Mine (Bucky Barnes)

Forty-Three

Was the Winter Soldier activated? Is Jana going into labor? Guess you'll have to read to find out... <3 Artie

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"Stop fidgeting, we're almost there."

Mirjana couldn't stop her leg from bouncing up and down. Her hands were balled into fists in her lap as she anxiously waited to get back to the palace. Natasha had tried to calm her by reiterating that Bucky had only had a panic attack, but she needed to see him. All the stress that had been released during her massage was already coming back.

Voices faded into the background the longer it took to drive back. She wished more than anything to hold Bucky and see for herself that he was all right.

Finally, the car came to a stop. She turned to Natasha on her left. "Are we here?"

"Yes, we're –"

The door flung open and Mirjana raced towards what she was sure was the entrance. A flash of blue and a broad chest stopped her in her tracks. Steve gripped her shoulders, forcing her to take a breath.

"Hey, hey. Calm down, it's all right. He's all right," he soothed. Natasha had clearly warned him of her agitation.

Mirjana shook her head. "I need to see him, Steve!"

"Okay, I'll take you to him. But first I need you to breathe." He took a few deep breaths himself, urging her to follow his lead. When he felt she had calmed down enough, he took her by the elbow and led her to her and Bucky's bedroom.

Ayo and Okoye stood guard at the doors. They each nodded at her before opening it. She stepped inside the dim room, noticing the random flickering of what had to be candles. There were small dots littering the ground that led to the bed. The sound of the shower shut off bringing her attention to the bathroom door.

She rushed to it, bursting through and spotting what could only be Bucky as he stepped out of the shower. She flung her arms around his neck and littered his face with kisses.

"Jana? What are you doing back so early?" he asked, clearly surprised. He wrapped his arms around her waist, fingers brushing up and down her back out of habit. The fact he was dripping wet and naked didn't bother her in the slightest. Her relief to see he was fine was greater than worrying about her clothes getting wet.

"I heard there were complications when you were saying the words and I needed to make sure you were all right!" she cried into his chest.

He chuckled softly. "Jana, I'm fine. Actually, more than fine."

She pulled away enough to look at his face. The bright pop of blue was clear enough for her to see. "What do you mean? Nat said you had a panic attack?!"

His lips formed a half-smile. "I did, but then got over it. I'm free, miere."

"Free?"

He dropped his forehead to rest against hers, swaying gently from side to side. "Ayo said the words and you know what happened?"

"What?" she whispered. Her breath caught in her throat as she waited for the answer.

"I cried. Shuri and Wanda did it. The words don't trigger me anymore," he grinned. Stunned, she could only stare. He gripped her arms in excitement. "Say the words, Jana. Nothing will happen! I can finally sleep knowing that he will never be activated again. I don't have to worry about being forced to hurt you or any kids we have in the future."

Jana teared up knowing that he would literally be sleeping better at night. More often than not he stayed up, watching over her, or writing in his journal. He pretended he slept, but she knew better.