No More Pain

Chapter 26: Hopeless Wanderer

Author's Note: So there is one scene in here that is a bit cheesy but whatever. I left it in anyway.

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MUMFORD & SONS LYRICS

"Hopeless Wanderer"

You heard my voice I came out of the woods by choice
Shelter also gave their shade
But in the dark I have no name

So leave that click in my head
And I will remember the words that you said
Left a clouded mind and a heavy heart
But I was sure we could see a new start

So when your hope's on fire
But you know your desire
Don't hold a glass over the flame
Don't let your heart grow cold
I will call you by name
I will share your road

But hold me fast, Hold me fast
'Cause I'm a hopeless wanderer
And hold me fast, Hold me fast
'Cause I'm a hopeless wanderer

I wrestled long with my youth
We tried so hard to live in the truth
But do not tell me all is fine
When I lose my head, I lose my spine

So leave that click in my head
And I won't remember the words that you said
You brought me out from the cold
Now, how I long, how I long to grow old

So when your hope's on fire
But you know your desire
Don't hold a glass over the flame
Don't let your heart grow cold
I will call you by name
I will share your road

But hold me fast, Hold me fast
'Cause I'm a hopeless wanderer
And hold me fast, Hold me fast
'Cause I'm a hopeless wanderer
I will learn, I will learn to love the skies I'm under
I will learn, I will learn to love the skies I'm under

It had been an eventful 48 hours as the Avengers each spent time with the Soldier helping him to experience and enjoy his last waking hours of life as more then a weapon. He had still suffered flashbacks and they opted to keep him out of public but still wanted to get him out of the tower. That evening when Tony had arrived home with Pepper he had announced after learning about the most recent turn of events, that he would fly them all out to his large villa in the Cayman Islands complete with private beach the following day.

The Soldier had maintained his pensive expression as he stood in swim shorts at the edge of the beach while the others beckoned him in. He followed their example taking slow steps into the water. Eventually he began to enjoy the feel of the waves and took some interest in the tropical fish, offering a slight smile before the day was through. Natasha and Steve helped him make a Sand castle and despite the lack of purpose, it was something tactile and proved engaging. Steve wrapped an arm around the Soldier when he saw the look of sadness decorate his face as they watched the waves crash over the sand fortress and wipe it away forever. The Soldier swallowed and looked down as he once more heard James Barnes in his head. I need to wake up.

That evening they ate a variety of cuisine and seafood in small plate fashion so that the Soldier had a chance to try as many different flavors as possible. After dinner the Avengers spent the night out under the stars and Tony begrudgingly let Steve pick the music. They had an open fire pit and Hawk Eye and Falcon rosted marshmallows as Natasha asked The Soldier to dance with her. Pepper grabbed Tony and the others smiled and laughed as The Winter Soldier stiffly and awkwardly tried to mimic the other couple's moves with Natasha all the while mindful of her healing injuires.

"He's so fluid when he fights you'd think he'd be a better dancer." Clint laughed.

"Just wait........ Bucky loved dancing!...... When he wakes up he'll be Lindy Hopping and Jitterbuging all over the place!" Steve chuckled to the Archer, Sam and Banner as they watched with amusement as the Soldier continued to concentrate with a serious scowl as he awkwardly spun Natasha. It was a good day, a good night and The Soldier knew with out a doubt that he would miss The Avengers and he would miss his Handler most of all.