PARADOX

It's been two months since we've escaped Hydra. Bucky and I have sailed the sea and walked more than 500 miles. Our journey was rather very boring. No one attacked us on the way. Finding food wasn't a problem or was finding a highway. We didn't know where else to go, so be made our way to search for the Avengers tower. Manhattan was a long way to go but we found our way. Every time someone would ask us something, Bucky would take it as a threat. I guess his... assassin instincts were still in his head. I would always have to calm him down and give out weak smiles to strangers.

"You need to stop giving people glares," I said while gazing upon the delicious fruit. We were both currently standing in the middle of a farmers market. Our dirty, heavy, looks made our appearance look rather unapproachable. "Lighten up the mood."

Bucky gave me one of his glares and continued eyeing the plums that were in front of us. His eyes softened and waited for me to finish paying. When I was done, I pulled out a plum from the bag and handed him it. Bucky took it and started eating it. I ate my apple and we continued walking down the busy street. Bucky often pulled me aside from being seen by the feds. He told me that some of Hydra's spies are still roaming around New York.

I led the way to the tower. Avoiding cops and the busy streets as much as possible. People gave us odd looks, which made me very uncomfortable. Ever since Bucky told me about Hydra agents still in NY, I've been staring at people too. Now I understood why he was always looking around. When we reached the tower, the tower was on lockdown? Lockdown?

"What's wrong?" Bucky asked while gazing at the streets.

"The tower's on lockdown," I answered as I thought about a way to get inside. I knew the tower was well protected, but Tony didn't think of 2 super soldiers breaking in. "But I have an idea," I explained to Bucky that if we both punched the door at the same time, we would be able to break in. I also explained that if anyone tried shooting at us inside, don't shoot back. He agreed to the plan and we both stood in a stance and our fists contacted with the bullet proof glass. The glasses shattered and the alarm went off. I hauled Bucky down the halls as a couple of Tony's androids came shooting at us. I shot the hidden cameras that were everywhere and tried my best to reach the top. As I was running up the stairs, I turned around to check if Bucky was still following me. He wasn't there. I ran back down and searched for him. I called his name and there was no answer. Running down the hall, I found Bucky fighting with... Iron Man.

"Bucky!" I screamed at I came running up to the fight. Iron Man looked my way and stopped attacking.

"(Y/N)?" Bucky threw a heavy punch to Iron Man and returned to my side.

"Tony! Stop! He's not an enemy!" I shouted at Iron Man as he was about to shoot a beam at Bucky. The beam deactivated and Tony stepped out of his suit. He pulled me into an embrace and I wrapped my arms around him. Bucky was about to punch him again but I indicated it was safe.

"I thought you were killed," Tony mumbled into my hair. His embrace became tighter as I patted his back.

"I'll always find you," I muttered back and I separated us. "Where's Cap?"

"He's at the new Avengers base, upstate."

"New base?"

"Didn't want my tower too crowded."

"Let's go!"

I pulled Tony's hand and Bucky's arm to the lobby. We took a helicopter upstate and just from there I could see the new base. When we got there, I pulled Bucky's arm and ran to the doors. And guess what? Locked. We both looked back and Tony took his sweet time to walk over to us. During that time, I explained to Bucky that he shouldn't get too defensive when we meet Steve. Tony FINALLY reached the door and swiped his ID. The doors opened and I instantly pulled Bucky inside with me. I was so excited for Steve to see Bucky. My eyes were full of excitement and practically jumped up and down.

"Tony-- (Y/N)?!" Steve walked into the room. Bucky's shoulders were currently turned away from Cap's view, but I pulled him along as I gave Cap a hug. "Bucky?" Steve tried moving closer to Bucky but he withdrew back. That's right... he doesn't remember much.

I walked to him and tried telling him that that was Steve. He says he remembers the name but not him. The only person Bucky's been close to so far is me. Which made me depressed, as I glanced at Steve with an 'I'm sorry' look.

A group of people came through the same door Steve did. They were all very different. But I knew some of them.

"(Y/N), meet the rest of the avengers. Avengers meet (Y/N)." Tony introduced while looking at his tablet.

"And This is James Buchanan Barnes! But call him Bucky!" I added. As they came closer, I saw the twins, a guy who didn't look human, and a guy that had goggles on.

"This is--" Steve started but I cut him off.

"Wanda Maximoff and Pietro Maximoff. Nice meeting you again."

"Sam Wilson & the Vision."

Bucky's head lifted when he heard Sam's name. It must have triggered a memory. I remember Steve telling me about Sam on his mission. Natasha came in and gave me hug and looked at Bucky greeting him. The Vision walked up to me and spoke, "Nice to finally meet you, (Y/N). Mr. Stark has spoken fondly about you." he had JARVIS' voice. I whipped my head to Tony's direction and spoke, "Please tell me you gave JARVIS a body." Tony gave me a slight chuckle and so did everyone else.

"It's a long story," Clint said as he walked in and gave me a hug. "Welcome back."

Everyone spent time together a few hours later. I discovered that JARVIS was put into Vision. Also, HE COULD LIFT MJOLNIR. Which was quite awesome. Rhodey joined in a bit later. Clint had kids. Bruce is nowhere to be found. Thor's up in Asgard learning more about the Infinity Stones. Loki's scepter had artificial intelligence created Ultron, who was going to destroy the earth. I scolded Tony about it a bit to make him feel embarrassed. Bucky stayed by my side the whole time, which I understood. I was trusted, everyone else was either new or blurry. There were new people in the family, but everything felt right.