Troubled Mind | Bucky Barnes

Part 15

A/N: I've just got back from Vegas yesterday and had to work today. I'm very tired but I promised a Tuesday chapter release and I won't go back on it now, so here we are at 9:30pm editing. Make it worth it. Don't leave me hanging - leave me comments. They make me so happy. This chapter is long and sadly, the second last chapter. Next week will be the conclusion. :( I know. I'm devastated too.

Also realized I never actually revealed the name of the 60's song that is Alexi's mental trigger. It's 'Cry To Me' by Solomon Burke - enjoy listening to it!

P.S Some of the names of your reading lists make me laugh. I love them. <3

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At dinner that night, there was a long table feast with all the Asgardian warriors, including Thor's best friends. They sat on either side of him drinking and eating and catching up. Thor had been so busy the past while that they hadn't really had much time together. 

Sometime along in the evening, Lady Sif pulled Thor aside to ask him about Alexi. "I hear you were successful in your work with the Midgardian."

"Yes! Alexi has made quite the progress," lowering his voice a bit, "I believe it is time she returned to Earth."

Sif noticed his lowered tone. "Does she not wish to return?"

"She is apprehensive of her sordid past," he explained.

"It is better that she returns soon," Sif said sternly, but seeing Thor's reaction she added. "I only mean to say that we may be seen as harboring a criminal or appear weak to our enemies."

"I understand your concern, old friend, but my father has allowed it and I trust his judgement."

Not wanting to appear disrespectful, she agreed, "As do I, of course. I do see that her presence has had a remarkable effect on your brother." The comment came after Loki entered the party and took a seat directly next to Alexi. Normally,  he would never be seen sitting next to anyone he did not consider his equal.

"It is exactly the effect I hoped for. If Loki were to develop even a small amount of sympathy for someone from another realm, I believe he can be saved from himself," Thor said triumphantly.

"I would not have believed he was capable of it," Lady Sif mused and they both chuckled.

Just then, Heimdall entered the room making a beeline for Thor, looking very serious.

"Heimdall!" he greeted him. "What news?"

"My prince, you have asked me to keep an eye on your friends on Earth and let you know of any of their latest progress."

"Yes. Has something occurred?"

"They recently waged an attack on their enemy's base but were unprepared for the retaliation. Two of their team are badly injured."

"Who was injured? How did this happen?"

"I am not sure of the details but the ones they call Black Widow and Falcon."

Alexi joined their conversation, having overheard. "What's happened to Nat?" They turned to see her face filled with concern.

"They may need our help," Thor answered.

"This is because of me, isn't it?"

Loki joined them now as well.

Thor put a hand on her shoulder in reassurance, "This is not your fault, Alexi. I will go to Earth and see what can be done."

"I have to go with you," she said to everyone's surprise.

"You wish to return?" Loki asked.

"I won't have anyone else hurt because of me. I thought leaving would protect everyone but look what's happened!"