[oom] a diplomatic visit

[nerves_of_ice]

In all the things he's done up to now, he's never been asked to be a diplomat. Bucky's still not sure this is a good idea, but if nothing else at least it gets him out of Ross's path. And besides, being a diplomat to the Jabari's as T'Challa's White Wolf is a little different from being one anywhere else on earth, he's certain.

M'Baku greets him with a wide smile and widespread arms, inviting him to take in the grandeur of the Jabari's traditional homeland from the clifftop view before leading him inside. Bucky can already see some of the others measuring him for threat or competition or both. It's clear M'Baku knows it as well, and is amused by it - amused enough to let things play out as game or challenge or both.

It's going to be an interesting visit, he's sure.

Forty-eight hours later, he's sure of something else: he likes these people.

Comments

[from_the_outside]

She sucks at her teeth and manages to keep from laughing, then goes to retrieve the knives, handing them back to Bucky when she comes back.

"Don't ask me to try one of those spears, though," she says. "They probably weigh almost as much as I do."

[nerves_of_ice]

He makes them disappear into a pocket - not the hidden one he'd drawn them from - and stands easily, listening as M'Baku tells her,

"I will not, because I think you are right! But perhaps--"

He turns to Bucky, who realizes what's about to happen an instant before the other man says,

"--the White Wolf will try one? After all, should our fishers be the only one to see such skill?"

He holds M'Baku's gaze for a long moment, considering, then nods.

"Very well."

[from_the_outside]

M'Baku roars with approval and gestures at the warriors to bring a selection of spears. As the king of the Jabari calls instructions, Sharon comes to stand near Bucky, nudging his side with her elbow.

"You don't have to, you know," she says, quietly enough the others won't be able to hear. "If you're just doing it to be polite."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I knew I'd need to do something eventually," he murmurs. "Better this than other things."

Watching as a demonstration area is set up, he adds, "Much better."

[from_the_outside]

"You don't need to," she reminds him. "Not if you don't want to. You don't have to prove anything."

[nerves_of_ice]

He turns to look at her, and a small smile touches the corner of his mouth.

"Don't I?"

[from_the_outside]

She doesn't smile back, just watches him closely.

"Not a damn thing."

[nerves_of_ice]

His slight smile warms. "It's fine. And it might help T'Challa. I don't mind, not something like this."

[from_the_outside]

She makes a skeptical noise and crosses her arms, but doesn't argue; just nudges him with her shoulder.

"Then go knock 'em dead, White Wolf."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Maybe not literally, though," he drawls, and turns back to M'Baku as he approaches.

"Are you ready?" he asks, grinning, and Bucky nods. "Anything in particular you want me to try?"

[from_the_outside]

"Not literally," she agrees. "Let's not cause any more diplomatic nightmares than we already have."

M'Baku seems pleased by Bucky's willingness to try, and walks him to a stand of spears, each as thick around as Sharon's wrist, solid wood with a wickedly sharp metal point.

Not vibranium; she thinks it might be steel or some other alloy. "I favor these," the king says, hefting one and slamming the butt into the ground. "Why not see if you like them, as well?"

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky slants a look at him, then lifts one of the spears and tests its weight as he glances down the field to ensure that the path is clear.

In the next instant, he spins the spear in his hand, whirls in a circle, and sends it through the first target's heart at high speed.

[from_the_outside]

It's her turn for a tiny, smug smile, as the Jabari whoop in approval and M'Baku pats Bucky crushingly on the shoulder.

How he can manage it without the left arm to balance himself, she has no idea, but she never for a second thought he'd do anything less. She makes a circle of her thumb and middle finger and sets them into her mouth, blasting a sharp celebratory whistle.

"Nice one."

[nerves_of_ice]

He looks somewhat wry at the attention, but accepts the friendly clout on his shoulder with as much grace as he can muster.

"Very good indeed." M'Baku appraises him with interest. "White Wolf, should you wish to spend time among the warriors of the Jabari, we would certainly welcome you."

Bucky shakes his head. "It's as I told you before," he says, and M'Baku heaves a sigh. "Yes, I remember. But still! Should you ever change your mind."

[from_the_outside]

She winks at him as M'Baku sighs. "Sorry, your Highness," she says. "But at least you finally got us to come visit."

Picking up her coat and carrying it in her arms, she wanders over to Bucky and glances up at him. "You've been here a few days; anything you think I'd want to see right away?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“It’s all pretty great,” he demurs. “I wouldn’t want to interfere with whatever M’Baku’s got planned for you to see.”

[from_the_outside]

"Somehow I don't think that will be possible," she says, amused, and turns to the pleased man in question.

He really is enormous; she has to crane her head back to meet his gaze. "What's on the docket, your Majesty?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“We have a feast planned for this evening, as promised,” M’Baku tells her. “The White Wolf wanted to wait until you arrived. After this, I suppose you are free to wander and get yourself into trouble until then.”

Bucky makes a sound suspiciously like someone choking.

[from_the_outside]

She refrains from elbowing him – too obviously, anyway – and nods. "Sounds great," she says, and looks at Bucky.

"Why don't you show me where I'm staying – "

She assumes it's wherever he's staying, but it's best to ask. "– and I'll debrief you before it's time for the feast."

[nerves_of_ice]

He nods, even as M’Baku does. “A good plan,” he approves. “I will see you both there. For now, my warriors and I have planning to do.”

Bucky tips his head toward the other side of the training ground and waits for Sharon to join him before beginning to walk.

[from_the_outside]

The guide who had brought her up the mountainside had disappeared with her tote and the items within it, probably to wherever Bucky's going to take her. She nods respectfully to M'Baku and the other warriors, then takes quick steps to Bucky's side.

She waits until they've cleared the training grounds and are walking alone before she speaks again.

"Ross still doesn't know who you are," she tells him, quiet. No small feat, keeping him from sniffing out a secret of that magnitude.

(She thinks about beers in his apartment and has to quell a surge of guilt in her gut.)

"But I think we're closer to making a deal for Lang and Barton."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Good. That'll make things easier for T'Challa," he observes. "And you, for that matter."

"Barton and Lang, huh?" He glances sideways at her. "Not Wilson?"

[from_the_outside]

"Sam doesn't have kids," she says. "He agreed it's an easier sell to start with Barton and Lang, since they do."

Privately, she thinks Sam isn't willing to go back with any kind of deal that doesn't include Steve and Nat, but considering she's going to have to make that same argument for herself down the line, she thinks it's better not to get into it now.

She almost hates how easy it is to work with Ross again. It's been bringing her back to Berlin, before everything happened, and those thoughts leave nothing but guilt and frustration in their wake. "Apparently Secretary Ross hasn't been well. Something about a triple bypass."

[nerves_of_ice]

He doesn't want to admit it, but he's glad to hear it. Steve would get by okay without Wilson at his side - for one thing, he'd still have Natasha with him - but there's no question that having a friend with him is a good thing, especially one who's as close as Wilson's turning out to be. For that matter, he wouldn't be surprised to hear that Wilson feels the same way.

He shoves the ever-present guilt back and down - he should be there, he should be there - and just nods.

"Triple bypass, huh? Any chance he's planning to retire?"

[from_the_outside]

"When hell freezes over, maybe."

Of all the politicians she dislikes – and there are plenty – Secretary Ross tops the list. He's stubborn to the last inch, though – he'll drop in the harness before he retires to focus on his health. "Agent Ross is still in the Citadel while they negotiate."