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...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
August 29, 2031
Bucky stepped into the house, kicking his work boots off as he balanced the bouquet of flowers with two bags of last-minute groceries he picked up. The sounds of small bare feet running out of the kitchen reached him and he braced himself for the attack of Rebecca and Billy, or as he called them, The Little Rascals.
"Daddy!" yelled Rebecca, as she hugged his long legs. "Come quick, Mommy's breathing funny."
Instantly he was on alert, and he pushed past his daughter to the kitchen to see Julia bent over the counter, obviously in labour. He placed the flowers and groceries on the counter and put his hand on her back, rubbing it gently.
"How long?" he asked with concern.
"Just an hour but it's already painful," she said. "I called my mom just a few minutes ago and she's about ten minutes out." Another contraction engulfed her, and she moaned, trying to breathe deeply but struggling. It eased and he could see the fear in her eyes even though she was trying to stay calm for the sake of the kids. "I called Dr. Rudzinski's office and she's already at the hospital delivering another baby." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Bucky, I'm scared. This doesn't feel right."
"Do you want to lie down?" he asked gently. She shook her head. He took his phone out and went to the powder room to talk to the person on the other end, grabbing his boots on the way. He returned and put his arm around her, bending over so he could speak directly to her and not alarm their kids who already knew something wasn't right. "We're going to take a portal through to the birthing center. Someone will stay with the kids until your mother gets here."
She nodded and he ran up the stairs to get her bag. As he came down the portal was opening, and he told the kids to stand back. Dr. Strange came through with a young woman, a sorcerer in her own right.
"This is Emily Travis," he said in his clipped way. "She'll stay with your children until a family member arrives." He went over to Julia and quickly brought up a glowing circle that he ran over her back. Then he shook his head at Bucky with concern. "Placental abruption. The placenta has partially detached. You need to get her to the hospital immediately."
As Dr. Strange created another portal to the hospital Bucky slung Julia's bag over his shoulder, picked her up in his arms, and stepped through, followed by Dr. Strange. Emily looked kindly at the two children.
"My name is Emily," she said. "Your mother will be okay. Dr. Strange won't let anything bad happen to her, I promise. Now, would you like to see something wonderful?"
She had them both sit on the family room couch then proceeded to tell them a story complete with sounds and holographic images of imaginary creatures, princes and princesses. It kept them enthralled until Lydia Devin arrived to take over their care.
When Bucky stepped through carrying Julia he called out to the nurse on duty at the maternity admitting desk. Dr. Strange stepped forward, already dressed in civilian clothes, explaining he was a doctor and a sorcerer. When he mentioned placental abruption the nurse immediately ordered Julia be taken to a surgical suite. A gurney was brought forward and Bucky laid her on it, then held her hand right to the doors where the staff said for him to wait. Dr. Strange stood next to him.
