Forever Friends II: Finding Forever

Chapter 1: Till the End of the Line

"Till the end of the line, Mrs. Barnes," Bucky smiled before kissing you softly.

"Till the end of the line," you echo. Your nose is only a few inches from his. He grins and kisses you again.

"Uhum, if you two don't mind, Heimdal is ready," Loki says, trying to hurry the two of you forward urgently. You shake your head and slip your hand into Bucky's. "Little Monk," Loki smiles happily as Carol wraps him in a hug.

Carol- Bucky's and your daughter- has grown into quite the young woman. Tony dubbed her "Captain Marvel" as a joke but it seems to have stuck when you guys go on missions. She found quickly that her powers allow her to fly, she is pretty immune to most poisons, she has been able to heal like you in small capacities, and she is stronger than you three super soldiers altogether. No one has been able to pinpoint where all of her powers came from. Bruce has suspected that it was the new serum you developed mixed with whatever Hydra gave you then having her with Bucky increased those attributes.

She moved out and into the compound the year after she graduated and started training with you and the rest of the team in preparation for missions. Tony- or TonTon- as she called him, fought her tooth and nail to keep her from going on missions until he saw how strong she was. This is the only reason you were finally able to persuade him into letting the three of you travel to Asgard. He is very protective over his Monkey- Carol's nickname since before she was born. Tony was named her adoptive grandfather for all of the care and love he showed you when you joined this new family.

Today is Carol's 21st birthday and Loki is fulfilling his promise to bring you all to Asgard for the celebration.

"Uncle Lohk! I'm so excited!!" Carol grins wide as she steps forward and hooks her arm into Bucky's while you slip your arms into Loki's, still holding Bucky's hand.

You are immediately surrounded by a bright light before feeling yourself being pulled upward. You look around to see the most beautiful and exquisite colors flashing before your eyes. Carol's eyes are huge and filled with wonder and excitement as you are pulled through the BiFrost.

Your feet finally plant in a large circular, gold room. At its center, is a large man holding a massive sword.

"Ah, thank you, Heimdal," Loki smiles and ushers the three of you forward, "This is the Barnes family that Thor and I have placed under our care and protection."

Heimdal smiles and bows his head reverently, "I have heard many wonderful things about you all. I was wondering what family could have captured our mischievous prince's heart so completely that we rarely see him."

You blush softly, smiling, "Thank you for all of your communications while Loki and Thor have been away from us. We missed them dearly and are honored to be visiting their home."

Heimdal bows his head again before you are directed to follow Loki out onto the rainbow bridge leading to the palace. You look around and your eyes strain to take in everything. Bucky grips your hand tightly.

Am I dreaming or are we really seeing all of this? We're really here, Jamie.

You keep your fingers laced with his as you stare out at the crystal-clear waterfall that runs beneath the bridge. The palace lies directly in front of you. It is shimmering in the light of the brilliant sun. The large trees sway as a gentle, refreshing breeze blows all around you. The sight is leaving you almost breathless.

"Uncle Lohk, if this is your home, why would you ever leave?" Carol asks, her arm interlaced with Loki's.

"Well Little Monk, just because you are from a certain realm, does not make it your home. Your home is made up of the people you love the most. Besides, your realm has something that this realm does not," he smiles brightly at her and then back to you and Bucky before draping his arm over her shoulders. "This realm does not give me you or your mother and father that I have grown to love so dearly."