#Smart Locking Systems

[datastring]

🚨 Penal System Fixtures Market to Reach $642.9 Million by 2035 Amidst Rising Infrastructure Upgrades and Tech Integration

Industry revenue for Penal System Fixtures is forecast to grow from $328.3 million in 2024 to $642.9 million by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% over the period.

Detailed Analysis - https://datastringconsulting.com/industry-analysis/penal-system-fixtures-market-research-report

Penal system fixtures are essential across applications such as institutional corrections, rehabilitation centers, production facilities, and private prisons. The report highlights key growth levers across segments like Material Type, Product Type, Application, Technology, and End-User, alongside detailed industry revenue projections.

🏗️ Industry Dynamics and Key Players

The market is driven by a surge in prison infrastructure modernization, the adoption of smart technologies, and increased public and private investments in correctional facilities. Leading market participants include:

3M Company

ASSA ABLOY Group

Allegion PLC

Axis Communications AB

Stanley Security Solutions Inc.

Bosch Sicherheitssysteme GmbH

Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co.

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

United Technologies Corporation

Honeywell International Inc.

Brinks Incorporated

Lockheed Martin Corporation

These companies compete on technological innovation, integration with surveillance and access systems, durability, and compliance with strict safety regulations.

🌍 Market Expansion & Demand Centers

The growth trajectory is reinforced by:

The increase in incarceration rates and longer sentencing trends

Technological upgrades in surveillance, locking systems, and biometric access

Government reinvestment programs aimed at overhauling outdated correctional infrastructure

Key markets driving demand include the U.S., UK, Germany, China, and Australia, while India, Brazil, and South Africa present strong opportunities for regional diversification and Total Addressable Market (TAM) expansion.

🔄 Supply Chain Trends & Market Challenges

While North America and Europe remain core regions, the industry is responding to evolving dynamics such as:

High upfront costs of installation and integration

Inconsistent standardization across facility types and jurisdictions

Shifting supply chains from component acquisition through manufacturing and distribution

Industry players are focusing on flexible design, security innovation, and partnerships with facility operators to remain competitive and compliant.

🧠 About DataString Consulting

DataString Consulting is your trusted partner for actionable market research and business intelligence. With over 30 years of combined industry expertise, we offer tailored insights for clients across 15+ industries, helping businesses decode complex markets and uncover growth potential.

[macarthurlocksdoorsblog]

Upgrade your security with biometric access control upgrades, enhancing safety and convenience. Contact (202) 760-4589 for seamless installation and peace of mind.

[proluxinternationalllc]

Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Smart Door Lock

As technology stays to evolve, smart home devices are becoming more popular, and among them, the smart door lock stands out as a vital security upgrade. Offering convenience, enhanced security, and remote access, smart locks have transformed how we protect our homes and businesses. However, before making a purchase, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence the functionality, security, and compatibility of these devices.

This article will guide you through what you should know before buying a smart lock to make an informed decision.

Understanding What a Smart Lock Is

A smart lock is an electronic locking mechanism that lets you to lock or unlock your doors without the necessity for a physical key. These locks typically connect to your smartphone or home automation system via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless technologies. They often offer features like remote access, temporary digital keys for guests, auto-locking, and activity logs.

Knowing what a smart lock does helps you choose one that best fits your lifestyle and security needs.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying

Type of Smart Lock

There are several kinds of smart locks, including:

Keypad Locks: Access is granted via a PIN code.

Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Locks: Controlled via smartphone apps.

Biometric Locks: Use finger-print or facial recognition for access.

Hybrid Models: Combine traditional keys with smart features.

Choosing the right type depends on your preferences and how you want to manage access.

Compatibility with Your Door

Not all smart locks fit every door. Before buying, check the lock’s specifications to ensure it matches your door’s thickness, type (deadbolt, mortise, rim), and backset measurements. This prevents installation problems and ensures secure fitting.

Security Features

Security should be your top priority. Look for smart locks with robust encryption to prevent hacking. Features such as two-factor authentication, tamper alarms, and auto-lock functions add extra layers of protection.

Connectivity Options

Smart locks come with different connectivity options:

Bluetooth: Works within a close range.

Wi-Fi: Allows remote access from anywhere.

Zigbee/Z-Wave: Integrates with smart home hubs.

Choose based on how you want to control the lock and integrate it with other devices.

Power Source and Battery Life

Most smart locks run on batteries. Check the battery life expectancy and whether the lock shows alerts when battery levels are low. Some models offer backup power options like physical keys or external battery ports.

Ease of Installation

Consider professional help. Some smart locks are easy to install with basic tools, while others might require expertise. Verify if the product comes with detailed instructions or support.

Additional Features to Look For

Access Logs: Monitor who enters and when.

Temporary Access Codes: Great for guests or service providers.

Voice Control: Integration with assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

Auto Lock/Unlock: Based on proximity or schedules.

In Conclusion

Buying a smart lock involves more than just picking the latest gadget. Understanding your door type, desired features, security requirements, and connectivity options ensures you invest in a product that enhances safety and convenience. Proper research and planning can save you time, money, and potential security risks.

For those looking for high-quality and reliable smart door lock solutions, Prolux International LLC offers advanced products tailored to meet your security needs efficiently and effectively.

[thecattitudecentral]

PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder: The Ultimate Smart Solution for Hassle-Free Cat Feeding in 2025

As a pet parent, ensuring your furry friend is well-fed and happy is a top priority. But with busy schedules, travel, or unexpected late nights at work, maintaining a consistent feeding routine can be challenging. That’s where the PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder steps in, offering a smart, reliable, and tech-savvy solution to keep your pets fed on time, every time. In this comprehensive review, we’ll…

[olivergisttv]

How to Build a DIY Smart Lock Using Arduino

Building a DIY smart lock using Arduino is an excellent project for enhancing home security while learning about electronics and programming. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a smart lock that you can control with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards or a keypad. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. 1. Gather Materials and Tools You’ll need the following…

[karenatkins9117]

Is SwitchBot Revolutionizing Electric Door Locks in Smart Homes?

SwitchBot is making waves in the smart home industry with its innovative electric door lock solutions.

Does the SwitchBot electric door lock truly enhance security and convenience for homeowners?

Absolutely! This smart lock not only offers an easy installation process but also integrates seamlessly with various smart home systems. Homeowners can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their doors are secure and can be controlled remotely.

SwitchBot's commitment to providing reliable and user-friendly products is paving the way for a future where smart home technology is accessible and beneficial for everyone.

[qrpixel]

Range of smart products!!

QR-Pixel is a global brand that strives to create a smart platform for home automation, lighting and control at most affordable prices. With a wide portfolio of products, we aspire to meet every requirement that is presented to us. With a strong R&D, we are working on creating smart products that are not only futuristic but also affordable read more...

[teamvisual]

[douglasjones8737]

For those interested in enhancing their home security, what are the best door locks for home?

I'm excited to explore the options available for improving home security, especially when it comes to choosing the best door locks for home. One brand that stands out is SwitchBot, known for its innovative smart home solutions. With features like remote locking, integration with smart home systems, and user-friendly apps, SwitchBot's door locks provide both convenience and peace of mind. I'm eager to hear from others who have experience with different door locks, particularly those from SwitchBot. What has your experience been with these locks? Have they made a positive impact on your home security?

[proluxinternationalllc]

Is Your Smart Door Lock Hack-Proof and Secure?

As smart door locks become more popular, security concerns are rising. Is your smart door lock truly hack-proof? Modern smart locks use advanced encryption, two-factor authentication, and tamper alerts to guard against cyber threats. However, not all models offer the same level of protection. Choosing a lock from a trusted brand with regular firmware updates is essential for long-term safety. Don’t let convenience compromise your home’s security—stay informed and secure your entry points wisely.

[europalocks-blog]

Convenience

Keyless Entry: smart lock eliminates the need for physical keys. You can unlock door with a smartphone app, a key fob, or even through biometric methods like fingerprints.

Remote Access: many smart locks allow you to unlock your door remotely, which is useful if you need to grant access to someone while you’re away.

Enhanced Security

Access Logs: Smart locks can provide detailed logs of who entered and when, adding an extra layer of monitoring and control.

Temporary access codes: you can create temporary or one-time access codes for guest’s service providers or other, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter.

Integration with smart home systems

Automation: smart locks can integrate with home automation systems, allowing for seamless control along with other smart devices

Voice control: many smart locks are compatible with voice assistant like amazon alexa, google assistant enabling hands-free operation.

Improved Accessibility

For Those with Mobility issues: smart locks can be easier to operate for people with disabilities or mobility issues, as they often offer touchless or simplified access method.

No more Lockouts: with keyless entry the chances of locking out are significantly reduced, which is especially helpful in busy or stressful situations.

Durability and reliability:

Weather Resistant: many smart locks are designed or withstands various weather condition, making them suitable for external doors,

Battery Backup: most smart locks are battery operated with a backup power source, ensuring they remain functional even during power outages.

Ease of Management

Centralized control: if you have multiple smart devices, managing them through a single app can streamlined operations and make home management more efficient.

Auto Lock Feature: Some smart locks come with auto-lock functions that ensure the door locks automatically after a set period, enhancing security.

Customizable Access Options

Personalization: Users can set different levels of access for family members, friends or service providers and easily modify or revoke permission as needed.

Is it worth the investment?

Initial Cost: smart locks typically have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional locks; however, this cost may be offset by the convenience and security features they provide.

Ongoing costs: some smart locks may require subscription fees for advanced features or cloud services, so it’s important to factor in these potential ongoing expenses.

Technology Dependence: Relying on technology means you’ll need to stay updated on software updates and ensure your devices are compatible with your smart lock.

Overall if you value convenience enhanced security and integration with smart home systems a smart lock can be a worthwhile investment. It’s important to assess your specific needs and budget to determine if the benefits align with your lifestyle and preferences.

To know more about the electronics locks: https://www.europalocks.com/electronic-locks

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[vijayakumar1004]

How to Automate Ultra Cleaning Your Home and Office with Narwal Robot Vacuum and Mop Comb

Imagine a smarter way to keep your home and office clean effortlessly. Experience a cutting-edge robotic machine, offering time-saving precision and accessibility. This technology integrates effortlessly into your life, ensuring pristine environments. Its versatile cleaning and design make it essential for a clutter-free. Absence of manual intervention showcases its advanced navigation and…

[mobilelocksmithnc]

What Role Do Digital Door Locks Play in Modern Access Control Systems?

Digital door locks operate through the modern smart technology in controlling the access to your premises. As opposed to the traditional locks, installing digital locks ensure that only the authorized people are allowed in. These locks are connected to an access control system that records every single transaction logging. This article looks at how digital door locks fit into the access control systems and their contribution to improving security and managing traffic flow.

How Digital Locks Work?

Digital locks work through an interconnected network of system components which include:

Access Control System Server – This hosts the software responsible for assigning access tickets and monitoring traffic into the premises. It also houses the database with all the credential holders and their access levels.

Badging Server – This server captures several identity components including the photo, name, date and address to issue access badges also known as credentials. This server is usually linked up with the access control system server.

Digital Video Recorder- These recorders which are assigned to various cameras installed in the digital lock system to record events which can later be replayed. These recorders work more or less like a CCTV system.

The Control Panels – These panels act as the linking points between the access control server and the access points which can either be doors or checkpoints. They process the reader data, grant a request to exit or enter the premises and report the position of the door as either open or closed. They are also effective in reporting credential problems and intrusion.

Authentication

For you to gain access through digital doors, an authentication process must run successfully. This is the proof of identity as programmed into the lock system database. There are various authentication methods that locksmith near me can integrate into your digital access system.

Some of these are:

Numerical codes and Passwords

This is one of the common verification methods used in digital locks. The locks come with a keypad where you key in your code and if it corresponds with the database-stored code then the lock deactivates and grants you access.

Security tokens

This is where you swipe or scan a security token like a smart card to interact it with the lock. Some digital locks can retrieve credentials that are stored on personal digital assistants (PDA) through infrared data transfer techniques.

Biometrics

This authentication mode leverages on technologies such as retinal scanning, voice print identification, iris scanning and fingerprint scanning to grant access. They are very efficient and accurate.

Locksmith professionals are experienced in installing and maintaining digital door lock systems. You can have them assess your home and advise you accordingly on the best system to install.

[locksmithautomotiveservices]

Enhancing Security: Locksmiths and Smart Home Integration

Integrating smart home technology with traditional locksmith services can significantly enhance your home’s security. Here’s how locksmiths are adapting to the rise of smart home systems and what they can offer:

Smart Lock Installation

Locksmiths are now skilled in installing smart locks, which replace traditional key-based systems with digital access controls. These locks offer features such as remote access, keyless entry via smartphones, and temporary access codes for guests.

Integration with Home Automation Systems

Smart locks can be integrated with home automation systems, allowing you to control them through a central platform. Locksmiths can help configure these systems to work seamlessly with other smart devices, such as security cameras, alarms, and lighting.

Keyless Entry Systems

Modern locksmith in Murrieta can install and maintain keyless entry systems, which use codes, biometrics, or smart cards instead of physical keys. These systems provide added convenience and enhanced security by eliminating the need for traditional keys.

Remote Monitoring and Control

Smart locks often come with remote monitoring capabilities, allowing you to check the status of your locks and control them from anywhere using your smartphone. Locksmiths can set up these systems and ensure they work reliably with your home network.

Security System Integration

Locksmiths can integrate smart locks with existing home security systems, enhancing overall protection. This can include linking locks with alarms, motion sensors, and surveillance cameras for a comprehensive security setup.

Upgrades and Maintenance

As technology evolves, locksmiths can assist with upgrading your smart lock systems to ensure you have the latest features and security updates. Regular maintenance and troubleshooting can also be provided to keep your smart locks functioning optimally.

Professional Advice

Locksmiths can offer expert advice on the best smart home security solutions for your needs. They can assess your home’s layout and security requirements to recommend the most effective smart lock systems and integration options.

By incorporating smart home technology, locksmiths are enhancing traditional security measures with modern solutions. From installing smart locks and keyless entry systems to integrating with home automation and providing ongoing maintenance, locksmiths play a crucial role in advancing home security. Embracing these innovations can provide greater convenience, control, and peace of mind in securing your home.

[marvelstoriesepic]

Your Ghost Knows Me

Pairing: Avenger!Bucky x Avenger!Reader

Summary: On a mission to dismantle a Hydra base, Bucky’s activation codes are triggered. And what does he do without a kill order?

Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings: mind control; non-consensual behavior (not sexual but bodily autonomy themes); possessive behavior; gun violence (implied, not graphic); threats of violence; emotional manipulation (unintentional); PTSD; trauma responses; forced proximity; mentions of Bucky’s past; Hydra

Author’s Note: I'll never get tired of a possessive Winter Soldier!! Honestly, I should write about him more often. Anyway, this absolutely iconic request is from my sweet dear!! Thank you so much, and I hope you'll enjoy ♡

2k Drabble Challenge Masterlist | Masterlist

There is always something quiet about Bucky when he looks at you before the mission begins. Quiet in the way thunder is quiet just before the crack. As if he is holding something inside himself too loud for the world.

You always say his name and he would look at you like he’s afraid to blink.

You don’t think you’re supposed to notice the way he hovers at your side. You’re not supposed to feel his shadow, stitched to your steps. But you do. You always do. Because Bucky Barnes does not know how to stay subtle. Not with you. Not when he thinks you might not make it out of this alive.

Your mission is to break into an old Hydra base with heat still humming through the walls and ghosts still hanging from the rafters.

The team drops in like rain. Controlled chaos. Clint on the left flank. Sam from above. Steve on the right flank. Nat somewhere in the dark.

You are light-footed and fast and smart and alive. Bucky stays behind you. Always behind you. Watching your six. He never lets you fall.

And you get the proof of this for the thousandth time when he throws his arm out and grabs your vest to yank you back hard enough to make you gasp. Your heart stutters in your throat. You stumble, twist, spin - and crash into him.

There was a tripwire. You almost walked into it. And Bucky saw. He sees everything.

“You okay?” He breathes, voice low, not quite touching worry but brushing the edges of it.

“Yeah,” you whisper back. “Thanks.”

He nods. Says nothing. Keeps moving.

You press forward into the maze of concrete and metal that is the Hydra base, gun raised, heart playing the drum in your ribs.

Bucky slows.

You glance over at him. “What is it?”

He stares at a rusted door, barely ajar. A soft static pulses from within, like an old radio dying in slow motion. The sound crawls down your spine. Your skin prickles.

“Bucky,” you start, reaching for him. “Let’s move.”

But he’s already walking toward that door with narrowed eyes.

The room is dark. Cold. Frost is on the walls like a memory that won’t let go. A machine in the corner makes low noises. Wires twitch on the floor like veins ripped from a corpse. The air stinks of metal and mildew and something old. Something wrong.

And then it speaks. A voice, thick with static, seeps out of the machine. A voice you don’t understand. Not really. You can’t make out the words, but you know them. You know what they mean.

“Желание. Ржавый.”

You spin around, heart rushing up to your ears, calling his name, but it’s too late.

“Семнадцать. Рассвет.”

Bucky stands frozen.

Stone. Steel. Silence.

His face is slack. That haunted stillness takes over.

He isn’t gone. But he isn’t Bucky anymore.

“Печь.”

His eyes go distant. Flat. His face cracks into something you’ve only seen in nightmares. No fury. No fear. Just absence.

“Доброкачественный.”

“No,” you breathe. Your heart forgets how to beat. “Bucky,” you basically yell at him. Nobody even knew there were still functioning systems here. But they’d been waiting. Planning.

“Девять.”

“Bucky please snap out of this.” You know it’s useless. You don’t know why you say it.

“Возвращение на родину.“

Your hand trembles around the grip of your weapon as you force yourself to jump out of the shock your limbs are locked in. You raise your arm and aim. You pull the trigger. One.

“Один.”

Two.

“Грузовой вагон.”

Three.

Four times.

The machine sparks. Cracks. Screams. A dozen red lights blink and die like stars going out. The voice cuts out, perhaps wanting to give a command, a final breath of Russian strangled by silence. And it slams into the room like a body.

For a heartbeat, for a breath, you think it’s over.

You hope it’s over.

But his name dies on your tongue when you turn back to him.

Bucky doesn’t speak. He doesn’t blink. He doesn’t breathe like a man. He doesn’t look at you - he tracks you, the way a sniper does. As if you’re a piece of intel.

Sam’s voice crackles over the comms. “Hey. We heard something. Everything good over there?”

You can’t answer right away.

Your voice is lost.

Because Bucky Barnes is gone.

And the Winter Soldier is standing in his place.

It takes you a minute to explain your situation and you hear the tremor in Steve’s voice when he tells you they’re on their way.

You try to breathe around the panic growing like thorns in your chest.

You whisper his name, again and again, as if it’s a spell that might pull him back. But the Winter Soldier does not know your voice.

Does not know you.

And when Steve finally rounds the corner, face pale, shield up, Bucky growls.

Low. Subhuman. A warning without words.

“Woah, woah- easy,” Steve says, holding up a hand. He looks at you. “He’s- He’s not gone. We’ll fix this. We can bring him back.”

You don’t know how promising he tries to make this sound.

But Bucky shifts his body, in front of you.

He plants himself between you and everyone else, like a wall, like a weapon.

Like a threat.

No orders. No hesitation. Just instinct.

He scans Steve’s hands. Sam’s gun. Natasha’s eyes.

Every time someone even twitches in your direction, he angles his body tighter around you, metal hand flexing. His breathing is shallow. Sharp.

He has no words. No explanations. He doesn’t seem to need them.

You try to take a step forward, away from his back. He moves with you. You stop. So does he.

“Please,” you whisper. “Bucky. Come back.”

But he doesn’t flinch.

Not for the begging in your voice. Not for the heartbreak in your eyes.

But you know he doesn’t hear you. He only hears the ghosts in his blood. The machine in his brain. The purpose Hydra seared into his bones.

“Alright, this can’t-“ The moment Sam takes a step forward, Bucky moves.

He grabs you. Not roughly, not violently, but fully. As if the air between your bodies has never existed. As if he’s made of magnets and you’re the only thing that ever pulled him north.

His metal arm anchors around your waist, his other hand at your shoulder, your spine, your hip - everywhere, all at once. He places himself between you and the others again and makes sure to keep you there as if you are a holy thing. His breath is ragged. Feral.

“Bucky,” Steve tries. There is something pained in his tone. Also something warning. “Let her go.”

But he doesn’t listen.

Because there is nothing left to listen to.

No more commands. No more codes. No more voice in his ear.

So he seems to have written a new directive into his mind and that is you.

You are the mission now. You are the purpose, the protection, the last thing left when everything else burns.

His hand is wrapped around your wrist so tightly, it makes your breath hitch. But you don’t pull away. You can’t. There is something in his eyes. Something not Bucky but not nothing either.

Not the soldier.

Not the man.

Just this animal of loyalty. Of violence. Of need.

You try.

God, you try.

You speak to him in pieces. In whispers. In words coming from trembling lips and bruised hope.

“Bucky,” you plead.

Soft. Like maybe softness will do it. Like maybe he’ll come back to the sound of your voice wrapped in love instead of command.

But he doesn’t.

And he doesn’t let anyone near you.

Not Steve, who takes one careful step and ends up with a knife lodged in the floor in front of his foot.

Not Sam, who reaches out and gets a warning growl that raises the hairs on your arms.

Not Natasha, who tries to circle behind, quiet as a whisper - and is met with the barrel of Bucky’s gun aimed clean between her eyes.

You frantically call Bucky’s name.

“Hey- easy,” she says, voice low. “Nobody wants to harm your girl, Barnes.”

He doesn’t blink. He doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t care.

He tightens his grip on you, fingers locking around your arm like a shackle. You try to find a piece of Bucky still breathing in there.

But all you see is possession.

He steps back into the shadows, pulling you with him, shielding you with his body as if the world is trying to take you and he’s the last wall still standing.

No one sees you now.

Because he won’t let them.

He moves you behind crates. Walls. Corners. Shadows. Always putting something between you and them. Always hiding you. Not out of shame. Not out of fear.

Out of possession.

Out of protection.

Out of a command he gave himself.

You are a mission. A precious object. A singular order sculpted into the ruins of his memory.

You hear Steve’s heavy sigh. His quiet and deep voice. The pain in it. “We need to sedate him.”

The next thing you pick up is the click of a safety releasing.

Bucky’s gun is pointed and ready.

He would kill for you right now.

He would kill them.

All of them.

Within the blink of an eye.

For you.

“No,” you croak out, voice breaking. It feels wrong to call him Bucky. It feels wrong to call him Soldat. “Please don’t! Don’t do this!”

You don’t know if it’s something in your voice or something in your tense stance against his back, but he slowly lowers his gun, slowly turns his head to stare at you.

Empty.

Unreachable.

But somehow not cold.

And then his hand rises. Flesh fingers trace your jaw. So gently it nearly breaks you.

It’s not affection. It’s assessment.

He’s checking. For wounds. For weakness. For threats, you might be hiding beneath your skin.

You breathe as if forgetting how to.

You try to shift. Just a little. Just to look behind him. Just to meet Steve’s eyes, Sam’s, Natasha’s, Clint’s - who finally got his ass here as well.

But Bucky moves. Fast.

A hand around your chin. Tilting your face back toward him.

Eyes narrow. Jaw locks.

You know what it means.

He doesn’t want you to look at them.

He doesn’t want you to speak with them.

He doesn’t want you to think of them.

You are his now.

Because something in his mind burned the world down and left you standing in the wreckage, and he needs something to hold onto. Not just anything. Not just anyone. You.

You try again.

Whispers, again.

“I have to talk to them-”

He shakes his head. Once. Sharp. Final.

“No,” he growls. Not language. Not word. Just a sound scraped from somewhere too deep and too far gone.

You flinch and he feels it.

His grip grows stiff.

Your body goes still.

He doesn’t want to hurt you. But he doesn’t let you go.

You catch the glint of Steve’s shield out of the corner of your eye.

They haven’t moved in minutes.

They’re waiting.

They’re watching.

They don’t want to hurt him either. But they will if they have to.

“Don’t,” you murmur. “Don’t come closer. Don’t- don’t try to talk to me, he- he doesn’t want that.”

You hear Sam lower his weapon, just a hair. “We can’t leave you like this.”

You want to cry. You want to scream. You want to pull Bucky into your arms and shake him until something clicks and he remembers you. Remembers himself.

But the Winter Soldier only seems to be remembering his duty. Violence shaped into protection.

And right now, that protection looks like isolation.

You. Alone. Tucked behind crates and corners and silence and his broad shoulders.

You speak anyway. Because you have to. Because he’s in there somewhere. Because he might not hear the others, but maybe he can still hear you.

“Bucky,” you speak. Swallow. “They’re not the enemy.”

His hand twitches on your arm.

“They’re your friends.”

He tightens his grip.

“They’re my friends.”

He releases another deep and gravelly sound.

His body is tense, electric, fury held in the cage of his bones.

“Please,” you say. You hate the sound of your own voice now. You sound like you are shattering in slow motion. “You don’t have to protect me from them. You don’t- I’m not-”

You breathe out shakily.

Your lip trembles. Your eyes sting.

Because he’s looking at you as if he would kill the whole world to keep you safe. And he doesn’t even remember who you are.

You press your forehead to his chest. His body doesn’t move.

He’s breathing faster now. His pulse thrums under your cheek.

But he lets you stay there.

That has to be something.

Behind Bucky, someone whispers your name. Carefully. Cautiously. As though if they say it wrong you’ll be ripped out of this moment and Bucky will hunt them all down.

You lift your head.

Bucky sees it.

Sees the way your eyes pull toward Sam’s voice.

Sees the way you’re still trying to hold onto them. Still reaching.

He doesn’t like that.

He hates that.

His hand finds the back of your neck. He pulls you into him, hides your face in his chest. Your shoulders lock. His body shields you like a fortress of flesh and metal and confusion. As if your gaze is a window, and he is closing the shutters.

You are not theirs anymore.

And he will not let you be.