Warrior

CHAPTER FIVE

BUCKY'S POV

"Steve..." I sigh, staring at my bruised body, surprised I can even stand or that I'm even awake right now by the state of it. My phone squished between my ear and shoulder. "I think I need a doctor."
After I got offered a job at some fancy diner by Nat's dad, I went home by myself but my parents were waiting for me. They were angrier than I've ever seen them, and that's saying something. I thought I had gotten used to their rough treatment over the years but this was so much different. My face is bruised, cut and bloody. I think my nose is broken, and my ribs are an ugly shade of purple.
"Can you get out your window?" Steve asks, worry clear in his voice. There is also controlled anger.
"Maybe but everything hurts." I whimper, easing my shirt down, trying not to wince from all the pain wracking my body.
"Just be careful, Tony and I are on our way." He promises before hanging up.
I think heavily about calling or texting Nat but I decide against it because I don't want her to worry. But I have a feeling I won't be coming back to this apartment ever again, so I grab my school bag and stuff some clothes inside and grab the couple hundred dollars I had hidden that I may or may not have nicked from my parents when they were passed out as an attempt to get enough money to get the hell out of here. I guess today is that day. Nat comes to school with a bruise and decked my dad, I get beaten to hell and back, and now I'm homeless.
Very, very quietly, I open my window and ease my pain filled body out, having to bite down on my split bottom lip to stop from crying out when my ribs feel ready to burst into flames.
Just as I hobble down the fire escape, I hear Tony's car pull up down the far end of the alleyway. I thank every god I can think of for him not pulling up at the front, and for him treating Steve good. He knows that I'll kick his ass if he hurts Steve, Steve is basically my brother.
"Jump! I'll catch you!" Steve yells quietly once I reach the ladder, holding his arms open.
With a deep breath, I count to three and carefully leap off, landing in his arms before being put on my own two feet. He helps me to Tony's fancy but classic convertible Mustang, and I notice a familiar red head in the back. My heart begins to pound against my ribcage. She can't see me like this. I almost start crying but I manage to hold it together as I get in the back next to Nat.
"I'm going to kill them." Nat growls angrily when she sees my state. I flinch because of the anger over the pain. I've heard more than enough angry voices today. "Sorry."
I just nod, bringing my knees to my chest despite the agony. I don't feel like talking or doing anything. I just want to disappear forever. My dad looked hell bent on killing me, and he probably would've.
I must've fallen asleep on the way to the hospital because when I wake up, I'm in a hospital bed with wires and things everywhere. A nurse is checking something on a monitor and smiles when she sees me awake. I say nothing and look around more, seeing I'm in my own room. I can't afford this, I don't even have insurance.
"You have young Mister Stark to thank for this." The nurse tells me, probably noticing my unease about this whole thing.
Once again, I just nod for an answer, wanting to curl into myself but I'm currently unable.
"I'll bring in your friends and the doctor." She smiles and wanders out the door.
The first in is Natasha, who sprints over and holds my hand. Her cheeks are puffy and her eyes are red. Why would she be crying? I'm not worth crying over. Next in is Steve and Tony, hand in hand which brings a twinge of a smile to my face, and behind them is a man in a lab coat; the doctor.
The doctor rattles on about all my injuries and something about staying in the hospital for a day or so. Tony assures me that he's covered it all, which makes me feel awful. Like I'm a burden on everyone because they all are offering me things and helping me.
The entire time, I say nothing. Not a single word until the police come for a statement. Tony leaves the room but I borderline beg Steve and Nat to stay while I tell the cops everything. I relive all the abuse from as long as I can remember up until today. I have to stop myself a few times to keep from panicking.
Steve stands to the side with a guilty expression because he's been trying to get me to go to the police for years, he's even had his mum call them a few times but they never pressed charges because my parents acted like angels around them. But today, after this event, I'm finally ready to admit it all.
Nat sits on the chair by the bed, wringing her hands nervously. Her face is expressionless but her eyes tell a different story.
By the time I finish, I'm completely exhausted and just want to disappear once again but instead, I reach for Nat's hand. The feeling over her thumbs massaging my knuckles is soothing and before I know it, I'm drifting off with that chapter of my life finally closed.
Or at least I hope it is. I'm done with my parents.