I Promise

The next morning Peter was awoken by Bucky, once again, pushing him behind him. Bucky knew it was useless, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t going to try. “Step away from it?” The man with blond hair spoke. Bucky did not move. After Peter heard the voice, that was most definitely not Bucky's, he was awake and aware. Just like yesterday the two men, the blond and the brunette, were in the room along with the two guards.

“It’s ok.” Peter whispered fearfully. Fear of being taken, and fear of Bucky getting hurt again.

Bucky still did not move. “You know what happens when you don't listen.” one of the two guards sneered. He then, like yesterday, jabbed the metal rod into Bucky’s side.

Bucky tried to grit his teeth and breathe through it, but the electricity won out and he, like yesterday, fell to the ground Peter shouting and begging them to stop. It was complete and utter dejavu. After a few more seconds the rod was taken away, Peter was unchained and taken out of the room. The door shut and Bucky didn’t even bother to get up, his body was exhausted from the electricity and keeping watch while Peter slept. He just laid there until his breaths became less erratic and he finally fell into a distressed worryful slumber.

_______

Bucky didn’t know how long he slept, and that thought didn’t matter, what mattered was that the door was opening which meant Peter was coming back. In an instant sleep was forgotten and he was up on his feet, his aching muscles protesting. The two guards came in with Peter between them. He had no more blood on him, they must have wiped it off. Peter didn’t seem injured at first glance, but it was obvious he was exhausted. His feet were dragging a bit as he walked back into the room.

Bucky stayed collected and didn’t say a word nor moved until they left, after putting Peter back in the cuffs. Bucky then walked, the little he was allowed, over to Peter and sat down next to him. Peter hadn’t said a word and looked obviously in distress and also exhausted. Bucky didn’t know what to say. He could go with the obvious, ‘Are you okay?’ but he hates that question. There is never a good answer to that question. When he was asked this he would say one of two things, no, and that always made things awkward, or, yes, and that was a bald faced lie. Instead he asked, “What can I do?”

“I don’t want to hurt people.” Peter whispered instead of giving an answer.

Bucky understood what he meant, they were getting Peter ready for missions. He couldn’t say ‘you won’t’ because missions always involve hurting or usually killing the target. He couldn't say, ‘they’ll find us before you have to.’ because he didn’t know if that was true. He couldn’t say, ‘it’s ok.’ because it definitely wasn’t. So he said, “I know, I’m sorry” even though, ‘I’m sorry,’ was another saying he hated, but still he used it. There are some situations where it seems like it’s the only logical response no matter how bad it is.

“Are you ok?” Peter said, finally looking up at him. And there it was, ‘Are you ok?’ the answer is ‘no.’ No he is not okay, he is back at Hydra for the third time and he is failing to protect Peter, or that’s how he sees it. He is not okay at all, but physically except for some aches and pains, yes he is he guesses.

For Peter’s sake he goes for the short, not fully truthful answer, “Yeah, I’m fine.” Peter gave him a look of, ‘I don’t believe you.’ but he didn’t bring it up. Bucky again, like yesterday, had to ask, “What happened today?”

“Training.” Just like yesterday, Peter only said one word, like it would explain everything.

Bucky had guessed that much since they were getting him ready for missions. Since Peter was not physically injured Bucky wasn’t going to push it, he could tell Peter was tired from whatever exercise they put him through. “Take a nap Pete, I’ll keep watch.” Peter gave a small nod and scooted over to lean into Bucky’s side. Bucky wrapped his arm around him and watched the door, glaring at it like it had personally offended him.

_____

Tony awoke to someone shaking his shoulder. He startled awake and looked up to see Steve above him. He looked frantic, but there was something new in his eyes, hope maybe? Tony hadn’t even realised he passed out, although it wasn’t that surising as he had not slept in over thirty six hours. He lifted his head from the table, the holographic keyboard still active under it, to look up at Steve in silent question as he got his bearings.

“One of the agents woke up.” Steve says once he knew Tony was more aware.

Tony immediately shoots up, scaring Steve the tiniest bit before he easily recovers, and both walk/jog briskly out of the room headed towards the cells in the lower level. They make their way into the elevator and don’t even need to press the button, FRIDAY knows where they are going. She takes them to the lowest flooe of the Tower. It’s not a long ride, but both Steve and Tony have no patience at the moment. Each switching their weight from foot to foot like they were ready to run the minute the doors opened. And that’s exactly what they did.

The minute FRIDAY opened the doors they were off, bumping into each other trying to get out. They sped down the hall almost slamming into Nat as she blocked their way. The both came to a sudden halt that threw them both of balance and almost ended up with them on the ground. “What the hell!” Tony shouted.

“You’re not going in there.” Nat stated with no room for argument.

Still, surprise surprise, Tony argued, “The hell I’m not! Get out of the way now!” He tried to go around her, but she stepped to the side, blocking him once again her arms crossed over her chest.

“Tony, think about this rationally, you're too close emotionally to interrogate him.” Logically he knew she was right, but logic had no place in his mind right now.

“Move Natasha!” He used her full name to show he was more than serious.

Still Nat did not back down, “No.” It seemed like she was done, but before Tony or Steve could talk again she continued, “Neither of you are going into that room.”

Steve stood still not saying a word. Part of him wanted to just bust his way in, but another part of him knew she was right. Tony broke down, something he tried not to do in front of people, or even himself. Although he had been more open lately, after Peter came into his life. His angry face broke into one of grief, “He knows where my son is Nat, you have to let me in there.”

If Tony calling Peter his son surprised Nat she didn’t let it show, “I’m sorry Tony, you can’t go in, but we will find Peter. We will find the both.” She said switching her gaze between the grief stricken men, “We will make him talk. And, although I don’t think it’s the best idea, you can both stay and watch the interrogation. Even if I wanted you to leave I doubt you would unless you're physically dragged out.”

“True.” Tony said in a sad voice like he had surrendered. Steve’s previously angry, shocked, and conflicted face had also turned sombre and they both walked slowly with Nat over to the two way glass window that showed the man that held Peter and Bucky’s life in his hands. His evil Hydra stained hands.

_____

They decided to try the ‘pleasant’ way of interrogating the agent, talking, before they would send in Nat for the ‘not so pleasant way,’ you can imagine. So far talk was getting them nowhere, but that was because it was one sided. Everyone who had gone in there, Rhodey, Cint, and even Nat, but she wasn’t allowed to touch him, had talked to him, but the agent stayed completely silent. Silent to the point it was eerie, even when the others were quiet you could barely hear him breathe. It was like The Winter Soldier when he fought, apperently they now trained their agents in similar ways, or so it seems.

Tony already had no patience to begin with, but in order to be able to stay he knew he had to keep cool. Even though he was fuming. He had a glare that looked as if it would have melted right through the two sided glass exploding the agent. At one point, after almost a full day of nothing from the agent Tony had had enough. He tried to run in there, but was stopped, like before by Nat. Steve was right behind him, but Nat wouldn't move. Tony then did have to be dragged out. He screamed to be let back in, but he was shut out. His one hope of finding Peter was beyond that door and he was on the other side doing nothing. After his outburst he didn’t have the energy to fight, he just slid down the wall next to the door. He didn’t want to go any further than he already was, just in case that door opened and they had news. So he just sat there bringing his knees to his chest and let the build up of tears fall silently as he waited. At some point he fell asleep and when he woke up it was the next morning and his back was screaming at him for the position he slept in.

He got up, his knees popping and he knocked on the door. He didn’t bang on it like he wanted to, because he knew he would just be shut out again if he did. Nat opened it and uttered two words that had his hope fade even more than it already was, “Nothing yet.'' Her voice was sad and irritated when uttering them.

“What do we do?”

“I’m going in when he wakes up. We tried it the easy way, but now we have to try it my way.” Tony gave a nod, sadness still present but also determiniation. If there was anyone who could get him to talk it was Nat.

_____

The next morning both Peter and Bucky woke up before the guards came in. Peter was the first to speak, still curled into the older man’s side. “Please don’t fight them this time.”

“What?” Of course he was going fight, he knew it would probably be to no avail, but that doesn't mean he wasn’t going to try.

“I don’t want to see you hurt again.” He whispered.

“I can take it, I’ll be fine.”

“It won’t change anything so why get hurt for no reason?” Peter tried to reason with him.

“Because if I don’t try anything it’s my fault.”

“None of this is your fault.”

Bucky sighed, It was a heavy sigh encomappasing so much weight that Bucky held on his shoulder. Guilt that threatened to swallow him. “They trained you with the Winter Soldier program. I was the original Winter Soldier, so this is my fault, all of it.”

“Bucky?” Peter said getting the man’s full attention, Bucky who was looking off into the distance with a glazed look in his eyes as he explained his reasoning finally looked back down at Peter. “Am I Hydra?”

The older man’s eyes widened at that, he had already explained to Peter that he was not Hydra, “No.” he said a bit too harshly, he then softened, “No, you are not. Don’t ever think that way. You, Peter Parker, are the opposite of Hydra.”

“If I’m not Hydra Neither are you.” Peter said and that caught Bucky’s attention. Peter was to good for this world.

“How do you keep doing that?” Bucky said with a hint of a smile on his face.

“What?” Peter said, confusion evident in his face.

“Trick me. Use my words against me in the most selfless way possible?”

Peter then smiled as well, “It’s easy because you give good advice, you just have to relize that your advice applies to yourself as well as me.”

“Damn, that's a profound kid.” Bucky laughs. His smile is quickly wiped away though when he notices Peter go rigid. Once he himself quiets down he hears it too. Footsteps.

“Please please don’t fight or disobey them Bucky.” Bucky looks down into Peter pleading giant does eyes and can’t help but give in.

“Fine.” he says as the footsteps grow louder the closer they get, like a doomsday clock near zero.

“Promise?”

“What?” Bucky says, alternating his gaze from Peter to the door.

“Promise me you won’t fight.” Peter restates.

Bucky had noticed Peter’s trust in those two words, ‘I promise,’ whenever Tony said them or the one or two times he had uttered them to the boy. He knows what those two words mean and knows if he says them he can’t break them if it’s within his power not to. He can’t take the safety of those two words away. After a moment he reluctantly agrees, “I promise.” As soon as the words leave his mouth the door swings open. The two gasurds come in without a word, but glare at Bucky, almost daring him to try something, and unshackle Peter. He is then hauled up by the guards and taken away. It takes every ounce of Bucky to keep his promise as they manhandle Peter. And in an instance the door is closed and Peter is gone.

Bucky knows he made a promise, but he still can’t help the feeling that he let Peter down. He did nothing as he was taken from the relative safety of their cell. He just let him go, who does that? He lays down debating with himself what would have been better. Try to stop them and break Peter’s trust, or just let the boy be taken without a single word from him? He was up all night watching the door and he is beyond tired, especially since he is not getting enough food for his metabolism. He falls asleep with the knowledge that he did nothing to stop them from taking Peter, even if it wouldn’t have done anything shouldn’t he have tried? Are those two words worth the guilt he feels? He falls asleep as all of the questions weigh on his conscience. Was what he did right?

_____

It is nearing the end of the day and they have still not gotten a single word from the agent. Nat had to stop before he passed out, but she wasn’t happy about it. The good news is that the other agent left behind had finally woken up and they would start with her in the morning. They were going to skip stage one, talking, and move right to stage two, Nat. It will give the first agent time to heal before his next round. Either way Nat is determined, not just for Peter and Bucky’s sake, although that is the top reason, it was also for Tony and Steve’s. Neither man has had a night's sleep since the two were taken. They refused to go more than a room away from the interrogation unless Tony is in the lab trying to hack any database that would have any information on Hydra.

They were both breaking apart at the seams. Steve was restless, he wasn’t good with computers, he wasn’t allowed in the interrogation room, and he had nothing to do but wait and worry. At one point he punched a concrete wall, it dented but also broke his hand. He refused to go to the Medbay, he didn’t want to miss anything, even though there was nothing to miss. Bruce came down and wrapped his hand and went back upstairs. He didn’t want to look at either of the agents too long or else he might accidentally let the big guy out. He, like everyone else, was distraught without Bucky and Peter.

After leaving the agent alone for the night Nat made her way to Tony’s lab. FRIDAY must have informed him that she was on her way down because the door to the lab was open. Tony immediately turned towards the door as Nat walked in, “Did he say anything?” There was the tiniest hint of hope in his voice, but it was veiled under layers and layers of despair.

“No.” As soon as the word left her mouth Tony deflated, turning back to the holographic keyboard. Staring at it like he didn’t know what to do with it. “But,” that one word makes that bit of hope Tony is hanging on to for dear life, for Peter’s life, grow the slightest bit as he looks back up to her. “the other agent woke up.”

Tony was conflicted by this because, yes it could mean they have a larger chance of making at least one of them talk, but this agent is most certainly trained just like the other. They won’t be easy to crack. “Tell me if either one talks.” He said going back to staring absently at his keyboard. He had already tried to hack so many databases, successfully, but none had any useful information that they didn’t already know.

“I will. Also,” Tony didn’t even bother to look back at her as she continued, “Thor will try to be here soon, hopefully in the next few days.”

The word ‘days’ hit Tony hard, it had already been three days, he didn’t want to go anymore without Peter. More pressing, he's not sure Peter can survive more days at Hydra. Then Tony really thought through what she was saying, “Wait, wasn't he supposed to be here like a day or two ago?” He finally looked up at her again, his brows knit together in confusion and anger. ‘What the hell was more important on Asgard than finding Peter and Bucky here on Earth?!’ he thought.

“Thor is trying to find Loki so he can use his mind manipulation powers on one of the agents to find where they took them.” Tony’s brows unknit at that, Thor was just trying to help. But he still looked confused.

“Why can’t he find him?”

“Apparently Loki caught wind of Thor trying to take him to earth and said something like ‘I am not going to filthy Midgaurd’ and disappeared or shapeshifted.” She shrugged.

Tony practically growled. Two lives are at stake yet Loki wants to act like a petulant child? Tony then sighed, he was too tired to stay angry at a God acting like a child. He hated Loki ever since the battle of New York, but he would gladly shake the God’s hand if it meant he would help save Peter and Bucky. “Just give me an update on the agents and when Thor and Loki get here.” He once again turned back to the table.

“I will, but you need to get some sleep.”

“I’ll sleep once they're safe.” He muttered.

“We both know that’s not true. As soon as we get them back, and we will get them back Tony, you won’t be leaving Peter’s side.” Tony said nothing to that since she was completely right. Nat sighed, “Peter will need you at full health when he gets back. If you won't rest and eat for yourself, do it for your kid.” She said as she walked out leaving Tony to think about her words. Oh yes, she pulled the, your son card. Tony sighed and went to lay down on the couch he kept in his lab.

_______

The next day they made no progress with the new agent. The first one slept the entire day healing from Nat’s session with him. They kept at it for the next few days and still got nothing, not one word. They were running out of ideas. Their last hope was Loki, but Thor could still not find him.

They did get Steve and Tony to eat and sleep by reminding them of what Peter and Bucky would want, but when they were up they were almost apathetic. The only proof of anger was the tools on the ground that were swept off the table in Tony’s lab and dents in walls courtesy of Steve. If they now cried it was out of anyone elses sight. It was like they were zombies. Not even Rhodey could get through to Tony.

The team had no longer just lost Peter and Bucky, they were losing Tony and Steve as well and it seemed there was nothing they could do.

_____

When Peter came back he was exhausted. Bucky did not ask any questions he just let Peter use his lap as a pillow as Peter napped. A few hours later, Bucky guessed, as there were no windows, Peter started to wake up.

“Food will be here soon, you want to get up?” Peter gave a nod and slowly opened his eyes and sat up. “Alright, before they come can you list the team?”

As usual Peter started with his favourites, “You, Tony, Steve, Bruce, Nat… Clint, Sam, and Thor.”

“Good job kid,” Bucky praised. Then they both heard footsteps.

Bucky pushed Peter behind him as the guards came in with trays of food. They set down the trays as one eyed Peter who was poking his head out from behind Bucky a bit. “Awww,” one sneered, “are you protecting it Soldat?” Bucky’s breath hitched but the guards didn’t notice as they turned to leave, Peter did notice. One of the guards called over his shoulder right before shutting the door, “Can’t protect it forever soldat, missions start soon.” Peter breath histed at that, but he tried not to focus on the missions, he had to focus on Bucky who had not moved. He normally sagged in relief the minute the guards left and the door shut but not now, Bucky was eerily still.

“Bucky?” no answer. Peter went around Bucky, as much as he could with the chains, and saw that Bucky was not there. He was there physically, but his eyes were hollow and far off. “Bucky?” He said again but got no reply. He knew that look, Bucky was reliving something. He had a feeling it was triggered by the guards calling Bucky ‘soldier’ in russian. “I’m right here Bucky, your saf-” He cut himself off, they were most definitely not safe. They were at Hydra for christ sake. “You're going to be okay.” he amended, hoping at least that was partly true. “I’m going to talk until you come back okay?” Obviously he expected no reply. Peter thought about what to talk about and realised he should talk about the one person Bucky trusted over anyone else. The person that had saved him twice from Hydra and will hopefully save him a third time. “One of my favorite memories at the Tower was when Steve thanked me.” a hint of regonision crossed Bucky’s eyes before it faded. Peter went with it. “That was the first time I realised I wasn’t a complete burden. Steve thanked me for tricking you into therapy,” Peter chucked. “I would have thought he would have been mad that I trickjed his boyfriend, but Steve was happy. Steve cares about you so much and he will find you,” He amends, “Steve and Tony will find us.” He kept saying Steve’s name over and over and it seemed to working because slowly Bucky’s eye started to focus again. “I need you to just hold on for my sake and for Steve’s… please.” Bucky came back at that and looked to Peter who had tears glazing his eyes.

“Peter?” Bucky said, eyebrows furrowed, as recognition came back slowly.

“Are you okay?” Bucky took some breaths and nodded. Peter didn’t want him to accidentally slip into another state of disassociation, or into a memory, or have a panic attack so he did what Bucky did for him, “Can you tell me your favourite memory of Steve?”

Bucky blinked at that but nodded still fully coming back. “It was 1931 I was walking home when I heard a ruckus nearby, like a fight. I just knew it was Steve, my little punk.” Bucky chuckled and it was music to Peter’s ears. He smiled and nodded as Bucky continued. “Steve was this scrawny little kid and yet he would always pick fights with big bullies. When I say big I mean two to three times his size. I would usually have to clean him up after a fight. Most of the time the bullies would wound Steve’s pride and Steve would challenge them to a fight. He could never beat up the bullies, but man could he take a puch. He wouldn't back down no matter how many hits he took.” Peter kept nodding along. “That one time was different though. The bullies weren’t after Steve they were after some other kid, but Steve stood in their way. I should mention the other kid was also bigger than Steve, but still he used his tiny form to shield the bigger kid from the even bigger bullies. I saw the kid run out of the alley away from the fight without a scratch on him, but I heard the fight still going on. I ran to help Steve and ripped the bullies off of him. When I finally got to him he was bruised and bleeding on the ground, but he was smiling. I said ‘Stevie you're hurt!’ Because he was and it was bad. He just smiled up at me with blood coating his teeth as he said, ‘Doesn’t matter, the kid got away.’ I just shook my head at his selflessness as I carried him inside and cleaned him up.” By the end of the story Bucky was fully aware again and realised what Peter did, “Thank you Peter.”

Peter smiled at him, “You would have done the same for me.” And it’s true Bucky would and has. They ate after that and talked until Peter fell asleep curled into Bucky’s side.

_____

Bucky no longer fought when they took Peter. He felt awful about it, but he needed to keep Peter’s trust. If Peter didn’t trust him he couldn’t trust anyone. Especially at Hydra. Bucky was the only one Peter could lean on figuaivly and literally. Every day when Peter came back they went over the list of the Avengers and then Bucky had Peter describe memories at the tower. Peter did the same for Bucky as he was getting restless and having more panic attacks being back at Hydra. Peter would keep him talking and usually bring up Steve, and from there it was just him listening to memories Bucky had of Steve, present and past memories from the 1930s. He loved hearing about their memories, although it was hard for Peter to picture Steve as scrawny.

Their time together fell into a steady schedule, well as steady as it can be as captives. Bucky would watch the door while Peter slept and then he would sleep while Peter was gone. When he came back Peter took a nap and then they ate dinner, if you could call the grey substance they got food, while listing the team and talking about memories. They would each turn around when they had to use the demeaning buckets on either side of them to use the bathroom. And then they would do it all again. It became a routine.

That is until one of the scientists came back with Peter one night. As he was being chained up again by the guards the scientist said, “Last day of training is tomorrow.” Peter looked up at him in surprise and horror as Bucky glared. They both knew what that meant, Peter would have to go on missions and hurt or more likely kill innocent people.

“Please no. Please don’t make me sir.” Peter whispered. Bucky winced at the word sir. These monsters do not deserve to be respected.

The brunette scientist chuckled as he turned his attention to Bucky, “See how well trained we got it to be.” Bucky continued to glare but held his tongue. “See you in the morning.” He said cheerfully yet ominously as he left, the guards following behind.

Peter broke as soon as the door shut, “I-I don’t w-want to.” He sobbed. Bucky reached over and drew Peter into his side.

“I know, I know.” He whispered. What else could he say? He just held Peter as he cried and shield him from the guards when they came in with the trays of food. Peter barely ate and barely talked no matter how much Bucky urged him to. He did get Peter to name the Avengers like every other night, but Peter was too distraught to think of memories. He cried himself to sleep and as soon as he was out Bucky let his tears fall. He watched the door nonetheless, even if his tears made it look like a blur. He could do nothing to help Peter other than hold him. So that's what he did. He cried, watched, and held Peter tight, praying the team would find them before Peter’s first mission.