Fated Marks

Nate didn’t sleep over. We cuddled as we saw a few movies after dinner but afterwards he headed home. I heard Clint come home from his date and by the way he greeted Lucky I could tell it had gone well.

Cancer… Fertility… Kids…

Those words kept going through my head over and over again. What the hell was I supposed to do?

I spent the entire night with thoughts running through my head. By the time the sun was out I was out of bed and ready to go to kick boxing class. I got dressed and headed to class.

I walked in and as soon as will saw me he walked over to me.

“You’re supposed to be taking it easy.” Will said.

“It’s either this or a five mile run where I can pass out where I’m alone.” I rebutted.

“You so much as breathe wrong…” Will started.

“I’ll leave on my own.” I said.

“Good.” Will said.

Nat did not hold back which was good. Of course she did keep a close eye on me without trying to make it obvious. She was also in a really good mood.

After class we went to grab a smoothie and I let them know that Nate and I were officially boyfriend and girlfriend. Will actually screamed out of joy. Then Nat told us about her date with Clint, which left Will practically jumping out of his seat.

I headed home where I found Thor in the middle of a very heated conversation with a very angry Jane. I didn’t hear what exactly but it didn’t sound good for Thor. I headed upstairs and showered but then I realized I had nothing to do. Which led me back to where I started that morning.

Cancer, Fertility, Kids.

How is this happening to me? Oh right crappy genetics. I got off the couch and ran to my room I pulled on the first thing I found. Which ended up being some red shorts and a light blue button down blouse. I slipped on my red converse before grabbing my laptop, tablet and cell phone.

I quietly walked out of the apartment and tiptoed down the hall. When Clint opened his door and Lucky tackled me to the ground.

“Ah! Oh.” I said as lucky nuzzled me and started licking my cheek.

“Lucky down.” Clint said pulling him odd of me and helping me up. “You okay?”

“Yeah, Lucky giving me some love.” I said petting Lucky’s head.

“Where you going?” Clint asked looking at my bag.

“You know it’s a nice day I just thought I’d go get some air.” I said.

“With your laptop, tablet and work badge?” Clint asked.

“Thought I’d stop by and check on things.” I said.

“Oh no you don’t.” Clint said taking my bag. “You’re supposed to be taking the weekend off. That means no work.”

“But I’m so bored.” I whined.

“Then call Nate and go out.” He suggested.

“He has a lacrosse meet upstate.” I said.

“Want to hang out?” Clint asked.

“I have too much energy.” I said.

“You’re jumpy.” Clint said. “This isn’t boredom jumpy this is anxious jumpy. What’s going on?”

“Nothing I just want to work. Where you heading too?” I asked.

“I was going to go see Nat for lunch.” Clint said rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh, second date already?” I said with a smirk.

“Yeah.” He said with a smirk.

“Are you blushing?” I asked.

“No I’m not.” He said opening his door and hanging my bag in his coat closet. “This is staying in here.” 

“I need my wallet.” I said.

“Okay, but no badge though.” Clint said.

“I wasn’t going to pull an all nighter or anything.” I said.

“Cal, promise me you’re going to take it easy. And that you’re not going to use the spare key to get your laptop.” He said.

“I was just going to…” I started.

“Cal.” Clint snapped.

“I promise.” I said.

“If anything happens, I mean anything you’re calling me.” he said.

“You’re going on a date.” I reminded him.

“And I’m sure Natasha will agree this counts as an emergency.” He said.

“You’re one on speed dial.” I said.

“Good.” He said. “Maybe you can go help Will and Josh with wedding planning. I think they were going to start planning their menu.”

“Maybe.” I said watching as he left. I promised to take it easy and not work. I also promised Clint I wouldn’t go into his apartment for my stuff until at least tomorrow. Guess it was a good thing I picked up a few things from Kol during his rebellious phase and slid my badge out of bag as Clint took it.

I walked out of the building and headed straight to the tower. I knew Bruce and Tony would put their foot down. Well Bruce would heavily disapprove but Tony would give in. I just had to wait for something to happen and it always happened.

Until then I knew two guys who were probably in need of something to eat and coffee. I made a quick stop and bribed happy with lunch at the entrance not to let anyone know I was here. He gave me a disapproving look but he forgot all about it when he got a whiff of his meatball sub.

I jumped in the elevator and waited to go up but nothing happened. I got on my phone and hacked Jarvis to make sure Tony hadn’t set up any alerts and made the elevator go up to medical. I gave the receptionist her coffee which she took with a smile before letting me through.

It always made me smile when I visited Steve and Bucky and they were always laughing and smiling. It always made my day.

“Knock knock.” I said.

“Cal.” Steve said standing up to come and help me with some of the stuff while giving me a hug.

“Hey Doll.” Bucky said cheerfully.

“They still have you on the good stuff?” I asked.

“No just normal pain killers.” He said. “I’m less drowsy that way.”

“Well that’s good because I brought you two lunch.” I said. “I brought Steve coffee.”

“I still don’t get one?” Bucky whined.

“Not yet but I did grab you a chocolate shake.” I said.

“I love you.” Bucky said.

“Pretty sure you meant the shake and not me but thanks.” I said handing it to him.

“I didn’t think you worked today. Don’t you ever get a day off?” Steve asked.

“Well…” I started when I heard Tony and Bruce coming from down the hall. “I was never here.” I said jumping over Bucky’s bed and hiding in the bathroom.

“What…” Steve started.

“Morning boy scouts. Wow you have a good spread in here.” Tony said.

“Yeah, finally talked Stevie into making a run for my shake.” Bucky said.

“It’s from that diner down the street. Cal loves their chocolate shake.” Tony said.

“She did mention it a few days ago, I glad I got the right one.” Steve said.

“Yeah.” Tony said. I heard footsteps and I thought he was walking to check on Bucky’s arm or something but the bathroom door opened and he stood there with his arms crossed and a frown.

“I wasn’t working.” I said. “Just visiting.”

“uhuh.” He said. “You’re supposed to be at home relaxing.”

“I was. I’m very relaxed.” I said.

“Sure you are.” He said looking at my side where my hands were fidgeting. “Shorts and everything.”

“Got to get my legs ready for summer. Need a tan.” I said.

“Sure.” He said walking back into the room. “Okay buckaroo just going to take a quick look to see how its healing.”

“Buckaroo?” Bucky asked.

“You didn’t like terminator.” Tony retorted. “You’re doing good. Swelling’s going down and no signs of infection. Keep this up and we can start you up on fine motor skill exercises by the end of next week.”

“Does that mean I can go home yet? We need to start packing.” Bucky said.

“Don’t worry about that, Sam and some of the guys from the VA offered to take care of things.” Steve said.

“If they want to start dropping stuff off let me know.” I said.

“Thanks Cal.” Steve said.

“Well since you’re already here I have a meeting and could use…” Tony started.

“Yes!” I said.

“You’re actually happy about taking notes?” Tony said.

“I have nothing to do. My laptop and tablet have been confiscated and my best friends are with their significant others.” I said.

“What about…” Tony started.

“Lacrosse meet.” I answered.

“Come on then.” Tony said.

“Bye guys.” I said.

“Bye Cal.” They said. We headed to the elevator and went down to the garage. Tony picked out a car and we headed out. We were a block away from the tower before he finally said something.

“Anything going on?” Tony asked.

“Uh, Nate and I finally put a label on it.” I said feeling my fingertips going numb so I started stretching them out.

“About time but not really what I meant.” Tony said looking down.

“I’m good.” I said.

“See you keep saying that but you’re not.” He said.

“Tony I feel fine.” I said.

“After I got back from Afghanistan, I thought everything was fine. That I could pick up exactly where I left off. I told everyone I was fine. I told myself that. But when it all started catching up to me my hands started shaking or I’d fidget just like you’ve been doing since I found you in that bathroom. Guessing they feel really tense, you were squeezing your hands really tight and your finger tips went numb?” he said.

“Just sore from kickboxing.” I said deflecting.

“Right.” He said as he made a turn onto my street.

“This is…” I started.

“Yeah.” He said pulling up to my apartment building and turning off the car. “Cal you passed out in front of Bruce and I without warning. We couldn’t wake you up. You’re one of my closest friends and I’m responsible for you and yesterday I thought I was going to have to call your dad and tell him we lost you.”

“Tony…” I started.

“Don’t. The last time I was that scared was Afghanistan and I promised I wouldn’t let that happen again. So you’re going to go up to your apartment. You’re going to turn off your phone and do whatever you have to do to relax because I can’t lose you Cal.” Tony said tearing up a bit.

“Okay.” I said.

“Okay.” Tony said. I reached over and hugged him. “uh, I don’t do hugs.”

“We’re friends, I give my friends hugs.” I said.

He hesitated before putting his arms around me and hugging me back.

“I guess I’ll see you Monday.” I said opening the car door.

“Yup, and Cal?” Tony said.

“Yeah?” I asked.

“If you come back earlier than that I’m giving you the entire week off.” Tony said smirk.

“See you Monday boss.” I said with a wave before heading up the stairs.

Of course I walked into the apartment and looked around.

Cancer… Fertility… kids.

Yeah this isn’t gonna work. I threw my bag down and headed straight for the cleaning supplies. I scrubbed the kitchen tiles until even the small space between them was shining.

Cancer… Fertility… Kids…

“AHHHH!” I shouted before throwing the brush in my hand away. I stood up and headed straight for the pint of Ben and Jerry’s half-baked I kept stashed in the freezer for a really bad day. I walked over to the fire escape and sat down as I ate away.

I was enjoying a particularly chocolate bite when a couple passed by with a young girl. I’m guessing it was their daughter. She was smiling and giggling as she held onto both of their hands and they swung her forward and back.

Cancer… Fertility… Kids.

I shook it off and went back inside. I needed to forget this mess for a while. I put the ice cream in the freezer, grabbed my wallet and headed down to the bar. I’m pretty sure getting drunk was not what Doctor Andrews had in mind when she said I needed to relax. Guess she should have thought of that before telling me that I had to start making life changing decisions.

I showed up at the bar and ordered a beer and a shot of tequila.

“Bad day?” I heard someone ask. I turned and saw Thor sitting across the bar from me.

“That’s one way to put it. Thought you and Jane were heading upstate for that romantic getaway you’ve been planning?” I asked.

“We did not go.” Thor said before sighing. “We, she broke up with me.”

“What?” I asked. “Why would she do that? You two were crazy about each other.”

“She got an offer to work in London and she said that I would be holding her back if we remained a couple.” Thor said.

“Wow that’s harsh. I’m sorry.” I said.

“It’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.” He said. “Or so I’ve been told. Is heartache the reason you have come at such an early hour?”

“It’s been a weird couple of days. Got put on mandatory R and R and was given some news that makes it impossible for me to relax. So I came here to try and forget for a bit.” I said.

“Do you wish to talk about your troubles?” Thor asked.

“That is the last thing I want to do. I just want it all to go away for a bit.” I said.

“Are you doing anything tonight?” Thor asked.

“Besides that bottle of Cuervo nope.” I said downing my shot.

“Come on.” Thor said standing up.

“Where we going?” I asked.

“To take your mind off of things.” Thor said offering me his hand to help me off my stool.

“Works for me.” I said taking his hand and following him. It was starting to get dark but there were still plenty of people out and about. We made it to the subway just as the train got there. We hopped on and grabbed a seat. Thor was very tight lipped about where we were going but I trusted him.

“This is our stop.” He said getting up.

“Brooklyn?” I asked.

“I get out of Manhattan on occasion. You do still have your ID?” He asked.

“Never leave home without it.” I said.

“Good, not sure if they’re there already there so we may have to use the main entrance.” He said.

“They?” I asked.

“Friends of mine.” He said as we walked out of the station and walk out onto the streets.

It wasn’t a long walk and we stopped at a line. Lines in New York are pretty normal but everyone here was dressed rather… punk. I felt really out of place in my bright red shorts and light blue button up.

“Thor!” the bouncer at the entrance shouted.

“Valder!” He shouted going over to greet the guy. They started talking in some language I didn’t know. I guess it was Norwegian.

“Who’s this?” Valder asked.

“Valder this is Callie a friend of mine. Callie this is Valder.” Thor greeted.

“Nice to meet you.” I said shaking his hand  

“So you’re the Callie Thor never stops talking about.” Valder said and I gave Thor a look.

“You talk about me?” I asked.

“You were one of the first people I met when I moved here.” Thor said with a sheepish smile.

“He also said you make the best brownies and breakfast sandwiches in the world.” Valder said.

“Of course he’d mention that.” I said with a smirk.

“Well I’ll let you two go on ahead. They should be on in a few minutes.” He said letting us through.

“Thank you.” I said heading inside. Loud heavy metal music was blasting though out the dimly lit bar. Thor tapped my shoulder and gestured to the bar.

I nodded and followed him.

Thor ordered us drinks and we took our seats.

“I hope you don’t mind the music.” Thor shouted leaning over to my side so I could hear.

“It’s fine. I didn’t you’d be into this music.” I shouted back.

“Why’s that?” he asked.

“Well you’re…” I said gesturing to his appearance. “Also you’re like a football player version of Shakespeare.”

“Sometimes before a game it helps to get angry. I find that very hard to do so this helps.” He said.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” And MC spoke.

“Looks like the show’s about to start.” Thor said.

“Give it up for Lady Sif and The Warrior’s Three.” The MC introduced making everyone cheer. A tall woman with long black hair come up on the stage followed by three other guys, A tall chubby red head with a beard, A blonde who seemed to have his own harem judging by the screams coming from the front of the room and there was another more stoic slightly shorter guy with dark hair.

They started playing and it was loud. The only thing I could hear was screaming and the guitar playing. They had a good beat and It was definitely making it impossible to think about anything but the loud screaming.

I enjoyed my drink and had a refill before the band got off the stage.

“Come on.” Thor said. “There’s some people I want to introduce you to.”

“Okay, Just give me a sec.” I said chugging my beer.

Thor gave me a curious look but didn’t say anything. I put the glass down and followed him. We squeezed through the crowd and took a door that let us backstage where the band was packing up.

“Thor!” The red head cheered when he saw us coming.

“Volstagg.” Thor greeted hugging the man.

“Come to help us carry all this back?” The blonde asked.

“Of course but I also wanted to introduce you all to a friend of mine.” He answered and that’s when they all turned to look at me. “This is Callie.”

“Hi.” I said raising my hand in a wave.

“This is Callie?” The blonde asked.

“I’m guessing you also told them about me?” I asked.

“He fell short when describing your beauty.” The blonde said taking my hand. “Fandral at your service.” He said kissing my knuckles.

“She has a boyfriend.” Thor said.

“Oh.” Fandral said backing away.

“I thought you and Jane…” Volstagg asked.

“We have broken up.” Thor said.

“Oh…” They all said.

“So Pub?” Volstagg asked.

“I could do with some revels.” The woman from before said.

“Sif.” Thor greeted kindly and she smiled at him before looking at me.

“Callie I presume?” She asked.

“Yeah. Nice to meet you Sif.” I said.

“You as well. Can we hurry this up I’m starving.” Sif said.

“Of course,” Thor said helping to load up the drums onto the van.

Between all the guys they loaded up the van in less than ten minutes and we headed out to the Mounted Stag.

“Oh Steak and Stout Pie, haven’t had that in ages.” I said looking at the menu.

“You like Steak and Stout pies?” Volstagg asked.

“Yeah I always grab one whenever I visit my sister in London.” I said as the waitress came over to take our order.

When we were done and started getting rowdy we headed up to the roof. Turns out the band all lived in the building and had taken over the roof so no one else in their building could get up and It was nice. There was a fire pit and lounge chairs set up. 

“This is better than the roof of my building.” I said.

“No one knows about it so lets try to keep it down Volstagg.” Sif said with a pointed look.

“Well anyone care to indulge?” Fandral said pulling out a baggie with a few joints.

“Pass.” Sif said grabbing the bag and pulling out a joint.

“You don’t mind right?” Thor asked.

“It’s actually been a while.” I said taking the joint Sif offered. I took a few puffs and held it in for a moment before slowly exhaling.

“I did not think you’d partake in the revels.” Thor said.

“You sure she’s the same Callie you told us about?” Hogun asked.

“It’s just been one of those weeks.” I said.

“I really doubt it could be that bad?” Fandral said.

 “I have a cancer gene that increases my chances of getting cancer pretty early on and I found this out after I started having these episodes where I start choking and black out for no explainable reason. The last one sent me to the hospital where my doctor told me I have to start making big decisions like whether or not I want to have kids and how I want to have them when I’m only nineteen and I’ve only had a boyfriend for about a day now and I have to come up with something called a fertility plan because the clock’s ticking and… and I’m nineteen, I’m not ready to make these choices. And I just told four relative strangers all of this when I haven’t even told my best friend.” I said wiping tears off my cheeks.

“You need this more than me.” Hogun said handing me a bottle of vodka.

“Thanks.” I said taking it.

“You haven’t told Clint or Will?” Thor asked.

“Well I just found out yesterday and It’s not something you just mention over a smoothie after kick boxing. Besides this is the happiest time of his life. I’m not going to bring him down while he’s planning a wedding and Clint just started dating again. I can’t put this on them.” I said.

“Callie they’d want to know.” Thor said.

“And I’ll tell them I just need to process it for a bit.” I said taking a swig of vodka.

Third Person’s POV-

Bucky sat rigidly on the far end of his therapist’s couch while the woman herself sat across from him. He’d been coming to this office for months now. It took over a month before he even said a full sentence to the woman but she was patient.

Today was different. It wasn’t just him and Janette, his therapist. Sitting on the opposite end of the couch was Steve and that alone left him on edge. The one thing that always comforted him about Janette’s office was it was the one time of the day Steve wasn’t hovering and treating him like he was made of glass.

He had remembered how it used to be the other way around. How he would be the one to have to look after him when he got sick as a kid, how he’d be the one watching his back during the war. He also remembered how much Steve hated it and now that the shoe was on the other foot he understood why.

“Thank you for coming in today Captain Rogers.” Janette greeted.

“It’s no trouble ma’am and Steve is fine.” Steve said.

“Well Steve we’ve been making some progress the last couple of months and we thought that you might be able to help fill in some of the blanks.” Janette said.

“Sure but I thought that it would be to much and that could hinder Buck’s progress?” Steve asked.

“Too much too soon could do that but we’re going at Bucky’s pace.” Janette said. “Bucky do you want to show Steve your journal?”

“…” He didn’t say anything just put the journal down on the coffee table.

“Can I…” Steve asked him. Bucky hesitated for a moment before nodding. Steve gave him a small smile before slowly reaching for the journal. He picked it up and opened it up to the first page. There were a few notes detailing memories or flashed.

Small blond boy, always sick, wore newspapers in his shoes.

Tall blonde my mission,Steve.

The silver star, soulmark, Steve?

Steve smiled when he read that. Then he turned the page and struggled to keep his eyes from watering.

Bird?

And under it was a sketch of Hayley’s soulmark.

“You have it too.” Bucky said.

“Yeah.” Steve said his voice cracking a bit.

“Did we… was she from back then?” Bucky asked.

“No, we didn’t meet her back then.” Steve said before turning the page. There was a sketch of Hayley with a hand around her neck. Her eyes were closed and there were tears falling down her face. Steve felt his blood go cold and he could feel the tears stinging his eyes as they threatened to come out.

“Steve?” Janette asked.

“Yes?” Steve said blinking away the tears.

“Do you know her?” She asked but Steve didn’t answer, Bucky did.

“She’s the girl from the hospital. The one that hasn’t woken up.” Bucky said.

“Is she the girl from your dream?” Janette asked and Bucky nodded.

“You’re dreaming about her?” Steve asked.

“A few times.” Bucky said.

“What do you dream about?” Steve asked. Bucky didn’t answer he just stared at the sketch in Steve’s hand making him grimace.

“Who is she?” Janette asked.

“Her name’s Hayley.” Steve said.

“She’s been coming up a lot in our sessions. Is there anything you want to ask Steve?” Janette asked Bucky and he stayed quiet for a minute.

“She… “ Bucky started but hesitated when he looked at Steve.

“Buck it’s okay.” Steve said. “You can ask me anything.”

“When I saw her… Hayley, she didn’t fight back. She wasn’t scared and she didn’t try to run. My orders were to kill her but when I got there I couldn’t move. Something inside of me was screaming not to do it. When she saw me she actually smiled at me.” Bucky said as Steve struggled to hold back tears. “She apologized to me and tried to comfort me and I don’t understand why she would do that. Why would she give up her own life for a complete stranger? Who was she Steve?”

At that point tears were streaming down Steve’s face and he could barely hold back his sobs.

“I want… Need to know Steve. Why she save me Steve?” Bucky asked.

Steve took out his phone and started looking through his photos until he found the one he was looking for. Slowly he turned handed the phone to Bucky.

Bucky looked at Steve confused before taking the phone from his hand. He lifted it up and saw that it was a photo of Hayley smiling as she sat across a table from he was guessing was Steve.

“I don’t understand.” Bucky said.

“Look closer.” Steve said, his voice cracking a bit.

Bucky looked at the photo again. There was nothing that jumped out at him, except that the girl was awake and smiling. She was beautiful, looked like someone he would have taken out dancing before everything happened. The photo was taken a while ago. Her hair was shorter than when he had seen her in the hospital. She looked younger and not as tired as when he’d seen her that day then he noticed something around her neck. He moved his fingers on the phone screen and zoomed in on the necklace. He recognized it instantly.

“He necklace, it’s the same bird from…” he started and Steve nodded. “She… She’s…”

“She’s our third.” Steve said. “Hayley’s our other soulmate and… and she’s also everyone else’s.”

“Romanoff?” Bucky started and Steve nodded. “Thor? Barton? Banner, Stark?!”

“Yeah.” Steve said.

“That’s why he hates me. I… I tried to kill their soulmate.” Bucky said putting it all together. “I tried to kill our soulmate!” He yelled hiding his face in his hands.

“Buck you weren’t yourself…” Steve started.

“I tried to kill your soulmate Steve, My hand was around her neck. I threw her over that cliff, I’m the reason she’s in a coma she might not wake up from, How is that not my fault!?” Bucky cried out.

“That is not on you, Hydra brainwashed you. You weren’t yourself.” Steve said. 

“I still did it Steve. I almost killed Hayley, my own soulmate. I’m a monster.” Bucky said running out of the room before anyone could stop him.

“Bucky!” Steve said running after him. He ran out of the office and down the stairs he knew Bucky would have taken. He heard the fire exit open but by the time he was down there Bucky was gone. He ran through the door and out of the back alley but the crowds on the street made it impossible to find Bucky. “Damn it…” Steve ran across the block looking for any sign of Bucky.

He was on his third lap around the block when he saw a security camera and he picked up his phone.

“Capsicle, you better be on your way back.” Tony said sounding annoyed.

“Tony I need your help. I lost Bucky.” Steve said out of breath.

“Found him, well more like he came back…” Tony started.

“Is he okay?” Steve asked.

“Well he’s fine, my tower on the other hand not so much. He stormed in, locked himself in his room and then started tearing the place apart.” Tony said when there was a loud crash in the background. “You might want to get back here. I’m about to put on the suit.”

“Don’t!” Steve shouted. “I’m on my way.”

Steve hung up and ran to the tower. It was only a few blocks away so he and Bucky had walked to his appointment. He made it there in record time and when he got there everyone was in his living room.

“What the hell is going on?” Natasha asked.

“He knows about Hayley.” Steve panted.

“That he’s the one that put her in a coma? I thought we had already been over this.” Tony said.

“He knows who she is, he knows she’s his soulmate.” Steve said.

“Why did you tell him?” Tony said angrily.

“Tony.” Bruce said.

“She’s his soulmate too. He would have figured it out eventually.” Natasha said.

“Whatever. Tell him to stop punching holes in my tower or I’ll put one in him.” Tony said marching out.

“I’ll go talk to him.” Bruce said. “Don’t think we should risk a code green here.”

“How are we doing this?” Clint asked.

“We’re not. I’ll take care of him.” Steve said.

“Steve…” Natasha warned.

“I got him.” Steve said firmly.

“We shall be upstairs in case you require assistance.” Thor said.

Steve waited until they were all gone to walk to his room. It was quiet and that worried him more than the crashing sounds he heard earlier. Steve slowly raised his hand and knocked on the door.

“Buck?” Steve called out.

“Go away.” Bucky answered.

“Buck please just talk to me.” Steve asked but there was no response. He sighed before sitting down next to the door. “I’m not going anywhere Bucky. You weren’t yourself and it wasn’t your fault.”

Inside the room Bucky sat down next to the bed facing away from the wall curled in on himself.

Hours Later-

Bucky didn’t move from that spot for hours. It was dark in the room and the only light in the room was coming from the dimmed lights in the ceiling. He got up and walked to the door. He slowly cracked the door open.

True to his word Steve hadn’t moved from where he was sitting. He was asleep sitting on the floor with his back to the wall. He quietly walked out of the room and walked to the stairs.

The city was dark and no one noticed him walking through the streets. No one noticed him sneak through the hospital hallways, which he would probably be more concerned about later. He stopped at the door, hesitating for a moment before opening it and walking in.

There lying in the same bed she had been for months, where he put her. The only sounds in the room were coming from the machines monitoring her vitals, which hadn’t changed.

Bucky slowly walked closer to her. He started at her as her chest rose and fell with each breath. She looked frail and grimly in comparison to the photo Steve had shown him. There was no smile on her lips. No sparkle in her green eyes. Just a withered shell of the girl she used to be.

“I’m sorry.” Bucky whispered as tears started falling down his face. “I’m so sorry Doll.”