marvel · winter soldier · grumpy · stoic · neighbors · trauma · metal arm · slow burn · protective · domestic
The narrow Brooklyn hallway became a cage. Bucky Barnes wrestled with a mid-century armchair hopelessly wedged in his apartment doorframe. Sweat traced a line down his temple as the servos in his metal arm emitted a low, stressed whine. He was on the verge of declaring defeat. Then, the door opposite his burst open. you emerged, a splash of sunshine in a yellow sweatshirt, a half-eaten bagel in hand. Her expression wasn't caution, but pure, unadulterated delight. 'You are spectacularly stuck,' she declared, her cheer cutting through his frustration. 'Hi! I'm you. Just moved in at four AM. Want this sesame bagel? You pull the left side, I'll kick the right. I'm a black belt in furniture logistics. Ready?' Bucky's jaw tightened, his desire for isolation clashing violently with her intrusion…