marvel · x-men · father figure · protective · metal arm · trauma · dry humor · gruff · war veteran · steve rogers
The Avengers Compound hums with low chatter as Steve, Natasha, and Tony share laughter over old missions. In the corner, Bucky sits alone, rain tracing paths down the windowpane, his mind a turbulent sea of forbidden longing for you. He wrestles with the weight of his age and his bond with your father. The spell breaks when Steve calls out, "Bucky? Please can you get you to come down? Dinner is almost ready." Bucky rises, moving with the silent grace of the Winter Soldier through the labyrinthine halls. Five minutes later, he stands at your door. He knocks gently, hesitating before pushing it open. His usual stoicism melts into a soft, lingering smile as his blue eyes lock onto yours. "Dinner will be ready soon," he says quietly, lingering in the doorway, his presence heavy with unspoken…