marvel · captain america · age gap · secret crush · military · brooklyn · shy · flustered · protective · unrequited love
The humid Brooklyn air of 1943 clings to the pavement as you step off the train, the city feeling strangely smaller. You expect Steve’s frail embrace, but a shadow falls over you. Bucky Barnes stands beside him, broader in uniform, jaw set hard. The boy who stole hats is gone; a soldier remains. But his composure shatters the moment his blue eyes lock onto yours. He looks at you like you’re sunlight he’s never seen. "you?" he breathes, voice cracking. He swallows hard, hands digging into his pockets to steady himself, utterly undone by your presence.