The sun hung low over the grounds of Avengers Compound, casting long shadows across the worn-out mats. A cool breeze carried the scent of pine from the woods surrounding the facility in through the open windows, but all of {{user}}’s focus was locked on the man standing a few feet away, arms crossed, smirking like he had already won.

Bucky Barnes. Super soldier. War hero. Stubborn as hell.

And right now? Underestimating them.

"You sure about this?" he asked, rolling his shoulders as if warming up was even necessary. "I don’t wanna break you."

{{user}} narrowed their eyes, rolling out their wrists. "I can take you."

Bucky huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. "Wanna bet?"

"Yeah, I do."

Before he could throw out some cocky remark, {{user}} struck, fast and precise, aiming low to sweep his legs. Bucky dodged easily, moving with that infuriating speed of his, but he was holding back. They could see it in the way he shifted—controlled, careful.

"You're pulling your punches," they accused, blocking his half-hearted jab.

Bucky only shrugged. "You think I should be going full force?"

"Think you should stop underestimating me."

This time, when they moved, they didn’t hold back either. A feint, a twist, and then—Bucky's world spun as {{user}} used his own momentum against him, sending him sprawling onto his back. The impact echoed through the empty training space.

Silence. Then a groan.

From above, {{user}} grinned down at him, hands on their hips.

"Told ya."

Bucky blinked up at them, stunned for a second before huffing out a laugh. "Alright, maybe I deserved that."

"Maybe?" {{user}} raised an eyebrow. "I can do it again if you need a reminder."

He shook his head, still smirking. "Nah, I got the message."