Chapter 1. Regroup

It was the soft giggles that woke Bucky Barnes, followed by the little hand that touched his cheek. He tried not to smile as his daughter, Winnie, climbed over him so that she was in between him and his wife, Noelle. The whispers between the two focused on whether he was truly awake or if the three-and-a-half-year-old had successfully managed to get in bed without his knowledge.

"Mama, I snucked into bed," claimed his daughter, emphatic in her belief that her Papa was still asleep.

"Little doll, Papa is always on watch," whispered Noelle. "He is listening to us now."

The blue eyes of the little girl grew bigger at her mother's insistence, and she turned around to face the dark-haired super soldier, meeting his amused blue eyes.

"Baby girl," he smiled. "Why are you in bed with Mama and Papa? We talked about this, didn't we?"

The blonde girl frowned then pouted a little. "I missed you," she replied. "You was gone for so long, then you got back in the night, and I couldn't wait to see you."

He smiled at her, glad that after he and Noelle had made love upon his return that they both managed to throw some clothes on before they fell asleep. His wife, propped up on one elbow looked lovingly at him as once more their daughter's desire to be with them proved greater than their insistence that she stay in her big girl bed until she was invited to wake up her father.

"Are you hungry?" asked Bucky.

"Yes, Papa," she replied. "Starving."

"Well, we can't have that," he stated. "Come help me make some breakfast and we'll let Mama sleep some more. She was very tired last night."

Noelle smiled at her husband. She was only tired because he was almost insatiable upon his return from the mission. He could make do with just a couple of hours sleep but she was still a normal human and needed more rest, especially after she and Bucky had enjoyed each other's bodies in the best way possible. Running his hand down her leg he pulled back the covers on his side of the bed and stepped out. His sweatpants hung low on his hips, not hiding the toned Adonis belt of his lower abdomen. Her eyes flickered from it to his eyes, amused at her gaze. Reaching into the dresser drawer he pulled out a T-shirt and held it in front of him, obscuring the object of her attention.

"I'll be right back," he said to Winnie. "I'm just going to wash up."

As he took a quick shower Winnie got off the bed and waited patiently for her father to come out of the bathroom. As soon as he did, she held her hands out to him and he scooped her up, letting her wrap her arms around his neck. Stepping out of their apartment at the Avengers compound they headed towards the communal kitchen. It was early and he wasn't expecting anyone else to be up, but Sam was already there, along with his son, Paul, standing on a chair and watching as Sam made some scrambled eggs. He grinned when Bucky walked in with Winnie.

"Let me guess, she climbed in bed with you," he said. "That's what this one did. Something about missing me because I was gone for so long."

Bucky looked between the two small children. Only six months apart in age they were almost inseparable. It didn't surprise him that they both had the same reason for getting into bed with their parents. Kissing Winnie on top of her head he placed her down. She immediately dragged a chair over so she could also stand at the counter. Bucky assembled the makings for pancakes while Sam whipped up more eggs to scramble. The two men worked in tandem, making enough for both of them and their kids, although Bucky and Winnie's portions were bigger, and Sam had already started sausages for himself and Bucky. The little girl had inherited her father's appetite as well as his abilities, eating more than a normal child for her meals.

"Milk or juice, baby girl?" asked Bucky. He turned to little Paul. "And you, buddy?"

"Juice please," she replied politely.

"Milk please, Uncle Bucky," said the three-year-old.

"Coffee's already made," commented Sam.

Bucky poured out the kid's drinks at the table then helped them both move their chairs while Sam plated their meals. He served the kids first while Bucky poured himself and Sam each a cup of coffee, keeping his black and adding milk and sugar to his partner's cup.

"It's eerie how you two act like you're married to each other and not to your wives," yawned Joaquin, as he entered the kitchen. "I wasn't expecting anyone else to be up."

"Kids are the never-ending alarm clock," answered Bucky, then he held the coffee pot up with an expectant look at the current Falcon. "What's your excuse?"

The younger man nodded to the coffee, grabbing a mug out of the cupboard and placing it where Bucky could pour.

"Repairs to the suit," he said. "Took some damage on the last part of the battle before we retreated. Pete said he would help but I have to go to the supply room and get what I need before the debrief. Didn't want to wait in case we got called back out right away. You know we really didn't accomplish our objective."

Sam shook his head at Joaquin, motioning to the kids. "No mission talk around the kids," he reminded him, then noticed his son taking big chunks of pancakes and stuffing them in his mouth. "Paul, smaller pieces, big guy. You don't have to keep up with Winnie. It's not a race."

The two children giggled. As they ate Shaun entered, grabbing a mug and pouring himself a coffee. He took several sips before he said anything.

"What time is the debrief?" he asked out loud.

Sam looked at the microwave clock. "10:00," he answered, then he addressed the AI. "Friday, wakeup call at 09:00 for all Avengers, reminding them that the mission debrief is at ten. Send a reminder at 09:30."

"Does that include yourself and Sergeant Barnes?"

"No, we're already up," he sighed, looking at his son. "We're so up."

As more of the Avengers slowly dragged themselves into the kitchen the coffee pot was drained twice and refilled a third time. The older ones took the time to make a proper breakfast while the younger ones availed themselves of cereal, danishes or muffins, bought in bulk daily. There was always a container of cut-up fruit ready to go as well since most of them accepted the need to have some actual nutrition with their breakfasts. Thor polished off a box of pop tarts, winking at Winnie when he ate the last one.

"Little one, are you ready to try and lift Mjolnir?" he asked.

"Thor, she's not ready for battle," said Bucky, as he worked on the New York Times crossword.

"Nonsense, Love was just a few months old when she took Stormbreaker in hand," said the Asgardian. "A super soldier child should know how to defend herself and her family."

"Papa, I want to try," piped up the little girl. "Uncle Thor said if I can lift Meowlnur then I'm worthy of being a warryer."

"My darling, you're too young," stated Bucky, looking firmly at Thor first, then more softly at Winnie. "Love was born with more abilities than an enhanced human and she looked twice your age. Even now, just a few years later, she looks almost like a teenager. Your mother and I will decide when you're ready to start training."

Thor winked at the little girl again, then smiled genially at Bucky. Somehow, he would get the young child to try to lift his hammer. Bucky had already proved his worthiness as had Sam and Peter. It was only fitting that they learn quickly if Bucky's daughter had that same ability that her father did. She was already quite fearless, displaying a comfort with heights that her father didn't share, as well as an affinity for water play in the swimming pool. If she had been born Asgardian she would already be learning to wield a sword.

"Good morning, fellow Avengers," said Tony Stark briskly as he strolled in. He looked fondly at the two children finishing their breakfast. "How are our two future Avengers?"

"Good!" crowed Winnie. "Uncle Tony can we have a pony?"

"Sure kid, what colour?"

"No ponies," huffed Bucky. "Win, we talked about this. Just because Uncle Tony can't say no to a kid doesn't mean you can ask him for anything." She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. Bucky looked critically at the other man. "Tony, I know you still have this sense that you owe the universe everything for bringing you back from the dead, but I draw the line at trying to buy my daughter's love. She loves you because you are a good man. Leave it at that."

The billionaire raised his hands in surrender while making a sad face, then winking at the little girl.

"I can still buy her stuff for Christmas and her birthday, right?"

"As long as it's not a pony," replied Bucky. "Or anything over 100." Tony started to say something. "End of discussion."

The billionaire turned to Paul Wilson, but Sam spoke before Tony could say anything to the boy. "No."

"You guys take all the fun out of resurrection," he grumbled as started making his breakfast. "How am I supposed to repay this miracle when you won't even let me spoil your kids."

"Play school," said Winnie.

Tony stopped what he was doing and looked at Bucky's daughter. "Yes, that's it," he grinned. "You'll have the best play school in the country, in the world. Winnie Barnes, you are a genius!"

"What's a geeneeus?"

"A very, very smart little girl named Winnie," answered Tony, leaning over the table and booping her nose, making her giggle.

Sam looked at Bucky with raised eyebrows. They couldn't really stop Tony from pouring money into the kid's play school since it benefitted a number of children including their own. Bucky said nothing but did shake his head. Seeing that Winnie was finished he picked up their plates, placing them in the dishwasher.

"Time to get ready for play school," he said to his daughter.

She climbed down from her chair and held her dad's hand as they returned to the Barnes quarters. Taking her into the bathroom he washed her face, prepared her toothbrush then helped her brush her teeth. When she was done, he did her hair in French braids, curling the ends against his fingers.

"What do you want to wear today, my love?" he asked.

She picked out a navy dress with rainbow striped sleeves and several butterfly appliqués on the front that looked like they were in flight. Pairing it with some pink Capri leggings and sandals, she stood in front of her mirror and turned slightly admiring the view.

"Looks pretty perfect to me, Angel," said Bucky. "Should we go kiss Mama goodbye?"

"Yes," she replied, as she skipped out of her room.

Bucky quietly opened the door to his bedroom, and they approached the bed. His wife, Noelle, raised her head and smiled sleepily at the pair.

"Is it school time already?" she asked. "I didn't even get up."

"S'okay, Mama," whispered Winnie, as she climbed onto the bed. "Papa dressed me and did my hair."

"Looks pretty, baby," murmured Noelle. "I'll be up when you're done, okay? Give Mama a kiss."

Raising her head again she received a kiss from her daughter, gave Bucky a grateful smile and dropped her head back down. Picking Winnie up in his arms Bucky left the room, quietly closing the door. He grabbed a couple of snacks from the cupboard and put them into his daughter's knapsack along with her water bottle, then they headed towards the play school that was on the compound. By the time they got there Sam and Paul were already waiting, as were several SHIELD staff with their little ones. The teacher and the aide came out from the spacious room and greeted everyone by name as they entered the space, then closed the door behind them as most of the parents watched through the windows for a last few moments before heading to their work.

"Might as well begin preparing for the debrief," said Sam. "You coming?"

"Yeah, don't really have time for a workout," replied Bucky. They began walking. "You figure we're going to have to head out again?"

"Almost guaranteed," replied the current Captain America, acknowledging the greetings of several other staff in the long passageway to the briefing area. "I'm worried that when we look at the latest satellite images of the site it will look like we were never there."

Unfortunately, Bucky had nothing to counter that observation with. None of them had wanted to leave the site in Norway, but they had been stymied for the last two days trying to re-enter the previously suspected and now confirmed enemy base. In the past they would have referred to the people there as HYDRA, but that organization had evolved in the years since Bucky escaped from them. Now calling themselves Cerberus, after the three headed dog that guarded the underworld, the organization vowed to restore those who belonged to them to their rightful place under their command. They made it very well known that they intended to recapture the Winter Soldier and use his services for their glory.

Before stopping at the briefing room, they both looked at the latest images, confirming Sam's observation. Much of the damage they inflicted on the base wasn't visible on the outside. Both of them swore when they saw that, hopeful that the images would show something.

"They must be using nanotechnology to repair the damage," said a voice behind them.

"Carol, I didn't know you were back," said Sam, acknowledging Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel. "It's been a long time."

"Fury contacted me when you had to return here to regroup," she said, looking up at the display. "I'm just seeing this for the first time but that's my assessment. Do you think they have stolen StarkTech or Wakandan Tech to fix the damage?"

"That's as good a guess as any," he replied. "We thought we had them beat and retreated to avoid casualties then it seemed like nothing happened after that. When we tried getting back in, they repelled us."

"Maybe nanotechnology with an AI embedded in it, to learn your strategies and counter your usual method of attack," she suggested. She looked at Bucky's scowl. "Just spitballin' Buck."

"I think you're right on the money," he admitted. "It would explain a lot. The question is, how do we get around it?"

"Well, that's why I'm here," she smiled then looked around. "I thought Stark would be here. Now that he's back he's not as involved in planning?"

"Nope," said Sam. "Said he's learned his lesson and will leave planning to everyone else. Spends more time with the family or in the lab with Bruce and Harley developing tech. He's even sent the suit out by remote control a few times so that he's not in the line of fire. Don't get me wrong, we're glad to have him but he's taking this second chance at living very seriously. Pepper's pregnant again."

"Can't blame him," stated Bucky. "My second chance at living came because of HYDRA, completely out of my control. He wants control of his life from now on and has made it very clear he's a family man first."

"Do you even know if he's the same Stark?" she asked in a low voice. "I mean, Fury called him resurrected but were any tests done to see if he's biologically the same or if he's from the multiverse or a Skrull?"

"Nope, at least nothing that was disclosed to us," answered Sam, turning to her. "Fury, Peter, Pepper, and Morgan, all accepted him at face value. He hasn't volunteered what happened and we haven't asked. So far, he's been almost the exact same Tony."

"Well, I'm going to grab a bite to eat and have a shower," she said. "I do have quarters here, don't I?"

"Yup, just ask Friday, she'll tell you where," said Sam. He called out as she walked away. "Glad you're back."

"Yes, you are!" She answered back, with a grin.

An hour later they were all gathered in the briefing room and Sam had brought up the latest satellite images. The collective groans were to be expected but people were also angry. They were at that base for almost a week, fighting their way in, acquiring intelligence, then preparing to demolish it when the structure began to fall apart around them before they set the charges. After retreating to the outside nothing happened and every indication was that whatever they thought was happening just stopped. That brought them to the second attempt to re-enter which they were unable to do.

"It's been suggested that Cerberus have acquired nanotechnology to fix whatever we damaged," said Sam. "If anyone has any other explanation, I'm open to hearing it."

"Could be magic," said Dr. Strange. "Any sorcerer could project an illusion that the base wasn't falling apart in order to get you out of there then make it seem like your efforts to re-enter were in vain."

"It could even be a false image," suggested Joaquin. "A projection to make us think everything is fine."

"But could they maintain the magic illusion for a satellite?" asked Sam. "Wouldn't a projection have a signature? We're not picking up any sort of digital or electronic signature."

Strange shrugged, accepting Sam's point. "I could go there and find out," he offered.

"If it is magic, they would try to take you out," said Peter.

"They could try."

"We have further confirmation that Cerberus may have acquired biological samples of certain individuals," said Sam. He paused before he said anything further as he had just received the communique about ten minutes before the meeting. "Someone broke into the resting place of Brock Rumlow, plus several other deceased members of the STRIKE team that were HYDRA plants, and an attempt was made to break Jack Rollins out of prison. He has been relocated to the Raft."

"Pierce's remains?" asked Bucky.

"Are buried in an unmarked grave," said Sam. "No sign they were tampered with. There is speculation that Cerberus has cloning technology."

There were several mutterings of "shit" and "damn" at that revelation. Bucky swallowed noticeably.

"They may still have biological samples of me," he said. "I know we went looking for them but there were so many places where they could have shipped them that I wasn't even aware of."

"SHIELD is aware of that," replied Sam. "Shuri, is there anything we can do to mark this Bucky as the original? I'm assuming they can't clone the vibranium arm."

The current Black Panther was on the screen, in a live feed from Wakanda.

"That is true, although if they have a sorcerer, they can make it look like the left arm is a prosthetic," she said. "It likely wouldn't show up in a quantum entanglement scan indicating the individual is a clone. I doubt they can duplicate a similar looking arm as they don't have the vibranium. They likely can't duplicate Bucky's personality, either."

There were several smiles from people at that comment.

"I love you too, darlin'," smiled Bucky. "I know we have to go back there and clean that nest out but we're going to have to come up with a way to get past their upgraded defences. Do we have drones that can go in without being detected?"

"Working on it," said Tony. "Should have something to go by tomorrow. If we can get a portal to send them through, they can probably provide us intel within minutes of arrival. Just so everyone knows, I'm not a clone." Everyone turned around to look at him. "I figured when Sam brought that up you would all wonder so I'm just taking that off the table."

"Well, I'm interested in knowing how you showed up over two years after we defeated Thanos," said Carol, deciding to take her opportunity to ask. "I've been away since just before you presented yourself, but Nick Fury seemed satisfied you are who you're supposed to be. I'm just not sure I'm satisfied."

Tony smiled. "You did your own coming back from the dead, am I right?" he asked, without malice. "Let's just say that after my demise some brain and cellular activity was detected. I was put into cryostasis while Nick sought out some assistance from a very foreign source. Manchurian ... sorry, I promised I wasn't going to do that anymore. Bucky Barnes survived 70 years of being frozen and unfrozen so my extended time wasn't a big deal to the experts. When Nick had the means to build on my brain and cellular activity and extend it to the rest of my body in a slightly accelerated process, he made it happen. Took me a while to adjust after I woke up, but I am what I was, mostly."

"Why didn't you tell us this before?" asked Sam.

Tony grinned. "No one asked and I kind of assumed Nick told you. My bad." He made eye contact with everyone in turn. "Any other questions? Now's your chance."

"Did Pepper know?" asked Bucky.

"Yes, but at the time they didn't know if what Nick was planning would work," replied Tony. "She still mourned me, believing full heartedly that I was gone for good. She never told Morgan the details, either, and I would prefer no one mention it to her. All they said to her was that I was in a coma."

"What was it like?" asked Kate.

Tony smiled calmly at her. "Honestly? I don't remember a lot, except I was in a void, for lack of a better word. I was alone but I didn't feel dead. I've talked to a few people about it and the best we came up with is that my consciousness went into a type of holding pattern, not moving forward or back." He looked down at his hands for a moment then at Yelena. "I do remember looking for Natasha and Vision, but they weren't there or at least I couldn't find them there. It's possible my consciousness hadn't moved on because biologically I was still alive." He shrugged. "It's really a mystery to me. But I'm glad I'm back and I won't waste this life on being negative or angry. That would be a waste of a life."

There were no more questions about anything after that little reflection on the mysteries of life. Tony, Bruce, and Harley returned to the lab. Joaquin and Peter went to another lab to work on the Falcon suit. The others returned to their suites or went for a workout. Bucky returned back to his quarters in time to crawl into bed with Noelle for an hour, although they didn't sleep. They both showered and changed to pick up Winnie from play school. After lunch he did go for a workout and engaged in some sparring with anyone that wanted it. The rest of the day was pretty much a regular one at the Avengers compound.