"Is there anything guy can do?" Bucky pleaded.

"I'm not sure, does Steve know you're here?" Shuri asked.

"No, I didn't want him to worry. All this hydra stuff, it's been keeping him up at night. He thinks I haven't noticed."

"The only thing I can think of is you going back under, but we don't want that."

"I'll do whatever it takes Shuri. I just want everything to be normal again."

Shuri sighed, "it's never going to be normal. If you're going back under, Steve needs to know."

—

"Hey Buck, where have ya been?" Steve asked.

"I went to see Shuri."

"Buck-"

"No Steve don't. I know it's been keeping you up. The fact that I'm not normal. Hydra is always going to be a part of me and there's nothing either of us can do. Shuri is our best bet!"

Steve didn't answer. He turned away. Steve sniffed and wiped some tears off his cheeks.

"I'm sorry Steve. I have to."

"No you don't."

"Yes I do, I keep hurting you. What if I snap one day? What if one day I don't remember and I hurt you. What then?"

"Buc-"

"Don't try to stop me."

"Bucky w-"

"I need to do th-"

"JAMES, listen to me," Steve said. He turned to face Bucky. His eyes were bloodshot, "you don't have to do this. There has to be another way. I don't care about Hydra. I don't care! I just want you with me."

"What if I hurt you?"

"You won't."

"How can you be so sure?"

Steve turned again.

"Please Buck."

"Steve. I'm sorry."

"I need you. You're the only reason I still get up in the mornings. I love you. Nothing will change that."

"I'm never going to be the man you want me to be."

"I don't want you to be anyone. I don't care as long as it's you."

Steve slowly walked towards the soldier. He held him close.

"I don't want you to do this, but if you really want to. It's ok. I'll be out here waiting for you. Everyday."

—

"There was a man on the bridge, who was he?"

"You net him earlier this week on another assignment."

There was a long pause.

"I knew him," Bucky spoke.

Pierce sat down.

Your work has been a gift to mankind, you shaped the century," Piece spoke, "and I need you to do it one more time. Society is at a tipping point between order and chaos. Tomorrow morning we're gonna give it a push, but if you don't do your part, I can't do mine and Hydra can't give the world the freedom it deserves."

"But I knew him."

God he wished he hadn't said those words the second Pierces expression changed.

"Prep him."

"He's been out of cryo freeze for too long."

"The wipe him and start over."

They pushed him down and put a plastic brick in his mouth. The machine closed over his face and-

He awoke to an empty bed. He sat up panicking.

"Steve? Steve?" He called running out of the bedroom.

"I'm in the kitchen!"

Bucky ran in and threw his arms around Steve.

"Hey hey hey, easy, what's wrong?"

"Bad dream."

Steve pulled away and kissed him in the forehead, "it's ok, we'll be in Wakanda soon. This will all be over."

"I know you don't want me to go under Stevie."

"It's ok. It's for the best."

—

"Are you sure about this?" Shuri asked.

"Yes."

Bucky walked up to Steve and held him.

"I'm sorry Stevie."

"It's ok. Remember I'll be waiting for you."

They both pulled away. Bucky cupped Steve's face with his hands. He smiled, leant forwards and kissed him. They kissed as if the world was ending. When it ended they smiled at eachother. Tears filled both of their eyes.

"I love you James."

"I love you Steve."

The brunette stepped into the clear capsule. He smiled at Steve as if closed around him. He put his head back and closed his eyes. The tank filled with ice.

Steve looked down.

"He'll be ok," Shuri reassured him.

"I'll text you when he comes out."

"Thanks."

Shuri hugged him, "it'll be alright."

Steve walked up the capsule.

"I love you," he spoke quietly, "I'll be waiting for you."

—

Hey guys! I think this is it for this fic. Thanks for following along. Special thanks to violetromanoff and . for supporting my fics :)