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

12

So apparently, now Steve thinks it's a good idea to make his way to Wakanda.

Two days after we moved into the palace, I gave Bucky the information Steve would use to contact him. Now, a week later, I'm told Steve is planning a little trip.

I stand on the balcony with my arms crossed as I watch the city. Michael's been on edge, Bucky's been distracted, and everyone looks at me as if I'm a bomb about to explode. I hate it.

I want to go back to being a myth.

A chill goes up my spine as I sense the vibranium of Bucky's arm approach. I swallow roughly, not moving a muscle.

"Yes?" I ask him, my tone steady and quiet as I keep my eyes forward.

"I just wanted to see you," he admits softly, and I feel a twinge of surprise. Ever since he got back into contact with Steve, I've been pretty much left to myself. I understand, of course, but knowing Steve is the cause irks me. "How have you been?"

"The same as always," I answer. "You?"

"I've been better," he says with a quiet sigh. It's silent between us for several seconds. "Steve will be here soon."

I clench my jaw. "He will."

"Aurea," Bucky says, placing a hand on my shoulder, "what happened between you and Steve?"

I look at him over my shoulder and maintain a blank expression. "We were attacking a Hydra base. I got caught in an electrical trap. And what did the captain do? He left me behind." I stare hard at him, ensuring my point gets across. "I don't forgive betrayal."

"Why did you help him contact me?"

I shake my head and turn to fix my gaze back beyond the city.

"I didn't do it for him, Bucky. I did it for you." The aircraft that is certainly carrying Steve and his company flies into view. "You should go now. He'll be waiting."

He presses himself lightly against my back, his arms wrapping around me. My breath is caught in my throat, and he lightly kisses the curve of my neck. I almost feel lightheaded.

"Are we okay?" he asks quietly.

As my heart skips a beat, I breathe out, "Yes."

I feel his lips turn up into a small smile against my skin. He kisses me once more before pulling away, and I let myself take the moment to catch my breath and hopefully calm my racing heart.

"I'll see you later?"

My reply is instantaneous. "Definitely."

•••••

I watch from the shadows as Steve enters the dining hall, followed by Natasha, a brunette girl, a black man, some random guy who is completely in awe, and...Clint? I would have thought he'd be back at his farm.

Bucky's with them, and I take the opportunity to watch him with a small smile. He's so beautiful, so perfectly imperfect. It almost scares me how strongly I feel for him.

"Why do I feel like I'm being watched?" the awkward-looking man asks, looking all around. He even looks at the shadows I'm hiding in, but I know how to go unseen.

"It's just your imagination," the brunette tells him, and I see Bucky smirk at little at that.

"That's what they all say," I remark, amused, as I stalk out of my hiding place. They all jump a little, some just flinching, and I smirk.

Clint and Natasha's jaws are dropped.

"Is that...is that actually you?" Natasha gasps.

"I thought you were dead," Clint murmurs.

"Who the hell is this chick?" the man by Steve's side demands, crossing his arms.

"Aurea," Steve breathes out, and my eyes are cold as I stare him down. He takes a tentative step forward but freezes as soon as he sees my glare.

"Captain," I say cooly. My gaze shifts to Bucky, and his mere presence softens me a little. I brush by him on my way to go find the ambassador, and I can't help but smile at him as I pass.

"I'll find you later," he calls after me, and I grin. Thank God my back is to all of them.

"You know where I'll be," I call back just before slipping out of the room.

Or so they thought. Instead, I slip into the shadows once they look away. I'm curious as to what they'll say.

"Who was that?" the dark-skinned man asks Steve again. Steve looks at the floor.

"Aurea Azar," he sighs.

"She seems like she hates you," the guy with black hair remarks.

"Scott," the brunette girl scolds him.

"He's right," Steve admits. "I left her to die."

"But she didn't die," the black guys says.

"I didn't want her to, Sam! I just- I made a mistake," the captain tries to explain.

"A big one," Bucky mutters, his arms crossed as he glares down at the floor.

"How are you guys even that close?" Sam asks him, and Bucky's sharp look snaps to him.

"I care about her," Bucky says slowly with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "And nobody is going to hurt her again."