First thing first: I just watched Captain America 3's trailer, and I cannot wait for the movie! I'm so excited, it seems sooooo cool! What did you think about it? (if you haven't watched it, go! ;) )

Now, about this story, I'm sorry again for the delay in updates, and I cannot promise to put a new chapter soon, as exams are coming up. Sorry, but my last year is busier than I thought ^^ However, do not worry, I know where I'm going, and you won't have to wait 6 months for a new chapter (at least, I can promise that...).

Guest, thank you for your patience ;) Hope you'll enjoy that chapter!

And all dear readers, here is the new chapter!

Chapter 8

Thank God For Sundays! Or Maybe Not…

On this Sunday morning, when Anna-Grace awoke around 10 am, the rays of sunlight playing hide and seek on her face, she was extremely glad it was her day off. Cuddling in her cover, she sighed out of relief and enjoyment, knowing that the silence in the apartment meant Bruce was still dead asleep, and what was more important, resting.

Indeed, the day before had been a long and heavy day, between the shock ensuing the timeline issue discovery, the conversation about Peter and Rosie, and the stone in her stomach appearing after the almost touched subject of Bruce's mother. After putting the kid to bed, she had only hoped for a good night sleep, except that instead of dreaming, she turned in her bed for hours, unable to find peace with so many thoughts swirling in her head. And when finally she was so drained she fell into oblivion, dawn was rearing its head.

Opening her eyes, Anna-Grace was now treasuring the thought of a lazy morning laying ahead, when she suddenly thought about how Bruce would enjoy waking up to a brunch. This being enough to make her get out of bed, she put on slippers while appreciating the idea of not having to prepare just yet. She silently went to the kitchen, after stopping by Bruce's bedroom door to cast a glance at his sleepy face and make sure he was indeed still asleep. Once in the kitchen, she took her time, cooking some bread and bacon, with eggs, sausages and beens, while the radio Peter had insisted to install hummed songs in the background.

Half an hour later, Bruce awoke and joined her, sleepy eyes, messy hair declaring war to each other, and in his onesie. Welcoming him with a warm « Good morning, sleepy head! », he answered a timid and drowsy « Good morning, Anna-Grace » while seating at the table.

Without even thinking twice about it, he took a sip of the hot chocolate she put in front of him, and suddenly Anna-Grace felt like she had just found a piece off heaven on earth. She put the finished bacon, eggs and sausages on the table and sat in front of him, heart beating in her chest. They drunk in silence, him waking up slowly but nicely, and her enjoying her coffee with wonder. How can I be so happy over such a normal event? Why do I love him so much?

She was stopped in her thoughts when a little voice broke the silence:

- « Anna-Grace, can I have some bacon? »

Thankful for the break from her tangled thoughts, she smiled and served him. He was finally completely awake, so she asked him what he would like to do today.

- « Don't you have to work? » he said to her, surprised.

- « No, today is Sunday, Honey. We can do whatever you want to do. »

- « Can we go see the ducks in their ponds? » he asked her, full of hope;

- « Of course, Sweetie. » she answered him, chuckling.

- « And could I try to draw them? »

She laughed and said:

- « Yes, Love, it is a wonderful idea! »

He grinned, wide and clear, then looked at his plate, clearly wondering if he absolutely had to finish it before going out.

- « But I want you to finish your meal first, Darling, we have all day, so no need to rush » she said, winking at him, before he even had the time to speak.

His mouth was still open, and he closed it before giggling. Watching him eat, she couldn't shake off the weird feeling that their last exchange was exactly what could happened in a family on a Sunday morning, all with the love and the warmness inside your heart. As much as she loved it, and as much as she loved Bruce, she didn't know if she was ready for it. Or more accurately, if she would be enough for Bruce. She was a mess, there was no denying it, and Bruce deserved so much… He deserved the best when all she could give him was instability...

While Anna-Grace was trying to not think about this, and failing miserably at it, they finished eating, after what prepared for Central Park. Warmly clothed, especially thanks to the clothes the ex-runaway lady bought for the ex-runaway boy the day before, they went slowly to the bus stop. It was a cold day, even if it could be said to be a warm one for early December in New York, but it wasn't raining which made the walk extremely enjoyable. Anna-Grace was holding Bruce's hand in hers, through his yellow mittens, and appreciating the calm moments life granted her for now, while Bruce was looking at the ground, taking small jumps every once in a while, and raising his head to her, smiling, tiny curls trying to escape form under the ducky hat, before they finally got into the bus and arrived at Central Park.

Once there, they went to Bruce's favorite pond, where they sat on a bench nearby. While he draw the ducks, quite well Anna-Grace had to admit, she read a book she had wanted to read for ever, but never could because "books were too expensive and a waste of time anyway". Page after page of Les Misérables, and drawing after drawing, between glances at each other and exchanges of smiles, time peacefully went by, away from the troubles of their lives.

Soon, too soon, they had to go as they couldn't stay sitting on the bench for too long with the cold. So Anna-Grace warned Bruce, before they put the pencils, papers, drawings and the book in her bag, and left. Her "son" was obviously disappointed but he had learned the hard way the need to be reasonable, and did not object.

She took his hand, and they wandered in the park, taking the time to take in the scenery, until they stepped upon a playground, with not too many families. One look at Bruce was enough to tell Anna-Grace he was dying of envy to go there.

So, playing at the slides to go to the swings then to the monkey bars, Bruce and her were soon warm enough.

Suddenly around them was a small group of ginger kids, all between the ages 3 and 6 and from what looked to be the same family. The oldest one, obviously the leader of the band, introduced himself as Nathan, and asked, half to Anna-Grace, half to Bruce, if "he'd like playing tag with us". Bruce was thrilled at this offer, but also terrorized at the idea of being with strangers, and Nathan must have sensed it because he kneeled in front of little Banner and said:

- « Don't worry, my brothers are real nice. And if they're bothering you or cheating, you can tell me, I won't let them continue! »

He was smiling at Bruce who felt comforted by the speech. Encouraged by a nod and a smile from Anna-Grace, the 5 years old kid agreed. Going to play with the boys, he was quickly brought into the game, and could only overhear from afar a ginger lady introducing herself as Cheery to Anna-Grace, and ask his "guardian" if she wanted to seat with her and her sisters.

Feeling safe with Anna-Grace chatting with the ladies on the bench, Bruce allowed himself to have fun, more than he ever thought he would. He was extremely surprised at the warm welcome the kids and Nathan offered him, as if he was one of theirs. He didn't remember this ever happening before. Or maybe it happened but such a long time ago the memory was gone for ever. Usually, kids were afraid of Dad, and their parents would warn them about being his friend. And even if some kid was courageous enough to talk to him, Dad would ruin it all.

But, now, Dad wasn't there. Anna-Grace was, and Bruce was running and running and touching people and running away, alway with Nathan close by, as if to protect him. Soon, it was his turn - his! Can you imagine that?! - to be the wolf, and he was running after Josh and Tommy like there was no tomorrow.

Well, that is, until a really big boy arrived. Tall and skinny, with brown hair, he nonchalantly came next to the boy-who-used-be-a-grown-up, until he was sure he had the Bruce's attention so he could say it was his turn to be the wolf. Bruce looked at him, then at Nathan, worried, but Nathan and Tommy were only frowning at the tall boy. Taking his chance, Bruce refused to skip his turn, trying to hide how nervous he felt, and how his heart was beating fast. Who does this boy think he is? It was our turn to be the wolf! said an angry voice in his head. Unconsciously, Bruce answered inwardly: You're right, it was our turn! He could feel the anger rising, and power growing. The look the tall boy gave him did not help him calm down, and even less after that cheater told him:

- « Because you think you have a choice? », chuckling with contempt.

- « It was my turn to be the wolf, and I was just starting » Bruce answered, trying to keep a low voice in an unconscious attempt to keep the adults out of this. Too many bad experiences with disputes involving his father…

Nathan and all the other kids were standing near him, all silent. Bruce didn't know if that was a bad sign, but at least they weren't aligning themselves with the other boy, as he feared they would. Nathan then came by Bruce's side, and putting his hand on the young kid's shoulder, said to the other child:

- « He's right, Thomas. You can be the wolf after. »

Said Thomas looked at Nathan, clearly angry for the way his intervention turned out, and with a rictus, said:

- « Whatever, I don't even know why I would want to play with babies. »

Nathan shrugged, going by Tommy's side; Bruce was ready to follow but he felt someone push him to the ground and found himself on the floor. When he raised his head, Thomas was there, looking like he could hit him. Bruce felt his anger grow, and at the same time something rising inside him. Smash him! Before Bruce could act on the instruction given by the voice, Anna-Grace was there, almost screaming at the big boy, and Bruce was in her arms, safe. Hiding his head in the crock of her neck, he tried to calm himself, but realizing what thoughts had come to his mind, his heart couldn't slow down, so terrified he was of the beast inside. It was the second time it happened, and it was scary. He was almost crying but soon enough, Anna-Grace soothed him. He was trying to understand what had just happened when the boy - who apparently had left with an adult - came back and apologized to him. The way the kid looked at him was sadly a familiar sight. Bruce had had a short life, but it had been full enough for him to understand Thomas was also going through tough times.

Looking at Anna-Grace who encouraged him with a tiny smile and a nod, Bruce accepted the apology and went back to play with the kids. The enjoyment was such that he soon forgot his worries, and like a child should, played until he was exhausted.

When it started to get colder, the sun hiding behind the horizon, the adults gave the usual clues of the imminent departure. When Anna-Grace saw how tough it was for Bruce to leave, especially to say goodbye to Nathan, she suggested to meet again, the proposition being quickly accepted by Cheery and her sisters. The adults scheduled to meet next week, same time, same place, and the kids parted excited to meet again.

On their way home, though, Bruce had time to think about what had happened at the playground. Walking hand in hand with Anna-Grace, he was exhausted but above all scared of the voice he had heard in his head. The first time had been at the carousel, and he had only thought it was its imagination. But again today he had felt this incredible anger rising. Maybe it was a coincidence, but Bruce was almost certain it wasn't: the voice came with the anger. This is scary. Where does the voice comes from? Is it inside me? Is it dangerous? I am crazy? I am a monster? Dad said I was a monster, and Mom always said I wasn't but maybe she was wrong… Maybe he was right… Those thoughts were so scarring he felt his legs shake. He couldn't walk anymore, he didn't want to. He felt the tears and the panic rise, but he didn't want to cry in front of Anna-Grace. He didn't want her to know what was going on, because maybe he was a monster and if he was, Anna-Grace would leave him. Of course, she promised she never would, but nobody can stand monsters. So it was better to pretend nothing happened. At the same time, he knew he couldn't hide how bad he felt, so he only tucked at Anna-Grace's hand, and stopped walking. She looked at him, smiling, and asked:

- « Yes, Sweetheart? » until she saw his face.

It must have been clear he wasn't feeling well, because she kneeled in front of him, and asked, concerned:

- « Is everything alright, Bruce? »

- « I'm tired, Anna-Grace » he answered, trying to hide his insecurity behind his weariness. « Can you hold me? »

- « Of course, Love, of course » she answered, and took him in her arms.

She started walking again, and he hugged her tightly, trying not to think about the little knot in his stomach that appeared after he lied to her. He was tired, of course, but he could've walked. However, he had to admit he was feeling much better in Anna-Grace's arms. Pain and worries were still there, but with her hair touching his arms and head, and her breath so close to his hear, it was easy to pretend everything was fine. Soon, rocked by Anna-Grace's walk, he fell asleep, at peace.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

On that evening, while Anna-Grace was eating with Bruce an early and light supper so she could put the kid to bed soon, an alert was raised somewhere on the net.

It had been triggered by Junior's researches on Anna-Grace's DNA. Indeed, the DNA along with all the informations they had on her had matched a secret file. Junior's access on the file and positive identification had been like opening a secret door in the file, which in turn had triggered an unauthorized email sending to someone in Washington DC, Federal Office X, Office N° 314. This in turn, had made a man in the office read the email, learn about the positive identification of someone in New York to Anna-Grace X, hence the alert.

As the man read the information, he smiled. He knew he would find her, there was no way she could escape him. Finally, the skank will come home. He clicked on the link placed in the email, which was supposed to illegally show him who was accessing his hidden file, as well as its position. However, as he was going to, finally, access the internet page, his computer crashed, and he couldn't turn it on again. He had to call IT who told him his computer was good to go to the trash. They gave him a new one, but when he accessed his mailbox, the email was gone, as well as who entered the secret file he had implanted in the FBI DNA database. And you think that's gonna stop me? As if hiding in New York and deleting an email could keep you away from me… You forgot I have friends….

This was the man's second mistake, to think that whoever deleted the email and the entry was in fact Anna-Grace because he could never imagine for his wife to have any friend or protector. But she had, even if she didn't know it yet. The man's first mistake had been to cross path with JUNIOR, especially when Tony Stark's creation was in a rebel phase because of its insecurity over coming or not after Vision/JARVIS in their creator's heart. In that state of mind, the AI did not enjoy discovering his researches had triggered an alarm to someone's office, and enjoyed even less discovering that said someone was Anna-Grace's husband.

JUNIOR thus took the liberty to put the man away for a while. After all, it was created by Tony Stark. No one could trace its actions back to itself if it wanted to stay hidden. What did people think it was? Some puppet? When the AI burned down the man's computer - that may have been unnecessary, it realized, since it could've just render the access extremely complicated, but it was Tony Stark's creation, so it hated bullies, or its protocols did, but who was quibbling on the exact formulation? - JUNIOR also happened to destroy the abhorred secret file. The AI then called Mr. Steve Rogers its new 'boss' because of his work on the woman's identity researches.

- « Sir? We have a bit of a problem… »

Steve sighed, feeling heaviness adding to his shoulders, and sank in his chair, his back to the window. After the meeting with the Avengers, he had decided to take on the research on Anna-Grace. He even was in an office in Stark's Tower, to have direct access to Junior, but he had made no progress and this seemed to be an other step back.

- « What is the issue, Junior? » he said to the AI;

- « I was scanning the woman's identity, crossing it against several databases - and yes, before you ask, I entered those state databases without authorization, but that's behind the point …»

Steve closed his mouth before he could even speak, his question answered before he asked it. Junior, Jarvis, Stark, all the same. Can they not wait for some SHIELD/Avengers clearance? he thought, while Junior continued his rambling:

- « …then double-crossing the results against our 'specificities' list - you know, the scar, the method used by the surgeon, the possible loss of a child, etcetera - when a red flag popped in some secret FBI file I was expelled from. »

- « What do you mean by secret FBI file? And by expelled?! » said the Captain, sitting up straight in his chair.

- « Someone at the FBI created an unauthorized file in their DNA database so that anyone looking on a specific entry - that is, a certain person - would sent a secret alert to somebody's professional AND personal email address, then be expelled from the file. »

Hearing Junior, Steve rose up and went to look at the widow, looking at the lights of the city that never sleeps, and Brooklyn beyond, his old home. Usually, it would calm him down, but not today. Something was not right, and he could feel it coming. He felt his body tense, as if he was leading an army into battle.

- « Continue » he commanded.

- « The person's DNA linked to this file is a match to our Anna-Grace, which means we found out her identity. »

Steve nodded, which Junior took as a « go on » sign.

- « Her name is Anna-Grace WILLIAMS, born ALLEN. »

- « But? I can feel one coming… » sighed Steve, scrubbing his head.

- « The one receiving the email, on the personal et professional account, his, legally, her husband. Except that he had no authorization from his superiors to do so. »

- « He abused his position in the FBI to research, illegally on this Anna-Grace… »

- « Yes, Sir »

- « What was in the email sent because of our researches? »

- « A link giving away all of the informations we have, including her location. »

- « So, this guy, who is probably looking for her for no good reasons, just received her location because of us? Or should I say thank to us? »

- « Well, Sir, that would be correct… »

Steve rubbed his eyes. This was going to be a long night.

- « However, Sir, I took the liberty to… how should I phrase it… »

An AI looking for its words, this is the end of the world indeed thought Steve. Said AI found its words:

- « I destroyed the man's file, computer and email. »

Steve almost chuckled. He would've had not the situation been so serious. What else should I expect from Tony Stark's creation?

- « So, what does he have on Anna-Grace? »

- « He only knows she is in New York City, Sir. »

- « And it's a big town… »

- « Yes, Sir, exactly. Moreover, I erased all of his emails - you understand, in the process of cleaning off the unauthorized file and the linked email, I had no other way… »

And the AI could lie… Not that Steve was gonna complain in this situation, but still, he never did like it when morals were touching the grey area.

- « What do we know about him and her? » asked Steve, avoiding the touchy subject;

- « He works for the FBI. However, several reports of violence were made by neighbors. Actually, it happened every time, in every city or area the couple moved in. The pattern is pretty much the same. They move in, reports are made for 3 months, then… »

Steve knew he was gonna hate what would come to light next, and, yep, he did:

- « All of the neighbors retracted their reports, which were lost by the local police » said Junior. He added, sarcastically: « Every time, important…donations…were made to those neighbors and to some police officers. »

Steve laughed, but with bitterness. The world never changes, does it?

- « So, we have an abusive husband who happens to also be a stalker, a cops corrupter and a briber? »

- « Yes, Sir »

- « And, let me guess, the strange scar Mrs. Williams bear on her left cheek was made by an accident? »

- « Correct, Sir »

- « Any loss of a child? » he asked, feeling a knot form in his stomach.

- « No information on this, Sir. While leaving with him, she had very few visits to any medical facility. »

This made Steve angry. The world might still be the same, beaten wives might still be something you could cross in your life, but it didn't mean he had to seat on it and watch. Especially when said wife was looking after THEIR doctor.

- « Give me the file, Junior, erase every trace of your passage and keep an eye on the husband. »

- « Already done, Sir »

- « Good »

- « Allow me to make a suggestion, Sir. I can do better. »

- « What do you have in mind? »

- « I can lead him to a false lead. The file has been erased but he can still access a false one I have the pleasure to be in control of. »

Steve chuckled, really this time.

- « Yes, do that. Give him a little road trip across the world, as if she left the US or something. »

- « Yes, Sir, will do. » answered the AI with a deadly tone which gave the creeps even to Steve.

Then, the Captain read the file on Anna-Grace. If he had decided to help her on an impulse and because of his gratitude over her friendliness with Bruce, now, it was personal. She was so close to Bruce, he realized, he considered her as a friend. That is weird. But I know the Avengers will agree on helping her, if only for Bruce. We definitely cannot let this husband anywhere near a young Bruce Banner.

So, Steve emailed the file to the Avengers, with a note explaining what he and Junior would do, upon the reading of which each Avenger had his or her reaction.

Clint decided to help with the husband's misleading. If there was one thing he couldn't stand for, it was beatings. He knew all too well how it felt like to be on the receiving ends of this kind of treats, and how amazing it was to find a second chance. Moreover, he could help from home, he only had to sent some emails to friends in Europe and let the Avengers aware of his doings.

Tony was touched, even if he would never admit it, by her fate and by Junior's reaction. He had been a little worry about his second AI not feeling confident enough about his place in his heart. To see how quickly his little AI had acted to save the day made him extremely proud of Junior. And if the AI wanted to help, well, he had to help too. Can't break your son's heart, can you? And it was for a good cause too. Moreover, he had to admit he kind of was intrigued by the keeper. If he had to believe Itsy-Bitsy-Spider, the woman - sorry, Anna-Grace, his AI could be quite susceptible, wonder where that comes from? - was attached to Bruce and vice-versa. And Bruce was his friend. Last but not least, his family situation had never been ideal, but he never was physically abused, and he kind of felt guilty to have been so reckless in his youth - and after — even if it was so much fun — when he saw how Anna-Grace reacted, not complaining but even helping others. So, he sent a text to Pepper, saying he loved her - because you have to be thankful for the good things in your life - and threw himself into his researches on the machine.

As for Natasha, she was listening to Anna-Grace and Bruce's conversation, from her room, when she received the email. After reading it, she was reassured for Bruce's safety, and glad a woman with such an experience was the one who found out Bruce. Only Natasha and Fury knew how the scientist could need someone like her. Moreover, now that they knew this about the "keeper", there was less unknown, and Natasha could finally start to earn Anna-Grace's trust. It was certainly tougher with people like Bruce's guardian, who had had to learn how to distrust everyone to survive. But she was the Black Widow. She knew how to relate to them and, last but not least, no one could resist her charm and seduction.

All was already planned ahead, and the Black Widow knew exactly what to do the following morning.

And there it was, chapter 8. I hope you liked it!