There were hardly any more Hydra agents to fight off as they made their way down the building. The team had taken them down very well. Peggy rested her gun at the top of the shield that she had held up to her chest. Steve remained behind her, with Bucky still unconscious over his shoulder.
It still felt surreal. As they walked down, Peggy demanded that the other agents get in the van and get ready to go as soon as they got to the van. Word will soon get out that the Winter Soldier is no longer in the hands of Hydra and they would like not to be tracked back to the shield base. The base was kept a secret from them and they intend for it to stay like that.
The rest of the avengers made their way back to the shield headquarters.
They made it back knowing if Steve and Peggy were on their way back with Bucky. All they could do right now is wait. Tony got out of his suit whilst the rest remained in theirs. Except Bruce of course. He needed a new set of clothes that were waiting for him in the shield locker room.
"So what do you think Barnes is going to be like?" Clint questioned the rest of them as he grabbed a cup of coffee. Natasha, with her arms crossed shrugged "Damaged"
"You think he'll ever get back to normal?" Sam added to Clint's question. Natasha glanced to Sam and once again shrugged "Now that Steve has got the two most important people in his life back he's finally back to 's been miserable for so long. I'm sure it'll be the same for Barnes"
Tony sighed and sat down at the common room table. He linked his hands together and stared at the table. Looking very lost in thought, he slowly shook his head. Looking very deep in thought, he then opened his mouth to speak, his eyebrows furrowed "I can't believe Carter isn't pregnant" He then leaned back in his chair and placed his hands on the back of his head "I just can't believe it"
"It sounds like you want it more than them" Natasha said with a laugh.
"I just hate being wrong. Also I really would have loved to try and see Rogers handle Carter when she's all hormonal and moody"
Natasha rolled her eyes at him, Clint and Sam on the other hand looked at each other. Both realizing that they actually think that would be funny to see.
Maria came back from wherever she went to "Fury is on his way back here now. Heard anything from Steve and Peggy?"
They all just shook their heads and sat down at the table, joining Tony. They remained quiet for a moment more when "Maybe she is pregnant and they are getting engaged because she's pregnant-"
"Tony you're wrong let it go" Maria cut him off shaking her head at him. Tony huffed and sat back in his chair once again. He crossed his arms and pouted like a child.
"He's being brought back here?!" All their heads turned to the sound of one angry agents voice. A long brown haired male came bursting into the sights of the team. Followed by another male and female agent to try and keep him calm "He should have been put down there and then! We've just rebuilt shield and they are putting a parasite in-"
"Please, keep your voice down, Tom" The female agent said in a quiet yet stern voice. The three agents looked to see the Avenger team staring right at them. And they were like the cool kids in school, you wanted to impress them, not to be stared at by them like you're some crazy person. They quickly hurried away.
"I take it he was talking about Barnes...but why?" Sam shrugged.
No-one knew he was. Apart from Maria "That was Agent Thomas Smith. During the attack on hydra, his brother. Also an agent here was killed. He blames Barnes for his brothers death"
They understood. They get why this Agent Smith was angry. He was putting his anger on Bucky because he was grieving. It was clear that his pain was over shadowing the facts that was Bucky was just as much of a victim of Hydra than anyone. They could only hope that eventually he will realize that….and not try to effect Bucky's well being or position within this organization. If he chooses to have one.
Back in the car. Bucky was still unconscious. They buckled him tightly and securely. With straps going over his body. Steve just stared at him. With his hand linked with Peggy's. Her head resting against his shoulder.
"What are you going to do with him?" Sharon spoke up, also with her eyes glued to the soldier. Steve and Peggy looked to her. They hadn't really thought it through yet. They only got him, the next stages are going to be messy.
The two of them sighed.
"Take him to the hospital. Get him checked out, he'll most likely be there for a while, he's damaged" Peggy said as she glanced to her wounded friend. She sighed once more and then shrugged "Then we...hope he gets the same chance I was given"
"He will be. I'm sure Fury will understand"
"It's not Fury I'm worried about" Steve shook his head, glancing at Sharon he looked back to Bucky and admitted "It's the council that I'm worried about"
Peggy just looked at him. She didn't comment on it because to be honest. She was also worried that it could be the council who would mess it all up.
Sharon then stretched her leg out and tapped Peggy's knee with her foot "Hey"
Peggy leaned forward slightly and raised her eyebrows "What was this I heard about you being pregnant? And then something about being engaged. To be honest I was listening I was too busy with y'know"
Peggy laughed quietly as she saw the amused smirks on the other agents faces. She rolled her eyes and shook her head "I'm not pregnant, Sharon but we are engaged"
Steve then turned his head with a small smile on his face. Sharon on the other hand was gleaming "This is great. My neighbor and my aunt!" she said with a laugh. Making the two of them then do the same "Well congratulations you two, God knows you deserve it"
"Thank you, sweetheart" Peggy smiled giving Sharon's hand a squeeze with her free one. Steve also smiled and thanked her.
It then went back to being quiet. The agents talked amongst themselves in quiet tones. Sharon included. Steve went back to looking at Bucky, as did Peggy. She wrapped her arm around his and lent against him.
"It's rather amazing" Peggy spoke up.
"What is?"
"All the words in the world. And the one thing they never thought would be his trigger was your name. Says a lot about how much he missed you"
Steve bowed his head down, leaning his arms on his knees and rubbed his lips together "If I had just-"
"If you had just what? If you had just got to him in time on the train? If you had just figured out how to trigger him the first time you found out he was here? Stop beating yourself up on what ifs...he's here with you now. Focus on that"
"You're so bossy" Steve mumbled with a small smirk as he sat back up and faced her.
"Yes, because that's new information" she sarcastically teased. She kissed him on the cheek and then looked back to Bucky.
"Feels odd having him back and not hearing his little comments"
"When he's back to normal he's going to have a field day knowing how we ended up"
Peggy smiled. She liked him hearing that. Hope. Something that Steve hadn't had in a while regarding Bucky. He found himself always doubting everything when it came to saving his best friend. He thought he'd always screw it up. Deep down inside, he was proud. Of his team, of Peggy and even of himself. But he won't admit to that.
"So, are you ready for that mission tomorrow?" Bucky asked as he walked into Steve's room.
"Sure...the train part is making me nervous though" Steve raised his eyebrows and laughed as he put his book down and sat up on his bed. Bucky jumped on the sofa and rested his feet up "I promise I'll jump after you if you fall" Bucky teased, pointing to Steve.
"Thank you"
"Well what are best friends for-hey! You coming out tonight?"
Steve sighed and shook his head with a laugh. He can hardly keep up with his fellow commandos. He can't get drunk but it still takes it out of him staying up such late hours with Bucky and the rest of the men, and Bucky seems to not be getting enough of it. He loves it, actually. Maybe it was because he picks up a girl or two along the way on some nights. But, that's just him bragging.
"No way"
"Aw come on, Steve! Grab your army uniform and suit up! The ladies love it-oh wait you can't you're already promised to someone"
Steve rolled his eyes and stood up, he walked over to his wardrobe to put on a sweater "I'm not promised to her"
"Stevie" Bucky laugh "The woman shot at you for being kissed by another woman...that was basically a warning to stay away from other women. So congratulations on getting married"
"I still can't believe she shot at me"
"I still can't believe you haven't made a move" Bucky muttered as he poured himself a glass of whiskey. Steve walked back over and sat on the bed facing his pal "I'm...waiting"
"For what? For Peggy to kiss you?" He laughed, he went to take another sip of his drink but paused and added "You do what you gotta do but don't wait too long. If a woman like that was interested in me I know I certainly wouldn't"
Bucky then looked back to Steve and gotten back onto the subject of going out to the pub that was down the street "Dugan wanted you to come tonight. With the chance that we might die tomorrow and all"
"Come on. No-one's gonna die, especially you. And that is an order my friend"
"Well sir yes sir" Bucky laughed giving him a salute "You're still a punk"
"And you're still a jerk"
"But your life would be empty without me right" Bucky stated with a weight of self confidence backing him up. Steve looked his best friend in the eyes for a moment and then nodded "Of course. Who else would I have to annoy me with messing my hair up or punching me as a hello or talking about my love life"
"You're twenty six and have only just gotten a girl I am making up for lost time, okay?"
Steve smirked and nodded.
"Life was easier when we were younger, huh?"
"What like when we were ten and we used to build forts with pillows and pretend to be aeroplanes running down the street?"
"Exactly"
"Those were the days alright" Bucky nodded to Steve. Bucky finished off his whiskey and stood up "Well, can't keep those idiots waiting, you sure you don't wanna come?"
"I'm sure. I'd rather sit out on this one. Peggy actually wants me in the morning so"
"I bet she does" Bucky said with a little tune in his tone as he punched Steve's shoulder. Steve then stood up and walked over to the door with Bucky "Fine. Fine, if you won't have a drink with your bestfriend then...I guess that's okay" Bucky nodded, looking down at the ground. Clearly putting on the guilt trip to Steve. And it was working. Steve put his hands on his hips and shook his head "Well. Goodnight Buck"
"Goodnight Stevie" Bucky nodded and hugged Steve, giving him a manly pat on the back before leaving and heading to the pub to meet the rest of the commandos.
It took Steve about two minutes to give in to going to meet Bucky and the rest of the men. He put on his army suit and made his way down to the bar.
When Steve walked through the door, he saw Bucky stood by the bar with a pint of beer beside his own. Steve tilted his head and walked over to the bar. Bucky smirked as he drank the beer. Steve pointed to the full glass beside him "Who's that for?"
"You" Bucky shrugged and then flashed a smile "I knew you'd come"
A little while later. They reached the shield headquarters. The agents all got out of the van.
Peggy offered to stay in the van and go further round the headquarters to the hospital at the back, but Steve insisted it was okay and that she should go grab a drink and meet up with the team. She knew that deep down he was wanting to take some time alone with Bucky. Like he did when it was Peggy who was lying unconscious. So she got out of the van and let Steve go. She walked into the building and walked into common area. She figured that's where they'd be. And they were. Nat was the first to see her walk through the door. She shot up and walked over to Peggy, instantly putting her arms around her "You okay?"
Peggy nodded and smiled as they pulled apart and looked to each other "Yes, I am, are you?"
"You know me" Natasha shrugged with a laugh "I'm always okay...and by the way I am really happy for you, Tony on the other hand is still very upset that you aren't pregnant"
Peggy smirked and then shrugged "Marriage first perhaps"
They walked over to the team. Checking up on all of them and then they gave their personal congratulations face to face.
"How is he? Barnes I mean" Natasha asked with a genuine tone of concern in her voice.
Peggy placed her hands on her hips and rubbed her lips together "He's...honestly...I don't know. He remembers that's for sure, but he collapsed, God knows the things that Hydra have put in his system"
"Poor guy" Sam shook his head.
"At least he's out of there though right? He can get the help that he deserves" Maria shrugged as she sat back down at the table. Peggy nodded as she sat facing her, taking the cup of tea that Tony handed to her "Yes. It is good"
Fifteen minutes later and they were still there. It was inevitable that the ladies got on to the subject of Peggy and Steve getting married. Now that they had Bucky. Peggy could finally start thinking about it properly. The women talked about the wedding, whilst the men talked about...well...anything else. Although Tony couldn't help but asked "Who's going to be the best man. It'll be me right?"
"Why should it be you? It should be me!" Sam motioned his hand to Tony as he shook his head at him.
"I think we are all not thinking clearly on who's Cap's favorite" Clint raised his hand and pointed to himself.
"Clint, I can speak for myself" Bruce smirked as he walked over from getting changed. Not really knowing what the subject of the conversation was about.
Peggy laughed and lightly shook her head "Sorry boys but I'm sure it'll be Buck"
"The guys back for two minutes and he's already one of the most important people in the wedding" Tony said as he slapped Bruce on the shoulder as if to say 'unbelievable am I right' but Bruce just shrugged. Still not knowing what was really going on "Well" he shrugged.
"No longer is Bucky Barnes the Winter Soldier. Bucky Barnes is The Best Man" Sam mocked putting on a movie narrator voice. Making the rest of them laugh.
"You think this is funny?" Peggy, Natasha and Sam turned as their backs were facing the voice whilst the rest of them just looked up to Agent Smith standing behind them. Usually he would be too anxious to talk to them but. There was fuel added to his fire.
"That man deserves a bullet in the back of his head for the pain he has caused" Peggy glanced to Natasha at the agents words.
"Smith's brother was killed in one of the attacks that Bucky was apart of"Natasha very quietly mumbled, Peggy nodded and sighed. This was going to be difficult "Agent Smith, what Bucky did was not under his own free will"
Smith scoffed "You believe that bullshit?"
"I do. Because I went through it" Peggy nodded.
"No, it's different. Barnes was working for them for so long he knew what he was doing"
Peggy shook her head and kept the same soft tone "He didn't"
"If he wasn't Rogers pal then Cap himself would have put him down, he's letting a killer be apart of this"
Peggy then stood up. She wouldn't have anyone talk about Steve in a disrespectful manner, especially when he wasn't here to defend himself. She knew Smith was grieving. Which is why she was going to yell. But she was going to be firm.
"I know you're hurting. But watch what you say about him"
"Don't you get it Carter?! Have yours and your boyfriend's morals flew out the window when that murderous old friend of yours came back into your reach"
He then pissed her off. A lot.
"Agent know your boundaries on things you do not understand! You have no idea what those men have been through"
"You have no idea what I've been through!" all of a sudden Smith's hand flew to Peggy's arm and grabbed hold of it extremely tight. The team stood up and went to do something when
"Hey!" their heads snapped to Steve walking towards them at a very fast pace, his eyes fixed on the man that was currently taking hold of his fiance in such an aggressive manner. Steve grabbed Smith's hand and teared it off of Peggy's arm. He pushed Smith back and stood in front of Peggy. Getting in Smith's face he snarled "Touch her again and I swear to God it won't be those guys out there that you'll have to worry about...it'll be me. Do you understand me, Agent?"
Smith glanced to Peggy and the rest of them and then sheepishly nodded "Yes" he mumbled in a bitter tone and walked away, avoiding eye contact with them all.
It was silent for a moment. Peggy lent her forehead against Steve's back and said she looked back up "He's hurting. He lost someone and blames Bucky" Peggy mumbled as she rubbed Steve's back, in a way to make him both calm down and eventually turn to her.
"I don't care. He shouldn't have laid his hands on you...but I understand he's angry" Steve sighed as he turned to her. He calmed down almost instantly. He just didn't like what he saw. Something came over him. Protection.
Steve kissed Peggy on the forehead and embraced her tightly, he glanced to the team behind her and gave a small smile to say 'hi' they all returned the same one with a little nod.
After a short time being spent with the team. Steve and Peggy made their way down to the hospital base to see their friend. When Steve got Bucky admitted. The last thing they said to him was that Bucky would have an extremely difficult time getting through his past. He would feel pain. Extreme pain. They thought Peggy's was bad? Bucky's was going to be worse. 50 years worse in fact. So Bucky would have to stay in hospital for a long time. But right now, he was still out cold. Which made it easier for the doctors to run tests on his brain. Steve and Peggy looked at Bucky lay in his hospital bed through the large 'viewing' window.
"Are we not allowed to go in?"
Steve shook his head "No, not yet. The doctors will tell us when we can go see him, but right now he's having test done. Doctors are in and out of his room...see" Steve nodded his head to the doctor who went into Bucky's room.
Steve stared at Bucky and asked Peggy "What was that Agent saying about him?"
"Oh Steve, it doesn't matter"
"It does to me, what did he say?"
Peggy rubbed her lips together, she opened her mouth and at first her words sounded as if they were stuck. She didn't want him to get mad or upset for what some agents may be thinking.
"H-He called Bucky a murderer, said that he should have been put down"
"What else?"
"Steve please-"
"I need to know what people think of him"
"Why?"
Steve paused for a moment and took a deep breath "Because I need to know in order to watch their faces when they are proven wrong"
Peggy placed her hands on his, she understood him. She understood why he wanted to prove people wrong. He didn't want anyone doubting his motives for helping Bucky. Or to judge Bucky for his past "He then just said that if it was anyone else and not Bucky. Then you would have killed him yourself"
Steve shut his eyes and rubbed his eyelids, shaking his head. "That's just-"
"Utter bollocks, I know" Peggy muttered as she lent against his shoulder "It'll get easier from now on, you know that right?"
"I suppose"
"You have him back, it can only get better from here" Peggy smiled as she looked back up to him "Trust me" she added in a whisper as she kissed his cheek. Steve turned his head and then pressed his lips against hers. He turned his body to face her and pulled her closer but wrapped his arms around her waist. Letting go of her lips but didn't move an inch away, he whispered "Thank you. This would have been a hell of a lot harder without you by my side" Peggy smirked against his lips and whispered back "Well, I am marrying you. You'll have me by your side for the rest of your life"
"That long?"
"You're funny" Peggy raised her eyebrows, giving him another kiss.
They were eventually allowed to go into Bucky's room and sit with him. He was still unconscious but it was likely he could hear them talk to him. Peggy remembers Steve talking to her when she was in her sleep.
"I can't wait for you to meet the team Buck, they're all really excited to meet you"
"Yeah, they are already getting ready for an arm contest" Peggy said with a weak laugh. It was still hard, seeing Bucky like this. Knowing what he went through. What they went through together, she wishes she could have saved him liked he saved her. Because deep down he did. Without him, she wouldn't have seen Steve on that motorbike and then she wouldn't have gone after him a second time. But he was going to be okay. They knew he was. She squeezed Steve's hand slightly tighter.
"I guess I owe you that ten dollars...you won the bet. I am marrying her" he laughed, seeing the slight look of confusion and surprise on Peggy's face in the corner of his eyes. Steve always wished that it would happen. But Bucky just knew. Which is why he willing to risk a whole ten dollars on it. Steve just gave Peggy an amused smirk, looking at her in the corner of his eyes. She licked her bottom lip and looked back to Bucky with a tiny smile written across her face. Bucky will be laughing inside right now. Steve then got an idea that he played music Bucky liked. Just like he did for her. Bucky loved Louis Armstrong. So Steve got out his phone and played Blueberry Hill. His favourite.
"I did this for you y'know?"
"I know" Peggy smiled and kissed his temple as she slid her hand down his neck and back into his hand.
"Do you think he'll get back to normal?" Steve asked with a worry in his tone. Peggy glanced to Bucky and looked back to Steve. Who's eyes were still fixed on Bucky.
"I know he will"
"You know?"
"Yes, because I did didn't I? You bring out the best in people, Rogers" She smiled. All of a sudden, her phone began to ring. Steve pulled her phone out of his jacket and handed it to her. She looked down to see that it was the nursing home "Oh bloody hell, I was meaning to call Angie, excuse me darling" Peggy stood up and squeezed his shoulder as she went to leave the room "Give her my best" Steve looked behind him to see Peggy turn her back to the window whilst she was on her phone.
He looked back to Bucky and reached for his hand "I got you, Buck. Brothers for life, right? Till the end of the line" he smiled. There was no doubt that Bucky was going to wake up soon. The doctors said so themselves that he was in no critical danger. And yes, it was going to be hard. Steve knew that, he was getting prepared for that, to help his friend in anyway he can to get better. And he will get better, as for the council? Well, they would handle that together. Steve and Peggy will fight for Bucky's rights as the rest of the team no doubt, because he was a victim. Who deserves his life back. Steve was going to make sure he was going to get it.
For the first time in seventy years. Things were looking up for Steve Rogers. And although they tried to kill him at first. He had the two people he loves most back in his life. Bucky, his partner in crime, his best friend. His brother. And Peggy, his guidance, the love of his life. And now his fiance. Like Peggy said, things can only get better from now.
Like getting married.
FIN.
Well, for now at least. I was so emotional writing this I've been having writers block cause I didn't want it to suck and I hope to god that it didn't suck for a finale.
So that's it for this part of steggy ever after. Bucky is back and will be the a main part of the sequel :)) I can't wait to get started on the sequel, I'll try to not make you guys wait too long ;)
Thank you for all the support I have had a blast writing this it's been my favorite storyline I've ever written. Don't be shy to drop thoughts on what you think is going to happen in the sequel and what you would like to see!
Hope you guys enjoyed.
Follow my twitter missagentatwell or my instagram welovesteggy as I will be posting first hand when the sequel will be up. I hope you stay with me on this steggy journey :)