Rising From the Ashes • COMPLETED ✓

18.) Good Night: Bucky Barnes

BUCKY BARNES - WHITE WOLF

July 12th, 2017, Wakanda

In my mind, I'm chuckling over a memory of Steve and I going to Coney island. We went to that park so many times, all of the rides we've went on is a blur. Images of me doing a ring toss and winning Rogers a huge stuffed bear makes me smile inwardly. 

My brain instantly jumps to us going on a roller coaster. I'll never forget the Cyclone. Suddenly, the image of Steve screaming his blonde head off fades away into us standing over a cliff. It's the cliff. The one that ended and started everything.

"Remember when I made you ride the Cyclone at Coney island?" I ask Steve, a playful grimace on my face as I nervously stare down into the icy abyss.

His eyebrows raise. "Yeah, and I threw up?"

"This isn't payback, is it?" I glance at the back of his head, my smile getting wider.

He turns to me, the same smirk on his lips. "Now why would I do that?"

That was such a long time ago. Too long. I miss my best friend, my pal, my other half. Steven Grant Rogers. So many more flashbacks of us fly through my mind, little clips and snippets of our friendship.

I'm so caught up in my memory that I almost miss what's going on outside of my tank. Outside of my frozen shut eyes. Indistinct chatter is pushing away my nostalgia, and if I try hard enough, I think I can hear Shuri.

"—eady for surgery today. I've completed most of the necessary procedures and the algorithm has been tested twenty-seven times. It will run smoothly, Steve, I promise you that." Steve? He's here too? I want to open my eyes so badly, but I know it's impossible.

"I know, Shuri. I trust you. I just can't believe it's finally happening. I can't believe it's been over a year since Bucky's been with me." Now it's my turn for disbelief. I've only been frozen for a little bit more than a year? I guess that seems like a small amount of time compared to what I've been through before.

"Of course, Steve. I understand." I hear some beeping and suddenly a feeling of numbness trickles into my limbs. If it's even possible, I feel cold. Ice cold. So cold, so much colder than before. It isn't painful, in fact; the sensation reminds me of drinking water after sucking on a mint. "Bucky's now entering a new type of cryostasis, it's a much deeper stage. This will ensure that the surgery is as painless and efficient as possible."

"Thank you, Shuri. Again."

"No problem, Mr. Rogers. Peter and I are going to test out the Webanator, so we'll be in the courtyard if you need anything." I barely hear her footsteps as they grow fainter and fainter. So that's what this new feeling is. I'm entering a new level of frozenness. I feel sleepy now, and if my eyes were open—they'd be drooping.

"I know you can do this Buck," Steve's voice is gentle, and it sounds like it's coming through a blanket, "I believe in you." I hear his muffled sigh. "Good night, Barnes." Soon after, the echoing pit-pattering of his feet presumably follows Shuri's out the door. 

Wait, I want to say. Come back. The clement iciness is climbing up my neck and ears now. My thoughts turn into jello. Everything feels pleasantly fuzzy. Suddenly, a refreshing coolness drapes over me, like a fluid silk curtain.

My world goes black and silent.

Good night, James Buchanan Barnes. Hopefully you'll wake up soon. 

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