It had been hours since Bucky went back into the lounge with the others, and Alex had eaten lunch by herself. Now, she was just bored and didn't know what to do. There was nothing good on TV, and she couldn't go into the lounge where the bookshelves were. She had contemplated often whether she should just knock on the door and see what was going on. But every so often there was a shout or yell that made her decide against it.

Suddenly, the door opened and everyone filed out of the lounge. She let out a heavy sigh of relief and caught Bucky's gaze as he headed towards her. His expression was serious, and she felt her heart sink. He was going somewhere. She had a feeling that was what was happening.

"Alexandra," he began as he held her hands in his, "we're going to put a stop to this. But we're going now." Alex's breath caught in her throat, and she looked at him with wide eyes. That was when she noticed everyone leaving. "They're getting ready, and I have to as well." His voice was quiet.

"But I..." Alex bit her lip nervously. "I'm scared for you." She admitted, looking down at the floor. Bucky wrapped her up in a hug and rested his chin on the top of her head.

"I'll be OK. I've got the team." He replied. Alex pulled away from him and he stared down at her. She didn't want to cry in front of him, but she could feel the threatening sting of tears in her eyes. Bucky grabbed hold of her hand and led her into the bedroom, shutting the door behind them.

"I'm sorry. I know you - " Alex began. Bucky pulled her to him and held her close.

"I tried to convince them to let me stay here. Let me stay with you so you wouldn't be alone." He whispered, the sadness obvious in his voice. "But it'll take all of us to bring them down." Alex hugged him tightly.

"It's OK." She reassured him. "I know you have to do this." Bucky reluctantly released her, and began changing into his combat gear. It was then she realized that the room she had been staying in was his. She held her hands over her blushing cheeks.

"What's wrong?" Bucky asked when he saw her.

"This is...your..."

"Room?" He finished with a sly smile. "Of course. Where else did you think you would stay while you're here?" Bucky laughed softly as he finished putting his gear on. Alex laughed sheepishly and leaned against the wall.

"I...don't know. I thought it was just a spare bedroom." Alex stammered, moving her hands away from her cheeks. Bucky walked over to her and chuckled. "Not many guys would give their bed to a woman in need." She said.

"Well," Bucky gently brushed his fingers across her cheek, "not many guys know how to treat a woman well." Alex nodded.

"I hear that..." She replied bitterly as thoughts of Ethan crossed her mind. Bucky kissed her once more, and they both left the room.

"Let's go." Clint said. "Everyone is already waiting. Except Stark. He's already on his way." Bucky rolled his eyes.

"I'll be back." He turned to Alex and kissed the top of her head. "I promise." Alex nodded sadly.

"I'll miss you..." She whispered. Bucky reached up and pulled something off from around his neck, then put it around Alex's neck. It was made of metal, but was warm from his skin. She looked down and stared at the metal objects in her hand attached to the chain. "These are..." She breathed out in shock.

"My dog tags." Bucky smiled widely at her, exposing his teeth. She had never seen him smile like that. It was so genuine and happy.

"I...don't know what to say." Alex laughed softly, not knowing how to respond.

"You don't need to say anything." Bucky replied. "Your face says it all." He kissed her once more before he left with the others.

The sun was setting, and it looked beautiful from the large glass windows of the tower. Alex gazed at the colors that painted the sky, making the scene look like something from an oil painting. She had moved down to the ground floor of the tower, and wouldn't stop pacing due to her nerves.

"Please be OK..." Alex whispered to herself. She couldn't stop fidgeting, and her stomach was twisting into knots. Her fingers tracing the outline and engraved letters of Bucky's dog tags through the fabric of her shirt. "Jarvis?" She called out.

There was silence.

"Hey, Jarvis?" Alex nervously called out for the disembodied voice again.

And again, there was silence. A moment later, she heard the door open behind her.

"You guys are back?!" Alex cried out happily, running towards the door. "Tony, I think Jarvis is malfunctioning!" When she made it to the entrance, there was no one there. "Tony?" She called out, looking around the empy foyer. "Natasha? Bruce?" Her eyes scanned the darkened alcoves nearby. "OK... Haha. Very funny guys." She laughed sarcastically and rolled her eyes. A chill swept over her, and the hair on the back of her neck stood up. "B-Bucky?" Alex stammered, getting the distinct feeling she was being watched.

"This isn't funny, guys!" She yelled out, wrapping her arms around her abdomen. Out of the corner of her eye, she swore she saw something move in the dark of the alcove. "I'm serious!" She turned towards the dark archway and took a hesitant step forward. The sound of electricity crackled through the air, and it was the last thing Alex heard before the world turned black.