Even Heroes Bleed

by chibiMuffin999

Bucky Barnes is a war hero. More importantly, he is Steve Roger's hero. But even heroes bleed. -An introspective of both Steve and Bucky's inner thoughts during TFA and TWS and beyond. Gets a little dark in places.- (Rated for mild language and violence. Includes some character death.) Non-slash. -Reviews are loved and appreciated :D -

1. Chapter 1

Author's note: I'll be uploading this story in chunks. Stay tuned :)

Part 1

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Bucky Barnes has always been superhuman as far as Steve Rogers is concerned.

It has never occurred to Steve, not once, before Agent Carter tells him the fate of the 107th, that Bucky could really be in danger over here. Somehow, no matter how many casualties he's seen, he can't help but picture Bucky just leisurely plowing through the enemy; like he plowed through the local bullies whenever they dared try to jump his best friend. It has never occurred to him that Bucky could really be hurt. … Could be killed.

It has never occurred to him that Bucky might not come home - not until he hears the words 'what's left of the 107th'- and the awful reality that he might never see his best friend again crashes down on top of him.

The idea that anything could get the better of Bucky Barnes is unthinkable, but he finds himself thinking it all the same. It is jarring and shakes his world at the roots. He takes off through the rain, Peggy at his heels.

He has to know.

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The colonel isn't happy to see either of them. Then again, where Steve is involved, he never has been. He's not surprised that Colonel Phillips hates him. He would too in the colonel's position, he supposes. What is Steve Rogers to him, but a dancing monkey in a stupid costume? All that time and trouble to create a super-powered army, and one enormous schmuck in tights is all he gets?

He asks for the name. Just one. He just needs to hear that Bucky is ok and maybe the blood will stop pounding in his ears. His voice is steady but he's half a millimeter from screaming inside. The colonel is focused on Carter, but Steve interjects. He pushes his luck. He has to know.

He thinks he hears some real regret when Phillips says "I'm sorry", but it's not good enough.
It takes all of a moment to make up his mind, staring at Bucky's condolence letter in the colonel's hands. If they won't mount a rescue, he will. Bucky is a hero. He is Steve's hero. Somehow, he'll be alright. Steve just has to find him.

They tell him that Barnes is dead. There's no hope. But they don't know that. Nobody does.

He has to know.
He just has to.