where angels fear to tread
Author: gfawkes [Twitter]
Artist: Sanne @sanguineterrain [AO3]for the @shrunkyclunksbang
Fic Rating: Explicit
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationship: James “Bucky” Barnes/Steve Rogers
Characters: James “Bucky” Barnes, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanov, Sam Wilson, Tony Stark
Word Count: 54K
Main Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Shrunkyclunks Big Bang 2022, Captain America Steve Rogers/Modern Bucky Barnes, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Top Bucky Barnes, Bottom Steve Rogers, Explicit Sexual Content, Injury Recovery, Physical Therapy, Philosophy, Eugenics, Ethics, Kidfic, Happy Ending
Excerpt:
Bucky gestured to the empty street with outstretched arms. The soft skin on the inside of his bicep ignited a powerful emotion inside Steve. "Out here in public? In this role, carrying that shield? You're so hard on yourself, trying to be something else. Trying to fit into a certain mold."
Bucky's hand touched Steve's cheek, thumb stroking the rough beard that had grown. Touch he hadn't felt in so long.
"But when you're with me, you're just you. Steve Rogers. Full of joy and empathy, free to do and say and feel normal human emotions. If you can't see that for yourself, why were you given a second chance at life?"
A second chance. The serum had pulled him back from the dead, preserving him for the future. For this moment.
Summary: below the cut