Resilient

Chapter 46

Evelyn awoke with the steady beeping of her heart monitor. She laid in bed of the hospital wing - the same room as when she was originally rescued. She reached her hand to the back of her head and touched the bandage gingerly and winced when she felt pain.

"We've got to stop meeting like this," a voice said from her side.

"Steve?" Evelyn said her voice catching. She took the sight of him in - he was bruised and sitting in a recliner watching her. "What happened? The last thing I remember was Richard kicking Bucky in the head."

Steve looked at the somberly. He had told the team he wanted to break the news to Evelyn but now he didn't think he could handle telling her. He didn't know how she'd react. He leaned forward and took her hand.

"Steve - please," Evelyn softly begged "Did something happen to my sister or the team?"

"No, your sister is safe in Wakanda getting help. They put her in a cryogenic sleep to help her heal." Steve said giving her hand a squeeze as a gasp of relief left her lips. "The team is safe. All a bit bruised and battered but we all made it."

Evelyn saw the pain in his eyes and realized, "Jacob." Her voice was a little more of a whisper.

"He took on Pierce to save Bucky and give us time to get away," Steve said looking down. "I'm so sorry"

Evelyn turned her head to the ceiling and held back tears. The Jacob she knew and loved had been gone for some time. She was glad that Grace had snapped him out of whatever trance Hydra had put him under and made him realize his path was destructive. She had no delusions about him not being a good man during her time in captivity. She hoped he made peace.

"Where's Bucky?" Evelyn asked turning towards Steve. "Is he...is he okay?" She sent a silent prayer.

"Bucky is okay. I sent him to go take a shower," Steve said smiling, "He hasn't left your side since he woke up and he was a little ripe."

Evelyn giggled but it was cut short by a cough at the door. "Some friend you are - I did not stink."

Bucky looked at Evelyn and his heart stopped beating for a fracture of a second. Steve was telling the truth; after waking up he made them wheel him by Evelyn's side immediately and told them in not so many words that any treatment he would be getting would be at her bedside.

"Sure bud. Whatever you say," Steve joked and winked at Evelyn earning another giggle. "I'll leave you to the capable hands of my best friend who needs to remember that I've been sitting in the same chair he was and now have to shower." Evelyn laughed harder and Bucky punched his arm as he left the room leaving the pair alone.

"Hi," Evelyn said smiling at Bucky in the doorway.

"Hi Doll," Bucky said coming to her bedside. "How are you feeling?"

"Good for all things considered. Steve said Grace is in Wakanda - do you know when I can see her?" Evelyn asked reaching for his hand.

Rubbing her knuckles gently Bucky replied, "Not for a little bit but I promise Shuri is going to be taking good care of her. This process takes time and will help her repair the damage that may be done under the surface."

Evelyn felt her heart clench. She knew she could trust Bucky and if the team took Grace to Wakanda then that was the best place for her. She looked back to the ceiling to control her breathing and not cry.

"Hey," Bucky said gently grabbing her chin. "As soon as she is able to be woken up I will take you myself. No matter the time of day."

She nodded and grabbed his hand and smiled at him. "You are too good to me James. Thank you."

"Anything for you Doll," Bucky said leaning down and kissing her gently. He leaned his forehead against hers.

"I could get used to that," Evelyn said breathing him in.

"Me too. And lucky for you I have no intention of stopping," Bucky gave her a mischievous grin.

"Lucky me," she grinned and kissed him again.