I Thought You Were Different: Part 6

Jello

Sam had made good on his promise, pushing Bucky back to bed when the man just wouldn't listen to reason. He didn't want to take advantage of his weakened state to get the upper hand, but it didn't hurt that for the first time, he was in charge and carried the strength for the duo. There was a little guilt, sure, and Sam nearly burst into tears afterwards from the look that Bucky had given him; it was like there was a break in their trust, and Bucky wasn't sure who's side Sam was on.

"Goddammit, stop trying to force Jello down my throat."

"If you would just play along, this would be so much easier," Wade sighed, holding a spoonful carefully at Bucky's lips. "This is a part of being in the hospital. Orange, wibbly-wobbly goo to somehow make you believe that it's actually good because the shit food they have in this dump isn't fit for a dog. They give you this mass-produced stuff just so you can see that it's still sealed and has an expiration date," he paused, holding the cup up so that he could see the bottom, "um...woah! Jesus fuck this date is like ten years from now! What radioactive soylent green bullshit is this stuff made of?"

Bucky reached out to take the cup, his curiosity now piqued, but Wade quickly pulled his arm back to keep it out of his reach. "What? Now I want to try it."

"Oh, no, my sick baby boy, no Jello for you. Not until I know what's in this. You're compromised now and I can't risk poisoning you over something so...floopy."

"Floopy?"

"It's a word," Wade snickered, turning away to leave on his newest quest. "Alright, children, I'm off to the kitchen to get some answers. You lovebirds had better make up before I get back or this wiggly spunk is gonna be the least of your worries. I'll get the sugar free pudding and then you'll be sorry!"

Bucky and Sam exchanged a quick glance, meant to convey their regret in how this was all playing out, but instead, saw just how repulsed the other was by what their shared friend was offering. "Gross. Who the hell thought that was a good idea?" Bucky scoffed, his face contorted into disgusted expression. "Obviously someone good at getting people up and outta here, that's what I think."

"Well," Sam joined in, "I'm pretty sure there are more than a few diabetics in here, hon. I'm sure they appreciate having it."

"Great! Then they'll appreciate it even more if you keep all of that away from me, Wade, before I waste their precious snack by shoving it up your-"

"Good morning, Mr. Barnes," a nurse broke in at just the right time, freeing up Wade to leave on his Jello crusade and Sam to breathe a sigh of relief at his exit. "It looks like you're doing well this morning, up and moving already. I've got your paperwork here, so I bet you want to head home today?"

"How's about now?" he urged. He was already taking strides towards the closet where Sam had hurriedly thrown his clothes. "I can be outta your hair in five minutes."

"In a rush to get somewhere?" Sam asked, a skeptical eyebrow cocked as he watched Bucky dress. "The only place you're going is home."

Bucky hastily pushed one foot into his pants, hoping slightly as he pulled at them before pushing in the other. He lost his balance just a bit at that motion, but he raised out a hand fast enough to catch himself, and before Sam had a chance to stand to help. "No, Sam," he argued, now struggling with his belt, "We need to get to Steve and (Y/N). They probably need backup, so you and I can grab a jet-"

"Shit," Sam groaned under his breath, lowering his gaze to his feet in both embarrassment and shame, "I forgot to tell you, with all of this Jello bullshit going on. (Y/N) is in surgery from a gunshot wound that dropped her, and they think the serum is wearing off too so the repair is taking longer than it normally would. Steve and Tony are waiting for her up on fourth with Banner and Dr. Cho."