Bucky is separated from us and Steve's anxiety reaches a new height as we are forcibly placed into an armored vehicle. I set one of my hands on his, trying to reassure him, but I'm more angry than anything. This collar burns more with my emotions, undoubtedly in an effort to suppress my powers. This is bullshit. It wasn't Bucky who almost blew me up a day ago, we're just wasting time at this point. We have to find the real culprit! UGH this stupid collar burns!
I flinch, trying to hide my discomfort from Sam and Steve, King T'Challa is paying me no mind either way. Sam mouths some concern at me, but I shake my head. Steve squeezes my hand harder, but keeps his gaze out the window.
"So, you like cats?" Sam tries to break the silence, directing his question towards the King.
"Sam..." Steve shuts his eyes for a brief moment, I stifle a laugh. This whole situation is ridiculous.
Sam smiles at me, "What? Dude shows up dressed like a cat and you don't want to know more?"
"Says the man with the bird suit," I chuckle, the burning sensation lessening with my reduced anger.
"Ok, Miss Time and Space," Sam rolls his eyes playfully and Steve gives us both a dirty look.
"Your suit... it's vibranium?" Steve asks T'Challa.
The King turns back, only making eye contact with me for a moment before turning forward, "the Black Panther has been the protector of Wakanda for generations. A mantle, passed from warrior to warrior. And now, because your friend murdered my father, I also wear the mantle of king. So I ask you, as both warrior and king, how long do you think you can keep your friend safe from me?"
Aaaanndd, my anger is back. My neck gets hot and my head feels like it's going to explode. The convoy we're apart of heads underground, into a government building. There are people all around, obviously preparing for the arrival of the big, bad Winter Soldier.
We come to a park and are allowed out of the SUV. Sharon and a diminutive gray-haired man stand before us.
"What's gonna happen to him?" Steve asks, never letting go of my hand. I give it a squeeze for reassurance.
The gray-haired man steps forward: "Same thing that oughta happen to you. Psychological evaluation and extradition."
I roll my eyes. Sharon shares a glance with the man before also stepping forward, "this is Everett Ross, Deputy Task Force Commander." Great. Another government cronie to take shitty orders from.
"What about our lawyer?" Steve asks. I didn't even think about that. If they were willing to shoot Bucky on site, why would we receive a lawyer?
"Lawyer, that's funny. See their weapons are placed in lockup. Oh, we'll right you a receipt!" Ross says with a grin.
I smirk a little, knowing that I am the weapon, but the burning around my neck reminds me of my current uselessness.
"I better not look out the window and see anybody flying around in that!" Sam yells as we're directed to the entrance of the building. Steve looks back, seeing Bucky in containment being taken god knows where.
As we enter a covered skywalk, Natasha joins our group. She notices the collar around my throat and much like Steve, grinds her teeth. It burns, I mouth to her. She raises an eyebrow.
"You'll be provided an office instead of a cell. Now, do me a favor, stay in it?" Ross looks exasperated at the King.
"I don't intend on going anywhere," T'Challa responds, eyes glaring forward with deep intent. God this dude's intense.
YOU ARE READING
For Some Time
Fanfiction"I'm with him, for better or for worse," I stare her directly in the eye. "It'll probably be worse..." Natasha shakes her head at me. "I knew that the day I met him." I pull her in for a hug, barely whispering the last syllable before pulling away...
