"And here is permission for you to make medical decisions for Rebecca while I'm gone," said Alison handing over another form to Foggy. Bucky looked at the small stack of papers Alison had sat down at the table with Foggy and was sort of stunned. Back when he and Steve had been kids it was normal for his mom or Steve's mom to just ask to take them in for a night or a couple days. Alison had been up half the night typing up lists and documents for Foggy and Marci to take Rebecca. Well different times calls for different stuff, thought Bucky.
"I say this as a lawyer...this seems like a lot," said Foggy.
"I'm about to attempt time travel with The Avengers. I have no idea if it's going to work or how long it's going to take. I have no idea if anything is going to happen to me. I'm trusting you with my child and my dog. So yeah...I'm a little keyed up," said Alison and she handed him another form. "Life insurance...I did add a death by misadventure policy so I think that might cover what I'm about to do. You're a lawyer I'm sure you'll figure it out." Alison gave him a smile. Foggy shook his head and took her hand.
"I promise you that Rebecca and Bailey are in good hands...well I really should have cleared the dog with Marci before agreeing," said Foggy.
"I did give you the name and phone number of the vet and they do boarding if it gets to be too much," said Alison and Foggy squeezed her hand.
"This is gonna work. I just feel it in my gut...and when it does you and me and Marci and Bucky and Matt and Karen are going to have a night on the town...we'll have to end the night at Josie's though. It's an unwritten rule that all nights out have to end at Josie's. Well...Marci might have to sit Josie's out...pretty sure the water is still not up to code even after all this time. Well...I mean first Matt, Karen and I are totally taking on Bucky's case and getting him a pardon because...I'm rambling...it's just...holy shit," said Foggy and Alison let out a small laugh.
"I mean it's just saving the world...sort of...trust me I know it's a lot to take in," said Alison.
"I thought I would be used to the super hero stuff because of Matt..." Foggy caught himself and Alison gave him a look and Bucky was a little puzzled too. The blind lawyer...well anything is possible.
"I think that is a story for another time and you better tell me when we're at Josie's," said Alison. She and Foggy got up from the table and hugged.
"Honestly the hardest part is going to happen in the next two minutes," said Alison. They headed into the living room where Marci had turned Bluey on for Rebecca and Bailey was curled up by Rebecca. Marci was four months pregnant and Bucky knew a part of Alison that felt bad for imposing on her like this, but her other choice was Pepper who was going to have her hands full with Morgan or taking her to HQ while they worked on the plan and well neither one was a good option. Alison sat down next to Rebecca and paused the episode.
"Hey. We have to have a big girl chat for a minute," said Alison. Foggy asked Marci if she would help him do anything in the other room and they left. Alison looked Rebecca in eyes and smiled at her.
"I have to go away for a little bit with Grandpa to help on an Avenger job. I don't know how long it's going to take, but I'm going to try and call you every night before bed. You're going to stay here with Uncle Foggy and Aunt Marci while I'm working. I need you to be a good girl for them while I'm working ok. Help Aunt Marci with Bailey alright," said Alison.
Bucky could feel the worry coming off both of them. Alison and Rebecca had never been away from each other like this. Alison had turned down any attempts by Natasha to rejoin the team. However, both mother and daughter were a masterclass in putting on a brave front.
"Ok mommy," said Rebecca.
"Give me a big hug. Like the biggest one ever," said Alison. Rebecca almost launched herself into Alison and wrapped her arms around her neck.
"I love you," said Alison kissing her on the cheek and Rebecca gave Alison a sloppy kiss on her cheek. Alison turned to Bailey and gave her a rub behind the ears.
"I expect you to be extra good. No shoe eating," said Alison. She turned the episode of Bluey back on and thanked Foggy and Marci one more time before heading out. Alison got into the car Robert was driving and they headed out.
"Anything else you need to do?" asked Robert.
"Nah. Tony called the school's principal on the way home and told him "I was going to need an extended leave because I was going to be doing bad ass Avenger shit." " said Alison and Robert laughed.
"Ok...lets go do some bad ass Avenger shit," said Robert.
…...
They pulled up to Avenger HQ and saw Steve and Tony out front and Tony was giving Steve his shield back. Well that is a sight to see, thought Bucky. Alison and Robert got out of the car and Steve looked a little surprised to see them. Alison shrugged and went up to Steve and Tony. Robert grabbed their bags and went inside.
"Where's Rebecca?" asked Steve.
"Foggy and Marci have her and Bailey. I figured the less distractions the better," said Alison and she looked at the shield and at Tony. "The girls are going to be very sad that they won't be able to play with that this winter."
"I'll make it up to them later. Pretty sure I could just pull a sled around in one of the suits," said Tony.
"I'm glad you're here Ally," said Steve giving her a hug.
"Well...Bucky wouldn't forgive me if I didn't come along and try to stop you from doing anything too stupid," said Alison.
"Oh sweetheart that ship sailed in 1925 when we first started going to school together. You are not responsible for his stupidity," said Bucky and Jillian laughed.
"It's the mom part she'll feel responsible no matter what," said Jillian.
"So I brought Dorothy and the Lion...who are you planning on bring to the party?" asked Tony.
"Bruce and Rocket are going to get Thor and Natasha is on her way to try and bring Clint in," said Steve. They started heading inside and Robert was talking with Nebula.
"Blue Meanie," said Tony nodding at her and she nodded back. They headed into the meeting area and were joined by Rhodey and Scott. Scott grinned at Alison and she went over to him.
"Sorry I was a little unhinged a few days ago," said Alison.
"Nah...it's ok. It was a lot to take in and well...I might have turned myself into baby on the first run through so yeah my plan wasn't going great," said Scott and Alison laughed.
"Well it's a good thing they got 'you' back because I like you, but not enough to change your diapers," said Alison.
"Pretty sure my girlfriend doesn't like me enough to change my diapers," said Scott. Tony called them to attention and pulled up blueprints on Friday and while Bucky had no idea what he was looking at Alison walked around it and looked at Tony.
"Is this a Mobius Strip? " asked Alison.
"Inverted. Why?" asked Tony and Alison grinned.
"Franklin and his time ribbon theory. He originally thought of time as circle and things would branch out from the circle as different multiverses. However, after a really fun drug swap and some paper crafting time he thought of time as a Mobius Strip that would branch into multiverses," said Alison.
"Dr. Frankin Rone?" asked Scott and Alison nodded.
"Yeah. It's amazing what a Klonopin chased with some NyQuil will do for you," said Alison. Tony, Rhodey, Robert and Scott all looked at her. Steve and Nebula were confused. "What? It was three weeks into my stay at Camp Happy and someone left the med cart unattended. I didn't steal the drugs, it just seemed like a fun way to get through a Tuesday night. It wasn't my finest moment...but it was fun. So I take it you studied his work?" asked Alison.
Tony was explaining that he had in mind and Steve started giving folks their tasks. Nebula, Rhodey, Scott and Bruce would work on the suits needed. Robert, Alison, Rocket and Tony would work on putting the machine together. Steve and Natasha would be reaching out to various governments to let them know what was happening.
"It's going to be a big shock to just have billions of people come back. We want them to be ready," said Steve. "After we get the suits and the machine up and running we'll plan out the heist." They broke up and Tony was hassling Alison about her drug use and Robert was muttering about why she couldn't have just smoked pot like a normal person. Alison shot back that she was just a late bloomer and could have been dropping all sorts of drugs in her teen years at all the concerts and clubs she had been at.
"There I was just sipping water and cherry Cokes after my set and I could have been doing Mitsubishi ecstasy and waving glow sticks," said Alison. Jillian sighed deeply and looked at Alison
"If I had been able to make myself known to her during that time I would have. She seemed so unbelievably lost. At least she made a good friend while she was there," said Jillian.
"He was really nice...I'm looking forward to seeing him again," said Bucky and Jillian nodded.
"At least you'll get to talk to him. I mean I know his ideas were just theories, but I would have liked to have talked to him about some of the ideas I had concerning space travel," said Jillian.
"He would have liked you too," said Bucky. "You know I thought his idea was insane at first, but now...hell a part of his insane idea is why I'm coming back," said Bucky. He thought about what he had seen in the hospital room after Alison had Rebecca and it made sense. Steve had taken him back so he could see Rebecca has a baby. To hold her at least once as an infant. Thanks buddy.
"I mean I had an insane idea that we could travel into space and well," said Jillian and she pointed at Nebula talking with Scott who seemed in awe of her.Maybe there is nothing insane anymore,thought Bucky.
…...
It took at least three days and three very sleepless nights between herself, Robert, Tony and Rocket to get the machine built. Clint...to everyone's shock had been found by Natasha and he had done a test run just a few hours ago. Despite being keyed up Alison felt a chill go by as the test started and for a second she felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water through her when he came back.Ok this is the last time I do space uppers,thought Alison thinking about the little purple gummy Rocket had given them after coming back with Thor and Bruce. He called it a Zandar Booster and well it did the trick since they were able to build a honest to god time machine in less than week.
Now came the hard part as they tried to come up with a plan to steal the stones. Alison curled up in a chair and was eating the last of the dino nuggets while Steve brought up multiple screens with each Stone.
"Ok. So the how works. Now, we need to figure out the when and where," said Steve. "Almost everyone in this room has had an encounter with at least one of the six Infinity Stones."
"Or substitute 'encounter' with damn near killed by one of the six Infinity Stones," said Tony.
"Well I haven't," said Scott.
"These encounters are really overrated since you're focused on not dying" said Alison thinking about the New York Invasion and Wakanda. Natasha and Barton had to bite back a laugh and Bruce sighed.
"Either way we only have enough Pym Particles for one round-trip each and these stones have been in a lot of different places in history," said Bruce.
"Well our history," said Tony. "So not a lot of convenient spots to just drop in and grab one."
"Which means we have to carefully pick our targets," said Clint.
"Correct," said Tony.
"So we'll start with the Aether," said Steve. "Thor. What do you know?" They turned to look at him and it was only than they realized he was sleeping.
Alison had only seen him in passing since he got here since was working on the machine and only took breaks to pee and to call Rebecca to say good night to her. Tony had started calling him Lebowski and if Alison hadn't known any better she would have thought someone had brought them Jeff Bridges from 1998. She had only seen him for a moment after the failed attempt five years ago and than Thor had taken off to New Asgard and well if the psych nurse in her was right he had fallen head first into every bad coping device known to Earth.Well it's sort of an odd comfort to know that even the Gods struggle with depression...even though I wouldn't wish it on a lot of people.
"I think he's sleeping," said Natasha.
"I think he might be dead," said Rhodey. The group turned to Alison clearly expecting her to confirm or deny signs of life. She got up and recalling how reactive Bucky could be when woken up from a dead sleep or a nightmare whispered his name in hopes of at least giving him some warning.
"Thor...Thor...Thor... hey...wake up," said Alison and she touched his arm lightly. Thor jerked awake and Alison ended up wearing what was left of the beer in the can he was holding.
"Oh hey...Amanda?" asked Thor.
"It's Alison and Steve has some questions about the Aether. Do you think you could answer them?" asked Alison in a combination of the Nurse tone and Mom voice. No nonsense, but caring and a little too cheerful.
"Oh right of course...sorry about that," said Thor trying to wipe the beer off her face.
"Totally fine," said Alison easing away from him and nudging him towards Steve. Steve and Tony gave her looks of gratitude and Robert handed her a damp napkin to wipe off her face.
"Um...well...where to start? Um...The Aether. Firstly it is not a stone. Someone called it a stone before," said Thor pointing at Steve and Steve looked over to Alison and she nodded her head back to Thor.
"It's more of an angry sludge sort of thing...so someone is going to need to amend that and stop calling it a stone," said Thor putting in some eye drops.
"What in the damn hell," whispered Robert and Alison shook her head. Alison didn't think it was possible for a God to get drunk, but clearly he was either hungover, recovering from a hangover or on his way to one. Either way this was not good.Well you didn't think the Gods could have depression either so...you learn something new all the time,thought Alison.
"Here's an interesting story about the Aether though. My Grandfather many years ago had to hide the stone from the Dark Elves..." said Thor.I thought it said it wasn't Stone...oh don't try to use logic right now,thought Alison watching Thor touch the screen and bring up a picture of Jane Foster "So Jane actually...yeah so Jane was an old flame of mine. She stuck her hand in this rock one time..."
Alison looked around the room at the team and almost everyone had varying levels of What the fuck is happening written on the their face. Well Alison couldn't make out Nebula's face and Scott's face reminded Alison of the time she took Rebecca to an ice cream parlor for the first time and she was just happy to be there.
"And I got to introduce her to my mother...who's dead and um...oh you know Jane and I broke up. Well nothing lasts forever. The only thing in life that lasts forever..." started Thor and Tony came up and patted him on the shoulder.
"Hey that was some information. We will take that into account," said Tony. "Maybe we could take a break and get you some breakfast. Or do we have any more of those amazing dino nuggets?"
"I would like a bloody Mary," said Thor.
"How about I make you some French Toast with that Bloody Mary," suggested Alison getting up from her chair and patting Thor on the arm.
"That is a great idea," said Tony giving her a look and Alison shrugged.It's the best idea I have right now.
"Come on. Let's go get some carbs...do you like potatoes? Fried or oven baked?" asked Alison dipping more into the Mom voice and taking Thor out of the room. The group watched her go and Clint shook his head.
"Here I thought Laura had the ultimate Mom voice," said Clint.
"I've heard of race of woman that had a voice that could control everyone around them. Are you sure your daughter isn't one of them?" asked Nebula.
"Nope...pretty sure she's human. She just has amazing vocal skills," said Robert.
…...
Alison made Thor his Bloody Mary and also made him a bag of tater tots, some French toast and the rest of the eggs she just scrambled for him. Bucky watched as she threw in a fruit cup that Thor made a face at.
"Well my brother seems to have your wife on toes. I think the child she carried for you might be less work," said Loki and Bucky sighed. He had almost forgotten how annoying the ghost of the God of Mischief could be. After Thor left Loki had gone with him and as far as Bucky was concerned it was just one less reminder that this must be some form of hell.
"It's clear that your brother isn't doing well at all," said Bucky and Jillian made a disgusted noise.
"I never thought I would be happy to not have a sense of smell," said Jillian looking at Thor has he devoured the eggs and burped loudly. Alison made two large cups of coffee and sat one down in front of Thor and took the other one for herself.
"You know I got to meet Jane a few times," said Alison and Thor paused in his eating and Bucky could see the brief shaking of his hand before went back to eating.
"Oh did you...well that must have be interesting...yes," said Thor and he lapsed into silence. Bucky could tell Alison was trying to find a way to get him to open up to her and was weighing all of her options.
"So we really didn't get a chance to get to know each other before...everything happened and well we really haven't been in touch. I sort of got bogged down with stuff here. What have you been doing?" asked Alison.
"Wallowing...lots of wallowing," said Loki and he sighed. "That's rather callous of me to say...still...I hoped...he was always the strong one."
"Well even the strong ones can break," said Jillian.
"Oh you know...this and that. My friends Korg and Miek live with me. We hang out, we play games, watch movies, drink," said Thor finishing his Bloody Mary and sipping the coffee. "Ugg...this needs something...oh any Kahlua?" asked Thor and Alison winced.
"I do have to give her credit for a least trying with him. His two 'friends' just let him sit in wallowing and well after awhile everyone else just stopped trying," said Loki.
"No we're out. Umm we have some hazelnut creamer though. I put some my daughter's hot chocolate once and she thought it was amazing," said Alison getting up and getting the creamer. She put about half of cup of creamer in and sat back down. Thor sipped and shrugged.
"Well I guess it will have to do. It's not bad, it's just not Kahlua," said Thor and Bucky could tell Alison was slightly relieved for a moment.
"I think that's the first time he hasn't booze on hand in the last five years," said Loki.
"Well it's always baby steps," said Bucky thinking about the first night he had spent alone after DC.
"So you...you have a daughter?" asked Thor and Alison nodded.
"Yeah. Her name is Rebecca and if she found out I was talking to the God of Thunder she would be so mad at me right now. She loves this show where one of the characters throws lightening and is a total bad ass," said Alison and Thor nodded.
"Well yes who doesn't love a total bad ass that throws lightening," agreed Thor and Alison smiled.
"Hey," called Rocket. "Cap and them wanna talk to the Bene Gesserit. They said to meet them in your office. I'll watch him." Bucky noticed Groot was with them and he gave Thor a look.
"I am Groot," he said annoyed and went to kick the stool out from under Thor and it didn't work.
"Yes I know what they are trying to do is serious and my brother is not being...helpful," said Loki to the walking Tree Ent.
"Ok," said Alison getting up from the counter. "If you want another coffee I used the Doughnut blend and we have plenty of hazelnut creamer."
"Thank you," said Thor and Alison headed out.
"Well clearly they want to talk about my brother and I'm dying...in a manor or speaking to know what they're going to say about him. Care to join?' asked Loki and he followed Alison.
"Might as well," said Bucky.
…...
It felt a little odd to be back in her office since the last time she had been in here was right before her trip to the UN. Alison took a seat in the chair at her the desk since that was the only spot left to her. She only really sat here to add to her notes from sessions. Steve, Tony, Rhodey and Natasha were scattered around the room. Tony was in the chair that Bucky or Wanda always took. Rhodey and Natasha were on the sofa where she liked to sit during sessions and Steve was pacing.
"So do you want my professional opinion or just base observations?" asked Alison.
"Base," said Tony.
"Professional," said Steve.
"And we were getting along so well," said Natasha.
"Well anyone can see that he is not fit for duty," said Rhodey.
"We don't have a choice. We're going to need him to get the Reality Stone...or goo...whatever it is," said Tony.
"Alison," said Steve trying to give her the room back. Alison grabbed a thing of paperclips and started bending them to help gather her thoughts.
"Well base observation is yeah he's a man child and is a drunk who can barely put a shirt on and it would be insane to send him on any mission of this scale since it is a winner take all issue. Professional opinion...the depression, the PTSD and Survivor's guilt have crushed him beyond what most people could take and the fact that he is even upright is a win. I can't say if therapy would help him or how long it would take or if he would even be willing to talk. I don't know if there is AA for Gods and once again how long would it take to get him off the sauce. We are going to need him to get the Reality Stone since our best seems to be getting it on Asgard. Plus, taking him off this might be the final blow to him. I think he really needs this more than anything," said Alison.
"So we're going to risk everything because of his feelings?" asked Rhodey. Alison threw a paperclip at him and got him right in the forehead. "What was that for?"
"Because as his team mate and well I thought you were his friend you should care about his feelings too. I barely know him. I joined the team when he was off world and my first time meeting was after The Snap. You guys all fought together and well...did no one check up on him until just now?" asked Alison. They all looked around guilty and Alison sighed.
"It's not a judgment...shit has not been great and we have all been trying to cope with our trauma-with a capital T and lower case T-in ways that have been healthy and not healthy. Thor...after we get the Stone and bring folks back I'll be happy to see if the God of Thunder wants to talk," said Alison. She wondered if Thor would come back to himself once some of his people came back. Still there was no undoing the lost of his family, home world or the people he had lost during the attack on his ship before the Snap. Still, maybe it was a baby step in the right direction.
"Would you be willing to go with him to get the Reality Stone?" asked Steve and Alison looked at Steve.This is a little like going with Bucky on that one mission. Yes you had earned your spot, but you were also there to help keep Bucky calm and his head in the game.
"Just me and him?" asked Alison.
"You get the space tanuki too," said Tony.
"You are really over estimating the mom voice," said Alison going over to Steve.
"I mean it works," said Steve with a grin.I wonder if this is the stupid that Bucky was always trying to keep him out of,thought Alison.
"Well it would be cool to brag to Sam that I got to leave Earth before he did. You get to deal whatever snit it puts Bucky in when he finds out," said Alison.
"Fair enough," said Steve. She and Steve shook on it before they all left the office. Bucky rolled his eyes.
"I know a part of me should be annoyed that she is going not only go back in time, but also leavimg this realm and on other hand I know she'll be able to get him through this mission," said Bucky.
"I always wanted to go...I wasn't for built for it physically. I loved hearing Wendy talk about what it was like out there," said Jillian. Loki sighed.
"I never thought there would be a time that Asgard would not be of this world. I'm almost jealous that my brother gets to go back. Even if it is for a short time. Well I should go make sure that the rabbit isn't being too cruel to my brother," said Loki. He got up to leave and looked at Bucky. "I know you won't remember this when you go back, but if you do remember anything. Can you thank your wife for being kind to him. It's how I should have been towards him," said Loki leaving the room and Jillian looked after him.
"It's a shame he had to die to truly learn anything," said Jillian.
"Think of what he could have done if he had learned," said Bucky.
…...
The days were starting to blur together and by night four of the Time Heist meetings Alison was beyond mind fried. She debating asking Rocket if she could have another one of those uppers and than asking if they could sleep a week before bring everyone back.It's been 5 years-what's another week?If she wasn't in Time Heist meetings she was trying to stop Thor from drinking himself into a stupor and well some days were better than others. She got him outside today for a walk and well he only had two beers during that time.At least he isn't calling me Amanda.It was hard trying to pin point the best location for some of the Stones. The Reality Stone was easy-she was going with Thor and Rocket to Asgard in 2013...Oh 2013...that's when the wheels starting coming off my cart in full force,thought Alison. Clint and Natasha were heading to a planet call Vormir to get the Soul Stone and Rhodey and Nebula were heading to a planet called Morag to get the Power Stone. The other three were proving hard to pinpoint a place in time to get. Robert was staying with the machine to make sure nothing went wrong with it.
She had gone into the kitchen to get something to snack on a little after midnight when her phone went off.Shit,thought Alison and she saw the caller ID was Foggy. Alison could have sworn her heart stopped beating. Why would Foggy be calling her after midnight?Rebecca's sick. Bailey's sick. Something happened to Marci. No good call comes after midnight.Alison forced herself to stay calm and take the call.
"Foggy?" asked Alison.
"Mommy?" asked Rebecca in a very small voice. Alison felt her heart go from her stomach to the throat in under a nano second. Alison had set a timer so she wouldn't miss calling Rebecca for bedtime. Stillit was hard only talking to her for a half hour each day. The last five years of her life had been devoted to this tiny voice on the line.Oh honey I promise you it will be worth it.
"Hi sweetie. What are you doing up so late and why are you on Uncle Foggy's phone?" asked Alison.
"He left it in the kitchen and the code is 4242. I saw him put it in," said Rebecca and Alison had to fight back a laugh and sigh.She's too damn clever.
"Ok, but that doesn't explain why you are up so late," said Alison sitting down at the counter.
"I had a bad dream," said Rebecca and Alison sighed.
"I'm sorry sweetie. Do you wanna talk about it?" asked Alison.
"Are you almost done with work? I miss you," said Rebecca and Alison had to sit the phone down and gather herself.Right hook straight into my heart.
"I miss you too. We're trying, but we're stuck on something and none of us can seem to figure it out," said Alison.
"Not even Rocket?" asked Rebecca and Alison had to hold back a laugh. Robert had once told Rebecca that Rocket was the smartest being in the whole world, well not as smart as mommy, but still pretty smart.
"He's stuck too sweetie. We're trying really hard and that's why I'm up so late. I promise once this is done I'm going to give you the biggest hug," said Alison. "What can I do to help you go back to sleep?" asked Alison.
"Sing me one of your old songs," said Rebecca and Alison laughed.
"What do you mean old?" asked Alison.
"Like old...like you played with your friends," said Rebecca and Alison was tempted to check her hair after this call to make sure didn't have any gray hairs.Oh god when Sophia and Renee come back they're going to fall over themselves about how our music is old.
"Old...huh. You know your daddy and Steve like music that is even older than me," said Alison and Rebecca giggled. "Go lay down and I'll sing you a song."
There was some rustling and Alison heard Rebecca tell Bailey they needed to go back to bed. Alison starting trying to think of songs. While Bucky had never been much of a fan of her 'whiny' 90's music, Rebecca at least pretended to like it a little bit. Alison smiled a little bit to herself.When he comes back he can introduced her to all the music he had growing up and she can show him what she likes. I always wanted a home with music in, like me and grandpa had. My mom taught me songs in Spanish from the radio stations and Rebecca can teach him the K-pop songs she likes.
"I'm back in bed," said Rebecca.
"Ok. Close your eyes and get cozy," said Alison. She took a deep breath and started singing softly.
Show me, show me, show me how you do that trick
The one that makes me scream", she said
"The one that makes me laugh", she said
And threw her arms around my neck
Show me how you do it
And I promise you, I promise that
I'll run away with you
I'll run away with you
Spinning on that dizzy edge
Kissed her face and kissed her head
Dreamed of all the different ways
I had to make her glow
"Why are you so far away?", she said
"Why won't you ever know that I'm in love with you
That I'm in love with you?"
You
Soft and only
You
Lost and lonely
You
Strange as angels
Dancing in the deepest oceans
Twisting in the water
You're just like a dream
You're just like a dream
Daylight licked me into shape
I must've been asleep for days
And moving lips to breathe her name
I opened up my eyes
And found myself alone, alone
Alone above a raging sea
That stole the only girl I loved
And drowned her deep inside of me
You
Soft and lonely
You
Lost and lonely
You
Just like heaven
There was a big yawn on Rebecca's side of the line and Alison wanted nothing more than to get in her car and sing to her in person or tell her stories until they were both asleep.You just have to get through this. Figure out how to get the last three Stones. Get them, snap everyone back...god I still haven't really figured out how to tell Bucky we have a daughter...hell how do I tell everyone coming back that I have a Pre K kid. Just get through this and we can work out the rest,thought Alison.
"Are you sleepy now sweetie?" asked Alison.
"A little," said Rebecca.
"Ok. We're going to hang up and you're going to take nice deep breaths and let your whole body go limp like a noddle and soon enough you'll be back asleep. I love you," said Alison.
"I love you mommy. Night night," said Rebecca. The call ended and Alison had to put her face in hands and sighed deeply.
"My mother used to sing to me and brother," said Thor. Alison looked up and saw him standing on the other side of the counter. Alison couldn't read the expression on this face and she rubbed her face. He pulled a beer out of sweater and Alison fought the urge to sigh.He can't go cold turkey- I don't want to think of what the DT would look like on him and you can't help anyone who doesn't want to help themselves.
"What did she sing to you guys?" asked Alison. She out the cutting board for the cheese she had taken out and started cutting slices. Maybe she could curb the worst part of the incoming hangover if she got carbs in him. Not ideal, but it was the only idea she had right now. Plus she had originally come in here for her own snack.
"Oh you know. The battle hymns that my grandfather's rode into on, the ballad of Valhalla, the song of the Nine of the Mothers. The standards," said Thor and he quickly wiped his eyes. "You have a very pretty voice...In Asgard we had feasts and festivals and me and my friends would eat and drink and sing till the next morning...sometimes my mother would invite her ladies to sing for us during private meals. Yes...yes...it...you have a very nice voice," said Thor quickly wiping his eyes again.
Alison reached out and eased the beer away and pushed her plate of cheese and crackers up.At least when this is done, I'll have parts of my family back. Just keep that in mind when you feel your patience slipping.
"Would you like to try that hot chocolate I made my daughter with the creamer?" asked Alison.
"Maybe another time," said Thor taking back his beer and her snack away before leaving the room. Alison cut a the cheese block in half and started eating one of the havles.Well there was always tomorrow.Before she could get herself another thing of crackers Bruce came into the room.
"Hey...come back upstairs...we figured it out...the last three stones. There in 2012 in New York," said Bruce and Alison was happy was she sitting down or she would have fallen over.2012. Wedding invites, final fittings, head counts. chicken or beef...Broken legs, broken arms, saying good bye to the first person I loved. If you had told 2012 me that 2023 would be a mother and trying to travel back in time to save the person I love now I would have thought it was the craziest thing ever.
"Alright," said Alison barely remembering to put her snack away. No sense in getting sloppy now.
…...
Bucky's only memory of 2012 was being taken out of cryo for a day and being told what happened in New York. That out of the chaos of this attack, Hydra would build a new world that everyone would be thankful for. Now Bucky was watching Steve and Natasha break down how because of Loki and Dr. Stranger three of the Stones were in New York on the day of the First Invasion in 2012. That Steve, Tony, Bruce and Scott would go back for those and everyone else already had their assignments. Alison looked over at Thor and Bucky could tell she was worried about him and being able to get him through their mission.
"She'll be fine. When the time comes she'll get him where he needs to be," said Jillian.
"Maybe seeing our people again will remind him that he is a King and needs to be acting as such," said Loki.
"Ok. Everyone get some rest. We're going at 10 am sharp," said Steve and everyone looked dead on their feet. Either they had been pulled out whatever sleep they were finally getting or in most cases no sleep at all. The last time Bucky could recall seeing Alison this tired while he had been alive was in Wakanda when she had been coming up with his cryo unit. She had looked so heart broken seeing him it physical hurt him.We've spent more time apart than together.
"Personally I worry about what the raccoon will do to Thor if he fucks up this mission," said Bucky trying to break the tension. Groot glared at the Thor and muttered darkly that he was Groot and followed Rocket. Bucky followed after Alison while Jillian and Loki went their ways.
Tomorrow. Could this all be over by tomorrow? Bucky thought about how he had technically died in Wakanda. A whole ocean away. How long would it take him to get to Alison in New York? Would she come to him in Wakanda? Bring Rebecca with her? How would his daughter react to seeing him in person? Hell how was he going to react upon finding out that he had a daughter? Natasha said it would be best if they didn't remember being dead. After tomorrow the last thing he would remember is calling for Steve. Bucky sat in Alison's room and waited while she showered and came back out dressed in sweats and a tee shirt. God he wanted to touch her so badly. Alison was about to sit down at the laptop when there was a faint knock on the door. Alison got up and Bucky was stunned to see Natasha and she held up a bottle of wine and a cork screw.
"So back in the day SHIELD put me undercover as an assistant for Tony. I might have taken this bottle for my own amusement. 2006 Leroy Domaine d' Auvenay Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru. According to wine snobs this bottle is like forty thousand dollars. Clint hates wine, Bruce only drinks red and Thor...well if anyone has earned the right to drink forty thousand dollar wine out of a bottle it's you...and well might has well drink with another white wine girl," said Natasha. Alison shut the door and Natasha opened the bottle and handed it Alison. She took a swig and sat down on the bed.
"Well it's not the box wine that I had last month at an after hours get together for work," said Alison and she handed the bottle to Natasha who took a swig and made a face.
"I say it's worth 20k, not 40," said Natasha and she handed the bottle back to Alison who took another pull and looked thoughtful.
"I'm still trying to find the best way to tell Bucky we had a baby and that...well she isn't a baby anymore. What are you going to do once we get this worked out?" asked Alison handing the bottle back. Natasha took another drink and looked out the window.
"I'm going to find my sister," said Natasha and Alison did a double take and so did Bucky. He didn't think that the girls were allowed to know they had any family.
"I...you never said you had a sister...well...shit I never asked," said Alison sounding a little ashamed. Natasha handed the bottle back.
"The only one who really knows is Clint. Technically we aren't biological related, but we spent time together in an undercover assignment in Ohio in the 90's. A fake family passes off easily when you wanna steal American info from a lab," said Natasha and Bucky was shocked. He knew they trained them young and sent them out, but to hear it was something else. Natasha told Alison about how they had found each other again while she had been on the run right after the Accords and how they had found their assignment parents. How they are parted with Natasha trying to find them and her sister Yelena going to find the other Red Room woman and freeing them.
"She was your sister in your heart. That's all that matters and I hope you find her and them" said Alison. They passed the bottle back and forth in a comfortable sort of silence. Bucky knew Natasha had been worried that Alison finding out about their brief connection during her Red Room days and his Hydra days would make things odd between them. It had at first, but time and understanding what had happened between him and Natasha was not based in love or harm had settled things.
"So Ohio...really?" asked Alison and Natasha laughed.
"It could have been worse. It was a nice neighborhood...well it still was when I went through it a few years back. Big backyards, trees, kids on bikes...everyone left their doors unlocked. I wouldn't mind going back for some R when this is all done. Natasha passed the bottle back to Alison and leaned back in the chair. Alison finished the bottle and sighed.
"Think telling him we have an almost five year old would go down better with expensive Scotch?" asked Alison and Natasha took her hand.
"I imagine there are going to be some bumps along the way. He's probably going to be a little salty that you didn't tell him the second you found out. He's going to be really salty when he finds out you hid it for another month before telling us. He's going to love her though and really that's all that matters," said Natasha.
"If you find your sister...you better bring her to Thanksgiving. Sarah might be home to make the pecan pie I have struggled with," said Alison.
"Nah...she's a mac and cheese person. She might get into a fight with someone for the last bite of your mac and cheese," said Natasha.
"I told you bread crumbs and sharp cheddar," said Alison. Natasha hugged her and Alison wiped her eyes. "I've become the freaking water works queen lately."
"I might have cried over a peanut butter sandwich a few days ago," said Natasha and they both started laughing. "Get some sleep." Natasha left the room and Alison threw the bottle in the trash before she started pacing the room.
"I know I'm starting to freak out a little bit too sweetheart," said Bucky. She sat down at her desk and got her phone set up to record.
"Hey baby girl... we finally figured out the problem and we're going to finish up our work tomorrow...tomorrow is going to be a really big day. If everything goes right...you are going to meet so many new people and not just the ones I've been telling you since you were inside me. You know when I was in high school and college me and all my friends would go to these concerts...all over the place..and we...we would just be surrounded by all these people and you could just feel this energy...just being a part of this massive crowd and there was so much joy and life...and I want that for you. More than anything in this life. I want you to feel that joy of connection. The love that comes from finding your people and your place with them...You...you have been one of the greatest connections to joy and love I have ever had in this life. I love you," said Alison.
She ended the recording and Bucky wished he could tell that it was going to be alright. That they manage to make this work and he would see her again soon. Alison took a few seconds before setting up the phone to record again.
"Hi James...if you're watching this it means somethings went right and others things not so right. I know this a shitty and cliché way to start this, but it's all I have. I really missed you...and when they handed me a change to see you again...I tried to say no...deep down though...I was only fooling myself. I wanted to see you again...no matter costs...well almost. I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you about what was on my mind before...god it seems so stupid now. I...we have a daughter..and she is so amazing and... I should have told you. It's the one thing that I would do over in this life. I used to think there was a lot of stuff I would do over...but all that stuff brought me to you...and you...I love you...you showed me that no what there is always a bridge back to those who love you...no matter what. I love you Bucky Barnes. You know there was another song I had considered for our first dance, but I know how you feel about my 90's music. Now...it seems oddly fitting.
I seem to recognize your face
Haunting, familiar yet, I can't seem to place it
Cannot find the candle of thought to light your name
Lifetimes are catching up with me
All these changes taking place
I wish I'd seen the place
But no one's ever taken me
Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away
Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away
I swear, I recognize your breath
Memories like fingerprints are slowly raising
Me, you wouldn't recall for I'm not my former
It's hard when you're stuck upon the shelf
I changed by not changing at all
Small town predicts my fate
Perhaps that's what no one wants to see
I just want to scream hello
Well, my God it's been too long
Never dreamed You'd return
But now here You are and here I am
Hearts and thoughts they fade away
Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away
Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away
Hearts and thoughts they fade away
Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away
Fade away, fade away
Alison sent the messages to herself and a copy to Foggy with instructions that they only be shown in the event of her passing. She finally went to bed and Bucky brushed her hair back and Alison pulled the blanket around her.It wasn't too bad...actually all your whiney music has grown on me...you were my bridge to home too and I'll see you soon.
…...
Alison's new uniform reminded her a little bit of what Bucky's uniform had been during the war with the Howling Commandos. Her jacket was almost like his own only a dark shade of green. Her staves attached to the back of the jacket for easy access. The pants were just basic black along with her boots. She pulled her hair up into a bun and Natasha had braided her own hair back.
"That's a good look on you," said Natasha taking in Alison's uniform and Alison rolled her eyes.
"Like you didn't have a say in this," teased Alison.
"What why do the guys always get to have fun uniforms?" asked Natasha and Alison looked over at Natasha's own black suit. "I look good in this. You look good in that." They made their way to the hanger bay to get their Time GPS from Tony.
"Ok 2013 over here," called Tony and Alison joined Rocket and Thor. Rocket looked up at her.
"So...you talk to your kid?" asked Rocket.
"Last night," said Alison and Rocket nodded.
"You know Bobby talks about you and her a lot...so...if you wanna go home and be with her..." started Rocket and Alison gave him a look.
"And leave you to handle him?" whispered Alison. Thor was getting tangled up in his robes and Alison went over and untangled the sleeve so the GPS could go on.
"Thank you," said Thor and Tony put the GPS on and gave her a look.
"Sorry I couldn't make it red," said Tony putting on her GPS and Alison shrugged.
"I don't wanna to click my heels to get home," said Alison. Rocket got his GPS and they activated part of the uniform. Everyone else got their GPS and made their way to the Time Machine. Alison felt her heart going into her stomach. It was simple enough. They had talked about it for days now.It's almost over...
They took their places on the Time Machine and Steve looked at them all and Alison could see that while he looked tired, there was so much hope on his face.
"Five years ago we lost. All of us. We lost friends. We lost family. We lost a part of ourselves. Today we have a chance to take it all back. You know your teams. You know your missions. Get the Stones and get them back," said Steve and he gestured that they should put their hands in.Oh I'm so asking Bucky if all the pep talks were like this,thought Alison.
"One round trip each. No mistakes...no do overs. Most of us are going somewhere we know. That doesn't mean we should know what to expect. Be careful and look out for each other. This is the fight of our lives and we're going to win...whatever it takes. Good luck," said Steve.
"He's pretty good at that," said Rocket.
"I know right," said Scott.
Robert was queuing up the machine and he hollered over at Rocket.
"I expect my daughter back in one piece, " said Robert.
"I'll have her home in five minutes. I expect my ship to come back in one piece too," said Rocket handing over a shrunk version of his ship to Clint.
"Yeah...yeah...I'll take care of it," said Clint putting it in his pocket.
"Oh that was promising," said Rocket.
"Ok. Targets are engaged," said Robert. Alison looked over at her dad and grinned. He gave her a firm nod and flipped the last switch to engage the machine.
"See you in minute," said Natasha grinning at all of them. Alison hit the button on her GPS and took a deep breath.Just one minute. Just one...
Songs
The Cure-Just Like Heaven
Pearl Jam-Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town
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