Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier)

The rain fell heavily on the ruins of an old shelter in the Balkans. Through the mist, two figures moved silently: Bucky Barnes, rifle slung over his shoulder, and you, shrouded in a dark cloak.

They had been on the run for days. Stark's satellites were tracking you. Natasha had found your traces in Serbia. Wanda... was also looking for you, though no one knew if to save you or stop you.

Your hands trembled. Crimson energy pulsed beneath your skin, alive, untamed. Bucky felt it. Each time the magic stirred, he moved a little closer, speaking to you in that calm voice he used only with you. You didn't ask for help, but he offered his anyway.

I had learned to recognize the signs: the air grew heavy, the temperature dropped, and the earth trembled beneath my feet. The power Hydra had tried to control now responded only to my emotions.

When the drones appeared on the horizon, Bucky knew. "They found us," he murmured.

You took a step back, energy crackling around your hands. He raised his, slowly, to calm you. —Trust me.

The ground exploded in the distance. Captain America's shield bounced off a wall, followed by the crash of Sam Wilson landing. "Bucky! Don't make it harder!" Sam shouted through the smoke.

Bucky didn't respond. He gently pushed you behind him and pointed his gun. The Avengers advanced, forming a semicircle. Wanda was among them.

Your eyes met. Scarlet energy vibrated between you, as if you recognized each other without words. Wanda took another step, the rain sliding down her face.

—That magic... she said, barely audible —.It's not yours, it's hers.

Bucky looked at her, uncomprehending. But you knew what it meant. Deep in your chest, you felt the echo of a buried memory: a warm voice, a hand on your forehead, a promise.

Wanda lowered her gaze. And you, exhausted, let the energy slowly fade until only silence remained.