Chapter 5
It was a few days later and Sam's heat had yet to calm down. If anything it only seemed to get worse. That worried Bucky to no end and he found himself calling Sarah in the middle of the night. If anyone knew what to do, it had to be her, she knew Sam better than he knew himself.
"Bucky, I really don't know what to tell you. It sounds bad, maybe you should just take him to the hospital."
"And bring him around other alphas? That's a recipe for a disaster, I can't chance that."
"What do you mean you can't chance it? Hospitals are safe, even for omega's in heat." She paused slightly before catching something else. "Wait- you two didn't bond, did you?"
"No," Barnes nearly shouted into the phone, appalled that she'd even insinuate taking advantage of his friend. "No, we didn't bond, okay. I'm just feeling a bit protective over him right now. I can't help it, his scent is just making me react differently than I have in a while. It'd be pretty bad if I freaked out on a doctor after Captain America gave me a glowing endorsement."
"Hey, it's okay seriously. I know how alphas get. Maybe you can call one of your Avenger's friends to help instead. Isn't the hulk a doctor?"
"Actually, yeah he is. I'll have to ask Sam for his number later then." He chuckled dryly noticing the time on the grandfather clock in the living room. It was half-past three, way too late to be on the phone. "God, I'm so sorry Sarah. I was so worried, I didn't even notice the time."
"It's alright, I was up anyway. I'm glad you called, just please continue to keep in the loop. I'll talk to you later then, hopefully you'll have good news."
He hung up the phone with a soft goodbye. He had no idea what he was signing up for, he thought helping Sam through his heat would be easier. He didn't expect it to be so stressful. Though he had no room to complain, he wasn't the one relying on a knot to stay alive. At this point, he wouldn't mind if he was. Bucky only wanted to make the pain go away.
That night ended up being longer than usual. Sam's heat came in waves, each one stronger than the next. It was so debilitating he could only lay back in his nest as Bucky took care of him. Nothing seemed to be enough, he needed more. So much more than Bucky was willing to give. He even broke down at one point begging for him to mark him, a step both would've regretted later if it weren't for Bucky's self-control. He had to force himself out of the house, for hours until the sun rose. That was the only way he could be sure he wouldn't end up hurting him. Thankfully, he was calmer when he got back.
"Sam, we need to talk." He said upon seeing the other man. "I know you're not yourself right now, but I'd feel bad if I didn't at least explain what's about to happen. Listen, I have to get in touch with Banner, he might be able to help you. Your heat is getting worse and I can't take you to a hospital when we're like this. I'm so sorry, I know you didn't want anyone to know."
"No, please no." Sam said realizing the weight of his words. He couldn't let anyone know, they'd kick him off the team. Even in his heat-muddled brain, he'd remember that.
"Sweetheart, it's not up for discussion. You have to get help." Barnes said sternly, hating having to take away his right to choose. The intensity of the moment was cut short by the tears welling up in his omega's eyes. "Please, Sam don't cry. I can't lose you too. You're all that I have left...I need you."
Turning away as swiftly as he arrived he went to make the call, forcing himself to ignore the soft whimpers coming from down the hall. The doctor picked up on the second ring, almost surprised to hear from him. It had been months since they last spoke so it was expected, but he had no room for pleasantries.
"It's great to hear from you, Barnes. I actually just you and Sam on the news a few days ago. Seems like his new role is suiting him well, even his speech was top tier. I bet Roger's would be so so proud, he didn't usually get to speak about issues like that. Shield used to be so controlling, but I'm sure you already know-"
"I need your help." Bucky said urgently, cutting off the man rambling on the other side of the phone. "Sam's in trouble."
"Oh- Well, the hulk is still out of commission at the moment. I'm sure Spider-Man would be happy to help, he's still doing the lone-gun slinger thing as Tony would say."
"Sorry, not that kind of trouble." He paused before asking, "You're a doctor, right? It's more of a medical issue than anything. I think Sam is dying."
"Dying?! What- What happened?" Banner was shocked to say the least.
"I triggered him a couple of days ago and now he's gone into a spontaneous heat. I know that can happen with omegas and it's normal, but Sam hasn't had a heat in years or possibly ever. He's in so much pain and I've tried to help him, but nothing is working. I can't get him to eat anymore and he's not sleeping. Please, he needs help."
"Okay...have you gone to a hospital? They might be able to get him on suppressants to regulate it."
"No, I can't. It's too risky." Sadly Banner understood, before the snap, he too felt out of control. The Hulk was always getting him into trouble, and it was worse since he was an alpha.
"Okay, okay just sit tight. I'll see what I can do."
It seemed like most of the day went by before he got a callback. He tried to stay busy, tending to Sam, cooking a few meals, and even taking another walk to the docks. By seven the sun was starting to set and he was getting restless, pacing through the living room at an alarming speed. He was almost thankful Sam was bound to his bedroom, so he wouldn't have to see him so wound up. He nearly toppled over a chair when he heard his phone ring.
"I'm sorry it took so long, it's been a while since I've been in contact with the others. I tried to get Cho, she was the head Avenger's doctor but she's no longer practicing. She gave me a referral for Strange. Yes, that Strange, but apparently he's a good doctor and he'll do just about anything nowadays. He said he'll be by your place in an hour, I'm assuming he's kept tabs on you since I don't even know where you are so be ready.
"I- seriously, him?" It's not that he didn't like the Sorcerer Supreme, but he just didn't expect it to be him of all people. "Sorry, thank you so much for your help. And I'll try to keep in contact better."
For some reason, Bucky still wasn't expecting him. It was just so ridiculous having the guy pop up out of nowhere with his weird spinning portals. And his attitude was even worse.
"Where's the omega?" The doctor huffed impatiently.
"His name is Sam, and he's upstairs. I rather not move him from his nest right now, so you'll have to go up there to see him."
"There's no need for all that. You'll bring him here and then we'll be on our way."
"Sorry? I don't understand."
"He'll need a blood test and maybe a physical if that scent is anything to go by. It's sweet, too sweet..." Bucky watched the man as he trailed off, eyes searching the room as he sniffed Sam's aroma.
Apparently, he was a good doctor. Just moments after retrieving Sam he was able to do all that he said and even found some medication to take the edge off. The only downer was the test results. He kept redoing them, looking for something unknown to Bucky or Sam. They probably could have left ages ago, if it weren't for that. He knew Sam would want to go back to his nest even if he felt a little better.
"Did you find what you were looking for?" Bucky eventually asked Strange.
"Unfortunately...he's going through withdrawal. Since his heat started he was unable to take his suppressants and his body reacted to you. Fortunately, we were able to test for the effects of the drug. It would've led him to a bad case of infertility and even more painful heats. He's got to ride this one out, there's no other way but I can keep him medicated for the time being."
"So, what now?" He said taking the news calmly.
"Now, we wait."