Connections

50: Wakanda

I stood on the balcony of my room looking out into the beautiful scenery of Wakanda. It had been a few days since our battle with Tony. After we left the Hydra compound we ran into T'Challa. He explained that he overheard everything and offered to help remove Hydras programing in Bucky. After breaking everyone out of their prisons cells at the Raft, Bucky and I made our comfort here.

I held the phone Suri gave me tightly in my hand. I looked down at a message I had written out for Tony. I wanted to call him, tell him I was okay. That I was sorry for how things turned out. I had made an entire video explaining everything to him. However, I didn't have the guts to send it.

I felt an arm wrap around my waist and pull me close to their body. I leaned my head back into Bucky's chest as he rested his chin on my shoulder. He stared off into the beautiful city with me.

"They'll be ready for me in a few minutes." He said quietly. I closed my eyes as a tear fell down my cheek. Bucky explained he was wanting to return to cro-sleep stasis until they could figure out how to help him. It was the only good chance to keep everyone safe until they could remove Hydra's programming. T'Challa was kind enough to let me stay here, setting up this room, and whatever else I needed while I waited.

I took a deep breath before turning towards Bucky. The remains of his metal arm were now covered with a black cloth. He just smiled at me. The warm sweet smile he used to give back in the 1940's. I couldn't help but think back to everything we'd been through. Always returning to this short calm before being separated again.

I place my forehead against his and close my eyes. I was trying my best to hold back the tears. I pulled away as he locked his wonderful blue eyes with mine. He smiled again as he brought his hand up to my cheek. I dipped my head into it more, not wanting to miss the touch of his skin on mine.

He pulled my face to his, placing his lip onto mine. They moved softly against mine. Perfectly molded together. I could feel the warmth of his skin, the sweet taste of him, everything still giving me butterflies. He pulled away slowly placing his forehead back onto mine.

"Once this is done, I'm locking this in for good." He said quietly. I smiled brightly. He had brought up before wanting to marry me. However, he wanted to ask when he knew for sure the Winter Soldier was gone.

"You better help them fix you faster then." I joked back at him. He just let out a slight chuckle. He tilted his head and place one last kiss on my lips before pulling away.

"Lets go." He said quietly, grabbing my hand into his.

I stood in front of Bucky as he sat on a hospital bed in one of the rooms they set up for him. An iv bag stood beside him with the line attached to the top of his hand. He just kept smiling at me the entire time, making sure I felt comfortable with all this. I looked over as Steve paced around the room. He finally paused, standing in front of Bucky.

"You sure about this?" Steve asking one last time. Steve wasn't a big fan of doing this. He hoped there would be another way. A way that didn't involve missing his friend again.

Bucky looked up at him before letting out a deep sigh, "I can't trust my own mind. So until they figure it out how to get this stuff out of my head, I think going back under is the best thing." Bucky's eyes shifted to me, before letting out his soft smile, "For everybody."

My eyes shifted over to Steve as he looked at me. He was hoping to hear me fight back on it. However, I was accepting of it. Whatever helped Bucky, I didn't mind.

The doctors walked in and began prepping Bucky. I watched as they set the cryochamber up. He stood by me as the door slid down slowly. He grabbed my hand, giving it a squeeze before letting go.

"Wait for me one last time?" He asked me.

"I'll be here when you're ready."

I stepped back next to Steve and wrapped my arm into his. I leaned my head against it, clutching to him tightly.

Bucky nodded to me as he stepped back into the chamber and turned to us.

"Take care of her while I'm away." Bucky called out to Steve.

"You know I will." Steve responded. Bucky nodded to him before leaning his head back. The door began to slide close. Bucky's gaze stayed on me. As the machine began to whirl he smile at me one last time before closing his eyes.

The smoke covered the tube, before freezing the doors. I took a deep breath once the machine whirled off. Tears fell on my face once more as I just stared at Bucky. I took a deep breath and look away. Steve moved his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into him.

⍟⍟⍟

I walked with Steve and T'challa through the hallways of the palace. The marble floor below us shining as we stepped over it. Our footsteps echoed through the silence of our walk. This time, leaving Bucky I wasn't as sad as before. I knew this time it was for the better. That I would get him back.

"So you're going to stay?" Steve asked, holding his hands behind his back.

"I think it's time I took a break." I said with a sad smile.

"Shuri is more than excited to have someone here to talk tech with." T'challa responded.

We all stopped and stared out the window. Taking in the beautiful scenery. I wasn't sure how long I was going to have to wait for Bucky. Even if we would ever leave. Steve turned to me with a sad smile on his face. We had been on this ride together for a long time. It was sad to see it finally end.

"I'm going to miss you, Layla." Steve said quietly.

I chuckled, "Please, don't act like you're not coming here every chance you get to check on Bucky. Besides, if you ever need me, I'll be there."

Steve just nodded silently. He took a deep breath before wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into a hug. He held on longer then he usually would. I just pressed my head to his shoulder. Taking in the moment for as long as I could. He pulled away and placed a hand on my cheek. I smiled softly as he took it away.

T'challa and I stood together watching Steve walk out of the room. As his image became small and smaller I let out a deep sigh. I knew I was going to see him again, but being without my two main men in my life was going to be hard.

"Come." T'challa said, bringing his hand to my back. I broke out of my thoughts and looked over at him, "There is still much to show you."

I nodded at him as he lead me around the hallway. I looked over my shoulder one last time, seeing Steve's image disappear completely. I could hear T'challa lost in conversation. I took in a sharp breath and looked over at him with a smile.

This was my life now. Until Bucky was out I would be here, bettering myself the best I could while I waited. Bettering myself for him.