Steve
Steve hurt all over. He groaned. He heard a furious growl. He kept his eyes shut.
"I know you're awake!" Bucky snapped.
"Buck?" Steve turned his baby blue eyes on his mate.
"What were you thinking?" Bucky was not affected by his eyes at all.
"I just did what had to be done."
Bucky growled. "Don't pull that crap on me!"
"Buck, I'm sorry!"
"I don't want to hear it! You can't do this anymore, Steve. You almost died!"
Steve sighed. "I know."
"I can't lose you! I-I can't--" Bucky started crying.
Steve reached out and grabbed him. "I'm alright. I'm here."
"What about next time?"
Steve squeezed Buck harder. "There won't be a next time."
"What?"
"You're right. I can't keep doing this. I was terrified that I wouldn't see you again. I don't want Winnie to grow up without me. I didn't have my da, and I don't want that for her."
"You mean it? You'll give it up?"
"Buck, I'd do anything for you. I'm tired of fighting. I want a simple life. I want to marry you. I want to raise our daughter."
Bucky leaned his head against Steve's. "Promise?"
"I promise."
"But you love being Captain America." Bucky shook. "You'll hate me for this."
"No, I won't. I became Captain America for you. I couldn't stand the thought of you fighting on your own. And I lost you because of Captain America. I've hated myself for so long because of my selfishness--"
"It wasn't your fault!" Bucky had never blamed Steve for what happened to him.
"I love you, Buck. And I'm with you til the end of the line," Steve promised.
***
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