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

14

When Michael and I enter the dining room for breakfast the next morning, everyone is already there. All eyes turn to us, and I grit my teeth in irritation when I see Steve. I'll be the first to admit I hold grudges. It's stupid to forget betrayal.

"Good morning, everyone," the ambassador says with a friendly smile, while I keep quiet. I take my seat between Michael and Bucky and smile at the soldier.

"Hi," I say softly, and he grins. He goes to reply, when he's interrupted.

"Captain," T'Challa speaks up, "today I would like for you and Natasha to join the ambassador and I in our meetings. Would that be possible?"

"Of course," Steve nods after a confirming glance at Natasha.

I feel eyes on me and I look up to meet the curious stare of the man whose name I've learned is Scott. I stayed up late last night doing my research on Steve's group, and I know all about them now. He looks away quickly once we make eye contact.

•••••

"So Steve says you're an old friend of his or something."

I turn from the displayed armor I was observing, somewhat surprised to find Steve's friend Sam standing at the end of the hall.

"Or something," I choose, setting my mouth in a firm line.

"Right. He mentioned the whole 'leaving you to die' thing," Sam nods, and I narrow my eyes at him.

"What do you want, Wilson?" I cut to the chase. I'm already getting irritated by him.

"Just trying to get to know the lady Steve has a crush on," he shrugs. I let out a cold laugh. "But you clearly already have a thing with the tin man, right?"

I clasp my hands behind my back. I flick my finger slightly, subtly having the metal under the floor grasp onto his shoes. A small consequence for the stupid nickname he gave Bucky.

"He has a name."

"And you seriously don't care that I just spilled Steve's secret?"

"That's right," I reply easily, entirely unfazed. "He can feel whatever he wants so long as he doesn't act on it. He's many things, Wilson, but I doubt he's stupid enough to try anything. He knows what I can do and what I will do if he does."

He looks interested now. "Really? And that would be...?"

"Nothing you need to know," I reply, turning my back to him to begin walking down the hall.

I hear him suddenly protest as he must have attempted to walk only to find his shoes fused to the ground. I smirk to myself, ignoring his questions as I continue on my way to find Bucky.

•••••

"Hey doll," Bucky greets once he notices I've entered the library. "What are you up to?"

"Just trying to find you," I reply, taking a seat across from him. "What are you reading?"

"An old book from Romania," he replies with a smile.

"That sounds nice," I say absentmindedly, staring blankly out of the window.

Of course Steve claims to have feelings for me. Just when I have something good with Bucky, he just has to come in and shake things up. Or try to. Because I won't let him ruin this. Bucky is a good man, and he cares about me. He knows who I am and doesn't think differently of me.

I jump when I feel a hand on my knee. Snapping back to reality, I look over and see Bucky watching me worriedly.

"Are you okay? I've been calling your name," he says gently.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I assure him. "What's up?"

He frowns and gestures for me to come sit by him. I do as prompted, and he holds my hand. "You're distracted, Aurea. Tell me what's on your mind."

I breathe out a sigh, frustrated. "It's something Sam Wilson said to me." He squeezes my hand lightly, silently encouraging me to continue. "He said Steve has feelings me for me."

He goes stiff. "Steve...he has feelings for you?" he repeats gruffly.

"Apparently," I huff. "Leave it to good old Captain Righteousness to try to ruin my life for a second time."

His eyes dart to me. "So you'll reject him if he, uh, tries anything?"

"Of course," I reply instantly. "I want nothing to do with him." I pause briefly and smile a little. "Besides...I already have a super soldier of my own."

When he processes my words, he grins. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."