A Tale of Mischief and Mutants

Bucky

—-Loki—-

I sit with Sam for a long time holding her she seems to be trying to block everything else out. Eventually the others come back from the mission they go dead silent when they see the state Sam's in. I just continue trying to comfort her unable to pull myself from the task to even provide them an explanation. Thor is one of the last to enter he carries Mjölnir along with his axe, a worried expression written on his face.

The moment he spots me holding Sam he rushes over and kneels down setting both of the weapons on the floor he puts his hand on her shoulder and starts looking her over like the very protective older brother Thor was in our youth.

"What happened? Is she hurt?"

Thor's closeness manages to pull my attention from Sam enough to provide him an answer.

"She's physically unharmed."

"What happened?"

"She ran into one of the men from her past I think she froze. He was on top of her when I came across them."

He nods looking beyond angry he stands and picks up Stormbreaker.

"Where is he?"

"If there's justice in this universe Hel."

"So he's dead?"

"Yes. I killed him."

I half expect to be scolded but Thor surprises me.

"Good."

He kneels down near Sam again and holds her hand.

"He can't hurt her now."

Barnes comes over seemingly the only one brave enough to directly approach the situation. It's not entirely the others fault, I'm feeling fiercely protective of Sam at the moment and a bit of that may be apparent in the glances I've spared their way, enough so to deter them from approaching.

"What happened?"

Thor explains.

"It's hard to explain someone from her past did something to her."

Barnes looks at Sam worriedly.

"Is there anything I can do?"

I nod.

"Yes actually. I need to speak with you about Sam."

I speak softly to Sam.

"Is it alright if I leave you with Thor for just a minute? I promise I'll be right back."

She nods then scoots over to sit by Thor who's now sitting on the bench beside me. I kiss her forehead before I step back. Thor holds her now protectively making me feel confident enough in her safety. I leave the room with Barnes.

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"Listen if this is about me taking an interest in her I'm sorry. I didn't know you two were a thing at the time."

"This isn't about that Barnes. Besides I couldn't hold that against you. You've never acted upon it."

"Then why are we here?"

I try to find the right words.

"Sam has been having nightmares and now with what just happened they're going to get worse. She also has severe anxiety. I don't know how to help her. I also don't know how to find someone who can help her."

I take a deep breath.

"You've been to therapy, yes? It's helped you. Do you know anyone who can help her?"

Barnes looks fully surprised at my question. I'm showing him vulnerability by asking him for help something I never do with anyone outside of a small circle.

"Wow you really love her don't you?"

I nod.

"Yes. Can you help me help her?"

"Yeah, if you give me your phone number I can give you some recommendations and phone numbers to call."

I'm relieved he's willing to help.

"Thank you Barnes."

"It's not a problem, and it's Bucky. Just get her the help she needs."

I smile slightly and nod.

"I will."

When I return to the room after exchanging numbers with Barnes, or Bucky as he prefers to be called, I see Sam has fallen asleep worn out from her ordeal. I delicately take her back into my arms careful as not to disturb her sleep. Overwhelmed by how horrible this day's been on her I once again plant a light kiss on her forehead.

Thor and I then take her back to New Asgard and she somehow isn't awoken by the bifrost. I assure Thor she'll be alright though I'm just as worried myself then carry her back to the safety of our home.