div class="chapter preface group" style="border-width: 1px 0px 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.5em 3em; padding: 0.643em 0.643em 0px; float: none; color: #2a2a2a; border-style: solid initial initial initial;" role="complementary"
h3 class="title" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: 400; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.286em; font-family: Georgia, serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0.5375em 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 1; background: transparent; text-align: center;"a style="color: #666666; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer;" href=" /works/16559093/chapters/40721771"Chapter 21/a/h3
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div class="userstuff module" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 1088.64px; float: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: #2a2a2a;" role="article"
h3 id="work" class="landmark heading" style="border-width: 0px 0px 0.25em; border-image: initial; outline: 0px; font-weight: 500; font-style: inherit; font-size: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.125em; line-height: 0; opacity: 0; height: 0px; clear: both; color: transparent; border-color: initial initial #333333 initial; border-style: initial initial double initial;"Chapter Text/h3
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The group stood on a small cliff outside an opening in the rocks that led to the Sanctuary, staring down at the distant city. Steve couldn't see details but there was enough there to reveal it was a civilization close to the technological advancements of Earth. Electricity, flight and ground transportation existed but they were planet-bound. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Things will change for them," Bruce said. "The Sorcerers and the Ritikia will move this place out of that 'bubble' they placed it in, which was probably a pocket Universe, and the people down there won't notice a thing. They'll start with satellites and some orbital missions before reaching out any further. I envy them in a way."br /br /"You can always stay. It looks like a nice enough place," Bucky said. He smiled to himself as he examined the distant city. Steve had to restrain himself from touching him. The interesting thing was, Bucky didn't seem to mind it when he forgot. No pulling away, no warning looks reminding him he had gone too far. His thoughts reminded him that he needed to tell Bucky that Wanda and Peter knew about their relationship. He dreaded it, but he had to be honest with /br /Bruce chuckled at Bucky's words, then his face turned serious. "I think as soon as we get back, I'm going to go visit Natasha. I can't do much, but I'd like to be there when she wakes up."br /br /"We understand," T'Challa said. "This whole experience was an eye-opener. I wonder how many other things have changed across the Universe." He and Wanda had just returned from a short excursion to the far side of their lookout point. Wanda looked especially tired. She had expended a lot of energy on this adventure but was eager to return to /br /"Let's hope it was mostly for the better," Steve said. "And if there are problems, I hope they can work it all out themselves. There's enough things happening on Earth without us having to fix everyone else's."br /br /Peter had been unusually quiet. "I wonder how much I should tell Mr. Stark. He'll think it was kind of dumb, me jumping in like that…"br /br /"If Tony gives you a hard time, just give me a call," Bruce said. "He's got a track record of doing things without thinking. I'll set him straight. The thing is, though, it worked out. We're leaving this place better than the way we found it. Hold on to that."br /br /"I suppose you're right. I hope he wakes up soon. So are you going to send us home or is Doctor Strange?" Peter directed his questions toward Thor who stood a little apart from the /br /"We shall work together. Distance limits his powers but I can give them a boost," he /br /'"Thank you for everything," Steve said. "It seems we're always calling on you to bail us out. You have your own problems…"br /br /"Nothing I can't handle. But I must be on my way as must all of you. Once again, if you need me, just send out a signal. I will always answer and it was a pleasure to finally get to know you, James Buchanan Barnes," Thor said. Steve was taken aback a moment at the use of Bucky's full name but Bucky himself smiled in /br /"The same goes for me, Thor Odinson, God of Thunder," he said. They would have to have one of their private after mission debriefings as soon as they got home. Steve had a lot of /br /A noise behind them caused them to turn. Doctor Strange approached, with his fellow Sorcerers and the /br /"My apologies again for the misunderstandings caused by our first meeting," The Leader said. "But I would like to think we have made new friends. Even though it wasn't her intention, Regina did what she set out to do. She saved us."br /br /The Speaker separated from the group to stand in front of Bucky. "I wish you well," she said. "Remember what I told you."br /br /"I will if you'll remember to follow my advice," Bucky replied. She smiled and nodded, then rejoined the rest of the /br /Doctor Strange opened a portal and one by one, they stepped through. This time Bucky took Steve's hand, and they tumbled together through a weird combination of the light tunnel and the Bifrost. It was much quicker this time and before they knew it, he, Bucky and Peter were in the Santorum. Wong was standing still, frozen in place but after a long moment, his eyes blinked. After becoming aware of the group's presence, he relaxed and came /br /"You have returned! It's good to see you again. Have you found Doctor Strange?"br /br /"I don't know how to tell you this, but we've been away for two whole days. Everything here was in a state of suspended animation while we were away," Steve /br /"Is that right? How interesting! I'm glad you found Peter and could bring him safe home." Of course, he would be calm about it. The extraordinary was ordinary /br /"I'm sure Doctor Strange will make his way here as soon as he's through with his current project…" Steve recounted the whole story and had to stop from time to time to as Peter interjected his own /br /"This is fascinating!" Wong said. "The Universe is unexplainable and there are realms and dimensions we have yet to encounter. I am glad to learn Stephen is well, and you have solved this mystery."br /br /"Thank you for your help," Steve /br /"I could say you're welcome, but in reality, I did little. The door will always open for you," Wong said. His choice of words sounded odd but at that moment the door opened by itself, sending a signal it was time for them to leave. They stepped out into the streets of New York to find nothing had changed during the time they had been away. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"br /"Can I at least go with you to see Mr. Stark?" Peter asked. "I should be the one to tell him everything, and I promise to go home right after that."br /br /"If you're sure you want to take on that responsibility and if he's awake, I don't have a problem with it," Steve said as they approached the company car and got in with Steve as the designated driver. Peter was silent for the first part of the trip Glancing in the mirror Steve saw him lying back against the seat with his eyes closed. The boy was still a boy and enhanced or not, was /br /"I just realized we're two days older than everyone else," Bucky said. "If we keep skipping around in time, we'll make it to two hundred."br /br /"Funny, I can barely remember the first hundred years," Steve said. "But as long as you're with me this time around, I think I can muddle through."br /br /"That was sweet, if a little sappy," Bucky /br /"So, you two are together?" Peter asked from the back. Steve physically cringed. He thought he was asleep. br /br /Bucky turned toward him, his eyebrows raised. "You told him?"br /br /"I sort of had too…"br /br /"He didn't have a choice…there was this thing, showing us illusions and stuff and Cap saw you. I mean, you don't have to keep it secret around me. I'm cool with it," Peter said, oblivious to the small drama going on in the front /br /"Thank you," Bucky said, turning his gaze out the /br /"But what's asexuality?" Peter asked. "I mean, I know what it's supposed to mean…"br /br /Once more with the raised eyebrows. Steve wasn't sure how to handle it when Bucky /br /"It means I don't experience sexual attraction," Bucky said, now keeping his eyes straight ahead. "It's an orientation, like being straight, or gay or any other variety you can think of." His calmness stunned Steve to where the car veered out of the lane onto the shoulder of the road. He steered it back with an /br /"So you were…born this way?" Peter asked. "And you don't…?"br /br /"Yes, and no."br /br /"Wow. But you're still together?" His voice rose a little on the last word, a faint skepticism coming /br /"Yes," Steve said firmly. "I suggest that you research this on your own." He was doing his best to shut down the conversation because he had no idea what embarrassing questions Peter might ask next. Bucky surprised him when he turned to him let out a small laugh. Peter asked no more questions and appeared to be pondering this new /br /It wasn't long until they arrived at the facility and were past the security checkpoints. Ms. Potts met them with a warm smile, reminding Steve of old times./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"br /"He woke up and seems to be fine," she said. "He'll have to take it easy for a few days because he was out so long, but the doctors say everything should be back to normal soon."br /br /She led them upstairs, back to the room where, to them, just that morning they had left. A Doctor was leaving just as they arrived. Tony was sitting up in the bed, the monitors now /br /"They tell me I lost two weeks of my life!" He said. "You were out for two days! So why did it take so long for me? And don't tell it me was super serum or some other nonsense!"br /br /"Not just you, but the same thing happened to Natasha and Rhodey. Wong said you were fighting the meld," Steve /br /"I was fighting it? I barely remember it! And shouldn't you be in school?" He directed the last question toward /br /"I'm going, as soon as we're through here. I've got something to tell you. It's kind of dumb, but exciting and it's all kind of my fault. I went to see Doctor Strange. He wasn't there, but we saw him later but that was after…" Peter recounted the happenings of the past two days, sometimes looking toward Steve and Bucky for confirmation. Ms. Potts leaned back against the wall, her arms crossed, her expressions going from curious to shock and then to fascination. Tony kept his attention rapt on Peter, saying nothing which Steve thought out of character for the garrulous /br /"So this little experiment of ours almost wreaked havoc on some other world and caused a sorcerer to absorb too much information? Who knows what she would have done if you all hadn't shown up? What else has happened out there that we're responsible for?" He /br /"Tony as hard as it will be to accept this, that can't be our concern. They'll just have to work things out for themselves. We knew when we made this decision things like this might happen. We have too much to do right here," Steve /br /'He's right," Ms. Potts said. "Think about what you left behind. The chaos, the turmoil, the dystopia, even if it's hard now with what you did, this is still better."br /br /"I know," Tony laid back on the bed."Inside my head, I know." A moment passed then he regarded Peter again. "You need to get back to the city."br /br /"And so do I." Ms. Potts said. "I'll take him. I'll be back tomorrow. Come on, Peter." With a wave of the hand, she ushered Peter out of the room who gave many a backward look toward /br /"It's ok kid!" He called out. "Things worked out!" Then to Steve and Bucky. "Why am I not surprised at the things he gets himself into? And the way he manages to drag everyone else in with him? I suppose you'll be heading back to Africa?"br /br /"We might spend a few days here if you don't mind. First time Bucky's been able to get out and about in a while."br /br /"Sure, great. Knock yourselves out, just don't go jumping through any more time portals, I don't care what Peter asks you to do!"br /br /"Thanks, it's been a long exhausting two days, and we need some rest," Steve said. "We'll see you later. I should tell you to not do too much too soon, but you'll ignore it, but I'm telling you, anyway."br /br /Tony nodded and once again they walked side by side through the silent halls of the empty building. Turning a corner far from any prying eyes, they stopped as one, their eyes meeting for a moment then without saying a word, both reached out the other, coming together in a mutual embrace. They stood there, for a full minute, reluctant to let go. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Steve pulled back, clasping Bucky's face, the same way he had long ago when Hydra took him prisoner. He let his hand rest there longer, reluctant to pull back in fear he would fade away again. Bucky smiled in response and slipped his arms back around Steve's waist. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""That was a rough couple of hours," he said. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Felt like days. I admit I lost it when they pulled you through…" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""So did I." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Let's not do it again," Steve said. "If Peter Parker or any of them leaves this planet, let's let them go. For the first time in a long time, I'm tired." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""So am I. You smell." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""You would too if you'd been cooped up in that room fighting off magical electronic lighting bolts. I need a shower, but so do you. We could just save time and…" he expected the same answer to his usual invitation. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bucky rolled his eyes but something stopped his automatic denial. "How about a compromise?" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Compromise?" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""This place does have a pool." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""The pool it is. Good idea." Taking his hand, he pulled a laughing Bucky along behind him. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Fifteen minutes later they were in the water. The way the water beaded up on the substance coated on Buck's arm fascinated him. He wasn't sure how it worked, Bucky didn't understand it either, he was just glad it did. They swam a few laps when Bucky stopped by the edge of the pool to examine his arm. Steve joined him. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Something wrong?" he asked. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bucky pointed to a small gold band on his wrist. "Arm's tingling a little. The taser application must have used more energy than I realized or it could be this thing Thor gave me…" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Thor? Giving you shiny things? Should I be jealous Funny I didn't think he went that way… not that I would blame him… but if the other Thor did…" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bucky laughed, a long clear laugh that echoed around the empty pool room. "No, stupid. It's a tracking device, and I forgot to give it back to him. I don't want to mess with it, might set it off. I guess I'll have to have them take it off in Wakanda." The water was dripping from his hair and his wet skin glistened under the lights. Steve didn't resist. His arms encircled him, his own damp skin sliding against his, the new sensation was overwhelming. He pulled him into a kiss which he did not resist. Again and again, he repeated it, being rewarded by the gentle sensation of Buck's arms going around him and his hands gliding up and down his back. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Steve's mouth slide down to his neck. "I should tell you… that Wanda knows."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Wanda?" Bucky didn't stop him as he gently licked the water from his shoulder./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""She said she saw the way I was looking at you, and it wasn't the way a man looks at his best friend."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Lucky me. Thor knows."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"This time Steve pulled back. "I have to know how that happened…"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Tell you later…" This time Bucky pulled him into a kiss. "So this is the reason you always wanted me to join you in the shower…"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Do you like it?" Steve asked, his hands made wet trails down his chest. "I thought we could… change things up?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""So you're getting bored with the way things are?" Bucky asked./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I will never ever get bored with you. Never," Steve said./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The light in Buck's eyes grew brighter. "You're two for two on the sappy scale. To answer your question It's different, but not…unpleasant," Buck said./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""There's an inlet, on the lake, it's secluded, no one goes there so when we get home could…"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I know the place. I guess we could. What is it with you and me and water?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Steve pulled back. "Are you insinuating I have some kind of water fetish?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""What's a fetish?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"This time it was Steve's turn to laugh out loud. "Life with you is full of surprises."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""What's a fetish?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Let's finish this, back in the room. I'll try to explain it."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The swim must have rejuvenated them because back in Steve's old quarters, lying in bed, they found their second wind, so instead of falling asleep right away, they stayed awake for a while telling the stories of their separate adventures. Steve chuckle at Thor's reactions when the Ritikia didn't recognize him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""So why did you believe Thor when he said what he said about us, and not me?" Steve asked. "I've been telling you the same thing since we got together."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I don't know. Just having an outsider say it, in those words, made it hit home."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""As long as the message got through, that's all that matters. Come here," he said, pulling Bucky close. "I like to feel your heartbeat."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Well, my heart belongs to you," Buck said./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""And I'm supposed to be the sappy one?" Steve said. Bucky laughed and rolled away, forcing Steve to go after him and pull him back, this time holding him tight and not letting go until they both drifted off./p
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h3 class="title" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: 400; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.286em; font-family: Georgia, serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0.5375em 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 1; background: transparent; text-align: center;"a style="color: #666666; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer;" href=" /works/16559093/chapters/40721771"Chapter 21/a/h3
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div class="userstuff module" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 1088.64px; float: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: #2a2a2a;" role="article"
h3 id="work" class="landmark heading" style="border-width: 0px 0px 0.25em; border-image: initial; outline: 0px; font-weight: 500; font-style: inherit; font-size: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.125em; line-height: 0; opacity: 0; height: 0px; clear: both; color: transparent; border-color: initial initial #333333 initial; border-style: initial initial double initial;"Chapter Text/h3
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The group stood on a small cliff outside an opening in the rocks that led to the Sanctuary, staring down at the distant city. Steve couldn't see details but there was enough there to reveal it was a civilization close to the technological advancements of Earth. Electricity, flight and ground transportation existed but they were planet-bound. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Things will change for them," Bruce said. "The Sorcerers and the Ritikia will move this place out of that 'bubble' they placed it in, which was probably a pocket Universe, and the people down there won't notice a thing. They'll start with satellites and some orbital missions before reaching out any further. I envy them in a way."br /br /"You can always stay. It looks like a nice enough place," Bucky said. He smiled to himself as he examined the distant city. Steve had to restrain himself from touching him. The interesting thing was, Bucky didn't seem to mind it when he forgot. No pulling away, no warning looks reminding him he had gone too far. His thoughts reminded him that he needed to tell Bucky that Wanda and Peter knew about their relationship. He dreaded it, but he had to be honest with /br /Bruce chuckled at Bucky's words, then his face turned serious. "I think as soon as we get back, I'm going to go visit Natasha. I can't do much, but I'd like to be there when she wakes up."br /br /"We understand," T'Challa said. "This whole experience was an eye-opener. I wonder how many other things have changed across the Universe." He and Wanda had just returned from a short excursion to the far side of their lookout point. Wanda looked especially tired. She had expended a lot of energy on this adventure but was eager to return to /br /"Let's hope it was mostly for the better," Steve said. "And if there are problems, I hope they can work it all out themselves. There's enough things happening on Earth without us having to fix everyone else's."br /br /Peter had been unusually quiet. "I wonder how much I should tell Mr. Stark. He'll think it was kind of dumb, me jumping in like that…"br /br /"If Tony gives you a hard time, just give me a call," Bruce said. "He's got a track record of doing things without thinking. I'll set him straight. The thing is, though, it worked out. We're leaving this place better than the way we found it. Hold on to that."br /br /"I suppose you're right. I hope he wakes up soon. So are you going to send us home or is Doctor Strange?" Peter directed his questions toward Thor who stood a little apart from the /br /"We shall work together. Distance limits his powers but I can give them a boost," he /br /'"Thank you for everything," Steve said. "It seems we're always calling on you to bail us out. You have your own problems…"br /br /"Nothing I can't handle. But I must be on my way as must all of you. Once again, if you need me, just send out a signal. I will always answer and it was a pleasure to finally get to know you, James Buchanan Barnes," Thor said. Steve was taken aback a moment at the use of Bucky's full name but Bucky himself smiled in /br /"The same goes for me, Thor Odinson, God of Thunder," he said. They would have to have one of their private after mission debriefings as soon as they got home. Steve had a lot of /br /A noise behind them caused them to turn. Doctor Strange approached, with his fellow Sorcerers and the /br /"My apologies again for the misunderstandings caused by our first meeting," The Leader said. "But I would like to think we have made new friends. Even though it wasn't her intention, Regina did what she set out to do. She saved us."br /br /The Speaker separated from the group to stand in front of Bucky. "I wish you well," she said. "Remember what I told you."br /br /"I will if you'll remember to follow my advice," Bucky replied. She smiled and nodded, then rejoined the rest of the /br /Doctor Strange opened a portal and one by one, they stepped through. This time Bucky took Steve's hand, and they tumbled together through a weird combination of the light tunnel and the Bifrost. It was much quicker this time and before they knew it, he, Bucky and Peter were in the Santorum. Wong was standing still, frozen in place but after a long moment, his eyes blinked. After becoming aware of the group's presence, he relaxed and came /br /"You have returned! It's good to see you again. Have you found Doctor Strange?"br /br /"I don't know how to tell you this, but we've been away for two whole days. Everything here was in a state of suspended animation while we were away," Steve /br /"Is that right? How interesting! I'm glad you found Peter and could bring him safe home." Of course, he would be calm about it. The extraordinary was ordinary /br /"I'm sure Doctor Strange will make his way here as soon as he's through with his current project…" Steve recounted the whole story and had to stop from time to time to as Peter interjected his own /br /"This is fascinating!" Wong said. "The Universe is unexplainable and there are realms and dimensions we have yet to encounter. I am glad to learn Stephen is well, and you have solved this mystery."br /br /"Thank you for your help," Steve /br /"I could say you're welcome, but in reality, I did little. The door will always open for you," Wong said. His choice of words sounded odd but at that moment the door opened by itself, sending a signal it was time for them to leave. They stepped out into the streets of New York to find nothing had changed during the time they had been away. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"br /"Can I at least go with you to see Mr. Stark?" Peter asked. "I should be the one to tell him everything, and I promise to go home right after that."br /br /"If you're sure you want to take on that responsibility and if he's awake, I don't have a problem with it," Steve said as they approached the company car and got in with Steve as the designated driver. Peter was silent for the first part of the trip Glancing in the mirror Steve saw him lying back against the seat with his eyes closed. The boy was still a boy and enhanced or not, was /br /"I just realized we're two days older than everyone else," Bucky said. "If we keep skipping around in time, we'll make it to two hundred."br /br /"Funny, I can barely remember the first hundred years," Steve said. "But as long as you're with me this time around, I think I can muddle through."br /br /"That was sweet, if a little sappy," Bucky /br /"So, you two are together?" Peter asked from the back. Steve physically cringed. He thought he was asleep. br /br /Bucky turned toward him, his eyebrows raised. "You told him?"br /br /"I sort of had too…"br /br /"He didn't have a choice…there was this thing, showing us illusions and stuff and Cap saw you. I mean, you don't have to keep it secret around me. I'm cool with it," Peter said, oblivious to the small drama going on in the front /br /"Thank you," Bucky said, turning his gaze out the /br /"But what's asexuality?" Peter asked. "I mean, I know what it's supposed to mean…"br /br /Once more with the raised eyebrows. Steve wasn't sure how to handle it when Bucky /br /"It means I don't experience sexual attraction," Bucky said, now keeping his eyes straight ahead. "It's an orientation, like being straight, or gay or any other variety you can think of." His calmness stunned Steve to where the car veered out of the lane onto the shoulder of the road. He steered it back with an /br /"So you were…born this way?" Peter asked. "And you don't…?"br /br /"Yes, and no."br /br /"Wow. But you're still together?" His voice rose a little on the last word, a faint skepticism coming /br /"Yes," Steve said firmly. "I suggest that you research this on your own." He was doing his best to shut down the conversation because he had no idea what embarrassing questions Peter might ask next. Bucky surprised him when he turned to him let out a small laugh. Peter asked no more questions and appeared to be pondering this new /br /It wasn't long until they arrived at the facility and were past the security checkpoints. Ms. Potts met them with a warm smile, reminding Steve of old times./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"br /"He woke up and seems to be fine," she said. "He'll have to take it easy for a few days because he was out so long, but the doctors say everything should be back to normal soon."br /br /She led them upstairs, back to the room where, to them, just that morning they had left. A Doctor was leaving just as they arrived. Tony was sitting up in the bed, the monitors now /br /"They tell me I lost two weeks of my life!" He said. "You were out for two days! So why did it take so long for me? And don't tell it me was super serum or some other nonsense!"br /br /"Not just you, but the same thing happened to Natasha and Rhodey. Wong said you were fighting the meld," Steve /br /"I was fighting it? I barely remember it! And shouldn't you be in school?" He directed the last question toward /br /"I'm going, as soon as we're through here. I've got something to tell you. It's kind of dumb, but exciting and it's all kind of my fault. I went to see Doctor Strange. He wasn't there, but we saw him later but that was after…" Peter recounted the happenings of the past two days, sometimes looking toward Steve and Bucky for confirmation. Ms. Potts leaned back against the wall, her arms crossed, her expressions going from curious to shock and then to fascination. Tony kept his attention rapt on Peter, saying nothing which Steve thought out of character for the garrulous /br /"So this little experiment of ours almost wreaked havoc on some other world and caused a sorcerer to absorb too much information? Who knows what she would have done if you all hadn't shown up? What else has happened out there that we're responsible for?" He /br /"Tony as hard as it will be to accept this, that can't be our concern. They'll just have to work things out for themselves. We knew when we made this decision things like this might happen. We have too much to do right here," Steve /br /'He's right," Ms. Potts said. "Think about what you left behind. The chaos, the turmoil, the dystopia, even if it's hard now with what you did, this is still better."br /br /"I know," Tony laid back on the bed."Inside my head, I know." A moment passed then he regarded Peter again. "You need to get back to the city."br /br /"And so do I." Ms. Potts said. "I'll take him. I'll be back tomorrow. Come on, Peter." With a wave of the hand, she ushered Peter out of the room who gave many a backward look toward /br /"It's ok kid!" He called out. "Things worked out!" Then to Steve and Bucky. "Why am I not surprised at the things he gets himself into? And the way he manages to drag everyone else in with him? I suppose you'll be heading back to Africa?"br /br /"We might spend a few days here if you don't mind. First time Bucky's been able to get out and about in a while."br /br /"Sure, great. Knock yourselves out, just don't go jumping through any more time portals, I don't care what Peter asks you to do!"br /br /"Thanks, it's been a long exhausting two days, and we need some rest," Steve said. "We'll see you later. I should tell you to not do too much too soon, but you'll ignore it, but I'm telling you, anyway."br /br /Tony nodded and once again they walked side by side through the silent halls of the empty building. Turning a corner far from any prying eyes, they stopped as one, their eyes meeting for a moment then without saying a word, both reached out the other, coming together in a mutual embrace. They stood there, for a full minute, reluctant to let go. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Steve pulled back, clasping Bucky's face, the same way he had long ago when Hydra took him prisoner. He let his hand rest there longer, reluctant to pull back in fear he would fade away again. Bucky smiled in response and slipped his arms back around Steve's waist. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""That was a rough couple of hours," he said. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Felt like days. I admit I lost it when they pulled you through…" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""So did I." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Let's not do it again," Steve said. "If Peter Parker or any of them leaves this planet, let's let them go. For the first time in a long time, I'm tired." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""So am I. You smell." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""You would too if you'd been cooped up in that room fighting off magical electronic lighting bolts. I need a shower, but so do you. We could just save time and…" he expected the same answer to his usual invitation. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bucky rolled his eyes but something stopped his automatic denial. "How about a compromise?" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Compromise?" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""This place does have a pool." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""The pool it is. Good idea." Taking his hand, he pulled a laughing Bucky along behind him. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Fifteen minutes later they were in the water. The way the water beaded up on the substance coated on Buck's arm fascinated him. He wasn't sure how it worked, Bucky didn't understand it either, he was just glad it did. They swam a few laps when Bucky stopped by the edge of the pool to examine his arm. Steve joined him. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Something wrong?" he asked. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bucky pointed to a small gold band on his wrist. "Arm's tingling a little. The taser application must have used more energy than I realized or it could be this thing Thor gave me…" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Thor? Giving you shiny things? Should I be jealous Funny I didn't think he went that way… not that I would blame him… but if the other Thor did…" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bucky laughed, a long clear laugh that echoed around the empty pool room. "No, stupid. It's a tracking device, and I forgot to give it back to him. I don't want to mess with it, might set it off. I guess I'll have to have them take it off in Wakanda." The water was dripping from his hair and his wet skin glistened under the lights. Steve didn't resist. His arms encircled him, his own damp skin sliding against his, the new sensation was overwhelming. He pulled him into a kiss which he did not resist. Again and again, he repeated it, being rewarded by the gentle sensation of Buck's arms going around him and his hands gliding up and down his back. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Steve's mouth slide down to his neck. "I should tell you… that Wanda knows."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Wanda?" Bucky didn't stop him as he gently licked the water from his shoulder./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""She said she saw the way I was looking at you, and it wasn't the way a man looks at his best friend."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Lucky me. Thor knows."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"This time Steve pulled back. "I have to know how that happened…"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Tell you later…" This time Bucky pulled him into a kiss. "So this is the reason you always wanted me to join you in the shower…"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Do you like it?" Steve asked, his hands made wet trails down his chest. "I thought we could… change things up?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""So you're getting bored with the way things are?" Bucky asked./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I will never ever get bored with you. Never," Steve said./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The light in Buck's eyes grew brighter. "You're two for two on the sappy scale. To answer your question It's different, but not…unpleasant," Buck said./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""There's an inlet, on the lake, it's secluded, no one goes there so when we get home could…"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I know the place. I guess we could. What is it with you and me and water?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Steve pulled back. "Are you insinuating I have some kind of water fetish?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""What's a fetish?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"This time it was Steve's turn to laugh out loud. "Life with you is full of surprises."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""What's a fetish?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Let's finish this, back in the room. I'll try to explain it."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The swim must have rejuvenated them because back in Steve's old quarters, lying in bed, they found their second wind, so instead of falling asleep right away, they stayed awake for a while telling the stories of their separate adventures. Steve chuckle at Thor's reactions when the Ritikia didn't recognize him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""So why did you believe Thor when he said what he said about us, and not me?" Steve asked. "I've been telling you the same thing since we got together."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I don't know. Just having an outsider say it, in those words, made it hit home."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""As long as the message got through, that's all that matters. Come here," he said, pulling Bucky close. "I like to feel your heartbeat."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Well, my heart belongs to you," Buck said./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""And I'm supposed to be the sappy one?" Steve said. Bucky laughed and rolled away, forcing Steve to go after him and pull him back, this time holding him tight and not letting go until they both drifted off./p
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