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After the pain he survived in the Air Force and the horror he witnessed, he found out that only result of war was suffering and that they weren’t heroes in it, just fools and innocents who had to pay the price. So, he made the vow to try his best to change the system and its dynamics from inside with his job. And, as a consequence, he had to face enemies on his own office (One of the reasons, he had wanted to be transfer to Europe but he never told that to Stephen). But now, living on Wakanda, he had been afraid that he couldn’t continue with his labour but he was wrong.
Technically, he had became Wakanda’s citizen after three days of living in the country as a merit for his effort against Warmonger and being considerate a friend of Wakanda and, in consequence, he could pursue whatever he wanted. It had been a surprise and he suspected of the two royal siblings involved on how fast he got accepted. He had tried to talk T’Challa out of it since he didn’t want them to get on trouble with their people but the king had just eased his worries, letting him known that it was true that they had taken his situation directly to the council but it had been them who had given their permission willingly.
Although, he didn’t immediately accept it since he had needed a little time to think about the consequences of his actions; something he didn’t do when he quitted his job and tried to take his life -he was working on it with his therapist-. His relationship with the American government had always been a little tense since he was always a maverick but it had got worst after his actions in the incident of Barnes and Zemo as he denied to continue the persecution of Rogers and his allies. Accepting the double nationality would arise suspicion from his former colleagues but it would give him freedom of moving inside the country and the possibility of helping the royal family and continuing his lifetime mission. Therefore, he took the chance and he didn’t regret it. Everett would never stop to fall in love with Wakanda and its people. Not that the African kingdom was perfect but the blond found a place he could feel safe and where he could breathe with ease.
Everett was getting healthier since he arrived to the country. Six months ago, he had been a mess and his life were a disaster but, with the help of his friends and professional help, he would have been able to move on. He had been hard to address his issues after years of ignoring them. Also, he had to acknowledged that the root of his problems was in himself and his troubles with Stephen were just a symptom. It had been a journey but he was glad he’s started it.
Slowly, he adapted to his life in Wakanda. He started taking history and language classes as well as consulting a lot of books in his free time to learn the culture. He was employed by the Queen between hours to be her assistant in diplomatic matters. The older woman was wise and took him under his care; she thought him the administration and protocol in Wakanda as much as she could reveal and prepared him to help her son.
He worked with the council as an advisor and help Okoye with security intelligence. He still lived in the royal palace but he would frequently explore the city to learn the culture, practice his Xhosa and understand the needs of wakandians. He wasn’t always welcomed by them, years of keeping the foreigners outside had their consequences, but he would never stop trying to gain their trust.
The first ones to include him were the children. Might be because he looked different and they were curious. Probably, it was a lucky chance as that day he was accompanied by T’Challa and the kids were excited to see their king. From this day, he always visited a different school to teach them and, at the same time, learn from them. It was a start and it opened a door to be welcome for other wakandians. Also, Shuri said that it was therapeutic from him to work with children.
The blond wasn’t annoyed by the idea of helping the kids; He liked them. And, if it helped them, he was into it. It could be scaring to be in front of a whole class but it was better than being in a conference with the council. Everett would prefer the kids over his actual work anyway, the children helped him progress in his Xhosa incredibly quicker as they, sometimes, mixed their first language with english.
That was the reason he was there, in a classroom surrounded by a group of the kids with Bucky Barnes at his side. Everett looked amused to the kids who were asking a lot of questions to the Second world war’s veteran at the same time he tried to hide his grin for them. The children were too excited for meeting them, since they were one of the few groups that hadn’t had the chance, to behave; not that it’s matter because the two veterans tried to create a relaxed atmosphere for the young ones, a place where they could talk freely. However, their teacher seemed embarrassed and they send him an unnecessary apologetic look.
The two americans had been invited to give a lecturer about westerns culture, making a comparation between both of their experience across time. Before them, the children would learn about other countries under the writing of other wakandians and the media. But nowadays, as they have seen different lifestyles, their presence brought the opportunity to learn from outsiders.
It was a shocking experience for both sides but it was a beneficial one. The kids would learn about different perspectives around the world without having to travel outside and putting themselves on risk. For the other side, Bucky and Everett would socialise within the wakandian culture and started forming connection within the people.
“Come on, kids!” The teacher exclaimed, “it’s time of your other class so say goodbye to Sergeant Barnes and Mr. Ross,” they said.
The majority of them groaned annoyed but a few celebrated and took their things before leaving quickly. Some of them, a small group of 5 kids, three girls and two boys, stayed behind to say goodbye personally to Bucky. The brunet had his fair share of admirers, younger and older, and Barnes knew it, even if he was ashamed of it. The second world war veteran let them hug him since they were around ten and eleven years old, keeping clean and innocent, but the redness of his face let Everett know that he shouldn’t say anything about it. Barnes wasn’t used to be the object of admiration.
“Thank you for coming”, The teacher said when the last of the kids left the room. “I hope it wasn’t too much for you”, they added kindly.
“It was great”, Bucky answered. “It’s normal that the kids acted like that”, a soft smile appeared in his face, “they’re kids”. Everett nodded in agreement.
“I glad you enjoyed it”, they claimed, “Would I see you next week?”
“Of course,” Everett said after sharing a look with the other, “thank you for having us”.
Everett and Bucky walked together for a moment before separating in the Market. James had to buy few things before going back to his house. As part of his therapy, Bucky had started a little farm that always kept him busy. The blond was happy to seeing him getting better after everything. He and Barnes had grown into an easy friendship, being the closest link to their past lives. They weren’t intimate friends but they found some consolation on each other when they felt nostalgic.
The blond still had a little time to spare so, he decided to, as he does every single afternoon, visit the royal gardens. It was a public place which everybody could visit and enjoy the diversity of plants that grew there. They were beautiful and, as Shuri had told him, in there were plants from around the world.
He was impressed by all the flowers and, to him, exotic fruits yet he would always end under an apple’s tree. It wasn’t the biggest tree or the ones that gave Golden Delicious; instead, it was a wild one which gave small and unique apples. It reminded him of the trees around his hometown. Not that he had good memories of it but, might be, he was feeling a little nostalgic. He would spend his free time meditating under it, thinking about everything and about nothing at the same time, enjoying the breeze and the wakandian sun.
Seeing T’Challa sat under it was a surprise he didn’t expect, making him suddenly stop. The monarch seemed peaceful, with his back against the tree and his eyes closed, that Everett felt bad only with the idea of bothering him so, he decided that it would be better if he returned to the palace, return to work, and let him rest. However, before he did anything, the king opened his eyes and looked directly at him. The gentleness with which he stared at him made Everett felt warm.
“Everett,” T’Challa called him and gave him a sincere smile, “I was waiting for you”, he told him at the same time he pat the spot next to him, inviting him to take a seat.
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” The blond said as he sat.
“I would have waited all the time of the world for you,” T’Challa answered, “at least, this gave me an excuse to take a rest from work” He added playfully.
“I promise that I won’t tell your mother,” Everett replied with a smirk in his face.
“I knew that I could trust in you,” The king told him, getting closer and making his shoulders touched.
“I will die for you,” Everett said honestly.
They looked into each other’s eyes for a moment before they looked away to appreciate the scenery. The silent between was comfortable and either of them felt the need of breaking it. Instead, they rested together, enjoying the presence of the other, putting their weight against the tree’s trunk. Both of them, even if they didn’t say it, relished from the touch of their side against the other’s.
“I am worried…” T’Challa started to talk, calling Everett’s attention out, “… I am worried about you”.
“Why? Did I do something wrong?” The blond asked.
“I’ve just notice that you spent all your time working,” The king told him, “And your free time, you spent it alone…Nothing wrong with that but…”
“Have you talked with my therapist?” Everett sincerely questioned him. He had just talked about his self-imposed isolation outside work or his social commitments; it wasn’t easy for him to trust that he was really wanted or liked. He was insecure; which he was embarrassed of. He was trying to get better but his progress wasn’t as fast as he wished.
“No but…” The other man answered, “I care about you and I am worried that you aren’t comfortable here”. The blond was touched by T’Challa kindness.
“I am,” Everett replied, “I feel safe here”. He moved one of his hands and put over T’Challa’s. “Everybody has been nothing but kind and you gave me the tools to heal…” He took a breath before he looked at the man’s face again. “I am just taking a long time to do it”.
“Take the time you need,” The king said as he took the hand and grabbed softly, “but remember that you are not alone”
The blond could lose himself in the brown eyes of the man at his side. They promised comfort, trust and…and…and love. He didn’t assume that T’Challa was in love with him, he didn’t give himself that honour, yet he could not ignore the chemistry between them. Nevertheless, it was possible that the other man was just being kind, as he always is, and everything was Everett’s imagination.
One part of him wanted to be loved but another part knew that he wasn’t ready. That last part, along the constant thought of not deserving it, stopped him to do something about it. However, holding hands and being so close, he could only imagine getting closer and let the other embrace him.
“Thank you” Everett murmured honestly. He couldn’t say anything else.
“Walk with me,” T’Challa offered and the blond just nodded. Smoothly, the king of Wakanda got up and helped him stand up.
When T’Challa let his hand go, a coldness invaded him but he didn’t say anything and he just walked by his side as they wander around the gardens. He felt recomforted by the fact that the man kept himself close to him. They would catch up with each other and talked about anything.
He would be still focused in fulfil his life vow but, T’Challa being right, he should try to live his life and enjoy it. Especially, he should enjoy the company of his friends around him. So, he smiled softly as he walked and listened to T’Challa’s tells. He would live one day at the time and hope the best would be to come.