Don't tell me... [that you love me]

No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they'd die for.*

There was a pleasant darkness all around. He has gotten used to the humidity in the air. It ceased to disturb him that he can not move and is chained to a chair. He stopped counting days, was no longer afraid of the pain. It kept him company every day now, was his faithful buddy. The tears dried up long ago, he couldn't cry anymore. The voice was hoarse, he couldn't scream. For the long time no one came, he was starting to go crazy. Suddenly he heard a click. The door opened. In the end, someone came.

"Tony Stark. Such beautiful. Such... vulnerable."

He raised his head, but didn't open eyes. Room and was so engrossed in the dark, he wouldn't see anything. He felt a touch on the cheek, a hand stroked it soothingly. It was Steve. He didn't know how he knew this, but he knew that's how this man is called. A fingertip moved across his cracked lower lip.

"You have no idea how grateful I am for your sacrifice. Thanks to you he is safe. Red Skull wouldn't let him live. But your life was enough to buy his." Tony didn't understand, but thanks to him someone was safe, so probably it's okay? He felt a tender kiss on his forehead, then on the lips. "I got two things in one go. I saved his life, and I took you away from him. You won't stand in my way anymore, you'll stop messing with his mind. Don't worry, Red Skull soon will appoint me as your Handler. I'll show you where you belong."

Steve's hand tightened on his throat. He clenched his fingers on the armrests, he couldn't breathe. He mumbled something through his throat. That hurt. An even greater pain he felt when something slid on his head, something that peeked into his mind. It flicked through aggressively, erased his memories, his own identity.

He woke up screaming, sweating... in someone's strong arms, which immediately caused him to feel safe. Brock...? They were lying, facing each other, he looked up, met gray eyes. No. It's James. Bucky. Brock told him that they won't see each other again... For a moment, he felt a strange emptiness, he didn't know what was happening to him. James patted him on the shoulder.

"Honey, it's just a bad dream. I'm here with you, I won't let anyone hurt you," he whispered placing his forehead on Tony's.

If to trust his intuition, he spent in this prison cell a little over a week. They locked him in a metal box filled with half-ice water. The walls were transparent, made of glass. He was able to observe what is happening on the outside. He was somewhere in the underground of HYDRA's base. If not for the fact that he was a prisoner, he could pretend he's a Houdini making a show. At first he was cold, but after a few days he got used to low temperature. The worst was to sleep standing up, so that when you wake up, the knees didn't hurt him. On top of that he began to feel the first effects of the accelerator. Skin burned mercilessly, was melting. Cold water somewhat soothed the pain. He could feel it on his hands, legs, abdomen and face. But most hurt neck. He wanted to scratch it. Suffering terribly, he knew he was dying, but he wouldn't give them the satisfaction. So whenever they came to check if he finally broke, he always laughed in their faces. Now, he didn't even had the strength for this. He was hungry, he could tell that he lost few pounds during this week. Not getting food, drinking only water in which he stayed. They told him to piss here as well. If he wasn't who he was, he'd break long time ago. He couldn't get out, he tried to blow this thing, but apparently it was made of bulletproof glass. He had very much time to think. He didn't want to die, not like this. He wanted to visit his home at Lake Tahoe for the last time, say goodbye to everything... To tell the truth he never wanted to go back there earlier. It was the place where he began a new life and ended the old. End of his humanity, end of remorse. There he killed both his best friend, and his first love. In the name of what? In the name of HYDRA. Hail HYDRA. It was his first mission, he had to prove his loyalty. He murdered them with a cold blood, he looked them into eyes and... His home is full of demons, or at least it was. Since Tony arrived there, he looked at all this from a different perspective. Maybe he needed to go this way to find himself, or maybe it all was just a punishment. Tony changed him. The first time he was willing to sacrifice everything he had, to protect one person. Maybe... they could of stayed there... but it was too late. He became way too sentimental... He laughed hoarsely, leaning his head back and looked at the top of the glass, which reflected the dim light of the lamp. He noted, however, there was also a reflection of one's body. He didn't hear anyone going into this room. He looked around lazily, he saw a green coat on the threshold of the door. Viper. What's she doing here? She walked fast towards him and began to fumble at the lock. Moments later the lid of his prison was open, feminine hands helped him get out from the inside.

"We have to get out of here," she whispered, taking him by the arm. "Did you think I'd leave you here?"

"I must look pretty horrible now. So yeah, I thought you'd leave me."

"Still damn handsome," she said after a long moment of silence.

Brock answered with a faint smile.

When they were already safe in a dark car, away from the base, Viper pulled from the clipboard a bag with sandwiches and hot tea in a thermos. She also pulled out the small, metal case and threw it all on his knees. He leaned back in the passenger seat and opened the box. In the middle lay a syringe with a white, opaque substance. He sent her a questioning look.

"Third Part of Stark's Extremis, which was never given to him. Your antidote. I was able to steal it from the lab," she said without taking her eyes off the road. "Inject it in the neck, it will stop the accelerator."

For several minutes he stared at the syringe. He could simply put it against his neck, apply, stop death. He wouldn't die. One portion for one person. He'd be able to start all over again. He swallowed hard, closed box. He couldn't. It wasn't his Extremis, it's not his life. He shouldn't get it. It belongs to Tony. He was recently unstable, despite intensifying nightmares, he slept even more. He was tired, he lost touch with reality, the Third Part of Extremis is obligatory to function normally. They never gave it to him, they were afraid of the power he would gain. That he would defy HYDRA. But he has to get it, otherwise he will fall into coma. Tony was so important to Brock, that his own life ceased to be relevant. Because it is better to rub a match and burn, but to feel something.**

"I can't," he said. He saw in the corner of the eye, as Viper gives him a puzzled look.

He put the box back onto its place, curled up on a chair and fell asleep. He needed sleep, and he didn't want to talk more.

However, HYDRA found them on abandoned gas station a few days later, where they took a short break. The car exploded in the air, raising huge clouds of smoke. He hid somewhere behind co-demolished wall with guns in hands. Smoke caused terrible pain to his lungs and prevented a good vision. He heard the crack of a whip somewhere, the battle still waged. He pressed box with an antidote tightly against his chest, the greatest treasure, and allowed himself to close the eyes for a few seconds. When he opened them again, he knew what to do. He moved forwards, extending his arms. He fired blindly, some of the shadows fell dead. He was shot in the leg, somewhere in the thigh. He cursed, had trouble to maintain the balance. The second bullet hit him in the shoulder. But it didn't matter anymore, 'cause he killed them all. He felt his dying Extremis trying to heal his wounds, but the accelerator effectively restrained it. He howled in pain and fell to the ground, everything became blurred. It's over. He laughed, trying to ignore the pain. Viper appeared next to him, he forced a smile. Her green eyes sparkled. Tears?

"Are you crazy?! Inject yourself!" she yelled, shaking his healthy arm.

"Ophelia," he rasped, for the first time using her real name. He knew using her real name will make her understand. And besides... this was a goodbye. He squeezed a metal box in his hand for the last time, then threw it onto her knees. "Find Tony, inject him. Promise me that you will. Fulfill the last will of the dying man."

She didn't speak, tears watered her cheeks. She looked at the box with an antidote. He saw that she hesitates, think twice. Suddenly she closed her eyes, salty drops crashed against his hand, which lay limp in her lap. Around them was a deathly silence, broken only by the crackling flames. Together with the smoke, was a stench of death. She grabbed the antidote and tucked it into a small pocket on the belt mantle. She sobbed before she opened her mouth.

"Do you want... should I... relieve your pain...?" she stuttered, barely uttering another word. It couldn't pass through her throat. "I... I just have... snake venom... a poison..."

He raised his hand to his neck and tore the remnants of a shirt, cocked his head to one side giving the access to his neck. Let it end. She put her tiny syringe with clear liquid to his neck, but couldn't do it. He gave her a warm smile, as he pushed the plunger himself.

"Go now, Ophelia. Find him."

She stood up obediently, and moved forwards. She was walking somewhere ahead, leaving the fire, smoke and ashes behind. She had no idea what was happening, everything became unfamiliar, she felt numb. Her thoughts were elsewhere. Someone stopped on the road, told her to jump on the back of the car so he'll drop her off to the city. As soon as she sat down safely in the back seat, she bursts into tears. A question flashed through her mind. Did I took you from HYDRA's base just to let you die in somewhere at abandoned gas station?

It was evening, the streets of the town were full of colorful lights and dressed up people. Some autumn festival has started, which was organized by Asians living in the area. They really shouldn't stop here, but they didn't had many opportunities to enjoy each other. So they decided to stop here for a few days. The air was cool and refreshing. The chilly temperature didn't bother him, so he gave his jacket to Tony. Some asian woman offered them some treats in small boxes. Shrimp balls or whatever they called it. People dressed up as a dragon crossed their path. Everyone enjoyed here, forgetting about the whole world. They played in some games, they were dancing, they were releasing up lanterns with wishes. He didn't understand the importance of their holidays, but even if he wanted to learn something – he couldn't. Hardly anyone spoke English. They knew only basic words, but they were accommodating, so Bucky could breathe and feel a little bit safer. He grabbed Tony's hand and smiled at him.

"Still sleepy?" he asked seeing a strong fatigue on the face of the latter. Although more and more he slept, he was getting more tired. It bothered him.

"A little."

They visited all the stalls, they played a game with apples. He took two cups of hot, fragrant tea and dragged Tony a little farther from the crowds. They sat somewhere on the stairs watching people dancing, skimpy clothed lady put a wreath of dried flowers on Tony's head. Also gave Bucky a white ribbon and with hands showed that he should put it on Stark. When he did as she wanted, she smiled charmingly and made a heart shape with her palms. He caught a glimpse of blush on the genius' cheeks. He hugged him and kissed his temple. They were happy. Anyway, he thought so. When he wanted to ask the woman about something, he noticed that she was clinging to her stomach. Blood dripped between her fingers, she tried to stop it but couldn't. She fell to her knees, looking him straight in the eyes. She searched for answers to the unspoken question. Why? He saw a sniper on the roof of storey cottage. He wasn't aiming at the woman. He aimed at Stark. It chilled his blood. Tony stared at the dead body, already lying on the ground. Bucky saw his fear. Then screams of the crowd came to his ears. Someone was crying, someone fell dead on the ground. Why? Next person was shot. He looked around, stalls were overturned, lanterns lay on the ground next to their owners. Their wishes died with them. Blood flowed in streams like a river. He saw hooded figures with knives, more snipers on the roof. They had a red mark on the front of their jackets. HYDRA. Why? After all, these were innocent people. He heard a rustle behind him, he turned around. He saw another hooded figure, putting the syringe away from Tony's neck. No.

She threw the empty syringe aside. She looked straight into the hazel eyes, stroked Tony's cheek. He recognized her, he wasn't afraid. He trusted her as much as he trusted Brock. Brock was able to sacrifice everything for him, so she also won't hesitate. She smiled faintly and hugged the genius.

Brock desperately hugged Stark before he was put into cryogenic chamber. He didn't want to let him go. Tony craved the touch. She stood in the corner of the room and watched the situation from afar. For a moment she thought it would be the best idea to leave and give them some privacy, but at that time they pulled from each other.

"Now listen. There is a high chance we won't see each other anymore," Brock began, pausing for a moment. "If I won't be there once you wake up... you must run. Trust no one. Steve Rogers is your worst enemy. You are an important person in this world, everyone knows you, as much as they know Rogers. If you'll try to say something bad about him... No one will believe you, Tony. You'll be all alone."

"...not the first time. Not the last time. I got it."

"But I believe in you. You are a genius. You will find a way to show everyone his true identity. You will make it."

She saw his eyes, how Tony becomes absent for a while before entering the chamber. She saw how the Brock's world collapses like a house of cards. Everything shattered. Then he sat on the edge of the desk, unable to even look at Stark. It looked like he was thinking hard, like he was planning something...

"You love him," she said after a moment. He looked at her but said nothing. He didn't have to say anything, his eyes couldn't hide the truth.

Now she realized. Brock had already chosen back then. His own life for Stark's. He had already planned everything. It was his farewell. She moved away from the genius and again stroked his cheek.

"Get out of here, Tony. You must hide... evolve. And then back to New York and tell the world that you're alive. Do not trust anyone. The enemies may be lurking everywhere."

"What..." he stroked the place on his neck where was the needle a moment earlier.

"Third Part of Extremis. It will help you, Tony."

"And where is...?"

"...I'm sorry," she said lowering her eyes.

Suddenly she felt a strong jerk back, and stood eye to eye with the Winter Soldier. She had no time to play with him, because HYDRA began to shoot at them. There was no time left... Not enough time...

"Tony. Run. Now. Hide somewhere. Go home," she ordered, pulling a whip from her belt and three small vials, which she threw at him. "One each day, starting from tomorrow. It mitigate the effects of evolution. I shall take my last stand here. Now go."

Tony wanted to say something to oppose, but she waved him off. Confused Winter pulled him away with himself. Good. She didn't want him to watch what's going to happen. HYDRA is fighting itself, bites its own head. She also knew she won't get out alive from this. But she no longer cared. If Brock risked everything then apparently Tony Stark is worth this. She didn't trust the Winter Soldier, but she had no choice. She had to at least believe, all is going to be just fine. With that in mind she ran forward, aiming her weapons at HYDRA's goons.

He woke up in a dark room, illuminated only by the dim light of the candles. Everything ached, he could barely open his eyes. I died? When he finally opened his eyes he saw that he's connected to a pile of wires and pipes. Some machine was silently working beside him. He didn't know where is he, or what is happening around. He tried to get up, but ended up swearing at horrible pain.

"Easy, don't move or you'll hurt yourself even more," a voice came from the end of the room, but he couldn't see who the hell was it.

"And you are?" he rasped with difficulty.

"I'm a doctor. I transfused your blood and took the bullets out. Snake venom saved your life, buddy. A vile virus was eating you from the inside. You should recover soon."

"Doctor...?"

"I found you at the gas station. Among the heap of corpses, an unpleasant sight. But you lived, so I've decided to help you."

Snake venom saved his life. Something that was supposed to bring a quick death... Once again he tried to get up, but his efforts were for nothing. He couldn't stay here, he had to check on Tony. He had to help him. That doctor was watching him closely, clucked disapprovingly.

"You'll hurt yourself. You need to lie down and rest."

"Who the fuck are you?"

"My name is..."

I've been looking for a way out of this cage you've keep me in
Your hands touch my neck as your breath creeps up underneath my skin
I can not help but to want it
If you want my love, come get it
And I can not fight the grip on my heart

And if love is a drug, I do not want it
Because I do not have any self control
The harder I try to get off it
The more I can see that I need it

And I can not break free
From your hold on me
Throw Away That key
This love do not wanna let me leave
And I'm a hostage
And I'm a hostage***