Part 9

"Cody."

You stare at him as he pulls the gas mask off his face, holding it in his hand as he looks at you. What the hell is he doing here? He's dressed like all the other soldiers, a gun on his back, although he has no use for it.

"You're hurt," he says, and for a moment, you think he actually looks concerned. You look down, seeing the red staining both of your hands, seeping through your sweater.

"Yeah, well, that's what happens when a building fucking collapses around you," you growl at him, legs trembling where you stand. Wisps of hair are in your eyes, but you don't want to risk moving them, not wanting to take your eyes off your ex boyfriend.

"Come with me, you need a doctor." Cody says after a moment, taking a step forward and causing you to take one step back.

"No fucking way. I'm not going anywhere with you!"

"You don't have a choice, (Y/N)." He pleads with you; you can see a bruise on his cheek, and you wonder if someone hit him or if it's from today. "Just come with me peacefully, okay?"

"No." You snap stubbornly, eyes flicking at the soldiers slowly edging towards you. "I'd rather jump off this building."

"You know I can't let you." Cody sounds... resigned. "There's too much going on, and if you don't come with me ---."

"I don't care," you interrupt, raising your hands threatening. "One more fucking step and I'll send you sailing off this building."

"(Y/N) ---."

"Not another step!" In a corner of your mind, it occurs to you that Cody is calling you by your birthname, not Cora, which is the only one he ever knew you as. For him to be calling you that, means Hydra knows who you are, where you came from.

It means they know everything about you on paper.

Why is Cody calling you that, though? he should still be calling you Cora, considering the circumstances, unless...

Your eyes flick to his warily.

Is that his way of telling you that they know everything?

It makes no difference, you're not going to go willingly.

"You've never killed anyone in your life, you're not going to start now," Cody scoffs, and you see him toss his mask down, tugging the black gloves of his slim fingers. "I can give you something to make the ride to Hydra much easier."

"Fat chance." You're not going to Hydra.

You take a few more steps, until the edge of the building is pressing against the back of your legs. You're serious, you'd rather fall off then go with him, although you're not going to enjoy the drop.

You bite your lip, your vision darkening around the edges. Your head is starting to swim, and you wonder if it's from bloodloss --- you've never been hurt like this before. Still, that's no excuse to go down without a fight, and you're not going too.

You watch as Cody brings a syringe out of his pocket.

"This will make everything feel better, I promise," he tells you.

Ahuh.

Dumbass.

You bristle, and the second two soldiers start towards you, you're flicking your fingers. Your gaze is cold as they yelp and shriek, tossed through the air and right over the edge of the building. Live, die, what does it matter anymore? You'll kill all of them if it comes down to it, just to keep yourself safe.

"Come near me, and I'll break your legs," you say softly, your hands still up; they don't know you can use your power without them. "I will toss you off this building before you can get near me."

Unless they shoot you, then you're fucked.

"Don't make me do this," Cody suddenly says, his face whitening. "Just come with me, please."

"Nope."

Not.

A.

Chance.

Cody sighs, and the next thing you know, flames are suddenly erupting in the air, shooting high up into the sky in one straight line. You flinch immediately, your arms rising to shield your face as they flow downward, suddenly circling you.

Your throat tightens; oh no.

Cody did remember your fear.

Bastard.

You cringe away from the fire, memories of smoke and screams flashing through your mind as you sink down to your knees, your legs giving out for good this time. You wheeze, the heat making your skin prickle, your hair move around your face.

You're not afraid, you're not afraid --- it's just stupid fire! You can put it out, you can sling Cody around like a rag doll and, and --- your eyes are burning, water filling them up and causing the grime on your face to streak. You try your best to blink them away, but you can't, you can't focus, you ---.

You're pissed.

You're not a damsel in distress, and just because you're hurt doesn't mean you're down for the count. The fact Cody would use something like this against you tells you volumes about the person he is, and you're going to make sure he regrets ever coming near you!

You suck in a tight breath, and then slam your hand down hard against the roof.

You hear yelling first.

A shockwave erupts from your hand, your power pushing forward. It knocks most of the soldiers on their ass, even Cody, and his flames roar for several seconds before disappearing. You glower at all of them as you lean on your hip, your hand coasting to cover your side beneath your sweater.

You're not afraid of them, you've nothing to lose.

You use your free hand to snatch some of the soldiers off the ground, throwing them back into the door leading down the stairs like bowling pins. They're weightless to you, and you intend on tossing them off the roof if they give you too much trouble.

You'll save yourself before any of them, they made their choice.

There's a lot of them though, and you're increasingly growing more and more tired. Your head is spinning, and your hand finally falters, one soldier dropping completely back onto the roof as you have to lean back against the edge.

Fuck, you need a nap.

You swallow hard,  your hand falling into your lap uselessly; you can't lift it anymore.

You hear a strange sound, like wings beating, but it's loud and obnoxious. You tilt your head back in surprise,  something black coming closer and closer.

A helicopter?

You see Cody blanch, and then he's making a mad dash at you. You stare at him, your body tensing, your mind screaming --- but you can't stop him, you can't make your power work, you panic.

There's a blur, and suddenly he's no longer coming at you, but sliding across the roof.

"Bucky." You whisper, seeing the super soldier pause for a split second. His eyes flick to you, and you've never felt so much relief in your life as you look at him. You can see his eyes widen as he sees the blood on your clothing, but he can't go to you, there's soldiers coming at you.

You clutch at the edge of the roof, trying to stand, trying to make it to your feet but you can't. You need to help him, do something to help him fight, but your legs are useless to you now.

Well.

Dammit.

Cody is moving, and you can see the anger on his face, the fire starting up on his hands.

You want to say something, but your voice is stuck in your throat. You need to get up, you need to do something! You can't hesitate, you have to be stronger then this!

You grind your teeth, and your power rushes through your veins, helping your legs gain the momentum they need to raise the rest of you up. You waver as you catch your balance, knowing that if you take one step, you'll just collapse again.

Still.

Standing is better then being a sitting target.

You look up at the helicoptor hovering above you, the doors thrown open and ropes tossed down; it's not one of yours, Bucky didn't come riding home on it like some white knight and his horse.

It's Hydra.

Oh, you're so fucked.

You flinch as two more soldiers drop from the helicopter to the roof. Bucky can't fight them all on his own, and he's not going too.

You stand stiffly, your hands rising as two men lunge at Bucky where's he's already grappling with one. They feel like they ram into a brick wall, and the force of it sends them staggering back and tripping over each other.

Now, if you can just stand still while doing this, you should be okay.

If Stark or the bird guy would like to show up, that would be fabulous right about now. You'd even settle for the patriotic captain at this point, just so you can collapse comfortably.

Bucky's worried about you. You're standing on the edge of the roof in your favorite sweater, as pale as he's ever seen you. Your hands are stained red, probably your own blood from whatever wound you've sustained. You look ready to pass out at any moment and he's frightened you will and topple right off the roof.

You shouldn't be helping him, you should be conserving your strength!

He grinds his teeth as he grabs a solder by the arm, throwing him hard into the chopper above and making it tilt dangerously. He watches out of the corner of his eye as you jerk your hand, as if pulling some invisible string.

Anyone who nears you gets tossed back like they weigh nothing. But it's just a waiting game with you and he knows it --- if you weren't injured it would be different, but you're too hurt to keep fighting.

He can see your legs shaking.

He backs away, seeing the soldiers he'd been tossing around getting to their feet, tougher then they look. He keeps his eyes on them, but he moves to you, putting himself in front of you like a shield.

Your hands close around his arms, like ice against his bare skin.

"Are you alright?" He demands, staring forward.

"I'll be okay," your voice is weak, and he knows immediately that you're lying, he can always tell. You're shaking, leaning heavily on him, and your breathing is shuddery.

You need a doctor.

Now.

"If you don't stop this, she's going to bleed out!" Cody hisses, wiping the blood from his busted lip with the back of his hand, crawling to his feet. "Just let me take her!"

"Hydra will never touch her!" Bucky growls, narrowing his eyes as he flexes his metal hand. "I won't let them!"

"I can't let you stop me," Cody snaps, and fire crackles to life above his scarred, blackened palms. "If I don't take her they'll kill me!"

"If you take her, they'll kill her!" Bucky retorts, and for a moment, he can see the indecision on the younger man's face; he's not doing this because he wants too, and Bucky understands that, but he'll protect you with his life.

"B-Buck...y..."

He tenses, and turns just as your fingers go lax. He catches you as you crumple with a curse, your entire weight falling into him. He hesitates as he holds you up, your sweater finally falling back.

"Shit!" He gasps, his eyes widening. He didn't realize you were hurt so badly, you need a hospital now! He has to do something!

"If you take her on that chopper she won't survive!" Bucky hisses, slowly lowering to one knee. You're unconscious, still bleeding --- you're going to die! "She needs a hospital before she bleeds out!"

Cody looks like he's going to be sick, but after a moment his finger rises to his ear, as if he's listening. His face scrunches, and he swallows before turning back to Bucky.

"I have, I have orders to take you in her place. If she's dying she's of no use to anyone." His voice is strained, shaky, and Bucky feels as if his blood runs cold.

Return to Hydra... willingly? They want you, but not in this condition. They must think you're not worth the trouble, but he would be a nice consolation prize.

Fuck.

Could he do that?

Could he go back, voluntarily let them Fuck with his mind all over again? What if you don't survive, what if you never make it off this rooftop?

"I'm coming up there, Buck, I'm almost there!" Steves voice is faint in his ear, and bucky knows it doesn't matter, it's too late.

He'll do anything for you.

He looks down at where you're slumped, blood already starting to pool beneath you. You're too pale, you'll need transfusions, and he prays you still have time.

He has to go.

He has to go in order to save you. If he does, maybe they'll never bother you again. Maybe you'll be free to live your life like you wanted, return to baking.

He doesn't see any other way.

"Alright," he says after a moment, Cody looking at him with relief. "I'll go."

"You need to get in the chopper, we're leaving now."

Bucky hesitates, his grip tightening on you. He has to leave you up here, all by yourself? Will Steve be able to get up here in time to help you?

Bucky doesn't know, but the longer this fight goes on, the less chance of surviving you have.

He'll never forget you.

As carefully as he can, he lowers you to the roof. Your fingers fall from his arm, and he catches them, feeling like he's touching ice as he gently places them down.

He'll always think about you, the few weeks of paradise you gave him.

His gaze hardens as he straightens, and after a moment he's going to the chopper, his metal hand closing around the rope. It's military, heavy duty, and all the soldiers are waiting for him to climb up with guns pointed.

He glances at your still form one more time, the image searing itself into his mind before he's climbing quickly. Cody is right after him, taking the seat beside him, both of them turning to stare out the open door as the other soldiers file in.

Bucky sees Steve sprint out onto the roof top, metal shield held tightly in hand. He's shouting Bucky's name, running after the chopper as it lifts higher and higher, and then starts through the air.

Bucky will never see you again.

He ---.

"What are you doing?" He gasps, starting forward the instant he sees one of the other soldiers kneel at the open door, a large grenade launcher on his shoulder. "Stop! No! NO!"

Hands grab at him, holding him down, something sharp piercing the skin of his neck as the soldier fires.

All he hears is the explosion.

~~~~~~~

Steve bellows in fury as the chopper flies away, too far out of his reach. His hands rise into his hair in panic, clenching in the blond mess.

Not again!

Why the hell did Bucky get on that chopper!? Why is he going with them? Did they use his trigger word, did they ---?

He turns, his eyes finally landing on you. He takes an uncertain step, seeing the blood covering your clothing; did you get shot!?

He runs to you, dropping his shield as he goes to his knees beside you. He immediately peels your sweater back, cursing as he sees the bleeding wound; you're not going to make it losing that much blood.

"Buckys in that chopper heading East, cut it off!" He shouts, his voice ringing through everyone's ear who has a com. "I found (Y/N), she's badly injured, needs medical attention immediately!"

"On the chopper!"

Steve barely sees the blur of Starks suit as it goes by. He slings his shield onto his back, and after a moment his arms are slipping beneath you. You make a sound of pain, your eyes fluttering, but otherwise you don't stir.

Steve hears a strange, high pitched whistle, and the sound of Bucky's voice shouting no over and over in his ear as he half turns, his eyes widening.

Shit!

He doesn't think, he has no time, he just holds you against his chest and takes a running leap off the roof of the tower, just as the explosion hits and propels him even farther.

Steve squeezes his eyes shut, holding you against him, the scent of blood and vanilla assaulting his nose as you're both hurtled through the air.

It's going to hurt when he lands.

Only, it doesn't.

His eyes flicker open when he feels himself slow, and then widen in surprise. He's still falling, but there's a pressure behind him, pillowing him and slowing him down.

He glances down at you, your head against his chest, eyes slightly open. Your fist is clenched tightly, shuddering as his arms tighten around your battered body.

"(Y/N)!" His voice jars you, causing your dilated, burning eyes to rise to his. They're so bright, it's almost inhuman, and for a few seconds he feels as if he isn't truly looking at you anymore, but someone else.

You look away after a moment, your eyes closing and fingers going lax just as Steve turns, his feet hitting the ground.

"Steve!"

He looks up, still holding you bridal style in his arms.

"She needs help," is all he manages, staring at Natasha and Sam as they reach him. His eyes flick to the tower, seeing it go up in flames, the top three stories in the street.

"Where's Bucky?" Natasha demands, reaching forward and wincing as she sees your wound.

"The chopper. Stark ---."

"It's gone."

Steve tenses, and he looks up as he hears the suit. Stark slowly lowers himself to where they all stand, shaking his head.  "The closer I got, the more they started firing on civilians. I couldn't stay with them."

"So Buckys gone then."

"We'll get him back," Natasha says after a moment. "But right now (Y/N) needs a hospital. Stark, can you take her to the closest one?"

Stark stares at you, then nods, offering his arms.

For a moment, Steve doesn't move. Did Bucky go because of you? Was Hydra after him all along, and he only went with them because he knew you'd die if he didn't?

How important are you to him?

As carefully as he can, Steve gives you to Stark, tensing at the sheen of blood on your lips as your head falls back. You better live, Buckys sacrifice can't be for nothing!

Stark doesn't wait, he's already moving the second you hit his arms. He admits, as much as he wants nothing more then to send you to Alaska and leave you there, he doesn't like seeing you in this listless condition. You're a pain in the ass but you're a good person.

You better not die on him.

~~~~~~

"This isn't good," Natasha says restlessly, looking through the glass window at where you lie in the hospital bed. You haven't woke up, you're currently on your third blood transfusion, and there's stitches in your side. You look ghastly where you lie in the checkered gown, unmoving. "Does she have any family we need to call?"

"No." Agent Coulson crosses his arms as he looks at the girl he sort of forced into being an Avenger, a pinch of guilt in his chest. "She doesn't have anyone."

Natasha frowns. She agreed to stay at the hospital with you and look after you while Steve and Stark scoured the city to find the helicopter, but it's nowhere to be found.  You're  not exactly doing good, a mask over your face to help you breathe. Apparently you weren't shot, but the wound went through your back and out your side, so perhaps something when the building was hit?

She sighs, leaning her shoulder against the wall.

"Hydra has Bucky, it's not going to end well for anyone if they get him under control." she murmurs, Coulson turning to look at her. "He's just as strong as Steve is."

"I know." Coulson frowns. "But I have all my agents on this."

"That's not going to make a difference."

He knows.

His eyes trail over you. "Does she have any friends that you know of?"

"No. She wasn't very social at the tower, I don't know anything about her." Natasha admits, biting her lip as she tightens her arms around herself.  "She and Bucky were close, though."

"How close?"

"It seems as if he went with Hydra so they wouldn't take her." the assassin says, as if that explains everything. "If she dies, him going will be for nothing."

"So they were romantically involved?"

"I wouldn't necessarily say 'romantic,' but there was definitely something." 

Huh.

"Did they find anything on her person? Where are her things?"

"She has a bag in the closet, but her clothes are ruined." Natasha blinks, and hastily follows Coulson as he walks into the room, making a beeline for the cabinet in the corner. The beeping of your machines reach his ears, the smell of antiseptic and cleaner making his nose burn. 

He hates hospitals.

He pulls open the makeshift closet, opening your small bag of belongings and turning it upside down. He pilfers through the contents on the cold tiled floor, finally finding what he was looking for.

"What is that?" Natasha asks in surprise, seeing a small black marble. Where the hell had that come from?

"When I recruited Miss (Y/L/N), I gave her two of these. I told her that, because she was new, if she ever got into trouble, all she had to do was activate these and we would be able to find her."

"So what are you saying?"

"She pretty much carried these with her at all times. They're trackers, just disguised as pretty marbles. I told her not to mention it to anyone because they're new technology, but if she only has one of them ---."

"Do you think she tagged Bucky then?" Natasha's eyes widen. "Do you think we can find him!?"

"It's worth a shot." Coulson's hand closes tightly over the marble, his eyes roving to you. You're so still, it's like looking at a corpse. Your skin has a bluish tint, whether from the dim lights above or bruising, Coulson isn't sure. He just knows that he owes you this for dragging you into this mess; he'd thought, with your powers, that you would be able to help the Avengers protect more people, he never meant for you to nearly die yourself.

"I'll let Steve know we might have a way to help Bucky." Natasha says, reaching up for the com in her ear.

Coulson nods.

~~~~~~~~

Your entire body hurts.

You can hear voices, or so you think, it's kind of hard to tell from all the buzzing in your head. your body is heavy, like weights are holding it down, and the pain is your side is overwhelming. You want to shift, try to make yourself more comfortable, but you can't.

All you can think about is Bucky.

You don't know where you are, just that you're hurt, and he's not there. If he was, his hand would be in yours, you would be able to smell his cologne, his rugged scent. He would be stroking your hair, talking softly to you, giving you some degree of comfort.

Something happened to him.

You know it, you told him not to leave! Why does no one listen to you?

You need to open your eyes, you need to do something that is productive. Your chest is heavy, as if someone has set a ton of bricks on it, and it pisses you off that you can't do anything about it!

You feel helpless.

You hate that.

You're going to move, you're going to shift, you're going to do something that involves movement! You're going to get the fuck up and go find your --- whatever the hell he is, and kick his ass for not being around when you need him!

After you save him, you suppose.

You can hear voices, louder then time, meaning they're moving towards you. Cold hands press against your skin, and there's something in your mouth that makes your jaw hurt. How long have you been out of it? A few hours? Days?

Your fingers twitch.

You vaguely hear something clatter to the floor, a split second of silence, and then a flurry of voices.

They're giving you a headache.

Fuck, your side is throbbing! How much blood did you lose? Are they giving you transfusions?

How annoying.

You hate hospitals. They smell bad, remind you of nursing homes and where people go to die, and you absolutely don't want to be in it. You want to go back to the apartment, cuddle with Toby and Bucky, watch some movies and let Bucky eat all your cooking. He can really put it away, but you suppose he went a long time without having decent food.

You don't want him to never eat your cooking again.

You have to find him.

You have to find him and take care of him, stop being so selfish. 

Your mind feels so muddled, and you're cold, despite the weight on your body. You figure you have some blankets on you, but that doesn't stop you from shaking --- or is something else happening? The voices are loud, shouting in your ears and making the roaring in your head worse.

Well that can't be good.

~~~~~~~

"Hold her hands down!" Natasha shouts, grabbing them the best she can as she leans over you. You're having a seizure, some kind of reaction to the blood or medicine or something --- as your hands move, so do the items around the room, causing things to crash and the lights to flare painfully brightly before the glass shatters.

She can hear your raspy breathing, as if your lungs aren't working --- could one of them be punctured and the doctors not see it?

Fuck!

You can't die!

She watches as the doctor finally manages to get a syringe in your neck, only to yelp as he's suddenly sliding backward across the floor, ramming into the wall and immediately sliding down. Her eyes widen in panic as you suddenly jerk, your eyes flashing open.

"Shit!"

A nurse yelps as she's flung back, sliding out into the hallway through the open door that moments earlier the hospital staff had hastily run through. She flinches, trying her best to hold you, watching as the people around her are tossed away like ragdolls --- but you're not even using your hands!

"(Y/N)! Wake up, stop!"

~~~~~~~

Steve hesitates, standing on the rooftop with Stark, both of them looking out over the skyline. They're on the roof of the hospital, Steve has intentions of going down and making sure you're okay, he just hasn't made it there yet. He's worried about Bucky, and despite Coulson's assurances that he could be found, Steven isn't so sure.

None of them are having the best of luck.

"So Bucky traded himself in place of (Y/N)?" Stark says after a moment, crossing his metal arms. "Doesn't he think it's more dangerous for Hydra to have him than her?"

"He and her are close, he must know something we don't." Steve mutters, shaking his head. "If he thought he was the less dangerous one, than she's more powerful than we know. She doesn't have to touch someone to hurt them, Stark."

"I know. But tie her hands down and she's helpless, right?"

"Do we know that for sure?"

Stark frowns; no, but he's never seen your power work otherwise.

"What happens if she wakes up and Bucky is still gone?" he asks, face troubled. "She'll try to go after him."

"Probably. But we can use her help in getting him back."

"She's hurt pretty bad, Rogers. She shouldn't even get out of that bed, if she does wake up."

"Bucky sacrificed himself for her, she can at least do the same for him." Steve isn't going to give you any pity, you wouldn't want that anyway. 

Stark starts to argue, but pauses instead, listening.

"We gotta get downstairs, something's happening," he mutters, listening to Jarvis. 

~~~~~~~~

You scowl where you sit up in bed, your hand pressed against your side as you narrow your eyes at the Avengers circling your feet. Your hair is wild around your face, and black circles are beneath your eyes that weren't there seconds before. Your eyes are unusually bright, and you look furious.

"What do you mean, Hydra has him!?" You hiss, bristling. "Fucking go get him!"

"We're tracking him as we speak," Stark says coolly, staring you down; you look ready to rip everyone apart, where just minutes before you were unconscious and bleeding out. You've ripped out all your IV's and refuse anymore, and none of the staff are really wanting to come around you now anyhow. You're face is flushed, and you're moving around like you're not even in pain.

"That's not good enough! If you don't find him now, Hydra is going to brainwash him all over again!" You growl, flexing your fingers; they're tingling, you're sore, but you don't feel like you're dying anymore. You're not sure what happened, why you suddenly woke up as clear as day, but now you're absolutely pissed. "You should be out there looking!"

"We have. It's only been a few hours, they couldn't have gotten far." Stark says.

You twitch.

Natasha is leaning against the wall, watching you with heavy eyes. One moment you're having a seizure, out of control, and the next you're sitting up in bed cursing at everyone. She honestly thought you were about to die --- you should be in a coma!

You shift restlessly, your side pinching, but it doesn't hurt nearly as bad as it did before. You frown at all of them, wondering how such powerful people with all their technology can be so useless.

"Why dont we give you some time to rest?" Natasha suggests after a moment, wanting to speak with Stark privately. "Come on, guys."

"Fine," you mutter, slowly leaning back against the bed; you don't like them all looking at you this way anyhow, it makes you feel vulnerable. You want some normal clothes on again, blood covered or not. The hospital gown definitely isn't doing you any favors.

You watch as they all start to leave, but your eyes catch Steve's at the last minute, causing him to hesitate. He glances forward, watching as the Avengers walk down the hall, everyone avoiding them as they're all still dressed for battle. He shuts the door after a moment, turning to you.

"We have to get Bucky." You say immediately, curling your knees up to your chest. "We can't leave him any longer then necessary. Coulson gave me these marble thingies when I first joined, and ---."

"We know, you tagged Bucky. We know where he is right now, or at least where they've stopped mid transport." Steve interrupts, seeing you blink in surprise. "Coulson figured you might have used one."

"Oh. Then why the hell aren't you charging in there guns blazing to save him?" you demand, clenching your fists in your lap. "You shouldn't be here!"

"You think I don't want too?" Steve snaps, taking a few steps closer to you and lowering his voice, not wanting to be overheard. "I want to be out there getting him back, but I can't. I can't go in without backup, I don't know what I'll be walking in too. I don't want to risk anyone's life unnecessarily."

"Bullshit!" You scoff, glaring at him. Your eyes flick over, and after a moment the blinds lower on the window that shows your room to the nurses, giving the two of you some privacy. "Bucky risks his life for everyone else all the time, they can return the favor."

"This is Hydra, (Y/N), not some battle against aliens or rogue agents. They're completely on a different level."

"Yeah, I get that. But you're the Avengers --- you're fucking Captain America, you can do anything, can't you?" You demand, your fingers curling into fists. "You can't give up on him now, you just can't. He needs us to come and save him, he ---."

"He only went with them to keep you safe." Steve interrupts you again, blue eyes serious. "You were dying and he knew that if he didn't go with them, you would never have made it off that roof."

"So you're saying this is my fault?"

"No, I'm saying that Bucky cares about you." he shakes his head, sighing. "He cares a lot for you, and that makes you important. I don't want to disregard the fact he wants you safe."

"I don't see how you would."

"You think I don't know the second I leave this room you're not going to try and go after him somehow?" Steve quirks a brow, and you glare at him. "You'll get yourself caught."

"I would not."

"You would. You're in no condition to go anywhere, you've two holes in your side and you're still low on blood."

"I feel fine."

"Well, you don't look it. I can't in good conscious let you go anywhere by yourself."

You narrow your eyes.

"So you're coming with me, then."

"I never said that."

"You don't have too. But we both know neither of us are going to sit around like Stark and Coulson want, we're going to go out there and fucking save that metal-armed idiot's ass. Apparently just the two of us. Which means we call a truce on thinking the other is an asshole and put our heads together. Bucky is important, he's a good person and he doesn't deserve what they'll do to him." You want to kick his ass for taking your place, it pisses you off that he thought you couldn't handle what they'd throw at you. He already served his time with Hydra, he didn't need to do it all over again.

Steve doesn't say anything, but he knows you're right. You're staring him down, your eyes unwavering and he knows not even strapping you down would stop you going after Bucky.

Good.

"Can you stand?" He asks after a moment, coming to you. "I can get you clothes if you can hold your own."

"I'll be fine," you mumble, nodding. "Find me something to wear and get me the hell out of this place."

You and Rogers are going to save Bucky, and not kill each other in the process.

Maybe.

~~~~~~

"She's not in good condition, Stark. She won't be able to get out of that bed for days."

"I know." Stark runs a hand through his dark hair where he and Natasha stand by the vending machine. "But Rogers wants to go after Barnes, and we can't stop him. She's going to be pitching a fit as well."

"So what do we do then? She's hurt, she'll be a liability. Steve can't go on his own, he'll be overwhelmed."

"I don't know."

"That's not a good answer."

"Well it's all I have."

Natasha exhales heavily, shaking her head. "I'm going to go check on her. You check in with Jarvis on the condition of the Tower --- Sam still has that cat, right?"

"Wanda does."

"Good. She'll want to know about it."

Ahuh.

Natasha turns away, starting down the hall for your room wearily. Today is certainly taking its toll and she wants nothing more then to take a nice, long bubble bath.

She frowns when she sees the blind pulled in your room, and she hastily opens the door, cursing.

You're gone.

Where the hell did you go!?

Her eyes flick around the room, seeing your hospital gown on the floor. You're not running around naked, you must be wearing some kind of clothes ---.

Steve.

Fucking Steve!

He's going to get you killed!