Troubled Mind | Bucky Barnes

Part 1

A/N: This is an AR taking place after Age of Ultron, where Vision was created and Wanda joins the team, however, in this timeline, Steve found Bucky much sooner, no civil war took place, and all the Avengers live in the Avengers compound.

I have purposely left the physical description of the protagonist out of the text so that you can imagine whoever you want. Any height, size, hair colour, skin colour, etc... She can be anyone and she is yours to mould as you like.

Lastly, this is my first fanfic. I really hope you like it! <3

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Steve Rogers approached the Avengers compound door apprehensively after hearing a loud pounding ringing through the quiet front entrance. They weren't expecting anyone, especially this late at night during a thunderous rainstorm. Checking the security camera he found a woman, her hand outstretched on the doorframe for support, drenched from the downpour and wearing tattered clothing. He couldn't make out her face as she hung her head with a mop of wet hair falling around her head. She looked half dead, almost falling from the surprise of the door suddenly swinging open and seeing Steve's figure there. She had to turn her head up to take in his height and wide build.

Steve's eyes widened with surprise and concern, "Can I help you?"

The woman, barely able to speak, breathlessly uttered, "Is Natasha Romanoff here?" She stumbled backward a few steps and then forwards. Instinctively, Steve put his arms out to catch her, afraid she might lose her balance.

"Are you alright?" he asked, not hearing her question.

"Natasha. I need Nata...." she trailed off, passing out. Steve rushed forward before she hit the ground. Picking her up, he carried her inside. Her clothes were completely soaked through and clung to her cold, shivering body. He gently put her down on the couch just as Tony walked into the room.

"Don't bring your kinks into the common area, Rogers," said Tony wryly.

Giving Tony an annoyed look, he explained, "She just showed up at the door, asked for Nat and passed out." He checked her heart rate and breathing before making sure she wasn't bleeding. Grabbing a blanket from the armchair, he placed it overtop of her.

"A mystery! Well, let's get her in here then," Tony pulled out his phone to facetime Natasha. She answered on the second ring.

"What is it, Tony? I'm a little busy here," Natasha demanded through the phone.

"Hello, Agent Romanoff. A friend of yours came to visit," Tony flipped the camera to the woman on the couch as Natasha squinted at the screen.

"Alexi?" Natasha was clearly surprised to see her old friend.

"A name. Great!" Tony exclaimed.

"Is she okay?" Natasha asked in a very concerned tone.

"Vital signs normal. Just a little-" turning his head on his side to assess her, "sleepy it seems."

"I'm on my way," she said, shutting the phone.

An hour later, Natasha stormed into the compound to find Alexi awake on the couch with everyone gathered around her. Clint was handing her a glass of water, while Steve and Sam sat on the couch opposite Alexi, both looking concerned. Tony stood at the bar pouring a drink. The only person absent from the room was Bucky.

Alexi turned as she heard the door slam and someone approaching quickly. "Natasha!" she jumped to her feet and hugged her.

"What are you doing here? Are you okay?" Natasha was concerned, not only for Alexi's health but knowing she might be in danger.