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“Where is he?” Steve asked. Frantic.
There were mutters around him and searching, but no answers.
“All of these analysts and nobody can tell me where James Barnes is right now?!”
Steve pushed a hand through his hair. He’d been ushered into a high level security room, along with other important members of staff. There had been a threat called in. It was as real and intense as Steve’s concern for Bucky.
“Sir, he was last spotted at his desk. He doesn’t appear to have left the building.”
“That’s all we know?” Steve’s stomach sank. He’d hoped Bucky went back to his apartment. “And what of the threat?”
“It’s still being investigated, Mr. President.”
Steve’s heart raced in his chest, hammering against his rib cage. He was worried about his people. He was worried about Bucky.
“I need to find him.” Steve started to pace as they waited for more news. He walked towards the exit, ready to leave. Desperation clear in his voice. “I need to see if he’s okay—”
“We can’t let you do that Mr. President.” Natasha told him, dutifully but regretfully. She guarded the doors with Sam. “Not until the all clear is given.”
While Steve understood it, he wasn’t happy about it. His worry for Bucky only grew. He was the President, they had to keep him safe at any cost.
Steve just prayed that cost wasn’t Bucky.
A crowd had gathered after the incident, the wounded being tended for. Steve had searched for Bucky, alongside Natasha and Sam.
“Bucky?! Bucky—” Steve cursed under his breath. “Fuck. He’s still not answering his phone.”
Steve felt like he was falling apart.
Natasha and Sam shared a discreet look.
“It probably just ran out of charge, Mr. President.” Sam told him.
They continued their search until Steve heard a familiar voice. His head swung around so fast he nearly knocked himself out. He spotted him in a clearing in the crowd, helping someone.
“Bucky!” Steve shouted, his ears ringing.
Steve’s system was flooded with emotions. It was hard to walk but he rushed forward, his body carrying him to Bucky. To the man he loved.
“Steve!” Bucky could hardly believe his eyes, blinking back tears.
Steve pulled Bucky into his embrace, “Oh thank God.”
Bucky melted into it and hugged him tightly. “Nobody would tell me anything.” Bucky sniffled.
He was only the President’s boyfriend, apparently he wasn’t ‘entitled’ to more information about his safety.
Steve’s throat felt tight. “I’m sorry.” He cupped Bucky’s cheeks. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
He wiped a smudge of soot off Bucky’s cheek and frowned when Bucky winced, shifting his feet. His eyes flicked down. “Are you okay?!”
“I just twisted my ankle, that’s all.”
Steve felt sick, and somehow responsible. He looked around and found a seat. “Come on, sweetheart, you need to get off that leg.”
Bucky put his arm around Steve’s shoulders and Steve helped him walk over. Around them the people in the building were being taken to be checked out.
“Let me have a look at it,” Steve knelt down and carefully lifted up Bucky’s pant leg, taking in the bruised and swollen ankle. “Fuck, we better get this seen to.”
Bucky reached out and brushed his fingers through Steve’s beard. “I’m okay, Stevie, really. It’s just a sprain.”
“We’re getting it looked at—at least, for my piece of mind, sweetheart?” Steve kissed the inside of Bucky’s hand.
Bucky recognised the Daddy sweetness in his voice and almost blushed. “Yes, Sir.” He whispered softly, wincing again when Steve put down his ankle.
Steve apologised and stood up, “One second, darling.” He needed an update on the situation.
He walked over to Sam and Natasha, talking to them for a few minutes. When he came back Steve smiled at Bucky warmly. “Anyone injured is being taken to hospital, including you, honey.”
Bucky nodded.
Steve held out his hand and tried to help Bucky up, but putting weight on it made Bucky gasp out in pain. Steve had a feeling it was a break, not a sprain.
“I’ve got you,” Steve tucked his arms under Bucky and gently lifted him into his arms, bridal style.
“Stevie,” Bucky admonished quietly in his ear, when really he loved it. He put his arms around Steve’s neck.
Steve carried Bucky like that all the way to the helicopter. It was so romantic.
Bucky was in a private, secure room at the hospital. There, he found out he’d broken his ankle and needed to have a cast put on.
“How’re you feeling?” Steve asked, squeezing Bucky’s hand by the hospital bed.
Bucky giggled. “Amazing, Daddy.”
Steve felt his cheeks warm. Natasha was still in the room with them guarding the door.
“Amazing, huh?” Steve snorted and kissed their joined hands. “Oh, I bet.” He smirked, seeing the pain killers Bucky had been given.
“Can we go home now?” Bucky asked with a pout.
Home.
“Yes, darling boy,” Steve’s heart exploded in his chest, “We can go home now.”
They left shortly after and went back to Steve’s quarters, Bucky using crutches to get around. His ankle still hurt, but not as badly, and they sent him home with some medication to help.
Steve got him set up in the bedroom with everything he needed—snacks, water, magazines and a stuffed bear he’d brought him for Valentine’s day. It smelled like strawberries and Steve.
“Here you go, sweet boy,” Steve cooed, giving Bucky his next pain killer on time.
Bucky opened his mouth and swallowed it with some water, smiling. “Thanks, Daddy.”
Steve cautiously sat down next to Bucky and teased, “You called me that in the hospital, you know.”
“I did not.” Bucky snorted, blushing. “Did I?”
“Mhm,” Steve smirked and kissed his cheek. “It was cute.”
“Did anyone hear?” Bucky reached for a box of chocolates.
Steve got the box for him and opened one, feeding Bucky it. “Only Romanov, who didn’t seem surprised in the slightest. Nothing to worry about.”
“Oh my god,” Bucky giggled around the chocolate and shook his head, putting his head in his hands. “I can’t believe I did that.”
“You’re a Daddy’s boy, you can’t help it.” Steve looked awfully smug.
Bucky couldn’t deny that and pecked Steve’s lips. “Thank you for takin’ care of me.”
“Of course.” Steve gave him a gooey, adoring look. “I love you so much.”
“I love you so much too.” Bucky’s heart fluttered. He threw his arms around Steve for a hug.
Steve stroked Bucky’s back and cuddled him, the two settling in for a movie. Bucky fell asleep five minutes in, while Steve played with his hair.
While Bucky’s ankle healed Steve took care of Bucky and doted on him even more than usual.
They grew even closer after what happened, spending as much time together as they could, and making plans for the future.
For their future.