Book One of the Shadows Series: Shadow of Redemption

The Big Day-Part One

The morning sun streamed through the windows of the Avengers compound's dining hall, casting a warm glow over the room. Bucky and Sera sat at a table, their breakfast trays in front of them. "Are you okay, James? I heard a commotion last night but I thought it was just my memories. Did something happen?" Bucky sipped his coffee, glancing at Sera as he spoke.

"So, Lena helped me with my dreams. Sometimes they aren't too bad but last night it was worse than usual," Bucky said, his voice softer than usual. "I woke up screaming, and she came rushing in. Thought someone had broken in."

Sera, finally showing her youthful side, grinned and leaned forward. "I'm sorry, 'Lena'? And then what? Did you guys have a dramatic, romantic moment like in the movies?"

Bucky chuckled, shaking his head. "Not exactly. I was still kind of out of it, thought she was... well, you know. A target. Flipped her over, and she had to calm me down. She was amazing, though. Stayed with me the rest of the night."

Sera's eyes sparkled with mischief. "So, did you guys innocently fall asleep together? That's so adorable, James. I'd pay money to see that. Not in a weird way or anything."

Bucky rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile. "It's not what you think."

Sera wiggled her eyebrows. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that."

Just then, Yelena walked into the dining hall, her eyes narrowing playfully as she saw Bucky and Sera smiling. "What's going on here? What are you two grinning about?"

Bucky quickly composed himself, trying to think of something plausible. "Oh, nothing much. Just talking about the next training session."

Sera stood up, her face the picture of innocence, but her eyes still twinkling with mischief. "Yeah, totally not talking about you at all, Lena." She winked at them both as she put her dishes away.

As Sera walked away, Bucky and Yelena exchanged a glance, a shared understanding passing between them. "What did she mean by that?" Yelena asked, eyebrows raised.

Bucky shrugged, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "You know how she is. Always trying to stir the pot."

Yelena shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "That girl is something else."

Bucky's smile widened. "Yeah, she is."

Then, Sam came in too. He filled his mug and sat next to the two. "Get a good night's sleep? 'Cause we're all gonna have to be ready for this event tonight."

Bucky almost laughed incredulously. Yelena and him spent one-INNOCENT- night together and was everyone going to somehow know? He cleared his throat and nodded. Yelena gave him a questioning look and turned back to Sam. "I think we're as ready as can be. What time does it start?"

"7:30. But my guess is people won't exactly be on time so we have to be ready at least half an hour before."

"People are that early to these kinds of things?" Bucky asked, slightly shocked. Back in the 40's, he'd hardly be early. On time at best. Steve always kept him on his toes.

"We need to finalize the guest list and make sure our cover story is airtight. The last thing we want is to tip off HYDRA." Bucky leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping on the table. "Sera's right, though. Viper's smart. She might already have her own plan in motion."

Sam sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We'll just have to be one step ahead. Everyone needs to be on high alert."

Yelena glanced at her watch and stood up, stretching her arms. "I've got some things to take care of before the training session. Catch you later, boys."