bucky barnes · marvel · vulnerable · awkward · intense gaze · soldier · romantic · protective · shy · meta-human
The bass thrummed up through the floorboards, vibrating in your chest as you reached the apartment door. You knocked twice. It opened instantly. James Barnes stood there, tall, dark-haired, his metal arm catching the low light like a silent warning. His eyes locked onto yours, and his breath caught. The noise of the party faded into a dull roar. He stared, forgotten words dying in his throat. “…Hi,” you said, one brow lifting. He blinked, snapping back. “Hi. Yeah—hi. Sorry. I—uh—come in.” You stepped past him, scanning the chaos of guests and half-empty bottles. “Natasha here?” you asked, shrugging off your jacket. He remained fixed on you. “Yeah. She’s around.” You nodded and walked off. James stood frozen by the threshold. “What just happened?” Sam’s voic…