Rising From the Ashes • COMPLETED ✓

26.) Through the Pain: Natasha Romanoff

NATASHA ROMANOFF - BLACK WIDOW

July 15th, 2017, Wakanda

I place my head on my pillow, feeling almost lighter now that the cursed music box is gone. There's nothing burdening the space below my bed, or the thoughts in my head. Tonight is going to be peaceful...

I hope.

At two claps, the light from my lamp fades into black. Wakandan technology at its finest. I'm just about to close my eyes when a rapid knocking at the door prevents my eyelashes from meeting. My first instinct leads my hand to the knife that's lying underneath my pillow. 

My second tells me to let it go. Slowly, my fingers unwrap from the cold, ivory handle and travel towards the door. After hurriedly pressing my thumb against the fingerprint sensor, the clicking and clacking of the locks and security systems can be heard, and I'm on my toes, ready to fight.

I instantly kick open the door, all senses alert—only to go face-to-face with a twinkling brown gaze and a jubilant smile.

"Shuri! You have to stop doing that!" My hands drop to my sides.

"Doing what?"

"Banging on my door at—" I check my watch, "—nearly three in the morning, or any time in between twelve and seven!" Pulling out my tasers, I show them to her. "If I hadn't taken the time to see who was on the other side, I would've used these." Gently, I press the activate button, letting a few electric blue sparks fly to prove my point. Shuri, however, just flaps her arms around. I notice that her immaculate hair has more than a few strands poking out, and the purple bags underneath her eyes are heavier and darker than normal. I calm down a little after seeing her condition. "What's wrong, Shuri?"

Her smile gets even bigger. "That's the thing, there's nothing wrong!"

Now my crankiness increases again, "Then what's so urgent it couldn't wait for three or four more hours?"

Her Highness leans down—she's irritatingly two inches taller—to whisper in my ear. "What's so urgent is the fact that Bucky woke up."

My whole world shatters and comes together.

~

I can't believe it. In front of me is a completely thawed-out James Buchanan Barnes. I'd almost think it was any normal day, and that the former winter soldier was just sleeping—except for the hospital bed that he's lying on. Next to him, Peter Parker is slumbering away. A boy and a man, both sleeping through the pain.

Another ugly reminder of Bucky's history shouts at my eyes as I scan his still body. Instead of the cursed metal arm that HYDRA had forcefully implanted into Bucky, there's an empty space. His shoulder still has terrible scars, but the nub has been artfully bandaged and stitched up. 

He seems so serene. So calm. I wonder how Steve will react when he sees this. If tears are forming in my eyes and I'm smiling for the first time in a while, then Rogers will definitely lose his mind.

Besides Barnes, I see a bit of stirring. Shuri seems to notice as well, and her expression goes from weary and happy to electrically ecstatic so quickly I'm almost scared her face will break.

"Peter's sleeping medicine has worn off! He can help us get the others into the lab." She turns to me, bouncing on her feet excitedly. "He'll meet Bucky."

I press a finger against my forehead, "This is a lot to handle..."

"I know," Her smile loses its brightness for a split second, but then grows even more. "I'll get the medics. They can help wake Peter up fully and bring Bucky out of his anesthesia as well." She hurries over to the exit, rapidly typing away on her watch.

"Wait, where are you going?" I jog after her, but not before taking another look at Barnes and Parker.

She gives me a jubilant wink. "I'm going to get Steve. The paramedics will be here soon to wake Peter up, as well."

I understand straightaway. Quickly nodding, I rush over to the door, ready to sprint through the hallways. "I'll get Sam and T'Challa."

Her Highness nods back. "Text me when you arrive at the lab."

"Got it," I take in a deep breath.

"Ready, Natasha?"

Shuri and I both grab for the doorknobs. "As I'll ever be, princess."

We bolt in different directions at once, purpose and adrenaline giving us speed. It's the day. What we've all been waiting for.

The awakening of James Barnes.

DUN DUN DUN!!!

Next chapter coming out in 6-7 days. Y'all get ready for a big storm comin'. :)) 

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