Lost Heroes *Bucky Barnes love story*

The Boy

1936

*Claire's P.O.V*

It's been 8 years since I was brought to my foster family. And I just have to say that my life is perfect. My new parents are the kindest in the works and I'm so lucky to have them. I actually count Steve as my bother and he treats me like a little sister. I'm so fortunate to have them in my life and I'm never letting them go.

As for friends, I've made nice ones along the way but none of the, will compare to the friendship I have with my brother and his best friend, Bucky.
Bucky has always been there for me. From that moment where we met to when I feel off of my bicycle to last week when he gave me the best present for my birthday. He's been one of my best friends and that boy never fails to make me laugh.

But I always wished there was something more than just friends between us. I've had this sort of schoolgirl crush on him since we met.
I've seen him go in and out of girlfriends and each one of them being more pretty than the last. Makes me feel like I'll never be able to compete with them.
I've made my peace with it though. I know that Bucky only views me as a little sister same as Steve and although I wish it was something more, I'm content with the treatment I'm getting now. I can't complain. I can live without him loving me, but I can't live without him being my friend.

At the moment I was at the breakfast table talking with Steve. In the years that I've known him he's always been the scrawny type. And I don't mean that in any offensive way, it's just that's the only word I can think of to describe his physique. It's not his fault though, he just has a lot of medical issues that don't allow him to work out much.
But let me tell you, what he lacks in strength he makes up in heart. That boy has the biggest, most kind heart you'll ever see. Steve always stands up for others and is always there when I need a friend.

"Hey Claire," he said. I looked up at him and smiled. "Let's go see if Bucky's not busy so we can do somethin'." Steve stood from the table said goodbye to mom and I followed right after.

Both of us made our way outside the house and he didn't walk long before we got to Bucky's house. I rang the doorbell and shortly after Bucky answered the door.
My heart fluttered at the sight of him but I made a mental note to ignore it. He smiled at both of us, "Hey Steve, Claire."

"You busy today?" Steve asked. "Not at all."

Bucky smiled with that silly grin I love so much. He yelled a quick bye to his mom and walked out the door to join Steve and myself.
"What do you guys wanna do?" He asked us. "Well," I started,"considering its one of the hottest summers I've ever experienced, I suggest we go to my house and do something inside."

"That's a great idea," Bucky said as he put an arm around my shoulder. My heart was doing backflips but all I did was smile and say thanks.

*Bucky's P.O.V*

Why the hell did I do that? She's gonna think that's weird or something. Let me just wait, she hasn't brushed it off or said anything about it so I'm guessing she doesn't mind my arm around her. Good. I like it there.

What's wrong with you, Barnes? You don't get nervous around girls! They get nervous around you!
... With the exception of Claire

I couldn't help but notice how slightly her cheeks turned red. Must be the heat, that's all. Or how I loved how she looked in her yellows summer dress. Or the way her dark, beautiful hair rested on her shoulders.

Stop that! This is Steve's sister!

And that folks, puts the icing on the cake. She's perfect in every way and if I could, I'd spin her around and kiss her 'till I run out of breath.
But, I can't. She's Steve's little (foster) sister and I wouldn't want to do anything to mess up out friendship. If I can't have her as a girlfriend, then I'll settle for less and keep her as a friend.

Even now as I think this I can't help but just look at her. Sure, she's a year younger than me but at fifteen I already know that she's the one for me. She's so beautiful and kind.
When I first met her,she was pretty shy; it took her a while to get used to us but eventually, my duo with Steve became an even better trio.

I'm never gonna let anything happen to her. She never told me this, but Steve told me the conditions she used to live in before she moved to the Rogers' house. It was horrible. Apparently her parents were abusive and she wasn't let out much.
Just the thought of anyone hurting Claire makes me uneasy. I can see why she never told me, I wouldn't blame her. I'm just glad she's out of the for good.

I looked at her and absentmindedly started playing with a stand of her hair.
I'm always gonna protect you

"Hey Buck!" Steve said getting me out if a trance. "Are you just gonna stand there staring at my sister or are you gonna open the door?"
Claire laughed and I felt my ears go red. I let go of her flustered and quickly opened the door for them. She smiled a thanks and went inside. Steve laughed and followed.