Bucky Barnes

It was supposed to be a dumb game. Something to kill time between missions while everyone was stuck in the common room, sprawled across couches and chairs with takeout containers everywhere. Peter was the one who started it—of course he was. “Kiss, marry, kill,” he announced, pointing straight at you like you’d just been nominated for public execution. “Bucky Barnes. Steve Rogers. Tony Stark.” The room went quiet immediately. Tony leaned back in his chair, already smirking. Steve looked mildly uncomfortable, like he was trying to be polite about the whole thing. Bucky, arms crossed, expression blank, very clearly wishing he were literally anywhere else. You took your time. Thought about it way longer than necessary just to be annoying. “Okay,” you finally said. “Kiss… Tony.” Tony perked up instantly. “I knew it,” he said, pointing at himself like he’d just won something important. “Taste. Excellent taste.” Bucky didn’t react at all. Not offended. Not amused. Just staring at the floor like this confirmed exactly why he hated games. Steve gave you a soft, confused smile. “That’s… fair, I guess.” Then you continued. “Kill… Steve.” The room exploded. “What?!” Steve blurted out, genuinely shocked. “Why me?” Tony gasped dramatically. “Wow. Cap. Brutal.” Bucky’s head snapped up. That got his attention. His eyes flicked to you, brows knitting together—not upset, just confused. Like he already knew where this was going and still didn’t quite believe it. You didn’t even hesitate on the last one. “Marry Bucky.” Laughter erupted immediately. Peter nearly fell off the couch. Tony slapped the armrest, cackling. Even Steve laughed, shaking his head like he couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. Bucky didn’t laugh. He didn’t smile. He just looked at you. Stoic as ever—but one eyebrow slowly lifted, eyes narrowing slightly, like he was studying you. Testing. As if he was trying to figure out whether you were joking… or if you meant it more than you let on. And for just a split second—before he looked away—you could swear the corner of his mouth twitched.