OUTCASTS

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[lonelyxoutcasts]

Necessary Alliance

“But Thor I don’t understand why..” Zoe’s voice is calm but clearly irritated, and she couldn’t stop fidgeting in her formalwear.

Thor cuts her off, “Zoe I don’t think we need to understand, Father never explained his decision to me. If I had to guess I think at the very least it’s to help build an alliance with Jotunheim,” he says firmly as they walk to the throne room.

Zoe scowls, “I’m not some pawn in father’s plans for peace with the realms, he should at the very least tell us what he’s planning. How do we know he isn’t some brute?”

Thor shakes his head, “regardless of father’s plans, I wouldn’t let him hurt you. I failed to protect you once, sister, I won’t do it again”

Zoe is silent as they finally walk into the throne room, she was grateful for her brother’s protection and he had taught her how to protect herself too. She just hated being forced into this, she wasn’t even given a chance to meet her betrothed until now, just days before the wedding. As she approaches the throne, her eyes are drawn to the group of Jotuns that were already there off to the side. Which was to be her husband? Her eyes are drawn immediately to a smaller one, still taller than her but shorter than the other giants. She can’t deny that he was handsome, her breath caught in her throat for just a moment, though she hides it well.

She doesn’t stare though, looking up to Odin at the throne as she curtsies, “Father,” she greets, bowing her head.

@broken-ice-puppets

[lonelyxoutcasts]

“Servants tend to just..be around, less so here since we’re the only ones here but you remember how it is back at home, always at the doors or around to serve, and of course I respect them but I don’t think about not kissing in front of them now that we’re married. But I want to be aware, for you,” Zoe explains with a weak smile, lacing their fingers together.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe listens with wide eyes, she's had sex since becoming an adult, it wasn't often and as she got older had become infrequent to the point of what would be embarrassment for most people but as she'd mentioned it was just a matter of being too busy at this point. She didn't find many people she connected with and for her, it was nearly impossible to even be interested in anyone without that connection.

This story was entirely different than anything she'd expected and she has to stifle a shocked laugh a few times as Clint explains. But for some reason, the visual doesn't put her off as much as it usually would. She doesn't linger on the thought of it but the way Clint describes it, being between the door and Bucky, but for a moment...just a moment she can't help but picture it, and then other things. Then she shuts those thoughts down firmly and refocuses on the two of them trying to ignore the deep blush on her cheeks.

"Jesus...please tell me that you don't make it a habit to wind up in the ER everytime you guys...you know," she asks weakly, glancing between the two of them.

"Also the fact that you call Bucky tiny, I mean I know you're taller than him but both of you are...I mean you're both pretty massive," she points out with a laugh.

[barnesandbarton]

Neither Clint nor Bucky minded her laughing at the story.  It was a funny story and it’s why Clint had told it.  Bucky was always mortified when Clint proudly told it, but hearing those unintentional barks of laughter from Zoe when she was so stressed out being in the situation she was in right now, made it worth it.

“No.  Not always,” Bucky said.  “Though there was another time where I thought for a second we might.  Clint grew up in the circus, right?  So he likes to brag about how good he is at acrobatics, and he tried to hold this really weird position and - well - he couldn’t.  Screamed and said he broke his dick, but it was fine,” he said.

Clint barked out a laugh and covered his mouth.  “I swear, we aren’t usually totally awkward when we get busy.  Not that I can prove it to you or anything.   Normally we’re just super hot and mind blowing.  You know, the kind of shit they write in those books girls all like.  Like those ones about the hockey players.” 

Bucky chuckled. “Oh yeah, like the ‘girls’ read.  Right, Clint.  Like I haven’t seen you out on the fire escape pawing over one with a coffee in your hand.”  He looked at Zoe and then back at Clint. “And yeah?!  What the hell?  I’m not tiny!”  He reached over and smacked his leg.  “I can throw you about.”

Clint giggled - actually giggled - and looked at him. “Oh, I know you can.” 

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe hides a laugh behind her hand first at the idea of breaking…that and then about the books, because she never read those books but for some reason it seemed entirely plausible that Clint would love those books too.

She can’t hide her blush though when Clint says that last bit and she looks down, a little flustered because she really didn’t know what to say. They fact that they were both so strong, powerful even, she didn’t know why it didn’t scare her. It should scare her. Her whole life in the city, she’d always been focused on making sure she knew how to defend herself against guys like this, knew that she was able to take them down if she needed to, if they tried to hurt her. But she wasn’t worried about that here. Mostly because of course they weren’t dangerous men, they were good guys, literally heroes even if they probably didn’t see themselves as that, and she knew at the very least she was safe around them. But more than that, she liked that they were strong, that they were already looking out for her, and that they were big enough that they could throw people around. She clears her throat softly before glancing around, “Do you think there’s water in here? I would kill for a coffee but honestly, they probably wouldn’t allow me to have that right now, right?”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

“Oh I dunno, if yours keeps assholes away then at least it’s useful, I had to work on mine because I was scaring children,” Zoe laughs softly, enjoying the way they gave each other a hard time.

“Trauma bonds are something else that’s for sure, I’ve seen it happen so many times with my crew. People start staying at the shelter and the amount of couples that get together in the first week of meeting..it’s hard to dissuade them because it is nice not to have to go through it all alone but it’s hardly the best thing to start a new relationship during such a stressful period,” Zoe reasons, before going pale.

Hearing about how a hookup landed Clint in the hospital was a vivid reminder of the fact that she was hospitalized after her assault. But it wouldn’t be for the same reason, obviously not right because they wouldn’t have hurt each other, right? She tries to swallow that unreasonable and unfounded anxiety and tries to laugh, “oh sure, were..were you not as flexible as you might have thought?” She asks with a weak voice, even if she can’t quite meet Clint’s eyes.

[barnesandbarton]

Bucky chuckled. “Yeah.  I’m not sure kids think I’m particularly safe either,” he said. “But I’m glad your kids aren’t scared of you anymore.  That would have made keeping an eye out for them a lot tougher.” 

Clint nodded. “Oh yeah. That kind of adrenaline too, when you think you’re both about to die and then you don’t, it heightens feelings.  But I mean, I think we did good for a year.  It wasn’t even growing apart that really broke us up.  It was another trauma thing that we didn’t share and I think maybe after that we had trouble understanding the other’s point of view anymore.”  He shrugged. “Or we were young and dumb. It’s hard to say.”

Clint patted Zoe’s hand while Bucky groaned and covered his face. “Oh don’t worry. You’ll have second hand embarrassment, nothing else.  Like we said, Bucky had a lot of self discovery to get to the point he would admit even to himself that he was interested in me. And it was like, it came crashing out all at once.  We ended up going at it against the door.  Like we didn’t even make it far past the threshold of my apartment, and Bucky, I mean, he’s so tiny compared to me, but he’s strong right, and he had me pressed against the door, holding me up if you can even believe that, but he was gripping the door jam so tight, it completely shattered and then the door collapsed out into the hall and I fall, him INSIDE me, and he comes crashing down on top of me.  I’m fully winded. Can’t catch my breath, and my shoulder is on fire and then the old lady who lives down the hall comes out to see what the commotion is.   Paramedics come. I’ve broken my shoulder where it hit the door and then took Bucky’s weight.  Not a fun injury to have as an archer.  Not as bad as having to explain to like ten different medical people what the hell happened.”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe listens with wide eyes, she's had sex since becoming an adult, it wasn't often and as she got older had become infrequent to the point of what would be embarrassment for most people but as she'd mentioned it was just a matter of being too busy at this point. She didn't find many people she connected with and for her, it was nearly impossible to even be interested in anyone without that connection.

This story was entirely different than anything she'd expected and she has to stifle a shocked laugh a few times as Clint explains. But for some reason, the visual doesn't put her off as much as it usually would. She doesn't linger on the thought of it but the way Clint describes it, being between the door and Bucky, but for a moment...just a moment she can't help but picture it, and then other things. Then she shuts those thoughts down firmly and refocuses on the two of them trying to ignore the deep blush on her cheeks.

"Jesus...please tell me that you don't make it a habit to wind up in the ER everytime you guys...you know," she asks weakly, glancing between the two of them.

"Also the fact that you call Bucky tiny, I mean I know you're taller than him but both of you are...I mean you're both pretty massive," she points out with a laugh.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe raises an eyebrow, "Now who wouldn't like you, that welcoming scowl you wear as your resting face is so welcoming," she teases softly, knowing exactly what he means though.

"Andrew had to tell me to stop mean-mugging people without meaning to, the kids at my shelter used to be scared of me because of it," she admits before turning to Clint with surprise, "One day? Jesus...even in the movies that's fast, but I guess when you're in love..you're in love," she shrugs, knowing it wasn't as if she should judge anything, her own life decisions are questionable.

"Not gonna lie, I cannot wait to get outta here. No offense to the med staff they're great but being in hospital settings like this are..hard. Reminds me of when I was hospitalized after my attempt and my parents abandoned me.."

[barnesandbarton]

Bucky scowls at her, playing into the joke that he had a murder gaze. “What are you trying to say, Zoe?” he teased.

Bucky pushed him playfully. “You’re such an asshole,” he said. “Stop trying to scar her.”

He stifled a laugh and shook his head.  “Yeah.  I guess if you can work on not murder staring into space, I can too.” 

Clint nodded. “I mean, I would say it wasn’t the best decision I’ve ever made.  We just met in one of those intense moments, and I did the whole sacrifice play to save her life.  I guess we got trauma bonded or something.  And yeah, we were married by the next night.  It lasted a bit over a year before things started going south and then we had a bunch of therapy and fights and then we got divorced.  We are still friends though.  You hang around enough, you’ll meet her.” 

But nodded in agreement to Zoe’s next statement. “Yeah. I hate them too.  The smell of bleach and all the beeping.  Annoyingly this idiot seems to love them.  I’ve spent more time in hospitals with him since we got together, than I did over the entire time between escaping HYDRA and our first hook up.”

Clint nudged her.  “You wanna hear how I ended up in the hospital from our first hook up?” 

[lonelyxoutcasts]

“Oh I dunno, if yours keeps assholes away then at least it’s useful, I had to work on mine because I was scaring children,” Zoe laughs softly, enjoying the way they gave each other a hard time.

“Trauma bonds are something else that’s for sure, I’ve seen it happen so many times with my crew. People start staying at the shelter and the amount of couples that get together in the first week of meeting..it’s hard to dissuade them because it is nice not to have to go through it all alone but it’s hardly the best thing to start a new relationship during such a stressful period,” Zoe reasons, before going pale.

Hearing about how a hookup landed Clint in the hospital was a vivid reminder of the fact that she was hospitalized after her assault. But it wouldn’t be for the same reason, obviously not right because they wouldn’t have hurt each other, right? She tries to swallow that unreasonable and unfounded anxiety and tries to laugh, “oh sure, were..were you not as flexible as you might have thought?” She asks with a weak voice, even if she can’t quite meet Clint’s eyes.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

“A Hawkeye signal, what would that even look like? A hawk with an arrow in its talons?” Zoe asks with a laugh, looking over at him, “well I can definitely say that at least our neighborhood appreciates having you close by, and I’m sure the others all appreciate having hero intervention. My experience with the police is..negative, for the most part, no one wants to call them for help either,” she admits laying back properly now.

“I used to shove people away, I was..I’m 28 now so it’s been 15 years since I was attacked, and 13 since I ran away to the city. When I first got here, I didn’t trust anyone, refused to talk to anyone that wanted to help me or get close. And it wasn’t easy to get through that but I’m glad I did because otherwise I wouldn’t have accepted your help yesterday. And maybe this is dumb but it feels like…I feel closer to you than just meeting a day ago, I like talking to you guys and hanging out, and I appreciate that you guys don’t look down on me”

[barnesandbarton]

“That sounds like Katniss Everdeen’s symbol,” Clint said.  “And Tony already likes to call me Katniss.  I don’t need to add fuel to that particular fire.”  He hummed and shrugged. “I wear a chevron on my uniform. It could be a chevron.  Or a H. I have a really cool beanie with a H on it.” 

“I think it should just be a big target,” Bucky said. “It’d be his target on crime.” 

Bucky nodded in understanding.  “I did the same thing.  It was hard to believe people would like me.  And honestly, I don’t think a lot of people did, to start off with.  I didn’t think I was worthy of Steve’s friendship. But god, he’s persistent.”

Clint looked at her and raised an eyebrow. “You know.  I feel the same.  Like it feel like we’ve been friends forever.  I didn’t know if that was just me though.  I married my ex wife after a day of meeting her.  So like - I’m really bad at judging things like that.” 

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe raises an eyebrow, "Now who wouldn't like you, that welcoming scowl you wear as your resting face is so welcoming," she teases softly, knowing exactly what he means though.

"Andrew had to tell me to stop mean-mugging people without meaning to, the kids at my shelter used to be scared of me because of it," she admits before turning to Clint with surprise, "One day? Jesus...even in the movies that's fast, but I guess when you're in love..you're in love," she shrugs, knowing it wasn't as if she should judge anything, her own life decisions are questionable.

"Not gonna lie, I cannot wait to get outta here. No offense to the med staff they're great but being in hospital settings like this are..hard. Reminds me of when I was hospitalized after my attempt and my parents abandoned me.."

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe is surprised to hear Bucky open up to him, he didn’t seem the type to bear his soul to anyone really so hearing him do so felt important somehow. More than important, special, so she sits up a little to really listen. She chuckles faintly as he calls her awesome, he had done that on the train too and honestly it wasn’t a word often associated with herself.

She grins at Clint, “I know, it feels like a high honor that he would get all deep with me, and I appreciate it. I just..” she looks down at her hands and sighs, “it’s more complicated than I know how to explain. But I won’t say I’ve written it off completely and I’m open to it happening honestly I’m just…pessimistic is all, I guess,” she admits before glancing up at them both with a faint smile. “I’m sure being friends with you two will be all kinds of inspiring, so who knows what could happen.”

She glances around the medbay and nods, “yeah I mean it’s really lucky for me that it’s here but I imagine having a base of operations is really convenient when trying to make plans and take inventory of who’s available and all that. I remember back when I was younger wishing there was a way to call you guys for help like..you know in the comic books where there’s like a signal to call the heroes? I know the Avengers always focused on the bigger threats and such but god…when we were getting our asses beat in backalleys because we were trying to help people get clean, Andrew used to wish we could call for help. I was too stubborn but I couldn’t help but wish for that too”

[barnesandbarton]

Bucky nodded in understanding. “I get it.  Just as long as you don’t close off completely.  I mean - some people think there’s someone for everyone. I’m not sure that’s true.  I’ve been around a long time and sometimes people do end up spending their life alone, either because that’s what they want, or they just can’t find someone.  But you won’t find something if you shove away everyone who tries to get close. I can promise you that.”

Clint laughed.  “Yeah, tell me about it. Imagine if it wasn’t here.  We’d have to have run all the way back over to Brooklyn to get you help and that would have been crazy.” 

He nodded. “I get you though.  That’s kinda why I don’t work with the big team as much.  I think there are more of us wanting to just keep things safe on a smaller scale. Spider-Man likes that.  There’s Daredevil if you’ve ever heard of him.  A guy called Luke up in Harlem.  It’s hard saving the world with a bow and arrow, and I’ll step up when it’s needed, but it’s much easier keeping Bed-Stuy safe with a bow and arrow.” 

“You want to make a Hawkeye signal?” Bucky joked. “A big target in the sky?” 

[lonelyxoutcasts]

“A Hawkeye signal, what would that even look like? A hawk with an arrow in its talons?” Zoe asks with a laugh, looking over at him, “well I can definitely say that at least our neighborhood appreciates having you close by, and I’m sure the others all appreciate having hero intervention. My experience with the police is..negative, for the most part, no one wants to call them for help either,” she admits laying back properly now.

“I used to shove people away, I was..I’m 28 now so it’s been 15 years since I was attacked, and 13 since I ran away to the city. When I first got here, I didn’t trust anyone, refused to talk to anyone that wanted to help me or get close. And it wasn’t easy to get through that but I’m glad I did because otherwise I wouldn’t have accepted your help yesterday. And maybe this is dumb but it feels like…I feel closer to you than just meeting a day ago, I like talking to you guys and hanging out, and I appreciate that you guys don’t look down on me”

[captainbrogers]

@lonelyxoutcasts | from here | accepting!

Steve looked around briefly as though he might see these so called stalkers hovering on the periphery of their space. Which was ridiculous, but a habit for a man who was rarely snuck up on. He wasn't used to stealth used against him, but this wasn't against him, was it?

"Any idea who it could be?" he asked Zoe, trying to focus his attention instead on the girl in front of him. "Or what they could possibly be after? Specifically now, or do you think this is interest in general?"

It didn't even occur to him to think about her fear being potentially untrue. Steve learned a long time ago to trust his own instinct as well as the instinct of those around him.

If Zoe thought there was somebody out there, there was likely somebody out there, and Steve would find out who it was.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe eyes the blonde man suspiciously, everyone knew who Captain America is but she isn’t sure why he’s here. Maybe it was an accident but it was a big city and it was a surprise that she comes out of the shelter she ran and finds him.

“I’m…pretty sure it’s usually SHIELD agents, Fury keeps trying to recruit me for…because of my skills. But I have developed a sense of paranoia over the years so..maybe I’m just being paranoid. It’s..I didn’t mean to worry you but for a second I thought he had actually sent you to try and bring me in,” Zoe admits, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe smiles faintly but can't help but shake her head, "I don't know..I don't really have time to date in the normal sense, I mean most guys aren't interested in someone that could get caught up in trouble at all hours of the night, and who runs a gang and shelters and all that stuff. Then with my own...history, I have some...issues I guess is the best word. It's like you said," she says, nodding to Bucky, "it's hard to trust people. I don't...I mean never say never right? Andrew and I tried to date once, maybe twice, but it never worked out. I don't even think of him as an ex, that's how much it didn't work out it never even got off the ground, but yeah...it's just not on my mind much," she admits with a shrug.

She does have to admit that Clint has a point, "Yeah..honestly you're right, a rent free apartment in the middle of the city like this...it is ideal. I'm too jittery for a building like this, where there are always...I mean i imagine there's always a lot of hustle and bustle, with staff and then the whole hero thing there has to be people that work with you guys onsite that are on call or something like that? Heroes don't exactly have normal hours so I always figured their support staff didn't either," she reasons, a little talkative to hide her shyness about the previous topic. Talking about dating with these two specifically was nerve wracking but she can't for the life of her pinpoint why. They were her friends, they were looking out for her and she shouldn't be this shy about this sort of thing anyways.

[barnesandbarton]

Bucky nodded in understanding.   “I mean, I get it.  Trust me.  I do.”  He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.  He didn’t talk about this stuff very often, and never with strangers.  But he liked Zoe, and he wanted her to know she was worth love too.  “I mean look at me.  Ex assassin full of trauma.  I tried datin’ one other person, and I love her, but we were terrible for each other.  I didn’t think I was worth being loved.  I didn’t think I’d ever find anyone who would get me or want to even try dating me.  I like being alone more than I like being around other people.  And then, I met Clint. It didn’t happen right away.  Not by a long shot.  But eventually I realized that I couldn’t just shut out the world based on what other people had done to me.”  He patted her hand. “You’re really awesome, you know?  Don’t write it off completely.” 

Clint grinned at Bucky.  “God, you better listen to him, Zo.  You know he’s serious when he gets all deep and existential,” Clint joked, trying to lighten the moment a little.

Clint nods in agreement. “Oh yeah.  There’s always stuff going on.  And it’s kind of a massive target for terrible shit to happen.  I think there’s always a toss up.  I think these days there’s a mix.  Some people like Cap are mostly just here ready to go when the call comes in.  Some have homes and jobs outside of this.  Like Jennifer, she’s mostly a lawyer, but she’ll always come if you need her.  And there’s the ones in space.” He shrugged.  “It’s good it’s here though.” 

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe is surprised to hear Bucky open up to him, he didn’t seem the type to bear his soul to anyone really so hearing him do so felt important somehow. More than important, special, so she sits up a little to really listen. She chuckles faintly as he calls her awesome, he had done that on the train too and honestly it wasn’t a word often associated with herself.

She grins at Clint, “I know, it feels like a high honor that he would get all deep with me, and I appreciate it. I just..” she looks down at her hands and sighs, “it’s more complicated than I know how to explain. But I won’t say I’ve written it off completely and I’m open to it happening honestly I’m just…pessimistic is all, I guess,” she admits before glancing up at them both with a faint smile. “I’m sure being friends with you two will be all kinds of inspiring, so who knows what could happen.”

She glances around the medbay and nods, “yeah I mean it’s really lucky for me that it’s here but I imagine having a base of operations is really convenient when trying to make plans and take inventory of who’s available and all that. I remember back when I was younger wishing there was a way to call you guys for help like..you know in the comic books where there’s like a signal to call the heroes? I know the Avengers always focused on the bigger threats and such but god…when we were getting our asses beat in backalleys because we were trying to help people get clean, Andrew used to wish we could call for help. I was too stubborn but I couldn’t help but wish for that too”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe listens with a bemused smile, “you’re gonna have to run that by me again, it’s an oxymoron to say we need to listen for something that is silent..” she points out with a laugh. She watches the two of them fondly, it was sweet the way they were with each other.

“I’ve never dated really but seeing you two together is really sweet,” she says softly, laying back against her pillows, more prone to unfiltered honesty given her injured state and just the relief at making it out of that earlier fight.

“So this is Avengers tower, is it true that the whole team used to live here once or was that a rumor?”

[barnesandbarton]

Clint laughed. “Well, I can’t help that,” he said.  “I didn’t make the e silent.  But I assure you, it was there when I said it.”

Bucky covered his face as he started laughing. “Jesus Christ,” he said.  “I can’t take you anywhere.”

They both looked over at her at the admission.  “Really?” Clint asked. “I love being in relationships.  You should try it out sometime.  I mean -I get men suck - but sometimes you find a good one.  Look at the one I got.  What a catch, right?”

Bucky rolled his eyes but he couldn’t help but smile at the one.  “It’s hard to trust people,” he said. “I get it.  But it is worth it when you find someone you can.  Don’t write it off forever.” 

Clint nodded his head from side to side with a hum. “Yeah… well, sort of.  There’s always rooms available for active members here.  But it really depends on who’s on the team and what they have going on outside of the team.  Like Tony was here when he was in New York, but he was often in California.  Thor was mostly in Asgard and he’d come down.  But the rest of us had all joined when we didn’t have anywhere else to live.  But since then, it’s really just member specific.  It’s hard to say no to a rent free apartment in the heart of Midtown though.  You know how much you normally have to pay to live in a location like this?” 

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe smiles faintly but can't help but shake her head, "I don't know..I don't really have time to date in the normal sense, I mean most guys aren't interested in someone that could get caught up in trouble at all hours of the night, and who runs a gang and shelters and all that stuff. Then with my own...history, I have some...issues I guess is the best word. It's like you said," she says, nodding to Bucky, "it's hard to trust people. I don't...I mean never say never right? Andrew and I tried to date once, maybe twice, but it never worked out. I don't even think of him as an ex, that's how much it didn't work out it never even got off the ground, but yeah...it's just not on my mind much," she admits with a shrug.

She does have to admit that Clint has a point, "Yeah..honestly you're right, a rent free apartment in the middle of the city like this...it is ideal. I'm too jittery for a building like this, where there are always...I mean i imagine there's always a lot of hustle and bustle, with staff and then the whole hero thing there has to be people that work with you guys onsite that are on call or something like that? Heroes don't exactly have normal hours so I always figured their support staff didn't either," she reasons, a little talkative to hide her shyness about the previous topic. Talking about dating with these two specifically was nerve wracking but she can't for the life of her pinpoint why. They were her friends, they were looking out for her and she shouldn't be this shy about this sort of thing anyways.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe grins at Bucky, he looked so shocked but it wasn’t as if Zoe came up with it herself. Clint had called himself slutty on the train ride out to Fisk, and it was fun to poke fun at him for it. But she shoots Clint a soft smile, “alright alright I’ll ease up, don’t want anyone to say I’m being too mean,” she agrees, before giggling softly, “you don’t discriminate huh? Well at least that makes you an equal-opportunist I guess”

Her cheeks are flushed when he says he prefers blonde women, ignoring it stubbornly though because the last time she’d blushed they’d teased her for it and she didn’t want to acknowledge it and possibly embarrass herself again.

She focuses on Bucky again, “uh…yeah no I have no idea. I think he’s talking about grammar? English was never my subject though so..yeah I have no idea. Isn’t Blonde and Brunette both spelled with an e? How do you hear a silent e?”

[barnesandbarton]

Clint laughed and nudged her. “Nope.  I don’t discriminate, because I’m super slutty,” he joked, letting her know that he had just been kidding about being ganged up on.  He loved that she felt comfortable enough to rib on him that way. He huffed dramatically and rolled his eyes. “Guys.  Come on.  I didn’t go to school either. But the words blonde and brunette are gendered.  Women are b-l-o-n-d-e and b-r-u-n-e-t-t-e, and men are b-l-o-n-d and -b-r-u-n-e-t.  So I like blondes… with an e and brunets… without an e.  You have to listen for the silent e to know.” Bucky shook his head in disbelief.  “Jesus Christ, how can someone be so dumb and so smart at the same time.  You are unbelievable.  You are so lucky I love you.” “Yeah but you do love me.  And that’s the main bit,” he said. “Besides, you know very well that’s what you love about me.” 

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe listens with a bemused smile, “you’re gonna have to run that by me again, it’s an oxymoron to say we need to listen for something that is silent..” she points out with a laugh. She watches the two of them fondly, it was sweet the way they were with each other.

“I’ve never dated really but seeing you two together is really sweet,” she says softly, laying back against her pillows, more prone to unfiltered honesty given her injured state and just the relief at making it out of that earlier fight.

“So this is Avengers tower, is it true that the whole team used to live here once or was that a rumor?”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Necessary Alliance

“But Thor I don’t understand why..” Zoe’s voice is calm but clearly irritated, and she couldn’t stop fidgeting in her formalwear.

Thor cuts her off, “Zoe I don’t think we need to understand, Father never explained his decision to me. If I had to guess I think at the very least it’s to help build an alliance with Jotunheim,” he says firmly as they walk to the throne room.

Zoe scowls, “I’m not some pawn in father’s plans for peace with the realms, he should at the very least tell us what he’s planning. How do we know he isn’t some brute?”

Thor shakes his head, “regardless of father’s plans, I wouldn’t let him hurt you. I failed to protect you once, sister, I won’t do it again”

Zoe is silent as they finally walk into the throne room, she was grateful for her brother’s protection and he had taught her how to protect herself too. She just hated being forced into this, she wasn’t even given a chance to meet her betrothed until now, just days before the wedding. As she approaches the throne, her eyes are drawn to the group of Jotuns that were already there off to the side. Which was to be her husband? Her eyes are drawn immediately to a smaller one, still taller than her but shorter than the other giants. She can’t deny that he was handsome, her breath caught in her throat for just a moment, though she hides it well.

She doesn’t stare though, looking up to Odin at the throne as she curtsies, “Father,” she greets, bowing her head.

@broken-ice-puppets

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe giggles she can’t help it, she enjoys him teasing her. She glances to him with a smile as she takes a few steps to the water, “well wasn’t the whole point for me to sit in the water, something about helping soothe my aching muscles?” She teases, reaching out for his hand impatiently

[broken-ice-puppets]

Loki looked at her extended hand and smiled, “Right, the water…” he nodded then stripped his tunic off overhead, tossing it down on top of his towel, “Let’s go,” he murmured with a smile and followed after her towards softly ebbing tide.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe sighs contently as they walk into the shallow water, leading in far enough that they can sit in the water and it comes up to her chest. She relaxes for a long moment before she glances over to him and she can see some of the scars that she’d bitten her tongue about until now.

“Loki..darling? Would you mind if I asked about your back, the…scars?” She asks softly

[broken-ice-puppets]

He sat down with her in the water, which was more waist-height for him. His eyes fell shut and he just soaked in his surroundings. The cool water, the warm sun, the sounds of the waves, the soft scent of salt.

When she asked about his scars, he remained quiet for a moment. You don’t have to feel afraid, he told himself, She’s already been so patient with you, and it’s been a couple days, “Uh… Sure,” he nodded, finally opening his eyes to meet her gaze.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe slides close to him, resting a hand on his arm and her expression is gentle, not wanting to press him or push for more than he was willing to share.

“I don’t..I’m not sure what you’re ready to share, but..will you tell me how you got them? What..what caused it?”

[broken-ice-puppets]

His lips pursed together tightly for a moment, “Part of me doesn’t want to bring down the mood of our honeymoon by sharing… you’re going to be so upset when you find out the truth,” he expressed, “especially… because… of who is the cause for them.”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

“I’ll be upset because someone hurt you yes but it won’t..I’m not going to fly into a rage,” Zoe assures him softly but her hand slides down to take his gently

“If you aren’t ready then I understand and I won’t make you tell me, but..I keep wondering and my imagination can’t be worse than the truth. I keep imagining the worst sweetheart and I..I just want to be here to support you, the same way you’ve supported me since the day we met”

[broken-ice-puppets]

Loki heard her, knew she was right, but that didn’t make it any easier. He probably wasn’t ready to talk about it, but would he ever be ready?

His head lowered and he looked down into the shallow waters, “It was… my father.” His said, voice soft.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe looks alarmed, staring at Loki in shock but shifting closer, one hand raising to his cheek to guide his eyes to her, "Loki I don't...Laufey did this? Why? What could he have...what possible reason would he have to...to hurt you so badly to leave those marks?"

[broken-ice-puppets]

His face lifted but his eyes didn’t fully meet hers, “It… It was his way of… making me… stronger. Or, I suppose… it was more of a way to try to… motivate me to become stronger. Um… h-he never did it himself, there was always someone else there to do it, but… he always stayed to watch.”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe’s eyes fill with tears because the fact that he had to go through this who knows how many times made her grieve in a way. No wonder he was so worried about doing things wrong, or breaking rules. She doesn’t force him to look at her, letting her hand drop back into the water.

“Loki I..I’m so glad you’re away from him, that you’re here..” she whispers, looking down at their joined hands.

[broken-ice-puppets]

Loki nodded, “Right-Well, like I said, it’s been a long time since the last time it happened. That’s why my back is fully healed, apart from the scars, but, yes… I no longer have to be around him, and that lifts a heavy weight off my shoulders.

He seemed to finally meet her gaze, and there was a timidness in his eyes, “I’m sorry that I’m not able to… talk about it like you’re able to talk about… what happened to you. This is… the first time I’ve actually told anyone about what happened.”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe shakes her head firmly, going up on her knees so she can press her forehead to his, “Loki, love no, no it’s nothing you need apologize for. If it hadn’t…it was something which could affect us. I could have had a panic attack during our wedding night or had nightmares which you would have comforted me through. It felt wrong not to tell you only because I did not want you to be unprepared should either of those things happen. But your past..your scars, they have not impacted us in that way. I’m honored that you would tell me, that you trust me,” she says softly, resting her hand at his cheek

[broken-ice-puppets]

He understood what she was saying, but it didn’t really alleviate his guilt, “Your past has yet to impact us in the ways you told me they might, a-a-and it feels… it feels unfair when I carry burdens of my own. I-I was so wound up on our wedding night because I was so anxious about telling you, and ended up having a small panic attack when I realized you had noticed them.” He pointed out to her, and could feel tears pricking behind his eyes, “I’ve had these scars for a long time, but the memories I carry from them continue to haunt me to this day.”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe hugs him close, just needing to hold him for a long moment, “when you have spent so much time alone, isolated, it’s hard to trust. I actively chose to make myself open to you, instead of remaining closed off like I so often can be. And you did things that proved I could trust you without even meaning to. I do not fault you for needing time to be ready, and it’s only been two days since we wed, I can hardly say you waited an unfair amount of time,” she says with a gentle smile, pulling back from him now.

“Neither of us need carry burdens alone any longer. We both vowed to support each other in all things, and I mean to keep that vow”

[broken-ice-puppets]

His hands shifted to return the embrace, cupping her back and taking a shaky breath, "I don't want to remain closed off either, not to you, at least. That's why telling you about my scars has been weighing on me so much. It was... the last wall I had up." When Zoe pulled back, he finally fully met her gaze. His features very minutely shifted with the emotions she stoked within him, but at the center of all that he was feeling was love, "I love you," he whispered.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe softens and moves to kiss his cheek, then his forehead softly, “and I love you my darling, I..I’m far front perfect but I want to be a good wife to you. A supportive partner, and your caring nature makes me feel more loved than I’ve ever felt before,” she murmurs, settling back to sit on her heels, taking his hand gently, “you make me feel safe and protected like no one aside from my brother has cared to make me feel, and I know you’ll always be good to me,” she murmurs.

[broken-ice-puppets]

He quirked a brow at something she said, "Aside from your brother? Your mother would be cross to hear that," he lightly teased. Then his arms wrapped around her waist, and he hoisted her onto his lap. He let out a soft sigh as he pulled her body to be flushed against his, basking in her warmth, "If there's one thing I can promise you with full certainty, it's that I will always strive to be good to you. You deserve nothing but the best from me."

[lonelyxoutcasts]

“My mother loves me. And she has encouraged and supported me in ways no one else has. But even she didn’t want Thor to train me to fight. She was against it for many years really..it took time for her to realize it was the best way for me not only to be able to protect myself but to feel safe enough to leave my rooms during celebrations and state visits,” she admits softly, happily snuggling closer to his chest and looking out over the gentle waves to the horizon.

[broken-ice-puppets]

His expression softened as he listened to her talking of her mother, and his embrace tightened just a bit, "I'm glad you were able to do that, train and reclaim your strength and confidence. What you endured... I know it must have taken a lot of strength for you to move past that. The fact that you were even receptive to the idea of marrying me, some unfamiliar male from a foreign realm... I wouldn't have taken offense if you had turned down the proposal. For all you knew, I could have been the same as the boorish brother I stood amongst."

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe looks entirely confused, looking up at him for a long moment, “Loki I…I didn’t have a choice, I was informed that the betrothal had been finalized the day before you arrived and told I would have no choice in the matter. I..I am grateful it was you and that it was as successful as it has been but..I couldn’t have turned you down even if I had wanted to,” she admits quietly.

[broken-ice-puppets]

His brow furrowed, "O-Oh... but... You weren't... Upon our first meeting, you didn't glower at me or only speak to me when necessary, and you didn't... keep your distance. You were... surprisingly receptive to me, and took the initiative in getting to know me. Not to mention, we kissed mere hours into making each other's acquaintance. I suppose... that's why I thought, perhaps, you had accepted the proposal of your own volition. Although it makes more sense that you had no choice in the matter, that's how things are on Jotunheimr. I suppose I had hoped that maybe Asgard didn't share in that custom."

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe smiles faintly and tries to figure out how to best explain it, “that day, in the throne room when I first met you. Do you remember what our first interaction was like? You were immediately so different from what I was expecting and it made me want to know you more. And then we..we talked in the library and got to know each other a little and..and I got a good sense that we might have been better matched than anticipated. Who else in the realms would not only have accepted my studying Seidr but be learned in it himself? And being so respectful of my honor and safety, it made me feel even more than anything that I wanted to..try. I wanted to try and it was the best decision I could have made,” she says softly, kissing his palms softly and nuzzling against his fingers, “you have proven yourself at every turn, whether you realize it or not”

[broken-ice-puppets]

Loki's lips formed a thin line when asked about his memory of their first meeting. His expression softened as she continued to speak, and he felt his heart squeeze when she kissed at his hands, "I remember... being timid, incredibly so. I was so afraid to misstep and cause the engagement to fall through by losing your favor... and then I remember feeling relief yet... dumbfounded when I realized how receptive you were of me," he let out a soft chuckle, "You made me want to do my best, not because of fear of ridicule, but because you sparked a warmth in me. And I wanted to chase that warmth."

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe smiles faintly, “you are timid yes and so soft-spoken. I was expecting a more brutish version of my brother, a spoiled and possibly overly demanding first born son that felt entitled to me and my body, so imagine my immediate surprise when you were neither of those things. You didn’t even want to accept a change of clothes from Thor even if it would mean your own comfort. I..cannot tell you how worried I was that my warmth would be off putting or that you would despise it. I was prepared for you to want to take the temperature potion constantly so that you wouldn’t have to feel it,” she admits softly, resting against him comfortably and looking down into the water. There were small fish flitting around them and she watches them fondly as they talk.

[broken-ice-puppets]

Loki let out a soft and short little laugh hearing what she had thought he would be like prior to meeting each other, “It’s a good thing my father had his sights set on marrying me off, rather than one of my brothers. Had he selected any of them, your initial expectations would have been very accurate,” he explained, and shifted his head to kiss at her cheek.

“Mmmnnn… I will admit, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy your warmth as much as I do. I wasn’t sure how this relationship would work since our natures are so different but… your warmth is so lovely. Save from when we’re intimate, I don’t feel like I’m blistering and sweating when I pull you into my arms. You feel like… a soft flame from the cozy fireplace in the dead of winter.”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe slips into his lap, just happy to be closer to him and nuzzling against his shoulder, “it’s a miracle because I love your coolness as well. It’s like you’re a soothing breeze, calming and relaxing when we curl up together,” she admits, leaning up to kiss him softly.

“Maybe today we can explore the castle? The library isn’t as expansive as the one at home but it’s warm and can be cozy to sit and read together,” she offers softly.

[broken-ice-puppets]

Loki hummed against her lips, then smiled softly as he listened to her ideas for today. "Sounds lovely, a nice and cosy afternoon together..." His words trailed off as he leaned in close for another kiss.

The kiss came to a halt, though, as voices sounded behind them. His head whipped around, and he clocked a couple of housekeepers approaching the beach with two baskets in hand. They had halted in their approach, though, and seemed to be whispering between each other for a moment. The waves were just loud enough that he couldn't make out what they were saying, but he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

It was just a little kiss, but... still. They were out in public, and Zoe was on his lap. Loki was more private by nature, so he couldn't help the flush that wrapped his cheeks. He quickly turned away from the two women, hoping to save face a little.

The houserkeepers' faces were similarly flushed, but they quickly composed themselves and continued delivering their lunch. They found the towels that had been left out and set the baskets down there before quickly scurrying off.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe wants to whine when he pulls away but she knows his nature and when he turns back toward her, she just kisses his cheek, “come lover, help me find some more shells, I’ll use them to decorate the room here and I can have some of them used to make some jewelry for myself to remember our honeymoon,” she smiles, moving to slide off his lap so that they can stand and walk hand in hand through the shallow water together to find shells.

Once the maids have gone inside, she glances up at him with a sheepish smile, “I’m sorry Loki, I never want to put you in a position to be uncomfortable,” she says softly

[lonelyxoutcasts]

"Oh yeah he's a real pain in the ass," Zoe grins, looking at Clint fondly and it's clear that these two are the farthest from being pains to her. She makes a soft sound, moving to rub her eyes to try and wake herself up, Clint was right she needed to stay awake so she could eventually get out of here with them.

"I appreciate that but we can save the big guns for..I mean if the King Pins ever do try to do something or attack the shelter, then maybe you could call them. But having Captain America and..and who else? Did you say Spiderman? And whoever else, that seems fine right now, at least until we know there's something to worry about," she reasons, before blinking at Clint, he sure did have an extensive dating history.

"Jeez Clint, you really weren't kidding when you called yourself slutty," she laughs, nudging him again and resting her head on his shoulder, "What, you don't like blondes or something? She-hulk definitely is gorgeous though I can't even blame you," she admits, Zoe may not date much at all but she wasn't a complete recluse, she had seen pictures of Jennifer both as herself and as the Hulk and could see the attraction.

[barnesandbarton]

Clint nudges her. “Hey don’t you start too,” he said, playfully. “Getting ganged up on by everyone.  That’s not fair.”

Clint chuckled.  “Spider-man not Spiderman like it’s a last name.  He’d kick your ass if he heard you say it like that,” he teased.  “I think you’re right though.  I mean, Cap on his own is usually enough to make old Willy pause and rethink things.  And he’s a Brooklyn boy too, so he doesn’t have to go far to come keep an eye on things.  It’ll be okay.”

Bucky choked when Zoe called Clint slutty.

“Hey now, I don’t discriminate,” Clint said. “My ex-wife was blonde.  So maybe Blondes are my favorite,” he said. 

“Hey!” Bucky said.

“Blonde women, Bucky,” Clint said. “Brunet guys are my most favorite.  You have to listen for the e at the end.  I know it’s silent, but it’s important as a gender identifier.”

Bucky blinked at him and looked at Zoe. “Do you know what the hell he’s talking about?” 

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe grins at Bucky, he looked so shocked but it wasn’t as if Zoe came up with it herself. Clint had called himself slutty on the train ride out to Fisk, and it was fun to poke fun at him for it. But she shoots Clint a soft smile, “alright alright I’ll ease up, don’t want anyone to say I’m being too mean,” she agrees, before giggling softly, “you don’t discriminate huh? Well at least that makes you an equal-opportunist I guess”

Her cheeks are flushed when he says he prefers blonde women, ignoring it stubbornly though because the last time she’d blushed they’d teased her for it and she didn’t want to acknowledge it and possibly embarrass herself again.

She focuses on Bucky again, “uh…yeah no I have no idea. I think he’s talking about grammar? English was never my subject though so..yeah I have no idea. Isn’t Blonde and Brunette both spelled with an e? How do you hear a silent e?”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe can’t help but giggle softly, hiding it behind her hand as the two of them banter and she finds it wholly endearing. They were so sweet and funny, she can definitely feel the love they have for each other but it wasn’t sickly sweet the way she’d felt it from others before it was real and felt stronger than any bond she’d ever known.

She nods absently as he explains how the med staff here couldn’t look at his arm and just leans back on the bed, half leaning on Clint too. She finds herself wishing Bucky could sit with them too. Sue her, she felt safer between them, and this unknown tower surrounded by strangers and medical staff was tripping her anxiety.

“Aw you guys are cute, I bet he was annoyingly persistent. Which is exactly what you need,” Zoe grins over at Bucky, he was pretty stoic from what she’s seen so it made sense to her that it took some time. She was having a hard time keeping her eyes open she was just so tired but she was trying, “so you sent your friends to look after the shelter? Did you tell Andrew I was hurt? He’s like a little brother to me, he’s the reason I started my little crew,” she explains softly

[barnesandbarton]

Bucky smiled softly and nodded.  He didn’t normally like admitting something like that. HYRDA had done a real number on him, and admitting that it both had changed his ability to accept love and his self esteem made him feel weak, which was wholly contradictory to the feelings of weakness he felt for needing it in the first place.  But there was something about the way Zoe had pointed it out that just made him love Clint a little more for being as annoyingly persistent as he was.  It made his affection grow for Zoe too.  The fact she could read him so easily was impressive.

“Key word, annoying,” Bucky said.

“You old grump,” Clint teased. “You love it.” 

Clint tapped Zoe’s leg. “Hey, Zo,” he said.  “You need to stay awake.  Eyes open, okay?” 

Bucky nodded.  “Andrew knows you got hurt and what happened.  He knows that he needs to keep an eye out for the Kingpin’s crew and to make sure the kids stay out of trouble.  And he knows I’d be sending friends, but not which ones.  I called him before I called my friends.  I’m really thinking about calling in some big guns.  You know?  I bet none of the King Pins guys will want to face a Hulk.  But the Hulk… I dunno if that’s a good idea.  Maybe Jennifer?  I don’t know her so well though.” 

“I know, Jen,” Clint said. “We had a thing for a bit.”

“What?!” Bucky said. “How the fuck…? Jesus, are there any women superheroes you haven’t banged?”

Clint shrugged. “I never slept with Carol.”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

"Oh yeah he's a real pain in the ass," Zoe grins, looking at Clint fondly and it's clear that these two are the farthest from being pains to her. She makes a soft sound, moving to rub her eyes to try and wake herself up, Clint was right she needed to stay awake so she could eventually get out of here with them.

"I appreciate that but we can save the big guns for..I mean if the King Pins ever do try to do something or attack the shelter, then maybe you could call them. But having Captain America and..and who else? Did you say Spiderman? And whoever else, that seems fine right now, at least until we know there's something to worry about," she reasons, before blinking at Clint, he sure did have an extensive dating history.

"Jeez Clint, you really weren't kidding when you called yourself slutty," she laughs, nudging him again and resting her head on his shoulder, "What, you don't like blondes or something? She-hulk definitely is gorgeous though I can't even blame you," she admits, Zoe may not date much at all but she wasn't a complete recluse, she had seen pictures of Jennifer both as herself and as the Hulk and could see the attraction.

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe looks alarmed, Clint had talked about getting hurt before but the idea that HYDRA had him was unexpected. Admittedly, she had done some internet research last night to try and figure out who these guys were, she knew they were avengers but she was so unaware of the bigger scheme of things she barely knew about heroes and the villains that they fought. She had always been too focused on other things, first her own survival and then helping people then just trying to help her crew survive. She had been alarmed to find out the extent of what happened to Bucky and she’d managed to find some stories about Clint’s heroism as well but she hadn’t known about HYDRA until her research.

She refocuses when Clint confirms they’re still a team and she smiles gratefully up at him. She can’t understand why it was so important to her but she was glad to know they still valued her and wanted them to be a little trio. She nudges him lightly, he was on the side of the bed that didn’t have her IV, “oh yeah I can definitely imagine you having smartass shit to say to people when you fight, I bet you’re a regular comedian,” she teased, before looking back to Bucky when he mentions being hurt.

She sits up properly and stares, she hadn’t realized he had gotten hurt too and when he mentions his shoulders, her eyes widen and she reaches out to take his hand again, “don’t you..Bucky you gotta get checked out too Jesus I didn’t know you got hurt that bad, don’t you..shouldn’t they look at your shoulder?”

[barnesandbarton]

Bucky chuckled.  “Oh yeah.  He’s got a big mouth alright.  He used to annoy the absolute shit out of me.  One time he wanted to question some guy without me there so he sent me off to buy him a chocolate milk and then got annoyed when I couldn’t find one.” 

“Water’s not the same thing as chocolate milk, Buck,” Clint said.  “But I won you over right?  You love me now.” 

“Yeah, you really dug your way in there.  You’re a regular heart worm, birdy,” he said.

Bucky shook his head at the question.  “The arm’s above their paygrade, I’m afraid.  I’ll get it checked over by someone later if it keeps bothering me.  It should be fine though.  I’ve had worse.” 

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe can’t help but giggle softly, hiding it behind her hand as the two of them banter and she finds it wholly endearing. They were so sweet and funny, she can definitely feel the love they have for each other but it wasn’t sickly sweet the way she’d felt it from others before it was real and felt stronger than any bond she’d ever known.

She nods absently as he explains how the med staff here couldn’t look at his arm and just leans back on the bed, half leaning on Clint too. She finds herself wishing Bucky could sit with them too. Sue her, she felt safer between them, and this unknown tower surrounded by strangers and medical staff was tripping her anxiety.

“Aw you guys are cute, I bet he was annoyingly persistent. Which is exactly what you need,” Zoe grins over at Bucky, he was pretty stoic from what she’s seen so it made sense to her that it took some time. She was having a hard time keeping her eyes open she was just so tired but she was trying, “so you sent your friends to look after the shelter? Did you tell Andrew I was hurt? He’s like a little brother to me, he’s the reason I started my little crew,” she explains softly

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe flushes pink at Bucky's words, he had called her that before but she had chalked it up to him just being worried. Maybe he was still worried? She distracts herself by patting the bed where there was space so that Clint would sit down too. But then he calls them a team and she blinks at them both with wide eyes, her cheeks flushing even more, "You still...I mean I just assumed you wouldn't but you still think of me..of us as a team? I know I fucked up..my cold hard bitch routine only managed to piss him off and then..and then I thought he hurt Bucky after he hit me, I just.." she looks down at her hands for a minute, "I'm real sorry you guys, it wasn't supposed to be so bad today, at least not yet, we were just supposed to talk to him," she mumbles, shaking her head and just laying back to look at them both again.

She laughs softly at the mention of pizza and a white board, "Sounds like a study night from school or something, but with bad guys and strategies," she grins, before sighing, "I feel..better than when we got here that's for sure, and..I mean I just..my head is hurting, and my powers are completely out. Meaning I can't even..I can't block things out either even if I tried, like.." she looks guilty as she looks down, "I know this is probably the last place you wanna be Bucky, but you stayed and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it, and Clint earlier you...I know you probably agreed when I said earlier that I shouldn't have gone with you, that I just messed things up," she admits softly

[barnesandbarton]

“Thanks, Short Stuff,” Clint teased as he squeezed into the side of the bed beside her.  “Of course we’re still a team.  If I got kicked off teams every time I mouthed off at a bad guy and ended up getting hurt, there wouldn’t be any teams left that would take me.  I’m an absolute sucker for doing it when I’m captured and being tortured.  I seriously can’t keep my mouth shut.  It’s like I’ve always got something to prove.  One time, HYDRA had me and…” 

“Alright, Clint, let’s not traumatize her more right now, okay?” Bucky said.  “You can save that story for another time.” 

“Fine,” Clint huffed.  “But my point stands.  We’re still a team and teams stick together.” “Fisk is erratic.  We couldn’t have known what would work best.  I thought it being daytime with his staff there he’d hold back. Or at least he’d go after me.  He fuckin’ hates me.  You’re not to blame,” Bucky added. “And for the record.  He did get me too.”  He lifted his shirt up at the side revealing a nasty bruise that was forming on his ribs. It had already started to turn purple.  “He really wrenched my shoulder too which already has issues.  But that’s the game right?  You gotta expect these things to happen when you’re fighting for something important.” 

He puts his hand on hers. “I swear.  It’s okay.  No hard feelings.  We’ll go home and regroup.  We’ve got this okay?”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe looks alarmed, Clint had talked about getting hurt before but the idea that HYDRA had him was unexpected. Admittedly, she had done some internet research last night to try and figure out who these guys were, she knew they were avengers but she was so unaware of the bigger scheme of things she barely knew about heroes and the villains that they fought. She had always been too focused on other things, first her own survival and then helping people then just trying to help her crew survive. She had been alarmed to find out the extent of what happened to Bucky and she’d managed to find some stories about Clint’s heroism as well but she hadn’t known about HYDRA until her research.

She refocuses when Clint confirms they’re still a team and she smiles gratefully up at him. She can’t understand why it was so important to her but she was glad to know they still valued her and wanted them to be a little trio. She nudges him lightly, he was on the side of the bed that didn’t have her IV, “oh yeah I can definitely imagine you having smartass shit to say to people when you fight, I bet you’re a regular comedian,” she teased, before looking back to Bucky when he mentions being hurt.

She sits up properly and stares, she hadn’t realized he had gotten hurt too and when he mentions his shoulders, her eyes widen and she reaches out to take his hand again, “don’t you..Bucky you gotta get checked out too Jesus I didn’t know you got hurt that bad, don’t you..shouldn’t they look at your shoulder?”

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe nods reluctantly, Clint was right he had a point about not wanting to make things worse by being too stubborn but she just could not stomach the idea of being here for a whole week? So far from home, from her friends and her people.

She squeezes Bucky hand gratefully when he offers to let her stay. Sure there would be issues she’d have to deal with if she did stay there, because her PTSD and trauma was harder to hide when in close quarters especially if they were going to look after her for two weeks. But anything would be better than staying here in this medical facility.

She looks up at the doctor, “deal, deal, deal I’ll follow all the rules and..and do whatever I need to. I can’t stay here but..but I’ll stay with them, as long as I need to,” she promises softly.

The doctor looks less than convinced but nods slowly, “okay..well I’ll leave you to get settled for a while and a medic will check on you in half an hour, alright? Don’t get too worked up, try not to,” she says gently before setting her chart down and leaving the three of them alone.

“You guy..you really don’t have to..are you sure about this? I’m…I’m grateful of course but I don’t want to be a hassle,” she says softly to them both, reluctantly letting go of their hands.

[barnesandbarton]

Bucky is relieved that the doctor accepts the deal, even with the attached terms.  It was going to be a pain in the ass coming in and out of the city while they needed to prepare for Fisk’s retaliation, but they could handle it. 

“Thanks, doc,” Clint said.  “We’ll make sure she behaves.”

When they’re left alone, Bucky pulls over a chair and sits down.  “You’re no hassle, darlin’,” he said. “We’re a team, remember.  And a team takes care of each other.  You know that.  You do that all the time.”

Clint nodded in agreement.  “That’s right. And don’t worry.  I have a two bedroom apartment.  My friends Nat and Katie are always staying over.  You’ll have your own space.  We can use the time to come up with a plan to fight back against Fisk.  We can get pizza and a big white board and everything.”

Bucky shook his head, amused.  “Any excuse to get pizza,” he said.  He looked at Zoe.  “How are you feeling?  You want to do anything to pass the time?  I can probably grab some cards of a board game from upstairs.” 

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe flushes pink at Bucky's words, he had called her that before but she had chalked it up to him just being worried. Maybe he was still worried? She distracts herself by patting the bed where there was space so that Clint would sit down too. But then he calls them a team and she blinks at them both with wide eyes, her cheeks flushing even more, "You still...I mean I just assumed you wouldn't but you still think of me..of us as a team? I know I fucked up..my cold hard bitch routine only managed to piss him off and then..and then I thought he hurt Bucky after he hit me, I just.." she looks down at her hands for a minute, "I'm real sorry you guys, it wasn't supposed to be so bad today, at least not yet, we were just supposed to talk to him," she mumbles, shaking her head and just laying back to look at them both again.

She laughs softly at the mention of pizza and a white board, "Sounds like a study night from school or something, but with bad guys and strategies," she grins, before sighing, "I feel..better than when we got here that's for sure, and..I mean I just..my head is hurting, and my powers are completely out. Meaning I can't even..I can't block things out either even if I tried, like.." she looks guilty as she looks down, "I know this is probably the last place you wanna be Bucky, but you stayed and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it, and Clint earlier you...I know you probably agreed when I said earlier that I shouldn't have gone with you, that I just messed things up," she admits softly

[lonelyxoutcasts]

“It shouldn’t take him very long, he’s just going to examine the scan and then..” the medic is interrupted when the doctor comes in. It’s a serious looking woman and she’s got a file in her hand, it seemed as if they’d decided to start a chart for Zoe to keep her medical records with the organized.

Zoe was laughing to Clint softly, too tired to move but he made her laugh anyway, “trust me bird boy, I’ve got enough scars I don’t need a head scar to tell the world about my stupidity too,” she chuckles.

“Zoe, right? I’m sorry, your wound didn’t seem to cause any permanent damage but it does look as if you have a concussion and we need to keep you in observation to make sure it doesn’t cause any further injury or damage to your brain,” the doctor says quietly, coming to her bedside to look over the stitches and nodding, they looked good enough.

Zoe looks alarmed, trying to sit up more, “wait observation? How long would..”

“We would need you to stay at least a few days, if not a week,” she says absently before noticing the way Zoe’s leg was bruised, “is your leg hurting still? It may need to be checked out too,” she observes and Zoe shakes her head frantically, wincing because holy shit that hurt more than anything.

“I can’t stay here I…I’m not an avenger first of all I’m just..I’m their friend! I don’t..I can’t stay here, please,” she looks to Bucky and Clint fearfully, unsure what she was supposed to do

[barnesandbarton]

Clint moved, so he was crouched beside her, holding her hand and looking into her face. “Hey, Zoe, honey, look at me,” he said.  “Getting worked up isn’t going to help you at all.  The most important thing is that you heal.  There’s no point going home if you just end up in a coma or something, right?”

Bucky looked over at the doctor.  He could relate to her need not to stay here.  He wouldn’t want to either.  “Is there any way she could go home with us?  If we keep an eye on her?  I mean, you could give us some instruction.  It’d be better than having to sedate her to be here, right?” 

The doctor furrowed her brow and looked at the chart. “It really wouldn’t be the best for her.”

“Doc, come on,” Clint said. “How many concussions have I had?  I know what to do.  And if anything happens, we’ll bring her right back.”

“Okay, how about this as a compromise,” she said, talking to Zoe.  “You stay here for a few hours so we can monitor you and you can have your fluids replaced.  If you seem a little more clear headed then, we’ll let you go home with these two, but you have to stay with them and follow our instructions to the T.  You come back tomorrow for a check up, and then a few more over the two weeks.  Will that work?” 

[lonelyxoutcasts]

Zoe nods reluctantly, Clint was right he had a point about not wanting to make things worse by being too stubborn but she just could not stomach the idea of being here for a whole week? So far from home, from her friends and her people.

She squeezes Bucky hand gratefully when he offers to let her stay. Sure there would be issues she’d have to deal with if she did stay there, because her PTSD and trauma was harder to hide when in close quarters especially if they were going to look after her for two weeks. But anything would be better than staying here in this medical facility.

She looks up at the doctor, “deal, deal, deal I’ll follow all the rules and..and do whatever I need to. I can’t stay here but..but I’ll stay with them, as long as I need to,” she promises softly.

The doctor looks less than convinced but nods slowly, “okay..well I’ll leave you to get settled for a while and a medic will check on you in half an hour, alright? Don’t get too worked up, try not to,” she says gently before setting her chart down and leaving the three of them alone.

“You guy..you really don’t have to..are you sure about this? I’m…I’m grateful of course but I don’t want to be a hassle,” she says softly to them both, reluctantly letting go of their hands.