"Watch your foot," Sam called down to Bucky. The two men were clinging to the rock wall looming above the palace. Bucky had always considered himself an adventurous kind of a person, but as he glanced at Sam hanging above him, he had to admit he'd been outmatched. Sam seemed completely at home on the rough surface, navigating with ease between cracks and crevices, steadily making his way up. He'd ask Bucky to go hiking early that morning. Steve had politely declined and now Bucky knew why.
"You have to wedge your foot in," Sam's bronze skin was gleaming with perspiration, but he was grinning his wide, easy smile.
"You do this for fun?" Bucky hadn't been able to really sweat in years, but he was desperate for a little relief from the heat now. His skin had always been a little ruddier than Steve's, but he was putting it to the test. He wondered if super soldier serum accounted for second-degree sunburns.
"Keep up, soldier," Sam smirked and instructed.
Bucky rolled his eyes, but did as he was told. His new arm was actually a huge asset. He wedged it into a crack in the rock and swung up, putting himself evenly with Sam.
"That's more like it," Sam nodded his approval. He moved steadily up the mountain, Bucky trailing just after him.
Bucky had an aversion to heights. Ever since his fall, he hadn't been overly enthusiastic to climb up high. HYDRA's manipulations had pushed him into it many times since, and even Steve had coerced him a time or two for a mission. He never pictured himself climbing for fun though. Sam had other ideas.
"We're almost there," his friend told him. He barely sounded out of breath.
"How can you tell?" Bucky squinted up through his goggles. The rock seemed never ending.
Sam scoffed. "Amateur," he said good-naturedly. With seeming ease, Sam braced himself against the mountain and kicked, swinging upwards and out of sight.
Bucky scrambled up with far less dignity, landing on the precipice of an outcropping of stone. Sam was already sitting comfortably and sipping water.
"You all right?" he asked Bucky amusedly.
"Are you sure you're not a super-soldier?" Bucky breathed heavily and flopped next to him, tugging off his goggles.
Sam took a look at his appearance and laughed. "Nah. I just like being up high. You've got some raccoon eyes there," he handed Bucky his own sunglasses so he could see his reflection.
"Great," Bucky took in his face, already turning pink from the sun. "The ladies will love it." He tossed Sam back the glasses.
"Oh," Sam said interestedly, "are you checking for the ladies out here?" Sam asked, turning to look at him.
Bucky focused on the view in front of him. It truly was stunning. Wakanda stretched out in front of them, a labyrinth of mountain and jungle, as intimidating and beautiful as its inhabitants. "Nice view," he observed.
"Don't change the subject," Sam laughed. "Who are you trying to attract?"
Bucky scoffed. "Doesn't really matter at this point."
"How long has it been?"
"How long ago was 1945?"
"Shit," Sam dragged the syllable out.
"HYDRA wasn't big on romance," Bucky didn't know why he was telling Sam this, but it felt good to get it out. "I did my job and went back in the freezer."
"Well," Sam observed. "You're out now. Anyone caught your eye?"
Bucky shook his head. "I've had other things on my mind."
"So Shuri doesn't do it for you?" Sam was too clever by far.
"What makes you say that?"
"Normally when I seriously fight with a woman, I don't come back all wet and smiling like I'd just been on a date."
"She was swimming. I joined her," Bucky explained. He didn't even think Sam had noticed that incident a few days back.
"So you saw her in a swim suit. What's it like?"
Bucky paused. It was a memory he wasn't likely to forget. He hadn't really noticed her attire when they had been swimming, but then she had pulled herself out of the water. He'd seen pictures of women in modern two-pieces, but having one in front of you was completely different. He would have gone crazy for that back before the war. He wasn't sure how to handle it now.
"She looked good," Bucky admitted.
"Sounds like an understatement." Sam grinned.
"If she'd been around back in my day, they'd paint her on a warbird. When did women get that comfortable?" Shuri hadn't moved to cover herself in a hurry. Her braid had hung heavy and wet down her back, water dripping off of her dark skin. It seemingly didn't concern her at all to have his eyes on her. She hadn't been bothered at all by Bucky either, even as he removed his soaking wet shirt. By contrast, it had taken Bucky a considerable amount of self-control to not openly stare at her.
"It's been a minute since your day," Sam laughed. "Plus, Wakandan women have nothing to be ashamed of. If I looked like that, I wouldn't hide it either."
Bucky laughed. "I didn't mind looking at her."
"I bet," Sam stretched backwards. "So besides girls, what is it you want to do now?"
"You just cut right to the chase, don't you?"
Sam shrugged, "I have practice. Plus, if I was just getting my life back for the first time since 1945, I'd have a list of things."
Bucky nodded in agreement. "Besides girls?" Sam laughed. "I've got lots of things to atone for."
Sam nodded. "Makes sense. So are you going to join the superhero ranks?"
"Seems logical," Bucky flexed his arm experimentally. "Might be complicated."
"Maybe less than you think." Sam sat up to look at him. "You know Steve's been on a break, right?"
"What do you mean?" this was news to Bucky. He and Steve hadn't talked about work, not really. It seemed like there were far more important things to catch up on.
"He hasn't been Captain America since he gave the shield to Tony," Sam explained.
Bucky considered this. Steve had always been just Steve to him, but he knew that the world saw him as Captain America. It was a heavy burden to bear. "He deserves a break."
"It might be a permanent one," Sam said.
"You think he's done?" Bucky knew that if Steve had already made a decision, he would have told him. His friend was watching events play out.
"He got into this game to save you, if I'm hearing the story right. He's saved you now."
"Steve told you that?"
"History tells me that. Have you read your books?"
"I skimmed," it still felt odd to see your life in print.
"Might want to go back in and read a few chapters carefully."
"So who's in charge now?" Bucky evaded. He didn't want to think about Steve trying to save him. That was a debt he couldn't repay.
"Without Steve? We kind of just do our own thing. We go where we're needed." Sam turned to him. "We could use one more."
"Once HYDRA's out of my head, you can count on me." Bucky had made that decision a year ago.
"As the Winter Soldier?"
"I kind of want to take the name back," Bucky admitted. "Change its legacy."
Sam looked thoughtful. "Not a bad plan. It'll be nice to have a partner. Wanda does her own thing and Tic-tac…" Sam shook his head. "He's cool, but he works best with Clint."
"You want me?" Bucky looked at him.
"Whoa soldier, slow down. I know it's been decades, but I don't want you that way." Sam masterfully lightened the tone of the conversation.
"You're not my type," Bucky assured him.
"Still, we make a decent team."
"Kicked that kid's ass," Bucky admitted.
Sam laughed. "Kicked a lot of people's ass."
"You sure we can put up with each other?"
"We're sitting up here on the edge of a cliff and no one's pushed the other off," Sam swung his feet off the edge to illustrate his point. "As much as it would suck if we lose Steve, someone's got to carry the mantle. I'm not ready to retire."
"Neither am I," Bucky agreed.
"We'd have to start training together," Sam said.
"I'd say climbing up here is a good start," Bucky reached over and patted him on the shoulder.
"How's the new arm?" Sam asked him.
"I can feel," Bucky smiled.
"Can you hold on?" Sam stood up and adjusted the straps on his backpack.
"Why do you ask?" Bucky was wary now.
"Because we're about to start training, partner," Sam grinned as wings popped open all at once. "You ready?"
"Bucky scrambled to his feet, "When you are."
"Then jump," Sam went over the edge.
Bucky took a deep breath and followed him. He fell through the air like a stone. Sam soared above him.
"Grab on!" he yelled. Bucky reached up, not sure what he was supposed to hang on to. To his surprise, his vibranium hand clenched around a handle secured beneath Sam's chest.
"New wings?" he glanced up.
"Vibranium. T'Challa is generous," Sam agreed. "But I'd worry less about my wings if I were you and just enjoy the ride." Sam shifted his wings, angling them so that Bucky could see the view beneath him.
He was flying. He'd done it plenty of times from helicopters and airplanes, but they paled in comparison to this. The ground opened up beneath his feet, whizzing by like a film reel. He felt like Superman, soaring over the Earth.
"Damn," he exhaled.
"You ain't seen nothing yet," Sam glanced down at him, then folded his wings.
They went banking down towards the ground when Sam executed a barrel roll, flipping Bucky around with him like he was a rag doll. They continued somersaulting through the air, while Bucky hung on for dear life. It took him a moment to get his bearings, but after a while, he started to enjoy it. Maybe heights weren't as bad as he remembered.
"Want to see something cool?" Sam straightened out into a glide, aiming them for the palace.
"Do I have a choice?" Bucky's stomach was still rolling around.
Sam chuckled. "You'll thank me later." He sent them diving between two palace buildings effortlessly.
They emerged in another courtyard, just above the heads of dozens of women, all training in combat. They all moved with flawless efficiency, ducking and kicking and blocking and sparring like they were born to do it. By the look of them, they had years of experience. If he had been anywhere besides Wakanda, Bucky would have been worried. An army like this could wreak chaos if they wanted to.
"It's something else, huh?" Sam asked. None of the women even bothered to look up at them as they circled.
"Who are they?"
"The Dora Milaje," Sam said. "The royal guard. Born to be fierce."
Fierce was an understatement. Bucky would have had reservations about attacking any one of them, let alone going up against the whole force.
"They tell me the king normally marries a member. I hope T'Challa skips Ziwadi. I've got a thing for her," Sam admitted.
Bucky chuckled. "Have you told her?"
"I'm working up the courage," Sam angled them around again.
"You should just do it. You never know what she might—"
His sentence was cut short as a missile all in black came hurtling towards them. It caught Sam right between the shoulder blades and he went spinning. Bucky let go, determined to land upright before they crashed. Sam managed to right himself just as the ebon assailant leapt off of him and straight for Bucky, knocking him to the ground. With finesse, their attacker landed delicately on her feet.
"You two should really be more aware of your surroundings," she admonished.
Sam and Bucky looked up from their place on their backs into the face of the princess Shuri. The corners of her lips were tilted up in the hint of a smile.
"You got it, your highness," Sam wheezed, clinging to his stomach.
"Well," Shuri said impatiently, "Stand up."
"What?" Bucky was still a little dazed from the fall.
"You don't interrupt the Dora Malaje and not expect a fight," Shuri said sweetly. "On your feet, boys."
Bucky sat up wearily. Dozens of eyes were on them now, dark intelligent eyes. Each woman varied in height and skin tone and hairstyle, from ponytails to smooth bald heads, to mohawks and afros. Each face was gorgeous, but with the hint of something dangerous. They had formed a tight circle around them now.
"Shit," Sam muttered under his breath.
"No kidding," Bucky struggled up, and offered his arm to his partner.
"We're fighting all of you?" Sam asked.
"Oh no," Shuri assured them. "We will keep it fair." Bucky and Sam exchanged a relieved glance.
"You two are fighting me," she continued.
Their smiles fell. "What was that you said about thanking you later, partner?" Bucky looked at Sam.
"Ha ha," he faked laughter. "Got any brilliant plan?" Sam looked worried.
"Don't get beat up," Bucky brought his fists up.
"And maybe don't strangle anyone," Sam added on an afterthought.
Bucky shot him an annoyed look just as Shuri lunged. She used Sam as a jumping off point, swinging around him and launching herself at Bucky. She got her legs tangled around his neck, but Bucky reached up and grabbed her, tossing her before she could lock on. Shuri landed on her feet and spring back, kicking him square in the face before punching Sam.
The new men assumed the defensive side, pouring their energy into staying on their feet. If Shuri tired, she didn't show it, leaping and vaulting between and off of them both, raining down blows like she was born to do it. Bucky assumed she wasn't hitting them with her full power; they both had managed to stay on their feet. Still, it was like fighting a very angry cat that showed no signs of slowing down.
"She's not going to go easy on us," Bucky managed to tell Sam as she fell back briefly.
"She never does," Sam ducked as a kick went flying at his face.
"All right then," Bucky caught her fist before it could connect. He pushed down any reservations he had about hitting a woman and knocked her back with a hook.
A murmur went up within the Dora Malaje as Shuri fell down. She looked up at him and smiled.
"That's more like it," she congratulated him. Bucky reached down and helped her up.
"Are we done?" he asked warily.
"For now," she nodded at them both. "I'm afraid I will have to train without the two of you. You'll have to find some other way to amuse yourselves."
"No problem," Sam assured her.
"Ziwadi will escort you out," she told them. Ziwadi stepped forward. Her chic black dressed had been traded in for a cat suit, black but with bolts of color weaved in and out of the fabric.
"Hey," Sam greeted her. Ziwadi raised one manicured eyebrow.
"Good afternoon," she greeted. She bowed slightly to the princess. "Let's go," she told Bucky and Sam curtly.
They trailed after her like ducklings, Sam's eyes affixed on the woman leading them. Bucky chanced a look back into the courtyard of women. Shuri was watching Sam watch Ziwadi. She smiled amusedly, and then winked at Bucky. He grinned back.
"Mr. Wilson, I trust that the two of you will be fine from here," the path Ziwadi had led them down emerged at the pool Bucky had swam in a few days prior.
"You can call me Sam," Bucky watched his friend grin at Ziwadi. She looked calmly back at him.
"Have a good day, Mr. Wilson," she nodded at them both before turning and retreating back down the path.
"I think she likes you," Bucky told Sam.
"Oh she does." Sam agreed. "One day she'll figure it out." Bucky snorted and shook his head.
"I'm starving," he told Sam as his stomach rumbled audibly.
"Me too. Plus, I think I need some ice. For a princess, Shuri kicks hard," Sam rubbed his shoulder.
"You should take a kick from T'Challa some time," Bucky said. Those could break bone.
The two men made their way back slowly, chatting like they hadn't just gotten smacked around by royalty. Bucky found that he enjoyed his time with Sam immensely. It was different than with Steve. Steve was a brother; he saw the best in Bucky no matter the circumstances. Sam was a comrade. He had a talent for coaxing Bucky into opening up without making him feel like he was some kind of emotional wreck. Sam had never known Bucky before HYDRA had taken him, and still he trusted him enough to spend time with him. His faith in him was humbling, and meant more to Bucky than he could articulate.
"Where's Steve at?" Bucky asked. He wanted to be with his two best friends.
"I bet Sharon's got him," Sam said. "Want to crash their party?"
Bucky grinned. "Absolutely." They quickened their steps towards Steve's room.
"Not a word though, about what happened with the ladies," Sam cautioned.
"I can keep a secret if you can," Bucky agreed.
Together, he and his new partner made their way inside.
A/N: Thank you so much for all of your kind words. I was finally able to read your reviews. Please continue to let me know what you think. I do love constructive criticism!