And Then I Wrote Marvel

In Sickness and in Health (Bucky Barnes x Reader)

You had the worst bout of stomach flu the world, or your world, more accurately, had ever seen. You had decided to quarantine yourself in the bathroom in hopes of keeping it to yourself. A steady stream of sacrifices to the porcelain goddess had been made over yesterday and today, and you had a feeling that it would continue somewhat into tomorrow as well.

A knock on the door sounded. "No, not right now," you replied automatically, your voice as weak as they came.

"I figured that you might like a little human company. I know the toilet is your best friend right now, but..." It was Bucky.

"Buck, no. I don't want to take any chances. Even if you have less of a chance of catching this, I don't want you carrying it--" you were interrupted by a series of dry heaves, followed by a few that weren't quite so dry.

Bucky winced every time he heard a noise from behind the wooden door. You had thrown up everything until you had nothing left. He didn't want you to feel alone, even if you wouldn't let him in.

"Doll, let me help you. Do you think you could hold down some water? Soda crackers?"

The thought of anything even entering your mouth made your stomach churn again. "Not a chance. And this door is not opening for anything."

"When was the last time you ate? Slept, even?"

"I haven't eaten anything in the last 32 hours, and I might have stolen a few winks last night, but I'm really not sure."

"Oh, sweetheart..."

"I'm fine, really. Go see if Steve wants to do anything with you or something. Don't let me weigh you down, bud."

"You could never weigh me down. I've got superstrength, remember? You're a feather."

"I'll probably literally be a feather after these lovely couple of days." You made another round of sacrifices. "Kill me now," you moaned.

"Don't talk like that!"

"Buck, I wasn't serious. It would just be nice to not have to deal with this any more."

"(Y/N), listen. You're the strongest person I know."

"I thought you just said that you have superstrength. Steve does, too. Let's not forget The Other Guy--"

"(Y/N), I'm trying to be serious here. You've dealt with so much more than a stupid flu virus, and if this is what gets you, that's the sickest joke I've ever heard in my life."

"Sickest...ha...that's a good one."

Your boyfriend slapped his forehead. "Pun unintended."

"It's still funny."

"You're the weirdest thing I've ever met in my entire life."

"That's why you love me, though, right?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way, doll."

You puked again. "Oh, gross, it got in my hair!" you whined. You turned on the sink and tried to wash it out. You were too scared to shower, in case you puked in there. "Why me?"

"Just imagine it as HYDRA's lame excuse of trying to take you out. They're scared of you. Remind them why."

"That's sweet," you remarked, "but I don't think anyone's scared of me right now.

"Well, they should be. You'd probably just projectile vomit in their face if anyone tried anything."

"You know me too well, Barnes." You paused. "Heavens, I'm tired."

Bucky sat down on the other side of the door. "I get that. I also get feeling like crap."

"I can only imagine," you mumbled. You were so exhausted, but there was no way that your body was going to let you sleep. Tears began to form in your eyes. "Kill me now," you repeated. "You'd be doing me a favor."

"Maybe currently," Bucky agreed. "But only the current version of yourself. Maybe HYDRA. But that's it." He slipped his fingers underneath the door. "We'd miss you."

"Buck, what are you doing?" Even as you asked the question, you moved over by the door and put your hand over his fingers. "Why are you still wasting your time with me?"

"I love you too much to let you go through this alone." Human contact, especially with him, made you relax. This was what you'd been needing.

"Thank you. I'm still not letting you in, but thank you."

"Fine by me. I just want to help however I can."

"This...this is perfect." Your breathing began to slow as your body finally began to give in. "I love you."

"I love you more."

"I love you most," you finished the Disney quote.

"I love you the very most."

"Cheater."

You were the first to nod off, finally. Bucky soon followed, and if anyone could make the door like glass, they would see that the two of you were basically leaning against each other.

Perfection.