AN: "Out of the Shadows" is a completed work once again. :) My thanks to all of you, readers, for your patience and understanding as I re-worked this saga. Now I feel like I can continue on from here. You are all the best.

~Smoky Mountains National Park, three months later~

She loved how refreshing the air was out here, especially this early in the morning. Kim pulled a deep breath into her lungs and released a contented sigh. It had been far too long since she'd visited the Smokies, and standing amongst the tall trees once more filled her with indescribable peace.

It still looks the same, Dad, she thought, reaching up to grip the straps of her backpack. Just like the last time we were here.

Glancing behind her, she smiled softly at Bucky—who was sporting one of her father's old jackets and the baseball cap he'd had since summer—gazing up at the treetops in quiet wonder. There was so much for him to take in, but for once, he was going to do so on his terms. The morning fog hadn't been chased away by the sun yet, which made their surroundings especially ethereal. It must have been like walking through a quiet dream for him.

For Kim, it was a clue that they were coming ever-nearer to their destination. She chose, however, not to say anything to interrupt his observations, and turned to continue walking down the gravel trail. He'd follow when he realized she was moving again, though, never letting her too far out of his sights. Sure enough, she'd only taken a few steps before the crunch of gravel indicated he was catching up to her. Thus had been the way since he'd become a permanent resident in her home.

Their home together. At last. Somehow, she felt her grandmother would approve. In the months since Rebecca's passing, Kim's life had settled into a new kind of normal. Not necessarily better, but new. She took comfort in knowing that her grandmother no longer suffered, but knowing this hardly eliminated the void her absence had left in her heart. Whether or not that would fade with time remained to be seen, but to lose the one who'd pulled her back from the brink on more than one occasion? Deep down, Kim knew the pain of her loss would haunt her for the rest of her days. It helped to talk to Steve, who called her at least a few times a week to make sure she was in a good state of mind, regardless of where his searches took him. Even Stark, whom she hadn't seen since the funeral, kept her busy with Skype sessions as she delved into her research for him.

But to have Bucky here, to have him be a constant part of her life now…that truly gave her reason to smile. Living together on a day-to-day basis had given her new insights into who this man was, into who he'd become since that fateful day in 1944. Not the Winter Soldier, but Bucky Barnes. A man who'd been put through such hell at the hands of HYDRA, and yet here he was, aspiring to be the great-uncle Kim had longed for all her life. They'd both mourned Rebecca in their own ways—Kim with her tears, Bucky with his contemplative silence—but it never failed that his presence brought an unmistakable sense of calm to her troubled thoughts. Especially when he held her close and soothed her by whispering "At ease, soldier" at just the right moment. Some days were harder than others, and there were nights when she could hear him crying out fearfully in his sleep. But whenever Kim came to him, calling to him from afar, he would open his eyes and see her. Recognize her as someone he trusted without hesitation. They needed one another, and Kim wouldn't have had it any other way.

Family is a haven in a heartless world, the words he'd previously spoken returned to her. She'd penned them into her research journal to serve as a reminder.

Side-by-side, they made their way down Rich Mountain Road, the route her Dad and Scotty used to take every year. It was one of the less trafficked courses in the Smokies, especially at this time of day. It would help Bucky feel a little more at ease. In truth, it had been his request to come here with her, since he wanted to give Kim a chance to return to a place that held such significance to her, and Kim was more than willing to make those arrangements.

Soon, Kim directed them off-road, leading Bucky down a less-trodden path. Tourism tended to be lighter in October, but it was also happened to be the most beautiful time of year to visit the park. Leaves were turning various hues of gold, orange, and red, which, at times, made it seem as though they were walking through tunnels of gentle fire. Wildlife—usually in the form of deer, or the occasional rabbit—was constantly on the move as the temperatures became cooler, and there were moments when they would pause as Bucky's keen eyes detected their movements in the trees. He would reflexively place his left hand out in front of her, but Kim would merely reassure him with a few words before they continued their trek. The exertion from the hike kept the blood rushing warmly through her veins, making the chillier fall temperatures a welcome relief; Bucky seemed to be in his element as well, hardly breaking his own stride as their path began to ascend. He even maneuvered the series of rocks they came upon with ease, though at one point, the damp moss covering their surfaces made it difficult for Kim to gain her footing. Stepping back, she took a breath and stomped her foot down just enough to bounce right up to where Bucky stood, his hands automatically grasping her waist as she landed. They'd had a great deal of practice with this move lately, and under Bucky's tutelage, she was beginning to gain more and more control of her new abilities. When her eyes locked with his, she could see the half-smile touching his lips. His smiles: those had been nice to see.

Leading on, Kim advised that it wasn't much further, and Bucky followed without question. Her breaths came steadily, this being just as effective a cardio workout as her jogging. It was remarkable, though, to think that this was really her first hike out here with this prosthetic. The increased intensity in her exercises had improved her overall stamina and strengthened her quads, making this feel so easy to her. She had to wonder just where this could possibly lead if Bucky continued to aid her in developing her skills.

It wasn't long before there was a break in the trees ahead, and Kim's heart swelled as she began to take in a familiar sight. "We're here," she said almost to herself, taking off at a dead-run to get to the lookout point faster, and as she came to a stop, she couldn't help but gaze in absolute awe at the view before her. It didn't matter how many times she'd seen it; it was still breathtakingly beautiful. From here, the morning fog had thinned enough to reveal a glimpse of the cascading mountains, adorned with the foliage of multi-colored trees as far as the eye could see. Sunlight continued to dissipate the lingering fog, setting light to the leaves and making them shine like jewels. A few rays shone down upon her face, and she closed her eyes, savoring the warming sensation. Truly, this was one of the best-kept secrets in the entire park, one that few actually knew about, and she had to give her father credit for making the discovery on his own so long ago.

The way he smiled the last time they were here…

Sighing deeply, she opened her eyes, trying to ignore the way her vision began to blur as she took in the impressive scenery. The longer she looked, the more being here served to remind her of how massive the world really was…and just how small she was compared to it. The thought had crossed her mind before, and in turn made her realize how often she turned to her family for strength and reassurance. Facing each of their deaths had only magnified that feeling of insignificance in her heart—

Coming to stand beside her, Bucky silently took her right hand in his, the fingers of his bionic hand solid through the fabric of his gloves. She gave him a sideways glance, catching a glimpse of his unshaven face in the light. It brightened his features, made those normally intense eyes such a piercing shade of blue. He was just as captivated by the sight as she was, and part of her also had to wonder if perhaps he, too, was experiencing the same feeling of insignificance as she.

But you're not, she thought to him. You're family, Bucky, and family means everything to me. Whatever I have to do to prove it…

She let the thought fade, returning her attention to the view in front of them. Kim drew in a breath and slowly released it. "I love you," she said softly, and smiled faintly when his fingers automatically tightened around hers.

THE END