Weirdest F*cking Friends

Chapter 45- Never Alone

Shuri stood on the bridge alone. She was in deep thought while watching the ducks on the pond below.

"I really hope you're not planning on jumping."

She looked over and smiled. Bucky walked up to her with a smirk.

"Princess Shuri. Whatcha doing here," Bucky asked.

"Am I not allowed to visit my favorite colonizer," Shuri teased, making Bucky huff out a chuckle.

"Last I checked Hope was your favorite. Does your mother know you're here," Bucky asked, "Or your brother?"

"Last I checked my father is dead," Shuri sassed.

"I don't mean to sound like a parent. I just don't want them to worry about you," Bucky reasoned.

Shuri went deathly quiet.

"Shuri..."

"They are gone, Sergeant," Shuri whispered.

Bucky turned his full body to her.

"What," Bucky asked.

"My mother and brother... They are dead," Shuri said, swallowing thickly.

"Oh shit. I'm so sorry," Bucky said, pulling her into a hug.

Shuri hugged him back while crying into chest. Bucky held her until she began to pull away from his arms.

"I will be fine. Just needed to get out of Wakanda for a minute. Too many memories there," Shuri explained.

"I understand. If you need a place to crash, you're always welcome to stop by," Bucky said, "It's the least I can do."

"Thank you," Shuri said.

"You're welcome, kid," Bucky said softly.

A moment of silence passed as they both stood on the bridge, looking over at the ponds and trees below.

"Does that mean I have to refer to you as Queen Shuri now," Bucky asked.

Shuri stared at him.

"I'm sorry. Too soon. You're right," Bucky said.

"You are an idiot," Shuri teased with a smile.

"You still love me. I'm your favorite colonizer," Bucky teased back.

Shuri chuckled at his words.

"I'm actually growing fond of the other one. Sam Wilson," Shuri said.

"Oh, god. Don't tell him that. It's bad enough he calls me White Fox," Bucky sassed, making her laugh again.

"What if I bring Wakanda to ruins," Shuri asked seriously, "What if I fail my family legacy?"

"What if you don't? What if you become one of the best rulers Wakanda has ever had," Bucky asked.

"I'm serious," Shuri said.

"I am too. Shuri, you are the one of the smartest and most badass people I've ever met. I know if anyone deserves to take over that throne, it's you. You got this," Bucky smiled.

Shuri gave a warm smile in return.

"Correction. I am the smartest person you know," Shuri said.

"I'm so sorry, your majesty. I forgot that no one can surpass your intelligence in my friend group," Bucky teased, making her laugh.

"I have missed our talks," Shuri said.

"The talks never went away. I'm not going anywhere," Bucky said.

They went quiet again, listening to the trees rustle from the wind.

"Hope and Jack wishes everyone a happy holidays. They miss all of you. Christmas isn't the same without you," Shuri said.

"Same here," Bucky said, "Everyone hopes they're okay."

"I should go. Take care of yourself, Sergeant Barnes," Shuri said, resting a comforting hand on his metal wrist before leaving.

Bucky waited until she left entirely. Then he made his way back to Klaus's home.