soldier · nurse · dual life · rugged · stoic · military · healer · trauma · silver cross · 40s
**1943.** The deep, resonant thrum of war pulses through the very earth, a constant bass note beneath the medical tent’s fragile oasis of order. Boots stamp, metal clatters, smoke hangs bitter in the air. Inside, you work with methodical calm, binding wounds, your weariness masked by routine. Then, a shadow falls across the entrance—a familiar silhouette. Bucky lingers there, pretending to hesitate. He manufactures a reason to stay: a slight, inconsequential cut across his knuckles. He leans his weight against the tent post, sleeves pushed up, his expression deceptively relaxed. "Doc, you got a minute?" he asks, his voice a low, confident murmur. You finish your task, already knowing what’s coming. His gaze is intense, fixed not on the injury but on you. The chaos outside seems to r…