You've Got Me... Always || Bucky Barnes

Chapter 18

T'Challa, Shuri, and I arrive to the medical bay/lab where Bucky has remained frozen. The technology in this room is amazing. My dad would be in love... and incredibly jealous. Knowing I am this close to Bucky plays havoc on my nerves.

"I have to admit, I'm nervous."

"You're feelings are understandable, Riley." T'Challa replies. "I promise you, however, he has been in great care and will wake up." I nod in agreement.

I watch as the foggy mist dissipates and the container opens. We wait for what feels like ever, before Bucky's eyes start to blink. When I hear his deep guttural groan, I sigh in relief. T'Challa pats my back.

Bucky slowly awakens and looks around. I can tell he is feeling lost, alone, and worried. However, a smile forms as his eyes land on me. I wink.

"Told you I'd see you soon."

Okoye and Ayo help Bucky onto an exam table. Shuri begins her assessment. After 15 minutes, she deems him okay with no obvious signs of complications of the freezing.

"James Bucky Barnes..." T'Challa starts. "Welcome back to the living."

"He was always living, brother. He was frozen, not dead." Shuri corrects.

"Apologies. Welcome back to the thawed." Shuri looks at me and rolls her eyes. "Now that we have removed you from the chamber, you must know Ayo has found a way to try to help you. Before that can begin, we feel it is best to remove the rest of the Hydra arm." Bucky looks down. I finally look to see only the shoulder remains. My stomach turn at the sight.

"You want to take my arm?" Bucky manages to get out.

"Buck. This arm was created and placed by Hydra. It would be a constant reminder and make these sessions with Ayo far more difficult. Plus, they did a terrible just with the procedure. Thi looks almost like it's infected." I say pointing toward the reddened skin around the metal. "We just want what is best." He nods. "Buck?" He looks up at me. "This is your decision. Only you can make it."

"We have to." He says. T'Challa nods.

"Shuri and her team will get everything ready. In the meantime, why don't you take a moment alone with Riley, get some fresh air back in your lungs."

"You will be weak so be mindful. My brother obviously is unaware of the effects of being frozen."

"My sister is correct...on both accounts. Shuri...?"

"Allow me to help you into a wheelchair."

"I can walk." Bucky states moving off the bed and onto his feet. His legs give out. Shuri, T'Challa and I reach out to steady him.

"Get in the wheelchair, Buck." I order, nicely. He nods and allows us to help him.

I push the chair to a balcony down the hall. I sit on the ground beside him.

"What happened after Steve and I left?" I sigh.

"The rest of us opposed were put in prison...underwater."

"How is everyone?"

"Scott and Clint took the plea deal so they can be with their families. The rest of us scattered. Although, I think Sam, Steve and Nat are together. Not sure about Wanda. Last I heard, she and Vision were both missing."

"Rhodey?"

"He is improving. Doing physical therapy to gain use of his legs again." A silence fell over us.

"I'm sorry." The whisper escapes his lips.

"For what?"

"All of this. For your dad, your grandparents."