Joining the party felt a bit awkward because Thor was giving me odd looks as soon as I entered the back yard. His expression seemed like he was irritated with me and I didn't do anything to him. He joked about Bucky texting me and didn't seem as enthusiastic as some that we're a thing now. Come to think of it I don't really remember him saying anything congratulatory last night when people thought that I was getting married to Bucky due to the lovely social media. I wonder if Thor even knows that he's looking at me like that? It was frustrating regardless because I didn't like the looks that he was giving me. If he has an issue with me dating Bucky I really hope that it goes away. He's one of my best friends. T'Challa and Steve have faith that he was cured and I do as well. I trust him with my life and that's saying a lot for someone who has killed hundreds of people. Bucky wasn't looking in his direction so I don't think that he noticed.
"Hey I'm going to get a beer and talk to Steve."
"Ok," I said with a smile.
He looked me up and down and bit his bottom lip. Now why did he have to go and do that. He knows what that does to me. I notice my girlfriend Erica and my cousin Aaron siting down at a table. I waved to them and they waved back. I started to walk in their direction and Sam walked over to me.
"Big Head… so you guys did a Houdini."
"Oh yeah… sorry about that. Bucky wanted to show me his new furniture that was just delivered and we started talking and just lost track of time."
"Furniture huh?"
"Yeah… the items you sit on and place objects in and on."
Sam chuckled under his breath. That part was true. We did talk… we also bought an engagement ring and christened our new bed… but he didn't have to know any of that.
"Hey… you didn't have that on before," he said as he pointed to my diamond necklace.
"Oh this. It's a gift that Bucky gave me a few hours ago."
"Oh wow. Is that… a real diamond?"
"Yes."
"Well damn."
"Yeah… a part of why we took so long is because we got to talking… about our feelings. He said that I could think of it as his heart being closer to me."
"Wow… that's just wow."
Sam started looking around the back yard. He spotted Bucky talking to Steve then looked back at me.
"So Old Buck makes you happy huh?"
"Maybe," I said with a sly grin. "No seriously… I love that man."
"I see. Wow... so this is serious serious."
"Yes. I've been trying to tell you that. I really love him."
"Wow… ok. It's a lot for me to digest. Shit all of this is a lot. I stopped looking at Facebook and IG because all I see are post of you about you getting married."
"I can't help that things get exaggerated."
"I know… I know."
Sam made a deep sigh then cleared his throat. I was wondering what he was thinking about.
"Well I'm happy for you. Just remember what we discussed earlier… for your safety. He's still dealing with nightmares a lot and I don't want you getting hurt by accident."
"I will."
"Well… everybody has been raving about your food nonstop… to the point that it's a bit irritating to me now… but you know," he said then chuckled.
"Oh I'm glad everyone liked my food. Ya know I am very talented."
"Yeah yeah yeah."
"Aww don't be jealous Samuel."
"I'm not."
"Well I'm sure that your chicken and hamburgers were good. I was already told that my ribs were better than yours."
"Whatever," he playfully scoffed.
"You know that I like your ribs too."
"Yeah thanks. Oh shit… I almost forgot because you took so damn long. Happy told me that he would like to hire you to cater something small for him later."
"Are you serious?! Wow that's… that's awesome. I hope it isn't any time soon because I'm leaving for Wakanda."
"Oh he knows that. He'll talk to you about it later. He will have someone pick you up in a jet if you're in Maryland and not here. He knows that you don't like to drive on the highway."
"Ok I would love to do that for him."
I have cooked for parties for a few of my friends. I just wasn't sure of how big his something small was. If it's over 50 people I'm going to feel overwhelmed... it's just me.
"Hey Umm… does Erica have a thing... for Thor?" Sam asked.
"Oh so it's that noticeable huh? Yeah I forgot to tell you. She's had a crush in him for years. Don't get me started. I asked her not to try to flirt with him this time. She makes him feel uncomfortable because he's not interested in her. Plus… he's going through a lot. Besides the snap and Thanos… he's still hurting about his break up with Jane."
"Oh wow."
"Yeah."
"Yeah Banner filled me in on his breakup with Jane… and how he was out of it for a while."
"I think that he still is. I feel so bad for him. His heart was really broken. At one time he could tell you how many years and days it was since they were together. I'm glad that he stopped that."
"Wow… that's deep. Shit… she really put him through it."
"Yeah… I just hope that he finds his happiness."
"Well… it just wasn't meant to be. Plus he's thousands of years old and practically immortal. He has time to find many people since his life span is longer than ours."
"True… Maybe he'll fall in love with one of the Asgardian women? At least their life spans would be the same."
"Yeah that would be perfect for him." Sam pulled out his cell and looked at it for a few seconds then put it back in his pocket. "So Banner also told me that you and Thor became closer friends since I was gone." My heart jumped thinking of the reason why. I was basically his roommate. He was only one door down from mine when I was living in the compound. We became closer because we spent so much time together.
"Yeah we did," I said with a smile.
"That's cool. I was really glad that you and Steve got even closer."
"Yeah… Steve is the best. Plus everybody feels like family now... and I just adore Morgan. I miss her. I'll most likely stop by Pepper's once we get back from Wakanda."
"Cool… she would love that."
Wow it feels funny just saying Pepper's instead of the Stark's.
"So have you've given any more thought into quitting your job and staying down here?"
"Ahh… yeah," I said hesitantly.
"Well… what's the verdict? It's definitely best... your job is crazy."
I 100% knew that I wanted to quit yet it seemed like I was going to miss that house. I grew up there. I know that strangers lived in it after my parents died. I'm moving in with Bucky so the only real choice is to rent it and not sell it so that we can always make money. Sam already said that I could keep all of the rent for myself.
"Sarah?"
"Umm… Yeah. I'll quit. I was just thinking of how much I would miss the house. All of those memories."
"Well we're not selling it… just renting."
"I know."
I sighed.
"Hey look at the bright side. You'll be closer to me and it only takes a few hours to get to Maryland to visit people. You'll even be closer to Bucky... which is… well." Sam rubbed his forehead like he was a bit stressed out. "I'll talk to Pepper about having you stay in one of the houses… so you don't cramp my style."
"Cramp your style," I laughed. "That's ok. I just found out that Steve already talked to her about that before we got here. She already said that I could stay."
"Oh… ok."
"Sam… you seem to get stressed out when talking about Bucky and I. I promise that I will be careful. He will be as well. I am really happy with him… and I know that it's going to take some time for you to get used to dating one of your friends. It's a good thing that I will be close to you and him."
"Yeah… I'm just trying... well to get used to the idea that you both are serious. The man just gave you a diamond necklace."
And a sapphire engagement ring.
"I know. Thank you for trying to get used to the idea. It really means a lot to me."
"Yeah yeah yeah Big Head."
I playfully rolled my eyes at him then heard Erica call out my name. I turned to her direction and saw her waving for me to join them.
"Hey… I'm going to join them."
"Ok."
I started walking in the direction where Erica and Aaron were. I gave both of them a hug. I was so happy to see them even though I've seen them a few days before I got to New York. Erica had a bright smile on her face as if she couldn't keep it a secret that Bucky and I were technically engaged. She always knew that I found him attractive when Steve found him and kept him away from getting caught by the government. She even made a comment when I was sick with the flu that I was going to miss out on my chance. Of course back then I didn't think anything major would happen between us even if I did go to his going away party at the original Avenger's compound.
I called Bucky over so I could introduced them to him. The only other Avengers that Aaron has met were Steve, Nat, and Rhodes. Aaron seemed a little star struck at first when he was talking to him. It may have been the fact the he used to be The Winter Soldier and now he's normal and social making jokes. My cousin brought up the TMZ report about us getting married. "Crazy right," Bucky said then gently chuckled. I knew exactly why… so did Erica. Bucky kissed the top of my head. "Look at you all booed up," my cousin Aaron said. I smirked at him then playfully rolled my eyes. "You guys look good together. And it shouldn't take you that long to visit each other. It's only a three hour drive," Aaron said then took a swig of his beer. "Well I'm actually planning to move down here," I said smiling. Erica's eyes widened because she knew that he didn't know that we were actually engaged. I never filled her in on Pepper saying that I could move into one of the houses.
"Pepper Stark said that I could move into one of the houses."
"Oh," Erica said a bit surprised.
"Oh wow," Aaron said.
Sam waked over to us and patted my cousin on the shoulders.
"You guys need anything?" he asked.
"No we're cool. Thanks," Aaron said.
"It's cool that you're going to move down here. Your relationship won't have a chance to turn into a long distance one," Erica said knowing that my plans all along were to move in with Bucky since we're engaged.
"It wasn't going to feel like one regardless," Bucky said. "I would have visited her any chance that I got. I would travel 8 hours just to see her for one."
"Oh wow," Aaron gasped.
"Damn Buck," Sam said chuckling. "What did you do to this man?" he asked while looking at me.
I shrugged my shoulders and gave an innocent look just like Bucky did to me when we went to the park.
"You have to admit they are adorable together," Erica said.
"It's something that I'm trying to get used to," Sam said.
"I'm sure you'll get used to it," Bucky said.
I looked at Sam to see his expression. He sighed with a slight smirk. Hopefully he'll get used to this soon.
"I heard that you guys were going to Wakanda. How long are you staying?" Aaron asked Bucky.
"Ahh… One or two weeks. I'm not sure."
"We leave in a few days," I said. "I'm still waiting for some clothes that I ordered to be delivered."
"I bet T'Challa's jet is faster than a normal one," Erica said.
"It actually is," Bucky confirmed.
"Wow… I would love to ride in it," Aaron said.
"I'll ask him to take you for a spin before we leave," Bucky said
"Oh wow man… thanks," Aaron said it a wide grin.
I was internally giddy hearing about taking a ride in T'Challa's jet a few days before we leave. I was going to be excited no matter what the first step that I take inside of it. Bucky and Aaron joined some of the guys at the end of the yard. It was fun watching my Baby bond with my favorite male cousin.
Erica took a sip of her drink. It looked like a margarita. If I wasn't trying to get pregnant I would want a drink too. She took a sip of it and her eyes rolled back.
"Oh my God this is so good. Rhodes made it. He could be a bartender."
"Yeah he does make some good drinks."
"So no drinks for you because you're…"
"Right."
"Ok… more for me then."
"I guess my taste buds can live vicariously through you."
We both laughed then she took another sip. I was starting to get a bit cold so I zipped up my hoddie. I would have been freezing is Sam didn't have portable heaters all around the yard. I know my brother is going to love having cookouts here in the summer. I guess I will too since I will be living a few houses down. I'm pretty sure that it will be warm at night in Wakanda. I hope the summer clothes that I ordered will get here before we leave. Bucky told me not to really worry about that because Shuri will want to dress me anyway. Just as I was thinking of her she pops up out of nowhere in front of our table.
"Hey Sarah."
"Oh… Hey... where were you? I didn't see you when we came in the back yard."
"Oh I was a few houses down in the house that we're staying in until we leave."
"Oh cool. Hey did you meet my girlfriend Erica and my cousin Aaron?"
"Yes. Sam introduced us when they came. Oooh… looks like Bucky gave you the necklace."
"Yes… I love it."
"Oh wow!" Erica said as she looked at it.
"He's so sweet. He told me to think of it as his heart always being near me."
"Ok," Erica said with a big smile.
"Oh I raised my son well," Shuri said covering her heart with her hand.
We both laughed the Shuri sat down at our table. I glanced at Thor and it was like his senses knew that I was looking at him and he turned to look at me. I was hoping that he would keep the smile that he had from his conversation with The Guardians. It went away quickly then he turned back to Quill. Damn… that just gave me a headache. I feel like I want to leave and go home and it's only around 9 o'clock. What is up with him? I'm going to have to pull him aside and ask him what the hell his problem is. He's never acted like this with me before.
The wind blew my hair in my face and I tucked it back behind my ear. Erica looked at me and narrowed her eyes.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"Oh… I'm just getting a headache."
"Oh ok. Do you have something to take? I have Tylenol if you don't," she said as she started to dig in her pocketbook.
"Please thank you."
She handed me the bottle and I took a few pills out of it. I looked up and I saw Rhodes walking towards us with two drinks in his hand.
"Here my African Princess," he said as he handed one to Shuri.
"Thank you Rhodes," she said.
"And one for you. I made your favorite," he said as he placed the drink in front of me.
"Oh thanks Rhodes… but I'm… well -."
"Oh I can make you something else. What do you want Dear?"
"It's not that. I just don't feel great. I have a headache."
"Oh ok. I'm sorry you don't feel well. I'll get you some water."
"Oh ok thanks."
"You bet... I'll be right back."
Once he walked away Shuri leaned into me. "Is it stress?" she asked quietly in my ear. I didn't even know how to answer that right away. I do know that Thor's attitude was making me upset. I'm on the edge of crying at any moment as it is just from thinking about Nat and Tony.
"Umm… yeah. I'll tell you about it later."
"Something other than Fury's joke?"
"Yeah… it's Thor. It seems like he has an attitude with me today. He's not so happy about me being with Bucky."
"What… Thor has an attitude with you?" Erica asked quietly.
"Hmmm… He might be jealous," Shuri said.
"Ahh no. He's not… We're not. Eww no. He just has issues about his past."
I didn't want to hurt Shuri's feelings telling her that Thor doesn't believe that she fixed him.
"His past… Bucky had nothing to do with that. It was out of his control," Shuri said a bit agitated.
"I know that. Thor even knows that. He just doesn't… trust that he's fixed."
"Oh… I can see how that would be an issue," Erica said.
"I trust that you did Shuri… He just has to see it," I said as my eyes started to tear up. "Can we not talk about this now."
"Ok… ok." Shuri said understanding that I was getting upset.
Rhodes came back and handed me a bottle of water. I thanked him and took the Tylenol. Hopefully it will work. I glanced at the tables of food and didn't see that anyone put out the desserts yet. I figured I would do it. Plus I wanted some cheese cake. I also wanted to talk to Thor in private. Maybe I could ask him to help me since he was so willing to help earlier. I told Erica and Shuri that I would be back in a minute and got up and walked over to Thor. When I got closer I noticed that Thor raised his eyebrow. He was standing next to Parker and Drax while Quill, Rocket, Nebula, and Mantis were sitting down at the table. I wasn't sure if they all would be able digest dessert without getting sick yet they had no issue with dinner and breakfast at Pepper's cabin. No one got sick in the last few hours from eating the food here. I was amazed and impressed on how aliens can eat human food without any issues. Then again Thor's an alien and he has no issues with human food.
"Hi Sarah," Mantis said in her awkward semi uncomfortable sounding tone.
"Hi. Hey guys… does anyone want any dessert? I have a few pies and cakes in the kitchen. We have ice cream too."
"You must not know me at all," Quill said. "Of course I want dessert."
I giggled.
"Yes please," Parker said smiling.
"What is pie?" Mantis asked.
"Oh its sooo good," Parker said. "It's really sweet. You will love it."
"Ok I'll bring them out," I said.
"I'll give you a hand," Thor said.
"Thanks."
Wow… ok. So it seems like he wants to tell me what's going on. Good because his attitude was getting on my last nerves. I was hoping that he would volunteer so that I could talk to him in private about the way he's acting. It's still odd seeing him volunteer to do domestic things. He grew up royalty so all of this is kind of new for him. I'm glad to see him adjusting. Though I'm sure he has a cleaning service and cook for his new house. I'm pretty sure that T'Challa is used to being served and he's just a king of a country. Thor was a prince and later the king of a planet when his father died.
We both walked away from the table. I noticed that Erica was looking in our direction. I wonder if she was flirting with him before I came back. It didn't even cross my mind to ask. Bucky had just bought me an engagement ring and a diamond necklace.
"Thanks for helping me with the dessert. I made a few cakes and pies and Laura and May brought some cakes too."
"No problem. I always have room for pie. What kind did you make?"
"I made peach… apple, oh and I made and a cheese cake."
"Wow you were a busy bunny."
"Yeah it was a lot to cook but I enjoy cooking so."
"Well I am definitely not starting my diet any time soon. Bring on the pies," he said rubbing his bigger stomach.
I smirked at him as he slid the glass door opened and motioned for me to go first. I was thinking of a way to bring everything up as I got a few trays to place the desserts on. I handed him one and walked into the dining room. He followed behind me. All the pies and cakes were on the table. Thor's eyes widened when he saw them.
"Did Erica flirt with you tonight?"
"A little. Not as much as she used to."
"Well I did talk to her about it. So I think that's why she chilled out a bit."
"Yeah. It's one of my curses being so desirable to you women."
I smirked and shook my head at him.
"Well… most of the world has a crush on you. This is something that you should be used to by now."
"You would think."
"Well… you look how you look and are a literal God."
"Hum… Yeah there's that."
I quietly huffed and shook my head with a smirk. I started to cut the pies and placed the slices on the trays. I put one of each aside for Bucky and I to have at home. Wow I no longer refer to his house as his house… I say home."Well you'll meet someone one day… actually a few since you live longer than us." Thor made a grunting noise. "You know my co-worker Cindy is nice. The one you went to her son's birthday party and made his day… well life. He will remember that birthday when he's 80."
"She's kinda pretty... but not my type."
"Well what is your type?"
"I'm not sure," he said furrowing his eyebrows looking at the floor.
"You would be the only one to know."
I handed Thor a tray of sliced pies and cake waiting for him to tell me what his type was. He smirked and looked down at the floor. I really hate what Jane did to him… and I hate what he's doing to me by giving me all of those frustrated looks.
"Thor… you'll find someone."
"But what if I -."
He paused and scrunched his face for a second. Then he made a deep sigh and placed the tray back on the table.
"You know you definitely have time. More than all of us actually… since you're almost immortal. Hey what about that woman Valkyrie you told me about."
"Valkyrie… well I don't have all of the parts she wants."
"What do you… Oooh she's gay. Got it."
"Hey don't worry about me I'll be fine. I'm more worried about you."
"Me? Because of Bucky?"
"Yes, unless you're dating another former assassin?"
I gently huffed and started rubbing my forehead. I automatically got a headache because of his comment.
"About that… you have been giving me… mean as hell looks since I got back. What the hell Thor."
"Sorry… I guess I'm not in the greatest of moods when thinking about… well whatever."
"No… don't whatever. You were never a person to not say what you're thinking… at least not to me."
I didn't want this to be a continuous thing with him doubting Bucky or making hurtful jokes. I just want Thor to be happy for me. "Thor… it's very important to me that you get along with him. Try to get to know him more. I'm sure that you guys would get along. I trust him. He's a good man… that's been through hell and now he's trying to get his life back." Thor grumbled something under his breath that I couldn't make out.
"Don't you trust Steve?" I asked.
"Of course I trust Steve. He's never been turned into a zombie killer."
Wow that hurt. I felt like I was punched in the gut. I felt my eyes getting misty and I didn't want to continue with this conversation because I just knew that I would be getting too angry and probably burst out in tears. Thor's opinions were just coming from being concerned about me and not knowing how advanced Shuri is. I wasn't going to convince him of all of that in the next few minutes. I decided not to say anything back and started putting paper plates on the tray that I was going to carry out. Then the Avengers being mind controlled by Wanda years ago came to mind. Clint was the only one that she couldn't get to because he's always highly aware like he has special powers yet doesn't. Well being able to shot an arrow at a moving target not even looking in that direction maybe supernatural. Who know these days?
"You remember when you didn't have control over your mind when Wanda made you see things. Was no one supposed to help you or care about you the same way because something happened to you that was out of your control? What happened to Bucky was out of his control. Literally both of you had things happen to you that were out of your control. And thank God that Shuri was smart enough to deprogram him. And yes… I believe that it worked. Just like Steve, Sam, T'Challa, and Shuri believe."
"Sarah… all I want you to do is be careful. There's no 100% guarantee that it worked. Plus your brothers is worried about you two dating due to his PTSD."
"I've talked to Sam about that. He knows that I will take precautions and he knows that we love each other."
"Wow… you two are using the word love now. Come on Sarah."
It didn't look like this conversation was really going to go anywhere plus I felt like I was going to break down and cry at any moment.
"Sarah… he could just snap and become The Winter Soldier again. I've seen you bruised and stitched up before. You… You could be walking into all this blind just because you so called love him."
"Wow," I managed to say without sounding furious at him.
"It's been a few days and what… you're in love?"
"Well how many days did it take for you to fall in love with Jane?" I quickly said.
Thor huffed. I knew that I shouldn't have gone there since he was so fucked up over her but he was making me mad not seeing that he did the same.
"Well if I knew her longer I would have known how she would react with different things… and I wouldn't have wasted my time with her… getting my heart broken… because it was rushed."
"Thor… you know that they're people that do fall in love in a short period of time and it works just as well as people dating for years then break up or get divorced. It's different with everyone. Relationships depends on each person and what they put into it... the chemistry between them. Only the ones that are truly meant to be will last… whether they've known each other for weeks or years."
I felt like I was in court trying to prove my love and dedication to a jury. I wanted him to be happy for me. He's so stuck on what Michael did. I felt the first tear drop then heard the door slide open. Bucky walked in the kitchen and looked at us in the dining room. I didn't even know if we were talking loud enough for someone on the deck to hear us. I got scared for a second thinking that Bucky may think that Thor made me cry. I wiped the tears from my face hoping that he wouldn't freak out. There could be many reasons for me to be crying talking to Thor from what we've been through. Bucky knows that the last few years were crazy and we just lost Tony and Nat.
"Hey… you ok?" he asked alarmed looking back and forth at us.
"Yeah I'm fine."
I glanced at Thor and his nose flared. I looked back at Bucky and his eyes narrowed a bit. Shit please don't start anything.
"We're fine Bucky. Nothing to worry about."
"Yes we're fine. Just processing grief."
"Oh," Bucky said raising his eyebrow. "Ok… Well… Umm."
Well that was a lie. Thor picked up a tray and cleared his throat. He glanced at me for a second then looked at Bucky.
"I'll take this tray out to them," he said.
"Thank you," I said with my voice breaking.
Thor left and I looked at the second tray on the table then looked back up at Bucky.
"Sarah… were you two arguing? I heard you say 'Whether they've known each other for weeks or years.' You sounded really upset. Were you guys talking about us?"
"Yeah. But we weren't arguing… well not really."
"Well it sounded like it," he said as he pulled me into his arms.
I was so mad that Thor was totally against me being with the man that I loved. If he only knew just how advanced Wakanda was he would k now that Bucky was cured from being programed. Bucky started to wipe the tears from my face then kissed my forehead. "Baby… what was that all about?" I felt like my voice would tremble if I started talking. I made a deep sigh and tried to compose myself a bit.
"Well… he's just… concerned about us moving too fast."
"Oh."
"Plus he… Well… he doesn't trust what the Wakandians did. He still thinks that there may be a chance that you could turn back into The Winter Soldier again… and hurt me."
"Oh… Wow."
Bucky was speechless for a brief moment. He looked like he was pissed. I didn't want him to start an argument with Thor over this.
"I told him that I trust that you were cured and he had nothing to worry about," I said quickly. "I also told him that we weren't moving too fast. Then I threw it in his face how quickly he thought that he was in love with his ex-girlfriend that left him. That just made it worse. I shouldn't have done that. He just… he's just concerned that's all. And he made a comment about me being hurt by Michael."
"I would never hurt you Sarah," Bucky said holding the sides of my face.
"I know. I mean… I understand his concern. He saw me when I came from the hospital to live at the Avenger's compound. He was so pissed that lightning was running through his body. I just wish that he had the same faith… as others do."
"Well… what's important to me is that you trust me."
"I do trust you Bucky. I trust you with my life."
"Wow... that means a lot to me Sarah."
Bucky hugged me tightly and started rubbing my back. I was so upset I didn't know if I was going to be able to enjoy the rest of the party. Was Thor going to have an attitude with both of us for the rest of the night? I looked up at Bucky and kissed his chin. I wiped the new tears from my face then turned to reach for the tray of desserts. If everyone wanted dessert they would have been ran out because the rest of it is here next to me being pissed.
"Are you sure that you're ok?" he asked.
"Yes… I'm fine. Just a bit pissed but I'll get over it. I mean it's a party. We're here to have fun." I made a deep sigh. "So let's have fun."
I made up my mind that Thor was not going to ruin my night for me. It was going to be hard because my head was killing me. I guess I'll talk to him later about this.
"Baby… are you sure that you're ok. You're squinting your eyes."
"Oh… I've had a headache for a while. That just made it worse."
"Oh I didn't know that you didn't feel well. You should have told me. Did you take something?"
"Yes... but it didn't really help after I talked to Thor."
"Well we can go home so you can lay down."
"No… that's ok. I'll be ok."
"Are you sure?"
"Um hum."
Bucky took the tray from my hand and sat it down on the table. "Come here," he breathed. I walked into his arms and he softly kissed me while caressing my hair. I felt so loved being held by him. "I love you," I said with my voice quivering. I didn't want to cry again but my heart was aching. "Sarah… let's just go home and go to bed."
I sniffled.
"I'll be ok," I said and gently smiled. Bucky took his thumb and wiped a tear from my cheek. "Plus you promised me that you would dance to rap music."
He silently chuckled.
"Baby we can do that at any time."
"I know I know… but everyone is here… and we're leaving in a few days. I'm ok."
I took a deep breath and exhaled. His eyes were studying my face to see if I was really ok.
"James Buchanan Barnes… let's go eat some dessert with the universes heroes and our friends."
"Well… If that's what you really want to do."
"Yes… that's what I really want to do. I'm not going to let this ruin my night."
"Well… ok. I'll eat dessert here… then eat dessert in our bed room when we get home."
"Oww… Well I'm looking forward to that," I said with a smile.
"Me too," he breathed.
Bucky was making it harder for me to want to stay a few more hours. If we did leave now and made love I'm sure that I would feel 100 times better. I still wanted to get to know the Guardians a bit better. I mean they're aliens in my brother's back yard. Not many people in this world are going to have a chance to know them personally. I'm not even sure if they plan on staying on earth for a while.
Bucky held me in his arms for a few minutes and gently kissed my forehead over and over. It actually made my headache feel much better. It felt so comforting being in is arms and smelling his cologne. I just love it when he just holds me. I never knew a headache could go completely away from just someone kissing my forehead. It may just be him because of how much I love him and his energy?
"Your kisses are magic," I breathed.
"They are?"
"Yes… I feel a lot better now. Thank you."
"You're welcome. I'm glad that you feel better Sarah."
I deeply sighed then started to get everything that I needed for the tray of desserts. I got the ice cream scooper and more plastic bowls and spoons just in case they used everything on Thor's tray. I asked Bucky to get the ice cream from out of the freezer.
We left the kitchen and walked to the tables. Quill looked happier when he saw the ice cream. He already had two slices of pie on his plate with one half eaten. After everyone finished their dessert Rhodes decided for all of us to do a soul train line. This is what I was waiting for. Nebula and Drax went down together once they saw that some danced in a pair. It was cute seeing them enjoy themselves with earthly traditions. Thor didn't dance at all. He was just sitting down with a disgusted look on his face. I wasn't going to have his opinions ruin my night. Banner walked over to him and started talking to him. I could read his lips. He asked him was everything ok. Then Thor looked in my direction and Banner's eyes followed his. Thor stood up and both he and Banner started waking to the side of the house. Welp... I guess they are about to talk about us. Hopefully Thor's not recruiting people to have the same opinions about Bucky being with me. I decided not to worry about Thor tonight and just try to have fun.
Clint danced with his wife Laura. I was so happy that he got his family back. I also knew that behind his smile he was hurting because Nat was gone. I danced with Bucky and couldn't stop smiling as he tried to dance to R&B. He was on beat so I can at least give him that. He still looks like he's counting steps. I'm sure that I can get him to feel more comfortable in the next months. Shuri and T'Challa showed a few people some African dances. Parker, MJ, Rhodes, and Fury joined in and did them perfectly. It was fun watching everyone enjoy themselves. I stopped dancing for a minute to take some video of them. Shuri pulled me over to them and showed me the dance. Bucky joined me as if he had already knew the dance. I definitely know that he can move his hips. Clint and Laura were recording us on their phones. I caught on to the steps quickly. Okoye pulled my brother from the table and they started dancing together. If she was single I could easily see her with him. Sam was so busy with the Air Force then being The Falcon that he never really took the time to settle down with anyone. The only people that really did have families or solid relationships were Tony, Rhodes, and Wanda. At least Thor tried but that went to shits. I don't know Scott that well yet Sam told me that he's in a good relationship with his girlfriend Hope. I really wished that Wanda, Strange, and Carol were able to stay in town to join us. I'm sure that they would have enjoyed themselves. I still don't know why Wanda went to West View. I didn't think that she knew anyone there. I hope it's nothing major.
Scott started to dance with his girlfriend Hope. Then Happy and Pepper joined everyone. So many people were laughing and having a good time. I made sure that I got a lot of candid pictures of everyone. Some posed or did crazy dance moves for pictures and video. Parker spun on one arm as if it were the easiest thing to do. I was wondering if Aaron and Erica would figure out who's Spiderman since he seemed the most agile. Yes Erica and my cousin have met avengers yet Parker was the only one with a private identity. He's just a kid and doesn't need that extra stress in his life.
I got a drink of water because I was getting thirsty from dancing. Bucky and I sat down at a table and Happy joined us. He told me all of the details about the party that he wanted me to cater. It was for about thirty people so I didn't feel too overwhelmed for taking on the job. I was shocked on how much he wanted to pay me. It was way more than I expected. I'm glad that I've had my catering license for a few years. I just got it to have it. I was mainly only cooking for close friends for their parties. It was just a faraway dream to actually start a catering business or have a restaurant. I still can't get over that Bucky said that he would get a restaurant for me one day. "I just love your food Sarah. Steve always boasted about your dinners when you lived at the compound," Happy said. I eternally cringed thinking that my brother was in hearing distance since he never knew I lived there and the reasons why. Wow I'm really going to have to tell him soon before someone slips up and says something around him.
"Yes I love her cooking too," Pepper said as she joined the table.
"Me too," Bucky said as he placed his hand on my thigh. "I want to get her her own restaurant one day. She definitely loves to cook… and it's one of her dreams."
"Wow," Pepper said. "That's wonderful Bucky."
"Well… she is the love of my life. I want to be able to help her with her goals."
"Aww… You guys look so good together," Pepper said as her eyes teared up.
I didn't want her to get emotional thinking about losing the love of hers. She was going to make me cry just from her expression though she looked happy.
"Thanks," I said with my voice choking."
"It wasn't a shock to me at all when that TMZ report came out... even though it was embellished. You two were meant to be with each other and I totally support you guys. Anything you need… just ask," she said.
Pepper then winked at us. What was that about? "Thank you," Bucky and I both said in unison. I looked at Happy and he had a grin on his face. Happy knew that Bucky bought me a diamond necklace. I wonder if he knew that he also got me an engagement ring. Did Steve tell them that we were planning on getting married? Did Bucky tell them?
"It wasn't that much embellished," Bucky said quietly. "I did tell him that I never planned on letting her go… and I don't. I want her in my life forever."
"Oh… you guys," Pepper said sounding emotional.
Everything was making my eyes tear up even more. I took a deep breath and tried to get myself together. I could easily break down and cry at any second now. Bucky wrapped his arm around my shoulder and kissed the top of my head.
"We do plan on getting married this year," Bucky said quietly.
"I figured that," Happy said. "It's all over your face."
"I mean… we're officially engaged because I did ask her last night. I have a ring to give her… she just wants to be difficult and wait until we're in Wakanda," he said then softly chuckled.
"Oh wow… I'm so happy for you guys," Pepper said as tears started to fall.
"We're just keeping it under wraps for now. Some people have to get used to the idea that we're even together," I said.
"Ok," Pepper said with a complex look on her face.
"All of this is a bit difficult for some to accept so quickly," Bucky said then sighed. "Or even think that we should be together… because of my past."
"Well… don't really worry about how long it will take for some to accept you. Live your lives. And who cares if anyone disagrees that you two should be together. You both make each other happy… and your past is not your fault."
"Thank you," Bucky said with his voice sounding a bit chocked up.
"You're welcome."
"Hey Pepper thanks for letting me stay in one of the houses when we get back. I'm not going to need it though because… I'm moving in with Bucky."
"No problem. You're always welcome here." She quietly giggled. "I guess living with him is better than being his neighbor."
"Well I don't know… we'll see," I said then laughed.
Bucky playfully rolled his eyes at me as Pepper gently smiled at the both of us. I rubbed his back trying my best not to tear up. I was so happy that Pepper was so understanding and supportive of us. She has always had a great motherly quality to her since I've known her.
"Oh please let me help you plan your wedding. It would be my pleasure," Pepper whispered. "You could have it here... or anywhere that you want."
"Oh wow Pepper. Tha… Thank you," I stuttered.
"Just an FYI… you may have to coordinate with Shuri. She already told me that she wants to help," Bucky said.
"Wow… she said that?" I asked Bucky.
"Yes."
"No problem… I just love her," Pepper said with a wide smile.
"I assume that Steve knows as well," Happy asked.
"Yes Steve, Shuri, and T'Challa were the first ones that I told."
"I want to give Sam some time to… I guess get used to the idea of us," I said. "He just became ok with the idea of us dating today. He was kind of against it yesterday."
I looked across the yard to see where he was. He was talking and laughing with The Guardians. I was wondering how Megan took meeting them since they were there for a week before we I came up.
"Pepper… how did Megan take meeting The Guardians?" I asked.
"Oh surprisingly well. She's so used to Thor and she knows that there's good aliens due to him."
"Oh ok. That's good. Do you know how long they are planning to stay?"
"Well I told them that they could live here as long as they want and will always have a place here if they want to travel to other planets."
"Ok. They are so interesting. I can't wait to get to know them better."
"Yeah Nebula is really nice. She seems a bit odd at first. I assume that's because of how she was treated when forced to do things. I've talked to her for hours this week and really got to know her better. She told me about her sister Gamora who also helped battle their father. She didn't stay on earth and left on one of the spaceships that came to help through the portals."
"Sam didn't tell me about her."
"There was so much going on. He may not have even met her."
"Wow."
"She's also Quill's girlfriend and was a Guardian. But since she came from the past she didn't know him yet and wasn't in love with him. Nebula explained that they were in love with each other and she still chose to leave. You don't see Quill sulking a lot yet his heart is broken."
"Wow that's so sad," I said.
"Yeah he told me about her too," Bucky said. "It's his goal to find where she went and to try to have her fall in love with him again."
Wow all of this is some heart wrenching shit. So many lives have been affected by time travel and Thanos. Steve is fucked up because he couldn't live his life with Peggy. Shit I wonder if he's even thought of going back in time to be with her since Tony made a time machine. Wouldn't that change everything? He wouldn't have met Sam and Bucky most likely wouldn't have been caught by Hydra. It's making my brain hurt just thinking about time travel.
"What's wrong?" Bucky asked me.
"Oh nothing... just racking my brain thinking about time travel."
"And here I thought Back to the Future was crazy when I was a teen," Happy said.
"Everything is a bit overwhelming at times," Pepper said then sighed. "I just know that Nebula is going through it. She got so close to her sister after Gamora joined The Guardians. Plus she got to know Tony pretty well while…" Pepper paused. My heart started to ache knowing she was missing Tony. "She was a big help with helping Tony survive while they were stranded on the ship. I'm so grateful for her and Carol."
"Yes," I said with my voice choking up.
"Tony was a beautiful complicated caring man. I will always miss him. He was… the love of my life. Oh my God he was so hard headed when I first started working for him," she said then softly chuckled wiping a tear from her eye.
"Yes he was," Happy said shaking his head up and down agreeing with her.
We all started talking about funny stories about Tony and Nat. It felt good reminiscing with them. Rhodes and Clint came over to our table and joined in the conversation. Pepper mentioned that Morgan missed me. That just made my heart melt. I texted her that I would be able to see Megan more often when I get back from Wakanda because I planned on living with Bucky. I didn't want to say all of that out loud because not everyone at the table knew that we were engaged. And I didn't feel like hearing a long speech from Sam about moving too fast.
Clint's kids were getting ready to go to the house that they were staying in down the block. I got some plastic bags for them and suggested that they all take some of the food with them. I helped them fill paper plates with food. None of them looked tired so I'm sure they would probably stay up a few more hours. I heard Parker tell them that he and MJ would stop by tomorrow and play video games with them. Nate looked so happy that they were going to come over. They all knew that he was Spiderman because they are used to keeping secrets. Both Clint and Laura worked for Shield so it came with the territory. Laura retired a few years before they started having kids. Her code name was Mocking Bird. It amazes me on how some people chose such dangerous jobs. I know that when she retired she worried about Clint a lot while he was going on missions. I guess I'll be in the same boat if Bucky decides to be an active Avenger. I don't know if I'm being selfish for wishing that he wouldn't decide to be an active Avenger. He's been fighting wars nonstop all of his extended life. I kind of wish that Sam would take a break too. Knowing him he will continue to do it for another decade.
Shuri walked up to me and had a look to her like she wanted to talk to me in private. She pulled me aside and walked me to the side of the house. I wondered if Thor and Banner were on the front porch talking all this time or if they just went home. He looked like he went to talk to Banner because he was upset with me. l just know that he's dealing with a lot of emotional things right now. I'll try to calmly talk to him tomorrow. Maybe I can have Sam talk to him too since my brother plans on hanging with him and a few of the other Avengers and Guardians. Shuri's expression looked like she was going to burst. She knew that I had picked out my engagement today. I couldn't really tell her everything that happened earlier when I got back to the cookout. I wonder if Bucky had a chance to tell her that he didn't give me the ring yet. "Sooo… I can't take the suspense anymore. It's killing me. I didn't bother to text Bucky because he was always in a crowd of people. How did he propose again? Did he get down on one knee this time… what did he say?" she asked excitedly. I knew that I was going to deflate her enthusiasm by telling her that he didn't give me the ring yet. Her smile was so big with her eyes wide waiting for me to tell her what happened.
"No… he didn't give it to me yet. It looked like he wanted to give it to me as soon as the jeweler left… but I kind of stopped him."
"Wh… Why?" she asked baffled.
"Well… I wanted him to ask me in Wakanda."
"Oh… Why do you want to wait?"
"Well," I sighed. "He told me how much he loved the lake in front of his hut. I just thought that it would be… I don't know… more poetic if he asked me there. Plus I fell in love with him near the Stark's lake."
"Oooh... Ok Ok. I like it."
"Plus I think my brother needs time to get used to the fact that we're together. Just last night he freaked out when the false TMZ report came out. I don't think that he would be that happy if I told him now. I told him this morning that I was in love with him and he feels the same way. I just don't know how he would handle it if we got engaged so quickly. I actually wish that I could be his wife now. Hopefully when we get back he'll be one step closer accepting that I want to be his wife. He thinks that we're rushing everything. So does Thor."
"Yeah… Bucky told me that he walked in on you guys arguing about it."
"It was more of a loud conversation where he was pissing me off for not listening to anything I said."
"That's called an argument.
"I know I know. It just makes me so mad that he has his doubts. He thinks that I'm making a big mistake trying to have a relationship with him."
"Oh... Wow."
I'm sure Shuri doesn't know about my situation with Michael unless Bucky told her. I figured that I would give one of the main reasons that Thor is so overprotective of me.
"Thor… Umm… Well he saw me beat up by my ex a few years ago. So he's a bit overprotective with me because of that."
"Oh my God what happened?" she said stunned.
"Um… I broke up with him after I found out that he was sleeping with another woman… Plus I found out that he was on drugs. He flipped out and started throwing me around and he pushed me to the floor and I hit my head on my coffee table. There was blood everywhere. I tried my best to crawl out of my house and a neighbor found me on the porch and took me to the hospital. When I left the hospital I moved into the first Avenger's compound and lived with them for a few months."
"Oh my God. I'm so sorry that that happened to you. Does Bucky know?"
"Yes I told him last night… but I didn't tell my brother yet. I wanted to spare him with any crazy news since he just got back. I'll tell him one day."
"Wow… that's a lot. Did he go to jail?"
"Only a few months. I also got a restraining order."
"Well he's just a piece of shit."
"Yeah he is. My cousins tracked him down and beat him up. Actually Aaron was one of them."
"Oh wow. I like him even more now."
"I was at least able to talk the team out of hurting him. I had to beg Steve, Thor, Banner, and Clint not to do anything to him. I had no clue that my cousins were going to go after him."
I sighed.
"He actually made me… I don't know… afraid to date other people. I was so scared that they might turn out violent. I actually was celibate for the past three years… until I met Bucky."
"Oh wow Sarah."
"It makes me angry that some people don't understand why I'm with Bucky or think that we're moving too fast. I simply just fell in love with him. The day that I met him I fell in love with him."
"Aww."
"I never felt like this before in my life. I want to spend the rest of my life with him… and Thor doesn't trust him. At least my brother is slowly getting there. I told Sam that I loved Bucky when I got here this morning to cook. I was so scared to even talk to him about it because I knew that he was pissed that I slept at Bucky's last night. Bucky's is his friend whom he told me not to even think about having a relationship with now because of his PTSD issues."
"Oh wow he said that."
"Yes. I guess he just didn't think that I could handle going through that with him."
"That's a lot to presume."
"I know. He's also a VA counselor. So he's seen a lot of men with PSTD… and knows what some of their girlfriends and spouses go through. And since Bucky is stronger than the average man..."
"Well I know that Bucky will be careful with you and would never hurt you."
"Oh I trust him with my life."
"I know you do. I'm really glad that you two found each other. I'm sorry that some can't see how much you two should be together. It's not rushing. Not with you two. Every fiber in my body knows that you two were meant to be together."
"Thanks. Even Dr. Strange text us that he saw us happy together in all possible futures."
"Oh wow! See I knew I felt something with you two. You basically had your future told to you by the most powerful sorcerer in the world. Hey does Sam and Thor know that Strange told you guys that?"
"No."
"Well don't you think that you should tell them?"
"It never crossed my mind. I just want them to see it for themselves."
I imagined showing them a screen shot so they could all shut up and just be happy for me. They just have to see it themselves.
"Well I can see why Thor is hesitant with you being with Bucky since he saw you after you were attacked. Bucky was an assassin for around 80 years yet I'm pretty confident that what we did worked for him. And Strange said that you would be happy with him. You wouldn't be happy with Bucky if he was able to turn back."
"Well I'm just happy that we are together. I'm sure Thor's faith in us will grow once he gets to know him better… or even understand how advanced you guys are."
"You know I even tested him the night before you came to New York."
"Oh I didn't know that."
"Yeah, Bucky will be fine… and your brother just has to realize that people can fall in love as quickly as you two."
"Oh he knows. One of our cousins got engaged after knowing each other for two days. They were married in a month. They have been happily married for ten years now. So he knows it can happen."
"Well… try not to stress yourself out over this. Sam will see how much you guys are in love and Thor will trust that Bucky is deprogrammed."
"I hope so. It would be crazy if one of my best friends were against me being with someone that I love."
I sighed. This entire week has been overwhelming. I just want to lay down and go to sleep.
"Hey you know I had Bucky watch a lot of romance moves about interracial couples."
"Yeah he told me... and thank you for that. I mean… I know that he doesn't have a racist bone in his body… he just didn't grow up in an era where he saw that a lot."
"Oh Yeah… I just wanted to make sure that he had a well-rounded view of just simply dating. And since he lived in Africa I just thought that if he did date… that woman would most likely be black. Of course they had to past my test. I wasn't going to let just anyone be with him. I'm glad that he found you. You're good for him and I clearly see it that you really love him."
"I do. It seems so weird at times because I knew of him as a child when I visited the museums. I actually know his memorial by heart at the Smithsonian. And to think that… after decades he was alive… brainwashed, and then cured by you. It really sounds like it's a movie. I'm so thankful that you were able to help him," I said with my voice quivering.
I was about to cry at any moment. Shuri opened her arms and hugged me. "Oh come on now… you're gonna make me cry," she said. I hugged her tightly. It was the first time that I hugged the person directly responsible for helping Bucky get his mind back. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Because of her and everyone else that helped… Bucky's mind was free and I have a man that I love and possibly a child soon.
"Thank you."
"Aww… As I always tell Bucky… he was my favorite white boy to fix. It was my pleasure doing what I could. He's a special one… and I know that you two will be happy. Shit Strange even knows," she said beaming.
Bucky was right. I was going to love Shuri. She is awesome. I can't wait until we get to know each other more in Wakanda.
"Are you ready for Wakanda? We leave in a few days," she asked.
"Yeah kind of. I'm still waiting for some clothes to be delivered. I didn't pack any summer clothes with me."
"Oh well even If they don't come on time… don't worry. I can get you a wardrobe easily. What's your size? I can have clothes there in your guest room when you get there."
"Oh. Wow. Umm… You don't have to do that. I'm sure my clothes will get here before we leave."
"But I want to. Plus I can have some traditional things for you to wear. Oww… have you thought of what you're going to wear when Bucky takes you to his hut? He'll probably ask you to marry him there since that's what you asked for."
"No… I haven't really thought of all that."
"No worries. I want to try to make that day perfect for you."
"Thanks. No matter how he does it it's going to be perfect to me."
"Aww."
"This whole month has been overwhelming. Our brothers came back from The Blip… Alien invasion... losing Nat and Tony. It's been a lot."
"Yeah I know. I was so happy to get T'Challa back."
"I was happy to hear that he came back along with the others. I felt so empty the last five years with Sam gone and Steve missing Bucky. I know those years had to be crazy for you too."
"They were. I'm just so thankful that the war is over. We are definitely stepping up our game with our defenses just in case anything crazy like this happens again with aliens."
"Yes I understand."
Oh my God I hope aliens don't attack us again.
"I'm having a force field put around this area in a few days. It's similar to the one that we have protecting Wakanda."
"Bucky told me. Thank you."
"My pleasure. With Stark gone I still want to make sure that you guys have the best technology. A few of my engineers and scientist are staying in America to help out. I'll be visiting periodically seeing over things."
"It would be great having you visit."
"Oh and you guys can always come to Wakanda to visit us."
"I would love that."
"Who knows… I might just have a big engagement party for you guys. Who am I kidding? Of course I am. So I do need your size Dear so I can have something special for you to wear."
"Oh wow… Shuri." I was almost speechless. "Th… Thank you."
"No worries. I can not wait to show you around in Wakanda. Bucky does understand that he has to share you."
I laughed out of joy due to her excited expression.
"I can't wait either."
"Well… what's your size?"
"Oh… Umm… my size is 7."
"7 it is."
"Thank you. You know if Sam was cool with Bucky and I getting married so soon… today could have been an engagement party."
"Well you'll get to have a few. I'm sure that you will have one when you get back from Wakanda."
"Yeah… I'll just have to prepare a few people of the news."
"Yeah… I'll just have to prepare a few people of the news." Wow it's going to be crazy when we get back. "I want to be his wife so badly now. I kinda joked with him last night that we should go to Vegas."
"Oh wow."
"Hearing me say it out loud made me want to do it even more. I mean… we're actually trying to have a baby now. I'll know within a week or so if I'm pregnant."
"Yeah he told T'Challa and I that you two were planning to have a baby. So are you trying to get married soon?"
I sighed knowing that whenever we do it may still be an issue with some people.
"I was hoping in three months… or two?"
"Well I will definitely be in America for that."
"I really don't care to have a big wedding. It could be intimate in a back yard here. Pepper told me that we could have it here."
"Oh wow. I'm sure the dining hall that they have will look amazing decorated for a wedding. Plus you'll have privacy from the press."
I had a flash of Shuri being one of my bridesmaids and T'Challa being a groomsman with Steve being Bucky's best man. I'm pretty sure Bucky has already asked them.
"Hey… I don't know if this is being too premature… but I would love for you to be in my wedding party. I mean… you helped Bucky so much... and basically the reason he will be my husband someday."
"Oh wow. Yes I would love to be in your wedding."
Shuri hugged me and squealed. I was so happy that she was going to be in my wedding. Erica already knows that she's going to be my maid of honor. I'm going to ask a few of my cousins and girlfriends from school. Now the only thing that I really have to worry about is planning it in only a few months. I'm glad that Pepper said that we could have it here. That's at least one less thing that we have to worry about.
"Hey guys is everything ok?" I heard Bucky say from behind me. He startled me for a second and turned around to face him.
"Yes Barnes. Everything's ok," Shuri said." Just loving Sarah a bit more that's all. Carry on."
"Oh ok," he laughed. "Trying to get rid of me huh?"
"And you're still here," she said playfully sarcastic.
"Ok Ok I'm leaving. I was just checking to see where you were."
"I'm fine. Shuri is the best."
"I told you that you two would get along. Just remember that I need to spend time with her too when we're in Wakanda," he said laughing.
"Oh I know. I won't steal her completely away from you. I will try though."
Bucky smirked and shook his head then walked back to the back yard. Shuri and I talked privately for a few more moments then went back to the party. We sat down next to Erica, Hope, Maria, and May. Basically the human woman's table. Pepper and Clint's wife were with Happy and Nick Fury. Nebula and Mantis were sitting with Drax and Rocket. Erica was trying her best to wrap her head around the fact that there were aliens here though she has a major crush on Thor for years. I told her that both Mantis and Nebula seemed nice and that she should try to get to know them later. I didn't want her to be scared of them so I knew that I would have to coax her to talk to them. "Hey Mantis and Nebula... come join us," Shuri called out. They both came over and Shuri introduced them to Erica. After a few minutes they both warmed up and were having full conversations with us. The human woman's table was now just the woman's table.
Bucky was standing near the fire pit talking to Steve, T'Challa, Sam, and Happy. They were all drinking beers. My brother was at a table eating again talking to Scott, Quill, and Parker. I was wondering if Banner and Thor planned on coming back. Maybe they are talking about Nat? I'll worry about letting him know what Strange said tomorrow. Or should I just tell him tonight? I pulled out my phone and started texting.
'Just so you know Strange told Bucky and I last night that he saw us being happy. And he can see into the future. So you really don't have to worry about me. Bucky will be fine.'
I didn't get any reply so I just gave up. Plus he might just be busy with Bruce. I heard Steve and Bucky laughing so I looked up to see them across the yard. They looked so happy. Bucky ran his fingers through his hair. He looked so sexy. He could probably have a commercial for shampoo too. I started to feel hot as if the fire pits moved closer to me. It was just Bucky affecting me unless I'm entering menopause at a very young age. I put my water bottle on my neck since it was still cold to try to cool me off.
"Hey are you ok?" Erica asked.
"Yeah I just feel a little… bothered," I said quietly.
"Why?"
I shrugged my shoulders. I didn't want to say out loud that I was extra horny and couldn't wait to get home. She gave me a look like she understood that I didn't want to say why out loud.
"Hey were did Thor disappear too?" she asked.
"Umm… I don't know. He's probably home or at Banner's. I saw them leave together a while ago."
"Oh."
"You know Thor is dealing with a lot right now… and he's messed up about The Blip and Tony and Nat. and he just got finished fighting Thanos. Please don't try to flirt with him again. Just keep that in mind while you're here."
"Ok… I only flirted a little when I first got here. I won't anymore."
"Thanks. And you know he's still hung up over Jane. And she hasn't tried to get in touch with him. The whole world knows that he was part of the battel. Even if she didn't have anyone's phone number she could have used social media or got on TV saying she wanted to see him."
"Wow... that sucks."
"Yeah it does."
I put the water bottle on the other side of my neck and sighed. I'm glad that Erica will chill with all of the flirting. I warned her before she left Maryland. I should have been more detailed about his mental state. She should have known that he just dealt with a whole lot of crazy shit.
I looked back across the yard to look at Bucky. He looked so sexy and I was getting hornier by the minute thinking what we were going to do once we got home. Well I do know that women get horny when they ovulate. So I can't be that surprised. It crossed my mind to text him how much I wanted him.
'I can't wait until later tonight.'
I waited and he pulled out his cell from his jeans and looked at his screen. He smiled then looked across the yard in my direction. He started texting. A few seconds later I got his message.
'Why?'
"Sooo… I can fuck you.'
Once he read that message his facial expression looked like he said well damn. I saw him bit his bottom lip as he started to text me back.
'Oh… I can't wait either. Is your pussy wet thinking about it?'
'Yes.'
'Woman you are going to have us leave this party early if you keep this up.'
'I'm fine with that. I'm waiting for you to feed me.' (Eggplant emoji)
'I'm going to feed you all right.'
A few minutes after he texted me I saw him hugging the guys saying goodbye. Oh well I guess my text did something to him.
"Looks like Bucky's ready to go home," Erica said.
"I am too. I'm kinda tired. I've been cooking all day and I really didn't get much sleep last night."
"I'm sure you didn't," she said smirking.
"I had about three hours of sleep if that."
"Wow… and you cooked most of the food," Shuri said. "I'm surprised that you haven't fallen asleep at the table."
"Oh wow its 2 a.m. It doesn't feel like it's that late," Erica said.
"It does to me," I mumbled.
"Well go to bed. I'll see you guys tomorrow."
"Ok."
"Sam told me that his car will be delivered tomorrow too," Erica said. "He plans to hang out with Aaron and a bunch of the team."
"Cool I can take my SUV back."
"Hey was that Bucky's blue truck in front of his house?"
"Oh… yeah."
"Niiice."
"It really is. Shuri put a whole lot of tech in it. It's even bullet proof. I'm sure it can do a lot of things that he hasn't mentioned yet."
"Oh trust me… it does," Shuri said deeply chuckling like the mad scientist that she is.
"Hey did you know that T'Challa has a jet that can turn invisible?" I said as I placed the bottle of water back on my neck.
"Oh no… I didn't know that," Erica said surprisingly shocked.
"Yeah… and I just found out that Tony has a plane like that."
"Oh wow… maybe Bucky's tuck could turn inviable too?" She said then looked at Shuri for confirmation.
Shit can his truck be invisible? Shuri gave an innocent look not answering Erica's question. "That would be crazy if it could," Erica said with her eyes bulging out due to excitement. I just realized that Erica was expecting me to stay at Sam's while she's here for a few days.
"Umm... Erica… I plan on sleeping at Bucky's tonight and the next few nights until we go to Africa."
"Really now," she said a bit amused.
I giggled.
"Yeah… so do you want to spend the night with me at Bucky's tomorrow night so you won't be by yourself? We could watch a movie."
"Oh no… I'll be fine. Plus I'm sure you guys will want your privacy… being all newly engaged," she whispered.
"Are you sure… who knows when Sam and Aaron will get back?"
"Yeah I'll be cool. I want to finish watching Bridgerton anyway."
"Oh ok. This season was sooo good."
"Oh I know. I'm only on episode 4. So I'll have something to keep me occupied."
"Oww I like that show too," Shuri said smiling.
"Yes… it's addictive. I'm still mad that Regé Jean Page is not on this season. He's the reason that I started watching last year."
"Yeah… he is hot."
Shuri shook her head up and down quickly letting us know that she thought that Regé was hot too.
"Hey we can go shopping tomorrow. I'm going to need a few things before I go to Wakanda. I did order some clothes. I want to get some shoes for a few of the dresses that I ordered."
"Yes you have to make sure that you are cute," Erica said with a cute smirk.
"Oh she will be," Shuri said. "I'll make sure of that."
I chuckled under my breath. She was right. I did want to look my best. I had no clue that I should have packed really nice clothes and shoes before I got here. I was supposed to be in relax mode in jeans and T-Shirts. Now I'm realizing that I should have packed for the most optimistic scenarios... going on dates with my secret crush Bucky… who became my fiancé. Yeah… no way in the world could I have seen this coming to dress for it.
I noticed Bucky getting closer to us and looked in his direction and smiled at him. He smiled back at me and a small chill went up my back. I was so ready to go home and make love to him and just relax.
"Hey ladies."
"Hi Bucky," everyone one at the table said in unison.
"Sweetie are you ready to go?"
"Yes. I'm really tired."
It took longer than I thought to say good bye to everyone. Everyone here was going to stay at the compound for a few days anyway. All of the Guardians were told by Pepper that they were all welcome to stay as long as they wanted. I was told that their space ship Benatar was in the hanger on the compound next to T'Challa's invisible jet. I wouldn't mind orbiting the earth in that or flying to another planet. It's crazy… I now know someone that has a space ship. At least Aaron and Erica will have a chance to fly in T'Challa's jet before we leave. I will not let Bucky forget that he mentioned that they could. I'm sure his memory is just fine and better than mine since Steve's memory is enhanced since he was a Super Solider. I never really asked if there were any significant different between them. I just assume that Bucky can do everything that Steve can do.
Bucky had his arm around my shoulder as we walked home. It was cold and I only had my hoodie on. It was definitely warmer in Sam's back yard due to all of the fire pits.
"Don't forget to ask T'Challa to take Erica and Aaron for a ride in his jet."
"Oh I won't. I told him about it and he's ok with it. We all can go tomorrow around lunch."
"Oh ok… cool."
"Hey… have you seen Quill's space ship yet?"
"Sure I saw it. He flew Parker, Strange, Steve, and I in it for a while before you guys came to New York."
"How could you not tell me that?!"
"I'm sorry," he said laughing. "I was busy falling in love with you so it slipped my mind."
"A spaceship though?"
"Don't worry Honey. I'll ask him to fly us around before we go to Wakanda… ok."
"Wow… ok."
Oh my God. I'm going to be in a space ship and an invisible jet this week. This shit is crazy. As excited as I was I was still getting sleepier by the seconds. I had to put all of my attention to walking without tripping. I really think that I am sleep deprived. For a brief moment I thought of asking Bucky to carry me on his back like he did at the park.
We finally reached the porch and walked up the steps. I was so glad to be home. I was so tired physically and mentally due to this week. Bucky is going to have to do all of the work tonight if we do have sex. Oh my God am I too tired to have sex? I feel like I could fall asleep at any moment. We walked inside and the heat felt so good. I took off my hoddie and placed it on the sofa. I had a flash of Nat taking off her hoddie with a black widow spider on it once she got to one of my Karaoke parties. Steve and Nat had so much fun that night. It seems so wrong that she wasn't here tonight. I just know that a lot of people are emotionally going through it… especially Bruce and Clint. I'm going to miss her so much. I'm so glad that I have a lot of videos of her. Videos are so much better than pictures.
Bucky gently smiled at me and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes and sighed. "Come on let's get you to bed. You could probably fall asleep standing." I opened my eyes and gently laughed. "Yeah… you're probably right. I still want you first though," I said with a sly smirk. He leaned down and kissed me. I ran my fingers through his hair and he slipped his tongue inside my mouth. He whirled his tongue inside my mouth in the sexiest way. My pussy clinched and I almost lost my balance standing. Bucky held me closer to his body. Feeling so much happiness and sorrow at the same time was making my emotions go crazy. I think that I'm still in the anger phase of grief. I looked up into his eyes and he gently smiled at me. I felt tears forming and it was too late to try to hold them back. HIs expression immediately changed to concern.
"What's wrong Baby… Is it Thor?"
"No. It's just… It's just so crazy that I'm this happy and extremely sad at the same time. I'm happy because I got Sam and you came back… and I'm dying inside because Nat and Tony died. All these combined emotions… just gets overwhelming at times. I was just thinking about her. I just miss her so much."
"I know Baby. You don't have to bottle up your emotions. I know that losing them was hard for you… especially Nat. everybody handles grief in different ways. You don't have to appear perfect just because you see others having fun and smiling. They are handling their grief in their own way too. There's no right or wrong way on how people express themselves when grieving. If you want to cry then cry… if you want to scream then scream. It hurts Baby… I know. And I'm so sorry that you lost one of your best friends. I'm here for you for anything. You can be free to express any emotion around me. I'm not going to judge you… I'm only going to love you."
"Oh Bucky," I said with my voice quivering.
Bucky's expression was so loving that it made me want to cry even more. I keep telling myself that Nat and Tony would have wanted us happy and not moping around sad and depressed that they died. They all died for us because they wanted to protect the world. I'm pissed as hell that Thanos ever existed. I let myself go and started crying in his arms. He held me even tighter to his body. I felt like I needed his strong hold to ground me to my sanity. This pain was normal and I shouldn't be afraid to admit or show that I was suffering from it. I was so worried about keeping a strong face so that Bucky wouldn't get more emotional about the things that he's going through. It was almost as if I had a protective parental mindset caring for him and wanting to protect him without him knowing that I was struggling. Bucky kissed the top of my head and started caressing my back.
"It's ok Baby," he breathed in my ear."
"I wish there was an easy way to just… to just cry it all out," I said crying.
"I know Baby," he said then kissed my forehead.
Bucky rocked me side by side while hugging me. I closed my eyes and wanted him to hold me a bit tighter. I squeezed him tighter and he automatically held me tighter in his arms. "I got you… its ok," he softly said in my ear. Bucky's hands felt so comforting. I just wanted to go to bed for the night. "That's right Sarah… just let it out. It's ok." It was like hearing his permission to let my anger about Nat's death explode. I cried even louder and he picked me up in his arms and cradled me like a baby holding my head close to his chest. He stared walking and carried me up the steps to our bedroom. He helped me take off my clothes and shoes and I laid down on the bed. He undressed and laid beside me holding me in his arms. Bucky gave me soft kisses all over my face while I cried. "It's ok Baby. It's ok to cry," he softly said. He started caressing my hair and I got extremely tired .I love you was the last thing that I heard before I went to sleep.
22
