Work Text:
Brianna POV
“Tell me again how that happened.” My sister requested of me. It was so long ago, but I remembered it very clearly.
Wanda POV
It was my turn to do dishes after lunch. Most of the others have gone off to do other things. Tony and Nat were nearby. Tony tinkering with something and Nat was reading her book. Friday's robotic voice alerted us through the loudspeaker “There is a breach in the west woods.” It drew all our attention. Tony asked “Is it a threat?” Friday spoke again “No threat.” Tony relaxed “Leave it alone.” I groaned. What if it was something? Tony's mechanical heart made him as cold as ever.
Me and Nat exchanged a look. She was annoyed with him too. I put down the towel and announced “I'll go check it out.”
Brianna POV
It was strangely cold. I pulled my knees closer. The trees made it hard to see. I couldn't see my brother Ethan anymore. We were just playing. I picked up something from his tool bench. I pressed a button and when I looked up again I was all alone. I wanted my brother “Ethan!” I started crying. I wanted to go home.
Wanda POV
I heard it, someone crying. My eyes scanned the trees. I saw her. A little girl sitting at the base of a tree. She was curled into a ball, her sobs shaking her little body. She couldn't be that old, maybe five. Something inside me urged me forward. It told me to help her. I stepped towards her again. Her body stiffened, she knew I was here. I knelt in front of her. I was maybe four feet away from her. I spoke softly “Hi. Are you lost?” The little girl looked up.
Her eyes were a breathtaking green just like Nat's. Her hair was dark brown and she had tanned skin. She sniffled “Are you going to hurt me?” I shook my head “No I’m not. I'm Wanda. Can you tell me your name?” The girl looked me up and down. I didn't know what she was looking for, to see if I was a threat. She rubbed her nose on her sleeve “Brianna.”
Molly POV
My anger raged “WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU LOST HER?!” My ears rang. Ethan was supposed to be watching her. He came running from his lab panicked. My mind raced. She was too young to be out on her own. Ethan spoke “She picked up one of my projects and she pressed a button and then she disappeared.”
Ethan handed me the device. I recognized it immediately “You mean to tell me you've been tampering with the multiverse?”
Natasha POV
We all stood there stunned. My beautiful girlfriend Wanda stood in the doorway with a little girl clinging to her. I couldn't see the girl's face, it was buried in Wanda’s neck. The girl was little and her clothes were clean. She wasn't out there for very long.
Wanda was determined “We can't just hand her over.” Tony wanted to call the police. Wanda argued we could find her parents easier. Tony reluctantly agreed as long as he didn't have to watch her. Wanda took the girl down the hallway to our room. I followed behind. The girl started to raise her head. She looked right at me. Her eyes were stunning. They reminded me of my own sister Yelena. Some sort of stubbornness.
Wanda sat on the bed with her. I sat against the wall waiting. The girl started to look around. Her eyes found me. The girl spoke “Who's that?” Wanda spoke “That is my girlfriend Natasha.” I smiled and gave her a wave. She studied me. The room was quiet. I could feel Wanda's eyes on me. The girl spoke again “You're a lot like my mommy.” I smiled. If this girl had a mom like me maybe she would tell us where she came from. Wanda spoke “Nat this is Brianna.”
I spoke “Its nice to meet you Brianna. Can you tell me how old you are?” Brianna didn't hesitate “I'm seven.” I raised my eyebrows “Seven. Have you lost any teeth yet?” My tactics worked as her face lit up “I've lost a lot of teeth. See.” Brianna smiled wide. I laughed “I see.”
Wanda POV
I watched as Brianna grew very comfortable with Nat. The way they talked it was like they already knew each other. After a few hours of playing it was time for dinner. I could tell Nat took possessiveness over Brianna. Brianna even snuck her little hand up to hold Nat's and then she took my other hand. For a moment I knew, this is what it was like to have a family.
As we walked into the kitchen we got looks from almost everyone. By now the word spread that there was a child in the compound. I took my seat. I watched as Nat kept a close eye on Brianna. Brianna was full of wonder, the complete opposite from when I first found her. She sat right next to Bucky “Whoa you have a metal arm! Can I try it?” The comment made most of the table smile. Bucky laughed “I think its too big for you squirt.” Brianna pouted in her seat.
Yelena pointed her fork at Brianna “I like this one. Can we keep her?” Nat put a small plate of food in front of Brianna who instantly started eating. Tony's voice was cold “No. We're locating her parents then sending her home.” Yelena retorted “You are a father Tony Stark yes? She reminds you of Morgan does she not?”
I laughed. Leave it to Yelena to point out the obvious reason. Brianna spoke up matching Yelena's energy “Yeah I wanna stay here until mommy and daddy come.” Bruce spoke “I agree with the child.” Steve spoke “Who is going to take care of her?” Nat spoke “I will.” Almost everybody froze. It was the first time Nat of all people had shown any kind of maternal interest in anything. The cold hearted assassin caring for a child.
Molly POV
The computers were running as fast as they could. Everybody else waited anxiously for her location to appear. My youngest daughter, gone. We will find her.
Natasha POV
I had Bucky bring one of the spare beds into my bedroom and corner it off for her. I would rather have the child in our room than in one all alone. I knew something like this could trigger nightmares. Me and Wanda gave her a bath. Bucky went out and bought some clothes for her. Brianna was happy to see him “Bucky!” Water flung around the bathroom.
He set the clothes on the counter “Hey squirt.” Wanda asked “Hey Brianna. Want to see some magic?” At this point I had her covered in bubbles. Wanda stretched out her hand. Bubbles flew from the bath and floated around the room. Brianna gasped “You can do magic too.”
A huge globe of water floated above her. Brianna reached up and poked it. It popped like a balloon and splashed her. All the soap was rinsed off. She giggled. I held up a towel “Alright kid time to get out.” She hopped from the tub. I wrapped her in the towel. The fabric looked like it was swallowing her alive.
Bucky POV
The child was small. Wanda sent me to buy cloths for her and gave me the sizes. I didn’t know where to start. The clerk helped me when she noticed I was confused. She helped me pick out a few things.
When I got back to the compound it warmed my heart when Brianna was excited to see me. Me of all people. I watched as Nat cared for her. It looked like she has done this before. Wanda sent me from the room when it was time for Brianna to sleep. Brianna raced over and hugged my legs. I was stunned. I never had a child like me ever. It felt right though what we were doing for her.
Wanda POV
Bruce objected “I don't think she should be here.” Nat objected “She'll be fine.” It was morning. After breakfast and the team meeting me and Nat brought Brianna to the gym. I looked over and saw her and Steve stacking mats like stairs by the foam pit. Nat's and Bruce's bickering faded to the back of my head. I still couldn't believe how maternal Nat has become towards Brianna.
Nat even did Brianna's hair in a braid. I didn’t know she could do that. Brianna started climbing the mats as Steve got in the foam pit below. I nudged Nat with my arm. Their voices stopped. We all watched as Brianna stood at the top of the mats. Steve held out his hands “I'll catch you.” Brianna jumped towards him.
Steve caught her easily. Brianna’s laughter filled the air. I spoke “That gives me an idea.”
Natasha POV
“Again! Again!” Wanda's idea was killing us all. We used Brianna as a weight. Tossing her into the foam pit as an exercise. Each time she wanted more. All of us did it at least a dozen times. Only Bucky was able to do more since he had the super soldier serum. Even Steve tapped out.
Bucky tossed her again. She laughed as she flew through the air. My whole body groaned watching him. How can one seven year old have so much energy? Bucky declared he needed a rest. Wanda asked “How does she do that?” Clint was sprawled out on the floor “Kids have all the energy.” Clint sat up suddenly. He looked scared “It's quiet.” I was confused “What's wrong with.”
Brianna ran through the gym “Look Steve gave me a knife!” My throat tightened as I glared at Steve. He looked around confused “Was I not supposed to?” Wanda groaned “No Steve. You don't give a seven year old child a knife.” Brianna stood in front of us “Ms Nat look.” I saw Brianna smiling as she held the knife. I was shocked to see she was holding it correctly.
The knife was firmly grasped in her hand. There was no confusion whatsoever. Yelena spoke “Why does it matter? Me and Natasha were given worse weapons as children.” I knelt down “Brianna did someone teach you that?” She looked at the knife and then at me “My mommy taught me. She said the first weapon to master is a knife.”
To say I was interested was an understatement. I smiled “Did your mom teach you to punch?” Brianna was excited “Yeah and to kick too. Do you want to see?”
Bucky POV
Natasha was way too excited about this. She led Brianna onto the floor and grabbed Steve's collar along the way. Natasha kicked the back of Steve's legs so he was kneeling. Natasha put Brianna across from him. Natasha spoke “I want to see what your mom taught you. Can you do that for me?”
Brianna nodded “What are the rules?” It was hard to believe she was only seven in that moment. She seemed much older. Natasha spoke “Stop when he's not able to get up.” Wanda was at my side. She used her powers “She's confident. Nat too.” I turned back to the match. Brianna took up a stance and held the knife in her front hand. It was the guard position. The knife gave her an extra advantage.
Natasha raised her hand “Go.” Brianna didn't move. We were all confused. Natasha asked “What's wrong?” Brianna didn't take her eyes off Steve “You didn't say hajime.” Japanese? How would she know Japanese? Natasha tried again “Hajime.”
Her first step and punch. Steve backed away. Brianna spun around and kicked using the knife as an extra advantage. Steve backed up again. Here came another punch. Instead of the step I saw her foot rise. I flinched as I saw it connect. Steve doubled over and fell to his side whimpering and clutching his crotch. Yelena laughed at Steve getting kicked in the dick by a seven year old. Brianna was some kid.
Wanda POV
It was like Natasha had her own child. I saw her chest swell with pride. Eventually Steve recovered. Natasha convinced Brianna to give her the knife once she promised to teach her some new skills later. After tempting her with a snack Natasha led Brianna out of the gym. Bucky was the first to say “She's quite a kid.”
Steve whined “I wouldn't call that a kid.” Yelena spoke “What do you mean? She is a perfectly normal child.” I rolled my eyes “No normal child does that.” Bucky spoke “And did you see that form? All those moves were perfectly done.” I spoke concerned “We really need to find her parents.”
Natasha POV
I couldn't explain why I felt the need to care for Brianna but I didn't care. After I put her in her bed to nap after playing all morning I couldn't help but fall in love. Her face was so innocent. She managed to cuddle a little stuffed bear. I think it was Tony who put it in her bed.
I went back to the living room. I sat next to Wanda. I kissed her lips. She smiled “Someone's in a good mood.” I looked to the computer on her lap. She was running facial recognition software on Brianna. I felt hurt. It was like Brianna was already ours. I had to remind myself that this is only temporary.
Wanda POV
Nat looked hurt. I put my hand in hers “Don't worry. I bet her parents will love us.”
Molly POV
Dusty was tense which was understandable. Our youngest child was gone. We found the universe she was in and we were putting together a plan to get her back. I was leading the mission. I spoke to everyone gathered “Its somewhat like a military base. Ethan, you'll take out their AI system located here. Everyone else will split up and search.
Me and Dusty will start on the west wing. Hunter will stay near Ethan. Leo's squad will take the south. Zoey's squad for the east. And Theo's squad the north main entrance. You're the main distraction after Ethan.”
I looked to all my children and friends gathered “We'll use the cover of darkness to move in.”
Wanda POV
I woke up a few days later with the sun peeking through the windows. The bed was more comfortable than I remember. I rolled over to see Nat still asleep. Her red hair all over the pillow. Her hoodie was the only thing she wore. After the events of last night I was glad Brianna wanted to sleep in Yelena's room.
Brianna has been switching between us, Steve and Bucky, and Yelena's rooms to sleep in. Usually she was with us, but yesterday I caught the feeling she was up to something. I felt Nat start to stir. She sat up slowly and rubbed her eyes. I kissed her cheek “Good morning.” Nat grunted in response. I peppered her face in kisses until I got her to smile.
We both heard the door open. A second later Brianna ran in waving a plastic knife in the air “Yah! Yah!” I smiled at her enthusiasm. Yelana walked in the room “Малыш (Little one) wanted to see if you were awake.” Nat questioned “How can she be this energetic this early?” Brianna jumped on the bed. I just noticed Brianna and Yelena were dressed almost exactly alike.
Both wore jeans, boots, t shirts, and vests. Their hair was done in the same braid too. Brianna smiled her toothy grin “Look what Auntie Yelena gave me.” Brianna held out the blue plastic knife. Nat was on her sister again “You gave her a weapon?” Yelena crossed her arms “It is plastic. You would not let her keep the other one so I gave her this one. Let’s go Малыш (little one).”
I could tell Nat was exhausted. It took at least thirty minutes to convince her to go back to sleep. I promised her I would look after Brianna today. After Brianna tired us out during training, which was a game of tag we made cookies. Brianna dragged over a chair. Steve joined us and added a little chef's hat he folded out of his morning newspaper.
Brianna tried to lift the huge measuring cup of flour. Steve waited until the cup was empty until he turned on the mixer. Flour flew into the air. The white puff stilled in the air as I sputtered. I heard Brianna's giggling fill the air. I looked over. Steve was covered in flour with his eyes screwed shut. His lips were pursed. Steve blinked his eyes open. I couldn't help but laugh.
Steve wiped the flour from his face “I don't think there's enough flour.” The sarcasm made Brianna giggle more. I still smiled at his antics. Steve had settled nicely into his role as uncle Steve. I heard Nat walk in and then her voice “So this is where the party is.” I felt her hand on my back. I felt her lips connect with mine.
Her lips came back nearly white. Nat turned and kissed Brianna on her forehead. Brianna was still smiling “Uncle Steve made the flour go poof.” I saw Nat smile. Steve spoke “I bet your mommy is way better at this than I am.” Brianna nodded “She is. Grandpa Ares is too?” The name Ares sounded familiar.
I asked “What about your grandma?” Brianna nodded “Uh huh. Grandma Aphrodite can make anything taste good.” Steve added all the ingredients to the automatic mixer and turned it on. I was curious “Brianna can you tell me about your family?” Brianna counted on her fingers as she spoke “There's mommy, daddy, Grandma Aphrodite, Grandpa Ares, Hunter, Leo, Rebecca, Hazel, Lisa, Zeke, Zoey, um.”
Brianna paused as she didn't have any fingers left. I held up my hands and she continued “Becker, Simon, Eli, Avery, Emilia, Ethan, Quinn, Theo, Nolan. Then there’s Auntie Reyna, Auntie Annabeth, Uncle Percy, Thalia, Uncle Jason, Auntie Piper, Uncle Frank, Aunt Cylopso, Uncle Leo, Auntie Hazel, oh and Grandma Lin and Grandpa Apollo.” Nat's eyes were huge “Whoa. That is a lot of people.”
I shoved my way into Nat's mind “We're in trouble.” I turned to Steve “Go call Thor, now.” He sensed my urgency and went to call the god of thunder. Nat looked at me worried.. I couldn't help it. A third of those names were very familiar to me. We finished making the cookies. Nat took Brianna to get her cleaned up for dinner. I went to find Tony. If anyone knew about our situation it would be him.
Molly POV
We waited in the forest a few feet from the perimeter of their alarms. I searched for Brianna with the scope of my Halo. I saw her. Sitting with others eating dinner. Dusty was beside me “I see her. I looks like she's been cared for.” A woman with red hair sat next to her. My heart skipped. She was absolutely beautiful. The woman wiped the corner of Brianna's mouth with a smile.
We watched as the plates were cleared. A few stood and walked back in shortly after carrying plates. Brianna was at the man's feet reaching for one of the plates. The man put the plate in her hands. It was a plate of cookies. Brianna proudly set the plate on the table. That was my daughter and I want her back.
Natasha POV
Wanda was worried and that made me worry. She promised me she would tell us after Brianna was asleep. Bucky let Brianna pick the movie. He caved the moment he saw her puppy dog pout. Brianna picked an old Disney movie called Hercules saying it reminded her of her great uncle.
All through the movie Brianna kept making comments about all the different gods. According to Brianna Hades didn't scheme that badly. Brianna fell asleep on my shoulder. Bucky and Steve offered to take her that night. Brianna's arms tightened around him instantly. When he returned we had our discussion.
Tony was on edge “If what she says is really true we need to work harder to find her parents.” I looked to Wanda. She held up books “Brianna is from this world.” Steve was confused “From a world of books?” Tony shook his head. He confirmed our fears “She's from another universe. The multiverse theory is true.”
Tony POV
The lab was quiet. Good, I didn't want the rest of them to see me like this. The circuit board zapped me again. It was late. Others were still awake and they argued with each other. As soon as Thor arrived all of Wanda's theories were proven to be true. Brianna called him Uncle Thor. She snuck out of bed and was spying on us. Thor recognized her. His words rang in my ears “Ah the littlest one. Where is your grandfather Ares? I wish to speak with him about something.”
Thor told us he knew Brianna after becoming friends with the Greek War god Ares and his daughter Molly. Thor referred to them as the Bei Fong Clan. Claiming most of them were friendly unless provoked. We would surely be outnumbered if all of that was true. Having their youngest defiantly provoked them.
Molly POV
I looked to the rest of them. We all wore the same type of clothing. I only wore my black sword Ender with Brianna's favorite knife at my waist. I pulled up my mask. I looked to Theo and nodded. He manipulated the shadows around us, dropping us at our starting points. Theo, Nolan, Quinn, and Thalia were dressed normally. They needed to pass as the distraction.
Tony POV
A short in the lights caught my attention “Friday Do a scan.” Her mechanical voice wavered “Mr. Stark there are intrude.” The voice died. I ran to Friday's mechanical room. I looked up and saw a man hanging from the rafters holding a bunch of wires in his hand “What are you doing?”
The person looked down at me “Oh hey. What kind of wires do you use for your AI cause it is incredible.” I was still in shock. How did he get In here. I asked “What do you want?” His voice was calm “You have my sister.” I was confused “What?” He nodded “Yeah you're fucked.” I raised my hand to activated my armor.
The instant feel of steel on my neck made me freeze. The voice was sinister behind me “Don’t move. Where's Brianna?”
Bucky POV
I acted on instinct. As soon as I heard the desks distress signal I jumped out of bed. Brianna was more curious than scared “What's that?” I scooped her up. I needed to get her to the safe room. A small explosion drew my attention. Steve grabbed for his shield.
We ran into the hallway. Steve clashed with a woman, giving me the room to run. I heard the woman speak Greek Πού είναι η αδερφή μου; (Where's my sister)? Damn, Wanda was right. I slid around the corner. Brianna clung to me like a monkey. Almost there.
Dusty POV
We stood there watching them. We didn't expect for there to be two in one room. I took the brunette while Molly took the red head. My opponent had magic in her. She dodged all my attacks. She spoke in my mind “She's safe.” I froze. I looked to Molly. I could see how she fought she was attracted to her. My opponent spoke “They're?” I nodded “Yeah.” The two of them went down and wrestled. I looked at the woman and raised an eyebrow “We'll have to add you to our circuit.”
Brianna POV
The metal box was cold. I was scared. I saw the people in masks chasing us.
Wanda POV
I took a closer look at the man. His black hair and tanned skin. Tanned just like. I yelled “Stop! Nat! It's Brianna's parents!” Nat and the woman stopped in their tracks. I slowly walked towards Nat's opponent. Nat wanted to protect me “Wands.”
I Looked over the woman. She stood defensively.. her back was slightly hunched and her fists were balled in a loose defense. Her mask covered her nose and mouth. But those eyes, the same stunning bright green eyes. I entered her mind. She slowly stood tall. I saw it all. Brianna as a baby and the day she accidently got sent to us.
The woman reached for her ear “Σταματήστε όλες τις επιθέσεις. Τη φρόντιζαν. (Halt all attacks. They cared for her.)” Nat stepped forward “Вы сильны. (You are strong).” The woman spoke back in Nat's native Russian “Как и вы. (As are you.)” I went to the loudspeaker on the wall “Cease fire! It's Brianna's family.”
The sounds of fighting stopped all together. The woman stepped forward “Where is Brianna?”
Natasha POV
The door to the safe room opened. My opponent knelt and pulled down her mask. Brianna ran into her arms “Mommy!” The woman wrapped Brianna in her arms. I could see tears in the corner of her eyes. The man hugged them both.
The woman stood with Brianna in her arms. The woman turned to the rest of them “We'll debrief in the morning.” A group of seven or eight walked up to her. The woman hugged the one with purple shirt and long braid. I could have sworn the woman thanked her.
After they all disappeared from view the couple turned back to us. I heard Bucky suggest “Debrief?” The woman nodded “Yes, but first introductions.” She pulled down her mask “My name is Molly and this is my husband Dusty.” Dusty pulled down his mask to show his face. I could see the resemblance and Brianna was obviously their child.
Wanda stepped forward “We can talk in the conference room.” On our way there I watched as Molly carried Brianna. She fell asleep on her shoulder, an arm swaying in the wind.
Dusty took Brianna once we reached the conference room. Tony demanded “Which one of them broke my AI machine?” Molly sat back in her chair “That was our son Ethan, our resident mad scientist.” I was skeptical “It was like you brought an army.” Molly nodded “Most of them are our children. The rest are close friends of ours.” I asked “What's so special about the one in the purple shirt?”
Molly took a breath “She knows what goes on in my head, better than me sometimes. She helped me stay in control when Brianna disappeared.” Molly looked to be in her early thirties, but she spoke as if she was much older.
I relaxed a bit. I had a feeling Molly and Dusty were good people. I yawned. Tony spoke “I agree with Natasha. Let’s go back to bed.” Steve spoke “There's an empty room next to ours you can use.” Dusty spoke “Thank you. And that goes to everyone. For taking care of Brianna and keeping her safe.”
Bucky POV
Now I saw where Brianna got all her energy from. I just walked in for coffee and it was maybe 7am, a few hours after their raid. Dusty and Brianna were already running around outside. Molly was making a feast fit for a king.
I sat next to Yelena. Across the table Wanda was sipping her coffee. Yelena and Wanda were very confused “How are they doing that?” We heard Molly's voice. It made us all jump. Her voice was soft but very alluring “The power of an immortal sweet one.” Molly put a mug if coffee in front of me. I saw her hand brush Yelena's shoulder. I looked over and saw Yelena frozen in her seat and she was blushing a furious red.
Wanda's face was red and her eyes were focused. Nat and Steve walked in. Yelena was worried “Did you see that? Do you think she’s attracted to me?” Wanda answered “She's attracted to Nat and Bucky too.” I spat out my coffee all over the table. I coughed and my eyes watered.
I felt a hand pounding on my back. I saw it was Dusty. I was suddenly embarrassed. He was very handsome. He took the seat next to me. He smiled “Don't worry about it. Any of you.” He motioned to the entire table “We're open about it and we've had extra partners in the past.” Dusty turned to Natasha “You would be the first assassin for us though.” Dusty winked at her before getting up.
Molly spoke “Dudes food!” We all lined up to fill our plates. Molly spoke sarcastically “If its terrible I don't want to hear it.” Thor chuckled as he piled his plate high with meat “You could never cook a bad meal.”
After breakfast the dishes sat for a while. Brianna was on my lap with Nat braiding her hair. I asked “What happens now?”
Wanda POV
The room was quiet. I saw Nat stiffen at what Molly's answer would be. Molly's voice was sullen “We go home.” I held onto Brianna tighter “Will we.” Molly was quick to answer “Yes. We'll do our best to make sure you all can communicate with her.” My heart started to sink.
Natasha POV
My heart was in shatters on the ground. Molly, Dusty, and Brianna stood on one side and the rest of us on the other. I knew this was the right thing, but it hurt so much.
With one last wave the three of them walked through the portal. Brianna looked back at us. The last I saw of her was her smile.
Brianna POV
I sighed “That was the last time I saw them. We've video called and all but its like there’s still something missing.” The party my parents threw for me and my friends was long over. Emilia sat beside me. Out of all of them she knew what it was like to lose someone important.
She leaned on the bar with her elbows “The best thing about missing parts is you find them eventually.” A male's voice reached my ears “Hey squirt.” Squirt? I turned quickly. It was them. I ran and hugged the three of them. The tears formed in my eyes “I can't believe you’re here.” Nat wiped my tear away “We wouldn't miss your eighteenth birthday.” Yelena smiled “It is too important for you.” I saw Bucky smile “You've grown so much. I can't wait to see who you'll become.”