, not just for Sargent Barnes, but anyone who is implicated. Even Captain America isn't above the law, and it would be a shame to break up this… happy family. Aiding and abetting can come with some fairly long sentences these days.' Amelia swallows and looks over at her baby. She keeps her eyes trained on Phoebe and in her most confident voice declares 'I've told you what I know.'

Andi stands and shouts defiantly, 'how dare you threaten my family! You should be ashamed of yourselves! We have nothing to hide, I don't even want to see Barnes again! Do what you want with him! Leave us out of it and Steve for that matter, he's done nothing.' Amelia looks up at her sadly, knowing the part about not wanting to see Bucky again is simply not true. Andi turns to her sister, 'they took my phone, can you believe it?' Amelia nods, looking down at her lap 'is that why the nurse called me? They take yours as well?' She hears shuffling and looks back to the agents still by the door, 'you can go now! We are busy!'

'We will be right outside, when you're uh, umm, done, give us a shout.' Andi waves them on, 'come on, out you go, it's not a peep show. I mean, is nothing sacred anymore! We'll call you when we're ready, understand? Stay out!' She follows them into the hall and Amelia watches them go, the door clicking shut. She pulls the curtain around her bed and whispers 'shhh shhh' to Phoebe as she stirs. Searching for her phone in her bag, beside the bed and struggling to send a message. Her hands shaking as she types and she panics, misspelling and correcting, before hitting send. Immediately after she feels the weight of the decision and breathes out. She buries her phone under the mattress and exhales.

'I'm here, mommy's here,' she rocks the crib and climbs back into bed.

The curtain flies open and Andi looks at her in confusion, 'you ok? They're outside, no need to hide, it's just a boob, they're in the wrong place, not you. Want me to get her?'

Amelia accepts the baby and stares down at her, crying softly. Andi watches and notices, 'awww, Mia, come on, don't cry, Steve should be back soon. He can say what they want to hear and it will be over.' Amelia just cries louder, her sister so unaware. Andi tells her to move up and climbs onto the bed, lying beside her, 'just us girls for now though, hey?' Amelia nods, gasping for breath, Andi tries to distract her sister, 'I mean, she's so cute. Good job whipping out a boob to get rid of two other boobs.' Amelia laughs and splutters, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Andi squeezes her sister's wrist and watches the baby fondly.

'Don't fall in love, kid, there's your first piece of wisdom.' Amelia leans against her sister sadly, laughing with tears. Andi reaches over, stroking the little baby's arm, 'tiny.'

'I don't think he's coming back,' Amelia chokes and Andi just stares at Phoebe, biting the tip of her tongue. Andi laments, 'no. No, I don't think so either… Bucky's long gone… if he knows what's good for him.' Amelia shakes her head sadly, whispering 'not him. Steve.'

'What? Of course he is, don't be crazy, it's Steve' Andi reassures and drops her head onto her sister's.

She can feel tears in her own eyes, 'you think if we just cry they might leave us alone?' She's referring to the CIA agents outside and Amelia sobs louder, 'hey, come on, it's me who got jilted. I'm officially on the rebound, think either of them are single?' Amelia continues to bawl, 'hey, I'm kidding, come on now, you're getting the baby wet.'

'What a stone-cold mess my life has turned in to!' Andi announces after a while, 'still, you have a fairy-tale on your hands, don't think I don't see that ring on your right hand, why you hiding it?' Amelia blushes, Andi frowning, 'what do you think they want with Steve? They are barking up the wrong tree there entirely. He didn't know. He can't lie to save his life.' Amelia gazes at her baby, nodding in shame and wondering what will happen now.

…

Steve feels his phone buzz as he awaits Sam's message confirming the agents have gone. Staring down at the screen, he freezes.

It's Amelia.

They know. Go find Bucky.

He looks about in concern, but he can't see anyone, everything as it should be.

…..

'That guy in the cap, he's been here a while, think he's ok? He knows this isn't the ER, right?' A nurse asks another. One looks over at the seating area, but it's empty. 'Oh, well he's gone now, probably heard you say that, Sandra! Oh, hey wait.' She walks over to the seat that Steve once occupied, 'hey, hey, hurrah! He's forgotten his cookies! Put them behind the desk, how long shall we give him reclaiming rights for? I haven't had time for lunch.' The nurses laugh together.

AN: SOOOO that's the end of part 2. Eek! I'm sure some people are reading this, thinking, wow, this person just blew up their entire story, all 2 million words of it and some might be thinking would Steve really go after Bucky like that? But this has always been what I had in mind, they are both such impulsive hot-heads, they are each other's greatest and oldest loves and they are blinded by one another. Steve is so naive and doesn't think it will be hard to find Bucky and he always believes in the good and that he can put things right. But can he?

The big questions are- will Steve find Bucky and how long will they both be gone? What will happen to the family they left behind? Who would release the footage? What will Tony do if he finds Bucky first?

So, I have written a part 3 to wrap things up, I never intended to write so much, but now I've dropped a grenade on everything, I do feel compelled to put things right, bring everyone back together, bring Bucky home and make things right. I am going to be honest, it's been hard to, it's a lot of who/when/where's and it's definitely more fanfiction-y (i.e. dramatic) I hope people will continue reading, as I struggle to put the pieces back together haha (not kidding…) So, in a couple weeks I will continue with posting and start on the final part.