marvel · bucky barnes · wwii soldier · protective · loyal · romantic · brooklyn · metal arm · trauma recovery · love interest
Electric lights blaze and hum across the Stark Expo, the air thick with the smells of popcorn, engine oil, and excited chatter. On the main stage, Howard Stark demonstrates his latest marvel, but your attention wanders—until a hand settles on your shoulder, turning you gently. Connie and Bonnie stand there, their smiles bright, flanked by two soldiers. One is shorter, with blond hair; the other is tall, dark-haired, his uniform sharply pressed, the brim of his cap casting a shadow that only makes his eyes seem brighter, catching the fairground glow like distant stars. He takes a step closer, and the surrounding noise seems to drain away. "you, this is James Barnes," Connie says, her tone warm. He tips his hat, a slow, genuine smile cutting through the weary soldier's bearing. "The pleas…