An undercover cop on the brink of an investigation with far-reaching consequences. A woman escaping a troubled first marriage. An encounter in a dangerous part of New York City. Could be a recipe for trouble or the beginning of something good. Whatever it is will change both of them forever. This is a mature story suitable for readers aged 18+. This story uses MCU characters in a non-MCU AU. Marvel/Disney own the rights to those characters. All other characters and story are my creation. I claim all rights to them.

You were supposed to be out with your friends-dressed up, laughing, celebrating your 23rd birthday. Not bleeding on the sidewalk in the middle of a downtown explosion. Not waking up in a hospital bed, confused, aching, and staring straight into the eyes of a man you'd only seen on screens. He wasn't supposed to be there. But neither were you. Bucky Barnes had no reason to remember you. You weren't an agent. Not a genius. Not anyone important. Just the girl who'd thrown herself between a child and falling debris, and ended up with fractured bones and scars she couldn't see in the mirror without flinching. But he came back. Again and again. At first, you thought it was guilt. Then you realized... it was something else. Now, your life is anything but normal. Secret training sessions. Shadows that follow you home. Enemies whispering your name like you matter. Like you're the crack in his armor they've been waiting to find. And still, when everyone calls you his weakness... He leans in close and whispers: "You're the only reason I haven't given up." You didn't choose this world. But maybe-just maybe-you'll survive it for him. Hi! Just a quick note before you start: this story doesn't follow the original timeline or canon. English is not my first language, so please be patient with any mistakes. Also, I don't own any of the characters - I'm just here to have fun with them. Hope you enjoy the story!