Chapter Text
“Or a high tech prison. Either way, you'll be more comfortable here than you would be at S.H.E.I.L.D.”
They both turned to find Nat standing in the doorway, two manilla folders in her hand. “Pepper told me she and Aveline showed you around the downstairs drawing room and your suite?” She smiled at the two men as they nodded. “Good, here are your access codes and maps of the surrounding area. After brunch, we'll be heading down to the beach to check on the fishing nets.” Shaking her head, Nat frowned. “There have been reports of the fish going bad before they need to. Av is concerned because the lively hood of the cities and villages are dependent on the fishermen.”
Steve frowned, taking the folder Nat held out to him. “What have they come up with already?” Opening the folder, Steve read through the information. “And why paper, is there a concern about information being leaked?”
Sighing, Nat nodded as she handed Bucky the other folder. “Av doesn't want General Gaines to know our current whereabouts, so we're not using the tablets for this.” At their looks of confusion, Nat gave them a small smile. “Study the information about the godfathers, General Gaines, happens to be one of them.” Turning, Nat headed back to the door. “Not that it's a big deal but Ananias was named a primary godfather until one of you had been found. If he knew you two were currently here..” She let her sentence drift off as she studied Steve and Bucky. Nodding, Nat turned and left the suite as silently as she'd arrived.
Steve let out a soft breath as he looked at Bucky. “How is that possible? How did Ananias become a primary godfather?” He watched as Bucky struggled to answer. “Buck?” Shaking his head, Steve searched the suite for his backpack. “There's no way Eli would have agreed to something like that.” He spotted his pack sitting by the bar, shaking his head in confusion. “Not after what happened, Eli would never..”
Bucky frowned as Steve searched his pack. He could hear a voice pleading with him..begging him to protect something..something or someone important.
Damnit, James! You're the only one I can turn to, the only person I can trust! Please, I need you to do this for me, as one of my closest friends..
How am I supposed to believe you and I don't even remember you? You want me to agree to something that could potentially put my life in danger.
Because if Steve were here he'd tell you this is important! That there is a real threat to the children! Please, for the love of god, I need you to keep a watch over them. Ananias..
Is dead. I killed him myself almost six years ago. If you were really Eli you would already know this.
He didn't die, James, that's what I'm trying to tell you! The man you killed was a decoy, do you think I'd be here if I were lying? Do you really believe I'd let that monster near my only child?!
Shaking his head at the memory, Bucky scowled in frustration. “Eli was scared of Ananias, he'd never let him anywhere near Av.”
“Nor would his family.” Steve said softly, scrolling through his now found tablet. “Look, it says here that Eli's family fought Howard for custody but lost due to a, missing witness.” Frowning, Steve read through the information in front of him. “It says that Howard wanted to keep Aveline, Tony, and Bruce together but it doesn't say why.”
There are four children, James. No matter what anyone tells you or what you hear, there are four not three.
“How many children are listed, Stevie?” Bucky closed the folder in his hands, thoughts racing through memories he'd thought long lost. “Is it just three or..”
Steve started in surprise as he read through the original court documents. “There are four listed here in the original documents but in the public documents only three are listed.” Steve drifted off as he read through the information. He was looking for anything about the fourth child but didn't see much. “They list them as a male, a few years older than Aveline, but nothing else.”
“Eli told me there were four kids not three. That if I was told three, they would be lying.” Sighing, Bucky looked over Steve's shoulder at the information. “He would have set this up, David was already dead by the time Av was born, and from what we've both read, Howard was to drunk.” He took the tablet from Steve, scrolling through the screens. “How are we supposed to protect them if we don't know everyone we're supposed to protect?”
Frowning, Steve walked over to the windows. “This isn't the first time Nat's said something about Ananias. She said that he was Aveline and Wade's commanding officer, not Fury.” Voice soft, Steve watched the waves as they slowly rolled in then back out. “What's happened from the time we disappeared to now? How do we make sure history isn't repeated?”
Bucky shook his head as he searched the tablet for answers. Should he tell Steve about what he remembered? Would he judge him or..
“Bucky?” Steve glanced back at his silent friend, wondering at his frown. “What's wrong, find something else?”
Releasing a soft breath, Bucky looked from the tablet to Steve. “Eli asked me to protect them, he said there were four children not three but he never told me who they were.” He held the surprised gaze, sighing in frustration. “I remember him asking me to watch out for them because they were in danger but..”
“Your memory was wiped.” Steve finished softly, a frown curving his lips down. “Someone had to have known Eli was in contact with you, someone who kept tabs on you, as well as Eli.” Eyes narrowing in thought, Steve turned to face Bucky. “Do you think Ananias had something to do with Eli's death?”
“Not just Ananias, remember what Nat said before we left New York? They've had to remind the other godfathers of their place or have had to remove them completely.” Running a hand through his hair, Bucky tried to remember more of the conversation with Eli. “Eli was scared, Stevie, he said that someone was after them. Someone they should have never trusted or let into their group.” Sighing, Bucky looked at Steve as he walked back towards him. “I don't know, Stevie, but Ananias..”
“I know, Buck, we need to talk to Tony or Bruce before we talk to Aveline. We need to find the fourth child before he does.” Laying a hand on Bucky's shoulder, Steve grinned. “Come on, let's go downstairs for brunch. We can figure out how to find out the information we need while we get to know everyone better.” When Bucky nodded, Steve chuckled. Taking his tablet from Bucky, he followed the other to the door. “Do you think he'll try something now that we're here? Could that be the issue with the restaurant?”
Bucky thought about Steve's questions, wondering if they would need to confront Ananias themselves. “What if Fury sent us here, Stevie? What if he wants us to find the answers that no one else has been able to?” At Steve's look of confusion, Bucky sighed. “The original court documents show there is a fourth child but virtually nothing listed about them other than they're male. What if Fury sent us here to find out who they are before Ananias?”
Steve nodded as they walked down the hallway to the stairs. “That's possible, Fury could have set this all up to draw out Ananias if he suspected him of foul play. Question is why wouldn't he go to one of them about what he knows?”
“Don't know, but I think we need to look into who the missing child is. We also need to find out how Ananias became a godfather, none of that makes any sense.” Bucky blinked in surprise as they walked into the kitchen. “Wow, this is almost as chaotic as New York.
Steve nodded, eyes wide at the number of people running around the large room. “We missed this on the house tour. There are a lot of people here to prepare a meal.”
“They're all here to help feed the villagers since the fish are running low.”
Turning, Steve was surprised to find a blond man with bright green eyes watching them. “Umm, hello?” When the other man smiled, Steve felt himself smiling back. “Are you a guest here as well or..”
Holding out his hand, the stranger grinned at Steve and Bucky. “No, well yes, but only because I know the house and staff and because my cousins treat everyone as family or guests.”
Frowning, Bucky studied the smiling blond in front of them. “Who, exactly, are you and why are you here?” Voice low, Bucky held the bright gaze studying him. Eyes narrowing, he felt his temper start to burn as the other man remained silent. He was watching Bucky with a knowing gaze, a gaze that held information he didn't have. “Do we know you?”
Looking between the two men, Steve tried to gauge the situation. When the other man remained silent, Steve thought back on his greeting. “You said your cousins treat people like family or guests?” Studying the smiling man closer, Steve realized why he looked familiar. “You're Tony and Aveline's cousin, Dariq? I'm Steve and this is my best friend, Bucky.” At his wide smile, Steve released a soft breath of relief. “Bruce said you'd be here but not when.”
“The plan was to join you all for dinner but of course, things changed.” Dariq grinned at Steve as they finally shook hands. “I'm here early due to the crisis in the villages. My sister, Addie, will be joining us later this evening, once she finishes her errands. ”
“Can someone please get rid of the barrels of rotting fish sitting on the back porch! Who's trying to kill us and why?! This stench is horrible!”
Laughing, Dariq turned at the sound of the kitchen doors opening and Aveline walking in. “Speaking of my cousins, looks like Aveline's upset about the smell of rotting fish. If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I need to help finish preparations.”
Steve nodded, looking from Dariq to Bucky, giving him a quick grin. “What do you think, Bucky? Wanna see if we can help out?”
Bucky nodded, looking around with a small smile. “Sure, let's go see what the boss needs us to do.” He held the smiling gaze watching him as they made their way around the kitchen. When they were finally standing in front of Aveline and Dariq, Bucky smiled. “Angel, how can we help?”
Blinking in surprise, Aveline looked from Bucky to Steve. “You don't..I-I mean if you want to help you can but you really don't have to. The staff from the restaurant can handle things here. I just need the barrels of rotten fish taken as far away from the house as possible.”
Bucky grinned at her look of disgust. “Is it really that bad?” When she nodded, he looked back at Steve with a grin. “Stomach strong enough to handle something so foul?”
Looking thoughtful, Steve tapped a finger against his lips. “I don't know, I mean, if it's bothering Aveline..” He grinned at the look of surprise on Aveline's face. “Maybe we need special suits to deal with it?”
Bucky nodded as he turned back to the two blonds in front of him. “I agree, maybe we should go see Bruce about how best to dispose of rotting fish.” When Dariq laughed and Aveline grinned, Bucky chuckled in amusement. “Show us where they are and where they should go and we'll do the rest.”
Aveline studied the two men in front of her, torn between doing as asked and the consequences of doing so. Looking at Dariq, she tilted her head in question. When he grinned at her, she sighed. Turning back to Bucky and Steve, she gave them a small grin. “Alright but promise if asked, you'll tell Pepper and Bruce I didn't force you?” She looked anxiously between them, hoping they would agree. “James, Steve, please, if..”
“We'll make sure they know we volunteered.” Steve smiled at Aveline. When she relaxed with an answering smile, Steve nodded. “One of you come show us what needs to be moved and where, we'll do the rest.” Looking from Aveline to Dariq, Steve waited in silence.
“I'll show you, Av has to deal with the kitchen staff.” Dariq smiled at Steve and Bucky before turning to his cousin. “Sa'aeud ya aibn aleumi, la taqliq, kulu shay' sayakun ealaa ma yurami.”(I'll be back, cousin, no worries everything will be fine.) Pressing a kiss against her forehead, Dariq turned back to Steve and Bucky. “Gentlemen, if you will follow me?”
Steve looked from Dariq to Aveline, giving her a reassuring smile. “Maybe we can help in the kitchen once we're finished?” At her quick nod, Steve sighed in relief. He turned to follow Dariq and Bucky, looking back once at Aveline. He could see the worry in her eyes and wondered why. Shaking his head, Steve blinked as they walked outside into the bright sunlight. He felt his stomach churn at the rotten smell now assaulting them. “Aveline wasn't playing when she said this is horrible.”
Dariq nodded as they headed towards two large barrels. “She is sensitive to certain smells and this..” He waved at the barrels. “Is one of them.”
Forcing himself to breath slowly, Bucky held a hand over his nose. “Why are they already smelling like this? I've been fishing and they've never gone bad in less than twenty-four hours.”
Shaking his head, Dariq scowled at the barrels. “There is something in the water killing the fish. The problem, however, is that Bruce and Tony set up a system that would keep the lake clean and free of toxins.” Frowning, Dariq turned to a small closet to his left. “Over the past few months the fish that the fishermen caught have been..unpleasant to look at let alone eat.”
Steve studied the barrels, stomach churning as the smell became increasingly stronger. Looking up, he tried to gauge the time. “If we leave them here much longer, the smell will waft through the rest of the house. The hotter it gets..”
“The more it smells like someone killed a boat load of fish. Fucking hell, Dariq, why is this sitting here? Has angel face seen these? We need to move these before Bruce comes up from the labs or there will be hell to pay.”
Steve turned, frowning to find Wade walking towards them. “Why would there be an issue with Bruce from the smell? I mean, it's not the most pleasant thing but..”
Smiling, Wade looked from Dariq to Steve. “As much as angel face can't stand this, Bruce will hulk the fuck out. The sooner we move these the safer we are.” Looking up, Wade grinned at the man frowning down at him. “Go inside, baby boy, we've got this. Can't have you getting sick before we head to the car show.” When Peter nodded, relief clear in his eyes, Wade chuckled before turning back to Steve. “Petey doesn't have the stomach for the stench either.” Shaking his head, he let out a soft breath. “And neither do I.” Turning back to Dariq, Wade nodded at the small box he held. “Breathers?”
Dariq grinned before lifting the lid. “Breathers.” At Steve and Bucky's looks of confusion, Dariq smiled. “Tony made these neat little toys to help us breath under water..” “Or on land, which ever works.” Wade finished as he picked up the small set of nose plugs. “These are one of Tony's best inventions because no matter how bad a smell is, we'll never smell it.” He grinned at Dariq's soft chuckle. Turning to Steve and Bucky, he held out a pair for them both. “Here, no matter how strong a stomach you have, moving these will damn near kill you with the stench.”
Bucky took the small pair of plugs from Wade, studying them with a small frown. “We can use these to breath?” When Wade nodded, he sighed in relief. “Thanks, Wade, never thought I'd say this but I've never smelled anything so horrible in my life.”
Wade laughed before putting his plugs in. “Come on, Tony will be up in a few as will Bruce. If we can get these far enough away..” He broke off at the sound of someone behind them. Turning, Wade frowned. “Go back inside angel face, we've got this.”
Bucky watched as Wade hurried over to where Aveline stood, a frown of worry curving his lips down. “Stevie, let's get these out of here and get back. As bad as this smells I'm still hungry.” At Steve's soft chuckle, Bucky turned back to Dariq. “How far are we taking these?”
“There's a place past the docks where the barrels can be taken. As long as we make sure not to unseal them, we should be good.” Dariq glanced back at Wade and Aveline, a frown curving his lips down. “Give me a moment and I'll go with you.” He turned to the pair standing by the door. “Cousin?”
Aveline looked up at Dariq, looking from him to Steve and Bucky. “Are you sure you don't want me to go? I can help despite the smell and..”
Shaking his head, Dariq smiled. “No, we can take care of this, you focus on getting the food ready. I believe they will both be hungry once we return.”
Nodding, Aveline looked up at Wade. “Be careful, the last time we used the recycler it almost took the dock out.”
Wade chuckled, giving Aveline a warm smile. “Don't worry, just make sure Petey doesn't get sick as well.” At her look of concern, Wade took a step closer. “What is it, angel, something else bothering you?”
Aveline sighed, glancing back into the kitchen. “Are you sure Peter's alright? He seems..distracted, by something.”
Wade nodded, leaning around the door frame, searching for Peter. When he spotted him, he sighed. “No, he's alright for now, just..don't let him go to far without knowing where he's going, ok?” He turned back to Aveline and Dariq, a small grin curving his lips. “Don't want anyone molesting my boyfriend before I've had a chance to.”
Aveline laughed, shaking her head as she turned back towards the kitchen. “Hurry up, I want to make sure everyone has a chance to eat before we head to the beach.”
Wade nodded, giving her a quick grin before turning back towards Steve and Bucky. “Let's go, D, can't get rid of these by just standing around here.” Studying the two men in front of him, Wade sighed. “Well gentlemen, let's be off! The sooner we leave, the sooner we get to see everyone in birthday suits!”
“Wade!”
Laughing, Wade shook his head. “I meant bathing suits, baby boy, bathing suits!” Glancing back, he grinned at the frowning man standing in the doorway. “I'll behave, no worries.”
Peer glared at Wade, shaking his head at his grin. “If you don't, I'll hang you over the edge of the volcano, with Av's help.”
Steve looked between the two men, confused at Wade's grin. “Uh, maybe we should let you two..” He broke off as Wade turned to face him. “Wade?”
“We're good, Cap, Petey pie wants me to behave and I'll behave.” Wade glanced to his right, looking at the reader. As we both know, I'll only be good until I get him alone. Then I'm tearing that ass up!
Steve frowned looking to his left wondering who Wade was talking to. Glancing at Bucky, he frowned at the other's confused expression. “Bucky?”
Shaking his head in confusion at Wade's behavior, Bucky sighed. “Come on, let's get this over with, this smell is getting stronger the longer we stand here.” Turning, Bucky watched as Dariq pressed the top of the barrel and two handles popped up. “We ready?” When Dariq nodded, Bucky turned to Steve. “Grab the other end, Stevie and let's go.”
Aveline watched as all four men picked up the barrels and headed around the side of the house towards the docks. She wondered if she should have gone despite what Wade and Dariq said. Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair before turning back towards the kitchen. Looking around, she searched for Peter, relieved to find him standing by the island with one of the sous chefs. “Hey Peter, feel like taking a few pictures of the new dishes coming out?” At his happy nod, Aveline smiled. She was worried about the shorter brunette, wondering again what he was trying to hide from them.
“He seems distracted despite being here, or maybe I'm just seeing things?”
Turning, Aveline smiled at the man behind her. “Jim?”
Rhodey gave her a soft smile before looking back at Peter. “Wade said he hasn't been feeling well but it seems it's more than something physical.” He watched as Peter took pictures of the dishes now lining the counter. “He looks happy now, though. Think there's a reason to worry?”
Aveline shook her head as she watched Peter. “Wade says it's nothing to worry about but..” Glancing at Rhodey, Aveline sighed. “Wade would tell us if there was something to worry about. I think, Pete just needs some rest and a chance to regroup. He's been working with Ottos again and..”
“And it's taking a toll on him.” Rhodey finished softly. “I understand, well hopefully the car show will let everyone relax.” He grinned at Aveline's smile, watching the kitchen staff as they added the finishing touches on certain dishes. “Have you decided what to get Abe for his birthday?”
Nodding, Aveline smiled. “I want to get him a truck, Tony wants him to have a car, Wade and Bruce think he's ready for a bike. Honestly, if he wants all three he'll get all three.” She grinned at Rhodey's soft chuckle before glancing back out towards the dock. “Jim, Wade, James, Steve, and Dariq took some barrels down to the recycler..”
“And we've already made it back, worry wart.”
Turning, Aveline smiled at the two men walking towards her. She felt her stomach flutter when she noticed Steve and Dariq weren't with Wade and Bucky. “Where are Dariq and Steve, did something happen to them?” Looking up at Rhodey, she frowned in worry. “Jim..”
“Stevie wanted to meet some of the fishermen so Dariq offered to introduce him.” Bucky frowned at Aveline's agitation. “He's trying to help, Angel, nothing more.” He looked from Aveline to Rhodey, studying the pair. “Is there a problem with him meeting the villagers?”
“Nope, I introduced him to Abdiel and his family. They were getting ready to go out when we got to the recycler.” Wade gave Aveline and Rhodey a quick grin before turning to the kitchen. “Where's my Petey pie, did he disappear already?” Searching the bustling room, Wade frowned. “Angel, did Petey leave?”
Looking behind her, Aveline shook her head. “No, he's in the dining room taking pictures of the new desserts.” She laughed as Wade moved through the kitchen. “He'll be occupied until it's time to eat.” Turning to Bucky, she gave him a shy smile. “James?”
Bucky grinned at the smiling woman, glancing at Rhodey before moving closer. “I'm going to go clean up then we can go find Stevie and your cousin.” At her happy nod, Bucky stepped back. Taking a deep breath, he turned to Rhodey, giving him a small grin. “Everything alright, Lt. Col?”
Shaking his head, Rhodey looked between the couple next to him. “All good, just trying to figure out why you and Wade smell like month old fish.” He grinned at Aveline's soft laugh and Bucky's soft chuckle. “Is that why you were at the recycler?”
“It is, there were two barrels of rotting fish and we offered to move them before Bruce smelled them.” Bucky grinned at Jim's chuckle. “It was a horrible job but it had to be done.” He broke off at the sound of Tony's voice coming from the kitchen.
“Jesus Christ, why are there so many god damn people here already? Did we plan a party and nobody tell me?!”
Turning, Rhodey shook his head at the cranky voice. “I'll go deal with Tony, Barnes, you go freshen up.” Glancing back at Aveline, he smiled. “Come on, let's explain, one more time, why everyone is here instead of at the restaurant.” At her small nod, he frowned as they walked into the kitchen. “You two still fighting?”
“No, just..you know how he is when he's cranky.” Sighing, Aveline watched as Bucky left the kitchen, headed back upstairs. “Maybe a slice of apple pie will help?”
“I heard my two favorite words, apple and pie.”
Turning, Aveline smiled at her cousin. “Well, we have a fresh one waiting just for you, cousin.” She laughed as Tony's face lit up with a happy grin. “Jim and I were wondering if you'd enjoy a slice?” Reaching for one of the pies n the table, Aveline smiled as Tony, headed to the table, plates and forks in his hands. Setting the pie down, she glanced back outside, wondering if Dariq and Steve would be returning soon. Had they found something concerning the fish? Had the system some how malfunctioned?
Shaking her head, Aveline watched as Tony and Rhodey cut the pie. She smiled at their enthusiasm, hoping to get answers to her questions soon.