ʜɪꜱ ꜱᴀᴠɪᴏʀ ━ Bucky Barnes/Avengers

37: the inevitable

Okay. Don't hate me but... big time jump. And this chapter is told in Bucky's view ;D

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[2018]
2 Years Later...

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BUCKY

"You're offering to what?"

I face T'Challa with much confusion. It was too early to process his words clearly, making him repeat in amusement.

He hides both his hands behind his back. Ironic. "Well, it's not really an offer on my side. More of a gift from us to you. Thought it might make your life easier."

If the laboratory we were in wasn't filled enough with the strongest metal on earth molded into different kinds of weapons, armor, or technology, image more of its rarity coming from underneath our feet.

"But, it's vibranium. You won't just give that away so easily. Even for a gift. I don't think I can accept that, T'Challa. You've given me and Diane a home. I'm satisfied with my life." Though the thick layer of cloth wrapped around my limb stayed over the course of almost three years, feeling alien at first, it became a part of me now. Something I've learned to embrace.

He shakes his head insistently, "Sargeant, this is a gift from a king. I insist on giving you a hand. No pun intended." Noticing me still hesitant upon the best gift-possibly the only-the King of Wakanda would present to me, he sighs, "If it eases your mind, I'll have it ready in a few days. A sufficient period of time for you to go over and think about it. Maybe once you see it, you will change your mind."

I put on a side smile, "Maybe. I'm thankful for everything you've done for me, really."

"You should be." He jokes with a straight face, "And you should be thanking more of my sister. It was her idea after all."

After only chuckling in response, I turn myself away from him and step towards the gigantic windows to visualize the view mirrored to us. I stood where I was almost three years ago, except not refrigerated in ice anymore.

"How are you and your wife holding up in your new house?" T'Challa breaks the awed serenity.

"We're not married yet, as much as I would love to be already." I correct him, though not minding the sound of 'wife' entering my ears. "But the house is great. It's small and isolated, but it perfectly fits just the two of us. Thanks to you and Shuri once again."

"I am not one to push, but seeing my sister continuously create inventions for you and Ms. Adams is testing my patience. I, too, would like to see some of it come to use."

I question his lack of elaboration on Shuri's 'inventions', "Oh god, what did she make for Diane this time?" I asked, prolonging the what.

His lips curl into a grin, almost entertained by whatever his sister did. "Oh, just a crib. Made out of vibranium."

The air from my lungs suddenly gets caught in my throat, catching me off guard and almost losing my balance. I cough out loud, trying to recover, "Wow, she's really making good use of the rarest metal on earth huh?" I say in between.

T'Challa laughs, patting me on the back either to help me recover or assure me. "Do not worry. At least you know she will make a great godmother." He smiles, "But I am genuinely curious why you have prolonged your wedding. We have all the resources you need to hold one."