#to clarify: be angry! defend yourself! all those things are fine! but yea hurt for the sake of hurt is incredibly childish and useless

[bananonbinary]

unpopular opinion but like..punishment as a concept needs to die. negative reinforcement has been proven time and time again to be more or less useless in changing behavior for the better, so much so that people get very upset if you suggest it for animals.

The impulse of “I feel bad and I want you to feel bad to make up for it” is a very childish one, and only serves to escalate things.

Here’s the very unpopular part: this applies to literally everyone. Don’t punish your kids, talk to them. Don’t punish your peers, work with them or cut them off if you have to to keep them from hurting you. Hell, don’t even punish criminals. remove them from society so they cant keep Doing Bad, but the goal should be to rehabilitate them, not to torture and enslave them. Vengeance has no place in our families, our relationships, and certainly not in our justice system.

[chimmysoftpaws]

My Angel

Summary: OC is in a Mafia and there’s trouble. Will their family be able to save themselves or will their sins catch up to them?

Word Count: 6100

Pair: Bucky x Daenerys (OC)

Warnings: slight smut, angst, cliffhanger.

A/N : hey again. This is for @waiting4inspiration. Again babes I’m so proud of the milestone you have reached and I can’t wait till you reach more. I’m so sorry this is late again. I’m a terrible person 🙈 but I hope you enjoy 😊

24 December 2019

Christmas Eve

“Honey, our guests are here.” I shouted, walking to the door to great our guests. “You do realise they’re practically family, there’s no need for all this.” My husband said, walking towards the door. “I know but its polite to greet them.” I replied, fixing his shirt. He smiled and kissed my forehead.

We walked down the stairs to the driveway of our house. It was more like a manor. Bucky and I bought the house three months ago and promised to host Christmas Eve this year. It was mostly because Tony was too lazy to host this year. He also didn’t want a dirty house for the New Years party in a couple of days. I smiled as the luxurious cars stopped, their drivers and passengers walking out. Our family was... different. We didn’t own average jobs likes accountants or engineers, I mean Tony and his son, Peter, are engineers but not the kinds you meet everyday. Our family is big and we all have different roles. Some protect, some plan, some create, some care, some dispose We’re not the most innocent group but we do what needs to be done to help ourselves and others who can’t help themselves. I greeted everyone as they walked inside, their bags left for our attendants to take in. “Aunt Dani.” I heard from one of the cars. I just reached the bottom of the stairs before I was tackled by Morgan Stark, Tony’s 7-year-old girl. “Hey pumpkin.” I giggled. Morgan got off me and ran to Bucky. He smiled as he lifted her up. “Don’t hurt my kid, Manchurian Candidate.” Tony shouted, using his nickname for Bucky.

I laughed and hugged the couple. “Its so good to see you.”

“We’ve missed you.” Pepper said, pulling away. “So this is the mansion.” Tony exclaimed, examining our house. “Its big, how many kids are you planning to hold, 10?”

“Tony!” We exclaimed. Pepper slapped his arm. “Its to host people like you, honey.” Tony pulled a face at Peppers words and went off to greet Bucky. I greeted Thor and Loki, Steve and Peggy, Clint and Laura and their kids, Sam and Bruce before they walked into the house for refreshments. “Make yourselves at home!” I shouted. “We will!” Tony shouted back.

“Hey Parker.” I said, hugging the boy as he walked my way. “Hey, Dani.” He shyly replied, looking up from his phone. “How you been?” I asked “Everything’s great. Your.. your house is... wow.” He stammered “Thanks kid.” I kissed his cheek “Any girls I should know about?”

“Yea. Her name’s MJ.” May replied for him. Peters face flushed red as he groaned. “I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.” Nat said, walking away from the group of men. “Can we not.” Peter groaned.

“Let’s leave the man. He’s got...business to attend to.” I said with a smirk. Peter faked pouting and rushed inside, his phone to his ear. “They grow up so fast.” Nat said, wiping a fake tear. I laughed and followed everyone inside, Bucky waiting for me before he shut the door. “Let the party begin!” Tony shouted. “Can we first get settled and have a tour of the house AND have dinner before you get drunk.” Pepper reprimanded. “Language Pepper.” Tony dramatically said, covering his daughters ears. “We do not discuss what certain liquids do to humans in front of children. Shame on you!” We all laughed and proceeded to tour the house and later have dinner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Dinner was amazing Dani.” Clint said with a stuffed belly. I thanked him as we walked to the bar room. Morgan and Clint’s kids had been put in the arcade room, allowing everyone to relax a bit more. “How’s pregnancy treating you, Peggy?” Nat asked as I brought wine, beer, water, different juices and glasses from the bar, with the help of Bucky, to the table we surrounded. “It’s exhilarating! Steve and I have learnt so much. All Steve does these days is read those pregnancy books.”

“They are extremely helpful,” Steve defended. “Did you know that I can experience the same symptoms Peggy has during pregnancy?”

“You shouldn’t believe everything you read these days.” Tony mocked. “He’s right, Tony.” Pepper added. “You thought my morning sickness was gross and three weeks later, you were stuck with your head in the toilet seat EVERY MORNING.”

“That’s... err... it’s nothing.” Tony stammered. “Aww, Tony, were you having a theoretical baby.” I cooed as Tony grumbled and poured more wine for him and his wife. I noticed Clint and Sam glancing at each other, having a silent conversation. Their faces were serious and held concern. “Is everything alright?” I asked, getting everyone’s attention. “... Ummm yea. Don’t worry.” Clint stutter, glancing at Bucky.

“Honey?”

“It’s nothing, doll.” Bucky stopped me from asking any questions. “Umm....Dani,, the house looks beautiful. You really went all out with the Christmas decorations.” Bruce spoke, shifting my attention away from my suspicions thoughts of the men in the house. “Thank you, Bruce. I wanted to make a good first impression of our new home.” I replied. “The tree is magnificent.” Nat added. “Where did you get all the money for the gifts?”

“Actually, I supplied the gifts. Dani just did the decor and I’ll applaud you, it’s not half bad.” Tony bragged. “Not half bad! Tony, I spent weeks planning for this!” I exclaimed. “It’s wonderful, Dani. Don’t listen to Tony, he doesn’t know good taste.” Pepper assured. I smiled and raised my glass to her while Tony looked at his wife with a feigned hurt expression. “Wait, sorry Sam, but what were you and Clint talking about?” Peggy asked. “You both looked very concerned.”

“It’s nothing, Peg, just leave it.” Steve reprimanded. “Well, it must be something if you’re talking to me like that.” Peggy snapped back. “Man, just tell them.” Clint mumbled. “Clint!” Steve stomped. “Does Laura know?”

“Know what?” Laura asked, walking in from upstairs. “They’re hiding something about the business.” I informed. “Clint?” Laura questioned, looking at her husband who avoided her eye. “Dani can you not!” Bucky shouted. “Do not raise your voice at me, James. I am your WIFE!” I shouted back. “Can someone please tell us what is going on?” Wanda voiced from her end of the lounge. “We deserve to know.”

“It’s nothing you need to concern yourself with.” Her fiancée, Vis assured

“Liar.” She snapped, not believing him.

“Bucky, what’s going on?” I asked my husband. He sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I specifically asked for all of you to keep the business out of my house.”

“What about the business?” Pepper asked. “Nat?” I looked at her. She was awfully quiet. “It’s nothing.” She responded. “Oh for Gods sakes you know as well.” I got up, angry. “What the hell is going on?”

“I told you.” Sam pestered. “That’s enough, Sam.” Tony ordered.

“Why? They’re your wives and they’re apart of this.” Sam shot.

“That is why we were going to wait until AFTER Christmas.” Tony responded.

“And who would that’ve helped, Tony?” Bruce questioned. “If you won’t tell them, then I will.”

“I swear to God Banner, if you open you mouth!” Bucky exclaimed, walking to him. “You’ll what?” Bruce probed, coming chest to chest with him. “Tell me, James, what will you do?”

“Buck, stop.” Steve protested, pulling his friend away. “Yea, we don’t want you to go all bloody murderer on us again.” Tony mumbled. “Shut up, Stark!” Bucky shouted. “No no. You will not shout at me like some child, Barnes.” Tony shouted back, pushing Bucky back. “You’re a danger to all of us when you lose control.”

“Fuck you Stark.” Bucky growled, pushing him harder. “Enough! The both of you.” Pepper said walking between them. “Pepper, you stay away from him.” Tony whispered, looking at his wife.

“Tony that’s enough!” She shouted at him. “I swear, Stark...” Bucky moved closer to them. “Bucky, that’s enough.” I reprimanded, pulling my husbands face to mine. He blue eyes had grown dark, his hands clenched at his side, his figure shaking with anger. He pulled his face away from me and walked to the chair he was previously sitting at. “Ok, is someone going to clarify to the wives, YOUR wives, what it was that we were meant to be discussing in their absence.” Loki pressed. “No one asked you, Loki.” Bucky growled. I glared at him as he looked anywhere but me. “My brother is correct. They deserve to know.” Thor added. “I told Jane before she left for Italy.”

“You what!!” Steve whipping his head to face Thor. “You could get her killed.”

“She knows what she is doing and so do they.” Thor got up and pointed to us. “They are your wives, your partners. Show them respect.”

“Thank you Thor.” Wanda and I said in unison. Bucky sighed and said, “Fine but it will only make things more dangerous.”

“We are meant to face that together.” I declared, walking to my husband. “Or have you forgotten?”

“Everyone to the board room.” Steve ordered. I stomped up the stairs, Pepper, Peggy and Wanda following, leaving the others behind. They all glanced at each other before Tony spoke, “Well, we’re fucked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“We’re what!!!” I shouted after Steve and Tony explained what they were hiding and why it was such and issues to tell us. “Another war...” Peggy commented with a vacant expression. Her hand was rubbing her five month stomach with concern. “We won’t let anything happen to you.” Steve assured his wife, his hand on her shoulder. “Yet you were willing to keep us in the dark and for what. Protection?” Peggy asked, shrugging Steves hand away. “This is dangerous stuff and you guys have more pressing matters.” Tony added. “Like what? Our only pressing matters are worrying whether our husbands come home everyday because of the shit business we’re involved in.” Pepper bellowed. “And did you really think they would leave us unharmed?” Wanda asked staring at Vision. He kept his head down, unable to answer his fiancée. “This is THE Mafia. They would’ve killed us the minute they knew you left us with the kids.” I said walking to the window. My body felt hot and the room instantly felt smaller. I tired taking deep breaths but it wasn’t working. “Baby, its okay. Just breathe.” Bucky said, putting his hand on my arm.

“What do you want us to do?” Peggy asked. I looked up at Bucky as he tucked on of my curls behind my ear. I felt as though my mind was not present anymore. Thinking about the one of the most dangerous mafias on the planet had me imagining gruesome scenarios. Bruce sighed and replied, “Well now that you know, we could use it to our advantage and include you in the mission.”

“Hell no!” Tony banged the table. I jumped and held onto Bucky. “Peggy is pregnant and Pepper has a child. I am, not endangering them because of ‘equality’.”

“Well, I have no children.” I said, walking to Tony. “Therefore, you can’t use that on me and my husband has no control of where I go and do not go.”

“The least we can do is include Dani. I could use the backup.” Nat said, giving me a smile. I nodded. I was still mad that she knew and didn’t tell me. “No.” Bucky interjected. “Yes.” I fought.

“I said no.”

“That is not your decision.”

“I will not let you get yourself killed just so that your can prove something.”

“That’s... that’s not the reason. I want to help. I’m not going to sit around and wait, you know that.”

“I’m not risking your life, Daenerys...”

“Do you guys want us to leave or...?” Tony tried asking.

“No!” We both shouted.

Bucky sighed. “We will finish this later.”

“There is nothing to finish.”

Bucky groaned. “Let’s just... continue.”

“What is the plan?’ Wanda asked. “The plan was for you to stay here. It’s the safest place because no one knows about it and it’s in the middle of nowhere.” Vision explained. “Fury would supply us with guards and Bucky has a safe room in case of a break in.”

“So we were to be surprised by a sudden break in? Wouldn’t it have been better if we knew from the beginning? We could’ve planned better.” Peggy suggested. “Can we just establish the plan so that I can go to my kids.” Clint urged, annoyed with the endless bickering. “Clint’s right.” Steve said. “For four years, we have been the strongest gang in America. We’ve been able to keep out enemies in the dark and have normal lives. The Avengers Company Limited has successfully supplied protection to communities and nations around the world. We’ve sacrificed a lot to be where we are today and we are not going to let some random mafia take us out.” Steve looked around the room. “A couple of weeks ago, each family received at letter declaring war. Unfortunately there was an attack last week against Fury. He got out but he’s a bit beaten up. So far there has been no attack after that, no threats absolutely nothing, but we have taken all precautions to ensure you guys were safe. Tonight we were meant to go over the plans we had to confront our enemies and show them that we are not afraid of war, if it were to come.”

“Who is it?” I asked.

“The Black Order.”

“Oh my God.” Pepper gasped, gripping her husband’s hand. “They want us all dead...”

“We’re not going to let that happen.” Tony said, holding his wife. “That’s why we plan to confront them let them know we’re not afraid.” Nat said. “Let them know that if they kill one of ours, we kill two of theirs.”

“How?”

“There’s a gala in Miami next week. We plan to crash it.” Tony said with a smile. “But we wont be alone. These past weeks we’ve contacted our allies and have tripled our security. We should be safe.” Bucky added. “Should be.” Sam scoffed. Bucky glared at Sam but didn’t respond to his comment. “All we want to do is talk to them. Negotiate terms of peace but if it doesn’t work, we will go to war.” Steve insisted. “They’re not the kind of people you just talk to, Steve.” I advised. “They’re the kind to shoot first and ask questions later.”

“Not with us.” Tony assured. “They know they’ve got our attention and we know they won’t stop there if we do not come to an agreement.”

“Why do they want us dead?” Wanda inquired. “What did we do?”

“We killed their leader, their ‘Father’, a man who goes by the name Ego.” Bucky said, solemnly. “An eye for an eye.” I whispered. “They almost killed Fury and for good measure they want to end us. ALL of us.” Steve urged. I sighed, “What do you want us to do, Cap.” Steve looked at his childhood best friend. Bucky looked back before looking at me and nodded. “In one week, we crash a party. A party meant to mock us. And we do it together...”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas Day

“Mommy. Mommy look it’s snowing!”

“Honey, keep it down. Everyone is still sleeping.”

I heard from the voices downstairs. I groaned as small footsteps stomped along the wooden floors. My body was pulled towards another. I smiled and turned, facing my husbands muscular chest. My hand lazily traced his front as he ran a hand through my messy curls and down to my bare back. “Good morning, doll.” He grumbled, his voice hoarse from sleep. “Morning.” I mumbled and kissed his chest. He smiled and said, “I’m sorry I shouted yesterday. I... I just don’t want you to get hurt. I need you here.”

“Baby it’s ok, I forgive you. I just wish you would’ve told me.” I replied, kissing his cheek.

“I know. I just.. I can’t live without you. I’m a monster without you here and you know it, don’t even try to deny it.”

“Bucky...”

“I’m serious, doll. Before we met, I was a monster. A killing machine. All I wanted was blood but when I met you... God I’ve never felt happier. You’re my light, my angel.”

“I love you.” I whispered with a smile. “I’m not going anywhere.

“I love you more.” Bucky replied, kissing my forehead. He continuously traced my back while kissing my forehead as I sigh and snuggled into him. I felt his fingers trace over my breasts as his kisses travelled to my jaw and down to my neck. I moaned slightly as he left fresh marks, claiming what was his. I giggled slightly as he began nipping at my skin, his mouth traveling lower. “I...want a...baby.” He whispered between kisses as the tiny footsteps were replaced with bigger, heavier ones. I giggled and replied, “We’ll have one later.” Bucky whined and rolled us over, leaving me beneath him. “No. I want one now. With you.” He planted his lips on my chest and began playing with them. My giggles turned to moans as I melted in his hands. “We...need to...have...sex...now.”

“Bucky, we have guests to entertain.” I said, trying to push his face away. Bucky growled and captured my hands, locking then above my head. “And you need to entertain me.” He placed his leg in between mine, spreading them apart. “They can wait.” Bucky left no room for discussion as he fell between my thighs, drowning out my thoughts of the guests and replacing them with a need for him.

~~~~

“Ah, finally the love birds are here. We thought you were going to make babies all day.” Tony smirked as we walked to the garden where everyone sat. The kids were making snowmen while the adults snuggled near the fire. I blushed and hid in Bucky’s jacket. Bucky smirked and replied, “I have to continue my legacy, Tony. Not all of us were born with billions.”

“Bucky!” I squeaked. “At least I’ll get another niece or nephew.” Peggy said as Steve brought her another blanket. He smiled at the two of us and held his wife. “Merry Christmas you two. Although I’m assuming you already received your gifts.” Steve smirked. Sam and Clint laughed as I groaned and got up.

“I will not sit here and deal with this humiliation.”

“Come on, babe.” Bucky said with a laughed. I flipped him the middle finger and walked to Morgan.

“Hello, pumpkin.”

“Merry Christmas!” Morgan shouted, hugging me. “Do you wanna build a snowmaaaaan?”

“Of course.”

“Yay.” She pulled me to her snowman. Peter sat in the snow and watched his litter sister, phone in hand. “Peter, you have to get off that phone.” I scolded with a smile. “I’m...busy.” He replied, chucking some snow my way. “He’s busy with his girlfriend. Her names MJ.” Morgan said with a giggle. Peter blushed as threw snow at his sisters feet. She giggled and tackled him with a hug.

“Go and build your snowman.” Peter said as he tickled his sister. She giggled and screamed. “NEVER.”

“Morgan. Do you wanna build a snowman?” I sang.

She gasped and got up, rushing to me. “Come on let’s go and play.”

“I never see you anymore.”

“Come out the door.”

“It’s like you’ve gone away.”

“We used to be best buddies”

“And now we're not”

“I wish you would tell me why!”

“Do you want to build a snowman?”

“It doesn't have to be a snowman...”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bucky’s P.O.V

I watched with a smile as my angel played with Morgan. They looked adorable, building their snowman as they sang a song from their favorite movie. “Do you want kids, Barnes?” I heard Tony ask. I turned to him and replied, “Yea, but we’ve never really talked about it.”

“Imagine a little, curly assassin running around this house.” Sam commented. “It’d be a rodeo.”

“Imagine four.” Nat commented. “Four?” Bruce questioned, pushing his glasses up. “Dani wants four kids. Two boys. Two girls.” Pepper clarified. “They’d look adorable.” Wanda gushed as she watched one of her best friends play with the little Stark. “Wow. That’s a lot of gifts.” Tony thought out loud, already planning the extravagant gifts he’d be getting his nieces and nephews. Bucky smiled at the thought of four babies running around the house on Christmas morning, excited for all their presents from uncle Tony. He watched his wife as his mind drifted to the sounds of the tiny pitter-patter on the dark wooden floors of his future angels.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dani’s P.O.V

One week later

New Year’s Eve

Today was the day. The day for the gala. The day for the ‘peace treaty’.

Bucky was stressed, I could see it. His slept less and less as the days drew nearer. He never left my side and if he did, he made sure I had five guards with me. FIVE. I understood his concern but it was slightly ridiculous. We were stuck at Tony’s place in Miami, he literally bought it two days ago. He said it was one of his most secure places yet, so there was not need for 5 heavily armed guards. I sighed as I watched the sun set from the meeting from. Steve was going over the plan one last time with the team that would be going. I zoned out, having listen to it to the point where I could recite it in my sleep, and rubbed my stomach. “Dani...Daenerys!” I snapped my head to the person who used my full name. “Are you alright?” Steve asked. I nodded and waited for him to continue. “I think the Dragon Queen is tired of hearing the plan and so am I.” Tony joked. “I think we should suit up and leave. There’s not much we can do but pray this works.” Tony walked towards the door as Steve sighed. “Fine... suit up.” I kissed Bucky, got up and followed Nat to where we’d get changed. “Are you alright, Dani.” Nat asked. “You seem out of it,”

“I just... I feel like something’s off.” I responded while Nat sat me down to do my hair. Wanda walked to the closet to grab our dresses. “Well, we are walking into enemy territory.” She said, walking to the vanity table to apply some light makeup. “It’s not just that...” I drifted, rubbing my stomach again. “Well, let’s get your mind off of it.” Nat said, grabbing the remote to the radio and turning it on. She swayed her hips as she straightened my curls, creating a beautiful hairstyle. She rolled, blew and curled my now silky curls. I moved my body to the music as she left me to create my desire waves as she did her hair, creating a sleek low bun with her long waves. Wanda danced to the music while fixing her hair into a cute updo. Nat smirked and moved to Wanda’s makeup. I shook my head and turned to the mirror of the vanity table. I looked at all the different makeups and played around with them, tying to make my face match my hair and dress. I applied light foundation and medium contours, colouring my eyes with natural shadows and my cheeks with highlighter and topped it with a nude lipstick and gloss. “Now we look to die for.” Wanda gushed, running her hands down my arms dramatically. I giggled. “We’re going to be late.” I pushed her and Nat to their dresses, following behind. We each stepped into the dressing rooms, closing the curtains behind us and changed into our dresses for the night. Wanda and I stepped out with Nat in tow. “We look AMAZING.” Wanda squealed. I grabbed Wanda’s hand and twirled her. She had a gorgeous red dress. It was simple with a slight dip to show her cleavage and a large dip to compliment her curves. There was a slit along her left side allowing her to show off her killer legs decorated with captivating sparkly silver heels. Nat’s dress was fierce. She wore a 3/4, one strap black dress with a slit on the left. It was a boob tube, allowing for her breasts to be plumped to perfection. She topped her outfit with a simple black clutch purse and stewpot heel. Lastly, it was me. I wore a cream dress with sleeves that swept the floor. It was adorned with sparkles and had a design on the piece leading to the right of my body. The dress held my breast firmly, giving them a full look, and had a slit in the middle running slightly towards the right. I completed it with a pair of clear and sparkly toe heels.

“Time to go.” I gushed and walked to the door. We walked downstairs, the booming voiced of the boys directing us to their location. We followed Nat in to the living room and there were our boys. They all, Steve, Tony, Thor, Loki, Bucky and Vision wore their best suits with their hair styled to perfection and beards neatly trimmed. “You guys clean up well.” Nate said, smirking at Steve. Steve rolled his eyes and complimented her outfit. “It’s badass.”

“Didn’t know Steve could say bad language words.” Wanda joked.Everyone laughed while Steve grumbled in annoyance as I looked at my husband. He hadn’t moved or said anything since we walked in. He was like a statue, eyes fixed on me. I walked to him, putting an extra sway to my hips. His eyes travelled through my outfit and body, undressing me. I bit my lip as I stop in front of him and trailed my hand down his crisp black suit. His short hair had a bit of jell to keep the stray hairs from falling and his stubble was completely gone. “You look handsome, my husband.” I whispered in his ear. Bucky gulped loudly and breathed a soft wow. “Is it too much?” I asked, slightly worried at his silence. “No... you look...God...You look beautiful.” He stuttered.

I giggled and pecked his cheek. “Thank you.”

“Although I prefer you naked and a moaning mess in our bed.” He said with a light smirk, pulling me into a deep kiss. I smiled and kissed him back. “Alright, it’s time we get our necessary equipment and leave. We don’t want these two to have their kids in this room.” Tony shuddered at the very thought. We pulled away and followed everyone to the the table that held our toys. I excitedly skimmed my eyes around each weapon. Different knives and guns of different shapes and sizes stared back with a gleam of cleanliness. Knowing tonight and who we were up against, they might come back in different shades of red. “Alright. These are the weapons that we will equip ourselves with. We don’t want to attract attention so we’re keeping it small and simple.” Tony instructed. As he finished, Loki picked up different guns and handed them to Steve, Thor, Tony, Bucky, Vision and kept one for himself. Bucky instantly moved to the ammunition and began loading the belt wrapped around him with ammunition. Loki then handed knives to Nat, Wanda and I. I smiled and slipped my knife into the strap attached to my thigh. “Ladies, your guns will be kept with someone in case of an attack.” Loki instructed while handing Bucky, Vis one each and keeping on to himself, winking at Nat. She smirked and looked at Steve. I smiled at their secret interaction. “The mission is to keep the peace. That means staying far away from anything that could start a blood bath between us.” Steve ordered, glancing at Loki who smirked. I smiled slightly. Steve raked his eyes through each member of the team before continuing. “Lets move.” Everyone nodded, their serious expressions displayed, and moved towards the limo. “How are we fitting into ONE limo?” I asked, staring at the vehicle while Wanda and Vision got in. “Darling, how big do you think limos are? We can fit. Besides, do you really think I’d let you and Barnes go in a car alone? Hah, not a chance. I for one do not want a pregnant women on the mission.” Tony rambled, urging us into the limo. “Forgive me, Mighty Tony, for I do not travel in a limo everyday as I am not nor will I ever want to be you.” I spoke dramatically. Thor laughed at my impression of him. Thor was my favourite to impersonate because of his deep Australian-American accent. Tony rolled his eyes and pushed me slightly into the limo.

Once we were in, the limo drove to our destination. In the meantime, Tony opened a bottle of champagne. Steve looked at him with an expression of disapproval. “What? If we want to look ‘calm’ we’ll need a disguise and everyone knows champagne is the best distraction.” Tony explained, handing us each a glass of sparkling, pink champagne. I denied a glass. “You never pass up a glass of fancy juice.” Tony said with a pout, referring to the champagne in the way his daughter does. “I want to be 100% alert for this mission. It’s life or death with the Black Order.” I replied with a serious face. “Your loss.” Tony said, drowning my glass. I laughed at his urgency and grabbed Bucky’s hand, giving it a squeeze. Bucky smiled and brought my hand to his mouth and peppered it with kisses.

We arrived at the hall where the Gala was hosted. Our doors were opened from both sides of the limo, allowing for us to get out quicker. I felt Bucky grip my waist as we walked the red carpet leading to our potential death or success. The cameras flashed from all angles, paparazzi wanting to get every angle of the guests. The shouting and flashing increased as we strutted in, ignoring the accustomed attention. “Good luck.” Steve announced into the coms, walking with Tony who grabbed them glasses of champagne. Everyone dispersed, blending in with the crowd, leaving Bucky and I by the entrance. “M’lady, may I have this dance?” Bucky asked, graciously bowing. I giggled and replied with a small curtesy, “I’d love to, my husband.” Bucky smiled and pulled me to the dance floor. The music was slow, allowing us to dance close and feel the beats of each other’s hearts. I smiled at my husband as his eyes scanned the area. His hand tightened around my waist and pulled me closer. He looked down at me and gave me as small smile before continuing to look around. I glanced over his shoulder to look for any of the members of the Black Order.

“I see them.” Bucky whispered in my ear. He spun me around, allowing for me to peep at the group lounging in a corner. They had multiple guards around them but they seemed to be unaware of our presence and lacked seriousness as they drowned in the free alcohol. “They’re in the corner in the far right.” I reported, glancing at Steve. He nodded and advanced closer to them, Thor and Tony in tow. I watched as Loki and Nat glided past us, getting a view of our rival gang. They stopped dancing and watched the three boys make themselves known to the group. I watched as Tony mad a ruckus, creating expressions of anger in the Black Order. “Their leader is missing.” I observed, furrowing my eyebrows and stopping our dance. I looked around the room for any sign of him but fell short. “He has to be here.” Bucky urged, searching the room as well. “He is here. That treacherous snake wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Loki annunciated. “This is the perfect opportunity for him to boast about the fear he thinks he created in us.”

“Well he didn’t fail.” Wanda added, her face holding and expression of worry. “It’s ok to have fear, Wanda.” Nat advises, placing a hand of her shoulder. “But we never allow the enemy to know or they’ll have an advantage they never knew they needed over you.” Vision nodded to his fiancée, “We will protect you.” Suddenly, the music has stopped. The crowd stood confused as to why their dancing was abruptly interrupted. A slow clapping could be heard from behind us. I turned to find the devil himself, Thanos. “I didn’t think you’d show up.” He stated, sipping from his glass of champagne. His gang rallied around him while Steve, Tony and Thor walked in front of us. “We’re here to negotiate.” Steve stated. The Black Order laughed a sickly laugh. “There is nothing to negotiate.”

“We want peace before there is a war that will benefit no one. Let us save our own and no harm will come to you.” Thor announced. “Harm? To us?” Thanos mocked. “The only harm will be to you.” As he ended, his gang pulled out their guns, pointing the at us. People around us screamed and made a run for the door. Many stayed behind and took our their guns, pointing them at us.

“Is that supposed to scare us?” Tony mocked. I sighed and shook my head. He’s going to get us killed. “Let us talk reason before there is bloodshed. This kind of violence isn’t necessary.” I pleaded. “I suggest you listen to her.” Loki urged with a smirk. “You won’t like the outcome if you don’t.”

“You’re outnumbered.” A man named Corvus, bellowed with a smirk. “That’s because we didn’t come here to fight. If we did, you would already be dead.” Nat probed. “You dare come in here thinking you can negotiate for your life AND disrespect us?” Another member, Proxima shouted. “You will pay for your actions, with your lives.” Bucky stopped in front of me as she took the safety off her gun. I gulped. We were outnumbered. There was no way for us to win this. “What terms would you have suggested?” Thanos asked, entertaining the idea of a negotiation.

“All we ask is that you let us live.” I spoke. “You have high expectations, my child.” Thanos replied with a chuckle. “But if you want to live... we demand that you give the man who killed Ego.” I looked at Loki and walked forward. “No. You can’t have him.”

“An eye for an eye, my dear.” Thanos taunted. “Or would you rather your unborn baby die?”

Bucky gasped, “Dani?” I whipped my head in his direction before looking back at Thanos.

“How..?”

“You have many enemies, Mrs Barnes. Many who want your husbands head.” Proxima sneered. “Dare I say, they might even reside in your own home.”

“Fuck you.” I sneered back. Proxima smirked at me before looking at the rest of us. “That is our condition. An eye for an eye.”

“No! My brother will not be touched.” Thor boomed, walking in front of me. “You’ll have to take him over my dead body.” Nat and Wanda pulled me back to Bucky’s side, who still stood in shock. He looked down at me with a betrayed expression forcing me to look away, ashamed that I had kept this secret. “That will be arranged. As the same will be done to all of you who,” Corvus said. “We need to go.” Vis whispered to Steve. “We can’t. We’re trapped.” Wanda shook. “You might if I go.” Loki said. “If I go, you will let the leave. Let us fight our battles in the right manner.” Loki announced to The Black Order. “No!” We shouted.

“Brother, no!”

“Mmm, why not.” Thanos taunted. “Yea sorry that’s not happening.” Tony added. “Fortunately all your ‘taunting’ bought us enough time to... even the playing fields.” We all looked at Tony in confusion when suddenly, dozens of armed soldiers burst through the door and windows. Glass fell from every direction as guns were pointed at the Black Order. “You see, we’re not going anywhere and you know why?” A Tony said. I watched as he walked into the hall, eye patch and all. I smiled at our friend.

“Because they’re the fucking Avengers. And you motherfuckers stand no chance.”

Bang.