Chapter 5. Safety is Relative

This chapter takes place during the same time as the Marvel movie Avengers: Age of Ultron.

After only a couple of days in the Tower, Tony Stark escorted Lacey to see Bruce Banner. She was somewhat surprised to learn he was very much a gentleman, having been told he was also the Hulk. He was kind, asking her politely to sit on the bed while he checked her out by taking her blood pressure, listening to her heart, and performing a basic examination.

"You're certain about the date you got pregnant?" he asked.

"Yeah," she replied. "I'm not very active sexually and he was the only one for a long time."

"It's too early for me to perform a paternity test," he informed her. "Nine weeks gestation is the earliest. It's non-invasive as well. I know that Nat and Steve both believe you. Tony just likes to have the science confirm it."

"Do you believe me?" asked Lacey.

He looked uncomfortable for a moment then seemed to come to a decision. "Yeah, I do," he replied. "From what you told Steve about your encounter with Bucky Barnes it sounds like he is more like the man he was, before the war. Do you have feelings for him?"

She could see the concern in his eyes and answered him truthfully. "I don't know if I will ever see him again but if I did I would hope it would lead to something," she said. "We had a connection that I've never felt with anyone else before."

"When he does come in he'll need a lot of treatment," said Bruce sympathetically. "He's going to need a lot of medical intervention for that monstrosity of an arm they gave him. Even I can tell they've messed his physiology up with it. There will likely be psychiatric treatment for the PTSD not to mention the deprogramming for his brainwashing. It might take a long time, years even, to undo what HYDRA did to him." He looked at her kindly. "I just didn't want you to pine for him without knowing some of the realities."

"We talked a little about it," she replied. "He didn't know if he would ever live a normal life."

"Well, he can always become an Avenger," smiled Bruce. "None of us have a normal life either. As for you it appears you're quite healthy. If the nausea gets out of hand let me know. There are some medications you can take, but keep some saltines with you. Ginger tea helps as well. I'm always here if you want to just talk."

"Thanks Bruce," Lacey replied warmly. "You're nice to talk to."

He smiled kindly at her again and helped her off the bed. When she left she noticed Tony went right in and closed the door behind him. For some reason she didn't think it was about her. As she went back to the common lounge area she noticed there was hardly anyone there.

"Where is everyone?" she asked Maria Hill, who was seated on a stool at a tall table, checking her laptop.

"Preparing for a mission," she replied. "They'll be gone for a couple of days. I'm staying so you won't be alone. How are you doing?"

"Bruce said I'm healthy," she replied. "We talked about the father but until he shows up there's not much to say about him."

Maria nodded then delicately asked another question. "How long did you know him?" she asked.

Lacey didn't answer at first, realizing the question was likely to come up more than once. "Not long," she finally replied. "We connected quickly but he was on the run and pretty much made it clear he wasn't returning. The pregnancy was quite the surprise considering I was on the pill."

"Then why have the baby?" asked Maria. "It's not like you don't have a choice."

"I know," admitted Lacey, "but I developed feelings for him, as short as our acquaintance was. I don't mind being a single mom."

"You're a braver woman than I am," stated Maria then she changed the subject. "Tony tasked me with keeping tabs on the Russian mafia. We have informants who keep their ears and eyes open. So far, they don't know where you are but they know you gave the flash drive to the FBI. They're not happy about it but they slowly seem to be abandoning their plans to find you. It doesn't mean you're in the clear so Tony is more than okay with you staying here until there is no danger, even if that takes quite a while."

Lacey smiled. "Thank you," she replied. "That takes a big worry off of my mind."

"No problem," said Maria. "Several of the Avengers have become quite fond of you. You're good for morale."

Maria returned to her work on the laptop and Lacey walked around a bit, looking out at the view. Just as she was going to her quarters to write Steve called to her. He was wearing his Captain America suit and took Lacey by the arm, out of earshot of Maria.

"What did Bruce have to say about the baby?" he asked, his face serious.

"He can't do a paternity test until I'm about 9 weeks along," she replied. "So far, I'm healthy so the baby is as well. I hear you're going on a mission."

"Yeah, but you'll still be safe here," he said. "Maria is staying and there will be security staff all over the place. You know the paternity test isn't my idea. I believe you that Bucky is the father. If he knew about it he would be here, making things right."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Bucky was with a lot of women," said Steve quietly, "but he never got anyone pregnant. If he did he would have married her, committed to her for life. He hated guys who got a girl pregnant and ran out on them."

"This is the 21st century," replied Lacey. "Many women choose to be single mothers. So am I."

"You don't want him to know if we find him?" asked Steve, obviously not happy with her answer.

Lacey took a deep breath and brought him a little further away from Maria. "It's not that I don't want him to know," she said. "But if he would make things right he would do that before looking after his own needs first, right? Bruce pointed out that he's going to need extensive surgery to remove that arm and replace it with something better. He's going to have to be treated for PTSD and for the brainwashing to get those activation words out of his head. Those could potentially take years to accomplish. I can't ask him to put that aside in order to make me an honest woman, as noble as that would be."

Steve looked unsettled by her reasoning and he paced a little bit as he considered Lacey's words. "I suppose you're right," he finally admitted. "But he should know. It's his child, too. He would want to be part of its life."

"It is," Lacey agreed. "Once he's into his treatment I'll tell him. But we have to find him first."

"I didn't tell you before but I had someone looking for him," said Steve. "A friend. Bucky led him on a merry chase up into Canada before doubling back to New York. When you showed up I called Sam and told him to call it off. I have to trust Bucky to do what's right for himself. Getting his memories back are probably the first thing he needs to do. I just wish I knew where he was so I could keep an eye on him. I owe him for so much."

Before he could elaborate Jarvis, the AI, announced that everyone had to report to the quinjet. Steve hugged Lacey.

"I'll see you in a couple of days and we'll talk," he said, offering her a hug.

"Good luck on your mission," replied Lacey, and watched as he walked to the elevator and presumably went to the landing pad for the quinjet.

She went to the window on that side of the building and watched the aircraft leave a few minutes later. Then she went to her suite and opened her laptop. It was important to stick to her 1000 words per day. For the next two days until the others returned she was very disciplined in her writing.

The team returned with their objective attained, giddy with their success. Tony announced there would be a party in three days and although Lacey tried to bow out of it he wouldn't hear of it. Neither would Natasha. On the morning of the party she knocked on Lacey's door and told her they were going shopping.

"Natasha, there's no point me buying anything when I'm going to be in maternity clothes soon," protested Lacey. "It might be dangerous for me to be out in public."

"Well, then I need you to help me find something," replied Natasha. "Please, just come with me. I can defend you against any threats, just ask the boys." She took Lacey by the arm and pulled her out of her suite. Steve was walking by. "Steve, I want to buy some clothes. Tell Lacey I can defend her against any threats."

"She can defend you," he replied. "Go, you've been stuck inside for a week. Maria said the Russians are backing down. We'll have our talk later."

"What talk is that?" asked Natasha in the elevator.

"About Bucky," said Lacey. "Steve says he owes him a lot."

Natasha nodded. "That's my understanding," she said seriously. "They were best friends since childhood and Bucky protected him from bullies. When they were together in the Howling Commandos in World War II Bucky was the unit's sniper. Took out quite a few enemy soldiers trying to kill Captain America. Their bond was deep, really deep, and Steve blamed himself for Bucky's death. When he found out Bucky was still alive the guilt almost overwhelmed him. He's extended his responsibility to you now that he knows you're carrying Bucky's baby. You're like family to him."

Lacey felt tears forming as her emotions swelled. She coughed trying to stop it from going further but it was no use. By the time the elevator reached the parking garage she was in full crying mode. The chauffeur looked unsure what to do and Natasha waved him away. She hugged Lacey firmly then used her sleeve to wipe the tears away.

"This better be the baby making you cry like that," she joked. "Look, we all care about you. Even the ones that don't know the full truth. You're part of this Avengers family now. We've got your back. Now you have to let me pick something out for you to wear at this party."

Lacey gave out a little hiccup of a sob and nodded her head in agreement. Natasha hugged her again and they got into the limousine. Twenty minutes later they pulled up to a very expensive and exclusive store. Lacey protested that it was much too fancy for her but Natasha just waved it off and pulled her inside. After being acknowledged by the staff they started looking through the racks for dresses. For every dress that Natasha found for herself she found one for Lacey and thrust it at her. When they each had about ten dresses they went to the change rooms and began trying clothes on. Lacey had to admit it was fun trying on these designer labels. Her shopping habits were formed when she was a student paying her own way through college and were usually limited to thrift and discount stores. Her style had been described as eclectic and bohemian, not always in a positive manner. When she came out in the fourth dress for Natasha to see the latter stopped and looked at Lacey in amazement.

"That dress is killer," she said. "Who would have thought some lace for Lacey would look so good."

The dress, sky blue in colour, had a plain under dress with lace covering it completely. The shoulders were covered with one pattern of lace, ending in a cap sleeve while the hem, bordered in the same pattern of lace, was asymmetrical. It was quite modest but revealing at the same time. After picking out some nude coloured heels for her to try on Natasha stood back and said her work was almost complete. Natasha's dress, also quite modest but still revealing was two tone with a cream top. After picking out some earrings to go with their dresses she pulled out a black credit card and paid for all of it, despite Lacey's protestations.

"Let Tony pay for it," said Natasha. "He likes having parties and he likes having beautifully dressed women attend his parties. Let's grab some lunch and get a mani/pedi, on Tony's dime, of course."

Lacey could see Natasha wouldn't take no for an answer and she acquiesced. They had a great lunch, were pampered like royalty at the nail salon and arrived back at Stark Tower with plenty of time to get ready. When they arrived Tony and Bruce were hard at work in the lab and stayed there almost until the party started. Lacey took her new clothes to her suite and had just finished putting the dress on. She was still struggling with the zipper at the top when she heard a knock on her door. Opening it to Steve she watched his face as his eyes widened.

"Wow, that's some dress," he said. "Natasha has good taste."

"I know, tell me about it," she replied. "Could you finish zipping me up? I can't get to the top of it. There's a hook and loop there as well."

She turned around and he did it up for her. "Bucky would love this dress," he said, sizing her up again. "He would go dancing every weekend and his dates always looked great. He was so handsome that most of the women really dolled themselves up for him. He never found the one, although I know he was always looking."

"Really?" asked Lacey. "I never got the impression he was looking for Miss Right."

Steve chuckled. "Yeah, he liked women to think that," he said, reminiscing. "But he was. He could be an enigma. Tall, handsome, athletic, but he had a keen mind as well. He read voraciously and was interested in science and technology. He was always hoping to find someone that complemented all that. Someone he could have an intelligent conversation with. Anyways, let's get to that party."

He offered Lacey his arm and escorted her to the lounge where there was already a sizeable crowd. Natasha was helping behind the bar and poured some ginger ale into a champagne flute for Lacey, presenting it with a flourish. Steve was given a beer. A handsome black man was playing pool and tossed a pool cue to Steve as they approached.

"Sam Wilson, meet Lacey Williams," said Steve. "She's staying at Stark Tower at the request of the FBI. The Russian mafia are after her."

"A pleasure," said Sam. "How did you get entangled with them?"

"I didn't, my brother did," she said. "They came after me looking for something he hid in my house but I found it first and gave to the feds. Until the mob loses interest in me I'm a houseguest of the Avengers."

She watched as Sam and Steve set up a rack of pool balls and cringed a few times at their attempted shots.

"You could do better?" asked Sam, intrigued.

"Yeah, I could," she said. "My brother taught me quite a few things. May I?" Sam handed her his pool cue and stood with Steve watching as she set up her shot. "4 ball in the corner pocket."

She promptly pocketed it then went on to the next ball, calling the shot and sinking it. Steve looked at Sam, grinning, and shrugged. When she sank the last ball she handed Sam his pool cue and smirked.

"It's been a pleasure," she said, then picked up her ginger ale and went to talk to Maria.

He watched her walk away then turned to Steve. "Is she seeing anyone?" he asked.

"Yeah, she is," said Steve, suddenly protective of Lacey. "It's serious as well."

"Damn," said Sam.

Throughout the evening Lacey visited with everyone and impressed them with her knowledge on many things. As the evening wound down and the Avengers in attendance were starting to congregate in one area she noticed Thor's hammer on the table.

"Is it true what they say that only the worthy can pick it up?" she asked him.

"It's true," he said. "Do you want to try?"

"I'm pregnant," she said. "I might strain myself."

"Lady Lacey, please, try it," he said. "It will not hurt you."

She put her hand on the handle but instead of trying to lift it she tried to move it first. It shifted ever so slightly then she let it go.

"Nope, I'm not worthy," she said, looking Thor in the eye, knowing he had seen it move.

"Dear lady, you know you moved it," he said in a low voice. "You might not be worthy to lift it but you have done something worthy to move it."

"No, I'm just a writer," she protested. "A pregnant one at that, trying to keep under the radar so the Russian mob don't come looking for me."

"Very well," he said. "Obviously whatever you have done must remain a secret but I will remember this."

She shrugged and sat on an armchair. By then the others had gathered near them. Several tried and failed to lift Mjolnir, although Steve also made it move slightly. Thor looked worried when that happened but brushed it off. As they were all sitting and talking they suddenly heard a new voice and turned their heads to the sound. Immediately everyone was on alert as they saw a strange robot type creature before them. He spoke to them in almost riddles but Lacey could feel the hairs on her arms raise as the way he was talking was unnatural and gave her a feeling of dread. Bruce and Tony called him Ultron and the others seemed to prepare to fight. Suddenly, several robots came out of the walls shooting at them. Natasha pushed her down and yelled at her to stay down. Lacey screamed as it seemed all hell was unleashed around her. At one point Steve came to her and tried to guide her to safety but he had to stop when they were attacked by one of robots to deal with it.

"Run!" he yelled and Lacey ran to the nearest shelter she could think of, the ladies room. She locked herself in a cubicle, crouching on top of a toilet, and holding her ears to lessen the sounds of the shooting and explosions. A couple of booms sounded near the ladies room and one even hit the entry door blowing it off of its hinges, making her scream in terror. After a time the sounds ended but she stayed crouching on the toilet, too afraid to leave her shelter. Someone knocked on the broken door frame, getting her attention.

"Lacey?" called out Natasha. "It's okay. You can come out now."

Tentatively Lacey undid the latch and stepped onto the floor. Natasha looked a little roughed up but she held her hand out to Lacey and put her arm around her.

"You're okay," she said. "You were smart to come in here. The walls are reinforced. There's a lot of broken glass out here but our suites are okay. I'm going to take you to your room."

"What were those things?" Lacey asked. "Why were they trying to kill us?"

"Those were androids created by Tony Stark that a rogue AI took control of," said Natasha calmly. "They were distracting us to steal something we found on our mission. Once they got it they pretty much cleared out of here. No one's hurt. We're all just a little shaken up. Steve asked me to escort you to your room while they try to figure out what to do next. You're still safe here. You believe that right?"

Lacey didn't answer because she wasn't so sure anymore. When they got to her room, Natasha helped her undress and put comfy pyjamas on. Then she pulled back the covers on Lacey's bed and sat where she could stroke her head while she hummed some lullabies to her. Eventually, Lacey fell asleep. Natasha got off the bed and looked at Lacey.

"You'll be alright," she whispered. "Better than us. We have to go after them."

She turned out the lights and returned to the lounge. Nodding at Steve she took her place with the others as they discussed their next step. Ultron was unleashed and a threat to the world. Tony and Bruce had uncorked a dangerous entity and it was the Avengers' job to find it and destroy it. When Lacey woke up the next morning the Avengers had a location and were preparing to leave. She picked her way through the debris to where Steve was and waited to speak with him. He smiled grimly at her.

"You didn't see us at our best last night," he said. "Ultron caught us with our pants down."

"What if it comes back while you're gone?" she asked.

"You should feel safe here," he answered. "No other place will be as safe so you might as well stay."

"How can I after what I went through?" she asked. "You're used to it - I'm not."

"Where else will you go then?" he inquired. "Witness protection? You won't be allowed to have any contact with us. They can't fully guarantee your safety either."

"Perhaps I can offer a solution," said Clint, who had approached unnoticed by them. "It's a safe location and I can arrange for Lacey to be taken there. She'll be safe from the Russians, the CIA, and HYDRA."

Steve swore. "Nat told you," he said.

"I guessed," said Clint. "You just confirmed. If the CIA or HYDRA might be looking for her it means she's pregnant with Bucky Barnes' baby."

Steve nodded. "No one else can be told," he said.

"Won't come from me," he said. "Do you trust me, Steve? I can't tell you where she'll be but I promise you I would keep my own family there." Steve looked at Lacey and she nodded. "Okay, I'll make the arrangements but once they're complete Lacey has to leave immediately."

She returned to her room and packed her suitcase. Most of her books and the LPs would stay for now. Then she picked up the origami heart and put it inside Pride and Prejudice, packing the book and her laptop with her clothes. When she came out everyone was ready to leave. Clint nodded at her and leaned towards her ear.

"As soon as we're gone you'll be taken there," he murmured.

Steve hugged her, as did Natasha and they others headed for the quinjet. Lacey watched the aircraft leave from the common room wondering if they would be successful. Maria came to her side.

"Your ride will be here shortly," she said. "If you want to get your things I'll show you the way to the landing pad. Don't worry, you'll like it there."

"What about my books and the records?" Lacey asked. "They mean a lot to me."

Maria looked at her steadily. "There's a place they can be stored safely until you're settled," she said. "If you trust me, I swear they will be there until you're ready, no matter how long it takes."

Lacey accepted the offer, went to her room, got her suitcase and came out, following Maria to the elevator. They went two floors lower and watched as a different type of quinjet landed. The back ramp lowered and Lacey pulled her suitcase up behind her as she walked into the aircraft. A stern looking black man with an eyepatch sat in one of the seats.

"Miss Williams, I'm Nick Fury," he said. "Where I'm taking you officially doesn't exist. Only a handful of people even know of its existence. You will be safe there and you won't be alone. On our way there I would appreciate you telling me everything you know about Bucky Barnes."

Lacey gulped recognizing it was more of an order than a request. Yet she sensed no hostility from the man. Instead it seemed he was someone who was used to knowing everything. On the flight she told him about meeting Bucky, being with him, and how he took on the Russian hit men. To Fury's credit, he never interrupted. When they landed at a farm in the middle of nowhere he didn't escort her off. He looked at her critically for a moment before saying anything.

"You will meet a very nice lady at the house," he said. "You do have something in common. Whether you tell her what you just told me is up to you. You will be safe here. I have been looking for Barnes for some time but his ability to stay under the radar is greater than my ability to find him. Rest assured if we find him he will receive treatment to undo what was done to him against his will. That is my promise."

He sat back and Lacey recognized he was done talking. She stood up and took her suitcase down the ramp and across the yard to where a pregnant woman waited on the steps of a big farmhouse. Behind her Lacey heard the aircraft take off and she watched it leave. Then she approached the dark haired woman who put out her hand.

"Hi Lacey," she said kindly. "I'm Laura Barton, Clint's wife. Welcome to our home. You'll be safe here. Come on, I'll show you to your room."

As she followed Laura inside she was introduced to two children, Cooper, a boy about eleven and Lila, a girl about nine. Laura brought her to a bedroom that immediately put Lacey at ease. In fact, it reminded her of how she wanted her bedroom at her grandpa's house to look. She thanked Laura and opened her suitcase, transferring her clothes to the drawers and closet. Then she sat on the bed, drawing in a deep breath. She felt safe and that was worth everything.