Saviours
Remember me, Avery Rogers
In this chapter, and the next we'll be getting more into both Ava and Winter's past, something of which we haven't really explored through either book apart from maybe three to four small flashbacks. I will say this, I have no idea what age Steve was supposed to be when he was a midget so I'm going with 24 so Ava is too (in 1945!).
You'll get to see a lot of scenes from the past and most of it was created by you guys so great job everyone! Anyway, here we are and I hope you love the turnout…
Avengers: The Age of Ultron | Saviours | Remember Me, Avery Rogers…
x- Inside Avery's head –x
1930 - 9 Years Old
"Steve…" Avery whined, pushing her brother in the shoulder. She was bored. Both their parents were out at some kind of party and they weren't allowed to go – not that the twins really wanted to anyway. She just wanted something interesting to do ... like maybe, go outside?
"Stevie!" She pushed him once more, trying to get him to quit reading those stupid books of his. They were about superheroes saving people in some country, she didn't really care what it was and all she wanted to do was play with her twin.
Steve groaned, looking up to his older twin from his bed. She had barged in, again. He was annoyed, wasn't she supposed to be the more responsible and mature twin? Seriously, she's the older one – he should be the one moaning about boredom. "Go away, Ava!" He huffed, going back to reading his book but a flying pillow flew into his face – making him drop it.
Ava stood there with a glare, "Fine, then." She scoffed, looking both hurt and pissed that he didn't want to hang out with his own twin. "Read your damn book and notspend quality time with your only twin." She stood up sharply, crossing her arms around her small frame before sulking out of her brother's room like a little girl. Well, she was one though, so it didn't really seem all that out of the ordinary.
…
Ava was still sulking with loneliness on the back porch step in their small townhouse in Brooklyn. The sky was dark, you could see stars from miles away – they were beautiful to her.
It made her think about what was really out there, not just using her imagination either – she longingly wondered what the future would be like when she grew up, how the world would evolve like her History teacher talked about. The teacher always had many theories and some of them were honestly pretty dumb. But others were really interesting at the same time.
She's never spoken out loud about her wonders; what she really believed – but for the future, she hoped for many things. That diseases would be cured, people would be living what they dreamed as a kid and most of all – maybe life among the stars would be nearer and better than she imagined. She believed there was life out there, but the only thing she didn't know was what to think about it, really … would it be a good idea to actually make contact with supposed beings from another planet?
"Ava?" Her brother's voice called from behind, he sounded a little hesitant. He probably saw how her body was slumped, like the only thing holding her body up was the bent knees in front of her. Ava's small arms were wrapped around her legs, they were pulled to her tightly as she looked up towards the sky – her fingers fiddling with several daisies that had grown in their backyard. She loved flowers ... they were so full of life. The only thing they had to worry about was getting enough sun and water; there was more to life when you're a human being.
Ava glanced over her shoulder, her lips forming a frown – not looking happy. "I thought you were spending quality time with that book of yours, it's all you ever do these days when mom and dad are out."
"It's just a hobby." He shrugged his shoulders, not really knowing what else to say. He loved his sister (she is his other half after all) but sometimes he just needed some time alone to himself; to read. He sat himself next to her, his head only reaching just below her shoulder. He had always been severely small for his age – he was born with a size defect, one that he didn't even remember what it had been called. Sometimes he envied her for that, sometimes he wished he had been the average size one while she had been the small one. But something told him that being like this was a sign for something, he didn't know what, but he knew it would give him a future. And as crazy as that might sound, he believed it. "And, I pretty much play with you all the time – we hang around together literally all our days, at school … at home. Yeah, we're twins but we need to spread apart a little. To grow."
Ava put on a thoughtful face for a moment before giving in, knowing he was right – he always had been. Her chin slumped into the palm of her hand, "Fine." She grumbled, still not happy about it … but she understood. Maybe she could try make some friends? Ones that were girl's, maybe?
Suddenly she grinned, tapping Steve on the shoulder out of the blue. "Tag. You're it." She exclaimed, jumping to her feet before running inside the house – about to find a hiding spot where he wouldn't be able to tag her back.
Steve let a chuckle fall through his lips, grinning too in an identical manner. Maybe spending tonight playing wouldn't be so bad? He sprung to his feet, following her in. Determined to catch her this time and win.
19th September, 1932 11 Years Old
An 11 year old girl walked hand-in-hand with an older gentleman with very similar features to her own. The two had the same hair and eye colour, the little girl's hazel eyes sparkling in the darkness of the night. This girl was Avery Rogers and the older male was her father, Adrian Rogers. Her father was wearing a nicely made suit, his facial hair shaven and the look of professionalism running through his attire and stature.
They were on their way home from Adrian's company's banquet; he had won the prize for Employee of the year. Juliet Rogers hadn't been able to come this time due to Avery's twin, Steve falling ill with breathing issues. The doctor had recommended him not to be left alone but he also needed bed rest for a couple of days, this was why neither had been able to come. Juliet had insisted that her husband go and accept that reward and take Avery with him. They were also having a rough patch in their marriage too, not that they would ever reveal that to their kids.
"Can I hold it, dad?" Avery asked her father, looking up to him with pleading eyes – wanting to hold the fist-size silver statue in her small child hands. Her father had been with this company for more than twenty years – in fact, it was only yesterday for the anniversary.
Adrian sighed, passing the object to his daughter carefully. "Be careful, dear." He warned her with a light tone. He smiled to himself when he watched her take a hold of it, looking happily at the thing like it was a masterpiece. She didn't even know how he had become Employee of the year – if she found out when she was older, when she understood how this world really worked. She would be crushed. It was always such a joy to see that happy face of hers and seeing the similar one appear on his son's face too. He felt disheartened that his wife and son couldn't attend the banquet, but knew inside that his children's health would always mean more than an award. He placed his palm against her shoulder, keeping his daughter close to him – the atmosphere was dark, they were starting to cross the bad part of town. He never liked his children coming near this place.
Out of nowhere a gunshot filled the air before the air went silent – no birds whistling, no grasshoppers chirping, just … nothing. Ava frowned from her spot, stopping as her father did – what was that sound? "Daddy, what was that?" She wondered out loud – it was something she had never heard before, but when she heard nothing from him, she looked up … but what she saw made her eyes widen with confusion and horror. "Daddy?!" She exclaimed in a small voice, watching as his face whitened and a dribble of blood crawled out of his mouth. There was a bullet hole just above the place where his heart rested. The hand holding her shoulder released from its grip, his body tumbling back to the ground with a thud – he gasped, pain finally reaching his nervous system.
The statue in Avery's hand fell out of her grasp, smashing to the floor with a shatter.
"Avery…" Adrian gasped, praying his daughter was there and safe – darkness was already starting to take him … he knew what was happening, and it was all his fault. He should have expected this … but why did it have to be now while his daughter was with him.
Ava's bottoms lips wobbled, she seemed to understand what was happening and it started to crush her. "D-Daddy?" Tears began to spring from the corners of her eyes, pouring down the sides of her cheeks. "Daddy, don't leave!" She was the daddy's girl – she needed her father … she prayed to god that he'd be okay but her gut knew that would never happen. Even for an 11 year old, she was very smart for her age. "Please don't leave me!" She exclaimed, grabbing onto her father's arm, starting to sob as she watched the life fade in her father's eyes.
"You be a good girl, Ava – you hear me?" He told her, his breaths coming out with low stutters. He could feel his life force being sucked away quickly. "Y-You're going to be a g-great person sweetheart, d-don't let anyone else tell you differently."
Ava clung on tighter, "Don't say things like that." She knew what this was – it was one of those goodbye speeches, but she didn't want him to go!
"Don't let them change you, follow your own path." A tear dropped to the ground after draining down the side of his face, he looked towards her with the love of a parent in his eyes – proudness filling them, "I l-love you, my little girl…" And with that, the last of the light that had originally been in his pupils left the world – Ava's breathing came out in gasps and she screamed, her hollow of pain echoing through the night. The grief was unbearable – she was an 11 year old girl who had witnessed the murder of her own father and it was a murder that had never even been solved – just long forgotten and so had this memory, until now…
…
26rd November, 1932 – 1 Week Later
Avery stood next to her twin, watching as they lowered her father's casket into the ground – covering the hole with tons of mud and patting it down. She had been completely numb, all she could think was her father's last words running through her head. She honestly didn't know what to think right now – she hadn't told her mother, or Steve for that matter about what he had said to her before dying right before her eyes.
A nudge came from the side on her shoulder, Steve was looking at her with concern in his own twin manner. He knew how much closer she had been to their father than he had been – she had never looked this distant in all their lives. They haven't played together in days … she had hardly even talked during that time either, probably only a few words at the most. He was beginning to worry more than average. "Ava…" His voice riddled with unease towards his other half. "Please, talk." He begged, missing the sound of her voice.
Ava just shook her head, that night playing again in her head – her breathing started coming out heavier as it did, her throat was choking up with tears – she couldn't stop it. Steve reached forwards on instinct, bringing her to him – wrapping his arms around her as she burst into tears. She clutched onto him tightly, so much that it was making it hard to breath, but he didn't care. His sister needed him and he would always be there for her like she would be for him when he was upset or alone.
He didn't know what had happened but he knew not to push … he just hoped his bubbly twin would be back into shape in no time, maybe she would tell him what happen as they grew up?
1937 17 Years Old
"You can't know that!" Ava insisted, clutching a History book to her chest, walking around the grounds of the school with James Buchanan Barnes (Bucky) as she went next to her.
"Oh," James chuckled, nodding his head in an exaggerated manner. "I so can." He countered. They were debating about how the future will turn out. He knew there would be cool machines in the future like flying cars – something of which he had a feeling that the guy Stark was in the middle of doing. It was all in the newspaper last week after all.
"Uh, no." She said again, not being able to help the grin that formed on her face. The two of them had been hanging out together a lot lately, and she loved it. They've been best friends for over three years so far – Steve had been the one to introduce them. She longed for the guy to ask her out already, but so far it's like he hasn't had any major interest in her yet and this hurt. It hurt more than bad. Like apocalyptic bad.
He held up his hands with surrender, "Alright, alright." He exclaimed, looking amused and they chuckled once again – flopping onto the grassy floor under a tree. He sighed, leaning back on his elbows while Ava laid on her back just staring up at the clear blue sky – her book set aside next to her. "So, what are you doing this weekend?" He asked after a moment, looking a little hesitant.
"Um," She thought about the question for a second before answering, "Probably just laying around at home, doing homework." She shrugged, not looking too excited about the concept but if she wanted that future she dreamed, she would have to work hard to achieve it. And that was something she was okay with.
"Well, um." James began, clearing his throat as he sat up properly – looking towards her. "Would you … would you like to come out with me?" Ava's head snapped up, her eyes and ears not being able to help restarting with shock. Was he … asking her out? "Would you like to go to that diner around the block, you know, 'Glenn's Garden'?" He shrugged, looking a little shy about the question he was asking. "I know you love it there."
Ava's mouth dropped, her silent gestures making her look like a dying fish in need of water. "You're asking me out?" Her voice coming out with disbelief.
James let out a breath. "Yeah." He nodded, a determined look on his face. "Yeah, I am."
She finally started to smile a little shyly herself, but also streaming with giddiness, "Okay." She nodded, looking happy and excited – these feelings bubbled under her skin like fireworks. "I'd love to." A loud bell rung signally the end of lunch. It didn't bring down her spirit though, she grinned – pecking a small kiss on James's cheek – her own skin flushed bright red, blushing in against the heated sun. "I'll see you after school." With that she practically skipped to class – probably looking like a looney as she did. But she didn't care. One of her dreams were coming true.
1939 19 Years Old
"Are you sure about this?" James asked in a worried tone. Already seeing the made-up look plastered on his girlfriend's face. She had been talking about joining the army ever since before graduation; she wanted to help these scientists help make a better future and he got that. He was just worried about their lack of time together. She'll be gone for long periods of time until she got to the stage where she could finally move closer to home. And that was a 6 month duration as it was.
"It'll be fine." Ava insisted, holding her boyfriend's hand in a comforting manner as they walked towards the nearest park. She really wanted to do this – she needed to make herself feel needed in the world. She didn't want to be a normal girl going through life with a script – she wanted to do something with her life, make a good change in the world. And most of all, she wanted her father to be proud of what she had been able to accomplish.
James stopped her walking, turning her towards him – holding up his hands so they now grasped her cheeks gently. He gazed into her eyes, seeing this pure determination – it was something he deeply loved about her. Once her heart was set on something – she would always achieve it. "I don't want you to go." He said selfishly, he wanted her to stay with him for-good. Every moment they were apart he felt lonely and depressed, he needed her in his life. If she wasn't, his life didn't really mean anything anymore.
Ava's mouth formed a sad smile, she would miss him dearly too during this time away - just as much as being away from Steve for the first time in their lives would be. But she needed to do this – she needed to get out and explore this world, make it better for their hopeful future together. She couldn't help but think how lucky she was … her dreams were actually coming true, it truly felt unbelievable sometimes. "It's only 6 months." She tried to comfort not only him, but also herself. Six months was a long time in her book – it probably was in his too.
James sighed, finally letting go of her cheeks, now just reaching out to hold both her hands against his chest, right beside his heart. "Fine." He finally gave in, shaking his head. But then he groaned, a quirk forming on his lips, "So, what your telling me is … that I have to put up with your brother on my own for all that time … I'll be dead before you get back." He joked.
Ava chuckled with amusement, "Stevie isn't that bad." She insisted but then cringed, it was only last week that he had found out about their relationship – it was right after finding out that she had been accepted for this opportunity. And boy, was Steve shocked and it wasn't light in the way he had to find out…
Avery had a large grin on her face, facing James. "I got it!" She exclaimed, waving around the piece of paper with her acceptance on it. She jumped up and down with exhilaration.
James grinned, watching as his girlfriend with excitement. He was stood against the wall, the letter had literally just come in the mail and she couldn't have opened it fast enough.
In all the excitement their lips met with a passionate kiss, they groaned into each other's mouth and even James's hands were starting to slide up against the sides of her body – Ava's back hit the hallway wall, their lips still mashing together – forgetting about the world around them.
"What is all the racket…" The voice drifted and footsteps down the stairs ceased. "AVERY?! BUCKY?!" A familiar voice snapped them sharply from their passionate frenzy – their eyes widening, Bucky jumped away from his girlfriend, effectively bumping into the front door key-table, braking it as it fell to the floor.
Ava and Bucky looked up guiltily towards the stairs, seeing Steve looking between them like a gaping fish – he blinked rapidly, rubbing his hands over his eyes in a furious manner – probably wondering if what he had seen was real. "What the…" He blinked, "You were about to, uh…" Steve's voice cut off, his eyes rolling to the back of his head – passing out.
Ava blinked this time, wondering if what had just happened … really happened. 'Did my brother just faint?' she asked herself in disbelief. 'Oh crap, I'm in trouble when he wakes up…'
"But seriously…" She continued, gripping his hands tightly with her own – trying to forget about the ways Steve could make her boyfriend pay while she's gone. "…you'll be fine. The two of you will have each other and you can do all those manly things, whatever that's supposed to mean these days." She gave him a kiss, making sure it last more than a couple of seconds. "We'll both be fine…" She whispered so only they could hear the words.
1939 6 Months Later
A slow piece of music was playing from the piano in the corner of the entertainment hall, couples of all ages were dancing together on the dance floor or eating together at a couple's table. Ava had returned, looking a little more weary but happy to be back. James held her in his arms, slowly moving her from side to side with the music – as promised before she left, they were having that date each had promised. Both had missed the other and knew exactly what they were doing later – all they wanted to do was be with each other.
"See," Ava mumbled, her head resting against her lovers shoulder – breathing in his familiar scent, the one she missed so damn much after all this time away. "I said everything would be okay."
James hummed as his chin rested on top of her head, enjoying this moment – he wanted it to last but knew it wouldn't, real life was going to hit them again soon enough, "You were right … you always are." He chuckled, knowing how right that statement was. "I'm just glad your home … and I know Steve is too."
Ava's mouth quirked, "So he didn't try to kill you because of our, uh, little interaction in the hallway." Steve had been a little distant before her leaving – it did hurt but she kind of understood. It's probably going to be a huge shock to find out your sister had been secretly dating your best friend for over two years. Boy, she would be pissed too.
James chuckled, pulling his head away from hers, looking towards her with a shaking head. "Nah." He said, "I tried to set him up with a couple of girls … but none of them seemed to take though." Shrugging his shoulders, he knew that Ava would want her brother happy – besides, Steve was the closest thing to her he had while she was gone. He needed that connection to stay friends with him.
"He'll find someone." Ava nodded with determination, meeting his gaze. She knew her brother would find the one like she had with James, it was just going to take time. "It's fate and I believe such a thing exists somewhere in this Universe."
1944 Previously brought up in 'Alive but not Awake'
Ava's back leaned against Bucky's chest, the field of flowers surrounding them creating a romantic scene as they just sat there in silence, listening to the small birds flying above them and in the lively trees.
She felt Bucky's chin rest on her shoulder beside her ear, "I love you, Avery Lola Rogers." He breathes in her ear – making her giggle as a tickling sensation rounded her neck. Her head turned to him, leaning in her forehead against his so her lips were almost touching his, "I love you too, James Buchanan Barnes." She kissed him.
Bucky broke the kiss as the both returned from each other, gasping for air, "So, are you ready for the surprise?" He asked, a teasing grin plastered on his lips as he caught his breath back.
Ava brought her face away from his slightly with a confused look, "The field and food wasn't the surprise?" She thought it would have been, it's been the best one today so far.
Bucky grinned, "Nope, stand up." He told her as he grabbed her hips gently and hoisted her up onto her feet making her stumble slightly. "I want to do this properly."
Ava chuckled as she balanced herself and turned to him, "Do what exactly?" She asked, suspicious at what he was going to do.
He just stayed silent and brought something out of his jacket pocket, he got down on one knee as he held both of his lovers hands with care. He looked up at her face and he saw her looking shocked, but her eyes were brimming with tears as she realised what was happening.
"Avery Lola Rogers," Bucky began, he looked into her eyes as he spoke – love and adoration pouring out of his own, his heart was beating fast in a nervous anticipation, "Ever since I met you, I've felt a pure connection. The first time I saw you, all I could think about was how beautiful you were, how caring and how honest everything about you was. As the years have gone past – my love for you had both grown and exceeded past anything I would've dreamed in my wildest times." He took a deep breath, "For a long time, I have always imagined being with you and only you for the rest of my life; and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Ava watched as he opened the small box he had gotten from inside his jacket; inside was a beautiful engagement ring. The sun reflected of it with a unique tint as the ball of fire started to lower in the sky.
"Ava," Bucky's voice wavered in hope as he finally got to the point, "Will you marry me?"
Warm and salty tears fell down the side of her cheeks as her head nodded in a 'Yes' gesture, her voice unable to work as another one of her dreams just came true.
1945 24 Years Old
Steve, Bucky and Ava were standing upon the edge of a snowy cliff next to a zip wire connected to an opposite mountain, above a train track – one of which Dr. Zola would be passing any minute.
Bucky pulled Ava aside quickly – knowing they didn't have much time left until the mission was to begin, "Ava." He started, fear for her safety evident in his tone. "Are you sure about this?" Yes, she had been granted permission to join them because of her excelled training and weaponry skills. But he still had the right to be t least fearful for her life. He couldn't lose her; they were engaged to be married, they were going to spend the rest of their lives together when this was all over. He wanted all three of them to have long happy lives after this – they've done enough fighting for their country, it's about time they rest and work on their own futures, not the worlds.
"I'll be fine." Ava told him, feeling like it had been the hundredth time she's had said it already. "We'll all be fine." She didn't have any doubts or regrets about joining – should would have felt guilty for not going if she were to stay behind, she wasn't about to let her boys risk their lives without her. All for one or not at all. She kissed him, pulling back with a smile. "Trust me, everything will turn out okay."
Oh, how wrong she was…
Note: As I said in the note above, this is going to be a two-parter because of the amount of ideas I now have. This chapter had all of Ava's memories, the next will contain Winter and hers.
You'll get to see a lot of scenes from the past and most of it was created by you guys so great job everyone! Anyway, here we are and I hope you love the turnout…
Avengers: The Age of Ultron | Saviours | Remember Me, Avery Rogers…
x- Inside Avery's head –x
1930 - 9 Years Old
"Steve…" Avery whined, pushing her brother in the shoulder. She was bored. Both their parents were out at some kind of party and they weren't allowed to go – not that the twins really wanted to anyway. She just wanted something interesting to do ... like maybe, go outside?
"Stevie!" She pushed him once more, trying to get him to quit reading those stupid books of his. They were about superheroes saving people in some country, she didn't really care what it was and all she wanted to do was play with her twin.
Steve groaned, looking up to his older twin from his bed. She had barged in, again. He was annoyed, wasn't she supposed to be the more responsible and mature twin? Seriously, she's the older one – he should be the one moaning about boredom. "Go away, Ava!" He huffed, going back to reading his book but a flying pillow flew into his face – making him drop it.
Ava stood there with a glare, "Fine, then." She scoffed, looking both hurt and pissed that he didn't want to hang out with his own twin. "Read your damn book and notspend quality time with your only twin." She stood up sharply, crossing her arms around her small frame before sulking out of her brother's room like a little girl. Well, she was one though, so it didn't really seem all that out of the ordinary.
…
Ava was still sulking with loneliness on the back porch step in their small townhouse in Brooklyn. The sky was dark, you could see stars from miles away – they were beautiful to her.
It made her think about what was really out there, not just using her imagination either – she longingly wondered what the future would be like when she grew up, how the world would evolve like her History teacher talked about. The teacher always had many theories and some of them were honestly pretty dumb. But others were really interesting at the same time.
She's never spoken out loud about her wonders; what she really believed – but for the future, she hoped for many things. That diseases would be cured, people would be living what they dreamed as a kid and most of all – maybe life among the stars would be nearer and better than she imagined. She believed there was life out there, but the only thing she didn't know was what to think about it, really … would it be a good idea to actually make contact with supposed beings from another planet?
"Ava?" Her brother's voice called from behind, he sounded a little hesitant. He probably saw how her body was slumped, like the only thing holding her body up was the bent knees in front of her. Ava's small arms were wrapped around her legs, they were pulled to her tightly as she looked up towards the sky – her fingers fiddling with several daisies that had grown in their backyard. She loved flowers ... they were so full of life. The only thing they had to worry about was getting enough sun and water; there was more to life when you're a human being.
Ava glanced over her shoulder, her lips forming a frown – not looking happy. "I thought you were spending quality time with that book of yours, it's all you ever do these days when mom and dad are out."
"It's just a hobby." He shrugged his shoulders, not really knowing what else to say. He loved his sister (she is his other half after all) but sometimes he just needed some time alone to himself; to read. He sat himself next to her, his head only reaching just below her shoulder. He had always been severely small for his age – he was born with a size defect, one that he didn't even remember what it had been called. Sometimes he envied her for that, sometimes he wished he had been the average size one while she had been the small one. But something told him that being like this was a sign for something, he didn't know what, but he knew it would give him a future. And as crazy as that might sound, he believed it. "And, I pretty much play with you all the time – we hang around together literally all our days, at school … at home. Yeah, we're twins but we need to spread apart a little. To grow."
Ava put on a thoughtful face for a moment before giving in, knowing he was right – he always had been. Her chin slumped into the palm of her hand, "Fine." She grumbled, still not happy about it … but she understood. Maybe she could try make some friends? Ones that were girl's, maybe?
Suddenly she grinned, tapping Steve on the shoulder out of the blue. "Tag. You're it." She exclaimed, jumping to her feet before running inside the house – about to find a hiding spot where he wouldn't be able to tag her back.
Steve let a chuckle fall through his lips, grinning too in an identical manner. Maybe spending tonight playing wouldn't be so bad? He sprung to his feet, following her in. Determined to catch her this time and win.
19th September, 1932 11 Years Old
An 11 year old girl walked hand-in-hand with an older gentleman with very similar features to her own. The two had the same hair and eye colour, the little girl's hazel eyes sparkling in the darkness of the night. This girl was Avery Rogers and the older male was her father, Adrian Rogers. Her father was wearing a nicely made suit, his facial hair shaven and the look of professionalism running through his attire and stature.
They were on their way home from Adrian's company's banquet; he had won the prize for Employee of the year. Juliet Rogers hadn't been able to come this time due to Avery's twin, Steve falling ill with breathing issues. The doctor had recommended him not to be left alone but he also needed bed rest for a couple of days, this was why neither had been able to come. Juliet had insisted that her husband go and accept that reward and take Avery with him. They were also having a rough patch in their marriage too, not that they would ever reveal that to their kids.
"Can I hold it, dad?" Avery asked her father, looking up to him with pleading eyes – wanting to hold the fist-size silver statue in her small child hands. Her father had been with this company for more than twenty years – in fact, it was only yesterday for the anniversary.
Adrian sighed, passing the object to his daughter carefully. "Be careful, dear." He warned her with a light tone. He smiled to himself when he watched her take a hold of it, looking happily at the thing like it was a masterpiece. She didn't even know how he had become Employee of the year – if she found out when she was older, when she understood how this world really worked. She would be crushed. It was always such a joy to see that happy face of hers and seeing the similar one appear on his son's face too. He felt disheartened that his wife and son couldn't attend the banquet, but knew inside that his children's health would always mean more than an award. He placed his palm against her shoulder, keeping his daughter close to him – the atmosphere was dark, they were starting to cross the bad part of town. He never liked his children coming near this place.
Out of nowhere a gunshot filled the air before the air went silent – no birds whistling, no grasshoppers chirping, just … nothing. Ava frowned from her spot, stopping as her father did – what was that sound? "Daddy, what was that?" She wondered out loud – it was something she had never heard before, but when she heard nothing from him, she looked up … but what she saw made her eyes widen with confusion and horror. "Daddy?!" She exclaimed in a small voice, watching as his face whitened and a dribble of blood crawled out of his mouth. There was a bullet hole just above the place where his heart rested. The hand holding her shoulder released from its grip, his body tumbling back to the ground with a thud – he gasped, pain finally reaching his nervous system.
The statue in Avery's hand fell out of her grasp, smashing to the floor with a shatter.
"Avery…" Adrian gasped, praying his daughter was there and safe – darkness was already starting to take him … he knew what was happening, and it was all his fault. He should have expected this … but why did it have to be now while his daughter was with him.
Ava's bottoms lips wobbled, she seemed to understand what was happening and it started to crush her. "D-Daddy?" Tears began to spring from the corners of her eyes, pouring down the sides of her cheeks. "Daddy, don't leave!" She was the daddy's girl – she needed her father … she prayed to god that he'd be okay but her gut knew that would never happen. Even for an 11 year old, she was very smart for her age. "Please don't leave me!" She exclaimed, grabbing onto her father's arm, starting to sob as she watched the life fade in her father's eyes.
"You be a good girl, Ava – you hear me?" He told her, his breaths coming out with low stutters. He could feel his life force being sucked away quickly. "Y-You're going to be a g-great person sweetheart, d-don't let anyone else tell you differently."
Ava clung on tighter, "Don't say things like that." She knew what this was – it was one of those goodbye speeches, but she didn't want him to go!
"Don't let them change you, follow your own path." A tear dropped to the ground after draining down the side of his face, he looked towards her with the love of a parent in his eyes – proudness filling them, "I l-love you, my little girl…" And with that, the last of the light that had originally been in his pupils left the world – Ava's breathing came out in gasps and she screamed, her hollow of pain echoing through the night. The grief was unbearable – she was an 11 year old girl who had witnessed the murder of her own father and it was a murder that had never even been solved – just long forgotten and so had this memory, until now…
…
26rd November, 1932 – 1 Week Later
Avery stood next to her twin, watching as they lowered her father's casket into the ground – covering the hole with tons of mud and patting it down. She had been completely numb, all she could think was her father's last words running through her head. She honestly didn't know what to think right now – she hadn't told her mother, or Steve for that matter about what he had said to her before dying right before her eyes.
A nudge came from the side on her shoulder, Steve was looking at her with concern in his own twin manner. He knew how much closer she had been to their father than he had been – she had never looked this distant in all their lives. They haven't played together in days … she had hardly even talked during that time either, probably only a few words at the most. He was beginning to worry more than average. "Ava…" His voice riddled with unease towards his other half. "Please, talk." He begged, missing the sound of her voice.
Ava just shook her head, that night playing again in her head – her breathing started coming out heavier as it did, her throat was choking up with tears – she couldn't stop it. Steve reached forwards on instinct, bringing her to him – wrapping his arms around her as she burst into tears. She clutched onto him tightly, so much that it was making it hard to breath, but he didn't care. His sister needed him and he would always be there for her like she would be for him when he was upset or alone.
He didn't know what had happened but he knew not to push … he just hoped his bubbly twin would be back into shape in no time, maybe she would tell him what happen as they grew up?
1937 17 Years Old
"You can't know that!" Ava insisted, clutching a History book to her chest, walking around the grounds of the school with James Buchanan Barnes (Bucky) as she went next to her.
"Oh," James chuckled, nodding his head in an exaggerated manner. "I so can." He countered. They were debating about how the future will turn out. He knew there would be cool machines in the future like flying cars – something of which he had a feeling that the guy Stark was in the middle of doing. It was all in the newspaper last week after all.
"Uh, no." She said again, not being able to help the grin that formed on her face. The two of them had been hanging out together a lot lately, and she loved it. They've been best friends for over three years so far – Steve had been the one to introduce them. She longed for the guy to ask her out already, but so far it's like he hasn't had any major interest in her yet and this hurt. It hurt more than bad. Like apocalyptic bad.
He held up his hands with surrender, "Alright, alright." He exclaimed, looking amused and they chuckled once again – flopping onto the grassy floor under a tree. He sighed, leaning back on his elbows while Ava laid on her back just staring up at the clear blue sky – her book set aside next to her. "So, what are you doing this weekend?" He asked after a moment, looking a little hesitant.
"Um," She thought about the question for a second before answering, "Probably just laying around at home, doing homework." She shrugged, not looking too excited about the concept but if she wanted that future she dreamed, she would have to work hard to achieve it. And that was something she was okay with.
"Well, um." James began, clearing his throat as he sat up properly – looking towards her. "Would you … would you like to come out with me?" Ava's head snapped up, her eyes and ears not being able to help restarting with shock. Was he … asking her out? "Would you like to go to that diner around the block, you know, 'Glenn's Garden'?" He shrugged, looking a little shy about the question he was asking. "I know you love it there."
Ava's mouth dropped, her silent gestures making her look like a dying fish in need of water. "You're asking me out?" Her voice coming out with disbelief.
James let out a breath. "Yeah." He nodded, a determined look on his face. "Yeah, I am."
She finally started to smile a little shyly herself, but also streaming with giddiness, "Okay." She nodded, looking happy and excited – these feelings bubbled under her skin like fireworks. "I'd love to." A loud bell rung signally the end of lunch. It didn't bring down her spirit though, she grinned – pecking a small kiss on James's cheek – her own skin flushed bright red, blushing in against the heated sun. "I'll see you after school." With that she practically skipped to class – probably looking like a looney as she did. But she didn't care. One of her dreams were coming true.
1939 19 Years Old
"Are you sure about this?" James asked in a worried tone. Already seeing the made-up look plastered on his girlfriend's face. She had been talking about joining the army ever since before graduation; she wanted to help these scientists help make a better future and he got that. He was just worried about their lack of time together. She'll be gone for long periods of time until she got to the stage where she could finally move closer to home. And that was a 6 month duration as it was.
"It'll be fine." Ava insisted, holding her boyfriend's hand in a comforting manner as they walked towards the nearest park. She really wanted to do this – she needed to make herself feel needed in the world. She didn't want to be a normal girl going through life with a script – she wanted to do something with her life, make a good change in the world. And most of all, she wanted her father to be proud of what she had been able to accomplish.
James stopped her walking, turning her towards him – holding up his hands so they now grasped her cheeks gently. He gazed into her eyes, seeing this pure determination – it was something he deeply loved about her. Once her heart was set on something – she would always achieve it. "I don't want you to go." He said selfishly, he wanted her to stay with him for-good. Every moment they were apart he felt lonely and depressed, he needed her in his life. If she wasn't, his life didn't really mean anything anymore.
Ava's mouth formed a sad smile, she would miss him dearly too during this time away - just as much as being away from Steve for the first time in their lives would be. But she needed to do this – she needed to get out and explore this world, make it better for their hopeful future together. She couldn't help but think how lucky she was … her dreams were actually coming true, it truly felt unbelievable sometimes. "It's only 6 months." She tried to comfort not only him, but also herself. Six months was a long time in her book – it probably was in his too.
James sighed, finally letting go of her cheeks, now just reaching out to hold both her hands against his chest, right beside his heart. "Fine." He finally gave in, shaking his head. But then he groaned, a quirk forming on his lips, "So, what your telling me is … that I have to put up with your brother on my own for all that time … I'll be dead before you get back." He joked.
Ava chuckled with amusement, "Stevie isn't that bad." She insisted but then cringed, it was only last week that he had found out about their relationship – it was right after finding out that she had been accepted for this opportunity. And boy, was Steve shocked and it wasn't light in the way he had to find out…
Avery had a large grin on her face, facing James. "I got it!" She exclaimed, waving around the piece of paper with her acceptance on it. She jumped up and down with exhilaration.
James grinned, watching as his girlfriend with excitement. He was stood against the wall, the letter had literally just come in the mail and she couldn't have opened it fast enough.
In all the excitement their lips met with a passionate kiss, they groaned into each other's mouth and even James's hands were starting to slide up against the sides of her body – Ava's back hit the hallway wall, their lips still mashing together – forgetting about the world around them.
"What is all the racket…" The voice drifted and footsteps down the stairs ceased. "AVERY?! BUCKY?!" A familiar voice snapped them sharply from their passionate frenzy – their eyes widening, Bucky jumped away from his girlfriend, effectively bumping into the front door key-table, braking it as it fell to the floor.
Ava and Bucky looked up guiltily towards the stairs, seeing Steve looking between them like a gaping fish – he blinked rapidly, rubbing his hands over his eyes in a furious manner – probably wondering if what he had seen was real. "What the…" He blinked, "You were about to, uh…" Steve's voice cut off, his eyes rolling to the back of his head – passing out.
Ava blinked this time, wondering if what had just happened … really happened. 'Did my brother just faint?' she asked herself in disbelief. 'Oh crap, I'm in trouble when he wakes up…'
"But seriously…" She continued, gripping his hands tightly with her own – trying to forget about the ways Steve could make her boyfriend pay while she's gone. "…you'll be fine. The two of you will have each other and you can do all those manly things, whatever that's supposed to mean these days." She gave him a kiss, making sure it last more than a couple of seconds. "We'll both be fine…" She whispered so only they could hear the words.
1939 6 Months Later
A slow piece of music was playing from the piano in the corner of the entertainment hall, couples of all ages were dancing together on the dance floor or eating together at a couple's table. Ava had returned, looking a little more weary but happy to be back. James held her in his arms, slowly moving her from side to side with the music – as promised before she left, they were having that date each had promised. Both had missed the other and knew exactly what they were doing later – all they wanted to do was be with each other.
"See," Ava mumbled, her head resting against her lovers shoulder – breathing in his familiar scent, the one she missed so damn much after all this time away. "I said everything would be okay."
James hummed as his chin rested on top of her head, enjoying this moment – he wanted it to last but knew it wouldn't, real life was going to hit them again soon enough, "You were right … you always are." He chuckled, knowing how right that statement was. "I'm just glad your home … and I know Steve is too."
Ava's mouth quirked, "So he didn't try to kill you because of our, uh, little interaction in the hallway." Steve had been a little distant before her leaving – it did hurt but she kind of understood. It's probably going to be a huge shock to find out your sister had been secretly dating your best friend for over two years. Boy, she would be pissed too.
James chuckled, pulling his head away from hers, looking towards her with a shaking head. "Nah." He said, "I tried to set him up with a couple of girls … but none of them seemed to take though." Shrugging his shoulders, he knew that Ava would want her brother happy – besides, Steve was the closest thing to her he had while she was gone. He needed that connection to stay friends with him.
"He'll find someone." Ava nodded with determination, meeting his gaze. She knew her brother would find the one like she had with James, it was just going to take time. "It's fate and I believe such a thing exists somewhere in this Universe."
1944 Previously brought up in 'Alive but not Awake'
Ava's back leaned against Bucky's chest, the field of flowers surrounding them creating a romantic scene as they just sat there in silence, listening to the small birds flying above them and in the lively trees.
She felt Bucky's chin rest on her shoulder beside her ear, "I love you, Avery Lola Rogers." He breathes in her ear – making her giggle as a tickling sensation rounded her neck. Her head turned to him, leaning in her forehead against his so her lips were almost touching his, "I love you too, James Buchanan Barnes." She kissed him.
Bucky broke the kiss as the both returned from each other, gasping for air, "So, are you ready for the surprise?" He asked, a teasing grin plastered on his lips as he caught his breath back.
Ava brought her face away from his slightly with a confused look, "The field and food wasn't the surprise?" She thought it would have been, it's been the best one today so far.
Bucky grinned, "Nope, stand up." He told her as he grabbed her hips gently and hoisted her up onto her feet making her stumble slightly. "I want to do this properly."
Ava chuckled as she balanced herself and turned to him, "Do what exactly?" She asked, suspicious at what he was going to do.
He just stayed silent and brought something out of his jacket pocket, he got down on one knee as he held both of his lovers hands with care. He looked up at her face and he saw her looking shocked, but her eyes were brimming with tears as she realised what was happening.
"Avery Lola Rogers," Bucky began, he looked into her eyes as he spoke – love and adoration pouring out of his own, his heart was beating fast in a nervous anticipation, "Ever since I met you, I've felt a pure connection. The first time I saw you, all I could think about was how beautiful you were, how caring and how honest everything about you was. As the years have gone past – my love for you had both grown and exceeded past anything I would've dreamed in my wildest times." He took a deep breath, "For a long time, I have always imagined being with you and only you for the rest of my life; and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Ava watched as he opened the small box he had gotten from inside his jacket; inside was a beautiful engagement ring. The sun reflected of it with a unique tint as the ball of fire started to lower in the sky.
"Ava," Bucky's voice wavered in hope as he finally got to the point, "Will you marry me?"
Warm and salty tears fell down the side of her cheeks as her head nodded in a 'Yes' gesture, her voice unable to work as another one of her dreams just came true.
1945 24 Years Old
Steve, Bucky and Ava were standing upon the edge of a snowy cliff next to a zip wire connected to an opposite mountain, above a train track – one of which Dr. Zola would be passing any minute.
Bucky pulled Ava aside quickly – knowing they didn't have much time left until the mission was to begin, "Ava." He started, fear for her safety evident in his tone. "Are you sure about this?" Yes, she had been granted permission to join them because of her excelled training and weaponry skills. But he still had the right to be t least fearful for her life. He couldn't lose her; they were engaged to be married, they were going to spend the rest of their lives together when this was all over. He wanted all three of them to have long happy lives after this – they've done enough fighting for their country, it's about time they rest and work on their own futures, not the worlds.
"I'll be fine." Ava told him, feeling like it had been the hundredth time she's had said it already. "We'll all be fine." She didn't have any doubts or regrets about joining – should would have felt guilty for not going if she were to stay behind, she wasn't about to let her boys risk their lives without her. All for one or not at all. She kissed him, pulling back with a smile. "Trust me, everything will turn out okay."
Oh, how wrong she was…
Note: As I said in the note above, this is going to be a two-parter because of the amount of ideas I now have. This chapter had all of Ava's memories, the next will contain Winter and hers.
PLEASE UPDATE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
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3/11/16