A/N*. Sorry, it took so long to get this out! I really wanted to nail this one on the head both emotionally and story-wise, honestly one of my favorite chapters and it's Suuuupperr long. Just a disclaimer; The only reason that Aubrey and her cousin call each other geek and weirdo is because my cousin and I do that in real life and its something I really wanted to put in.
FrozenTangledDisney4Life: Thank you so much! I'm honored that people take the time to read what I write!
Thank you to everyone who is reading!
The hum of the engine was their companion as Aubrey followed her instincts, many years of driving to her parent's house took over as Aubrey went on auto-pilot. Soon...too soon Aubrey was pulling into an all-to-familiar neighborhood and parking the car in a driveway that had pots and flowers in full bloom. Many of the flowers were varying shades of red and cat-eye green. Bucky eyed Aubrey as she stared at the house. Its faded bricks, tan siding, the house's three-car garage and maple tree in the front yard, with full bird-feeders swinging from the branches, it seemed to take her back to her childhood days. Taking a deep breath Aubrey glanced at Bucky before nimbly exiting the car and letting Glacier out. He woofed, sensing both the nervous energy and excitement before faithfully following Aubrey on the walkway, up the steps, and to the door. Her hand went up to knock but hesitated, Aubrey felt Bucky's presence behind her and his voice whispered
"I can go if it's easier." Aubrey's head shook violently as tears threatened to fall.
"No..please...stay."
"Alright, then I'm here…..Whenever you're ready."
Aubrey steadied herself before knocking on the glass storm door. Dogs on the other side started to bark, footsteps sounded on the other side and the inner-door swung open, enabling Aubrey to gaze into her mother's sea-blue eyes for the first time in years. The storm-door clicked before swinging open and Aubrey's mother gasped, stuttering
"Au...Aub….Aubrey…? I...how can this be.?" Aubrey sniffled and watched as her mother's puzzled look melted into one of pure joy when she nodded, confirming the question. Her mother's words became unintelligible as she pulled Aubrey into the house, embracing her tightly.
"My girl, my baby girl" her mother's whisper was choked with tears as she spoke in Aubrey's ear.
"Mom" as all Aubrey was able to get out. After several more moments they pulled back, Aubrey cleared her throat, unused to all the emotion. Bucky stood awkwardly behind them in the walkway to the house. Aubrey motioned him forward, trying not to cry too much at the sight of her mom's waterworks.
"Mom, this is Bucky, he's… like me." her mother nodded along and ushered the Soldiers into the house, her hands shaking with joy. Glacier not far behind. Aubrey picked her backpack up from the floor and swallowed her emotions. Two small grey dogs sat on the couch, whining anxiously. Aubrey's mind clicked and she smiled as Glacier sniffed the dogs from her childhood. Her Mother ushered them into the living room and sat Aubrey onto the couch. Bucky silently had been following and sat on the edge of the couch, watching as her mom sat beside her. Aubrey's mother kept staring at her as if memorizing every inch of Aubrey's face, side-eyeing Bucky. Her mouth opened to speak but was interrupted by the front door opening again. Two younger boys bounded in, speaking over each other.
"Mom! There's this-"
"Weird car in the-"
"Driveway!-" but the boys froze at the sight of two strangers and gulped, this time the older-looking one spoke
"Mom…? Why are you bawling your eyes out?... What's going on?"
Her Mom looked lost so Aubrey stood and came over, her hands trembled as she kneeled and met their eyes.
"Hi there, you may not remember me but...I remember you…-" she paused and gulped nervously "-my name's Aubrey and I'm your big sister." The boys looked confused and Aubrey nodded understandingly. The younger of the two looked at Aubrey, mistrust flicking in his eyes, his voice skeptical as he spoke.
"Where have you been? How come I don't 'member you-" the boy paused and looked at Bucky "- and who's that?"
"Why don't you come sit down and I'll explain, okay?" Aubrey warmly smiled at the boys as they followed to the couch and sat on the floor, staring up at the newcomers.
Aubrey's mother traced every movement with her eyes and waited for Aubrey to speak. Taking a deep breath she told the boys about how she had been taken a little over five years ago. Aubrey glossed over her time at Hydra, not wishing to scare them. She spoke to them about her escape and mentioned Bucky several times. Noting the way her mother was watching Bucky with a tentative look. When Aubrey finished the boy's eyes had widened and her Mother had an indescribable sadness lingering in her eyes. Bucky's smile was tired as he shifted on the couch, leaning slightly towards Aubrey, memories gleaming in his eyes. The boys seemed unsettled and scampered away soon after, mumbling among themselves. An awkward silence blanketed the living room and Aubrey cleared her throat uncomfortably. Her mother had picked up her phone and nervously looked at Aubrey, her voice unsure
"I..the rest of the family would want to see you but...I don't know if..thats som..something you want or-" but Aubrey cut her off.
"Yes….that would be...nice"
"Okay….okay...I'll um..go set it up now" Her mother stood and disappeared into the hallway, hushed voices sounding. Aubrey puffed a breath out of her lips, fingers fiddling with her shirt nervously. She turned to find Bucky studying her
"Everything okay?" he asked
"Yeah….yeah...It's.. awkward."
They both grinned and Bucky chuckled, his face coloring "Very." Aubrey felt herself relax slightly as Glacier came over, out of breath from playing with her family's schnauzers. Out of the corner of her eye, Aubrey glanced her mother peeking around the corner of the hallway, watching her and Bucky talk.
"How 'bout you?" Aubrey used Bucky's slang for about, his slang had been rubbing off on her. She tried in vain to ignore her mother but Aubrey felt her face warm and her words came out with clicks, her O's slight whistles. The stress and emotion had started to get to her.
"It was kinda hard listening to everything all over again-" Bucky paused and Aubrey knew who he was thinking about.
"I'll ask about her soon, I promise" Bucky nodded and tried to change the subject.
"It's also, like you said….awkward...so awkward. Your mom keeps staring at me….Is that normal? It doesn't seem normal." he had started to ramble, a telltale sign of how nervous he had become. Glacier trotted over and rested his head on Bucky's crisscrossed legs, whining softly. Bucky frowned and tried to ignore the dog but several moments later he sighed and relented, patting Glacier on the head.
"Maybe... you're not the most horrible beast to walk this earth," he grumbled, scratching Glacier's ears. Aubrey's mother chose that moment to re-enter the room, her phone in hand. Her eyes zipped between the two of them as she spoke
"Tomorrow afternoon everyone will be here." At that moment Aubrey's two younger brothers tore through the house, their screams echoing off the walls. Her mother grabbed them as they tried to run past. They stopped running with a stern look and stood in front of Aubrey's mother, elbowing each other.
"What is wrong with you two!" she scolded.
"Mom! Daniel took Blue Puppy!" Jesse crowed
Daniel tried to defend himself "NO I didn't! I promise!" Aubrey's mom looked between the two boys and sighed.
"Where did you see him last?" Jessie shrugged and Aubrey's mom seemed to see an opportunity and take it.
"Well while you look how about you refresh Aubrey's memory of the house?" the boys shrugged before begrudgingly going over to Aubrey. Standing she smiled at them and tried not to look like a threat. Bucky moved to follow but Aubrey's mother cut in.
"He can stay here, I have a few questions for him" Bucky tried in vain to hide his disdain at being left alone without Aubrey's comforting presence but her mom ignored it. Aubrey looked at Bucky and mouthed "that okay?" he winced and nodded. Aubrey was satisfied with that answer and followed her brothers through the ranch house and the basement. Yet they ignored a certain room with purple ribbons taped to the door, the sight of it tickled Aubrey's mind but she shoved the memories away to deal with later. She was here with her family and was not going to throw the chance to see her loved ones away.
Bucky Barnes P.O.V.
Aubrey had disappeared with her little brothers, and Bucky wondered if the next few moments with her mother would be excruciating. But Aubrey's mother brought him out of his head as she sat across from him on the couch and seemed to be studying him.
"So, you guys are friends..?" She watched Bucky with a mother's eye as he answered, unsure what she wanted him to say.
"Yes...We did missions together during Hydra. After Project Insight we escaped and went into hiding together. Her wings had been ripped off in one of the helicarriers." Aubrey's mother frowned but didn't say anything as she continued her interrogation.
"And...you've...killed people?"
Bucky's mouth opened and closed several times as he tried to think of an answer
"I..theres things that I've done that I have had no control over. They haunt me every day, your daughter has gone through the same thing. We've both done things that will forever be upon our consciences." He artfully avoided the question and felt relief wash over him as his super-human senses picked up Aubrey's voice coming back towards the living room. But her mother got one more question out, her eyes hardening
"Who are you?"
Bucky felt his eyebrows hike up his forehead.
"Umm...I..what?" confusion and embarrassment clouded his face. Fortunately, Aubrey and her brothers re-entered the room at that moment saving Bucky from answering the question. Aubrey looked back and forth between the two and clicked her teeth under her breath, sensing the uncomfortable air that had settled in the room.
Aubrey's P.O.V
Aubrey watched her mom cook dinner, answering her questions about everything that had happened and stashing the cooking information away for later. Around dinner time the hum of a car sounded in the driveway and Aubrey knew before everyone else that someone had arrived. She stiffened and jumped out of her seat at the island, her hands straying to the Glock strapped on the small of her back. Bucky had done the same, his metal arm whirring, changing into combat mode. But Aubrey's brothers pushed past and jumped around the door. It opened and whoever it was, was met with bouncy hugs from her eleven and eight-year-old brothers. Aubrey heard a deep chuckle and clocked the invader as a man. Cautiously she crept closer and looked around the corner of the wall to the back door. Aubrey's mom gave the man a hug but he froze when his eyes landed on Aubrey, who had come into full view. The man's face flashed several emotions at once.
"I...Aubrey?" he stuttered
"Yeah...yeah,-" she trailed off, taking in her father just as she had her mother. A tentative smile came to her face as she whispered. "-Hi Dad" He came forward and embraced Aubrey tightly. Tears glistened in his eyes as he pulled back, his eyes seeing Bucky for the first time. His eyes clouded with battling emotions, confusion, surprise, but one shown through more than the others. Love. For what he had lost and now for what he had found...his Daughter
"How…?" he whispered
"It's...a long story..and later I have something to give you guys." Her mom ushered them to the dinner table where they had a quiet dinner. After, Aubrey's mom asked if they were staying at the house. Aubrey admitted she had hoped to stay here and her mom seemed delighted, taking Aubrey to the closed door of her room. Aubrey stood before the door, unsure whether she was ready to go in or not. Bucky, who had been interrogated by her brothers about his metal arm came up behind them. Aubrey reached into her backpack and pulled out the thick scrapbook, handing it to her mom who was glaring at Bucky.
"Don't read it now" she murmured under her breath. Her mother nodded and gave Bucky a stern look before leaving the hallway. Aubrey's hand hovered above the doorknob before she turned it and listened as the door creaked open. Her eyes raked over the room, memories flashing before her eyes. Aubrey took deep breaths, trying to focus on something to pull her back to the present. Her mind latched onto Bucky's voice
"I'm here." Sucking in a breath Aubrey stepped into the room, her hand running along the bed cover.
"I spent the first nineteen years of my life here.-" she whispered "- I was twenty one when I was taken….I wonder if my house is still in my name" Aubrey memorized every detail of the room, the pale pink walls and hot pink curtains, brown blinds. The baby pictures on the dresser and desk, various knick-knacks littered their surfaces, several long-dead cactuses, and succulents lived on the windowsill.
This time Bucky didn't stop her when she offered to take first watch. She stood a silent guardian over the house, a promise to protect those close to her. While her family slept Aubrey walked the perimeter and stationed herself in the living room, the center of the house, her notched bow in hand. Throughout the night she reminiscent about her life Before, everything that had happened, how careless she had been. Around four in the morning, Aubrey woke Bucky and they switched. She slid between the covers of her old bed, her body remembered it and Aubrey immediately found a comfortable position and slept better than she had slept in a long time. Nightmares didn't plague her that night, instead, she was met with memories from her past. They were full of light and joy, and Aubrey had a deep, restful sleep.
She woke to the smell of cooking meat and Bucky banging the door open, his face flushed.
"I think you need to get up-." he grunted "-your parents keep questioning me and your brothers keep hanging off my arm.-" Bucky paused and cleared his throat, sounding almost pitiful "-Please..?"
Aubrey sighed and got up, changing into a short-sleeved black shirt and leggings with teal stripes running down the sides, running her brush through her hair before standing at the end of the hallway, taking a moment to breathe deeply through her nose and out through her mouth. Stepping out, Aubrey was met with sunlight streaming through the windows, Glacier trotting over happily and her mother….her mother smiling blissfully at Aubrey. A smile ghosted Aubrey's lips as she tried to convince herself that this was real. Daniel and Jesse seemed more comfortable with her this morning and greeted Aubrey as she sat at the island.
"I'm surprised to see you up so early! When-" Aubrey's mother trailed off, tears forming in her eyes, she cleared her throat before continuing. Glancing at Aubrey to make sure this was okay to talk about. After a small nod her mom continued:
"-When you were a teenager I had to rouse you at nine every morning. And here you are, just after seven-thirty...how things change-" she paused to flip what Aubrey assumed was toast and bacon. "-Your father was able to get the day off from work and I sent him to the store to get food for this afternoon."
"Who...all is coming?"
Aubrey's mother seemed ecstatic that she had asked and answered happily.
"Nammy and Poppy, Aunt Sarah, Caleb, Joel, Elsie-" she paused, waiting until Daniel and Jesse's cheers had finished at the names of their cousins. "- and Uncle Brock." Each name brought a familiar face to Aubrey's mind and she nodded. Aubrey's mother plopped a full plate in front of her and another in front of Bucky. Taking a bite Aubrey immediately recognized the flavor.
"Is...is this french toast?"
Her mom's smile stretched wide "I knew you'd remember, was your favorite for the longest time."
"Thank you…."- Aubrey paused, taking a moment to say what she wanted to, the word felt foreign on her tongue "-mom" and she watched her mother turn away to wipe her eyes. Bucky inhaled his breakfast and the look on his face said he was still hungry, Aubrey mirrored it and her mother laughed good-naturedly.
"I don't think you can prepare for one, let alone two Super Soldier appetites...mom" Aubrey attempted a joke and everyone chuckled. Between the two of them, Aubrey and Bucky consumed sixteen pieces of french toast and countless pieces of bacon. Although it seemed for several minutes that her brothers wanted to exceed their number but pettered out after each having three. Aubrey helped clean up breakfast even after her mom waved her off. Afterwords Bucky sidled over to where Aubrey was observing her brothers play with Legos, murmuring under his breath.
"You could show them your wings."
"I don't think they like..or remember me much."
"No, it's not that. This morning while I was keeping watch they were the first up and I heard them talking about you. Both are…-" Bucky paused, searching for the right word "-Unsure. Apparently your parents read the scrapbook and talked to your brothers and they don't want to accidentally trigger something.-" Aubrey cut him off
"So they think they're walking on thin ice..which is a horrible choice really."
"Absolutely the worst" Bucky grinned but became serious a moment later.
"Just an idea or you could just go and sit with them instead of standing here like a prison guard." Aubrey huffed and elbowed Bucky in the ribs before sucking in a breath and venturing closer to the boys. They tensed when she became close and crouched down.
"Hi guys" Aubrey attempted a smile but it felt like a grimace. The boy's eyes widened and Jesse squeaked
"Hi"
Clearing her throat, Aubrey tried again. "I..was wondering if you wanted to see my..erm wingsuit?"
Neither boy hesitated "Yeah!" Aubrey grinned and got the car keys, shoving her feet into her combat boots. Daniel and Jesse got their sneakers on and eagerly followed Aubrey outside to the car. In the trunk sat her tan backpack and Jesse frowned, his nose screwing up.
"That doesn't look like wings, it's just a backpack"
"It's not just a backpack! Backpacks can be very helpful" Aubrey reasoned as she led the boys to the backyard where it was less likely to be seen. Shrugging the backpack on Aubrey tapped the straps with her thumbs and felt the familiar calm of The Eagle settled over her as the suit traveled up and down her body and the silvery-gold wings unfolded. Aubrey watched, delighted as her brother's eyes lit up and their jaws went slack.
"Wow-"
"That's so cool!"
I wanna try-!"
The boys' words tripped over each other as they scrambled closer to look at the suit.
"Feel the feathers, they are really soft." Aubrey spread her wings and watched the boys finger the feathers.
"Can you fly then?" Daniel questioned
"Of course! Wanna see? And maybe mom will let me take you up with me" Aubrey raised an eyebrow as she shot into the sky, her jets blasting. The wind tousled her hair and Aubrey whooped, doing loops before landing gracefully.
"That-"
"Was-"
"Awesome!" the boys yelled in unison.
Aubrey grinned, glad she had found something in common with her brothers.
"Who wants to go first!?"
"ME!" They both shouted at once before collapsing into a fit of giggles. Aubrey grabbed Daniel around the waist and launched into the sky before he had a chance to realize what was happening. He squealed in delight as the wind blew into their faces, Aubrey did loops and turns. For the finale, she flew high into the air and turned her jets off, letting them free fall until the last possible moment. After smoothly landing Daniel bolted up the stairs to the deck and watched as Aubrey took Jessie into the air, repeating what she had done with Daniel. After she had landed the boys rushed inside to tell their mom about their flight. Aubrey stood on the deck, watching birds windsurf above her when her father's gravelly voice sounded behind her, making Aubrey jump. He came beside her and leaned his arms on the railing.
"You are the strongest person I know and thinking about what they did to you.. It makes me so angry" Her dad's voice trembled as he spoke and Aubrey knew he was being truthful.
Aubrey's voice cracked as she responded "Thank you...I..It is something that should never be wished upon anyone.-" the two lapsed into silence for several minutes. Her dad seemed to be contemplating something and he hesitated before speaking.
"Is it okay to trust him?"
"Bucky?" he nodded
"Yeah..I trust him with my life and he trusts me with his." Aubrey didn't hesitate in her answer, another question burst out of her dad's mouth.
"Why you… Why an innocent twenty-one year old. Why my daughter -" Her dad's voice cracked, lowering as he uttered the last sentence. His hands gripped the railing of the deck as he turned to face her, a single tear trailing down his face. "-Why you, why him?"
Aubrey felt her chin wobble as she met her father's green eyes, her mind taking a moment to conjure an answer.
"You know why. I'm not normal. I never had been. I can disappear..and..and" Aubrey froze, something new emerging from her mind, she had another power...but she couldn't remember what...it had been a secret. Her father was giving her an odd look and Aubrey attempted to smile. "Sorry...Sometimes things come back and it takes a minute to...to process it-" Her dad nodded understandingly, something sad in his eyes and waited for her to go on. Aubrey took a breath and continued
"They chose me because I knew karate, and because of my powers. Bucky...In World War II he was captured by the original Red Skull and experimented on. I'm not sure why he was chosen but it's in the past. We are safe now." Her father sighed, something heavy in his voice as he started to respond but was cut off by the sliding glass door opening and her mom peeking her head out, her voice breathless
"They're here." Aubrey gulped, feeling their eyes on her. She nodded and followed behind her dad. Bucky stood just inside the house and met Aubrey's eyes immediately, his eyes asking if she was alright. A slight nod relaxed his figure and Bucky shoved his hands in his jean pockets, watching as Aubrey stashed her tan backpack behind the couch. Her parents had already disappeared out the front door, in several strides Aubrey had made it to the door. Aubrey's eyes took in all the people in the drive-way, her hand strayed to the storm-door handle and she puffed a breath of air through her lips, clicking her tongue, the sound comforting. Before she headed out, her legs wobbled but Aubrey felt Bucky's presence behind her. It spurred her on, down the steps and around one of the cars to where everyone had congregated. Her mother seemed to be explaining something to everyone else. Aubrey took in everyone's faces, her eyes resting on her cousin Caleb. He seemed to have been the first person to notice her come around the white Subaru. His eyes widened and he weaved around the rest of her family, coming to stand beside her. Caleb paused when he noticed Bucky, like a shadow behind Aubrey, his arms crossed and examining everyone. A silent guardian. Aubrey took a slight step forward and took in a breath
"Hi Caleb." He grinned, a mischievous gleam in his eye, in one move he had enveloped Aubrey in a tight hug. It only lasted a moment as he took a step back and looked her over one more time.
"You remember me?" his voice was deeper then she remembered. Aubrey attempted to respond but her speech came out as her own language, clicks, and whistles. She frowned and cleared her throat, Bucky answered for her, giving Aubrey time to collect herself.
"One of the first things she remembered was her family." Caleb looked like he wanted to respond but Bucky nudged Aubrey and nodded towards where the rest of her family was. They had silenced and where staring at her, various emotions in their eyes. Her Aunt was the first to come forward, her hand coming up to swipe a strand of hair away from Aubrey's face. "Welcome home, Dolly" she whispered, tears traveling freely down her face. Aubrey smiled weakly and pulled her Aunt closer for a hug, whispering back "Thanks Aunty". Aubrey was met with the rest of her family, each one hugging her and whispering something. Everyone had tears rolling down their faces by the time Aubrey's mother ushered everyone inside. Caleb's younger siblings Joel and Elsie had yet to approach Aubrey and she understood completely. As she followed everyone inside Aubrey turned to Bucky and whispered
"I wish your family were here too. I'm sorry, this is probably hard."
"Life is hard, but this...seeing you with your family. It makes me happy for you." He sounded like there was something else he wanted to say.
"But?" Aubrey paused, just outside the door, turning to Bucky and finding his eyes wet.
"I miss them." his chest shuddered and Bucky tried to turn away but Aubrey followed, pausing when she heard footsteps coming towards the door. She whirled around and held up her hand to her mom and mouth "One minute, I'll be in soon". Her mom nodded and disappeared back inside, a concerned look on her face. She seemed to realize that they needed a minute and closed the front door so no one could watch. Aubrey caught up with Bucky and stood in just behind him.
"I'm here-" she whispered. "-I'm here whenever you need someone to talk to. My family, they are here too, for me and you." But Bucky shook his head, staring at the grass as his voice rumbled
"No, they don't trust me. I'm tolerated because I'm here with you."
"They're just unsure. They've been through a lot.-" Bucky cut her off, his voice turning hard.
"-More than us Brie? You can't tell me they've been through more than us. They didn't have their..their humanity taken away. They didn't outlive their family."- he paused, his sobs quiet but his chest heaving "-I never got a chance to say goodbye." the note of brokenness in his voice broke something in Aubrey and she murmured
"-I'm going to touch you" her hand went up to his flesh-shoulder and her hand tightened, her whisper just audible for his super-soldier hearing. "-I'm here, and you're my family too. I think we've been through more than enough to be able to say that." Bucky inclined his head slightly to show he had heard her. Under his breath, Aubrey thought she heard him mutter "Thank you" while he said louder "I..need to do perimeter...Go inside and spend time with them while they are still here" Aubrey asked if he was sure and his only answer was a grunt as Bucky dried his face and set off to do a perimeter. Aubrey sighed heavily and went back inside, the doors clicking softly behind her. Glacier danced over, woofing happily as Aubrey scratched his ears. Her family sat in the living room and everyone seemed to tense when she entered as if expecting something to happen. But as she made her way over to the couch Aubrey felt a tug on her shirt, turning she found her eight-year-old cousin Elsie watching her with big brown doe-eyes. Crouching down to her level Aubrey smiled warmly and tried to sound friendly "Hi Elsie" the little girl smiled, seeming happy that the stranger knew her name.
"Hi-" she tittered back. "- I like your nails, they're so sparkly" Aubrey showed her hands to the girl
"Watch this" Aubrey watched as the nails warmed and grew to their full size. Elsie's eyes widened and she reached out gently fingering the talons.
"That's amazing! How did you do that?" Elsie questioned.
"Well at...my old work...they cut my regular fingernails really short and put these plates of special metal where the nail used to be" the little girl frowned and met Aubrey's eyes.
"I bet that hurt a lot. Momma said that you have had a hard life but I think you are stronger than they know and...and..yeah" The little girl sucked in a breath and scrunched up her face, thinking as Aubrey responded, choosing her words carefully.
"It did hurt but I'm stronger now you're right. Thank you for coming over to say hello" Elsie nodded "Are you gonna be an 'Venger now?"
"A what?"
" an Avenger" Aubrey took a moment to realize the girl was implying, the thought was something she hadn't really thought of before.
"Well...I'm not sure Elsie...It's not something that Bucky or I have ever thought about. I don't think it's safe for us to be around too many other people right now."
"Well, they'd be dumb not to let you-." Elsie concluded "- Now you can help people right? I have to go play with Jesse now. Bye," she waved to Aubrey before disappearing downstairs. Aubrey settled onto the couch and listened to her family talk. It was an hour before Bucky slipped back into the house. He walked through the family room to the kitchen and settled on one of the island stools. Caleb came upstairs and jumped onto the couch, squeezing in between Aubrey and her Aunt. He looked at Aubrey and grinned "Geek"
Aubrey remembered this was something they used to do and answered happily.
"Weirdo what do you need?"
"Back door, one minute." Caleb stood and took black sunglasses out of his pocket, putting them on with flourish and strutting back towards the door. Aubrey snorted and stood to her feet, following her cousin to the door. Bucky was already out there and raised his eyebrows at the sight of Caleb in his sunglasses and Aubrey with the confused look on her face. As soon as the door closed Aubrey's hands went to her hips and she looked at her cousin as he started to explain
"I..I'm not sure if this is something that could mess you up again. But do you remember that game we used to play….Assassin?"
Aubrey felt her face light up as she remembered the game "Yes! Can we play?" Caleb grinned and pulled Aubrey and Bucky down to the basement where her brothers and cousins were waiting excitedly. Aubrey remembered the base of the game and explained it to Bucky.
"In this game, there are papers for everyone in a jar, all but one says innocent. The other one says Assassin, everyone draws a paper. You get a thirty-second grace period and then the Assassin attempts to kill everyone but tries to not be killed by everyone else. We used to play it all the time. -" Aubrey paused and looked at Caleb "-Indoor and Outdoor?" his grin widened
"Yep! Papers are in the jar and we've already drawn-" Caleb took the jar from Daniel and motioned to a pile of fake swords, knives, and lightsabers. He held the jar out and Aubrey and Bucky drew a paper each. In messy handwriting were the words "Innocent, stay alive!" Aubrey wiggled her eyebrows as she tramped over to the weapons pile. She fingered a wooden sword but settled for a foam sword that looked a little like the Master Sword from Zelda. Picking the sword up Aubrey stepped back and watched Bucky take an assortment of knives and small swords. Aubrey just barely kept the evil grin off her face, they were so winning this thing. After Caleb yelled, "Go!" everyone dispersed, Bucky followed Aubrey, his whisper just loud enough for her Super-Soldier senses to pick up.
"You're innocent right?" and when Aubrey nodded he chuckled under his breath "seems kinda unfair but let's destroy them"
"Took the words right outta my mouth" Aubrey pronounced as she led Bucky out of the fence and around the edge, her sword in hand. Out of the corner of her eye, Aubrey watched Daniel and Jesse on the retaining wall on the side of the house. The two soldiers knew how to work together and started silently creeping their way along the fence-line.
Bucky's murmur was near-silent "Youngest two, Elsie and Jesse coming from the other side.-" He paused and looked at Aubrey, as if sensing her answer "-wanna let em come?"
"Yeah, it would be unfair."
Bucky snorted "It's already unfair."
"Yeah yeah..we're gonna crush em, how close are they?"
"Gonna see us any minute now." Bucky's statement was confirmed a moment later when Jesse and Elsie came running over, holding hands tightly. Jesse stumbled over to Aubrey and hugged her tightly.
"Will you protect us?" he mumbled and Aubrey couldn't help but say
"of course" she ignored Buckys look and they continued creeping along the fence, Jesse and Elsie between Bucky and Aubrey. As they rounded the corner Aubrey watched Daniel and Joel head towards the front yard. They moved quickly to the retaining wall and deftly Aubrey lifted the kids up while Bucky covered her back. They wove around the pine trees but Aubrey froze, causing the kids and Bucky to run into her. Joel had been 'killed' and was laying on the ground, waiting until the yard cleared. Daniel collapsed to the ground several feet away. Motioning for everyone else to stay put Aubrey crept forward to Joel and crouched down beside him. He eyed her suspiciously as she started to speak quickly.
"Who was it?"
"If I told you then you would be at an advantage" Joel defended, sitting up and wiping grass off of his shirt.
"I'm already at an advantage but alright, have it your way" Aubrey shrugged and got to her feet, creeping back to her group. But Aubrey stopped when she saw Caleb come back to the front yard.
"Hostile just entered front yard, has two swords and I'm pretty sure he's the Assasin."
"Certainly not acting like one, see how nervous he is? Keeps looking around. Can't imagine why he's so nervous" Bucky remarked.
"No idea why-" Aubrey cackled, making the little ones back up several steps. "-Time for dinner" she grinned, looking at Bucky, her eyes asking if he was ready. He nodded and whispered to the kids to stay put. Aubrey and Bucky came out into the clearing and the moment Caleb noticed them he froze, a look of terror flashing in his eyes.
"Hi guys-" he stammered "-wanna..wanna team up?"
"Unfortunately we are otherwise engaged, saving the day" Aubrey came closer, preparing to slash at Caleb but he grunted and bolted to the front door and inside. Aubrey growled and yelled to Jesse and Elsie. "Going after him! Be careful!" they nodded and watched as Aubrey and Bucky pursued. Launching themselves into the house, Aubrey looked at her family and they shrugged as if not knowing where Caleb had gone. But their body language said it all. Aubrey strode downstairs and glimpsed Caleb's redshirt bolting through the back yard. The super-soldiers slammed open the sliding glass door and followed Caleb across the yard. He had already slipped through the gate but Aubrey knew a faster way. Over the fence. She picked up speed and leaped over, landing just in front of Caleb. He slid to a stop and turned around to find Bucky grinning evilly, several fake knives in hand.
"Any last words?" Aubrey taunted and Caleb muttered
"Not fair you have the upper hand, even though I'm taller than you."
"That was the wrong thing to say" Aubrey jumped forward, swiping Caleb to the ground and heroically "killing" him. Aubrey and Bucky cheered, high-fiving and dragging Caleb to the front of the house where Joel, Daniel, Elsie, and Jesse were waiting.
"Got 'em!" she crowed happily. They trooped inside and much to Caleb's dislike, Aubrey announced her and Bucky's win to the whole house. She was met with high-fives and happy looks on her parent's faces. The group went back downstairs and re-drew papers, Aubrey tried to conceal her smirk at the sight of the word "Assassin" on her card. Everyone chose their weapons and vacated the room. Aubrey split up with Bucky and headed upstairs and into the garage, creeping around the cars. She heard a rustle behind her and whirled around, Joel was coming out of the house, a suspicious look on his face.
"Hello comrade-" he drawled, jumping down the stairs, wooden axe in hand. "I asked Caleb and both he and Daniel are innocent. So I took a guess" He came closer and attempted to dart around Aubrey, his small size giving a slight advantage. Aubrey blocked his axe and used one of Bucky's fake knives to throw at Joel, hitting him in the chest faster then he could react. Joel's eyes widened as he fell to the ground"dying"
"Your good at that" he mumbled as Aubrey wiggled her eyebrows, leaving the scene, chirping
"Wish me luck!" Aubrey then ventured inside and found Bucky in her bedroom, stationed just inside the room, his body tense and ready to strike. But he relaxed at the sight of Aubrey, his eyes trusting her. Aubrey cleared her throat, her plan already forming.
"Everything okay?" she asked
"Yeah, know who it is?"
"Nope found Joel's body in the garage though. I think it might be Daniel.-" Bucky nodded, taking the bait. "-Although maybe we should move outside, kinda cramped in here. We could get caught off guard real fast." Aubrey reasoned, knowing it would be easier to pick Bucky off outside. They made their way to the backyard where Aubrey let Bucky take the lead. He stopped at the edge of the fence and Aubrey saw Daniel heading their way, his jaw set with determination. Bucky grinned, a sparkle in his eye and Aubrey watched him but made sure to stay close, waiting until it was time to strike. Bucky swiftly threw a fake knife and Daniel went down, whining about how he wasn't the murderer. Aubrey grinned wickedly and watched as Bucky stiffened and turned around, his eyes going immediately to Aubrey's sword that was poised to strike. He shook his head and Aubrey thought he was mad but instead realized he was chuckling, his look going from shock to glee, he clearly thought Aubrey was going to lose.
"I should have known. Anyone can betray anyone" He breathed, making eye contact with Aubrey. In the background, she heard Daniel yelling to everyone else to come watch her and Bucky fight it out. Her ears picked up pounding footsteps on the retaining wall but her focus had gone to Bucky. Slowly they circled each other, Aubrey wiggled her eyebrows and attempted to swipe at Bucky, he easily dodged and tried to throw one of his knives. Aubrey grabbed it and held onto the knife for later. Aubrey took Bucky by surprise, launching herself off the ground, landing behind Bucky, swiping his legs out from under him, and using his own fake knife to "stab" Bucky in the back. He grunted and fell to the ground, mumbling something under his breath. Aubrey stashed the words away for later and grinned, thrusting her sword into the air triumphantly. In the background, she heard her cousins and brothers cheers but she held out her hand to Bucky. He scrunched his eyebrows at her before taking her hand and letting her help him to his feet and wiping his jeans off.
"I beat you" she grinned, lightly punching him on his flesh-arm.
"For now" Bucky shot back, picking his knife off the ground. Everyone headed inside and the rest of the day went by quickly. Aubrey's family stayed for Pizza and left an hour after dinner. She could tell by looking at Bucky that he was emotionally exhausted, and noticed that he seemed to be done with people for the day. Around seven o'clock he disappeared into Aubrey's bedroom. Half an hour later she excused herself, doing a quick perimeter before gently knocking and going in. Bucky was sitting comfortably on Aubrey's bed, his brown leather journal in hand. He sensed her and didn't look up when she entered. Glacier lifted his head from where he was laying on the floor in a cocoon of blankets. Cautiously Aubrey scooted onto the bed, laying her head back against the wall and puffing a breath out of her lips, her tongue clicking softly. After mentally collecting herself Aubrey gazed at Bucky
"Everything alright?" she questioned
"Yeah..yeah...today was just..exhausting." He looked over to her and she noted the battling emotions in his eyes.
"I'll take first watch tonight" Aubrey swallowed her exhaustion and prepared to jump off the bed but Bucky shook his head stubbornly.
"I think we are both exhausted and I've been working with Glacier when I'm on watch. I think we should let him guard tonight. Your mother mentioned an air mattress I could use, that way if either of us has nightmares no one gets hurt." Aubrey contemplated it for a moment before nodding.
"Ok, you take care of Glacier and I'll get the bed." The Soldiers dispersed to get everything done and soon the mattress was set up and Glacier was doing perimeter on the property, prepared to wake either one if anything alerted him. Bucky settled on his mattress and Aubrey heard his snores fill the room soon after. Aubrey sat awake for quite a while, going over everything that had happened, trying to mentally memorize every detail of her family's faces. Eventually, she too drifted off, yet her youngest cousin's words echoed in her mind. "Now you can help people...right?". Silently Aubrey vowed to try and help not only people but the Avengers in any way she could.
That night something monumental happened. The Soldiers shed their skin, breaking through past barriers. The Soldiers were no longer soldiers but people. People with an identity and a family, with a name and a face. Instead of a mind of madness, they had a mind of their own. The two still had hurdles to get over, their past would never be forgotten but for now, they had everything they needed. Family and Friendship.