Lost in Time

Fifty-Three

Bucky rested his arms on the stone rail of the balcony, outside of the room, looking out at the dark vast space beyond Asgard. So many stars, waving at him, he was still in awe of it all, and that he was literally in another world. He glanced over his shoulder, into the dark room, orb lights on the desk and one side of the bed, casting a soft glow. There in the bed, was Jace, his son. Son. That still didn't seem real, even though the little boy was the spitting image of him from that age.

After Jace had told him about Lark, and about his bear which stunned Bucky, especially hearing his own voice come from it when Jace hugged it, he didn't know if he would ever process everything that had happened since he woke up that first day at the tower. So much had happened, and everything in the past week was still swirling around his head.

He looked back out at the view, taking a deep breath, replaying the conversation he had with the queen, Frigga, after he had give Thor the drive to take back to earth. She had told him everything Elle had done for this world, about the burdens, fears and the weight she carried. Frigga had asked him to take time here, to sort through everything, and what he was feeling. Jace was safe here, as was he, but he still worried about the team, and hating to admit it, her too. Before all this came to light, they had a good friendship going, but he now wondered if what he had been feeling for her, was real. Had she used some sort of magic to trap him? Everything about her, about their friendship, had him questioning her motives. He was sure if he went back home now, his anger would take over and he'd lose his shit on her for everything.

Dropping his head into his hands, he was glad that for now, he didn't have to be anywhere hear her.

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'Goddamn middle of the night wake up calls!..'... Tony huffed, trudging out of the elevator, and seeing the others had gathered on the main floor. He did want Pepper to stay in bed as an incentive for him to get this over with quickly so they could go back to sleep, but she pulled on his hand, impatient with him for being slow... 'Someone better have coffee going for this shit..'

'Grow up..'.. Pepper gave his hand a squeeze... 'This is important and you know it..'

'I do, yeah. But you know I've barely slept since Sokovia Pep. We haven't heard anything from Elle since she left, and we don't know where she is either..'... He said as they joined the others, and Thor strolls in off the balcony... 'How are they?..'

'Barnes is overwhelmed, that is clear, but watching Jace run straight for his father, screaming on top of his lungs "that's my dad" before barrelling into him and hugging tight, we all got emotional..'.. Thor cleared his throat, and smiled at them... 'They have been inseparable since. Mother suggested that Barnes remained there for now, to spend time with Jace and to help him process everything..'

'That is probably for the best..'.. Loki clapped his brother on the arm. After speaking with Nat at the apartment, he had packed a bag, and came back to the tower with her, taking a room on Elles old floor. The two had discussed on the drive back, to never mention what they had talked about, to anyone... 'Did you speak with the two of them?..'

'I did..'.. Thor pulled the drive from his pocket, holding it up before tossing it to Tony... 'Elle gave it to Jace as a little mission for him, to keep Lark safe until she needed it again..'.. Thor chuckled, looking to his brother... 'Neither of you told me of his bears name..'

'That's where Lark was?..'.. Loki rolled his eyes... 'Of course it was. And as for the bear, it would have been a giveaway..'