Vignette #1 - Bucky
Steve and Thor were taking a few days of much needed rest at a cabin in the middle of nowhere, somewhere in Vermont that Pepper had promised would give them total privacy, when he heard the telltale rush of the Bifrost.
“Thor, babe, are we expecting anyone?” Steve called out. He’d been reading on a large deck chair in the backyard and Thor had only gone inside to get a fresh cup of iced tea.
“No, elskan, we are not.” Despite the unexpected intrusion, neither of them went for their weapons that had been stored in the first floor bedroom they weren’t using. The visitor using the Bifrost meant they were friendly, so they walked around the small cottage hand in hand, not real worried about who decided to interrupt their vacation.
“Ah, Fandral, what brings you to Midgard?” The blond man was looking around as if the wooded area was fascinating.
“Lord Thor and Steven, how fare you this fine day?”
“We’re well, Fandral. And how is Asgard?” Steve asked.
“All is well. I come bearing news of your lost brother. Heimdall has caught sight of him.”
“Bucky? Heimdall found Bucky?” If he was the sort to fall, he might of then. His knees went to jelly.
“Aye. A place called Brazil. There is a small hut in the trees.” He went on. “Heimdall can point you there.”
“Thor?” Steve asked his partner. The vacation was meant to give them rest from the hunt for Bucky, so to cut it short… he didn’t want to upset Thor, but he did want to find Bucky.
“Of course. We will leave straight away.”
“Thank you.” He threw his arms around Thor, not even paying attention to the way his wings cocooned the pair of them.
“We must let the Lady Pepper know that we are leaving early, and then we shall pack and go straight to Asgard. From there we will travel to find your brother.” Thor pressed a kiss to Steve’s forehead before they separated and got ready to leave their little cottage.
“Shall I wait and return with you?” Fandral asked.
“That is fine, we’ll be quick. Are you thirsty or hungry?” Steve invited him inside while he went to search for the phone he's ignored the past few days.
“I am in need of nothing, Steven. Thank you, though.”
“Right, okay…” He thumbed off a text to Pepper after finding his phone tucked in between couch cushions. He gets back at thumbs up right as Thor walks down the stairs, their two bags over his shoulder and both their weapons in his hand.
“I believe we are ready to depart.”
“I let Pepper know. She’ll tell the others.”
“Perfect, let us go home to Asgard.” Thor offered his free hand and Steve took it easily. The three of them left the small cottage and Thor called for Heimdall in the same spot that Fandral had arrived in.
“Ah, my princes. Welcome home.” Heimdall stood tall and imposing as always.
“Hello Heimdall. Fandral tells me that you have news of Bucky?” Steve wanted to know everything, to demand the information, but he could never mistreat this man who had done nothing wrong.
“I have.” He nodded to Fandral. “Take their bags inside, I will send them where they need to go.”
Fandral wished them well before taking the two duffels. With only the shield in one hand and holding Thor’s with the other, he prepared to go through the Bifrost once again. They landed in a lush green forest. The sounds were foreign to him, but not unwelcome. The damp, however, was incredibly unwelcome.
“Come, let us look for this tree hut that Fandral spoke of.” Thor hooked Mjolnir to his belt and looked around.
“If I know Buck, then he already knows we’re here. The Bifrost doesn’t exactly land quietly.” Steve joked.
“Was that what that was, Stevie? The magic rainbow bridge we read about?” Steve spun so fast he made himself dizzy. The voice was recognizable. The man who spoke was not. Only one arm. Long hair, braided and laid over one shoulder. A messy beard, and skin tanned beyond recognition.
“Buck.” Steve breathed out. His wings ruffled against his back; a nervous tic.
“Steve.” Buck didn’t move a muscle, but Steve rushed forward, stopping only when they were in touching distance.
“Buck. It’s so good to see you.” He looked his best friend over and found him to look healthy, or as healthy as possible for his situation.
“And who’s this?” Buck nodded at Thor who had been holding back, probably wanting nothing more than to be holding Steve’s hand right then.
“This is Thor. My boyfriend.” Steve held his hand out and caught Bucky’s eyes widening. “I’ve been waiting to introduce you two.”
“James Barnes, it is good to finally meet you. I have waited many a day to prove my worthiness to you, my Steven’s brother.” Steve blushed, but Bucky grinned. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to let these two be friends. And oh, when Loki got involved it would only get worse. He couldn’t wait.