Fighting for You 🔞

Three

He was sat in the bar, his hand wrapped around his beer. He had his hat pulled low, as to shield his face. He may not remember everything just yet, but he knew there would be those out there, hunting for him, especially Hydra. His hand tightened around his bottle at the thought of them taking him back.

He didn't want to go, he didn't think he could handle having to go through it all again. Taking a swig of his drink, he heard the door to the bar open. He stole a quick glance as to who entered, and he felt as though the air was sucked out of his lungs and the building.

His body twitched at the sight of her. She was stood, with a bored expression, looking around. She was wearing a white vest, black ripped shorts, that looked entirely too short, and black laced boots. Her hair looked wild, as if she had just come from a beach and sunglasses crowned her head.

He turned his attention back to his drink, irritated at the way his body was still twitching. He didn't look up again, until he heard the barwoman speak. He peeked from under the rim of his hat, seeing the woman sat opposite him at the bar. When he heard her speak, he felt a shiver run through him.

He gritted his teeth, he didn't know who she was, and he didn't want to know. She could be Hydra for all he knew.

'I'll have whatever you suggest for food and drinks. I'll be honest, I'm too tired to think'... He heard her chuckle. He knew she was faking being polite. He couldn't help but smirk, at the expression on her face. It was as if it was hurting her, to be nice.

The barwoman places a drink in front of the mystery woman, and walked off to place the food order.

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Lexi got up, and headed for the pool table in the corner. No one was using it, so she thought she would pass the time, until her food was ready. Lining up her shot, she heard a voice behind her.

'If you want some company sweetheart, I'll gladly play with you'... Lexi rolled her eyes, standing up with a fake smile, turning to the man who spoke.

She noted that he was in his 30s, scruffy kind of look. 5'9, 230lbs. She profiled him quickly as she tilted her head. His friend was about the same height and build. Though the first guy was bald with short facial hair the second was clean shaven, with dirty blonde hair.

'Thanks for the offer, but I'm fine'... She turned back to the table, but felt one of the guys step closer to her. Her grip tightened on the cue in her hands, taking a breath. She really didn't want to fight, but she would if she had to.

'Come on sweetheart, we can show you a good time here'... She heard him chuckle behind her.

'Here's your drink. Food won't be much longer'... Lexi saw a bottle of beer get put on the edge of the table in front of her. Looking up, she saw Barnes stand close to her, his hand on the bottle.

She couldn't see his eyes beneath his cap, but she let out a sigh of relief. She mouthed the words 'thank you' at him, before straightening herself and turning back to the two men. She swipes the bottle off the table, taking a large draft of it.

'I think that's your cue to leave, bye boys'... She gives them both a hard stare, but kept a fake smile on her face. The two men, sneered at her and walked away. Lexi leaned back against the table, putting the pool cue between her legs to hold it. She ran her free hand across her face.

She was tired, hungry and in no mode to deal with any shit. She turns her head to Barnes, giving him a nod... 'Thank you, by the way. I could've handled them, but I don't want to be arrested..'.. She chuckled, imagining how the fight would've gone.

He doesn't say anything to her, as he walks to the wall that held the cues and took one. Putting his drink down on the nearest table, he gestured to her, indicating for her to take a shot.

Lexi turned, leaning over to break. She was good at pool, it was one of the many ways she made cash. She could hustle anyone out of their money. She hit it perfectly, causing two stripes to pocket.

Within minutes, she had cleared the game, and he hadn't even taken a shot. She looked at him and shrugged as she picked up her beer... 'I played a lot in college'

Thankfully, the barwoman called to her, holding Lexis food out to her. She smiled at the woman, putting her cue down across the table and headed to the bar... 'That smells amazing..'.. She sets the plate on the bar and digs in, not bothering to use her manners.

Lexi ate the burger and fries very quickly. She hadn't had a proper meal in over a week, and this filled her up nicely.

'Uh, I take it you were hungry then?'... The barwoman comes back over to take her plate.

Leki wiped her face with her napkin and nodded... 'Its been a while since I had decent food..'.. She saw the look on the woman's face... 'Ex army. Medic..'.. She pulls the side of her vest up, showing the tattoo on her ribs.

The woman's expressing changed to a softer smile... 'Well darlin, this is on the house. Thank you for your service. You plan on staying awhile?'

Lexi picked up her beer and finished it... 'Only for a short while. I never got to travel really. Left college and went straight into the service. I retired a short time ago. So I thought I'd do some travelling, find somewhere that feels like home'

The woman smiled at her, as if understanding... 'Well, while you're here, be sure to come by. Food is on the house'

Lexi smiled back, thanking the woman. She checked the time on the clock behind the bar and stood up... 'I gotta go. Catherine at the store has offered me a job there and a place to stay. Meeting her in 5'

'My name is Sandy, my husband is Benny. You're welcome here anytime'... Sandy held her hand out across the bar.

'Lexi. Thank you for the food, it was really good. If your breakfast is anything like that, I'll see you in the morning'... She shook the woman's hand, causing her to laugh. She walked away, knowing that Barnes had watched her the entire time.

Stepping outside, she noticed the sky was almost dark, with a slight chill in the air. Lexi smirked, knowing she had gotten his attention. Climbing back into her truck, she set off to meet Catherine, and get settled. She would secure the other apartment for him tonight.

😘