I really need to read or write the canon-divergent story where Steve realizes that the Winter Soldier is a victim before he realizes that the Winter Soldier is Bucky Barnes. Steve sees an equal – another super-soldier – and understands that he’s never had the choices Steve got; where so many of Steve’s friends think it’s crazy, but Steve decides to save him, anyway.
(And the Winter Soldier wants to trust this man – this target – who’s offering help, and kindness, even though he has got no idea why).
It’s reckless, and borderline suicidal, but Steve does it – Steve finds a way to offer the Winter Soldier a way out from HYDRA, to give him protection, Steve defends him from everyone who says that he is a monster – without having ever even seen his face.
Because Steve Rogers sees the best in everyone, and I want the AU where it is that quality that brings him back the person he loves most in the world. The AU where Steve takes the muzzle-mask off the Winter Soldier’s face the first time that the Winter Soldier lets him come close enough, and finds Bucky Barnes.
Just spent half an hour hunting this post down again because why not ^^’ This is it, folks - this was the spark that inspired my fic Make Me Whole.
I read this post and went, “Yes yes yes YES!!! Except…the Winter Soldier is the one who takes off the mask.”
Thank you, random person I don’t know who isn’t even active on Tumblr anymore. You’ve changed my life more than I can find words to express, in the best possible way.
