Bucky Barnes had found refuge on a small farm in Montana two years ago.
It was there that the Winter Soldier seemed to disappear from his mind and Bucky was able to be himself again.
He fell in love with a young woman. Ray introduced him into a wo...
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chapter nineteen the ranch
When the jet landed on a rolling field, the sun was beginning to rise in the Montana air. The sky was a pale blue and the stars were just barely visible in the morning light.
The first thing that Ray realized when she stepped into the long grass was that she had not missed the smell of the ranch. She did not miss the manure and the stench of farm life. She wished she was in Wakanda.
Bucky was by her side, his hands deep in his pockets. He was almost happy to be back. He was happy to be back. But not because he'd be seeing the Smiths again, but because the ranch was a safe place for him for so long. He wished more than anything that he could go back to it.
Everyone else was not necessarily happy to be there. They didn't care for the smell. They all grew up in cities.
"The ranch is up ahead." Ray nodded her head. They could make out the few farm buildings about half a mile up the road.
"Great. We get to walk." Sam muttered.
"No. Someone's coming." Ray looked at the familiar white pickup that was on its way to them. "Cory. That's the way he drives."
"Stay calm, Ray." Bucky whispered to her.
"I'm going to fucking punch him." Ray's hands were in fists.
Natasha looked at her friend with a mix of anger and humor. She hoped that Ray did lunch Cory in the face; otherwise she would beat her to it.
After a few minutes with into Steve and Sam talking, the car finally stopped in front of them. Cory slowly stepped out of the car, covering his eyes from the morning sun.
"Hey there." He looked between them all and finally his eyes landed on Ray. "Y'all look like you've gone through hell."
"We have, Cory." Bucky said. "We need some help. Figured you owe us."
Cory let out a sigh and walked around the truck. "Hey cuz," He attempted at hugging Ray. But the young woman's anger was too strong and with a swift punch, Cory was in the ground. "Jesus H Christ, Ray. What the hell? It was a joke."
"You think lying to be for seven years was a joke?" Ray went to hit him again but Bucky held her back. "You're such a prick. You lied to me about everything."
"I'm sorry." Cory said standing up.
"Alright," Steve interrupted. "Can we stay a few nights? We really need to recuperate."
