Marvel Imagines

You're a Hero (Bucky Barnes X Reader)

Prompt: See above.

****

The man who had once been known as the Winter Soldier, the Fist of HYDRA, the Asset...

He finally decided to join up with the Avengers.

After a bit of convincing from Steve, of course.

But it was true, Bucky Barnes had joined the Team after he returned from Wakanda, and ever since, you and he had become good friends.

He was the quiet type, which you didn't mind at all.

It was nice for a change to have someone to talk to, even if they didn't really have an answer - you knew he'd always listen.

The same went for him.

As quiet as you were, he found himself confiding in your silence more and more the closer he grew with you.

He had opened up to you about his past... good and bad.

Your friendship was simple.

Unique.

And now, as you both walk through the noisy streets of New York City, you can't help but allow a smile smile to grace your lips.

It's your day off.

A rare occurrence, considering you're basically a superhero.

Though, in comparison to the gods and otherworldly creatures you've seen, you're just a simple woman.

Who knows how to hold her own against any foe.

When Tony had first suggested everyone take a day off today awhile ago, it had come as a surprise.

"A day off?" You had mused aloud in surprise, sharing a glance with your brown haired, blue eyed Partner. "You're giving us a day off?"

Tony had just huffed in annoyance, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned against the doorframe of the gym both you and Bucky had been training in.

"Yes, Y/N, a day off," He scoffed, pushing himself off of the wall before heading down the hallway. "You two deserve a break!"

"So does everyone else!" You yelled after him as he vanished from your view.

So that's how it played out.

Today rolled around and everyone went their own ways for the day.

You had figured you'd just stay at the Complex and do some reading, but Bucky had suggested that the two of you take a drive into the city.

So you did.

And now you're walking.

Sort of aimlessly, but it's not like you mind.

You're with your friend, after all.

"Hungry?" His questioning voice from beside you pulls you from your thoughts, startling you a bit.

Noticing this, the man keeping pace with you just chuckles lightly as you playfully swat his arm in protest.

"Not really," You shrug with a light laugh of your own, smiling up at your Partner before once more focusing on your surroundings. "Unless you are. Doesn't matter to me."

"Well, why don't we-"

Bucky's sentence is cut short as the sound of rapidly approaching footfalls sound from behind the pair of you, causing you both to come to a halt, turning slightly to face the source of the noise.

Gaze raking over the people to your rear, confusion ripples through you.

There's no one there.

However, when the man standing beside you lets out a slight gasp of surprise, his eyes instantly flicking downwards, your own gaze quickly follows.

It's a young girl, just old enough to have been able to slip away from her parent's watchful eyes for a moment, and she's tugging at the ex-assassin's sleeve.

You watch as Bucky's eyes widen, his expression shifting slightly as the loose sleeve of the girl's shirt falls down to reveal a prosthetic hand and lower arm.

'What do I do?' He seems to be asking with his eyes as he tosses you a confused, slightly alarmed looking glance before turning back to the little girl at his feet.

'Just talk to her,' You urge softly through your gaze, your heart warming at the scene unfolding in front of you.

Nodding, Bucky slowly gets down on one knee so he's practically eye-level with the young amputee, her eyes glistening with admiration.

"I just wanted to say that you're my hero," She whispers, her voice wavering from a soft, nervous whisper to an excited one as she bounces to and fro, your Partner rooted to the spot in shock.

"T-thanks, Kid," He finally murmurs, giving the young girl a small, genuine grin, gently patting her on the head as he draws himself back to full height.

"Now, where are your parents, missy?" You inquire, crouching down towards the girl, her eyes still shining with a happiness you've never seen before.

"Mummy is in there," She explains, pointing towards a nearby store front.

Though as you follow her finger, you can't help but chuckle at the frantic looking woman hurriedly approaching both you and Bucky.

"Dani! Oh there you are! I've been looking all over for you!" The woman exclaims, picking up the girl in one swift swoop, carrying her in her arms before turning her attention towards the pair of you.

"Oh, I am so sorry! Was she a bother? She can be a bother sometimes."

At this, your Partner raises a hand as if to stop the woman's rambling, a chuckle rumbling in his throat.

"She was no trouble, ma'am," He assures the Mother, who simply nods in response, her gaze drifting to his evident black and gold vibranium knuckles.

"She looks up to you, you know," The Mother explains softly, her eyes beginning to well with tears as she turns to nod in your direction. "All of you."

"We appreciate everyone's support," You reply, waggling your fingers at Dani in her mother's arms, her own gaze wandering over you and Bucky yet again. "No matter what size."

"You guys keep doing what you're doing," The woman in front of you encourages as she begins to make her way back the way she had came, quickly disappearing into the sea of people.

Without a word, you both resume your steady strides in no particular direction, just listening to the buzz of sounds surrounding you.

But, when Bucky's prosthetic hand brushes against yours, you instinctively entwine your fingers with his, your brain not fully registering the possible meaning behind the simple action.

"She called me her hero," Your friend murmurs in awe, squeezing your hand gently in his. "I'm somebody's hero..."

"You'll always be my hero, too, Buck," You grin, playfully shoving him to the side.

"I'm a hero..." He hums once more, a look of contentment dancing across his features as his gaze meets yours.

"You're a hero. You always have been."