(So, this took me forever, I am soooo sorry.)

*Five Years after the Events of 'Bruised'*

"Cleared of all charges. The defendant is given full custody and granted his restraining order against the Avengers." The gavel smashes into the desk and I flinch with the noise. I look to my left where my family should be sitting, but the pew holding them is suddenly floating away as the courthouse floor melts into a mahogany river. My eyes widen when they meet Bucky's and I move to jump after them only for a hand to grab my hair and tug me backward into strong arms. I kick and struggle but can't open my mouth to cry out. Not even to scream.

"I've got you now. Monster." Paul's voice whispers in my ear and his hands release me only to frame my head and twist to the side.

I wake up and the sharp crack of my neck echoes in my ears while my eyes land on the fan slowly spinning on the ceiling. Soft gasps leave my lips as I sit up and wipe sweat from my neck and feel my thin tank-top sticking to my back. Tears leak down my cheeks before I can help it and I rub them away along with the sleep from my eyes. I flinch when my door opens only to reveal a softly rumpled Bucky Barnes.

"Baby doll?" He questions as his eyes look me over concernedly. I wipe leftover tears off my cheeks as he comes in and stands in front of me. I turn so my feet are hanging off the bed and wrap my arms around his waist to let his soft T dry my tears while his metallic arm runs over my back. "What was it this time?" He questions softly as his other hand smooths over my wild head of curls.

"We've been going over court cases in class." He breathes a heavy sigh in realization. "Today was the end of the course and I wasn't expecting it to hit home like it did. Besides, family court is supposed to be easy-"

"Hey, hey." He pulls back so we can see one another and wipes his thumb across my cheek. "You have a bit more on your shoulders, kid," Bucky assures me and I nod, understanding this but not taking it any easier on myself. His brows furrow a bit in thought and I immediately know what he's thinking. "Maybe-"

"I'm not being homeschooled. I love you, and Tony, and the team, but I need to actually talk to other people. I'll get over it." Bucky sighs again but smiles a little at me.

"Alright. Are you sure you still want-"

"To go to Tony's party? You're the one who doesn't want to go." I poke his chest and he smirks. "It's all I've been looking forward to the last couple of weeks. Other than Steve's lasagna last night." A soft rumble of laughter leaves his chest and calm settles over me. As long as I have Bucky and he's happy, things will be alright.

"Yeah well, what you didn't see were the two he threw out before that one." My eyes widen at the revelation and I laugh quietly at the image of him chucking them out the window.

"Hey, you said you wouldn't say anything." Steve objects from the door and steps in when I look at him. Light from the kitchen makes him glow slightly orange and he has a soft edge to his eyes. "Heard voices. Everything alright?" I nod and take Bucky's left hand in mine for assurance.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bad night." He nods and reaches over to my dresser, grabbing a new tank and tossing it onto the bed next to me.

"Well, if you're up for good I'll make breakfast. Pancakes." My lips lift at the soft suggestion, but my head shakes.

"Think I'm going to try and grab another hour or two of sleep." Steve nods his approval and heads out to the kitchen. I look back up at Bucky and he presses a firm kiss to my forehead.

"Need anything else, kid?" I press my lips together and glance at the barely lightening sky outside.

"Open the window? A fresh breeze would be nice right now." Immediately, Bucky nods and steps away, opening the noisy thing with ease. I take a deep breath of the crisp air, then gift Bucky a soft smile. "Thanks." He leans over and kisses my head again.

"Anything for you, baby doll. Get some sleep." I nod and he walks out, shutting the door behind him. Sighing sleepily, I hop up and grab my phone from the charger on my nightstand. I shoot a quick text before grabbing the new tank and slipping it on after tossing the sweaty one in the hamper. I slip on a pair of jeans and a cardigan as I walk into the bathroom. My nose scrunches at the light purple petals under my eyes and the pronounced red veins in the whites of my eyes. Still, brushing my teeth and splashing a little water on my face wakes me up a bit.

My dark curls are messy, but that's not really new. They fall to my waist and I carefully pick certain bits to work my fingers through. Despite the purple under my eyes, they're still a bright, clear blue. I sit on the edge of the tub and slip on my socks and tennis shoes out for this very occasion. Soft tones emanate from my phone and I take a breath. Tucking my phone in my pocket, I tip-toe back to the window and sit on the edge with both feet hanging out. I take a deep breath and count to three, then jump out.

Mid-fall I'm snatched from the air and I instantly wrap my arms around him.

"Morning Percy!" Peter greets me happily and coaxes a smile from my lips.

"Hey, Pete." I greet him softly in return as we swoop between skyscrapers. We make a quick circle before landing on the roof of my apartment building and settling down on the edge. Peter sheds his mask and packs it away in his bookbag while bringing out a paper bag.

"Managed to grab these on my way. Your favorite."

"No, you didn't," I tell him excitedly as he opens the bag and waves it under my nose. "Mm. Perry doesn't open his cart for another hour? How'd you do it?" I ask and grab a churro. Comfort food at its absolute best. Fried and covered in cinnamon sugar.

"Perry's a Spiderman fan." He tells me and I nod. Of course. Peter's brown eyes look over me as I take slow bite after bite. "So, what's going on? You didn't say what your S.O.S. was for." He says hesitantly so as not to push. I swallow and press my lips together a moment.

"Another nightmare," I tell him quietly and he nods slowly. This has become a bit of a bad tradition for us both. Send out an S.O.S text, spend a little time on the roof without adults, but this can't go on forever. It's not healthy for me to keep losing sleep like this either.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asks and I sigh, rubbing extra cinnamon sugar off my fingers to let it fall the long way down to the ground. I straddle the side of the building to face Peter who has his legs hanging over the edge. My blue eyes meet his brown.

"Paul again. Same concept." I tell him quietly and playfully block his next bite with a tiny shield. He looks over at me concernedly and lets his churro drop. "Just when I think he's gone he pops up again in some other way."

"Hey," Peter calls and takes my hand in his. "He is gone, Percy." I nod, knowing this, but for some reason knowing it doesn't make me believe I'm free. "Sometimes I dream about how my uncle died. Or being stuck under that building." Our eyes meet again and as the sun comes up his are painted more gold than brown. So is his hair. "Even though it's over, the memories are still in my head. Mr. Stark told me once that even though some stuff in my past might keep popping up, whether in reality or in my head, it's my choice whether I let them own me or not." His eyes burn into mine and he squeezes my hand for emphasis. I let his words sink in a moment before leaning forward and hugging him tightly.

"Thanks, Peter. You're a good friend." I whisper and smile as he hugs me back. We part and I press my lips together in thought while Peter's expression turns wary. Both of us usually get into trouble when I think. "Would you rethink helping me out again?" My eyes are big and hopeful as he groans.

"Perce, it's not a good idea. Bucky said it was forbidden and threatened to pull my guts out through my throat next time!" His voice gets a bit high at the end and I try very hard not to giggle at that.

"I think maybe if I knew how to use it, I would feel better. Just think about it. After finals, you'll be at the facility more often than not and I will be too. We usually hang out a lot there anyway! Bucky won't have a clue. Think about it? Please?" I pout a bit and Peter's eyes scan my face before he rubs a hand over his eyes.

"I'll think about it." He acquiesces and I peck his cheek in thanks.

"Ah, thank you, Pete. Mind lowering me back to my room? Steve's making pancakes if you want to come." His eyes brighten, but his jaw clenches.

"I'd love to, but I didn't exactly ask aunt May to be here and should be getting back." He stands and offers me his hand. "I'll drop you first though." My hand takes his and I cling to him as we slowly lowers me back down and into my window.

"Thanks for the distraction and the advice," I whisper and he grins sweetly.

"Anytime, Perce. See you tonight?" I nod and duck back into my room. Peter swings away, but I leave my window open. Sometimes I think Bucky made the thing noisy on purpose so he knows when I sneak out. I turn to my room and smile softly. It's blue, blue, blue, and a bit of yellow. Like the ocean and sunshine. Or like Bucky's eyes and Steve's hair. I smile fondly and silently slip my shoes off along with my socks and cardigan. After fluffing my hair and brushing my teeth again to banish the smell of cinnamon, I slip out with my phone in my hand. I decided on my navy tank, black sweatpants, and fluffy cream socks from Natasha. It smells like pancakes and I hum appreciatively as Steve chuckles. I shuffle over to the two stools sitting at the outcropping of counter and slip onto the closest one. A blue cup slides in front of me and I perk up. "Coffee?" Both men chuckle and I take a sniff.

"Hot chocolate." Bucky corrects me. "You don't need more energy." He tells me and I deflate again but drag the cup closer.

"You know, I have coffee all the time at college. Finals are a..." I trail off at Bucky's raised eyebrow. "beast." I end and Steve takes a sip of his, definitely not hot chocolate, to hide a grin. "Besides it's like six in the morning. Who has energy at six in the morning?"

"Fine, fine, fine. Half." Bucky puts his half-empty coffee cup in front of me and I happily claim it. He takes my hot chocolate in return and takes over flipping the pancakes so Steve doesn't burn them.

"What's your next final?" Steve asks and pours another batch of pancakes. I hop up and get out syrup, plates, and silverware while I answer.

"Art history." Both men scrunch up their noses at that and I laugh. "Yeah, I know, but it's all memory. Easy for a genius." The only reason I'm taking it is because Tony bet me a trip to Italy I wouldn't be able to finish the course. Natasha said she'd buy me my first slice of Italian pizza.

"So, you're going to get an A is what you're saying?" Steve teases and I roll my eyes.

"Yes, I'm getting an A. And after this one I just have Psychology left, then I'll be home for good," I tell him as both men come over with the pancakes. Just as we all sit down at the table, the door swings open to usher in Sam and Natasha both in exercise wear. I hop up and rush to Natasha for a hug. As the one female in my life other than Pepper, she's precious to me. She also picks up on a lot of things the guys don't.

"Thought I was going running this morning, but I'll settle for free breakfast." She teases as we pull away from one another. Her eyes scan mine and I can tell she's reading the tiredness there. She tilts her head and I nod.

"Stick around after?" I murmur and she nods to tell me we'll talk later before pushing me to Sam.

"Thanks for the heads-up assholes." He bids Steve and Bucky while holding me close. I laugh at Bucky's murder expression and guide Sam over to the table.

"Just stay for breakfast," I tell him and he can't help smiling at me.

"Because you asked, sweetheart, I'll stay." I beam at him and sit between him and Bucky with Natasha across from me. "You're coming to the party tonight, aren't you Percy?" I nod and take the top two cinnamon pancakes with a wink at Steve who knows they're my favorite. He smiles softly back while I roll mine up and dip it in syrup.

"Wouldn't miss it. Besides, it feels like more of a celebration that my finals are almost over and I'm more than ready to celebrate that."

"Then you're coming to stay with us for a while." Natasha doesn't say it like a question and it warms my heart that she's excited to spend time with me.

"Yes, then I'll spend a while at the facility with everyone." I agree and Natasha's lips purse in lieu of a smile.

"It'll be nice to not have to travel so much just to go running with your asshole of a parent." Sam elbows me softly while looking at Bucky.

"Right, because driving someplace that lets you eat for free is such a burden. If you don't like it then there's the door." Bucky waves to the door while eating his own pancake burrito.

"Dad." I scold lightly and he sighs but doesn't make another comment. Natasha and Steve smirk at one another from across the table.

"You're coming early, right?" Natasha reminds me and I nod. "Good, I've got your dress and shoes hanging in your room at the facility." Relief floods through me.

"Thanks again for that. There's no way I would've been able to pick either up with my school schedule." She waves my thanks off and her red nails flash brightly in the morning light. Hm, maybe I'll paint mine today. The rest of breakfast passes slowly and Natasha sticks around as I asked afterward. She sticks with Steve and Bucky while I shower, but I drag her into my room the moment I'm redressed.

"So, I'm guessing bad night means nightmare rather than you finally going to a college party?" She asks teasingly as we sit on the floor by my window. I put a bottle of blue cornflower nail polish in front of her and sigh.

"Not exactly," I tell her what happened in my dream as she paints my nails perfectly, then helps me pack a bag for the facility while mine dry. Once we're done with the details and the small back and forth, we're sitting on the edge of the bathroom tub as she does my make-up. Light, just how I like it.

"So, I guess the question is what do you want to do about it right now?" She asks and finishes the last swipe of mascara on my eyes. I stand up and look in the mirror at my reflection. She did a good job. Little blacker than I'd usually do, but it makes my bright blue eyes pop. Instead of a bright-colored lipstick she just colored my pink lips with a shiny gloss. I smile a bit at myself.

I could always find Bucky there despite that not being possible. My hair is the same color as his, my eyes the same shade of blue, and when I smirk there's a certain edge in my eyes that reminds me of him. When I'm out alone with him we're often confused for what we are. Father and daughter. When I'm alone with Steve too, the way I am with him and my eyes lend to a closeness only between a child and a parent. I've never corrected anyone and I doubt either man has as well. My fingers fiddle with the ends of my curls a moment before I turn back to Natasha. Her green eyes are smooth and unjudging as they always are. I move forward and take her hand.

"Come out with me?" I needn't have asked; she stands and nods instantly. We walk out and spy Bucky with Steve on the couch. Both eyes turn to me when I come out of my room in my navy tank and jeans, but I use my hair as a curtain to block my face.

"We're going out for about an hour," I tell them and peck Bucky's head as I pass.

"Where?"

"Surprise. I have my phone on me!" I yell as I duck out the door and hurry out. It's only a few blocks to the nearest hair salon and I hold Natasha's hand the whole way. She sits with me for a few minutes and points out a few cuts in magazines that would suit me. I take a deep breath and nod to her as a woman named Christine sits me down in a chair.

"I absolutely love your hair." She says and I relax a bit more in my seat.

"Thank you. I'd like to donate, so could you lob it off and then trim a bit?" I ask her and she nods immediately.

"Sure, that's easy. How short do you want it?" I stare at my reflection and tug my curls in front of me, then put a chunk between my fingers just under my breasts.

"Just here would be perfect." Her eyebrows raise, but she nods all the same.

"You got it, sweetheart. Any special occasion we're doing this for?" She asks as she guides me over to the shampoo station. I smile a little as I settle down and glance to Natasha.

"Just needed a change," I tell her and she nods understandingly. Our conversation fades as the process goes on and I just enjoy the menial pleasure of having my hair treated. My eyes fall shut and I just go through my notes in my head. I haven't decided on a major just yet and since I'm a freshman that's still okay. In all honesty, I've no clue what I want to do with the rest of my life. When I was younger there was no dreaming, just surviving. Then there was Bucky.

"Alright, honey, how do you like it?" I'm snapped out of my musings by Christine and my eyes open to my reflection yet again. I blink. My tight ringlets have already reformed and even though Christine cut where I said, my hair ends about an inch and a half above where I showed her. I feel lighter. Not only my head but my whole being. I beam and look at Christine happily.

"It's perfect, thank you so much." She smiles back and holds up my long tail of hair now disconnected from my head.

"You've made someone else very happy with this. Go ahead to the front and I'll be there in a minute." I nod and stand while grinning like an idiot at my lightness. Natasha's fingers immediately card through the now healthy ends with a small smile.

"Dye it red and then we'd look alike." She teases and I grin back.

"Maybe next time," I tell her and turn back to the register. After paying and giving Christine the most generous tip I can afford, we take our time walking back to the apartment. She leaves me to head back to the facility with an affectionate fluff to my new short curls. Worry suddenly eats at me at what Steve and Bucky will think of my choice. My hand tugs and releases one particular curl. I pause at the door with my keys in my hand while reprimanding myself for being an idiot, but don't go in.

"I can hear you at the door, kiddo." Bucky's voice drifts through and I smile a bit before walking in. Both are still on the couch and don't even turn to look at me as I shut and lock the door behind me. "You lollygagging for any particular reason?" He asks as Steve looks over at me. His eyes instantly widen and I smile sheepishly, then do a quick turn-around.

"Wow." He says and slaps Bucky's shoulder. Bucky cranes his neck to look at me and I roll my eyes. I move over to the couch and stand in front of him.

"Easier?" I tease while his eyebrows pop up.

"You cut your hair." He says and I sigh while Steve hits his shoulder again.

"This is when you compliment me unless it actually looks horrible," I instruct and his surprised expression turns happily amused.

"No, I mean, I'm just surprised." He holds his left hand out to me and I take it. He tugs me down next to him and brushes his hand over my newly cut hair. "I like it. A lot, actually." Fingers used to holding guns play with the ends before I shrug him off and nestle into his side with a sigh.

"Thanks."

"Any particular reason for the change?" Steve asks and I glance over at his questioning eyes.

"I needed a change. You wouldn't believe how heavy curls can be." Steve smiles a bit at that, but there's still something in his eyes that makes me think he's not completely satisfied with my answer. I sigh and sit up, throwing my legs carelessly over Bucky as I lean back against the couch arm. Two pairs of blue eyes zero in on me as I fiddle with a piece of my hair. "I'd been having the dreams for a while." I'm met with scolding looks, but I keep going before they lecture me. "And I didn't tell either of you because I was handling it fine. My grades didn't suffer and I could make it through the days alright, but I was starting to feel like the long-haired version of me belonged to him. So, I wanted to change something." I explain and let Bucky gather me back into his arms.

"Alright, kiddo, alright." He soothes and I smile against his chest. He sometimes forgets that I'm not nine anymore, but I don't mind. I think he takes comfort from me just as much as I do from him. "You know you can always talk to me, don't you Percy?"

"Of course, I know that dad. Sometimes it's just easy to keep it to me. You of all people should know about that." I lean back enough to see his eyes and his chest heaves. He knows I'm right. "Anyway, could we head out? I promised Natasha that we'd be early and both of you take longer to get ready than me." I poke Bucky's side and he flicks my ear in retaliation.

"Fine, smartass. You're in charge of Steve while I shower." He smirks at me and rises off the couch to go shower. Like me, Steve left his outfit at the facility, so I move over and lean against his chest while we wait.

"Must be hard when you're at school since you don't have a body to use as a pillow." Steve teases.

"You don't know that." I rebuff and he straightens a bit. I bite my tongue. Oops.

"Oh yeah, you have someone you're leaning on at school, Persephone?"

"No, god, no it's not like that." I move away and rest my head on his arm on the back of the couch. "I, uh, I have a body pillow." I lie horribly and Steve smirks, knowing it. In truth, sometimes Natasha sneaks in and we fall asleep while talking. Occasionally that means with my head on her thigh and my hair in a mess of braids. But it's a private thing between us.

"Sure, Percy." He lets it go with a little smirk on his face and I deflate. I'll no doubt hear about this at an extremely inopportune time later. My mind distracts itself with thoughts of tonight and seeing everyone I've missed.

It should be a good night.

A/N

THAT'S RIGHT. THIS ISN'T AN EPILOGUE AT ALL. THIS IS THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE SEQUEL!

Coming soon, babes. Hope you liked it and keep liking it. ;) Keep reading loves, you're amazing.

(Update; Healing, the sequel, is out! Not complete but chapters are up!)