I'm Sorry
Bucky’s POV
When he found Iris he wasn’t even sure if she was still breathing.
“Iris! Iris please, please say something!” Bucky was shouting as he rushed to her side, shaking her limp shoulders. There was no response.
“Iris, I’m so sorry. Please, Iris.” Bucky gripped tighter to her shoulders, pulling her closer. The rain fell around them in thick sheets. Bucky was on his knees, holding Iris in a protective embrace.
“Please come back, I need you.” Bucky felt tears fall for the first time in forever. “I love you.”
By some miracle or another, Iris’ eyes flew open as a gasp followed by a series of racking coughs escaped her mouth.
“I’m so sorry.” Iris mumbled through wheezy breaths.
Bucky nearly broke down completely as she gripped into his back, pulling him closer. They swayed under the heavy rain.
“It’s my fault, angel. Please, don’t blame yourself.”
They lay in each others arms for what felt like an eternity. Eventually Iris spoke up.
“I want to go home.” Bucky’s breath hitched in his throat. Does she really consider it home?
“Then let’s go, angel” Bucky began to pick Iris up from the soaked concrete but before he could sweep her up completely she stopped him.
“Can I walk?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Help me then?” Bucky sighed but allowed Iris to lean against his shoulder. They walked slowly out the damp alley as she dragged her feet against the floor.
“You really shouldn’t be walking.”
“I’ve had worse.”
The rest of the walk was silent as Iris slowly regained her strength. Eventually she was able to walk on her own, stumbling a few times but always refusing Bucky’s help.
The streets were completely empty and with all the rain they both knew there was no chance at getting a taxi.
They were almost at the tower when Iris collapsed completely. Luckily Bucky caught her before her head hit the sidewalk. There were one or two people crossing the rainy streets in the barely visible light but they took no notice of the pair.
“Iris. Iris, can you hear me?” Bucky noticed her body was completely limp in his arms but the gentle rise and fall of her chest allowed Bucky to calm down a little.
For the last stretch Bucky carried Iris in his arms, tucking her into his chest. He had no idea what time it was but knew it was in the earlier stretches of the morning.
“We’re here angel.” Bucky ignored the security’s alarmed looks as he walked through the front gates to the Avenger’s entrance.
Bucky rode the elevator up in silence, constantly checking Iris to make sure she was still breathing. By the time they reached his room Iris was stirring slightly but was still mostly comatose.
He considered finding Iris’ card and bringing her into her room but didn’t want to leave her alone.
“Let’s get you cleaned up.” Bucky whispered as he placed Iris’ feet on the ground but still kept his left arm around her waist, her head leaning on his metal shoulder. He slid his own card over the scanner and brought Iris inside.