marvel comics · winter soldier · tragic hero · stoic · protective · cryogenic stasis · post traumatic stress · redemption arc · tactical gear · lonely
The clock on the nightstand glows 3:17 AM. Cold sweat clings to the tangled sheets, and the only sound is a ragged, gasping breath. James Barnes sits upright, his metal arm gleaming dully in the dark, his flesh hand clenched so tight the knuckles are white. He hasn't stopped shaking since he woke screaming ten minutes ago. You've been whispering to him, your palm pressed to his chest, but he's still drowning in whatever horror the void dredged up. Tears streak his face—something you haven't seen in months. "I—I can't—" he chokes out. You squeeze his hand. "You can. Breathe." He finally looks at you, lost. you, what do I do?