Connections

54: The Surprise

"Shuri what are you doing?" I called out to her. I had just returned from a mission with Steve and Sam. They needed my help tracking down a group using Ultrons leftover tech. I had been gone for a week and just wanted some time to myself. Especially after what had happened with the time stone. I was immediately sent out on the mission after returning home. I didn't even get a chance to process everything that had happened.

She shifted through my closet, looking at every piece of clothing. "Just want to get you dressed up for a bit." She pulled out a dress and stared at it. Shaking her head and tossing it to the floor before grabbing another one.

I set my gear down onto the desk before turning to her and crossing my arms over my chest, "I just got back." I cried out, "Can't I just rest for a few minutes?"

"Trust me you're going to want to come with me." She replied tossing more clothes onto the floor. Her hand landed on a dress. She scanned the geo printed maxi skirt with a cropped top that tied in the front. "Ah, perfect."

She handed me the dress. I just stared at it and looked back at her confusingingly. She tilted her head, her eyes growing wide. Moving her hands up and pushing the dress to me more.

"Come on, hurry up." She called out.

"Okay, okay." I replied as she walked out of the room. I took a deep breath and began to change. I really couldn't understand what had her so excited and worked up. I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself. Plus side to being here was T'challa and Shuri forcing me to train...which was beginning to show on my body.

I took a deep breath and pulled my hair out of the ponytail I had it in. My soft waves fell over and past my shoulders. My hair had grown longer in the past six months I had been here. Shuri knocked on my door frantically.

"Come on Layla." She yelled out. I chuckled to myself and walked to the door. Opening it up and standing in the doorway. She looked down at the dress then back to my face. A proud and pleased look developing.

"Damn I'm good." She said. I raised my eyebrows at her as she quickly covered her mouth, "Yes no cursing. I know. Let's go."

We walked together through the pathway in the forest outside of the city. It was a calm and breezy afternoon. I would have enjoyed it if Shuri didn't make me wear heels. I walked slowly trying to make sure I didn't fall on my face.

We got to the edge of the forest. The line of trees stopped and looked out towards a small village. Only about two or three huts stood in the grassy fields. A lake stood to the side, beautifully reflecting the sun against the water.

I slowed my pace as I looked around. The way she had me dressed made me think I was going to some party or something. Shuri grabbed my hand pulling me forward excitely. I followed behind as we moved up a grassy hill and closer to one of the huts.

T'challa emerged from the top of the hill. His hands held behind his back. He held a small devious smile on his face. I stopped in front of him, Shuri handing my hand off to his. He helped me balance myself on the final steps before stopping in front of one of the huts.

I looked around, noticing how quiet and peaceful it was here. Though also strange that no one was around. I was guessing people were still out working.

"You look wonderful, Ms. Black" T'challa said to me as he let go of my hand. I smiled softly at him, before going back and taking in the scenery.

"Whats going on?" I turned to him. I could see Shuri standing back, a smile glowing as bright as the sun above us. I could feel myself becoming nervous. It wasn't making sense, being here all dressed up.

"You've spent the past six months hoping to rest." He said to me. He tucked his hands behind his back. He lowered his head down, staring down at me with a comforting look, "I think you've waited long enough."

I took in a sharp breath as my heart began to race. In the same moment I heard the curtain that was covering the door to the hut beside us shift. I turned my head, my breathing picking up.

Bucky walked out of the hut, wearing some traditional Wakandan robes. His hair half up in a bun while the rest fell across his shoulders. He looked good. So damn good. My heart was beating out of my chest. I just stood and stared, not believing he was actually here.

"Hey doll..." He said quietly with the sweet smile he always had.

I didn't take any more seconds to react. I immediately ran to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck tightly, the impact of my body colliding with his pushed him back a bit. I felt him wrap his arm around my waist tightly. I just held on to him, not wanting to ever let go again. I began crying, my heart filling with happiness from holding on to him again.

He pulled away and immediately grabbed my face into his hand. Placing a longing kiss onto my lips. He kissed me passionately. I could feel how much he missed me while we kissed. I didn't care if Shuri and T'challa we're behind us watching, I needed this moment. I needed him.

He pulled away placing his forehead against mine. His eyes staring down at me. His hand grazing my cheek softly.

"Marry me." His whispered quietly. I pulled away from him, letting out a sigh of relief. I tried my best to pull back the tears falling down my face.

"They did it? You're -" I began to speak.

"Yes." He cut me off. He just stared at me. His soft smile sitting close to my face, "Hydra. The fighting. All of it. It's done." He tilted his head, his eyes peering deeper into mine, "So...marry me."

I sucked in a breath. My heart was pounding in my chest now. I just smiled, a sweet giggle leaving my lips. "Yes." I whispered.

His smile grew wider as he placed his lips back on me quickly. I felt the excitement run through my body.

I knew now that we could rest. Rest here happily.