The Song Of The Broken

8.)

I knew to expect a reaction.

Explosive. Possibly hurtful.

Instead, I was met with shock and disbelief.

Bucky stared in disbelief as I explained, in confusion, what I had found out shortly before I decided to leave, before introducing each of our kids to him, as they shyly greeted him.

He greeted them politely before walking out of the room. Fists clenched at his side as he left.

"Does he not like us?" Ali asked quietly.

All the adults exchanged concerned glances.

"Of course, he does, Ally Cat. He's just shocked that we're here." I told her, ignoring the looks I received.

"Sure, doesn't seem like it." Xander mumbled.

"Then that'll be his loss." I told them, with a smile.

"True." Arie sigh.

"I'll be back." Steve said, excusing himself as he followed Bucky.

Arabella grimaced as she stared after him, "Can I--?" She began, as she looked up at me.

I shook my head, "Uh, uh. You can't use your power on other people." I chastised.

She pouted, stomping her foot as Xander touched her arm and shook her head.

Nat smiled, "It's okay, маленький. your Uncle Steve will make your father see sense." She said. (Little one.)

Arie sighed as she turned to eye the building, "You said this would be fun." She told me.

I smiled, "It will be." I reassured her. "There's a game room around here." I told her, as I looked up at Nat.

She smiled and nodded in response, "Come on, маленькие. We've got all the works and toys." She said as she led all three of them away.

The moment that Nat disappeared with the kids, Wanda moved to my side and pulled me into a hug.

"Are you okay?" She asked me quietly.

I took a shaky breath but nodded before moving to follow them without hesitation.

****

The more I thought about it.

I realized that Tony had lied. Bucky didn't know we would be here. Nor did he know about our kids.

It was an ambush.

Of course, it was an ambush.

It was only to be expected.

In between being overwhelmed, along with having the kids meet the team, and Bucky's reaction, my head was spinning harder than it would be on the tea cup rides in the fair.

"Bethy? Bethy?" I heard someone said.

I blinked as I watched Nat and Steve chase the kids around in the game room Tony had set up.

"You okay?" Wanda asked me, as she offered me a cup of coffee.

I took an unsteady breath before shrugging and looking away. My hands shook slightly as I held them on my lap.

"Barnes is freaking out." She told me.

I nodded, "I know. I can feel it from down here. Didn't Happy give him the note I sent?" I asked, frowning.

Wanda frowned, "No. In fact, Tony is the one who took it. The only thing Barnes knows is the reason why you left." She told me.

So....that means.