Chapter 64: Weddings, Pt I

Wedding planning, turns out, was much easier than Mika anticipated.

Granted, that was because she had no resources besides the few friends she'd made, and Shuri had taken it upon herself to make sure that even if this wedding was small, it was going to be perfect. Mika was afraid that would mean a hefty price tag, but it turns out most vendors were willing to make a deal if the Princess of Wakanda was the one asking. Their guest list was small, considering they didn't have a large circle of people in the country, but T'Challa did at least agree allow Nicoletta and Mika's mother (if she agreed to come) in for the celebration. Mika made a brief request for her friends back in Romania, and she thought he was going to say no, but he surprised her by saying yes. Communication with them had been spotty over the past year, and it took a while to coordinate, but soon they had their answer - Elena, Hans, and Nicolae would all be there for the wedding. Maria and Jonas sent their well wishes, but since they were expecting a baby soon, unfortunately had to decline. Alexei was not invited.

"Mika!" Shuri exclaimed as soon as she walked into the lab the morning before the wedding. The exclamation was louder and more emphatic than usual, which startled her, but the younger girl simply grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her to a table. Three almost cake-like things sat on it, with no decorations but definitely baked in ornately shaped tins. "I've been doing research on Romanian weddings, and they seem to have this ko-korovai-" her Wakandan accent made the word sound funny, but considering how Mika sounded when she tried to speak their language, she had no room to judge, "-instead of a cake. Go on, try them and tell me which one is best."

Mika was so overcome with how sweet Shuri was with her research of traditions that she didn't have the heart to tell her that most weddings in Romania now featured a cake similar to Western weddings. Besides, she thought, maybe they did need to be a little more traditional. They'd discussed many things that would probably be different than a Wakandan wedding - the kidnapping of the bride, the godparents, the hora - but they'd never discussed the korovai. "Only if you try them with me." she said, brandishing the knife and raising an eyebrow at Shuri.

"Well, I didn't want to ask, but if you insist…" Shuri said with a smile, taking the pieces that Mika cut her. Mika had never actually tasted a korovai, but whatever recipes the palace chefs had found were definitely tried and true. It wasn't really a cake so much as a soft bread, not terribly sweet and flavored with citrus or almond. She realized that Bucky might actually like it, which was more than she could say for traditional wedding cakes. She'd just assumed they wouldn't have one, but that assumption it would seem, was wrong.

"I've got my favorite. What do you think?" she asked. Shuri paused, looking at her for a long time before shaking her head.

"Not my wedding, not my choice." she said, taking another bite and continuing with a full mouth, seeming very un-princess-like for a moment. "It's completely up to you."

"You're no help." Mika chided, taking another bite. Orange blossomed in her mouth, just sweet enough that she knew she was eating a dessert. She knew Bucky liked oranges, often choosing to eat one following their meals while Mika had something actually sweet. "I think this one, though."

"Oh thank goodness." Shuri said, whispering in a way that made Mika believe she only wanted to pretend to be saying it to herself. "That's my favorite too."

"Good." Mika said, laughing at the girl. "Thank you, Shuri, for finding this."

"Of course! It's the last piece of the puzzle. Now everything will be ready for tomorrow!" she said, clapping her hands excitedly. Mika's heart leapt into her throat at that statement; she couldn't believe that it was already here, and yet at the same time, she felt like she'd been waiting ages to get to this point. Shuri, unaware of her mild existential awakening, immediately changed the subject, pulling up the make ups for a new project she wanted Mika working on. It took a bit of mental fortitude, but Mika was able to shift her attention, taking in just enough detail that she could at least get started before bothering Shuri for whatever information she was missing right now. Then she got started on her work, trying her best not to lose herself in daydreams.

Bucky, for his part, was probably more nervous than Mika. Even if Wakanda was the safest place on the planet, and even if he knew everyone who would be present and knew them relatively well, the idea of standing up in front of a group of people and professing the innermost workings of his heart still sent a jolt of fear through him. And he dealt with that fear the only way he knew how - continuous manual labor until he was exhausted. So he worked with the animals, and the garden, and the landscaping until the afternoon sun was fading into evening and Mika got home from work. Luna was laying on the front porch as he made his way back to the house, the dog having given up shortly after lunch and lounging in the shade.

"Lazy ass." he said to her as he got to the steps. She gave him a look that said plainly that she did not care. She got up as Mika climbed up onto the porch as well, receiving her pets and kisses before Mika went to Bucky, wrinkling her nose as she got close.

"You stink." she said. He shrugged; after all, he'd been sweating and messing with dirt and farm animals all day. Then he smirked with a glint in his eye that made Mika nervous.

"You look like you need a hug." he said, making her eyes widen in fear. She started backing away then, slowly, opening the door behind her and holding her other hand out, as if that would stop him. He pursued her nonchalantly, which was even more terrifying than him outright going after her. He didn't stop, even as they passed the threshold of the house.

"Now just one minute there, mister. You need a shower." she said, trying to sound tough and failing miserably. She tried one last tactic, "Bucky I swear, if you get me all gross when I just got home from work, then I won't marry you tomorrow."

He stopped then. He knew, in his heart, that she was kidding. He really did. But his head, with the little piece of it that was still waiting for the other shoe to drop, couldn't help but take her seriously. It was stupid, he knew. But he couldn't help it.

"You're bluffing." he said, not wanting to admit that her joke had struck a chord with him. She hadn't meant to, and she didn't need to go into tomorrow thinking that he doubted her.

"Are you willing to risk it?" she asked, her face still mischievous, teasing. He swallowed down the fear that was gripping him in a way that it hadn't in a long time; it was stupid, and irrational, and he was just as sick of it as the last time he'd felt it. But nevertheless, he stopped his advancement.

"You win this time." he said, giving her a grin so that she wouldn't suspect anything. "But as soon as those vows are said, you're mine."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." she said quickly, still not trusting that he wasn't going to change his mind and jump her. "Now go on, shower."

"Yes, ma'am." he said, trying to play up an annoyed look as he turned towards their room. He turned on the shower and disrobed, stepping under the cold water and letting it course over him for a few moments. The anxiety was ebbing away, faster and easier than it used to. It felt silly now, thinking that Mika was serious, and he felt a little mad at himself for even thinking that she would be. My name is Bucky Barnes. I live in Wakanda. I'm in love with a girl named Mika, and she loves me too...He repeated the words to himself two more times, just so they sunk in all the way. He was happy now. And nothing, nothing, would change that.

Once clean and freshly dressed, he returned to the living room to find Mika in the kitchen, humming happily as she made tea. He noticed two cups on the counter; she'd made one for him as well. He came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close and nuzzling into her neck. She interlaced their fingers, leaning back against him and sinking into his embrace. She sniffed deeply and obviously.

"Much better." she said, making him chuckle.

"You're the worst." he said, of course meaning the exact opposite. She turned in his grasp, laying her arms on his shoulders.

"Ah, but you still love me, right?" she asked, smiling softly.

"That I do." he said, pulling her close enough so he could kiss her. She held him tightly, kissing him back for a few moments before pulling away.

"I can't wait to marry you tomorrow." she whispered against his lips, earning another kiss.

"The feeling is mutual." he replied, leaning his forehead against hers. Once again, he felt embarrassed at the moment of doubt earlier. Mika loved him; it was the truth, and it wouldn't change. The touching moment was interrupted by her stomach growling so aggressively that he could feel it against his. They both dissolved into laughter, and he stepped away to go to the refrigerator. "Guess that means it's supper time, hm?"

"I wouldn't be upset about it." she replied, picking up her cup of tea and perching on the kitchen island. He smiled, taking a sip of his own tea (made perfectly) before getting on with his cooking.

The next day was a whirlwind. They got to enjoy a quiet breakfast together, ignoring both superstition and the people Shuri had hired to turn their backyard into someplace worthy of a wedding. They even got most of the daily chores done before Steve arrived with Sam, Natasha, and Nicoletta in tow, all of them varying degrees of excited for the day. The others would arrive later, escorted by someone appointed by T'Challa and well versed with all the security measures necessary to transport civilians from outside of the country. Nicoletta allowed herself one brief moment to kiss Bucky on the cheek before whisking Mika off to the bathroom to clean up, banishing the men to the front of the house. They might have shirked tradition, but Nicoletta would not.

Soon Mika was showered and settled in a chair, allowing her sister to carefully work her hair. Well, she was supposed to be doing her hair. Really, they were now lounging in bathrobes and eating fruit that Bucky had so graciously cut up for them. Natasha, having spent more than enough time in close quarters with Sam and Steve, was happy to join them after freshening up herself. Usually when she visited, she and Mika spent a lot of time in the training room, but as of late they'd spent more time gossiping over tea. Mika was well aware that Natasha was a world famous assassin, but she was also a human, one that needed some friends. Especially girl friends.

"Have you ever thought about getting married, Natasha?" Nicoletta asked lightly, and Mika chuckled at the look that she gave her sister.

"Absolutely not." she said shortly. Nicoletta blushed, and Natasha paused as she realized that that may have not been the best response on someone's wedding day. "Not that-"

"It's not for everyone." Mika said with a shrug, meaning every word. Part of her believed that marriage was just a piece of paper, that it was simply a legality issue with the state. But the other part of her, the majority part, also really liked her ring and the idea of calling Bucky my husband. "So you haven't found anyone special while out adventuring?"

"God, while trying to wrangle those two idiots? I don't even have time to think about it." she said, rolling her eyes. "I swear, I thought Sam would help balance Steve's impulsivity a little bit, but no, they just enable each other."

"Thank goodness they have you." Nicoletta pointed out, and Mika wondered (not for the first time) exactly how close she was with them. They often stayed at her house in Germany, she knew, when they couldn't make it all the way to Wakanda.

"They're lucky." Natasha agreed, getting some more food. She gestured towards Mika's head. "So, what are we doing with this situation?"

"Ugh." Mika groaned, throwing her head back so that half her hair was flung over her face. Nicoletta hopped up, rubbing her head aggressively so that her hair would tangle. She screamed, flailing against the assault until she finally backed down, cackling at the bird's nest that now sat on Mika's head.

"Perfect!" Natasha concluded, throwing her hands up in support.

"Thank you!" Nicoletta said, actually taking a bow as Mika struggled to see through the mess of her head. "Bucky won't be able to keep his hands...hand off you."

"I hate you." Mika said, trying her best to glare at the two women. They tried their best to keep straight faces, but Mika's angry look combined with her tangled hair had them laughing again just moments later. "Nicoletta!" Mika whined, making her sister roll her eyes.

"Alright, alright, Jesus. I'll fix it now." she said, getting the brush from its place and beginning to gently untangle her hair. "Natasha, tell us a story."

Natasha let out a short laugh. "Hmm," she hummed in thought, tapping her chin as she decided on something. "So a few weeks ago, we were on a covert op in the middle of Milan…"

It was easy to get ready then, taking frequent breaks to laugh at the shenanigans that Natasha regaled them with. It was so easy to picture their friends as different people than their superhero personas, but stories like these connected the two. Nicoletta in particular was very amused, as the stories often explained weird and egregious injuries that she'd helped patch up if they made a pit stop at her home. It reminded Mika of sleepovers she used to have when she was younger, talking shop with the girls and messing with each others' hair and makeup. The only difference was that she really didn't want to end up looking like a clown when they were done, and she wasn't usually discussing superhero adventures with her friends.

Nicoletta made up Mika, and even convinced Natasha to let her fix up her short, blonde hair and apply just a bit of makeup. That was the best thing about working in the field like they were, Natasha said. She didn't have to go around in a push up bra and high heels anymore. But tonight she would allow herself to doll up a little bit, just for Mika's sake. Mika couldn't help but smile as she watched Nicoletta carefully apply some eyeliner to her. She wouldn't say that she and Natasha were best friends, but they were good friends, and she was suddenly glad that Shuri talked her into having an actual wedding.

Nicoletta had just finished zipping up Mika's dress (a soft, silky number that would still allow her to breathe and dance as they night went on) when a knock sounded from the door. Natasha stood to open it, greeting Sam. He had to poke his head in, giving an appreciative whistle as he spotted Mika.

"Hot damn, Meeks." he said with an impish grin. "You sure I can't convince you to leave Barnes?"

"Not yet at least." she replied, blushing at his compliment. He snapped his fingers in disappointment.

"Well damn. Guess that means you're still my date, huh?" he said, turning his attention to Natasha just in time for her to perk and eyebrow and give an unimpressed look.

"For now." she replied. She gave one last smile to Mika. "You look beautiful. See you out there."

"Thanks for everything, Natasha." Mika replied, blowing her a kiss. With that, Natasha and Sam exited, leaving the sisters alone. Nicoletta went about fixing imperfections that weren't there, blinking away tears that were threatening to form.

"Ready?" she asked, her voice already thick with emotion.

"Stop that." Mika said, grabbing her sister's nervous hands and holding them. Nicoletta stopped fidgeting, finally looking her in the eye again.

"Sorry, I'm just…" she paused, taking a shaky breath. "I'm really happy for you."

"Thank you, Nicoletta. And thank you for being here. I couldn't have done any of this without you." she said, her own throat starting to close as her feelings swelled up. Nicoletta cleared her throat.

"You know, I think they would be really proud of you." she said quietly. Mika blinked furiously at the tears, thinking of their family members gone before their time.

"It's a real dick move to bring up Dad and Raisa right now." she replied, her voice cracking and all the bite gone from it. She was trying to break the tension and failing miserably. "You just spent hours on my makeup."

"You know I always like to be the prettiest in the room." she said, her voice high and tight as she tried not to cry. Mika pulled her in for a hug and they grasped each other tightly, taking in this moment together. Another knock sounded, and the two girls sniffled and dabbed away their tears, making sure they were presentable before answering it. The King stood on the other side of the door, giving her a warm smile.

"Are we still going through with this, or have you changed your mind?" he asked lightly, making them both laugh.

"I think your sister would kill me." Mika replied, smoothing over her dress even though it wasn't wrinkled or out of place. T'Challa nodded.

"She is very excited about this." he agreed.

"Is our mum…?" Nicoletta let the question hang, immediately regretting asking it. T'Challa put on the Kingly mask that meant he was hiding his true feelings.

"Previously engaged, I'm afraid." he said in a carefully curated, neutral tone. Mika didn't know if she was disappointed or relieved by this information, but was distracted by Nicoletta tangling their fingers together.

"Guess we'll have another one later then, hm?" she said, giving her sister the most encouraging smile that she could muster. Mika let out a breath and nodded; today was going to be a happy day, and she was not going to let this change that.

"Let's get through this one first." she said, giving her a winning smile. Nicoletta nodded, going to grab their flowers from the vases by the door.

"It's time!" she said, handing her the bouquet. Mika took it, then took a breath before turning to T'Challa.

"Shall we?" he asked, offering his elbow. She smiled, a billion butterflies taking flight in her stomach as she took it.

"We shall." she said, allowing him to lead her from the room.

The backyard looked incredible, with elegantly carved wooden chairs arranged in neat rows and strings of small lanterns criss-crossing over the entire area. She could see the backs of everyone's heads as they sat, chatting lightly with each other as they waited for the ceremony to begin. T'Challa left her then, striding confidently out the door and down the aisle. A moment later, Nicoletta kissed her cheek and linked their elbows, both of them squaring their shoulders before following.

There was a brief moment of panic as everyone turned to look at her. She'd never been one for the spotlight, and usually avoided being the center of attention. Having so many eyes on her made her nervous. Nicoletta squeezed her arm, reminding her to take a breath. "You can do this," she whispered, though Mika wasn't quite sure she could. Then, she spotted Bucky.

He stood at the front, next to T'Challa and with Steve behind him, his jaw fallen open as he spotted her. He was in a dark suit that looked slightly militaristic, reminiscent of the uniform she'd seen in a picture Steve had found. Tears threatened to fall again as her heart swelled to capacity. God, how did she get so lucky? She forgot about everyone else there as they walked to the front, Nicoletta kissing her once again before letting go and giving her hand to Bucky. His touch was warm, confident, and firm, his eyes never leaving hers as the ceremony began.

"To friends and family, both near and far, welcome." T'Challa said, the last word in his native tongue. Everyone sat down in unison; until then, Mika hadn't realized they'd been standing. "I'm sure you all know why we're here." She could hear the smirk in his voice, as well as the titter of laughter going through the small audience, but she only had eyes for Bucky. "These two people, brought together by fate and held together by love - and some degree of stubbornness-" more titters, "-have chosen to profess their commitment both to each other and to you, and vow to stay bound until their ancestors call them home.

Over the past year, I've had the pleasure of getting to know the two of them. I was able to support them during one of their most difficult times, and in return, they supported me and my family through one of ours." A sniffle sounded then, and Mika chanced a glance away to see Shuri in the front row, already crying. "And now, I am proud to stand before you today, not as a King, but as their friend, and bind them in the wonderful ties of marriage. I'll have you know, I had a three page speech prepared for this moment, but I was informed by parties that shall remain unnamed -" here he looked at Shuri, who didn't look embarrassed at all, "-that the happy couple wishes to keep this short and sweet. So, shall we begin?"

Mika looked away from Bucky at that moment, her eyes going to T'Challa. And he was right; at that moment, he didn't look like the King. He just looked like a friend, happy to be at their wedding. He wasn't sporting his usual neutral half-grin, instead he was boasting a full on smile. He pulled a small book from his pocket, its leather cover giving away how many years it had been in use. It fell open to a frequented page, T'Challa smoothing it down as he took a deep breath. He read aloud in Wakandan a traditional prayer, one used by every tribe in the country; it was the only thing that they all had in common. Shuri had translated it for her once, but Mika found she couldn't remember it. All she knew was there was something about a love as endless and bright as the stars in the sky. But right now, she did not care about the stars in the sky, just starting to twinkle as she setting sun painted the world blue and purple and gold. All she cared about was the low, lilting voice of T'Challa as he spoke, and the fierce blue of Bucky's eyes as he gazed back at her, his hand steady as she held it. She thought of that first night they'd spoken - really spoken - after he'd saved her on the street and made her tea to help with the headache. It felt like a lifetime ago. He'd been so guarded, so shy. And then slowly, achingly slowly, they'd become friends, and best friends, and then more. She wasn't where she thought she'd ever be, but with Bucky by her side, she knew this was where she belonged.

"Mika, ladies first." he said, interrupting her reverie. She turned to him. "Ready?"

"Yes." she said, perhaps a little too quickly. Their friends laughed (as did Bucky), but she didn't blush. She would never apologize for her eagerness to marry this man. She turned back to him, his grin making her smile as he squeezed her fingers just slightly.

"I, Mika Alexandria Corsof," T'Challa led her.

"I, Mika Alexandria Corsof," she echoed, her voice quiet, but sure. She felt like she was only speaking to Bucky, and didn't care if no one else heard it.

"Take you, James Buchanan Barnes-"

"Bucky." he interrupted, flashing a grin and making the King roll his eyes. Mika laughed, as did most of the group, and T'Challa rephrased.

"Take you, Bucky Barnes," he said it with slight distaste, just enough to show that he was joking.

"Take you, Bucky Barnes," Mika followed, giggling as she said his name. He took a deep breath as she said it, his chest expanding as if he were trying to make room for the feelings inside of him.

"To be my husband." he finished, and again she could hear the smile on his face.

"To be my husband." she said, unable to stop the wide, excited smile from forming. This was happening. This was really happening!

"To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, to support and protect, through all happiness and times of turmoil, as long as we both shall live." he said.

"To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, to support and protect, through all happiness and times of turmoil, as long as we both shall live." Mika repeated, with blatant enthusiasm, and shook his hand slightly as she finished. T'Challa smiled, and then turned to Bucky. "Your turn."

"Good." he said, making Mika laugh. She was glad to see that he was as ready as she was.

"I, Bucky Barnes," he began again.

"I, Bucky Barnes," he said, his voice low and quiet, but steady and sure.

"Take you, Mika Alexandria Corsof," he continued.

"Take you, Mika Alexandria Corsof," Bucky repeated, one corner of his mouth lifting in a grin. Tears once again formed as he said her name, and this time one did manage to spill onto her cheek.

"To be my wife."

"To be my wife." he repeated, reaching up and gently wiping away the tear before holding her hand again.

"To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, to support and protect, through all happiness and times of turmoil, as long as we both shall live." T'Challa said again.

"To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, to support and protect, through all happiness and times of turmoil, as long as we both shall live." Bucky repeated it with a fervor that he rarely showed, especially in front of other people. He put special emphasis on protect, which made her breath catch in her throat.

"Now, I'm told it's traditional for the bride and groom to receive crowns during the ceremony," T'Challa said, and Mika couldn't help but smile, as she knew what was coming next. Bucky eyed her suspiciously; she'd told him the headpieces were a regular occurrence, but hadn't told him exactly which ones she'd gotten. T'Challa reached to table behind him and pulled out two thin, braided crowns laced with flowers. "But I'm afraid all of ours are in use, so these will have to suffice."

The look Bucky gave her as she placed a flower crown on his head was worth the trouble she'd be in later for it. Even though he stayed silent, she could hear the words he wanted to say - full of shit. But even then, as he carefully placed hers on her head, his joy won out over his annoyance. T'Challa then brought out a piece of bread and a cup of wine, asking them to give each other a bite and a drink.

"Blood, body, and spirit, bound in love for eternity." he said. They weren't traditional Romanian words, but Mika appreciated them all the same. He gestured at Steve, who handed him the two wedding bands. She noticed Steve then, pretty much for the first time, dressed smartly in a suit and looking far more emotional than she thought he would. T'Challa handed the first ring, a thin golden one, to Mika, and gestured for her to take Bucky's hand.

"With this ring, I thee wed." he said, the sentiment sounding even more wonderful with his accent.

"With this ring, I thee wed." Mika agreed, sliding it onto his finger. His smile was wide and unabashed now, his cheeks faintly pink as he gazed at her. T'Challa handed him the small silver band.

"With this ring, I thee wed." he prompted.

"With this ring, I thee wed." he stated, sliding the band on until it rested against his mother's ring, sparkling in the sunset.

"By my grace and power, I now pronounce you husband and wife." he said, followed by a joyous sounding phrase in Wakandan. Their friends in the chairs who knew the tradition responded in the appropriate manner, and though Mika couldn't understand it, she could still feel the words in her soul. He turned to Bucky then. "Now, kiss your bride."

Bucky did not need to be told twice, his hand going behind her head and bringing her in for a sound kiss. The world went silent, and for a moment it was just the two of them, husband and wife, beginning their life together. Then the volume came back and the cheers reached them, breaking into their little bubble as they pulled away from each other. He grabbed her hand, leading her down the aisle back towards their house. He didn't look where he was going; he only looked at her.

They ducked into the house, allowed a few moments of blessed alone time while the long table was arranged for the reception. As soon as they were out of eyesight, Bucky pulled her close again, kissing her deeply and hungrily, as if he couldn't get enough of her. And really, he couldn't. She responded in kind, her arms going around his neck as she pressed herself as close as she possibly could. They broke apart a few minutes later, smiling like two dumb teenagers.

"I love you." she whispered, afraid that if she spoke too loud she would break the spell.

"Say it again." he murmured back. He'd never get tired of hearing her say it.

"I love you." she said again, this time a little louder.

"And I love you." he responded with a grin. She couldn't stop smiling, and giggled as she glanced at his lips. "What?"

"You have lipstick all over you." she replied. It really wasn't all over him, but his lips had definitely taken on a reddish hue. He gave her a cheeky grin, but before he could reply she grabbed a towel and put it over his mouth. He laughed again, wiping away the small traces of makeup before presenting his face to her again.

"Better?" he asked. She smoothed his hair before resting her hands on his cheeks.

"Perfect." she replied, kissing him once more, softly this time. "Now come on, time to celebrate."

Ok, not gonna lie, I cried while writing this. That how you know you're getting old, lads! Full disclosure, I'm not Romanian, so any traditions are used based off of intense internet research. I am so so so sorry if I get anything wrong, please let me know and I'll edit it!

Thank you so so so much to everyone who reviewed! I love hearing your thoughts, it definitely is what inspires me to keep writing and keep trying to update regularly, so I really really really appreciate them!

Who's seen Endgame? I know it had it's issues but honestly? I loved it. Loved it loved it loved it. I laughed, I cried, I yelled "GET HIM BABY" multiple times...it was a rollercoaster, and I was into it.

I hope you enjoyed this sappy chapter! The next one will be the reception and then...dun dun dun...Infinity War is on the horizon. Ruh roh.

Please let me know what you think!

-XM