We worked for months together, T'Challa and I. We tried to figure out the changes to my system and what the cost for the new gifts would be. It appeared that while I was stronger (all that mind control and telekinetic stuff), I had developed a habit of losing myself in other people's thoughts and experience. The best way to describe this was I would watch the world outside with my mind so much that my body would grow cold. T'Challa had mentioned that during a couple experiments, Shuri had to resuscitate me. I didn't seem as attached to my body as I should be.
Bucky and I had adjusted quite well to the changes. My brain felt strange most of the time like it didn't fit the body I was in but feeling Bucky's concern, or need, was like an anchor. Being able to find him anywhere and at any time did feel like an invasion of privacy.
Any one I had ever touched or 'invaded' as I liked to call it, stayed with me like a contact on my phone but instead of nice little catch ups I could just be where they were mentally. I could see what they were seeing but as if I was there. I wasn't. I had the chance to
Despite all the tests, the white eyes did not go away – no matter what I tried.
Luckily, Bucky got used to them and it was no longer something most people commented on.
Bucky was my anchor. The warmth of him was consuming. I could feel every bit of his devotion, love and strength. Each day that passed filled me with more hope for the future.
I watched Bucky as he slept next to me. His face was so calm and peaceful. My fingertips skimmed his cheek as he fluttered his eyes open. My fingers trailed down into that growing beard he was developing. A beard was very flattering on him.
"Morning beautiful," He mumbled with a faint smile. His hand cupped my cheek.
"Morning handsome," I grinned back. I let him pull me in for a hug. I pressed my nose into his chest and inhaled. I would never forget this, and I would hold onto this forever.
"Ava," He whispered into my messy bedhead. "I am so happy to see you."
"We've only been asleep for 7 hours," I giggled into his chest.
"You know what I mean," He whispered.
I nodded into his chest and pulled him closer.
...
I closed my eyes and I was far away.
I was standing on a ship surrounded by debris.
Thor was screaming in agony. Loki cried out for him. He presents this purple giant man with the Tesseract. The Tesseract disappeared into the golden gauntlet on his massive hand. I flinched.
I watched the man in golden armour holding a small Loki. I watched him hold Loki in the air. Loki struggled in his grip before stilling. I screamed for him. I felt the death in my mind.
I wasn't there. I was still in Wakanda.
Loki was dropped in front of a frozen Thor. The purple man raised his fist which was encased in a gauntlet, at one move the ship began to fall apart around us. I walked to Thor and felt overwhelmed by his pain. I reached out a hand and tried to let him know I knew this. He looked up at me and I realized he only had one eye. He had changed since I last saw him many years ago.
"I will find you," I whispered before opening my eyes to see a confused Bucky.
He knew the look on my face. He didn't say anything, and he just pulled me back in. His hold was tighter than before. I could feel his concern wash over me.
"I love you James," I whispered, trying not to cry. "I'm yours forever."
He tightened his grip again before whispering:
"I love you so much Ava."
...
I took a seat on the floor in the training room. Closing my eyes, I let my mind drift to the outside. To New York City. To Banner.
Banner. I whispered. I felt him. He was with Doctor Strange. Tony would be there soon. The plan was in motion. I reached for Tony and felt his body shift. I returned to Banner and suddenly sensed a concerned Tony present as well. I sighed and felt ice seep through my veins.
I had left my body for too long. I felt my body grow cold.
I returned to my body to see a concerned T'Challa.
"I know," I stated, sensing the lecture.
"You cannot leave your body," He warned. "You must stay with it as long as you can."
"I know," I whispered. "But something bad is coming T'Challa…"
"When isn't it," He shrugged.
"It will be worse this time," I stated, and he turned to meet my serious gaze.
"We will find a way through," T'Challa replied. I nodded and closed my eyes again to watch the world I know change, trying to use Bucky as an anchor so I didn't float away.