January 15 2026

The world had changed.

Not in the way the history books would write it, not in the grand speeches across city halls. Everything was different now.

The Blip had rewritten reality. Twenty-five million souls returned from the void, faces once lost now familiar but changed. Cities rebuilt themselves over scars left by battles no one could forget. The Avengers, heroes who had become legends had won the war, but at a cost no one could yet measure.

New heroes had stepped into the light, protecting the world just like what the Avengers had done for the world, However, Not everyone was born a hero. Some had stumbled through darker paths and those once defined by their mistakes. The world needed them now, not as enemies but a chance to make the world a better place again.

Because in the end, even the darkest night must give way to dawn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The morning was bright, There was a woman walking through the Capitol grounds, She was holding a coffee in one hand and her phone on the other hand, The wind blew as there was a group of reporters hounding another politician, Photos were taken, reporters kept asking questions while pushing through the ground, The woman managed to dodge them and continued walking forward.

She walked past the metal detectors and the courteous, The police officers stopped her for a moment but then realised she belonged here, allowing her to go through as the woman sipped her coffee and continued walking down the hall until she heard someone calling her name.

???: Hey! Over here!

This is Sydney Thompson, She is twenty seven years old and works as a administrative assistant for a congressman on the same floor.

The woman was revealed to be Anne Winters, She is twenty nine years old and is starting her first day as a secretary for a certain congressman.

Anne always knew the world was more complicated than it looked.

After a certain incident that changed her life, Anne learned early on that people in power didn't always tell the truth, But she kept her head down, went to college and wanted to focus on her degree.

Until the Sokovia Accords happened, It was everywhere. News alerts. Protest signs. Politicians arguing on live TV. Heroes, superheroes being forced to sign government documents or be labeled fugitives. Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, the Avengers divided on whether they should be controlled or not.To most people, it was a political issue. But to Anne, it was personal.

Because she remembered what happened when someone like Alexander Pierce was in charge of something bigger than he should've been. She remembered the consequences of blind obedience, of weaponized people used like chess pieces, That's when she changed and decided to study law. Policy, She'd get close enough to the system to make sure no one like Pierce would never slipped through the cracks again, No more blaming the soldiers while the men in suits walked away clean.

Years later, Anne finally managed to achieve that dream and found herself walking through the Capitol grounds, starting her new position working under a congressman, Anne wasn't sure what to expect but she was ready for whatever happens next.

Anne: *Smiles* Hello there.

Sydney: *Smiles* I never seen you around, Are you the new secretary? I heard it was supposed to be your first day.

Anne: Yes, That's me.

Sydney: Great, Are you nervous?

Anne: *Chuckles* Maybe a little but I'll get over it.

Sydney: Wow, Love your confidence, especially working in a place like this.

Anne chuckled but deep down she was a little nervous about this, But she tried her best to stay confident, For a job like this. She needed that confidence.

Anne: Thank you, Miss.

Sydney: It's Sydney Thompson, I work as a secretary to another congressman, May I ask who you're working for?

Anne looked at her and was silent for a moment before speaking.

Anne: Congressman James Barnes

Sydney's smile faded away but before smiling again, She was actually surprised to hear Anne was going to be working for him.

Sydney: Him? Huh. . .Didn't expect that, Well, I'm sure you'll do great!

???: No way, She's working with the winter-

This is Evan Miles, He is twenty nine years old and works in communications. He is also Sydney's boyfriend.

Sydney: Evan! Don't call him that! You're gonna get in trouble!

Evan: Sorry! Ahem *Looks at Anne* You're working with the James Barnes?

Sydney: Evan, Its her first day, Don't scare her!

Anne: Uhh I'm fine, Don't worry.

Sydney stared at her boyfriend before looking at Anne.

Sydney: This goofball is my boyfriend, Evan. He works in communications.

Anne: *Chuckles* Nice to meet you, My name's Anne Winters

Anne and Evan shook hands as he had a friendly smile on his face.

Evan: Nice to meet you. And sorry for scaring you, But seriously, you'll be fine. Just. . . you know, try not to trip over any secret missions or classified files on your way in.

He laughed as Sydney rolled her eyes, smacking his shoulder while Anne laughed a little before smirking.

Anne: I'll keep that in mind.

Sydney: Barnes's office is down that way. Big doors, no nameplate. Just knock to make sure he's there.

Anne looked at where she was pointing before Winters nodded, smiling again.

Anne: Thank you for your time.

Sydney: No problem! And good luck, If you ever want to talk, You can find me at the records office, Room 217.

Evan: Good luck, Anne.

Winters nodded and said "Bye" to both of them and began walking away, Sydney and Evan continued looking at her before looking at each other.

Evan: Congressman James Barnes? Seriously?

Sydney: I know, right? I didn't expect that either.

Evan: That guy gives me chills, He barely says a word to anyone unless it's work related.

Sydney: Oh stop. He's not that bad. Just. . . reserved.

Evan: Reserved? He always looks intense.

Sydney: That's probably why he's so good at his job. No distractions, no drama.

Evan: Or maybe he's just used to people being afraid of him, The guy's history isn't exactly light reading.

Sydney knew he was correct, No matter how many years has passed, Some people were afraid to speak to him, But not everyone had the same opinion, Some people weren't afraid of him, knowing he was a changed man now.

Sydney: And maybe that's why someone like her might be good for that office, She didn't even flinch when she said his name.

Evan: It's like she knew what she was expecting.

Sydney: Let's just hope she knows what she's doing.

They both glanced down the hall again, where Anne had just reached the end and paused before the doors.

Evan: Should we take bets on how long she lasts? She might run out of the office in a second.

Sydney: *Laughs* Come on, Be nice, Something tells me she's not the type to run.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Congressman James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes was sitting in his chair and watched Anne enter the office, She was staring at him, her thoughts drifting about something, Even when she shut the door, She didn't look away, Bucky just stared back and silence was filled in the room.

Bucky: Anne Winters?

He finally spoke, Anne continued staring at him in silence, Bucky himself was a little confused by her silence and gaze, She just kept staring at him until she spoke.

Anne: Yes, That's me.

Bucky noticed the way her eyes didn't flicker away, He told her to have a seat as Anne slowly sat down, looking at the ground for a moment before looking back at him.

Bucky: Thought you'd be a little more nervous.

Anne: *Smiles* I've learned nerves won't get the job done.

Bucky: Good answer.

Bucky stood up and walked around his desk, Anne took a deep breath and began staring at him again, He picked up a folder and put it on the table in front of Anne.

Bucky: Here's your first job, go through these reports. It'll help you understand what's going on.

Anne nodded and looked at the folder, Bucky took his seat and began staring at her for a moment before looking at his watch.

Bucky: There's a staff meeting this afternoon. I'll introduce you then. Nothing too intense, just the usual updates.

Anne: Got it. I'll be ready.

She was quiet again as Bucky looked at her, He thought she was quiet due to the nervousness, Barnes wanted to reassure her that everything was going to be okay.

Bucky: Good. And hey, if anything feels overwhelming, just let me know. . . Nobody expects you to know everything right away.

He smiled a little as Anne looked at him, The stoic expression was replaced with something softer, Winters returned the smile to him while nodding.

Anne: Thank you, Sir. I'm ready to get started.

Bucky: *Smiles* Welcome to the team, Anne.

He extended his hand as Anne looked at him, He was clearly hiding his vibranium arm but she could still see it. Winters shaked his hand with a smile on her face as Barnes recieved a phone call and answered it, He got up from his seat, walking towards the window while talking, Anne couldn't even focus on the folder and just stared at him, He seemed a little softer then what Sydney and Evan told her.

But she also just couldn't believe she was working with. . . Him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was an apartment as rock music was playing on the speaker, A man was humming to the song while cutting an apple for himself, He began singing the song and took a bite of the apple until the speaker abruptly stopped.

???: Ava, Stop messing with me.

His name is Alex Ambrose, He is thrity years old and is a vigilante who is part of The Thunderbolts.

Ava: Just love messing with you sometimes.

This is Alex's girlfriend, Ava Starr AKA Ghost, She is thrity years old and is part of The Thunderbolts

Alex: That was my favourite song, The best part was about to hit.

Ava: I know. That's why I did it.

Alex dropped the knife on the cutting board and sighed as Ava giggled, crossing her arms as he took a bite and spoke to her.

Alex: You're cruel.

Ava: I'm adorable.

Alex: You're lucky you are.

He offered her the next slice as She took it with a little grin and leaned against his chest as he wrapped an arm around her.

Ava: You were singing again.

Alex: Loud and proud.

Ava: It was cute.

Alex couldn't help but chuckle as he continued holding her while Ava yawned.

Alex: You know, You could have just slept a little longer.

Ava: Mmm. . . I would've, but the bed got cold without you.

He laughed, hugging her tightly. Both of them sat on the couch as Ava snuggled to his chest as Alex ate the last slice of apple and caressed her hair, smiling.

Ava: Stay. Just for a few minutes.

Alex: *Smiles* You're lucky that you're cute when you're needy

Ava: And you're lucky that you're warm.

Alex kissed the top of her head and continued hugging her until they heard the front door shutting, Alex turned around and saw someone entering the room.

???: Oh, Didn't mean to interrupt

It was John Walker AKA U.S Agent, He is part of The Thunderbolts.

Alex: *Groans* Morning to you too, Walker.

John: *Chuckles* I see domestic life is treating you two real nice.

Ava: *Muffled* Can you come back in five years?

John: Sorry, Ghost, but we've got a briefing in an hour. Figured I'd swing by and make sure you two lovebirds didn't sleep through it.

Alex: We're up. Barely.

John: You need a cup of coffee or a crowbar to get off each other?

Alex rolled his eyes while Ava lifted her head, finally cracking a smile.

Ava: Crowbar, probably.

Alex: Double that for you. You practically welded yourself to me.

John laughed a little and sat on the couch, Ava finally moved away from Alex and got up from the couch as Ambrose was looking at her before turning to Walker.

John: You know, for a guy who used to say relationships were a "distraction," you've gone full boyfriend mode

Alex: Yeah, well, turns out I have a thing for quantum assassins.

John: That's one way to put it, I was also gonna say you had a thing for Ghosts.

Alex: *Shrugs* That works as well.

John: *Laughs* Anyways, You still got those cookies from yesterday?

Alex: Yes I do, But Ava said not to share it with anyone.

John: When did she started protecting her food?

Alex: I have no idea.

John: Come on, Just give me a piece, It was delicious.

Alex sighed and got up from the chair, He was about to reach his hand to the cupboard where the cookie was inside until Ava phased through the wall and grabbed the jar before he could take it.

Ava: I knew it, I smelled that betrayal from the hallway.

Alex: Woah! Honey, It was just one cookie.

John: *Chuckles* She really is everywhere.

Ava: Nope, Try it again, and I'll phase your snacks into another dimension.

She had a cheeky smile on her face and disappeared through the wall as Alex looked at John with a small smile on his face.

Alex: Told you. She's terrifying.

John: And somehow, you love her more for it.

Alex: *Smirks* That's right.

They both shared a laugh together before Alex decided to join him in the couch again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was another apartment complex, Someone was seen watching a horror movie while eating popcorn, Suddenly he heard a sound and felt the air breezing on his face, The man closed the TV and put his popcorn bowl aside and spoke.

???: You can't scare me, You know?

This is Cody Keltner, He is thrity six years old and is a vigilante who is part of The Thunderbolts.

Cody smirked and leaned back until he saw a figure in the shadow which slowly approached to him, revealing who it was.

This is Cody's girlfriend, Yelena Belova, She is thrity six years old and is part of The Thunderbolts.

Yelena: *Smiles* I wasn't trying to scare you, Just wanted to make a new entrance.

Cody: *Smiles* Well, mission accomplished. You got me to notice you and that's always a win.

Yelena had a smile on her face and began walking towards him before sitting on his lap, Cody wrapped his hands around her waist as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Yelena: I was gone for two hours and you're already watching horror movies again?

Cody: I was a bit bored, Also. . . I missed you.

Yelena: *Smiles* I missed you too. And your popcorn.

She grabbed a piece and pops it into her mouth as Cody chuckled, looking at her.

Cody: That's why I haven't finished the bowl yet.

Yelena: Mmmm, Its so good being with you like this.

She continued resting on his lap as Cody caressed her hair, smiling again.

Cody: Agreed, Peace and quiet-

???: My little assassin! And Cody, my american son-in-law!

Cody flinched as Yelena groaned, burying her face in his shoulder as Keltner spoke to her in confusion.

Cody: Wait, You didn't tell me that your dad was coming???

Yelena: He's full of surprises, I think he's coming from the window.

Cody and Yelena turned and saw him entering the living room as he had a smile on his face.

Alexei Shostakov, He is Yelena's father and is part of The Thunderbolts

Alexei happily walked towards him as Cody had a small smile on his face, He sat next to him, taking some popcorn.

Alexei: What are we watching? Something bloody, I hope.

Yelena: Just kill me now. . . .

Alexei: Yelena! Cody is not the couch by the way!

Yelena: Dad, Don't start-

Alexei: Heh, Sitting on Cody's lap like you're the star of the show.

Yelena: Oh, come on, Dad. It's comfortable.

Alexei: Comfortable, huh? Or just a clever way to hog all the attention?

Cody: *Grins* She definitely knows how to claim her space.

Alexei: Come on, Yelena, You should have saved me a spot for the lap seat.

Alexei got up and tried to sit on both of them as his eyes were widen.

Cody: Woah, woah, woah, Hey!

Yelena: *Laughs* Dad!!!

Alexei: *Sits on the couch and stares* Unfair, You two are making me feel lonely.

Cody rolled his eyes as Yelena couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Alexei: You know, when I was your age, I never had to fight for lap space. People just gave it to me. Respect, that's what it was.

Yelena: Yeah, Dad, because you were twice their size and twice as scary.

Cody: Is that even a true story?

Alexei: Believe what you believe, Kid. But next time, I'm taking the lap seat.

Cody: *Laughs* Oh goodness.

Yelena: Anyways, come on. Let's start the movie now.

Cody nodded and took the remote, starting the movie as Alexei looked excited and began watching the movie, Keltner pulled Yelena close to him, kissing her cheek as she smiled.

Cody: Family night, huh?

Yelena: More like a nightmare fuel.

They chuckled and began watching the movie while sharing popcorn together.

A/N: And there we have the first chapter, Hope you all enjoyed it. Keep in mind, This is sort of an AU but is also somewhat connected. Just wanted to give you all a heads up in case there is a Thunderbolts reference, So maybe there will be slight spoilers.

Plus I'm using gifs from the movie, So keep this in mind as well. 😁

Thank you all so much for reading and stay strong!!! :D

Lokis03277 is Alex Ambrose

legomast3r21 is Cody Keltner