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Steve strode into Shuri’s lab, “Thanks for calling.” He stepped over to the platform where Bucky laid.
“No problem. I found a way we can fix the programming and started the process to bring him out. He should wake up any time now.” She went back to her monitors and continued entering information.
Bucky began moving his head and gasping for air. “Here, let me put this on.” A lady placed a nasal cannula beneath his nose. “You may talk to him. It will help him orient and he knows you.” She patted Steve’s arm and pushed him closer. Bucky seemed to breath easier now and began blinking his eyes.
Steve hovered over him so that his head blocked some of the overhead lights and placed his hand against Bucky’s cheek to hold his head still. “Did you bring the stupid back with you?”
Bucky’s lips twitched into a grin, and he tried lifting his hand. “Steve,” he said hoarsely.
“Easy, young man.” She gently pushed his hand back down onto the platform.
“Cold.”
“Yes, we are going to take care of that.” She touched Steve’s arm, “Would you like to carry him over to that bed? Or should I get Dembai to do it?”
“No, I’ve got this.” Steve said with a smile splitting his face. He carefully maneuvered Bucky until he was tucked against his chest and she carried an IV bag and the oxygen tubing beside him until they reached the bed with the raised head. She reattached everything to its proper place and a young woman brought over a blanket. Steve took one side and helped lay it across his friend.
“Thank you.” Bucky turned his head and gazed at Steve while snuggling into the hot blanket. He finally closed his eyes, and the head of the bed was lowered a little.
“He will be in and out. Will you stay with him?”
“Yes, definitely.” Steve continued to smile down at his friend and reached over to run a hand through the long hair. He remembered how exhausting it was to be woken up. At least he hadn’t had to wake up to constant torture and brain washing. He wanted to make sure Bucky had the best experience possible this time.