Counting the Seconds

Chapter 6

You can even be super mean about it! Just point out my mistakes! Please...

Peter opened his eyes and immediately closed them again. The light was blinding. He took a moment to regain conscious thought.

The first thing he needed to do was assess his surroundings. If he couldn't do that visually, then... He took a deep breath and used his other senses.

His Spidey-sense wasn't going off. Then again that didn't mean much. It's hasn't been very that reliable lately, what with Hydra's experimentation and all.

He could smell disinfectant cleaner. And... blood. He would come back to the blood part.

He could taste... nail polish? It could be sharpie or hair spray as well. Although some drugs have that taste also. Again, he would come back to that.

He could feel soft fabric... sheets. Soft sheets... he had to stop for a minute. He hadn't felt soft sheets in a very long time. He made himself get back on track. There was a dull pain in his right arm; It felt like someone was pressing on a bruise but also sharp.

Blood... nail polish... in his arm NOT on. An I.V....? Yes. That would make sense. He was bleeding so a blood transfusion. He hadn't used the cleanest needle when stitching himself up, so anti-biotics to work against infection.

But if he had an I.V. then was he in a hospital? He tried to think back to what had happened. He remembered the building. It made him feel relief. He remembered the handcuffs. He remembered the Buckingham palace cell. He was in Stark Tower. No- no. The Avengers Tower.

He tried once again to open his eyes. This time slower.

He sat up and looked around the room. It was nice, clean, but plain. It was all beige and white with little splashes of navy blue here and there.

A sudden fear gripped his heart before the thought had even formed. Where is Bucky?!

Peter ripped the I.V. out of his arm as he threw his feet over the edge of the bed onto the cold tiled floor. He stood and only lost his balance for a second as he sprinted towards the door.

He ran out into the hallway. Someone must have taken his shoes and sock as well as changed his clothes. His bare feet slapping against the polished floor as he ran wildly.

He must still subconsciously remember the way to the common room because the next thing he knows that's where he is.

Running out of the elevator and down yet another hall. He finally made it to the living room. And there he is. Bucky. Standing next to... is that Steve? Yes. Bucky is standing next to Steve, both of them trying to explain something or other.

Peter didn't waste any time. He sprinted over to Bucky, tackling him in a hug. Bucky, barely keeping his balance.

"Don't DO that!!" Peter scratched out, slightly muffled by Bucky's shirt.

Bucky's arms flew up in surprise. Finally realizing who it was he wrapped them around the kid.

"Don't do what punk?" Bucky spoke fondly, chuckling slightly.

To say the Avengers were surprised would be an understatement. Here was Peter - who had been missing for nearly 2 years - hugging The Winter Soldier who had responded, not only with a full-sentence void of grunts but with admiration. As though this was a common occurrence.

"I didn't know where you were." Peter's voice was still muffled, though everyone could hear him.

Understanding flashed in Bucky's eyes. "Oh, I'm sorry kid. You're right I shoulda stayed with you. Steve's buddies had some questions, but then coulda waited. I'm sorry Peter," He spoke gently.

"S'ok," Peter sniffled. He tried to wipe away the tears without anyone noticing as he pulled back from the older man. He didn't move far. He still stood shoulder to shoulder with Bucky.

He looked around at everyone now. All eyes were on him, and it made him extremely uncomfortable. He inches closer to Bucky.

"17 minutes 42 seconds," He whispered.

Bucky put his metal hand on Peter's shoulder and gave a light reassuring squeeze. The young man looked up at him, and Bucky gave him a look.

It was going to be ok. Bucky says it will.

He can stop counting. It's ok.

And for the first time in 21 months. 638 days. 15312 hours. 918720 minutes. 55123200 seconds.

For the first time in almost 2 years, Peter didn't know how long they had talked and eaten and felt safe.

Last chapter...

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