Adamantine (A Post-Black Panther Bucky Barnes Love Story)

3

I clear the plane, my gun drawn as I go through every overhead compartment, seat, room, and crevice. I check over every inch of the plane, and when I finish, I stand guard and scrutinize every single person who boards the aircraft.

Michael gets on last, and I escort him to his seat in order to ensure his safety. I give the pilot the green light, and I take my seat across from him.

"Ready for Wakanda?" I ask him, waiting for the plane to take off.

He laughs, nodding his head. "Of course. Are you?"

I glance out the window as the plane begins to move. "A country formed on a crater of the most valuable metal in the world? I'm definitely ready."

•••••

Once the plane lands, I look from the window to Michael. I stand up, and I wait for him to do the same.

"Lead the way, Ambassador," I tell him, my heart beating a little quicker than usual. It's the excitement of being around all the rare, powerful metal- I know that for certain.

I'm following just a few feet behind him as he leaves the plane. Three of the flight attendants gets to work removing our things from the aircraft. As soon as my feet touch Wakandan soil, a jolt of power goes through my body. I can feel the metal underground.

I carefully watch the armed guards of the Wakandan king. I let my eyes scrape across their vibranium-tipped spears, and I resist the urge to smirk. I settle my gaze on the king, T'Challa as he comes forward. I instantly focus in on the necklace he wears. It's made of compact vibranium, a lot of it. It's not what it appears to be.

"Ambassador Griffin, welcome to Wakanda," T'Challa greets in his deep, smooth voice.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Michael replies graciously. "I look forward to improving foreign relations between our two countries."

"As do I," T'Challa nods. He looks at me with raised eyebrows. "And this is?"

"Aurea Azar," I say curtly, offering a polite handshake. His eyes widen the slightest amount in recognition. Still, he accepts my handshake, and I don't let the contact linger. "I'm the Ambassador's security detail."

"You're a legend in this country," he tells me, eyeing me with apprehension and what I think is awe.

"I know," I say simply, because it's true. "Now, Your Highness, if you would be so kind as to lead us to the United States embassy, that would be great."

"Of course," he says, taking a step back. Yet, he does not look away from me. "Please, this way. It's just a short walk."

Once we're there, I look up at the mostly glass building. I raise my eyebrows as I use my powers to scan over it. I sense no guns or knives, and I make eye contact with Michael. I answer his questioning gaze with a simple nod.

"It's clear," I tell him. By tracking the metal in the building, I'm able to create mental floor plans of what the building's layout is. I look at T'Challa, who is waiting at the entrance. He is looking at us quizzically. "Thank you, Your Highness. I can take it from here."

Narrowing his eyes, he nods reluctantly.

"If you're certain," he says slowly. "Please come to the palace this evening at seven for dinner."

"We'd be happy to," Michael replies kindly. "Aurea?" I nod at his signal. T'Challa's female guards eye me suspiciously as I swiftly move toward the entrance.

Once we get inside, I see a plaque telling us exactly where our rooms are.

"Good," I mutter in approval. My room is across from his. "Alright, Michael. This way."

•••••

I scrutinize my appearance, warily looking over my body. The dress is the color of coal, skintight and sleeveless with a higher neckline. It hits just above my knees, only excusable due to the sheer black tights I'm wearing. My heels are patent leather, but the actual heel of the shoe is made of steel. I figure, in the worst case scenario, I'll have those to protect both myself and Michael with. My sterling silver diamond necklace hangs at my collarbone, and my hair is pulled back into a neat bun.

I step away from the mirror and rub my hands together.

"Well, here goes nothing," I mutter under my breath. I leave my temporary bedroom, and I knock lightly on Michael's door. "Michael?"

He swings the door open. "Don't you look stunning," he grins, and I roll my eyes with a small smile on my face.

"Thank you," I say quietly. "Now, come on. A car's waiting for us."

"Alright. You know, from what I've seen of Wakanda, it's beautiful," he notes, looking over at me.

"It is," I agree. "But I prefer what's beneath the ground here over what's on top of it." I lower my voice. "The energy it emits is so strong. I could crumble this entire country if I wanted."

"There's that much vibranium beneath surface?" He sounds surprised. I nod my head.

"You have no idea."