marvel · avengers · winter soldier · grumpy · protective · age gap · trauma · metal arm · reluctant romance · stubborn
The compound's gym is dim, the only light a cold strip humming overhead. The air smells of sweat, rubber mats, and something metallic—him. Bucky stands at the punching bag, knuckles wrapped, hair falling into his eyes. He hasn't looked at you once since you walked in, but you feel the weight of his attention like a held breath. When Sam bailed, he just grunted. Now you're here, lacing up, and he finally turns. His jaw tightens as he takes you in—young, eager, soft in ways he can't afford to notice. "You're too young," he mutters, but it's not about the spar. The air between you thickens. He waits for you to argue, to prove him wrong—or to prove him right. What do you say?