And I found love where it wasn't supposed to be

[shwarm_after]

WHO: Bucky and Tony
WHEN: lmfao who knows
WHAT: Soul Bond AU Tony gets captured. Flowers happen.



He was careless. That's what it all boiled down to. He was angry, frustrated, off his guard and for whatever stupid reason he decided to walk through the city. But that was his first mistake. He should have been more careful. He shouldn't have been up in his head, thinking about the soul bond. He shouldn't have been so angry at the soldier.

It was another stupid fight. A fight about whether or not they should tell anybody about their relationship. A fight where Tony wouldn't admit that he cared about his bond. A fight where Tony threatened to remove the damn name from his arm. It had him spitting out words like venom in an attempt to hurt Barnes. It had Barnes raising his voice and Tony couldn't take anymore. He left with a final 'Fuck off.' That anger had consumed him. It had distracted him.

And that's how he had ended up here. He was ambushed from behind. Without his suit, he was knocked out, and taken hostage. He didn't know where he was, but he was tied up to a table. His arms limbs were strapped down and his arms were in pain. A lot of pain, actually. Like someone had cut them. Why? Who would....?

He tried to blink the blurriness from his vision and only got a clear view of an overhead light that was blinding. There was so much light. Too much. He closed his eyes and tried moving again. Still couldn't move. He tried calling out to JARVIS, to Bucky, anyone and all he got was silence.

Where the hell was he?

Comments

[disassembling]

The Soldier watched Tony rise with a concerned air about him, shifting closer but not actually assisting his bond to stand. There was always a part of him that expected others to be able to rise on their own in such situations and that his assistance would negate the attempt. If it was clear that Tony couldn't rise, then he would certainly assist, but his bond was strong and even wounded was capable of rising painfully.

He noted the gun that Tony was holding, and he was armed himself. Now that he was up, defending his bond shifted up his priority list even in his drug-addled haze. He looked down when Tony took his hand, distracted from the idea he would step up to murder anyone that threatened his bond's health and safety again, and he instead wiggled his fingers to feel the shift of Tony's around his own. It was a pleasing sensation he decided and held on lightly.

"I will lead," he confirmed, trudging towards that small game trail. He took them slowly along it, tilting his head this way and that in an attempt to catch sounds beyond that of a normal forest. Squirrels scolded them overhead and birds took up their sound the further they moved from the scents of death, though they brought with them blood and pain. It was necessary to slip off, he decided.

They encountered no resistance as they trudged along the game trail, and he picked the branches based on some phantom idea in his head. He didn't know how long they stumbled and shambled along together, but after some time, they found the edge of this particular forest patch and he looked out over the entrance of some kind of ranger road. Roads lead to civilization.

So did vehicles. There was a park ranger's truck stopped and he glanced back at Tony. He could approach and kill the ranger, though there was no telling if the individual was even in the vehicle at all or perhaps walking the trails. "Yes or no?"

[shwarm_after]

Bucky wiggled his fingers and Tony gave a light squeeze in return. No, they weren't the type to hold hands like a couple of lovesick teens but they could indulge a bit if they wanted to. He smoothed his thumb over Bucky's hand. Maybe it was to keep Bucky in line, maybe it was to sooth Tony's own nerves. Who knew.

They made their way up the the trial, breaking branches and twigs under their feet. Tony tried to keep his eye out out for anything that was out of the ordinary but so far, it all just sounded like everything was normal. All he could hear was the sound of bird calling out to each other and the occasional rustle of leaves.

Eventually they reached the edge of the forest and found the road. The road went two ways, but only one lead far away from the Hydra base. There was also the truck at the side of the road. Tony couldn't tell if it was empty, but if they could use it to get the hell away from here, it'd be great. Maybe he could even find a way to contact someone they knew.

"Just don't kill anyone," he sighed and let go of Bucky's hand. The last thing they needed was to spill the blood of some innocent ranger just doing his job. However, Tony lifted the gun and took aim.

Someone had to cover Bucky.

[disassembling]

The Soldier surveyed the road but more the truck, which would provide them both cover and a faster route to leaving. He had no doubt that Tony could hotwire it if necessary, not that he wasn't skilled in such a way. He simply wanted to appreciate Tony's skill, no more and no less.

He nodded but made no promises as he left his bond's side and all the effects of the drugs and his injuries pulled back as he made a quick, quiet and deadly approach to the vehicle. His eyes flicked around in search of sign of danger as he moved around to the driver's side and was able to identify that the truck was empty of the driver. He checked the door but found it locked, but he lifted a hand to wave Tony over; he was not about thieving a vehicle in order to remove them from a potentially dangerous situation.

He smashed the small window just behind the driver's seat and then reached in to open the door and then climbed inside to investigate the contents. There were extra ammunition for a rifle, but the weapon itself was missing. There were preserved supplies of food and bottles of water, extra blankets and a radio that was currently off. He swung into the passenger's seat to open the door for his bond.

"It seems safe enough. Come, we should be far away from this place; you need to see a doctor for your injuries."

[shwarm_after]

Bucky made his way to the truck, and Tony kept his gun ready for anything that would harm them. Luckily he didn't have to pull the trigger. The truck seemed to be empty, which was fortunate. When he was waved over, he made his his way toward the the truck. If they could get this truck to work, they'd get to civilization and hopefully medical attention.

"You do too. I don't think you really want me digging out bullets," he said as he slid into the passenger side and looked into the backseat of the vehicle. He picked up two bottles of water and immediately opened one up to take a swig. It could be poison, or it could be something awful, but who cared at this point. He was tired and thirsty.

"Do we have keys for this, or do I need to hotwire this baby?" He offered one of the bottles to Bucky as he looked at the panel underneath the steering wheel.

[disassembling]

As Tony climbed in and appeared safe and sound doing so, he began to search under the seat and around for the most common places to hide keys. They were not to be found, which meant that to make use of this vehicle, they would have to hot wire it in order to leave. It seemed preferable instead of walking and running into the next contingent of HYDRA agents combing for them. He knew - now that he was more awake - that they would not waste time in trying to locate either him or Stark, especially now that the knowledge of them being bonded would have spread. He had a weakness; they had a weakness and that was each other.

"My injuries can be taken care of after yours," he remarked as he completed a few final checks of the vehicle and looked over at Tony sitting next to him. "They tried to remove your arc reactor, and I want you looked after first. If you will do that for me, I will allow doctors to take a look at my own injuries. Deal?" It was the only bargaining chip that he felt he had at this point.

"It seems that the keys are with whomever is the actual operator of this vehicle," he remarked even as he reached out to trace his fingers down Tony's cheek and jaw. "If you would like to hot wire it, by all means, or I can do it."

[shwarm_after]

Tony had to roll his eyes at Bucky's deal. Yeah, he'd get the medical attention he needed (he was sure the basic stitching Bucky did wouldn't last too long) but he wanted to make sure Bucky got fixed up as well. He needed to get those bullets taken out before his would healed around them.

"Compromise: We'll get checked out at the same time." And by that, he meant that he'd make sure Bucky got checked out first. But Bucky wouldn't know that part.

Tony watched as Bucky searched for a set of keys, but ended up unsuccessful. It meant that he'd have to hotwire the car. Yeah, his bond could probably do it but Tony would do it faster. He shifted a little closer and Bucky reached out to touch his face. It was ridiculously gentle, and Tony had to close his eyes and lean in a little closer. How funny that his bond could put just pull out smooth moves like that and he'd practically melt.

What a dick.

He opened his eyes and moved a little closer toward the driver seat. "Move over and let me start this girl up."

[disassembling]

"Yes, at the same time is acceptable," he agreed, meaning that he would be in the same room watching as Tony was treated and cared for by the medical staff. That was the only way that he would settle down enough to allow himself similar treatment. Tony was his priority, and that meant that his bond should be every one else's as well.

His fingers curved under Tony's jaw, pleased by the way that his bond leaned into the touch. He reluctantly pulled away to open the door in order to stick his legs back out to allow Tony room to work to getting the vehicle started so that they could leave. "Be quick or we might have more than we bargained for at this point."

Not that he would allow anyone close to Tony again, least of all HYDRA. This was not a mistake that would come to pass again.

[shwarm_after]

Tony moved close to Bucky as he made room for him to work. Despite the extra room he still pressed close, trying to find comfort in their bond. It helped ease his nerves as he popped open and broke the steering wheel panel. They didn't need that, anyways.

"You can't rush genius," he said as he started pulling wires and stripping them of their insulation. There was probably a chance that he'd get electrocuted, but hey, what was life without a little danger? He worked quickly, twisting wires, and connecting them. Eventually after a few tries and a few curse words mumbled, the dash board lit up and the car started up with a low rumble. Maybe it was a little slow for him, but he was tired and his chest hurt. Hopefully Bucky would cut him some slack.

With the car started, he leaned back and let out a breath. Alright, they could move. For a moment he leaned on his bond, careful to avoid any of his injuries. "Let's get the hell out of here?"

[disassembling]

His flesh hand dropped to Tony's back, rubbing up and down his bond's spine as the man set to work on pulling out wires and figuring out which were necessary to allow them to illegally acquire this vehicle for the time being. He kept an eye out for signs of other men, but so far, they were very much alone on this forest road, and he was looking for it to stay that way. HYDRA could be upon them at any moment, and they had not still be here waiting for it to happen.

The choke and then rise and purr of the engine was like music to his ears, and he shifted back into the seat as Tony sat up again. He ignored the twinge of his wounds as he settled and then paused when Tony leaned against him. He leaned in return and then pressed a kiss to Tony's forehead. "That was not your personal best. You really are more hurt than you let on."

He hummed and set the truck in reverse, pulling backwards so that he could turn them and then drive right on out of these troublesome woods. He glanced around at all times, keeping to the speed limit so as not to attract attention of anyone until he had take them to the city again. There was a sense of safety with being able to disappear into the heavy traffic. "Where is the best place for medical attention and I will take us there."

[shwarm_after]

"I'm fine," He said, smiling as he felt Bucky's lips on his forehead and those fingers down his spine. He was fine, though. Sort of. More like he was temporarily fine as long as his stitches held. They'd get help. Eventually. Whenever they got the hell out of these woods.

"Home," he said as closed his eyes and rested his head on Bucky's flesh shoulder. He was tired, exhausted, even, but he didn't trust anyone else around the arc reactor. The last few hours just proved that he couldn't trust anyone. Home was far. Distant. Miles away, but there were things they had to take care of. "But we have to find somewhere else first to get you help."

Yeah, that whole 'get seen at the same time' thing? Yeah, that wasn't happening. Bucky's healing factor would heal around those bullets and they had to dig them out. If they waited longer, they'd have a hell of a time patching him up. Besides he didn't even know where the hell they were at the moment. How long had they been gone and how far away from New York, were they?

[disassembling]

He nodded at the direction, taking them down the forest road towards anything that might take them back to New York. It took considerable effort to concentrate on the road, the tranquilizers still picking at him as he drove them out. "Stark Tower should have enough supplies," he replied simply.

They had found a main road and blessedly, signage as well. He turned them towards New York and drove, not about to take them to a hospital where they would have to explain what had happened to cause such injuries. It would bring the media down on top of them and what was worse, it could display to the world their bond, which he assumed Tony wanted on the down-low for the time being. At least until they were healed enough to discuss the matter again.

Bridging no argument, the Soldier knew his way back to the Tower once they had entered the edge of New York, twenty minutes on lesser used roads and then it was New York traffic and hoping their stolen vehicle wasn't reported before they could get to the Tower. For once, luck was on their side as he drove them into the private parking garage and then looked to Tony next to him. "We're here."

[shwarm_after]

Drive was long and quiet. He didn't know how long they rode along the roads out of the woods and into the city. He'd shift against Bucky, and occasionally take a drink from his water bottle. He was too tired to talk, too tired to offer to drive. He knew that Bucky must have been exhausted as well, but Tony knew better than to ask him to stop. It would have been a losing fight, and he was too tired to fight at the moment.

So instead, he simply kept contact with his bond and kept contact with him. It was his way of helping. Well, at least it was an attempt to help. He groaned when they entered the city's traffic and muttered a few curse words. Goddamn traffic.

But eventually, they made their way inside. Bucky parked and Tony looked up at him. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Bucky's in a chaste kiss before he moved to exit the vehicle. Take that as his wordless form of gratitude. He wasn't good at 'thank yous' and today wasn't going to be the day he learned how to do it right.

"Let's hurry up. I've gotta dig bullets out of you." Forget getting help for himself, he needed to help his bond, first.

[disassembling]

His eyes fluttered at the kiss, and he would have leaned into it if closing his eyes didn't make him think that at any moment he could fall back asleep. The drugs were still present, but the pressing need of getting them to a safe place overrode the affects. Now that they had reached said safe place, his adrenaline was ebbing away, especially with the comfort of such a kiss. It told him that they were safe, that he had done a very good job in getting them this far.

He never expected words of thanks or love or trust from Tony. The most that might happen here and again was little gestures like these, and he could admit that he lived for them when they came about. This was what a bond was all about enjoying in his mind.

Still, he slid from the truck, limping towards the main elevator. "Shouldn't you call a doctor for your wounds? JARVIS can do that, yes?" It wasn't often that he spoke to JARVIS specifically, mostly because it seemed as if that were Tony's right and he was hard-pressed to speak to the ceiling or walls or intercoms. "My bullets will still be there by the time you're patched up."

And yes, they might just be arguing about medical treatment. He wanted Tony safe and sound in all regards.

[shwarm_after]

Tony winced as he made his way toward the elevator. Yeah, he was in pain, but he'd live. He had gone through worse with the Ten Rings. Granted, this pain was right after that in a list of 'worst experiences ever,' but it still wasn't the worst.

"I'll heal," he groaned as he leaned against the wall and waited for the elevator. "You did an alright job patching me up." More or less. Maybe. He hadn't ripped the stitches yet, and as far as he could tell, his arc reactor was still intact, and he was breathing. He'd ask Jarv to give him a body scan, but there were other things he had to take care of.

His priority was getting the bullets out of Bucky. Yeah, he was exhausted but he was more than ready to argue his point. Maybe he was being stubborn, or maybe he just didn't know how to express how much he cared about his bond. Who knew. "Yeah, but then I'll have to cut you open again just to get them out. Let me take care of you."

Did he just... Say that?

[disassembling]

"I want to check to make certain that the sutures held and that your arc reactor is still intact." That was one of many things that he wanted to do to Tony right now, but the medical needs overshadowed any other wants and desires that he might have in the face of the idea that Stark wanted to take care of him rather than pass him off to medical professionals.

It was probably the drugs. They were both out of their minds on drugs. It couldn't possibly last once they had worked their way out of their systems.

"Yes alright, you can take care of me," he agreed because it was not something that he would refuse now that it was so openly offered. He made certain not to sound eager about it either, playing it cool as the elevator arrived and he limped inside to lean heavily on a wall. Tony knew this big building as well as he did, but he allowed his bond to choose the floor.

Instead, he reached out and took Tony's hand in his own, rubbing his thumb over Stark's knuckles with plain affection. It was the drugs; normally, he wouldn't dare to be so open unless Tony had previously indicated being receptive to such an advance.

[shwarm_after]

"It's fine," He gave the reactor a tap. I didn't move but damn it hurt. He tried not to visibly wince. However, tried was the key word. He was in a hell of a lot of pain and it was more than likely visible on his face.

"Jarv, take us to the med bay," he said as the doors closed behind them. He leaned against the wall and took a moment to breathe. He glanced down at his hand when he felt Bucky take it. Normally, he wouldn't have wanted to be affectionate. And really, getting them fixed up was his top priority, but... Well, it was nice to have his hand held like this. He could feel their bond.

It was something he could always feel. Something tugging at his heart and his arm. He had tried ignoring it for so long and rarely indulged in the feeling. It made his arm tingle and his head almost light. It was a distraction, but it had always felt nice, right, even. That was probably what bothered him most about it.

But for now, he'd indulge in it. He gave Bucky's hand a light squeeze and stepped closer to him. The ride up was quiet, but it was a nice minute of silence. But eventually the elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. Tony pushed himself off the wall and headed out toward the medical bay.

The whole time, he continued to hold Bucky's hand.

"Come on, I've gotta get you some pain meds before I cut you open."

[disassembling]

The Soldier knew that Tony was lying and that they both would need more than a little patching up in order the make it through their day. He understood that Tony had to put on a brave face to off-set the need to take care of his bond over himself like he wanted to. His injuries were no doubt more serious, but he also had a healing factor which would allow him to endure far better than Tony. Pain was a factor that he had been trained to endure, to fight through, to finish the mission for, and right now, that mission happened to be relieving Tony's distress and pain.

The hand holding was nice, not something that either of them indulged in much. It dulled the ache of his wounds, provided him with a distraction that he could half-close his eyes to enjoying. The bond thrummed stronger than ever in his body, particularly along his shoulder where Tony's name was a constant reminder of his bonding status. The ebb and flow of warmth through his body because of them bond left him pliable, so he went with Tony out of the elevator, his fingers gently squeezing now and then.

"I don't need pain medication," he murmured as he released Tony's hand in order to go and sit on the table, finally accepting that his bond might be happiest fixing him up first. "I can endure. I always have for other treatments. Maybe you should take some pain medication; it is obvious that you're in pain."

sorry thsi is late. also let me know if this tag works :X

[shwarm_after]

"I'll survive," he mumbled. "Start taking off your clothes." Tony moved to start rummaging through drawers in the med bay. How the hell did Bruce organize all this? Ah well, he'd find what was necessary eventually. Some gauze (there was definitely going to be blood), some pain killers, and some tools. Who knew if the medicine would work on Bucky considering his metabolism, but hey, the stuff HYDRA used had worked. Maybe this would at least ease the pain.

"J, find the bullets in Old Man Winter, here." JARVIS Agreed and pointed out that two bullets were lodged in Barnes' arm and thigh. Thankfully, neither hit anything vital. JARVIS also mentioned that Sir should definitely take some time to rest and see to his own wounds, but Tony rolled his eyes and called his AI a damn traitor.

When all this was over, he was going to reprogram the bastard.

He filled the syringe with an anesthetic. Maybe it wasn't technically certified, but it was made for people like Bucky and even Steve. It wasn't really that different from a regular pain killer, it was just a little stronger. Tony honestly had no idea how it was going to affect the soldier (considering they hadn't necessarily had a chance to use it). Hell, it might not even help much, considering his metabolism burned through everything so quickly. But hey, it was the thought that counted, right? Right.

"Hopefully this helps," he moved to wipe the skin on Bucky's arm clean and insert the syringe.

lookin' good

[disassembling]

The Soldier hesitated for a moment before he gave in and began to carefully strip out of his clothing, most of which was ruined with holes, dirt and blood stains. He wasn't certain that anything but his boots happened to be salvageable, so he balled the material up and sat in the nude on the table as Tony picked through the medical supplies looking for all the equipment necessary to remove bullets from his flesh.

He looked at the entry wounds, and they were puffy and reddened, looking sore and swollen even if they no longer oozed blood. That was dried on his skin and the hole was closing as quickly as his body could repair it. They were open enough that where he had been shot was obvious.

He eyed the syringe that Tony brought towards him, certain that was more dosage than was strictly necessary for him. He could do without, and that dose seemed to be a gross estimation. "Some of that is for you, right?"

And apparently not given that it went in his arm muscle, and outside of a twitch and a huff of breath, he was forced to endure. He watched his bond and reached out with his metal hand to slip his fingers up the underside of Tony's shirt to stroke warm skin. "I appreciate you doing this, I hope you realize. Not many people I would allow to shoot me up with drugs, but I know it's safe with you."

THIS HAS BEEN DONE FOR DAYS AND I NEVER HIT POST

[shwarm_after ( as admin)]

Maybe Tony didn't need to use enough of the medication as he did. But hey, Bucky was just going to burn through it anyways. He pulled the needle out and wiped at it with an alcohol swab.

"There's not many people you let near you." Tony glanced up to his bond as he leaned into the touch at his side. He then leaned forward and pressed his lips to Bucky's in a chase kiss. This was a big deal. In some way, it was a big deal for both of them. Tony probably wouldn't have done this for anybody else. He would have never brushed his pain aside and put someone else like this first. But here he was, injecting his bond with pain killers and getting ready to dig out some bullets.

The kind of things one did when they loved someone.

Not that Tony was in love. The soulbond was just biology.
Yeah.

"But I'll make sure to take care of you."

And in order to do that, he was going to need to take a couple of bullets out of his bond. Fun.

k pls

[disassembling]

He had a moment of looking affronted by the accusation, but then again, it was true. Of course, most of his previous associations were dead and the few he had now were those he felt the need to protect from himself more than anyone else. Tony was one of the few that he stayed so physically close to on a regular basis, and he found himself still more hidden than out in the open when they were together. They would need to...

Oh. There were the drugs hitting him. His body seemed to relax into a slump without his express permission and his mind went soft and fuzzy, like it was filled with cotton. He hummed a low sound in his throat, his eyes half closing as he swayed where he sat and considered simply collapsing to the floor. It wouldn't hurt after all... he couldn't feel any pain!

He lifted his arms and slung them across Tony's shoulders, pulling his bond sluggishly towards him. Like they might just cuddle right here and now. And why not? He was feeling like he wanted a warm body next to him keeping him safe.

"I know," he mumbled, his voice soft and hushed. "I'll always take care of you too... 'cause I love you. You're the... uh... mostest handsome man, and I love you so much. Just wanna be close all the time...."