I've Loved You A Hundred Years (I'll Wait For A Hundred More) [STUCKY]

Chapter 8

When Bruce arrives in Wakanda, Bucky greets him as warmly as possible. He didn't exactly know the man after all. He was kind though, if not anxious and intelligent. It was amazing watching him talk about science, from theories to different types of energy. He was the most confident when talking about his work. It fascinated Bucky, who had always been a bit of a science nerd.

T'Challa gave the scientist a lab to work in besides Steve's 'room'. Sometimes Bucky felt self conscious, talking to Steve while Bruce was only a glass screen away. Could he hear him? Was he judging his messy hair and five-day old scruff? Bucky chose to ignore it as much as possible. Thankfully, Bruce had a more responsible bed time then Stark.

Bucky finds himself falling asleep next to Steve more often then in his own bed. Sam mentions it sometimes, trying to act disinterested when he was clearly concerned. T'Challa was more straightforward, asking him if he'd like a proper bed in there if it would help him cope. Tony doesn't say a word about it thought, obviously treading lightly around Bucky as not to upset him.

Bucky leaned high up on his hidden perch, sniper trained on unassuming soldiers that attacked his fellow men. Killing men had been hard at first. Actually pulling the trigger on a person was so much harder than a practice dummy.

Time had hardened him though. Now, he pulled the trigger like he buttered toast. Swiftly and avoiding the edges (that would give his position away). He aimed at a unnamed solider attacking Dum Dum and fired with ease, watching him drop like a sack of potatoes.

He got to his knees, ready to run and grab a new position when a heavy boot slammed into his back. He yelled in pain, rolling over as he scrambled for his pistol. The man above him, an enemy soldier, spat to the side.

"Predictable Americans." He growled, pulled out his pistol and checked the bullets, boot heavy on Bucky's chest. He aimed and - Bucky shot first. Right through the forehead, impact breaking the man's head open and spraying Bucky's front with warm blood as he dropped. Bucky gasped for air, entire body buzzed with adrenaline.

Killing a man up close...he'd never get used to it.

Bucky woke with a start, partially surprised. He rarely had nightmares from before HYDRA.

"It's okay." Bucky felt soothed by the familiar voice. "You're safe, Bucky." He can't help but smile bitterly at Steve's words. He would never be safe from his own mind. The undeniable urge to be held by something, something warm and strong and familiar, hit him.

"...I wish you were here to hold me. Or I could hold you...I just really want you, Steve." Bucky sighed, pressing his sweaty forehead against the pristine glass of the pod.

"Me too, Bucky. Me too." Steve agrees. "I miss the 40's. I was able to hold you all the time back then...as long as no one was there at least." Steve hummed. Bucky smiled, pressing the lightest kiss against the glass.

"I feel the same. Y'know, I remember things more clearly now. Even the embarrassing stuff." He laughed, shaking his head to himself. "I was such an idiot back then. I can't believe I was jealous of Maria." Steve laughed robotically at his words.

It only reminded Bucky that Steve wasn't completely there.

"I wonder if Maria ever found a nice lady." Steve thought out loud. "She was head over heels for Susan back then."

"Too be fair, it's very likely she's long gone now." Bucky hummed, bittersweetness always tinging his tone these days.

Steve and him settled into a comfortable silence, lulled by the soft beep of the monitor.

"Can you stay more nights?" Steve asked quietly. "If it doesn't hurt your back..."

"Sure, Stevie." Bucky smiled, looking up at Steve's peaceful face.

"Good. It's lonely when you can't see or touch anything." Bucky's chest constricted painfully but he kept his smile plastered on.

"Yeah...I understand." Bucky closed his eyes, head against the pod. He remembered the pod HYDRA kept him in, the loneliness, the sounds yet no sight and feeling. It was torture. Bucky tried to erase the memory from his head as the darkness enveloped him, sailing him peacefully to sleep.

He slept with little disturbance after that.

8 ENDEARMENTS SPOKEN