"Sometimes in life there really are bonds that can never be broken." ~ unknown
Bucky sat on the chair with Heather in his arms and his mind reeling. Being the traditional and somewhat old-fashioned guy he was, being married without a proper courtship and doing the asking was a bit daunting. However, Heather was exactly the type of woman his ma would've wanted him to marry. He held her as she leaned her head against his shoulder and breathed to calm herself down.
"So, bonded?" he murmured into her hair. "Why don't we go talk about this somewhere, sweetheart?"
Heather could not vocalize or coherently get words out. She simply nodded against his shoulder and kept her eyes closed. She knew that he could feel her emotions, just as she could feel his. While she was comforted that he wasn't running screaming, this was not exactly how she had planned this to go.
Bucky cradled her to his chest and stood. The rest of the room watched him walk away in silence. None of them knew what to say or think. It was a situation that they were not familiar with. The Reapers watched their Captain being carried away by her bond mate and hoped that she would be able to find happiness and peace. The Avengers were simply stunned. Magic was still relatively new to them and bonding was a completely baffling concept.
Once they reached Heather's floor, Bucky detoured towards her living room. It was large and decorated for comfort. The walls were a warm cream color, the furniture was light woods and there were earthy tones around the space. It had a warm and homey feel to it, reminding Bucky of his grandmother's living room from his childhood. He sat on the sofa and placed her beside him, sensing her need for independence, even as he felt her need for closeness and comfort.
"This is all backwards," Heather said, staring down at her hands. "I'm so sorry that this happened so suddenly like this."
"Hey now," he replied, taking her hands into his own. "As far as I've understood this is not a bad thing. Sure, I would have liked to get to know you more and maybe ask you on a date before getting to this stage, but there is no rush. We can still do those things, right?"
Heather's eyes snapped up to meet his own. He found himself lost in the emerald orbs, so full of pain, yet full of so much hope he felt an echoing ache in his own chest. He knew that she was scared, Hell he was too, but there were far worse situations.
"Why don't we take some time to get to know each other?" he suggested. "My ma would have my hide if I didn't treat you right. You're a lady and deserve a proper courtship and we will get there eventually. We've only really known each other for three months."
"Thank you," Heather smiled up at him. "I agree and would love it if we could start this out slow. Being who and what I am, I haven't had time for a personal life. Please be patient with me, this is all very new to me."
"Are you telling me that those idiots in your world didn't see the great girl you are?" he asked incredulously. "No one ever took you on a date?"
"I've been on three, no four dates." She replied with a blush. "Fighting a war as a child and then enlisting to fight another did not leave much time for romance."
Bucky ran a hand over his face and shook his head. "I'm not sure what's wrong with the men in your life before now, sweetheart," he began. "But I can assure you that I'll treat you right, like you deserve."
They fell into a companionable silence and Bucky pulled her against his side. They both felt comfortable just being there with the other. Heather summonsed the remote, handing it to Bucky. He flicked on the television and they sat together, curled up on her sofa watching something on the Discovery channel.
"True friends are families which you can select." ~ Audrey Hepburn
That was how Steve and Lisa found them a few hours later. Heather was leaning against Bucky's right side, pressed against him with her legs curled up under herself. Bucky had his right arm over her shoulder, running his hand through her hair and down her back. He had tugged the braid out earlier, letting the curly black locks free.
"Congratulations?" Steve huffed an awkward laugh.
"Can it, punk." Bucky replied with a good-natured grin. "Thanks though. We're going to go about this the good old-fashioned way and get to know each other and go from there. When we're ready, we'll see about making it official."
"Good," Lisa said with a soft smile. "It's no less than either of you deserve. I'm happy for you Heather, for both of you."
"Thank you," Heather replied with a slight laugh.
"I wish we were here for just this, but Fury is here." Steve said, rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably. "He's asking questions and is less than thrilled about the Reapers and him not knowing about it."
Heather dropped her forehead against the corded muscles of Bucky's chest and closed her eyes. She breathed in his scent and took comfort in it, relishing it. Through their bond she felt Bucky's encouragement and reassurance. She felt cocooned and safe with him.
"I guess it's time to face the music," she replied dryly. "However, we may need the Prime Minister or Her Majesty to pull rank and muzzle the grumpy bulldog."
Steve and Bucky burst into amused laughter hearing her description of Fury. They knew that the man was mostly bark, but he was known to bite from time to time. If she had a direct line of communication with the British PM and the Queen, it would certainly curtail Fury's displeasure.
Heather stood with the help of Bucky. Though she was fully healed, she was still fatigued from the entire ordeal. It would be some time still before she was back to one hundred percent. Standing on shaky legs, she nodded to Steve and Lisa. The quartet made their way to the elevator at Heather's pace.
"Stand for what is right. Even if it means standing alone." ~ Suzy Kassem
"You have some explaining to do." Fury gritted out as the doors opened.
Heather rolled her eyes and waved her hand moving him out of her way in annoyance. "While you may be the director of SHIELD and the person to implement the Avengers initiative, I will remind you I answer to my Queen and sovereign, and you would do well to remember that Director."
Fury went to rebut, but another wave of her hand silenced the man. The veins on his forehead bulged in his frustration, but he seemed to have gotten the message. The man spun and went to sit at the large dining table where the rest of the Reapers and Avengers waited.
"If you're quite done now?" Heather asked sarcastically. "You were not informed of the Reapers because no one was supposed to know about them. We've made many enemies on our missions and now that we've been outed, we will have rather large targets on our backs."
Sitting heavily in the chair that Bucky pulled out for her, she drew a breath. She had what her team referred to as her game face. It was the last thing Voldemort had ever seen. Most people found this face terrifying and for good reason.
"I have had a bit of a trying and tiring few months, Director." Heather told him firmly. "I've tolerated as much of the bureaucratic nonsense as I'm going to, so let me be clear. The only reason that I'm even here is because my Queen asked it of me. I could have retired quietly, but here I am. You don't get to come in here making demands. The Reapers are retired, should they choose to come out of retirement on any form of mission that is their decision, you will not demand it. Push the issue and we all walk away right now."
The magic in the room was crackling around them. Heather's magic was visibly sparking along her hair and skin. Her team was little better than she was in their anger and discontent. They would not be forced to perform or serve. As Heather so aptly put, they were only there because it has been asked of them.
Bucky put a reassuring and comforting hand on her shoulder. He met her gaze with a nod, letting her know that he supported her and would stand with her. She was receiving similar nods from most everyone in the room. However, she could see the speculation and suspicion on having not fully disclosed herself and her team.
"I was under direct orders to let the Reapers fade into obscurity," she told them firmly. "You dredging this up is going to cause more trouble than you realize. There was a reason you were not told, and it was never redacted from the files!"
Waving her hand absently, she removed the silencing spell from Fury. The man regarded her carefully and wearily. She had more than proven her point and he did not want to be on the receiving end of anything more. While it grated a bit he could also understand, and grudgingly he would accept it. As it was his phone was pinging madly in his pocket and he had a feeling he would be getting chewed out for this.
"Understood," he said with reluctance. "No more secrets!"
"That goes both ways, Director." She stated firmly. "I refuse to be lied to, even by omission. Should I find out that it has occurred, my team and I are gone and you're on your own."
The pair were in a silent stare off, neither willing to budge. No one in the room spoke as the energy in the room was thrumming. Tony began squawking as the electronics around them began short circuiting. Heather snapped out of it and pulled the magic back in her. She watched warily as Director Fury left and made his way to the stairs.
"Well, that went well," Tony said sarcastically. "Honestly, Glinda! JARVIS is going to take an hour to help get everything back online here."
"Stark!" Steve scolded. "Now's not the time."
"Sparky fried the circuits!" Tony cried.
"Oh Tony," Heather said in a singsong voice. "You really want to see what it's like to be transfigured into an animal, don't you?"
Tony held his hands up in surrender. Heather smirked at him in response and leaned into the hand that Bucky had on her shoulder. The rest of her Reapers were nodding to her. They all knew the risks of being identified and were willing to stay to see it through. Heather nodded once before looking to meet Steve's gaze.
"The Reapers will remain retired," she told him firmly. "As I said, only when or if they choose to come out of retirement will they do so."
"Agreed," Steve told her with a kind smile. "I fully understand and respect that, as will the rest of the team."
The lights around them flickered before coming back on. The other electronics were slowly thrumming on one by one. The group sat there in the dining area, lost in their thoughts. Many of the Avengers wanted to ask more about the Reapers but held their tongues. Those that knew, were not going to disclose the information.
"Right, well who is up for some take-out?" Tony asked, breaking the silence.
Heather snorted and dropped her head onto her arms on the table. "I'm actually quite hungry," she chuckled. "Perhaps we can get pizza?"
"I like how you think!" Tony smiled.
She watched as he walked away giving JARVIS the instructions to order several large pizzas in various toppings. Bucky took the seat beside her and leaned back talking to Steve. The pair were joking and smiling, it was good to see Bucky relax a bit. Heather knew that he was still dealing with the aftermath of his deprograming, but he was getting better.
Sam plopped in the chair beside her with an easy smile. "So, now that you're healed up," he began. "When do you think you will be ready for the next assignment? I know that we were scheduled to do some additional training together in a couple of days."
"Heather will be out of commission for a few weeks," Lisa answered firmly. "While the nerves were healed, her body still needs to recover from the exhaustion of healing. She will need some time to do some PT, slowly and go from here."
"Really, Lisa?" Heather asked in exasperation. "Other than being tired, I feel fine."
"We've talked about this before, you stubborn mule!" Lisa replied firmly. "You need to let your body fully heal and your magic recharge. You're grounded for the next few weeks. Listen or I'll sicke Barnes on you! And if that doesn't work, his best friend, the mother hen as well!"
Steve looked equal parts embarrassed and chagrined. Bucky chuckled at both of them and winked at Heather with a teasing smile. Heather flushed in annoyance and stamped down the slight jump in her pulse seeing Bucky's look.
Heather grumbled under her breath and pulled her feet up to tuck them under her on the chair. Nodding reluctantly, she turned to Lisa and gave her silent agreement. She knew that as much as she wanted to protest, there was truth in her friend's words. She also knew that now that it was brought to both Bucky and Steve's attention she would be watched like a hawk, and they would both hover.
Tony reentered the dining area with his phone to his ear talking animatedly to someone. Pepper stepped off the elevator and surveyed the room, not sure what she would find. Seeing Tony, her facial expression darkened and she stalked towards him with purpose. Catching sight of her he ended his call and put on a charming smile. The pair walked back towards the elevator talking in hushed tones.
"Are you alright?" Bucky leaned over to ask Heather.
Opening one eye, she looked over at him. "Yes, just a bit tired." She murmured to him. "After we eat I think I'll head to bed."
She laid her head back down on her arms and closed her eyes. Letting the sound of the voices around her lull her to sleep, she drifted. At some point she felt Bucky gently rubbing her back, putting her that much more at ease. Who knew physical contact with your bonded could soothe and ground you so well?
"Hey, sweetheart," Heather heard Bucky murmur softly. "The food's here, honey you've got to wake up."
Heather blinked in confusion and met the gaze of Bucky. She could see and feel his concern through their bond. Stretching her sore muscles, she sat up and rolled her shoulders. Her nose caught the tantalizing scent of pizza and her stomach rumbled. Beside her she heard Bucky chuckle in amusement and blushed slightly in embarrassment.
Before she could get up she had a plate with two slices of pizza plopped on the table in front of her. Steve smiled at her with a nod, telling her Lisa told him what she would like and to make sure that she ate it. Giving him a dimpled smile in thanks, she picked up the slice and bit into it. She closed her eyes briefly at the cheesy goodness and looked to find both Bucky and Steve chuckling at her.
"What?" she asked once she had finished chewing and swallowing. "It's really good and I'm hungry!"
Despite her hunger, Heather was only able to finish the first slice of pizza. She had only taken a few bites of the second before she was starting to doze at the table. Bucky, seeing her obvious fatigue, helped her to stand and walked her to the elevator. Steve grabbed their plates and tossed them into the trash before joining them on the journey down to Heather's level.
Once the pair of super soldiers were certain that Heather was alright in her rooms, they went down to their shared floor. Rubbing the back of his neck Steve observed his best friend unsure of how to even bring up the topic of bonding. Both men were from a time and era when certain expectations were followed and observed.
"So," Steve began awkwardly. "Bonded?"
Bucky chuckled gruffly. "Yeah, bonded."
"How do you feel about it?" Steve continued to fumble along.
"It's fine, Stevie." Bucky sighed, sitting on the couch. "More than fine actually. I could really see something with Heather. Sure things have been a bit out of order, but I'm not complaining. She's a great woman, and I think that besides you, she really understands things."
"As long as you're both happy," Steve smiled. "Who'd have thought you'd be married before going on a date with a dame?"
Bucky snorted in amusement. "After everything I never thought I would, but then she showed up here." He replied with a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "We're still going to do all the normal things before pushing too far too fast with our relationship. She deserves that much."
"So don't you," Steve said firmly. "You both deserve it."
Bucky grunted and leaned back, throwing an arm over the back of the couch and putting his booted feet up on the coffee table. Steve was sitting on the nearby sofa in a similar fashion. They sat in companionable silence for a while before they started reminiscing about Brooklyn and the days when things had been much simpler for them.
Both men eventually went to bed for the night and got a solid night's sleep. Bucky for the first time in he did not know how long slept through the night without a nightmare. It must have been the exhaustion that he felt from the ritual and bonding with Heather, not that he would complain about it.
Heather rose the following morning slightly refreshed and a little sore. Though healed, her body still ached from her ordeal. As Lisa had said, it would be some time before she would be one hundred percent. For the time being she would be reading case files and helping to analyze data.
Slowly she would be following Natasha in the field on a few missions. She would help to train her as well, but more specifically she would mentor her in covert operations and gathering intel. While Heather and her team were good, they weren't spies. Being trained by Natasha would give her an advantage.
Stretching with a slight wince, she rolled from her bed and shuffled over to the bathroom. She stepped under the hot spray of her shower and let it pound on her aching muscles. Unsure of how long she had spent in there, she stepped out and wrapped a towel around herself and made her way into her kitchen to grab something to eat.
Humming to herself she ran a towel through her hair as she rummaged through her cabinets for some tea and turned to put the kettle on. Popping some toast into the toaster she turned to head back to her room and paused as the elevator opened revealing both Steve and Bucky.
She must have made a noise because their gazes snapped to her as she stood there in shock, clutching her towel tightly. Both men looked a bit uncomfortable and shocked in her state of undress. Heather felt herself flush but smiled at them, nonetheless.
"I'm just going to pop into my room to get dressed." She grinned, seeing Bucky squirm a bit. "I've put the kettle on and was about to start breakfast. You're both welcome to join if you want."
Heather scurried to her room and shut the door drawing a breath. Pulling on her undergarments, she grabbed a comfortable pair of worn jeans, she grabbed an old Hogwarts jumper and ran a brush quickly through her hair. Padding out of the room barefoot, she made her way to the kitchen where she found both men sitting at the island.
Making her way to the fridge she pulled out the eggs and bacon before Bucky interrupted her. They suggested that they head to McGregor's for brunch and Heather sent them a bright smile and nodded. Turning off the kettle she went to grab socks and her boots. Bucky and Steve were by the elevator waiting with easy smiles.
"You should grab a jacket, doll." Bucky said. "It's the middle of December."
Rolling her eyes, she grabbed the winter jacket that Lisa had insisted that she needed and pulled it on. The trio made their way down to the main level and exited to the crisp cool December air. Heather walked between the men, Bucky to her right, Steve on her left. They walked in silence enjoying the bustle of the city that was covered in light snowfall.
Ian greeted them warmly and nodded over to the table in the back that was open. It was the table that Bucky and Heather had visited a few times before. He brought over three coffees and asked Steve what he'd have. All three ended up getting full English Breakfasts, though once again Heather couldn't finish it. Between the pair of super soldiers, they easily polished off her uneaten portions.
The trio settled their bill and decided to take a walk through the city before they needed to report in. Heather still needed to give her statement from the raid on the Hydra base where she was injured. They made their way to Central Park and walked around joking. Heather found their company easy and charming. Both promised to take her to see the sights of the city and to visit the old neighborhood.
Bucky told her that he'd take her to Rockefeller Center to see the tree in the coming weeks before Christmas. They meandered their way back to Avengers Tower, Steve being the captain of the team joked that they wouldn't be late for the meeting. Heather stopped off on her floor to drop off her coat and then made her way upstairs to the common floor.
She took the forms from Steve and nodded, seeing the general report that needed to be filled out. After giving her statement of the events that occurred the rest of the team rehashed what had happened while she was unconscious. She nodded and gave her input on several things, adding her point of view of the events.
It was suggested by Bucky that while she was out of commission and recovering that she remain behind but be present on the coms and watch over the situation. Behind the scenes her input could be vital and invaluable. She agreed, seeing the value in the suggestion.
"When there is a strong bond between two people, the Universe also tries to search a way to bring them together no matter what happens." ~ unknown
It was a short two weeks later that Heather found herself in the coms room with the Reapers listening and watching as the rest of the Avengers were out on a mission. There was an international hostage situation and enhanced individuals were involved. Heather had reached out among the magicals and when nothing came up, word was sent to the mutant community.
She felt a bit better when part of the X-men team responded and would be acting as backup to the Avengers on this op. The Reapers were on standby as well, something Heather was anxious over. It would be the first time that any team of hers would be out on a mission and she would be left behind.
The coms crackled with voice and sounds. Heather listened as she felt her pulse pounding in her ears. The satellite images were grainy on the screens in front of her as she watched in real time. Bucky and Clint were stationed in the two highest points in the surrounding buildings. They would be giving the rest of the team coverage.
Steve and Nat came around the large warehouse from the North. Sam and Rhodey circled, but stayed out of range of vision. Tony was waiting further out to enter and engage. The X-men team came in from the southeast and ran along the alley ways silently.
Heather gripped the table with white knuckles as the world on the screens erupted in fire and shouting. The warehouse suddenly blew, throwing fire and debris in a large radius. Smoke billowed in the air as they all watched in horror, realizing that the last known location of the hostages was leveled.
"Someone give me a sitrep, now!" Heather barked.
"Taking heavy fire," Steve gritted. "They knew we were coming."
"We've got a few enhanced engaging here," Logan or Wolverine growled over the coms. "This kid is a pain in the ass. He's fast and starting to piss me off!"
Heather closed her eyes and raised them to meet the eyes of the Reapers. Her teammates shared a look and nodded, aparating as a group. Drawing a breath, Heather informed her teams that the Reapers were coming in for the assist. Watching the pop in the fray she gave instructions and descriptions of the hostile people she could see from the satellite images.
She watched as Bucky and Clint were picking off their attackers with lethal precision. On the corner of one of her screens she watched a rapidly approaching missile heading for the nests that Bucky and Clint were in. Yelling out in warning, she watched in horror as both perches were blown.
"Someone get me eyes on Bucky and Hawkeye, now!" she shouted.
"On it, Pixie!" Tony barked. "Both perches are destroyed and so far I don't have a visual on our guys."
"Cap," Dean murmured over the coms, "A revealing spell indicates that Clint is under the rubble, but I'm not seeing Bucky. I'll run a locator and confirm."
"Rogers!" Heather barked, "Take Widow and search for Bucky. Tony and Dean, get Clint. I want a team hunting the fuckers down, now!. We're initiating Reaper protocols. Bring one or two in for questioning if possible. Search for hostages and survivors. Otherwise end it and put the rabid dogs down."
"Yes ma'am!" The Reapers replied darkly, with murmurs of agreement from the other teams.
"Once Bucky and Clint are accounted for," Heather said firmly. "Someone send them my way. I've got the med bay on standby."
Muting her coms, she got on the intercom with the medical staff and had them prepping for a possible mass casualty situation. The tower became a hive of activity as they were preparing.
All she could do now was watch and wait. Giving orders over the coms and waiting on pins and needles, Heather prayed. Her heart was in her throat as she waited for word about everyone, but especially Bucky.
"The propensity to make strong emotional bonds to particular individuals is a basic component of human nature." ~ John Bowlby
Sprinting down the hall towards the elevator, Heather ordered Jarvis to have the landing pad prepped for the arrival of the Avengers. Clint and Bucky had been found and portkeyed to the med bay because they were both injured. Bucky had been found unconscious under debris on a nearby rooftop. He had been thrown from the building he was on.
Clint had managed to duck, but had been buried in the debris of the rooftop around him. His eardrums were bleeding and Heather had one of the mediwitches prep for hearing damage. Though they did not often heal muggles, Heather fully intended to use what they had to make sure that their team was whole and healthy.
The hostages had all been killed in the blast. It was an international nightmare at the moment. People from several different United Nations countries had been taken and killed. The media was having a field day, however their frenzy was tempered with the knowledge that a joint effort of the Avengers, X-men and other enhanced individuals had gone in for the rescue and several were injured on the mission.
The President had released a statement as well as the leaders of the other nations affected by the incident. He praised the efforts of the teams sent in to rescue the hostages and condemned those responsible. The Queen of Britain also made a rare public speech.
As a result of the event, the world was on edge. No formal group had come forward to claim responsibility for the event. There were murmurs of Hydra, but that couldn't be right, could it?
Heather shook herself as she stepped off the elevator onto the medical floor. The room was buzzing with activity. She could see Lisa in full battle gear bustling around the room assisting the medical staff. There were a few members of the X-men as well as others in the beds receiving treatment.
She watched as Lisa went to Clint's bedside. Lisa poured several potion vials down his throat and watched his vitals. Heather watched as his wounds were treated and Lisa personally saw to his healing and treatment of his hearing damage.
A shout from nearby jolted her back to the reality of the situation around her. Heather turned towards the bed where she found Bucky to be laying. He was trying to sit up and Heather rushed forward to help push him back down.
"Bucky!" she cried in alarm. "Lay back down and let them treat your wounds."
"M fine, doll." his voice slurred. "Gonna go back ta my rooms."
"Clearly you're not," she said tartly. "Lay back down, please."
There must have been something in her voice because his blurry gaze lifted to find hers and he laid back down. His right hand clutched at her own and he allowed the medical staff to treat him. She could see that he was apprehensive being surrounded by the medical staff but she stayed at his side.
"You'll stay?" he asked quietly.
"I'll be right here," she promised.
The world around them blurred and fell out of focus. Heather watched him and he kept his eyes on her. She missed the rest of the team arriving and the others leaving the medical bay. She missed Lisa arriving and giving Bucky both muggle and magical medicine. She missed Steve taking the chair nearby and slumping into it.
"The bond that links a true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life." ~ Richard David Bach
Steve sat watching his brother in all the ways that mattered fall asleep holding Heather's hand. He watched as Heather slowly dozed, laying her head on the bed where Bucky lay prone and in a deep, healing sleep. Flicking his gaze towards Lisa, he knew that she had given Bucky magical medication to put him in a deep healing sleep, for which he was grateful
Closing his eyes, he leaned his head back against the wall behind him. Swallowing thickly, his throat clogged with tears as he thought back to the events of earlier that day, or was it the day before? Everything was a blur and yet so crystal clear. They had almost lost both Clint and Bucky. The hostages were all gone, none had survived the blast and it was a horrific, bitter pill to swallow knowing that they had failed.
Failure was not something that Steve took lightly, especially when failure resulted in the death of innocents. Opening his eyes he found Lisa sitting in the chair beside him. He could feel her magic wrap around him in a comforting and soothing manner. It seemed to wrap him in a nice warm and loving blanket. He wondered if this is what it felt like for Bucky and Heather.
"He'll be alright," Lisa whispered softly. "I put him under to allow everything to heal unhindered. When he wakes up I want to talk to him about healing what we can from when he was held prisoner. There may be aspects of his injuries and captivity that we can heal partially or more fully than what he's at right now."
"Really?" Steve breathed looking up at her hopefully. "I'm sure he would appreciate anything that can be done. He's worked hard to get to where he is now, but what they did to him was horrific."
"For the mental injuries," she began gently. "We can ask the Master Healers of the Goblin Nation to assist. I would not trust St. Mungo's, especially after McLaggin caused so much trouble when he was here last time."
"I would be grateful for any help he can be given," Steve said, taking her much smaller hand into his own. "He's my best friend, my brother and knowing that he's still alive and going to recover is an immense relief."
"I took an oath, Steve." Lisa murmured. "As a Healer, it is my responsibility to heal when and where I can."
The pair fell into a comfortable companionable silence. They watched as their best friends slept and eventually fell asleep themselves. Lisa leaned on Steve's shoulder and her magic wrapped around them protectively.
"I feel like a part of my soul has loved you since the beginning of everything. Maybe we are from the same star." ~ Emery Allen
Heather woke up to Bucky running his hand gently through her hair. She made a contented hum as she sat up. Bucky smiled down at her softly and nodded over towards the other side of his bed. Steve and Lisa were asleep, leaning on each other in the chairs there.
Stifling a laugh, Heather grinned up at Bucky. Slowly her grin slid from her face. Yesterday had been very close and she had nearly lost him. His hand clutched hers reflexively as he felt her emotions through their bond.
"Sweetheart," he murmured. "I'm right here and I'm fine. Hey now, don't cry, doll."
Bucky sat up in the bed and tugged her onto the bed and into his arms. His wounds were healed and he was fine, now. Seeing Heather with tears in her eyes was going to make him emotional and he hadn't cried in a very long time. He held her to his chest and ran his hand up and down her back.
"It's alright, sweetheart." he murmured into her hair. "We are alright."
Heather clung to him, and laid her head on his chest. Closing her eyes, she listened to the steady beating of his heart and breathed in deeply. Tears burned her eyes and she breathed in his scent and gripped his shirt tightly.
"I've got you, doll." he murmured. "I've got you."
Bucky closed his eyes and laid his cheek on the crow of her head. He could feel the emotions coursing through her and felt his own echoing through their bond. He took comfort in the lily of the valley, coconut and unique scent that was completely Heather. His arms tightened reflexively around her as he held her to him.
"I see that you're awake," Lisa said tiredly. "How are you feeling, Bucky?"
"Much better, Doc." he replied, smiling tiredly.
"There's something I'd like to talk to you about, if you're feeling up to it." she said. "I know that you are still recovering and dealing with what happened to you. However, I think that the Master Healers of the Goblin Nation will be able to help in healing you more fully."
Heather felt him tense and then the rush of anxiety and then a faint glimmer of hope. Looking up at him she met his eyes. Through their bond she sent her affection and support, encouragement and her own hope.
"Whatever you decide," Heather whispered, "I'm with you."
Bucky closed his eyes and breathed deeply. "Yeah, let's see what can be done." he replied. "I want to get rid of as much of what they did to me. I want to be able to move forward and live my life."
The 'with you' that would have been directed at Heather went unsaid. Bucky and Heather were lost in their own world once more. They were sharing their emotions with one another having a silent conversation. Steve grinned at his friend and his dame before smirking down at Lisa.
"I'll go make arrangements," Lisa said with a kind smile.
Steve stood and nodded, "I'll come with you. We need to debrief and should look into the intel that has been pouring in."
Heather watched them go, but did not feel the need to move. "We almost lost you,"
she murmured. "I almost lost you."
"I'm right here, doll." he said with a smile. "I'm not going anywhere."
They sat on the hospital bed for a few more minutes before they got up to go get showered and changed. Heather watched as Bucky went to his apartment that he shared with Steve, before going up to her own floor. She rushed through her shower and changed before heading up to the communal floor.
Heather nodded at the rest of the team, old and new. She smile softly as she watched the group blend and interact. Finding Steve and Lisa in the kitchen she joined them in putting together something for a large lunch for the group. They put a few stock pots of pasta on the stove to cook and started getting the rest of the meal put together.
Bucky arrived and leaned against the island and smiled watching Steve and Lisa interact. His friend's ears were the telltale red at the tips, but his face was in a bright happy smile. Chuckling under his breath he rounded the counter top and approached where Heather was pulling meatballs from the oven to help.
Taking the hot pan from her and putting it on the counter space, he pulled her into his arms and grinned when he felt the rush of attraction echo through their bond. He smirked down at her and hugged her to his chest.
Heather leaned into the embrace and not for the first time since finding out, felt grateful for the bond and Bucky's acceptance of it. In him she felt that she had found a kindred spirit. He just seemed to understand her in ways that few could. If she were being honest with herself, she could and would very easily fall for him.
As if sensing her train of thought, Bucky's eyes darkened and he grinned roguishly at her. His hands flexed where they grasped her hips and he pressed a kiss on her forehead. Stepping away from her, he winked and turned towards Steve, holding her hand in his right one.
"Smells good in here," Bucky said.
"Food's ready so we can all grab a plate and eat," Steve announced.
The group converged on the food and made their way to the magically expanded dining table. The conversation around the group flowed easily. Clint sat beside Natasha smiling brightly. His hearing had been healed and for the first time since his military service, he was able to heal without any assistance.
The rest of the team was fully healed as well and had fared better than Bucky and Clint. The X-men had gone back to Xavier's school with the promise to assist in the future should the need arise. It was a tentative alliance, but hopefully in the future would prove to be fruitful.
Heather and Bucky sat side by side. Their shoulders brushed as they ate. Her left side was pressed close to his right, taking comfort in the physical presence of one another. Their bond thrummed in contentment and peace. Both relished in it and thanked God for the other. After everything they had been through before it was thrilling to not be alone, to know that they had one another come what may.
Heather looked around the table and smiled. While she would always appreciate, love, and miss Hermione and Ron, this was where she belonged. This was her place now and this was her new growing family. With a soft smile she glanced over at Bucky and knew that she would be alright, that they would be alright.