Chapter 64: Community

August 8, 2017

"Dr. Lucy!" Eya called as they walked into the bakery. Her baby, now a few months old, was very comfortable in the wrap around her chest, and the baker moved with surprising precision in the small space. There were a few close calls with the baby's head and the shelves, but overall no collisions. "I have a job for you. For both of you."

"Oh?" Luce asked, glancing over her shoulder at Bucky. He shrugged, apparently just as confused as her. So he didn't put Eya up to this, then.

"Soon the children return to school," Eya started, gesturing at the pastries in front of her with her tongs. Luce started pointing out the ones they wanted as they talked. "And we have the start of school festival coming up."

"The start of school hardly seems like something festive." Bucky said. Eya threatened him with the tongs, a pastry clutched in it. Luce subtly moved, positioning herself so she could catch it if it fell from the grasp.

"Now, now, none of that talk." she said, still gesturing widely with the utensil. "When the children return to school, they need their supplies, and they need their check ups. It's a community effort, and you are part of the community now."

"Just tell us what we need to do." Luce said. "And when. And where."

"Perfect, just the answer I was looking for." she said, packaging up their food. Luce held her wrist out to pay with her bracelet, gratefully accepting their lunch. "Tomorrow midmorning is when I need you to do some heavy lifting at the center behind the market. The day after is when we will have the check ups. Good news is, I will supply lunch on both days."

"I'll count them as clinic hours." Luce said with a smile. Sometimes she still worried about being in crowds, but if Bucky was there and most of the people were children, she could manage a lot better. She remembered too late that she should check with Bucky about this plan, but when she looked over at him, he only smiled.

"Midday it is." he said, never taking his eyes from Luce. Her cheeks warmed at his fond expression, betraying the cool exterior she was trying her damnedest to maintain.

"Thank you! See you tomorrow!" Eya sang. Bucky took Luce's hand as they exited the bakery, drawing her close as they made the trek back home. It was rare for her to have a day from studying, and between the sunshine and her love's company, things actually, almost felt right.

"I'm sorry I volunteered you for that without asking." she said, though she wasn't entirely apologetic. Bucky shrugged and pulled her even closer.

"I've been volunteered for worse things." he replied, carefully leaning over to kiss the top of her head without breaking their strides. "It'll be good, to get a little more involved around here, I think."

"We're definitely better known after finding Apata." she said. "But hey, if that's what gets us noticed around here…"

"I'm just happy for another opportunity to help." he said, though something in his face and his voice told her there was something he wasn't saying.

"What is it?" she asked as they walked up the front porch. She stopped at the top, making him stop next to her. "What's bothering you?"

"Noth-"

"Don't give me that bullshit, I could always tell when you're lying." she said, raising her eyebrows. He sent a glare her way, but it was weak, just like the sigh he let escape.

"Sometimes I just feel a little aimless, is all." he said, stuffing his hand into his pocket and leaning against the porch rail. He looked out over their land, as opposed to her face. "It's just still weird, not having a mission."

"But we don't want missions anymore." she said, confused. That was the whole point of them walking away. He rolled his lips inward, nodding in agreement but also buying himself time to respond.

"You're right. I guess I don't know how to just be anymore." he said. "One day I'll figure it out though."

"'Just be'?" she asked. "Bucky, you don't sit still all day. You tend to animals and to a garden and to me. You're doing good things. Every day you do good, wonderful things."

"Then why haven't the nightmares stopped?" he countered, and she wondered how long he'd been holding onto these feelings. "What if…what if there's still something stuck in our heads?"

"There's lots of shit still in there." she said, his head snapping back as if struck by her words. "But the thing is, they can't do anything with it. The Princess saw to that."

He paused, finally letting out another sigh and smiling. "You're right. Guess I'm just feeling extra broody today."

"Don't." she said, as if it were that easy to flip the switch. If she was honest, anxiety was bubbling somewhere in the pit of her heart at his words, but she wasn't going to let them take hold. She couldn't let them take hold. She grabbed his hand again. "C'mon, you're probably just hungry. Let's eat and then I'll help you milk the goats."

"But you hate milking the goats."

"But I love you." she said, with a smile. He grinned again, this time for real, and leaned in to kiss her.

"And I love you." he replied, finally letting her take him inside for their lunch.

The next morning, Bucky woke up extra early so that he could get the chores done, not sure how much daylight they would have after their volunteer work. Luce went about making him a rather extravagant breakfast of pancakes and bacon and eggs, a good American breakfast that she always promised she would make him when they moved to New York. She hoped it would lift his spirits. She knew the feeling he talked about, understood how wrong it felt to be without something to focus on. After all, that was part of her decision to complete her medical training. They were soldiers, weapons, tools, and they needed something to do.

He was in a better mood after the chores and the breakfast, and almost looked at ease as they made their way to the community center. It was hard to miss it, with the trucks and wagons all parked around it, and members of the two prominent surrounding tribes milling about. They spotted Eya in the middle, breastfeeding baby in one arm and tablet in the other. She waved joyously as she spotted them, jostling the poor girl trying to eat.

"Finally. You're late." she said, coming to greet them. Bucky dutifully kept his eyes on her face, and Luce had to try very hard not to ask her about any residual issues following the birth of her child. Now was not the time.

"You said midmorning." Bucky said, pointing to the sun. "That denotes midmorning."

"Oh, White Wolf, you should know by now that Wakandans always arrive an hour early. Both of you have been here long enough." she said. She grabbed Luce by the wrist, and it took everything in her not to pull back. This was Eya, who was, dare she say it, a friend. She could trust her. "This way, thank Bast you've arrived just in time for the heavy stuff."

"What makes you think I can lift heavy things?" Luce asked. She knew her muscle tone was above average for a woman, but she didn't think it was that obvious.

"Do not insult my intelligence, She-Wolf." she said, the first time Luce had ever heard the nickname. "Apata told us how you lifted him with barely a finger."

"It was more than a finger." she said. "Wait, what did you call me?"

"The villagers had to give you the name after you tracked down the cub and brought him back home." she said. "Of course, you needed to match."

"I suppose I can't fault that logic." Luce said. "I'll tease my hair to match his and everything."

"That's the spirit." Eya said. Luce didn't remember the last time she'd teased her hair; even in the '40's, she didn't have a lot of spare time to spend on her appearance. She could only hope Eya didn't call in that promise. They stopped in front of the first car of the caravan. "Here we are. These trucks are loaded with supplies from the capitol. We need to take all this inside."

Luce and Bucky paused, taking in the endless line of supply carriers. "Easy." Bucky said with a smile. Luce grinned back.

There were many people around them also unloading, most of them requiring two or three extra sets of hands to get the large packages off the trucks. Luce and Bucky, however, were able to take hold of most everything on their own, even if Bucky only had the one arm. As long as the got the right leverage, then it wasn't an issue. One by one they made their way through the trucks, the line getting shorter and the end eventually appearing in the distance as they worked. The others were taking their time, making this a social event, but Bucky and Luce had never been good at doing work slowly, and moved the cargo as efficiently as possible and continued working even when everyone else stopped for lunch.

It was a couple hours after noon when the last truck puttered off, and Luce got the impression that this event never ended this early. They finally stopped at the food cart and got their share of provisions from Eya and her now sleeping baby, picking a shady spot to sit down. Almost immediately, a small group of men and women ambled over to them. Bucky and Luce pretended not to feel threatened by the movement, reminding themselves that they were not in some war-torn country behind enemy lines. They were here, in Wakanda, where the people were patient and accepting of them.

"You are the White Wolf. And the She-Wolf." a man said. Luce stiffened, her green eyes counting the group and searching them for potential weapons. Currently, they brandished nothing but canteens.

"Yes, sir. You can call me Bucky, this is Luce." Bucky said, clearly more put together than she was. He did, however, shift slightly so that he could step between the man and Luce, if he needed to.

"My name is Onokowe. This is my husband, and our neighbors." the man, Onokowe, said. "We live in the same village as Apata."

"Oh." Luce said, raising her eyebrows. "Is he okay? Does he require medical care? I'm a nurse."

"And soon to be a doctor." Bucky said, never missing the chance to brag. Onokowe smiled, shaking his head.

"No, no, he is fine." he said. "I just wanted to meet the man and woman who saved him. It was my sheep that ran off, and if you hadn't found him…I'm scared to think what might have happened. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Luce said softly. They always knew that there was a deeply connected community here, but since they spent most of their time on the outskirts staying out of trouble, they never thought the locals might one day consider them part of it. "I'm glad he's okay."

"As are we." Onokowe said. "Our village would like you to come share the Moon Meal with us, at the next full moon. With the changing seasons, this one will be extra special."

This time, Luce remembered to look at Bucky before accepting. He smiled and turned back to their new friend, saying, "We would be honored to attend."

"Wonderful!" Onokowe said. "Full moon. At dusk. Dress to eat your weight."

"My favorite way to dress." Luce said with a smile, already knowing that they weren't ready to see how much she could eat.

With everything unloaded and their meal finished, Bucky and Luce said their goodbyes and once again made their way back home. They were hot, and sweaty, and almost even fatigued, but overall they just felt good. The day felt successful.

Until they found Ayo waiting for them on the front porch.

"Ayo." Bucky said, inclining his head. Though not a super soldier, they both distinctly believed that Ayo could keep up with them in a fight. Given his current number of limbs, she would probably get the upper hand on Bucky.

"White Wolf." she said, her dark eyes sliding to Luce. "And I heard now you are the She-Wolf."

"Apparently you find a cub, you get a nickname." Luce said. "Word travels fast."

"Especially when you have ears everywhere." Ayo said, tilting her head to the side. "I also heard that you assisted in the school year festivities today."

"Yes, we did." Bucky said slowly, wondering where she was going with this. "Eya asked us to help."

"And you plan to assist tomorrow?" she continued. Luce froze, realizing what she was getting at and hoping that she was wrong.

"Yes. I have medical training. I can help the children with their check ups." she said, knowing that had nothing to do with it. Ayo nodded.

"Then it is time." she said, turning Luce's blood to ice.

"Time for what?" she asked Bucky. He clenched his jaw, grinding his teeth for a second before finally answering her.

"We need to test the words." he murmured, earning a nod from Ayo. "To make sure we're safe."

"I'm sure we're fine." Luce said quickly. She didn't want to test to words, didn't want to know if they still had a hold over them. "I have faith in the Princess and her abilities."

"This was a promise you made. And if you want to be a part of this community, then you must fulfill your promise." she said. She was right, Luce knew that, but she was also so matter of fact that Luce wanted to fight back.

"We're safe to engage in the community." she countered. "We saved-"

"I know you saved Apata. And I know you assisted with the work today." Ayo said, her grip tightening ever so slightly on her spear. "I appreciate that you want to help where you can. But that does not change the fact that we have to be sure you are not a danger."

"We-"

"We'll do it." Bucky said, taking Luce's hand and squeezing tightly. She wanted to pull away, to keep fighting for a little more time. What were they going to do, if the soldiers were still in their heads, just tucked away in a corner? Bucky confessed that he thought their time apart would be enough to kill the words, but obviously that was not the case. Would they put them in ice? Or just put them down, like rabid wolves?

"Come with me." Ayo said without hesitation. She marched away from their house, not looking back to see if they were following. Bucky squeezed Luce's hand one more time, then pulled her into a walk. She wanted to dig in her heels, to say no, she wasn't doing this. But they had no choice, not about this.

Ayo certainly took her precautions, and Luce couldn't help feeling a little impressed over her fear as she led them into the hills. The sun was nearly gone by the time they got to the secluded mountain pass, the last orange rays painting the sky and giving her enough light to make a fire. Ayo was slow and methodical in her movements, letting the tension build. The temperature dropped with the sun, and Luce was glad for the fire then, as it kept her hands from freezing as they sat on a log.

"We have many legends about demon spirits." she said, standing at attention in front of them. "Sometimes they ravage the body and the mind. Sometimes, they lie dormant, until they are summoned. But do you know the one thing that ties all the legends together?"

"No." Bucky whispered, meeting Ayo's eyes. Ayo then looked to Luce, who shook her head.

"No." she replied, barely stronger than Bucky.

"Eventually, somehow, someway, the demons are expunged." she said. "It often requires trials, and fortitude, and the help of those around you."

Luce thought that sounded rather familiar, but she found she couldn't voice it. The gravity of the situation weighed on her, stifling her words. She could only nod, waiting for Ayo to continue. Ayo paused, looking between them.

"Which of you would like to go first?" she asked. Luce opened her mouth, but Bucky got there first.

"Me." he said, and immediately Luce knew it was the right decision. After his thoughts the day before, his feelings, he needed the closure. She could wait her turn.

"Very well." Ayo said. Luce reached out and put a hand on his knee; his own hand moved towards hers, but then he stopped. She was holding him for comfort, yes, but they also knew she was positioning herself to grab his arm should the words still work. "Are you ready?"

Bucky glanced once more at Luce. She wanted to give him a reassuring smile, but all she managed was a nod. Her own throat was dry, despite this being his time.

"If something happens…"

"We won't let you do anything." Luce said, resolute. Bucky turned his attention to Ayo and whispered,

"Yes."

Ayo stood up a little straighter, her grip changing on her spear.

"Longing. Rusted. Seventeen." she started in Russian, walking towards him. Bucky gripped his shirt, the fabric protesting the strength of it.

"Oh God." he muttered, either as a prayer or a cry for salvation, Luce didn't know. He curved into himself just slightly, as if he were feeling the pain that started it all.

"Daybreak. Furnace." Ayo continued.

"It's not gonna work." he whispered, his voice cracking. Luce didn't know if he meant the words, or Shuri's science. His muscles tightened under Luce's hand, and she held on tighter. He had to know that she was here, that even if Hydra still had their hold, she was not going to leave him. Not again.

"Nine. Benign. Homecoming." Ayo kept going without rest. Luce wanted to call out, to tell her to stop just for a second, to let Bucky breathe. But she couldn't. Bucky grimaced, shutting his eyes. "One." His breathing hitched, and when his eyes opened, Luce did not see the soldier. She saw tears. "Freight car."

Bucky stopped, one tear falling onto his cheek, then another. The soldier was not there. It was all him.

"You are free." Ayo said, a smile brightening her face. Bucky broke down into sobs, crying in a way Luce hadn't seen since the day they woke up in the cage again. She moved to his side, and he wrapped his arm around her waist and buried his face in her chest. Her hands probably held him too tight, but neither of them cared. All that mattered was that his mind was free from the hold Hydra had for seventy years. Ayo respectfully walked away, giving them space to grieve the lost time, and to accept that finally, finally, Hydra had no hold on him.

When Bucky quieted and pulled back, Luce tenderly dried his tears with the pads of her fingers, and his nose with the edge of the shawl covering his arm. "It really worked." he said, his voice thick with emotion, and this time when he smiled, she saw the man she fell in love with all those years ago.

"It worked." she said, putting her hands on his cheeks. "It's you. It's all you."

He rested his forehead against hers, soaking in the moment, and the closeness. But as the emotional high faded, the pressure started building again, sneaking into the back of their minds. Bucky was free, yes.

Was Luce?

She stayed close whenever they finally separated, close enough that their legs touched. "Don't be afraid." he said, which was pretty rich coming from him, she thought. She kept that to herself.

"They might have done something different to me." she pointed out. "We don't know."

"Shuri knows. Shuri knows everything." Bucky said, unable to keep the admiration from his voice. Luce, jealous by nature, felt nothing but agreement with the sentiment. Shuri was easily the best thing to happen to them since they met back in 1943. Ayo returned at that moment, sparing Bucky another smile.

"The White Wolf is free." she said, turning to Luce. "Now we must see if his She-Wolf can follow."

Luce let out a long breath, once again fighting the urge to run. If they never tested it, then she never had to know. But if they never tested it, could she really continue on and help those children tomorrow? Could she help women in the future? Could she even become a doctor?

Ayo was right. It was time.

"Go ahead." Luce said, leaning forward to rest her elbows on her thighs. She could feel both of them looking at her, but she kept her eyes on the fire. She knew they could handle her, if something went awry. But she did not want to see the looks on their faces if it did. So she just continued to stare at the fire. The dirt shifted under Ayo's feet as she moved into position, her spear at the ready.

"Pursuit. Nothing. Extract." she started. The Russian rolled off her tongue with practiced ease, and Luce couldn't help but bristle, feeling her hackles raise as if she really were a wolf. She gritted her teeth against the memories that rose up, her own screams echoing in the back of her mind.

"Fuck." she whispered, not near as eloquent as Bucky. She'd been so confident, watching as her partner was tested. Now, her confidence was gone.

"Twilight. Twenty-two. Sedated." Ayo said. Luce felt the familiar pain in the pit of her stomach, and shut her eyes. She still felt the warmth of the fire on her face, and told herself that the pain was just anxiety. Bucky's face appeared in her mind, but it wasn't the soldier version of him. It was the softer version, the one that greeted her first thing in the morning, the one that held her if her nightmares woke him first.

"Nine. New year." Luce wanted Ayo to stop. Could she ask her to stop? She squeezed her fists and her eyes, the pain of her nails digging into her palms giving her something to focus on.

Wait.

Pain.

She couldn't feel pain before, once they got to this point. At this point, this was when her body would go numb, when the shock would go down her spine and paralyze most of her. This was the point of no return, when she could feel herself sinking into the abyss of the words.

"Two." Ayo said. Luce heard the word, loud and clear. Normally, it was far away by now, as if she were hearing it from another room.

"Summit." Ayo finished. She'd never actually heard the last word before.

Silence.

"Oh my God." Luce said, relaxing her hands. The fire felt extra warm, her own tears soaking up the heat. It was uncomfortable, but she didn't care. For the first time in seventy years, she heard the words and afterwards actually felt something. "Oh my God."

Tears fell hot and fast, the relief she felt so overwhelmingly powerful that for a moment she thought she would lose consciousness strictly from the sheer lift of the weight from her. They were free. They'd fought, and survived, and now they finally got to be free.

Bucky's arm went around her and she leaned into him, relishing in the way she could feel the warmth of him, and smell the fire, and hear the breeze rustling through the trees. Her mind was her own again, they knew for sure.

Despite having all her senses, she did not hear as Ayo bid them goodbye. She only knew herself, and the man next to her. He pulled her onto his lap, peppering her with kisses and words of affirmation, the only words that had any power over her now.

After seventy years, they were themselves again.

Aaaaaah sweet angel babies! They're finally free!

Listen, F&WS is such a trip, y'all. I'm having a great time. Now, with it ending next week and me starting up Silver and Honey again, I'm not sure I'll be able to update both stories every weekend. I'm going to try my best, but updates for either might be a little slower. Hopefully I'll have more information next weekend.

In the meantime, I hope y'all liked this one. I can't thank you enough for all the reviews last chapter, I was so happy to know that it was as emotionally charged as it felt when I was writing it! Please let me know how this one was!

Stay safe,

-XM