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

15

Bucky and I are talking a nice walk through the palace's greenhouses. They're elaborate and massive, but it's really nice to just get some quiet time with him. I'm holding onto his arm as we walk, and it's amazing how comfortable I feel with him.

"Can I ask you a question?" Bucky asks me, and I nod. "How did you get your powers?"

"Radiation from a bomb. I was the closest to the blast that survived. Some people get physical mutations from radiation; I got genetic ones," I explain.

"How did the government get ahold of you?"

"My parents handed me over," I shrug. "They didn't want to deal with me accidentally flinging steak knives into the wall or pulling the fridge door off its hinges."

"Seriously?" he asks, sounding surprised.

"Seriously."

We continue on in an easy silence, until Bucky speaks up again.

"Aurea?"

"Hm?"

He stops walking, and I grow concerned at the serious expression on his face. He faces me and nervously shifts from foot to foot.

"So, uh, we have a pretty good thing going for us, right?" he makes sure, looking down at me. His eyes are piercing.

"Of course," I nod, unsure of where he's going with this.

He relaxes a little. "Well, I was kind of- no, not kind of- I was really hoping that maybe you'd want to, uh, well, be my girl?"

I can't help but smile. I couldn't hide it if I wanted to.

"Bucky, I'd love to," I say softly, as not to break the peace of the moment.

His surprise shows on his face, but his smile overshadows it. He wraps me in a hug and squeezes me close to him. I laugh a little, relaxing into his embrace. I look up at him and he grins, reaching to carefully cup my cheek in his hand.

Finally.

When he kisses me, I feel an overwhelming sense of joy. I haven't felt this sort of sheer happiness in years. Our kiss is short and sweet, and when he pulls back to smile down at me, I don't bother trying suppress my own smile.

"So," I say softly, "you and me?"

He nods, his entire face lighting up. "Yeah. You and me."

•••••

Bucky's at an appointment with Shuri to upgrade his arm, so I'm in the library with Michael. I'm sitting by a large window, contently reading. Michael is going through some paperwork.

"You seem awfully happy today," he speaks up, and I glance at him. I nod. How can I not be? I'm in a relationship now with a man who is absolutely perfect for me.

"I am."

"Can I ask why?" he grins, setting aside his work.

I try to not seem overly excited. "Well...Bucky...and I, we're," I clear my throat, feeling my cheeks burn, "together."

Michael slams his hand down on the arm of the couch. "Crap!"

I frown, not expecting that reaction. "Excuse me?"

"The king and I had a bet," he grumbles, crossing his arms. "I bet it would be in two months. He bet it would be sooner."

I raise my eyebrows. "Seriously?" He nods.

"I'm happy for you, though," Michael adds with a smile. "You two are cute. You can be a murder couple together! Kicking butt, taking names, making-"

"Okay!" I interrupt him before he can continue, blushing. After a moment, I continue, "He's a good man, Michael."

"He is. I really am happy you found him. Even if I do owe the king twenty bucks now."

"I am too."