The first two weeks alone with Loki and Bucky were pure bliss; endless days of pampering and playful sex were fantastic, without any worry in the world. Destiny moaned as Bucky assaulted her throat, his hands trailing her body when her phone rang. Bucky groaned, pinning her hands over her head when she attempted to reach for the phone, making her squeal.
"Don't you dare answer it, doll." Bucky warned her. "But it could be important." Desi whined, wrapping her legs around his waist. "They'll call me if it is." Bucky told her before drawing her into a searing kiss. His phone also began to ring, making her chuckle softly against his mouth. Bucky growled before grabbing his phone, releasing his hold on her as he climbed off the bed. "What?" Bucky growled, allowing her to sit on the edge of the bed as she grabbed her jogger pants. "A mission with who?" Bucky looked at her, "Keep your pants off."
Destiny rolled her eyes as she heard their front door open. She knew Bucky was holding back his frustrations and kissed his jawline before she left the room. Heading downstairs, she saw Loki appearing suddenly in the living room.
"Welcome home, beloved." Desi said, smiling as she saw Chewy hopping onto Loki's leg. Chip was observing the humans from his place on the sofa. He pulled her into a chaste kiss, relaxed to finally be around her. "It's always such a pleasure to see you like this." he whispered, pulling her against his body as she slid her hands from his chest down to his forearms. "I shall take that as you thought of me?" Loki questioned, lifting her in his arms before he brought her to sit on the kitchen counter, making her giggle.
"Of course, I always do when you're away. Especially since it's your child I'm carrying." Destiny whispered, hooking a leg around his hip. He smirked mischievously at her behavior. She was glowing, and it seemed her sex drive heightened; he didn't mind it one bit.
"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Desi hissed, hearing and feeling Bucky's anger from his location, followed by the door slamming from the bedroom. "I'm going to kill her," Bucky spat when he saw Loki, "And, of course, your back. Great."
"Trust me, I didn't return for you." Loki spat back. "Don't fight. Besides, you should go. Lord knows you'll beg for more trips when the baby comes." Desi told him. "What about you?" Bucky asked, not liking leaving her alone. "I'm here; I can watch over her. I can take her to the compound or Wade's place until you return if you prefer?" Loki suggested. Bucky gave him a hard stare but looked over to Desi, her smile wildly on her face. Destiny heard her phone ring and went up the stairs to retrieve it. She managed to grab it in time, quickly answering without a second thought as the two men bickered.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's Steve."
"Hey, what's up?"
"Tony wants you to come in for a check-up. Can you come in?"
"Oh, umm, yeah. Sure, that's fine."
"She's not going to Asgard."
"You don't decide for her, mortal. You won't even be here."
Destiny sighed heavily; Steve heard the chaos and felt for her. He wasn't fooling himself; he missed her. He even missed the chaos a little, but he couldn't imagine how it stressed her. Her pregnancy was his concern at this moment, and so was her well-being.
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah. Bucky has to go in for a mission with Sam, but Loki wants me to get a change of pace from here. I swear, they can fight real quick."
"I remember. Remember the time that those two nearly destroyed the apartment?"
Destiny laughed hysterically, "They destroyed the dog beds; I've never seen them so angry at someone without using violence." Steve chuckled, hearing her breaking out into laughter again. He felt an ache in his chest.
"I miss you."
Her eyes bulged in surprise; he felt like an idiot for mumbling that out. She was silent momentarily but smiled sadly, "I do, too," He took a deep breath but flashed a smile, happy to hear those words from her, "I'll, uh, head over there soon, okay?"
"Sure, be safe."
"I always try." She chimed before ending the call.
When she arrived at the compound, the team seemed to be training, but she didn't want to disturb them as Loki and Bucky walked in with her. Going towards her med bay, she wasn't surprised when she found a doctor inside. "Ah, Miss Stark. Are you ready to meet your future baby?" The doctor asked, feeling around Desi's stomach. "I don't know, to be honest," Desi admitted. The doctor chuckled at her response, looking at the men standing against the wall. "Who's the lucky father?" he asked, excitedly clasping his hands. "I am." Loki said, coming closer, rolling his eyes at the strange contractions the human had around him. "Why don't we have father-to-be see his baby, shall we?" the doctor said as the God of Mischief came to stand beside her.
The doctor squeezed the gel on her stomach, making her hiss at the cool sensation. Loki nearly jumped with an amused Bucky, but Desi giggled, taking his hand into hers. "It's just cold, it's fine." Desi assured him as the doctor put the wand over her stomach. "Go ahead and look at the screen while we try to hunt your baby, shall we?" The doctor teased, the whole room looking at the monitor. Loki was nervous, overseeing the screen, when the doctor pointed towards it. "Oh well, well," the doctor said softly, "it looks like your little one was eager to be seen."
"Little one?" Loki questioned, looking closer to the monitor.
"That's right! Here they are; congrats, you two." The doctor said, smiling at the couple.
He was overjoyed when he saw the outline of their baby on the screen. He looked at Desi before he kissed her tenderly on her forehead, feeling a different kind of happiness he had never felt before. He was going to fight like hell to protect his family. "Do you want to hear the heartbeat?" The doctor asked.
"Can we?"
"Yeah, sure, let's see here." The doctor said, turning on the audio as he pressed more on her stomach. Turning up the volume, Desi began to cry in happiness, hearing the heartbeat coming through strongly as she looked over to Bucky, who flashed her a smirk. "Strong heartbeat; you're going to have a tough baby." The doctor teased once more but knew the couple wasn't listening. Loki came forward, kissing her stomach as he ran a hand preciously over her belly.
"I hate to ruin the moment, but we must finish our check-up. The men can stay if you'd like?" the doctor asked, but Destiny was already pushing Loki softly. "Go ahead, you two. I'll be out in a moment." she encouraged, Bucky coming to kiss her forehead before they left the room. They saw Sam, Steve, and Peter waiting for them when they came out.
"How is she?" Steve asked, Loki looking peeved as Bucky carefully approached him. "She's good right now, baby is good. She's getting a check-up right now." he explained. The door slowly opened, and the team saw Desi walking out. Desi smiled at everyone as she stood beside Bucky, who instantly wrapped an arm around her waist.
"What did the doctor say?" Steve asked.
"Doctor says everything looks good for my 12 weeks, but…I'm entering my 2nd trimester. I'm going to hate it…" Desi said with a pout, holding up a pamphlet titled '2ND TRIMESTER DOS, DON'TS, AND FACTS.' "I'm sure that's not true." Peter said with encouragement, but she narrowed her eyes at him. "He told me not to eat medium rare steaks, just to be safe. That's how I eat my burgers and steaks; is he trying to piss me off?" Desi questioned, making the team amused by her reaction. "Let me see this." Sam chimed in as he snatched the pamphlet. Going through the dos and don'ts, he saw the 'What happens to your body?' section.
"You will feel your skin stretch around your abdomen and breasts with mild itching. Cramps and aches in your lower abdomen and lower back as you gain more weight. You may also experience hair growth, headaches, constipation, heartburn, hemorrhoids, leg cramps, dizziness, discharge, Braxton-Hick's contractions, and breast enlargement…" Sam looked at her chest. Before Loki could do it himself, Bucky smacked him in the head.
"Careful how you look at her," Bucky warned him. "Sorry, it's just, wow. It's a lot of changes and experiences. But, you're more worried about the burger?" Sam questioned. "You don't seem to understand her love of beef." Peter chimed in, amused when Destiny looked saddened by the news.
"Well, now that she is clear, will you allow me to take her now? My mother would love a visit from us." Loki questioned, gently pulling her from Bucky's arms and to his side. "Look after her, understand?" Bucky threatened him, making Steve smirk at his friend's protectiveness. "I will ensure she's out of trouble. Back in one piece." Loki vowed, but the Winter Soldier still felt unsure. "Oh, but Chip and Chewy." Destiny stated, hating leaving them alone.
"I'll go get them." Steve offered. "Thank you. I know Chip loves to go running with you," Destiny stated, handing him her keys, "Here, keep these with you." He nodded before the trio said their goodbyes to one another, Bucky going outside when Sam waved at him.
"Yo, I'll be right there."
"Well, hurry it up." Bucky said, hearing him being annoyed as he went outside. Waiting until he was out, he looked down to the healer, "Okay, now that he's gone, How do you make that Scrooge smile all the time?" Sam asked, knowing his hands were going to be full of Bucky. "I mean, lots of kisses and cuddles will do it," Desi remarked, Steve smirking at her humor, "but I'm his girlfriend, so."
"Very cute." Sam mumbled, but Desi chuckled, pulling out a metal container. "Here's my secret weapon, big bird." Desi teased, holding it out for him. Sam looked hesitantly at Steve, who nodded in agreeance. "What's that for?" Sam asked, but Desi shushed him, covering his mouth as Desi looked up at the door hastily. "These are my brownie bites. Bucky doesn't take it kindly when shared, but I thought you could use it as a boon or a weapon." Desi told him. Sam's eyes widened, looking to Steve before looking back at Desi, nodding suspiciously.
"These aren't those famous brownies I heard of, are they?" Sam asked, making Desi smile even more when she opened the tin. Sam took a piece, carefully placing it in his mouth before his eyes widened in excitement.
"Oh my God!" Sam exclaimed, moaning as he clung to himself, "Damn, can I have more when you get back?"
"Listen here. Destiny is with child-"
"That's fine; I've been dying for an apple pie. I'll come to the compound to bake when you get back?" Destiny cut off Loki.
"Aw man, thanks. I should head out then, later, you two." Sam waved goodbye to them as he stashed the tin away, but Loki could tell the supersoldier was eyeing Destiny carefully. "I'll wait for you outside as well." Loki stated, observing Steve as he followed Sam, leaving the two alone.
Destiny looked to Steve before clearing her throat, seeing him awkwardly standing there idly. "Are you feeling well? Any issues?" Steve asked, but she shook her head. "No issues. Morning sickness is finally over. I'm all good." she told him, "How about you? Are you doing okay?"
Steve nodded, but she could see he was tired. Destiny remembered he had PTSD; his night terrors sometimes used to keep him up if she wasn't there. She bit her lower lip and came closer to him. Steve stiffened but relaxed when she slowly brought her hand up to his face. He grabbed her hand gently, guiding it to his cheek. She smiled gratefully to him before she cast a healing spell over him, feeling his aches and pains and hearing Steve sigh in relief.
"You didn't have to, but I appreciate that." Steve admitted, making her chuckle. "I, uh, also brought you this." She retracted her hand, taking out another tin from her back and surprising him. "You can share it or not. I know you used to like them too, so." He nodded, flashing her a smile, "Thanks."
She smiled, nodding before she looked back to Loki, who was waiting patiently. "I should go, but I'll see you soon, okay?" she told him before she took off, not waiting for him to respond. Steve watched as she left, Loki's eyes leering over him before he took her into his arms, helping her onto Astros before they went through the tunnel to Asgard.
When she arrived at Asgard, Loki took her straight towards their home without fail. Heading into the main chamber, Freya smiled as they approached, meeting them halfway. "It's simply wonderful seeing you again, Destiny. How are you feeling?" his mother asked, noticing her glowing. "Good, thank you. How are you and All-Father? How are your people?" Destiny asked, Loki walking between them as his mother guided them through the hallways. "Well, though, you should consider them your people as well. Don't you agree?" she questioned, looking at her son. "Yes, of course. I suppose you're right." Loki stated, smiling over at his lover. She chuckled nervously, unsure how to process that information.
"Your father is speaking with Thor right now. Why don't you join them, son?" Freja explained. Loki looked to Destiny hesitantly, but she smiled encouragingly. "Go ahead, I'll be fine." she told him. "I'll take care of her." Freja assured him and nodded. "Very well, I'll search for you once I'm finished with them," Loki assured her before he went inside, feeling there was something more than what was being said.
Destiny spent most of her time with Freja before leaving to tend to an affair, and she decided to return to the room she had previously occupied. It was unclear if the pregnancy was taking a slight toll on her, but she was feeling tired and needed to rest desperately. Time was different here than on Earth, and unsure how long she slept, she saw that the sun was setting.
Stirring, she felt an arm slide over her stomach and looked over to see Loki beside her. "When did you get here?" she asked, catching his smirk. "For a while now. I wanted you to get the rest you desperately needed." Loki explained, but she could tell he was zoned a little as his fingers continued to explore her stomach.
"Do you remember when we first met?" Loki asked her softly.
"You mean when you were trying to kill us?" Desi teased, reminding him. "I remember seeing you in the lab with Bruce, thinking how someone who looked so insignificant is a part of their posse. When I saw your memories as you saw mine, I realized I could see myself with you…" Loki clung to her tightly, Desi rubbing his naked arm affectionately as he spoke, "I almost lost you foolishly twice. I won't do that again."
Loki took her left hand, waving his hand over hers; her hand flashed as a ring appeared on her left wedding finger. Desi looked up at Loki questionably.
"I'm not the romantic type, but I didn't want to waste this time alone together. I will protect you always. Will you bound yourself to me as my wife?" Loki asked. "Of course!" Desi squealed, kissing him tenderly as Loki rolled onto her, making her happy. "I dare not waste this moment. I will prepare something small for us tomorrow." Destiny merely nodded before he gave her a searing kiss.
True to his word, Destiny was quickly changed into a golden dress with light gold sparkles around her dress and a scoop across her chest, surprisingly hiding her baby bump that was still coming in. Wearing a gold circlet with the sunburst in the center, she smiled when Freja escorted her to a large room. She held her head up high as she walked into the hall filled with the people of Asgard, noticing Thor and Loki standing there in their Asgardian armor straight away.
The ceremony was brief but pleasant, bowing in respect to Odin having announced their matrimony and exchanging rings with one another before being forced to face the people of Asgard. Loki held her hand as they left the room, going to the main dining hall for their celebration. All the time during the ceremony, her eyes were glued to him, almost surreal in what was happening.
Loki froze when he saw her first come into the hall, her beauty mesmerizing. He felt a happiness he had never felt. He had found the one person who would believe in him, fight for him, and put up with his antics: the mother of his future child.
Everyone ate and drank, dancing to their hearts' content, making Desi happy to be a part of this, but she grew tired; her pregnancy symptoms seemed to be getting worse with how exhausted she was. After dancing with Thor, Loki took her back home, feeling guilty for bringing her in such a condition, but Desi assured him everything was fine.
Back into the bedroom, Loki slumped onto the bed, making her frown when she saw him like that. She looked over him and waited patiently, taking one of his hands into hers. "Do I truly make you happy?" Loki asked suddenly. "Of course you do. Why would you think otherwise?" she questioned. "I heard comments. They don't bother me; I'm quite accustomed to them. Your name on their lips...it made me..." he sighed, looking down at his feet when he was at a loss, "I admit, I have my doubts..."
"Are you scared?"
"Are you not?" he questioned, "You shouldn't trust me so much..."
"But I do. You have accepted my flaws, as I have yours, and I love you all that much more. This doubt won't be the first or last we'll feel this way. Alright? But I took my vow today seriously. I trust you." she told him.
"What if I betray that as well? What if you were to leave me for my stupidity? In my lapse of judgment." Loki pushed. ". You're stuck with me, God of Mischief. As is our child." she explained. Loki saw her cradle her stomach and carefully placed his hand over hers, our child. "Thank you, truly."
"Of course."
Loki brought his hand to her cheek, cradling her face as he brought her in for a passionate kiss, spending the rest of the night pleasuring his new wife.
A few days had passed from returning home, Destiny busying herself in the compound as the team was training, on stand-by with Chip and Chewy by her side. Natasha and Steve took their time training with her Pegasus Astros, allowing him to go with Nat when they were on the field.
When the day was over, she returned home with Astros when Loki and Thor were waiting outside. Getting off her horse, Thor approached her, and she frowned instantly, "What's happened?"
"I'm afraid Thor is insisting I join him on his ridiculous mission. I told him you need me, so inform the brute that I will NOT be joining him. I am in need more with you on Midgard." Loki asked of her, Thor looking unamused. Thor carefully approached her, and she searched his eyes, "That bad?"
Thor nodded, a stern look on his face. Thor was usually light-hearted with her, and seeing him like this unnerved her. "I know you're with child, and I wouldn't ask of this until the situation was dire." She breathed, resting a hand on his forearm, noticing him relax. "Make sure you both come back alive, okay?" she said, a small smile gracing his lips. "I assure you we will, Lady Destiny," Thor told her. Loki was peeved that she chose this for him but sighed when his new wife came over to him.
"I'll be fine until you return; I'll stay home, okay?"
He sighed, "And what of the baby?"
"I'll handle it. I'll call Heimdall if it's an emergency."
Thor clutched his soldier, "COme. The sooner we are done, the sooner we can return." he told his brother. "Very well," Loki kissed her forehead, his hand on her stomach, "I'll come right back."
"I know you will," Destiny said confidently, smiling as the two left her alone. She spent the rest of the day doing her daily activities with Chewy and Chip by her side, distracting herself as best she could. Vanessa and Wade visited her with their baby, Peter giving her a nice distraction when a week flew by.
Destiny had just returned from the compound when she saw Bucky's familiar motorcycle parked outside. She went inside to see the lights dimmed with Frank Sinatra playing on the record, making her smile. Chip and Chewy yapped happily when he came down the stairs in black trousers and a long black sleeve buttoned up shirt, and smirked when she saw her enter.
"Bucky? What have you done?"
"What are we going to do, is the question?" he teased, picking up a long rectangular box from the sofa before approaching her, "Why don't you change? I refuse to be the only one overdressed." She chuckled but nodded, taking the box as he kissed her forehead. "Fine, I'll go." She took a quick body shower upstairs, wearing a short yet loose red lace dress with black slip-on shoes. Going downstairs, she saw Bucky waiting for her and offered his hand. Once she took his hand, he pulled her against his chest.
"Do you remember when we reunited?"
"Oh, how could I forget? I embarrassingly invited you for burgers after you saved me from that attack?"
"You mean when Wade pulled a gun on me?"
"I didn't know he'd do that."
"But he did."
"And we danced to this exact song, didn't we?" Destiny teased, a smile breaking from his lips. "Yeah, it is. I admit, we haven't had time for ourselves, so I wanted to make up for lost time," he told her. He rested his forehead against hers, both losing themselves to the moment. Neither seemed to be able to pull away from each other until the record finished, and he led her over to their small dining room table.
She immediately saw spaghetti with meatballs and looked over at him in amusement. "Peter helped me," he explained, and she chuckled. "That's adorable," she confessed. Destiny ate together, breaking up some meatballs for the dogs that ogled her from her feet. Once they were done, he took her into the living room, where she busted out laughing at what awaited them.
"Really? Battleship and Operation?"
"I want a rematch."
"Fine, but no flipping the desk or using the dogs."
"Fine."
Playing Operation, she quickly realized after many ungraceful attempts that he was losing his cool but was maintaining his composure. She allowed him to win and take the wishbone from the board. Putting the game away, he took out Battleship, making her roll her eyes.
"Eager for me to sink your ships, Sergeant?"
He smirked smugly, "Eager to see you squirm."
"Bring it on, old man."
"I'm going to enjoy this," Bucky stated. After a few of his ships, she realized he was on his last boat, and she knew it was a matter of time before she won this match. "C-4," she stated, seeing his mouth twitch in annoyance. "You sunk my ship," he stated, sliding the game towards her.
"No need to be such a spoilsport." she teased, flipping the game over when she froze. On top of his game was a small velvet, oblivious to when he came over to her. Kneeling beside her, he took the box and opened it to her, revealing a silver band ring with a round cut in the middle.
"I've been wanting to ask you for a while now, but with how things turned out after Ultron, life seems to be coming fast at us. I love you, Destiny. You lowered my walls. You gave me a chance when others wouldn't. I don't think I deserve this life or you, but I almost lost you too many times to where I don't want to let you go. Marry me?"
Destiny nodded, covering her mouth as she controlled her crying as he slid the ring onto her finger above Loki's. He pulled her onto his lap, pulling her into a searing kiss, both smiling ridiculously in joy as they basked in it. "I don't want to stress you. If you want, we can elope?"
"Is that what you want?" she questioned.
"I want you."
She rolled her eyes, but still, he chuckled and pulled her into a quick kiss. "The sooner, the better, but I don't know how you felt about it. We never talked about it before." he told her. She sighed, shrugging, "I didn't grow up dreaming of my wedding, so I wouldn't know where to start, but...let's do it. Let's elope."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
He smirked, pulling her in for another kiss before carrying her up the stairs. "Come on, doll, let's go to bed. "
"But I'm not tired."
"Oh, we're not going to sleep tonight."
Destiny giggled, "Do you want me to bring out the outfits?"
"...You'll be the death of me."
Bucky groaned when his phone went off, looking down to see his love curled up beside him before he reached over when she began to stir. "Yeah?" he answered. "Hey, Grumpy. We're going to need you to come in. There's a mission Fury sent our way for tomorrow-"
"Sorry, Sam. I have something personal going on here with Destiny."
"Oh, is she okay?"
"Yeah, no, she's fine. It's just that we're eloping; I won't be free for a while."
...
"Wait, you're getting MARRIED?"
Bucky let out a frustrated sigh, hearing the chaos in the background when Destiny rolled over to him, cracking her eyes open. "Why are they screaming?" she questioned. "I told them the news." he told her when his fiance took the phone. Bucky smirked when she climbed onto his lap, straddling him before bringing her phone to her ear.
"Hey Sam, sorry to cut in, but I want alone time with my fiance. He'll call you back when I'm done with him." Destiny spoke before ending the call. She tossed the phone to the side before she pulled him into a chaste kiss, "Take a shower with me, Sergeant?"
"Yes, ma'am." he agreed, making her giggle as he took her in. Time seemed to have passed for them, just enjoying the moment, but when they came down the stairs, the duo froze when they saw the team there waiting for them, including Pepper, Wade, and their dysfunctional family.
Nat came over and pulled her into a hug, "Congrats, Tiny."
"Thank you so much." Destiny said, hugging her back tightly as the women approached them. "Peter told us the news. I'm so happy for you." Pepper stated, pulling her into a hug next. "Thanks, Pepper; truly." Everyone seemed to be congratulating the duo, surprising Bucky, but he was glad they supported them.
"So, let me get this right: the two of you were just going to elope? And not tell anyone?" Tony questioned. "I was going to call you to tell you all in the morning, but yeah," Destiny said in defense, "I'm not good at planning things and with my pregnancy..."
"Oh, let me plan it for you. We can do a small ceremony for you this weekend." Pepper offered. "Oh, you don't have to," Destiny stated, but Vanessa squealed. "Hell yeah, it's happening. We should do the first thing; get you a dress- today." she proclaimed. Destiny looked over to Bucky for a savior. "He will not be able to save you from them." Wanda teased, making the healer groan. Destiny looked up hesitantly when Tony came up to her. "You'll be in good hands with Pepper. Don't you worry about a thing?" Tony assured her, and she smiled, nodding to him.
"Yeah, go ahead and enjoy your girl time. I'm going to have quality family time with your little hubby. We gonna get real close." Wade said, wrapping an arm around the Winter Soldier's shoulder. "You're not family. We thought she was dead because of you." Bucky stated coldly, reminding him as he shrugged him off. "Yeah, well, no need to get your panties in a bunch. You finally got your sweet dollface back. We need to doll you up next." Wade teased. Bucky looked down at his healer, but she smiled apologetically to him.
"Come on, let's go. Happy is outside waiting for us." Pepper said, ushering the hopelessly in love bride-to-be outside. Nat hooked her arm with her when the healer noticed Wanda beside her brother, looking at her feet with a ping of hurt she almost missed. "Wanda, would you like to come with us?" Destiny asked. "Me?" Wanda questioned, making sure she heard right.
"That's right." Nat chimed, motioning for her to join them. "You should go, try and make some friends," Pietro whispered in her ear, and Wanda rolled her eyes. "Very well, I could use a break from training." Wanda said. She wasn't one to say it, but she was glad to have a chance to try and make some friends. The team had been cautious with her, and she understood, but Destiny invited her without hesitation.
"Yay, onward!"
For hours, Nat and Wanda helped her try on dresses when Pepper arrived. The girls drank wine and had champagne while Destiny was in the changing room. "Have you called your brother yet?" Pepper asked Desi, who was trying on her 10th dress for the day.
"No, not yet. But I did text Lemi. He said he'd request time to come attend." Desi said as the lady clipped the dress for her. "Oh, my god." Desi gasped, tears on her face as she finally saw the dress. The dress was a v-cut dress with a lace top with wide lace straps over her shoulder. The lace went down the dress; it was a flowy bottom with a blush lining underneath the sheer being sparkly, with the lace ending at her mid-thigh, allowing her enough space for her tummy to grow.
The bodice piece was fitted, with the nude coloring making it almost expose herself but clearly showing off her cleavage. She found it; she found her dress. "Everything okay?" Vanessa asked. Desi pulled the curtain back, and Pepper gasped, feeling herself tear up as she saw the glow on Desi's face. The employee helped guide Desi to the mirrors, the bride wiping her tears away.
"This is it. I found the dress." Desi whispered as she spun around. "Let's be sure, and let's get you a veil. Long or short?" the woman asked. "Short, please." Desi answered, her eyes never leaving the mirror. "It's stunning on you, the best one all day." Wanda spoke.
"It's just, it's amazing on you. Bucky will regret trying to elope." Pepper teased as the woman finally came back. Standing before Desi, she carefully placed the veil on her before backing away. Desi began to cry in happiness, and she was beyond pleased.
"Are we saying yes?" The woman asked, smiling.
"Yes," Desi whispered as the women clapped for her.
The weekend came too fast for Destiny and Bucky.
Nat, Vanessa, and Pepper came over and finalized all the plans, including Buck's suit. Desi had asked Nat to be her maid-of-honor as Steve was Bucky's best man and was elated to be part of the celebration. Nat had thrown Desi a small dance party at the compound as Steve and the guys went out for drinks before returning to the compound to join the party, despite the fact it was a bachelorette party. Nat had hired a male stripper for Destiny, but the men returned when Tony did a check-up through FRIDAY, his AI.
Bucky quickly threw out the male stripper with Tony's help, but the bride couldn't help but be amused by the situation. The morning of the ceremony had finally arrived, Ezri staying at the compound to dress as the men remained at the cabin. She had quickly dressed in her gown, slipping on all-white sneakers and her veil, Nat helping Ezri with her make-up before the women dressed. Desi was surprised to hear that the ceremony would be at the compound in the lobby, but she was nervous as she waited.
Desi heard a knock on her door and turned around to see Tony and Pepper standing there, a slight smirk on his face. "Are you ready to sign yourself over to Barnes?" he teased her, making her chuckle. "Of course."
Pepper came forward to her, pulling her into a hug. She hugged the woman back, glad to have Pepper by her side. "You're so lovely, Destiny." Pepper stated, helping clean her face, when Destiny looked at her nervously.
Tony couldn't stop the proud smile when he saw Destiny standing in her gorgeous dress. She held a bouquet designed of orchids, her new favorite flowers. "Hey, Angel, everything okay?" Tony asked as he approached her, noticing the look on her face. She took a deep breath,
"Pepper? Tony?"
"Yes?"
"Can...will you and Tony give me away?"
Pepper looked at her surprised, looking over at Tony as he approached them. "Tony," Desi spoke, tears on her face as she took his hands into hers, "you've been there for me more than anyone else since the beginning. You didn't give up on me even when I was missing, and I want to thank you for everything. You've been like my father; you even let me share your last name."
"Angel…"
"That's why I want to ask, will you walk with me down the aisle also?" Ezri asked him. Pepper smiled when she saw Tony smile emotionally; she was honored and touched that she would ask him. "I'd be honored. We'd be honored." Tony said, unable to contain his smile. Desi chuckled in happiness, crying as she hugged Tony tightly. Desi pulled away from Tony before she turned to Pepper. The bride pulled her into a hug as well. "Thank you too, Pepper. You've been kind and supportive, like a mother to me." Desi spoke.
Pepper smiled and hugged her back, glad she and Tony met someone like her when they did. Pepper and she released each other before Pepper went back with the bridesmaids.
Bucky stood anxiously, taking deep breaths as he waited nervously for Desi. With Steve, Lemi, and Loki standing as his groomsmen, they tried their best to calm him down. As promised, it was a small ceremony with only the Avengers, with Agent Hill, Nick Fury, Agent Stephanie, and Dr. Cho also with them.
Until the music started with Peter and Wade walking out as their flower men, the group was instantly amused as bridesmaids walked out behind him. Peter played with his role, sprinkling the flowers before him and throwing them side by side. Wade would do the same, doing little spins before he'd toss the pedals. The duo then threw the remaining flowers at the groom and his crew before they sat on Desi's side in the front road. The bridesmaids came in one after the other, but Bucky's heart nearly stopped when he finally saw her.
Bucky's breath hitched when he saw her with Tony, taking in her appearance. Desi wore a long sparkling lace dress, her cleavage exposed but hidden beautifully. She was radiant, her smile beaming. His mind flashed to the same smile on her face when he first met her as the Winter Soldier. The memory of her on his lap as she helped him recover his memory; she never treated him any differently.
He remembered their time together in the apartment: her cooking, their dancing, and their game nights. He thought of their first kiss, their first date, the day when he feared she would die in his arms: it led to this moment. Today, he was making her his wife and starting a family together. Bucky teared up, failing horribly to control himself; he didn't know what he did to deserve her.
Steve's smile dropped. Enraptured by Desi's beauty, she made her way towards them, her eyes only on Bucky. When she finally reached him, Clint smiled happily; he jumped at the opportunity to ordain the couple, something he would've wanted to do for Emily.
"And who will be giving the bride away?" Clint asked.
"We are." Tony and Pepper spoke in synchrony. Tony lifted her veil, kissing her cheek before he let her go, flashing her a smirk before he turned to Bucky. Taking Desi's hand, he took Bucky's, lacing their hands together before he joined Pepper at the seating area. "We welcome everyone to James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes and Destiny Montoya-Stark's wedding. A couple that we all thought was never going to happen." Clint said teasingly. Bucky gave Clint a hard stare, making the room chuckle.
"That look right there, that stare would creep and irate everyone but not Desi. Her smile and kindness sure melted her way into his heart, his eyes only on her safety before love found its way to them. Never have I seen someone fall so hard, so fast, and unconditionally," Clint said, "Both the bride and the groom have chosen not to give any vows, so can we please have the rings?" Clint asked, looking around carefully.
"Chewy! Chip!" Bucky yelled with a whistle, looking past the party; the party, groomsmen, and bridesmaid looked behind in the same direction. Bucky and Desi looked to see what was happening when Chewy and Chip were walking towards them in a tux outfit with tops hot on their heads.
The crowd made an awe noise as Desi squealed in adoration towards their pups. Destiny bent down, picking up the puppy to show Bucky the rings on a pillow strapped on Chewy's back. Bucky smirked, taking the rings carefully from Chip's back and turning back to Desi as she put the puppy down.
"Now, repeat after me, Bucky. 'With this ring, I thee wed.'"
"With this ring, I thee wed." Bucky repeated as he slid Desi's wedding ring onto her finger.
"Now, Desi, repeat after me," Clint said as Desi took the ring from Bucky, "With this ring, I thee wed."
"With this ring," Desi repeated, sliding Bucky's ring onto his finger, "I thee wed."
"By the power invested in me by the state of New York, you are now husband and wife; you may kiss your bride." Bucky wrapped an arm around her waist, making Desi smile as she rested one hand on his chest and the other on his cheek as he pulled her into a sensual kiss. The party cheered them on, the couple oblivious to them as Bucky refused to let her go.
He was now home.
