Ezri had snuggled into her bed, fighting the ways of her heat as she felt herself getting annoyed by annual season. This was not how she wanted to come back to them, not in this condition. Hearing Peter call for her though, the protective person overrides any pain and logic in her; she couldn't stand knowing her clan was in trouble.

The door slid open and looked over to see Thor walking toward her, a smile on her face.

"You know this isn't a good time, right?" Ezri reminded him but he merely smirked as he sat in the bed.

Pulling her up towards him, Ezri was sat up, her head placed on his shoulder as he patted her head gently. She could tell something was worrying him, but she knew Thor. She waited until he was ready to talk about it. Hearing him take a deep breath before letting it out, he finally relaxed himself.

"The people of Asgard are recovering, and wanted me to extend their thanks but I wanted to ask how you were?" Thor asked.

Ezri let a sigh of her own this time, not sure how to feel.

"They were my family, but we stopped being that when my mother died. Asgard is my first home, your family is my family. I wasn't going to lose one of the few things I have; I refuse." Ezri said, snuggling up against him with a sigh of relief.

She's missed her best friend more than anything, and being on the battlefield all over again by his side made their friendship that much closer.

"You are family to us, Ezri. You'll always be a sister to me; unless Loki were to marry you," Thor commented, "Will you be spending your season with him?"

"Oh no, I wouldn't do that to him. It might be too soon, don't you think?" Ezri asked.

"I've seen people wed in less time and be together all their lives." Thor commented but she was unsure.

"The war took so much time from all of us…I'll put some thought into it before I decide to go back into the ocean," Ezri looked up to him, "Will you go to visit Jane?"

"I intend to, yes. Will you be okay on your own for a while?"

"Of course. I'm with the Avengers; Loki and Bucky included." Ezri assured him, smiling to him.

"Alright, but just summon me and I'll come back." Thor assured her, but she rolled her eyes as he slowly pulled away from her.

"I won't. Go, enjoy your time with Jane. Tell her I said, will you? I'd love to meet her one day." Ezri said with encouragement.

"Of course, take care, Lady Ezri." Thor said, flashing her a smile before he left the room. She quickly adjusted herself when she saw another busybody come into her room. Her smile on grew more when she saw Peter came in practically running but smiled nervously when he saw her still in bed.

"H-Hi Miss Ezri, how are you feeling?" Peter asked, slowly coming towards her bed.

"I'm fine, just glad to finally relax," Ezri said, patting on the bed space beside her, "why don't you join me before I go."

Eri was surprised when he took a pillow and placed it on her lap, resting back on it as he looked up to her with pure joy on his face. She knew he was just a teen, but he was respectful and almost seemed like a little brother to her.

He had been just as kind and patient with her as she was with him when he first joined, at lease she assumed she did. Still, he taught her everything she knew about this world and looked to her for guidance, if not Tony.

"Where are you going?" Peter asked with a concerned look on his face.

"Back into the ocean…mating season is any moment for me," Ezri warned him, "this year there shouldn't be anyone coming; too many casualties in the war."

"What happens in cases like this for your people?" Peter asked curiously.

"Well, this is the time where all single sirens will be locked at him as anyone mated will be forced to try producing to bring population back up." She explained simply, running her hand gently through his hair.

"Do….do you want kids? Your or Loki, what of Barnes?" Peter asked, enjoying her ministrations.

"I…I suppose I'd love to have children. I don't know what the future will hold with Loki and Bucky, but yeah, I'd try one day with them." Ezri confessed.

"Will you…will you ask one of them to mate you this season?" Peter couldn't help but ask, knowing how both felt.

"I…I don't think I'll be doing that this year. It wouldn't be fair for Bucky since we've only been together for a short time. Same with Loki…we grew closer, but I don't him to feel that he must. Children…it's a long-time commitment, you know?" Ezri further explained.

"You'd be a good mother, you know." Peter said, smiling thoughtfully up at her.

Peter could see the tired look in her eyes, her body thinner than he remembered but she came the moment he called. Her humor, her kindness to him…he could see it in her future.

"Thank you, Peter." Ezri said, smiling appreciatively at his kind words, "When I get back, can we build that LEGO Deathstar from the television?"

"Really?"

"Of course, it looks comforting, and we can even re-watch those movies, if you'd like?"

"Yeah, of course! I can't wait!" Peter exclaimed as the door could be heard open. Ezri looked up and saw Bucky walking in, narrowing his eyes at the duo.

"Hello, Buck." She said softly, unflinching as Peter quickly sat up.

"Hello, Barnes. Sorry, I'll give you guys alone time," Peter said as he walked past him in a hurt, but Barnes grabbed his arm.

"Hey kid," Barnes said softly, "thanks for looking after her."
Peter smirked nervously, but nodded before he left the room in a hurry, making Ezri giggle. Bucky looked back at her as he approached her, noticing her throat light up for a moment but Ezri merely rolled her neck as she felt the sensation go through her once more.

"Are you going back into the ocean?" Bucky asked suddenly, going straight to the point. She nodded, looking down at her hands.

"It shouldn't be a problem this year. There were too many casualties from this war to risk it." Ezri told him, just as she told Peter.

"That's good…" Bucky said, sitting on the bed. Pulling her against him, she rested her head against his chest and snuggled against him as she took in his scent; she missed him terribly.

Placing a kiss on top of her head, he squeezed her tightly knowing that he would be without her for a short while more.

The thought of her mating Loki and not him bothered him, but Loki had yet to ask her. He didn't want to ruin the moment for them, but he couldn't help but feel left out of it. The thought of having a son and daughter of her made him smile; he just didn't want to rush her into anything she wasn't ready for.

War took its toll on those involved, he knew this from experience, and he didn't truly know howe she was dealing with the aftermath. She looked mainly unfazed, but her eyes told the tale of wariness, of exhaustion. She was a fighter, something he loved about her, but she shouldered everything on her own.

Now, Loki shouldered some of that with her, but he was left in the dark.

Ezri could feel his various emotions: jealousy, concern, and adoration. She didn't want that for him and cupped his cheek, climbing onto his lap.

"Speak to me, my love." Ezri asked of him, placing a kiss on the corner of his lip. Letting out a sigh, he placed his hands on her hips, taking in her body that he came to worship: God, he missed her.

"How are you feeling? From the war. Truly?" Bucky asked, noticing her sad smile.

"I'm done killing my kind, but they hurt my home, my family in Asgard. This was a war I chose to be in, and I'm glad it's over. That means I get to stay here with you- and everyone else here." Ezri assured him.

"And mentally?" Buck further probed.

"Truthfully? I'm only sane because of Thor and Loki, we fought like hell together…I admit I had a close called with Thamus out there. He had me pinned and had men come after, but Loki came after me. It was my own damn fault for chasing him." Ezri explained.

"Loki and I made sure he paid for what he did to you, doll…" he assured her, seeing her nodded.

"But there's something else bothering you." She pointed out.

"…You've been gone for so long. And with the season here, I had hoped…"

Ezri groaned, realizing what he was implying.

"I'll have other seasons James, there's still plenty of time to figure us out. To enjoy each other, having a child is a big step for people involved. We'd bring a life we're responsible for." Ezri told him, trying to assure him.

He nodded, but she frowned, realizing something.

"Unless…did you find happiness with someone else while I was gone?" Ezri asked, suddenly feeling insecure.

Bucky looked up at her, alarmed by not just her question, but the hesitation in her eyes, looking away as if she insignificant. He brought a hand up into her hair, cradling the back of her head as he pulled her into a searing kiss.

Ezri closed her eyes, allowing her to sink into his arms, his lips as soft as she remembered. He pulled away, but he pressed his forehead against hers, not wanting to lose her touch.
"My happiness is with you, doll. You're not going to lose me that easily, I'm not going anywhere unless you tell me to." Bucky assured her, his nose brushing against hers.

"When I get back, I promise that we can do all the things you want." Ezri promised him.

"And what of Loki?" Bucky asked, suddenly curious.

"I won't lie that the thought hadn't crossed my mind," Ezri confessed, "but that wouldn't be fair to you. I'll wait next year, should I be asked."

"And what if we were both ready?" Bucky was curious once more but she merely chuckled.

"Good joke." Ezri said passively, climbing off his lap.

She made a large 'eep' noise as he tackled her onto the bed, looking down at her with hunger in his eyes. She swallowed hard when he brushed his thumb against her lower lip, looking at them with pure agony before his eye locked with hers.

"I don't know how your kind do this," Bucky started, "but in human tradition we ask our loved ones to marry us. And doll, I won't risk losing you."

"So, Ezri…will you be my wife? My mate?" Bucky asked her, "I can wait on children, but I don't want to be without you again. You saved me once, and I intend to always protect you, to love you."

Ezri smiled, tearing up but nodded enthusiastically as he sat up. Burying his hand into his pocket for a moment, he pulled out a black band ring with a dark silver engravement detail around it, making her cry happily.

"I may not be a God, but I'll take care of you and love you till end of the line, doll." Bucky promised.

"I don't deserve you, James. I love you." Ezri said softly.

"I love you, doll." Bucky responded before pulling her into a searing kiss once more.

Their make out session intensified, Ezri moaning and grinding against him as Bucky pressed himself against her feverishly when the sound of someone clearing their throat reached their ears.

"I see you couldn't wait," Loki said as Bucky sat up, allowing Ezri to do the same, "no matter."

Ezri blushed ridiculously when Loki sat behind her, pulling her against his chest. Taking her hands into his, Ezri looked up to Loki, who took in her features appreciatively.

"Darling, you were the only reason I fought in the war. Knowing that this would mean that you'd find peace, a chance to finally be happy just as you brought all of this into mine," Loki said softly,

"Loki…"

"Losing you once nearly broke me, but I was given this second chance to have you. I do not intend to squander this, and hope to everyday show your, which is why I ask as well: will you also be my mate? My wife? The future mother to our children? Our light in the darkness, darling?"

Ezri smiled, tearing up once more as she whispered, "Yes, my beloved."

He smirked, casting a spell over her left hand to reveal a pale golden ring with an emerald stone in the middle. Pulling her into a sensual kiss, he never intended to let her go again.

Once Bucky and Loki finally were able to let her go, Ezri mingled with everyone, glad to be everyone once more. She noticed quickly that Nat and Bruce were significantly closer and was happy to see her friend finding some type of happiness together.

Clint and Sam seemed to be explaining something to Peter, who looked as enthusiastically as he always did to be learning or mentored. Tony was speaking with Pepper, but Steve saw her. Steve approached her and she smiled kindly, noticing the gleam in his eyes.

"Captain how are you feeling?" she asked.

"Minor aches but it is manageable, thank you. How are you doing, though?" Steve asked.

"Doing great, thanks. Glad that it's all over, honestly." Ezri said, placing her hand on his hand.

Steve smiled when she healed him but caught her hand as she attempted to pull away. Ezri looked at him questionably but was alert. Loki at this point walked in with Bucky, eyeing the captain carefully but Loki held him back.

"If you are feeling up for it, I'd love to take you out to take your mind off things. We can train, or maybe go somewhere called a movie theatre." Steve offered in a soft tone.

"Oh, that's kind of you, truly. When I get back, maybe we can go?" Ezri said, remembering her movie watching with Peter.

"Of course," Steve said with a small smile, "I'd be happy to take you anytime."

Ezri felt something wrapped around her waist, another around her shoulder, and fought the smirk on her face when she realized who it was.

"Why don't you say farewell to everyone? We will talk to Tony about our arrangements." Loki assured her.

"Okay…sure." Ezri said, smiling at him with great appreciation before kissing both her lovers.

"Arrangements for what?" Tony asked, Pepper noticing the change in the room.

"Ezri has agreed to marry us; we will become mates when she returns." Loki stated with a big grin on his face.

"Oh my god!" Pepper squealed, running over to her as she pulled Ezri into a hug.

Ezri smiled happily, Nat, Clint, Peter and even Sam joined in on the hug, Tony and Bruce shaking the men's hands.

"Congrats, take care of her for us, will you?" Tony asked.

"We will." Bucky swore, but Bruce was curious.

"Why not mate? Isn't this her season?" Bruce asked.

"She wanted more time to be with us before having children." Loki explained simply, and Tony understood.

"Makes sense…enjoy it while you can."

Once Ezri said her goodbyes to everyone, Bucky escorted her down to the beach, leaving Loki alone with the team. Everyone had congratulated him but Steve and walked over to hm with narrowed eyes. Reading the super soldiers mind, he saw the visions that the captain had of his future wife.

It made Loki's blood boil, never wanting him near his wife but that soon change. He would ensure that his wife and Bucky would have to worry about him.

Over the next few week, Ezri had finally made her way back to the compound, and realized that the compound was empty. Thinking nothing of it, she quickly took a shower and made her way into her bedroom when she saw a white simple silk dress on the bed.

With a flower drown with simple white slip-ons, Ezri smiled and dressed into the outfit before making her way into the kitchen, where she saw Loki waiting for her.

"Hello, darling." Loki whispered, taking her into his arms as she engulfed her arms around him.

"Beloved, I've missed you so…" she whispered, feeling his lips brush against her forehead.

"As have I darling. Any issues in the water?" Loki asked but she shook her head.

"None…where's James and the others?" she couldn't help but ask.

"Ahh, come." Loki told her, taking her arm and linking to his before escorting her outside.

Following him closely, Ezri was alarmed when she saw on the lawn of the compound a few chairs and Tony Stark standing there with a book in hand. Bucky stood there in a simple suit, with everyone dressed formally. Looking over to Loki questionably, she noticed his outfit had changed into an all-black suit as well, and she couldn't stop the smile on her face.

"Someone's having their ceremony today."

Thor smiled brightly when Ezri saw him approach Loki leaving her with him as he joined Bucky at the end of the isle. Taking her arm into his, Ezri was still trying to adjust to the news, unsure how to do this.

"Am…I am getting married right now?" Ezri asked in confusion.

"You sure are. Are you ready, sister?" Thor asked.

"No, but let's do it." Ezri said, smiling as she finally felt her tears overcome her.

She couldn't stop the tears in her eyes, her friends smiling at her as she approached her two lovers. Bucky and Loki couldn't stop the smile on their faces when she finally stood beside them; her beauty was overwhelming for them.

"Who gives this woman away?" Tony asked.

Thor raising his hand, "I am."

"We are gathered today to bond these little misfits into matrimony. I can tell you a whole bunch of cheesy things to make you laugh but and make it uncomfortable but I'd like to keep it simple. Bucky has been more human thanks to her kindness, and her kindness has reminded Loki of his true self. As protective as the others, we know Ezri will be in good hands. Loki and Bucky, be patient with her as she was with you and remember, she's too scary to anger," Tony explained,

"And Ezri, both men would search the universe for you and risk their lives for you. Please take care of them as they will for you. Now, I understand Ezri has her rings. Loki, the rings?"

Ezri took Bucky's left hand as Loki cast a ring over his wedding finger, casting a matching ring as Ezri; one for himself as well. Ezri knew it was mostly rushed but was grateful; she never aaw the romance in this but could see some type of appeal to it.

Loki placed a gentle kiss on her lips, pulling her close against him as Ezri wrapped her arms around his neck, his gorgeous green eyes trapping her- and she didn't mind that one bit.

"I claim you, Loki Odinson, as my devoted husband and as my endearing mate. Only death will force us apart, and I will give my life for you. May you forever love me as I will love you, my darling." Ezri said, her skin glowing as it swirled around them.

Placing a kiss on his neck, Loki smiled as he felt a tingle on his neck; she marked him as hers. Noticing her neck revealing a designed tattoo, his smile only grew. This was her mating mark, to show the world she was now claimed.

Slowly withdrawing herself as Loki gave her a sensual kiss, Bucky waited patiently as she finally looked over to him. Bucky offered his hands to her, and she smiled warmly to him, allowing him to pull her against him as well. She cupped his face, taking in his beautiful blue eyes before she finally spoke.

"I also claim you, James Buchanan Barne, as my loving husband and as my attentive mate. Only death will force us apart, and I will give my life for you. May you forever my as I will love you, my beloved." Ezri said, her skin glowing once more as it swirled around them.

Placing a kiss on his neck, Bucky felt the tingle on his neck. A second tattoo design on her neck, and he was elated to know she had a mark just for him. He cupped her face as she did his, and pulled her into a rough kiss, and the team clapped.

The team were escorted back into the compound where the team congratulated them one by one. Noticing Steve was nowhere to be seen, Ezri didn't mind in the bit but took turns eating and dancing, with periodic conversations but she was happy to finally have a family of her own.