Fighting for You 🔞

Two

Lexi had followed Barnes for the next week. She saw that he had her backpack, knowing he had found it. She studied him as much as she could, seeing how he interacted with people when he had to.

That morning, sh had obtained an old truck, one of her favourites. It was a powder blue F-100. Each new town she had followed him through, she had sold her vehicle, and bought another. She didn't want him recognising her following him.

She was thankful that he had stayed under the radar, but now she was feeling the exhaustion of the past week. She had picked up the bare essentials for herself, always sleeping in the vehicles she had.

Barnes always found some old or abandoned building to stay in, at nights. Thankfully he never left the, until the day had picked up. He blended quite well in crowds but Lexi was always able to spot him.

Following the news when she could, SHIELD had completely fallen. She wanted to check in with Fury, but knew it was too risky. Sighing to herself, she sat in her truck, watching from a distance as Barnes sat at a bus stop up the road.

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Lexi looked out the windshield of her truck, her glasses shielding her eyes from the setting sun. Abbot, Maine, that's where he had ran to. She looked around the small town, noticing the few stores they had. Population was less than 1,000. So she could understand why he came here, less chance of being noticed. Not to mention, Canadian border was about an hour away.

She heard her stomach rumble over the radio, reminding her she hadn't eaten since that morning. Lexi spotted a convenience store up ahead, and decided to pull in. She needed some supplies anyway, just until she got an apartment locally. There was one available in the complex, but she was going to secure that for him.

Sighing to herself, she pulls over outside the store, and switches off the engine of her blue '64 F-100. Putting her shades on her head, she grabs her bag from the passenger seat, and gets out.

She looks around, spotting a few people. If she had to play the friendly neighbour, she may as well practice. She walks into the store, her bag on her shoulder as she grabbed a basket.

Her thoughts screaming in her head as she wandered around, not noticing what she was picking up. Back at SHIELD, no one would ever call her friendly, in fact, they called her the ice queen.

She didn't have friends, no family, no boyfriend. Her job took her whole life, and that's how she liked it. She fid have respect to those she felt deserved it, Fury being at the top of that list.

He had recruited her, straight out of college. She had uncovered a drug ring, that involved alumni, and students. Over 30 arrests were made, and 1.2 million dollars worth of drugs, hidden beneath the college itself.

What she did alone, had impressed Fury, and he wanted her a part of SHILED. Lexi didn't turn it down, in fact, she told him her conditions and started the next day. She hadn't looked back since. It was because of her, and her findings that she brought to Fury, was the beginning of Hydras downfall of their infiltration of SHIELD.

'Can I help you? You seem a little lost there dear'... Lexi turned to the voice that had snapped her from her thoughts. She smiled at the older woman, trying to play friendly.

'Hi, oh yes please. I've been travelling all day, and my head is a little frazzled. I'm looking for a house or apartment here. Would you happen to know of any available please?'... She tried her best to sound sincere, not know if she did or not.

The woman smiled at her, nodding her head... 'My granddaughter has recently moved out of her apartment, and left me to look after it for her. I don't think she'd mind if you wanted to stay there. Long term or short term? I know she will be back next summer'

Lexi found that it would work in her favour, so she smiled again, holding her hand out... 'My name is Alexandria, but everyone calls me Lexi. If it's ok with you and your granddaughter, I'd love to, thank you. I have no limit on rent. I'm also looking for a job too, if you know of anyone hiring'

The woman laughed as she shook Lexis hand... 'Seems my George is watching over me. My granddaughter used to help me out, before she left for university. My old bones can't handle all the work, and taking care of her place. The pay is not much, but I can do you a deal on rent if you'd like the job'

Lexi grinned, nodding to the woman... 'That would be amazing, thank you so much'

'Catherine, my name is Catherine. Tell you what my dear, you pick out what you need, and it'll be on the house. If you don't mind waiting another hour for me to close, I can take you over there then'.... The woman moved back behind the counter of the till, sitting on her stool.

'Thats not a problem. I can have a quick look around the town. Would you know where I could get something to eat please?'.... Lexi was getting tired of playing nice, it was giving her a headache.

'Bennys bar and grill does great food if you want to head over there. You go out here, take a left and you'll see it up ahead on your right. Tell him I sent you'... Catherine smiles at her.

10 minutes later, Lexi had pulled her car up outside of the bar. Her stuff was in the trunk, so she grabbed her bag again, getting it and heading inside. The interior was dark wood and teal, the smell of alcohol and food wafted through the bar. It wasn't busy, but also not bare of customers. Lexi thought she may look out of place with her boots, shorts and vest, but she didn't care. She hoped she wouldn't be here long enough. 

Her eyes roamed the place, taking in all the exits, windows and people. Her eyes snagged to someone, sitting at the end of the bar. She couldn't see his whole face, only what he was wearing. She knew that was Barnes. She profiled him before she had left to follow him. She had watched him for the past week, picking up on his habits, traits and demeanour. Lexi smiled to herself, as she took a seat in his line of sight at the bar.

'What can I get you darlin?'... The redhead barwoman asks with a smile.

*Something in the water here? Why is everyone fucking smiling all the time*.... Lexi forced a smile herself, noting her face ached when she did... 'I'll have whatever you suggest for food and drinks. I'll be honest, I'm too tired to think'... She chuckles.

Her eyes catch behind the barwoman, Barnes head comes up slightly. She knew he was listening in, and his eyes were on her from under his cap.

She smirked as the woman took an order for her, and placed a beer in the bar... *Game on Barnes*

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