Winter's Kiss

by Darth Caedus vs Darth Revan

What Happens when Hyrdas pet, the Winter Solder meets a girl named Astoria, does he stay with Hyrda or does Bucky run with his pure Astoria by his side?

2. The Story

Winter's Kiss

The restaurant isn't usually busy on a Wednesday night, despite its top-class reputation. It currently only has three couples and a few people at the bar. I've taken my place on the balcony, giving me a clear view of everyone here. The blonde wig I wear has been styled with vintage curls, a black fascinator with netting placed on top and covering half my face. My natural blue eyes stand out behind the harshness of the netting along with my red stained lips. When I fold one of my legs over the other it makes the split alongside my red dress evident. The darkness of the balcony helps me hide my identity more, a purposeful advantage. The owner of this restaurant owed me his life, using his workplace as my own seemed a fair enough trade, alongside free drinks for life.

"Are you Miss Katherine?" a small, trembling voice questions. I turn my head to find myself looking at a very young woman, too young to be finding help from someone like me. However, it isn't my place to judge, only deliver if I deem their proposition worth my time. Her small fingers tighten around her handbag when she sees the corner of my lips curl into a smile, revealing a row of white teeth. It's as if she were expecting fangs.

"Of course, please, take a seat," I slip comfortably into a posh English accent, one I'd learnt from one of the handlers I'd had as a child. The woman does as I command, constantly smoothing out her dress coat. She comes from a rich family, judging by the brand of her coat, her neatly manicured nails and by the lovely bag she cradles on her lap. She watches me as I extend my fingers to push a small glass of pale wine towards her before taking my own for a small sip. She gulps hers down in an instant before wiping the top of her lip hastily with the back of her hand.

"I've never done something like this before-"

"Clearly," I cut her off, but she doesn't seem to mind.

"So, how does this work?" she wonders aloud, her eyes wide. I clear my throat after downing the rest of my glass, leaning forward slightly.

"I need a photo and a reason. Then I'll think about it," I tell her. She rummages around in her bag for a few moments before slapping the photograph onto the table. I pick it up while she starts her explanation.

"My father is desperate for a partnership for his company where apparently, money isn't enough to seal the deal. They want my hand in marriage as payment. I'm only young, I want to find love on my own, not be married to a man twice my age," she's squeezing her bag again.

"Have you raised your disinterest towards your father?"

"Well, I thought about it, but no."

"Are you a good actress?"

"I suppose."

"Well, you're going to have to be," I tell her as I stand; the heels I wear making it easier to loom over her retreated form.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she scurries to stand, looking up at me when she does.

"The owner will give you a burner phone; I will contact you once on it with the amount you will have to pay me. Depending on how hard it is to get your man. Once you receive the text leave the money in a bag under your bed at your house. I will then kill him in the next twenty- four hours, you have my word," I explain.

"How do you know where I live?" a look of terror has risen over her face.

"Because it's my job," I give her a small wave before walking down the stairs, catching the eye of the Owner who nods slightly in my direction.

-

My client seemed horrified when she'd checked under her bed the morning after she'd put it there, to find it already missing. Despite my urge to watch her looking around for some indication I'd been in the house, I really needed to get ready. I already knew where he was going to be, the man I'd been paid to kill. I'd learnt his name, discovered his secret operation with some really bad people then taken the money, knowing that I was the only way this poor girl was going to be free. Besides, it makes me feel less guilty about ending their lives when their total asshats. Even though I'm one of the worlds most searched for assassins, I have limits, I don't kill the innocent. Only the corrupted. Does that make what I'm doing any better? Nope, not by a long shot but it's the only thing I've known, and I don't know how to stop.

I'm currently wearing a loose long-sleeved jumpsuit and a red wig that only just reaches my shoulders. My target sits in his office but if my timing is correct then he should be leaving soon. A smile works its way to my lips when the man follows his schedule, so I tap my wrist to make sure my blade is still secure and start walking. It's colder tonight than I thought and I'm glad I wore long sleeves but I'm cursing this plunging neckline. It doesn't matter though because when I knock into my target, papers flying everywhere, he's too focused on my chest as I kneel down to pick them all up.

"I'm so sorry, sir. I wasn't looking where I was going," I apologise, standing properly and handing him his work.

"It's not a problem," he says, still staring but I act like I don't notice.

"I'm always too clumsy, my mother used to tell me off all the time," I tell him, which is of course, not true.

"It's really no harm done," he assures me. Yet.

"Thank you so much," I send him a smile before placing my lips onto his cheek. They've stained his skin red and just as I pull away my dagger slips from its position and into my awaiting hand. He doesn't realise I've stabbed him until he sees the look on my face.

"Who are you?" he chokes, his hands gripping onto mine that holds the blade.

"Miss Katherine, pleased to make your acquaintance," I whisper and watch as he falls, the dagger pulling out of him as he does so. I run my tongue along my teeth as I look at the sight in front of me and the stain of red lips on his cheek. My signature.

By the time I get home and have a shower it's four hours until I have to wake up again for my 'real' job. So after that power nap I fill myself up with coffee and slap on an extra layer of makeup and make my way down the street to the cafe on the corner. It's small and cosy, just like they should be. Filled with flower pots, cushioned chairs and the fresh smell of strong coffee and baked goods, this is what I wish my life was. But it's just a cover up.

"Hey Tori, did you get any sleep last night?" one of my co-worker's comments as she wipes the last few benches down even though they don't need it.

"Grabbed a few hours," I comment with a smile. Lydia shakes her head mockingly and moves onto counting the register. I leave my bag in the back and throw my apron on just in time to greet the first customer of the day.

"Good morning, how may I help you?" I ask with a smile. The group seems slightly out of place, standing there in hooded jumpers despite the slightly warmer day.

"Five coffees and-" he's cut off by one of the people in the group

"Tea for me!"

"Four coffees and a tea, three croissants, a breakfast muffin and a fruit salad," the man says, his eyes hidden behind a pair of dark shades. Despite his attempts to hide his face, he and his friends don't avoid my attention. Especially because they've been on the news. I'm not worried, just a little curious as to why they're all eating in a small cafe instead of at home.

"Will that be all, Mr Stark?" I ask, an innocent smile present on my face. He chokes slightly before looking around to make sure no one heard. He hands me a few bills before walking to where the rest of the Avengers are sitting.

"Four coffees, Lydia," I call out. She's finished making them by the time I prepare everything else and I decline her invitation to help carry them out.

"Four coffees, tea, three croissants, breakfast muffin and a fruit salad. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask," I smile. The one known as Steve Rogers, aka Captain America smiles back before Tony tells me 'no'. I'm curiously watching the Avengers secretly when Lydia's voice brings me back to reality.

"Hey, Tori, look," she exclaims, pointing the remote at the small TV buried in the corner of the shop. Police lights surround the back ground as a reporter stands with a microphone in her hand.

"A murder has taken place last night with no witnesses. Police believe it to be the work of the elusive Miss Katherine," the reporter's voice is cut from my attention when one of the Avengers drops their cup loudly in their saucer. They begin speaking in hush voices, glancing in mine and Lydia's direction every few seconds. I'd already turned though, to see Lydia's face.

"Wow, she's been involved in what, a dozen crimes that we know about and she still hasn't been found. The police need to employ better people," she says, blowing a strand of curly hair out of her face before turning the volume back down and continuing with her work. With a small smile I follow suit but not without sneaking another glance at the Avengers.

It's been a few days since the Avengers decided to stop at my place of employment. In that time Captain America became a fugitive to SHIELD, SHIELD and Hydra were revealed and Helicarriers threatened to shoot heaps of people. It made me curious to know if I'd been on that list. My hacking abilities are a little rusty but I'm pretty sure to know that I would have either had to get on one of them or find the database controlling it. So there's no way I would have risked that.

"I'm heading home now, Lydia!" I shout.

"See you next week," comes her response so I leave the cafe. It's colder today so I've wrapped myself up in a light scarf. My house isn't far so it only takes me half hour to get there. I'm about to walk up to the front door but a sound catches my attention. Placing my keys back into my bag, I swiftly walk around the back, only to find the door open slightly. The doorframe has been snapped, little wedges of wood scattered on the floor. Grabbing the emergency gun in one of the pots I've hidden behind a bush, I sneak in. My curtains are always drawn which dims the room but I can still see perfectly. A small grunt makes me tense as I turn the corner quickly, my gun raised. On the floor of my living room is a dark lump, my small table that sits next to the couches has been knocked over. A glint of something catches my eyes when I sneak closer. I lower my gun only slightly as I approach the man who's breathing lightly on my floor. His shoulder looks dislocated and I can see bruises on his face. He looks at me, then to the gun before slumping further to the ground.

"I'm not going to hurt you," he rasps.

"I believe you, Winter Soldier," I respond as I kneel in front of him, sliding my gun away.

"You know who I am?" he questions, looking at my discarded weapon.

"Hydra tends to use people until they break," I tell him softly. "Let me help you."

He stares at me warily before lifting himself into a sitting position, leaning heavily against my couch. His metal arm isn't broken to my relief. I'm good at many things but mechanics is not one of them, I have a small knowledge but that kind of technology is out of my limits.

"I need to pop your arm back into place, is that going to be okay?" I ask and he nods his head. He clenches his jaw and looks off into the distance, preparing himself. But I know that look. It's a look of someone who knows what pain feels like and has become friends with it. He tenses when I place my fingers on his shoulder. The coldness of his skin surprises me, but it doesn't stop me from popping the arm back in place. He groans softly as he tilts his head back slightly.

"You're staying here; Hydra will be looking for ways to return. They'll be looking for you. I can keep you safe to an extent," I tell him. He stares at me with eyes that when seen from far away would be considered ones of a killer but if looked at closely enough they're filled with torment. "What am I going to call you anyway?

"Bucky, he called me Bucky."

Blood covers my hands despite my attempts to wipe them with the fabric of my shirt. I can only just keep the tears from spilling and my supervisor sneers at them. As a sixteen-year-old there are other things I'd dreamed I'd be doing, not killing a man in his home where his wife and kids would be there any second.

"Now a signature," she states coldly. My eyes fall on a red lipstick on the wife's vanity and my supervisor watches as I walk towards it, smearing it over my lips.

"I'm sorry," I whisper when I kneel to kiss the man's cheek, staining it red. Still holding the lipstick, I walk to the wall and start writing, the name I want to be known by the media and also to mock.

"How dare-" my supervisors words are cut off by the sound of a car driving towards the house. I grin at her knowing she won't be able to wipe it off in time. She bares her teeth at me, dragging me out the room. My eyes catch the writing one last time, my assassin name and my supervisors name. Miss Katherine.

I wake with a start, clawing at the sheets that are wrapped too tightly around my body. After peeling them off I hear it, the desperate sound of a man who's been tortured. Bucky's thrashing around in the spare room, his metal arm tearing at the sheets. A scream escapes his lips and I panic, knowing full well that this house is definitely not sound proof. I leap on the bed, cradling his hips with my legs and clamping my hand over his mouth. He panics but that isn't a surprise, causing his hands to clamp on my waist tightly. I clench my teeth just as his eyes snap open but at least he's stopped screaming. Before he can react to me I throw up my hands, his doing the same. He struggles to move but he won't escape, my abilities are too powerful despite my dislike of using it. His chest rises and falls quickly as he stares up at me, a wave of panic washing over his face.

"Are you good?" I ask, still holding him.

"Yes," he says quietly so I nod. Sliding off him I let his arms go and he sits up, watching as I grab my sides.

"I know you can't help it, but I can't have you screaming like that. The neighbourhood will think I'm torturing someone. You'll just have to get used to me doing that until it's under control," I tell him. He nods but still looks at my waist. "It's not that bad."

-

I am so wrong. The bruising is worse where his metal arm hit, on my right. My skin is covered in a hand-print full of yellows, purples and reds. I finish getting changed and exit my room to find Bucky sitting quietly at the dining table. He doesn't look up at me when I enter the room or even when I start cooking breakfast. Wincing slightly as I sit down, I slide Bucky a plate. I've piled it with eggs, bacon and toast, not sure how much he eats. He stares at it then at me.

"If I wanted to kill you I wouldn't do it with food, it's too precious for that," I tell him and quickly dig into my own. He sniffs his then seems satisfied, eating savagely. At least he's using his knife and fork. After we're finished I offer him a spare toothbrush and toothpaste. He barely talks but I see him occasionally looking at my waist.

"I need to get you proper clothes. No offense but seeing Hydra assassin gear makes me nervous. There are meals in the freezer if you get hungry, just put it on a plate and press these numbers on the microwave. Forks are in that draw," I tell him. "If you get bored there's the TV or you could read a book."

"Okay," he says quietly. I'm a little worried he'll wonder off while I'm gone but I lock the door behind me and drive to a clothing store. It's busy because it's the weekend but I don't mind. I have to guess Bucky's size but by the looks of it I'm pretty sure I guessed right. By the time I'm finished it's almost four in the afternoon and I'm piling bags filled with shirts, jumpers, gloves, jeans and even underwear. I had to guess with that one but ended up getting nearly all the sizes. I'll have to get him shoes when he's not paranoid and can come with me. When I get home he's working out, shirt off and back glistening with sweat. I look away although it's a crime to deprive myself from that kind of beauty.

"I guessed your size, if something doesn't fit I can return it," I say and he pauses, his muscles tight as he looks at me.

"I didn't hear you arrive," he admits, standing and slipping his shirt on. We stare at each other for a while and I notice the hair on his face is getting longer.

"We have to do something about that beard, and that hair. I'll help you with it tomorrow," I tell him and he nods. I throw all the clothes in the spare bedroom for him to sort out himself then start on dinner. It's awkward, sitting here with him because all he does is stare, look away or stay quiet.

"When you came, you said that someone called you Bucky, who?" I ask. He takes a few bites, staying silent and I think he's not going to answer until he puts his cutlery down.

"He was my mission, but I knew him. I keep getting bits and pieces, but I don't remember from where," he says.

"I remember that machine, frying your brain then spitting those disgusting words. It didn't work on me; I don't think they went high enough. But I never disobeyed them after that, not until..." I trail off and look at Bucky.

"How did you start working for them?" he asks quietly, scared I might reject his questioning.

"My father was dying; my mother was a desperate woman. She had heard about some of the experiments Hydra was doing. She thought maybe they could help. She sold her nine year old daughter to them. Once Hydra had me they shot my mother and let my father rot, not helping him, not killing him. A man named Pierce gave the orders for them to use the machine so I could forget my parents," I explain but I notice him flinch at the name.

"Pierce is dead," he states bluntly.

"Good."

"Miss Katherine has reached the news already, front page," Pierce smiles at me, throwing the newspaper on the desk that sits between us.

"Where's my supervisor?" I ask, noticing her absence. She always attends my meetings with Mr. Pierce and that was the only time I was glad for her company.

"She's been deactivated," he grins, making me hide the flinch fighting its way to show. "You're old enough now to go on missions alone."

"Alone, or monitored?" I wonder. My blood runs cold as his face turns into stone, making me realise I might have overstepped my boundaries.

"You will be going on missions alone but you will have someone trailing you in case you fail to complete or you decide to run off. Which would be silly considering you have no money, nothing to go back to and of course the ultimate danger of having everyone that helps you terminated. You understand?" his demeanour darkens and I swallow the lump in my throat.

"Yes, sir," I respond. He waves his hand so I stand, exiting the room fighting my legs to keep moving and not to tremble.

I'm making breakfast by the time Bucky joins me, dressed in fresh clothes, his hair slightly damp from the shower. I'd been surprised when I woke up that he hadn't had another episode but it's still too early to plan a victory party. Unlike yesterday he doesn't hesitate to eat, he proceeds to cut off large chunks of French toast that I'm worried he might choke. He doesn't notice when my burner phone chimes, alerting a text from an unknown number.

Unknown: You've got a client.

Miss Katherine: I don't work on Sunday's.

Unknown: This one's desperate.

Miss Katherine: They're all desperate.

Unknown: This one works for something called Hydra.

I almost choke on my food which catches Bucky's attention. He'd gone up for seconds, having drowned his food with maple syrup.

"Bad news?" he asks.

"No just surprising," I offer him a hesitant smile. Once I clean up the dishes I prepare for Bucky's makeover. I'm not sure he'd call it the same thing but it makes me chuckle thinking about it. He shifts uncomfortably on the chair as he watches me and especially when I pull out a straight razor.

"Relax, when are we going to establish that I'm not going to harm you. Besides, with that arm I have no chance," I assure him.

"You seemed fine when you used telekinesis on me," he defends.

"Yes well, the carpets white."

"You put towels down."

"It'd soak through," he seems to run out of reasons so he goes quiet. "I learnt how to use a straight razor for one of my cases."

He looks as though he's about to say something but I silence him by smearing his face with shaving cream. He sits deathly still as I work, especially when I lean closer to make sure I'm doing a good job. The silence is nice but it's still tense, I'm not sure he trusts me just yet. Not that I fully trust him. He stares at me as I work and I try not to focus on it but it's still slightly distracting.

"So how did you join Hydra?" I ask once I finish, admiring my work.

"They found me, I think I feel off a train and lost my arm," he tells me.

"A train? Must have been a long fall?" I say before cutting his hair.

"I'm starting to remember things, faces, names and conversations in my past," he explains.

"That's good; just don't stress yourself out too much. I don't want you hurting yourself," I say as I run an electric razor over his head. I make sure it's still thick and after I'm done I trim the small bits I missed then stand back to admire his new look.

"What? Is it bad?" he questions and I laugh slightly.

"No, it looks really good," I tell him. "Go have a shower and wash all that excess hair off."

"Okay," he says before pulling off the towels I'd made him wear so it wouldn't get on his shirt. I have to shake three towels outside because they're covered in hair before putting them in the wash and vacuuming up the rest. I glance at my burner phone when I'm finished and message back.

Miss Katherine: I don't associate with Hydra.

When I put it back down the shower stops running but before I can start doing something else a bang echoes through the house.

"Bucky!" I call out. The bathroom door is wide open but he's still in there and luckily he'd managed to put on a pair of pants. He's clutching his head and with his shirt off it's easy to see his tense muscles. With a few small steps I kneel next to him, placing a soft hand on his shoulder. He uncurls slightly and I can see his eyes darting all over the place as if he's seeing everything all at once. I slip under his arms, throwing mine around his neck in a careful embrace with one hand resting at the back of his head. His arms curl around me, reminding me of my bruises but at this point I don't care.

"Shh," I whisper, aware of his rapid breathing because of how close our bodies are. With his head buried in the crook of my neck I can feel the tears escaping his eyes before his shoulders shake with sobs.

"It's okay," I tell him softly. "You're here and safe."

"I remember the fall," he gasps, holding me tighter and closer. "I remember."

I was young having only been with Hydra for a year now but I'd caught on with how things worked. Despite the machine that was supposed to take my memories not working, I still felt slightly at ease here. Sure the people were cruel and the other girls stuck with me were crueller but I enjoyed learning to defend myself, it made me feel stronger and safe. I'd heard what Hydra was doing, the experiments but I didn't expect to be chosen for one. The pain was excruciating but eventually everything became numb. By the time I was fifteen I had complete control over my ability and I'd passed at the top of my class in both academics and fighting. I'd worked hard to have the freedom Miss Katherine had given me and I didn't intend on losing it, not until I could find my way out of this hell hole by myself.

Pushing aside the tense trust we have for each other, I let Bucky stay with me through the night. Oddly enough it was comforting having someone there beside you and I slept like a log and I'm pretty sure Bucky had no issues either. I didn't wake up to him screaming or thrashing around, so I take it as a good sign. He doesn't wake when I leave the bed, or even when I quickly make myself something to eat. By the time I'm ready to get to work he's nowhere to be seen so I scribble my whereabouts on a piece of paper and leave it where he can find. The chef at work is already there, prepping for the day and I greet him. He winks jokingly at me, and I laugh before setting up what I need to for the day. Benny has been working here since the start, the café had only opened five years ago so his young age isn't a shock. On my second year of working here I'd realised he and I batted for the same team when he was flirting with a rather attractive male jogger. Lydia and I then spent the next few months trying to get them together, and it worked, they've been dating for three months now. Lydia enters the café a few minutes late, apologising profusely until I have to spray her with water to get her to shut up. That's when she notices the lack of dark circles under my eyes.

"Good sleep?" she wonders, winking at me suggestively.

"If you're thinking what I think you're thinking then wouldn't that make me lose sleep?" I ask, and she frowns.

"She has a point," Benny calls from the kitchen.

"But you need someone. I've stalked your Facebook and there is absolutely nothing. You don't post anything, it's sad," Lydia complains.

"It's sad you stalk people's Facebook pages," I comment, and she rolls her eyes, turning her attention to the customers that just walk in. Midday, I take a break and decide to call home to make sure Bucky's okay. He doesn't pick up the phone, but I didn't expect him to. But he does after I leave a message to let him know it's just me.

"You had me worried, I thought you'd left," Bucky mumbles into the phone.

"I'd never leave you, I understand what you're going through. Did you get my note okay?" I wonder. The other end is silent for a moment.

"Yes."

"Have you eaten? The note said there was cereal and milk and remember there are also frozen meals in the freezer. Have you had lunch?" I fuss, and a small chuckle can be heard on the other end. In that moment the microwave goes off in the background.

"You sound worried," his grin can be heard.

"Sorry for caring, I just… I didn't have anyone when I left," I mumble. "Look, I have to go. My break is over."

I hang up the phone quickly, my heart pounding in my chest. Why did I tell him that? When I come back out there's a new wave of customers. With a deep breath I make my way around, filling up empty coffee cups.

"He was seen in this area," a man insists, his voice low and undetectable by those around him but not me.

"He could have moved on," a woman hisses back.

"He needs someone he can trust, I just want to know if he's safe," the man responds. Their attention instantly snaps in my direction when I make my way over to them.

"Coffee?" I wonder, plastering a large smile on my face. My stomach drops but I try to not let it show on my face. Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff sit at the table, both staring at me intently. I'm not frightened, obviously. I've been in scarier situations than this.

"Please," Captain America smiles, lifting his cup to me. I pour quickly and walk away when Natasha shakes her head. They were talking about a he. There aren't many people they could be mentioning. My mind drifts back to when I first met Bucky. He called me Bucky. It's too much of a risk to say anything, and besides, this might not be what it seems. My mind whirls for the rest of the day and I'm exhausted by the time I get home. Bucky is waiting for me, watching me as soon as I open the door. I flop onto the couch beside him and sigh.

"Tough day?" he wonders.

"Yeah, we were busy," I tell him. Despite only having shaved his face the day before, stubble has already begun to form. Silence fills the room but it's comfortable, and I find myself drifting off to sleep.

Shivering, I curl further into myself. Screw Hydra, screw the world. My bitter thoughts run deep, and I glare at the night sky. I wasn't expecting it to be so cold tonight, it was a sweltering day. A noise alerts me and I realise I'm no longer alone in the narrow alley way I'm taking cover in. I unfurl myself as much as I can to see, making sure not to let any of the heat I've gathered out. Despite the darkness, I recognise the man that's being surrounded. He owns a restaurant and bar across the street and offered me lunch earlier in the day. Under the moonlight something flashes in the hands of the people hovering around him. Forcing my aching muscles up, I use the shadows as my advantage and sneak towards them. It's easy to grab the gun in the stranger's hands, they're shaking in the cold. Aiming at his head I shoot, the owner jumping in shock and the other men to turn in my direction. Three other men have knives, but the other one has another gun so before he can raise it, I take another shot. The sound echoes like thunder through the alleyway. Sweeping the legs from another man, I snatch the knife as it falls from his fingers, slashing his throat and shooting at another. The last man left falls to his knees, ugly sobs emitting from his mouth. He pleads and begs so I turn to the owner and he looks at me with wide eyes.

"Why did they surround you?" I ask, my voice hoarse.

"They wanted money," he replies. My head turns back to the stranger and I kneel before him, running a hand along the side of his cheek.

"If you want money, earn it. Don't steal. Doesn't matter now, I heard in Hell they make you live your greatest regret. Greet me when I get there," I whisper before emptying the rest of the bullets into the man's gut. The Owner doesn't flinch when I stand again, instead he offers me his hand.

"If you need a place to stay, there's a room at the back of my restaurant. Free drinks if you want."

Convincing Bucky to let me leave so late at night wasn't easy. Especially when he wanted to know where I was going. I'd never felt so guilty about lying before, but despite him having the same background, I'm worried he'll judge me for what I'm doing. Especially because he's stopped, and I haven't. Usually I get ready at home, but since he's there I take a bag with me to the restaurant and get changed at the back. The Owner has changed it since I last stayed here and turned it into a storage area, a desk and laptop set up in the corner. I tug at the tight grey vest and smooth my high waist flare pants. The wig I wear is black and stops at my chin and contrast with the white mask I place over my eyes. Marvelling at my red lips I sigh before exiting the room and taking my spot at the top balcony. The Owner nods when I look to him, so I hold my hand up, signalling for him to let my client up. I recognise him as soon as he approaches my table and my heart stops in my chest.

"Mr Roger's, a pleasant surprise," I slip easily into an Italian accent.

"Never thought I'd be doing something like this," he rubs his hands on his khaki's and takes a seat opposite to me.

"Nobody ever does," I send him a smile. He shifts in his seat before watching me with baby blue eyes.

"I don't need you to hurt anyone or… you know..." he trails off.

"Kill them?" I wonder. A waiter smiles slightly at me before placing a napkin on the table and a gin and tonic. With a smile in return he scurries off. It's habit to sniff the drink before I take a sip, despite my tolerance for most poisons. Curtesy of Hydra.

"Exactly, I want you to find someone for me."

"Sergeant Barnes, I presume. Since you were so close once upon a time," I wonder innocently. He tenses immediately.

"How do you know…"

"He's safe," I cut him off.

"You know that, how?" he leans forward.

"I keep tabs on potential threats or persons of interest to SHIELD, Hydra and other interested parties," I shrug my shoulders.

"Where is he?" he orders.

"Are you wired, Mr Rogers? Is Miss Romanova listening?" I take another sip of my drink. His face turns hard and he goes silent. "I can't tell you where he is. He doesn't know you. He's remembering things. Give him time, he'll come to you if he needs to. It's nice meeting you, Mr Rogers, Miss Romanova. Have a pleasant evening."

"Wait, please," he stands when I do, grabbing onto my arm across the table.

"Mr Rogers, I suggest you let go of my arm. The Owner won't take it too kindly like the Beretta 92 that will be aimed at your head if you do not release me," my voice is low and threatening. He tilts his head slightly, listening to Miss Romanova in the earpiece before finally letting me go. I'm extra careful when I leave the restaurant, I can't be certain whether I'm being followed. After taking a thousand wrong turns and entering different shops and walking out the back, I'm sure I've lost them and make my way home. Despite it being almost three in the morning, Bucky is waiting for me with an empty heated meal container in front of him.

"You're still up?" I frown, placing my bag on the ground. I'm wearing the clothes I left in but couldn't take the lipstick off without makeup remover. Bucky stares at my lips before clearing his throat and standing.

"Of course, I wanted to make sure you got home," he responds, cleaning up the table.

"You didn't have to," I say quietly, my cheeks burning with guilt.

"I wanted to. Besides, I finally found out who you were in Hydra. It took a while to sort through the memories, but one came through. It's an honour to meet you again, Miss Katherine," the corners of his mouth tilt upwards.

"Again? We were never introduced."

I watch in amazement at the man through the glass. Sweat glistens on his bare skin, his movements quick and precise. The only thing that hurt was his eyes, they were lifeless and cold. It's as if he had never seen any bit of love in his life. He doesn't flinch when he's yelled at, or when the others manage to land a punch. Pierce watches me carefully, I can see his face in the corner of my eyes. Despite having seen this repeatedly, I can't help but allow my heart to swell with pride. We'd never met before, but I feel this man's pain. He's trapped here like me. I've heard them use the machine on him, sometimes I hear his screams echoing through the halls. His metal arm catches the light as it thrusts out, clamping around an agent's throat. I want him to squeeze the life out of him, subject him to the pain of suffocation. Because that's how I feel here, and someday I plan on leaving this place. Someday, I plan on getting a real life.

I didn't sleep for the rest of the night. Usually I'm out by the time my head hits the pillow, but Bucky's words have unravelled my brain. I can't think but at the same time there's too much. Lazily, I allow the random objects around my room float. He apologised for not being able to tell me more, he only remembered our introduction. Which was of course done by Pierce. Other than that, Bucky had no idea how much contact we had. Does that mean they used the machine on me? And it worked? The objects start zipping around the room angrily. With a sigh I let them all drop. Knowing me, I'd manage to break a window with my sock. A loud bang causes me to sit up with a jolt, my head spinning. I'm out of my bed in an instant, another sound echoing through the walls. Blankets have been thrown across the room, a pillow lies next to it and the other across the room. Bucky's muscles tense with each deep breath, his eyes squeezed shut. My mind hovers to the bruise that has now disappeared on my waist. Ignoring it, I jump onto the bed allowing my powers to still his movement. My fingers touch his face lightly, but he doesn't wake up. His breathing slows, and he relaxes against the mattress.

"Astoria?" he whispers.

"I'm here, it's okay," I respond quietly. My eyes flicker to the wall above his head, where two fists have broken the plaster. I shake my head but smile. I'm not sure why, maybe the lack of sleep is getting to my head. After waiting a few seconds, I release his arms from my power and I go to stand up.

"Stay," his voice cracks, his eyelids opening slightly. Easing myself back onto the bed, I lie next to him, curling into his side. He sighs and curls his arms around me. His skin is warm, along with his metal arm and the breath that fans my face. Sleep takes me over almost instantly.

I wake up first, and since Bucky doesn't seem like he'll be letting go anytime soon, I stay in his arms. When he does wake up he stays still, as if worried he'll wake me. Looking up at him, I smile, and he returns it.

"I don't mind, you know," he says quietly.

"What?" I wonder, our noses almost touching.

"That you're Miss Katherine and that you're still working."

"How do you…"

"It's hard to let go when it's all you remember. If my memories weren't coming back I'd probably feel the same way," he tells me.

"I just want to help, I know it'll never make up for…for what I've done but I try," I pull away and his arms open to let me go. "I'm feeling lazy today, movie and pyjama day?"

"I'm not sure what that is," he sits up.

"Come on, I'll show you."

I show him how to work the microwave for the popcorn, but he picks it up easy because of how many times he's heated up the frozen meals. Picking out some of the more classical movies I own, I place the first one into the DVD player. Halfway through the first movie he's more focused on the fact that the screen is in colour and can play on something so small. After the third movie his eyes are so glued to the screen that he forgets about the popcorn. With my feet propped up onto his lap, I munch away, marvelling at the look on his face while he watches. It's completely different from the times I watched him train. His features were determined, harsh. But now they're filled with wonder and interest. Bucky ignores my burner phone when it goes off, and I'm glad because he would've caught my expression after reading the text.

Unknown: The Hydra guy is back. He wants a meeting with you, he's insisting.

Miss Katherine: Tell him he's got the wrong place.

Unknown: He says he knows you're hiding him.

I almost choke on my popcorn, panic rising in my chest. Bucky's eyes are focused on me and he's frowning.

"I need to make call," I tell him, leaping from the couch and slamming my bedroom door. Chewing my nails, I wait as it dials, cursing that it's not faster.

"Hello?" a tired voice answers.

"Mr Rogers, surprised?" I slip into the same accent I was in when we met.

"Miss Katherine, to what do I owe the pleasure?" he wonders.

"Bucky's here, but he's no longer safe. I'm going to keep them off your trail for as long as I can. If I don't make it, tell him I'm sorry that I didn't say anything," I tell him quickly, keeping my voice low so Bucky can't hear me.

"I don't understand," Mr Rogers says.

"Hydra, Captain," I growl.

"But I thought…" he starts.

"Didn't you get the memo, cut of one head and two more shall take its place," I snap before hanging up the phone. That was more than enough time to let them trace the call. Bucky's standing outside the room when I open the door.

"I need to go somewhere," I say quickly, moving passed him.

"Where?"

"Trust me, Bucky."

"I do."

"Then go with the Captain when he arrives," I order, leaving the house and Bucky.

My hands tremble, sweat stinging my eyes that are trying to focus on the girl in front of me. She's the same age as me, past puberty but young enough that we hadn't grown into ourselves yet. She's a savage, I don't blame her though, she's a Hydra baby. Born and bred for this work. She hates me because I'm better than her and because Miss Katherine chose me to tutor instead of her. Arlene, such a formal name for such a young face. I nicknamed her 'Alien'. Not that I would ever say it to her face. Despite my nickname she's probably one of the prettiest girls here, ignoring the pure hatred in her eyes. She lunges at me, her first mistake. It's easy to dodge and I gain the upper hand easily, choking her. Our handlers don't tell me to pull away until after she's struggles for a little too long. Arlene gasps and sputters when I release her, gulping greedily at the air that's now available to her lungs. Turning away I go to return to my spot, a hand clamping on my shoulder. Turning, Arlene swings a punch in my direction, far too fast for me to make any form of reaction. However, my recovery is fast, and instead of giving her the same punishment, I slash my short nails across her face. She screams and clutches at her wound, sinking to the floor. The handler watches silently and waves a hand for her to be dragged away. I learnt to never turn my back on the enemy that day. And that someday she'll catch up to me.

"Astoria, I've been waiting for this for a long time," Arlene's voice makes me roll my eyes. Of course, she's still here, I was almost certain she would annoy someone to death before then.

"Arlene, I've been waiting to see if they scarred," I smirk at her, staring at the jagged lines on her cheek. She scowls at me. She's grown into herself, like I had. Except, if we stood side by side she'd be taller. "I see they sent you to scientific research. Always knew you would never make it to the field."

"I see you chose the wrong side. Luckily for me. Now I get to test the new serum's I've been working on. You see, I made them especially for you," she taunts.

"Oh, can't wait," I catch a glimpse of multiple coloured liquid on the tray she's holding. A man enters the room, steam fuming from his ears. His hand contacts harshly with the side of my face, snapping my head in that direction.

"Where is he?" he spits.

"I haven't the slightest idea of what you're talking about," I grin.

"The Soldier, where is he?" the agent sneers. I spit in his face. He wipes it away slowly, making a show of it before turning to Arlene. "She's all yours, maybe then she'll talk."

"My pleasure."

-

Bucky's POV

"It's been three weeks, and there still isn't any trace of her!" my anger has reached its limit, I'm even yelling at Steve now. Spending more time with him helped unlock the memories I thought were lost forever. But now wasn't the time for reminiscing, I needed to find her.

"There's nothing we can do, we've looked everywhere," Steve's voice is infuriatingly calm.

"Obviously not," I snap.

"Calm yourself, Soldier," Natasha warns.

"That's not who I am," my voice growing deeper.

"Why are we even trying to find her? This is Miss Katherine; wouldn't it be better to just let her be?" Stark questions. Before I can turn to him, Clint beats me to it.

"We've all done bad things, Stark. Besides, Natasha was given the benefit of the doubt and look where she is now," he says.

"He's right, whatever Hydra is doing to her, it can't be good," Bruce enters the conversation.

"The longer she's with them the more of a chance they have of turning her against us. She's strong and powerful. The perfect weapon that could be used to make a comeback," I tell them.

"And how do you know that? What, were you two a little assassin couple? What's keeping you from turning with her? I'm not even sure why I even let you into my house," Stark complains.

"You're the only one who didn't want him here, most of the team agreed he'd stay," Steve defends me.

"I feel like I shouldn't be a part of this conversation," Pepper, Stark's red headed assistant speaks up. Everyone's head snaps in her direction as if realising that she's still there. The silence is interrupted by JARVIS, the AI I still haven't become used to.

"Mr Stark, I've narrowed the search to two possible places Miss Katherine could be held. As you suggested, from the information we've gathered they're most likely keeping her at these locations," he speaks, a screen popping up and highlighting two areas. Everyone looks at Stark, surprise clouding their features. My heart pounds in my chest, she could be there. We could find her.

"Stark-"

"We split up into two teams, Bruce you stay here in case we need emergency medical attention. Steve and I will take this base, Natasha and Legolas will take the other," Tony speaks quickly.

"What about me?" I ask.

"We can't risk you being captured," Stark says almost immediately.

"You don't even know what she looks like, or the state she'll be in when you get there. She needs a familiar face, or she won't trust you," I insist.

"You might not even be sent to the same base she's in. What then?"

"Stop fighting," Clint shouts. "Look, Tony's right. We can't risk you being taken especially with how vulnerable Bruce says your mind is. We'll find her, and we'll bring her back because that's what we do."

"Fine," I grumble.

"We'll save her, Buck. Trust me."

Despite going in and out of consciousness, I knew exactly how long I'd been here. Almost two months since my capture, Arlene likes to keep me updated. Mostly to tell me no one cares enough to come looking. All I know is that whatever the hell she's giving me is not reacting well in my system. It feels like a fire, igniting a travelling like a blinded bull before feeling like hell froze over. It knocked me on my arse the first time she injected me with the different serums, but I think I'm getting used to it now. The after effects don't feel like I've been hit by a bus anymore.

"She's still not telling us anything?" an agent asks Arlene. It's clear they both don't realise I'm conscious, but gossip is hard to come by these days so I'm more than happy to listen in.

"Not a word, apart from the sarcastic comebacks," Arlene tells him, and I can almost see her clenching her jaw. I have to fight the smile making its way to my lips. I'd always been able to annoy people, my goal when I worked for Hydra was to send an agent to a padded room.

"They barely spent any time together, and they were wiped of their past relationship," he says. There it is again, the memory I never knew I didn't have. With all the time I spend alone with my thought's I'd been trying to remember, but nothing seemed to trigger the flood of memories.

"Maybe it's an echo, their bodies remembering how they acted around each other. They know to trust and protect the other," Arlene sounds disgusted. It goes silent for a while before a wave of cold water is thrown at me. My eyes fling open, shock startling my body. Without a word, she starts prepping the needles. For some reason the blood drains from my face and I speak before I think.

"Don't, something bad will happen, please," I beg. Arlene turns and takes in my fear-stricken eyes, a cruel grin appearing on her face.

"Ooh, I'm terrified," she says, before sticking the needle in my arm. As soon as the chemicals enter my bloodstream an ear-splitting scream escapes my lips, along with a blast of icy air. My chains all snap, and I fall to the ground with a thud. Goosebumps trace my skin at the ice coating the floor, beautiful webbed patterns covering the wall. Trembling, I turn to where Arlene stood but an ice sculpture has replaced her form. She stares at me through the frozen cage as I weakly stand on my feet. Swiping up the blood on my arm where she injected me, I smear it on my lips. Limping towards her, I press them to what would be her cheek. The red is faint but it's clear Arlene gets the message.

"It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance," I smirk, my voice strained from the scream and weeks without sufficient water and communication. Turning, I stagger towards the door and press my hands to the ice-covered metal. Heat rolls over my body, and I hum at the warmth. The door explodes away with a stream of fire. I fall to my knees, my chest straining from the use of energy I don't have. No one is in sight, meaning they're running for their lives or this wasn't a part of Hydra's plan. I'm hoping it's the former. It doesn't take me long to find the kitchen, and when I do I take my time eating a small portion of meat and water. I pack the rest with me, shuffling through the halls like a zombie. I probably look like one too. My clothes are starting to sag off me, bones peering out under tight layers of skin.

Bucky's POV

It's been two months since Astoria was captured and the Avengers have started keeping their distance from me. Steve tries to keep us on good terms but I'm sure I've probably scared him off. Clenching and unclenching my metal arm, I curse at it mentally. Steve keeps an eye on me while he punches a bag, I'm sure he thinks he's being inconspicuous. He tried talking me into joining him, but I fear if I start attacking something, it'll bring back memories I don't want. Instead, I try to cling onto the one I'd had recently. Something that turned everything upside down. I wanted to tell Steve, but the overwhelming protectiveness of this new development caused me to keep my mouth shut. I remember what happened, who Astoria was to me, what I was to her. If I close my eyes, I can feel it as if it was happening in that moment. Despite still being in Hydra at the time, the memory of her was enough to keep me from slipping back into the darkness. But she's not here. I can't share that with her. And she also doesn't remember, that's what makes it worse. Hopefully, like me she's remembered. But it's been years, surely if she was going to remember, it would have already happened. Steve's phone goes off next to me, and I stare at it. An unknown number flashes on the screen.

"Your phone is buzzing," I shout, without looking at him. He'd taught me a few things about the new technology, but I was still confused by most of it. Steve's phone, however, I knew that if someone was calling you just swipe the green button across.

"Leave it, they'll call back if it's important," he replies. But I don't leave it, something nudging at me to pick it up. Swiping my thumb across the phone, I place it to my ear. Steve stares at me when I look at him. The other end of the phone is silent other than the chattering of teeth.

"Hello?" I wonder.

"Bucky?" the voice responds. It's tired, and quiet but familiar.

"Astoria? You're…"

"Still alive?" she suggests. The phone slips from my hands, my heart pounding in my chest. Visions race across my mind, she's spoken those words to me before. Blinking a few times, I go to retrieve the phone but it's sitting in Steve's hands.

"Want to come with me to pick her up?" he asks.

"What about…"

"JARVIS can tell them where we are."

"Would you like meet him?" Pierce asks. My excitement bubbles over. After watching him through a glass window, I was finally going to meet the Winter Soldier. Without hearing my answer, Pierce leads me to a door that moves into another room. The Soldier is sitting casually in a chair, watching lazily as we enter. But I know that he'd be ready for an attack in an instant if he needed to be.

"Soldier, this is Miss Katherine, she's our most advanced agent apart from you of course," Pierce chuckles but the Soldier doesn't seem to be paying much attention to him. Instead, I notice his eyes trailing over my body twice before he looks me in the eyes. My face doesn't betray me but my heart pounds in my chest. It's as if he doesn't believe someone like me could be the best. It's as if he's judging me. He looks away from me quickly, his eyes turning to Pierce.

"When do we start?" he asks, his voice deep and emotionless. It sends shivers down my spine in the good and bad way. Mentally I'm scolding myself because he was born in the early 1900's but my thoughts can't help but wander.

"As soon as you want," Pierce respond. The Soldier nods and stands quickly, looking at me expectantly. Pierce is grinning when I look at him.

"He's agreed to train you," he informs me. A bitter thought runs through my mind, of course he has, he has no choice. But I follow the Solider anyway, ready to endure whatever pain he inflicts in our sessions. It'll be worth it.

My body is too warm when I wake, the sheets tangled around my thrashing body. The new memory sends my body into shock, and I panic. The door crashes open and I'm scooped up into someone's arms. The metal arm is a dead giveaway, and I cling onto Bucky's comfort. He holds me for as long as I need and longer, just to make sure I'm okay.

"You're okay," I state, pulling away so I can look at his face. There are shadows under his eyes, and his stubble is longer than it should be.

"You were kidnapped for two months and your first words are worry for me?" he chuckles, his eyes sparkling.

"Of course," I respond. Something burns in his eyes as he stares at me, but our moment is taken by a knocking at the door. Steve stands there sheepishly.

"I've interrupted something, haven't I?" he rubs the back of his neck. That's when I realise the position Bucky and I are in. I'm sitting in his laps and our faces are only inches apart. My hands are also on his chest and his arms around my waist, I can understand how he'd think he had.

"It's fine Steve, and thank you," I say, detaching myself from Bucky.

"Don't thank me yet, you still have to meet Tony. Since it's his place," he tells me. They let me have a shower and I enjoy it at first until my new powers freeze the water. With a sigh, I step out, glad I'd manage to finish before that happened. I'm going to have to try and control them. There are clothes on my bed when exit the bathroom, and I happily slip them on.

"They're in the lounge, down the hall and to the left," a voice tells me. I jump at the suddenness of it but mumble a thank you, realising it's probably just Jarvis. I follow his directions and find myself in a room with the Avengers and Bucky. They all look at me when I enter, Bucky moving to my side instantly and grabbing my hand. The gesture doesn't go unnoticed by any of them, I even manage to catch Natasha lifting an eyebrow.

"This is Astoria," Steve says.

"This is Miss Katherine?" Tony questions and Natasha's attention focuses more on me.

"You're Miss Katherine?" she almost seems excited.

"She's a huge fan, despite, you know, everything," Clint offers a brief explanation.

"Nice to meet you all, I don't need introductions. I know who all of you are," I respond before they can start listing their names.

"Cool, food anyone?" Tony wonders before asking Jarvis to order them pizza. He seems uncomfortable, but he hasn't kicked me out, so I guess I'm good. Bucky clears his throat and only then to I stop squeezing the life out of his hand. Muttering a sorry, he grins at me and says it's no big deal. Dinner is awkward, not just because of the tense atmosphere but also because Natasha and Steve won't stop looking at me out of the corner of their eyes. Afterwards, Bucky takes me back to my room.

"Can you come in?" I ask, and he nods, slipping under the covers with me. Instantly I throw my arm over his waist and rest my head on his chest. He sighs and starts running his fingers through my hair.

"I killed them," I whisper, and he stops briefly before continuing. "One at least, the one experimenting on me. She didn't realise that mixing the two serums she had would cause me to gain the ability of fire and ice."

"Her mistake," Bucky responds gruffly. "Are you okay?"

"Despite being tortured for two months, gaining two more abilities I now have to learn how to control and nightmares, being here now with you, seems to make all that go away," I tell him. He goes silent, so I look up at him, to see his eyes already on me. They seem conflicted as he looks at me, then to my lips. Desire pools in my stomach, and I'm suddenly more aware of our position.

"You should get some rest," he says. Disappointment fills me, but I do as he says. We support each other, that's all. He would never want someone like me.

"Again," the Soldier growls, disappointed in my movement. My whole-body aches, even in places where I didn't even know I had muscle at all. Pulling myself off the ground, I go again. And again. And again. He's relentless and it's hard to keep up with him. But while we train I watch him carefully. He's bigger than I am, however he's still fast. I just have to be faster. Rolling out of the way I manage to avoid another punch in the stomach with his metal arm. The first time I was hit I threw up, the force of it causing me to empty out what little food I'm allowed to have. We've been training together for three weeks, that's two times a day for three hours each. I'd never done as much training before as I am doing now but I can't imagine how he must be feeling, he has his own training on top of that.

"Again," he snaps as I continue to fail. Frustration bubbles in me but I fight the urge to lunge at him. That'd be a big mistake. Just as I get an idea of how I might be able to get past him; an agent asks for him. He leaves without a word, leaving me breathless and tired. My limbs ache but I don't give in to the desire of sitting down, I won't get back up again. After cooling down I leave the room, making my way back to my own. Voices make me stop, the familiar sound of Pierce and the Soldier. They're talking about a mission until the conversation flips entirely.

"How's your training with Miss Katherine?" he asks.

"She's smarter than the others. It's more of a challenge to keep up with her," the Soldier replies. A smile fights its way to my lips. Despite getting my arse kicked every session, I now know I'm worthy of him.

"Good, that's good. Now, what do you think of her?" Pierce questions.

"I don't understand," he says after a long pause.

"You've read her file, seen how she moves. What do you think of her?" Pierce repeats his words. A feeling of terror raises within me, I'm not sure why.

"She's determined, fierce and understands direction well. You're lucky to have her," he responds. There's another long pause, until footsteps reach my ears. I hide behind a pillar and peer out from behind it. Two agents walk beside the Soldier, leading him down the hall. Pierce appears with a man in a lab coat.

"I want him wiped again," he commands.

"But we only wiped him a few weeks ago, it'd be too dangerous to-"

"We can't have him getting too attached," Pierce cuts him off.

"How do you know he's getting attached?" the scientist wonders.

"Did you see his eyes, Landmark? Did you see the way he shuffled his feet?"

"No."

"This is why I'm in charge, wipe him again," Pierce slams his hand on the man's shoulder, harder than it should have been.

"Yes, sir."

Bucky isn't by my side when I wake up, and I'm too afraid he'll come back if I let the tears fall. Ever since I got back I've been seeing flashes, snippets of memories. The major memories come when I sleep, the others, the fillers, they pop up when I find my mind wandering. I want them to stop, but at the same time I want to remember them all. These memories have been taken from me, I deserve to get them back.

"Want something to eat?" Steve asks when I shuffle into the kitchen. When I nod, he serves up another bowl of porridge and places it on the table in front of me. Sitting across the table, Steve smiles at me after I catch him watching me put two mounds of brown sugar on top of my breakfast.

"So, your Bucky's childhood friend," I state.

"Yeah, we were close. What about yours?" he wonders. He looks genuinely curious and I feel myself wanting to tell him about the new memories that have been resurfacing but I don't want to risk him telling Bucky. With each memory regained, I feel a stronger connection to him. I feel what I felt then, and I'm not sure I like where it's heading.

"He broke into my house and I looked after him. I like to think we're friends," I tell him instead. "Where is he anyway?"

"Now that he's not acting like a ticking time bomb, Stark's words, he's more than happy to show him some new designs on his arm. I don't think Buck's interested but Stark rarely takes no for an answer," Steve says.

"Well, thank you for breakfast, Mr Rogers. I'll be in my room if anyone needs me," I excuse myself, taking my bowl to the sink. No one bothers me for another three hours, which I'm glad for. Learning how to control my new abilities is harder than I thought it'd be. I haven't even bothered with the fire, knowing I'd probably sent the whole tower alight without the proper gear. Currently, there are icicle shards scattered around my room, none of them melting. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. But I have managed to call forth the ability and there have been no incidents, yet. At lunch time there's a knock on my door, revealing Natasha. She looks curiously around the room at my little projects.

"I'm trying to learn control," I offer her a small explanation. She nods before opening the door wider and stepping in.

"Stark's ordered some Chinese for lunch, if you wanted to join us," she says. With a nod I stand up, until Natasha motions to the ice.

"Oh, don't worry about those, they don't melt," I tell her. Everyone's already seated on the couches when we arrive, and I take a seat next to Bucky. He offers me a plate filled with various Chinese dishes and smiles.

"I thought you might like to try these," he grins. I mutter a small thank you and take the plate, not missing the almost hopeful glint in Steve's eyes as he watches the transaction.

The Soldier's screams reach my ears and my heart breaks at the sound. Even though the sound of the machine has stopped, the halls only go silent a few moments later. Leaning against the wall, I try to look as intimidating as possible while picking at my nails. The scientists that leave the room have no remorse on their faces, disgust and hatred fills me. Two men help the Soldier to his room, dumping him there then leaving as soon as they can. No one looks in my direction as I walk to the door, or when I open it and slip in. He looks younger when he sleeps. Grabbing a cloth that sits on the bedside table, I sit on the bed and wipe at the sweat on his forehead. His eyes fly open almost instantly, his metal hand clamping on my wrist. I barely see his movement when suddenly he's looming over me, the uncomfortable springs of the mattress digging in my back.

"Who are you?" he speaks in Russian, although I don't think that's his first language.

"You train me, I wanted to see if you were okay," I reply in the same tongue. He flinches back, his hand going to his head as if he's trying to remember me. He draws his knees to his chest as he sits at the end of the bed. Hesitantly, I sit up and place a hand on his shoulder. He flinches at that too.

"I will never harm you intentionally," I whisper. He looks at me, eyes broken and filled with pain and hate. I wonder if they're directed at me. Hate that I'm not leaving him alone. Hate for not getting him out of this hellhole.

"What's your name?" he says quietly.

"They call me Miss Katherine," I tell him, and he frowns.

"Your real name," he clarifies. "Do you remember yours? Because I don't know mine."

I'm awoken by a cry, and a robotic sounding voice coming from the ceiling. If an AI can sound panicked, then Jarvis is doing a splendid job. My feet move quickly, and I manage to glance at the digital clock on the bedside table. It's almost four in the morning. Jarvis instructs me on where to go. I'm surprised when there isn't anyone in Bucky's room, but I don't dwell on it. He's thrashing around, something that isn't new to me. Jumping into action, I make my way over to him. My telekinesis takes control of his arms and I place my hands on the side of his face.

"Bucky, it's okay, I'm here," I try to sound as soothing as possible. He stops straining against my gift, so I let him go, and he sighs with relief.

"Tori?" he whispers, wrapping his arms around me.

"Yeah, it's me. You're okay, go back to sleep and I'll stay," I tell him, sinking onto the bed next to him. I can't move very far because his grip on me is like steel. After wiping the hair out of his face, I realise we're not alone. Steve stands at the door tiredly but a look of relief rushes over his face. I give him a nod and he returns it, closing the door and leaving. I can't sleep anymore, my new memory swirling around my mind. Even when he was the Soldier he knew there was something missing. I know he'll never be how he was before Hydra, but I'm hoping he'll get close enough. Bucky wakes up at six and loosens his grip on me.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asks once he realises I'm awake.

"No," I respond, and he nods, a distant look in his eyes.

"Mr Stark has planned for a group outing at the beach and would like everyone to pack," Jarvis' voice disturbs the quietness of the room.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Bucky says, sitting up and taking me with him.

"Mr Stark wanted me to inform you it's located on one of his private islands. He's also not taking no for an answer," Jarvis tells us.

"Thought as much," Bucky grumbles, running a tired hand over his face.

"We'll be ready in a bit," I tell the AI, and Bucky stares at me. "We're not going to get out of this and besides, I've never been on a private island. It probably also has alcohol."

"Right, an unstable Hydra assassin getting drunk, sounds like fun," he says bitterly, looking away from me.

"Former Hydra assassin, and I'll keep an eye on you," I tell him, my fingers at his chin to turn his head so he's looking at me. He sighs but agrees so I smile, pecking his cheek before leaving the room. My heart pounds in my chest, I can't believe I just did that. Well, there's no turning back now. Natasha is waiting for me in my room and the corner of her lips turn up when she sees me.

"Stark figured you probably didn't have any swimwear, so we have to go shopping," she doesn't look impressed but after letting me shower and after I get changed we head out. Turns out Natasha doesn't have any either, but it doesn't take us long to find something.

"You don't go swimming?" I wonder as she drives us back to Stark tower.

"Bullet wound, left a nasty scar," she tells me.

"Mission?" I ask, and her lips press into a thin line.

"Something like that, the Winter Soldier shot a guy through me."

It means a lot that she didn't say Bucky had shot her. Despite the Soldier and Bucky being the same person, they weren't. The Soldier was a puppet controlled by Hydra, and Bucky is a man trying to get his life back. Bucky's innocent. We don't say much after that, but Natasha doesn't seem to be the one for small talk. Luckily, I'm not really either. The rest of the team is waiting for us when we get there, all our stuff thrown into a quinjet and ready to take us to wherever Stark's private island is.

The Soldier watches me as I warm up, commenting on my technique, correcting me if I'm doing something wrong. He acts as though we hadn't had that conversation before. I didn't expect anything less, but I felt then as if we'd connected in some strange way. When we spar, though, he points out what I can do to improve, something he'd never done before. A part of me thinks maybe this is what Pierce instructed him to do, but the other part tells me it's him. My suspicions are resolved when Pierce's reflection appears in the other room and the Soldier's method of training switches back to how it was before. My mind wanders to him giving the order to wipe the Soldier. Anger courses through my veins, but my bodies too tired to let that be shown in my effort. Pierce and another agent walk into the room causing the Soldier to stop, standing stiffly in his presence.

"It appears your training is going well, Miss Katherine," he comments.

"I couldn't have asked for a better trainer," I respond, causing him to smile.

"I'm glad. I can't help but notice there hasn't been time to develop your mental abilities. I've been told your telekinetic power is quite something," he says. I'm not sure I like where this is going but I play along, something I've become good at during my time in Hydra.

"Yes, I'm grateful for my gift. I've been training when the Soldier and I aren't," I tell him.

"That's good, can you deflect bullets?" he asks.

"I'm not sure, I've never really tried," I explain. He looks thoughtful for a moment before drawing his gun and pointing it at the Soldier. He doesn't flinch when Pierce pulls the trigger, and before my mind can think I've thrown out my gift. The bullet takes a sharp turn away from the Soldier and directly into the agent. The blood drains from my face and I quickly turn to Pierce.

"Shame," he says looking at the unmoving body slumped against the wall. "Well, at least we know that works. Keep practising."

He leaves the room and it doesn't take long for some people to come in and clear the body. They don't seem bothered by it, or the fact that their boss was the one that pulled the trigger. The Soldier turns to me when they leave.

"What were you thinking?" he snarls. "You could've been killed for that."

"What, and let you die? I don't think so," I snap back, and he tilts his head slightly.

Someone shakes me awake, and I jolt at the movement. The person steps back quickly, their hands up in mock surrender.

"Sorry, we're here," Steve says. I nod and apologise before standing, cracking my back in the process. Bucky's already taken my bags and Natasha is waiting to show me to my room. The island isn't as big as I thought it'd be, but then again, I didn't know what to expect. Natasha suggests I get changed now, something about Stark setting up beach volleyball. I chuckle at the idea, but do as I'm told, changing into my swimwear.

"Bags being on Astoria's team!" I hear Natasha shout. I step out to where I hear the voices and find that everyone's already out there. Bruce sits in a chair, lathering sunscreen on his arms while the others linger around the net. When Bruce finishes I snatch the bottle and start applying it on myself, I may be an assassin, but no one's immune to the sun. If everyone else is too immature not to apply it then it's not my problem.

"You're not playing?" I ask Bruce, seeing a board and marker on his lap.

"My heart rate goes through the roof, I've been told I'm competitive," he shrugs, not seeming worried about it at all.

"Shame, you would have a mean spike," I offer him a smile, which he returns. Turns out Natasha, Bucky and I are on the same team. Tony's stuck with Steve and Clint because he didn't want the two super soldiers on the same team. He was complaining it wouldn't be fair. Bucky stares at me when I approach him, looking over me twice. It reminds me when we first met in Hydra, I thought then that he probably thought I didn't look like I'd be the best. Now, butterflies erupt in my stomach. I can't help but look at him as well. My eyes don't linger on the scarred flesh where his metal arm is attached, instead it's drawn to his tanned chest and stomach. Making sure I don't stare for too long, I make my way to my position.

"Who won?" Tony questions Bruce after the games are over. He's too eager, and very bad at beach volleyball. But Bruce acts like he needs to think it over before telling him my side won. He even wipes the board before Stark can double check them. Turns out Bruce isn't the only competitive person on the team. Natasha and Clint seemed to have a personal bet against each other while they were playing. And while Hawkeye is supposed to never miss his shot, being against Bucky, Natasha and I made that statement false. Much to his dismay. Tony's red by the time we get back inside, and Bucky avoids touching everyone with his metal arm, the metal having raised in temperature for being out in the sun for too long. Since we can't order any food, Natasha and I decide to cook, both of us volunteering at the same time. We decide on Ukha and we bond over our mutual love for the fish soup. We even decide to make dessert, since Stark's pantry and fridge are stocked with fresh food despite him not coming here often. He must have had the food delivered before we arrived. No one complains about the dinner, and silence fills the room when everyone digs into the rice pudding. Since Natasha and I cooked, we thought it only fair that the boys clean up. It doesn't take me long to fall asleep with a satisfied stomach.

Most of the Hydra workers in the base have been offered leave over the holidays, because even torturers have families. That means there isn't enough agents to keep an eye on me, so I can travel freely within the vicinity of the base of course. Feeling a little rebellious, I sneak away, knowing my location is further away than they want but I can't find it in myself to care. No one will see me; the base is far from civilisation so even if I wanted to escape now would not be my chance. It takes less than two hours to reach the lake, and I instantly strip to my underclothes and dive in. Hydra taught me to swim under many circumstances but since the base doesn't have a pool I haven't felt the soothing feeling of swimming in a long time. When I resurface The Soldier stands on the pier, eyes scanning the blue water. His eyes instantly find mine, unreadable from my distance.

"Are you here to join me or bring me back?" I ask after swimming closer.

"Neither," he responds gruffly, the fingers of his metal arm twitching slightly. Suddenly it's clear why he can't come in, the metal on his arm would end up rusting, and it's not like we can ask Hydra for towels. The ladder on the side of the pier creaks slightly under my weight, unstable due to neglect. The Soldier seems conflicted on whether he should look away from my barely dressed figure but seems to decide against it. He hadn't moved since arriving, so we're only centre meters apart. After shamelessly travelling his eyes over my body he turns his head, the faint tinge of pink dusting his cheeks. My hand trails up to cup his cheek and he flinches slightly before meeting my gaze.

"Do you want me to stop?" I wonder softly, taking in his conflicted eyes. His face is soft from being freshly shaved, and I can feel the hard result of his clenched jaw.

"No," his voice breaks slightly. He closes his eyes when my free hand caresses the other side of his face. Peace fills the atmosphere and The Soldier sighs, leaning into my touch. My eyes sting with unshed tears, this single act of human contact causes this man to slump his shoulders in relaxation. The cruel hand of his handlers forgotten, if only for a moment. I never want to let it go.

Bucky is sleeping beside me when I wake, arms wrapped tightly but comfortably around my waist. The sheets have been thrown off the bed, the only piece of evidence of my unsettled sleep and the reason why he's here. He heard me. Nightmares are common for people like us, but I haven't had one in a while. What can be assumed as one is just my restless mind trying to safely restore what memories were lost to me. Even the painful ones. Snuggling back into Bucky, I can't help but wonder if he remembers any of this. Or if it's just a miniscule fragment jumbled in a sea of important memories, one that he won't find for another three years. How long will it take for his brain to remember the things they lost?

"You're awake," Bucky states sleepily.

"Sorry if I woke you," I whisper, looking up at him. His eyes are still closed, reminding me of the images that played through my mind moments ago. Like then, he looks to be in peace.

"It's okay. I'd rather be woken by you than anything else," he says, finally opening his eyes.

"I'll keep that in mind," I respond cheekily, the corners of my mouth tilting upwards. Bucky's eyes seem to sparkle as he watches me, returning the grin. "Do you think the others will forget about us if we just stay here?"

"I doubt it, although it does sound nice," he brushes a loose strand of hair out of my face, the metal of his arm catching the light from the uncovered window. A confident knock at the door causes him to pull away, his eyes returning to their guarded façade. Natasha opens the door, if she's surprised by Bucky's presence she doesn't show it, her eyes falling to me.

"I wanted to cook breakfast with you, but if you're busy…" she trails off, eyes flickering to the metal armed man by my side. After looking at Bucky and placing a small kiss on his forehead, I get up and allow myself to smile at Natasha when I pass. She grins back, and we enter the kitchen. No one is up, and the silence of the house is calming.

"I like your plan, Romanoff. If we continue to cook, then we don't have to do dishes," I speak up before grabbing the necessary items for our soon to be creation.

"I hate dishes," she mumbles, and I laugh lightly, causing her to look at me. We decide on a buffet style set up, knowing we can just wrap everything that isn't eaten and save it for later. But knowing the house is filled with two super soldiers and a few always hungry assassins I find it hard to believe there would be leftovers. The smell of pancakes and bacon fills the room, but I eye the fruit salad hungrily. The smell attracts the males of the house, most of which are lazily shuffling their feet along the ground. They were obviously debating sleeping in, but the call of their stomach was stronger than their will of sleep. Bucky smiles softly when he enters the room, and my stomach flutters at the sight.

"Are you two a thing yet?" Natasha asks bluntly.

"I don't- I don't know what you're talking about," I stammer, fighting the heat that's painstakingly travelling to my cheeks.

"That man has been looking for something good in his life. If only she would open her eyes," she tells me, placing a hand on my arm. She grabs a few bowls before exiting the room, leaving me with my traitorous thoughts.

The Soldier hasn't looked at me the same way since we shared that moment by the lake. At first, I thought what had passed between us was a mistake but every time we're alone, really alone, no cameras watching our movements, he asks me to do it again. It's become a tradition, so whenever one of us are away on a mission it's strange. Pierce hasn't come to the base in four months, so the agents who are supposed to be keeping a close eye on us have been slipping on their duties. It makes it easier to be with The Soldier. We don't talk, I'm not sure there'd be enough to say with him not remember much of his past.

The Soldier finds me in the training room, punching the crap out of a bag imagining Pierce's face on it. I stop when I sense his arrival, my breathing hard and sweat dripping out of every pore. He doesn't seem to mind though, when he places his flesh hand on my face. Curiosity spikes in me, usually our exchange is the other way around, but it seems to have to same effect. With his eyes closed, his thumb glides over my cheekbone. The touch sends shivers down my spine. Leaning into his touch, I can't help but bring my hand to his to feel the coolness of his skin. He opens his eyes when I lace my fingers through his, pulling it away from my face slightly. Letting go of a shuddering breath, his metal arm wraps around my waist, lifting me slightly as he backs us into a wall. His lips are cold on mine but warm quickly due to the breathes we share between us. My fingers weave into his hair, tugging gently at the roots. It's thrilling, his touches and the possibility of getting caught. After a few minutes of the desperate act of our clashing lips and the sudden need of closeness, we pull away unwillingly. Desperately gasping at the much-needed air our lungs were deprived of, we cling to each other. The Soldier stares at me, fear creeping in his eyes. The fear of being found out. The fear of being wiped.

"Do you want this to stop?" I ask, making no move to lean forward or away. This is his decision and despite the urge to pull him in again is strong, he needs to make it for himself.

"No."

I wake up alone and crying, muffling the sobs with my hands. The ghost of his lips lingers on mine along with the pain I'm feeling now. It doesn't take a genius to figure out how this deranged version on Romeo and Juliet turns out. Hydra doesn't take kindly to lies, or a secret romance between their two best assassins. Natasha doesn't come get me to make breakfast, but I see the shadow of her feet underneath the door. Despite my efforts to muffle the sounds of my agony, she must have heard, and thought it best to not disturb me. I'm thankful for that. A part of me wants to leave this island and find a dark corner to empty myself of the tears that seem never ending.
However, the other part wants to run to Bucky, have him hold me but he's no longer The Soldier and he might not even remember our interactions. Instead, I spend the rest of the morning trying to stop the tears and showering to clear my thoughts. Eyeing the makeup in the cupboard I cave in and layer it onto my face, covering the red splotches crying gifted me. No one looks at me strangely or asks me where I was for breakfast, even Natasha doesn't utter a word. Even when we share the kitchen, cooking another extravagant meal for the rest of the team. For the rest of the day I decide to lather myself in sunscreen and stand on the beach.
My location is as far away from the house or any form of plant, practicing my ability of fire seems to soothe my soul. No one bothers me, but I can feel their eyes watching me from a distance, marvelling at my skill which up close looks unbalanced and sloppy. Steve joins me a few hours later, bearing a gift in the form of a water bottle, which I skull down greedily.

"How are you, Astoria?" he asks, a question seemingly out of the blue. The way he said it though, makes it sound as though there's a completely different meaning behind those casual three words.

"Did Bucky tell you Hydra wiped me?" I watch his face carefully. Bucky's his friend, I expected him to tell Steve, but obviously Steve didn't think he should have been shared that kind of information. He shuffles uncomfortably on his feet, scratching the back of his head.

"He did," Steve admits. I'm suddenly not sure where I expected this conversation to go, but I've come this far, and it seems only fair to Steve and myself that I continue. Especially because I need someone to talk to about this. Bucky would have been my first choice but talking about memories he might or might not remember seems to be placing a heavier weight on his shoulders.

"I'm starting to remember, and it's all making sense. How they kept that major time gap from me is infuriating," I tell him. Steve looks at me as if trying to figure out what to say. Bucky's face flashes in my mind and with it brings the ghost of his lips and the ache of the inevitable heartbreak I'm yet to witness. I'm not sure I want to see how that story ended. "It hurts."

Steve's face softens, and he pulls me into a hug. It's strange, being this close to someone other than Bucky. Accepting the hug shocks me, but it forms a bond. One that I would imagine having a sibling would feel like

Being with The Soldier made me second guess leaving Hydra. If I couldn't bring him with me, what was the point in leaving? Like most things though, it must end at some point. I would have preferred it 'until death do us part' but we weren't married. However, despite walking in an active mine field, I really thought our relationship would last forever. After our first kiss Pierce didn't come to the base for another three months, and he didn't know about our relationship for another two. The Soldier has become protective of me so when I was forced to protect myself from a bullet Pierce had shot at me to see how my abilities were progressing, everything happened so quickly. The other agents in the room were slumped to the ground, unmoving and The Soldier was staring down at Pierce who was on the floor. He should have known I was going to be okay. He should have known his actions had consequences and that there would be back up. Before I can do anything, a dart is shot, and The Soldier falls to the ground. It takes four agents to lift him, another three to hold me back, my screaming and shouting echoing through the base.

"Bring her as well," Pierce orders. He tugs on his suit, picking up what's left of his dignity. They don't knock me out, but they keep a firm grip on me so there's no way for me to move in any way that's not what they want. The machine is bigger than what I thought it'd be and a lot more intimidating up close. At first, I think they're going to put The Soldier in the waiting chair. Instead, they strap him to another, placing me in the contraption that hadn't worked on me the first time. Despite my constant inner chatter of reminding myself it won't work, dread fills me. What if it does? The Soldier wakes a few moments later, the tranquiliser wearing off quicker than I thought it would. He tugs at the restraints before looking up at my tear stained face. Hatred fills his eyes when he sees Pierce, his hand hovering over the button that will wipe me clean of my memories.

"This is what happens to people who don't obey my orders," he says. Although we were never ordered to stay away from each other or to not protect the other, this is still a betrayal in his eyes.

"Don't hurt her," The Soldier growls. Pierce looks between The Soldier and myself, seeing the obvious truth we desperately tried to hide.

"See, this is why we wipe him regularly," he snarls, looking at one of the scientists. "I'll deal with you later."

I'm pushed back into the chair; the whirring of the machine being brought to life. The first thing I feel is pain and the last thing I hear is the heart broken cries of the Soldier.

I'm clutching the side of the toilet before I even register I'm there, heaving last nights dinner into the bowl. My body shakes and my skin prickles. It's so bad I don't even hear someone enter the room, only until their hand is on my back. Natasha whispers words I can barely register but her comfort is welcome. It doesn't take long for the tears to stop and only then do I realise I have to yank my hands from the toilet, courtesy of the ice now coating them.

"You want to talk about it?" she asks softly. I shake my head and she nods, helping me stand. "Have a shower then hop into bed. I'll heat you up some soup."

Instead of Natasha entering the room with a steaming bowl, it's Bucky. He slips into the sheets with me and feeds me the chicken broth. I've barely eaten half when I stop and curl into him, resting my head on his chest. He runs his fingers through my hair and we lay in silence. I'm not sure how long we stay like that, but the sky is dark by the time I wake up again. Sometime during that time, Bucky must have fallen asleep too, snoring softly beside me. We had a secret relationship in Hydra for five months, that must be a record. I grin at the thought, knowing I was a pain in Hydra's ass. Another thought brings a blush to my cheeks. The thought of Bucky and I being in love, although the words were never spoken. I wish he remembered, because maybe then I'd have the courage to tell him those three words now. I love you.

-

Natasha's POV

"Should we tell them?" I ask Steve as we watch the two assassins sleep soundly in each other's arms. At first, I was just checking to make sure everything was okay, but now I've been standing here for almost thirty minutes. Steve had only joined me a while ago, but he watches them carefully, a smile on his lips.

"No, they need to figure it out for themselves," he says.

"A nudge?" Steve sends me a look. "They're clearly more bound than the average couple. They know, although Astoria doesn't say anything, Bucky has come to you for advice. Not the best person to go to but still."

"And going to Stark would be so much better," he scoffs.

"You know what I mean," I turn to the pair again.

"What made you such an expert on relationships?" Steve grins when I glare at him.

"I'm not, but you've seen the way he looks at her. How she looks at him," I say.

"They're both still healing, give them time," he says.

"Give who time?" Stark's face pops in-between us. Instinct kicks in before I register who it is and Tony's choking, staggering backwards and clutching his throat from the hit I gave him.

"Motherf-"

"Language."

It's been a week now since my last memory resurfaced. We left the island, our vacation over but even now we're still laughing and joking about how fun it was. Tony's avoiding everyone, not because he doesn't want to be around us, but because his skin's started peeling from the sunburn and he knows someone will eventually pat him really hard on the shoulder. Bucky and I share a room and I'm not sure what brought that on but we both know we sleep better with the other by our side. I'm sparring with Steve and although he continues to pull his punches, it's fun. We're too focused on our match to realise Bucky's entered the room, but when I coat the floor with ice and Steve slips, we clutch our stomachs with laughter, Bucky included.

"Hey Bucky, care to join us?" I ask, and he looks unsure for a moment. I know he doesn't want to because he's scared he'll revert to the Soldier. It's been ages though, and he's improved majorly since then.

"Sure," he responds, looking over at me. My mind is on him though, it's skirting over the memories of when we trained in Hydra. And that's how we fight. I'm not sure when Steve stepped off the mat, but he watches from the sidelines as Bucky and I spar. Unlike Steve, Bucky doesn't pull any of his punches which I'm grateful for. I'm not going to learn if my partner isn't willing to attack me like an enemy would. Bucky moves like the Soldier, but his eyes lack the ferocious intensity. It's easy to keep up with him, my memories fresh of when we were together in Hydra. Our bodies move in sync, easily keeping up with each other. I've improved since the last time we fought, and Bucky's rusty from weeks of refusal to train. It makes it easy to gain the upper hand, swerving behind him and kicking his leg out from under him. He taps my arm lightly and I pull my arms away from the headlock I had him in. When we look around, the Avengers are watching us, awe in their features. Even Bruce and Tony have come out of their hole to watch.

"I am never sparring with you two, ever," Clint comments. Looking at Bucky I realise he's out of breath, but a smile has adorned his features. The others disperse apart from Steve who places a hand on Bucky's shoulder.

"Well done, Buck," he appraises.

"Maybe you can learn a thing or two from him, Steve. He doesn't pull his punches," I wink at the man and his face flushes.

"I do not pull punches," Steve defends, looking to Bucky for support.

"Sorry, but you do," Bucky grins at our banter, happy to be apart of it.

"Well, I'll leave you two old men to your knitting, I need a shower," I call as I walk out of the gym area.

"That was one time!" Steve's voice trails after me, and I laugh, allowing it to echo back to him. Peeling my clothes off, I notice a bruise on my waist. Ice appears around it instantly, and the wound is gone by the time I finish my shower. I'm starving by the time I get dressed, and the smell of food is wafting through my door. Tony must have ordered Chinese, which I happily dig into once I get there.

"We're having a party tonight, inner circle only," Tony says around a mouthful of food. I cringe at his behaviour and the thought of being at a party. The only time I've been to them is for missions from Hydra.

"Okay," Natasha says, shrugging her shoulders. The others respond with 'sure' and hesitant nods. Tony frowns, as if unimpressed with the reaction he was given.

"You don't want to know why?" he questions.

"You're Tony Stark, you don't need a reason to throw a party," Clint snorts.

"Why are you throwing a party?" I ask him after rolling my eyes. He's obviously bursting to give the team more information.

"Oh, it's just someone's birthday," he says with the shrug of his shoulders. The blood drains from my face and I realise exactly what day it is. It's my birthday. Everyone is looking at each other, as if wondering who could have kept it a secret for so long without anyone knowing. Eventually, everyone's eyes fall to me, especially when Stark starts grinning at me like a lunatic.

"It's your birthday?" Bucky asks from his spot next to me.

"It never really crossed my mind. Hydra aren't the party throwing type, they usually just pass by me," I tell them with a shrug of my shoulders before turning to Tony. "How'd you find out anyway?"

"Another assassin was coming to live in my house, of course I background checked you," Tony says.

"What did you find?" I'm not mad, slightly curious actually.

"Barely anything, you're about as much of a ghost as Capsicle number two over there," he responds. Bucky doesn't seem offended by the nickname, but Steve gives Stark an irritated look. For the rest of the afternoon, Natasha is tasked to keep me occupied. Since it was all last minute, no one had gone out and brought me presents. Despite me insisting I didn't need anything they weren't taking no for an answer.

"I heard you were in the Red Room," I try to pick up conversation with Natasha. "They were going to send me there as punishment one time, but they figured out another way to keep me in line."

"Did you get in trouble a lot?" she asks.

"During plotting my escape and 'accidently' killing other agents, I was a pain in the ass most of the time. It was nothing though compared to the time…" I trail off, not sure whether I should tell Natasha about my relationship with the Winter Soldier.

"What did you do?"

"Forbidden romance," I tell her with a hesitant smile.

Tony ordered five different take outs for the evening, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Mexican and something called Shawarma. My pile of presents was relocated to my room although everyone seems to have forgotten it's my birthday, not that I mind, they're all happily chatting amongst themselves. That is until Tony suggests Never Have I Ever. Without taking a no for an answer, he's already lining shots in front of everyone. Considering how he's been drinking throughout the night, I'm surprised he can still stand. Everyone has five shots in front of them and I laugh slightly. I could drink a whole truck load of alcohol and still walk in a straight line. Being able to drink alcohol and staying alert while on missions was something I learnt at a young age. Everyone gangs up on Tony, knowing he's done more things than anyone else in this room. Steve, Bucky and I have four shots in front of us, all having been on a mission before.

"Never have I ever been to Brooklyn," I grin. Bucky and Steve roll their eyes and down a shot. Steve thinks about his next words carefully.

"Never have I ever had long hair," he decides.

"Oh, come on," Bucky pushes Steve playfully. The alcohol burns my throat as I down a shot, waiting for Bucky to take his turn. The rest of the Avengers watch in silence, waiting for someone to win. By the time the three of us have one shot left, everyone is half asleep or are cradling beers to their chest. I win the game, using the fact that they've both been to war and I haven't. I'm not surprised that everyone's fast asleep by the time we finish, even Steve was falling asleep. Bucky and I grab a bottle filled with amber liquid and leave the room, stepping out to the balcony.

"How's your mind going?" I ask. The cold night air brushes across my face and I welcome it.

"Good, being in a less stressful environment is helping me remember. Steve especially, something about having known him in the past is making it easier," he tells me. We pass the bottle back and forth until I've had enough, and it's capped and discarded.

"How much do you remember?" I question, anxious to know if he has caught snippets of our past.

"Most of it, I think. There are still a few details from Hydra that isn't clear. What about you? Have your memories come back?" he looks at me out of the corner of his eyes. My heart pounds in my chest, should I tell him? If he doesn't remember, then what's the point in telling him now? If he did know what we were, would he have acted on it, or left it like I have out of fear of the other person not knowing?

"No," I lie, trying to avoid looking at him.

Clint and Tony have hangovers the next morning, and Natasha might as well but it's hard to tell. Bruce hadn't touched any alcohol, knowing that would be bad for everyone. Steve walks around laughing at the two grouchy men, hovering around the coffee pot. I don't blame him, I did when I saw them. The Tower is quiet for the rest of the day, everyone doing their own thing. My phone buzzes in my room and it takes me a while to figure out it's the burner phone I used when I was Miss Katherine. Shuffling through my drawers, I find it, surprised it still has life left before opening the message.

Unknown: It's been a while. There's a client if you're interested.

I bite my lip, my heart pounding in my chest. My question of whether I should or not is answered when I find myself already packing a bag. I tell JARVIS to let everyone know I'll be out for a while and leave the tower. The restaurant hasn't changed a bit when I enter, my clothing different and a platinum blonde wig hiding my real hair. The Owner shoots me a grin before motioning that the client is already up there. The man has his back to me and I notice he's wearing a beanie. When I sit down and look at him it doesn't take me long to figure out his identity.

"Director Fury, this is a surprise, why didn't you stop by the Tower?" I ask, and he grins at me, his eye watching me carefully.

"I wanted to see if you'd come. If you were ready for what I have to offer," he tells me. It's clear this isn't going to be something I can do for him, but an offer for me.

"You're offering me a job, at SHIELD," I deduce.

"I am."

"Why? Surely your other agents can do things I can't," I respond.

"There's a mission that requires your intel, something from your past," he tells me, sliding a folder over the table. "I'm aware you were a part of a team that hid a USB containing all of Hydra's information. I also know that you're the only surviving member that knows its location."

"Do you know how many people will be looking for it? I can't go alone," I tell him.

"Well you're going to have to. You were Hydra, surely you can trick them into believing you're still on their side. You were trained as a spy, were you not?" he responds.

"Among other things," I mutter, the tips of my fingers grazing the edge of the folder. If I join SHIELD, the new SHIELD, I'll be helping people and it'll keep me busy. Anything to keep my mind off Bucky, and the relationship that could have been. The one he might not even remember.

"When do you want me to start?"

"As soon as possible, then we'll discuss your employment."

It's been two days since I left on this mission, twelve Hydra agents later and a well needed cup of coffee that's currently in my hands, I'm almost to the USB. Since I never took my phone with me, I'm curious as to how long it took everyone to realise I'd left it in my room. Fury did say he'd deal with them. My eyes catch on a group of men and I groan in annoyance. The three Hydra agents clearly have guns despite their attempts to hide it, and they scan the area quickly. Since I'm the master of disguise, their gazes slide passed me, and they order themselves some food. I wait until they're halfway through their meals before leaving the little café. Despite it almost being dark I start my journey, the USB's location still in my mind as if I'd been on this mission yesterday. It's hard to forget when the joke is in the name. The USB isn't an object, it's an acronym. The USB is an experiment for the Underground Specialised Breed, something Hydra invested in which surprisingly ended up working. After taking a power nap I finally approach the location of the USB. Charles is a German Shepherd and has telepathic abilities. Since I was his favourite, only I was allowed to call him ChiChi, having come up with the nickname for him myself. Positioning myself carefully, I watch the house silently. It's a little farm house a few miles outside of town. I don't bother turning off the car in case I have to make a quick exit. My whistle cuts through the quiet morning air and I wait a few moments before a mound of greying fur bounds in my direction.

"You came back for me!" ChiChi talks to me telepathically, jumping up into my arms when he reaches me. I struggle with the weight of him, and with the movement of his hyperactive tail. He licks my face with enthusiasm and I laugh before setting him down.

"Sorry it's been so long, a lots been happening," I tell him.

"I saw it on the news, the helicarriers," he says, his tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth.

"That's why I'm here, it's not safe for you anymore. Hydra agents are looking for you," I explain briefly, and he tilts his head.

"You're with SHIELD now," he states, and I nod. He seems unaffected by my change of loyalty and jumps into the car when I open the door for him. By the time I pull away, I can hear his owners shouting his name.

-

I have to change cars three times as I make my way back to the Stark tower where Fury had told me he'd be waiting. I'm excited to see the look on his face when he realises the USB is a dog and not an object. Since ChiChi can hear everything I'm thinking, he catches up to what's been happening in my life and doesn't say anything until one topic almost makes me slam on the brakes.

"Bucky?" he says questioningly. "He was in Hydra too, the Winter Soldier."

"We both live in Stark tower, his friend helped him regain some of his memories," I tell him, hoping he'll drop the subject. He knows I want him to, he can read my mind, but he persists.

"Why haven't you said anything?" he wonders.

"You know why, he might not remember," I respond.

"I could look into his head for you," he offers. It's tempting, and I feel bad for even considering it but in the end, I tell him no. Bucky's had his head meddled with far too many times. Even if it's just to read his thoughts, I don't want to invade his privacy.

"Pee break!" ChiChi shouts in my mind as a gas station pulls into view. With a roll of my eyes I pull into it and he scurries out of the car while I fill it up with petrol. Another car pulls up and I tense, mentally telling ChiChi to stay hidden and that I'll call him when it's over. The three Hydra agents I'd seen at the café step out of the car, one leaning against the door, one filling up their car and the other walking into the shop. When his eyes glide over me he smirks and pushes himself off the car and strides over to me.

"What's a pretty girl like you doing in a place like this?" he asks, and I cringe at his pick-up line alone. If I didn't already want to knock his lights out, now I had an actual reason. My hand faces towards the door of the shop, freezing it shut knowing the Hydra agent will be distracted by the fact that he can't open it then stupid enough to not shoot through the window. Using my fire ability would be dangerous around the gasoline so try to focus on my ice but it's almost as if it can sense the flammable liquid.

"Oh you know, just travelling back home after visiting my folks in the country," I grin, playing along as my voice slips into a loose cowgirl accent. He smiles back but his grin fades when I smash his head onto the boot of my car. He groans, clutching his bleeding and possibly broken nose. The other agent drops the gas hose and runs at me, his hands reaching at the gun tucked in at the back of his pants. My arm reaches out and I'm supposed to shoot ice shards at him, but my fire appears instead, engulfing him in flames and narrowly missing the petrol. He screams, and I curse under my breath before finally gaining control and cover him in a layer of ice. The last agent has finally broken through the door and doesn't make it another step before ice crawls up his foot and covers him like an ice sculpture. The agent I hit first stumbles away from me.

"Who- what are you," he stammers. I trap his hand in ice, so he can't move another inch and lean beside him.

"Miss Katherine, pleasure to make your acquaintance," I smile before sending a shard through his chest. Smashing the camera in the area and paying the worker handsomely for his discretion, I drag the men away from the petrol and set them all on fire. It turns blue and before they can smell, they've turned to ash. ChiChi is silent when we drive away but returns to his usual cheerful self after an hour.

"Where have you been!" Bucky shouts at me when I make it to the Stark tower. He runs his fingers through his hair, pacing the floor so quickly I'm certain the friction will set fire to his pants. Clearly, Fury didn't do a good enough job at keeping everyone occupied. After a fifteen-minute rant he pulls me to him, our bodies merging together into a familiar mould that even the wiping machine couldn't make us forget. His stubble tickles my forehead and he breathes deeply, his arms wound tightly around my waist. I relish in his warmth, closing my eyes at the familiarity of it.

"I don't need to read his mind to know what's happening in there," ChiChi's comment almost makes me pull away in shock. After Bucky leans back, his arms still lingering around me does he notice ChiChi, his face falling into a frown. He's about to say something, probably ask why I disappeared for a few days then arrive with an old dog but ChiChi cuts his speech off, allowing me access to their conversation.

"My names Charles, Astoria was sent to collect me for Director Fury," he tells Bucky.

"I heard about their experiments, didn't realise they actually worked," Bucky comments, not seeming bothered at all by him. ChiChi barks like a normal dog, happy with the answer he got causing the rest of the Tower to walk in.

"I heard a-" Tony cuts himself off when he sees Bucky and I in a slightly intimate embrace and a German Shepherd. ChiChi opens the conversation to everyone.

"Mr Stark, nice to finally meet you," he gives a doggy grin. Tony screams, Natasha's face is unreadable, Clint looks at ChiChi with admiration, Steve with amusement and Bruce with scientific fascination. Tony doesn't respond after that, especially after he realises everyone is laughing at him and leaves the room. Natasha and ChiChi seem to be having their own conversation and before I can feel left out Bucky leads me away.

"Why didn't you tell me you were going to be away?" he asks. My gaze drops to the floor and I suddenly feel ashamed. I've never had someone worried about my safe return, giving him a heads up about my departure never really crossed my mind. It's different from when we first met, a whole other world. Before anything can be said, JARVIS' voice alerts us to Fury's presence in the elevator. I offer him an apologetic look before walking to the elevator to wait for him. His face is grim as usual, and his frown deepens even more when he sees ChiChi running around the room.

"This is Charles, the USB," I tell him. He looks as though he's about to say something but stops, his head tilting towards ChiChi.

"You've held your end of the bargain, come to the base tomorrow morning and we'll discuss your arrangement," he says. I nod to ChiChi and he takes off after the Director. The Avenger's and Bucky are all looking at me when he leaves, his meeting brief.

"You're joining SHIELD?" Clint questions and I nod. When I look at Bucky I can see the understanding in his eyes. Everyone moves off to what they were doing before, but I walk to my room and flop onto my bed for much needed rest.

"You still didn't answer my question," Bucky appears at the doorway. He lies next to me and I place my head on his chest. I listen to his heart beating quickly, I can feel his fingers running through my hair.

"I didn't have much time, Fury wanted the job done. I'm sorry I didn't leave a message, but the Director has a strange way of dealing with missions," I tell him, absently tracing shapes on his toned stomach.

"In the future, no matter what, if either of us go on a mission, we will tell the other," he suggests, and I nod. He stops running his fingers through my hair, so I look up at him. "Promise me."

"Of course," I smile at him, my head falling back onto his chest.

"I just don't want to lose you again," he sighs. He doesn't notice the way my body freezes, or he just doesn't think anything of it. Again? The only time we've been a part is when I was kidnapped, the only time before that is when we were in Hydra together. Does that mean he remembers? My heart beats wildly in my chest, ears pulsing with the rush. Lifting my head up again from his chest I stare at him, his eyes focus on mine with confusion.

"Bucky," I start, but the words seem to get caught in my throat. The anticipation swells up inside me as I try to find the right words to say. He watches me patiently, a curious spark evident in his eyes. He watches me and says nothing, maybe he doesn't remember. Maybe what's happening between us is just two broken souls using another to mend our wounds. But there's nothing else he could be talking about, not unless he's meaning when I went away for a few days to collect ChiChi.

"What's wrong?" he asks, a hand raising to cup my cheek. My eyes are forced to look at his once again and I know the truth. I just need to hear it come out of his mouth.

"Do you remember everything? Do you remember everything that happened in Hydra?" I ask. Unconsciously, I hold my breath, waiting for the words that could change everything.

"Astoria, I-"

His words are cut off when the room turns red and sirens blast through the tower. We look to each other, those unspoken words lingering in the air before we race out of the room to fight the danger that continues to tear us apart.

Multiple men in black masks flood into the room as Bucky and I enter. Tony's already called for his suit and doesn't seem to care where he aims, hitting the walls and windows. One of the men see me and aims his gun but before he can shoot my telekinesis takes a hold of his weapon and I throw it up into his face. Bucky and I fight side by side, moving gracefully around each other like we were made to do this. Natasha enters the room in a fury, slashing at their legs with her electronic baton. Clint positions himself behind the couches and shoots at anyone he thinks is getting too close to us. Bruce I can't find and am glad, I wouldn't know what to do if I was confronted by the Hulk. Turning, I see most of the intruders are going towards Bucky, more than the arrows Clint has. My back burns as a blade slices over my shoulder blades and I hiss in pain before throwing an ice shard into the persons chest. The Tower trembles and everyone loses balance temporarily before everything becomes too quiet. Bucky's eyes find mine and he's about to say something but the ground cracks, an explosion rippling through our home and causing the floor beneath me to shatter. I hear something crack when I land on the next level, a piercing pain shooting up my leg. There's no time to cry out, throwing my arms up I create a shield around myself from the loose debris that hurtles in my direction.

"Astoria!" Bucky's voice shatters through the ringing in my ears. I can't see him, but that's probably because of the pile of stones enveloping me. My mind aches against the struggle of keeping my telekinesis in use, protecting me from the heavy weight. I don't risk saying anything, my concentration the only thing that can protect me until help arrives. The stones shift, and I curse under my breath as the weight moves. Sweat trickles from my forehead and passed my hairline, my back aching with the knife wound.

"I can't hold it," I whisper, knowing no one can hear me. The stones inch closer and closer until I find my hold breaking, my arms shaking due to the strain.

"Astoria, we're coming!" Bucky's voice is the last thing I hear before darkness takes over me completely.

The first thing I can feel is the pressure wrapped around my leg. The second is the wound on my back. And lastly, the presence that lies beside me, their head resting by my arm. When I open my eyes, Bucky is laying awkwardly on a plastic chair, his face inches from my arm. Shifting is a bad idea, an instant pain crashes down on my chest, as if I had been crushed by those stones. Wincing, I ease myself back into the same position I was before, letting out a sigh of relief. Bucky's head flies upwards, his eyes still half closed at my sudden sound.

"You're awake," he grins and before I can say anything he leans towards me and brushes his lips to mine. It's as if he steals my oxygen, I can't breathe. He's careful not to put any pressure on my body, his hand caressing my face. A swarm of butterflies erupt in my stomach and I try to lift my head to deepen the kiss, but the movement causes a shock wave of pain. Bucky pulls away quickly, worried he hurt me but the smile on my face answers his question. Before we can say anything the door flies open and we look to see the other Avengers arriving. They don't seem to realise what they're interrupting and file in, placing gifts onto the table beside my bed.

"We thought you'd never wake up," Tony rolls his eyes playfully.

"We had faith you would though," Steve comments, giving Tony a pointed look. At that moment a nurse walks in, looking unimpressed with the amount of people in the room. Most of them get the message but Bucky lingers back.

"I've put up with you all week, boy. She'll be fine with me," she tells him. He hesitantly leaves my side, watching me with a lingering look before leaving the room.

"I remember when my husband used to look at me like that," the nurse sighs happily. She's short, the prescribed outfit making her look smaller. Her hair is greying, and wrinkles have already started to line her smooth face. "You're lucky to have him."

"I know, sometimes I feel like I don't deserve him," I mutter honestly.

"Don't say that," she scolds and I'm not sure how to react, never having much of a motherly figure in my life. She runs through several tests and I find out I've been here for just over a week, my ribs are fractured, my leg broken and because of the dust the wound on my back got infected but it's been cleaned, and she wraps it again after applying some cream on it.

"Is there anything else I should know?" I wonder, and the nurse looks at me.

"Don't worry dear, you and that lovely man are still able to have children. Just don't go trying until you're all healed up," she gives me a smile before leaving the room. I lay there stunned, my mouth opening and closing. So, when Bucky enters the room again I feel the heat rise to my cheeks. He stands there dumbfounded for a moment, unsure what brought on this behaviour. He wipes his human hand on his jeans before awkwardly walking over to me and starts rambling.

"I asked for advice, and I'm not sure what do because I got all these different answers. I'm more inclined to listen to Clint because he's been through it before. Not sure why I even listened to Tony, he doesn't really know what he's doing. Natasha was helpful but mostly threatened to chop off my balls but-"

"Bucky stop!" I interrupt his ramblings and he freezes. "Calm down, what are you trying to say?"

"I remember everything, and I don't want to ever let you go again. I don't ever want this to stop. What I'm trying to say is…" he clears his throat. "I want to know if you would do the honour in becoming my wife."

Bucky and I decide on a small wedding, the only guests allowed to attend are the Avengers and a few others that the others insist we invite. For some reason Tony asks us to invite Spiderman, who I find out only a few days before my wedding, is a sixteen-year-old boy. Pepper laughed when I asked her about it and told me not to question it. I've seen Tony hanging with the kid and get the feeling he's starting to develop a fatherly bond towards him. Steve wants a man named Sam Wilson to attend, and after meeting him I understand why the Captain is friends with this man. I also find out that Bucky and Sam have already met, along with Peter. Something about an airport fight that happened a few weeks before any of them met me. The atmosphere turned awkward after that, so I didn't pry too far into that memory.

"Astoria, you do have to come out sooner or later," Natasha's voice comments through the door. After Pepper helped with my makeup, and Natasha with my hair, I was ushered into the bathroom where my wedding dress lay waiting for me to put on. With no limit and Stark's credit card, Pepper and Natasha made sure I was one hundred percent happy with my choice before we purchased it. I hadn't known the price of it until the lady at the desk let us know. Before I could complain about how expensive it was, Pepper had already paid. Now, standing in front of the mirror, all I could think about was what Bucky would think when he sees me in it. The Ettia gown made by Maggie Sottero wouldn't have been my first choice if I'd been told I was getting married a few years ago. But the vintage gown made me stop in place, my breath caught in my throat as I slid my fingers over the delicate fabric. My first thought was of Bucky. Taking a deep breath now, I exit the bathroom and wait for my bridesmaids' reactions. They both wear navy blue bridesmaid dresses, Natasha's comes to her knees, but Pepper decided to go for a full-length dress.

"You look amazing, Bucky's not going to know what hit him," Pepper gushes.

"Just make sure he doesn't take it off before the honeymoon," Natasha smirks and I roll my eyes at her.

"I still don't understand why you won't tell me where we're going for that," I change the subject, glad my makeup covers the heat I can feel racing to my cheeks.

"Tony wanted to keep it a secret, I'm actually surprised he's managed not to say anything," Pepper comments, carefully clipping my veil into place. Not only did Tony pay for everything, he booked our honeymoon and bought us a house that we can move in afterwards. He's convinced Bucky and I will spend the whole time making out around the Tower. He also said when it comes to it, he doesn't want to have to deal with crying babies. In return, all he asked for was to walk me down the aisle, since I have no family.

"You girls ready?" Tony bursts into the room, and Natasha instantly scowls at him saying we could still have been getting changed. He ignores her and goes to Pepper, commenting on her dress and going in for a kiss. He's stopped by her fingers covering his lips, muttering how he'll ruin her make up and that it's my time. Only then does he look at me, a low whistle sounding. Natasha and Pepper tell me their goodbyes before leaving the room, taking their places.

"I never thought I'd walk someone down the aisle," Tony comments. "Bucky's a lucky man."

"I've never been this nervous," I tell him, butterflies swarming in my stomach.

"You should see him. He won't stand still, he keeps fidgeting. It's making everyone nervous," he grins and offers me his arm. It doesn't make me any calmer, but the thought of Bucky being as nervous as me makes the corners of my mouth tilt upwards. Talking myself through breathing patterns I learnt in Hydra, I try to keep myself under control. Stopping before a carved, wooden door, I hear the music playing through it.

"When you walk through that door you will say 'yes', you will go on your expensive honeymoon, then go to the lovely house I picked out for you both and we'll send each other post cards and visit each other on Public holidays. In two year's time Pepper and I will have a baby and he will play with yours and Bucky's. They'll grow up together and be home-schooled, there's no way in hell they'll be getting a normal education. Your kid will call me Uncle T and will make me coffee and sugar cookies when I'm tired," Tony blabbers on. Before I can say anything the door swings open and expecting eyes stare at me, gasp escaping their mouths and smiles etched on their faces. My eyes are on Bucky, his mouth hanging open as if he's seeing the sun for the first time. My heart thumps wildly in my chest, it's all I can hear even when Tony hands me over to my man. Our words meld into another, the vows we prepared etched in our memories.

"Our lives we have lived, through pain, sorrow, love and remembrance. What we share is ours alone and nothing will ever part us because we are together at last. Forever."

His lips press against mine and I feel everything in that moment. Every memory we had lost and regained, the wars we had to face. We both want more but we pull away from our lingering kiss only to be showered in golden confetti. We both shoot Tony a look, but it's broken when the few people invited to the wedding stand and envelope us in hugs, whispering wishes and congratulations. This is the day I bound myself to James Buchanan Barnes. This is the day where from now on, nothing can separate us.

Relaxing into the bubble bath I let the hot water soothe my body. Closing my eyes, I re-watch the wedding in my mind. Bucky and I finally arrived at our Honeymoon destination an hour ago, the same island we stayed at with the Avengers. Everything looks the same as it did before, the fridge once again stocked with food that will last us just over a week. My eyes open to linger on the simple wedding band on my finger and a smile stretches across my lips. I don't hear the door open, but I can hear the sound of Bucky's bare feet walking over the tiles.

"Mind if I join you?" he whispers in my ear, his hot breath sending shivers down my spine. Not trusting my voice I nod, my body burning with anticipation. Even as his clothes drop to the floor I can't tear my eyes away from his. The raw emotion that lingers there. His muscles tense as he lowers himself into the large tub, sighing as he does so.

"Why are you so far away?" I whine, mischief dancing in my eyes. The water ripples as I move, his cheeks turning pink. His chest rises and falls rapidly as I move closer, his hands reaching for me and pulling me to him as if my pace was too slow. Bare flesh collides as I straddle him.

"I really don't want this to stop," his voice is hoarse and before he can say anything else I press my lips to his. His hands wonder from my back to legs, gripping them as though at any moment I could disappear. My fingers dig into his scalp and he groans, pulling me closer. As our lips dance I allow my hands to explore, running over the muscles on his shoulders and chest. Tongues clash and teeth pull before his lips trail down my neck. He goes hard beneath me and I feel my own desires bubbling to the surface.

"Bucky," I mutter breathlessly. Before I can do anything, he rises from the bath, taking me with him. The sheets of the bed suck up the water from my skin as my back hits the mattress. His lips are on mine in an instant, my nails running along the curve of his back. He shudders against me then pulls back only slightly, his eyes boring into mine as if asking for permission. A kiss is the only answer I give him.

Waking up the next morning I still feel exhausted, my body still buzzing from last night. Bucky's arms are wrapped securely around my waist and I can feel every inch of him. His grip is tighter than I thought, my attempts to turn and face him useless.

"If you keep moving like that, I'll have to do something about it," his morning voice sends last nights emotions bubbling in my stomach.

"Something like what?" I wonder, my voice laced with fake innocence. The sound that rumbles from his throat causes me to shiver. Once we finish we carelessly throw on a dressing gown in search of some food. We nibble on some bread while we wait for the bacon and eggs to finish cooking. We don't talk while we eat, too hungry to get a word out as we shovel the food into our mouths. After brushing our teeth, we spend the rest of the day cuddling, watching movies and we even go for a swim. That leads to taking another bath then other things before I get up to make some dinner. That's how it goes for a week and despite having another three days left we both don't feel up to leaving. It's at breakfast on the eighth day that I get a call, frowning I look at Bucky who shrugs and lets me answer it.

"Agent Barnes," Fury's voice speaks before I get the chance to get a word in. "I know you're still on your Honeymoon, but I need you to come in."

"What?" I blurt out, confused about the fact that I'm an Agent now, we never had the discussion, and the fact that I'm being called in.

"I know this is a bad time, but I need you to get here as soon as possible. I'll send you coordinates," he says before hanging up the phone.

"Fury?" Bucky guesses and I nod. "Go, it has to be important. He wouldn't have called if it wasn't."

"But-" I start and he stands.

"It's fine, nothing can ever come between us. We have all the time in the world," he says and kisses me on the forehead. He helps me pack and by the time I'm ready to leave a helicopter lands on the island and my phone buzzes with the coordinates.

"We're not finished yet," I tell Bucky. Pulling him into a lingering kiss, he holds onto me tightly before watching me leave the island without him. We land somewhere in Scotland, and due to the outfit and weapons waiting for me in the helicopter, I know there's going to be danger. Changing as quickly as I can I give thanks to the pilot before running towards the sounds of distress. Just as I arrive in the train station two unidentified individuals capture my attention. They're definitely not from Earth. However, it seems I've missed the fight, the two beings beam upwards.

"Can you stand?" Sam asks a man I've never met before.

"Thank you, Captain," he says when he's been helped to his feet. His image ripples gold, and that's when I realise this must be Vision, and the women next to him, Wanda.

"Looks like I missed the party," Natasha turns first, lips spreading into a grin.

"I thought you were meant to be on your Honeymoon," Nat says, and she gives me a hug.

"Fury called me in," I tell her.

"Of course he did," Steve says with a chuckle, wrapping his arms around my shoulders. "How's Buck?"

"Good, I was told he was called in elsewhere," I tell him, and he nods. Turning, I look at Wanda and Vision.

"You're Miss Katherine," is Wanda's first words.

"I go by Astoria Barnes now," I tell her, and she nods.

"If you can fight like the Captain, then I'm sure we'll have nothing to worry about," Vision comments, wincing because of his wound.

"Trust me, we're glad she's on our side," Nat comments. "Now let's pack it up."

After making it back to the Avengers base, I find myself spread out on a very comfortable couch, watching everyone. They'd just come into the room after talking with Secretary Ross and we all knew that seeing me wouldn't bring any warm fuzzy feelings. In his eyes I'm still a threat, being a former Hydra agent and all.

"So, we got to assume they're coming back," Rhodey comments, and my eyes flicker to the small hologram of the alien creatures I saw before.

"And they can clearly find us," Wanda says, and I nod to myself. After being brought up to speed about all of this, I realise these creatures are looking for the stones, and they can easily track them, therefore, us.

"We need all hands-on deck, where's Clint?" Bruce wonders, turning the Natasha.

"After the whole Accords situation, he and Scott took a deal. It was too tough on their families. They're on house arrest."

After a long talk on how big Thanos' army is and Vision's idea to destroy the stone, everyone is too tired to really do anything. Wanda being the only one to be able to destroy the stone refused, and the discussion shifted into a way to separate the stone from Vision's body. Now, despite everyone's mood, we start heading off to Wakanda. When I take a seat in the quinjet my legs can't stop bouncing in excitement. It doesn't take us long to make it through the border and I grin at the sight of this hidden treasure. I didn't know what I excepted when I arrived, but it exceeded all my expectations. The air is nice when we step outside, and my eyes search for the one person I've been itching to see.

"Seems like I'm always thanking you for something," Steve says when we approach T'challa. I nod my head to him respectfully and he returns it. Out of the corner of my eyes I see Bruce bow and I try to supress the laugh threatening to arise.

"We don't do that here," T'challa comments and there's a tinge of red that coats Bruce's cheeks. "How big of an assault should we expect?"

I trail away from the group, the guardswomen keeping a close eye on me as I let myself take in the beauty of this place. My ears perk up when I hear the familiar voice of my husband. Turning I see him embracing Steve and so when they finish, I run up to him. He laughs and picks me up, spinning me around. Even though it's only been a few days since we last saw each other, I feel like it's been too long. Pressing my lips to his I savour his warmth before pulling away. The others watch us with curious eyes, some won't even look our way.

"I'll be back down after I make sure everything is okay upstairs. Side by side, right?" I question. There's a glimmer of hesitance in his eyes. There's a war coming, anything is possible.

"Just stay close, I don't want to lose you too soon," he pulls me in close and places a quick kiss on my nose before letting me run up to where Vision is being analysed. No one looks at me as I enter the room except for Shuri, the King of Wakanda's sister. Her eyes looks to the beads on her wrist and she looks at me once more before continuing on with her findings.

"It will take time, brother," she finishes, looking at the others in the room.

"How long?" Steve asks automatically, his thumbs hooked into the belt of his pants.

"As long as you can give me," she responds. A strange sound beeps and one of the guards standing next to T'challa lifts her hand, rolling one of the beads on her wrist into her open palm. A small hologram pops up and she looks at it with scary focus.

"Something has entered the atmosphere," she says causing everyone to spring into action. Looking out of the window I see something large smash into the top of the dome, blowing to pieces at is hits the barrier. The others collide with the ground outside of it, creating a wind that ploughs against the dome. We all watch, I've never been in a war before, only assassinations and break-ins or outs. My hands shake but I gulp down the fear.

"It's too late, we need to destroy the stone," Vision suggests, easing himself off the table.

"Vision, get your arse back on that table," Natasha orders before storming out of the room.

"We will hold them off," T'challa promises, following after the blonde assassin.

"Wanda, as soon as that stone is out of his head, you blow it to hell," Steve commands and she nods, a determined but worried look in her eyes.

"I will."

"Evacuate the city, engage all defences. And get this man a shield," T'challa says, stopping at the door. With a nod, Steve starts leaving the room with me following closely behind.

"You are fighting?" Shuri's confused voice makes me stop. Steve turns around as well and we stare at her.

"What do you mean? Of course," I comment, not understanding why I wouldn't. Sure I'm nervous as hell and there are butterflies in my stomach that threaten to make me throw up my last meal, but I'll be fine. I have to be.

"But you could die," Shuri pushes. I've never met her in my life, and now she seems to fret over me like a mother hen. Confusion clouds me and when I turn to Steve he looks the same.

"It's a war, anyone could," I try to swallow the lump in my throat. I can't imagine Bucky dying or worse, me dying and leaving him here alone.

"You don't know yet," her voice fills with realisation.

"What?" Steve questions, his voice firm and urgent.

"You were scanned when you entered the room. If you die, so will the child growing in your womb."

Steve looks conflicted about joining the battle and staying with me. Placing a hand on my shoulder he leans over slightly so he's looking me in the eyes. "It's going to be okay, tell him after the battle."

"Okay," I respond in a small voice. He sends me a hesitant smile and leaves me standing in the middle of Shuri's lab. She glances at me from her place, trying to disconnect the stone from Vision's head. Wanda appears beside me and curls her fingers around mine. Looking at her I realise she's trying to comfort me.

"I'm pregnant," I whisper, tightening my grip. The world around me starts to sway and I briefly remember Wanda leading me over to a chair. After everything that I've been through, I never thought there'd be a day where I would get that privilege. A mother. Who would have thought? Leaping to my feet I run over to the window, hoping to possibly catch a glimpse of the father of my child. I know it's not possible. Worry coils in my stomach and I can't help but panic.

"He'll be fine, they all will," Wanda's shoulder brushes against mine and I send a hesitant smile in her direction. They better be fine. Otherwise Thanos will have to deal with me. I watch from my position, barely able to see anything in the chaos. I hear Wanda come up beside me and we watch as something digs under the earth and passes underneath the shield. They roll through the battle not caring if they hit our allies or themselves.

"I have to help," Wanda says and before I can say anything to stop her, she's already left the room.

"Don't you dare follow her," Shuri comments, without looking up from where she's disconnecting the stone. Turning back to the window, I notice a streak of red flying through the sky before it disappears in the battle. The next thing I see, if the large rollers lifting into the sky and being thrown into to ground. I hear a grunt of pain and turn in time to see one of Thanos' children has entered the room. Guards run to attack him but he's too strong, I can see the worry on Shuri's face as she tries to disconnect faster. I grab Vision's hand and he looks at me. Shuri swipes at the screen and it disappears, lifting the thing that sits beside her and fires at the alien. After shooting it only three times he swipes her away as if she's nothing.

"Vision, you have to get up. Get out of here," I speak in a hushed tone while the thing is busy. I ease him off the table and we start to walk to cover but Vision turns and vaults himself at the alien.

"Vision!" I shout, running to the window they've just flown through. I watch as they tumble down the side of the building. Looking around the room, I spot one of the spears the women in Wakanda use. Grabbing it, I race through the room.

"Astoria, don't go outside," Shuri shouts but I don't listen as I run out of the doors. I hear the battle rage on as I run through the forest, trying to make my way to Vision. I stop my sprint, leaning over as I breathe heavily, hands on my knees.

"Shit, I am not fit enough for this," I pant, trying to catch a glimpse of Vision, or anyone. With a sigh, I keep running, briefly catching a glimpse of an explosion. Stopping, I frown. Does that mean everything's over? My lungs burn and legs ache, but I keep going. I really should have taken something that could have gotten me here faster. I'm almost there when the explosion reverses and I hear Wanda scream. Next is Thanos' scream then I spot Thor in the sky. I spot Wanda hovering over Vision's dull grey body.

"I'm here," I breathe out, my chest rising and falling quickly. She looks up at me, tears in her eyes.

"I couldn't save him," she mutters.

"What did you do!" I hear Thor shout. With a pat on Wanda's shoulder, I race over to him. Only to see Steve walking out behind some trees.

"Where'd he go?" he questions. "Thor? Where'd he go?"

"Steve?" Bucky's voice calls.

"Bucky?" I call out, running over to him. His hands start to fade, his feet and it grows up his legs.

"Tori," he breathes out, reaching his fading hand to caress my face. He stumbles and I try to catch him but he turns to dust, covering me from the shoulders down.

"Bucky?" I can't breath.

I can't think.

Dropping to my knees, my scream pierces the atmosphere. My shaking hands hover over the dust that laces the ground. "BUCKY!"

Steve appears beside me, crouching, and touching the ground where Bucky once stood. When he stands, I feel the tears start to fall. Everything becomes a white noise, like a bubble is surrounding me. I vaguely remember Nat appearing beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"I'm pregnant," I mutter.

"Oh my god," I hear her whisper. She wraps me in her arms, but I just stay there. Looking at the spot where my husband fell. Mourning over the pieces left of my child's father. I beg it to take me too. I beg in silence.

But it never does.

Five Years Later.

"James, what are you doing? We should have left by now!" my voice echoes through the small house. I hear the pitter patter of his feet until he appears at my bedroom door, holding his shoes and socks in the air for me to see.

"I need help with my shoes," he waves them around before plonking onto the floor. He dressed himself this morning, a pair of jeans and a maroon button up shirt. He's put his own socks on by the time I'm sitting in front of him.

"Remember, cross over and under then two bunny ears, put them together like this, then go under and pull," I demonstrate on one foot and let him do the other himself.

He gets it the second time and runs away, shouting over his shoulder. "Come on, Mummy! We're going to be late."

Chuckling, I grab my bag and help him into the car. He looks like Bucky. Everything about him is the spitting image. He grew up knowing about the Snap, about what happened. Why his father isn't around. After his birth, I moved to the middle of nowhere. Away from the nothingness. The emptiness of the world. But every week we come out of hiding and stay at Tony's for a few nights. James plays with Tony and Pepper's daughter, Morgan, they seem to get along.
After pulling up Tony's driveway, I notice another car already parked out front. There's no sign of Tony, but I see three figures walking towards the vehicle.

"Astoria?" Natasha is the first one to speak when I stop out of my car. They don't say anything until I help James out. He runs off immediately, looking for Morgan.

"Is that…" Steve trails off, a frown appearing on his face.

"I'm sorry you hadn't seen him sooner. It's been tough," I say, nudging the ground with my foot.

"Oh wow, is that the metal arm—" the third person trails off with Natasha elbows him in the stomach. "Sorry, that was- I'm Scott."

"We might be able to bring them back, we—" Steve starts but my hand flies up.

"No, stop. Don't- don't tell me that there's a way. Not after…not after all I've…," the world starts to spin and my heart squeezes. I feel like everything starts falling on me. The weight.

"Hey, Astoria. So glad you could make it," Pepper's voice breaks through all the noise. I can feel her hands curl around my shoulders. When I'm finally able to look around, I realise I'm inside the house. A steaming mug of tea sits on the coffee table in front of me. Pepper's still by my side, holding my hand.

"Thank you," I whisper, leaning and reaching for my cup.

"They shouldn't have," she responds.

"Did they tell Tony?" I ask.

"They tried," Pepper states. "How about we watch a movie?"

"I'd rather train, if that's alright. I need to get my mind off it before James starts looking for me."

"Of course, I'll let you know when dinner's ready."

"Tori, you look stunning," Bucky breathes out. I smooth out my dress, after giving birth to James I couldn't fit into any of my old clothes. My hips filled out and my thighs have gained extra weight. However, Bucky still looks at me the same way as before and I love him for that.

"Steve's looking after James and Morgan tonight, Tony insisted on picking the restaurant," I tell my husband. Despite being some of the most well-known people, no one bothers us as we take our seats at our table.

"Well, isn't this a rare sight? I didn't think we'd make it out tonight," Pepper grins, taking a long sip of white wine.

"If only we'd been able to save everyone," Tony grins, leaning back into his chair.

"What?" I ask, confused.

"You know, we all know Bucky could have been here," Pepper states, placing a sympathetic hand on mine. When I look over to where Bucky was sitting, I find the space empty.

"What happened? Where did he go?" I stand quickly, my chair flying back behind me. Flames rise up my arms, and I can feel the temperature in the room rising.

"Astoria, stop! You'll burn the whole place down!" I hear Tony shout.

"Come on, Sweetie. Think about James, he still needs you!" Pepper's voice is close, as if she's right near my ear.

I jolt up from my bed, almost knocking Tony down to the floor. I can see Pepper out of the corner of my eye, her hand rubbing circles on my back. The sheets are singed, damaged beyond repair.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," I whimper, allowing myself to fall back into Pepper's arms. She whispers soothing words to me, I can't hear them, but I can feel the soothing vibrations of her chest as she speaks. I can no longer feel Tony's presence in the room, he's probably checking up on the kids.

"We'll find a way, there's got to be a way. Tony will make sure, he always does," Pepper's word's finally reaches my ears and my sobbing decreases, and I find my eyes are heavy. I know that Pepper stays with me until I'm fast asleep. And I know that a part of me realises she doesn't leave until I've slept calmly for at least an hour.

"You're going to be staying with Morgan and Happy for a while, okay Sweetheart," I tug on James' coat, trying to smile.

"You okay, Mumma?" he pouts, he can probably see the look on my face.

"Uncle Tony and I are just going to help out a few friends, they are having difficulties solving a problem," I go over his travel bag twice, just to make sure he has everything.

"They're not as smart as you and Uncle Tony, aye?" he whispers, looking up at me under his lashes. I wipe the hair off his face and crouch, so we're eye to eye.

"No, they're not," I grin, poking his nose. He giggles and shies away then throws his arms around my neck.

"You be safe, okay," he squeezes me tighter as if he's not going to let go.

"Of course, Buddy," I press a kiss to the top of his head and usher him towards where Morgan is waiting. I hand Happy a few bags of James' stuff before taking a hold of his sleeve.

"You take care of him, Happy. Even if I…" I trail off, my words catching in my throat.

"Hey, it's going to be okay. You'll get everyone back," Happy says, pulling me in for a quick side hug. I wipe the tears from my eyes and say my final goodbye before jumping into the passenger seat of Tony's car.

"Took you long enough," he jokes. He sees the look on my face and his grin falters. "It's going to work."

"I've never left him, he's always been by my side," I look Tony in the eyes. "It has to work; I don't know what I'm going to do if it doesn't."

The ride is silent and long, and I fall asleep along the way. When I wake up, I feel Tony's hand on my shoulder, but he pulls away when he sees I'm awake.

"We're here," he says quietly. He speeds along before stopping in front of Steve. They look at each other for a while before Tony speaks.

"Why the long face?" Tony asks. "Let me guess, he turned into a baby."

"Among other things, yeah, what are you doing here?" Steve responds. It's clear he hasn't seen me inside the tinted car.

"It's the EPR paradox," I lean over so I can look at Steve properly. His eyebrows raise a little but before he can say anything Tony and I are getting out of the car. "What? I've been a recluse; doesn't mean I haven't been doing anything."

"Instead of pushing Lang through time you wound up pushing time through Lang," he explains before grinning, "It's tricky and dangerous, someone should have cautioned you against it."

"You did," Steve lips press into a thin line.

"Oh, did I? Thank God I'm here. Regardless, I fixed it," Tony says, holding up a metallic bracelet looking thing. I watched him put it together and despite my lessons, what he did confused the hell out of me. "A fully function time space GPS. I just want peace. Turns out resentment is corrosive."

"We have some priorities," I butt in before their bromance overtakes the conversation. "We want everyone to come back. However, we don't want to go back."

"I have to keep what I've got, at all costs," Tony agrees. "Maybe not die trying, that would be nice."

They shake hands then we lead Steve to the boot of the car, taking his Shield out and handing it out to him.

"I don't know, Tony," Steve says.

"We have to get it out of the garage, James and Morgan kept asking to take it sledding," I comment, offering him a small smile. Steve laces his arm through the familiar hunk of metal and sighs.

"Thank you, Tony," he says.

"Yeah, can you keep that quiet, I didn't bring one for the whole team," he says and I smile. Tony closes his boot and walks into the compound. Steve and I stay where we are, both of us having the idea of talking to the other.

"I'm sorry, how I acted when you came to us," I purse my lips, knowing he'll accept whatever apology I give him.

"I know. I didn't realise you were going to be there; we weren't going to tell you until we were certain," he reveals.

"I appreciate that, Steve," I pat him lightly on the shoulder. "He knows about you. About all of you. My family."

"After all this we're going to have a family lunch. Get everyone together. I want to meet the little man," Steve suggests with a grin.

"Even if we don't get everyone back, I'd like for you to be in his life. You knew B...," I clear my throat, "You knew Bucky when you were kids. He'd like to hear stories."

"It's going to work," he reassures.

"Yeah."

It takes us almost three hours for everyone to catch up again and have some lunch. I also had to be introduced to a few of them since we hadn't met yet. When everyone starts getting ready, I'm not needed until later. I walk through the compound, taking in how nothing has changed. Finding my old room, I expect it to be covered in cobwebs, but it looks just how I left it. A little colder perhaps but my room non the less. I find my way back to where everyone is setting up and find a white outfit waiting for me.

"Do I really have to put this on?" I ask, grimacing as I look at Tony.

"We all do, stop complaining and put it on," he grins, disappearing to put his own suit on. I do as he says and when I leave the room, I see that everyone is waiting on me.

"I'm not going," I announce. "I'll keep an eye on everything from this side but I'm not going through time."

"That's fine," Steve says and they all take their place in the machine.

"Are you all ready?" I question.

"Punch the keys in, Tori," Tony shouts and I do as he says. They're helmets mould around their head, and I blink once and they're all gone.

It really did take a minute and they were all back. I look around at them and notice one person is missing. Clint falls to his knees and my feet move before my mind.

"Clint, where's Nat?" Bruce asks. I kneel next to him, wrapping my arms tentatively around his shoulders. He doesn't say anything, all he does is look up at Steve and place one hand on my back. It takes a moment before anyone can move, and when we do it's to numbly walk outside as if the fresh air could dull the ache of losing a team member.

"Do we know if she had family?" Tony wonders, after a long silence of no one speaking out here either.

"Yeah, us," Steve responds, not looking at anyone. My heart pounds in my chest, throat clogging up as if a sob is trying to claw its way out. As soon as Thor starts arguing with everyone I leave, not wanting to hear any of it. We all knew the price of getting these stones back. Nebula told us. I can feel the air around me switch from cold to hot, my abilities straining under my control. My emotions haven't been unstable since Bucky disappeared and I almost burnt and froze a town.

"We're about to put the glove together, you coming?" Tony's voice breaks through my thoughts. I'm in my old room, trying to get myself together. Despite half of my room being covered in a thin layer of ice and the other part sending enough heat to dry out a lake, Tony keeps his eyes on me.

"I can't, I need a moment," I choke out, looking away from him. I hear his steps walk towards me and he grabs my hands.

"Wanna talk about it?" he questions.

"All of this is a risk, Tony. What if after all of this we don't get everyone back? Natasha…she…she would have died for nothing…and I can't lose anyone else," I sob, squeezing Tony's fingers as if it'll give me the support I need to be strong again.

"Hey, look at me," he says softly. When my eyes find his he sighs, a small smile making its way to his lips. "You are the strongest of us all. Now I may not be the most stable person to tell you this, but you've got to stay strong. We are the Avengers, Tori. It's going to work."

"The next person who opens my door better be Bucky, Tony," my voice trembles and he nods. His hand taps my cheek gently before he leaves my room. My back hits the mattress and tears roll out of my eyes as I stare up at the ceiling. Excitement runs through my veins and I can't find it within myself to push those feelings down. I might be seeing Bucky again. After all this time, I'm going to see my husband again. I feel a power surge throughout the base and sit up. The blood rushes out of my head and when I stand up, I'm dizzy but I run through the halls in hopes to see someone. Did they do it? Was that it? The next thing I hear is an explosion before the ground falls out from underneath me.

"Guys!" I cough out, hoping that someone can hear me. A large piece of rubble hovers hazardously over me and I manage to catch it and roll out of the way before it can crush me.

"Cap?!" I hear Clint shout.

"Clint!" I run towards the sound of his voice and he looks startled when he sees me but pulls me into a firm hug.

"Are you alright?" he question, looking me over.

"Yes, are you?" I ask, then see the glove in his hands. "Is that…?"

My voice trails off when he and I hear something along the other end of the tunnel. He hands me the glove then shoots an arrow, lighting up the path for us to see. It's like something you'd see in a horror film. Creatures run along the walls and their target, it seems, is us.

"Run!" Clint shouts, letting me go first since I carry the glove.

"What happened?" I scream over the sounds of whatever it is that is chasing us.

"We were shot at," he huffs, "I don't know anything apart from that."

"This has turned out to be a really shitty day!" I exclaim. Behind me I hear Clint placing arrows along the tunnel along with his voice shouting at me to keep running. The blast throws us both to the ground and I turn to see the creatures burning in the flames, but they're still moving. I thrust the glove into Clint's arms and stand.

"Take this," I state.

"What will you do?"

"Keep them off your tail," I grin. Fire appears in my hands and Clint takes that as a queue to leave. As they run to follow him, I light them up, my fire so hot it melts the metal around them. I huff as my energy levels fall, my arms growing weak at the strength that it takes to hold the flames at bay. I can feel no other life, so I stop, my knees falling to the ground. Everything in front of me is either dust or liquified metal. With a groan, I realise the place is probably going to fall apart so I force myself to stand and with whatever energy I have left, I run after Clint.

"What's happening?" I whisper in amazement. Orange circles fill the sky, people and machines pouring out of them.

"It's everyone," Clint breathes out in relief, "This is the final battle."

"Avengers…assemble!"

I've lost Clint already, but I don't mind. There's so many of us and them that I can't focus on one person. It doesn't take me long to find Clint, and to hear his voice speaking through the comms.

"Cap, what do you want me to do with this thing?" he shouts, running through the crowds of alien things.

"Get those stones as far away as possible," Cap responds.

"We need to get them back to where they came from."

"There's no way to get them back, Thanos destroyed the quantum tunnel."

"That wasn't our only time machine."

In the distance I can hear the jingle of a car, deep within the midst of the enemy population. "Are you kidding me?". Clint grins at me and shrugs.

"Can anyone see an ugly brown van out there?" Steve shouts.

"Yes, but you're not going to like where it's parked."

"Scott, how long do you need to get that thing working?" Tony questions. My path is blocked by an enormous alien and before I can do anything, his large hand smacks me into a piece of rubble.

"Astoria?!" Clint shouts, stopping in his tracks.

"Keep going!" I exclaim, easing myself up. My back hasn't ached this much since I was carrying James. I roll out of the way just in time, dodging another hit before I realise that my comm is missing. Throwing my hand out I release a shard of ice, hitting the thing in the eye. Another lodges itself into its neck and as it tries to rip them out, I use my telekinesis to push them in further. Its body jolts before slumping to the ground. A magician takes a grab at my arm before I can move any further and covers us with an orange shield. I hadn't even heard Thanos order a shot.

"Thanks," I salute and continue on my way. The air strike has turned away, aiming for the sky. I find myself running over a mound of dirt, Peter Parker curled in a ball. Captain Marvel stands beside me, and smirks at the teenage boy.

"Hi, I'm Peter Parker," he stammers, holding the glove tightly to his chest.

"Hi Peter Parker. You got something for me?" she wonders.

"I don't know how you're going to get through all that," he says lowly, watching as a swarm of alien's race towards us. I place a soft hand on his shoulder and grin at him.

"She has help," I motion to the other females in our team, making their way over the mound and standing by our side. "Ready ladies?"

Despite being vastly outnumbered, we push our way through the crowd coming towards us. Even though I know she doesn't need much help I stick as close to Carol as I can. I lose her as soon as she beams her way through and I collect the stragglers. My energy levels drop, and I know I can no longer rely on my abilities. They take too much, and I don't want to over do myself. I'm exhausted when I make my way to the van, only to have Thanos already there. He throws his weapon into the quantum tunnel causing a ripple effect, a wave of force blasting into me. My head smacks into something hard, my vision blurring. With a groan, I reach up and wince, feeling blood on my fingers.

"Don't give up now, you're doing so well," Bucky's voice says to me. The haziness fades and I find myself staring up at the man I love.

"Bucky?" I whisper, a lump forming in my throat. He sits me up and pulls me close to his chest. I can feel him. Smell him. He's here. "I missed you so much."

"Five years, huh. We've got a lot of catching up to do," he says softly, a small smile gracing his features. I want to stay here forever. Right in this moment. But the war still rages on and he pulls away, helping me to stand. My head spins for a bit but after a few seconds I feel fine. We reach Thanos just in time to see him put on the Glove and my shoulders sag, not again. Carol comes out of nowhere and tugs on his hand before he can click his fingers. He looks at her in shock when she isn't affected by his head butt and I almost laugh. He knows he's not going to win this battle, so he rips one of the stones out of the glove and punches her. I go to help, running towards Thanos but Bucky's hand tugs me back.

"Please," he begs, his eyes shining. By the time I turn and look Tony has grabbed the glove, only to be shoved away. A human has no power over Thanos.

"Tony!" I shout, ripping my arm out of Bucky's grip.

"I am inevitable," Thanos grins as he clicks his fingers. Flinching, I realise nothing happened. When I look closer at the glove, I realise that there are no gems. Tony raises his arm, the stones glowing on the hand of his suit.

"And I…am Iron Man."

Click.

Bucky and Astoria live the rest of their happy together, but never forgot their friends Tony and Nat.