Worth The Risk (bucky barnes x reader fanfiction)

Part Two

After finishing the mountain of reports you had been assigned, you'd been taking full advantage of your time off. In fact, you were in middle of finishing up a particularly good episode of Black Mirror when Steve barged in, out of breath and sporting the biggest grin you'd ever seen.
"Y/N," he breathed out. "T'challa called."
You paused the TV and sat up. "What?"
"It's Bucky. They think they've figured it out this time. He's coming back." His eyes were practically twinkling in excitement.
You sighed softly and pulled your hair back in to a ponytail. "Steve, just because they have a new theory doesn't mean that Bucky is coming back. The last time they said that they were wrong. We can't know for sure."
"That's why I want you to come with me. I'm flying out in an hour." he offered, looking down at your hopefully.
Your eyes widened in shock as you stared up at the taller man. "But you always go alone and it's not exactly my place to-"
"Please, Y/N. I need you to come with me this time."
You could feel the small smile beginning to tug at your lips. "You can clear it with Tony?" you asked cautiously. Steve nodded and your mind was completely made up. "I'll meet you at the quinjet in 45 minutes."
"Have I ever told you how amazing of a friend you are?" Steve grinned, pulling you in to a hug.
"Maybe once or twice." You laughed, patting him on the arm and leaving to pack your bags.

You and Steve sat in nervous silence as the quinjet began its' descent into the rainforests of Wakanda. Your face was nearly glued to glass, wide eyes taking in your surroundings; the jungle around T'challa's private facility was like nothing you'd ever seen before.

As the quinjet touched ground, you took off your seatbelt and the doors began to open, the heat and humidity of the jungle immediately enveloping you. You noticed two men waiting for you on the Launchpad and assumed the first was T'challa, the smaller man by his side probably being one of the doctors in charge of Bucky. You let Steve lead the way off of the jet and followed timidly behind.

"Your Highness." Steve greeted.

"Captain" T'challa replied, his accent thick. "I see you've brought an acquaintance."

"I hope there isn't a problem. This is Y/N, my colleague and one of my closest friends." Steve introduced, stepping aside so that the man could see you clearly.

"If you trust her, I do as well." T'challa's mouth tilted upwards as he held out his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Y/N. A friend of Steve's is a friend of mine. I owe a lot to this man."

You shook his hand, a polite smile making its way on to your face. "Likewise, your highness. Thank you for everything you're doing for Bucky."

"He was a victim just like my father." He stated simply.

You nodded. When you didn't speak again, the doctor took the opportunity to speak up.

"Shall we visit James, now?" he suggested, looking between T'challa and Steve. "We are prepared to take him out of cryo and begin the procedures as soon as possible."

T'challa looked towards Steve who tilted his head in agreement and the three of you followed the doctor off of landing pad and in to the large building that stood before you.

The door in front of both you and Steve opened suddenly, the doctor from before stepping out. Steve stopped his nervous pacing and the two of you looked up at the doctor expectantly.

"We're ready to take him out now. Please, come in." he instructed, immediately turning back around to return to his lab.

Steve strode forwards in three quick steps. When you didn't follow, he looked back at you in confusion. "You're not coming?"

You shook your head and remained seated. "He's never met me, Steve." You explained. "He'll want to see a familiar face when he comes out. You explain what's going on and catch up. I can meet him later."

He looked towards you gratefully. "Stay out here. I want you to meet him today before we start the procedures."

As the door opened and Steve and slipped in to the room, you caught a glimpse of the man you'd come all the way out here to meet. You were shocked. You'd seen photos of him before the accident but after decades of being the Winter Soldier and all the horrors that he endured, you had expected him to look different. You had expected him to be rough and intimidating. Instead, he only looked exhausted, soft and gentle.

The door closed and you were left listening to the low murmur of conversation drifting through.

As you waited, you began to grow increasingly nervous. You were about to meet his oldest and closest friend. What if Bucky didn't like you?

Trying to calm yourself down, you placed your earphones in your ears and pressed play, shutting your eyes and letting the soft music distract you from your thoughts.

A tap on the shoulder sent you flying, fists raised and eyes open wide.

"You scared the shit out of me." You gasped, relaxing as Steve stood laughing before you. "Don't ever do that again."

"How else was I supposed to get your attention?" he teased. "Were you sleeping?"

"I was listening to music." You argued, rolling your eyes jokingly as Steve continued to chuckle. "Why are you out here?"

"You can come in now." He offered. "The doctors finished all their tests and got him up to date."

"Oh."

Your eyes wandered towards the closed door and wondered if he actually wanted to meet you so soon.

Steve stared down at you in confusion. "Do you not want to meet him?"

You redirected your eyes back towards Steve. "What?"

"Bucky. Do you not want to meet him?"

"I do! I do..." You began, licking your lips nervously. "Are you sure he should be seeing me so soon? You know, he did just wake up."

"He's fine, Y/N."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

You sighed heavily and stood, wiping the palms of your hands on your jeans as Steve held the door open for you. Taking one last shaky breath you made your way inside, Steve following closely behind.

Bucky looked up from his seat on the small examination bench they had set up in the middle of the lab, noticing how your eyes lingered on what was left of his metal arm before meeting his. When you realized that he'd caught you staring you were filled with shame and you redirected your eyes elsewhere. But Bucky's gaze stayed trained on you, curious to meet the girl he'd heard so much about.

"So," Steve began, you could practically hear the excitement in his voice. "Bucky, this is Y/N. I told you about her the last time I visited?"

"I remember." His voice was rough from lack of use, but surprisingly soft.

He turned to face you and held out his flesh hand. "Bucky." He introduced himself, nodding politely and a ghost of a smile gracing his lips when you stepped forward and took his hand in yours.

As captivated as you were, you took note that his smile never quitereached his eyes.