Snow

“Four members of the radical group, the Flag Smashers, were killed today in a car bomb attack as they were being transferred to a high-security prison. 

There are no suspects in the bombing. The group had opposed the global relocation efforts of the GRC, who, just this week, had announced changes in their overall policies of repatriation and resettlement.”

Aspen told the truth about what happened that night, while Sharon pleaded self-defense. Sam was not among the witnesses and therefore could not bring his version of the facts. It was then Aspen's word against Sharon's.

In the end, the government chose to believe an ex-refugee formerly a SHIELD agent rather than an Avengers, but also a former Hydra assassin/experiment. 

So Sharon got her official pardon and was fully forgiven. She was officially welcomed back into the country and the Carter name was cleaned.

She felt truly betrayed by the government that day. They had chosen to believe Sharon instead of her. She knew she wasn’t perfect, nobody was. She knew her plate wasn’t all clean, but she worked on it from the very first day after she got out of Hydra’s hands. But then again, she knew justice wasn’t always fair. 

She understood it, forgot it and moved on.

As for Bucky, back in Brooklyn, and following up on Sam’s advice on making amends and being in service of others, Bucky headed to Yori Nakajima’s apartment. Confused but still pleased, Yori asked “Hey, what are you doing here ? It’s late, come in before someone call the cops.” he said as he waved at him to invite Bucky inside. Yori checked the hallway before closing the door and turning to Bucky, “What are you doing here ? It’s not Wednesday.”

But Bucky didn't answer his friends, his gaze was on something else, the hotel in homage to Yori's son, the smoking incense, the photo and the candle.

Overcome with guilt, Bucky gathered up his courage and told Yori he needed to tell him about his son’s death, “I, uh, I have to tell you something.” he said, his voice shaking, unsure, “About your son.” he paused, thinking of how to tell his friend what he did. He then removed his gloves, revealing his vibranium hand, the rest of which was hidden by his jacket, while Yori sat down opposite him. “He was murdered.”

Speechless, Yori only answers in a breath with a “What ?”

Bucky continues and says, “By the Winter Soldier.” his voice was still heavily shaking, “And that was me.”

Yori tilted his head to the side in incomprehension and with a sobbing voice asked, “Why ?”. Bucky inhaled and exhaled a few times before answering, “I didn’t have a choice.”

Yori looked away, which focused on his son's picture. Neither of them said more, and Bucky let Yori digest the horrible revelation he had just made to her.

That night, when Bucky came home to Aspen, as soon as the door had been shut, he broke down into tears in the entrance of the apartment, unable to contain himself any longer. 

Seeing the love of his life helplessly sobbing on the ground, Aspen rushed towards him to comfort him, reassured him and told him that above all, it was the right thing to do.

Afterwards, he had great difficulty falling asleep, but when he did, he had a dream for the first time in many, many years. He dreamt about Aspen, in fact it was more of a memory than a dream. But it was so sweet to not have nightmares for once that it felt like a dream to him.

2016 - Wakanda

The sound of her laughter rings through Bucky’s ears. As if she wasn’t already captivating enough to him, she had to go and have the most beautiful laugh he’s ever heard.

His gaze wandered helplessly to where she was standing with T’Challa and Okoye, laughing at something one of them said. Bucky can’t stop the whisper of a smile that appears on his lips, as he watches the sun reflect off a smile of her own.

He wasn’t sure when his feelings for her had turned from friendship into something more. He did know it had been going on for a while and had been getting harder and harder to hide. Recently every time he’s been around her, he feels like it’s only a matter of time before he gives in and says something.

Fear was holding him back though. The fear of rejection and of losing his connection to her forever. He wasn’t sure he could handle the look in her eyes if she told him she didn’t feel the same way. The spark in her eyes was sure to dim as she pulled away from him but tried to spare his feelings. It would be too much to cope with.

Sure, they’d still be teammates, but it wouldn’t be the same. There’d be no mid afternoon coffee runs when they both needed somewhere to go. There’d be no more inside jokes, no more playful touches or looks. There definitely would be no more late nights where Bucky would creep into her bed, or she into his, when one of them couldn’t sleep.

She’s such an important part of his life. The thought of losing her was strong enough to hold him back from everything he wants to do.

Holding her in his arms, feeling her body against his, warm and soft. Cupping her face in between his hands and feeling her breath ghost across his face as he leans in for a kiss. Whispering secrets and sweet words into her ear while they’re both in bed tangled up in each other. Seeing that sleepy smile on her face when she wakes up each morning. He’d been blessed enough to see it once when they were sharing a room while on the run during the Accords. Bucky swore he’d seen stars with less brightness than her when she’s happy and smiling at him. It made his heart feel like it could grow three sizes.

“You’re doing that staring thing again.” Shuri’s smug voice comes up behind Bucky, startling him.

He quickly tried to morph his face into something neutral, “I’m not staring.” he grumbles.

“Don’t worry about it. I catch her doing it all the time too.” She winks at Bucky.

“You catch-wait, what?”

“Man, you really are oblivious. Aspen and you are made for each other.”

“Shuri, can you just give me a straight answer for once ?”

She laughs, “Everyone can see that the two of you have fallen for each other. Now we’re just waiting for you two to realize it. One of you better make a move soon. Preferably you, because Okoye has this bet going around, and I have a lot of money saying you’ll be the first one to do it.”

Bucky rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t ignore the way his heart picked up speed in his chest. Could it be possible he actually had a chance with her ?

He realized he’s gone back to staring at her. He can’t help it. She’s just so beautiful it’s hard to keep his eyes away.

Before he could turn and pretend that he was looking at something else, her eyes flashed over to meet his. She smiled at Bucky and waved a little, her gaze warm and inviting.

There was only one way to find out what’ll happen, Bucky thinks to himself.

Then, taking a deep breath, he starts to make his way over to her, rehearsing in his head how he’s going to finally ask her out on a date.

The following Wednesday, Bucky will decide to go to the bar where he used to see Yori. But when he sees him through the window, having a drink by himself with a sadden look on his face, he will then turn on his heels and not cross the door of the bar to join his friend.

So he'll go home, to find Aspen, to find some comfort in her. And by just looking at her, seeing her smile at him, it's like all his problems ceased to exist.

He couldn’t even explain what she was in words. He just feels her. Even when she's far away, he sees her. He hears her. He still remembers how she looked when the sun hit her face. How full his heart felt whenever she laughed. How her skin felt. When she would look up at him with those earnest eyes and he just.. ah…

Even after being apart, even after everything he just couldn't help but dwell on her. There's nothing like it. When two people are broken by time, a connection between two souls that is just so natural and so pure never goes away. It's just there. Like a secret gallery, it's always there for him to silently and peacefully drown himself all by his lonesome. All the memories, emotions and moments still sound and pristine. There isn't anything else like it and he just knows it. 

Slowly, they both started going out again, enjoying each other's company and after enjoying a lovely and lavish dinner they both were out in the streets of New York which were filled with people yet a peaceful aroma was present in the environment. Everything seemed like a fairy tale which like anyone in the world she also dreamt in her childhood. She held his hand and he smiled at her, she was never really an outspoken person but today she just wanted to make him realize that she really appreciated his presence with her tonight. She gently whispered “I love you and thank you so much for tonight” he replied “I love you too love and no need for thank you, you know I love spending time with you” and softly kissed her cheek. After walking for a bit, a small ice-cream shop could be seen, before she could say anything he told her to wait and went to buy ice-cream for both of them. He knew that no matter how costly the restaurant they went to was, that shop would always be her favorite spot to eat dessert. She giggled knowing that he knew her better than anyone. He shortly got her favorite chocolate flavor ice-cream and butterscotch one for himself. 

Their car was parked near the shop only so he went inside the car, opened the boot and offered to just sit there and enjoy the ice creams and she seemed to like the idea very much. The boot was fully opened and they both sat in it while her legs were in the air, she was swinging them like a 5 year old. She soon started to admire her surroundings whilst eating the ice-cream whereas he was admiring her with pure love thinking how did he get so lucky with her. 

The soft wind which was blowing made the moment even more peaceful and perfect.

A few days later after slowly traveling to Louisiana, the weight that had been on both of their shoulders began to slowly lift off their shoulders and they could breathe freely. They both got out of their car, breathed deeply in the faint smell of the city mingling with the river and the trees that waved around Sarah’s property. She and Bucky had both responded to Sarah's invitation for a family barbecue.

Aspen was already there while Bucky looked for something in the car. She greeted Sarah and the children before going to see Sam. As she stood by his side, upbeat music could be heard from somewhere near them, shrimp were cooking on the barbecue and the smell was exquisite, corn was boiling and pies were being cut.

Lots of people were taking pictures with Sam, the new Captain America. Everyone was smiling ear to ear, Sam included. While Aspen was helping Sarah finish cooking, Bucky arrived with a cake in his hands and exclaimed “Oh ! There he is !” as he saw the boys and pretended to get punched by Aj as Cass chased after him. He then pretended to throw the cake at his head while laughing and making the boys laugh as he passed. Aspen attending the scene was delighted to see Bucky so close to Sam's nephews.

He took off his black sunglasses and placed the cake next to two elderly ladies seated at a table before giving Sam a one-armed manly hug, resting his chin briefly on one of Sam’s shoulders. He then made his way over to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close and kissed her temple.

They both ate with Sam’s family, with Sarah telling childhood stories of Sam with their friends and neighbors chipping in with forgotten points and moments. Sam retaliated by sharing a few of Sarah’s childhood stories, with their neighbors still chipping in on forgotten details. After a while they all began to mingle with various neighbors.

She was talking with Carlos and a few of his friends who were interested in her powers and watched as she showed off. A few of their children and grandchildren were drawn in to watch the snowflakes that danced from her fingers as well as snow falling around them. She turned around and caught sight of Bucky, he was standing with one foot on the seat and the other on the picnic table, with Cass and a female friend hanging from his metal arm as he talked to Sarah amongst other people. 

People were dancing, playing music, smiling and were happy.

She moved towards Bucky and as she did she heard him speak to Sarah and one of her friends. Once she reached them Cass and his friend dropped carefully to the ground. Bucky moved over to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulder, holding her to his chest. He kissed her temple, they both watched as the various neighborhood kids ran around in the setting sun. 

She spotted Sam staring out at the water, she stepped out of Bucky’s arms, before taking his hand and pulling him towards Sam. Bucky laughed and allowed himself to be tugged in the direction of Sam. 

They arrived at where Sam was standing, and Bucky tucked her under his arm. He clapped Sam on the shoulder and smiled at him. Sam gave a hopeful smile at the pair of them. After a moment, Sam wrapped an arm around Bucky, Bucky kept an arm around Aspen’s shoulders, keeping her under his arm before kissing her on her temple.

After staring at the water for a while and talking to each other, Sam went back to his family and left Aspen and Bucky alone. Bucky still had his arm around her shoulders as she took advantage of the warmth provided by Bucky's body.

“What if we decided never to leave each other again ?” she asked naively, which snapped him out of his thoughts “Fine by me.” he then answered.

Feeling the breeze sway with the grass around, feeling the chilly dew of the night set upon as she looks up into the boundless beyond, she feels as if she was floating, the chill numbs her senses and she smells fresh dirt and hear the sound of silent crickets chirping melodies of peace. 

And just in this moment, she knew everything was going to be ok.

“Can we have a cat ?” she asked out of nowhere as she moved slightly so that she could look up at him, to which he happily replied to, “Only if we name it plum.” Bucky kissed your forehead.

“Deal” she then said, as he broke their hug and started to slowly walk away, he extended his hand for her to take, "Are you coming ?"

She turned around and looked at him, his bright blue eyes, and took his hand. "Of course."

They walked through their forest of insecurities and doubts. The bitterness and the struggle. Together, they were stronger than they had been.

He lifted her up. Her spirit soaring free of burden.

She soothed his wary heart. A place to rest and break. Reprieve.

Sometimes she wondered, 

what life would have been like if they had never met, 

if they had never collided in this lifetime, 

or learned what the curve of each other’s face felt like, 

who would she be if she had never held his hand ? 

Who would she be if she had never been loved by him ?

The End

End of 2024 - Almost a year alter

“I can’t believe Christmas is in three days and you dragged me here…” 

“Don't make me believe, my love, that coming back here doesn't make you a little bit happy” said Bucky getting off the plane.

And he was right, she was thrilled to be back in Wakanda, she never thought she would be back to this wonderful place, the place she felt like home for almost three years. The place where she and Bucky grew closer each day that was passing by.

“Alright, you’re right. I’m happy to be back.” She said, reluctant to admit he was right in order to tease him. As they got off the jet, they were greeted by the Doras Milaje who led them through the palace.

And as they wandered through the palace, she couldn't help remembering all the good memories that place kept, until they reached where they had to go.

“White Wolf !” exclaimed Shuri as she looked up from her work in her laboratory. They both descended the steps towards Shuri when she winced at the sight of Bucky, “What happened to the arm I made for you ?” she said putting her hands on her hips.

“A very funny story isn't it Snow ?” said Bucky in an accusatory tone. As Aspen chuckled she retorted “It's not my fault that Nebula made me such a good offer for your arm”, after all it was a gift for Rocket for Christmas.

Shuri burst out laughing and it echoed throughout the whole lab when Aspen told her in detail what happened with Nebula and Bucky's arm. She then began to search for the objects she had put aside concerning the White Wolf. Luckily, she hadn't created just one arm and had a few in stock. 

Then Shuri laughed again as Aspen told her while mimicking Bucky's reaction when he realized his arm was missing, all while Bucky stood next to them sulking. And when he had just reattached his arm and made a circular movement with his shoulder to put it in place he said : "It's not that funny."

They both spent a little while in their old house and then left for New York. Once in the jet, Aspen then says to Bucky "You know I love when you do this movement with your arm" she says with her eyes filled with stars while giggling. 

Bucky couldn't keep sulking her any longer and grabbed her by the sides before pulling her towards him and hugging her then kissing her.

“I love you” she said as they broke the kiss. “I love you too. But never do that again.”

Somewhere in the Galaxy - Christmas day

Nebula dropped a long gift box at Rocket's feet who looked at her in disbelief. 

He then removed the red ribbon and opened the package when he pulled out the object inside: 

“Bucky's arm ?” he said, then surprised.

“Merry Christmas” then said Nebula in a nonchalant tone before turning on her heels.

The End of the End