Long time between updates, but never forgotten!

Soon, we will be entering Infinity War! That's a little bit exciting isn't it?

Many thanks to Triggerfinger213, astrit090, bookwriter123456, minnatarek, Daryl's Lady, MadSnow, DemonQueen8787, bonitalito, anabelle395, Hammondc97 for joining me.

Thanks to my reviewers too! Love hearing from you.

Let us begin...

Enjoy

xo

Chapter 23

Farewell, Welcome Back

Shuri finished taking Bucky's observations just as Lex came back into the room, followed by T'challa.

Thankfully, Shuri hadn't said anything more about the compromising position she had found the pair in, although her determined demeanour did give way to the slightest of smirks when she saw Lex again.

"So, is he good?" Lex asked; her face completely calm and relaxed, not a sign of any concern for what had happened moments earlier.

"Yes, he's fine, physically," Shuri said with a meaningful look at Lex, earning a raised eyebrow from the female super soldier. Shuri looked back to Bucky, her expression becoming serious. "Now, Bucky, can you describe whether what you experienced today, was any different to your previous experiences?"

Bucky was thoughtful for a moment, remembering everything he'd felt as Shuri had read out the words. He recalled thinking that it seemed strange that he didn't feel the same pain he would usually feel in his head as the first five words were read. He also remembered when the ninth and tenth word were read, it was like being struck by a hammer and all his conscious thoughts were overridden by a sudden need to hit something.

"It took a lot longer for me to feel the usual effects of the words, and usually, I would feel like all my thoughts are taken from me and replaced with a completely blank slate with no thoughts, just a need to comply with whatever I'm told to do. This time, I had this overwhelming sense of aggression and... fear? Or, maybe it was confusion," Bucky explained looking down at his hand, a sense of deep remorse washing over him and he couldn't bring himself to look at Lex, clenching his fist at the thought of attacking his friend.

"Interesting, so we've managed to remove the compliance programming," Shuri said, touching one of her Kimoyo beads and bringing a holographic screen up, beginning to touch at different words that appeared. She furrowed her brow and pressed her lips into a thin line as she seemed to be flicking through files. "Yes, the data shows heightened activity in his brain's Amygdala, higher than in the average man, but quite similar to Lex's when she is in a heightened state of aggressiveness."

Bucky's gaze met Lex's and she looked sympathetic, offering a small smile.

"So, do you know where you're going from here, Shuri?" T'challa asked his sister with interest.

"Yes, we now know that we CAN remove Dr Zola's programming, it's just a matter of time and we should have Sergeant Barnes back to his old self," Shuri answered, offering a warm smile.

Bucky tried to smile back, but he couldn't quite bring himself to believe he would ever be his 'old' self again. That Bucky was long gone. He glanced at Lex to see she was looking at him with a look of consideration.

"How long will it take?" Lex asked, looking back to Shuri then, an expectant look on her face.

Shuri touched another Kimoyo bead, flipping through screens before stopping on one and analysing it thoughtfully. "Hmm, I can't give you an exact answer, but considering it's taken us three weeks to reach this point, maybe another two or three months?"

Lex nodded, before looking to Bucky. He met her gaze and she smiled back at him. "You'll be fine, Bucky. I've got faith in you; Steve's got faith in you." A crooked grin then played on her lips. "Just stop worrying so much!"

He gave a light laugh at her mock scolding, looking down. "Yeah, alright."

"She is right," T'challa agreed. "We too have faith that we will help you call your mind, your own, once again."

Bucky looked at T'challa and Shuri gratefully. "Thank you, for everything."

"It is the least that I can do." T'Challa nodded his head to Bucky and then to Lex, before motioning for his sister to join him.

"Oh, but," Shuri began to argue, looking between Lex and Bucky with an overexcited look.

"Now, Shuri, don't make me get mother down here," T'Challa warned, looking apologetically at Bucky. Shuri pressed her lips into a thin line and quickly followed her brother out with her head down, leaving Bucky alone with Lex.

Bucky suddenly felt very awkward and exposed in the small room. Lex was seated on a chair opposite from his bed, a calm expression on her face as she looked at him. He couldn't bring himself to look at her in the eye, his mind still drifting back to the position they had found themselves in earlier.

"Will you relax, Bucky, you're making me anxious," Lex finally spoke up with a sigh, leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees. He furrowed his brow and looked up at her, beginning to wonder if she knew what he was thinking about. She cocked her head to one side, smiling warmly at him. "Anyone would think you just found out the world was about to end. You should be happy right now."

He stared at her in surprise, before realising he had been wrong. She had misread his anxiousness. "Well," he began, doing his best to calm himself. "I am, but there's still a chance it's not going to work."

"Sure. There's also a chance the Queen of England is actually a man in drag, but it ain't a huge chance," Lex retorted, rolling her eyes. He furrowed his brow and looked at her in confusion, not really sure what she was talking about. She sighed and looked at Bucky again, before standing and moving towards him. He felt tense as she moved to sit next to him on the bed, the scent of vanilla and fresh flowers drifting over him as she settled beside him. "Can you just let yourself be a little happy? I know, you think you're a bad guy, blah blah, but you aren't THE bad guy."

Bucky gave her a sideways look. "Really?" He struggled to believe that. He began to smile, a clever idea popping into his head. "I'll believe it, when you do."

"Huh?" She furrowed her brow and looked at him in confusion, screwing her nose up slightly as she pulled a face.

He grinned back at her. "You aren't a bad person either, Lex. You proved that by helping T'challa, and me." He pinned her with an expectant look. No, no matter what she had done, where she came from or why she had done things, he could never see her as a bad person.

Bucky watched as she bit her bottom lip, looking away from him bashfully. "Nah, Bucky, you and I are very different."

He turned to face her straight on, tilting his head sideways slightly, to try and look her in the eyes, but she avoided his gaze. "What makes you say that?"

She sighed. "I haven't ever regretted those I've killed, Bucky, I did what I had to do. You're so pure hearted; you've never forgotten and always regretted what you've done." A dark and crooked smile spread across her lips. "I've never regretted those that have died at my hands, Bucky, if anything, they're some very fond memories of mine." Her expression told him that she was currently far away, in a distant memory of her youth. A small smirk touched the corners of her mouth, giving her face the slightest of malevolent expressions.

Bucky stared at her for a moment, taking in everything she'd said and formulating a careful response, before speaking again. "But you've never killed since then, Lex, have you?" She lowered her head slightly looking at Bucky through her lashes and a tinge of pink creeping across her cheeks, making Bucky smirk slightly. The bashful look was such a strange but pleasant expression on her. He could tell he was right. "You try and act all mean, but deep down, you're a real softy, I bet."

She scowled. "I wouldn't go that far," she retorted with a pout, looking hurt at his choice of words. He chuckled, looking at her with a warm smile. She quickly looked away again. "I suppose, there could be some truth to what you're saying. I would never go so far as to say I'm a good person, though."

"That's okay," he said and leant closer towards her. "I'll say it for you." She wrinkled her nose and rolled her eyes at him, but he saw her trying to fight a smile from appearing on her lips, and she couldn't hide the colour that appeared on her cheeks. "Besides, haven't you seen the movies these days? There are good dragons too, you know?"

She rolled her eyes and pulled a face of disgust that had him laughing aloud.

Steve watched as Lex stood leaning against the furthest work bench from him in Shuri's lab, tying back her newly acquired deep burgundy red coloured hair. It stood out, making her look quite unique and eccentric, which when he thought about it, probably suited her. It was just such a change; it was taking some getting used to.

He looked over at his best friend, who was leaning against the opposite work bench to him, staring at the female super soldier in awe. Steve couldn't help but smirk slightly; it had been a long time since he'd seen Bucky look at anyone like that, let alone a girl. Then again, as he looked back at Lex, he could understand why anyone would stare at her. If they didn't actually know what she was really like, they might stare at her like that but a different reason.

It wasn't that she was an outright bad person; she'd made effort to subdue her more malevolent tendencies and proven that she could be trusted, but she had a history that made him cringe.

Sure, Natasha had a similar history, but she'd also stepped into the light to amend those indiscretions long ago, even putting her entire past on the internet in a bid to prove her loyalty to the right side. And at no point did she display enjoyment out of hurting people, no matter how bad they were. Lex was the complete opposite, she loved a fight and he swore she loved to make people feel uncomfortable too.

Yet, even Steve had to admit that she was probably the only person that could associate with what Bucky had gone through, and having her around had proven therapeutic for him.

And now she was preparing to leave him.

It didn't sit well with Steve, and he could tell it didn't sit well with his best friend neither. When she'd brought it up a couple of days ago in a video conference they'd had with him, Steve had seen the distraught look on Bucky's face, and had immediately felt enraged at Lex's final decision. He thought for sure she would have changed her mind and stayed, but she was adamant leaving was what she needed to do.

Bucky hadn't even made an effort to argue with her, not then, and it seemed not now, either. He certainly didn't seem to be able to bring up her change in appearance.

It was Steve who brought up her choice in change, feeling the need to break the silence in the room, somehow. "Wouldn't it make you... I dunno, stand out more?"

"If they're so busy looking at my hair, Steve, they aren't looking at my face," she replied pointedly, checking her hair in a nearby mirror Shuri kept handy. Steve shook his head and sighed, not sure the idea was a solid one. "Relax, would you, just remember who here has the most experience staying under the radar, Cap."

He narrowed his eyes at her in annoyance. She only called him 'Cap' when she was out to annoy him. He looked to Bucky who had a small smile on his face.

"You sure about this?" Bucky asked her. Steve could tell he was trying to not look as concern as he actually felt, folding his arms across his chest and pinning Lex with an expectant look.

She looked at Bucky with an innocent look. "Not you too."

"Well..."

"Look, I know what I'm doing," she replied, walking towards the pair, her heeled boots clicking on the floor as she straightened her green leather jacket. "You need to focus on your rehab; and you..." she eyed off Steve. "Well, you're a lost cause." Steve narrowed his eyes at the female super soldier, but all she did was wink at him. He shook his head at her before folding his arms across his chest. "Look, guys, chill. T'challa's got my number, I've got yours," she motioned at Steve as she stood in the middle of the pair. "If something happens, call. I'll come back." She looked to Bucky. "I did it once, I've got more reason to do it the second time, don't I?"

Steve saw Bucky smile warmly at Lex, and it made his heart soar. She may have been extremely rough around the edges and borderline insane, but the effect she had on Bucky proved that she had a heart.

"Why's that?" Steve pressed, a cunning smile spreading on his face.

She looked to Steve with a deadpan expression. "Apparently, I'm a good person now. Whatever the hell that means." Steve raised his eyebrows in surprise and watched as Lex looked to Bucky pointedly, making him blush. He laughed lightly at the pair.

"Lex," came a voice from the lab entry way. The small Wakandan woman who was often by T'challa's side when his sister wasn't, walked in, looking at Lex meaningfully. "It's nearly time to go."

"Awesome! I'll be right there, Nakia," Lex said, waving her off. Nakia nodded once, looking at Steve and Bucky sympathetically before she turned and left. "That's my ride."

Steve noted Bucky's face seemed to fall immediately, and he felt his heart go out to him. "Come on, we'll walk you out," he quickly suggested.

Lex looked unsure for a moment but shrugged, leading the way out of the lab. "Oi! Shuri! I'm leaving!" There was an inaudible response back, but Lex didn't stop walking to wait for the teen, continuing to lead the two men towards the landing bay.

They soon arrived on the landing bay, to find Shuri had beaten them out, along with her brother. They smiled at her as she approached, Steve and Bucky hanging back as Shuri moved to say goodbye to the tall Australian.

"Why can't you stay with us?" Shuri whined, pouting as she approached the much taller Australian. Steve watched as Lex scratched the back of her neck and he couldn't help but smirk. She was nervous. He recalled her behaving in the exact same manner when Bucky was going back on ice.

"Uh, what can I say, kid. I'm not one to hang around for too long in case people get sick of me," she replied in an offhand manner.

"We wouldn't get sick of you!" Shuri objected. Lex shrugged, looking to T'challa for help.

He smiled apologetically in response before speaking. "Even Lex has a home, Shuri. She just needs to find it."

"Ugh, she has one here!" Shuri retorted in annoyance as she turned to shoot him a glare before sighing. She turned back to face Lex, before throwing her arms around her. "Fine! But you better come back soon."

Steve grinned, seeing Lex's cheeks going extremely red and she looked very uncomfortable as she glanced down at the teen that gripped her tightly. She looked to T'challa with a dumbstruck expression on her face, but he just smiled warmly at her. Steve had to stifle a laugh as Lex patted Shuri's back awkwardly.

"Yeah, I'll work on that," Lex murmured finally, causing Shuri to release her, returning to her brother's side with a few noticeable tears in the corner of her eyes. Lex pressed her lips into a thin line before turning to look at the two super soldiers.

Steve put his hands in his pockets, showing that he had no intention of making her feel more uncomfortable, offering her a smile instead. "I've got your number, you've got mine, you have any trouble just call and me, Sam and Natasha will come and help you."

"Yeah, calling for help isn't an attribute I'm known for," she muttered, pulling a face, earning her a pointed look from both Bucky and Steve. She sighed. "But I'll keep it in mind."

Lex moved to speak to T'challa, turning her back on them as she did so. Steve could see Shuri glancing between Bucky and Lex with an excited and encouraging expression, but Bucky didn't seem to be moving anytime soon.

Steve rolled his eyes and nudged Bucky, gaining his attention. This was such a weird situation, back when they were kids, usually it would have been Bucky doing that to him. He looked at Steve and frowned but Steve raised his eyebrow at him and gave him an insistent look.

Bucky huffed just as Lex was finishing with T'challa and turned to face them again. He stepped forward, licking his bottom lip, like he always did when he was nervous. "So, uh, thanks for everything," he said quietly, looking down at her with a nervous smile.

"Oh, well, I didn't really do anything," she murmured, scratching the back of her head again. Steve bit his lip, doing his best to hide the smirk that was threatening to appear.

"You did plenty," Bucky replied, his smile suddenly losing any hint of nerves. "I hope you won't stay away too long."

She shrugged. "See how we go, you just worry about getting your head on straight," she said sternly, although she was smiling.

Bucky nodded, before reaching out for her with his arm, pulling her into a hug. Unlike the first time Steve had watched Bucky embrace Lex, she seemed like a much more willing participant from the get go. She wrapped her arms around his waist and kept her face up, resting her chin on his shoulder.

Behind them, Steve watched as Shuri was nearly bouncing with excitement, T'challa elbowing her with a serious expression on his face, causing her to scowl and glare at him. Steve smirked, looking back at his friend, who lowered his head slightly, seeming to whisper something in the woman's ear. Lex blinked, before raising an eyebrow and then a bashful smile spread across her face.

They finally pulled apart, both their cheeks seeming to be slightly pink as they avoided looking at everyone surrounding them, only saved from their embarrassment as Nakia stepped off the jet, a Dora Milaje behind her. "It's ready to go," Nakia announced, looking at Lex as she turned.

Lex finally looked around at everyone, smiling before turning to Nakia. She walked over to the small Wakandan who held out an arm to her and they tapped forearms. Steve raised an eyebrow, it was an interesting interaction. To him, it displayed that she thought of the Wakandan as a comrade. He knew she had been in battle with Nakia and the Dora Milaje, but he hadn't realised she had been considered one of them by the Wakandans.

"I'll see you, guys," she said, looking back with a wave as she moved to stand by the Dora Milaje who was waiting under the jet.

"Nailah," Nakia called to the Dora, making her look at her. "Don't forget the General wants a Starbucks on your way back." The Dora gave a smirk, as the stairs began to raise them back up into the jet.

There was the sound of children's giggles, familiar children's giggles. He could also feel their breath on his face, knowing they were probably leaning over him and watching him sleep again; it was one of their favourite things to do.

He opened his eyes, seeing the three boys with colourful paint on their faces staring down at him, big grins on their faces. Once his eyes were open, they were quick to run away, exiting the hut in a hurry. Bucky was never one to rouse on them, they were nice enough kids, always willing to help him when he needed anything, not to mention it had been a long time since he had been anywhere near kids. He found their untainted happiness refreshing.

He stood up, stretching his shoulders slightly, before exiting the hut himself.

As he felt the cool breeze and the warmth of the Wakandan sun on his face, he saw Shuri standing by the lakeside, the three boys all chatting animatedly with her in Xhosa. When she saw him, she shooed them away, causing them to run a short distance away and climb a tree, giggling all the while.

"Good morning, Sergeant Barnes," Shuri greeted with a warm smile as he approached her, looking him up and down.

He smiled back at her. "Bucky." He finally felt like he had all those years ago, like he was free. He felt like there was no longer the threat that someone else was going take over his mind and control his actions. He was back.

Shuri grinned back up at him, placing her hands behind her back. "How are you feeling?"

"Good." He took a moment, taking a deep breath and smiling at the Wakandan teen. "Thank you."

She nodded once, maintaining the grin on her face. "Come." She started walking away. "Much more for you to learn."

Bucky paused for a moment, looking across the lake in front of him and appreciating the rays of sunlight that warmed his skin and the gentle breeze that moved his hair. A small smile flitted across his lips as he recalled the warm smile and deep brown eyes that had made all this possible, before following behind Shuri.

Bucky leant down to scratch the head of a kid that hurried along by his side. The baby goat bleated happily in reply, before stopping to chew on some hay as Bucky reached into the cart and grabbed a bale of hay, before he dropped the bale onto the ground for the five baby animals.

The older goats ambled over slowly to start munching on the hay too, as Bucky reached into the cart to pull out another bale. T'challa had given him a small plot of land to recover from his rehabilitation, Shuri believing that the quiet life; away from the lab and the city, would do him a world of good. It did feel good, being able to live independently, away from the lab and bustle of the city, but he had to admit to himself, he still felt restless. Whether it was because he had always been on the move, or if it was the fact he didn't know anything but fear or lack of control, he wasn't sure. Whatever it was, he was very aware of it, although he continually tried to ignore it.

As he threw the hay bale across the ground, he saw four bodies appear up on the ridge line overlooking his hut, two of them walking down the hill. He recognised them by their stature and walk. It was T'challa and his Dora Milaje General, Okoye. As they approached, he noticed Okoye was carrying a long black case, and both wore very serious expressions on their faces.

Bucky wiped the grime and dirt from his hand onto his jeans, stopping his work to walk over and greet the pair. "T'challa, General," he greeted warmly, nodding to them. T'challa offered his hand and Bucky took it in a firm handshake, while Okoye placed the case on top of a bale of hay still left in the cart. Bucky noticed Okoye looked very grim as she glanced at T'challa, perhaps even anxious, which was not an expression he was used to seeing on any of the Dora he had the pleasure of meeting from time to time. It took a lot to make their expressions change at all, he'd noticed and he'd only ever seen any of them laugh for two people. Shuri, or Lex.

Without another word, T'challa nodded to Okoye, who opened the case, revealing a prosthetic arm made of a dark metal. He raised his eyebrows, sighing as he considered the piece of technology in front of him. This could mean only one thing. He looked up at Okoye, before sliding his gaze to T'challa. "Where's the fight?" he asked gravely.

"On its way," T'challa replied grimly. "Like nothing you've ever seen before."

Bucky gave a grim smile, sighing as he looked squarely at the Wakandan King. "I dunno; I've seen some things in my time."

T'challa grinned in response. "I'm sure you have."

Bucky looked back down at the prosthetic, but his mind was elsewhere. "Have you called her?"

"Ayo has been dispatched," Okoye answered him now, her expression still grim. "They should return within 24 hours."

Bucky considered them both, before nodding; accepting that the time had come for him to return to the only thing he knew hadn't changed through time. And suddenly, he realised what it was that him feeling restless.

Someone reviewed not long ago, I think after the last chapter, saying "Just kiss already!"

Yes, I am quietly giggling childishly at this last chapter at your expense. I'm terribly sorry but it gives me great joy to torture you so... :D

xo

Krayzee