"A donut truck? Really?"

Sam was working hard to sound pissed, but he really shouldn't have bothered. Inside, he was ready to die of laughter. I stared into his face, which was struggling to stay straight and look annoyed. Like everyone else, Sam sometimes forgot that I was an empath and wasn't fooled by that type of acting. Then again, he might have been doing it for Zemo's benefit rather than mine. "I was improvising."

I was being a bitch by maintaining eye contact with Sam and making it harder for him to feign anger, but this would be the only time I would be able to have some dignity when it came to this issue. The moment I saw the gleam in his and Bucky's eyes as they watched the YouTube footage of myself and Walker with the donut truck, I knew that this was going to go down exactly the way the cats and the sparkles did.

During my training with Stephen, I had at one point had a spell go awry and that had resulted in...well, it had resulted in a whole lot of kittens being born 2 months after the fact. I was still receiving cat videos in my email, and I once sat at my desk and opened a drawer to find it crammed with cans of Fancy Feast. Let's not forget Sir Pawingnip Fluffkibbles the Fourth, Duke of Meowsington, the tacky pink cat who dwarfed my torso and still smelled like the three men (two of whom were in this room) who had procured him. He had his own Place of Honor sitting on a throne Loki had made for him (using real gold, just because—Pawingnip even had a matching crown and sceptre) while staring out the penthouse window to survey his domain.

The sparkles were Loki's fault. When I was injured by a demon, I had to spend a few months with my shoulder bandaged up because apparently wounds I received via demon healed human-slow. How I had acquired the injuries was a long story, and had involved some impulsive and rather stupid in hindsight decisions on my part. Loki had decided to punish me for my bone-headedness by using some rather garish looking dressings of various hideous colors and designs. When I tried to change them for something more subdued, I discovered he had spelled the dressings so that when anyone besides himself tried to change them, they started glowing and spawning little fairy fart sparkles.

I didn't mind the fake jewels that had been pasted all over my Rabbit, since the paintjob couldn't possibly look any worse. The glitter...I was still cleaning that up months after the stuff had exploded out of my desk drawer upon opening it.

Needless to say, I knew what was coming. Daily donut deliveries to my home. Donut scented air fresheners hidden around the Mansion for me to find. Going outside one day to find my Rabbit covered in frosting and sprinkles. And even though he agreed to keep his mouth shut about the incident, there was no way in hell Loki wasn't not joining in on the fun.

Zemo, for his part, was watching us quietly. He was aware that there was a "joke" he wasn't privy to, but he was fine with us not explaining it to him. "In her defense, it was a decent bit of improvisation, and she did lure this pretender Captain America away..."

"See? You're welcome."

Sam shook his head. "Walker wouldn't have been able to arrest you since he has no jurisdiction here, but he still can make your life hell when you return to the States."

"How? He has no proof that I'm in Madripoor for Steve, or that I'm even with you guys! For all he knows, I'm here for sight-seeing and snake testicle drinks. It would fit, since I have been traveling a lot in the past few months."

"With Loki," Sam pointed out.

"Well, maybe Madripoor isn't to his taste. Or he had some bad testicles and had to sleep it off in the hotel room." I had to stifle a grin at the flash of annoyance I caught.

"He's Asgardian, he wouldn't be downed by some bad balls," Bucky pointed out.

"Spoken like someone who has never had the delightful experience of eating a bad mollusk at a New England clam bake. I'll spare you the gruesome details, but trust me...it'll take even a Frost Giant down for the count." It certainly turned me off clams for life. Even now when food poisoning was not a thing for me anymore, I couldn't even look at a clam without having a very visceral reaction.

"You heal fast," Zemo mused out loud. "And a clam made you sick?"

Zemo was trying to fish for more info about me. Again. What the hell was with his fascination with me? "I didn't always heal fast," I snapped.

"Right. Your over protective boyfriend is going to let you wander around a hostile nation by yourself because of a little tummy trouble," Sam's every word dripped with sarcasm.

"Well, Walker and his handlers don't need to know he's over protective, do they?" I pointed out. "And he doesn't let me do anything."

"Wait...you are with the Asgardian who nearly destroyed New York?"

"Really? That's what you've decided to focus on?!" I threw at Zemo.

"She's right. The important thing is we have Walker sniffing around. If she hadn't driven him off, he could have fucked things up royally." Bucky was changing the subject, and I could have kissed him if I wasn't certain that Loki would shapeshift just to throttle him.

"Did you find anything in there?" I asked.

"They knew him," Sam gestured towards Zemo. "So, they were hesitant about being forthcoming. We spent a good amount of time trying to talk our way around, but they sent us packing in the end."

I winced. "Maybe I should have come with you."

"Then we would have likely had Walker up our asses. But now that you mention it, maybe we can sneak you in so you can see if you can find something with that nose of yours."

"Or I can just get a whiff of one of the people you spoke to and follow their trail, see where it leads." Even as I said it, my mind became set on it. Yes, let one of the guys stay outside this time...obviously Bucky or Sam, since we didn't trust Zemo as far as Sam could throw him (Bucky and I would have considerably more luck in that endeavor). The recruiters have to go back to headquarters, right?

"It sounds as though we are in for another long night. I propose we all get some rest," Zemo suggested.

"Fine. I can use a shower anyway...don't know what was in that warehouse, but it made me itchy," Sam remarked.

He and Zemo went to their rooms. Bucky stretched. "Sure you don't want company? I don't need as much sleep as they do."

"At least take a shower," I suggested, wrinkling my nose as I pulled out my phone and started playing Candy Crush.

I pretended I didn't see him lifting up an arm to sniff underneath. Bucky could be subtle when he wanted to be, he really could. I guess he didn't feel the need to be at the moment. "Zemo's taken an interest in you," he pointed out.

"I noticed. I can deal with it."

"Just trying to warn you. I donut want to see you in a bind."

"Bucky."

"I mean, he's just sprinkling attention on you..."

"Stop."

"It's good that you're treating him to a frosting reception though."

"Bucky, no."

I continued to swipe my fingers along the phone screen in a quest to eliminate the sweet treats staring at me, feeling Bucky beaming at me. I sighed. "You get one more."

He waited a beat. "I just hope that he doesn't show up at your doorstep with flour. Loki would kill him."

The amulet flashed warm, and I knew it was Loki's way of nodding in agreement.

I rolled my eyes. "He's not interested in me that way." Bucky was the second person who came to the conclusion that Zemo was thirsting for me. Did all guys think their fellow Y-chromosomers showing interest in a woman was necessarily sexual? Men. "He's just pissed because he can't fuck with me like he can everyone else. He sees me as a challenge. Also, he hates mysteries and I'm a big one for him." I had every intention of remaining that way, too.

Bucky held up his hands in surrender. "I'll trust your expert analysis." He grinned. "You know that donut thing isn't going away anytime soon, right? I'm surprised we haven't gotten contacted by James or Carol, all pissed off at you."

"James and Carol are always pissed off at me." Neither one liked me very much. Rhodey was still convinced I was crazy and a threat. Carol...well, that was mostly a difference in personality, but she was also wary of me. Tony used to not like me either. He had thawed towards me a little, but he wouldn't be letting me play with his daughter anytime in the near future. "As for the donuts...bring it. I can take anything you chucklefucks can dish out. I'm going to play this in my room, and maybe indulge in a soak. Seriously, Bucky, get a shower. You stink."

As I headed to my room, I heard Bucky call, "I'll shower, then I think I'll order room service. I'm craving something sweet. Guess what I'm thinking of ordering?"

I might have shut my door a little harder than necessary. "I will never live it down," I mumbled, sprawling on the bed on my stomach as I briefly lost myself in destroying pixel candy.

"Bad testicles?" Loki sounded a little put out.

I dipped my head down, hoping my long hair hid my grin. "It can happen. Maybe the snake missed its last appointment with the urologist."

My attention remained riveted on the screen, so I didn't see if Loki rolled his eyes or not. I was aware of him going into the bathroom, then I heard water running into the tub. Minutes later I felt my ankles being grabbed by a pair of strong hands, and then I was being dragged off the bed. "Oh, come on...I almost beat my high score!"

It was a tongue-firmly-in-cheek protest, and we both knew it. My legs were hanging off the bed now, then Loki wrapped one arm around my hips, the other just under my breasts, and hauled me up so I was now standing with his firm, toned chest pressed against my back. It was impossible to feign irritation then.

"Loki," I moaned when my clothes vanished, and I savored the feel of his cool sculpted body cradling my own slim figure.

"You told Barnes you would be taking a bath. You don't want to make a liar of yourself, do you?" His chilled breath tickled my ear and cheek, then he scooped me up and carried me to the tub. Setting me down on my feet, he laid down in the bath first, then coaxed me in with him. My back was to his chest again as I settled between his legs, and I almost let out a pleasurable groan at the feel of the hot water engulfing my flesh. I wasn't sore, I never got sore nowadays, but it still felt good to have my muscles soaked by the heat. Especially with Loki holding me and pressing his lips against the side of my neck.

We cuddled in silence like that for a while, me leaning my head on his shoulder and inhaling the steam while he caressed, kissed, and nibbled. It was arousing but relaxing, and I zoned out. The only thing that had been more peaceful than this moment was the mosque.

Loki's thoughts were obviously going in the same direction. "At that house of worship...before I woke you out of your trance, you looked so happy and content. I can't recall ever seeing you that way since I have met you."

I forced myself to open my eyes since I could feel his unease and guilt.

"Are you ever bothered...I mean, do you find my emotions to be difficult..."

"No. Your emotions don't bother me, not even the negative ones. You are always welcome in my head." It was the truth and I hoped he understood that. Loki was not a burden to me, and I would be damned if he went around feeling like one.

"You're always welcome in my head, too," he chuckled. "But-"

"No buts. I wouldn't be here or be with you in the first place if your emotions bothered me. Even when we first met and I was trying to shoo you away, they didn't bother me. They made me itchy in other ways..."

I felt his interest perk up. "What other ways?" he teased, and stroked the curve of my breast with a finger, causing me to shiver.

"You know very well what ways," I grumbled. "If you're having doubts about whether or not I'm happy when I'm with you, don't. Don't get me wrong...there are times when I want to strangle you..."

"I honestly would be worried if there weren't," Loki muttered.

"...but that is normal for any couple. Even when I'm furious with you, I still want to be with you. So push those doubts out of your mind."

"So, your remark about being a prisoner..."

I should have known that was still bothering him. "I worded that wrong, and I'm sorry." I sighed. "I've never been good at communicating-"

"Pet, I come from a family of people who preferred fighting to talking. You don't need to tell me about it."

"I'd still like to get it right. I should have known better than to say what I did, especially given your past...what I meant was..."

Loki cut me off by tugging on my ear with his teeth. "Apology accepted, and I was there when you talked to Wilson, remember? I know what you meant. I will work on trying to curb my protective tendencies, and help you stand on your feet rather than encase you protective coating." He brushed a few strands of my hair away from my eyes. "Are you upset that I am here?"

I shrugged. "I was annoyed when I figured it out, but I am grateful that you've stayed back and let me handle the reins. And I'm glad you're here now. I would be bored if I only had myself for company while the guys slept...and no matter what Bucky may claim, he does need rest. This whole thing has been very hard on him emotionally."

"Hmmm..." Loki responded, twirling some of my hair around his finger. "Perhaps his offer to keep you company wasn't so much for your sake as it was for his?"

I blinked as I stared at the ceiling. Then I squeezed my eyes shut and groaned as Loki's words sank in. "God, I'm an idiot..."

He chuckled again. "No, my sweet, just distracted. You have a lot on your mind. You're worried about Rogers and feel pressured to find him, there is that pretender sniffing around, and then there is the 'Baron' trying to manipulate you...and, by the way, if he doesn't stop soon, I cannot promise that my presence will remain a secret..."

"I get to kill him first. Wait your turn." I still felt like smacking myself. "All those months being his neighbor and getting to know the signs when he was having a bad time of it and needed someone, and here I am shutting myself in here to play Candy Crush. Could I have possibly fucked up any more?"

"If you want to go to him, I can stay here and rest unless you wish for me to eavesdrop on that conversation."

"You can talk to him, too."

Loki snorted. "He's your friend."

"He can be yours as well." I felt Loki about to protest. "Don't. I'm tired of it, Loki. The others aren't just 'tolerating' you because of me. You can have other people in your life besides me and Thor. You're the one isolating yourself from everyone, they are not keeping you out. They're trying to invite you in, in fact. Natasha keeps asking about you, has been ever since you stopped coming to our bad movie nights. They do want to get to know you, Loki. None of them hold anything against you. Not even Steve."

He was silent.

"Honestly, Loki? This hurts. It's like you don't believe me when I tell you this."

That opened his mouth. "I do believe you. And it terri-" He clammed up again. His arms tightened around me, and he leaned his face down to nuzzle my neck. "I don't know where to start," Loki confessed in a quiet voice.

"Start by coming out with me and the guys on our next outting. They've been telling me that I can invite you along if you want to come."

Loki paused. "You always return from those outtings covered in paint."

I shrugged. "We like paintball. It's fun. And we do our best to keep things fair. Steve and Bucky never team up together, and they blindfold me."

"Two super soldiers. Wilson. And you. Armed with guns that shoot pellets full of paint while running around in the woods."

"Well...sure, it sounds insane when you put it that way..."

"Mmmhmmm. I believe I would be more inclined to join the four of you if you chose another activity."

"Fine. We'll go bowling."

He choked, but I heard his internal laughter.

"It's open," Bucky's muffled voice said in response to my knock.

I opened the door with my free hand and stepped into the room, finding Bucky lying on the bed, shirtless and hair wet, with his non-metal arm over his eyes. I did my best not to jostle him as I settled onto the other side, sitting cross legged, and set the bakery boxes down between us. I had left Loki in our room so he could catch a nap. It would've been a violation of trust to have him hanging around my neck as an amulet while Bucky was talking to me. Assuming he did.

"Phone ran out of power?" he asked as he brought his arm down and looked at the boxes. He sat up and pulled the stack over.

"Something like that," I agreed, watching him open the top box to reveal the donuts inside. He raised a brow as he glanced at me. I rolled my eyes. "Apparently, my free publicity gave the donut shop owner a lot of extra business. He found out I was staying here and sent these over as a thank you. Room service just dropped them off."

"I heard the knock. Only reason I didn't come investigate is that I heard you." Bucky grabbed a jelly donut. I plucked a donut out and started nibbling so he wouldn't feel like he was the only one eating. "They are good. Wait...you said they were sent to you."

"I already sniffed for poison or drugs," I told him. "I don't taste anything off either. They're just donuts, exactly what they appear to be. Relax."

He did, a little. He finished the donut and took another one. I was still nibbling on mine. I hadn't really looked when I picked one out, and it turned out to be one with pink frosting and sprinkles. I had a hard time handling really sweet stuff now with my enhanced taste buds, and this was ultra-sugary.

I was also feeling guilty about not noticing that Bucky was off. I could feel it now. What Zemo did, making him act like the Winter Soldier at that club, had put him in a very bad place. He was still hurting from that.

Despite the deprogramming that Wakanda did, Bucky still had a very hard time shaking what Hydra did to him. He was still having nightmares when we both lived above the bakery in New York. It didn't help that for five years, he was basically dead, a victim of Thanos's snap, one of trillions. Five years that he didn't have to recover further, to come to terms with what he went through, to work through his guilt and anger.

Everyone, including Steve, had a tendency to forget that, though the Winter Soldier was long gone for them, for Bucky it might as well have been last year. The "Blip", as the rest of the world called it, really fucked up everyone's sense of time, among other things.

What very few people knew was that Loki had been the victim of the Blip as well. After Thanos killed his doppelganger, Loki had managed to get away but before he could come back to the fight against the Titan, he had been wiped out along with half of this universe. It's why Thor spent five years believing he had lost his brother forever. It was also part of why Loki was convinced that everyone still saw him as a villain...what was over a decade ago to everyone else was a lot more recent for him.

Sometimes I found myself wishing I could meet that overgrown raisin just to kill him again. Carol had been way too merciful.

I needed to not focus on Thanos. There was a more immediate issue, and I decided not to beat around the bush. "So...how are you?" I asked carefully, picking the sprinkles off my donut.

Bucky grabbed it, and replaced it in my hand with a chocolate one. "You're the empath. You tell me."

"I find it's usually better if the person actually talks rather than me."

He rolled his eyes. "Sometimes I miss when we didn't talk and you just read to me."

"I can still do that. I found a copy of Pride and Prejudice in my nightstand."

That earned a repressed snort, which resulted in part of the bedspread being covered in powdered sugar. "Someone in this city reads Jane Austin?" Bucky remarked as he tried to brush powdered sugar off his shirt.

"Most likely a foreign visitor," I waved a hand, and the spilt white stuff vanished. "Bucky-"

He sighed. "I won't lie to you. I was pretty shaken up...I still am. I've been working so hard to try to put the Winter Soldier behind me, and Zemo making me go back to that..." He swallowed. I laid a hand on his arm to let him know I was there.

"He's an asshole. I'll be happy to string him up by his heels and skin him." I thought about it. "Maybe by the heels."

"For an empath, and a sort-of angel, you are an evil woman."

"Empath does not mean 'doormat'." I wasn't about to touch the angel thing. I was not an angel, no matter what anyone said. I could sense something deeper going on. "There's something else."

Bucky was quiet for a few minutes while eating his donut. "You know I've been trying to make amends with the people I wronged as the Winter Soldier, right?"

I nodded. He had mentioned that, and I knew he and Sam had talked about it.

"Several years back, I had a mission. After it was completed, I had to take care of any witnesses. It didn't matter if they were innocent people or not, I had to take care of them."

I knew what "take care of them" meant. My stomach dropped.

He drew in a deep breath as he stared at the wall. "He was there in some type of work program. He had been trying to get into his room at the hotel, and he begged me to spare him. Said he didn't see anything, swore not to say anything to anyone, but I-" He closed his eyes. I squeezed his hand. "I tracked down his father. He owns a shop in Chinatown. I've been taking him out to lunch. He never knew how his son died, and I didn't know how to tell him. Then the day before we left for Germany..."

"You told him."

Bucky nodded. "He deserved to know. He told me to never contact him again. I don't blame him. But I got to cross another name off my list."

"You could have told me or Sam."

"We're busy trying to find Steve! That didn't seem important next to finding my best friend. You know, I miss him all the time, but yesterday, after I left that man's apartment? I really wanted Steve there. Give me a hug, take me out for a drink, something. But he wasn't and I'm scared that if we don't find him soon, he'll never be there again..."

I crawled over and threw my arms around him. He wrapped his around me and I let him hold on for as long as he needed. His tears were silent, and his body trembled as he cried into my shoulder.

"We'll find him," I whispered. "If I have to smell every nook and cranny in this or any other city, endure countless strangers leering at me while I wear God knows how many stripper dresses, put up with Zemo's antics on every continent and in every country on the planet, we'll find him, Bucky."

It was a while, a long while, before he finally settled and let me go. I retrieved a wet washcloth so he could clean his face, and handed him a shirt. "So," he started as he grabbed another donut. "We still have a couple more hours. There's no way the two of us are finishing these by ourselves."

"Sam's sleeping, and so is Zemo...I wouldn't share these with him anyway."

Bucky nodded. "Why don't you get your boyfriend to come in and help us with these then? We can discuss more about how tonight's gonna go, and there's a deck of cards in my nightstand, too."

I blinked and gaped at him.

Bucky grinned. "You didn't think I noticed the amulet? You never wear jewelry. Besides, it was glowing green at the club."

I tried, but couldn't suppress the laugh. "Oh, Loki is going to be so pissed when we tell him you figured it out..."