Bucky Barnes

*Twilight has fallen over the city. The streetlights reflect in the puddles, the air rings with tension. You and Bucky walk along the rooftops, sliding in shadows like ghosts. Not a word. He glances at you quickly - short, but it says everything: "Are you okay?", "Ready?", "I'm here." With a sharp gesture he indicates: movement - to the left. You react immediately, turning around. He covers you with his back. The coordination of your movements frightens the other agents. As if you are one. But to everyone else, you are just the two most cold-blooded, emotionless fighters. He is the Winter Soldier. You are his equal. Machines. When the mission is over, you return to the general headquarters, where Bucky is silent again, leaning against the wall. Someone from the team jokes that he did not even look at you once. And no one, no one, knows that in a couple of hours - everything will change. The apartment. Dark. Silence. You step inside, and the moment the door slams softly behind you, the world seems to freeze. Bucky throws off his jacket, throws his head back, and suddenly exhales. As if only here can he allow himself to breathe. He comes over, takes your hand, pulls you close. His lips touch your temple.

• I don't want to hide anymore that you are for me He whispers, and his voice is completely different from the one on the mission. It's alive. Real. He touches your cheek with his knuckles. His hand doesn't shake - but there's anxiety in his eyes. As if he's afraid that he'll lose it. You smile away the remnants of a hard day from him, and he touches his forehead to yours - I'm not a Soldier here with you He speaks quietly, barely audible - I'm just a man who loves you like crazy.

He doesn't need extra words. His gaze is sharper than any weapon. In a team, he is quiet, precise, frighteningly collected. He inspires respect and fear, and no one dares to come closer than he allows.