Soulmates

The Winter Soldier

Everyone was now back at the compound. Loki was in a cell with a collar around his neck that prevents him from using his powers.  After Tony had taken you back, the rest of the team fought and saved New York once again. You've been sitting in a chair in front of Loki's cell since you got back eight hours ago.

Steve comes in the door behind you. He puts his arm around your shoulder and kisses your temple. "Sweetheart, come on. Get a shower and get some rest. Someone can take over."

You look up at him and his eyes are soft and pleading. "You're exhausted and you haven't even been checked out by Bruce yet." He crouches beside you and rubs your shoulder as you look at him.

"Take a break. He's not going anywhere. He's not talking anyway and he won't. We're sending him to the Raft tomorrow." You nod and kiss him softly. "Okay." You whisper as you stand up. You feel lightheaded and almost fall over but Steve catches you.

"Have you been feeling lightheaded y/n?" You shake your head but instantly feel dizzy again. "I was a little but it wasn't so bad sitting down. It's probably just from not being able to breath when he chocked me."

Steve picks you up abruptly and carries you out of the room heading to Bruce's lab. "You're see Bruce, taking a shower, then getting some rest." 

You smile at him as he carries you and you salute him. "Yes Captain." You smirk and he chuckles, shaking his head at you. "Don't do that to me right now sweetheart." You give him a quick peck as you walk into the lab and he sets you on the table.

He stands between your legs and never takes his eyes off you. "Bruce, can you make sure she's okay? She's lightheaded and Loki strangled her earlier. She hasn't slept in over a day and was having a staring contest with Loki for over eight hours."

"I'm surprised you didn't drag her in here sooner." Bruce chuckles before coming over to examine you. Steve kisses your forehead and steps out of the way. "Where's Bucky?"

You realize you hadn't seen him since you got back and you get scared. You look at Steve worried and he smiles. "He's okay sweetheart. Him and Sam are on damage control, helping clean New York a bit. He'll be back by the time you wake up."

"Okay." You nod and exhale as Bruce instructs while he's checking your heartbeat. He finishes your exam and looks between you and Steve. "You're all good to go. Just take it easy get some rest. Lots of fluids and eat something too."

"Are you sure she's fine?" Steve walks back over and pulls you into his arms, embracing you in a hug. "She was lightheaded." Bruce nods, of course he's sure. "I'm sure. She's just overexerted and needs lots of rest. I know you'll take care of her."

"He will." You smile and kiss Steve's cheek. "I will. Now let's go get you a shower and then you can take a nap. Do you wanna eat before or after your nap?" You climb into his arms and he picks you up walking back out of the room up to yours.

"After. I'm not hungry. I'm so tired. Will you lay down with me?" He kisses your cheek as you enter your bathroom and he sets you down. "Of course I will. Whatever you want."

After a quick shower you and Steve cuddle up in your bed. You lay your head on his chest while his arms are wrapped around you tightly. "Get some rest. Bucky will be back by the time you wake up."

*

As promised when you wake up Bucky is there. He's replaced Steve and Steve's nowhere in sight. You look up at Bucky who's smiling at you. "Hi." You mumble sleepily. "Hey doll."

"How long was I asleep?" You sit up and look around and its light out. It was dark when you fell asleep. "Just overnight. We're about to take Loki to the raft. Steve told me to come wake you up, he thought you might want to see him off. Make sure he's gone for good."

"Yea. Please. I just want to make sure he can't come back and as long as I know he left and made it to the Raft, I know he wont get out." He gets out of bed with you and you walk downstairs together.

You enter the room with Bucky and Loki smiles. "I've been waiting for you." He eyes Bucky and speaks for the first time since you brought him here. "It speaks." Bucky spits.

"Hmm you'll regret that in a moment soldier." He smirks and looks from you to Bucky. "Longing. Rusted. Furnace." You don't realize what going on but Bucky drops to his knees and groans.

"No. No, no, no, no. It was supposed to be gone. They said they fixed me!" He shouts and grunts in pain. Steve is in the room and you and him are on your knees in front of Bucky trying to help him but not knowing how.

Then it hits you. You can't. You have to get Loki to stop talking. Or Bucky will go into Winter Soldier mode. "Daybreak. Seventeen." You look to everyone in the room who's just watching.

"Don't let him finish Natasha, stop him." You say frantically as you try to comfort Bucky even though it's useless. "Benign." Natasha holds her hand over his mouth and says through gritted teeth. "Not. Another. Word."

Bucky lays on the ground now curled in a ball, shivering and whimpering. "Shhh Bucky. Stay with me babe. Come on. Let's get you out of here. Steve help me get him away from him."

Steve lifts Bucky and wraps his arm around his shoulder and you wrap his other around yours as you start to leave the room. Natasha moves her hand as you leave which was obviously a mistake.

"Nine. Homecoming. One. Freight car." He finishes before anyone could stop him. You look at Bucky as his eyes slam shut and he pulls away from you and Steve.

His eyes open a moment later and you can tell, it's not Bucky. It's The Winter Soldier.