The return to darkness

Fandom: Marvel, Captain America.

Ship: Reader.

Word count: 379 words.

Square: 23 "Whumpee turned caretaker."

Rating: Teen.

Summary: After being abducted to HYDRA, Brock helped you, now he needs your help.

Major Tags: Mention of injuries.

Additional tags: This is my entry Valentine's edition.

It had been a while since your escape from HYDRA and you still missed the one person who had helped you. One day, while organizing some files, you received an unexpected call. Brock Rumlow's name flashed on your phone screen.

It had been years since you had last seen each other since he had helped you escape.

You sat up, your fingers brushing the phone.

"Brock?"

"It's... it's Brock," the voice on the other end of the line trembled. "I'm hurt. Really hurt. I need you to come over."

Without a second thought, you hung up. Whatever it was, you needed to be there. Brock had been many things in your life. But what mattered most at that moment was that he needed you.

When you arrived, Brock was on a makeshift stretcher, his face covered in a cold sweat, his breathing ragged. The wounds were deep and visible.

You approached him slowly.

"Brock..." you called softly to him.

His eyes widened slightly, recognizing you. "You? I thought you were gone... that..." His voice faded, and you saw him close his eyes.

You leaned toward him, touching his injured arm carefully, knowing he wouldn't let you near unless he was too weak to object. "I'm here. I'm going to help you."

With bated breath, Brock nodded but spoke no more.

Following days.

You spent long hours in the room where he rested, sometimes reading quietly, sometimes just watching his body try to heal.

"I don't know how..." Brock began one of those nights when you were both in silence.

"You don't have to say anything," you replied.

"What happened, everything I did.... I don't know if I deserve..."

You reached over and took his injured hand gently. "Brock," you said softly. "You're not alone."

The room filled with a tense silence, and for a moment, Brock closed his eyes.

"Why do you do it?" he asked.

"Because I owe you," you said without hesitation. "Because, despite everything, I still care."

The same fondness you had once felt for him was still there, underneath all the suffering, the scars and the lies.

"Thank you," Brock finally whispered.

And in that moment, all that mattered was being there for him, just as he had been there for you at your worst.