Unwelcome Surprise

Summary: An attempt to surprise their loved ones does not go as planned.
Warning(s): Spanking; D/s; M/m; sexual situations; death of minor OC; Post-Captain America: Winter Soldier; AU

###

The first thing that Steve noticed was that the bed next to him was empty. Cold.

He came awake quickly, sitting up and listening, head tilted to one side. But he couldn't hear any sign of Brock. Pausing only long enough to pull his clothes on, Steve quickly left the bedroom and began searching the safehouse.

It was quickly apparent that his lover was gone.

***

Brock had got up early... earlier than normal and even before Steve woke, so very early... and left to follow the lead he'd found the day before. Steve had been searching for Bucky Barnes for several months now. After everything with the Triskelion had gone down, SHIELD was in upheaval, so his lover had needed to conduct his search on his own without the help of the agency. They had stayed in the safehouse because, even though Brock had helped Steve and been cleared of any charges that would have him arrested, his help had put him on HYDRA's hit list. Despite the need to remain hidden, Brock wanted to continue to help; and he thought he'd found a lead. But he didn't want to see Steve's disappointment if the lead ended up being a dead end, so he decided to follow up on it on his own; if it was a good lead, he'd call Steve to come meet up with him.

***

Steve's concern and worry for his lover grew as he found that Brock wasn't even outside the safehouse. He took out his phone and quickly tried calling Brock, trying to calm down his fear. More than likely, there was an explanation for this, and his lover was safe.

***

Brock had remembered his phone. Had made certain it was charged (and even brought his charger so he could recharge it if the battery dropped too low). What he hadn't thought about was dead zones, or the fact that his lead was taking him into a national forest in the mountains. There was no signal and Steve's call went straight to voice mail.

****

Jack had been doing a bit of investigation of his own. He knew that Bucky was Steve Roger's best friend from way back. Bucky hadn't made any attempts to connect with the other man, though, even once he started remembering. Jack knew it was because he felt guilty about what he'd done and because he didn't want to become a threat to the Captain or those he cared about.

Jack considered himself lucky that Bucky allowed him to stay. He suspected it was because Bucky didn't trust anyone else to protect him like he could. Plus, Jack belonged to him. Neither of them could claim Jack's place was anywhere but by Bucky's side.

Still, Steve Rogers was a huge part of his Master's past. If Bucky refused to go to him for answers, maybe Jack could find those answers in other ways. A lot of stuff had been written about Steve over the years, after all, and that included information on friends and family. Bucky would never allow him to go if he asked permission... HYDRA was still looking for them... but Jack was confident he could sneak to one of the 'Captain America' museums that he discovered was nearby and do a little research. The fact it was out in the middle of nowhere made it a little safer. The place had a website. Maybe they also had ways of sharing research with other places?

Still, sneaking out of the house very early was not easy. He was surprised he managed- he expected Bucky to wake and stop him- but somehow, he did it. He had his phone, but he knew it wouldn't help him when he reached the museum. The place had landlines and cable, for crying out loud; otherwise, it would be completely cut off.

***

Bucky didn't wake up all that late, but it was very quickly obvious that his lover had left. There were no signs of a struggle, so he knew that HYDRA hadn't attacked. After all, they would have gone after him if they'd found Jack.

Which meant that Jack had left on his own.

After trying to call Jack and finding the call went straight to voicemail, Bucky left the house to try and figure out which direction his lover had taken.

***

Jack had arrived at the museum as soon as it opened and immediately began doing his research, writing down possible leads as well as facts that he knew Bucky hadn't mentioned but would give the other man small clues as to who he had been at one time. He was in a back room where he couldn't be seen, so he felt safe. The only one who knew he was there was the museum curator.

***

A few hours later, Brock had arrived at the museum, his lead having pointed him in this direction. He wasn't certain how a museum of past information on his lover would help him locate Bucky Barnes for Steve, but the lead was adamant that it would give him some clues on where to look next, so he'd gone there.

When he walked in and asked the curator if he had any specific information on Bucky Barnes, the curator laughed. "You're the second one today wanting to know about Cap's friend. Go into that back room there... you'll have to share the books with the guy already there."

Frowning uncertainly, Brock did as directed. When he saw who was sat at the research table, he stopped in his tracks. "Jack...." He looked around nervously. Last, he'd known, Jack was still with HYDRA, even if he hadn't been one hundred percent in their corner.

Jack stood and whirled around at hearing his name, nervous eyes darting to look over Brock's shoulder. "Were you followed? Is Rogers with you?"

Brock blinked and looked over his own shoulder reflexively, even as he answered. "No... I wasn't followed... can I take it by your question that you aren't with them any longer?"

"I left soon after you did," Jack admitted, only relaxing slightly and not telling Brock that he'd left with the Winter Soldier.

"Why are you here?" Brock asked, slightly suspicious. Why would Jack be looking up information on Steve Rogers? "Are you trying to find Cap? To give you help?"

Jack snorted. "No. Don't need help or protection. Was trying to find other information. Thought maybe it might be mixed up in all the info on Rogers."

***

Steve's worry and fear for his lover grew rapidly the longer he couldn't get in touch with Brock. It was difficult to stay calm and in control when he was worried that HYDRA might have taken his lover from him.

Taking out his phone, Steve called Natasha and asked her to meet him. He hoped that she might have an idea of how to find his lover.

Within moments, he was driving to meet her.

***

Jack was good at hiding his trail, but Bucky had a lot of experience. He quickly found the direction his lover had gone in and began driving in it.

***

Their relationship was strained. Brock knew, in large part, it was because he'd just changed sides without giving Jack any indication he was going to go, leaving the other man to deal with the aftermath. But that wasn't the only reason it was strained. Jack was hiding something. Brock would have to deal with that later, though. He'd already been gone longer than he'd wanted. He needed to get whatever information he could find and then head back to Steve. Still. "I'm sorry... that I didn't warn you... give you a chance to get away too," he murmured.

"It turned out the right way in the end," Jack finally answered back, after not saying anything for several long moments. "If I'd gone with you, or had warning and left at the same time, I wouldn't be where I am now; and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, so...."

Brock swallowed at hearing that Jack was in a good place. "I'm glad you're where you need to be. Still. I'm sorry how it went down."

"I forgive you..." Jack answered softly. It was clear in his voice he meant it. There was no animosity toward the man he'd viewed as a brother.

***

While the two ex-HYDRA agents were doing their research and making amends, the museum curator was making a phone call. He'd recognized Brock. "Rumlow is here searching for something. You get him, you might be able to get Rogers..." he whispered into the phone. Listening for instructions, he finally finished the call with a, "...Hail HYDRA."

He pulled a tranquilizer gun out of the bottom drawer of his desk and stealthily moved to where he could see the two men sitting at the research table. Two shots later and both Brock and Jack were passed out, slumped over the documents they'd been reading. Grumbling to himself about having to lug their 'heavy asses' to the pickup point, the curator began the laborious process of dragging them outside to his car.

***

With Natasha's help, Steve was able to track down the location Brock had headed to. He arrived at the museum just as a second car pulled up outside as well.

Natasha got out of her car first, quickly noticing that Brock's unconscious form was being loaded into the trunk of a third car, along with a man she recognized as being a HYDRA agent. The car she and Steve were in and the second car were both far enough away that they wouldn't draw attention. Natasha's attention was drawn to the vehicle next to them as Bucky exited, seeing the same thing she had.

Steve quickly exited his car, eyes falling on Bucky as he swallowed. "Buck...." he whispered.

"Hey, Stevie." Bucky's voice was soft. "I know we've got a lot to talk about...to catch up on. But Hydra's got my lover. I need to get him back."

"Mine too." Steve's eyes tracked towards the third car as it sped off from the museum. "We might be able to cut them off before they get to wherever they're taking them."

Bucky nodded and joined Steve and Natasha in their car as they proceeded to give chase.

***

The tranq that the curator had used was strong. Very strong.  Neither Brock nor Jack woke up as they were tossed into the trunk of the car. They only began to stir as the car began to drive down the twisty road leading toward the exit of the national park the museum was located in.

"Ugh...Jack? You awake?" Brock moaned softly as they hit a hole in the road and he bounced up, hitting his head painfully on the trunk lid.

"Yeah... g... guess the curator was HYDRA. Didn't think about that..." Jack groaned. "Bucky's gonna skin my ass for this..." he muttered unhappily, feeling very stupid for not thinking about the fact there could have been a HYDRA plant placed in position to find out who was researching Captain America and his friends.

Brock sighed. "Yeah. Steve's gonna do the same to mine..." he huffed, feeling just as stupid as he could tell Jack felt. "They tie you or use cuffs?" he asked in a whisper. They'd used cuffs on him.

"Cuffs... but if I can get to my belt... or if you can somehow get to my belt..." Jack murmured.

"Yeah...." Brock grimaced, shifting closer to his brother. Between the two of them, they managed to get the thin metal wire that would enable them to 'pick' the lock of the cuffs open. They furtively began trying to get each other free.

The driver of the HYDRA car was moving quickly, wanting to put a lot of distance between him and the museum, in case Steve showed up.

***

Natasha had a lot of experience giving chase, in vehicles or otherwise, and she drove quickly after the car.

"If they're awake, they'll be trying to get free," Bucky said, his voice hitched with worry.

Steve nodded. "I don't want to use my shield until I can be sure that damaging the car won't hurt either of them."

***

"Damn it!" Jack complained in a whisper, as his head hit the trunk lid. "They must be in a hurry; they aren't even attempting to miss the holes in the road." He was lucky he hadn't dropped the pick.

"Yes!" Brock exclaimed gleefully as he managed to unlock one of his cuffs and free his hands. He quickly turned and began working on Jack's cuff, freeing his brother in a few seconds, before finishing removing the last cuff from his other wrist. "Might want to hold onto these..." he said, stuffing the two pairs of cuffs into one of the numerous pockets he had on his clothing.

"Thanks... and yeah. Good idea." Jack rubbed at his wrists. "Now what? Wait for them to stop so we can attack them? Attempt to lower the back seat and crawl into the car with them and overpower them? Open the trunk and try to jump out without killing ourselves?"

***

Natasha eyed the car ahead of them and then addressed Steve and Bucky. "If I can pull up alongside the car, I might be able to shoot out the driver. Then one of us can climb through the window to take over driving." She pulled her gun out.

"Just as long as we don't cause a crash. Especially to the back," Steve said worriedly.

Natasha just nodded and stepped on the gas.

***

"Given how fast they are going..." Brock grimaced. "We probably should brace ourselves and just wait for them to stop; open the trunk and then attack. I don't think our chances of getting out unscathed are good if we attempt to jump out the back while they are moving. And crawling through to the inside of the car would take too long and most likely get us captured again or shot...."

Jack nodded. "I hate waiting..." he muttered.

"Me too. But I'm already in enough trouble without adding to it by doing things in an unnecessarily dangerous way," Brock retorted.

***

Natasha let Steve take over the wheel. When he stepped on the gas and drew up alongside the car, she took quick aim through the window and fired, taking out the driver in one shot. Then, she quickly began to crawl from one car to the other.

***

"Did you hear that?" Brock said, stiffening as the car they were in jerked to the side before beginning to pick up speed.

"Gunshot... Hope it's someone who knows what they're doing..." Jack swallowed. If they didn't know what they were doing, a stray shot could go through the trunk of the car and hit him or Brock. Or, worse, hit something in the car that could explode him and Brock.

***

Several nerve-wracking moments later, Natasha gained control of the car, pulling it over to the side of the road and parking.

Steve and Bucky wasted no time in getting out of the other car and heading round to open the trunk of the car that held their lovers prisoner.

Brock and Jack could hear someone coming around, but since they didn't know who was coming around, they were prepared to fight. As soon as the trunk was opened, they were kicking their way out, trying to put as much distance between them and whoever was on the other side as quickly as possible.

Both aware of how their lovers had trained, Steve and Bucky made sure they were out of range of any attacks.

"It's all right, Brock." Steve's voice was gentle and reassuring.

"You're safe." Bucky addressed his comment to Jack.

"Steve!" Brock gasped, once he'd calmed down enough to realize who was there.

Jack was gasping out, "Bucky..." at the same time.

Natasha quickly got out of the car and headed to their own vehicle. "I assume he called in about you. We'll need to make ourselves scarce."

Steve nodded and wrapped his arm around Brock to lead him to their car.

Bucky held out his hand to Jack.

Jack quickly took Bucky's hand. "Did... you both come together?" he asked, in some confusion.

Brock moved where Steve led, his eyes ever watchful for other HYDRA agents arriving. "The curator called it in. That's the only way they would have known we were there," he finally said to Steve.

"That's probably who was driving the car," Steve said. He didn't want to let Brock out of his sight and quickly asked Natasha if he could drive, so that Brock could be in the passenger seat next to him.

Bucky led Jack over to the car. "We both arrived at the museum at the same time. We saw you both bundled into the car...." His voice was hoarse with remembered worry.

Jack swallowed. "I came to do some research. Wanted to find out information about you, to help you remember... Brock arrived a little later. Not sure what he was looking for, but I can take a guess...." He followed Bucky without arguing. "I got a ride with a taxi. How did you come up?"

Brock slid into the passenger seat next to Steve. He didn't say anything, though. Unless Steve asked a question, he was going to be as quite as possible.

"I grabbed a car," Bucky admitted. "Once I realized where you were going, I could only think of catching up with you. You left without a word...." He got into the car, making sure Jack was next to him, pressed as close as possible, with Natasha on the other side.

Steve waited until they were all in and began driving. "I think we should avoid going back to the museum. If you're worried about returning the car to its rightful owner, we can call an anonymous tip into the police."

"Yeah, okay," Bucky agreed.

Jack pressed as close to Bucky as possible, realizing that his mate needed that closeness. "I was hoping to surprise you. I was going to call you once I was here, but then discovered I didn't have a signal."

Bucky sighed. "This kind of situation is exactly why you shouldn't have left without a word, Jack. We both know how dangerous HYDRA is. How much they'd like to get their hooks back into you."

Steve glanced sideways at Brock. "What were you doing at the museum?" he asked softly.

"You're right. I know you are..." Jack admitted quietly. "It was a foolish move. I thought it would be safe because there was no one else other than the curator and I knew I hadn't been followed. Didn't even think of the curator being HYDRA."

Brock sighed, darting a quick glance in the backseat before answering, "I was trying to get information on Bucky. So, I could help you find him... I know how much you wanted to do that."

Bucky gently squeezed Jack's hand. "You need to think about these things. I don't want to lose you."

Steve reached out and gently squeezed Brock's hand. "I wanted to find Bucky," he admitted. "But not at the potential cost of losing you."

"It shouldn't have happened like this..." Brock said, with another sigh. "The curator was the only one there. We weren't followed. I never even thought about it being dangerous."

Jack nodded at Bucky's words, leaning into his lover.

"You shouldn't have left without at least talking to me," Steve said quietly. "I had no idea where you were when I woke up."

"I should have told you. I thought I'd call when I got there, but I couldn't. By then, it was too late," Brock acknowledged.

"We're going to talk about this back at the house," Steve said seriously.

Brock winced but didn't argue. "Yes, sir."

Jack bit his lip, glancing up at Bucky. "We going to their house?" he whispered.

Bucky nodded. "Yeah. I think we've got a lot to catch up on." His voice was low, but he knew that Steve would pick up what he was saying.

Jack nodded. "For the night?" he asked hesitantly. All their belongings were at their safehouse. Not that they had many, but still.

"We have spare clothes and toiletries you can use," Steve said, overhearing what Jack said.

Brock looked at Steve. "It... my whole reason for going just walked into our lap..." He smiled crookedly. "It won't get me out of trouble, though, will it?"

"No. You're still in trouble," Steve said. "But I still love you."

Jack glanced at Bucky. "Me too?"

"The same is true of us," Bucky said to Jack. "Still in trouble. But still loved."

Brock nodded. "I love you too. And for what it's worth, I'm sorry."

"I love you too. I'm sorry I worried you," Jack said.

"I know you are. We'll deal with it and I'll forgive you," Steve promised. "We'll get past it." He gripped Brock's hand a bit tighter.

"Yeah. We'll handle it." Bucky wrapped his arm around Jack, pulling him even closer.

Brock squeezed Steve's hand tightly. He didn't say anything else. There wasn't anything else to say unless Steve asked a question.

Jack snuggled close. He was a bit sore from being thrown in the trunk, but he'd rather that than to not be held tight by his lover.

They were all silent during the trip back to Steve and Brock's house. Steve parked outside the building and then got out of the car, moving round to open his lover's door.

Brock waited for Steve to come get him, getting out of the car when Steve opened the door.

Jack opened the door and slipped out, waiting for Bucky to get out before he moved to follow him into the building.

Natasha quickly informed Steve and Bucky that she'd return to her own place and left once she received an acknowledgement.

Steve led Brock inside the house, waiting for Bucky and Jack to join them inside before he led the way to the living room and then turned to his lover. "Is there anything else I need to know?"

Bucky glanced at Jack but didn't see the need to repeat the question and waited to see if his lover had anything to add.

Brock and Jack looked at each other.

"Nothing more to add. We should have told you what we were doing. Our lives don't lend themselves to those types of surprises." Brock looked down.

Jack added, "We should have known better."

Steve nodded and sighed. "I think I can speak for both of us when I say that yes, you should have known better."

"You could so easily have been taken," Bucky added quietly.

Steve looked at Bucky. "If you want, you can use one of the rooms upstairs."

Brock winced but didn't say anything. There was nothing to say.

Jack shifted closer to Bucky. If Bucky took Steve up on his offer, he'd follow without complaint.

Bucky wrapped his arm around Jack's shoulder, leading him up the stairs.

Brock watched Bucky and Jack leave, his mouth dropping open as he realized. "They're like you and me..." he said quietly.

"We both come from the same time," Steve commented. "And when we met outside the museum, neither of us hid our feelings." He walked over to the couch.

"Yeah... but I mean... they're together like us..." Brock said. "It wouldn't matter if you were from the same time if they weren't. Jack wouldn't give in like that if they weren't together."

Steve nodded. "Bucky made that clear when we saw you being taken."

Brock nodded. "Do you think they'll stick around? Now that we've met up again?" he asked, unable to keep the hope out of his voice. Now that he knew Jack, his brother, had left HYDRA as well, he was reluctant to lose touch with him.

"I think we'll make sure that we all stay with each other now," Steve said.

Brock visibly relaxed at that. "Thank you...."

Steve smiled gently. "You and Jack are close?"

"He was my only regret, leaving with you..." Brock admitted. "My brother in all but blood. Knowing he left too... that he's okay...." He shrugged, almost sheepishly.

"Then I'm glad you can both see each other again. We'll make sure both of our brothers stay in our lives," Steve promised. He sat down on the couch and waited for his lover to join him.

Brock walked over and stood by Steve's knee. "I'm sorry I messed up," he whispered.

"I understand why you did what you did. I know you didn't mean to endanger yourself." Looking into Brock's eyes, Steve added, "But you have to be careful. You can't take these kinds of chances. I can't lose you." He reached out and drew his lover across his lap.

"Yessir..." Brock whispered, going over without a fight.

Steve wrapped his arm around Brock's waist, pulling the other man tight against his stomach, and proceeded to bare him. Then, he lifted his hand and brought it down in the first firm smack that he then repeated, working his way over every inch of Brock's backside, from the crest down to mid-thigh.

It didn't take Brock long to begin shifting or crying. Even though Steve wasn't being overly harsh, he was still being hard enough that the sting quickly built.  The crying wasn't from pain. It was because he knew he'd disappointed his lover by putting himself at risk. He'd nearly been taken by HYDRA because he hadn't been careful enough.

"I love you, Brock." Steve began a second circuit of swats. "I can't lose you. You're far too important. And you could have so easily been taken from me...." he whispered, his voice turning hoarse with emotion.

"I love you too. I didn't mean to be dangerous. I would never deliberately do something that could separate us..." Brock choked.

"You have to be more careful. More mindful of your own safety. Just as I would never do anything that could risk taking me from you." Steve began a third circuit of swats, going a fraction harder and faster.

"I know..." Brock slumped, crying hard. "I'm so sorry...."

"I know. I love you. I can't lose you." Steve finished up with a final flurry of swats to Brock's sit spots and thighs. Then, he stopped and gently gathered his lover onto his lap, hugging him close and tight.

"I can't lose you either. Have to be careful so I don't leave you alone." Brock cried softly, snuggling as close as possible.

Steve hugged his lover tighter, pressing a kiss to Brock's head. "I'm so glad you're safe."

"You saved me..." Brock whispered.

"I would do anything to save you," Steve murmured. "No matter what. I love you."

Brock nuzzled against Steve's shoulder before tilting his head and kissing the underside of Steve's chin. "I love you too. So much."

Steve gently clasped Brock's cheek and kissed him. "You're mine." He wrapped his arms tight around Brock, as tight as he knew his lover liked being held.

"Forever," Brock whispered, relaxing as he felt the tight grip. "Safe with you."

"I'm going to tie you up tonight," Steve murmured. "I need to be in full control of you after what happened today."

Brock nodded, pressing as close as possible to his mate. "Yessir... need that too."

Steve pressed a kiss to his lover's shoulder, removing Brock's shirt to make it easier to get to bare skin.

Now completely naked, Brock cuddled close. "Take me to bed, Master? Please?"

Steve gathered Brock into his arms and carried him up the stairs.

***

Bucky led Jack into the spare room, closing the door behind them and then turning to wrap his arms around his lover.

Jack wrapped his own arms around Bucky, holding tightly. "I messed up and nearly got lost because of it. I'm sorry... but I'm so thankful you saved me."

"I would do anything to save you," Bucky whispered. "You're mine."

"I am yours..." Jack said, in a shaky voice. "I shouldn't have tried to surprise you. Not with something that had me leaving your side. Should have told you what I wanted to do for you."

"You should have," Bucky agreed. "I can't lose you, Jack. I won't let you get taken from me." He held onto his lover as he moved over towards the bed.

"I'm sorry..." Jack said contritely. He followed along without arguing.

Reaching the bed, Bucky sat down and gently guided his lover across his lap. "I know you're sorry," he said. "I just want you to think next time. I won't do anything that will risk taking myself away from you."

"So, I need to not do anything to risk taking myself from you..." Jack whispered. He reached back, putting his hands at the small of his back so Bucky could take complete control.

"Exactly right." Bucky grasped Jack's hands in his metal one and proceeded to bare his lover.

Jack swallowed, not even attempting to stop the tears that immediately started running down his face. He hated doing things to earn punishment. It meant he'd disappointed or worried his lover.

"I love you, Jack. Losing you would be unbearable." Bucky rubbed Jack's back for a few moments and then lifted his hand, bringing it down in a firm smack that he then repeated.

"Love you too!" Jack said, in a teary voice, letting out a gasp as the spanking began. He didn't try to hide that he was already crying. He needed Bucky to know how regretful and repentant he was.

Bucky kept a tight hold of his lover as he settled into a pattern of swats, going down to Jack's thighs before starting over from the top. Partway through the second circuit, he began to speak. "HYDRA is going to do everything possible to get hold of you again. What are you going to do the next time something like this happens?"

"I won't go anywhere without your permission. Surprises will have to be for things that won't take me from you..." Jack promised, crying harder.

"Good." Bucky began a third circuit of swats, going a fraction harder and faster. "I believe that you'll do better next time."

"I will! I will do so much better, master!" Jack promised, before beginning to sob.

"I know you'll be good for me." Bucky spoke with faith in his lover, finishing with a final flurry of swats to his lover's sit spots and thighs. Then, he moved Jack from over his lap into his arms, hugging the other man tight.

Jack clung to Bucky, holding tight and snuggling. "Love you so much...."

"I love you. I need you. You're mine." Bucky hugged Jack tightly, pressing a kiss to the side of his head.

"Totally yours, Master..." Jack whispered an agreement, pressing into the kiss.

Bucky kissed his lover's lips, holding Jack close to himself. After a few moments, he asked softly, "Brock's a friend of yours?"

"He was like a brother. When he left with Steve... I felt so lost and... hurt. But his actions are what convinced me to try to get away from HYDRA," Jack said. "It made it possible for me to help you... and now we're together."

"And we'll never be separated again," Bucky promised. Gently stroking his lover's hair, he asked softly, "Do you want to stay close to them?"

"If... if you will allow and they want to...." Jack bit his lip. "He's my brother...."

"Of course, I'll allow it," Bucky replied gently. "I can't see any reason why they wouldn't want it."

Jack held on more tightly, nuzzling against Bucky's neck. "Thank you...."

"I love you." Bucky kissed the side of his head. "I'll do anything to make you happy."

"You take care of me... are so good to me," Jack whispered, turning his head to catch Bucky's lips with his own in a chaste kiss.

Bucky returned the kiss, clasping Jack's face in his flesh hand. "It's easy to do that. I love you," he said simply.

"I love you too. So much..." Jack responded. "Following you was the best decision I ever made."

"And I won't ever leave you," Bucky murmured. "I won't ever let you leave me."

"I'm counting on that..." Jack breathed out. "I belong to you. Forever."

Bucky kissed the side of his neck and murmured, "Do you want to cuddle some more? Or go speak to our brothers?"

"Maybe cuddle more... we can speak later... when it's time to eat, maybe?" Jack gave Bucky a hopeful look.

Tightening his arms around Jack, Bucky murmured softly, "We can do that. I like holding you."

Jack smiled at that. "I like it too... a lot," he whispered, relaxing as Bucky's grip tightened.

"I love you." Bucky ran his hands up under Jack's shirt, gently pressing against bare skin.

"I love you too... Feel loved..." Jack responded, with a happy sigh.

"Good. I'm so glad you're safe." Bucky settled back on the bed, cuddling his lover tightly.

"Only because of you... thank you for coming after me." Jack cuddled close.

***

Later, after the two couples had taken time to reconnect, Steve cooked for the four of them and they gathered around the dining table to eat.

"I think we're going to try and keep in contact with each other now," Steve said softly.

Bucky nodded slowly. "That would be easier if we were all living closer together."

"Is there a safe house close to here that they could go?" Brock asked. He wanted to keep them in the same safe house, but it wasn't his place to offer.

"There probably is." Steve looked at Bucky. "Or you could move in with us."

"What do you think?" Bucky looked at his own lover.

"Maybe... safety in numbers?" Jack suggested. He knew Bucky preferred to not be around a lot of people sometimes.

"There's no reason not to stay close to each other," Bucky said. "I don't really like being around a lot of people, but it would be different if us four were staying together."

"So... you'll stay here?" Brock asked.

"If you'd like us to," Bucky replied.

"We do, I'm sure." Steve glanced at Brock, knowing his lover felt the same, but letting him add anything he needed to.

"I'd like you to..." Brock added.

Jack nodded. "I want to."

"Do you have anything you need to collect from where you've been staying?" Steve asked.

"I don't have anything I need to get straight away," Bucky replied.

"Nothing I need immediately," Jack agreed.

"If you need clothes for today, we have some you can use," Steve said.

"Once things calm down, we can go retrieve your stuff..." Brock suggested.

"Yeah," Bucky agreed. "We're probably safe from Hydra at the moment, but we should still be careful. Just in case."

Jack nodded. "I thought I was safe before. Have to admit, I'm hesitant to leave the safe house now."

"We can always ask Natasha to go by your old place and make sure no one's watching there," Steve commented.

"Eventually, I guess..." Jack shrugged. "They're just as likely to go after her, considering."

"She might have contacts she can reach out to, so none of our group is put at risk," Bucky commented.

"That and her reputation... they wouldn't want to go up against her if it wasn't planned," Brock said.

"So, if we're living together, I wonder if we might want to discuss some things," Bucky said. "I assume you both have a similar relationship to me and Jack." He looked at Steve and Brock.

Brock glanced at Steve. He suspected they were the same, but he didn’t feel it was his place to say.

"We're in a relationship," Steve confirmed. "As to whether it's similar...I think we handle things in the same way." He didn't say outright, but both of them had enhanced hearing that allowed them to know what was going on.

Brock blushed faintly at the reminder of his naughtiness, but he was smiling.

Jack blushed as well.

Bucky wrapped his arm around Jack's shoulders, drawing his lover in close against his side. "Yeah," he agreed. "Which...I figure we'll try and keep things private. At least as much as we can." He left it unsaid that there might be times it couldn't be kept private.

Jack leaned against Bucky, smiling at his mate. "Won't be a problem either way..." he said softly, the unspoken 'I trust you' clear in his voice.

Brock nodded in agreement.

"Good to know," Steve murmured. "But we'll both try and keep certain things between us." He wrapped his own arms tightly around Brock, holding his lover close and 'trapped'.

Brock relaxed in Steve's grip, feeling more secure the tighter the other man held. "So, what now?" he asked quietly.

"Finish eating?" Bucky suggested. "Then we can make contact with Natasha and see if she's found anything."

"Sounds good to me," Jack agreed and began to eat. He noted the others doing the same. Soon, they were enjoying their meal and making plans for the future.

The End