Chapter 6
"Glad you could make it," Steve with a smirk and you released a burst of energy that made him stumble
"That was for taking off without thinking things through," You said angrily and pushed him again, "That's for getting branded as a fugitive," You sent off a particularly strong wave, making him hold onto a table so he wouldn't fall over and your eyes were practically lit, "And that's for not telling me anything about anything!"
"I understand your anger is well placed, Ms Y/L/N," A soft and strong voice came from behind, "However, if you wish, you may harm this man outside. I would not like for my people to have to clean this room," He looked around the spotless room that shined against the brilliant lighting
Your eyes went wide, anyone would know who he was. T'Challa, the King of the very palace in which you were standing.
"Your Highness," You gave a graceful bow, "Thank you for accommodating me,"
"This is highly appreciated," T'Challa smiled, "It has been a long time since someone from your side of the world has shown respect to royalty,"
You gave a weak smile and Steve gathered himself, he'd never seen you angry before
"But then again," T'Challa walked closer, "A woman of your age must know a lot more than everyone else,"
That's when you swallowed. He knew about your long life, something which even Steve and Bucky weren't aware of. Even though your chest tightened, your smile didn't falter.
"One picks up a lot on their long way to death," You said with an air of arrogance and that earn a soft laugh from the King
"Well said," He nodded, "Your luggage has been sent to your room and hopefully, you will be apologized to formally as well," T'Challa looked at Steve and smirked with his arms crossed over his chest
The silence grew as T'Challa walked away and you were left with Steve, "Talk," You voice was venomous
"Y/N," Steve approached you and took a step back, "Come on,"
"No," You raised your hand, "Do you have any idea how worried I was about you? And Bucky too! I'm going to kill him for leaving without a word!" You almost shouted, "And then? Then, you all are on the damn news! Everyone's calling you a fugitive and Bucky a criminal as well as a murderer!"
"It's a long story, Y/N," Steve tried to ease the tension
"Steven Grant Rogers," You fumed, "Don't you ever use that line on me,"
"You know what I meant," He huffed
"No, I don't," You stared at him, "Look," You pinched the bridge of your nose, "I know that you and Bucky would do anything for each other but when will both of you realize how unhealthy is this codependency?"
Steve gasped like he'd just been told that Santa wasn't real, "It's not unhealthy,"
"Really?" You laughed sarcastically, "Who went in for a suicide mission on the off chance that Bucky might recognize you?"
"But he did!" He protested
"Not the point!" You clapped your hands together, "It was lucky that he knew you because if he hadn't..." Your voice trailed off
"But he did," Steve said softly as he held your face, "He remembered me and he remembered you as well,"
"And then he left without a goodbye," Your heart became cold and you stared at Steve, "Why did you call me here?"
"To protect you," He said as if it was the most obvious thing ever
"I've been around a long while," You sighed, "I don't need protection,"
"Well, we can also have a 100s united club," Steve joked and you smirked as you contemplated if you should tell him
"I'm not 100," You smiled as you pulled away from his touch and walked off
"What do you mean?" He cocked a brow
"I'm older," You said loudly as you left the room
"What do you mean?" Steve shouted from behind but you pretended not to hear him
A man was waiting outside for you and he took you to your room.
"Captain Rogers has a room down the hall," He told you slowly and you nodded as you entered the luxurious suite, "Press this button if you require something. The frequency will state the urgency of the matter,"
"Thank you," You said with a smile but the man just gave you a curt nod
"Lunch will be in one hour," He informed you, "Someone will come to get you,"
You nodded and he left. It had been a long time since you'd been in a palace and amongst royalty. You stepped into the shower and tried to remember the etiquettes that one must observe when living royals.
"Curtsy, eat until he eats, stand to greet if women come," You paced and tried to remember the details
You'd only gone to a handful of palace engagements and even that was just before the revolution had begun. You wore a green dress that fell below your knees and pumps to accompany them. You did not want your heels clicking on the floor. You had no idea about the culture of Wakanda and you weren't planning on offending anyone. You twisted the chain around your neck between your fingers and looked at the ring once more.
A knock echoed through the room and you opened a door
"If you are settled in," The woman stated, "I shall take you to lunch,"
"I'm ready," You smiled and closed the door behind yourself, "After you," You gestured and the woman gave a soft smile before continuing
"May I ask your name?" You spoke softly and even then your voice seemed loud in the empty corridor
"It is Tishala," She told you, "I will be looking after the things you require,"
"Thank you," You said sincerely, "Would the King be joining us?"
"Lunch is a rather... informal occasion," She explained, "The King may choose to join you but do not be saddened if he does not,"
"I see," You nodded slowly, "Who is coming to lunch?"
"Your friends from the Americas," Tishala stated and you were brought to a large hall, "Everyone is seated inside,"
"Thank you for walking with me," You smiled, "I'll be seeing you,"
You slipped through the heavy door and found the very familiar head of blonde hair
"Glad you could make it," Steve walked up to you as he repeated his words from before and you rolled your eyes
"Don't test me, sweetheart," You joked
"You might know them," He explained softly, "But they don't know you,"
You took Steve's arm and smiled widely, "Showtime, Rogers," You winked like you'd done so long ago
"Showtime, Rogers!" You shouted and your voice echoed in the apartment
"I'm comin'," Steve hurriedly pulled on his jacket and then met your eyes, "I still don't get why a dame like you is with Buck,"
You laughed loudly and gestured Steve to come nearer, "It's a secret," You winked at him and tied his tie, "You remember the steps?"
Steve nodded and you placed his hand on your waist, "One, two, three," You said softly and you two began to sway without any music
Bucky wanted to go dancing and had roped you and Steve into it as well. Steve was worried about going but you had promised that you'd dance with him all night if he asked. Steve had asked that wouldn't Bucky mind and you had brushed him off by saying that Bucky would be happy that his best gal was dancing with his best pal.
"You alright?" Steve whispered, "You zoned out there for a sec,"
"Yeah, just thinking about something," You shrugged it off
"Well, who are you supposed to be?" A man came up to you with a smile so full of joy that you just felt happy in his presence
"Everyone," Steve spoke loudly, "This is Y/N. She was my friend before everything happened,"
"Before the whole accords thing?" The man cocked a brow
"No," You stated, "By before he means when he was still picking fights with guys twice his size in back alleys,"
"You really making that 100s club then, Rogers?" The man laughed and you smiled as well
"This is Sam," Steve sighed and Sam shook your hand
"Bucky doesn't talk much, so, maybe you can tell us about Steve's illegal days," Sam chuckled
"I'd love to do that," You let go of Steve's arm and stood next to Sam
"Oh, I like her," Sam smiled, "Where's he been hiding you?"
"Actually," You began, "He's been hiding from me,"
Sam gasped dramatically, "No!"
"Yes!" You said in the same manner
"Knock it off," Steve rolled his eyes and a few more people joined your side
He introduced you to Wanda, Clint and Scott, mainly the people that had fought alongside him. Basically, it was a gathering of fugitives in another continent. The redhead girl had smiled but her eyes were full of trouble.
You kept glancing at the door all through lunch even though the conversation had flowed wonderfully. You learned that Wanda was an enhanced, whereas Sam and Scott were just very good at what they did and Clint was just an amazing marksman. You told them about how you and Steve had met, keeping the fact to yourself that you and Bucky were together.
"What were you waiting for, good lookin'?" Sam nudged you
"I thought Bucky would join us," You looked around and a silence fell
"Cap," Clint, "Didn't you tell her..."
"Tell me what?" You began slowly
"I was - I meant to - I mean, I was - I wanted to but..." Steve stuttered
"Is he alright?" You dreaded the answer
"He's fine," Sam patted your shoulder
"Then it's not a big deal," You smiled, "He's not been a fan of crowds and noise ever since he came back,"
"Yeah," Scott nodded, "That must be it,"
You saw Sam talk to Steve in hushed tones while Scott spoke to you
"So, how are you still around?" Scott asked the inevitable question, "Did you freeze too?" He chuckled
You shook your head and Clint joined you two, "She's a mutant," Clint explained on your behalf
"What's your power?" Scott was suddenly very interested in your
"Energy," You said vaguely
"Hey, Y/N," Steve called out and waved you over
"Excuse me," You said politely and went to Steve, "What's going on?" You looked at him
"I - umm - walk with me," Steve asked and you nodded as he led you outside
Corridor after corridor in silence, he finally brought you outside in the gardens
"What's on your mind, kid?" You joked
"I need to tell you something," Steve shoved his hands into his pockets and avoided your gaze
"Steve," Your face fell, "You're scaring me. What's going on?"
"Buck made me swear and you know I can't say no to him," He spoke softly and your brows furrowed
"Where is he?" You backed away, "What happened?"
"He's safe," Steve said slowly and you didn't believe him
"Lies," You whispered and ran back inside the palace
"Tishala?" You called out, "Where's Tishala?" You asked the guards and they pointed the way
You ran to the kitchens and burst through the door, "I'm looking for Tishala,"
"Yes," She appeared in new, "Is all alright?"
"Where's Bucky?" You asked on the verge of tears, "Sergent Barnes. Steve's friend. Umm - long hair, oh my god - blue eyes," You ranted details about him
"I take you to him," She smiled and you nodded as the lump in your throat grew stiff
She led you through a variety of corridors and up to another level, "Do not react with what you are about to see," Tishala warned you and you blinked away the tears
She opened the door into a large lab and your heart stopped when you finally saw Bucky; frozen once again.