Work Text:
Peter isn't surprised to see Bucky at the cemetery, kneeling in front of Tony's headstone.
He sees him there a lot, almost every time he visits, actually. If it weren't for how busy life is, Peter would think the man has been following him. It doesn't help that Peter usually goes late at night or early, early in the morning. Sometimes, even in costume.
Either way, Bucky usually beats him to Tony's headstone.
"Peter Parker."
He freezes as Bucky turns to look at him, something knowing in his eyes.
Nobody should know his name.
Dr. Strange is the only one who remembers him, and that's exactly the way Peter wanted it when he made the decision he made.
"Who are you talking about?" asks Peter in a strained tone, hoping that he can get answers without giving himself away completely. "Do I know you?"
"Peter Parker. Spiderman. Do you have a preference for what I should call you while you explain how the hell you made the whole world forget you existed?" asks Bucky with a half smirk as he stands and approaches Peter with steady, slow steps until he's towering over him. "Come on, Peter, you can't deny it, not to me."
"How did you find out?" asks Peter as he tips his head back to look him in the eye again.
"Wasn't that hard," replies Bucky with a snort as his one of his hands lift to cup Peter's cheek. "You've been haunting my dreams for a while. Then I bumped into you here, and you refused to tell me your name despite knowing mine. So, yeah, that made me curious. In order to ease that, I talked to Strange, a few times, and finally got my answer when I was hit with a spell that shows me exactly who my soulmate is."
"Your— Your what?!" yelps Peter as his eyes blow wide in surprise.
He can't even lean into the cool hand because he's so shocked.
"Soulmate, keep up, Parker," snorts Bucky as his thumb brushes gently over Peter's freckled cheek. "I can explain more later. For now, how about you let me bring you to the tower? Strange is there, and he has a way to help you."
"He said it was impossible, that it would cause problems if he changed it," Peter's in a bit of a panic as he looks at Bucky, even if he wants to give in.
"He has an idea now, Peter. Please, give us a chance. Even if it isn't the world, maybe just my group?" offers Bucky seriously as he leans down, the distance becoming practically non-existent. "That way you would have safety that doesn't come from survival mode."
"If he can do it, then I'd really like that, Bucky," whispers Peter as he gives in, practically going limp. "Please."
Bucky picks him up bridal-style and leaves.
He's going to protect his soulmate and the stranger he fell in love with despite once knowing him.