Hope and Dream

37.

Bucky could tell that she was having a nightmare. He could see it on her sleeping face: anguish, pain, fear, regret. Feelings and memories he never wanted her to...she was too pure to feel anything other than light and happiness. Once he heard that pained cry escape her lips he jumped up from the chair and grabbed her hand, placing his metal and against her cheek.

"I'm right here, Doll." He said, brushing some hair behind her ear.

It was almost as if she relaxed at the name.

HER NAME.

I like it when you call me, Doll...

A knock came from the door and Bucky glanced up to see Tommy looking at her.
"Can we talk?" He asked, eyes never moving from her sleeping, beautiful form.

Her body jolted her awake, eyes flying open and a cold sweat dripping from her brow.
"Woah!" Bucky yelled, grabbing her arms so she could look at him. "Doll!"

He gulped in a deep breath and placed her hands on his shoulders. Bucky brushed some hair out her face and looked into her eyes.

"You're alright." He said, wiping a tear from her cheek.
"I saw..." She gulped. "Oh, my God. I saw..."
"Doll?" Bucky asked.
She finally caught her breath and looked at him.
"How many people did I...?" She started to ask.

Bucky clenched his eyes shut and leaned his forehead against hers.

"Don't." He whispered. "You don't want to go down that road, Doll. Believe me...just please don't..."

Tommy couldn't help but watch the couple. That's he always wanted her to look at him, how he always wanted to hold her. He always wanted her to smile at him like that. He always wanted her to look at him like that. He shook his head and finally cleared his head.

She looked at Bucky and smiled.
"Hi." She whispered.
"Hey, baby." He said, his lips ghosting against hers.

"Um..." Tommy said, getting their attention.

Bucky's lips met hers, claiming her as his. She pulled apart for some time to breathe.
"Bucky, I..."
"I'll be right back." He said, giving her a swift kiss against her cheek.
She leaned back against the lump hard hospital pillows and clenched her eyes shut.

The ambulance sped off with the wail of the siren. She lost all composure as Bucky caught her in his strong embrace, holding her close against his body.
"Doll..." He whispered against her ear, tightening his grip.

She wanted to tell him. She wanted to say that she was HIS.

A knock came rom the door and she took a deep breath. She glanced up and saw Tony standing there with a smirk.
"Hey, Doc." He said, bringing the wheelchair into view.
"What...?"
"Someone's been asking for you..." He said, walking over and helping her into the chair.

*****
Tommy and Bucky walked out into the hallway, Bucky trying to keep his emotions at bay. Jimmy, Sam, and Steve were thankfully in the same corridor, all taking their sides, crossing their respective lines.
"I'm always gonna be there for her." Tommy simply stated.
Bucky's head shot up, glaring at the man.

"Look..." Tommy started.

*****
She couldn't help but smile with anticipation. Tony wheeled her into Sean's room, Joey shooting up from the chair.

"What the FUCK are you thinking, Stark?" Joey barked, while bringing her IV bag closer to her arm.
Tony cocked his eyebrow and Joey immediately took a step back.
"I mean, SIR." He nervously said. "Iron Man...Tony...Ummm..."
"Stop embarrassing yourself." Sean chuckled from his bed.
Joey nodded and left the room. Tony gave a laugh and helped her into the chair next to Sean's bed.