White Wolf and Arctic Fox

12

Bucky decides to stay in the hut in the Border Tribe, but insists that I keep my room in the palace. He says he has old memories he needs to work through, and I understand.

That doesn't stop me from visiting every day I can, though, sometimes accompanied by Okoye or Ayo. They claim they don't want any more attempts on my life, though after I protected Shuri in the battle against Killmonger, most the tribes have seemed to accept me.

Today, however, I walk down to my brother's hut with Shuri, standing beside the lake. It's early, and he's probably still asleep.

Then, three little boys run out of the hut, laughing and chanting, "Whit Wolf! White Wolf!" They run up to us, hugging us tightly around the waist. I recognize two of them.

"Are you playing around with that man again?" Shuri asks, knowing for a fact that this isn't the first time these boys have watched my brother. "Are you teasing him? You should let him rest!"

We shoo them off as my brother comes out and walks towards us. I give him a hug, which he returns, but his eyes are focused on Shuri.

"Good morning, Sergeant Barnes," she greets.

"Bucky," he corrects.

"How are you feeling?" Shuri asks.

"Good," Bucky answers. "Thank you."

Shuri chuckles. "Come. Much more for you to learn."

We try our best to teach my about Wakanda, as T'Challa joins us, and attempt to find a way for him to spend his time.

"Those kids," he asks finally. "What do they do?"

"They help tend the goats," Shuri answers.

Bucky pauses, before asking nervously, "Is there any way I could work with them? The goats, I mean..."

Shuri grins. "If that is what you want, I don't see why not."

T'Challa nods agreement.

Bucky smiles and nods his thanks, but I can't help but laugh.

"Bucky...," I trail. "Of all the opportunities in Wakanda, you want to take care of goats?"

"Is there a problem with that, Princess?" he asks as T'Challa and Shuri walk a little ways away, watching us.

I shake my head, taking his hand. "Nope," I say. "But I get to name the next baby one."

Bucky smirks at me. "Only if you help take care of it from time to time."

"Deal," I agree. "Guess we should officially introduce you to the kids you'll be working with. Thabo and Zani are especially excited to meet you."

"Those are the kids who woke me up, aren't they?" he asks.

I nod. "They've been calling you the 'White Wolf'."

Bucky shrugs. "I guess it fits," he sighs. "I'd prefer they just call me Bucky, though."

"Then tell them that," I say. "I mean, I doubt Thabo will listen, but you can try."

Bucky smiles. "Do you really think they'd trust me?"

"They're kids," I remind him. "They'll trust just about anyone. Besides, they obviously already like you. You need to give yourself a chance, now."

"I'm just not sure I deserve that chance," Bucky admits.

"Bucky, I've said it a million times," I say. "I'll say it a million times again if I have to. You are not the person Hydra made you. That wasn't you. You are in control now."

Bucky squeezes my hand. "What did I do to deserve a little sister like you?"

"H*ll if I know," I smirk.

"Language!" Bucky scolds lightly, smacking the back of my head.

I stick my tongue out at him, before running away, laughing as he grins and chases after me.