COBRA | B. BARNES

VII. ON THE RUN

Bucky was quick to follow after her and without asking for her permission, grabbed his suitcase and walked ahead to the farm. She closed the door behind her and turned the lights on, pursing her lips at the sight of the dusty house.

"Why can't I go to Wakanda?"

"It's a possibility I thought of as well," she admitted as she moved around the house and started opening each window to let light get in. "However, tempting as it sounds, I don't want to endanger an entire country. I doubt they would stop hunting you down because you so happen to take refuge in the most powerful country in the world. Not to mention that you might not be welcome this time."

She slowly made her way back to the living room only to see Bucky was leaning against a wall, his lips pressed into a frown. Seeing him like this, Aiyla couldn't help but frown as well. He had went through a lot and he had just managed to start a life of his own again but now, it seemed like he would have to start over once more.

"But why do they want me dead? I was healed," he looked up at her, eyebrows furrowed. "In Wakanda-"

"I know, I was filled in on that," she cut in softly, "but who can guarantee you won't do anything that's not up to their standards?"

Bucky looked up, about to speak when they heard something from outside. Aiyla didn't waste a second to head to the door, grabbing her gun on her belt with no hesitation, kicking the door open and aiming precisely, Bucky right behind her. They both relaxed though as one of Tony Stark's creations appeared in front of them, turning visible once more. Aiyla watched with wide eyes as Pepper's voice was heard from the machine.

"I've brought a few things." The suit instantly opened and she couldn't help but smile as food in packages started falling to the ground, the suit now empty. "Thought you might not want to starve to death."

"Thank you, Pepper," she smiled at the bot, "how did this turn invisible?"

"Shuri added some things a while ago. She's a genius."

Aiyla stole a look at Bucky and nodded. "Thank you for the help but I'd appreciate it if you didn't return. We don't want them to find us or put you in danger."

Pepper didn't seem to listen. "The food will last for a month. I'll be back next month and I'll take good care of Gus."

Aiyla nodded as the machine closed once more. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me."

With that, it rose into the air and within seconds, it had turned invisible. Aiyla watched the seemingly empty sky for a while longer before turning around to face Bucky. "Are you hungry? I was thinking we should start with cleaning the kitchen and then we'll move to the rest of the rooms."

Bucky helped her gather all the food Pepper had brought for them and together, they got in the house. "I'll do anything you think will help."

Aiyla stole a look behind her and sent him a small smile. "Good. You can clean the floor, I'll clean the counter."

For the next three hours they hardly talked as they focused on cleaning the kitchen. From what she told him, this house hadn't been used in years, and it definitely showed in the way it was dusty beyong belief. Still, they at least managed to clean the kitchen and then, as Aiyla cooked some food for them, he explored the house for a bit. It wasn't long before he returned, though.

"Both bedrooms need to be cleaned. Where are we going to sleep?"

"In the kitchen," she replied without missing a beat. "On the floor, as it seems. If you want to sleep in one of the dusty bedrooms with the spiders and all that then feel free, but I'm going to sleep right here, on the floor."