All Those Who Wander (Bucky x reader Travel AU)

Part 1

Characters: Bucky, reader, Steve.

Summary: After a traumatic injury and honorable discharge from the military, Bucky Barnes finds himself wanting to travel and get lost in some of the most iconic cities of the world. One night he stumbles upon a girl who sparks something inside him and he finds himself following in her footsteps. How far will he go to find her and what will he discover about himself along the way?

Warnings: Some strong language, mentions of injury. Occasional drinking.

Song Inspiration: "She Lit a Fire" by Lord Huron

Word Count: 1.8k

A/N: Hello, my darlings!! I'm so excited to finally be sharing this story with you!! This fic is different from anything I've written and I kinda love the challenge. I hope you love it too!! Please let me know your thoughts, I've missed hearing from you! Love you all!! <3

_____________________________

March 13, 2014

Dear Steve,

Hey, punk. Checking in from Rome, Italy! I've pretty much just been eating my weight in pasta and gelato while wandering the streets and seeing the sights. Went to the Vatican and saw the pope along with thousands of other people. Threw a few coins into the Trevi fountain. Saw more "piazza's" than I can remember. It's a really beautiful city. And it's easy to get lost, but in a good way.

Oh, man! I have to tell you about yesterday. I went to see that famous sight, the Mouth of Truth? You remember that part in that Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn movie where she's a princess? Yeah, well, I did that thing like he did where you stick your hand in the mouth and if you're not telling the truth you lose your hand except I did it with my left and scared the hell out of some tourists. ha! I stuck ol' lefty in there and then screamed, pretending that the Mouth had taken everything from the elbow below. One of them almost fainted, I swear.

Relax, punk, I know you're giving me the Eyebrows of Disappointment at that, but don't worry, I've picked up enough Italian to explain and apologize. I guess the word soldier translates over pretty well, anyway.

How are things back at base? Hope you're keeping those new recruits in line. I know you are. Look, I know you wanted me to head back home after I healed up some from my arm, but I couldn't go home just yet. My head still ain't right and I can't stand the thought of seeing all the pity in their eyes, knowing I'll never just be the old me again.

Out here it's easier somehow. No one expects anything from me and they barely give my arm a second glance. I'm adapting better, too, ya know? Figuring out how to do it all one-handed? It's not so bad. Being on-the-go helps, too. A few days in one city and then I pull out a map and pick a destination. There's a freedom in having no set plans.

If you get any leave, maybe we could meet up somewhere. You're only a few hours flight from anywhere in Europe. And then in 4 months, we'll both be home.

Tell the guys I said hi and don't do anything stupid while I'm gone. My train is boarding, I gotta go. I'll write again soon.

See ya, punk.

JBB

_______________

March 19, 2014

Dear Steve,

I think Greece might just be heaven. If you believe in that sort of thing. I ended up on a tiny island called Santorini and I think I might be dreaming. The water here is crazy blue-ish green and with the white stucco buildings nestled right up against the hillside, it's pretty as a postcard. I'll tuck one in the envelope, in fact. You should really see this place, Stevie. I even went swimming, you believe that? Shirtless. I haven't done that since...well, you know. More of a workout for Righty now, but I was able to paddle around for a while.