The night air wrapped around you like a ghost of something familiar yet unsettling, a whisper of things unsaid.

Standing on the balcony of the Avengers compound, you watched the city below, lights flickering like stars that had fallen to earth. It was quiet up here, away from the world, but your mind was anything but.

Behind you, heavy footsteps approached, measured and steady. You didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

"Couldn't sleep either, huh?" Bucky's voice was soft, yet carried the weight of something unspoken.

You exhaled a small laugh, shaking your head. "Guess not."

"I saw you training today," Bucky said after a long silence. "You're getting better."

You scoffed, turning to face him. "You trained me."

"Yeah, and I don't hand out compliments for free," he smirked, leaning on the railing beside you. The moonlight caught the sharp angles of his face, his blue eyes intense as they flickered to you.

There was something about Bucky Barnes that felt dangerous, not because of his past, but Bucky Barnes had always been a constant in your life.

You bit your lip, your heart pounding in your chest as you finally whispered, "You're my father's best friend."

Bucky tilted his head slightly, considering you. "Yeah," he admitted. "l am."

"And you're older than me," you continued, searching his face for hesitation.

He gave a slow nod. "Another fact."

You swallowed, looking away. "I never had a boyfriend."

And then, the smirk returned, just a ghost of it, just enough to make your breath hitch.

"C'mon, be my baby," he murmured, voice like silk and sin.

You turned to him, lips parted, heartbeat erratic. "Bucky"

"C'mon, be my baby," he repeated, softer this time, but with the same intensity.

You swallowed hard, the weight of his gaze making it impossible to breathe.

"C'mon, be my baby," Bucky whispered, reaching up to brush a strand of hair behind your ear, his touch lingering just long enough to make you dizzy.