Chapter 12. Visitors

Iowa, the farm

The sound of a quinjet landing in the yard drew the attention of Lacey, Clint and Laura while they were having lunch. Clint led the way outside and he smiled as the aircraft came to a rest. The ramp came down and two men appeared.

"Well, I was wondering when you were going to show up," said Clint to Steve and Sam as they stepped off the ramp. "You're just in time for lunch."

Laura stepped back inside and made up some extra sandwiches for the men, setting a place for them at the table.

"Just a brief stop," said Steve. "Your FBI minder won't be around today will he?"

"He was here yesterday," replied Clint. "I don't think he would have said anything. He's surprisingly cool with a lot of things despite being FBI."

The two men stepped inside the house and took in the sight of all the kids, with Steve noticing Tommy.

"He's grown," he said to Lacey. "What have you been feeding him?"

"Lots of food," said Lacey. "Good thing my book is doing well and I can afford to feed him. Tommy, this is your Uncle Steve and his friend Sam. Uncle Steve is Daddy's best friend."

Steve kneeled beside Tommy. "How are you doing, buddy?" he asked. "I haven't seen you since you were really little."

"You're Daddy's friend?" asked the little boy.

"Uh huh, since we were kids, not much older than you," replied Steve, then he looked at Lacey. "He knows who Bucky is?"

"We've had several video calls with him," she said. "Sit down and I'll fill you in."

As they sat and ate Lacey filled him in on Bucky's treatment. Then she told him about her mother's death and the incidents at the funeral. He was concerned about that and promised to do his own detective work to find out who was looking for Lacey and Tommy. The biggest surprise to Steve was when Lacey asked Tommy to show him what he could do on the play set. Both Tommy and Nathaniel ran outside to the set where Tommy climbed to the top and jumped off, making Steve lunge to catch him.

"No, I can jump all the way!" protested Tommy, when Steve caught him.

"He's started eyeing the smaller barn," noted Lacey, "so you might as well let him jump off this."

They both watched the boys and Steve shook his head when Tommy did it again, landing easily on his feet. "He inherited Bucky's super soldier abilities," he stated. "Is he a fast runner as well?"

Lacey shrugged and Steve challenged the boy to a race. Although it wasn't as fast as Steve could go it was faster than a normal adult. When Steve scooped him up after a mile Tommy laughed in his arms.

"You're fast, too!" he shouted. "Is my Daddy fast?"

"Very fast, just like you," replied Steve as he ran back to the farm with the boy on his shoulders. He stopped before they got back to the adults and he lifted the boy off then kneeled down in front of him. "Tommy, it's very important that you only do the fast running and high jumping on the farm. There are people who would take you away from your Mom if they knew you could do this. Can you promise me that you'll only do it here?"

The boy's face turned serious as he looked Steve in the eyes. "Mom already told me," he said. "Bad people who hurt Daddy would hurt me too if they find out. I liked running with you. Will you come again and teach me more super soldier stuff?"

"Yeah, buddy, I will," replied Steve. "You know if your Dad could be here he would show you everything?"

"I know," answered the boy. "He's getting better."

Suddenly Tommy hugged Steve and received a big hug in return. Steve felt somewhat guilty for not checking in on Lacey and the boy for so long but vowed to be more visible from now on. The boy knew his abilities were not normal and needed guidance on managing them. He stepped back and looked closely at the boy seeing more of Bucky in him since infancy.

"I'll come to visit you when I can," said Steve. "I'll tell you stories about your Dad and me when we were growing up." He stood up and Tommy took his hand as they walked back to where Clint and Lacey were waiting. "I'm going to try and visit more often. Tommy is interested in testing his limits and really, we need to know. He's the first super soldier born naturally."

"That was something seeing you two run off," said Clint. "You won't do that to your Uncle Clint, will you Tommy?"

The boy gave a sly smile and Clint rolled his eyes, realizing he had just given Tommy an idea.

"He won't," interjected Lacey. "Will you, Tommy?"

Her request was followed by a look that only a mother could give and Tommy promised not to run away from Clint. That being settled there wasn't much more to be said so Steve and Sam made preparations to leave. Steve gave both of them a cell phone number where he could be reached. Lacey walked Steve and Sam to the quinjet.

"Have you heard anything from Tony Stark?" she asked. "I know he feels guilty about the whole thing. That play set was part of him making amends to me and Tommy."

"No, nothing yet," said Steve. "It will probably take something really big for him to reach out. That's okay. I'm not going anywhere, other than hiding out."

Sam prepared to enter the quinjet without saying anything and Lacey called him back. "Thank you for helping Bucky. I know that it's cost you."

He sighed. "They would have summarily executed him when he wasn't responsible for his actions," he replied. "I think the decryption of the HYDRA files have proven he was a victim as well. Certainly they could have rescued him a lot sooner. You take care of yourself and that boy. Things will work out. They often do."

Lacey did hug him and he smiled kindly at her. Then she looked up at Steve. Her eyes watered up as she tried to formulate the words but he just hugged her.

"Sam's right," he whispered. "It will work out. I promise I'll come more often. It's been too long since my last visit and that's on me."

She smiled stoically at him and stepped away towards the house as Steve powered the aircraft up and lifted it up into the air. She could see Tommy watching then he started waving and she saw Steve waving back at him from the cockpit. Her son ran up to her and she lifted him into her arms. Together they waved and the aircraft pulled away into the sky.

"I like Uncle Steve," declared Tommy.

"Good," replied Lacey. "He's a good man."

Over the next month Lacey and Tommy continued living with Clint and Laura at the farm. Steve came back once. Bucky made weekly calls and documented his sparring sessions with the Dora Milaje warriors in preparation for the test on the effectiveness of his treatment. She could see he was nervous when the day arrived in which a warrior named Ayo would say the activation words.

"What if she activates me and I become him again?" he said anxiously. "All that work for nothing."

"They wouldn't do it unless they were sure," replied Lacey. "It's not like you'll go on a rampage if the words do work, right? She actually has to command you."

"True, but I couldn't live with myself if I hurt anyone while I was him," he admitted. He breathed heavily for a time then looked up at her. "Here I am worrying about myself and I haven't even asked how you are yet."

"We're good," she replied. "Steve came back again and ran with Tommy. He's so fast Bucky, and he feels so free when he can let go. Steve wants to teach Tommy to box."

Bucky chuckled. "That I would like to see," he smiled. "You know I won the YMCA welterweight championship three years in a row. God, I loved to box. I could have turned pro if it weren't for the war."

"Steve told us that," she replied. "He told Tommy a lot about you, about growing up together, and you looking out for him."

"When I'm done my rehab in the village I plan to come home and turn myself in," said Bucky seriously. "I've been away from you two for too long. It should be me telling him the stories, not Steve. I'm not complaining but he is my son and really, it's my responsibility."

"They'll still put you on trial if you do," said Lacey. "Even with all that the lawyer has uncovered there are still a lot of people who want to make an example of you. If they find you guilty ..."

"Then they find me guilty," repeated Bucky. "At some point I have to stand on my own two feet and face the music. As long as you're in my corner I have the strength to do that." He looked to the side. "They're ready for me. Time for the test. No matter what happens know I love you and Tommy. Someday, we'll be a family, I promise."

"I love you, too," she replied. "You call me as soon as you can. Goodbye, Bucky."

"Goodbye, Lacey," he answered and the connection was broken.

Shuri had already updated Lacey on what would happen to Bucky. He would be transported to a remote location where Ayo would repeat the activation words to him. If he was triggered they would begin again. If he stayed Bucky then he was deemed safe enough to complete his rehab in a small village. For several months at least he would be resident there and learn to live without his arm. Then it would be his choice to receive the artificial arm they designed and built for him.

"His choice?" asked Lacey when Shuri informed her. "Why wouldn't he choose to take it?"

"The arm that was built for Sergeant Barnes when he was HYDRA's captive was meant to be an instrument of death and destruction," replied Shuri. "Despite all the treatment we have given him we have found that he fears any prosthetic arm may be used for the same purpose. Ours will be more naturally shaped, weighted like a natural arm, and with enough sensors in it that he will be able to touch anything gently. It will always be distinctive looking as it is black with gold markings. We will not force him to accept it but it will always be here for him when he is ready to do so."

The day after the test Bucky called her with the news that the treatment had worked and the activation words influence on him was broken. His elation was tempered by the knowledge that he still had more rehabilitation to go but at least now he knew he could be safely around others and reintegrate into society.

—

Wakanda, the village

The flight to the village took a little longer than Bucky was expecting. Seated in the back of the Royal Talon fighter with Ayo piloting and Shuri in the copilot seat he watched the two women as they flew towards the small village where he would stay for up to six months. He was nervous, having been only in the company of Shuri, Ayo and several other Dora Milaje warriors for the past month. Shuri observed him from time to time as she looked behind her on occasion, as did Ayo.

"You have nothing to worry about, Sergeant Barnes," Shuri reassured him. "The chief knows what you have been through and it was his choice to invite you to live in peace in their community, learning to be whole again. Even though you will be short a limb."

He smiled grimly. "I'm sure I'll be a big help to them," he said, somewhat sarcastically. "I was born and raised in one of the biggest cities in the United States. What do I know about farming?"

"You will learn, White Wolf," stated Ayo. "Just as you learned our fighting style so quickly. You are a quick learner and I'm sure you will master being a farmer. It will be good for your soul."

Bucky thought back to the previous evening when he sat on the floor and tore out the sleeves of the work shirts they provided to him. All three of them were long sleeved with button cuffs and he realized very quickly that would be something he couldn't manage. So, using his feet and teeth to anchor the shirts he cut just below the shoulder seam with a knife and tore the sleeves off. He remembered seeing a patterned shawl left behind in the garden and took it to wrap around his new shoulder insert. Still sensitive about the artificial look of his shoulder he wanted it covered. Again, using his free hand, mouth and feet he was able to knot the ends so he could slip it over his shoulder and cover the unit. Queen Ramonda had seen him with the shawl covering his shoulder and raised her eyebrows at him but said nothing. It was only on the way to the village that he realized the shawl was probably hers. He also received three pairs of work pants and tried them on, managing the zipper and top button alright with one hand. Then he looked at himself in the mirror and shook his head.

"What is it with this generation and tight pants?" he said out loud. "It leaves nothing to the imagination."

Packing everything in a bag with a long strap he had lain awake for some time waiting for a sleep that took forever to come until his bracelet woke him for breakfast. Now, in the back of the Royal Talon fighter he found the motion of the aircraft was slowly lulling him to sleep and he fought to keep his eyes open. Fortunately it was only a few more minutes before they dropped into the village drawing a crowd of people around the aircraft when it finally hovered and landed. A man, who Bucky assumed was the chief, waded through the crowd of people and asked everyone to step back for the Princess. Smiling broadly she got out of the copilot seat, then down the ramp, and greeted the chief then turned to Bucky and introduced him in Wakandan.

"Do not worry, Sergeant Barnes, Chief Thembeka speaks English," she said. "The formal introduction was done in Wakandan as is our custom."

The chief crossed his closed fists in front of his chest so Bucky did the same with his one arm, garnering a nod of respect from those nearby.

"Sergeant Barnes, also called White Wolf," began Thembeka. "Welcome to our village. We hope that you find peace during your stay with us. For now we will host a small feast in your honour. After you may retire to your hut and make yourself comfortable. Your home is small but it is yours and yours alone. Wi-Fi is available in the huts for any internet searching or personal video calls you may wish to make. Tomorrow you will begin your work."

"May I ask what you have planned for me?" asked Bucky.

The chief smiled mysteriously. "You may ask but the answer will not be evident until tomorrow," he said with finality.

He attended the feast and when it was over bade goodbye to Shuri and Ayo. Picking his bag up he was shown to his hut and he pulled aside the curtain which covered the only entrance into it. It was small; a bed, desk, small kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower he could barely fit into. A small closet with a set of drawers beside it was soon filled by his clothes. He laid back on the bed and looked up into the thatched roof of the round structure. Gazing around the walls he saw various animal skins and assorted gourds mounted on the wall. The sound of giggling got his attention and he looked up to see three painted faces peering at him from just outside the doorway. Raising himself from the bed he walked towards the door but the three children ran away and he smiled gently at them. Picking up the tablet he sat outside on a bench just beside the door. Opening the video call app he touched the last call he made to Lacey and her face soon appeared.

"Hi!" she said, then she looked at the wall behind him. "You look like you're in front of a hut. Does that mean you're in your village?"

"Yes, just arrived today," he said. "Let me show you my hut."

He picked up the tablet and turned it around aiming it at the various parts of his home for the next while. Then he returned to the bench and sat looking at her. She called to Tommy who joined her.

"Hi Daddy," he said breezily. "Guess what? I jumped off the small barn today. How high was that Mom?"

"About 20 feet," said Lacey. "He landed on some hay bales that Clint was going to haul up to the loft. He helped Clint get them up there."

"How did it feel?" asked Bucky, trying not to be concerned. "Did it hurt at all when you landed?"

"No, it was fun," said Tommy. "How high can you jump?"

"Pretty far," admitted Bucky. "But I'm also a grown up and I have bigger legs and muscles than you. Promise you won't go higher than the barn for a while?"

"Okay," agreed Tommy then he looked directly at Bucky. "Daddy, when are you coming home?"

He took in a quick breath as the question had taken him by surprise. "I have to stay here for a few more months then I'll be free to leave here, I hope," he answered. "I want to come home and if the people in charge let me that's what I'll do."

"Can you come for my next birthday?" asked Tommy. "Please?"

"I'll try, I really will," said Bucky, trying to keep the emotion down in his throat. "But I probably won't make it until after. Can I talk to your Mom, now, please? I'm sure you want to play."

"Okay, I love you Daddy," said Tommy, unprompted.

"I love you, too, son," said Bucky, who waited for Tommy to leave before he put the tablet down and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

"You okay?" asked Lacey when he reappeared on the screen. "I didn't know he was going to ask that. He's been asking questions about how we met and how we made him. He sees how Clint is with Nate and that has him wondering why you're not here."

"You know I would be there if I could," stated Bucky. "There's nothing I want more. I'm serious about turning myself in as soon as I'm done here. I've been away too long. Can you let that lawyer know that's my plan?"

"I'll tell him," replied Lacey. "This might be the hardest months for both of us. When you do get here how do you want to handle ... us?"

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Should we take some time together and get to know each other first?" she queried. "Go on some dates or do we jump into a relationship right away? I do love you but I really don't know you, do I?"

"No, we don't," admitted Bucky. "These on screen conversations aren't really the same as being together are they? One night together really isn't enough to base a serious relationship on."

He looked down at the ground and took a deep breath, obviously disappointed. "Bucky, until we actually see each other we just don't know for sure," stated Lacey. "We can go away together, rent a cabin or something, separate bedrooms and see what happens. That's the grown up way of doing it."

"You're right," he replied. "Let's do that and see where it leads. I don't want to pressure you into something that may or may not exist. But you'll still wait for me until then, right? You're not seeing anyone?"

"No, I'm not seeing anyone," she told him then she smiled. "I'm still on the farm and I get into town about once a month to pick up my mail with Clint. The book is still selling, approaching the end of the second printing so I'm still getting fan mail."

He was relieved to hear it as for a brief moment he thought she was letting him down easy. "In a best case scenario I want a relationship with you," he declared. "I want it all – marriage, a house or a farm, kids. If that isn't meant to be then I want a friendship and to be part of Tommy's life."

"That's my best case scenario also," she agreed. "I have faith in both of us Bucky, even if I do have doubts once in a while. I just wanted it to be out there so that we're not blindsided if it doesn't work."

"Fair enough," he said, then looked at her and smiled. "So you won't mind if I tell you I still think you're beautiful and that I think of that night often."

"I don't mind at all," she answered. "I think of it as well. You're still the most handsome man I've ever met." She looked at him steadily before taking her own deep breath. "This seems like a good time to end our call. Call me as often as you can. I do love you."

"I will and I love you too," he said, then he ended the call.

He sat back against the outside wall of the hut and put the tablet on the bench. Closing his eyes he breathed deeply.

"Are you alright, White Wolf?" said a child's voice.

He opened his eyes to see the three boys with painted faces standing in front of him, all of them with a look of concern on their face. "Just feeling a little sad," he explained. "My son is in another country and I've only ever seen him on this." He lifted up the tablet. "I want to be with him but I have to stay here in your village for a while to prove I can live like a civilized man."

"Is his mother with him?" asked one of the boys. "Do you miss her too?"

"Yes, I miss her," replied Bucky. "I want to be with her as well. What are your names?"

They laughed and ran away, leaving him shaking his head. He would have to ask if it was taboo to know children's names. What was with calling him White Wolf? No one had explained what that was about. So many questions and he wasn't sure who he could ask for answers. This was going to be a long six months.