The Chilling Adventures of Steve Rogers: Book One (Magical Hydra Horror AU)

Fifty

Hours after the Barnes boys returned home, Bucky couldn't stop shaking. Not just his hands either. Bucky's whole body was shivering and shaking as though he was cold, but he wasn't. If anything, Bucky was running hot. The way he did when he had a fever.

Trying to be as logical as ever, Bucky had tested his temperature. Unfortunately, that came back as normal. So, he decided that since he was shaking and chilly, Bucky bundled up. Pulling on another sweater and the robe Bubbe got him for Hanukkah, Bucky hoped that he'd either warm up or distract himself enough to ignore the shivering.

And maybe Bucky could ignore feeling cold, but he couldn't ignore the fear that still lingered in him. The fear that simmered deep within him that threatened to bubble over. The thing was, Bucky wasn't even sure what had happened. Or how to explain it.

As easy and as simple as breathing, Bucky reached for his phone. Knowing that Steve would have some words of wisdom. If Steve even believed him to begin with. But of course, Steve would. And even if he didn't, at least Steve would be there. Only... Steve wasn't home.

Not sure what to do now, Bucky simply sat there for a moment. Confused on what happened in the Carters' attic. It had happened, right? It had to have. After all, it'd be pretty difficult to hallucinate being dragged off by some unseen thing. Maybe if Bucky had been by himself, he could pass it off as some nightmare. But he hadn't been by himself.

Sure, it would've been better if he could push it off as just a dream. And Bucky supposed that it probably would've been better if his friends and brother hadn't experienced it. But he'd be lying if he claimed not to be at least a little comforted that he wasn't alone. Of course, that didn't stop him from being frightened by the entity that had attacked them.

It also didn't stop him from wondering what Great Aunt Peggy had been doing with something so evil in the first place. Although Bucky had tried not to study the wine box too indepthly, he could've sworn that there had been Hebrew ingrained on the inside. Of course, that could've just been his wishful thinking. Or the old superstitions that Bubbe would use to keep them out of trouble. Whatever it was, Bucky couldn't fathom why Great Aunt Peggy would have it.

Since Bucky couldn't make sense of his own thoughts, he threw himself into his school work. Allowing himself to get twisted up with calculus and physics rather than paranormal. Figuring that since he wasn't able to run to Steve for comfort, he'd simply deny that anything weird had happened in the first place.

"You know he's better off without you," a deep voice nearly growled on Bucky's side.

Startled, Bucky felt as though he could've jumped right out of his skin. Turning in his swivel computer chair, Bucky found Teddy in the doorway to his room. Although, there was something off with the way that Teddy was staring at him. Almost glaring at him. Which wasn't like Teddy. Teddy was a kind soul who tried his best to comfort others. Yet, as he stood there in the doorway, his usually blue eyes seemed dead as he heartlessly glared at Bucky.

Swallowing thickly, Bucky forced a laugh and hoped it didn't give away his fear as he confessed, "Ya got me. Good one."

Bucky expected Teddy to laugh, or something. Anything. When he didn't, Bucky continued on. After all, when in doubt, Bucky spoke his way out. Typically it was one of his biggest tells, but for some reason, he was sure that Teddy wouldn't remember that just then. So, Bucky carried on as normal, "What are you doing anyway? Thought you were going to bed."

"What are you doing wasting your time with Steve?" Teddy ignored Bucky's comments and continued as though Bucky hadn't even spoken at all. Cruelly, Teddy amended, "Or should I ask, what is Steve doing wasting his time on you?"

Brows furrowing and insecurities flaring, Bucky admitted, "This isn't funny, Ted."

"Not trying to make you laugh, Buck."

"Then what are you trying to do?" Bucky questioned, gaze drifting over, just to the left as he found it difficult to look at his older brother directly.

"Trying to warn you," Teddy clarified.

Feigning annoyance, Bucky crossed his arms securely along his chest and scoffed, "Warn me? Warn me about what?"

"About Steve," Teddy explained, "He's not the person you think he is. He's going to change. He's going to leave you and break your heart. Just when you need him the most."

Although it stung, Bucky rolled his eyes and declared, "Okay, yeah. I'm sure that Steve Rogers, my best friend for fourteen years, is going to do that." Bucky turned back to face his desk as he repeated, "This isn't funny."

"It's not meant to be," Teddy replied, pushing himself off the doorway and heading for his room.

Not wanting to be disturbed again, Bucky stood and crossed his room. Peeking his head out into the doorway, Bucky was startled to find Teddy standing outside of his own bedroom. Even before Bucky could think about how off Teddy was acting, he felt it. Something was definitely wrong here.

Closing his door, Bucky leaned up against it, trying to catch his breath. Heart racing, hands shaking, tears building in his eyes. There were only two people that Bucky turned to in times like these. One of them was seemingly possessed. And the other was --

Bucky's phone lit up on his desk and he rushed to get it. His literal lifeline as the contact photo of Steve in a soft, cozy giraffe onesie with a large smile on his face while Bucky kissed his cheek. Answering the phone, he sighed in relief, "Hey."