bucky barnes imagines

lx. PROTECTIVE

You winced as Steve slammed you aggressively into the mat, causing you to knock your elbow as you failed to steady yourself. The two of you were training together for an upcoming mission and, for some reason, you were finding the session much more strenuous than usual.

Bucky was running on the treadmill while you sparred with his best friend, but you saw his pace falter when you hit the ground. Forcing yourself to forget about the pain, you quickly stood up and sent him a reassuring smile.

Barely giving you time to regain your strength, Steve lunged at you. This time, you were even less prepared for the hit, causing you to topple to the ground again. A loud bang echoed throughout the room as your head jolted backwards, the mat doing little to soften the blow when your skull hit the floor.

"I'm fine," you called instantly, despite the blooming ache at your temples, but it didn't matter. Bucky was already scowling, marching over to you.

Despite your immediate protests, he seized hold of a very shocked Steve, the plates of his metal arm shifting and whirring just as they did whenever he got agitated.

"Steven Grant Rogers," he hissed, with all the ferocity of a parent scolding an out of control child, "what are you playing at?"

"Calm down, Y/N said she's fine. And training is supposed to be difficult."

"You know what's really difficult? Watching you throw my girlfriend around like she's a damn rag doll! Here, just train with me instead—"

"Bucky," you interrupted, through gritted teeth, "let go of Steve. Maybe you should go somewhere else until we're finished."

After a few seconds of contemplation, Bucky sighed angrily and stepped backwards. "Fine. But Steve, mark my words; if I see a single bruise on her, I'll make sure you never go near her again."

When the door slammed shut, Steve raised an eyebrow at you. "What was that about?"

You rolled your eyes in response. "Don't bother. Let's just finish this session, then I can go talk to him."

"No, go after him now, sort it out. We can try again tomorrow?"

After briefly thanking and apologising to Steve, you set off down the corridor, making your way to Bucky's room. You weren't surprised to see him pacing around, anxiously running a hand through his tousled hair. His head snapped up when you entered, gently closing the door behind you.

"Bucky," you spoke softly, regardless of your own irritation, "what's going on?"

The super soldier exhaled shakily before sinking onto his bed, patting the space beside him. When you sat down, he turned to you, his pale eyes suddenly glistening with unexpected tears.

"I'm sorry," he conceded, "I know I overreacted."

"You know I'm capable of handling myself, right? Do you think I'm weak?" you asked bluntly, frowning.

"God, no. I've seen you take out five guys at once with your bare hands, you're anything but weak. I know you can pull your weight without anyone's help, but..."

As he hesitated, you reached down and intertwined your fingers with his, prompting him to continue with a rueful smile. "I don't know, doll, I just want to protect you. I... I can't lose you, Y/N, it sounds selfish, but you're the one good thing that I have left and I need you. I love you too much to let you go."

Your heart swelled at Bucky's adorable words, and you wrapped your arms around him, hugging him as tightly as you could. He pulled you onto his lap and buried his head in the crook of your neck, steadily inhaling the faint scent of your shampoo that was so comforting to him.

"I'm not going anywhere, okay? This job has its risks, trust me, I know. But look at you – still here, old man. And so is Steve." You paused slightly. "Speaking of Steve—"

"I'll apologise later," Bucky promised. "But right now, let me just..."

Carefully, he laid down with you happily nestled into his chest, before pulling the covers over the two of you and lovingly kissing the top of your head. You hadn't been tired, but as his warmth enveloped you, you found your eyelids becoming increasingly heavy.

"I'm sorry, darling," Bucky murmured again.

"Forgiven," you replied, "you know I could never stay mad at you."

When he didn't reply, you glanced upwards to see that he'd fallen asleep, his lips curled upwards in a sweet smile. You giggled, allowing yourself to drift off too.

A while later, Steve appeared in the doorway, intending to make amends with Bucky. When he saw the two of you cuddled up in each other's arms, he couldn't help but grin as he quietly exited the room again. He was just pleased that his best friend had found somebody who made him happy.

Despite Bucky's overprotectiveness, he knew that you were perfect for each other.