Marvel Imagines

You Are Free (Bucky Barnes X Reader)

A/N: Requested by @hollyxxjones
I'm sorry if this one was a bit shorter than usual! I guess I was concise this time around! Also: I had to actually go back and watch this scene in order to get a read on facial expressions and tones of voice... And guess who still sobbed like a child while watching it again! ME!

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It was late.

Late enough for you to normally already be tucked into bed, mentally preparing for the next day ahead.

But tonight, there's an exception to your usual sleep schedule.

Tonight will give truth to Shuri's genius.

Tonight will determine the future of your fiancé's healing.

Tonight, Bucky Barnes will be forced to re-live pieces of his past that he so deserves to leave there - dead and gone.

You shiver at the thought, wrapping the blanket draped over your shoulders and across your lap, casting your gaze from the roaring fire in front of you to the dark sky above, dotted with clouds.

It had been a nice evening for a walk through the Wakandan forest in order to get to the small outlook you're currently situated on, the glimmering lights of the city on the horizon.

But, the walk had been tense.

Ayo had silently lead the way, while you and Bucky trailed behind, his good hand not leaving yours the entire time.

He was nervous.

So incredibly scared.

Sighing softly, you lower your gaze from the night sky and over to the man sitting across the fire from you, the warm light illuminating his handsome features, twisted into a fearful thoughtfulness.

"It is time," Ayo muses firmly, though her voice carries a genuine compassion to it.

Your eyes don't leave your fiancé, who now looks evidently paler, his fist clenched tightly, eyes still fixated on the flames dancing in front of him.

"You're sure about this?" He replies, voice wavering slightly, though you can tell he's trying to sound brave.

Your heart aches as you hear the uncertainty in Bucky's tone, your instincts driving you to reach out and wrap the man in an embrace.

But, you can't.

Ayo and the rest of the Wakandans who set this test up made that much clear.

For fear Shuri was unsuccessful in removing the programming those HYDRA bastards had engrained into his head, it was made clear that you were to stay near the member of the Dora Milaje.

"I won't let you hurt anymore," She assures Bucky, passing a glance towards where you're sitting, almost looking for your approval.

All you can do is a manage a feeble nod, tears beginning to prick your eyes.

Please let this work.

I'm not sure what I'll do if it doesn't.

"Желание (Longing)," Ayo begins, the simple word sending shivers dancing down your own spine, your gaze not leaving the man sitting across from you.

"Ржавый (Rusted)."

Bucky's entire demeanor shifts, his fist tightening so much that it's quickly becoming white, though his eyes don't leave the flames.

"Семнадцать (Seventeen)." The woman continues, beginning to pace now, nearing the evidently petrified form of the man sitting across from you.