A/N:I know, it has been quite some time since I last posted. I want to thank everyone who has sent me pms and left reviews or who have contacted me in different ways to let me know how much they enjoy this story and how much they look forward to reading a new chapter. Your patience and support means the world to me.
I hope you all know that I will only ever post something once I feel that it's the best thing that I can put out there. I'm not going to post anything that I consider 'meh' just to have another chapter out. When it's read, I want it to be something I'm proud of and something with purpose. If it's not adding to the story and if it's not something I feel good about, it's gonna wait until I'm in a better mind state to write.
Without getting into a long explanation about RL, just know that I do write whenever I can. It's been...challenging on my end. But all is well, and I continue to push forward.
So without keeping you waiting anymore. Here's the next chapter!
Disclaimer : I still only own Chrissy!
Chapter 26: Run
The living room has a different feel and vibe to it now, almost foreign. Sitting on the sofa, still covered with the oversized plaid-shirt makes Chrissy seem so frail and small. Steve places a hand on her shoulder, his fingers squeeze softly. "I was on my way here when the alarm for your bracelet went off." He informs. "As soon as I found out...I wanted the both of you out of here."
"It's probably the best option right now." The other Soldier sits on the coffee table and opens up a well stocked medical kit. Chrissy's still in shock as he tends to her wounds. "We should call Stevens, get him to look at you before we leave."
"Leave?" Her fingers dance along the collar of the borrowed shirt. This is her home, she can't just abandon it.
"We can't stay here." Bucky informs softly. "Not while all this is still on…" He waves a hand in the direction of the panels. "We don't really know who's watching. Or how much control they have over everything."
"He's right." Steve clears his throat. "I'll get Tony to take it all apart. Strip it down and make sure that there's not a trace of shield left over." Even Cap is starting to sound not so convinced by his own words.
Bucky lets out a deep breath as he continues tending to Chrissy's wounds. "No." He pauses his movements in an attempt to calm himself.
"He thought he was doing the right thing. Stark considered you a liability. He was only looking out for Chrissy's safety. He had no idea that they would take advantage of that." Steve knows it's an argument he'll lose with Barnes, but with Chrissy, it might be different. "Chris, you know him. Tony would never do anything to intentionally hurt you." Letting out a long sigh, Steve rests his hands on his hips and tries again. "The way he went about it, was wrong. Lying to you, to all of us, was wrong. But deep down, you know he had the best intentions. I'm not defending what he did. Just…"
"I'm worried about his judgement Steve." Chrissy swallows a lump that seems to be caught in her throat. "Ultron...this...what's next? He's so concerned with protecting...maybe he's starting to forget about what's right." She shakes her head. "I don't know."
"Buck, call Stevens. He can look over Chris before you two leave town. I'm going to stay here and personally look after everything until it's all settled on this end." The Captain grips his friends shoulder. "He'll get it done Chrissy." Now he's backing a man he barely has faith in anymore, Tony better come through for them.
"Fine." Bucky rubs his palms on his thighs. "But we're ditching the phones, the cards and the truck. I'm good at hiding Steve. I don't want to have to disappear again." His eyes drift back to the woman on the couch. "But if I have to...with her…I will." His eyes show no signs of backing down.
"You won't have to." Steve gestures to the home phone. "Call Stevens. I'll talk to Stark." The Captain heads outside, his steps sure and quick.
Holding back any tears that threaten to escape, Chrissy allows her eyes to roam over her living room one last time. There's a bunch of mixed emotions and thoughts going through her at this very moment. Will this be the last time she sees her home? God she hates Tony right now, but she still loves him all the same. Asshole. She spots the man in question out of the corner of her eye, lingering by the kitchen, head dipped down in shame. The bruising on his jaw, the look of defeat on his weary face, she just wants to rush up and hug him. No, wait, slap him.
Nose feeling stuffy and wet, she sniffs back her pain. A whimper almost leaves her lips when Tony lifts his gaze towards her, eyes never meeting. She adverts her glare. Focus now on the piece of jewelry he'd given to her all those months ago. Fingers trace over the delicate looking item. Really it was the only thing that saved their skin today. Doesn't matter. Bucky doesn't want anything on them that could provide a way for anyone to trace their location.
With a heavy heart, Chrissy removes the bracelet, turns it in her hands a few times and then gently sets it down on the end table by the sofa. Tony's eyes follow her every movement. One of his thumbs quickly wipes at his eye as he refuses to watch her leave. Licking his bottom lip, he nods knowing that his one last connection to her, his one last security measure has been severed. She's leaving, it's his fault, and there's nothing he can do about it. Will he ever see her again?
Without saying a word to him, Chrissy picks up her bag and walks out the front door.
Stark clears his throat and makes his way over to the end table. With shaky fingers, he picks up the bracelet. Staring at the item for a few seconds, he sucks some air in between his teeth and rubs a hand over his mouth. Why does it feel as though a family member has died? God his heart hurts. Last time he felt like this...was well, when his parents passed away. They left and never came back. A shaky exhale leaves him. What if she never comes back?
"I want to stop at the bank...there's money there I've saved up for emergencies." Chrissy sighs as she places her bag in the back of the Chev. Then she hands Bucky a piece of paper.
"What's this?" He folds it open. "An address?"
"Yup." She pockets her hands into her coat, nerves are starting to get the better of her. "Nobody knows about it. I bought it a few years after Connor passed...was going to sell everything and just move there. Get away from everything. Me and Jake." She attempts to smile. "But I never could find it in me to do it. Was actually planning on selling it."
Bucky kisses her temple and smiles. "Good thing you never got rid of it."
"I have no idea what condition it's in. Haven't been there in about a 2 years. But I've been paying a guy to go in and do renos and some upkeep so that when I did decide to list in on the market, I'd make a profit. So here's hoping he wasn't just taking my money and being lazy." Chrissy smirks, the cuts and bruising on her skin looking angry and agitated as she runs her hand along her neck.
Steve makes his way towards the couple, Jake not too far behind. "If you run into trouble or just need anything...leave a message at this number. It's a secure line. Nothing will be traced." He hands Bucky a torn piece of paper.
Thumbing the two pieces of scrap paper in his hand, the Soldier grins. "See...electronics, not as good as everyone thinks." Barnes snickers. "Don't forget to feed the animals."
"I won't...besides, I've already called Frank." Steve smirks. "What about the cat?"
Bucky feels bad that he has to leave his little ball of evil behind. "Can't, he's chipped. Jake isn't."
"Right." Steve had forgotten that was a thing. Microchipping pets in order to find them. "Well, I'll keep him company." Chrissy hugs Steve tightly. "Keep an eye on him alright?" He's worried, they are going somewhere he has no way of contacting or locating them. What good is Captain America to them if he doesn't know where they are? How will he know if something's wrong?
"I will. And thanks for picking up Jake." Always, she forgets how incredibly strong he is, that is until he embraces her. "Please keep the house in one piece. You know how he gets…" She can't even bring herself to say Tony's name, and this alone causes her more pain than she thought possible.
"It'll be fine." He promises and lets her leave his arms. Bucky extends his hand and Steve shakes it, letting a tired sigh leave him as he does. "It's Ross, it's not all of Shield. You know that right? Let me house you two somewhere..."
"Steve, I was just starting to trust people, in my own way. Maybe it's just his department. Maybe not. I'm not going through something like this again…" Bucky tightens his left fist as he looks down at his prosthetic. "And I'm not letting them use her that way." Clearing his throat, he can only hope that his friend understands his hidden meanings. "I've...dealt with all kinds of violations before...mentally, physically. But she hasn't. Not like that. I wanted to believe that it was something I was putting behind me." Bucky sighs, disappointment seeping through him. "And now this. It's my fault."
"You know that's not true. There are some messed up people out there, that think what they are doing is for the greater good...no matter how they achieve it, they believe that what they are doing is for peace and security. Ross is wrong, the people following him are wrong. What they want to do with you is horribly wrong. But they think it's worth it...one man for the sake of everyone else. It's a dangerous path, to think that way. People like that start to think they govern all." Steve grasps the other man's shoulder. "You're an exceptional person and extremely good at what you do. None of this is your fault. The fault lies with the people that want to take advantage of you and what you've been through. Don't ever think differently."
Bucky smirks. "Thanks pal." Barnes pulls his friend to him in a tight hug. "Maybe one day soon things will be a little more on the normal side."
Steve pats his friends back. "I doubt that, but it's a nice thought." The Captain releases his friend and watches as the man and the retriever climb into the truck. "If you need anything. You better call me."
Bucky grasps Chrissy's knee, squeezes gently and offers a small smile. "You ready?"
"Yeah." She returns the smile and is happy to see that Jake is at least coming with them. "Hey. Who's my good boy?" Jake leans over from the back seat and licks her cheek.
Sitting on the porch stairs, Stark watches as the Chevy slowly leaves the long driveway. This is the first time in years that he doesn't get to say goodbye to Chris. The house feels hollow without her bubbly personality around. His hands are folded together, hanging between his legs. He doesn't know how, but he's going to make this right. She may never speak to him again or even look at him. But he's going to get her house back. Reality finally setting in, Tony heads back inside to the nearest washroom and vomits. Usually he'd talk to Chrissy when something was bothering him this badly. Now what is he going to do? He feels deserted, but in the end wasn't this something he did to himself? By trying to keep the ones he cared about safe, did he drive them away?
"You have a chance to try and fix this." Steve's resting against the door frame of the washroom. "We need to bring to light what Ross has been doing. The rest of Shield won't stand for this."
"I know…" Tony runs some cold water in the sink and washes his tired face. "I'm going to start with this house. Then...Ross, he's mine. The Avengers are going to be in charge of themselves again. If I have to rip every brick from that building…I will."
"Good." Steve likes it when Tony's determined. "We've got work to do."
Doctor Stevens looks over the medical chart in his hand as the couple patiently waits. "Chris...I know it's not your fault, but you need stop getting head injuries. I'm worried that one day you'll have damage that I won't be able to help with. That will be permanent." The Doctor signs the chart and shakes his head, concern radiating from him like a beacon. "When you two get back from your...vacation...I want you to talk to Rogers or Stark. All of the technology that they possess. They should be able to help with the healing process."
"We'll look into it as soon as we get back." She offers a quick smirk. Chrissy can see Bucky from the corner of her eye, staring back at her. He's worried.
The Chevy has been left at the dealership for Steve to pick up. Now, they're riding along in an old Ford Bronco. Not Bucky's first choice, that's for certain, but it's solid, has lots of room and won't draw any attention. They pick up some supplies, a few pay-as-you-go phones and continue their travels.
After a six hours of driving, the SUV rolls down a long overgrown driveway. Ducking close to the steering wheel in order to see, Bucky winces trying to make sure he doesn't hit anything. "K, so this guy you hired...apparently he's fixing and keeping an eye on the house, but not the entire property." Bucky scoffs. They're not even at the house yet and he's already making a to do list. In a way that's good, because there's no animals or farm to take care of here.
"Well, when I bought the place it was a real dump. When we left Fox Tail, he sent me pictures of everything that he's completed. I'm actually really impressed. Hopefully there's some yard sales or something around these parts. Gonna have to furnish this place somehow." Chrissy sighs. They didn't leave in a hurry, but they didn't bring tons of stuff either. And it's not like they can just go shopping like regular folks. Looks like they are sleeping on the floor for a bit.
The home is small, nowhere near the size of the farm house. Although, Chrissy did say that it has two bedrooms. The log home looks like it's been recently renovated on the outside. As they pull up along the side, a small lake can be seen. She sure does like having water nearby all the time.
"How long did you say he's been working on this place?" Bucky puts the vehicle in park and studies his surroundings quickly.
"About two years." Chrissy's looking out her window at their new home. "God...it looks completely different. It's nice to know where the money's been going." She snickers as she opens the door, skirt blowing in the breeze. "You got the keys, go ahead and take a look around. I want to call Guy and make sure he knows that we are here."
Grabbing a few of the bags and then letting Jake out from SUV, the Soldier looks back at Chrissy as he goes up the stairs of the porch. Scanning the area for any threats, he stills for a moment and listens for anything out of the ordinary. Birds, squirrels, wind and water. Seeing that Chrissy is gathering a box, phone propped between her shoulder and ear, he smiles and unlocks the door.
A low impressed whistle escapes his lips. Compared to the old pictures of this place, you wouldn't be able to tell that this is the same house. There's exposed brick, logs and beams everywhere. The man she hired really went through a lot of trouble getting this place to look decent. Bucky drops the bags in the living room and heads back outside to grab a few more things. Chrissy smiles warmly at him as he passes her. "I'll get the rest."
As he brings the rest of their stuff in, Jake follows not too far behind. "Did you get a hold of him?"
"Yeah, said he'd be over in about an hour. There's a few things he wants to go over with me. Says he has a few things left to do yet." Chrissy sighs. Really she'd been hoping the man was done. "Looks great in here. Don't know what he could possibly have left to do." Chrissy tries to turn the water on in the kitchen sink. "Oh." She laughs.
"Lots of water right there if you really want it." Bucky chuckles as he rests his chin on her shoulder and points out the kitchen window.
Taking a look around the place quickly, Chrissy begins to realize just how much nothing there is here. No fridge, no dishes, nothing. Walls, windows and doors. She laughs out loud. "Wow, I really didn't think this through before we left."
"That's not true." He continues to stand behind her and rubs her arms. "You did buy that big blue tank." He's referring to the old Ford outside. "Can't believe you picked that thing." He scoffs and she smacks his forearm.
"You're just sour because we had to leave the Chev behind. Steve said he'd pick it up and bring it back to the farm." She feels him squeeze her close. "Well maybe after Guy pays us a visit we can go into town, pick up a few hundred things."
She's talking about shopping, now all interest is gone. "I'm a little recognizable, specially on camera."
"I know." The woman laughs. "I'll go in the store quick, grab a few things and then head out. All cash."
He doesn't like the idea, but he agrees. "Fine."
While Chrissy busies herself with the inside of the home, Bucky decides to get some wood ready for the night and to clear that damn driveway, it's bugging him to no end. Two hours go by and he's nowhere near done, but it's getting dark and there's no way he's leaving Chrissy alone in this new and strange place.
After rummaging through the old shed, he enters the home, oil lanterns in one hand and his duffel bag in the other. Bucky deposits the lanterns onto the counter and places his backpack in the bedroom closet. Bending low, he opens the bag takes out three handguns, a few knives and starts stashing them around the house.
"Really?" Chrissy sighs.
"After all that's happened, are you really that surprised?" The last firearm he wants nearby, so he puts the safety on and hides it under his pillow. "For now."
Having a fireplace in the bedroom, a heat source this close, Chrissy thinks this is something she can learn to get used to. She's borrowing one of Bucky's t-shirts as night attire for now. Pjs, wasn't exactly at the top of her list when they left. Going over her notepad, Chrissy is highlighting things she still needs to get done and checking off stuff she already purchased for this place. The shower in the bathroom turns off and she can hear the Soldier curse under his breath.
"You alright in there?" She snickers knowing that the only water they currently have is cold.
"Funny…" The floorboards creak as he makes his way towards their makeshift sleeping-bag-bed on the floor. He spots the papers spread out everywhere. Bills, lists, receipts. Good thing she has the patience for all this junk, because if it were up to him, they'd be staying in the crappy SUV. Soaked and cold, he glances at the fire to see that she must have recently added more wood to it.
As she continues to lie on her stomach, focus solely on getting this place up to par, Bucky lies down beside her. He's dripping wet as he rests his chin near the crook of her neck. "Oh Jesus, you're soaked. Don't believe in drying off?" She laughs. Wet hair brushing up against her skin.
"Just wanted out of the cold water." He inches closer. "It's warmer out here...you're warm." He pulls her close and she's laughing.
"Yeah well you're freezing and wet. Lemme finish up here." She hears him grunt as he gently pulls the notepad and marker from her hand. "Hey." She's still laughing. "I wasn't done with that."
She can feel his teeth against her shoulder as he smiles. "Too bad."
Chrissy rolls onto her side, this is all really oddly normal and they are anything but. So it's kind of a nice change. Pushing his mop of hair back she can see the worry and exhaustion in his eyes. "You alright?" She asks.
The Soldier shrugs his shoulders. "Tired. You?"
"Same. A little rattled, but...you're here. So I'm good." She smiles warmly and places a kiss on his lips. "Are you only wearing a soaking wet towel?" She's giggles and lifts a brow while biting down on her lower lip. Bucky smiles against her mouth and kisses her roughly.
When his thumb comes across the bandaging at her neck, he stops. Pulling back a bit to examine her face. "You're sure you're alright? With this…" He looks around the room. "With me?" The thumb on her ribcage begins making small anxious circles.
"We're both alive and safe." Tongue darts out to lick her own lips, Chrissy pulls him close again, and presses her forehead against his. "Wouldn't have it any other way." Lips crash onto hers once more, their breathing becomes heavy.
His body pushes up against hers, forcing her onto her back. He kisses her softly behind the ear. "I love you." His voice is shaky and husky. "I'll never let something like this…" He drags a finger down her throat. "Happen ever again." The woman beneath him kisses him lovingly. There's that feeling of need again. Metal hand slides up her thigh. When he grinds his pelvis into hers, a gasp escapes their lips.
"Getting rid of the towel now." She nips his bottom lip with a small giggle.
It's only been a couple of weeks, but they've settled in. Bucky's found things to keep himself occupied and Chrissy is constantly fixing up the inside of the small home to her liking. They both know it's their way of keeping their minds from dwelling on the things that's happened. On all the things that are still bothering them.
Bucky knows that Chrissy's fully aware of their circumstances, they are not exactly safe here. Temporary calm. A place and time for their wounds to heal so to speak. This is only one of the things nagging at his brain. Not safe. Never will be. He sighs. At least out here, they can pretend, even if it's just for a little while. The what ifs still run through his mind every second. There's nothing he can do about it now. He needs to focus on what is. They are a major part of each other's lives now, nothing can or will ever change that.
They spend many nights together by the fire pit relaxing and just enjoying each others company. When it rains, which fortunately hasn't been often, they relax inside. Chrissy teaches him a few new card games and he shows her new ways to defend herself. Having found a heck of a deal on an old aluminum boat, they spend a lot of time fishing and out on the water.
On this particular day, it's doing more than just a down poor. It's a thunderstorm. The rain crashes against the windows as the wind blows the the branches of the large trees up against the sides of the house. Thunder continues to rumble as lightning continues to strike. One would almost think that Thor was around and in one hell of a mood.
As Chrissy does the dishes, Bucky's eyes remain focused on her as she goes about the kitchen. The corners of his eyes crease with amusement as he continues to smile in her direction. A quick flash of lightning, a clap of thunder. The smile fades.
Suddenly, she's there gripping his hand. "Hey you ok?"
The Soldier looks up at her confused. "Yeah. Why do you ask?" He downs the rest of his beer.
"Well...you looked like you spaced out there for a minute."
"Huh. Weird." He doesn't remember feeling off. "Maybe the storm triggered something." He admits with a shrug of his shoulders. "But I feel fine." He tries to reassure when he notices the sudden look of worry in her eyes. "Really I'm fine."
"Ok." She smiles back at him.
Bucky tugs her hand getting her to close the gap between them and sit on his lap. "There's something I've been meaning to discuss with you. Now seems like a good time."
"Does it now?" Arms wrap around his shoulders.
"You know we're not...safe here right?"
With a quick dip of her chin, she nods. "Just want to forget everything for a bit." A quick kiss to his lips. "And you know…" She doesn't need to finish. He knows she's referring to Tony's betrayal.
In all fairness, they both know the risks of being out here.
"Yeah I know."
There's banging and swearing coming out from the basement as Cap descends the last few stairs. He can hear Tony grunt and then grumble another few lines of cursing. Rounding the corner into the utility room, he finds Stark pulling back a large piece of sheet metal from the wall. "Here." Steve grips the metal and yanks it off the hinges.
"Uh thanks." Tony shakes his head. "What brings you down to my current dwellings." The Ironman sighs. "Probably not something good. That look…" He points an oil covered hand up towards Caps face. "That's the one you always get before you have something not so pleasant to tell me."
"You're not wrong." Steve clears his throat and then crosses his arms. "Just got off a call with Logan." Tony raises a brow, interested as to where this conversation is going. As he wipes his hands clean on a towel Steve continues to get to the point. "Apparently a group of kids from the mansion was attacked while he was gone. A school trip to the museum. It's as if they were waiting, making sure that he wasn't around."
"Attacked." Tony repeats. Steve nods. "Hydra?" He asks.
"Not sure. It's highly possible." Rogers shrugs his shoulders.
"What were they looking for? Or who should I say? Did they actually think Chris and…"
"They weren't after him." Steve points out. "They were looking for Arianna. But she wasn't there with them. Something about a stomach bug."
"Ok. Yeah. That's...well I mean...we know Hydra's scum. And we know that they're low lives. But kids? Steve what the hell?" Tony exhales. He needs to think, but with the amount of no sleep that he's been getting, not to mention the working himself like a mad man. "And how do you know that they were after her?"
The Captain hands Stark his phone. An image that's been sent by text is open on the screen. It's a picture, some sort of registration photo from when Hydra had held her captive prior. It has her physical description and list of abilities as well. "They've held kids prisoner before, so this doesn't really come as a surprise. That was found on the ground after they left the group...obviously they didn't find their target and got out of there."
The Iron man stares blankly at the device in his hand.
"Tony." Steve barks. "Focus." He grabs Stark by the shoulder. "I know what you're thinking. I've already asked him to track them down if he can. Lay low. Out of range. Just close enough to keep tabs. Until…"
"Yeah." Tony shakes his head. "They've only been gone a month Rogers. A month." He huffs a breath of disappointment.
"I know." Steve drops his arm to his side. The thought of just how abnormal their lives are is starting to become ridiculous. And it's even more absurd to ever think of letting anyone get close anymore. "They'll be alright. Buck's...trained. Lethal. And Logan will find them." Steve shuffles his feet and tries to relax his large frame. "And don't count out Chris. You know she'll never go down without one hell of a fight."
"Yeah. I know. Course I know." Tony takes a seat on his large tool box. "But come on...can't the kid get a break?"
Is that smoke? It's got to be, he can smell it. Bucky looks back over the tree line, hand shielding his eyes from the harsh rays of the sun. "What the hell?" Dark grey smokes appears over the top of the eastern forest. Sparks sputter and fly up, flames begin to show themselves as they try to lick the dark clouds above. "Shit." Forest fire. Warnings and internal sirens begin sounding off in his mind. Quickly he casts his sights towards the western horizon. Same thing. "Fuck."
Reports of rain and downcast was on the radio today, but there was nothing in the forecast about lightning or thunderstorms. Mother nature did not do this. Starting off in a jog Bucky taps his thigh and gets Jake to follow him close by as they make their way down the long driveway back towards the cabin. Something's off, he knows exactly what's going on. Time's up. There's nowhere to hide now. He begins to run towards the house at full tilt. Someone is trying to make him feel like a caged animal. Dumb move on their part. There's always somewhere to go.
Bursting through the front door, his eyes quickly assess every detail. "Chrissy!" He shouts, panicked.
"Bucky. Jesus. Did you see all of the…" Chrissy points out the living room window.
"Stay away from the windows." He warns as he pulls her to his chest. The glass pops and cracks around them in the house as a few rounds from a sniper rifle is set loose. "They're here. That wasn't a shot meant to kill." Bucky spots a few darts in the couch and the wall. "Tranquilizers."
"What do we do?" She tries her best to sound confident. Although, she knows her voice is betraying her, Chrissy is doing the best she can to keep it together.
Bucky continues to look over the living room. "You know where everything is." He kisses the top of her head and takes in a deep breath. "Stay low. Remember what Conor taught you. Call Steve."
"Bucky…"
"Get yourself out of here. Leave on foot. I won't be far behind. I have to take care of these assholes first."
"You don't even know how many are here."
Actually he has a pretty good idea. He's willing to bet they sent in a small team, at least a dozen of highly trained individuals. Send too many and they'd lose a lot of people. Send just the right amount and they get the tactical advantage of a surprise attack. "They don't want anything to do with you. They'll be preoccupied with me. And I can't focus with you here. Get to town. Call Steve, stay low. Take the bug-out-bag and head Southwest. Run. I'll be on your tail. Might take me till sundown to get to you, but I won't be far behind."
"Bucky." Ok now her voice is cracking.
"No time to argue! Do as I say!" He snaps. Eyes and tone serious as he grinds his teeth together to keep from letting out an annoyed grunt. "Go." He commands. "Now!"
With that said, Chrissy kisses him quickly and then ducks down in front of the fridge. Bucky watches as she inches her way towards their room. Once she's out of sight, he peels back the baseboard and pulls out a handgun from behind the wall. All this Soldier really needs is his arm, but for those hiding in the bushes, he'll need bullets. Right, time to head out hunting.
Carefully watching from her bedroom window, Chrissy's eyes follow Bucky as he makes his way around the Bronco. Then just like a breeze, he's gone. "Jake. Come here boy." Chrissy calls over her longtime companion. "You stay with me." A whisper of a command she hopes he understands. She knows that she needs to get going, but terror is setting in. "You don't have time for this." She tries to instill some sort of faith in herself. "He's right. You need to get out of here. Call Steve. Go."
Backpack secured, Chrissy makes her way across the home to the back door, she hears a small intake of breath. She's not alone. Someone is pushing the door open. The barrel of a rifle is seen as it is used to fully open the door. Chrissy pulls out one of the throwing knives from her jacket and presses her back up against the opposite wall. Silently, she motions for Jake to hide with her. The intruder makes his way down the hall and peers into the guest bedroom.
"I know you're in here." He warns with a grin. "You come quietly and without a fuss. And maybe we can come to some sort of arrangement with your boyfriend."
Using stealth, Chrissy slides up behind the man and presses the edge of her blade to his throat. "Drop it." She commands with a hiss. The man doesn't move. "I said drop it." She whispers, Jake barks. The rifle falls to the floor and she kicks it away.
"Listen. We want him alive. Preferably. So if you help us with that…" The woman applies more pressure to the blade causing a few droplets of blood to appear. "He'll come quietly with your help. And then, we can set you up real nice. You'd never be bothered again."
"You expect me to betray him? Hand him over like some piece of equipment?" Chrissy can feel her blood boiling over.
There's a light, forced laugh as the man in her grasp tries to swallow. "Would it be so bad? You wouldn't have to worry about anything. Keep and help whatever lost cause that comes to your door next. Hell even raise that brat kid. And your boyfriend probably won't even put up a fight. He'd probably see this as a good bargain. Hell, we probably won't even have to start over with him. He'd just cooperate from here on out. Doesn't that sound reasonable?"
"Reasonable?!" Chrissy holds the knife steady against the man's throat. "You come into my home! Threaten me! Try to abduct someone I love! And now you ask me to cooperate?! Why? So they can force him to do Hydra's bidding once more? Torture him. Maybe even kill him. Probably do the same to me and others. Or much worse. I don't think so."
The man swallows. "You seem a bit confused. It's not an offer or an option. Use your head. Think. Hydra doesn't need him. Sure they've dumped a ton of money into him and his training." Sensing that he's losing this battle, the man tries a new approach. "But it's the things he knows. The things that's still trapped in his mind. That's what we're interested in." A sneer. "You think we're not working on more like him? Better? The guy is a damned walking volt of knowledge and history."
That's when it becomes clear to her. They don't need Bucky for his abilities. If they can take him in one piece they will. He'd be an asset as usual. Rinse, wipe, repeat. But the things that he could possibly expose and bring to light. Names, operations, targets, bases. That's what they are worried about. He knows too much. If he were to ever fully remember everything and be able to provide ways for the UN to put a stop to Hydra's plans…
"If you want to see him remain alive. Then you'll help." The man laughs, although difficult with the blade against his throat.
"I think you're the one that's confused." Chrissy plunges her dagger into the man's throat. He slides down the wall clutching his wound while looking up at her. Clearly shocked at her actions, he really did think she would agree to his bargain. "I have no intention on ever helping you people." She looks down at her shaking hands. What did she just do? She killed a man, with her bare hands. Sure, he would have done worse to her given the chance. Bucky has killed to protect her as well, but this is different. This is not her line of work. No time to think on that now. Move girl!
Ok, steady breaths. Remember what Connor taught you all those years ago. You can't focus if you're not breathing properly. If you're not taking your time to breathe, your brain can't take the time to come up with a plan. Besides, do you want to give away your position. So take it easy, remain calm and focus.
Chrissy rests the back of her head against the wall and takes a long deep breath and lets it out silently. Right. The last time you saw him he was going around the Bronco and then gunfire. He's fine.
Her grip on Connor's revolver tightens as she forces herself to carefully look out the corner of the window. The Bronco's been littered with fresh holes. Bucky's not where he was just minutes ago. Her eyes scan the driveway quickly and then the thick forest on either side. Nothing. No sounds, nothing. Just smoke, sparks and flames. Too late. Nowhere to run now. You're trapped.
Stay low. An echo of a reminder. Ducking under the window, Chrissy quietly makes her way to the bedroom once more. Don't corner yourself. Know your exits. Her eyes find both windows and she quickly studies her surroundings as she begins going through their bags and the loose floorboard by their bed. She knows that Bucky already has a weapon that he had stashed outside somewhere. But seeing the forest fire becoming more of a problem, he'll know that she was forced to remain here. He'll be back here soon and will want the rest of the firearms.
There's a creak in the floor that has caught her attention. Chrissy spins around on her knees and aims her weapon in the direction of the noise. The door opens slowly, the musol of a weapon she recognizes visible as it peeks around the door. But she waits regardless, hammer pulled back and waiting.
Bucky pushes on the door one final time and carefully makes his way into the room. "We need to leave." A trembling voice as his eyes look over their room. His left side and pant leg is soaked with blood. Sweat is building on his brow and his right arm is shaking. Jake is by his side, a small whine leaves the golden retriever.
"Bucky...you're hurt. Bad." The man before her tries to shake off his obvious pain and takes another step forward. He lowers his weapon and picks up one of the bags. "What happened?"
"Come on. We don't have much time." The ground feels as though it shifts beneath him and he drops to his knees. He's doing the best he can to keep his eyes open. Touching his side he can feel the warm mess. He studies his crimson fingers and suddenly he's plummeting.
"Jesus!" Chrissy is by his side, ripping his shirt open and investigating. "Pressure." She reminds out loud as she places his hand on the wound. She's fumbling through their bags again.
"There was a pinch in my arm...think I was dosed with something." He's so warm. He can feel the sweat running down his face and chest. "They're here for me…don't think they care on the condition that I'm delivered." He coughs.
Chrissy's not really paying any attention to what he's saying. She's to consumed with trying to stop the bleeding. Gauze, tape and pressure. Jesus.
"Chrissy!" Bucky grabs one of her wrists. "You need to get out of here… they'll be here any minute and I can't…" He tries to sit up and fails. The back of his head making vicious contact with the floor.
"Oh God. Don't try to move." Chrissy helps him sit and gets him to lean into her. They're not going anywhere and she knows it. With bloodied hands she arranges all of the weapons close to her thigh and readies herself. They're coming, he's right. But she's not going to leave him or just give up.
His body goes limp and she cradles him against her frame. How she wishes she hadn't left her bracelet behind. There's a creek as the back door is opened. She takes a deep inhale and exhales it slowly. Bucky's bleeding has become far worse, she can feel a warm wet spot on her belly growing. Jake's hackles rise as he begins to growl. There's a few steps heard coming from the kitchen, a cry of pain, a body is drops and hits the floor. What the hell? She points the gun in the direction of the door, arm trembling as she tries to will herself to remain vigilant. Deep breath Chris. It'll all be over soon.
Chrissy places a quick kiss on her lover's forehead and counts down the seconds. "I love you." She whispers. The door swings open and she lets off a shot and hits her target in the shoulder.
"Chris!" Logan grunts as he ducks behind the wall to miss another bullet. "Ease up."
"Logan?" Chrissy's shaking arm drops to the ground. "What are you…" In a mixture of disbelief and gratitude, her eyes begin to swell with tears. "Why are you here?"
"Don't worry about the whats and whys darlin, let's get you two outta here. Alright?" He offers with raised hands.
Nodding, Chrissy sniffs back her fear. "Wait." Her gaze drops to the man in her arms. Looking up at Logan, Chrissy wraps her other arm around Bucky's shoulders. "Why are you really here?"
Logan sighs and then crouches down before his friend. "Not here for that." The Wolverine licks his dry lips. "Lemme carry him. He's a heavy bastard..."
She grips Bucky's hair a little as she debates her current situation.
"Chris. He's gonna bleed out and die. We need to move." He says sternly.
"Ok."
With little effort, Logan lifts the other man up and over his shoulder. "Phone's in my left pocket. Tell'em to meet us and tell'em to make it quick."
Chrissy quickly removes the phone from Logan's jacket and dials the only number she can think off. "Tony."
"Chrissy!?" Starks voice is worried on the other end of the call. "Where are you? Because I'm on my way."
This almost has her burst out laughing and sobbing all at once. He doesn't know why she's calling, but she can tell that he's running to the jet.
"I'm going to text you a location. I need you here yesterday. Please. It's...it's Bucky. He's hurt...Tony…"
"I'm already on my way. It's ok kiddo. We're coming. Ten minutes. Tops. Essentials, that's it. He's gonna be fine. Now move."
Chrissy hangs up the phone, grabs their bag and bolts for Logan's truck. "Ten minutes." She informs as she checks on Barnes in the back seat and allows Jake to jump in as well.
"Right. Seat belt." Logan puts the vehicle in drive and floors it.
As the truck barrels down the dirt road, Logan checks his rear view as often as he can spare. "There's a cooler behind my seat. Bottles of water in it. Rinse him off cool him down."
Chrissy does as he suggests. She takes a quick drink and starts to rinse the unconscious man. "What do you think it is?"
"Could be anything. Nothing that'll kill him. Too valuable. But those wounds. They probably had a pick up set up for this just in case."
"Will he...is he going to…" Chrissy presses her lips together. Tired and worn out.
Logan catches a glimpse of her in his mirror. "He's stubborn as hell Chris. Barnes will pull through this just like every other time."
The truck shakes violently as Logan forces it onto a field. "Stark's already here. Gonna bring Barnes up. Then I'm gonna go clean up your camp..."
Chrissy can't help but let a sad smile appear. "Thank you Logan. I don't know what to say." Then her eyes land on Tony who's frantically leaving the hatch. For the moment he's Tony again. Not the person that betrayed her. Logan opens the door and quickly pulls the other Soldier from the truck.
Steve is running down the ramp to help and Tony's not too far behind. His eyes find Chrissy and he stops in his tracks. "Chris...are you…"
"I'm fine." A shaky hand wipes the sweat from her brow. Tony takes a few steps closer and she's suddenly just overwhelmed with everything.
"Come on." He ushers with an outstretched hand. To his surprise she leans into him and allows him to wrap an arm around her shoulders. "Let's patch up Barnes."
"Tony...please, don't let him...he can't die."
"Hey." The grip on her shoulder tightens. "Not gonna happen."