omg i can't believe i'm already writing the epilogue for this book :<
ALSO—
additional cast:
olivia rodrigo — morgan stark
cole sprouse — francis barton
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ E P I L O G U E ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
The bright fluorescent lights from the ceiling met with Allie Rogers' face. She winced, groaning incoherently as she tried to shield her eyes. She rolled over to the other side, jolting awake as soon as her forehead collided with a hard surface.
"Ow..." she hissed, hand reaching up to rub the sore spot as her eyelids slowly fluttered open. Her head was still spinning when she tried to sit up.
Allie observed her surroundings, face contorting to confusion. She then heard someone mumbled and followed the voice, gaze landing on the sight of a sleeping James lying in a very uncomfortable position across the floor.
Her blue eyes twinkled in puzzlement. What happened?
Then she remembered. Oh, right. Time machine. Time travel— wait.
She gasped and immediately went over to James' side, shaking him awake. "James! Wake up, you doofus!"
James groaned, brushing her off and burying his face deeper into his bicep. "Shut up, Als..."
Allie glared at him. "Fine, have your beauty sleep while we're still stuck in the past."
That got him up as quick as a bat.
James bolted upright in a second, a piece of candy wrapper hang loosely by his hair. His eyes widened, "Wha—what? It didn't work?"
Allie rolled her eyes, taking the wrapper from his hair and tossing it to the side. "I don't know for sure if it worked."
James looked around, rubbing his eyes. "Well, if I remember correctly, this looks like the Science lab."
Allie glanced at where the time machine supposedly was. It was still there, yet it looked duller compared to the first time she saw it. It didn't look like it was operational anymore. "We better check out what the outside world looks like."
James snorted in amusement, agreeing. "Yeah, probably a good idea."
They stood up. Taking one last glance at the time machine, both siblings head out the Science lab and proceeded to the hallway.
If it was the Science lab they had just came out from, then it'd mean they're still in Midtown tech... but the hallways were empty. When they passed by the classroom doors, no one was there either—be it a student or a teacher.
It didn't make sense.
If they were back in their time, where was everyone then?
Allie tugged James' sleeve, whispering worriedly, "Do you really think we're in our time period? It's never been this quiet here."
James looked disturbed too. "I don't know," he shook his head, hurrying his steps, "The sooner we head out the campus, the sooner we'll know."
The two walked briskly, heart pounding faster the closer they get to the entrance doors of Midtown tech.
Both stopped abruptly when a figure suddenly appeared from the corner, almost colliding into them.
James had to blink before he could process who it was.
"Dude, where the hell have you been?"
Francis Barton glared at him furiously. He was wearing Midtown tech's jersey, holding a water bottle in his grasp.
James didn't understand. "What?"
"Az and I have been looking for you everywhere! Coach is pissed because you missed training yesterday and now you show up just fifteen minutes before our final game?"
Now, James was at loss for words, and terribly confused. "I can explain—"
Francis shook his head, "We don't have time for this. You need to talk to coach to let you play in the first half." He ushered the siblings to follow him. "You still remember how to dribble a ball, right?"
He laughed nervously. "Of course, I do."
Francis lifted his eyebrows, smiling lopsidedly. "Then better make up for missing yesterday's training and score a three-pointer."
Then Francis continued to ramble on how it was uncool of them to suddenly disappear off the face of the Earth.
James and Allie couldn't help but share a look of relief.
Finally, they were back home.
-----------------------------
"James!"
James whirled around. "Morgan? Hey," he breathed, surprised and delighted to see her, "What are you doing here?"
Morgan was clad in her cheerleading uniform, hair neatly tied up in a high ponytail. She flashed him a small smile. "Oh, I-uh, just wanted to wish you good luck."
"Oh, thanks." He said gratefully, feeling something warm tugging in his chest. "You too. I'd usually say go break a leg but I really don't want to jinx it."
She laughed softly. "Right, of course."
Silence dawned over them, not noticing that they were just simply looking at each other. It was as if they were lost in their own little bubble for a slight second.
The sound of a whistle snapped them out of their daze.
Morgan averted her gaze the same time James cleared his throat. A faint blush dusted her usually pale cheeks. "I better go."
James nodded, trying to ignore the way he felt his face heating up, and it wasn't just because it was hot in the gym.
"Alright, now you're motivated, try to win us the game, ey?" Francis suddenly spoke, patting him on the shoulder.
James rolled his eyes, playfully shoving his hand off him. "It's nothing like that."
Francis smirked, "Then why were you staring into each other's eyes?"
"We weren't staring."
"Oh, right. Gazing then."
"Shut up, Francis."
As everyone had hoped, the game went by in Midtown Tech's favor.
It was the final game of the season: Midtown Tech versus Bronx High School of Science.
James was still a little rusty by the time the game started. Francis wasn't kidding when he said their coach was pissed because he really was. Coach Wilson almost didn't let James play, but for the sake of their team who knew James was one of their best players, he let him.
He figured he wasn't going to get off the hook so easily, he'd deal with that later.
Making up for his absence, he put everything into the game. Even if it looked like they were losing in the first half, by second half, they managed to catch up with the opposing team's score.
With only fifteen seconds remaining in the game, Bronx Sci was still in the lead by one point, they needed to make a shot if they wanted a tie.
Allie couldn't help but stand from the bleachers, with Torunn by her side, cheering like there was no tomorrow just as everyone is around her. The crowd was going wilder with each second dropping by.
The cheers got even louder when the ball was passed to James.
"Ten seconds!"
Allie was jumping, practically screaming her lungs out. "Go James! Shoot a freaking three-pointer!"
The crowd started to chant. "Five... four... three... two... one!"
Thankfully, James managed to make that three-pointer in time, securing them an instant win by the time the countdown reached zero.
"An excellent three points by James Rogers! A real buzzer beater it is! It raises them to 70—68 in favor of Midtown Tech! Midtown Tech wins!"
Of course, all hell broke loose after that.
As soon as it was over, the whole team was suddenly jumping on James, hugging him that he could barely breathe. Some remarked that him not showing up on yesterday's training was already forgotten, even Coach Wilson seemed genuinely happy that they won today's game.
Francis and Azari were one of the last players who pulled him tightly into a group hug (manly as they would defend themselves).
"So that's why you didn't show up for training? Because you trained by yourself?" Azari asked, chuckling.
James chuckled, "I wish that was the real reason, makes me sound more responsible."
Neither of them didn't have the chance to add something to that when a mass of red and blonde hair blocked their sight. They almost stumbled back, wrapping their arms on the small frames of Allie Rogers and Torunn Odinson.
Allie glanced up, beaming at the three of them. "You guys did great!"
Torunn agreed, squealing, "Yep! Never thought I'd see the day I'd tear my lungs out for you three but here I am."
They all laughed.
"Well, I think all of this calls for a celebration, don't you think?" A voice interrupted them.
They quickly pulled away. James glanced up to see the bright, blue eyes of Steve Rogers and the gleeful green ones of Natasha Romanoff.
Allie gasped, grinning widely, "Mom! Dad!"
James couldn't help but laugh out in relief, his gaze dropping down to their hands that were joined together. "You came!" he said, shocked.
"Of course we did. We couldn't miss out your final game together." Steve said, smiling proudly at at three guys. "It was intense! Your dads think so too."
Francis' mouth dropped. "Dad's here?"
"Well, not really here here. He and your mom went to buy tickets, and I think Nate's coming too. Figured we could surprise you, kids." Natasha smirked.
Torunn chimed in, looking puzzled. "Tickets?"
"Where are we going?" Allie asked curiously, a wide grin plastered on her face.
Steve shrugged casually. "Something along the lines of... Coney island, maybe?"
A gasp sounded from the teens. Well, who could blame them? It's been a long time since their families hang out together like before. Ever since the New Avengers started, their parents kind of went their separate ways and focus on their families instead. And Tony, well, Tony was being the responsible guardian now.
They were glad to know they were all spending time together today. Even for just a short while; they've missed this feeling.
Steve laughed at their obviously stunned expressions. "Well? What're you waiting for? Get going!"
That got the teens heading straight for the hallway. But James lagged behind, eyes fleeting across the gymnasium. It was obvious he was searching for something, or rather, someone. Steve and Natasha noticed this.
"Everything okay, James?" Steve asked him.
James spared him a glance. "Oh, yeah, dad just—is Morgan coming?"
Natasha and Steve shared a knowing look, before looking back at him. Natasha smirked at her son. "Well, maybe you should ask her yourself."
Just on time, James heard someone's footsteps behind him. He felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see Morgan, still clad in her cheerleader uniform. Immediately, his face broke into a bright smile. "Hey," he breathed.
"Hey," Morgan returned the smile. "Congrats on the win. I knew you'd do great."
"Thanks." James said, hand going up the rub the nape of his neck while a faint blush rested his cheeks. "Are you... I mean, are you coming with us? Because my parents said even your dad's going to be there—"
"Yes, James." Morgan interrupted, chuckling. "I'm going too."
The smile on his face turned into a grin. "Good. Great." He cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing back at his parents sheepishly.
Still holding hands, his mom and dad simply winked at him, knowing precisely what was going on.
"Come on, Morgan. You know how much your dad hates waiting." Natasha remarked as they all headed out the gymnasium.
James and Morgan followed closely behind them.
He felt his heart skipped a beat when warmth touched his fingers. James glanced at Morgan, whose eyes were still directed in front of them, and felt her pinky finger subtly touching his. He smiled—trusting his gut and hearing his racing heart—and let his pinky finger curled around hers as well.
Not once did they let go while they were walking.
Even without looking at her, James knew she was blushing. Just like he was.
-----------------------------
"Uncle Tony!"
Allie rushed to give him a strong hug, almost knocking him over.
"Woah," Tony said, chuckling. Despite confused at his niece's sudden affection, he returned the hug. "I miss you too, little Capette." He looked over to the approaching form of Steve and Natasha. "I'm sorry, Steve, but clearly, your daughter loves me more than you."
Steve rolled his eyes. "You wish."
Allie pulled away, surprised herself. She got carried away, forgetting that this Tony was already their Uncle Tony. No wonder he'd be surprised. She rarely gives him hugs before. "Sorry, I just—I'm just excited we're all going to spend time together."
"And I second that notion. You got to thank your old man for that, this was his idea. Even though he's been ignoring my suggestions for a family road trip for months now. Coney island isn't too bad." Tony said, shrugging. His eyes lit up as soon as he saw his daughter come into view. "There's my favorite person."
Morgan chuckled, high-fiving Tony and hugging him right after. "And it's good to see you too, dad." She glanced over at the vacant spot beside him. "Mom's not coming?"
"Mom's got a meeting, but she said she'll come over right after it's done. Happy's taking her so it's all good." Tony informed, eyebrows furrowing together when he noticed her slightly-red face. "Why are you all red?"
Morgan gaped, shaking her head fervently. "I'm not red."
Tony looked at her skeptically. "Uh, yeah. You are. Are you sick?" He pressed a hand to her forehead, face filled with concern. "Jeez, Mor, you're burning up."
"Don't worry, Stark." Natasha interjected, looking amused. "She was just kind of occupied earlier." She said, her tone hinting as she subtly glanced at James' direction.
Morgan turned bright red.
James pretty much had the same reaction too, staring at her incredulously. "Mom!" He groaned, turning to Steve with a pleading look. "Dad, make her stop talking, please."
Tony stared at Morgan, eyes fleeting between her and James. "Really? You and Jamester?"
Morgan covered her face with her hands, very embarrassed with what's going on. "We're not having this talk right now."
"No, no. I actually think this is a great idea. But if you ever so try some PDA in front of me—"
"Oh, God."
"—and I mean this young lady—"
"Dad, please stop."
James shifted uncomfortably in his stance, he embarrassingly ran a hand down his blushing face. He kept wincing because this was so goddamn uncomfortable and everyone was watching them.
Meanwhile, Torunn, Azari, Allie, and Francis were all watching the scene in front of them amusingly, with Francis breaking the tension when he started eating pieces of popcorn.
Everyone looked at him.
Francis continued eating and even offered some. "Popcorn?"
"Where did you get that?" Torunn asked him.
Francis shrugged. "I had it in my bag this morning. Besides," he laughed softly, gesturing in front of him. "this is too fun not to watch with popcorn."
Morgan and James glared at him. "Shut up, Francis." Both snapped simultaneously. As soon as they did, Morgan and James shared a look of surprise. They couldn't get redder than what they look right now.
"Alright," Steve said, breaking it up. He looked uncomfortable as well despite smiling. He coughed awkwardly. "Why don't we all just go... now? Because Clint and Laura are already there, Thor's on his way and—" He looked at Azari, "your dad said he's running late too but he'll be there. He promised."
Azari smiled, nodding back at him. "I'm counting on it."
Steve smiled back, stretching his arm out wide to lead the rest of the teens to their van. "Come on, guys." He drifted away from his wife for a moment to go over to Tony's side, clasping his shoulder. "I told you to take it easy on them," he muttered.
Tony raised an eyebrow at him. "I did. Hey—don't tell me you're not bothered if they suddenly start making out—"
"I would be," Steve said, making a face. "Just didn't expect that I'll be the one telling you to dial down the 'dad talk' a bit. I always thought it would be the other way around."
Tony snorted. "I don't know if that's a compliment or insult, Capsicle, but I'll take it." He patted Steve lightly on the back, giving him a smile. "But I am happy. Jamester's a great kid."
From their right, they overheard Morgan and James talking again. Both were trying to apologize for what just happened, thankfully, managing to laugh it off in the end.
Steve smiled wistfully, returning the same sentiment to him. "Well, Morgan's amazing too."
Tony had a proud look on his face. And they both stood there, watching both of their kids in silent joy before proceeding to the van.
Meanwhile, Natasha was surprised when Allie came up to her side. Really, because she thought she just saw her with Francis a while ago, and now she got to sneak up beside her—enough skills for a great spy.
"Poor James. I can't imagine what it'd be like if I finally have a boyfriend." Allie thought out loud.
Natasha huffed a laugh. "I'd say good luck with your father. As long as you're still in school, he'll always think you're too young to have one."
Allie rolled her eyes, hugging her mom's arm as they walked together to the van. "Typical dad. He should know I could take care of myself."
"Oh, he knows." Natasha surmised, "he's just too protective of you."
Allie smirked at her. "And you?"
Natasha raised her shoulders lightly. "As long as you promise not to let a boy walk over you, I'll let you do what you want. And it's because I know you'll do the right thing." She smiled warmly, "Just like your brother does."
Allie smiled back, snuggling close to her mother. Natasha gave her a skeptical look. "You're awfully clingy today?" she asked.
Allie bit her lip, her lips turning into a lopsided grin. "Actually..." she took a deep breath, "Um, I have to tell you something."
Natasha waited. "Okay?"
"Do you... do you remember when you used to date Uncle Bruce?" She reminded, the same time Natasha made a face.
She winced. "Yeah, it's weird to talk about it, and more so to talk about my ex with my daughter."
Allie snickered. "Well, I kind of... I mean, me and James kind of have a secret."
Natasha knitted her eyebrows at her, urging her to continue.
"Remember, twenty years ago in S.H.I.E.L.D..." Allie started, watching her mom's expression carefully. "When two strange-looking agents suddenly appeared claiming to be Uncle Tony's recruits?"
To her surprise, Natasha's confused look suddenly turned into one of recognition. And what surprised her more—was that she was smirking.
Almost as if she...
Natasha sighed, amused. "I was wondering when this day would finally come."
Allie stared at her, gobsmacked. "What?"
"Just a tip for you, honey," Natasha started, draping her arm across her daughter's shoulders. "The next time you indirectly say your parents are idiots, make sure they're not going to find out twenty years later. 'Kay?"
Allie instantly paled. "Wha... how..." she stammered, blinking her eyes at her disbelievingly.
Natasha only winked at her in response, leaving her side to step inside the passenger's seat, while her dad was on the driver's side.
Just before Allie could step inside the van as well, her eyes caught something in the crowd.
She felt her breath hitched as soon as she saw the freakishly familiar face. She immediately recognized it.
He looked the same, but different at the same time. Gone was the youthful, young man she came across with twenty years ago in S.H.I.E.L.D. Now, the traces of the years that passed were evident in his face. He looked older, but he definitely looked better. More sure of himself. More wiser.
He looked happy.
Allie smiled longingly. Lucas.
From a distance, Lucas was seen talking to a younger woman who held a child in her arms. She didn't know who it was, but whoever they were, she was glad that they made him happy.
"Als?" James called from the van. "What are still you doing standing there? Get your butt inside the van!"
"Yeah, Allie. My popcorn's not going to last the whole ride at this rate." Francis added, whining childishly.
Allie rolled her eyes, calling back to them. "Okay!"
With one final glance at where Lucas was, she couldn't help the spiral of emotions bursting in her chest. She felt sad, happy, and at peace all at the same time.
She froze as soon as Lucas turned her way—their eyes finally making contact for the first time in twenty years.
Even from a far distance, Allie noticed the way Lucas squinted his eyes, raising his hand up to shield his eyes from the sunlight that was blocking his sight. And at that moment, something peeked out from his jacket.
There on his wrist, a leather bracelet with a silver 'L' charm, glinted slightly in the sun. Allie had to stop herself from gasping out a cry.
Because she saw it.
The same bracelet she gave to him twenty years ago. And all this time—he still kept it.
"Allie!" James shouted again, tugging her hand to grab her attention. Once he saw the look on her face, he grew concerned. "Woah—you okay?"
Allie couldn't stop the smile that appeared on her face when Lucas seemed to recognize her. Through teary-eyes, he sent her an acknowledging nod, and one last smile, before finally looking away.
Finally letting them go.
Allie did the same. The look on Lucas' face answered everything she needed to know, told everything that she wanted to say, and gave her the exact closure they both needed.
She didn't know how, but for some reason, she was sure that Lucas already knows. He knows the truth about her. About everything.
"Yeah," Allie said, smiling back at her brother. "Never better."
And she meant every word.
Her eyes fleeted over to her parents, to her brother, to her friends, to her so-called uncle—to the people she called her family, and tried hard not to cry from joy.
For finally, she was at peace.
Finally, she was home.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FIN ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
And that's the end of A Twist in Time!
Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments, votes, and loving support to Allie and James, Steve and Nat, and of course—to their wonderful Uncle Tony.
I absolutely enjoyed writing this book and I loved every word of it! I don't know if this was the ending you expected, but I think it's the ending it needed.
Everything had to have closure, and not just with Steve and Nat... but with James and Allie as well. Even with Allie and Lucas' story, no matter how minor Lucas is as a character, he played an important role in Allie's life too.
Anyway, if you have any questions about James, Allie, Steve, Nat, Tony or any of the characters really, feel free to comment down below!
I may write a bonus chapter of their 'character interviews' (like I did with Agent Romanoff) in the future and I'm counting on your questions to fill it up <3