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

10

The air feels heavier now. Bucky and I have still been dancing around the subject of what he saw, and I'm too nervous to bring it up. Instead, I'm trying to spend all my time with Michael and focus on my job.

I stand quietly by the door while Michael and T'Challa discuss various trade deals. I don't miss the king's occasional wary glances at me. I'm very aware of the tightened grip the Dora Milaje have on their spears as they watch me closely. I don't care about their lack of trust; all I need to care about is Michael's safety.

I try not to think about Bucky.

When Michael leaves the room, I follow closely. I'm at his side, and he glances over at me.

"You're awfully tense lately," he remarks. "Have you seen Bucky?"

"Not much since..." I trail off, and he nods in understanding. "Only a few times."

"Has he said anything about it?"

"He said he was okay with it," I reply quietly, ensuring no one overhears us. "I doubt he actually is."

"Why?" Michael asks, raising his eyebrows. My fingertips tingle as we pass vibranium armor on display.

I think of the distance he keeps between us, ever since our last real conversation. I think of his guarded positions, protecting his metal arm. I think of the lack of depth within our short, pointless greetings.

"I can just tell."

Michael gives me a small, sad smile. He gently pats my shoulder in an attempt to comfort me. It works, in a way. I've been starved of human touch for so long that any I receive now either sets me on edge or makes my heart swell with joy. Michael and I have been friends for long enough that I feel no uneasiness when he touches me. I only feel his kindness.

We reach the library, one of our favorite spots in the palace. We split for a few minutes in order to each choose a book. I always am grateful for my fluency in countless languages whenever I'm here, as only some of the books are in English. I pause at an interesting Russian title and decide on it, pulling it out and flipping through a few pages. I shrug and bring it with me to the nook Michael and I found the last time we were here.

"What language is yours in today?" the ambassador asks with a grin, already settled in with a book of his own.

"Russian," I grin, sitting across from him.

I kick my feet up on the coffee table, and I try to relax. However, as soon as I'm able to get my muscles to loosen, I hear footsteps. I can tell by the jolt that goes up my spine that it's Bucky; only he has enough vibranium on him to cause that kind of reaction.

"Aurea," he says quietly, "can I talk to you?"

Michael gives me a stern look before I can even face Bucky. Michael puts his book down.

"You know what? I could really go for some tea. I think I'll head back to the embassy," Michael speaks up. I give him a sharp look. "Or, actually, I'll probably just get tea here. Yeah, I'll do that."

He leaves my sight quickly, and I let out a quiet sigh. I stand up and face Bucky, deciding I might as well not be a coward.

"Hey," I say evenly, managing a small smile to hide my nerves.

"Our last date got interrupted. How does a redo sound?" he asks, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Really?" I ask, admittedly surprised. He looks at me with raised eyebrows. I swallow. "I mean, are you sure?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" I avoid his gaze, and I shift awkwardly. "You think I care about your powers?"

"Metal is kinda..." I trail off, glancing briefly at his arm before looking back to his face.

"Aurea, I don't care what you can control. You've never treated me differently because of my past, and I'm not about to treat you differently because of your powers." He takes a step closer to me and reaches out to take my hand with his metal one. A jolt of electricity sparks up my spine. My eyes snap to his. "I care about you, not your powers."

"You trust me?" I make sure, watching intently for his reaction. I need to make sure.

"I do," he nods, and I finally let a small smile crack.

"Okay," I murmur, feeling an immense amount of relief. "Then...then a redo sounds nice."