Even the Captain Needs a Hero

Chapter one

-Steve's dream-

It was July 4th and for my birthday Bucky was taking me to see the fireworks and have one last memorable birthday before heading to basic training. I let my eyes wander around my surroundings and let out a content hum. I leaned my head back as a firework shot into the sky illuminating my face.

"Everything okay there Stevie?" Bucky asked looking at me with concern. I smiled up at him as more fireworks went off above us.

"Yes, everything is perfect," I respond. After I said that the scene changes to the time after I took the serum and became Captain America. It was the moment when Bucky and I were on the train near Austria.

"Stevie climb up!" Bucky ordered. I look up at the opening and then down at him.

"Not with you!" I yelled down at him. Just as I reach for him he falls and a bright light blinds me.

-Normal Steve's Pov-

"Bucky!" I screamed jolting awake from my dream. I sit up in my bed breathing heavily as my eyes water.

"Is everything okay Captain Rogers? Would you like me to let Mr. Barnes know you are calling for him?" JARVIS asked.

"Yes please Jarvis," I mutter as the tears fall.

"Why wasn't I strong enough to grab him before he fell?" I sob to myself not hearing the door open.

-Bucky's Pov-

"Why wasn't I strong enough to grab him before he fell? I heard Steve whimper out to himself. The sight of him in tears and shaking under his gray military-grade covers makes my heart sink.

"Hey, Stevie what's wrong bud?" I ask softly and calmly. He looks at me his usually bright blue eyes dimmed by the tears. I sat on his bed and pulled him close.

"I-I'm not st-strong enough Bu-Bucky" He sobbed out his voice cracking, his shoulders heaving, and his body shaking with every gut-wrenching cry.

"You are strong enough Steve. Why do you think you aren't strong enough?" I asked holding him close. My metal arm resting on the comforter.

"I couldn't save you..." Steve whispers.

"But you did save me you got me out of Hydra," I said kinda confused.

"No at the train...I-I wasn't strong enough to keep you from falling," He cries and buries himself into my chest. I sigh and look at the time on his alarm clock. I reach over and shut off his 4 am alarm as the time is 2 am.

"Lay down Punk. I'm not leaving you," I lay down next to him his head resting over my heart. I run my hand through his hair my fingers massaging his scalp.

"I'm not a punk..." He sleepily mumbles before closing his eyes and falling back asleep. I smile and hold him closer.

"Sure you aren't. Happy birthday Steve," I whisper to the quiet darkness of his room.

-Steve's Pov-
I wake up in my bed my hands reaching out to feel for Bucky.

"Buck?" I croak out as I rub my eyes to wake up. I look around and my heart breaks as I don't find him there anymore. I crawl out of bed and grab a hoodie and sweats before going out to the common area.

"Look who finally decided to wake up and grace us with his presence," I hear Tony say his sarcastic voice echoing in my ears. I groan and walk away not wanting to deal with him at least not right now. I thought about going and finding Bucky but that thought quickly left my head as I heard everyone talking.

Their voices screamed in my head every little sound was worse than the sounds of explosions and gunfire. I hurried out of the tower and down the street. I just want it to stop. I dig my nails into my palms as tears swell up. My vision blurs as I try to keep walking.

Somehow I ended up at the Smithsonian Museum. I sigh and walk inside with my hands in my pockets as I walk to the World War Two section. I head straight to the wall for Bucky and listen to it talk about our lives.

Then from behind me came a small voice, "Mr. Rogers?" It asked. I turned to find Peter standing behind me.

"Oh hello Pete," I responded and went back to the wall.

"Why are you here on your birthday and not at the tower with everyone celebrating?" He asked. I open my mouth to respond but I can't think of anything. Heck, I didn't even remember my birthday.

"I just needed to clear my mind, Queens. Why are you here?" I asked taking the subject off myself.

"Everyone is looking for you. Tony said you looked upset this morning and that you woke up at 8 this morning," I look at the boy he's clearly worried, so I give him my full attention.

"I'm fine. Pete just had some home sickness," I said. It wasn't exactly a lie. I did miss home, but that wasn't all that's bugging me.

"But you have a home here now Mr. Rogers, right?" He asked his voice showing his innocence.

"Yes, I guess I do kiddo. Are you here to take me home?" I asked with a laugh. He nodded eagerly and took my hand and led me out and back to the tower. I see everyone standing outside the tower in a worried state. Why didn't they try calling me? I check my pockets for my phone. Oh...that's why I left it in my room.

"I FOUND HIM GUYS!" Peter yells in my ear. I make a face of slight discomfort before getting surrounded by all of the other Avengers.

"Where did you go?" Nat asked.

"Why didn't you take your phone?" Asked Sam.

"Do you know how worried you made us?" Asked Bruce.

I was going to answer their questions but I looked up and saw Tony comforting Bucky who hadn't seen me yet. I pushed past the crowd and walked over.