#rp interlude

Life got busy. But didn't it always? What with the children getting stuck into second term at school. Brigid becoming more confident in her walking and causing Bucky a lot of papa bear anxiety. And then Lee trying to figure out a new vocation whilst he had to keep his ship grounded. And so, we'd snatched quick moments here and there, but the exhaustion of every day prevented us from having a proper time to bond.

Then Bucky announced he was going to take the children to the zoo for the day. And Lee and I were able to breathe. I knew Bucky and I would find time for ourselves another day, but today was for Lee and I.

"Need you." His voice was rough, as he brushed his lips over mine.

I shifted so he lay over me, his left thigh pressed between my legs and against my core.

"I know..." I pressed a kiss to his lips, hungry, eager. "I'm here, love."

Lee's lashes fluttered, his eyes almost too bright as he stared down at me. I pulled his face down to mine so I could kiss him some more. His lips curved in a roguish smile as he followed my lead, running his fingers through my hair.

I murmured, "Good of Bucky to give us time..."

Lee hummed and nuzzled my neck gently and said, "Love the old geezer, he's a good one."

I giggled. "He might be old..." I nipped at his lips. "But, he can keep up with you."

He snorted and rocked against me firmly. I gasped.

He grinned. "He'll have to make up the time when he gets back."

I rolled my eyes and pulled him flush against me. "No more talking, Mr Scoresby."

Lee chuckled and gathered me against him with his arms. "Yes, ma'am."

I laughed as he then proceeded to keep us thoroughly occupied.

We’d been scrolling through baby name sites the last few nights. A new habit since Bucky finished reading his last book.

I chewed on my bottom lip at his latest suggestion. We were both enamoured with the idea of a good old Irish name for the child’s first. Old Chinese for the middle.

I motioned for Bucky to pass his phone to me - we were using it to search the names. He handed it to me, and pointed to the name information.

“Brigid, ‘the exalted one’.” I looked at him, his eyes were soft. I stroked the stubble on his jaw. “I like it. It’s strong but…” I trailed off, not sure what I was feeling.

Bucky nuzzled at my hand and murmured, “Brigid was an Irish Saint… but also, the name of a pagan goddess…”

I laughed a little. “Well, she will be the daughter of two Chosen.” I put his phone down next to me on the couch and shifted to lean into his side more.

Bucky huffed and said, “Let’s hope she’s not destined for some unknown battle.”

I could hear the anxiety in his voice and peered up into his face, his eyes dark, yet open. I shook my head, leaning up to kiss him gently. He kissed back, lips tender against mine.

“We can’t promise that, James.”

“No, but we can sure as hell try.”

I smiled. “She’ll be prepared, whatever happens.” I giggled. “But, let’s not worry about that now. She doesn’t even have any toes yet.”

I don’t know why, but I found that thought extremely hilarious and repeated it, giggling as I did.

Bucky snorted and tickled my side gently. “She doesn’t even have a face, doll.” He buried his face in my hair then muttered, “But she has our genes, and she’ll be amazing, like you.”

I shivered and murmured, “And, like you, love. And like you.”

I felt, more than heard, Bucky’s breath as it hitched in the back of his throat. “Doll…”

I turned so I could look him in the eyes. “You are not what those bastards did to you, James.” I held his face between my hands. “You are worthy of love. And you are worthy of this. I. Love. You. And nothing will change that.”

“I second that.” Lee came in from outside holding a part from the ship as he climbed through the opened window.

Bucky and I looked over at Lee as he leaned against the arm of the other couch.

He smiled. “You deserve all the good things coming your way, Buck. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise.”

Bucky ducked his head down, almost shyly, shaking it. “Scores… doll…”

I kissed his cheek and nuzzled at his jaw. “Just telling it like it is, love.”

Bucky nodded then reached over to pick up the phone again and cleared his throat and said, “So, Brigid?”

I hummed. “Add it to the shortlist. Middle name… Mei. Means ‘beautiful’ in Mandarin.”

Lee grinned. “Brigid Mei… has a nice ring to it.”

Bucky nodded again, putting his phone down again and wrapping his arms around me. “Sounds good to me, doll.” He nuzzled my hair and sighed, “But, maybe they’ll choose something else.”

I smiled at him, lifting my free hand to brush a strand of hair from my face. I’d opted to leave my hair out save the golden circlet that kept it from obscuring my features. Then I smoothed my hand down the folds of my gown, which fell straight down.

As the music swelled, a sombre yet hopeful orchestral piece, Taliesin guided me to the top of the aisle. I concentrated on not tripping as I stepped forward and then I looked toward where my two men stood, waiting.

James Buchanan Barnes and Lee Scoresby. I could hardly breathe as I focused my gaze on them both. I know it’s cliché, but it felt as if time froze for a moment as I took them in.

Bucky wore a simple suit, black with gold cufflinks, and white open necked shirt. He’d shaved, leaving a gentlemanly shadow of a beard across his features. Lee wore white, with a black shirt, and a gleam in his eyes. Their daemons sat by their sides alert. Alpine’s white fur caught the light and her eyes were watchful, her long tail held in a relaxed position. Hester stood close to her, her own ears twitching in excitement.

Balto sat next to Taliesin and I as we paused at the top of the aisle, tail wagging steadily.

I took a deep breath and glanced sideways once before we started to walk down the aisle toward the front. I was only vaguely aware of the guests sitting in the seats: a flash of familiar faces – the Miranda-De La Vega-Sainz clan; Nissa was wiping her eyes with a handkerchief that Carlos handed her; all our children, Kayla, Ellie – and two unfamiliar faces… Bucky’s sisters… that thought disappeared as I came to a halt in front of Bucky and Lee.

Taliesin smiled and tilted his head to them both. “Sons…”

I saw Bucky’s eyes glitter with unshed tears and the way his nose scrunched slightly at the way Taliesin addressed him.

Our daemons moved to stand together, Alpine and Hester flanking Balto, bodies touching. Lee took my right hand in his left and Bucky took my other hand, and we stepped toward the wedding altar.

Standing there, with a softened aura, warmth shining from his dark eyes was Jesus, my Lord…

I bowed my head. “My Lord.”

He smiled, and tilted his head to us. He then turned his head to look at our family and friends gathered.

“It is my honour to welcome you all to this ceremony. Today these three beautiful souls are willing to commit themselves to each other in Holy Matrimony in your presence.”

I don’t think I remembered much of what was said, as my focus was now entirely on Lee and Bucky. We stood in a triangle formation, each of them holding one of my hands. I own that I was hanging on as tight as I could.

“James, you have your vows prepared?”

I blinked out of my reverie at the Lord’s words.

Bucky cleared his throat. I looked at him, seeing the nervousness in his eyes, the way his lashes trembled as he smoothed his metal hand over the lapel of his jacket.

I squeezed his flesh hand and murmured, “You got this, love.”

Bucky licked his lips. “I won’t repeat the vows I made at our hand-fasting, doll… you know I promised to love and cherish and protect you all my days already, but…” he paused and held out his metal hand to Lee. Lee grasped it firmly. “Now I extend my vow to Lee. I will have your back no matter what, and I will fight by your side if necessary. Your love for me was unexpected, but I will fiercely guard it. I will love you just as much as I love our queen. Until the end of time and beyond.”

I swallowed hard at his words, tears already streaming. Bucky glanced at me and reached out to gently brush at them with his thumb. “Together we are stronger. You both taught me that.”

Lee cleared his throat, tears shimmering in his own dark gaze.

Jesus smiled and nodded. “Lee?”

Lee laughed roughly. “How can I go after that? Buck… James, you caught me off guard. That meeting in the library. I can’t imagine not knowing you now.” His lips curved slightly. “Originally, I was just happy that you were willing to share Marly’s love with me. That we could both be in her life and be loved by her. But, I love you with a depth I can’t fathom. I would kill for you.” He glanced at Jesus. “Sorry, Lord.”

The Lord shook his head and mouthed, “Understandable.”

Lee continued, squeezing my hand and Bucky’s. “I am honoured to call you my life partner alongside our lady.”

I blushed and said to Lee in my mind, I’m no lady.

He winked at me, before schooling his features into a more serious expression again. “I promise to love you, fight with and for you, until the end of time and beyond.”

I sniffled. Jesus stepped forward and discreetly handed me a tissue. I smiled my thanks. He inclined his head.

“Marly?”

I closed my eyes for a moment before opening them and squeezing both their hands tight. “I made my vows to you each individually at our separate joinings. So, today I stand here and make a promise to commit myself to both of you equally. To love and cherish and stand with you both. I promise to help you keep your vows to each other as well. I vow to partner alongside you both as we raise our children together and help to make the world a better place. Until the end of time and beyond.”

Jesus smiled and held both his hands up palms facing us. “In the presence of your friends and family I pronounce your union sealed in my Father’s Name.” He paused then added, “And I now pronounce you, James Buchanan Barnes and Marly Scoresby-Barnes, Husband and wife.” He grinned. “James, Lee, you may both kiss your bride.”

Lee grinned and kissed me gently, before stepping back to let Bucky linger, pausing to murmur, “You don’t have to kiss me, Buck, but the sentiment is extended to you as well.”

Bucky clapped a hand firmly to Lee’s shoulder before he turned to me. He leaned in, cupping my face in both hands. The contrast of the heat of his flesh palm and the cool of his metal one, sent a thrill through me as he pressed his lips against mine.

There was a whoop of joy from the seats. Nissa most likely. Then Lin’s voice, “Wepa!!”

Lee laughed, unfettered, joyous. Bucky’s smile, as he reluctantly stepped back, was radiant, reaching his eyes that shone like sapphires.

We turned to face our family. Everyone was standing clapping and cheering. And there was not a dry eye there.

And then Navi called out, “Fiesta time!!”

Jesus laughed and clapped his hands together. “Go celebrate a new life, a new year with my blessings.”

I laughed and jumped up wrapping my arms around Bucky’s neck.

Trailing a hand along the cavern wall, she made her way cautiously into the eastern tunnel. The wall was cool to the touch, and slightly damp, yet not unpleasantly so. As she followed the way, she allowed her mind to wander. The treasures which Taliesin collected over the aeons still resided in the depths of this labyrinth, many she had never set eyes on. Perhaps it was one of those calling to her. But that made no sense. She knew that was only possible if there were an impending crisis.

She shook her head to clear it, pausing to lean back against the wall. “Think, Rey. What would, Mum do in this situation? Or dad?” She laughed to herself a little.

Lee would probably be arguing with Hester over whether it was worth exploring or not. And Mum? Well, she would be coaxing her to trust her gut.

Rey took a deep breath, steeling herself before taking more confident steps into the tunnel system.

A sudden frisson of foreboding went through her body; she froze scanning her surroundings again. Something felt off.

Bracing a palm against the wall of the tunnel she crept along until she reached an opening to the left. Pausing again, she breathed in deeply and a sudden stench hit her nostrils. It was so strong it almost sent her reeling.

"Breathe..." She told herself, sternly. "Just breathe." With a steadying hand pressed against the wall she willed herself to lean around the opening, peering in cautiously.

There was a heaviness to the atmosphere that pressed against her as she entered. Unholy...

Rey gulped, mind racing. She recognised the feeling, halting in the middle of the small cavern. In the centre there was a portal, darkness swirling from the central disc. That was where the stench was emanating from, and a sudden sense of dread took hold of her.

"No..." Rey stepped back toward the opening of the cavern, the hairs on the back of her neck prickling. Something snagged the back of her shirt and she screamed... everything spinning and going black...

~~~~~

"Rey...Rey...wake up..."

Fog clouded her mind as she groaned opening her eyes. Leaning over her, concern in his eyes was Lord Avery.

"Avery... what happened?"

He shook his head folding his arms and said, "Mahaud. She tried to get to you." He stepped to where there was a jug of water and poured it, handing Rey the glass.

Rey sat up, taking the cup and sipped slowly. "What were you doing in the tunnels?"

"I came to see if you wanted to come visit Liliana and Roxanne's store with me."

Rey grinned a little. "How are you and Lily doing?"

The corners of his lips curved in a shy smile. "She's...amazing." He shook his head again, expression becoming drawn once more. "We need to figure out why Mahaud's back."

Rey grumbled, rubbing at her face. "Mum's damned birth father... Shen."

Avery scowled. "Right. He turned back time...and undid the binding?"

She nodded. "And now we gotta deal with the fall out. You hear that the US elected that Orange as their President again."

He scoffed. "Orange? Don't insult oranges."

Rey smirked as she made a small Mandarin appear, peeling it and teasing a segment apart and holding it out to him. Avery chuckled, taking it and popping it into his mouth.

"Yum. So, Mahaud."

Rey rubbed her face tilting her head and murmuring low. "Mahaud, bringer of chaos. She will wreak havoc and sow dissent. But, we must not despair." She stood, lifting her chin. "If I hadn't been caught off guard..."

Avery nodded firmly. "You could've taken her." He smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry."

Rey smiled softly and said, "No. You have nothing to be sorry for. Thank you for rescuing me... I wasn't ready." She paused. "That portal?"

He hummed, rubbing his palms together. "Sealed the cavern and left some elementals to guard it." He looked steadily at her. "You need to tell your family, and be prepared for trouble."

Rey nodded. "Will you contact Tory?"

He brushed long fingers through his hair. "I will. Though she may have already sensed her return." He glanced at her again. "Your grandfather?"

Rey blinked a little, swallowing. "Taliesin...is not with us. But, we have Jamie."

Avery gave her a long considered look then laughed sadly. "He is but a child."

Rey closed her eyes. "And I won't let harm come to my brother." She clenched her fists. "But...he knows Taliesin's mind."

Avery stepped close, hugging her gently. "Go home to your family. I will stay here and keep an eye on things."

Rey looked up at him, breath hitching a little. "Don't you have to return to the Otherworld?"

He shook his head. "This is important. I will stay here." He nudged her gently. "Go home. Even the most powerful magic wielder needs their mother sometimes..."

Rey smiled crookedly. "Is that something Tory taught you?"

Avery laughed softly and with a wave of his hand she found herself blinking from the caverns and appearing in her old room...

Luci leaned over my shoulder, pouting as she was playing with my hair. “Can I go help Avery find Katya, Mama?”

I shook my head and gently disentangled her fingers from a knot. “I’m sorry, Luci. Your father and I think it’s better he do this on his own.”

“But, I can help!” The way her lips curved down at the corners was endearing, but I knew I couldn’t give into her demands.

“No. Patience is a virtue, love.”

Luci scrunched her face up. “What’s a virtue?”

Bucky walked in to sit next to me on the couch, and smiled softly at her question. “It’s something that a person does that’s good.”

Luci tilted her head. “Something good?”

“And sometimes a hard thing, but it’s good.” Bucky patted the spot next to him. “Sit, Luci. I think your mama will need to take a pair of scissors to her hair now…”

I laughed softly. “It’s not that bad, James.”

Luci pouted more but obeyed him, sitting on her knees next to him. “She needs to be here.”

Bucky hugged her around her shoulders gently. “And she will be. Avery knows what he’s doing. But, he has to do it the hard way, because Jamie isn’t having the same dreams.”

Luci’s brow furrowed. “We don’t want him having the dreams…” She sighed dramatically. “I s’pose I have to wait for Katya then…”

I nodded smiling. “You have plenty you can do while you wait, though.”

Bucky raised his eyebrows at me. I smiled more.

“School. Reading ALL the books and just being a kid.”

Luci sighed again. “Sometimes I wish I was BIG big, again.”

Bucky hummed. “Well, you know how to do that, if you really want to.”

Luci shot him a look. “You don’t want me to.”

I bit my bottom lip to prevent my retort.

Bucky sighed and brushed a strand of hair from her face. “I want you to be who you need to be. And I want you to know that your mother and I will always love you, no matter what you choose.”

Luci met his gaze, I could tell she was searching him. Then she smiled and hugged him around his neck hard.

“I’ll tell you if I’m going to age up.”

I smiled softly as she turned to hug me as well. I squeezed her gently.

“Thank you, little love. Just know we’re here whatever you decide.”

Luci nodded, then climbed off the couch. “I can wait.” She looked at Bucky. “Come read with me?”