Chapter twenty eight
Bucky’s high pitched screams bounced off the walls, until they hit Steve’s ear, and then his mind consumed it all.. He froze on the spot, then looked over at Natasha. He wasn't sure why, but he needed to know if someone else had heard it as well, and that it wasn't just a figment of his imagination. For Tasha, the next few moments were all a blur. One second he was standing in front of her and the next he was gone.
Nomad ran, he ran as fast as he could down towards the relentless screaming.
He knew it was Bucky, he knew the sound better than anyone.
Wade, Maria and Tasha were just about to follow him, but their paths were cut off by 6 henchmen emerging from all directions. They weren't like the ones Talia and Maria had killed on the first floor, these men looked different, they looked determined.
Wade drew his gun, he didn't even hesitate before he began firing. Widow and Cat joined in the fire fight, watching Steve disappear out of sight.
There was a left corner up ahead, and just as he was about to take it, he looked back. Wade was mowing down the ever growing number of henchmen with his gun, Natasha had one in a head lock, probably preparing to break his neck and Maria was kicking the shit out of a henchman laying on the floor.
Nomad chuckled to himself briefly. True Captain Marvel style.
He refocused and skidded round the corner. Now, instead of screams, all he could hear was yelling, banging at things clattering to the ground. The noises got louder and louder as he approached a tall door.
But then it went quiet.
He slowed his pace. Coming face to face with the door ahead.
Steve pressed his ear against it, trying to listen out for voices, but nothing. Grabbing the rusty doorknob in this right hand, he twisted it. It was locked, with no keyhole in sight, he could only assume it was bolted from the other side.
Taking a few steps backwards, with a running start Steve rammed this body into the door.
Nothing happened.
He tried again, this time putting all his weight and strength behind his shoulder as he threw himself at the door. But it didn't budge.
He growled, hammering both his fists against the frame, he didn't care if anyone heard him or not, he just wanted to get in.
Pulling out his gun he fired at a spot just beneath the doorknob. The bullet shot right through the door.
He saw a glimpse of a bolt and stuck his hand through. The sharp raw metal surface cut right through his hand. But that was the least of his worries, the Nomad just gritted his teeth and pulled the bolt across. Unlocking the door completely.
He pushed it open slowly.
The scene before him was beyond anything he could of imagined.
Medical equipment was scattered all over the floor, to Steve's right side there was a man lying on his back with his throat cut wide open. On his left, there was another man with tiny little stab wounds all over his chest and neck, and another body was slumped in the corner, looking exactly the same.
Nomad’s eyes fell to the center of the room. Right in the middle was a elongated metal slab, chains where hanging off each corner.
His heart sank when he saw blue and pink chunks of hair decorating the floor beneath it.
"No." He muttered quietly, bending down to pick a piece up. But when he did he saw another body. In the far corner of the room sat the slender curvy figure that he knew all too well.
Bucky’s head hung low. His now short brunette hair sat just above his ears. His knees were pulled up to his chest and his wrist and ankles were raw with bruises.
Bucky’s arms were wrapped around his knees, a blood-soaked scalpel was being gripped onto tightly with his right hand.
Steve exhaled a deep breath in relief. He got to his feet and gently walked over to him. He didn't speak, move or even look up. Bucky didn't seem to notice him at all. He wanted to say something, but in truth, he didn't know what to say. So many things were flying through his mind at that moment. But to his annoyance, pride was one of those feelings. The fact that his boy had done so much damage with only tiny blade made him smile slightly.
"Puppy?"
Steve stood right in front of him and placed his hand gently on the top of his head. He crouched down to his level, trying to get his attention. But he didn't move. His whole body was completely still.
"Baby, it's me." He said, placing both his hands on Bucky’s tighs. "Look at me Bucky."
Still no response.
He didn't really want to loose his temper with him, he’d already been through enough. He just wanted to make sure that he was alright, but his patience was wearing thin.
Steve steadied his breathing to calm his rising anger and gently stroked his hair. The memory of how he’d had gotten the two toned locks, where now forgotten, they were lying on the floor along with fresh blood and three dead bodies.
Steve sat down fully in front of him and ran his hand down to his, he slowly removed the scalpel, and set it down gently on the floor.
Steve took her hand in his, and squeezed it. "Bucky..? C'mon baby, Look at Daddy."
Bucky lifted his head slowly. He looked into his eyes, but just as he feared.. They were blank. His face was clean from all the make up he’d had been wearing. But traces of liner still clung to his lashes.
"Baby?" He wiped his thumb over his bottom lip. Bucky moved his head away from him.
He growled, grabbing his face harshly and bringing it back to face his. "Buck it's me, it's Puddin.."
Bucky’s eyes suddenly flicked on like a light switch. "Puddin? Is that-that you?" He asked in confusion.
He nodded "Yeah, It's me." Steve pulled him shaking body into his and he wrapped his arms around him. "C'mere."
As much as he wanted to sink into the security of his arms, he couldn't. Bucky pushed him away sharply. "No, you can't be here. Pierce wants you dead. You need to get outta here before he gets back!"
"I'm not going anywhere." He said firmly, cupping his face.
"How did you- How did you know I was here?" He asked, finally surrendering to his touch.
"I received a little letter." He ran his right hand through his hair. His fingers would usually slide through his long silky hair but, now it was different.
"I'm sorry." Bucky whispered, bringing his hand up to his face. He traced his thumb over his sharp jawline. "I wanted to save you, just like you did me all those months ago-."
"Shh.." He put a finger to his mouth. "Heroism is overrated." Steve said, gently pressing his lips onto his.
Bucky whimpered, he never thought that he’d get to do this again, feel him, touch him, kiss him. Steve grabbed both sides of his face and pulled him closer. His tongue slipped gently into his mouth and explored it, just like he did the first time they kissed.
Bucky grabbed onto his shirt collar, his body now completely pressed against his.
He thought back to his conversation with Pierce..
"-He loves me."
"Does he? Has he ever said it to you?"
He didn't need him to say it, because he knew, he knew he did. Why else would he be here now, holding him when his life is in danger. If that ain't love I dunno what is..
Steve pulled away and caressed his cheek.
"Why aren't you angry with me?" Bucky asked, holding his hand against his face.
Steve chuckled. "Oh I am. I'm fucking furious."
He climbed to his feet, and brought Bucky up with him.
"But-" he stopped talking when Steve put his finger to his lips again.
"I don't want to discuss this now..." He snapped. "Tell me what happened."
Bucky took a deep breath. "Pierce.. He found me, he c-chained me to the table and-" he closed his eyes. "-He wants to turn me back into James." He cried. "I don't want to be him again Steve, I can't go back, I-."
"You won't." Steve looked into his eyes. "Bucky, after what I've done to you, there's now way you could ever go back. I'll be damned before anyone ruins all my hard work. Your mine... Body, mind and soul." He said. "Now, tell me what else happened?"
"He wanted me to look like him, th-that's why he cut my hair." Bucky looked over at the heap of pink and blue locks under the slab. "He said that he used to be a professor of psychiatry, and that he was gunna try and cure me. He said that if Bucky wasn't around anymore, it would be easier for him to take you down.." His eyes scanned the room. "Pierce left to go get something, I'm not sure what.. But when he did, he told his men that they could have some fun with me. As long as I was still breathing come the end... And that's when I killed em'."
Steve growled, the noise rising from deep inside his throat. "Which way did Pierce go?"
Bucky pointed towards the door across the other side of the room. "Through there."
Steve withdrew his gun and stormed towards the door, leaving Bucky behind. But as he was just about to leave the room, Bucky cleared his throat.
He turned around to see him standing there, with his hands on his hips. "I'm coming with you." He said.
"No your not. You've done enough." He retorted.
"Steve.. I'm not asking for your permission. I'm coming with you." Bucky cracked his neck and strutted past him.
Steve grabbed his wrist and pulled him back. "Oh no your not." He snapped.
Bucky reclaimed his arm. "Oh yes I am." He mocked his voice. "Look around ya Daddy, I can handle myself." He pushed past him and opened the door.
Steve looked around the room at the carnage. He hated to admit it, but he may of had a point. "Fine." He muttered, swinging his head round to his direction.
"You comin' or what?" He turned his head briefly and gave him a wink.
"It's a shame he didn't cut that attitude out of you as well." He shut the door behind himself and followed him out of the room.
Steve caught up with him and unconsciously slipped his hand down to his, he laced his fingers through and held his hand.
Bucky’s heart stopped.
In all their time together, he'd never, ever held his hand. He was always the one to hold his.. Bucky thought he was dreaming. He looked down, and then up to his face, making sure that he wasn't imagining it.
His annoyed expression didn't falter, but when he looked away, a smirk played on his lips.
They continued to walk until they reached a dead end. No more corridors, no more stairs. Just this door that stood right in front of them. This was it.
Steve released his hand and pressed his ear against the door.
He smiled and beckoned Bucky over. He placed his ear on the dark oak wooden surface. He smiled along with him, hearing rustling and light footsteps on the other side of the door.
Steve held his finger to his lips, telling Bucky to not say a word. This was his moment.
"Peircey, piercey, Piercey,, Come out, come out, wherever you are.." Steve snarled, tapping his fingers along the frame.
Bucky tried to contain a giggle, he could just picture Pierce’s face while hearing Steve’s haunting tone.
Steve looked at him, him face beaming back at him.
"Ready or not.. Here I come.." Steve busted open the door.