The next few weeks were spent working and trying to do all that needed to be done.
I had spent some time with everyone and was currently at the playground base to meet with Phil and his team.
"Rebekah"
"Hey Skye," I said as she walked up to me and we hugged.
"It is so good to see you."
"How have things been?"
"Well no more carvings and now we are looking for an alien city. So our new normal."
"Sounds about right. How is he?"
"I think he is alright but he also likes to keep things from people."
"That I know. But while I am here I will try to help. Show me what you have done with the place."
Skye started to show me around and I smiled as I saw it being used.
"You know Peggy brought me here a couple of times when I was younger. She was in charge of the layout of this place."
"It is pretty amazing."
"You would be amazed at all of the hidden things in this place."
"You will need to show me."
"I will don't worry."
We walked through the halls, both of us showing each other things before we made our way into the commons room.
"Girl, what are you doing here?"
"You know, just need to check on you."
"I miss seeing this face all the time."
"You know where I live, Trip. You are more than welcome to come anytime." He walked to me and pulled me into a hug.
"Don't keep her to yourself." I pulled away and looked at her.
"Hey Bobbi, It's good to see you again." We also hugged.
"I have missed you."
"So this is Mack."
"Nice to meet you," I say, shaking his hand.
"You as well."
"And this is Hunter."
"I have heard about you."
"That's funny she never talked about you."
"Because I like to keep her to myself."
"Bobbi and the others like to be a little selfish with me sometimes."
"Only because we care about you so much." I turned to see Mel smiling and walking in with Phil. Running over to them they both pulled me into a tight hug.
"I have missed you both so much."
"We have missed you Ladybug."
"More than you know Love."
"So Beks what did happen with you and Captain America when things fell apart?"
"You mean, did I almost die, Trip?"
"Bells did say something."
"If you must know, Yes I almost died a lot more than planned in a few days. They also blew up the original SHIELD base while Steve and I were inside. Plus not only did I end up jumping out of the elevator at headquarters but also a hellacarier as well. I was facing all kinds of fears."
"You hate heights."
"Don't I know it Trip, but it was jump or die and I was with super soldiers both times so I took the risk."
"So you met Bucky?"
"I did"
"What is he like?"
"Well, he was under Hydra mind control so we didn't really get to know each other but he is getting help now and I am very hopeful that he will be able to have a somewhat normal life. But he did save me when it came down to it."
"How did you get him to stay?"
"I might have used information about his past."
"Like what?"
"Alright, if any of you see her don't say anything but I am pretty sure he and Nat knew each other before she came to SHIELD."
"As in Black Widow?"
"Yes, Skye."
"That would explain a lot actually," Mel told me.
"That is what I am thinking but I guess only time will tell."
"There would be an interesting relationship."
"No kidding Bobbi."
"Next girl's trip she might have some explaining and stories to tell."
"I'm hoping I can figure it all out by then."
"We need to find time for a girl's trip."
"That we do. Although Phil I have to say I really like what you have done with the place. It is looking good. Now tell me everything that has been going on here."
They spent the next few hours going over everything that had happened from the last time I saw them and their plan.
Before too long I got ready to go with promises to see them again soon.
Phil, Mel, and Skye walked me out.
"If you need anything at all let me know. I will do all that I can to help you."
"We know and we will reach out if we need to," Phil told me.
"Take care of yourselves and I will see you later."
We said goodbye and I headed out.
A few months later I was in Wakanda and was meeting with them about Bucky and seeing if he wanted to come back with me.
"What would you think about coming back with me?"
"Do you think it would be a good idea?"
"Well, they are saying you are doing well and I'm sure you have some things you would like to do. Maybe some people you would like to see."
"Are you talking about Steve or Natalia?"
"Both"
"I would like to see them again."
"Then you should. I know Steve wants to see you and I'm sure Nat will as well."
"I almost killed her."
"True, but that was when the Winter Soldier was in charge. Now you get to be Bucky again and I know you are afraid that you will lose control but I believe in you."
He was quiet for a few minutes before he spoke up.
"Alright, I will go. But if anything happens and I do something bad I will leave."
"I can agree to that. Let's get you ready to go."
After telling everyone thank you Bucky and I was off.
"Tell me more about everything and everyone."
"Well, Steve is a lot of how he used to be from what I understand. Thor is interesting but is a really nice guy. Bruce is very nice, but has moments when Hulk shows up. Clint is an amazing guy and believes in people, he gave Nat a chance, and Nat is amazing. She liked to keep people at a distance but she is getting better at letting in some. As for Tony who is my dad, people say he reminds them of a young Howard in ways. He is a little reckless at times but he also cares."
"Do you know what happened to Howard and his wife?"
"Maria, and yes. I saw the video."
"I'm sorry, now remembering more of my life. He was a friend before everything and Hydra. I get it if you hate me because of what I did."
"I don't, I know that was not who you were or are. That was Hydra and a warning to Peggy and the others to stop what they were doing. They found out that Hydra was still around. I know that everything that happened while you were held by Hydra is always going to be a part of you but I also know that it does not define you. You get to choose who you want to be now Bucky. We are all here as you figure it all out. As for my dad, he knows that his parents were killed because of Hydra but not by who. So I want you both to get to know each other before I tell him. I hope that way he will see you for who you truly are and not who Hydra made you be."
"You don't need to do that, you have already done so much for me."
"I know but I want to. I am far from perfect and was at a low place myself not long ago. Well, it has been over a year now but still. I have done things as well that are bad and I know that all of this is a lot for you at the moment but I am here to help in any way that I can."
"I appreciate all you have done."
"I'm happy to help." The rest of the ride was sharing stories about our childhoods and Steve, Nat, and the others as well.
Once we got to the tower I went to get off but saw Bucky standing there staring.
"What's wrong?"
"What if she doesn't want to see me or have anything to do with me?"
"I don't think that is what will happen but even if it does Steve will be so happy to see you. I think things are going to work out though."
"Alright, let's go."
We walked off and we went to find the others.
They were all waiting in the lounge area for us. Steve was the first to get up and walk to us with a small smile but I could see the worry in his eyes.
"Hi Punk"
"Hi Jurk"
"You look better than the last time I saw you."
"You do as well." They then pulled each other into a hug and I smiled watching.
Once they pulled apart Steve turned to the others.
"Everyone, this is Bucky, my oldest friend."
"In more than one way," Dad said and I rolled my eyes.
"Dad, playing nice, remember?"
"I know best behavior. You gave us all the talk before you left."
"Hello Natalia" Bucky finally said.
"Hello James' ' they slowly walked to one another before stopping right in front of each other. "So you remember me?"
"Yes, and I am sorry for everything that happened after. You didn't deserve that."
"You didn't either, but I'm not upset with you."
"Will you be willing to talk later?"
"I would." She let him hug her and when she looked at me I gave her a knowing look which she returned with her own look of telling me to shut up. I smiled at her as they pulled away. Bucky then turned to Steve.
"I have to say you tend to find the strongest women around Steve."
"Rebekah is pretty outstanding," Steve told him as he wrapped his arm around me.
"She would have to be, to be able to put up with you."
"Thanks, how very nice."
"No, I am impressed. She has been amazing to me. She's perfect for you."
"That she is."
"You both are too much, I'm not all of that."
"You are and so much more," Steve tells me placing a kiss on my head.
"Well thank you." We then introduced Bucky to the others and things went well. We got him settled and in his room. Things were finally starting to look up and work out.
The following week went well. Bucky was adjusting to being at the tower and no longer being controlled by Hydra which helped everyone. I was spending time with him, Steve and Nat and having a marvelous time doing so.
Everyone was getting along and it was great the stories that Bucky had.
I was working and got a message from Phil asking if we could meet somewhere.
Setting it up we planned to meet at the base I would work out of for SHIELD.
Once there I saw David who told me Phil was waiting for me in my office.
Making my way there I was wondering what was going on.
Walking in I saw him looking at the pictures on the wall.
"Hi Phil, how are things going?"
He turned and looked at me and I knew something was wrong.
"What happened?"
"The alien artifact we talked to you about. We found the temple but Hydra did as well."
"How bad?"
"We were going to blow it up but then Rina took the obelisk in and Skye followed her."
"Phil, what happened?"
"We are not really sure what happened other than it released something that makes people turn to stone and then there was an earthquake."
"Who got hurt?"
"Trip followed Skye."
"Is he alright?"
"No, he's gone." It was slowly feeling as if all of the air was leaving the room and I didn't know what to do.
"He can't be gone. I just talked to him a few days ago. We are all supposed to go out this weekend. Phil, please tell me he's not gone."
"I wish I could more than anything, but I can't." I started to cry and before I knew it I was in Phil's arms. After a few moments of crying, I asked another question.
"Was anyone else hurt?"
"Skye was there so she is contained but she seems to be alright at the moment."
"That is good. Trip would be happy that she was alright."
"Rebekah, are you alright?"
"I will be, I promised him and the others I would not fall apart again and I need to keep it for him. I owe it to myself and the others."
"I am here for you, we all are."
"I know Phil. I am here for you as well. If you all need anything at all let me know and I will be there."
"I will, are you going to be alright?"
"I don't know at the moment but I will be. Have you told his mom?"
"I did, I went and talked to her."
"That is good. I will make sure I reach out to her. I will go and see her. I also need to tell the others."
"Rebekah, I can help tell the others."
"He never got to meet Steve and Bucky. They were all going to meet this weekend. He was so looking forward to it."
"Rebekah, I'm so sorry this happened."
"I don't know what to do without him." I then started to cry again and Phil just held me until I was done.
After he came with me to tell the others where we all cried and comforted each other, each of us felt like we lost a part of ourselves.
After a few hours, I was on my way to the tower not really sure how I was feeling.
Once there I saw Steve first who could see I had been crying.
"What happened, are you alright, are you hurt?"
"Do you remember me telling you about Trip?"
"Of course."
"He died."
"Rebekah, I'm so sorry. What happened?"
"He was doing what he always did. Trying to keep people safe and he sacrificed himself for someone else." I started to cry again and Steve pulled me into his arms before pulling us down to the couch we were by.
I cried in his arms and he held me tight until I couldn't cry anymore.
"I'm going to miss him so much."
"I know you will. I am sorry I never met him. He sounds like an amazing person."
"One of the best. Everyone said he was a lot like his grandfather."
"Then I know he would be an amazing person."
"I don't know how to say goodbye to somebody else."
"I know but don't forget I am here for you. All of us are, just don't shut us out."
"I know Steve and I am glad I have all of you. It is just..."
"You wish he was still here."
"I really do."
I spent time just sitting there with Steve feeling safe to feel everything that I was feeling and thinking. Knowing with everything in me that he would keep me safe and be able to help me through this and anything else that may come our way after this. For that, I was grateful, more than I could ever say.
So kind of a sad ending, I'm sorry for that. I do hope you like the changes though. Bucky is going to be kind of a big part of things being different. I hope you are liking this though, and please review it to let me know what you think. Thank you Guest for your lovely review, I hope you enjoy this as well.