It started out as two free weeks in a Lake Tahoe cabin. All Bucky Barnes had to do was fix up a few things for the owner, an employee at the Avengers compound who inherited it from his parents. The owner even threw in free groceries for the durati...
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As Bucky and Julia waited at Lake Tahoe Airport early the next morning for the arrival of the quinjet they sat in the truck, holding hands, thinking over the last 24 hours. Throughout the day Bucky received updates on what was happening and finished preparing his go bag. The previous evening was spent playing and reading to the kids, with extra kisses given to them by Bucky when they were tucked in. Then they retired to the privacy of their bedroom, where they made love gently and unhurriedly because Bucky wanted more than anything to remember every part of Julia's body that he cherished. Like the first time after they made love, Bucky spooned behind her, enclosing her in the warm cocoon of his arms and body as they slept.
Jasper woke him up with soft trills and a paw on his cheek, which was rewarded with a scratch under his chin. Walking down the stairs he could hear the kids already eating and talking as Julia made his breakfast. In his bare feet, wearing blue jeans and with his shirt in his hand Bucky leaned over and pulled Julia into his arms, wanting her body pressed against his as he kissed her lovingly. Both kids got a good morning kiss and he poured himself a cup of coffee. He offered one to Julia and she took it, sipping from the cup first before putting it on her spot at the table. Moments later both of their plates were in front of them and they began eating. Bucky watched his family and felt a swell of emotion in his heart. Julia must have sensed it because she looked at him, her own eyes glistening.
"Thank you," he said softly. "Thank you for normal. Thank you for my children. Thank you for loving me."
Her lips trembled and she breathed quickly a few times. "You're welcome," she said, then she smiled and ate another bite of food to keep from crying.
Janey came over with her youngest to watch the kids while Bucky and Julia went to the airport. She hugged him and wished him good luck before they left. Now as the couple waited at the airport there were no words but much was still spoken by the touch of his fingers on her hand and the grounding exercise they were both doing in their minds. When the quinjet became visible they both got out of the truck and Bucky took his go bag out of the back seat. Coming around to Julia's side he put his arm around her.
"I love you more than anything," he said in the early morning light of the mild winter day, his eyes directed to the approaching quinjet.
"You are my world," she replied, looking up at him. "Please come back to me."
"Always," he whispered as his hand squeezed her shoulder gently.
The quinjet landed directly in front of them and they could see Yelena in the pilot's seat with Clint in the co-pilot's seat. Thor and Sam stood behind them and both raised their hands in greeting. Walking to the back where the ramp came down Clint came first, extending his hand to Bucky, then giving Julia a kiss on the cheek. A woman with long dark hair followed him at a distance.
"You're already rated on it?" asked Bucky. "How does a retired Avenger manage that?"
Clint grinned. "Sometimes it's who you know," he said. "Not much different from the last model. Consider this mission your training. This is Olivia Walker. Bucky Barnes and his wife, Julia."
