Sharing the Shiny

So when Buck says Bucky, biting out that name that his own name hides inside, John listens and hears a choice in it: never needed John’s protection, but kept his name anyhow. When Buck says Bucky with that bit of flint to it, John makes a choice of his own: to do, with every inch of his ability, exactly as Buck asks.

“Bucky,” Buck says, voice rough.

Bucky’s there. He’s listening. If he were any more present he’d probably explode.

Source: didactic, by drylite – Masters of the Air (TV 2024) [Archive of Our Own]

Adult. I love Gale being in charge, and how desperate for each other they both are in this. Delicious.

Gale turns around, moonlight glowing in his lashes. John turns too. Orbiting like a waltz by wire. John stops fumbling for a cigarette. Pinned under that starlit gaze.

“Bucky. Why’ve you been working so hard to get my attention.”

Source: You Make My Sad Heart Jump—With Joy, by Kitain – Masters of the Air (TV 2024) [Archive of Our Own]

Adult. Oh, I have such a weakness for bottom!Bucky… This is lovely in its quiet desperation.

He thinks about it from time to time, but it doesn’t mean anything to him until after he’s enlisted. Well — to be specific, it doesn’t mean anything until he meets Gale. Because John had always assumed the Gale on his arm was a woman — some women spelled it that way, anyhow — and then there’s this quiet guy, skinny, full mouth pursed around a toothpick, and he says, “Name’s Gale Cleven. Pleased to meet you.”

John doesn’t remember what he said, how he introduced himself, if he smiled or frowned or seemed indifferent. He remembers Gale’s hand in his, a firm handshake with a dry palm, callused fingers. The zing of that contact singing through his body, digging its talons into his lungs and bearing down.

Anyone else would’ve stayed away. John’s not that kind, though.

Source: but sweethearts few, by addandsubtract – Masters of the Air (TV 2024) [Archive of Our Own]

Adult. This is a perfect soulmarks fic – I’ve rarely read one that still includes period-typical homophobia, which lends an extra edge to the relationship. *chef’s kiss*

“Jesus, Buck, Jesus,” he says as soon as he’s righted himself on his knees next to Buck. He grabs Buck’s face between his hands, looking into his eyes, feeling his pulse under his thumb where it’s resting just under his jaw. Alive. Buck’s brow is furrowed and his eyes are squinted while he tries to slip out of his hold but Bucky crushes him in a tight embrace against his chest, ignoring the surprised grunt. His heart’s still hammering in his chest and confusion fogs his head but Buck’s here so it’s okay, it’s okay.

“Alright John,” Buck says, voice muffled by the way Bucky has his face pressed against him. He feels a few gentle pats to his back before there’s a pressure pushing at his shoulders. Bucky lets him pull away, just barely, and says with a hoarse voice, “You were dead.”

Source: Nothing But Blue Skies Do I See – Chapter 1, by featherwords – Masters of the Air (TV 2024) [Archive of Our Own]

Adult. This utterly brilliant groundhog day fic is an amazing Bucky POV. His love for Buck is just beautiful, but I also really enjoy seeing tidbits of the other guys.

John can’t stop replaying the incident. The plane fine one moment, then completely out of his control. John fighting against everything to keep the PT-17 from veering off its path. Gale’s face had been neutral, but his hands tightened on the yolk, and afterwards, they shook. Afterwards, John had wanted to hold him. Take Gale’s hands in his own and keep them tucked up until they stopped shaking. He wanted to apologize, tell Gale that he was scared, shit, he’d been so scared, just not for himself. John had been so scared that Gale was going to die that his own life felt secondary. He still feels scared now and can’t even reckon why.

Source: ready for a fall, by stereobone – Masters of the Air (TV 2024) [Archive of Our Own]

Adult, pre-canon. Finally watched this – and of course I went for the BFF ship. This is a wonderful Bucky POV, and a great first time fic.