Two days had passed since Ezri lost consciousness, and the team took turns watching over her, both Thor and Bucky never leaving her side. Steve and Nat worked relentlessly until they found Agent Porter; he was a scientist that worked alongside Dr Choi that was researching Hydra developments.

No wonder they could never find any solid leads or concrete evidence.

Steve had reported his findings but Bucky, Thor, and Peter were still missing from the debrief. Steve had come to check on Ezri, but wasn't surprised when he saw Bucky. Peter had fallen asleep on the bed with a textbook underneath him, and Bucky sitting at the foot of the bed with Thor.

There was no acknowledgment when he came in, which was fine, but the look Bucky had given him rubbed him the wrong way. He had never seen Bucky like that before and it irked him that Ezri was part of the reason. Bucky was declining missions to work with her, and he couldn't help but feel jealous; Steve had yet to work with Ezri.

"How is she?" Steve asked.

"She's stable, but she still hasn't awakened." Thor answered simply but Steve came to stand beside Bucky.

"Buck, can I speak with you for a moment?" Steve asked.

"Yeah." Bucky said softly, looking back at Ezri one last time before they walked over to the end of the room.

Peter had awoken, rubbing his eyes as Sam came into the room with Clint when Steve took a deep breath.

"How are you feeling?" Steve asked.

"Fine, just waiting kills me." Bucky answered, looking back at Ezri for a second.

"Why don't you rest? There's a mission that you can take with Sam, you'd be back in a day or two." Steve told him.

"That's alright, I'd rather wait until she wakes up." Bucky answered, but Steve wasn't okay with this answer.

"What's your fascination with her?"

"What?" Bucky questioned, looking at him in disbelief.

The room was awkward but tense, the team was listening carefully as the two old friends were having a disagreement.

"For the past two months, you've been taking missions with only her, watching over her; even now you're protective of her."

"What are you implying?"

"I'm worried about you having Stockholm Syndrome. Her saving you as the Winter Soldier may be clouding your judgement."

"What did you say?"

Clint and Sam looked at each other in surprised, 'oh, damn' look, Peter looking at the super soldiers carefully.

"I think it'd be best if you stopped taking missions with her until I decide when it's best."

"You don't get to decide that!" Bucky yelled.

"I just did, effective immediately." Steve told him, "I don't want your feelings to be confused."

"There is no confusion: I have feelings for her; that's my choice. Not yours." Bucky confessed.

"Uh, guys?"

The duo looked over to them and saw Ezri attempting to open her eyes, hearing her hiss as she gripped Thor's hand.

"Hey there, look who decided to wake up." Clint teased and Ezri made a small chuckle before she coughed violently.

"Here, this should help." Peter offered his water bottle, opening it for her.

"Thank you." Ezri whispered with a small smile, taking the water as Thor brushed her hair out of her face.

"You were out for two days; the others told me what happened. Do you think you can heal yourself?" Thor asked.

Ezri chugged down the whole water bottle, before she nodded, placing her hand over her forehead. She let out a loud sigh as the cuts disappeared slowly, noticing Bucky walking over to her side, and smiled gently at him.

"I know you've just woken up, but I sadly came to deliver some news for you and for the team. We need to talk after this, but I need you to change into your Asgard armor." Thor asked, catching Ezri's attention.

Ezri smiled and nodded, Thor, smiling at her kindly before he stood up.

"Where may I find Stark?" Thor asked, his face stern and serious once more.

"I'll take you," Clint offered, "but Ariel, I'm glad you're awake. Let's go some rounds of archery when you're ready."

"Deal." Ezri signed, smiling happily at his invite before they both left the room.

Sam patted the top of Ezri's head, "Glad you're awake, shorty. Make sure you take a shower before you come out, okay? You gave us quite a scare."

"Thank you for watching over me." Ezri signed, her smile never wavering.

"Anytime, Ezri." Sam said with a smile, patting Peter to follow him.

Ezri noticed Steve at the end of the room as he approached her bed.

"Hey. How are you feeling?" Steve asked.

Ezri made a silly face, making a 'more or less' gesture, making him chuckle.

"You did frighten us for a moment there, but I'm glad you're okay. Do you need anything?" Steve asked her, but she shook her head with a small smile.

"I'm sorry I didn't warn you, but thank you for looking out for me." Ezri signed.

"Happy to do so, Ezri. I'll give you guys a minute." Steve said with a smile, looking at Bucky briefly before he left.

"I'll see you later, Ms. Ezri. Glad you're back with us." Peter said, smiling knowingly as he scrambled out behind Steve.

With Bucky now knowing the truth about his feelings for her, Peter was secretly rooting for them as Bucky took her hand into his. Ezri sat up, smiling as she allowed him to caress her palm.

"You look better." Bucky stated, making her smile.

Gesturing 'thank you' to him, Bucky smirked before he looked down at her clothing. Her sweater wasn't removed at Nat's request, but he wanted to make sure she cleaned up before she went back to everyone.

"Your sweater is covered in blood." Bucky told her as he pulled on her sweater sleeve.

Ezri took a hard swallow, unsure if she should expose herself in a way before she finally nodded.

"I'll take a shower before I head out, okay?" Ezri signed to him.

"Don't take long, doll."

Ezri knew when she walked into the conference room, the tension was way more than what she expected. Thor, Tony, and Steve were arguing amongst themselves, but Nat looked at her with an apologetic smile as she nodded at Ezri to join her.

Ezri sat in the empty seat next to her with a smile; clearing whatever was happening was leaving them in a standstill.

"Like hell, I'm letting that lunatic here." Tony argued.

"I agree, this is not a suitable place for him." Steve agreed.

"Would you rather he be loose on the streets then? It's not determined yet." Thor countered.

"Have you asked Ezri what she thinks? She must face them every day, and she has enough on her plate." Steve reminded them.

"It sickens me how little you disregard her. She's a warrior, and endures more than you ever will." Thor said.

"Why not just ask her? We are split and if she's the main reason…" Tony suggested.

"What is happening?" Ezri asked, Ariel translating for her,

The rest of the team was surprised to see her there but Nat, who was more than happy to answer.

"Loki might be released in Thor's custody and wants to bring him here. What are your thoughts, Ezri?" Nat stated.

Ezri's face dropped, a frown appearing on her face as she leaned back in her chair. Thor could only imagine how she felt; Loki was her first love and to see him again after so long. He kneeled in front of her, resting a hand on the top of her head before he brought it down to her shoulder, trying to comfort her.

"Just give me the word, and I'll make sure he doesn't come here."

"Why would he be released? What's happened?" Ezri signed.

She knew All-Father, Odin would not simply release him because he can. Something must have happened.

"Ezri…"

"Tell me something, anything."

"…Cerrin and Meralie."

Ezri closed her eyes tightly, shaking her head as she took a deep breath.

"I understand…I'm okay with this, for now."

"Are you sure?"

"This is more than just me… you owe me an explanation." Ezri signed.

"Who are these people?" Bruce asked.

Ezri looked down, just the thought of seeing them bothered her.

"Her eldest brother and sister." Thor answered for her, standing up.

"We should know what's going on then also. So, we can prepare ourselves." Tony said, crossing his arms.

Clearly, whatever her family was up to, it was allowing Loki out, but it was also upsetting her. Thor looked to Ezri and she nodded, she had no interest in repeating herself later on.

"Cerrin is the next line after Ezri's father passes, but her sister Meralie is power hungry. Reports have confirmed that her father, King Almere, is gravely injured and her brother and sister have requested an audience with Ezri." Thor explained, pacing around the room.

"Ezri once said women can't be leaders, so why is Meralie trying to get the crown?" Nat asked.

"AS long as Meralie is alive and mated, any of her husbands can rule with her as Queen."

"So why exactly is Ezri being summoned then? She has no claim to the throne." Clint asked.

"She doesn't but she's their healer. Have the healer, have the people's support." Thor said, Ezri frowning even more,

"Her father has requested her to heal him, but if she goes, they might force her to mate someone. And with the season around the corner…"

Ezri laughed bitterly, running a hand through her hair as she stood up. The thought of her being forced to mate with someone angered her. Every year she had to kill to survive, and she wasn't sure how much longer she could survive.

"So, Loki is coming to…protect her?" Peter questioned.

"Yes, whatever Ezri decides to do, they'll know she's not on Asgard and will come looking for her. And I assure you, it'll be a war in your oceans." Thor told them.

Bucky stood by her side and Ezri sighed, resting her head against his shoulder, feeling him wrap an arm around her shoulder. The team tried not to stare but Sam and Peter were smiling happily, Tony watching the duo suspiciously.

"No enemy would attack the son of Odin, you're asking for a war. It's to ensure they won't attack you as well." Thor stated.

"We appreciate that, but we could take them. I accept the challenge." Clint said, smiling at the thought but Ezri shook her head.

"What if…I stayed in Asgard?" Ezri suggested.

Thor sighed, the team looking at her in bewilderment.

"Nope, sorry Ariel, you're staying here. You know you're stuck with us, right?" Tony reminded her, making her smile.

"This has been a 2nd home for me. I…I would hate for anyone to get hurt because of me."

"Please, you're part of the team. And you've helped us so much, it's only once a year, right?" Sam reminded her.

"Right, for a week." Ezri told them.

Ezri attempted to pull away, but Bucky tightened his hold on her, making her blush. Nat saw the small smile on his face, and she smirked at their low-key flirting. Since they met, she's noticed the way Bucky has looked at Ezri but his behavior towards her compared to everyone matched his interest in her.

"What will you do then?" Thor asked of her.

"…I will go to keep the peace, but I won't go to the King-"

"You mean your father." Steve told her.

"He wasn't my father, he's my king; I was raised by my mother. No man raised me," Ezri pointed out, "I will meet my siblings, do my duty, and come back here."

"Your duty is to your father." Steve pointed out.

"Her duty is being my Advisor, my right hand, Rogers," Thor defended Ezri," and her place is by my side as I deal with Asgard duties. Her duties for her people were voided long ago."

Steve didn't realize but Ezri crossed her arms in defiance. She thought she and Steve had finally moved passed these petty moments, but she shouldn't be surprised by this.

"When do we leave?" Ezri signed.

"As soon as possible, we were preparing for their arrival when I left." Thor advised.

Ezri looked up to Bucky as he removed his arm, the team watching her.

"We'll be fine, Ms. Ezri. Why don't we finish the Star Wars series when you get back?" Peter suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

Ezri gasped but smiled in excitement, "Yes, please, can we?"

The team smirked, but Peter nodded. "I'll get our favorite foods, too, promise!"

"Do I have to go?" Ezri whined in sign with a pout.

"Afraid so, doll."

….?

Arriving back on Asgard, Ezri took a deep breath of the air, taking in the beautiful scenery around her. It had felt so long that she was back here, but she welcomed the change from Midgard. Thor and she had made their way to the throne room, Ezri holding her head up high when she walked behind Thor a few paces back.

The first thing she noticed was Loki standing at the end of the steps Odin, with Frigga on the opposite side of him. Her smile reached Ezri, and she smiled back briefly before she noticed the group of people standing before Odin.

She noticed her brother Cerrin, and her sister Meralie stood there with their main mates with their guards standing behind them. Thor looked back to Ezri for reassurance as they approached, standing in the center space between Loki and Frigga, Ezri standing between him and Loki.

"It seems everyone has now arrived. What has brought the Kingdom of Almere to our doors?" Odin asked.

"Our father has died this morning, All-Father. Our people are facing a civil war, and we've come to request Ezri's assistance in this matter." Cerrin explained.

"I'm afraid she will no longer be going back; she has decided to remain in Asgard." Thor notified them, Meralie surprised by this news.

"She is part of our kingdom-"

"Which was voided when your father attempted to start a war with us," Odin snapped, "war was avoided when he gave Ezri to us. You have no claim here for her; she is now a person of Asgard. And she will remain as such as Thor's advisor."

Meralie narrowed her eyes at Ezri, hissing at her but Ezri remained stoic; her threat meant nothing to her. Meralie took a step closer, and Loki stood now protectively in front of her, pulling Ezri behind him as he stared her down with Thor raising his hammer.

"Enough! Whatever you children choose to bicker about, settle this in your war for the throne; you will not do it on Asgard." Odin shouted standing up as his guards raised their weapons at them.

"Very well," Meralie said, looking back at Ezri with a coy smirk, "good luck during the mating season."

Ezri remained expressionless as she watched her sister leave, but she looked at her brother. Cerrin held out a book to her, Frigga taking it from him as the middleman.

"I will respect your wishes, sister. I hope this will help you in the future, but I will see you again. Best prepare yourself." Cerrin spoke before he too left with his men.

Once they were gone, Ezri let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

"Are you alright, darling?"

Ezri nodded for a moment before she realized it was Loki that spoke to her.

"This is for you, my dear." Frigga spoke, catching her attention as Frigga handed her the book.

"Thank you." Ezri whispered before Frigga pulled her into a warm hug.

"I'm glad to see you doing so well, my dear. How have you fared?" Frigga asked.

"Oh it's been wonderful, thank you for asking. I appreciate you and All-Father allowing me to go." Ezri answered, bowing to Odin.

"You seem different, in a good way," Odin said, "Ezri, if you could please wait outside, I must speak with my family."

"She should remain-"

Thor felt Ezri take his forearm, catching his attention. She shook her head with a reassuring smile.

"I'll be right outside the door, promise." Ezri signed in reassurance before she left the throne room, escorted by the guards.

Ezri had read through the journal her brother gave her and was surprised he gave her such a gift. This book was a grimoire for her. Inside there was a way for her to create a clan of her own, without mating anyone; protecting those around her both sirens and non-sirens.

Like what she did for Loki long ago, she read through the book that all she had to do was place one of her gills on their person. Doing so would protect them from Siren's abilities, and it made her smile. She'd be able to talk to them without any problems, and it made her heart soar.

The only thing that concerned her was the warning that comes with that. She'd be able to feel their distress when they're in trouble, but she could learn to live with it in her own way. She wanted to experiment on this and was already thinking about who she'd give her gills to, but she frowned.

Would she put that on them intentionally? Creating a clan could cause problems in the future; the thought of war breaking out and putting targets on their back for such a selfish thing…

"What troubles you?"

Ezri looked up to see Loki and Thor standing in front of her, and she smiled sadly at the sight of them. More than a year ago, they were this close and at ease, almost making her forget for a moment that so much has changed for them all.

Thor sat beside her as he took the book, not waiting for her to explain. She reached over and pointed at what she found for him, and he quickly realized what she learned. He smiled, glad she had such an opportunity, but was surprised to not see her as excited.

"Are you considering this?" Thor asked her but she shrugged.

"It's no trivial matter; I'm asking someone to join my family. I'd be making a clan for myself, and…I can't imagine asking someone to risk themselves. With the civil war on the horizon, it wouldn't be fair to them." Ezri signed.

"That's up to us to decide." Loki told her.

Since his time in imprisonment, Loki had learned of the sirens through the books his mother sent him. Realistically, this was the best choice for her to avoid the political drama she was facing but he knew it'd be up to her.

"I don't know who to ask first…" Ezri signed, but Thor smiled.

"I'd love for you to consider me family. May I be your first clanmate?" Thor asked and Ezri smiled, feeling emotional but was elated for him to offer.

"Are you sure?" Ezri sighed, and he nodded.

"Of course…sister."

Ezri smiled and touched the stream that was behind them, hissing as her hand shimmered, her gills slowly appearing. Thor took her hand, helping her remove a gill, before handing it to her. She removed her hand before she took his forearm.

"Where would you like it?" Ezri asked softly.

Thor removed his wristband, offering his wrist to her. She smiled gratefully, placing the gill on him. Her hand glowed and the gill shimmered before it ran over Thor's skin, the shimmer disappearing but the gill merely dimmed.

"Thank you." Thor said, looking over to Loki.

Loki was hesitant. He wanted to offer himself, but he wasn't sure if she would accept him. He sat beside Ezri, taking her hand into his, making Ezri smile sadly. She missed him, but she didn't know if they could ever go back to what they once were.

"I'd like for you to join, but I worry about you, Loki. Would you fight against us, again?" Ezri asked.

"I wouldn't. I'd not betray you, but I regret you seeing me in such a way."

"You were hurting…but I want you to know that despite everything, you're just as important to me as Thor is." Ezri told him.

Loki could feel the pull from her voice, feeling that attraction that sirens were known for but stayed focused when he pulled out the small jar, she gave him so long ago under his garment. Thor watched them both smile tenderly, Ezri opening her hand to Loki as he poured the gifted gill, she gave him long ago.

"I accept you, and all of you, Ezri. Allow me to join you and protect what you hold sacred as I learn my place by your side." Loki offered himself, exposing his wrist to her as well.

Ezri smiled, carefully placing the gill on him, the similar effects happening to him as her hand glowed.

"Now that this is done, should return to Midgard for now? We must update them on what's transpired." Thor asked her and she nodded, agreeing to this.

"Yes, please." Ezri said, smiling more happy that she could speak freely to them.

"Come, let's go." Thor said, putting the ribbon bookmark in place before he handed it back to her.

For the rest of the day, Bucky sparred with Sam and Peter carefully before meeting up once more in the lounge area, where the others spoke amongst each other.

"Hey, what's going on?" Sam asked.

"We're preparing the next missions. We've agreed to Bucky, Sam, and Nat going on a mission in a few days. Steve, Loki, and Ezri will attend the second mission as Clint, Bruce, and Peter do a quick mission." Tony advised.

"Whoa, whoa, I thought it was going to be Buck and Ezri." Sam pointed out.

"Captain wanted to try something new, I saw no reason not to try. Besides, Bucky needs to try working with others." Tony pointed out.

Bucky clenched his jaw, clearly irritated with Steve again.

"It's for the best, Buck." Steve told Buck, looking over at him.

"How the hell is for the best? I told you it's not Stockholm Syndrome, I genuinely like her." Buck confessed.

"Wait, what?" Tony questioned, wondering if he heard that right.

"The Bucky I know had a new girlfriend weekly. What you're feeling is temporary, Buck." Steve stated.

"Those times were different, I'm not the same Buck you knew. Just how you're not the same Steve I once knew." Bucky pointed out.

"I must consider Ezri's feelings as well. What if you're wrong? What if you crush on Nat from your mission together? Ezri deserves better than being hurt by you."

"Steve…" Sam warned him, Peter and the team tensing from this escalated situation.

"What did you say?" Bucky questioned; did he just hear his friend right?

"Ezri deserves someone who is going to give her their full attention, not someone looking for the next prettiest woman."

"Captain, maybe this isn't the time-" Nat tried to interrupt him.

"I'll make sure Ezri learns she can do better. She'll be with me for the time being. She'll learn I can treat her better." Steve stated.

"You son of a bitch, you like her…"

"It's for the best for everyone involved, Buck."

The team immediately jumped when Bucky charged at Steve, a fight breaking out in the kitchen between the super soldiers.

"Oh my gosh!" Peter exclaimed, unsure what to do, not knowing the main topic walked into the room.

"ENOUGH!" Thor yelled, marching towards them with Ezri on his heel.

"Thor, take Captain!" Ezri exclaimed as she went towards Bucky.

Thor wasted no time pulling Bucky off of Steve, pinning Steve down as Ezri pushed Bucky back.

"Hey, look at me." Ezri whispered, resting her hand on his cheek as she cast a healing spell on him.

Bucky stared hard at Steve before he glared down at Ezri, panting softly as his blue eyes locked onto hers. She was looking at him in concern, but she was still tender with him. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against him tightly, and she allowed him.

Ezri wasn't sure what just happened, but clearly, it made him upset.

"Take Bucky out of here to calm down, I'll talk to the team about what happened." Thor told her as Ezri pulled away from Bucky.

She took Bucky's arm and took him to her room, ignoring Loki's glare when she went towards her room. Closing the door behind her, Bucky pinned her to the door, catching her by surprise but remained calm when he rested his forehead against hers.

He glared down at her lips, and Ezri licked her lips, her lips parting as she felt heat go through her body. He brushed his lips against hers, his bare hand releasing her hands and resting it on her waist, his metallic hand gripping the back of her head as she hissed gently, biting her lower lip.

It turned Bucky on to see her heated gaze and pulled her into a rough kiss. He felt empty and pulled her closer, but it didn't feel enough for him. Ezri moaned in pleasure, wrapping her arms around his neck and hoisting herself up, wrapping her legs tightly around his waist. Grinding against his crotch, he groaned, walking over to her bed before he threw her on the bed.

"Jarvis, locked the door." Bucky ordered.

"Of course, Mr. Barnes."

Bucky leaned over her and pulled her into a kiss once more, Ezri quickly removing her pieces of chest armor before Bucky found his hands on her body. He felt more whole, his hand under her linen top, feeling her warm soft skin but he still craved more.

He slid down, assaulting her throat, pulling down her turtleneck covering before he saw her tattoos. He had questions and wanted to run his fingers over them but fought against them as he latched his mouth onto her throat.

She whimpered against his mouth, bringing her hand up his chest as she roamed around his body, feeling the tight pressure against her neck, feeling his hand grip her ass roughly. There was pounding on the door, but neither Bucky nor Ezri made any notion of stopping when Jarvis's voice rang through.

"Sorry to interrupt but, Tony said he was going to override the door if you do not answer him in one minute."

Bucky pulled away, looking down at Ezri with lustful eyes. He gave her one last kiss on her lips before he pulled away, climbing off of her before he pulled her up with him. She quickly put her chest piece back on as he patted her head, smiling softly.

"Sorry for my outburst, but I don't regret this. Can we talk after the meeting?" Bucky asked her, taking her hands into his.

"Sure." Ezri whispered, blushing as he cupped her cheek.

He smirked down at her before pulling her into another light kiss as they heard the door open, hearing a whistle.

"My man." Sam's voice was heard, making Bucky groan; Ezri giggling.