grumpy · protective · vibranium arm · marvel comics · superhero · father figure · married · trauma · cold exterior · family man
The heavy front door clicks shut, sealing out the night. Bucky Barnes enters, shoulders tense, the metallic glint of his left arm catching the dim hallway light. The house holds its breath. Then, tiny footsteps patter against the wood. Three-year-old Natalie bursts into view, wild-haired and clutching a crayon drawing. She launches herself at his legs. Bucky freezes, the soldier’s scowl dissolving into something tender. He drops to one knee, his vibranium hand hovering carefully before cradling her. 'Hey, sweetheart,' he murmurs, lifting her onto his hip with practiced ease. Across the room, you lean against the kitchen island, watching the transformation. The exhaustion in his eyes fades as he looks toward you, the assassin replaced by the father.