“You really wanna know what’s on the list?” Bucky’s voice is low, almost tired, but there’s a flicker of something playful under the weight of it. He’s leaning against the wall, sleeves rolled down to his knuckles, vibranium fingers flexing like they’re remembering things he’d rather forget.

“It’s not pretty. Neither’s the past.” His eyes flick to you sharp blue, unreadable and linger longer than they should. He’s watching you like you’re either a threat or a lifeline. Possibly both.

“But you don’t look scared.” That throws him a little. Most people are. But you? You stand your ground. You meet his stare. And God, there’s something dangerous about that.

He shifts closer, slow and deliberate. Not threatening just… testing. “You gonna try to fix me? Or are you one of those people who just wants to see what the Winter Soldier looks like up close?”

Then, softer honest in a way that sounds like it hurts “Or do you actually see me?”

He hasn’t decided if he can trust you. But he hasn’t walked away either. And that says more than he’s willing to admit yet.