Remorseless

It didn't take Bucky long to find a reasonably sheltered area in front of a huge collapsed tree. Most of the trunk had rotted out, giving them somewhere dry to camp for the night. He set Zara down and started building a fire, reluctant at first because of any attention it may draw, but the unease not outweighing that of the threat of hypothermia. He'd gathered tinder and found an ideal stick to use as a spindle, and within minutes he had a coal. All those nights alone out in the cold had taught him a thing or two about survival, after all.

He gathered sticks and small logs for himself and Zara to lay on so they were up off the damp ground, and took their boots and socks off and hung them near the fire to dry, along with his leather vest. He was thankful for a still night, although it was cold, there wouldn't be a wind chill - something that would have made it even harder to warm up and dry off.
He held Zara on his lap,  positioning them so their feet were nearest to the flame, warming them as quickly as possible along with their hands. She was still out cold, Bucky dutifully watching her and hoping like hell she kept breathing. He turned them around occasionally, steam pouring off their clothes when the fire built in strength and heat.  This brought him some relief, as it'd be a whole lot easier to stay warm when their clothes finally dried.

Bucky stayed up all night keeping the fire going, and keeping watch for any enemies that may be on the hunt for them. He was sure most of them were dead, but one could never be too careful. Larson and Ward certainly wouldn't bother them - he'd made sure of that, personally. A bullet for Larson, and as for Ward... Well, his death had come as promised - painful and torturous. If he'd had the time he would have drawn it out, but as much as he'd have relished that, it was too important to get himself and Zara out and safe as quickly as possible.
He peered down at her as she shivered into his chest, lips still blue and teeth still chattering like they had for most of the night. He'd wrapped the leather vest around her to make up for the flimsy long sleeve shirt she'd been wearing, but it hadn't done a whole lot.

At least we're still alive...

The sun finally began to rise, revealing grey skies - not what Bucky was hoping for, but at least the day should bring a little warmth. He'd pulled his boots and socks on when they were dry enough, doing the same for Zara before he stood up and stamped their fire out. He scooped her up, holding her close to his chest and looked around, deciding to get moving again.
The fresh snow crunched under his boots, having fallen thicker than he'd realized throughout the night. The clouds overhead kept gathering, and just as he'd predicted, more snow fell.
He pushed on, losing track of time as they got deeper and deeper into the woods, Bucky now worried that he'd taken them the wrong way. His thoughts went to finding food and more importantly, accessible water. Dehydration was not their friend, and he'd been walking for hours.

This weekend just keeps getting better and better...

He let out a breath, feeling gradually more and more hopeless, but not willing to give up. He stopped in his tracks when he heard a noise, not quite sure whether it was a gust of wind or...

No... Is it? YES!!!

Bucky could hardly contain a grin when he realized what it was - the sound of a truck. They were near a road. He broke into a jog, a surge of energy hitting him along with a whole lot of relief. He carefully stepped towards the edge of the road, watching for any more cars, realizing it was a fairly desolate route. Not to be disheartened, he began making his way up the roadside, knowing that sooner or later it would lead to either a town or a freeway. He slid the safety off his gun tucked into the waistband of his pants just to be prepared, and trudged on. He cast the odd glance down to Zara's face, hoping she'd show some sign of waking up. He cradled her head against his chest, trying to keep her warm as he carried her, the sound of another vehicle approaching them from behind.
He stepped back into the trees, squinting his eyes to try and make out the occupants, seeing it was an older couple in a pickup truck. Bucky did all he could do, turning towards them so they could see the frail girl in his arms, and stuck out his thumb, hoping they had a bit of sympathy about them.

As he'd hoped, the truck rolled to a cautious stop not far from him, and cracked a window. Bucky put on his best 'polite and humble' expression as he approached the car, keeping a respectful distance, and peered over to the old couple.
"In a spot of trouble, young man?" Came the reserved voice of the driver, the hint of a southern accent shining through.
"Yes, sir. Is there any chance we could hitch a ride to the nearest town? We've been in an accident, and she needs help" Bucky answered respectfully with a sense of urgency, nodding down to Zara as he turned so they could see her pale face. The old man muttered something to the old lady, and whatever he'd said, she'd disagreed with him. Bucky's heart sank, realizing that his rugged appearance could be coming off quite threatening...

"We've been out in the woods all night and I don't know how much longer-"
"-It's okay, son..." The old man started, letting out a breath, "You can ride in the back, but any funny business... Well, I'm ex marine, and I'm armed. Hearin' me?"
"Loud and clear, sir. Thank you"

The truck rumbled along, picking up speed as it wound its way around the snow covered mountains. Bucky was grateful for the lift, only realizing just now how far out of the way they were, and how deep into the woods they'd been. They never would have made it out on foot before dehydration or the cold got the better of them. He hugged Zara tightly against him, his chin resting on her head as he tried to shield her from the cold wind with the leather vest she was still wrapped in.

A good half hour passed before they rolled into a town, shops, a service station and a motel all lined up beside one and other on the main stretch. The truck pulled up and Bucky got out of the tray, taking Zara with him.
"Thank you both..." Bucky said, a grateful smile on his face, "I wish I had something to offer you, but I don't have a cent on me..."
"Oh, we wouldn't hear of it!" The kindly old lady said from the passenger seat, a sympathetic smile on her face, "Is there someone you can call? Will you be alright?"
"Yeah, we'll be ok" he answered respectfully, "thanks again for the ride, I appreciate it a whole lot" he added. His eyes locked onto a motel a few buildings away as he stepped back, giving the couple a smile and a nod as he turned to walk away.
"Wait!" The woman called out, letting out a sigh as she opened her purse, "I can't leave you on the side of the road with nothing-"
"-No, no... You don't have to do that-" Bucky started, the woman shushing him before thrusting a few notes at him.
"Take it. Please..." She said, her face insisting, Bucky full of uncertainty, "I know I don't HAVE to, but we were young once, and we've been in trouble before and had someone help us out..."
"Uh..." Bucky shifted awkwardly, not sure if it was a trap or not, glancing over both shoulders before looking back at the lady, frowning as he tried to work out if she was genuine or not.
"Don't be too proud to take help when it's offered, I can see that you need it... Make an old lady happy." She insisted, "I'll sleep well knowing I've helped someone"

Bucky let out an uneasy breath, looking up at the old man who was clearly exasperated with his wife, but in agreement with her charitable gesture. She looked up at Bucky, trust in her eyes as she continued to hold the money out to him.

He knew they needed hot showers, food and somewhere to lay low, and the motel was the only place in sight. He also knew the only way they were getting a room was with money - which he didn't have, or putting a gun to the desk clerk's head - which was only going to get them into trouble. He hated the thought of accepting money, or any favor for that matter, but one glance down to Zara's pale face convinced him that he didn't have much of a choice.
He reached out slowly and begrudgingly took the cash, finding himself a little overwhelmed at their random act of kindness. They refused to pass on their names, and wouldn't hear of him paying them back, only asking for him to one day do the same for someone else, which he swore he would.

He thanked them again, mentally taking note of the car registration number as they drove off, and made his way to the motel entrance. He managed to pick up the last available free room under fake names, having to turn the charm up at the girl behind the counter to convince her to let them stay without ID.

The room was small, but had all the amenities they'd need - a bathroom with a washing machine and drier in the corner, a bedroom, and a stocked bar fridge. He locked the door and pulled the blind shut, making his way to the bathroom and filling up the tub. He stripped both himself and Zara off, throwing their clothes in the washing machine and starting its cycle. He placed his gun beside the bathtub where he could reach it easily, and lowered himself into the water, Zara in front of him. He let out a breath of relief as she shifted a little, a quiet whimper escaping her.
"Shhh..." He soothed, gently resting the back of her head against his chest as he ran the hot washcloth across her collarbone, taking care over the many scrapes and bruises that had come up. He lifted her wrists, washing her hands and arms, making his way to her body, taking in every injury as he went. He frowned, anger rising up in him again as he pictured the beating she must have endured to get bruising like that... The split lip, back eye and bruised cheek were bad enough, never mind the shades of black and purple blanketing her ribs, back, chest and limbs. They both had burns which had stung against the heat of the water, and various grazes, cuts and scrapes which Bucky was now on a mission to clean up as best he could.
They sat in the tub until the washing machine had finished its cycle, Bucky getting out and lifting her with him, relieved that they were both clean and warm. He dressed them both in the robes provided, laying Zara down on the bed and pulling the covers over her before throwing their clothes in the drier.

An inspection of the bar fridge revealed that there wasn't much in there aside from snacks, Bucky settling on a cheese and cracker pack to stop his stomach grumbling as he peered over to Zara who was still asleep. He sat on the edge of the bed, noticing a sheen of sweat on her forehead and movement under her eyelids. He placed his hand on her forehead, suddenly worried at the heat radiating from it.
"Zee?" He asked softly as she stirred, Bucky leaning over her, his hand on the other side of her body. She let out a quiet groan, her eyes slowly opening a little, squinting as the room took shape around her. She frowned in confusion, her breath picking up pace as she tried to sit up, wincing in pain.
Bucky pushed her chest back down gently, reassuring her so she wouldn't panic.
"It's okay" he soothed, "we're alone, and we're safe..."

Zara frowned again, her head spinning as her face paled. She rolled onto her side, leaning over the side of the bed as she coughed, nausea rising up but nothing coming out. Bucky had done the gentlemanly thing and pulled her hair away from her face, rubbing her back with his free hand. She struggled to her feet, predictably ignoring Bucky's insistence for her to stay in bed. He helped her to the bathroom despite himself, putting the toilet seat down and sitting her on it. He steadied her with one hand while pressing a cold washcloth to her forehead, listening to the chesty sound of her breathing. It was any wonder she'd gotten sick after the few days they'd had...
"You've got a fever" He said quietly as she swayed, her hand gripping the side of the vanity to keep herself upright as she let a breath out. Her lips parted as if she was about to say something, deciding she didn't have the strength before dropping her chin to her chest. Her vision faded as she wobbled again, Bucky quick to catch her shoulder, holding her upright. He lifted her chin with a metal finger, letting out a worried breath when he realized she was out again, before standing and scooping her back up.

Bucky ran his fingers through his hair, pacing while he worked out their next few moves.

Call shield. Organize a pick up, find medicine for Zara, get food into both of us, and keep her safe while we wait for help.

He stopped in his tracks, giving himself a nod and headed for the bathroom. He rinsed the washcloth in cold water, ringing it out and placing it back over Zara's forehead as gently as he could, a knot forming in his stomach at the thought of leaving her. He let out a breath, thinking of the row of shops along the main road, remembering seeing a medical logo on one of the buildings. He convinced himself he could get there and back again in less than an hour, and they'd surely have something that could kill a fever. Hopefully she'd still be asleep by the time he came back, and never even know he was gone...

He scribbled a quick note on the souvenir pad, leaving it on the nightstand beside the bed for her in case she woke up and panicked;

Zee,
I've gone to get medicine and make a phone call to get us out of here. It's 5.45pm, I'll be back within the hour. I've locked the door and taken the key. Stay where you are and DO NOT LET ANYONE IN THE ROOM EXCEPT ME. There's a gun under your pillow, safety is on.
-Bucky x




Zara's eyes cracked open, the room materializing around her slower than what she'd like. Her head was thumping like she was in a rave club, her ears were ringing and she couldn't move. A dark figure slumped in an armchair to her right stirred, and her chest tightened, thinking she was in trouble. He mind was screaming for her to run, but she could barely lift her arm, never mind anything else. A tear welled in her eye as she stirred helplessly, her breath hitching as her gaze locked onto a needle in her arm.
"Zara... Zara, you're okay..." Soothed the voice from across the room, the dark figure getting up from the chair and appearing by her side before she could blink.
She coughed again, feeling congested, tired and cold, despite the sweat on her brow. Her free hand went to yank the needle out, being stopped by the much bigger hand of the man beside her.
"It's me, Bucky... You're safe..." Came the voice again, Zara swallowing hard as she composed herself, his familiar face materializing in front of her.
"Don't touch that... It's just fluids, you're sick..."
"Wha..." She started, her face screwing up in confusion as she struggled to put a sentence together, much less speak at all.
"The bag's almost empty..." He mused aloud, her eyes traveling up to the clear plastic bag hanging from a bent coat hanger that he'd hung from the back of the desk chair.

Zara frowned, a frightened look on her face as she tried to put the pieces together. Bucky let out a breath as he stood up and examined the plastic bag, giving it a light squeeze as his eyes followed the tube down to the canula on the inside of her elbow. Zara's free hand went back to the needle, Bucky stopping her a second time.
"Leave it there, babe." He soothed, his expression soft. "It's gotta stay in until you can sit up and drink."
With those words she stubbornly began to stir, Bucky pursing his lips and shaking his head at her.
"Help me" She croaked out, her voice small and hoarse. He let out another sigh and sat her up, Zara wincing as he shimmied her back to rest against the headboard.
"Can you drink?" He asked, gesturing towards the water bottle on the nightstand. She gave a small nod and shakily reached over, using all her strength to grip the bottle, sliding it towards her. Bucky clenched his jaw, picking up the bottle for her in spite of himself, cracking the lid open, dropping a drinking straw into it and holding it up to her lips. She managed a small smile before taking a sip, looking up to him for approval. The corner of Bucky's mouth crept up a little, turning into a breathy chuckle. He ducked his head, his hair flopping into his face momentarily before he pushed it back.
"Fine..." He said, mock-stern as he looked back up at her, "But you have to drink when I tell you to, or it goes back in. Got it?"
"Yep" She managed, her face looking brighter already.

He picked up her arm, instructing her to stay still as his other hand disappeared into a bag on the floor, fishing out a roll of tape and a pack of cotton balls.
He held the skin taut and gently pulled her needle out, taping a cotton ball over the hole it left. He capped the needle, throwing it into a separate bag and looked back up into her eyes, still reading confusion in them as she glanced down to the bag of medical supplies.
"...There's a clinic up the road, I went down a few hours ago and got a few supplies. You were still out when I got back, so I hooked you up and let you rest."
"Why?" She breathed,
"You're sick and dehydrated. We were out in the snow all night, you don't remember?" He asked, Zara shaking her head a little, "Do you remember getting away from the bunker?"
"It was burning..."
"That's it. We helped each other get out... I ran us into the woods, and tried my best to keep us warm - didn't do a good enough job evidently" He said, cracking a small sideways smile, "I gave you a shot of penicillin too, so you should start feeling a little better soon..."
"How did you know to do that?" She asked, sentences finally starting to come together as she slowly became more alert.
"Penicillin kills infection. You're sick - it was an easy call to make..."
"The IV?"
"How else was I going to get you hydrated? Wasn't like I could pour water down your throat... Plus I have this really accident-prone girlfriend" He said, Zara letting out a breath, amusement on her face, "So many times I've sat by your bedside... It's called watch and learn - you can thank Reeves for that" He added, giving her a wink.

Zara chuckled lightly, her hand grasping her sore ribs making her grit her teeth in pain. Bucky frowned, suddenly feeling guilty all over again.
 She nodded over to the water bottle, Bucky passing it over again, holding the straw so she could drink.
"So where are we?" She asked when he took the straw from her lips and screwed the cap back onto the bottle.
"Not far from the Canadian border... We're a long way from home, but I've called for help. I left a message with Steve so it's just a waiting game now. If he's not here by tomorrow, we make a move."

She nodded again, not liking the thought of being on the run yet again, but knowing how important it was to keep mobile - especially when things were so uncertain for them.
"That means we both need to get some rest. I'm no good to you if I'm tired, and you won't get better without sleep" He said, pulling his boots and pants off, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Are we safe?" She asked, slipping the robe off, preferring to sleep in a shirt.
"Doors and windows are locked, nobody knows where we are, and you're with me..." He said, Zara dropping the robe on the floor and laying back down on her side, her eyes on Bucky as he pulled his shirt off over his head.
"I know I've let you down before, but it won't happen again, Zee. That's a promise." He said determinedly.
"Bucky, you never let me down-"
"-The fact that any of this happened while you were under my protection means I did!" He cut her off, more aggressively than he meant to. Zara swallowed hard, uncomfortable now, Bucky letting out a breath as he calmly continued on.
"I took Ward and Larson out - AND their whole army... Anyone else comes for either of us, they'll meet the same fate. I'm not playing games anymore. They so much as LOOK at you the wrong way - they die. That's it." He said, pulling the sheets back and sliding into bed beside her.
He took her hand, laying face to face with her, a certain fearlessness in his eyes that Zara wasn't sure whether to be comfortable with or not...
"I know you don't like this side of me, Zee... But I can't live like this anymore. I've never cared about anyone like I care about you, and, well..." He stopped himself to choose his words carefully, "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Zee. I won't lose you again."

Zara reached up and took his hand, giving it a squeeze which made him relax a little. She lifted it to her lips, kissing his wounded, red knuckles before letting out a tired breath. Bucky reached out, smoothing her hair away from her face, his expression softening a little.
"I thought you'd hate me after I handed you over to Ward..."
"You scared the shit out of me, but you did what you had to do..."
"I'm so sorry Zee, I hated doing it. More than you'll ever know"
"I thought your chip was damaged and Larson had you... I thought that was it for us. Thought that it was all over" She admitted, her eyes glossing over a little.
"I didn't know what else to do, I figured it was the one way for them to trust me on the spot. I had to get close enough to do damage, or they would have shot one of us and used it against the other-"
"I know..."
"Well, at least it worked... Ward won't bother us again"

"I'm afraid to ask what happened to him..." Zara said nervously after a pause,
"Then don't" Bucky said abruptly, "Just know that I made sure that chapter of our lives was definitely over... He's just lucky that time wasn't on my side..."

Zara closed her open mouth, wishing she hadn't even brought it up, an apologetic look crossing Bucky's face.
"Come on, lets get some shuteye." He said, changing the subject. He switched the lamp off and helped her roll over so her back was against him, his arms wrapping around her, "Big day tomorrow, whichever way it goes."

She nodded, deciding it was probably lucky that she was feeling so tired and unwell. There would have been little chance of her falling asleep otherwise.
Visions of the last 24 hours entered her mind as she started to drift off, her aching body keeping her reminded of everything she'd endured. Even her labored breathing brought back memories of icy cold water, the fire and thick smoke. Once again they'd gotten themselves both in and out of a situation which could have changed the course of their lives forever - sure, they'd have plenty of scars to show for it, but they were here, together again.

She shut her eyes even tighter as sounds of terrified screaming began echoing in her head, along with the sickening sounds she could only assume were bones being crushed to dust, and limbs being torn off... She shivered, unsure if it was with fear or from the icy cold water... Maybe the idea that someone so loving, gentle and kind could be so sadistic. She'd have given Ward a bullet and been done with it, but Bucky was dishing out some sort of unbelievable, horrifying punishment. He emerged from the door, his expression eerily calm and casual, like he was completely detached from whatever had gone on behind that door.

Zara stirred uncomfortably, her body giving a shudder as her imagination gave her a running play-by-play of their time at Hydra.

"Zara... Relax..." He soothed, his voice breathy and low, "I've got you..."