A/N: I revised the previous chapter and fleshed it out a bit more. If you haven't seen the additions, you might want to go back and peek at the changes. Thank you!

The next few days of Bucky's life were a blur of contradictions. While the sun was out, the whole team was stationed around a conference room table, going in circles over what the next step would be. Wanda refused to sign the accords, Sam was willing so long as amendments were made first, Natasha had signed them already but refused to return without Clint in tow. Scott opposed the government on almost a fundamental level, and seemed to have a particular aversion to Tony, though Bucky wasn't entirely sure why. Clint wanted to go home to his family, but refused to compromise his morals, Sharon was considering signing the accords and Steve was just trying to keep the peace. Tony Stark was an excellent debater, of that Bucky was sure. He was brilliant, quick on his feet with a sharp retort whenever someone offered a counterpoint. He was the kind of man who was used to being in charge, and Bucky could tell that he wasn't thrilled that the team seemed to rally around Steve. Bucky's best friend was maintaining that the team needed to operate independently of any government agency. Their duty, Steve argued, was to the citizens of the world, not the interests of the government. Tony countered that he was too idealistic, that the world did not work that way. Steve retorted by saying that just because something was difficult did not mean it wasn't worth doing.

"What if the people vote?" Bucky, for his part, had remained mostly silent through these days of negotiations. He was greatly invested in their outcome, but didn't feel it was his place to jump in. He was growing weary now of their circular arguments. It was clear that the 7 of them would never completely agree. If it wasn't for his nights spent with Shuri, Bucky was sure that his patience would be slipping. He knew it was selfish to watch his friends spend their days arguing, but every day they did not reach a compromise meant another night in Shuri's arms. It meant more time training, planning with T'Challa to capture Klaue. It meant morning workouts with Steve and Sam, target practice trying to keep up with Clint, dinners with the team. Despite all the arguing, they felt more like family than anything now. He was reluctant to give that up. Even Tony had ventured into their group meals, though he and Bucky did their very best to avoid one another. It was obvious to Bucky that this was a unit that preferred one another's company, even excelled in one another's presence. Bucky hoped that there would be room for him in their future, no matter the outcome. If not, perhaps he could remain in Wakanda. He would miss Steve like a part of himself, but he wouldn't endanger him again. If the world wanted him gone, he would make himself scarce. He could stay in Wakanda, help T'Challa. He could wake up next to the princess.

Shuri. She was a distraction he was pretty sure he couldn't afford, but there was no helping it now. Whatever was blossoming between them felt so normal amidst the chaos. Bucky was in no hurry to let a blessing slip by him, not after decades of living in hell.

"What do you mean a vote?" Tony asked him, taking Bucky by surprise. He pulled his thoughts away from the princess and to the situation at hand. Shuri was not present at the moment; she and T'Challa had many royal obligations. Ziwadi was sitting in as their eyes and ears. The beautiful baldheaded woman turned her eyes on Bucky, along with the rest of the room.

"You say you're a team that represents the people. What do the people want?" Bucky shrugged.

"You want the whole world to just vote on it?" Tony scoffed. Even Natasha looked skeptical.

"That's a tall order, soldier," she said. "Who's going to moderate that?"

"Government votes can be skewed," Scott shook his head. "History shows it all over the world."

"Not to mention the sheer logistics," Tony added.

"It might be hard to do," Steve told him, sounding sympathetic.

"Why does it have to be official?" Bucky was no fan of organized government at the moment, but he hoped it wasn't as bad as Scott made it sound. He was beginning to suspect that his diminutive teammate might be very anti-establishment.

"What do you mean?" Wanda asked.

"The internet does polls all of the time," Bucky had seen them when he ventured onto the computer. He looked at Sharon for backup.

"That's true," she said. "But those are very unofficial. Just a random sampling of a small population."

"I don't know," Clint through in. "I gotta figure if something like that went up on the internet, there'd be a pretty big response."

"So we just upload a quiz? Like one of those online magazines?" Natasha laughed.

"Why not?" Sam said. "You dumped all of HYDRAs secrets on the web. It's not like the world isn't used to us dropping bombshells."

The suggestion hung in the air for a while.

"I'd be interested just to see what people think," Steve said at last. "Buck's right. We've spent so much time fighting one another; we're forgetting who we serve."

Tony raised an eyebrow, but looked thoughtful. "I could probably draft something, pump it out so we can make sure it's gets the farthest reach."

"It'd have to be monitored carefully," Natasha insisted. "So no one can skew the results."

"It doesn't need to be an end all thing," Clint said. "But I'm with Steve and Bucky. I'm curious to see what the world thinks."

"What about the countries with fewer resources?" Wanda asked. "What if they cannot vote?"

"It's not like we can go door to door," Scott agreed.

"We'll do the best we can," Steve said. "Poll as many people as possible. That'll give us some time to feel out how the world feels. Maybe we can reach a compromise then."

"How long should it run?" Sam asked.

Bucky was amazed that his suggestion was being taken seriously. He was the one with the least experience in this modern world.

"Two weeks?" Tony asked. "In the meantime, we can focus on Wakanda's problem. Track down this Klaue guy. Kick his ass for old time's sake."

Steve smiled. "I can do that," he said.

"I'm cool," Sam agreed.

"And I," Wanda raised her hand, "As long as we try to poll the poorer countries."

"I'm with Wanda," Clint said immediately.

"It's the only idea we seem to have," Sharon said. "Why not?"

Natasha sighed. "This is crazy. You know that right?"

"We've done a lot of crazy shit. This falls pretty low on the scale," Tony pointed out.

"What about you, Scott?" Steve asked.

"I guess," the brunette man shrugged. "But it's a lot more than just a yes or no question."

"So maybe we ask them to write their responses," Sharon suggested.

"Who's going to read all of that?" Natasha asked.

"I could do an algorithm. Sort out the responses by category. Sign the accords, remain independent, somewhere in between." Tony seemed to be already working out the puzzle in his head.

"No offense, but you shouldn't be the only one in charge of that," Clint said.

"Maybe ask T'Challa," Scott threw out. "He's pretty trustworthy."

"Would you ask him, Ziwadi?" Steve inquired.

The stoic woman nodded slowly. "I shall. Perhaps Mr. Wilson will accompany me to represent the team?" she glanced at Sam. He played it cool, nodding as the woman stood up to leave the room. He followed her, but then turned and gave Bucky and Steve a shit-eating grin.

"She picked me!" he mouthed. Steve shook his head but smiled. Bucky winked at him.

"So that settles that. For now," Tony announced. "What should we argue about next?"

"I think I have had enough arguing for a lifetime," Wanda stood up, eager to leave the room.

"Suit yourself," Tony shrugged, falling into a chair. "That reminds me," he raised a finger as though he just remembered something. "You might be getting a call in oh…" he glanced at his watch, "ten minutes anyway."

Wanda looked surprised. "A call?"

"I'd hurry up, if I were you," Stark instructed. Wanda scowled at him, but quickly made her way to her room.

"And Clint?" Tony turned to the older man. "There's a surprise for you arriving right about now," Stark told him.

Clint raised an eyebrow. "A surprise from you?"

"Call it a peace offering," Stark said.

Clint glanced at Natasha, who shrugged. Tony dialed the watch on his arm.

"Has the package arrived?" he asked through the speakerphone.

"Yes, Mr. Stark," a female's voice answered calmly. Bucky shot Steve a glance. Steve didn't looked shocked at the disembodied voice.

"Hi F.R.I.D.A.Y.," Steve greeted.

"Captain Rogers. What a pleasure to hear from you," the voice addressed him. "I trust you have reached a compromise."

"Mind your business F.R.I.D.A.Y.," Steve cut her off. "She's just a computer," he explained to Bucky when he saw the other man's facial expression.

"Just a computer? I suppose you'll be taking care of your own business then in the future," the apparent computer sounded offended.

"My bad, F.R.I.D.A.Y.," Stark apologized, but rolled his eyes. "It's so hard to get good help these days."

"Humph," F.R.I.D.A.Y. grumbled but powered off.

Bucky glanced at a bemused Clint and Natasha. Even Scott looked amused.

"Anyway," Tony stood up. "Your present," he opened the door to the conference room.

A small brunette woman was smiling in the doorway, clutching a toddler and the hand of a small dark-haired girl. Next to the little girl, a young boy was beaming.

"Dad!" the two children bolted forward, straight at Clint. The man dropped to his knees, his arms spread wide as the two kids hit him hard in the chest.

"I missed you guys," Clint's voice was heavy with emotion as he embraced his family. When he could bring himself to release his eldest two children, his wife swept in. The kids leaped to Natasha, who looked just as thrilled to see them.

Tony caught Steve's eye and jerked his head towards the exit. Steve, Sharon, Scott and Bucky all stood up quickly, not wishing to intrude on the family reunion. Scott looked thoughtful as they walked down the hall, deep in some emotion.

"Maybe this poll will work out," he announced to no one in particular. With a respectful nod at Tony, Scott took off down the hall.

"That was kind of you, Tony," Steve stopped them in their tracks to face his former friend.

"Least I could do," Stark attempted to brush the gesture off, but Bucky could sense his embarrassment. Bucky knew a thing or two about trying to find redemption. His respect for Tony Stark went up a notch.

"I know Clint appreciates it," Steve didn't let up.

"I tried to find mini-man's family," Stark explained, staring down the hall where Scott had just disappeared. "Hank Pym is looking out for them. He's not my biggest fan." Stark shrugged. "I guess some old sins die hard." His eyes turned to Bucky. "Anyway, what's this about Klaue?" Tony asked Steve and Sharon.

"It might be best if the King fills you in on that," Sharon said. Steve nodded.

"We can go find him, if you like," Steve seemed eager.

"Are you looking for my brother, per chance?" Shuri's heeled feet beat a track down the hall towards them. She was back in black, in a wraparound dress that set Bucky's blood boiling. She smiled at him, but otherwise betrayed nothing. Still, Steve grinned at Bucky behind her back. Bucky tried to keep the blush out of his cheeks.

"T'Challa is with Mr. Wilson at the moment. He is requesting your presence," Shuri gestured at Steve and Tony. "Miss Carter, Ziwadi would like to talk to you. Something about training."

Sharon nodded. "I'll go find her," she kissed Steve on the cheek and hurried off. Tony raised an eyebrow.

"When did that happen?" he asked Steve.

Steve went scarlet. "It's been about two years now."

Tony smiled. "Nice."

"What about you?" Steve quickly deflected back to Tony.

"Pepper and I are friendly again." Tony seemed pleased to tell Steve this.

"Friendly?"

"Not quite what we were, but talking again. Fingers crossed," Tony held up two fingers, twisted together.

"That's good, Tony. She's good for you."

"I know," Tony said. "Maybe I'll get lucky."

Bucky felt like he was intruding on some private moment. Apparently, Shuri did also.

"If you don't mind, Captain, Mr. Stark," she nodded politely, "I require Mr. Barnes attention for some training."

Tony turned to look at them, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I bet you do." He managed to make the simple statement sound suggestive. Steve shot him a warning look.

"We'll find T'Challa, your highness," Steve told Shuri politely.

Shuri fixed her withering gaze on Tony. "I shall see the two of you later," she dismissed them. With one fluid motion, she spun on her stilettoes, making her way down the hall on long strides.

"See you at dinner?" Bucky wanted to talk to Steve about what just happened.

"Absolutely," the two men clasped hands.

"See you, tin-man," Tony used the nickname that Bucky hated, but it was the first time he had addressed Bucky directly since their talk.

"See you," Bucky nodded at him before turning after Shuri. She was waiting for him around the corner.

"How were the meetings?" she asked him.

"Better," he told her as they started off again. "We have a plan."

"Yes," she reached for his hand, twisting her fingers around his vibranium digits. "T'Challa mentioned your suggestion. I am impressed."

"Do you think it will work?" he asked her as they made their way outside.

"Whether it has the intended effect, I cannot say," she admitted. "It has opened up communication between you all though. Compromise is beginning." She smiled at him.

"Stark brought Clint his family."

"Yes. He mentioned his plan to my brother and I. He also secured a call for Miss Maximoff from another former teammate. A man called Vision."

Bucky raised a brow. "He's trying."

"That he is," Shuri agreed. "It is quite the effort from him. I suspect that Mr. Stark has been very lonely these past two years."

"Sad," Bucky knew about loneliness.

"It seems to be drawing to an end," Shuri seemed unconcerned.

"What's going on with Klaue?" It was a beautiful day outside, the kind that Bucky could get lost in. He felt obligated to ask about business though.

"T'Challa is closing in," Shuri told him. "He may have a plan in hand. It will take the whole team."

"He's trying to get us to work together," Bucky wasn't fooled.

"I believe that is his ultimate goal, yes," Shuri smiled.

"I think they'll like that," Bucky was sure of it.

"I do not think it will be an easy task. However, it may do you all some good."

Bucky wanted to ask what would happen when it was all over, but was afraid of the answer. Instead, he focused on the path in front of them. Shuri was leading him to the waterfall and pool.

"We're training here?" he asked her.

"No," she smiled at him. "Just taking a break. I thought perhaps you could use it." Grinning, she stripped down to her bathing suit and went running over the waterfall. Bucky watched her with a smile.

"You couldn't give me a chance to grab my swimsuit?" he called down after her.

"Call me selfish, but I prefer you without it," she laughed.

Bucky knew that come this evening, it would be back to work and planning and anxiety. For now though, Clint had his family, Natasha had her surrogate nieces and nephew, Wanda was conversing with an old friend, Sharon was back to training for the future, Scott seemed to be opening up to the possibility of opening up, and Steve and Tony were bonding again. It was the happiest that the team had been in months.

Bucky stripped down and took a leap, following Shuri into the pool. He hit the water with a splash, Shuri's giggles echoing underwater as he tugged at her legs. They chased each other around like children, splashing and kicking, content to just play in the sun.

Eventually spent, Shuri crawled out of the pool, lying across the warm rocks, her hair drying out around her. Bucky lay next to her, quietly holding her hand. The jungle was alive around them; the sound of birds and insects mixing into a cacophonous symphony. Bucky sighed contentedly, and closed his eyes. Shuri drifted off to sleep next to him, curling her body into his side. Bucky held her, focusing on the feel of the smooth rock beneath him, her sun-warmed skin, the spray of the waterfall tickling him as it flecked them with water.

Life was as perfect as it had been for decades. Bucky sighed happily.

The jungle went suddenly silent. It was as though the needle had just fallen off of a record, an instant and shocking quiet that put Bucky on edge immediately. He bolted up as Shuri stirred next to him.

"What is it?" she sensed his alarm.

"I don't know," Bucky made a grab for their clothes. "We should check it out."

"All right," Shuri sat up, instantly on alarm. "We should call for Ziwadi. I have never seen the jungle do this."

"Call her in," Bucky was up on his feet, his eyes trained out into the trees.

"Ziwadi," Shuri was speaking into her wristwatch. "We may have a problem—"

All at once, the jungle went up in a beacon of fire and noise. Bucky had just enough time to seize Shuri around the waist and drag the two of them underwater. From beneath the surface, he could see the flames leaping as the jungle caught fire. Shuri's eyes widened. Bucky's mind raced. The two resurfaced long enough to breath. The previously tranquil surroundings now were a horror of flame and destruction.

"Klaue," Shuri's voice was rife with anger. Her eyes were focused on the palace. Projectiles were smashing into the side of the building, exploding at intervals. "We must find my brother," she told him, springing into action.

Bucky followed behind her, desperately praying that his team was uninjured.

A/N: Another update! We're coming up on the end of the story. Thank you for your continued support. Please let me know what you think!