A/N: I have had a really bad migraine this weekend so that's why I skipped a day in updating
Avengers: Age of Ultron | Saviors | Parting Ways…For Now
As the next few weeks pass by, it's quickly revealed that Tony has kept another secret from the rest of the team. But luckily for him, it isn't a bad one. For some time now he's been int eh market for building an Avengers training center and it's more specifically driven towards new recruits. Those including Pietro and Wanda, Vision, Falcon aka Sam Wilson, and War Machine aka Rhodey. In the end, Rhodey thought it would be a good change of career to fully join the Avengers, but he also realized that becoming an Avenger could not only get him a lot more enticing stories for the ladies, but he'll also be saving a lot more lives in the process.
The Avengers building was complete within a couple of days after Ava woke up and already the place is full to the brim of past SHIELD Agents. Everyone in the building has to go through a vigorous number of screenings, polygraphs, and tripe checks in order to be hired again within the ranks. They do not want a repeat of last time but even them, Hydra won't even dare try and do the same as they did last time.
When Avery Rogers woke up from the dead, there were questions but no one seemed to have any real answers to the. Not Tony or even Thor - the Asgardian hadn't witnessed a miracle such as this in all his years. It steadily became an answer of silence and acceptance that doesn't matter too much. The point is - Ava is back and it doesn't really matter too much at this point. Steve and Bucky are the more relieved and thankful ones of the group…obviously. There's one thing that the Avengers know, and that's what could have happened if Ava didn't wake up and she was still deceased, nothing would have ever been the same again.
Bucky, Steve, and even Natasha would have changed most because of it - no one really gets over the death of someone whose been a major center of their lives.
Much of the team is leaving today and towards new pathways. For Thor, he's heading back to Asgard on a mission to find out why so many Infinity Stones have began popping up in so little years. Clint has already left and gone back to his expecting wife and young kids and that was soon after Ava woke up. Tomorrow, Ava and Bucky will also be leaving for a long period of time - going on the trip they planned literally decades ago. It won't be forever because they are Avengers now and that's the main focus of their lives. Both of them know they can never really have a normal life again and strangely enough, they've began to accept that fact and maybe even enjoy it to some degree. They are with each other and right now, that's more than good enough.
Yes, having a normal life with a white picket fence and kids running around was a dream for them, however, given who they've become, maybe it just can't happen? Maybe they just aren't cut out to have that luxury?
Walking down a hallway, heading towards the exit door is Thor, Tony, Bucky, and Steve. They are all having the last chat before Thor is to be leaving for Asgard. Bucky and Steve are in their uniforms again - something that's become quite a necessity for wherever they go. Thor is also still in his own battle gear. Tony is in his usual attire when not in his Iron Man suit; an expensive suit and tie are worn - he's leaving today as well, at least for a while.
"The rules have changed," Steve says, glancing over to the other men. They are pretty much just talking about the newest Avenger, Vision. He isn't exactly going anywhere on his own and with a couple of the old team leaving now - they need the muscle just in case another catastrophe occurs while they are away.
Tony agrees, nodding his head. "We're dealing with something new." Still feeling proud that he has created Jarvis in a body. So far, there have been no negative effects.
Bucky's lip quirks, "The Vision is just artificial intelligence." That's what Jarvis was anyway.
"A machine," Tony muses to himself - Jarvis was an invention of his - a machine.
"So, it doesn't count," Steve pushes. And in all fairness, they are actually having a conversation on how Vision can actually hold Thor's mighty hammer. Especially when Steve couldn't back at the Avengers party way back when.
Between the conversation between the three; Thor is just grinning, finding what and how they are speaking to be very amusing. Honestly, even he doesn't know how Vision is able to lift his hammer but it hasn't exactly been a bad thing, considering he was saved by the new being in battle just a few weeks ago.
Tony, like everyone else, is still intrigued by what the answer really is as to why the artificial intelligence being can hold the hammer and not them. "No, it's not like a person lifting the hammer."
"Exactly," Bucky grins, his arm gesturing over to Tony as if he's trying to prove a point. "There's different rules for us."
"A nice guy," Tony continues, nodding with a small smirk. "But artificial."
Steve huffs, exasperated. "Thank you."
Thor finally decides to speak, giving his own inclination. "If he can wield the hammer then he can keep the mind stone." The four of them slow to a stop in the middle of the hallway. "Besides, it's safe with the Vision. And these days, safe is in short supply." There's trust in his voice, an apparent notion that all can determine from him.
All of the Avengers can completely agree on the last statement - especially after everything that's happened over the last couple of years.
"But…" Bucky puts on a thoughtful face, something else coming to mind…more of an amusing thought really. "If you put the hammer in the elevator-" Tony buts in, finishing his sentence.
"It would still go up." Their theory belts a lough out of Thor.
Steve shrugs, "The elevators not worthy." Using Thor's own words against him on the subject of worthiness.
Thor lets out a long sigh, clearly disheartened as he pats Tony on the shoulder. "I'm going to miss these little talks of ours," he announces and honestly, he'll miss being on Earth too very much.
It's almost like Tony silently begging for the man to stay when he says, "Not if you don't leave." Suggestion clear in his voice.
"I have no choice," Thor shakes his head, continuing down the hallway again with the men by his side. "The Mind Stone is the fourth of the Infinity Stones to show up in the last few years. It's not a coincidence." At this point, they have finally arrived outside and nearby you can hear soldiers being trained. "Someone has been playing an intricate game and has made pawns of us. And once all the pieces are in position…"
"Triple Yahtzee," Tony finishes for him.
Bucky looks over with question but is also intrigued. "You think you can find out what's coming?"
Thor nods his head, determined. "I do, and besides this one-" He pats Tony hard on the chest to let everyone know exactly who he's talking about. "There's nothing that can't be explained." He gives the half-team one last smile before activating the portal that'll take him back to Asgard. And, within seconds, all that's left on the ground consists of patterned burn marks where the grass is scorched.
That patch of grass won't be growing back anytime soon.
Tony huffs in annoyance at this. "That man has no regard for lawn maintenance." Shaking his head. He turns around before beginning the journey towards his mode of escape. His very expensive and high range car. "I'm gonna miss him, though." He glances over to the two men left walking beside him. "And you're gonna miss me. The both of you. There's gonna be a lot of manful tears," he says with a dramatic tone to his voice. He then clicks the button in his hand, telling his car to come to him.
"Sure…" Bucky draws with the balance of a sarcastic and a teasing tone in his voice. "You throw my girlfriend into several walls and you don't think grudges uphold." Steve chuckles silently, shaking his head. He knows that that grudge was over a short while ago.
Tony puts his hands up in defense. "Hey!" He exclaims. "I said I was sorry and you know how much apologizing kills me. Besides, you girlfriend for her own back." Subtly rubbing his jaw, remembering the whopping punch he received just last week. The bruise has just finished going away but there's still a bit of soreness left underneath. He can admit thought, he deserved it - for a few things in fact.
"We know," Steve nods, still smiling. "And you know what, we'll miss you too, Tony." The man really is a one of a kind. Below that cocky exterior - there really is the potential for a great friend beneath.
"Yeah?" Tony looks over to them with raised eyebrows the moment his peach colored car parks beside him. He stops, turning around to the American Heroes he's actually grown fond of over the years. "Well, it's time for me to tap out." A thoughtful look suddenly crosses his face. "Maybe I should take a page out of Barton's book. Build Pepper a farm and hope that nobody blows it up." That isn't very likely to happen, unfortunately.
Bucky nods, liking the imagination of him and Ava having something like that. "The simple life." It used to be an ideal future for them but now, he just can't quite picture the new them having something like that.
Tony looks between the heroes. "You two will get there one day. Ava too." He has hopes for them, even for who they are.
Steve shakes his head, sighing. "I don't know," he says, conversing on a subject that's been with him for a long time. And for Bucky and Ava, it's more so. "Family, stability…the guy who wanted all that went in the ice 75 years ago and…I think someone else came out."
Tony looks over to Bucky alone. "And what about you and the missus?" He asks, interested. "Anything after your secret travel plans?" Wiggling his eyebrows in suggestion with that familiar cocky smirk back on his lips.
Bucky just simply rolls his eyes at that, but then becomes serious. "I think at this point we're just accepting that we can't have the hopes we planned for all those years ago. Ava's still got a lot to get through but for now, we're just going to make up for lost time and try to forget about the past."
The Billionaire nods, understanding. "But you're alright, though-" Looking between both. "The both of you?" This is probably one of the few times where Tony actually looks concerned for them. Why they first met as the Avengers initiative started up - who knew they would become an actual team?
Steve and Bucky share a look, shrugging with something alone the lines of a content smile playing on their faces. "We're home."
…
The next day, Avery and Bucky are standing outside in regular normal clothing. Stuff they'd wear out in public and don't want to be noticed for who they really are. It's especially concerning for Ava in particular because when all of SHIELD and Hydra's files were leaked - so were hers. That also included everything in vague detail that she's ever done in service of the enemy. Not everything is there but it's enough to get the worst kinds of punishments in the crime sector. So far, she has been particularly lucky when going outside in public, even with her arm hidden as much as she could - her face should have been easily recognizable because of museums too which made her even luckier to have not been caught.
Bucky throws his duffel bag of clothing into the car truck and everything he and Ava will need for their travels will be in there. They aren't too sure of where they're actually going yet but he can't help but be excited that at least one future hope is essentially coming true. Also, just in case, he's bringing his uniform with him and Ava is taking hers. Even though they are basically off duty for at least a month or two, if something big is to go down they'll be back to help for sure.
Ava puts her bag next to his. Normally they'd be taking the motorcycle instead of a car but it isn't exactly practical for the length of time they are going to be away for. "You ready?" She questions, an excited smile on her lips about where they might end up by the end of the day. She has been counting down the days for this one to come. A break is needed for the both of them and this is exactly what they need. She just wants to live in as much of the now as possible and forget about everything that was included in the past.
This trip is the best first step in accomplishing that task.
Bucky closes the trunk, turning to her with his own smile, "Absolutely." They have already said their round of goodbyes until next time but it's going to be strange not seeing the team every day.
Nearly everyone is parting ways and new trouble is sure to come, but, even if it does, as long as the Avengers work as a team, anything is possible, right?
…
A few years ago, Winter would have never thought she'd be where she is today - part of the Avengers and back with a man who the deepest part of her loves with all her heart. It took a lot of effort and a big stride to accomplish all that she has so far. But, she couldn't have done any of it on her own. Back then she was a fragmented being with little to no memories in her head and all she knew was to be a sworn soldier with nothing but a fearless and cold attitude. She made others quake in fear for their lives and anyone around them, but now, she can more or less control that demon within her. There are bad times but so far she's been able to struggle through them.
She'll never be the same Avery Rogers again and everyone knows this, but the long right of finding out this new her is getting shorter every day because of who she has around her for support.
And as Avery Lola Rogers looks over at James Buchanan Barnes, now driving in the car that'll lead them to an adventure waiting to happen. She reminisces in the fact that this man and her brother truly are her Saviors.
Because she never would have gotten to this point without them.
A/N: It's going to be a while before the next story is up, but I will soon post a sneak peek on this story, so watch for that coming soon. I'm, like, just starting the next book and I usually post when I'm done with the whole story, so it might be a while before it's up. Sorry! But don't forget to Review, Fav, and Follow!