Red, White and Black

Better Days

Bucky could hear Steve quarreling with Angel. He was struggling not to grin, not because he wanted them to fight, but because he appreciated hearing that fierce quality in her tone. She had always been strong; something that HYDRA never realized. It's why he was certain that she was the reason he broke free.

"I'd rather you didn't..."

"Steve, you said it yourself. My strength is in healing."

"Yes, but I didn't mean that you should stay behind. I want you protected."

"I'm going to be safer here than anywhere else. Steve, he needs someone here who is recognizable when he wakes up. I'm the best option."

"Why?"

"You don't need to worry about me. You can go be the hero. I will be safe here."

They traveled beyond his ability to hear the rest of their argument. So, he focused on Shuri as she moved around him, describing her plan for his recovery. He didn't understand the majority of what she was saying, science and medical topics weren't his forte. All he knew was that this woman was clearly a genius and he trusted her skills.

Bucky glanced up as Angel and Steve stepped into the room.

"Are you sure about this?" Steve asked.

He peered at him and answered, "I can't trust my own mind. So, until they figure out how to get this stuff out of my head, I think going under is the best thing. For everybody."

Angel went on treating the various wounds that were still on his body. Shuri was peering in fascination as she did. "Man, that is neat ."

Steve nodded at Bucky and said, "Angel's gonna stay here, help where she can. Be here when you wake up."

She laid her palm on Bucky's cheek and he closed his eyes as he felt her power repairing the bruising and lacerations on his face.

"All right, let's get this started." Shuri said.

Steve and Angel stepped back and behind an observation window. Angel rested her head against Steve's chest as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Bucky took a last look at them. He'd see them again. His best friend and the woman he loved.

***

***

They were standing in a corridor and staring out a window after they placed Bucky under. He was thankful for T'Challa and what he was doing here for them, but he wasn't pleased with Angel demanding to stay behind. After the battle with Tony in Siberia, T'Challa had provided Steve and Bucky refuge. T'Challa had given up his need for revenge after learning the truth behind why his father was dead.

Steve heard someone walk up behind them. T'Challa stopped next to them, his hands tucked behind his back. Steve acknowledged him and said, "Thank you for this."

T'Challa studied him as he replied, "Your friend and my father, they were both victims. If I can help one of them find peace..."

Steve brushed a palm up and down Angel's back as she leaned against him. Steve glanced back out at the view beyond the window. "You know, if they find out he's here, they'll come for him."

A ghost of a smile played around T'Challa's mouth as he looked out the window. "Let them try."

Looking down at the woman he loved, Steve sighed. Then he glanced back up at T'Challa and added, "Angel is insisting she remain here. Is that a problem?"

T'Challa turned back to them, his eyes landing on Angel, and now he beamed. "She is welcome here. My sister is most excited about it. Do not worry, Captain, we will keep her safe for you. But what will you be doing?"