Project: A Stark Winter

Chapter Thirty: I'm Here

A few days prior...New York City...Original Time

Bucky grunts in pain as he slams into the ground at Stephen Strange's feet for what feels like the millionth time this afternoon. Dusting himself off, he angrily stands, places his hands on his hips, and glares at Strange.
"Okay, so universe nine hundred and eighty-two isn't it. I feel good about the next one." Stephen mumbles as he raises his arms to summon another portal. The look of determination on his face is extinguished quickly as Steve clears his throat and places a steadying arm on Bucky's chest to stop him from lunging at Strange. Strange crosses his arms and pops a hip out as he pouts at the two men.
"What?"
"Stephen, we've been at it for hours. Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Steve asks solemnly, trying his best to stay neutral as his patience wavered.
"I am getting really fucking tired of being bounced off every timeline you throw me into." Bucky grumbles as he shoves Steve's arm away and steps toe to toe with Strange. He flexes his metal arm as he stares down the sorcerer. Strange raises his hands and takes a step back casually as he sighs.
"Alright alright. I'm sorry. It's not an exact science, ya know."
"We understand that. But I think we need to reevaluate our approach." Steve cuts in as he eyes Bucky warily. This topic was touchy for the group as they all had personal stakes in finding you. Strange picks up on Steve's nonverbal cue to broach the subject carefully as he sits on the steps of the grand staircase and peers up at the men as Wong walks down the stairs to address the group.
"Wong this better be good news." Strange quips playfully but as he meets Wong's sad gaze he loses all humor.
"I've been looking through the Hold and all ancient texts we have. I just don't think it's possible and even if it is, do we want to drop into her new timeline and start messing things up?" Wong asks as he floats the book in the air and sifts through it with Strange. Steve and Bucky stare at the pair as they feel their hope crumbling by the second. They'd been researching and running many mystical trials to enter the timeline you had fallen into. There wasn't a real plan, but the men had been working tirelessly to fix what had happened.
"Maybe it's time we rethink the idea of finding her..." Rubbing a hand over his salt and pepper goatee, he opens his mouth to speak again and then shuts it slowly as he looks into the defeated eyes of Steve who nods and joins Strange on the stairs. Bucky scoffs and looks between Strange and Steve quickly searching for answers.
"You've got to be joking, right?" Bucky growls as he balls his fists at his side. Strange and Steve look at him pitifully as they share a look.
"Buck, I want her to come back as much as you do-"
"Do you? Because it sounds like you're ready to give up."
"That's not fair."
"Not fair? That's rich."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Steve questions angrily. He stands abruptly and walks to Bucky with his arms crossed.
"You know exactly what I mean, Steve. Not fair is losing a girl not once, not twice, but three times now." Bucky shouts as he tosses his arms in the air in exasperation. Steve's blue eyes search Bucky's heartbroken look as the truth sinks in. Steve had watched his friend lose you multiple times now, but the reality hadn't fully caught up to him as he was lost in his own world of hurt and pain. Bucky had dusted: loss one. He had reappeared five years later to watch Steve and you be engaged and planning a life together: loss two. And then, just as he was able to finally be honest with how he felt, Bucky lost you for a third time. Steve takes in Bucky's slumped shoulders and shrinking frame and sighs. He tentatively reaches out and places a hand on his shoulder to which Bucky tenses slightly, but doesn't pull away.
"I know she's your doll, but...I-I."
"It's okay, Bucky. We'll figure it out." Steve whispers as he gives Bucky's shoulder a firm squeeze. The two meet each other gaze and find a sad, but comforting presence in the other. Strange clears his throat from the stairs and draws attention to him.
"If you two are done with whatever that was, I just might have an idea." Strange's cape dashes off his shoulders and to a side room before reappearing with a glass vial. The cape hands it to Strange before affixing itself back on his shoulders.
"This is some genetic material- her hair, god relax - from when y/n crashed into here after the whole nearly being crushed by Thanos thing. Which I have still not properly been thanked for..." Strange says with a sarcastic smile that soon disappears at the firm look from Steve.
"Just get to the point Strange." He chides while rolling his eyes.
"Right. Anyway, this can provide us a link to y/n that might draw us to where she is right now. If I use it while opening the portal, it might open into the right one. You get her, bring her back, and...we figure out the rest."
"So a hail Mary." Bucky grumbles and shakes his head.
"Any better ideas? Anyone?" Strange asks as he looks around the room. Seeing that no one was speaking up and that it was their best chance, Strange gestures to Bucky to stand on his spot once again as he begins pulling up mystical runes to ready the portal.
"Ready?" Strange calls to Bucky as Steve looks on nervously. Bucky squares his shoulders as the golden glittering portal opens before him. He nods sternly and rushes in as he braces against the familiar block of the universe stopping him from going through. Bucky gasps in surprise, however, when he is met with no resistance and topples through into an unknown liminal space. An odd sensation changes quickly to pain as it courses through his body and materializes from one universe to another. It feels as if Bucky's insides are being pulled out when all of a sudden he is thrown to the hard ground of whatever universe he was pulled into. He groans and stands slowly, looking around to get his bearings when the sound of footsteps approaches. Bucky looks and meets the gaze of a blonde man who smiles sickly back at him.
"Hello, Sergeant Barnes." The man greets in a thick, German accent. He looks Bucky over appraisingly before snapping his fingers. Over a dozen guards descend on Bucky who attempts to fight them off. He takes down a few before his metal arm is disengaged with an electrical cuff and shock. The guards then take turns beating and shocking him before dragging him up to the wall and changing him.
"Sorry for this greeting, Sergeant Barnes. But we can never be too careful with our favorite Asset." The German man teases with a smile and crouches before Bucky.
"I am sure you are wondering why all the pomp and circumstance, and where you are, hmm? Yes, well. You are on Earth-345."
"345?" Bucky mumbles through a bloody lip as his lead lulls to the side, consciousness slipping away.
"Yes! It was about time you came to find her. And with the help of your wizard friend, you are here. Isn't that most exciting?"
"Her?"
"Oh don't play stupid, Sergeant Barnes. Y/n. She is on her way soon. I promise. Until then, enjoy the company." The German man laughs deviously as he stands and walks toward the door. Bucky only has a moment to process before a shock runs up his spine from a guard. He thrashes and fights against his restraints until his body eventually hangs limply in their holds. As the torture continues, Bucky takes a small glint of comfort in knowing you are okay. He will see you soon.
"I'm here, y/n..."

Stark Tower... a few days prior... Earth-345

You stand at the mirror where moments before Bucky had zipped your dress for the party. As your heart beat wildly with the stirring feelings of this super soldier, you felt a pang in your heart suddenly. Closing your eyes, you attempt a steadying breath when your flesh breaks out in chills slightly. You felt something in the air shift, something different. Not quite sure what, you shrug away the pit in your stomach, and you scold yourself for allowing your thoughts to run rampant. Taking a quick, final glance in the mirror you made your way down the hall and into the kitchen where everyone waited to make their entrance to the party.
"I'm here!" You cheerily inform the team as you join them in waiting to attend the party.