Hello everyone,

Here is Chapter 53, enjoy.


October 8th, 2016

Wakanda

It was hard to believe that merely five days ago the facility had a lot more people. Kat found the quietness of the building unnerving. They would soon be leaving the facility – not wanting to overstay their welcome with King T'Challa. As it was the Wakandan king was still mourning the loss of his father. It was custom to have a six month mourning period for the family before the next in line was officially appointed to take over. It would give the people and royal family time to adjust. King T'Challa had not wanted to rule so soon, but sadly Helmut Zemo had taken his father from him in one cruel, savage, act. Thus the facility was even quieter as T'Challa was preparing for the day he would have to step into that role fully. Yes he was King in name since his father's death, but there were laws and traditions for taking those final steps into said role. Kat understood well enough each culture and people had their own traditions and ways of doing things.

Still the Avengers wanted to get out from underfoot, and avoid causing T'Challa further trouble. As it was, if discovered, the other nations would not look kindly on the Wakandan King hiding fugitives in his lands. Kat had already given a list of hideout locations to Steve that the various Avengers could hide out in. There were some promising locations to be sure. One thing Kat was grateful for was that both Sharon and Myra decided they would be sticking with them when they left Wakanda. The former HYDRA agent Myra Bicks had lived out a relative normal life while in hiding, but she found that now she wanted to be doing more. With HYDRA now becoming a distant memory, Myra felt she could do more for Katrina then just return home. While Sharon Carter was not ready to part ways with Kat, and her budding relationship with Steve Rogers was growing.

As it was Steve finally asked Sharon out on this night. One of the last nights in Wakanda when they were dining out. It was later that night and Tess was already in bed with Aida monitoring her. In the mess hall the others sat down to relax. It left Sam trying to flirt with Myra who continuously tried to playfully evade his flirting attempts. While Wanda was texting someone, Kat did not tell the others but she knew her fellow telepath was messaging Vision. Instead Kat leaned into Bucky's side as he wrapped his metal arm around her keeping her close. Lastly Natasha sat in one of the single chairs drinking a beer like the rest of them. The group was watching the ever silly Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies movie. It had recently come out on streaming and DVD.

Finally Sam groaned when he saw a zombie mother and baby. "Okay who's idea was it to watch this?"

"Someone has a weak stomach." Nat teased.

"I gotta admit, I prefer this version to previous Pride and Prejudice movies and shows." Kat added as she peeked at Natasha who smiled.

"Really? How many versions did they make?" Bucky asked.

"Like three or four..." Wanda added looking up from her phone.

"Actually there was an old BBC television miniseries. Then there was the 2005 movie release staring Keira Knightly, and I think this is the latest version. I like this Elizabeth Bennett best, she kicks butt." Kat replied casually.

"There is something wrong with you." Sam pointed out, and Kat stuck her tongue out at him.

"Actually I am with Katrina on this one I prefer this Bennett." Nat added. Again the group quietened down watching the movie with only Wanda's phone chiming once in a while. Then the silence broke when Sam stretched his arms out on the back of the couch. His right arm was now behind Myra, as he tried an 'old school' method of getting closer to her. All the while Kat tried not to laugh as she heard Sam giving himself the 'make a move' speech. Finally she directed her thoughts to him. "it's not going to work Sam. She is onto you."

The directed thought had Sam start to jump before catching himself. The jolt had Myra now looking at him funny. "Sorry fly..."

A moment later Myra continued watching the screen as Sam glared past her at Kat mouthing the words: 'Cut it out!'. Just then Myra looked again at Sam having caught the movement and he smiled at her. "Soooo Myra I was thinking-"

"Careful Sam you might get a migraine and need a Tylenol." Nat interrupted, and Kat almost laughed out loud. Sam shot her a look, then before he could say another word Myra decided to beat him to it. She blew out a sigh as if she knew she had to put a stop to this.

"Sam look you're a nice guy, but you're making a mistake." Myra said leaning forward to put her beer on the coffee table, then turned to face Sam. "For a long time I was not the good girl, I was the bad one. I was raised to believe the whole HYDRA BS, and for that I paid the price. Now I changed sides and have done good obviously, but before that I freely and willingly did a lot of terrible things for HYDRA. So as much as I try to be the good girl—I am not. In short my word of advice is: pick someone that is good from the beginning."

From there Myra got up and left the room and a stunned Sam. Part of Kat had known this conversation would happen sooner or later due to Myra's thoughts but to see it go down was quite shocking. She turned and looked back over her shoulder to see Myra disappear around the corner, then heard Sam flop back against the couch.

"Damn, I was already thinking of a summer wedding and what to name the kids." Sam said forcing a smile on his face, but she could tell he was hurt by the rejection.

"Sam-" Kat started to talk, but Sam shook his head.

"It's okay Kat. I get it..." For a moment they were quiet, as Kat sighed. She knew it wasn't her place to meddle like this, but Myra was a good person now. She deserved more credit than she was giving herself.

"Sam I think part of the reason Myra said those things is to let you off more gently. A Summer wedding sounds great, but after Kovach... there is no having children. The other part is she knew what she was and what she is now. There is a big difference, but what she was sticks with her." Kat paused letting the information sink in, "If you can accept that than all you need to do is convince her."

For a few minutes silence returned then Sam got up and left the room with Kat, Bucky, and Nat watching him leave.

"Has he gone to sulk?" Bucky asked.

"Judging by his thoughts he is going to have a nice long chat with Myra." Kat replied trying to keep from smiling.

"They actually make a cute couple." Nat pointed out, while Bucky watched Kat closely.

"You meddled."

"I did no such thing I just pointed out the facts and posed a challenge to him." Kat replied.

"Otherwise known as meddling." Nat added.

"Oh look a fight scene." Kat said trying to distract them with what was happening in the movie. As the movie progressed neither Sam nor Myra returned to the mess hall that night. Instead Wanda soon left to go back to her room as she continued to text Vision. When the movie ended Steve and Sharon still were not back yet, but Nat decided to turn in as well. This left Bucky and Kat alone, the pair turned off the television and lights before heading to their own room. As they past Sam's room though Kat was not really paying attention to the thoughts, but the distinct mental voices of two people in Sam's room told her all she needed to know. Instead Kat outright ignored the mental voices even though a thud came from Sam's room followed by hushed voices.

"Sam? You okay?" Bucky asked.

"Huh? Oh yeah I uhhh bumped a table." This was followed by a soft giggle.

"O-kay." Bucky replied then thought. "I wonder how many other things will get bumped tonight."

Kat gave a soft laugh but did not reply as they went to their own room. Once the door was closed, Bucky caught her waist and pulled her against him. "I also wonder how many things we will bump tonight."

The husky voice in her ear as his mouth and rough stubble ran over her neck made Kat gasp. His rough flesh and metal hands reached around and up to her front cupping her breasts through her button up shirt and bra. His thoughts and desires made her moan as she pressed her tight jeans covered butt to his groin. Even beneath his own tight jeans she felt his erection, and brushed herself against him. The action made him growl as she shoved himself against her, so that she felt his bulging erection. She knew what would follow and with trembling hands undid her belt and jeans. If she didn't get her clothes off fast enough Bucky would tear them off. As it was she reached up to unbutton her shirt, but before she could the buttons popped off as her shirt was yanked open.

"Bucky!" Kat gasped annoyed, if this kept up she would not have any clothes to wear. However Bucky ignore her protest in favour of his flesh hand sliding down and dipping into her panties while his metal hand squeezed her breast. His rough fingers delving inside her which made her gasp as she pressed herself against him. Then she decided two could play at this game as she reached behind her to unbuckle his belt and undo his jeans. From there her own hand slipped inside his clothes and found the hard thick object she was looking for. She heard him gasp and groan as she began stroking him.

Then suddenly it was as if something snapped. She was roughly pushed onto the bed on her stomach, where her shoes, jeans and panties were practically torn off. Before she could react to his quick movements, two powerful hands yanked her back by her hips onto her hands and knees. Kat was a little surprised by the sheer fierceness Bucky was displaying, and so she barely had time to register what was happening before the rough thrust that made her give a surprised scream. He was inside her fully and for a few moments he remained still as Kat overcame her surprise. She wasn't upset, far from it; just more along the lines of pleasantly surprised.

By now she was used to Bucky either being the slow gentle lover or the fast rough one. When this was the case she felt two distinct personalities almost at odds with one another. Both wanting her and trying to overwhelm the other to get to her inside Bucky's mind. Was it scary? At times, but she also knew neither side would hurt her. Usually Bucky was the slow gentle lover, but when he was fast and rough with her, Kat felt that this was more of the Winter Soldier taking over. She was not sure what triggered these two personalities, but she merely accepted him as he was. Sort of like accepting a change in the weather. Right then she read his mind and found that the Winter soldier personality was currently in charge. The thoughts were in the same mental voice but the soldier tended to be... colder? Less emotion with purely a raw desire.

The raw desire was he wanted her pure and simple. Beyond that Kat was not given any more time to think or anything before he started pulling out then slamming back into her eliciting another cry. Then he was roughly thrusting away fast and hard, and Kat let her rational mind drift away as she enjoyed this particular hard love-making session. Each strong fast thrust felt like it kept going deeper and deeper as he took her from behind. Until he grunted and began going as fast and as hard as he could making her body tremble as her own orgasm quickly approached. With her arms about to give out she stretched them out before her and rested on her forearms leaving her butt in the air. She bit her bottom lip as she moaned and heard the hard slap of their bodies connecting.

Within moments Kat could take no more as she felt the rush of pleasure, and screamed. "Oh Bucky!"

Her inner walls clenched around him causing him to jerk violently inside her spilling his seed. Then came several more fierce jerks as he pumped the last of his seed inside her. Both were left frozen in that position trying to catch their breaths and recover from what they had just done. "Damn Bucky had I known you wanted me so badly I would have raced you to the bed room."

Her teasing was met with silence so she looked back at Bucky just as he started moving in and out of her again. The look of desire in his eyes made her wet all over again, however she also knew by looking at him he was far from done. The sharp yank of her hips as he filled her completely made her grip the covers as she looked ahead. Then he began roughly pumping inside her as round two began. However the rough love-making did not end there it went on for another six rounds. By then Kat was both pleasured but also very sore as she whimpered as he jerked hard pumping yet another glob of his seed inside her.

Kat knew she could not take another round, so before Bucky could start again she spoke first. "No, Bucky please. I can't...no more."

As always whenever she said no or asked him not to the Soldier receded back and Bucky became himself. He didn't release her, but he slid out of her before lowering her to the bed fully. "Are you alright? I didn't hurt you did I?"

"No of course not Bucky, but eight times will wear any girl out. We can't all have super soldier stamina." Kat teased as Bucky laid beside her and brushed her hair from her sweaty forehead.

"Of course doll. I sometimes forget that and just want to have you." Bucky said smiling at her. Often Kat guessed he was unaware of the shifts in his personality, so rather than worry him she merely kissed him before saying she was going to take a shower. There was simply no way she could sleep covered in sweat after their bedroom exercises.


In darkness, Kat awoke groggily as she lay in bed. She had not been asleep long, her hair was still damp from when she took a shower. In her sleepy state she stretched and moaned softly as the familiar dull ache returned. She smiled contentedly at the ache inside knowing Bucky had caused it, kind of like he had branded himself on her. She looked forward to the long future they would have together, knowing each night he would brand her as his.

However as she woke a little more she frowned. What had woken her? She looked to the night stand where a little baby monitor was but the screen merely showed a sleeping Tess. Okay so it was not Tess, nor would it have been Aida. She reached over to check her phone and winced as it lit up the room with an eerie blue light. No notifications, Kat put her phone back and lied back. She was too tired for this, Bucky had worn her out. She had closed her eyes and was just falling back asleep when she heard it. "No! Stop!"

The rough voice was Bucky's, again Kat groggily opened her eyes. Sadly she had no time to react before a metal hand gripped her throat. Waking fully, Kat gasped as the air was being squeezed out of her. She looked up at Bucky who was awake, but not seeing her. Easily she saw into his mind the familiar Russian HYDRA facility they had attacked. A long corridor before him filled with HYDRA guards that he was fighting as they rushed him. However another at the opposite end of the corridor stepped out. He wore a long white lab coat, and called out in Russian literally the last thing Bucky wanted to hear. The activation code words used to turn Bucky back into the Winter Soldier! While the doctor did not have the red book like Zemo, he certainly remembered the code words. It was then Bucky realised what would happen if he completed the list of words. He thought of Kat somewhere in the facility and the dread that he might be used against her. So he tore through the HYDRA guards in a mad dash to get to the doctor before the last code word could be uttered.

"Longing," The first man fell, "Rusted, furnace, daybreak," Two more fell, "Seventeen, benign, nine," Bucky moved faster desperate to stop the doctor, "Homecoming, one."

The last man between him and the doctor fell, and he rushed the doctor as he started to speak. "Freight-"

He had the man by the throat and was crushing the life out of him. Kat found it even harder to breath as she struggled and gasped for air. Right then Bucky did not see her, but the doctor from the dream. "Bucky-"

She realised Bucky was trying to prevent the person from talking and that unfortunately meant her. By the time she thought to send her thoughts at Bucky she was seeing spots and everything was going black. She reached up to send an image of herself or anything to get Bucky to let go, but everything faded to black as she lost consciousness. In that split second before Kat lost consciousness Bucky saw the brief image of Kat that seemed to wake him from the nightmare only to find he had strangled his wife. Immediately Bucky released her throat horrified at what he had done. "Katrina!"

When she didn't answer he scooped her limp body up, and rushed from the room. "Someone help!"

Him screaming woke the other Avengers and some of the medical staff. Soon the hall was crowded with people all wanting to know what happened.


October 9th, 2016

Wakanda

Six hours later, Bucky sat in the waiting room with Steve, Sharon, and the other Avengers. Myra was with Tess keeping the little girl distracted, while they waited for news on Kat's condition. At some point King T'Challa and Shuri had shown up having been informed of what happened. Regardless Bucky was trying to ignore the looks directed at him. It did not take much for any of them to guess who was responsible for Kat's latest injury. She had a nasty hand print bruise on her throat for god's sake! After being asked by Steve and Sharon he finally told them about the nightmare he had.

"I swear I didn't mean to hurt her. I never would hurt her," Bucky replied as he rested his face in his hands as he rested his elbows on his knees in the chair.

"I know you wouldn't Buck." Steve said softly.

"I just I didn't see her, I saw the goddamn doctor saying those words. I just wanted to stop him before I hurt anyone, and..." Bucky trailed off because in the end he hurt Kat. Hearing footsteps from the hall, Bucky looked up to see Shuri returning. Immediately he rose to his feet as she approached.

"It's alright Sergeant Barnes, Katrina is alright. She will have a bruise and have to stay for observation. Aside from that she might have trouble talking for a couple of days." The word were a relief to Bucky, but now he questioned if he should stay again. He nearly killed her, and next time he might not stop until he does!

"Is she awake?" Steve asked.

"Not at the moment, she slips in and out of consciousness." Shuri replied.

"Can we see her?" Sharon asked still worried.

"Of course," Sharon immediately moved for the room as did Nat, Sam, and Wanda. However Steve noticed Bucky not move.

"Bucky?" Steve asked.

"I shouldn't," Bucky replied backing away.

"Bucky when she wakes up she will want to see you."

"I nearly killed her Steve!" Bucky snapped. Steve looked to the others that had stopped and said to them to go on ahead. Once the others left Steve turned back to Bucky.

"Bucky we already know that it wasn't your fault."

"That's a comfort," Bucky replied sarcastically as he sat back down defeated.

"Look it will just take time is all. Next time-" Steve started to say.

"Next time I could end up killing her!" Bucky said then sighed. His friend was only trying to help, but sugar coating things would not help. The cold hard fact was he is a danger to Kat and Tess. Even now he would always have to live in fear of those damn code words. He was foolish to think he could have a life with Kat and his daughter. It was then that he was considering his options because as it was he was too dangerous to be around his wife and daughter. "I should just go. Both Kat and Tess would be safer without me."

"No Buck, running away will solve nothing. We'll figure something out."

Before Bucky could respond to Steve, the next words out of Shuri's mouth offered a solution. "Captain Rogers is correct. Besides I know another way."

Now everyone was looking at her including her brother who smiled with approval. "As you know our medical advances are far greater and able to deal with your unique problem, Sergeant Barnes. I believe I can successfully undo HYDRA's programming on your mind."

The confidence Shuri showed made him hopeful that he could be cured of those codewords. However there was a distinct 'but' about to be mentioned that left Bucky holding his breath. "However it will take time, and possibly multiple attempts."

Bucky didn't care if it took years and thousands of attempts as he asked without hesitation. "What do I have to do?"

Shuri sighed knowing many would not like this. "We would have to place you back in cryo freeze, just until we can undo the programming."

Bucky nodded as he considered what this would mean. Based off of his memories Cryo freeze was not so bad, actually he preferred it to what HYDRA had him do. Besides if Shuri could do as she said than Kat and Tess would be all the more safer. He nodded before answering. "Okay, when?"

Shuri looked a bit stunned then looked to her brother before facing him. "We can put you under as soon as you like."

"Okay, I am ready." Bucky replied standing.

"What? Now? Sergeant Barnes are you-"

"Bucky Kat needs you." Steve protested. Obviously his friend was upset over what he had done, but to go immediately into Cryo was not the way to deal with the situation. Neither Kat nor Tess would understand, and Steve could only guess how much this would hurt Kat.

"I need her and Tess safe even from me, Steve." Bucky said then looked down ashamed, "And after what I did...I can't face her yet."

Before anyone could say more a little brunette followed by a red head entered the waiting room. Immediately Tess ran up to her dad. "Daddy!"

The brunette wrapped her small arms around Bucky's waist and hugged him before continuing. "Myra said there was an accident. Is Mommy okay?"

"I will go make the preparations, Sergeant Barnes." Shuri said softly before her and her brother left the waiting area. Steven and Myra instinctively moved away to allow Bucky to speak privately to his daughter. Bucky again sat down and pulled Tess into his lap.

"Your mother if fine, just resting. It was my fault, I accidentally hurt her." Bucky admitted again feeling shame and expecting Tess to be angry. Instead the little girl hugged him.

"It's okay Daddy. You didn't mean to. Mommy will understand too." Bucky hugged her back tightly relieved to have such an understanding little girl. However now knowing he would have to be put back in Cryo sleep for who knew how long was suddenly unbearable. He would not be able to see his own daughter again for even longer. He had already missed so much of her life, and now he would miss even more. He had to remind himself that he was doing this for her. Otherwise next time he could also end up hurting Tess. Taking a breath he straightened and hardened his resolved.

"Tess, listen to me okay? I need to insure that accidents like this never happen again. I never want to hurt you or your mother, but I... you know HYDRA right?" Bucky asked trying to find a gentle way of telling his daughter what he needed to do. Tess merely nodded waiting for him to continue. "Well they put some bad things in my head. Certain words that are said make me forget who I am, and I hurt people."

Tess sat in his lap watching him with wide curious eyes. She didn't interrupt because she knew there was more to be said, so he continued. "Last night I was dreaming of a bad man saying those words, and was scared I would hurt you or your mom. That was when I accidentally hurt your mother."

Bucky waited for Tess to pull away, but instead she hugged him and repeated. "It was an accident, Daddy. You didn't mean it."

"Even though I didn't mean to, doesn't change that fact that I did it, princess. Which is why I need this bad stuff taken out of my head." Bucky said softly.

"Okay how do we get it out?" Tess asked wanting to help, and making Bucky smile.

"I have to go to sleep for a while."

"How long?"

"Hopefully just a couple of months, while Shuri removes the bad stuff." Bucky replied, but seeing the look on Tess' face he quickly added, "Then it'll be safer, no more bad stuff. I want to make sure you and your mother are safe, okay?"

Tess looked down upset with this plan. "Please Tess, right now I am scared of this bad stuff in my head. I just want it gone and to keep you both safe, and this is the only way I know I can protect you both."

"But Mommy and I will miss you." Tess pointed out.

"I know, and I hate the thought of leaving you both. But I would do anything to protect my girls, even this. You know I love you and your mom more than anything. So please understand that I need to do this... for both of you." For a one year old she understood and had her moments as she hugged Bucky, and sniffled. He knew she was crying and upset, but even still she nodded in understanding. For the next ten minutes or however long it took Bucky merely held his daughter, then Shuri returned with King T'Challa to inform him the Cryo chamber was ready.

"Are you sure you wish to do this now? We can wait if you like." Shuri added as she noticed Tess did not really want to let go of her father.

"No, later I might change my mind..." Bucky said shakily as he looked to Myra, "Take Tess to her mother."

The red head nodded silently as she came up. "Come on Tess."

The little girl took Myra's hand and started to be led away only for Tess to stop and give her dad another hug and a wet kiss on the cheek before whispering. "I love you Daddy."

"I love you too, princess." With that Tess was led down the hall to her mother's room often looking back at her dad before being led around the corner. Once Tess was out of sight he rose to his feet just wanting to be put under before he had the chance to change his mind. He would have gone to see Kat and make sure she was okay, but he also knew with her it would not take much to change his mind. Also shame at what he had done to her kept him away. His wife should not have to fear him harming her because he would never have done it. So instead he turned to Shuri telling her he was ready. The Wakandan princess silently nodded and led him further into the facility.

Steve followed knowing that he had to at least try to talk Bucky out of his latest decisions. He already knew Kat would not understand when she woke why her husband was not by her side. Bucky should at least see her before he made such a decision. As they walked Steve moved beside Bucky. "Buck please reconsider this, I knew you are trying to do what is best for Kat and Tess. But Kat will not understand, you need to think this through."

"I am thinking this through, Steve. I am thinking next time I might not stop myself in time."

"At least go see her. Talk to her, at least let her know what you intend to do." Steve urged.

"If I do she would talk me out of it. Say it's not my fault, that it wasn't me." Bucky said and he was right Kat would say that and more. She would forgive him even though he did not deserve it,

"And she is right." Steve said firmly as he grabbed Bucky's upper arm stopping him and forcing Bucky to face his best friend, "You and I both know, Kat won't forgive you if you do this."

Bucky knew Steve was right, but if he hurt her again or worse, then he would not be able to forgive himself. "Did you enjoy your evening with Sharon?"

"What?" Steve asked confused by the change of subject.

"Did you and Sharon have a lovely evening?"

"Yes," Steve answered after a moment still confused.

"Did you go dancing? Have a good meal?" Bucky asked.

"We went out for dinner and wandered around taking in the sights." Steve said still unsure why he wanted to talk about this.

"You like her?"

"Of course. Sharon is amazing, and smart. She is understanding, sweet, but also strong willed-"

"You love her." Bucky pointed out making his best friend blush and become embarrassed, "No need to go all shy Steve. I have known you all my life, you and she are perfect together."

Steve nodded as he thought about the date he had been on with Sharon. She had looked so beautiful, with her shy smile. Her immaculately coiffed blonde hair flowing down past her shoulders,while wearing a simple navy blue dress. Steve remembered taking her out to dinner and the pair talking and learning more about each other. Aside from both having best friends with shady pasts, both served in the military. Both always tended to look out for others, and both were shy. Once they opened up Steve learned that Sharon held similar likes and dislikes. Then there was the mutual attraction to one another that was undeniable.

After dinner the pair had walked around town and through a park where a festival had been happening. The people of Wakanda were very welcoming as they urged them to dance, and join the festivities. It was a lot of fun and at one point while dancing Sharon stumbled with Steve catching her. In that moment they were inches from each other when he started kissing her. They would have continued to kiss, but certain ones at the party started making 'Oooooh!' noises. They peaked back to see the audience they had. Amongst them an older woman came up speaking in the native tongue as she put a matching braided bracelets on each other their wrists. Another local came up when he saw that neither Steve nor Sharon understood and explained in English.

"They are lover's bracelets meant to show that you two are bound together." Both blondes blushed and thanked the man and older woman as the festival continued and eventually the pair continued on their way.

All in all the date had been wonderful, and Steve had been over the moon since. However reminiscing was not helping Bucky with his current dilemma. Steve was about to say something but Bucky beat him to it.

"So imagine if you hurt her. Imagine if you nearly killed Sharon, and felt helpless to stop it." Steve looked at Bucky honestly trying to put himself in his friend's shoes. He tried to imagine Sharon seriously hurt because of him, and felt a little sick. He never wanted to even think that he were capable of hurting Sharon. It was no different for Bucky who would never have willingly harmed Katrina. "Now you see why I have to do this. I do not want to risk hurting her again."

"I know Buck," Steve sighed, "but you have got to know that this decision will hurt her too." Steve watched his friend for a moment as he considered this before nodding and continuing to follow Shuri who had stopped to wait for them. Steve was in turmoil as he followed, not only did he not want his best friend to go back under, but he knew Kat would be angry with Bucky. Sadly he now understood nothing he said was going to change Bucky's mind.


"I just wonder what is taking him so long is all. He should be here." Was the first thing Kat heard as her mind slowly returned to consciousness. It was Sam's voice, and Kat was completely confused, then came Nat's voice.

"He is upset, just let Steve talk to him."

Who was upset? Kat wanted to ask, but as she swallowed her throat screamed at her in protest. Why did her- she did not even need to wonder for the memory came back like a lightening strike. Bucky had been having a nightmare, he thought she was a doctor saying those damn code words. She knew he didn't mean to hurt her, knew it was an accident. Perhaps if she had been more alert or used her powers sooner this all could have been avoided. For a moment she lay there thinking as she tried to ease the pain in her sore throat. However hearing the sniffle on her left, Kat felt her daughter sat by Myra. Picking up on her daughter's thoughts she knew her little girl was upset, so she directed her thoughts. "Hey princess shhh. It's alright, it was an accident. I am fine."

"Mommy?" Tess called and Kat felt those in the room draw closer, as Kat finally opened her eyes and smiled at Tess. Again she swallowed but it hurt as Sam immediately got her a cup of water.

"Here Kat this'll help." Sharon helped her sit up as she drank the water. A lot of the soreness was washed away as she emptied the cup.

"Thanks Sam." Kat replied. Her throat sounded weak and raspy from her injury, but she could still talk at least a little. Kat looked around confused as she noticed two distinct individuals missing. Not only was Steve missing, but where was Bucky? "Whe-"

Kat winced as she touched her throat.

"Don't try to talk too much. Shuri said it will be hard to speak for a couple of days." Sharon said softly. Instead she directed her thoughts since her vocal chords hurt.

"Where is Bucky?"

"He was in the waiting room down the hall." Sharon said thinking back to where she last saw him. However Myra was the one to catch Kat's eye telling her to read her mind.

"What is it Myra?"

"I think James is going to do something drastic. I was there when he was talking to Tess. He was talking about sleeping a couple of months while Shuri removes the HYDRA programming. That is why Tess is upset."

"Thank you Myra. Please watch Tess for me."

"Sure," Myra replied, then Kat looked to Sharon mentally asking her for her clothes, and telling her what Myra had said. Any other time Sharon might have argued, but realising Bucky just might be stupid enough to do this had her fetch a change of clothes for Kat. Quickly getting changed she urged Tess not to worry and rushed off before the others could argue that she should stay in bed. After all they already knew something was wrong, Bucky had not come to see her.

For Kat it was easy to locate Bucky because she could follow him mentally. The closer she got the louder his mental voice got, if she moved away the fainter it got. Even still it felt like it was taking too damn long as Sharon run with her trying to help her get to Bucky.


Bucky sat in the white trousers and top they medical staff had given to him waiting for when the machine was ready. Several times Shuri looked up hesitant about this. If Bucky had to guess Shuri would have preferred him speak to Kat before agreeing to this. Sure she had brought the idea up, but that did not mean she wanted him to jump right in. After another doctor checked his vitals, Steve once again came up equally uncertain about this.

"You sure about this?" Steve asked warily, he considered reminding Bucky that Kat would be upset. But guessed it would do no good, so he did not mention how upset she would be.

"I can't trust my own mind," Bucky said looking at the machine. Did he want to leave Kat and Tess? No, but what would it cost him if he stayed? Would he accidentally hurt or kill his own wife or daughter?! It was not a chance he wanted to take. "So until they figure out how to get this stuff out of my head. I think going under is the best thing."

"For everybody." Bucky added as Steve looked about to argue.

"You know she will be angry, right?"

"I know, hopefully she will understand in time." Bucky said looking down, "Will you keep an eye on her and Tess for me?"

"Of course." Steve said softly as Shuri came forward.

"We're ready Sergeant Barnes." Bucky nodded and got up going to the cryo machine where he stepped inside and allowed them to strap him in. From there Shuri went over to the control and was starting the procedure as Steve watched his friend. It was then Steve heard Sharon's voice followed by running footsteps.

"Let her through dammit!" Sadly just as Kat rushed into the room the machine activated suspending Bucky in cryo sleep. The hiss of machine pumping the cryogenic mist into the machine was loud to Kat's ears. Already ice crystals formed on the glass as Kat ran up to the machine touched the cold glass.

"Bucky!" Kat cried out making her wince as it hurt her vocal chords. Steve stood there just as frozen as Bucky and the Wakandan medical team. He had known Kat would not respond well to Bucky simply going under, but seeing the hurt look on Kat's face told him just how much Bucky's actions stung. Sadly he also felt bad for Bucky seeing the horrid black and blue hand print bruise forming on her pale throat. It would have hurt Bucky a lot more seeing that and knowing it was because of him. However knowing Kat she would have forgiven Bucky in a heartbeat for her physical injuries. Oddly though the same could not be said about her forgiving Bucky for causing this latest emotional injury. Steve and Sharon watched as a wide range of emotions played across Kat's face. From a look of being lost and abandoned to devastated and hurt, all the way down to looking betrayed and heartbroken. Lastly she settled on anger, but did not lash out at anything as she glared at Bucky in cryo sleep. She backed away from the machine clenching her fists by her sides, and looked like she might either scream or burst into tears.

Then she turned and walked quickly from the room as if she just wanted away from him. Once she was gone Steve felt the sharp jabbing punch in his right arm and looked to Sharon surprised. The beautiful blonde glared up at him. "How could you let him do that?!"

"What was I suppose to do?" Steve asked after a second.

"Drag his dumb ass away until he at least spoke to Kat! You didn't even try!" Sharon replied angry before following after Kat. Steve looked back at the Cryo chamber wondering if he could have argued more or even tried to stop Bucky. Moving to the window Steve continued to think over what he could have done or said differently to convince Bucky to wait. Regardless it was too late now, and at some point they would just have to deal with the consequences.

"Bucky when you wake up, Kat is going to want to kick your ass." Steve thought at last as he looked out at the mist beyond. Finally King T'Challa came forward after being informed of what happened by Shuri. As upsetting as the situation was Steve was still grateful for the Wakandan King's help. "Thank you for this."

"Katrina Barnes might not agree." T'Challa pointed out as he placed his hands behind his back.

"That will be Bucky's problem when he wakes."

"No doubt Katrina's wrath will be directed at Barnes." T'Challa said, still the King looked regretful that it had come to this. "But I also understand why he choose this. He wanted to protect them."

"I know, but she will not see it that way."

"This I also know," T'Challa said, then sighed. "Barnes did not want to be a victim anymore, and he did not want to risk Katrina or Teresa getting hurt. This will bring him peace and ensure their protection."

"You know we are leaving soon, and if they find out he is here. They will come for him." Steve said looking at the King. Immediately T'Challa knew who Steve meant and looked unconcerned as he looked out into the mist.

"Let them try." For a few minutes they watched the mist before T'Challa added. "I know you do not wish to cause me further trouble, but should you need it. You are welcome to return."

"Thank you. Kat might be angry, but she and Tess will want to check back on Bucky." Steve said then heard T'Challa chuckle.

"I would not think of parting them, Captain. Should they wish it, they may stay for as long as they wish. With my promise that they and Barnes will be protected." Thanking T'Challa again Steve took solace that Kat and Tess could stay in Wakanda. As planned though Steve intended to leave with the other fugitive Avengers. Hopefully one day Katrina would forgive Bucky for his brash decision, and Sharon would forgive him for not stopping Bucky. Either way things would be interesting for some time yet.


Author's Notes:

First off thank you all for the lovely reviews. I really appreciate them and enjoying hearing from you all. Kudos to those that caught the whole Easter Egg reference about Mulan and the actress Ming-Na Wen. I honestly forgot entirely about that reference, but back when I was writing these chapters I was giggling about it. Ah well I guess with time I forgot about the mention and just posted the chapter.

Well here is the latest chapter. At first everything is going great and we get to see the couple hanging out with some of the Avengers and also bits of romance blossoming between Steve and Sharon as well as Sam and Myra. Sadly after that everything gets turned topsy-turvy. In keeping with what happens in the MCU we have the post credit scene from Civil War taking place. Yes I try to stay true to the MCUs storyline and while Bucky did not immediately go into cryo like in the movie, it did eventually happen just for another reason.

I kind of wrote it to where you the readers could choose a side of the argument too. I mean some would naturally say Bucky is only doing what he feels is right considering how he choked Kat. While others would probably side with Kat, saying Bucky acted too brashly and feel more for Kat in this situation. So a miniature debate between Bucky and Kat. Which poses a good question... Who's side are you on? Bucky's? Or Kat's? Or maybe you feel bad for Kat and feel Bucky acted too quickly, but in the end he made the right decision? Please let me know what you think.

Anyway I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and let me know what you thought by leaving a review.

Lesliezin