A little bit of galavanting for the boys today...
After apparating back with their 'housewarming' gifts, Harry and James were left in relative peace to settle in and set up their new homes. Harry debated whether or not he should also pitch the tent he had bought but decided against it for now. They met up in the large communal indoor space to sort through some of the foods that were gifted by the village elders for dinner.
"So as part of my errands yesterday I contacted a friend to see if we could get our hands on some potions that may help as part of both your physical and mental healing treatment," Harry was explaining over their meal. "As for your physical healing, I'd like to walk you through the main areas of concern now if you're ready?"
James nodded around a mouthful of food, swallowing, "please."
"First and most evident is your spine," Harry began. At James' confused expression, he elaborated, "or should I say, the… prosthetic(?) that you had. I only had a photo of it but it looked like metal?"
"Titanium," James nodded. "It was… destroyed," he explained uncomfortably, "but Shuri has the remains of it. She helped take it off."
"Titanium," Harry echoed thoughtfully. "I assume it wasn't purely for show, so it must've weighed a great deal. That and however long you've had it on must've thrown off your equilibrium and balance to support it. Your spine indicated some long-term warping to account for the additional weight. Have you experienced any back or shoulder pains? Perhaps even in the hips?"
Looking down at his plate, James nodded again. "Yeah, all the time," he admitted. His right hand drifted up and began rubbing at the opposite shoulder, where his arm ended.
"We can definitely do something about that. Though, it may not even be necessary, based on the second thing I noted." This caught James' attention, and Harry shot him an optimistic smile. "Your brain showed serious scarring and damage to your neuro links. Particularly in the areas forming long term memories."
James' expression fell at the news, but before he could start spiraling, Harry was continuing. "But it also showed signs of repair. I read in your file that you were subjected to non-consensual genetic modification and testing during most of your time as Winter Soldier. It may be that some of this could actually be helping you heal on your own."
James was speechless, eyes wide, a heartbreaking glimmer of hope evident. "If… if that was true… would it explain why HYDRA had to wipe me multiple times? I can't… remember most of it, but I feel like they did."
"Very possible," Harry agreed. "However, whilst whatever was done to you may be helping you in one area, it also led me to my third observation. Whilst the presumably incomplete testing seems to have made your cells somehow more resilient to damage – meaning you probably have experienced higher levels of strength, sensitivity and faster healing – they also tend to be more fragile and break down easier."
"My guess is that the cells replace themselves easier and faster but therefore have a higher tendency to break down quicker to compensate. Have you noticed any adverse side effects on your end? Maybe phantom pains or lingering sickness or weakness?"
"N—none that I can think of," James replied carefully.
"That's fine," said Harry. "I will like to perform the diagnostic charm a few more times over the course of our treatments to monitor progress and any change. Which brings me to my next matter; consent."
James raised a brow, "erm… for…?"
"Everything," replied Harry. "I briefly mentioned it earlier, but I wanted to remind you that as my patient, your comfort and preference takes precedence over any treatment. That is to say, you are within your rights to refuse anything that you are not comfortable with, and you have the right to tell me to stop at any time during your treatments; whether it is for a break or if you decide not to go through with any aspect of the treatment."
"The custom for mind healers is to perform a magically bound vow. This would contractually ensure that I cannot go against your wishes in treatment, nor take any liberties of my own decision regardless of whether it is in your best interests. This vow is doable even with muggles. Would you like to proceed with it?"
Blinking, stunned, James stared at Harry for a moment. "That… sounds serious," is what he said. "What happens if you break it?"
"It depends on the level of breach. Magic itself judges the severity of the breach. It could be anything from my magic retaliating against me and refusing to comply if I tried to cast something on you, to the worst-case scenario where I lose my magic completely."
"Lo—!" James almost jumped out of his seat. "That's crazy! You could lose your magic?"
"It's rare, but yes, it can happen," Harry confirmed. "But you don't have to worry, because obviously nothing will happen as long as I stick to the terms of our agreement."
James shot him a look of disbelief, shocked at how nonchalant Harry was about it. When it became obvious after a few seconds of silence that Harry was waiting for his response, James sighed and ran a hand through his unruly hair. "Just… that's… a lot to think about. Give me some time to think it over." Then, he mumbled under his breath, "can't you just give me a written contract to sign like a normal doctor?"
Laughing, Harry nodded, "well I could do that too, if you prefer. But honestly, what real repercussions are there when muggle contracts are broken? Don't forget we are dealing with your mind here, James. I realize it sounds serious, but that's precisely why it's necessary to demonstrate my commitment, professionalism and integrity."
They had put off any further talks of treatment and settled in for an early night. The next day, Harry met James by the lip of the lake and extended an arm, apparating them back to the design lab. They only had two things on their agenda to cover today; visiting the Wakandan magical district, and then a meeting with the council of elders in the late afternoon.
Nowelli was happy to take them through downtown Wakanda and show them to the magical district, which wasn't secret or hidden away at all. Though Harry knew Wakanda was a magical-aware country, it was still surprising to see muggles walking around and shopping in a magical street. Another good thing was seeing James' awestruck expression; firstly at the eclectic mish-mash of modern and traditional that made up Wakandan streets in general, then the child-like wonder that bloomed on his face when they turned into the magical district.
Harry quickly made his way over to the magical bank to withdraw some more money; pleased to see that the vendors here accepted both magical and muggle currencies. He distractedly pressed a pouch of gold and notes into James' protesting hands, while looking around at the shops himself. They spent a decent amount of time simply sightseeing and leisurely exploring the streets.
After some more protests and Harry repeatedly rolling his eyes, James finally spent some of the money on a range of magical treats and lollies. At his wandering gaze but slight pout at having his hands already full, Harry showed him another pouch that had an extension charm on it, and let him dump his items into it for safekeeping. Harry spent some time perusing a healing shop's various potions, amulets and charmed items for a bit.
Later, they bought lunch from some street vendors that looked interesting and made small talk with a group of local buskers who were also eating lunch nearby. James hesitantly brought up needing some clothes, and the group were more than happy to provide suggestions to some local shops. There, both men got a range of clothing items to last them awhile and put them away into Harry's pouch.
Harry also spotted some traditional garb similar to what Krole had gifted them, and curiously asked the shop keepers on advice about how to appropriately wear them. They were eager to get both Harry and James into their changing rooms, regardless of whether they were going to buy any more, and some of the older ladies blatantly made approving noises when they emerged. They crowded around the two men, adjusting the clothing and explaining to them how to best tie it and gave them detailed instructions on caring and washing.
Both Harry and James felt a little embarrassed at the attention and thought they looked ridiculous, but didn't dare say anything to the clerks' compliments. The shop owner's husband; a tall, broad-shouldered man who had hung back and chuckled amusedly the entire time, nodded along when his wife urged the men to keep the clothes.
"You look good," his deep voice rumbled. "Wakandans are a proud country, you should also wear our clothes with pride." And that was that.
Harry paid for the clothes and carefully put them away into his pouch, with repeated thanks to the clerks for their help. They departed with some directions back to the palace and headed over for their scheduled meeting.
The gathered council consisted of both muggle and magical representatives, and the large hall was filled with almost 30 people. Jidea was there, representing the mind healing team, and a handful of women with spears in their hand that Harry assumed must be the Dora Milaje.
T'Challa sat on an ornate seat and beckoned both Harry and James to seats beside him and Shuri. He opened up the meeting by introducing them both to his council members and then let both Shuri and Jidea take over detailing an overview of the case and why Harry was invited. They informed the council about their relocation and a man in a blue cloak named W'Kabi, the leader of the Border Tribe, nodded along as he was already aware. He was eyeing Harry curiously though did not react when Harry shot him a smile.
The council members seemed satisfied with the information, though Harry caught glimpses of dubious, distrusting or wary glances shot at James from a few members. Standing next to but slightly behind T'Challa was a stern looking woman in warrior garb. T'Challa had introduced her as Okoye, the head of Wakandan armed forces and General of the Dora Milaje. Harry caught her sending somewhat interesting expressions at James a few times, but couldn't really decipher what they were. Disgust? Unimpressed?
After the meeting was dismissed, they watched the various council members file out and chat amongst themselves. Shuri was leaning over and about to say something when Harry noticed Okoye take two large strides over to stand in front of them.
"Healer Potter, it is a pleasure," she greeted with a nod.
Harry's brows shot up but he quickly remembered his manners and replied, "the pleasure is all mine, General Okoye. I heard you are thinking of coordinating with us to have some Dora join the rotating roster at our location?"
"Indeed. I already have a schedule drawn up, and I will be happy to sit down with you to go through it in case you have any input or advice."
"Yes, of course." Harry trailed off and raised his brow when Okoye shot her narrow-eyed look at James again, as if scrutinizing him.
"Sergeant Barnes," she called for his attention.
James quickly snapped to attention, body tense. "Y—yes, General—" His mouth click shut at the look on her face. Then, she shot a long-suffering look at T'Challa.
"Don't tell me you have left this man like this all this time?"
"Uh—" T'Challa stalled helpfully.
Clicking her tongue in annoyance, she barked out some words in Wakandan that had three Dora making their way over. "Sergeant Barnes, you're coming with me." With that, the three Dora were herding James away, their hostage sending confused, helpless and terrified looks over at them.
Shuri was bent-over cackling which didn't help, and Harry was just as confused; unsure whether he should step in or not.
"We will meet you at your base with him later, Healer Potter," Okoye called out over her shoulder as she passed by the doorway. "I will bring dinner." With that, the door slammed shut and all that were heard was Shuri's wheezing laugh and Ramonda's quiet chuckle.
"What…" Harry turned slowly to the two women. "What just happened?"
Sighing, T'Challa rubbed his forehead with his hand. "I believe the General just kidnapped Sergeant Barnes for a thorough clean-up."
"Not surprising at all," Ramonda sniffed. "I too can't believe you've been letting that man walk around all this time looking like that. Honestly, T'Challa, what kind of host are you?" She sighed dramatically and shook her head.
Harry was utterly confused. Sure, James was a little unkempt, particularly with his long hair and unshaven beard, but it didn't seem that bad?
I referenced sabeedraws (tumblr post 649840861126033408) super helpful guide to Bucky's arm. TL;DR version: bio arm = 5kg (11.5lbs), HYDRA titanium arm = 18kg (40lbs). Basically, his HYDRA arm is almost 4x heavier than his biological arm. As someone who also has titanium in my body, I can't even imagine lugging around a near 20kg prosthetic every day.
The traditional clothes inspo was from what Bucky wore in the end-credits scene of Black Panther. I'm not sure what exactly it's called, so if anyone knows, please tell me :)
That last scene with Okoye was inspired by kisekiryo (tumblr)'s hilarious little comic of Okoye being disgusted with Bucky's unwashed, moping visage and dragging him to be thoroughly cleaned. It is post 173562012526 if you want to look it up, part of a mini Stucky comic.
