Bloodline

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Sorry for the long wait. I thought I could get more done during the holidays but there's still the bachelor I need to do this semester.

EDIT: This is mostly fluff and happy stuff. But I have now decided that I need a sequel in which there will be anger and a lot of things to work out.

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Chapter 12: Redemption

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Barnes awoke to the sound of a cooing infant. His son, he remembered and felt the tears starting to form beneath his eyelids, forcing their way out to his cheeks. Natasha… Oh no, she died… It had all been in vain. The baby suddenly changed his mood, starting to cry. The Winter Soldier tried to lift himself, wanting to take care of his son.

"Oh hush now. What is wrong my handsome boy?" Natasha's soft voice sounded, the rustle of fabric. Quickly the child quieted down. "Yes, that's much better. Oh my, your hand, you are so strong, such a strong man, just like your father." She kissed the top of his head while moving her finger up and down with the little palm that held it in a firm grip.

Barnes groaned as he willed his body to move. This must be a fantasy, it couldn't be true. Yet he needed to be sure, to see, what wasn't there, or what was. As he finally turned his head to the side the most beautiful image formed before him.

Natasha had the baby at her breast, her face serene and kind while she cradled the newborn in her arm. They were perfect, so wonderful. She would be a great mother, she already was.

As Natasha saw a movement beside her, she looked up from the baby and straight at him, her smile growing wider, her eyes shining with pride. "Look, your daddy has woken up." She whispered at her child while her gaze was fixed on James. She covered herself after sensing that the baby was now sated.

"You're alive?" He choked out on the verge of crying. This was actually real? It felt like it, the pain of the battle still present as his wounds healed.

She chuckled. "Yes, they got my system to restart eventually, as well as my serum. It was close, but I made it."

"She's even better than that now." Tony said leaning against the doorway before he entered. "HYDRA has used the stuff you injected in her not only to make her fertile again. It finished what they couldn't do all those decades ago. Like completing a puzzle. It was required because reaching the end of the pregnancy would have taken great toll on her. And since it was in her DNA it also passed on to the child. Catching two birds with one stone for them, although they never thought she would survive. You might be able to rival Cap in strength properly now, Natasha, and as soon as the boy grows up, Steve will be outdated."

"Does that mean I can retire soon?" The man in question asked. "Hey, Bucky, glad you woke up at last."

"So it all went well?" Barnes wanted to know, wanted to be sure that all this wasn't just a dream.

Steve touched his shoulder, sensing his doubts. "Yes, thank you for your help."

Tony bristled. "Yeah, well, at least you have gotten some conscience halfway through the whole thing. If Natasha and the boy had stayed at HYDRA, who knows what they could have made with the army they wanted to breed." He shuddered.

The Winter Soldier's eyes grew distant for a moment as if he remembered, frowning after he put the pieces together. "Natasha isn't the only one. I mean, I only… indulged once when I got the order," and the thread of a punishment, "the babies died shortly after conception but they could…"

"No," Bruce answered the moment he entered, carrying a box with medical supplies in his hands. "For as long as Natasha is with us, they are unable to do it again. She is the only one who can carry a child like that to term. We hijacked their files. They couldn't find a solution for the miscarriages and they never will."

"Also I gave them a little parting gift. After we wiped out whatever we could find, I managed to sneak in a virus. Only few people in HYDRA knew about these experiments with Natasha, you and the other women. They were keeping it a secret so we would find out too late even if we captured one of their bases. My virus deletes whatever is left of their research. It will take them decades to reach the old state again." Tony looked at the little boy with a grin. "He is one of a kind. A good one, and also one of us."

At these words Barnes felt relief, and also bitterness. He could never be one of them, could he? Did that mean they would lock him up now after he had healed sufficiently? At least he had saved his family. That was all that counted, his redemption. He only wished he could spend more time with them.

"What do you think? Avengers becoming a proper family business?" Tony joked sensing Barnes' feelings. "Don't worry. Fury has…"

"I would like to deliver news myself, Stark, thank you." The director walked into the room, hands in his coat and his face blank.

Barnes swallowed dryly while Natasha stiffened next to him, cradling her child closer.

Fury's eyes softened and a fatherly smile spread across his lips. "I made a few calls and pulled in some favors. You will have to prove yourself first of course, but right now I could convince them that you're more useful on our side, fighting, than locked up in a cell. And since the good doctor Banner here has found a way to wipe out the mind control HYDRA has put on you…"

"We had some recent encounter concerning that matter and our plan seemed to work on you as well." Banner added with a smile. "After a few sessions you will be able to shield your mind from whatever HYDRA can come up with. Erase trigger words and such. You would be shielded from the wiping - a free man."

"But with a lot of good things to do, to make up for all the bad actions." Fury interrupted Bruce's speech. "Like I said, first prove yourself worthy of our trust."

Barnes swallowed. That was more than he had ever imagined. A chance. Yet… Trading in HYDRA for Shield? Was there really so much difference? He would just be a gun again. No, the new fist of Shield? Somehow he chuckled at that thought. "I am grateful for this chance," he said, voice hoarse. "But I also…" He looked at Natasha, her face filled with relief and hope.

"Of course, family comes first. Natasha needs to rest and both of you need to get used to being parents first of all. You will be under confinement for the next few weeks until Natasha has recovered. Minor missions then first. I'll make sure your family is well cared for." He nodded at Natasha. "And now let me have a look at that little boy there."

Barnes tensed as the director moved closer but relaxed quickly when he saw how open Natasha was behaving when he leaned over the child.

"Well, he certainly is handsome." A rare smile passed his lips. "Good work, Romanoff."

Natasha chuckled. "Thank you, Sir." She blushed and averted her eyes before her training took over, wanting to know if Nick had been sincere. Her mouth opened in disbelief as she studied his expression. Then she caught herself again quickly. "I wondered if you might want to be the godfather." She glanced at James for a second, also asking for his approval, earning a dumbfounded nod.

Fury actually grinned. "I would be honored." He lifted his hand in front of the baby's face. The little one started to squeal in delight, trying to get a hold on one of his fingers, finally succeeding. "Oh, the boy is force to be reckoned with." He felt the blood supply to his last digit being cut off and laughed. "I will give you any help you might ever need." With gentle fingers he started to tickle the child, making him coo again, before he stepped away. "Yet, I am sure you will be a great mother to him. You always adapt to whatever is required. And surely you will do a perfect job here."

Barnes swallowed, his eyes burning with tears. Oh, she would live up to the challenge and ace it.

With a wave of his hand Fury turned to leave. "Well then, I've got work to do. I'll check on you whenever I have a free minute." Before he exited Fury looked at Barnes one last time. "Don't disappoint me."

I won't, Barnes mouthed before nodding his head in good-bye, earning an honest smile from Fury.

Hawkeye entered the room right after Nick left. "I never thought you would be a mother, Tasha." Clint said while he marveled at the young boy looking around curiously.

"Neither did I, but I am glad, I have him." For a moment she just looked at her newborn son, taking in whatever he gave her, the curious and wake eyes, his movements that showed he liked to be held by her. This beautiful wonder she had given birth to. Natasha couldn't imagine not having him anymore. A reason to live, to fight for the good side. To protect. And she would raise him exactly this way.

Clint turned his focus on Barnes, his grin leaving him. "I'm just glad all worked out as it did. If the Winter Soldier hadn't finally realized that it was wrong keeping you there…" He saw the pain in Barnes' eyes as he said those words, reading him and knowing that being a father would now change him too. So he let go of his grudge, finally having hope for the broken man again as well. "And luckily Stark and Banner were able to finish the anti-serum. Although…" He remembered how she had suffered. He also thought about Laura. Even if it had been different, more difficult, here, delivery was still a bitch. "I know a birth is something a mother would gladly skip when having a baby… but…"

Natasha grimaced and leaned back. "Believe me, no bullet or knife can hurt like this." The meds were now helping her a little and most of the tissue had healed already, her body getting back in shape, but the memory was still present.

"That's why women are superior," he told her, betraying the joke with his smile. "Men wouldn't be able to do that."

Natasha eyed him with furrowed brows. "Grow a womb and then we'll talk again." She scoffed and joined the others as they started to laugh.

A female voice was amongst them. Pepper stepped inside, her high shoes sounding on the floor. "Hey, new mom, I have a few presents for you. They'll help you during the first weeks." She came closer and placed a box on the bed Natasha was lying on. Knowing the young mother was still healing, she opened it herself and pulled out piece after piece. "Okay, so this is some clothing for whatever weather or occasion. I also thought about his quick growth, so I bought onesies in different sizes, shoes, soft towels, bibs. Er, diapers, yes, we have more stored, you only need to ask. I know you already have some bottles and stuff for later, but here's an extra stack." The bed was soon filled with items. "Tony came up with some toys yesterday and I made the production team create prototypes. Here are the ones for a very young baby. He made some tweaks for when the boy gets older, to challenge him," she said, looking at her lover with a smile. "I'll get them produced during the next days. And because I wasn't sure how long you would feed him, since he'll grow so fast, I have made a list of what you might need as well. Just say the word and I'll collect it for you." She looked at the starter-kit with a wide grin. "Yeah, and this one." She handed Natasha a stuffed spider with an apologizing smile. "Tony decided upon the animal and I decorated the room, so at least that should be alright."

"Room?" The Black Widow asked as she got the plushy handed to her free arm. Quickly she saw the key dangling from it.

"Yeah, sorry, it is more of a ceremonial thing. Of course Jarvis will let you in into the baby's room whenever you like, and whoever. In there is the rest of what a mother might need." A smile spread across her lips. "And it has an adjoining room next to it, for you and Barnes, as soon as you are past medical observation and only on bed-rest. We prepared a floor for you here. And whenever you need babysitting, I can make some time." She eyed the men in the room with a mock-horrified face. "I wouldn't trust them." A chuckle left her lips before she looked at Natasha again whose mouth was open in utter surprise. "Oh, no worries. I like doing it, and it will be the best choice, if you ask me. Our weird family holds together, protects each other, and we welcome the new addition." She saw everyone nod.

"Oh my god, I don't know what to say." She was crushed by all the love shown towards her.

"Don't say anything, a smile from that little boy is all I need. So, let me have a look." She leaned closer, seeing that as soon as she got in reach the baby looked at her curiously, then cooing and spreading out his tiny hands. "Oh yes, he knows I am the good aunty. A very smart little man for sure." She picked up a rattle and held it towards the baby who grabbed it eagerly.

Soon the room was filled with a delighted cooing and the sound of rattle used to the breaking point by the unusually strong hands.

After a few more talks most of them had excused themselves, tending to their business. Banner finally found some privacy to check up upon the family, grinning when he saw they were all in proper health, although still recovering. "All is perfect for the circumstances. Anything you might need?"

"I would really like to revel in a bath…" Natasha muttered, entirely exhausted.

Bruce looked to the side for a moment, thinking. "Your wounds have closed so far, even with strain nothing should be harmed since your serum has kicked in slowly but hard. I would actually say it'll only be four more days and you'll be as good as new, with only little scaring that should fade during the next weeks. You will feel tired and worn out for a while but that's totally normal." He looked at Pepper who had taken care of the baby while Banner had worked. The child was now sleeping in her arms. "Would you mind helping her?"

"Oh, not at all. I think a break from all this maleness can only do you good." She looked at Barnes. "If I might kidnap her for an hour."

The man in question looked dumbfounded again. "Of course. Whatever she desires or needs." He had still rarely said a word, only accepting all the gracious gifts given to his family, and him especially. He could have never wished for more. All this felt more like a dream in contrast to the harsh reality he had felt at HYDRA where there had only been war and death. "Could you maybe ask Steve, if he has a minute? I need to make some apologies."

Pepper's smile was kind. "Of course. We'll give you old buddies time to talk. But no worries. The Captain is a very forgiving man and he can help you get on your feet again. Don't feel embarrassed to ask. He seriously likes helping, a lot. That's kind of his addiction." She chuckled before walking towards him with the baby in her arms.

Sensing her idea he shied away as much as he could. "I'm not sure if I can…"

Banner laughed at these words. "No new father thinks that way, but you can. It's a learning process. I'll stick around while the girls take their time." He folded his arms in the way a baby should be held. "Like this. It's not difficult."

Barnes forced his hands not to shiver as he got the baby handed to him. Alexei woke up during the process, his face contorting in anger, before he realized who was holding him, or so it seemed, directly going back to sleep in the safety of his father's arms. "Oh my god… He is…" It had happened so fast. This was the first moment he held his child and it felt so… right, so perfect. Barnes didn't even see his metal arm anymore, and the child didn't seem to care about all that entailed either. He gently pulled the blanket over his son's body to keep him warm as the child grabbed his cold fingers and started to suck on the tip as if it was some pacifier. Barnes was overwhelmed for a moment. Alexei didn't see him as the assassin he was, didn't see what he had done, only knew what he could give him now. And that was enough for the boy, because he fell back into a half-slumber, still sucking from time to time, but calm, content.

"I knew you could do it," Natasha said next to him. She was now standing, although heavily leaning on Pepper. "Don't mess him up during the time I'm gone, okay?"

Barnes didn't know how to answer and watched her leaving with a grin on her face. She had orchestrated this. She had known that he would have to bond properly, and this was the perfect way of doing so, in tiny, but still huge steps.

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"You think he'll do alright?" Natasha asked, while Pepper helping her into the tub. Her training had told her to check for the injuries inflicted upon her. The Black Widow's knowing eyes had calculated them and rendered them minor. Bruce had been right. The skin had healed, her body almost back in shape. Only soreness and angry red lines on her skin from where she had been cut or hurt. A thought made her grin. She could finish a mission in two days' time without any problems, but that would ruin the time with her baby. So she would play exhausted and fragile for a few more days to have enough time alone with her family. Selfish, maybe, but for a purpose, and for the good. She had earned this. The baby would become a handful soon enough.

"Of course, and he still has Bruce on his side. Luck and knowledge combined. I think it'll do Barnes some good." After helping her in she snatched everything Natasha might need.

"I think so too, but I still fear, what if Alexei cries, or needs feeding, or a diaper change."

"Except for the feeding with mother's milk I think the boys will do it perfectly." She thought for a second. "And if you need some private time, I also have some pumps. I didn't want to unpack them in front of the boys, but…"

"He won't be a breast-feeding baby for long, so I should enjoy my time doing so. But thanks anyway." Natasha told her while she relaxed in the tub. God, this felt good.

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Meanwhile in the other room, Barnes had gotten settled with the baby rather perfectly. He still marveled at how quickly the child had grown used to him, accepting him. Well, he was his son after all.

A few minutes ago Steve had joined them, sitting beside the bed, staying quiet, just looking and grinning. A few moments later Bruce excused himself to fetch some stuff, whatever it was. The three man knew it was just some pretense to give them space, and neither of them objected. It was so calm, and peaceful, and so right.

"So, who would have thought that the charmer Barnes would actually be a father one day," Steve said after a few minutes marveling at the small boy.

He felt the need to answer honestly. "It was a mission at first. I only followed the orders given to me, but when I saw her stomach growing, there was this... connection that allowed me to keep track of my own thoughts long enough to break free from their control." He still felt this longing, this need to protect, this love he felt for something he hadn't even seen, and for the woman who could give it to him.

"What will you do now?" Steve had started playing with some of the toys the Starks had given the boy.

Barnes swallowed. "I hope I will be a good father to him. Even though his genes are extraordinary, I want to give him an unburdened childhood." He held him tighter and felt the baby only snuggling closer to him, accepting, and loving.

"You already are a good father." Steve nodded as he watched him. "He will be a wonderful young man if he is anything like his parents."

"Thank you." Barnes didn't know what else to say.

"Why didn't you step in when Natasha asked Fury to be the godfather?" Steve said with mock-jealousy.

Barnes gulped, not sure of how to respond. "I… I didn't think I had that much of a say in this."

Steve laughed at his shocked expression. "Oh, don't worry. I am not jealous at all. It was just a joke. Yet… Whenever you might have a girl, I would like to be the one to try and keep her honors in place."

Now Barnes actually forgot how to breathe. "That was also a joke, right?" As if Natasha would let him… after all that had happened, after all she went through.

"She is a mother now and she loves her child. When the time is right, she won't deny you, trust me." He put a hand on Bucky's shoulder, also making the physical connection.

Barnes finally regained his composure. "Oh come on. You don't think she would really…?" He lost his voice as he saw Steve's grin. "Seriously, you have no idea about such things."

"I don't have any experience, but I am sure I got a whole lot of luck predicting these things. We don't know if HYDRA's drug will last, or for how long. So, I just want you open for whatever Natasha might ask of you."

Barnes cringed, the child felt it too, but he was able to calm him down quickly enough. "After all that happened to her..." He watched the unchanging expression on Steve's face. "I will be open for whatever she wants, but I will not force anything."

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Oh my god, I have such fluffy feels for this. Sorry if I overdid it, but damn, I needed that. Between my bachelor and seriously weird life, I need this. This perfection.

If you want, I will continue this story with even more fluffy moments, and also the kids amazing abilities (I might need some input from you here).

Of course they should have more babies, with much less trouble of course. And all of them would just be amazing, astonishing junior Avengers, be it hacking skills on computers, or hacking some bodies apart.

Tell me, if you want that, and I'll make you you get it ^^

(And Steve still need the Barnes' baby girl he takes of ^^)

Please review ^^

EDITED: I have already around 30 pages for the sequel, so stay posted ^^ In that Bucky will have to work on his past and everything he did to Natasha since they first met in the Red Room.