Warrior ϟ Marvel [2]

3.12

CHAPTER TWELVE

Closure

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WAKANDA, AFRICA

"If you don't hold still, I'm gonna poke your eyes out. Do you want that?"

"I can't help it, the water is too cold."

With a groan, Ana bent her torso and reached forward to grab the faucet. She switched the cool water off and turned the hot water on. Bucky let out a relaxed sigh when he felt the water grow warm and sunk further into the bath. His hair was all over the place covered in bubbly shampoo. It matched Ana's hands since she offered to help him get ready for bed.

After the mess in Siberia, the three wounded and crestfallen individuals were surprised to run into T'Challa. He apologised for his behaviour, wanting to repay for his actions by taking them back to his home so they could receive the best and safest care. They knew now that they would be branded as American fugitives and wouldn't be able to show their faces to the public. The King's offer was well needed and each one of them appreciated his help.

It had been two days so far. Two days since they laid low in Wakanda. Two days since JSOC put out a warrant for their arrests. It was going to be a long time until Ana and Steve could go home. And probably an even longer time for Bucky to be let off from his actions due to them not being made by his own will.

As he felt her fingers glide up and down the back of his head, Bucky let himself close his eyes and breathe out deeply. Ana smiled.

"I really want to cut your hair. It'd be easier to handle."

"Don't touch the hair." He said, chuckling.

"Pass me the shower head." Ana placed her hand in front of Bucky and waited for him to give it to her. He rinsed the shampoo off her hands before giving it to her.

"Thanks, by the way."

Ana turned the water off and removed the dry white towel from her shoulder, dropping it across the base of his neck with the ends curled on his collar bones. She gently traced the sharp but also blunt edge of the remains of his metal arm.

"No problem. Gives me something to do other than worry." She responded, standing up and turning her back to Bucky so he could get dressed and put on his pants. She would later help with the shirt.

"Worry?"

"Yeah. First, I got a bounty on my head." She let out a light scoff. "That's fun. Second, you're going back into cryo. Which I know is what you want, but it doesn't mean it will suck any less. Steve and I... we just got you back."

Weight lowered her shoulder and Ana dropped her head. Bucky rubbed her back, helping with the tenseness in her muscles.

"So did I. I can't trust my mind. It's like a weapon and the trigger words are the ammo. I've caused enough damage to last a hundred lifetimes. And I'm worried if I don't do this, then at any time and any place, I'll go off again."

He turned her around to face him and he hooked a finger under her chin, lifting her eyes so they looked into his. They were beginning to turn red from the struggle of keeping the tears at bay. Bucky cupped his one hand at her cheek and caressed the skin under her eyes with his thumb.