Summary: As the team try to come to terms with Michelle's death, a new terrifying threat is looming over them. Clint and Grace are forced to confront their darkest fears and enemies, as they prepare for their baby's arrival. Co – Written With snowqueen79. Clint/Grace, Bucky/Sophie and other pairings.
The Cradle Will Fall
Chapter 17
He hadn't found out until Misha left but that was okay. As long as he was able to extract Yulia, they were all good. Justin would have everything and everyone he needed to continue his work now that fucking Pepper was out of the way.
The hummer had just made it to Bucharest. Justin shook his head, chuckling to himself.
How dumb was Stark exactly? He left them defenceless. Sure, Sophie could and would fight. But Lilia was ordinary and easily overpowered. Tony's son? They could dispose of him. Did we really need another generation of worthless Starks running around? No.
They found a place to hide the hummer in the forest since they'd manage to keep out of the towns. The house was a half-mile hike.
Justin couldn't wait.
Who should he fuck first?
The team surrounded him, the best-armed soldiers, and they made their way towards Tony's Romanian digs. It was exactly what he expected. A huge, opulent house. Hell, if he could disable Tony's house AI, they might spend the night.
Maybe he wouldn't disable it. Maybe he'd let Tony watch.
Sophie watched out the glass doors nervously. FRIDAY had just announced someone was coming. Lilia was pulling up reports on the main system while Sophie kept a lookout.
"It's Hammer," Lilia managed, her face had gone white.
Sophie's heart sank. It was the one who'd raped her.
Taking a deep calming breath, Sophie called out to the AI.
"FRIDAY, are there any weapons here?" she asked. "Anything we can use to defend ourselves?"
"Yes," the AI replied. "In the master bedroom, there's a safe. Inside the walk-in closet."
With her heart pounding, Sophie marched in that direction. She could keep them safe. She could do this.
Bucky was going to be so upset. He was going to blame himself…
Sophie had just reached the closet, watching herself approach in the mirrored surface when golden sparks filled the room behind her. With a yelp, Sophie spun to watch as a man appeared from a portal he'd opened.
She recognized him though they hadn't talked.
Dr. Stephen Strange.
He was with the Avengers.
"What are you doing here?" It just came out. "I'm sorry…"
"A group is coming here to take you, the other woman and the Stark child," Strange told her. "I'm here to intercede."
"You're going to fight them?" Sophie didn't understand.
Strange's tense expression melted into a subtle smile. "No, I thought we could use the portal and get the three of you to safety."
Thank God.
Nodding, Sophie led him back in the direction of Lilia and Howard.
"Did Tony send for you?" Sophie asked as they walked quickly through the house.
"No," Strange told you. "One of your sons did."
That stopped Sophie cold.
"What?"
When she turned to face him, he motioned for her to keep going. "One of your sons has… certain abilities."
Sophie felt relief when Lilia came into view, Howard in her arms. She looked surprised to see Strange but not frightened.
"You mean like a wizard?" Sophie wanted to know.
"Possibly," Strange went on. With a grin at both of them, he opened a portal. "Ladies, are you ready?"
Lilia was blinking back tears. "Yes, thank you. Where are you taking us?"
Strange's expression was kind. "Back to Tony at the compound."
Sophie's heart clenched in her heart. Bucky was there too. And her family.
Dropping a hand to her tummy, she smiled. "Thank you, little one."
They entered the portal and were gone, just as Hammer's men began scaling the outside of the house.
Hammer cursed as he saw Lilia and Howard leave with the magician, when he saw Sophie had stayed behind. She had taken down six of his men, and now only four of his team remained.
He was just about to shoot her with an electrical taser, when he was sent flying outside into the garden. He staggered to his feet to see none other than Thor of all people blasted at his suit of armour with a violent amount of lightning that sent him flying into a tree.
Dazed, he looked up to see that he and his team were surrounded by Captain America, Falcon, Scarlet Witch, Thor, Loki and Wolf Spider. And they all looked angry, as they looked at him with cold, murderous expressions.
"Justin Hammer, you are under arrest and are to be placed into custody of the Avengers." Captain America said coldly, and Justin felt fearful for his life then.
Bucky didn't relax until Dr Strange appeared with Sophie, Lilia and Howard, along with their things. He ran straight towards her and pulled her into his arms as she held onto him tightly.
"Dr Strange, thank you. You didn't have to do this for us but we're in your debt," he said gratefully, he was grateful towards the man who had saved Sophie, Howard, Lilia and Loki.
"It was no trouble, and it was one of your sons who contacted me and asked for my help. I'm not sure which one it was, but one of them sent for me and has powers similar to that of both of yours and Wanda Maximoff." Dr Strange explained gently, seeing the expression of shock on Bucky's face.
One of their unborn sons had magic like abilities, and their other son had a combination of his and Sophie's abilities. No wonder HYDRA was desperate to get their hands-on Sophie, and to take Grace, Connor, Natasha and Joseph.
He wouldn't let any of them hurt his family.
"Thank you, for keeping them safe. You and Loki, Dr Strange." He said honestly, grateful for the man aiding them.
He would thank Loki as well, when he returned with the others.
With the mission a success, Clint had accompanied Steve, Fury, Tony and Bucky to oversee the prisoners being transferred to the Raft. The underwater prison's security had been redone, it was no longer underwater, and it was near Rikers. He watched as Yulia, Pietro, Justin Hammer, Misha, Dmitri and Sergei were all loaded into separate armoured vehicles. It was to ensure that none of them could plan a coordinated attack, as he watched them all being driven away.
"Will there be a trial for any of them, you think?" Bucky asked grimly, he knew Misha, Pietro, Zemo, Dmitri and Sergei had been on trial, but Hammer had new charges against him.
"More than likely for Hammer, not sure about the rest though. They might just be sent back to prison." Steve said finally, Clint and Tony exchanged a grim glance.
Illegal experimentation, inhumane torture and violently raping Lilia, as well as experimenting on her with the Devil's Breath.
"Guys, Lilia managed to trace those phone numbers that Pietro called before he was arrested by Coulson and his team!" Sam called out urgently, all of them hurrying into the compound and entering the conference room.
Grace, Sophie, Natasha, Thor, Loki, Jemma, Helen and the rest of the team were all there. He sat down next to Grace who smiled at him, as she rocked Connor who was falling asleep.
"I managed to identify who Pietro called three weeks ago, he called Victoria Hand and a man called Tony Masters. He was a former S.H.I.E.L.D agent, and now goes by the name of Taskmaster and works for the highest bidder as a mercenary." Lilia explained grimly, and Clint exchanged a grim look of understanding with Natasha.
"Me and Nat have heard of him, he left S.H.I.E.L.D four months before she and Steve exposed that HYDRA was S.H.I.E.L.D. He's bad news, he has the ability of copying your moves." He darkly, remembering how the former S.H.I.E.L.D agent had nearly succeeded in killing him.
"So, we have a psychopathic former S.H.I.E.L.D agent who has the ability of duplicating other people's abilities? That means he can copy any of our moves and use them against us. We need to find him, and Lukin." Tony said grimly, wrapping an arm around Lilia who leaned into his comforting embrace as Howard slept in his baby Moses basket.
"Hopefully, we'll find them both soon." Steve said finally, wishing that his team could finally have peace from HYDRA.
Sophie had been very surprised when Bucky told her that he had a surprise for her, after they had a fancy dinner at Rizzoli's. She walked next to him, as they stopped at Central Park and saw him swallow nervously.
"Sophie, you've brought so much joy and happiness into my life since I met you, doll. I know I don't deserve you, or our baby boys but I love you three so much." He said seriously, she watched breathlessly as he got down on one knee.
"Sophie, will you marry me?"
Sophie was shocked into silence for just a beat before tears stung the backs of her eyes. Oh, she knew Bucky loved her and she knew he would love their sons. She just never thought marriage would be something he'd want all things considered.
The sapphire that shined in the center of the beautiful antique gold ring wasn't as bright as his blue eyes as he watched her, waiting for an answer.
There was really only one answer.
"Yes," she whispered. "Yes, of course, I'll marry you."
The first tear was sliding down her cheek when he slid the ring from the box and onto her left hand. Not surprisingly, it was a perfect fit. Just like he was perfect for her.
Slowly rising back to his full height, Bucky tucked the ring box back into the pocket of his jacket and took both of her hands in his. Leaning in, he pressed his lips to hers in a gentle kiss.
His smile was beautiful as he gazed into her eyes. "Mrs. Sophie Barnes."
Sophie threw herself into his arms, her tears falling in earnest now and soaking into his jacket and hair as he held her tight. After a moment, he gently eased her away so he could gaze at her face.
"Are you okay, doll?" Bucky looked worried.
She nodded, smiling. "Happy tears," she managed, "and hormones."
Bucky's sweet smile had her heart melting in her chest. Leaning down, he put his flesh hand over the slight swell of her tummy.
"You hear that guys?" he kept his voice low as he talked to his sons. "Mama's going to marry me. It's been a really good day."
When he rose again, he found his girl watching him with so much love shining in her eyes.
"I love you," she whispered.
Bucky gathered her up in his arms again, holding her to him until she stopped trembling and her tears were mostly dried up.
They held hands as they headed back to the car, ready to go home. Bucky kept grinning at her like he was afraid she'd disappear or change her mind and run screaming away from him. As he held open the door her, she thought of something.
"When are we going to tell everyone?" She asked curiously.
He shrugged, still smiling and dashed back around to the driver's seat. The ride back to the compound was too short but Sophie couldn't help but be happy. Bucky wanted to marry her. What could be better than that?
Bucky helped her out of the car and into the compound. Nat appeared to be just walked past the foyer when she smiled and came towards them. The spy's gorgeous eyes immediately spotted the ring on Sophie's finger.
"That's a yes, guys," she called.
Which brought the entire happy team into the foyer with congratulations.
Steve reached Bucky first, giving his best friend a hug that compressed his ribs. Wrapping up the hug with a friendly slap to the back, Steve's smile was genuine.
"I'm happy for you, Buck," Steve said honestly. "You've got a family."
Bucky nodded, hugging Sam and Tony next.
Clint's hug was warm, he pulled back to smile at him. "Going to be brothers-in-law, yeah?"
"Yeah," Bucky told him, thinking he and Clint were two lucky bastards.
Sophie got swamped by her sister, brother, Nat, and Lilia.
"You knew, didn't you?" Sophie asked Grace whose eyes were swimming in happy tears.
Grace nodded. "He asked our permission."
Of course he did.
Nat tipped her head at the two super soldiers. "They're nothing if not old-fashioned."
Hugging Sophie tightly, Nat whispered into her ear. "How do you feel?"
Easing back, Sophie glanced at the beautiful spy. "A little tired but I'm sure that's to be expected."
"It is," Lilia hugged her next, beaming. "Helen said with twins you'll be double everything. Fatigue, morning sickness, all the fun stuff."
Sophie laughed. "Yeah, we had that talk. I don't mind. Well, I do mind the morning sickness. It can really incapacitate me in the morning."
"Fresh lemon in water," Grace told her. "Or mild tea with lemon. It does help. I'll start making it for you in the morning."
Sophie was willing to try anything that made that go away.
Steve made his way over to Sophie, hugging her gently because one thing they'd learned when Nat had carried Joseph, pregnancy made Steve nervous. Bucky had a little of that going on too.
"I already think of you as a sister," Steve's blue eyes were warm as he gazed down at her. "Thank you for making my best pal so happy."
"He makes me happy too. I'd be honoured to have you as a brother." The tears came on then. She couldn't control it always. "Thank you, Steve."
Steve now looked panicked. "Hey, Buck?"
Bucky was there in a second. "Doll, you okay?"
Now Sophie had two sets of worried blue eyes on her.
"It's hormones, fellas," Nat told them, wrapping an arm around Sophie's shoulders as Wanda approached. "It's perfectly normal."
They didn't look convinced, but Wanda was there to congratulate her. The tiny witch hugged her and almost immediately stepped back, her eyes flying to Sophie's stomach.
"Wanda?" Sophie was a little worried. "What's wrong?"
Wanda's gaze met Sophie's then returned to her baby bump. "One of the babies… He… He sent me images… He showed me his brother, sleeping. It was like my nose was pressed against mine. It was… so sweet."
"Really?" Sophie's heart was melting and one of her hands dropped to her bump. "You can hear him?"
Wanda shook her head. "He hasn't learned language. But he's communicating. It was clear as day. But he's so… small."
Sophie explained what had happened in Romania and what Stephen Strange had told her. Wanda listened, now most of them were listening too, and took in what she said.
And then something occurred to her.
"Is the other boy…" Sophie didn't want to ask. "Is his brother okay?"
"Oh, he is," Wanda explained. "I don't get anything from him. Just like a normal baby. But the other one…"
Sophie's gaze met Bucky's. They were both impressed. And concerned.
"Sorry, I'm late," Tony cut through their circle to hug Sophie before turning to Bucky. "You mess this up, we're keeping her and throwing you out. Okay?"
Bucky scoffed but Sophie knew he was happy. Tony was only teasing.
Tony wrapped an arm around Lilia. "I think we should talk to Strange on this. See what we're dealing with here. Looks like we have an enhanced baby."
"I'd like to help," Wanda offered.
"I'd like that too," Sophie told her.
She was deeply grateful for her friends and family, as Peter, and May along with Ned and Mary - Jane ran over to congratulate her and Bucky warmly, and hugged her tightly.
"Just because your eldest twin is enhanced, doesn't mean his brother isn't enhanced. He might have a combination of your and Bucky's abilities." Helen offered softly, and Sophie nodded in understanding as did Bucky who held her tightly.
The next morning, the surface of the coffee table in the living room had at least six wedding catalogues or magazines. Bucky and Sophie had decided that to save money, they would be having their wedding cake done by Grace and Wanda.
The church they would be married was Saint Augustine Roman Catholic Church, the church that Bucky and Steve's had gone to before the Second World War. They would have a Rabbi to speak at the wedding, and both of their traditions would be respected. Right now, she and Bucky were discussing what cake flavours to have.
"Chocolate? All of us like chocolate, and I know you're not a fan of red velvet at the minute, doll." Bucky said amusedly, he knew that Sophie personally didn't like red velvet.
Sophie looked thoughtful as she rubbed her bump, now at three months pregnant, she'd gained a bump. She couldn't feel their boys kicking yet, but most likely would soon.
"Chocolate and salted caramel?" Sophie suggested softly, Bucky nodded, and they added that onto the list. For flowers, it was sunflowers and dahlia flowers.
"I've going with Steve, Clint, Tony and Sam along with the others to get a suit. You found your wedding dress?" Bucky asked curiously, Sophie shook her head in disappointment.
She'd seen a few dresses that she had liked but not fallen in love with at first sight, with October only two weeks away. She was determined to find the perfect wedding dress, and not become a bridezilla bride, like some of her customers acted.
"No, not yet and I don't want to be in a rush to find the perfect wedding dress, Bucky. Grace, Natasha, Hope, Helen, Wanda, Maria, May and Tanya said that Jenny Packham do nice but classy wedding dresses," she confided softly, Bucky smiled at her as he kissed her softly on the lips and she kissed him back.
Her stomach had gained more of a bump with her breasts becoming sore, and bigger. Bucky didn't seem to mind, as he seemed love the curves that she'd gained from the pregnancy.
"You'll look beautiful doll, no matter what. Trust me on that." He said seriously, kissing her again when they both heard the Avengers alarm go off.
It meant that Bucky had to go on a mission, right now.
"Be careful, all of you." Sophie said seriously, as she watched him pack his gear and get into his uniform. He nodded grimly, before pulling her into his arms and cupped the swell of her bump.
"I will, I promise. I love you three, Sophie," Bucky said softly, Sophie nodded and hugged him tightly.
"I love you three too, come back to us." She said quietly, Bucky smiled and nodded as they went to see the others and say goodbye.
Enjoy, and review :)