Arriving in the throne room, Desi observed a large mass of people and endless food as far as she could see. Desi felt someone grab her free hand and looked up to see Lady Frigga smiling down at her. Frigga took her hand and intertwined their arms together as she rests her left hand over Desi's held hand.
"Hello, dear."
"Hello, Mother Frigga."
"I heard your plaza was quite an experience; what did you think of Asgard during your stay?" she asked, guiding her towards the throne where Odin sat.
"It's so wonderful here, I almost wish I could stay here forever." Desi spoke.
"Be careful who you say that to, Loki might take you up on that offer." Frigga said with a knowing smile.
"Oh!" Desi reacted, blushing as she covered her mouth, failing horribly to cover her smile.
"Are you happy when you were with him the other night?" Frigga asked her.
"Loki was different from the first time I met him, as if he was a different person but I saw the pain in his eyes…" Desi said, frowning at the memory. Of his eyes.
Frigga took her hands into her, making Desi look at her in confusion.
"You'll have your love scrutinized many times, but don't be afraid to embrace them all, dear; each of them."
"Wait, what? Each of whom?"
"Good evening my Queen, and Lady Desi." Odin spoke from his throne, interrupting the women as Desi and Frigga bowed in respect.
"Good evening All-Father." Desi spoke politely, feeling confused by Frigga's words.
"I heard of you healing a child earlier, I am grateful to you for helping my people." Odin spoke.
"I am always willing to help, All-Father, you need only ask." She said with a smile.
"Now, stay with me a moment then, dear. Let's allow Thor a moment to panic for a moment when he realizes you're not with him, shall we?" Frigga told Desi with a smile.
"Is he a worrywart?" Desi couldn't help but ask.
Frigga chuckled, "Thor is one of the most worrisome people of all, after my husband, of course." Frigga spoke.
"I'm afraid she's correct. The last time she fell ill, he never left our bed. Such nonsense…" he said, making Desi chuckle at the thought of him doing so.
"There he is." Frigga said, nodding her head forward.
Desi looked around for a moment before she saw Thor.
Thor was spinning, searching chaotically as he looked around himself. He then tip-toed, overlooking the crowd as if it'd somehow help him before he started frantically walking around the room.
Frigga and Desi chuckled at the sight of him lifting people out of the way, noticing him receive odd glances from those around him.
"Lady Destiny!"
Desi covered her mouth, trying to hold back her giggle when Thor stood on one of the tables, glancing around the room frantically.
Thor looked around once more until his eyes landed on Desi's and he smiled in relief when he saw her with his parents, jumping off the table quickly. He made his way through the crowd towards her, noticing his mother release Desi before he hesitantly tapped her arm.
"You had me worried for a moment there." Thor told Desi.
"It's not her fault darling, I asked her to join me." Frigga told him. Frigga took her son's arm and Desi's arm, hooking their arms together.
"Take good care of her tonight." Frigga said with a smile before she joined her husband.
Odin stood, tapping the floor with his staff to gain the hall's attention.
"Thank you for joining us in the halls for a momentous occasion. We recently welcomed a visitor here in Asgard and have now gained a new member to our home. Years ago, we lost Eir, our Goddess of Healing in battle. Before her passing, she had blessed a Midgardian with her gift, someone of worthy," Odin spoke,
"Within this brief time, we have seen that she is indeed worthy of such a blessing. Not only did she heal a child, but she healed your King…and fought alongside the warriors who helped during our fight on the Chitauri's. I welcome our new Lady of Healing, Lady Destiny." Odin announced, waving his hand toward Desi.
The hall erupted in cheer and Desi smiled, her chest filled with happiness when she felt the wave of joy and happy emotions throughout the room.
"To commemorate this moment, my son Thor has prepared something for such an occasion; a gift for Lady Destiny." Odin spoke, but Desi looked at Thor in surprise.
"A gift?" she repeated.
"Bring him in!" Thor announced, waving his hand forward towards the double doors of the hall.
The crowd divided as she looked in that direction, and she let out a loud gasp as she covered her mouth, and she couldn't fight back her tears when she saw him.
The Pegasus walked in with a goldish-silver headpiece, his ears covered with it ending curved over his eyes, a silverish-gold sunburst sun crest in the middle of his headpiece. His chest has nearly armored this color with a teal cloth under his armor, with black leather made-up the saddle for her, but the moment she saw his eyes, it all clicked.
She walked towards him, crying in happiness as he galloped towards her in glee. She ignored the crowd's gasps when the Pegasus nuzzled his head against hers, resting his head on her right shoulder. She felt his happiness, his joy, and his peace; he felt complete once more now that he was with her, and it made her cry even more.
As she hugged the Pegasus, her body was engulfed in a bright golden light, ignoring the whispers as she enjoyed this moment.
"You did wonderful, son." Odin said, happy to see her overjoyed.
"Thank you, father." Thor said, flashing his father a smile but his face softened when he looked back.
Desi didn't realize it, but the whole room embraced with peace; even some people were tearing up at such a feeling.
Thor walked towards Des and placed a hand on her back gently. She released the Pegasus slowly, looking up at Thor. Her glow never disappeared as she pulled him into a tight embrace, wrapping her arm around his stomach.
"I take it that you like it?" Thor asked.
Desi smiled excitedly.
"It's my second gift ever! I'll cherish him always. Thank you, Thor." She spoke.
Thor's heart broke to hear that, but her happiness overpowered him, and he held her back.
"I am glad to hear that. You are worthy of this Pegasus and every other gift to come." Thor promised.
The Pegasus huffed and nuzzled his head against her again, making Desi laugh as Thor released her.
"Don't forget who purchased you, Pegasus." Thor told him.
Desi smirked but kissed the Pegasus on the nose.
"Be kind to him, okay? He's an important friend to me." Desi said, making Thor smirk at her words. The Pegasus huffed but took a step back; kneeling back and bowed to her.
"He's accepted you." Thor told Desi softly.
"May I call you Astros?" Desi asked the Pegasus.
The horse nuzzled against her gently.
"I'll take that as yes." Desi spoke as her glow dimmed away.
"Take Astros back to the stables. Everyone, enjoy the feast and our celebration for Lady Destiny, daughter of Lady Eir!" Odin shouted, with cheers all around the hall as Astros reluctantly left.
"Come, Lady Destiny! Dance with us!" One of the women shouted, but Desi laughed nervously.
"I don't know how to dance this; I don't want to be disrespectful." Desi told the random woman.
"Nonsense, we will teach you!" the second woman exclaimed before pulling her with them.
Thor chuckled as his three friends Hogun, Fandral, and Volstagg approached him: Fandral handed Thor a tall glass of ale.
"You've got yourself a beauty there, Thor. Is she seeing anyone?" Fandral asked as he glanced over in Desi's direction.
"She may be seeing a mortal back on Midgard." Thor answered, remembering how he found them.
Thor watched as they did the waltz in a large circle, the women taking three steps to the left and one to the right before doing a twirl: they took three steps back and two steps forward before they did another twirl. The women took turns going in the center and twirling to their heart's content before the next person repeated.
Desi took a step in the middle and twirled, smiling and laughing as she felt free, noticing her hair becoming free from the braid as she finally slowed down, going back into the circle.
It was then that Thor realized her hair landed on the top of her buttocks, and he smiled at her child-free spirit; something he had never seen in her before.
"Such a beauty Lady Destiny is…if she's unclaimed I'm sure someone will tonight." Fandral said.
"Well, that won't be long now." Volstagg said with a smirk, taking a sip when he saw a man approach her.
He wore gold and brown huntsman armor, but his facial tone was serious. The woman with Desi elbowed her as he approached her, offering his hand to her.
"Will your grace me with a dance?" the man asked her.
"I don't know how to dance…" Desi said lamely.
"That won't push me away, I'm afraid. I promise I'll lead you well." The man told her, throwing her a smirk.
"Go on…" one of the women encouraged her.
Desi chuckled at their encouragement and nodded.
"Very well, you have been warned." She told him, smiling at the mystery man.
"Oh, I assure you, I'll be compared to no other." He said, hearing the woman swoon at his words as he took Desi's hand into his.
His eyes pierced Desi's and she was mesmerized, which was odd but something about him was familiar. Leading her onto the dancefloor, his eyes never left her as he pulled her respectfully close to him.
"Are you ready, Desi?"
Her eyes widened, "How did you-"
"I wasn't going to miss this opportunity, darling."
"Wait…is it you?"
"Tis I, Loki."
"Tell me something only he'd know." She questioned.
"Such annoyance…very well. You've had nightmares, but reading has helped; by my own advice, I might add." Loki answered.
She gasped, a smile breaking on her face as she finally saw him for the first time.
"How did you get out?" she asked.
"My would-be mother allowed me this moment and I'm afraid I couldn't miss this opportunity to have you in my arms. Who knows when I'd see you again." Loki told her.
Desi fought the urge to cry, but Loki still wiped the single tear that slipped out, caressing her cheek.
"So emotional…" he teased.
"Is it wrong for me to say I'll treasure this moment?" she asked with a chuckle.
It was his turn to chuckle.
"I will as well, twice over."
"Oh yeah?"
"Not only do I get to hold you again…" He said before he leaned forward to her ear.
"But I took your first dance."
Loki placed a hand on Desi's hip, taking her left hand in his as they waited for the music to start. The music began to play, and Loki pulled Desi close against him, his hand sliding to her lower back, her cheeks blushing at how intimate this was becoming.
Desi forced herself not to look away shyly as she felt Loki's warmth against hers. With long glides and turns, his hold never loosened and almost became tighter as he pressed his chin against her forehead, taking in the feeling of her, and her scent before continuing gazing into her eyes.
"Eyes on me, darling," He said, his green eyes piercing her brown ones, "I wish to remember this moment."
"Oh damn, that's quite sensual." Fandral said, laughing to help lessen the mood as Thor chugged down his drink, his eyes honed on the man who dared to touch her in such a way.
Desi didn't know the customary here, but that man was Asgardian; he'd teach him a lesson later.
The dance came quickly to an end, and he slowed down with her. "Don't suppose you can give me a glove as a favor to me?" he asked.
"Of course." She said with an amused smile and undone her right glove, allowing him to deftly take it off.
He smirked once more, kissing her cheek preciously.
"I'm afraid I must go now, darling but I'll visit you soon." He said with a wink, catching the sight of Thor and his friends charging at him. He reluctantly pulled away before running out of the room.
With the prison right around the corner, Loki slid down the prison and faced his body, who was unconscious on the floor before he whispered, "Mutatrum".
Loki sat up, now back in his body, and patted his chest feverishly. He sighed in relief when he felt a small bundle in his chest; he safely had her glove.
The guard blinked a couple of times from a daze before he went to go stand near the staircase when Loki smiled mischievously at the angry tone heard from the staircase.
"Are you out of your mind!?" Thor yelled as he entered the prison, his eyes pinned on the guard.
"Is there something wrong, my lord?" the guard asked.
"What you did with Lady Destiny was not customary for someone in her position!" Thor exclaimed.
"Such behavior is suggestive and insults the purity of Lady Destiny." Hogun told the guard.
"She is unknown of such customs, yet you mock her in front of everyone, including All-Father." Volstagg added.
"I apologize but I assure you, I did not dance with her; you have me confused with someone else." The guard said.
"Playing ignorant now? Well, let's see what the guards say, hmm?" Thor questioned.
"We'll take it from here, Thor. Why don't you head back before someone else asks her to dance?" Fandral suggested.
Thor reluctantly nodded, his eyes never leaving the guard until he was out of sight.
"Can you believe the guard?"
"How dare he insult our lady! They are not intimate!"
"Do you think she liked him though?"
"More than Thor? It's not possible."
Desi kept her head down as she ate a large chicken leg, drinking very slowly her wine before she stood up. She was tired but she'd hate to leave when she was the honorary guest.
"Lady Destiny."
She smiled and turned when another man approached her, his nervousness evident.
"Would you do me the honor of a dance?" he asked.
"I'd be honored, good sir." She said kindly, offering her left hand as he guided her to the dance floor.
Guiding her onto the dancefloor, he placed his hand on her shoulder, fearing Thor's wrath as they danced. He looked more fearful as he glanced around the room periodically.
Desi could tell he was nervous by the way he was glancing around the room until he completely froze, his eyes bulged in fear. She looked back to see what he was looking at and smiled.
Thor stood there with his arms crossed, his eyes narrowed at the poor man.
Desi was unsure what to do; the man wouldn't move but neither would Thor.
Some of the townsfolk saw the interaction and were loving this moment; they never saw Thor behave in such a way before.
"Do you want to stop?" Desi asked, the tension killing her.
He let her go the moment the song was over and quickly fled, oblivious to the people giggling at the sight as Thor approached her.
"You frightened him." She said, smiling knowingly at him.
"Good, wise reaction." He said, rolling his shoulders as he offered his hand to her.
She chuckled at his behavior and took his hand as he guided her closer to the middle of the dancefloor. He placed a hand on her shoulder blade, taking her left hand into his right, staring down at her as she smiled at him.
"If any man dances with you, it is only to be in this way."
"Why?"
"It is out of respect for you. Any other way is treason."
"So that…first man from earlier…"
"He suggested you as his lover."
"Oh no." Her eyes bulged.
"You were unaware, it's not your fault." He assured her, looking around to observe their surroundings/
"And the second guy?" she questioned.
"Just pure fear." He reminded her.
She laughed and shook her head.
"So will you be my only dance partner tonight then?" she asked.
"But of course, my lady." He remarked with a grin before the dance began.
For hours they danced, Thor never leaving Desi's side as they ate together. Thor's friends had made it back and were overjoyed to finally have his friend's bond with Destiny.
"So, Lady Destiny, are you courting anyone?" Fandral asked.
Desi choked on her water; Thor quickly hovered over her carefully as she waved her hand dismissively.
"N-No?" she told him, whispering a sorry to Thor.
"A sweetheart like you? Why, are there not enough men on Midgard?" he asked, ignoring the elbow from Hogun.
"No, there is, I just…don't date." Desi simply answered. "what about you dashing men though?"
"Fandral courts a new one every month, don't trust this man with your heart." Hogun warned her.
Desi laughed as Fandral threw a loaf of bread at him, making the group laugh at his outburst.
"Hogun is wedded to his work; he trains the guards daily." Fandral answered.
"I am in arranged marriage proceedings right now, actually." Hogun answered, the group of men looking at him in surprise.
"What? Why didn't you tell us?" Fandral asked, clearly hurt.
"You never asked." Volstagg answered, taking a large sip of his ale.
"Ah, and Thor is courting Jane of Midgard, correct?" Fandral quickly said, but Hogun quickly punched him, Thor throwing a deadly glare at Fandral.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier? I'm happy for you, she's a lucky girl." She spoke.
"Thank you, Lady Destiny, I appreciate that."
"Didn't you say she was waiting for your return?" Fandral said, making Desi gasp in horror.
"You know, you really should visit her soon, she might not wait too long." Desi told him.
"You think so?"
"I know so."
"You should go visit her." The men stood up respectfully when his mother Frigga approached.
"Thank you, mother…I can't thank you enough." Thor said, grateful to his mother.
"Don't thank me, in the meantime, why don't you get Desi her cape? Her armor is ready."
Following Frigga, Desi was amazed when she walked into her bedroom, noticing two chests; one larger than the other.
"Is that, is that the armor?" Desi asked.
Frigga smiled and nodded, taking Desi's hand, and guiding her towards the chests.
"I hope you do enjoy them dear. And remember, we can adjust it for you." Frigga told her.
"I understand." Desi said, nodding in agreeance as she opened the large box first.
"Here, get undressed." Frigga told her as the women closed the door.
Desi blushed but did as Frigga request, down to nothing but her panties and a strapless bra. Taking out the first piece was a sleeveless teal silk dress that went up her mid-thigh and slid it on with ease before she pulled out a second piece. Desi pulled out black chainmail that went into a v shape with a black leather end to prevent shaving her.
With the help of the women, Desi had it slipped on before she pulled out the next piece. She found a gold-dyed leather chest piece but noticed as the two women helped her place it on that the chest piece only went to her mid-rib.
Whispering a thank you, Desi looked and saw more, pulling out a dark teal skirt with cuts on the bottom to help with leg movement. The women helped show her how to tie properly, as well as her chainmail that had adjustable straps on both of her sides to help make it snug.
The leather top piece had adjustable straps on her as well, helping her learn what she needed before she realized in the mirror the designs on the leather. There was a design of what looked originally a sun but realized was more like a starburst.
"It's a starburst, it represents the stars and suns in the sky; the beginning and the end." Frigga said with a smile as she handed Desi deep brown leather boots.
As Desi slipped them on, Frigga opened the second chest and pulled out a gold-dyed thin belt and saw it had hooks on the belt.
"This will allow you to place your dagger and axe, should you not need them yet." Frigga told her.
Desi smiled and nodded as placed it on, tying the leather belt straps together as Frigga took out two more items. Desi saw that Frigga held out her gold-dyed leather gloves that were fingerless.
"For easier access, of course." Frigga said in a matter fact tone.
"I love them…" Desi said with a smile, putting on her gloves before Frigga raised the last item.
It was a gold circlet with a starburst in the middle of it in a gold stone with a touch of silver in it.
"This was Eir's…now it's yours." Frigga said softly, smiling sadly at her.
Desi nodded and placed it on her head.
"I know this was a handful, dear but when you are in trouble, call out Mammen. Both your armor and your weapon will come to you; it's a God trick." Frigga told her.
"This is way too much; I do not know how to thank you for this." Desi said.
"I have two requests." Frigga told her.
"Anything."
"I can't share much, but from what I said at the feast last night: to embrace them and love them all?" Frigga reminded her.
Desi nodded.
"Don't be afraid to be greedy, to want what's coming. It will be a journey of challenges, but a wonderful life." Frigga told her.
"But Lady Frigga- "
"Second: be patient with Loki." Frigga told her.
Desi smiled and nodded reluctantly.
"Okay, I will, promise." Desi agreed.
Frigga nodded as the door swung open, revealing Thor with a wrapped package under his arm.
"I'll leave you to it." Frigga said with a smile before leaving the room, leaving Thor and Desi alone.
"Wow, you uhm, look pretty, beautiful. I mean…"
"Thank you, Thor." Desi spoke, giggling at his attempt.
"I, uh, brought something for you." Thor said as he handed her the package.
She smiled politely as she took the package and opened it carefully.
Thor took a moment to look at her outfit and saw the hourglass shape body she had hidden under her Midgardian clothes; she really was beautiful but cleared his mind when he thought of Jane. He snapped out of his stare when she gasped excitedly.
Matching her ensemble was a dark teal cape with deep brown leathering edges that went to her lower back with extra drapery on the collar, with a hood on the cape that she adored.
"Allow me." He said as he took the cape from her. Lifting the drape, he showed her the hook that was there and unhooked it, draping it around her shoulder. He helped clip it on her, and she was hopping on her toes.
"Oh, I'm so excited!" Desi said, making him chuckle; she was a nice fresh of air from the chaos in his world. Frigga cleared her throat, both smiling over to her when they saw Odin standing beside her.
"Your father is here to bid farewell." Frigga announced.
"Come." Thor told Desi, walking out with her following him.
Odin and Frigga stood there, eyeing the two as they finally came out to them.
"I hate to see you go, Destiny, but please try to visit soon, dear." Frigga said, hugging Desi one last time.
"I will, Mother Frigga, I promise you." She swore before releasing Frigga.
"Thank you for allowing me into your home and accepting me." Desi said, bowing to Odin respectfully.
"It's been an honor having you. Know that you are always welcome and call for Heimdall; he will bring you back whenever you are ready." He told her.
"I will be back as soon as I can, Father." Thor assured him.
"Bear in mind my wife's words, stay safe. Look after her, Thor." Odin said as Frigga stood beside him.
"Will do, Father." Thor said, wrapping his arm around Desi's waist as he called his hammer. Desi clung to him, waving at them one last time before he took her back to the gate. Heimdall opened the gate for them, and Desi clung onto Thor more tightly as they traveled back to New York.
"It's been a few days, where are they?" Clint asked in frustration.
"On Asgard, but Thor wouldn't put her in harm's way." Steve told him, but Clint was continuing to pace.
"Not intentionally." Nat spoke, crossing her arms as she stood beside Bruce.
"I'm sure she's fine, she's resilient." Bruce assured them but Tony looked upset with Pepper rubbing his back in reassurance.
"The kid should be fine; I wonder what held them up." Tony told Pepper softly.
She smiled, "I'm sure she'll be back soon, I'm more worried about him…" she said as she looked over to Bucky.
Bucky was sitting on the sofa, his right leg shaking as he had a hand in his hair with Steve sitting beside him.
"He's hasn't spoken or even left the compound." Pepper told him.
Tony opened his mouth to speak when he heard thunder outside. The group walked towards the windows as they watched the night sky; the thunder being all too familiar to them when a bright tunnel of light hit the balcony to reveal Desi clinging to Thor as he clung to her waist. Pepper immediately took out her phone and took a picture of them, a smiling Nat as she took a glance at the picture.
Desi pulled away, adjusting herself, unknowing of Thor's gentle gaze on her as he guided her into the building.
The duo froze when everyone looked at them, and she couldn't help but blush.
"Tiny, did Asgard give you that armor? You look good." Nat told her.
"Tasha? Oh my god!" Desi came forward but Pepper cut in front of her.
"I'm sorry, but can you stand by Thor while I take a picture of the two of you? I might not see you too often like this." Pepper asked of her.
"Yeah, of course. Send me a copy of those, okay?" Desi said with a wink, before going back to Thor.
Thor smiled his gaze never leaving Desi's face as he took her hand in his, placing it on his arm as he watched her pose.
Pepper took various pictures, sensing Natasha leaning towards her.
"Send me some copies too." Nat whispered to her before walking up to the duo.
"Now can I have a hug, Tiny? We've been worried sick about you for weeks now." Nat told her.
Desi ran up to Natasha and wrapped her arms around Nat, embracing her tightly.
"I'm sorry to have worried you all, but I missed you guys so much." Desi told her.
"You still give the best hugs…" Nat spoke softly, hearing a chuckle beside them.
"Don't hog her to yourself." Nat pulled away when Desi looked over when she saw the source.
"Clint!" Desi squealed as she embraced him just as tightly.
"I'm also really sore if you could be a dear?" he asked, making her chuckle as she placed her fingertips on the back of his neck, and she heard him sigh.
"Oh yeah, the best hugger." He said as he pulled away. Nat punched him in the arm, making him wince at the sudden attack.
"Force of habit, sorry." Clint explained.
"I'm always happy to help." She said as Bruce walked over to her.
"It's good to see you again, Desi." Bruce said as he gave her a side hug, hugging him back briefly.
"You as well, I hope your trip was alright?" she asked, mindful to not overwhelm him.
"It was thanks. But I'm glad Thor brought you back, I think the others were ready to send a search party." He said, smiling sympathetically.
"Well, I'm just glad I got back before that happened." She told them, scrunching up her nose playfully.
Pepper gave her a hug as well, Tony clasping a hand on her shoulder and squeezing; Desi knew he wasn't an expressive kind of man.
"It was days, Desi!" Tony's explained.
"Wait, really?" she asked, her eyes widened when Pepper released her.
"Time is different on Asgard, I apologize for delaying our return. A lot of unexpected events happened that required both of our attention." Thor told them.
"I'm glad you're okay, kid, just write me a letter next time and how you are doing, okay?" Tony jested.
"I will, I promise Sir Tony!"
"Desi."
She turned back over and saw Steve looking down at her, smiling up at him.
"Cap."
"Not Rogers?" Steve said, raising a brow.
"Not Mercy?"
Steve smirked as he pulled Desi into a close hug, feeling his hand on her lower back.
She was on high alert with how close he was, out of character of him.
He rested his head over hers, taking in her scent and her embrace.
She felt his anxiety and placed a hand on his cheek, her hand glowing once more as she felt it disappear.
He let out a breath of relief, he hated to admit it, but he missed her terribly. It might have been because of the time they spent time together, but he was happy to see her again. He reluctantly pulled away, smiling in embarrassment.
"Definitely my favorite hugger." He said softly, but the team could hear him.
"I must say that this a new look for you; I like it though. Are you replacing yours?" Steve suggested. "Something like that, I needa nice suit if I work with you guys again." She said with a pout when she felt someone's hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Bucky staring down at her.
"We need to talk." He told her firmly.
"I don't suppose we could talk here?" She asked, hoping he'd let this slide.
She yelped when Bucky lifted her over his shoulder, oblivious to Pepper taking more pictures.
"Bucky, please put me down!" she yelled hearing her circlet headpiece drop with a clink sound, but Bucky ignored it as he opened the door.
Once he put her down, he closed the door with his foot, locking the door behind him.
"Bucky, we don't need people busting the door." She reminded him.
He ignored her for a moment, carefully placing a hand on her cheek and she took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she felt his emotions.
He was pained, lonely, exhausted, with fear but he also felt relief. She felt guilty for leaving him, feeling his restlessness and his anxiety.
"Are you alright?" he asked her softly, concerned for her.
"A lot has happened…but I'm more worried about you. Have you been all right?" She asked him.
"I had nightmares of you, it was hard to sleep…" he told her.
She frowned and rested her head against his chest for a moment. He stiffened for a moment before he wrapped an arm around her, hugging her. She raised her left hand, but he caught her hand, taking off her left glove off before intertwining their fingers together.
She pulled back and smiled at him, helping dispel his emotions and he let out a sigh, but he couldn't stop his smile.
"I love your smile." She said, his eyes gazing back at her.
"I, uhm, wasn't expecting that doll." Bucky said, chuckling.
"It's true though…and doll? Is that a new nickname I should get used to?" she asked.
"Exclusively for you…" he said.
"Well, I guess I should call you James then?" she teased in a soft tone, giggling. She immediately tensed when he pressed her up against the wall, and she gasped. Feeling Bucky's hands go up her arms, making her shiver as there were goosebumps on her skin.
"Only in private you can…but in public, you can call me Buck though." He whispered, smiling when he saw the effect he had on her. He leaned forward as his hands cupped her face, staring at her lips for a moment before searching her eyes.
POUND POUND
"you guys can kiss and make up later, okay?" Tony's voice rang.
Bucky groaned with Desi chuckling at Tony's intrusion, pushing Bucky away from her as she opened the door, walking out of the team noticed how Bucky kept close to her.
"Anyways, Thor told us you lost a good amount of weight, so we got you some things." Tony said as he came back into the room.
Desi immediately noticed Pepper and the unknown man go into Desi's room with boxes and bags in their hands, and she looked at them curiously.
"What's all this?" Desi asked as the man brought two big boxes stacked on top of each other at her feet.
"Well, Tony told me about your situation back at home. So, I thought we'd surprise you with some clothes and other items as a thank you for all you've done." Pepper explained as came to stand beside Tony.
Desi released Thor and hugged the two of them, making Pepper smile at her excitement.
"Oh, my goodness, thank you, thank you! Really, you all didn't have to get me anything! I was happy to help!" Desi exclaimed, feeling them hugging her back before she pulled away.
"Oh, one more thing." Tony said before he opened the large box, revealing a Kitchen Aid mixing bowl and a few other baking tools. Desi gasped, making the group smile at her expression.
"Barnes and Captain said you like to bake, and they're deliciously wonderous, so we thought you'd like this." He told her as she glanced over it.
Running her fingers over the piano, she smiled, feeling emotional.
"Don't start crying." Tony warned her, sawing her eyes watering.
"I'm sorry, I can't help it, I've never had friends, and other than Buck and Thor; I've never had gifts before." She said, elated.
The group frowned at hearing that, but she giggled when she took the piano out of the box.
"Oh, ho, ho, I'm going to use the crap out of this. I'll be bringing you guys desserts all the time." She jested.
Bucky smirked, walking over to Desi, and took the box from her, placing it back down.
"As long as you remember to let me taste test it, it's fine with me." He told her.
"We also wanted to introduce to Happy, he's…everything. Chef, chauffeur, bodyguard, assistant; he's here if you need anything or if he needs you, okay?" Tony explained.
"I'm still in pain, can't you let me just rest?" Happy asked as he looked at Tony in irritation.
Desi crept closer to Happy and saw his bruises and cuts, she barely missed them with the makeup he had covering them.
"Oh, my goodness, Happy! I'm so sorry I didn't see them, here let me help you." She said as she outstretched her hands.
"No, no, I'm fine, really." He said when she placed her hand on his cheek.
Desi smiled when she saw a memory accidentally; Happy met someone.
"Don't you want to be 100% when you try to meet the nurse tonight?" Desi asked him with a coy smile.
Happy's eyes widened, noticing Tony smirking at this.
"A nurse, huh? Is that why you fought tooth and nail to stay longer?" Tony asked.
"Get her some flowers and tickets for some big play in the theatre? I remember her telling another nurse she's been dying to go that theater to see ANY play this point." Desi advised, healing Happy while he was preoccupied.
Happy let out a sigh of relief when he felt everything dissipate.
"Oh, I like her. Can I leave early?" Happy asked. Tony nodded; pleased his friend was finally dating.
"Go on, take tomorrow off too." Tony told Happy, waving his hand.
"Thank you, thank you." Happy said, kissing Desi's hands before he left excitedly.
"I need a drink." Tony said, walking over to the bar.
"Has anyone spoken to Deadpool? Where are my pups?" Desi asked, missing her dogs more than anything.
"I'll get them for you." Bucky said, flashing her a reassuring smile before he whistled.
She watched carefully but gasped when he opened the door to the spare room, hearing the familiar sounds of nails against the floor.
"Chewy! Chip!" Desi squealed, falling to her knees as they jumped up, whining as they tackled her.
The team couldn't help but smile when they watched the reunion, hearing her giggling and squealing they reunited with her. Man, they were glad she was glad she was back, bringing the team back together again.