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

16

I love taking quiet walks through the palace. I love it even more when Bucky joins me. As per usual, I'm lightly holding onto his arm as we walk, enjoying the comfortable quiet. He seems completely at ease, and every now and then, I catch him glancing down at me with a small smile playing across his lips. His attention makes me blush. There's no denying how much I care for him, and there's really no denying how much I love his attention.

"Hey, if it's not the lovebirds!" I hear the familiar irritating voice of Sam Wilson exclaim from down the hall behind us. I grumble under my breath, making Bucky laugh. We stop walking.

"What do you want?" I demand, turning to glare at him. My mood only sours more when I see Steve is with him. "What do either of you want?" I tighten my hold on Bucky's real arm, the warmth of his skin seeming to seep through his clothing.

Steve glances at Bucky, who has a stony expression. Make no mistake, he and Steve are still friends, but when I'm involved...well, Bucky gets protective.

"We're just trying to find the lab. Got lost along the way," Steve explains, avoiding eye contact with me. "But, uh, Aurea? Could I possibly talk to you?"

"No," I say flatly.

"I wanted to apologize again."

I roll my eyes.

"I'm sure it does wonders for your righteous conscious. Unfortunately for you, I'm not known for my mercy."

•••••

"What do you mean there's a war?" Michael asks T'Challa, shocked.

"I mean exactly what it sounds like, Ambassador. There is a war. Different factions of neighboring countries are fighting each other. There is a chance the fighting may trickle into Wakanda." The king sounds tired.

I fold my arms over my chest and turn my eyes on the ambassador, waiting for his response. Bucky stands behind me, a firm hand placed on the small of my back.

"What's the plan if it does?"

"We fight back."

I sigh under my breath. "Michael." Everyone turns to look at me. "Maybe we should leave until the fighting dies down."

Bucky stiffens, and T'Challa's jaw drops.

"Ms. Azar-"

"My job is to keep the ambassador safe. I have a one-hundred percent success rate. I'm not about to ruin that now," I say firmly. "And Bucky," I look up at him, "if we leave, I want you to come with us."

"Aurea, we're staying," Michael decides. I frown deeply at him. He facepalms and sighs, adding, "Fine. We'll leave if- if- the fighting enters Wakanda. Deal?"

I nod, not pleased but semi-satiated. I mentally go over different safe house options. Johannesburg would be the most logical, but Tel Aviv is farther away and therefore safer...or possibly the embassy at Jerusalem would be a better choice. Hm.

"Sweetheart," Bucky murmurs suddenly, and I realize the meeting has ended. I meet his eyes, and he smiles. "Come with me, yeah?"

I nod and let him lead me through the halls. We only stop once we've reached a small, hidden alcove that we tuck ourselves into. He pulls me close to him, his arms wrapped snugly around me.

"I want you to know," he murmurs, looking down at me, "that I'll follow you anywhere. Anywhere."

"For real?"

"Absolutely."

I grin and reach up to gently cup his cheek. He watches me curiously, and I tilt my head slightly, absolutely enamored by this man.

"I am so lucky to have you."