The Fall - Book 1

184. Alphonse

JANUARY 3, 2020 — NEW YORK  — BUCKY

Réa and I had a wonderful time in Wakanda. During the day, Shuri was always trying to drag Réa off on one adventure or another; more often than not, T'Challa and I joined them. We hiked, swam, had picnics—and of course visited the goats, and the land Réa bought for me.

When Shuri insisted that it be just her and Réa, T'Challa and I would talk; we discussed everything from the day-to-day happenings in both of our lives to any plans I might have for my land...my land. It still just boggles my mind that, thanks to Réa, there's part of Wakanda that's mine.

At night, Réa and I would walk to the clearing where we saw the fireflies; sometimes we would stargaze there, and sometimes we'd look at the stars for about five seconds before we'd wind up necking like a couple of teenagers. Regardless of whether or not we stargazed in the clearing, we always made sure to lie in what I'll always think of as 'our' spot—where we first stargazed—before we returned to our room.

And every night, just like back home—whether we made love or not—we fell asleep in each other's arms.

'Which is my favorite place to be,' I think. 'Especially compared to this,' I add, looking through the windshield at the completely-still traffic.

With a sigh, I pull up Alphonse's contact on my phone screen, and dial his number. He answers on the second ring, his cheerful, French-accented voice sounding through the car's speakers.

"Bonjour, this is Alphonse."

"Hi, Alphonse, it's Bucky. I'm going to be a little late; I'm currently stuck in traffic."

"That is quite alright, Bucky. I will be here; you are my only appointment this morning, so do not worry. Safe travels, and I will see you when you arrive."

"Thank you. See you soon."

I end the call, and drum my fingers on the steering wheel. Knowing I'll be stuck here for a while since all the other cars are at a standstill, I let my mind drift; it wanders to New Year's Eve.

"Bucky, we're going to be late," Réa laughs as I pepper her face with kisses.

"C'mon, doll...give me five minutes," I reply, wiggling my eyebrows at her before placing a kiss under her jaw, on the soft skin of her neck.

"I...no, I can't. Because then I'll want you to give me five minutes, and then you'll want five more minutes, and then we'll never make it downstairs," she says. "And don't make the puppy-dog eyes at me!" she continues, trying to be stern but failing miserably as her face splits in a grin.

"Wouldn't dream of it," I laugh.

"Mmhmm," she sarcastically hums.

"Scout's honor," I reply, giving her the Boy Scout salute then placing a kiss to the tip of her nose.

She giggles and rises from the couch.

"For some reason, I doubt you were ever a Boy Scout," she teases.

I wink at her. "You're right...merit badges and group camp-outs weren't my thing, especially once I got older." I pause, giving her a flirtatious smirk. "I preferred...semi-solo adventures."

"Ahh.. I see." She pauses. "So you did have a thing for merit badges."

"Huh?"

She smirks at me. "You just preferred yours in the form of hickies."

My jaw drops for just a moment before I recover.

"Wha...that's...come here, you little goober," I say, tickling her sides.