Reality came back to Bucky in snippets. He was vaguely aware of being transported on a cot and the people around him but he couldn't focus. His body felt like it was on fire and he was so sleepy. He blacked out again.
The next time he awoke, Bucky was in a hospital wrapped in gauze tape. Someone had removed his arm and Dum Dum was snoring in the chair next to his bed. Bucky went back to sleep.
The third time Bucky woke up, it was for good. His body felt much better and he wanted answers. Looking around, there was no one in his room, so Bucky got out of bed to see if he could find someone.
This was inevitably a bad idea. As soon as he was upright, his legs gave out and he fell with a strangled shout. It wasn't too bad though, because as soon as he thudded to the floor, several foot steps came racing toward him.
Dum Dum cursed under his breath as he helped his friend up. "Why didn't you stay in bed ya moron?"
"Why'd ya leave me alone?" Bucky grumped back.
"I needed to take a leak." His friend shrugged as they got Bucky situated back on the bed.
"Now that you're awake Agent Barnes, we need to discuss some things with you." Said the doctor holding a clipboard.
"I'll leave to give you fellas some privacy." Dum Dum patted Bucky's shoulder before stepping out of the room.
"First things first, Agent. You suffered a mild concussion and multiple lacerations. Unfortunately, your prosthetic could not be salvaged and has been removed. Which I'm sure you've noticed." The doctor pushed his glasses further up his nose and continued. "I've sent your full medical file back to S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ in America and Director Carter has ordered you off active duty. You are to be sent back as soon as you are well enough to travel."
"I can't just leave!" Bucky protested. "I need to stay here and finish this. I can't leave my men."
"Those are your orders, Agent. I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do."
"Fine." Bucky grit his teeth. "Has anyone contacted my wife?"
"Agent Dugan called her as soon as you were stabilized. Your wife does not seem pleased." The doctor emphasized his point by pointing to the large stack of mail on Bucky's bedside table. Looking through them, every one of them was from Rosie and addressed to "My Idiot Husband."
Bucky groaned but was also grateful. If Rosie was sending him letters, she couldn't be that mad.
X-X-X
Less than a week later, Bucky found himself back in the good old US of A, waiting for Peggy in her office. Despite becoming close friends over the years, Bucky couldn't shake the feeling of being called into the principal's office.
Once he'd gotten home, he'd received an earful from his wife about not dying, followed by a passionate night of being reunited. The next day, Howard had stopped by to give him the newest arm replacement. This one matched his skin tone and all most looked real. Along with the arm, Howard brought Bucky's latest orders of meeting with Peggy. Thus, the trip to the principal's office.
The clicking of heels against the tile floor alerted Bucky of Peggy's arrival and he stood at attention.
"Thank you, Woods. That will be all." Peggy dismissed her assistant before acknowledging Bucky. "Sit down, James." She ordered, her tone no nonsense.
Bucky rushed to do as he was told. Peggy went about organizing the papers on her desk, making a show of taking her time.
"The doctors sent me your medical reports." She said conversationally. "When were you going to tell me you have he super soldier serum?" now she looked at him, hurt mixing with anger.
"I figured I had it, to some degree." Bucky answered honestly. "But after Steve died, I decided it would be best for super soldiers to die with him.
"Be as that may, I'm your superior and if you're on active duty, I am entitled to know of the enhancements you have."
"I didn't want it to be on file. But you're right. I should have told you." Bucky conceded.
Peggy deflated. "I understand your position. I'll be sure to keep this out of your records." Peggy smiled then, "at least this explains why my godson seems to be smarter and quicker than he should be at his age."
Bucky's eyes bulged out of his head. "I never even considered that." Face muffled in his hands, he muttered, "Rosie is going to kill me."
Peggy laughed loudly. "That she is. I want you to take the rest of the week off. Spend some time with your family."
"But what about Hydra?"
Peggy's face sobered. "I'll take care of them. I'll call you in if I need you."
"Be sure you do." Bucky nodded before leaving the large office.
Peggy was Not Happy. Oh well, at least they know about the serum now.
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