It was late, and Steve hadn't returned. Bucky, pacing his small apartment, felt a familiar knot of worry tighten in his chest. He hadn’t told Steve how much he worried, but he knew Steve would dismiss it. Still, Bucky couldn’t shake the feeling that Steve was too vulnerable. He’d asked a couple of their friends—Mason, mostly—to keep an eye on him, to walk the same route Steve usually took.
Steve, walking down the sidewalk, felt a prickling sensation – the unnerving sense of being watched. He glanced back, spotting a figure trailing him. He dismissed it initially, but after a few blocks, the man was still there, keeping pace.
He ducked into a dark alley, hoping to lose him. He succeeded, but as he emerged, a voice cut through the silence.
“What’s a guy like you doing out late?”
Steve turned to see a shadow detach itself from the darkness, walking directly toward him. He quickened his pace, hoping the stranger would give up.
He didn’t. A hand snaked around his wrist, yanking him off balance. He landed hard on the ground, the impact stealing his breath. As he scrambled to regain his footing, the man began to unbuckle his belt. Steve scrambled backward, the rough concrete scraping against his palms. He caught his breath, his heart hammering.
He surged back to his feet and ran again. The man grabbed his leg, sending Steve’s face crashing into the concrete. He lay there, stunned, a headache building behind his eyes. The man loomed over him, hands reaching for his pants. Steve reacted instinctively, twisting and kicking him hard in the groin.
The man stumbled back, giving Steve the chance to bolt. But he was faster. A fist connected with Steve's jaw, sending him reeling. He stumbled toward the street, but the man was relentless. Finally, Steve lost him as he reached the main road.
He bent over, gasping for air, feeling a warm, sticky liquid on his nose. He touched it, and his fingers came away bloody. He adjusted his pants, ignoring the throbbing pain, and started walking home.
“Hey, you alright?” A hand on his shoulder made him jump, a scream escaping his lips. He whirled around, flinching. “Are you following me? I-I saw you on the other street.”
“No… I’m Mason. Bucky’s friend.” Steve’s head was still swimming. “Look, he doesn’t like you going out alone, so he asked me to follow you, just in case something happened.”
Steve’s anger flared. “He knows I can take care of myself.”
“He’s on his way.” Steve rolled his eyes. “He’s not my babysitter. I’m perfectly capable of walking home alone.”
“I know he’s not your babysitter,” Mason said gently, “but he’s your boyfriend, and he loves you a lot, Steve. He just wants to keep you safe.”
Steve stopped, turning back to Mason. He was right. He’d been reckless, and Bucky was worried. Then he saw Bucky’s car pulling up.
“Steve, are you okay?” Bucky practically leaped from the car, his face etched with concern.
“I’m fine,” Steve said, though the lie tasted like ash. He climbed into the car. Bucky mumbled a thank you to Mason before shutting the door.
“Look, Steve, I just want to know you’re safe.” Bucky reached across the console, his hand covering Steve’s.
“I know that, Buck, but I can’t go anywhere without you doing something like this. You need to stop,” Steve pleaded, his voice tight.
Bucky sighed, but nodded, kissing Steve’s hand. Five minutes later, they were home.
Bucky led Steve to their bathroom, carefully cleaning the dried blood and dirt from his wounds.
“Tell me what happened, baby.” Bucky said softly, helping Steve sit on the toilet.
“I was walking and saw Mason following me, so I tried to get away. I hid in an alley. That’s when I saw him.” He explained. "Is he the one that did this?" Bucky asked, gesturing to Steve's bruised face. Steve nodded, continuing. "I tried to get away, but he pulled me to the ground and…” He trailed off, his voice catching in his throat. “Please tell me he didn’t…”
“He didn’t, thankfully. When he started unbuckling his belt, I kicked him.” Steve pointed to the cut on his forehead. “He grabbed my leg, and I hit my head on the concrete. And when I ran to the street, he punched me. I slipped away and ran into Mason."
After Bucky finished cleaning his wounds, they went to their bedroom to change for bed.
“I was afraid something like this would happen.” Bucky sighed as they lay together.
“I know, Buck, but I defended myself. It’s over. I’m okay.” Steve smiled reassuringly at his boyfriend. He leaned in and received a kiss from the older man. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Bucky whispered, wrapping his arms around Steve, holding him close. He would protect Steve, even if it meant fighting his own demons to do it.