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Bucky Barnes and Natasha Romanoff had carved out a sanctuary for themselves in the chaotic world they navigated as Avengers. Their relationship, forged in the fires of conflict, had blossomed into a deep bond rooted in trust and understanding. They spent quiet evenings together, stealing moments of normalcy between missions.
One evening, they decided to attend a small gathering hosted by some fellow Avengers. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter, music, and the smell of good food. As they mingled with their friends, Bucky felt a sense of contentment. He stood close to Natasha, his hand resting possessively on her lower back, an unspoken promise of protection.
As the night progressed, Natasha engaged in numerous conversations with their friends, her infectious laughter drawing others in. Bucky enjoyed watching her, but his protective instincts kicked in when he noticed a few guests getting a little too close for comfort. One man, in particular, leaned in a bit too closely as he talked to Natasha, his hand brushing against her arm. Bucky’s demeanor shifted immediately; the warmth of the room felt suddenly stifling.
“Hey, Nat,” he interrupted, stepping forward and placing his hand on her shoulder. “Can I steal you for a second?”
Natasha glanced at him, a mix of confusion and amusement on her face. “Sure, James. What’s up?”
Bucky led her away from the crowd, into a quieter corner of the room. “You okay?” he asked, his voice low and serious.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied, raising an eyebrow. “Why?”
He hesitated for a moment, weighing his words. “That guy… he was a little too touchy, don’t you think?”
Natasha chuckled softly. “You know I can handle myself, right? I’m not some delicate flower.”
“I know that,” Bucky said, his brow furrowing. “But it still makes me uneasy. I don’t like seeing anyone getting too close to you.”
Natasha stepped closer, reaching up to cup his cheek. “I appreciate that you care, Bucky. But I can handle a little flirtation. It doesn’t mean anything.”
Bucky sighed, leaning into her touch. “It’s not just about flirtation. It’s about respect. I don’t want anyone thinking they can cross that line.”
Natasha smiled, her heart warming at his protectiveness. “You’re sweet, you know that? But I want you to trust me. I’m right here with you.”
He nodded slowly, though the tension in his shoulders didn’t fully dissipate. “I trust you, Nat. I just… want you to be safe.”
As they returned to the gathering, Bucky remained vigilant, his eyes scanning the crowd. He noticed another guest—a woman—making her way toward Natasha. She was bubbly and animated, her laughter loud enough to draw attention. Bucky felt his jaw tighten as she touched Natasha’s arm, a gesture that seemed harmless but sent warning bells ringing in his mind.
Before he could think, Bucky stepped closer. “Hey, Nat, can you help me with something in the kitchen?” he asked, forcing a smile.
Natasha turned to him, sensing his tension. “Sure! Be right back!” She excused herself, leaving the other woman momentarily stunned.
Once in the kitchen, Natasha crossed her arms and leaned against the counter. “You’re being overprotective, Bucky.”
“I just don’t like it when people touch you like that,” he replied, frustration creeping into his voice. “You deserve to be treated with respect.”
Natasha softened, stepping closer. “And I appreciate it, really. But I want to be able to enjoy my time without feeling like I’m under surveillance.”
Bucky sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t mean to make you feel that way. I just… I can’t help it.”
“You don’t need to worry,” she said softly. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m with you, and that means something.”
He looked into her eyes, the weight of his emotions evident. “I just want you to know that I’ll always protect you, no matter what.”
“I know,” she replied, placing a reassuring hand on his chest. “And I want you to know that I can take care of myself. Just trust me, okay?”
Bucky took a deep breath, feeling the tension begin to ease. “Okay. I’ll try.”
They rejoined the party, and as the night wore on, Bucky found himself relaxing a little more. He stood close to Natasha, always ready to step in if someone crossed a line. But he also let her shine.
As the evening came to a close, Bucky and Natasha stepped outside into the cool night air, the stars twinkling above them. “Thanks for being patient with me tonight,” Bucky said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
Natasha leaned into him, a smile playing on her lips. “It’s part of the package. Just remember, I’m yours.”
“And I’m yours,” Bucky replied, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.