PSL for semistableman

[beardednomad]

[Everything had happened so fast. One minute everyone was fighting Thanos. Well, everyone they had left and even a few new faces, like the girl. Carol Danvers was the name she'd given them along with the explanation of her powers. Captain Marvel. He'd studied her a bit and they'd talked and he'd found that he'd liked her.

But that wasn't important now. During the battle there had been a moment. Steve wasn't sure what had led up to it, what had happened to give him that window of opportunity but they had all been fighting, everyone using everything they had left in them to battle Thanos and the next moment Steve had watched the gauntlet fall to the ground just within his reach. Really, there hadn't even been a moment of hesitation before he was picking it up. It was just like his thoughts had cleared and he knew what he had to do.

He hadn't even heard the others yelling at him at first as he'd slid the gauntlet on. The thing was huge, but he managed to make it work. His thoughts on everyone they had lost, on the mourning they had gone through. Tony said there could be a way to bring them back. What if it was as simple as another snap? Like the one Thanos had made, only with the intent of bringing everyone back? He didn't hear or see Tony, or Natasha, or any of the rest of the team yelling for him to stop. That they didn't know what could happen. All he could focus on was bring Bucky and everyone else back to them. And with that he closed his eyes and snapped.


-Weeks Later-


Even Steve should have known using something as powerful as the gauntlet would have come at a price. When he slowly opened his eyes he noticed just how weak he felt, how tired. Oh and he was sore. So very sore. He shifted ever so slowly, groaning quietly as his eyes started to adjust and almost immediately he saw the difference. Things didn't look quite the same as he expected. The colors off. He turned his head, lifting his hand to scrub his face which was when he noticed how small his hand and arm were.

Within moments, he was sitting up, staring down at himself in abject horror.]

Whats going on!?

[It was shouted as he looked around before his eyes landed on an all too familiar figure sitting in the chair next to the bed. It was then that everything was forgotten. The changes to his body, the pain and soreness, the confusion. It all melted away the moment he laid eyes on Bucky.]

Comments

[semistableman]

[Bucky can't help the laugh that escapes him, feeling some of the tension in his lips escaping his body.]

I think the look's growing on me. I might have to hide the razors from you.

[He smiles at the kiss, curling up against Steve.]

You want me to carry you to the bike?

[beardednomad]

[Steve made a face before laughing and settling closer.]

Even looking like this? I don't look weird being so small with a bushy beard?

[He brushed his fingers through his hair slowly again before pressing closer. He thought about the offer, biting his lip before nodding.]

You're gonna drive, right?

[semistableman]

I don't think so, no.

[His smile is mischievous, though.]

'Course I'll drive. You'll have to hold on tight. Think you can manage that?

[beardednomad]

If you say so, Buck.

[His own smile was the same and he nodded, raising an eyebrow.]

You think I can't hold on? Buck, if you think for a second I'm going anywhere...well, you got another thing coming.

[semistableman]

I say so.

[That's said with confidence.]

Just checking. You are in a hospital bed.

[beardednomad]

Well alright then.

[He laughs softly, moving around a bit again until he was facing Bucky and sitting in his lap. His legs straddled the other man's hips as best as he could, settling there and sliding his arms around his shoulders again.]

I love you, Buck. And I promise I'll hold on nice and tight. Make sure I don't go anywhere.

[semistableman]

[The closeness has him smiling, curling up against Steve. Even with him like this, back to the bony man Bucky first started getting feelings for, kissing at his temple.]

Love you too, Stevie.

[beardednomad]

[He blushed at the kiss to his temple, leaning into Bucky even more before glancing towards the door as Shuri walked back in. She didn't say anything at first, going over to the machines he was hooked up to so she could look over readouts. Finally she turned to them and smiled, watching them for a moment.]

If the two of you want to go, you can. We aren't going to hold you here since you seem to be stabilized. Just be careful and take it easy. Do not push yourself.

And you.

[She said, looking at Bucky pointedly.]

If he starts to have any problems, bring him directly back here.

[semistableman]

[Shuri walking in keeps him from doing anything else; not that he'd push it too far until Steve has officially been given the all clear. He was sickly on good days, the last thing Bucky wants to do is hurt him when they've both only just been reunited.]

Thanks, Shuri.

[It's not quite a smile-- those are tough, when it's not just him and Steve, but it is a gentle look.]

First sign of something going wrong and we'll be back.

[beardednomad]

You got it, doc.

[Steve teased a bit and smiled back at her happily, just ready to be able to leave. He'd never liked hospitals before and that certainly hadn't changed during his time as Captain America.

He was honestly just focused on the fact that he was going to get to go home with Bucky. His best friend and the honest to god love of his life.

So finally, when Shuri waved them off after double checking all of Steve's vitals and read outs he was off the bed, looking around for something he could wear before making a face and looking at Bucky.]

I don't have any clothes.

[semistableman]

[Bucky can't help the sheepish look on his face.]

I didn't have a lot of time to grab you much. I've got a change of clothes for you, though.

[He waves to a large satchel in a chair near the door.]

Wakandan-style, sorry. Easiest change of clothes to find around here. I can show you how to put it on.

[beardednomad]

Its fine, Buck. As long as I have something so I'm not walking out of here naked. Pretty sure you wouldn't like anyone seeing that.

[It was teasing and he leaned over, kissing his cheek and then his lips before slipping off the bed. Immediately he grabbed the edge of the bed, legs a little wobbly.]

I'm okay. I'm okay.

[He exhaled, pulling all the different sensors off himself. Shuri had already pulled out the IV he had.]

Wanna help me?

[semistableman]

Wouldn't let you do that, pal.

[His tone is light, but there's an edge to that makes it clear that he's not about to let anyone see that part of his Stevie.

Bucky doesn't even have to think about it, immediately moving to brace Steve, one hand protectively on his shoulder to steady him. He'd done the same thing when Steve was a six-foot something super soldier, he's not going to stop now just because he's small again.]

'Course. Anything you need.

[beardednomad]

[Most people probably wouldn't hear that slight edge, but Steve had known Bucky for far too long not to hear it.

He raised an eyebrow, letting the man brace him as he worked on getting the pants on at least.]

Do I detect a bit of protective jealousy there, jerk.

[Another tease, his smile spreading as he tugged the pants up, tying them as best as he could around his waist.]

[semistableman]

[Bucky can't help the bit of a smile that ends up on his lips. If Steve can tease him, he's doing all right.]

Just makin' sure people know you need plenty of rest.

[beardednomad]

[Once the pants are on he turned to look at Bucky, leaning into him and tipping his head back to meet his eyes better.

It was strange, having the man be taller than him once again. Not that he minded. He'd always enjoyed when Bucky was bigger. He'd been able to manhandle him much easier.]

Oh is that the only reason? What if I don't want plenty of rest?

[He raised an eyebrow slowly, turning to the man and tilting his head.]

[semistableman]

I'll bury you in blankets, punk.

[He's beaming when he says it, though, so this is a really bad mock-threat.]

This might be Africa, but it still gets cold at night.

[beardednomad]

I'd like to see you try it.

[He smirked up at him, standing up straight and puffing his chest out to try to seem big and bad, even though they both knew he was far from it.]

I've got you to keep me warm though, don't I?

[semistableman]

[Bucky can't help the grin, both mischievous and happy.]

That's right. I'll keep you nice and cozy.

[beardednomad]

[He finished getting dressed before leaning into Bucky's side, smiling up at him.]

Take me home, Buck.

[He winked up at him, excited and obviously very happy.]

[semistableman]

Can do, Stevie.

[He's half tempted to scoop Steve in his arms just to see how he reacts, but refrains, throwing an arm around Steve's shoulder instead.]

C'mon, I even brought you a helmet.

[He picks the pack up, and off they go to the bike.]

[beardednomad]

[Once they make it to the bike, he took the helmet, climbing on and smiling before sliding the huge helmet on. It really did seem to be way too big for him, but everything would at least for the time being.]

All ready!

[He waited for Bucky to get on, slipping his arms around the man and laying his head on his back]

[semistableman]

[Feeling Steve rest up against his back makes him smile, turning to grin at the other man, even if it's hard to see with his own helmet on.]

Let's get going, huh?

[The ride home is pretty uneventful. Eventually, they end up outside of the city, in the villages and the dirt roads. Once in a while, people stop to look at them-- because of course it's a little more unusual for two white guys to end up in the village, even if Bucky is a local here now.

He parks a ways away from the hut, in a lot mostly with farm equipment.]

C'mon, it's not too much of a walk.

[But just the same, Bucky offers a hand to help Steve down.]

[beardednomad]

[He clung to Buck, enjoying the ride and the feel of being pressed behind the man. He closed his eyes at one point, smiling and then letting his fingers slip under his shirt.

When they finally arrived he craned his head, looking down at the hut and biting his lip. He was ready to finally be home with Bucky. This is where he absolutely belonged.]

I can handle it. Always handle it.

[He reached out, taking his hand and squeezing as he slid off the bike.]

[semistableman]

[Bucky smiles, wrapping his arm around Steve as he leads the man to the hut.

It's small inside; it's not one of those bigger on the inside homes, it really is the small home of a man who spends 16 hours a day outdoors, but it's cozy. The palette is easily big enough for the two of them, and the sheer amount of blankets and pillows on it is kind of impressive.]

Home sweet home!