I couldn't bring myself to see Bucky the next day. I'd developed one hell of a crush on the man and my keen people reading skills were telling me he was somewhere on that same level. I knew I couldn't have that kind of relationship with him so I did what any sane and stable human would do and avoided him.

I spent the day in the lab with Shuri. We taught each other a lot and I'd developed a friendship with the young princess. Her quick wit reminded me of working with my dad. She was also a great distraction from my real life problems.

"So, tell me, why aren't you with Bucky today? You two have your first squabble as a couple?"

"Cut it out, Shuri," I muttered as I worked on piecing together a new set of vambraces made of vibranium. Shuri had given me a box of scrapes and let me melt them down to use.

"I'm just saying, that boy looks at you like you removed 70 years of brainwashing from his head or something."

"Well, I did, so I guess that's accurate."

"You know what I mean. Heart eye emoji Sargeant Barnes. And he's only like that when you're here."

"He's probably just thankful to see someone other than you."

"I'm a joy to be around. More likely, he's in love with you."

"You've got a lot to learn, little girl. For one, you can't be in love with someone you don't even know."

"Did you just call me little girl?"

"Charlie," Okoye called as she entered the lab.

"Hey, Okoye," I greeted the warrior.

"The Dora Milaje are about to begin training for the day. I thought you might be interested in joining us. It's always helpful to bring in a new fighting style to practice against."

"You mean, it's fun to beat up your guests?"

"Are you afraid, Stark?" Okoye teased.

"Yes. Lead the way."

Even with all the training Natasha had given me, I was no match for the Dora Milaje. After I received a spear hilt to the cheekbone, Okoye ended the training session.

"I'm fine," I assured her as we walked out of the training room.

"I have a feeling you could've lost an eye and all your fingers and you'd still say that."

"If I can still fight then I guess I'm not lying."

"We'll train with you another day. Maybe you won't be so distracted."

"I'm not distracted," I argued and followed her line of sight to the super soldier talking with T'Challa. My left knee gave out when Okoye dead legged me and I nearly went down to my knees.

"No, you're not distracted." She laughed and walked away. It caught Bucky's attention and he excused himself from T'Challa and walked over to me. I tried to compose myself and hide the fact that I'd just had the shit beat out of me.

"What the hell happened to you?" he asked.

"Training with the Dora Milaje." Bucky raises his hand up to gingerly touch my cheek bone.

"Looks like you lost."

"Is it bruised?" Bucky didn't answer but he couldn't hide the wince.

"Come on. Let's get you some ice on that."

Bucky led me towards his home and every step of the way made me more and more anxious. The last place I wanted to be was in an isolated cabin with Bucky who looked really nice wearing those linen pants. He led me up the porch and inside the small home.

"Sit. I'll get an ice pack."

I plopped down roughly on the couch and let my eyes unfocus as my mind went into overdrive. I thought about going back to New York and not returning. I knew if I stayed in Wakanda for long things would get difficult. More difficult than they already were. But I also knew that I'd be miserable in New York knowing what waited for me here.

"Here you go." I jerked as he suddenly appeared in my line of sight. "Didn't mean to scare you."

"How are you so quiet?" He didn't answer and I knew it was probably part of his Winter Soldier training. He handed me the ice pack and I held it to my cheek.

"Is there a reason you've been avoiding me?"

"What?" I said, surprised at his forwardness.

"You're uncomfortable being here right now. Did I do something, Charlie?"

"No. I just wanted to spend some time with Shuri. I'm probably tense because I just got my ass kicked by Okoye and her badass chick army." Bucky didn't say anything and studied my face to see if I was lying. I had a decent poker face but the reassuring smile I gave him seemed to convince him.

"Alright. I just don't want to lose you too, Charlie," Bucky nearly whispered.

He brought his hand up to adjust mine to better cover the bruise on my cheek. Our eyes met and we suddenly seemed incredibly close to each other. Bucky's eyes flickered to my lips and I felt like a powerless vessel being dragged in by his gravitational pull. Our lips brushed and my phone rang.

"Shit," I cursed and jumped up from the couch. I pulled out my phone and saw Tony's name displayed. "I've got to take this." Bucky didn't say anything, jaw clenched and fist balled on the couch.

I walked onto the porch and took a minute to steady my breathing before answering.

"Hey, Dad."

"How's the trip?"

"It's nice. Sunny and warm, all that Jazz."

"Where'd you end up?"

"Rome," I lied.

"Sounds lovely. Hey, so I hate to do this but I need a hand here. Happy totally dropped the ball and Peter got in some trouble. Long story short I'm adding him to the team and I need you here as a representative."

"I'm not babysitting Peter, Dad. I can't watch after him, run a company, and keep my own sanity."

"I'm not asking you to babysit him."

"No, you're heavily implying."

"He can take care of himself. I just need you here. It's just me and Rhodey and the press loves you so-"

"The press?"

"Yeah, I'm announcing the new addition to the Avengers to the press tomorrow."

"The Avengers no longer exist, Dad."

"They could. We just need a team."

"What's Pepper think of this?"

"Oh, I'm not part of the team. I'm an advisor."

"You're ridiculous."

"So, you coming home?" I thought about Bucky in the cabin and the kiss we almost shared.

"Yeah. I'll leave now."

I reentered the cabin and Bucky jumped to his feet from the couch.

"I have to go home."

"Charlie, let me apologize. That was stupid-"

"It was nothing, Buck," I interrupted and I saw the same pain on his face that I felt in my stomach. "I have to go back to New York."

"When will you be back?"

"I don't know. I..." I wanted to tell him soon but the truth was I needed to stay away. If my dad found out I was in Wakanda with the man who killed his parents I know he'd never forgive me. "I'll see you later, Bucky."

Before he could answer I left the cabin and headed back to my jet. I was on my way back to New York when my emotions caught up to me and I cried while autopilot led me home.

It was dark when I landed at the compound but that didn't stop Tony from noticing the bruise on my face the moment I exited the jet. I told him I'd stopped an asshole from robbing an old lady but he managed to get a good swing in. He asked me about my trip and I reminded him that it had only been a few days because he insisted I return.

Luckily, because it was late I didn't have to talk to Tony for long and excused myself to my room. I unpacked my bag and pulled out the Polaroid I'd taken with Bucky. The other was still with him in Wakanda. I sat heavily on my bed and stared down at the glossy image.

I needed someone to talk to about all of it. Shuri was too young and it wasn't like I could go to Pepper about it. I wished for the hundredth time that Natasha was still here. I remembered the phone call at the gala and pulled my phone out to call it back. Maybe she would be with Steve and I could ask him about Bucky. But the number was disconnected.

The next day Tony brought Peter to the compound to show him the new suit he'd made and introduce him to the world as Spider-Man. Except, Peter declined the invitation and decided to finish high school like a regular kid.

"Do me a favor," Tony said to me later that day, carrying a paper bag.

"I'm not babysitting."

"I just need you to bring this to Parker. He's going to get hurt swinging around in that onesie of his."

"Why can't you bring it?"

"I'm too high profile. We don't want the kid getting found out. He walks home from school. Just meet him on his way home and give it to him."

"That will absolutely look like a drug deal, Dad."

"Then improvise. I don't know."

"Fine. You still owe me a vacation though. Don't forget it."

"You'll get it. Things will settle down one day, hopefully."

That's how I ended up in front of a high school in Queens waiting for classes to let out. The bell rang and high schoolers flooded the sidewalks. I kept an eye out for Peter and as soon as I saw him exit the building I called out to him. His enhanced senses heard me immediately and he looked my way. I gestured for him to join me and the kid next to him was nearly vibrating from excitement.

"Oh, my god. You're Charlie Stark," the kid squealed.

"Zip it, Ned. What is it Charlie?" Peter asked. He looked almost embarrassed.

"Dad sent me to give you this." I raised the brown paper sack up and Peter snatched it out of my hand to hide it.

"What is it?" Ned asked excitedly.

"The suit," Peter muttered looking around to see if anyone noticed.

"If you're trying to not look suspicious you're failing," I informed him.

"Hey, Parker! What's in the bag? Did you leave your footsie pajamas at Ned's again?" I looked over at the kid teasing Peter and when he realized who I was he went white.

"Your insults are shit, kid," I said with a roll of my eyes. "You still have my number?" I asked Peter. He nodded. "I'll be around for a while so if you need anything let me know."

"Hey, wait!" the bully called. "Is it true that Peter knows Spider-Man?" I looked at Peter who's jaw was clenched tight.

"Peter knows all the Avengers."

Later that day I got a text from Peter.

Thanks for bringing me the suit. And thanks for saying that stuff to Flash. I owe you one.

Just do me a favor and be careful out there.

Another text came in from a different number.

Your wolf is moping. Why'd you leave without a goodbye? -S

I had some business in New York.

Better return soon or I'm reclaiming this vibranium I gave you.

"How was Rome?" Rhodey asked entering the living area.

"Beautiful as usual."

"I've been thinking about taking a vacation myself."

"Yeah? Where to?"

"I don't know yet. Thought about Southeast Asia. Maybe Africa."

"Africa?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"Yeah. Maybe I'll hit up T'Challa and see if I can stop by Wakanda." My back muscles were tense. I tried to see Rhodey was testing me. I couldn't tell if he knew something about my last few trips or not.

"I don't know if T'Challa would want us bringing all of our drama to Wakanda."

"You're probably right. I'll probably go to Siem Reap and see the ruins. It's on my bucket list."

"Sounds nice, Rhodey."

"I know you're lonely here, Charlie bug," Rhodey said using the name he called me as a child. "I miss them too. I know Vision has been trying to find them without much luck. Maybe if you two worked together you'd find something."

"Thanks, Rhodey. I'll talk to Viz about it."