"Wow, you're amazing!"
"Could you beat a level for me too? I want a plush toy!"
"I really want one too! Pretty please!"
"Sir, could you win me a plush toy too? Sergeant Barnes is my favorite!"
"Me too! Me too!"
One little face after another tilted up toward him, their eyes full of admiration and anticipation. Tiny hands tugged gently at his sleeves and the hem of his jacket, their sweet pleas coming one after another.
Bucky stood frozen, at a rare loss for what to do.
"Don't crowd so close. It's dangerous."
His voice was cold, but little children were experts at reading people. Having seen him win a plush toy for the little boy, they weren't remotely frightened by Bucky's feigned stern expression.
"Sir, pretty please? Please, please? I'll give you a bunny candy, okay? Please help me."
A little girl blinked her wide eyes and pleaded sweetly, holding out a chubby little hand. On her palm lay a bunny-shaped candy in a colorful wrapper, clearly one she had saved because she couldn't bear to eat it.
"I have some too! Help me, sir! I have kitty gummies!"
"Sir, I'll give you my favorite badge!"
"Me too, me too..."
The children crowded around him in a solid ring, talking over one another. Some wheedled, some showered him with praise, some waited with pleading eyes, and others tried to "bribe" him with their possessions...
A whole bunch of tiny little kids, soft and fragile. He couldn't hit them, and he couldn't yell at them.
What do I do? Answers needed. Urgent.
Seeing this, the attendant beside him teased with a smile, "Sir, it looks like you're going to be the children's superhero today. This game is pretty difficult. Most people can't even clear it, and very few manage