Hey everyone just wanted to post this up before I went to bed. It's a bit of a doozy and it's pretty long if i do say so myself. It ties up a few more loose ends. It also offers up a bit of hope for future chapters. So without further ado here it is. thank you for your continued support and please let me know what you think. Enjoy.
To say things were tense would be an understatement. Sam, Aiden and I were sitting next to each other and Bucky and Steve were sitting across from us. Bucky would give me stern and disappointed looks before looking at Steve and doing the same. Steve would look at me sadly with longing in his eyes. I would glare back and then look away before returning to the conversation. Once we landed we went our separate ways.
Steve tried talking to me but lucky for me Aya decided to lift the punishment early and let me teleport home.
A few days later Dad decided to pick me up from work with Wren and took us to lunch. The restaurant seemed familiar but I didn't remember from where.
"What are you having?" dad asked.
"I think I'm going with the salmon in lemon wine sauce, I'm working overnight so I should get a good meal in." I said.
"Need me to take Wren?" Dad asked.
"No Aiden's stopping by later to pick him up." I said.
"How are things with Bucket?" dad asked.
"Same as the last time you saw us together." I said.
"Not talking?" dad asked.
"More like he wants answers I can't give him without messing up the time line and Steve won't give him because Aya showed up and told him to keep his mouth shut until past me shows up and tells Bucky. Also he knows Bucky probably won't take it well and he doesn't want to risk losing him too." I said.
"And how are you doing?" Dad asked.
"Good, I'm focusing on Wren and work. I started this new research project. I want to use a 3D printer to make new valves in Newborns born with heart defects so that instead of having to replace the pig valve when it wears out it's the patient's own cells grow around the mold into functional tissue." I said.
"That's amazing." Dad said.
"I'm still in the proposal phase and I'd have to see if anyone would be willing to actually let me try it out on their kid but fingers crossed." I said.
"How are you doing personally?" dad asked.
"Fine." I said.
"Uhuh." Dad said.
"Don't say it like that." I said.
"Like what?" Dad said playing dumb.
"Like you don't believe a word I'm saying." I said.
"Nora, you are the strongest and most amazing person I know. Most of the time I wonder how I made something so great." Dad said. "One of the things I admire about you is the fact that no matter how much someone hurts you or screws up you never give up on them."
"Okay?" I said confused as to where he was going with this.
"You forgave me for years of screw up and my failures as a parent." Dad said.
"Parenting isn't easy." I said looking at Wren who was drinking his milk happily. "But worth the struggle."
"It is. But that same optimism is the reason I know you haven't given up on Spangles." Dad said.
"Did you miss the part where I threw him through a wall?" I said.
"Nora." Dad said sternly.
"I have to be back at work in thirty minutes and you didn't invite me out to lunch to vouch for Steve." I said.
Dad gave me a look before sighing and changing the subject.
"Pepper and I have been together for years now and after you she's the most important woman in my life. She's been there through my best and my worst and…"
"You want to propose?" I said finally realizing why the restaurant is familiar.
"I've had the ring picked out for a while now just needed it to feel right." Dad said. "I wanted to know if I had your blessing."
Well fuck me… I know that Dad isn't going to get a chance to propose because before he does Pepper breaks up with him. If I say no I'll have to explain why which for obvious reasons I can't tell him but if I say yes and he goes ahead with the proposal when past me shows up he'll know I knew the entire time which he'll hate me for.
'Aya some help would be nice.' I thought.
'You have to say something. Don't say yes but don't say no either.' Aya answered.
'He's going to hate me' I said.
'He'll understand now say something the silence is getting awkward and he's babbling on' Aya said.
"Dad there's no one better for you than Pepper. That woman is a saint. The crap you put her through but no matter what she's been by your side unconditionally. No one can handle you better than her but it's not up to me, it's what you feel that really matters." I said.
"So that's a yes?" Dad said confused.
"That's a I'm not interfering. You're asking me because you're having doubts. You need to think things through, reflect on the past few years and what you want next. Don't jump into anything. Wait for a sign and when you don't have any doubts go for it." I said hoping I said the right thing. "I remember when I married Wren even if it was a farce at first I was terrified but when I talked to Sam and saw what Wren had said before the wedding I didn't have any doubts. It was the best decision I ever made."
"So no doubts? Not even when you found out he was an assassin?" Dad said.
"I wasn't mad he was an assassin I was mad he kept it from me. He was my best friend, he came into my life when I needed him most and brought me back from the edge. Not to mention he gave me the best gift I've ever gotten." I said rubbing Wren's cheek gently.
"I guess you're right." Dad said.
"Just think it through, and don't worry you'll know when you have your answer." I said with a reassuring smile.
"I should probably get you back." Dad said looking at his watch.
"We still on for Wednesday night dinner?" I asked.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Dad answered. "Bye kiddo." Dad said picking up Wren from his high chair before handing him to me.
Wren just giggled before reaching for me.
"He's getting big." Dad said.
"He is, he's growing like a weed." I said taking Wren.
"You know… you ever consider he might take after his dad?" Dad asked.
"He's practically a clone of Wren, wouldn't be a huge stretch. But that's a problem for another day. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Bye dad." I said before teleporting back to the hospital. I dropped off Wren in daycare before going to the ER. There was a huge accident on the highway and it got packed.
I got sent up to surgery almost right away to repair some major internal damage to someone that got hit by said bus.
Third Person's POV-
Steve parked his motorcycle outside the hospital. He looked at the door and sighed. He really hoped Nora didn't send him flying through one of those windows. Maybe he should have brought his shield with him.
Steve took in a deep breath before walking in. The hospital was busy and the waiting room was packed. He walked over to the nurses station where he saw a young woman in pink scrubs typing away.
"Excuse me miss." Steve started.
"Write your name here on this list and we'll call you in to start check in procedures. If it's urgent go down the hall to the ER." The nurse said.
"I'm not here for medical attention." Steve said.
"If you're here to visit family use the welcome reception desk." She said finally looking up.
"I'm here to see Doctor Nora Stark." Steve said.
"You're…" She started.
"Uh, I can wait in her office I know you're very busy." Steve said.
"No I was just about to head over to do my rounds. Its on my way." She said standing up. "Doctor Stark's in surgery right now and it's going to be a while."
"Oh that's fine. I have time." Steve said.
"Well here it is, the cafeteria's downstairs in case you get hungry and there's always a coffee cart in the atrium." She said.
"Thank you ma'am." Steve said as he walked in to Nora's office. He looked around and saw that Nora had a few photos up. There was one of her and Tony with Wren the day they got home from the hospital. There was one of Nora, Aiden and Sam with the kids at Ellie's birthday party a few months ago. There was another of a night out with Sam, Nora, a blonde woman who was probably Jess and the red haired man he had seen once before. When he walked over to her desk he saw one of Bucky holding Wren between him and Nora and next to it was a photo of Nora and Wren dressed in their combat gear while sitting on the trunk of a Humvee.
"That was from September 2012, Kandahar about three or four months after Nora got there. A squadron got pinned down while on patrol in one of the residential areas. Wren and Nora were in the area and showed up. Managed to clear the area of all civilians including some of the hostages that had been taken. Thanks to them we didn't lose a single person that day." Montgomery said.
"You were there?" Steve asked.
"I was their superior officer, Major Henry Montgomery of the United States Armed Forces. Nice to meet you Captain." Montgomery said.
"Nice to meet you too." Steve said shaking his hand and noticing his tight grip.
"Just came to drop some files, guy she's operating on right now took a huge hit. It's going to be a while." Montgomery said.
"I've heard but he's in good hands." Steve said.
"The best." Montgomery agreed. "Well nice meeting you."
"You too." Steve said putting the frame down. Steve walked over to one of the bookcases and pulled out a leather bound book with a familiar eagle insignia. He opened it and immediately recognized it as one of Howard's journals.
Nora's POV-
Well the patient was now brain dead and the damage from the accident had been so severe I doubt his organs would be viable to be donated so all that was left was wait for their family to get to the hospital so they can decide what they wanted to do.
I walked over to the cafeteria and got myself a coffee and a muffin before heading up to my office to update a few charts before heading home for Wren's Bedtime. I was working overnight and I'd have to head back but I made it a point to be the first face he saw every morning and the last one he saw before going to sleep.
I walked in and the first thing I saw was someone sitting in one of the chairs reading Gramps' journal. I immediately used my powers to bring it to my hand startling them.
"That's personal." I said putting it back on the bookshelf.
"Sorry… just saw the insignia and got curious. Howard's writing but your words." Steve said.
"I wrote the intro, Gramps did the rest. We had time considering I got stuck without my powers." I said. "What bring you to a hospital? I doubt you're sick. Bucky alright?"
"Buck's fine… he's helping Natasha with training the others. I wanted to talk to you." Steve said.
"I'd rather not. Our talks never really end well." I said. "And I need to get home for Wren's bedtime."
"I just wanted to talk about Bucky's birthday, it's this weekend." Steve said.
"Right." I said. I had to pull a lot of favors and promised a few people I'd co write a paper with them but I managed to get the day off. "So how we doing this. You want the morning and I get the night?"
"Nora I know things between us aren't great but it's the first birthday Bucky's going to celebrate since he got away from Hydra can't we put our problems aside for the day and do something together?" Steve said giving me the patented puppy dog look. Damn I hate when he's right. The things I do for the people I love.
"We can throw a party. Invite everyone, keep it kid friendly since I know Connor's going to want to go to his Uncle Bucky's party. You want to do it at the house or the compound?" I asked.
"I think the compound will be better. It's supposed to be my day so it'll be better for the surprise." Steve said.
"Good I can have Aiden or Nat go keep him busy while we set up." I said.
"I can do that, it'll be more of a surprise that way." Steve said.
"Steve the last time I asked you to keep Bucky busy while I set up you took him on a tour of a rope factory." I said.
"What was I supposed to do? The theater was closed." Steve said.
"If you do end up trying to keep him busy, I'm preapproving any plans. The guy survived Hydra, he deserves to spend his ninety eighth birthday doing something he'll actually enjoy." I said.
"I'll get on that." Steve said. "Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me, it's for Bucky." I said looking down at my phone. "I have to go."
"Oh right… I'll uh text you some ideas." Steve said.
"Sure, drive safe." I said before taking a sip of my coffee and teleporting back home. Aiden and Sam had just finished having dinner and were getting the kids ready to head out.
"Aunie!" Ellie cheered when she saw me.
"Hi princess." I said picking her up. "You giving your dad trouble?"
"You bet she is." Sam said taking advantage that I had her to slip on her jacket.
"You want me to just zap you home?" I asked.
"If you don't mind?" Sam asked.
"Sure." I put a hand on his shoulders and they were gone. "Now how's my little man?"
Wren just smiled and reached for me. I moved to take him out of his seat.
"Come on little man time to get you to bed." I said.
"I left his clothes on the counter and the bath's already drawn." Aiden said.
"Thanks." I said before teleporting upstairs. One bath and a half hour struggle to get a fussy Wren into his pajamas but I finally did it. I swaddled him and hummed the imperial march from star wars knocking him right out. I put him down in his crib before heading downstairs.
"Bugger out already?" Aiden asked.
"Imperial March or Hey Jude work every time." I said.
"What's on your mind?" Aiden asked.
"We have a party on Saturday." I said.
"Party?" Aiden asked.
"Bucky's Ninety Eighth Birthday." I said. "Steve stopped by the hospital. Decided that splitting the day wouldn't be what Bucky wanted so instead we're having a party. We're keeping it kid friendly so the kids can come."
"Here or the compound?" Aiden asked.
"Compound." I said making him uncomfortable. "What?"
"Oh nothing." Aiden said.
"I know that look, that's not nothing. What's going on?" I asked.
"I'm not sure I'll be entirely welcome at the compound, given my past." Aiden said.
"You're family, you're Bucky's friend and I'm sure that as long as you don't try to kill anyone you'll be fine." I said.
"If you say so." Aiden said.
"I have to head back, I'll see you in the morning." I said.
Saturday-
After a week of going back and forth via text with Steve who surprisingly knew how to use emojis we had agreed that he wasn't the most qualified to distract Bucky. So instead I had Aiden and Sam take him for a guys night at the beach house. Bucky liked it up there and Steve assured him that it was all right if he was late. Of course that meant I not only had to wrangle Wren in the morning but Ellie and Connor as well.
"Auntie Nora, Wren's stinky." Connor said.
"Really." I said putting Ellie down in the play pen. "Oh wow yeah it's a big one. Connor stay here and watch your sister. As soon as I'm done changing your cousin and … Ew changing again we'll head out." I said.
"Yes Auntie." Connor said finishing his pancakes. "Will there be cake at the party?"
"Of course there'll be cake, what type of birthday party will it be without it." I said as I quickly went upstairs to change Wren and then myself. Considering I was probably going to spend most of the morning decorating and running around doing errands I decided to keep it casual with some distressed jeans and a grey know tee.
.
I grabbed the playpen and then teleported us all to the compound.
"Morning." I said as I popped into the common room as everyone was finishing up breakfast.
"Morning Nora, whoa need a hand?" Sam said.
"No I got it." I said using my powers to set up the playpen. I quickly put Ellie in and went to put Wren in his swing.
"Busy morning?" Natasha asked,
"I had to change three times because someone either spilled something to spit up. I figured it out pretty quick." I said.
"How's Bucky?" Steve asked.
"Relaxing on a beach getting a tan." I said showing him the picture Sam had sent me.
"Will he be back on time?" Steve asked.
"With all the scheduled delays Aiden has planned he'll be right on time." I said. "Did everything get here already?"
"Yeah it's all in the storage room down the hall." Rhodey said.
"I was thinking…" Steve started before he was interrupted.
"Oh Steve I've been looking everywhere for you." Sharon said as she came in. She froze when she saw Wren in his swing.
"Sharon." Steve said.
"I uh… I wanted to know if you wanted to come with me to visit Aunt Peggy." Sharon started. "She leaves on Monday."
"I can't today it's Bucky's birthday." Steve said. "I was going to go tomorrow."
"Oh," Sharon said disappointed. "Its only that Cassidy said she was having a good day today and I thought you'd want to go while she still remembers you."
"If you want to go I can handle this." I said.
"I'm sure it'll be fine if I go tomorrow." Steve said. "I'm sure the rest of your family will want to spend some time with her too."
"I guess you're right." Sharon said before walking out.
"Auntie, is the mean lady going to be here for the party?" Connor asked.
"Uh not sure sweetie but don't worry you'll be around superheroes so nothing will happen to you." I said.
"Will Auntie Aya be there too?" Connor asked.
'Since when did I become Auntie Aya we're not even related?' Aya said making me smile.
"I'm sure she'll stop by." I said.
"Okay." Connor said.
"I'll be here with the kids." Wanda said.
"Yes I have read a few books on child development and would like to see how accurate they are." Vision said.
"Okay then. Connor you want to come help or you want to stay here?" I asked.
"I'll help." Connor said.
"Let's go then." I said going down to the storage room. I had Connor carry out the rolled up posters while Steve and I carried out the heavier objects.
We started setting up everything, table cloths, chairs, Vintage posters and finally lights.
"I can put those up." Steve said.
"No we got it." I said. "Okay bud did you get them unraveled."
"Yes Auntie they all work to, I checked." Connor said.
"Okay you ready?" I asked.
"Really?" Connor said.
"I promised didn't I?" I said. "So grab one end and loop it around the wires. I'll be holding you up the entire time. If you get scared tell me and I'll bring you down."
"I won't get scared I'm big now." Connor said.
"Even big kids and grown ups get scared, it's alright if you do. Now on three. One, two, three." I said slowly lifting him off.
"Blast off!" Connor cheered. I flew him around slowly. About halfway through the room Steve finally broke the silence.
"You're really good with him." Steve said.
"I know. Little guy and his parents helped me through some tough times." I said.
"He's a great kid." Steve said.
"He is." I said. "Almost done buddy, one more lap and then you're coming down."
"But auntie." Connor whined.
"We have to get ready for the party, you want cake don't you." I said.
"Yes I'll hurry." Connor said but I kept him at the same pace. I didn't want to risk any accidents. When he was finally done I slowly brought him down. "That was Awesome! Can we go faster next time?"
"We'll see." I said. "For now we have to run back and get your sister and cousin so we can get dressed."
"Are they on time?" Steve asked.
"Uh, about forty five minutes out." I said. "See you later."
With that I teleported up stairs and grabbed the kids before heading back to the town house. I got the kids dressed up in their party clothes before getting myself ready. I decided to put on a black off shoulder dress and part my curled hair to the side before finishing my look with a bit of a homage to the 1940's by putting on some red lipstick.
product_photos/4341142/One_20Shoulder_20Casual_20Sexy_20Women_20Party_20Mini_20Dress_20with_20Belt_
I teleported back just in time. We got everyone in their spots and I even got to get Aiden and Sam there on time. We shut off all the lights and waited for Steve to walk in with Bucky.
"Steve It's been a long day I just want to go lie down for a bit and watch a movie." Bucky said.
"What did you two do?" I asked Sam and Aiden who just played dumb.
"Come on Buck, just help me fix my bike and then we can go out for a slice of pie." Steve said.
"What did you do to it this time?" Bucky said.
"Nothing." Steve said as they opened the door and the lights turned on.
"Surprise!" We shouted.
"Happy Birthday sweetie." I said.
"Nora… but… how?" Bucky started.
"You really thought we got lost in Jersey?" Aiden said.
"You two planned this?" Bucky said looking at Steve and I.
"We did. " Steve answered.
"Didn't want Steve taking you on another tour of a rope factory so I had Aiden and Sam take you to the beach house for a little R and R." I said.
"Did you just say spangles took you on a rope factory tour as a date?" Dad said.
"The theater was closed what was I supposed to do?" Steve argued.
"Go to the park." Sam Wilson said.
"Beach." Rhodey said.
"Point is I saved you from another boring factory tour." I said.
"And I ended up in the middle of a garbage dump." Bucky said.
"Seriously?" I asked Sam and Aiden.
"We made a wrong turn." Aiden said. "Come here bugger, let's give the love birds some time."
I handed Wren to Aiden and Connor led Sam away telling him all about his sky-high adventure.
"Does this mean…" Bucky said looking between us.
"No, it just means that no matter what happens between us you'll always come first." I said kissing his cheek. "Now how about we get you something to eat. Don't want you fainting on the dance floor."
"You should see the cake." Steve said. "Double chocolate."
"I love you two." Bucky said putting an arm around both of us.
We all sat down and ate, even had a few drinks. Aiden Sam and I decided not to considering what had happened the weekend before. Instead we stayed with the kids and waited as Wren and Ellie started getting sleepy.
"Twenty on Ellie falling asleep before Wren." Aiden said.
"Seriously?" Sam said.
"It's just a bit of friendly competition." Aiden said.
"I'll take that action." Dad said.
"You're both horrible." I said resting Wren's head on my shoulder before starting to hum the Imperial March.
"Is that… Really?" Rhodey said.
"Sh, it works." I said continuing to hum. Before I knew it Wren was out and so was Ellie. It was kind of sweet how they both reached out to each other as they were falling asleep.
"Guess we should head home." Sam said.
"Actually we set up a room for the kids in case you guys want to spend the night or so you wouldn't have to leave early." Rhodey said.
"Don't think Connor will let you go without a slice of that cake." I said.
"I guess it would be okay to put them down for a bit." Sam said. Wanda and Vision led us to the room down the hall they had set up with portable cribs and even a bed for Connor. We put the kids down without a fuss.
"Friday please let me know if Ellie or Wren wake up." I said.
"Alerts will be sent to your phone boss." Friday said.
"We're good." I said before we headed back to the party. We walked in and the dance floor was full swing. I found Bucky and Steve staring nostalgically at the couples dancing. The one good thing about being a time traveler, I had thirty-five years to learn how to dance. "What's a girl gotta do to have her fella ask her to dance?" I said faking a 1940's Brooklyn accent.
"I was just waiting for you dollface." Bucky said with a smirk before taking my hand and leading me to the dancefloor. We started swinging and twirling around. "Where'd you learn those moves?"
"I got stuck in the nineteen fifties." I said.
"Did you ever learn this?" Bucky said before lifting me up and swinging me over his shoulder.
"Damn I've been missing out." I said.
"Maybe we should go dancing." Bucky asked.
"Sounds like a fun night." I said.
"Or I could show you some of those moves in bed." He whispered in my ear in Russian.
"Sarge, buy a girl dinner first." I said blushing.
"For you anything. I love you." Bucky said.
"Love you too baby." I said kissing him.
"Break it up you two, arms length apart." Dad said as he danced by with Pepper.
"You going to put your hands any lower?" I retorted making Pepper blush.
"How did I not notice you two were related sooner?" Pepper said making us laugh.
Third Person's POV-
Sharon got home fuming from her visit. All anyone could talk about was how amazing Nora is and what an amazing doctor she was saving her life. How could they forget what Sharon had lost?
She walked over to the balcony and saw the party in full swing. She saw Bucky and Nora dancing while Steve watched them longingly from the bar. He never looked at her the way he looked and Bucky and Nora. That made her blood boil.
She ran out and into the first room she found so no one would see her crying. She turned on the lights and saw two portable cribs and even a small bed. As she looked in she saw a blonde little girl she recognized as the brat that ruined her dress' sister. She looked at the other crib and saw the red headed baby look up at her with his big blue eyes.
"Nora's brat." She said. "Your mom ruined my life. I was supposed to have a son. He was supposed to look just like his dad. Blonde hair and big blue eyes. Your mom killed him and now I won't ever have a baby. Why should she be happy?"
Sharon picked up Wren who started to cry.
"SH, sh, it's alright. I can dye your hair and no one will know the difference." She said walking out as Ellie woke up and started crying.
Nora's POV-
We were just about to cut the cake when I felt something. There was a tightening in my chest and my heart started beating erratically. Something was wrong.
"Nora, you okay?" Aiden asked.
"Something's wrong." I said taking my phone out just as an alert from Friday rang out. "Friday are the kids okay?"
"Ellie is awake and crying but Wren has been taken." Friday said.
"What? By Who?" I said panicking.
"Agent Carter ma'am." Friday answered. I've face Nazis, Died more times than I cared to admit, been captured and tortured, and faced the end of the world brought on by a computer but I've never been as scared as I was in this very moment.
"Sharon? But she…" Steve started.
"Call her now." Natasha said taking out her own phone.
"Nora don't panic we'll find them." Dad said.
"Friday where is she?" I said eerily calm.
"She is currently on the roof ma'am." Friday answered.
"Nora don't do anything…" Rhodey started but I didn't let him finish before I teleported to the roof.
"Rockabye and goodnight…" Sharon sang softy.
"Sharon." I said making her turn around to face me.
"Sh, you'll wake up Stevie." She said. At the sound of my voice Wren perked up and started crying. I started walking closer and she took a step back getting closer to the edge. She held Wren against her chest before pointing a gun at him. She struggled against her and reached out for me. "Don't come any closer."
"Please don't hurt him." I said barely holding back tears.
"You killed my son." She said.
"I didn't, I tried to save him but by the time you got to the hospital there wasn't a heartbeat, it was too late." I said.
"Sharon stop." Steve said as he and the rest of the team showed up.
"She took our son away Steve, she took you away." Sharon cried.
"Sharon it wasn't Nora's fault, She didn't cause the explosion. I chose to leave you she had nothing to do with it." Steve said.
"You chose her over us." Sharon cried.
"I'm sorry." Steve said.
"It's okay, we can still be together. We can start over, baby and all." She said.
"No!" I cried.
"Shut up." She said nudging Wren with the gun making him cry out more.
"Sharon, that's not our son. You deserve to be happy but I can't give you that." Steve said. "Don't hurt an innocent baby, it's not his fault."
"No but its his mom's fault." She said glaring at me.
"Nora." Aiden said coming up behind me. "Teleport closer"
"Can't, with how close the gun is it'd hit Wren before I could do anything." I said tearing up.
"Ah!" Wren cried reaching out for me.
"Sharon please." Steve tried to beg.
"If I can't be happy she shouldn't be either." Sharon said taking the safety off the gun.
"No!" I shouted. Next thing I knew Wren was grasping onto my neck and the gunshot rang out but didn't hit anything.
"Wah!" Wren cried.
"Wren!" I said hugging him before he fell.
"Did you?" Aiden asked.
"No." I said before looking at my sniffling son. "Sh sh it's okay, mommy's got you." I said more for my sake than his.
"What?" Sharon said and Steve tried getting closer but she pressed the gun to her head.
"Sharon don't." Steve said.
"I don't want to be alone." She cried out. Suddenly I felt a chills down my spine and Aya appeared in front of Sharon.
"Allow me." She said in a distorted voice grabbing Sharon by the neck and dangling her over the edge.
There was a gust of wind blowing around her mixed with surges of energy.
"Shit." I said. "Aiden take Wren and get everyone as far away from here as you can."
"Nora…" Aiden started to argue.
"Shut up and do it." I said giving Wren a kiss before handing him over.
"Nora." Bucky and Steve said trying to stop me.
"I got this." I said moving closer even though the wind kept trying to push me back.
"Aya!" I shouted.
"You think you can try and hurt an innocent child you pathetic excuse of a human being!" Aya said in a scary distorted voice.
"Aya stop!" I shouted.
"She tried to kill your son!" Aya shouted.
"I know and that's not okay but she's sick and needs help." I shouted.
"I should kill her and be done with it." Aya growled.
"Don't, listen to me. You are a sentient being that predates the freaking universe. You are a god among men, you are above this, act like it. She isn't worth it Aya." I said.
"Please." Sharon begged.
"Shut up!" Aya shouted making the ground shake. "Why am I so angry!?"
"Because no matter how much you like to pretend like we're nothing but insignificant blips compared to the grand scheme of things to you we're not. I know because whenever I start going dark you snap me out of it and meddle. I know because whenever Connor calls you Auntie you have to bite the inside of your cheeks so you don't smile. And I know because when Aiden's away and I get off a sixteen-hour shift at the hospital and knock out you get up in the middle of the night to take care of Wren. You're angry because you care and that's okay. But this isn't the answer. You're better than this, I know you are." I said.
"She can't do that again." Aya said starting to calm down.
"She won't, this isn't your fight it's mine. I'll deal with it, please." I said offering my hand.
She took a deep breath and threw Sharon on the ground before taking my hand. I felt her return to me and the surge of energy almost knocked me off my feet.
"Thank you." Sharon cried. I pulled the gun to my hand and emptied the chamber and put on the safety before hitting her on the head knocking her out.
Steve and Bucky looked at me in shock. "If I ever see her again, she's dead." I said before teleporting downstairs to check on my son.
"Nora!" My dad's said jumping out of their seats when they saw me.
"Are your okay?" dad asked.
"Are you hurt?" Rhodey asked.
"How many fingers am I holding up?" dad asked.
"Guys I'm fine, just really tired." I said.
"Is Carter…" Natasha asked.
"Knocked out but alive." I said. "Hey buddy." I said reaching over for Wren.
"We're heading home." I said. "Sorry to cut the party short."
"It's fine, Pepper had to head out early too." Dad said. "I'll call you in the morning."
"Yeah." I said. Sam and Aiden put a hand on my shoulders and I teleported to Sam's place then Aiden, Wren and I headed to the hospital. Wren looked fine but it was better to be safe than sorry.
"Besides being tuckered out Wren looks fine. It's you I'm more worried about." Claire said handing Wren to Aiden.
"I'm fine." I said.
"Nora your hands haven't stopped shaking since you guys got here." Claire said.
"I'm fine just all that excess energy I took in when Aya came back has me a bit wired. Not the first time it happens." I said.
"You sure?" Claire asked. "I can give you something to help you sleep."
"I appreciate the offer but it wouldn't work. It'll wear off on it's own." I said. "Thanks Claire."
"Don't mention it, if anything changes call me." She said.
"Okay." With that I teleported us back to the house.
I put Wren down in his crib and when to go change into something more comfortable before going to study in the nursery. I wasn't going to get any sleep anyway, may as well get some work done.
"Shouldn't you be asleep?" Aiden said as he leaned against the doorway.
"I could ask you the same." I said.
"Must be the adrenaline." He answered. "On the roof when Wren suddenly appeared in your arms…" Aiden started and I put my notes down.
"I can teleport myself and others and I can teleport people and things away but I can't teleport things to me. I know it wasn't Aya because I can feel the energy shift inside of me when she uses her powers so that one leaves one answer." I said.
"The little bugger teleported himself to you." Aiden said realizing what had me so concerned.
"I always knew it was a possibility. Wren said he was two years old the first time he teleported I just didn't expect it to happen this soon." I said.
"Most abilities show themselves during time of increased stress. Babies are perceptive to the people around them. You saw how upset Wren got." Aiden said and then Aya appeared.
"I told you two the day he was born. Nora's amazing but that kid, The son of a teleporting master assassin and a super soldier that is also the host of an infinity stone, he's going to be extraordinary." Aya said.
"Aya I'm not a super soldier." I said.
"Of course you are, it's the only reason being my host hasn't killed you." She said before disappearing. Aiden and I just looked at each other trying to process what she had just told us.
Avenger's Compound- Third Person's POV
"Finally done with the clean up." Rhodey said.
"Yeah, could have just called in the maintenance team." Tony said.
"We could have but then you'd have to go back to the tower and bury yourself with work. What's going on Tony?" Rhodey asked.
"I need a drink before I start talking about that." Tony said.
"After the night we just had I could use one too." Rhodey said.
"Aiden texted and said Wren's fine. Doctor cleared him." Tony said.
"That's great. How's Nora?" Rhodey asked.
"Nora's… Nora." Tony said. "Aiden's watching her."
"What Aya did… that's what Nora deals with on a daily basis?" Rhodey asked.
"Yeah, You weren't there the time there was three Nora's. She said it wasn't even as bad as it got. Kid's tough as nails." Tony said.
"She got that from you." Rhodey said. "You get knocked down you stand right back up and taller than before."
"No, she got that from Ellie. No matter how bad things got she always made the best out of a bad situation." Tony said pouring himself a drink.
"She got it from both of you," Rhodey said.
"Carter can't stay here, She needs to go I don't care what Rogers says." Tony said.
"After tonight I think he'll agree." Rhodey said. "You done stalling?"
"I'm not stalling just have a lot on my mind." Tony said.
"Uhuh." Rhodey said. "You know you can't lie to me."
"I asked Nora for her blessing to propose to Pepper." Tony said.
"Damn about time." Rhodey said. "So when are you asking her?"
"Nora didn't give her blessing." Tony said. "Well not exactly. She said that I didn't need her blessing and the only reason I was asking was because I had doubts."
"What that's…" Rhodey asked before seeing the look on Tony's face. "Wait do you have doubts?"
"What? No… I don't think so." Tony asked. "We've been together since I got back from Afghanistan and even before then she stood by me, it's time right?"
"I'm starting to see what Nora meant. Man there isn't a timeline for these things. You just have to do what feels right." Rhodey said.
"I just, I don't know when things got so complicated. I love Pepper and I know that she's it for me but we've been having some issues, you know me being Iron Man and even though I've stepped back from avenging I'm still pretty involved." Tony said.
"That's just who you are." Rhodey said.
"Nora said I should hold off wait for a sign or until I have absolutely no doubts." Tony said.
"Well…" Rhodey started before there was a bright light in front of them and a younger Nora appeared wearing a backless black lace gown.
media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/103801_p_
"Hey kiddo." Rhodey said
"Hey dads" She said before passing out.
"Nora!" Tony and Rhodey shouted before getting out of their seats and checking on her.
"Let's get her to the med bay." Rhodey said picking her up.
"Friday, tell Helen to meet us down there and initiate a Code Cronus." Tony said before following Rhodey down to the med bay.
As soon as they got in they put Nora on a bed and the medical team got to work.
"What happened?" Helen asked.
"She appeared in front of us and just passed out. What's wrong with her?" Tony asked.
"As far as we can tell nothing, she's just exhausted." Helen said.
"She's a time traveler something must have happened to cause this." Rhodey said.
"Then maybe it'd be a good idea to call Nora and ask." Helen said.
"After what happened tonight I think she needs a break and it's not like she's in danger," Tony said. "Let's keep this between us for now."
"I'll have her moved to a private room to make sure she doesn't get any unwanted visitors." Helen said giving Tony a look.
"Thanks Helen." Rhodey said.
"I'll go grab some of the emergency clothes Nora left for this." Tony said.
An Hour Later-
Tony was passing by the room to check on Nora but just as he was about to knock he heard the sound of someone gagging from inside. He waited until the ound stopped before knocking on the door.
"Kid, open up." Tony said.
"Give me a minute." Nora called out. He heard her gag one more time before he heard her footsteps and she opened the door.
"I got you some clothes, figured it'd be comfier than that." Tony said gesturing to the dress.
"Thanks." She said grabbing the clothes and slip ons. Nora closed the door once more and went to change.
"Is she awake?" Helen asked Tony.
"Yeah, she started throwing up." Tony said.
"I think it might be a good idea to ask Nora." Helen said looking concerned.
"There isn't anything in the Cronus Protocols?" Tony asked.
"It just says that as long as she isn't bleeding she doesn't need medical attention, just said to keep her hydrated if needed." Helen said as Nora walked out of the room.
"Nora, meet Doctor Helen Cho." Tony said giving Helen a look to just go with it..
"Hi." Nora said politely shaking her hand.
"Doctor Stark." Helen greeted and Tony tensed hoping Nora hadn't noticed the slip up.
"It's still Doctor Spencer but Stark does have a nice ring to it." Nora said and Tony smiled relived that he hadn't screwed things up. "So am I cleared to get out of here?"
"See for yourself." Helen said handing Nora her charts.
"Same as they've always been." Nora said with a shrug before returning them to Helen.
"This is normal?" Helen asked.
"You faint, and puke like this on a normal basis?" Tony asked.
"Just today. I stopped a time jump by redirecting an energy pulse toward myself." Nora said rubbing my eyes and Tony realized what had happened. Now he understood what Aya meant a year ago when she said the blasts were harmful.
"You had any other side effects, ringing ears, nose bleeds, blurring eyesight?" Tony asked.
"Ringing ears at the party and a nose bleed when I went to the restroom." Nora said.
"Was this before or after the energy blast?" Tony asked.
"Before it was when Steve went up on the stage." Nora said. "Probably Aya's way of trying to get me to leave."
"Why didn't you leave?" Tony asked.
"I didn't feel like it. I was at a party with my best friend having fun for once," Nora answered obviously hiding something.
"What aren't you saying?" Tony asked.
"That's a conversation you have over pizza and wine." Nora said.
"Friday you heard her." Tony said.
"Pizza will be here in twenty minute." Friday said.
"Yay." Nora cheered.
After another check up to make sure Nora was really okay the father and daughter duo made it to the common room where Rhodey was setting up a movie.
"We got meatlovers, garlic knots and red wine." Rhodey said as they walked in.
"Yum, you forgot to mention how hard it is to get full with cocktail hors'deurvs." Nora commented.
"Which is why I grab a burger or order a pizza afterwards." Tony said grabbing wine glasses.
"Good rule of thumb. I'll remember that for next time." Nora said. Tony couldn't help but smile about how his daughter thought about the future he was already living.
"So you going to tell us what's going on?" Rhodey asked.
"I kind of got in a fight with Wren. Not so much a fight as I found out some of his major secrets and I didn't exactly react as well as I could have." Nora said making Rhodey and Tony exchange looks.
"What secret?" Tony said.
"Wren is a trained British assassin with a brother he never told me about that wants us both dead and a hit list a mile long that crashed your party." Nora said. If only she knew said assassin brother was now her son's namesake and one of her best friends.
"Oh, that's a big one." Tony said taking a sip of his drink. "How do you feel about being married to an assassin?"
"Same as I did before I found all of this out." Nora answered surprising them.
"You're joking right?" Rhodey said and she shook her head as she took a sip of wine.
"As horrible as what I'm about to say sounds it's the truth. We all have a past, We've all killed people at some point. Dad you were in the air force, how many people do you think were taken out in those air strikes you were a part of, Or dad how many people did we kill with those weapons we designed. Hell I helped Gramps with the Manhattan project. We may not have given the order or directly pulled the trigger but we did load the gun. So I can't judge Wren for something that wasn't his fault, well not entirely. What I am pissed off about is the fact that he lied to me for almost three years." Nora said.
"Are you sure you're not in love with him?" Rhodey asked noticing how feircly she defended him.
"For fucks sake we're just friends." Nora said annoyed. Apparently she wasn;t at that point in their relationship yet.
"Language." Tony said.
"Since when do you care about cursing?" Nora asked confused.
"He's probably just doing it to spite me." Steve said as he walked in. He'd take any chance to talk to a Nora from the time he missed with her. Although this time it looked like she wasn't happy to see him.
"You tried correcting his language? Next time just start a swear jar, you'll get rich quick." She retorted.
"You should listen to her, as a kid Nora had more cash on her than I did." Rhodey said.
"I'll remember that next time." Steve said. "What movie you watching?"
"Alien." Nora said taking another sip of wine to avoid any conversation.
"Sound's good." Steve said.
"It is." She said grabbing another slice. Rhodey and Tony exchanged looks. Just how long had she been angry at Steve?
"How's Bucky." Nora asked and everyone froze. Nora told them that unless she specifically mentioned having seen Bucky or being with him they were to pretend that he wasn't around.
'Don't screw it up Spangles." Tony thought.
"Still missing, all the leads have dried up so I'm just waiting around." Steve said looking disappointed.
"I'm sorry." Nora said. "I'm getting another glass."
She walked over to the kitchen with Steve following behind her and pulled out another bottle of wine.
"You okay?" Steve asked.
"Yeah, just tired." Nora said being short with him.
"Are you sure cuz…" Steve started.
"Steve drop it." I said giving him a stern look.
"No you can't even look at me Nora." Steve said. "What did I do…"
"Why don't you go make out with your girlfriend? Excuse me I'm spending some quality time with my Dads." She said walking away.
"How did you…" Steve started. As far as he knew Nora didn't find out until shortly before Sokovia when he and Sharon had been photographed on a date.
"Your girlfriend saw my soulmark when I ran into her in the restroom at the masquerade gala and she proceeded to make out with you so I'd see you." Nora said walking away.
"Sharon knew?" Steve said now realizing why Nora was so mad.
"Unless she's blind, illiterate and stupid she knew." Nora said.
Steve marched out of the common room ready to get some answers.
"I need to get laid." Nora said making both Tony and Rhodey cough up their drinks.
"Didn't see that coming." Tony said with a chuckle.
"I don't think I want to hear this." Rhodey said.
"I haven't had sex in two and a half years." Nora said.
"Two years?" Tony shouted surprised.
"I know last time was during a time jump with Spangles and that's not happening again." Nora said taking a sip of wine.
"In his defense he did think you were dead." Rhodey said.
"I know I'm just hurt. I always knew he would probably date I just never expected to actually witness it." Nora said.
"So you and Spinster… you never…" Tony asked.
"No, we're just friends. It's not that he isn't hot or anything, I mean have you seen that guy in a tux. Like Wow but no, at the end of the day he means too much to me to risk losing him. And the only other guy I've even been on a date with was Wren's evil brother and that was for charity." Nora said and both of them struggled to hold back their laughter at the irony of those statements. Their daughter was completely oblivious to her own feelings.
"You really need to get laid." Tony said.
"I do." Nora agreed.
"But you won't." Tony said knowing hat no matter what he said things would always turn out the same. That didn't mean he couldn't provide some gentle nudging in the right direction. "I know you, you need to feel something in order to get out of your head and actually enjoy it."
"Maybe I should become a nun, that way everyone around me is as sexually deprived as I am." Nora said.
"Wouldn't you actually have to be religious to pull that off." Rhodey asked.
"Monastery then?" Nora said.
"All that chanting and quiet." Tony said.
"Uh, never mind. I'll just stick to being sexually frustrated." Nora said with a groan.
"There is the obvious solution." Tony said sharing a look with rhodey who just shook his head. "You are married…"
"Nope not happening." Nora said.
"You could just talk about being friends with benefits." Tony suggested.
"Have you not seen all those movies and seen how that never works out." Nora said. "Besides I thought you hated Wren?"
"I didn't hate him I just disapproved of some of the choices you made regarding him." Tony said.
"He totally hated him." Rhodey said.
"Yup." Nora seconded.
"I didn't hate him." Tony said. "I just didn't like how close you guys were."
"Why?" Nora said.
"It felt like I was being replaced." Tony said.
"That's the stupidest thing you've ever said." Nora said.
"You guys lived together, looked after each other went out drinking and partied. Did all the stuff I always imagined us doing." Tony said and Rhodey gave him a weird look.
"Dad, I could never replace you. You're the OG OG best friend and you're my dad." Nora said making Tony smile.
"You and Wren literally had conversations just by giving each other looks and not saying a single word." Tony argued.
"We met in a war zone. It was for survival." Nora answered.
"You opened up to him so fast." He argued.
"That's probably because I met him before he met me." Nora said leaving Tony and Rhodey confused.
"What?" Tony said confused.
"I time jumped to the future when I was in the 1940's and met Wren along with Connor and Jess and Sam's unborn kid. That's why I gave him a chance in the first place. I didn't know exactly how close we were going to be but I knew he was going to be a big part of my life that's why I opened up to Wren." Nora said.
"Does he know this?" Rhodey asked.
"Yup, he was a bit upset but once he thought things out he realized it didn't change anything so we're good." Nora said drinking another glass.
"Huh…" Tony said suddenly having an epiphany about his own relationship. "You guys forgive each other a lot."
"Holding grudges doesn't lead to anything good." Nora answered and Rhodey started at her incredulously.
"Really…" Rhodey said giving her a look.
"I know, I'll apologize later." Nora said realizing the irony of her statement.
"I wouldn't" Tony said.
"You would but you'd give him the silent treatment for six months before finally caving." She deadpanned.
"What are you going to do about Wren?" Rhodey asked.
"I'm going to apologize for going off on him and tell him how bad he screwed up before coming up with a plan to deal with his brother." Nora said casually.
"That sounds like an interesting conversation." Tony said.
"One I never thought I'd be having." Nora said. "Then again I never thought I'd get to travel through time and look how that worked out." Then she stood up as she started getting the chills. "Fuck." She groaned as she started glowing.
"Good Luck." Tony said.
"Thanks." She said before disappearing.
"I think I got my sign." Tony told Rhodey.
"Really?" he said confused about how that helped clear any doubts.
"Yeah, I need to start making plans." Tony said with a smile. "I'm also going to need to figure out when she's coming back."
"Pepper or past Nora?" Rhodey asked.
"Both." Tony said with a smile.
Meanwhile on the other side of the compound-
Steve sat down in the chair at Sharon's bedside, Nora's words echoing in his head. Sharon knew, she knew for over a year before him that Nora was alive and she lied to him.
"Mhm." Sharon groaned as her eyes opened. "Steve?"
"What do you remember?" Steve asked.
"Just coming home and… Oh my god, I-I…" Sharon started crying. Normally Steve would try and console her but for the first time he finally saw through Sharon's crocodile tears.
"What were you thinking?!" Steve shouted.
"Steve I'm sorry I just… I couldn't stop thinking about our baby and…" Sharon started babbling.
"You need help." Steve said.
"We can get through this together." Sharon started.
"No." Steve said.
"But…" Sharon started.
"How long have you known Nora was alive?" Steve asked.
"Steve, you know this, you told me after Sokovia?" Sharon said lying through her teeth.
"Then why did I just talk to a younger version of Nora from the night of the Masquerade gala who said that you saw her soulmarks in the bathroom and then saw you purposely kiss me?" Steve said making Sharon freeze and start to panic.
"I-I… I was scared." Sharon said.
"What is wrong with you!?" Steve shouted. "You kept me away from one of my soulmates? You let me think she was dead. You knew how much I hurt me to know that I left her behind and you just kept it to yourself."
"I didn't want to lose you." Sharon said,
"I was never yours to lose!" Steve shouted and then the door opened.
"Steve what's going on?" Bucky said coming in with Sam.
"She knew Nora was alive a year before Sokovia. She knew buck!" Steve said tearing up.
"What?" Bucky said.
"Steve please." Sharon said.
"Shut up." Bucky said sending her a murderous glare.
'It was bad enough that she went after my son… Wait son? When did I…' Bucky started thinking. It was all of the stress and anxiety from the night that led to him finally taking Sam up on his offer to talk when he heard Steve shouting. 'There's nothing I wouldn't do for Nora or Wren. I adore the little guy and in a way I am sort of his step father… Uh this night just doesn't end.' Bucky thought as he started feeling the beginning of migraine as Steve started shouting again.
"I don't care, I want you gone." Steve snarled. "Tomorrow morning a quinjet will drop you off in London with your family, they'll get you the help you need."
"Steve please… you loved me once." Sharon cried.
"I cared about you but I never loved you." Steve said walking out. "I'll never forgive you for this."
"Stevie…" Sharon sobbed.
At that Bucky and Sam walked out so one of the nurses could calm her down. They both went to find Steve who was in the common room.
"I want her gone." Steve said.
"About time." Tony said. "Where do you want to ship her off to?"
"She has family in London, just make sure she gets the help she needs." Steve said.
"I'll make the calls." Tony said taking his phone out.
"You alright man?" Sam asked.
"I can't believe she… she knew." Steve said crying. "How could she do that?"
"She's not okay Steve, Sharon needs serious help. It doesn't excuse what she did but it does explain it." Sam said.
"Is this what it was like for you when I went out on that date with that one girl… Carol?" Bucky asked.
"Carrie." Steve corrected. "She wasn't as subtle. No wonder Nora hates me."
"She does not hate you." Bucky said.
"She's not your biggest fan at the moment." Rhodey said.
"May want to give her some space for the next few days." Tony said.
"We should all talk." Bucky said.
"No." Aya said appearing out of nowhere.
"Aya?" Bucky asked making sure he knew who he was talking to.
"Yes, you're not ready for the talk." Aya said.
"Oh come on, how much more can there be?" Bucky said frustrated.
"You want to answer that Spangles?" Aya said looking at Steve.
"She's right." Steve said.
"Can you just tell me already?" Bucky said frustrated.
"Don't mess with the timeline." Aya said. "Nora's done enough of that as it is. You'll know when." With that Aya disappeared.
"How does Nora do it?" Sam asked.
"No idea." Tony said.