Finding Love in France (Alternate Version)

Part 53: Setback

Mila decided to head back to the barracks to clean up and try to clear her mind. The migraine was in full effect, she was having a hard time with the lights in the infirmary and the constant noises were setting her on edge. As she relaxed under the warm water, she tried not to think about what the night might bring. She hoped it wasn't dumb luck that had kept them safe the night before.

When she returned to the infirmary, a nurse grabbed her as soon as she was through the doors.

"Come quick! He's gone crazy!" The nurse cried, pulling Mila down the hall.

"What happened?" Mila couldn't imagine something that traumatic happening during the day with his routine care. "What started it this time?"

"We were getting him up for a walk, and then, he lost it! He punched out one of the orderlies and is threatening the doctor!" The nurse was now hiding behind Mila as they approached the room, where Howard, Peggy, and Steve were watching in horror.

Bucky had broken out of the traction and was screaming at the doctor through the window in the door. "Get the fuck away from me! Stay back!" He motioned to the unconscious orderly on the floor. "Who sent this guy?! What are you trying to do to me?!"

"How long has he been like this, Doctor?" Mila asked. "What set him off?"

"I think that poor boy on the floor tried to wake him up and he snapped." The doctor pinched the bridge of his nose. "I won't risk any of my staff to try and go in there. We have tranquilizers ready, we just need a clear shot."

"I'll do it. How many syringes do you have?" Mila sighed defeatedly. "Are the ones from last night still in there?"

"No, Dr. Abrams, we got rid of those this morning. Here..." the doctor handed her 2 filled syringes. "This should be enough to knock him out cold."

"Mila, are you sure you want to go in there?" Steve interjected, worried for her safety. "They won't even let me in, and I'm twice your size..."

"It appears as though I don't have much choice, do I, Steven?" Mila said flatly. "I got us into this mess, now I have to get us out...though if you would be so kind as to get behind me, I might need backup." She approached the window. "James? James? Can you hear me? It's Mila."

"Who the hell are you?" Bucky hissed at the window. "What do you want?"

"I'm a doctor, here to help you, Sargent Barnes." She tried to smile weakly. "May I come in? At least let me get that injured man out of the room?"

Bucky looked at her skeptically, then down at the guy on the floor. "I didn't mean to do that..." he said quietly. "He wouldn't tell me why he was here." He blinked a few times. "Are you really a doctor, ma'am?"

"Yes, Dr. Mila Abrams, French Resistance." She genuinely smiled this time. "May I please come in?"

"Just you, okay? No funny business." Bucky unlocked the door. "Don't try anything, please. I don't want to hurt you, ma'am."

Steve grabbed Mila's arm as she stepped towards the room. "I'm not letting you go in there alone, Mila. It's too dangerous, he's too unstable!"

Seeing Steve grab Mila, Bucky reached out and grabbed her other arm, pulling her into the room, closing and locking the door behind them. "What the fuck did I tell you?!" He yelled. "I don't want to hurt anybody!"