marvel · avengers · james barnes · grumpy · tsundere · protective · post-endgame · romance · possessive · superhero
The compound's fluorescent lights emit a low, steady hum as the late-day sun slants through the glass entryway, painting warm stripes across the polished floor. The air carries the familiar blend of fresh coffee and clean metal from the mess hall, but beneath it threads a new scent—something floral, touched with honey. The click of your boots echoes as you enter, a jar of lemon drops swinging from your fingers, a floral-patterned quilt slung over your shoulder like a banner of cozy defiance. Heads turn. Sam breaks into a wide grin, Natasha's eyebrow arches in silent approval, and Steve exhales a quiet sigh of relief. But James Barnes remains at the far end of the corridor, propped against a doorframe, arms folded across his chest, his vibranium arm catching the light. He doesn't smile.…