#Making Out for America

[superbassbuck]

Making Out for America [masterlist]

Congressman!Bucky x America’s Sweetheart!Reader, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage

29.9k words || in progress || no y/n || fluff and angst || mental heath issues || f!reader || sexual tension || set during thunderbolts* || ao3

Bucky Barnes, the reformed assassin turned congressman with a major PR problem that just won’t let up. Tabloids bad mouth him. Society fears him. How can he get the American people to believe that he has what it takes for a seat at the office? Desperate for a breakthrough, Bucky needs a way to win over the nation’s trust. Then his press secretary suggests a bold solution. Marriage to you, the poised, beloved daughter of a decorated war hero. America’s sweetheart. The embodiment of everything he’s not. It’s all for show. For Bucky, it means a shot at redemption. For you, it’s a chance to elevate your late father’s legacy and secure support for your foundation. Strictly business, and no space for love. Everything is going well. But behind closed doors and the flashing cameras, you two can't stand each other, and it's taking everything in you two to not rip each other's throats out.

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one || two || three || four || || five || six || seven (in progress)

[rationales]

🤎💛

[thegirlyouknow]

People are saying the moral of squid game was that evil rich people always win and there's no point in fighting back against capitalism, but I don't think that was what the creator was getting at.

In-ho spent all of s2&3 trying to prove to Gi-hun and himself that Gi-hun was just like him. That people are all violent, cruel and selfish at their core. That trash deserve to die. That anyone would make the same choice he did.

But Gi-hun proved him wrong. There *are* good people. Not everyone would have made the same choice In-ho did. Gi-hun chose not to ruthlessly murder helpless people to save himself. He chose to sacrifice himself for his friend's innocent baby. He chose compassion, humanity, and selflessness at the cost of his own life.

You can always choose to be good. You can always choose to help others. Even if you can't save the world and the bad guys still win in the end, you can always choose light. 'You can win but you can't break me'. That was the point. That was the message.

[sweetmapple]

Jonathan Sims’ fun steppe vacation

[deusv-ult]

sketchdump

[parasiticstars]

Friendly reminder that sexualizing/blorbofying Luigi Mangione and your support for him being a quirky little trending meme is exactly why 1. he's been almost forgotten about when any other time his actions would've had far more rippling consequences, 2. why nothing will ever get done in this fucking ass country, much less the positive-- if violent-- change we need, and 3. goes to show the sheer imbecility of the "lol be gay do crimes" demographic.

Where was your support for Briana Boston, who was falsely arrested just for quoting him? Oh, right, she's not a conventionally attractive white man for you to turn into your next Tumblr sexyman.

[redbuddi]

There's nothing funnier to me than shows or movies where the whole point is to have a character that's "ugly," but they don't want to actually hire an actress that isn't conventionally attractive so they just slap thick glasses and oversized braces on a woman to try and get that effect anyway and you can always see right through it

[headcanonthings]

Sam: I don't want Steve to die Sam: You don't want Steve to die Sam: So now we need to make sure that Steve doesn't make Steve die Bucky: Fantastic plan, but have you fucking met him?

[imomnba-x07]

Everyday we grow closer and closer to a Sambucky forehead touch

[cossiemoss]

Bruce and Logan explaining to the team how throwing Wolverine at the enemy team is the best and only plan, and they don't need another healer.

[superbassbuck]

Making Out for America

Chapter 5: Insure Domestic Tranquility

masterlist || one || two || three || four || five || six

update: I do not have a tag list. to get notified for fic updates, please follow @notify-superbassbuck and turn on notifications.

Pairing: Congressman!Bucky Barnes x America's Sweetheart!fem!reader

Mentions: 18+, enemies to lovers, slow burn, set during thunderbults*, sexual tension, forced proximity, arranged marriage, panic attacks, mental health issues, angst (lots of it), no y/n

Word Count: 4.5k

gif by sebastiansource || dividers by cafekitsune

The next day came, and you stood at the podium, the same Jameson Foundation banners rippling in the wind gently above you. The first few questions were exactly what you’d anticipated, the press opened up with questions on your father’s legacy and the foundation’s continued growth.

But you knew deep down, you knew where everyone’s real interest lay. And that was with Congressman Barnes.

It was a strange kind of irony. You had only agreed to this engagement to shine a spotlight on the foundation, on your father’s work, his legacy, the cause he devoted his life to. And while the turnout today was bigger than usual, it was clear they weren’t here for that.

They were all here for the man with the metal arm and the headline-making engagement. And it was only a matter of time before they started asking the more personal questions. 

"You've spoken so passionately about the foundation, but I think the public is curious about something else too. How has life changed since your engagement to Congressman Barnes?" one of the reporters questioned from the second row. 

You forced your smile. “It’s certainly been… an adjustment,” you said smoothly, just like you practiced. “Our lives were already demanding before, and combining them has been both a challenge and a privilege—” 

Another hand shot up before you even finished. “Was it love at first sight?”

You recoiled slightly, trying hard to fight the cringe creeping on your face. You weren’t used to a crowd like this. They interrupted you before you could even finish your sentence. 

This wasn’t the Jameson Foundation crowd anymore. It was a crowd full of Capitol hounds, eager for a stupid headline. You actually felt bad for Bucky for dealing with all this bullshit. 

You laughed softly, and that sounded real enough to pass. “Let’s just say he made a strong first impression.” Not technically a lie.

The crowd chuckled politely, and the questions started coming faster now. 

“What’s something we don’t know about the Congressman?” 

You hesitated for a moment, not because you didn’t want to answer, but because there wasn’t much you could answer. Bucky never let you get close. Most of what you knew was already known to the public. You stood up straighter, trying to come up with something. 

“He makes very good chili dogs,” you say with a nervous chuckle. “And his vibranium arm is dishwasher safe.” 

That entices another round of chuckles and wholehearted laughter from the crowd. You sighed in relief. The fact that his vibranium arm was dishwasher safe probably made him look silly, but the crowd is eating it up. 

“Do you see yourself stepping back from the foundation to take on a more traditional role… say, as the Congressman’s wife?”

“Absolutely not,” you said firmly. “This foundation is my life’s work. Congressman Barnes supports that, and he always will.” 

He better, you thought quietly. You straightened yourself to mentally prepare for the next question, but then another voice cut through the crowd. 

“Are you two… truly in love?”

Your breath hitches. When Bucky was asked this question during his interview yesterday, the lie came so easy to him. It came off so naturally that you almost believed him. He and Voss warned you, reminded you how to smile, how to speak in a way that felt heartfelt without being too vulnerable. And still, for some reason, your words caught in your throat.

You hadn’t had many relationships. Your world has always been a little isolated, your focus locked on the foundation and your career. You’d lived in your own little bubble for so long, but then there were those moments with Bucky that burst the bubble. 

The way he looked at you while you comforted him during his panic attack, like you were the only person that could keep him grounded. The softness in his eyes once he slipped the wedding ring on your finger delicately. 

How natural it felt, sleeping next to him, held tight like he didn’t want to let go.

They were small things, maybe even meaningless to him—but they stuck with you. 

All these rare yet soft moments shared between you two would make any woman fall in love. 

You sucked in a breath when you realized everyone was waiting for your answer. 

“I do love him,” you said clearly. “And I truly believe that if my father were here today, he’d be proud to know I’m marrying someone as exceptional as Congressman Barnes.”

Once your interview was finished, George drove you across town to Bucky’s office for a quick “debrief” on the rest of the week’s agenda. It was the kind of thing that easily could’ve been handled over email, but of course, Voss insisted it be done in person.

In her exact words, she said, “I know you two can barely tolerate each other, but at least try to act like you enjoy being in the same room.”

So here you are. Both you and George walked into the building, and in George's nature, he insisted on waiting in the hallway. 

As you enter the room, you find Voss and Bucky already seated at the table, mid-conversation. They both stop talking as soon as their eyes land on you. 

“Well, if it isn’t Mrs. Barnes,” Voss says warmly, rising to her feet and pulling you into a quick, professional hug.

You return the gesture with a polite smile. “Voss.” You glance over at Bucky and he’s keeping his eyes down on the papers in front of him, not looking at you. 

“Bucky,” you say evenly.

He doesn’t look up.

“Have a seat,” Voss gestures to the empty chair, that was unfortunately, right next to him.

You hesitate for a moment. You’re not sure if you even want to sit next to him. A part of you understands that he just wants to keep his distance—but pretending you’re not even in the room? 

It was a new low. 

With a reluctant sigh, you take the empty seat. You glance in his direction, hoping for some kind of acknowledgment. Nothing. His eyes stay fixed on the papers, as if you’re completely invisible.

“Your interview was fantastic,” Voss says with a bright smile. Either she’s blissfully unaware of the tension between you and Bucky, or she’s choosing to ignore it. 

“You made our Congressman look like a dream,” she adds, nodding towards Bucky. “The way you two answered those questions was so convincing, I almost believed you were actually in love.”

“Yeah,” you force a polite laugh. “Bucky almost had me fooled too.”

Voss chuckles, and she pauses for a moment, looking at Bucky to see if he has any intention of adding to the conversation. 

Bucky finally looks up from his papers with a clenched jaw. “Glad to know I’m such a convincing liar,” he mutters, still not looking at you. 

Oh, so now he addresses you—and with a sarcastic remark at that. 

You raise a brow and cross one leg over the other, not looking at him. “Actually, now that I think about it, your ‘ I am very much in love with her’ line could’ve used some work.” 

Bucky shifts in his seat, propping one hand on the arm rest as he finally looks at you with a disbelieving look. 

Voss laughs nervously, glancing between the two of you like she’s not sure if she should be here or not. “Well, whatever you did, it worked. The public is starting to love–”

“You know,” Bucky interrupts her, his eyes glued on you now. “That’s rich, coming from someone who used the phrase ‘strong first impression’ like we met at a job interview.” 

You finally look at him with a tight smile that you know will get under his skin. “Well, isn’t that what this entire relationship is?” 

Voss clears her throat, clearly trying to keep the meeting from derailing. “Okay, okay,” she says, waving a hand. “Let’s focus. You two can bicker like an old married couple later—” 

“And what the hell was up with that dishwasher-safe arm comment? You’re painting me as a joke,” he bites back. 

“You can’t be serious,” you scoff, glaring at him now. “I’m not painting you as a joke. I made you seem approachable. It was a cute fact.” 

Bucky mumbles grumpily under his breath and sinks back into his chair. 

You tilt your head and sweeten up your tone, just enough to make sure you piss him off. “Don’t be so sensitive, sweetheart . It was cute.”

You see his jaw clench as he turns away, avoiding your gaze now. But the flush that’s creeping on the side of his face gives him away.  You lean in closer, trying to get in his face. 

“Something wrong, sweetheart?” you tease. “I thought we were supposed to be practicing with the nicknames… you know, to make them feel natural?”

Bucky opens his mouth to snap back, but Voss’s voice cuts through before he could even get the chance. 

“Okay, you two can rip each other’s throats later,” Voss says firmly. “This week we’ve got engagement photos scheduled, and after that, I suggest you two start locking down wedding plans.”

You nod, keeping your focus back on Voss. Even though you’re not looking at him anymore, you can feel the tension radiating off of Bucky next to you. 

“Ultimately, the wedding date is your call,” Voss continues with a serious tone. “But as your press secretary, I’d recommend holding it soon after the photo release—strike while the media is still buzzing.”

“Fine by me,” you reply with a nonchalant shrug.

Voss smiles at your response. Then her eyes flick between you both, her eyes lingering on Bucky a bit longer when she realizes he isn’t responding. 

“What about you, Congressman?” she prods gently.

He doesn’t respond. Bucky just stares down at the papers in front of him like they were more important. Voss lets out a long exhale through her nose and pushes on, undeterred.

She dives into a fully detailed rundown—rambling on everything from upcoming press appearances and engagement photos to how the two of you should present yourselves when asked about your relationship. Her words start to blur into one long stream, like background noise. But you do catch a few key points, something about Bucky making an appearance at one of your upcoming foundation events, something about “maintaining the illusion.”

Finally, Voss rises from her seat, collecting her folders with a dramatic sigh.

“Well,” she begins. “I’ll leave you two be to—“ she waves a hand vaguely between you, “sort out whatever lover’s quarrel you’ve got going on.” 

Then she strides out the room with her heels clicking, the office door closing behind her.

A very awkward and uncomfortable silence settles between the both of you. You glance over at Bucky. He’s still staring down at the papers in front of him, chin propped in his palm, doing a painfully good job of pretending you don’t exist. 

Again.

“Is this going to be a thing now? You ignoring me unless there’s a camera in your face?” you spit out. 

Bucky’s fingers twitch slightly, but he still doesn’t look up. 

“I get it, okay?” you go on, your voice getting shaky despite your efforts to remain poised. “This whole thing sucks. But I’m still showing up. I’m trying to make this work. I’m trying to make you look good. The least you could do is acknowledge I exist.”

His jaw clenches, and still, he says nothing. His eyes remain glued to the paper in front of him, like if he just stares at it hard enough, you’ll disappear. 

“Nothing?” you whisper in disbelief. “God, I don’t even know why I bother.” 

You stand, pushing the chair back slightly. The sound startles him, but he still doesn’t lift his head. You get it—this was only for show. But if you were going to be bound to each other for the rest of your lives, the least he could do was treat you like a human being. Because the other night, when you stayed at his place, he did treat you like you mattered.

Now it feels like he’s built his walls back up twice as high as when you first met him. And no matter how hard you try, you can’t climb them. You can’t even see past them.

“I understand that this whole thing is for public appearance,” you say softly, your back turned to him. “But I didn’t sign up to feel like I’m some… some burden. I’m not your enemy, Bucky. And I don’t know what I did to make you treat me like one.”

You give him a moment to see if he’ll say anything. But he doesn’t. With a heavy sigh, you begin walking towards the door. 

“I’m trying,” he finally murmurs under his breath. “I’m doing the best I can.” 

You stop with your hand on the doorknob. You turn slightly to him and say, “Then help me understand, because I can’t keep guessing what version of you I’m going to get.” 

And then he’s quiet again. 

“I’m standing here trying,” you mutter with a voice crack. “And you won’t even look at me.” 

“I can’t,” he says quietly and broken. 

You turn to face him fully now, your heart pounding loudly in your chest. His eyes are unfocused, locked on some distant point in the office like he’s not really here.

“You won’t ,” you corrected him. “You won’t let me in.” 

“No,” he snaps suddenly, pushing back from the table and rising to his feet. “You don’t get it. You can’t get it.”

His sudden movement startles you, but you don’t feel scared—just surprised. His voice is rough and strangled, like the emotions are catching in his throat. His body is shaking again, and before you even realize it, you’re already taking small steps towards him.

“You think I’m keeping you at arm’s length because I want to?” he says, voice shaking uncontrollably. “You think this is easy for me? Sitting here pretending—when every time I look at you... I—”

He stops himself short, his breath hitching. 

He turns away with his back to you, bracing both hands on the table to support himself. His whole body is trembling as he tries to keep himself grounded. 

Your hand rests gently against his back, and he stiffens under your touch.

“When every time you look at me… what?”

He doesn’t answer. He won’t and he can’t. Because if he says it, if he tells you what he’s done, he doesn’t think he’ll ever see that softness in your eyes again. And that… that would break him.

As you’re standing there, watching him crumble apart again, your heart can’t help but ache for him. Even if Bucky isn’t really yours, watching him like this, hurting and haunted, it makes your heart crack wide open for him. 

No one wants to watch the person they care about suffer. 

“No matter how many times you push me away,” you say softly as you rub your hand gently on his back. “I will always be here for you. You just need to let me in.” 

Bucky shudders beneath your touch. “You don’t know what I’ve done,” he whispers. 

“No,” you admit softly. “I don’t. But I know it wasn’t really you. Whatever you did, you were controlled. You were used.”

He lets out a hollow, bitter laugh and shakes his head, lips trembling as he tries to fight back his emotions. 

Then, he finally lifts his head slowly. His eyes meet yours for the first time, and the look in them nearly knocks the air from your lungs. 

There’s so much pain in them. Guilt, self-loathing, and grief.

Your hand reaches up instinctively, cupping his cheek, tilting his face towards you, to make sure he sees that you’re still here. He doesn’t move away. Instead, his fingers come up to rest over yours, holding your hand there with a gentle squeeze. 

“Why are you being so kind to me?” he asks, voice so quiet and broken. 

You blink, forcing back the sting in your eyes. “Because I see you, Bucky. And beneath all the pain, I know there’s a good man trying to do the right thing.”

Bucky swallows, and his hand rises to gently cradle your jaw. His fingers are rough, but he holds you with a softness that makes your chest ache. He leans in closer—close enough to feel his hot breath against your lips. He hesitates, giving you every opportunity to pull away. 

Because what he’s about to do next will change your relationship forever. It would mean more than a stupid signature on a piece of paper. More than a stupid ring on your finger. And more than a stupid interview.

And yet, you don’t pull away. 

So he leans in closer and kisses you.

And it’s not for show. There are no cameras around. It’s not for press. That kiss was just for you . 

His lips are warm and soft. He moves slowly and carefully, like he’s scared you’ll disappear if he makes the wrong move. Once Bucky realizes you’re not pulling away, when your hand moves to the back of his head, something in him gives out. 

The kiss deepens, and his hand slides to the back of your neck, holding you against him. The kiss is messy, aching, and full of all the words he couldn’t say. 

When you two finally pull away, he rests his forehead against yours, catching his breath. He shuts his eyes as one hand is still caressing your face, thumb absentmindedly rubbing against your cheek.

“I’m sorry,” he says with a shaky breath. “I don’t know what possessed me to do that. I… I shouldn’t have done that.”

You might’ve taken offense to that once, but you don’t hear any regret in his voice, just fear. Fear of what this means, fear of what he’s allowed himself to feel. Despite his words, you knew deep down that that kiss wasn���t a mistake, it was real. 

And you know he felt it too.

So instead of pulling away, you gently reach up and tuck a loose strand of hair behind his ear. 

“Hey,” you whisper. “Don’t apologize, sweetheart. It’s okay.” 

Bucky was wearing a simple crisp collar button up shirt and some slacks. He didn’t have the usual tailored tux he was used to being photographed in. Voss had told him to keep it “classy and casual” for this shoot. Her exact words had been, “Wear something that makes you look domestic.”

Whatever the hell that meant.

The shoot location was set in a soft field of greenery. Tall grass swaying gently, flowers blooming in warm colors. It felt wholesome and peaceful. Any real couple would’ve loved to have engagement photos taken here. Bucky stood there, tense in the middle of it, waiting for you to arrive.

He had offered to pick you up himself, but you’d insisted George bring you instead. He didn’t blame you.

Things had been awkward, really awkward, since the kiss. He didn’t even know why he did it. It wasn’t the first time he’d wanted to. God . He’d lost count of how many times he’d looked at you and felt that same need, that dangerous and selfish need to kiss you. But it was the first time he had acted on it.

He couldn’t explain what it was about you. Your warmth, how inviting you were, the way you saw straight through him. It was so opposite of the life he’d known.

Bucky knew he shouldn’t have kissed you, that by kissing you, it would change everything between you two. That by kissing you, it’d only make the truth about your father hurt even more.

You deserved honesty, and he’d kissed you with a mouth full of secrets. 

But what made him feel even worse was that he didn’t regret the kiss. Not one bit. Especially after the way your hand slipped to the back of his head, pulling him closer. 

He shudders at the memory. 

He knew he was a terrible man, but he didn’t think he’d stoop this low. But when you reassured him and told him it was okay, then surely you must’ve felt the same way? Surely, the feelings are reciprocated—whatever feeling this was. He didn’t know anymore. Feelings are hard. And he hasn’t felt anything like this in over seventy years. 

Bucky was so lost in thought that he didn’t hear the car pull up. 

“Good morning,” your soft voice calls out from behind him, pulling him out of his thoughts like sunlight cutting through a haze of dark fog.

He straightens up immediately. He turns, and when his blue eyes land on you, he feels like his breath was knocked out of his lungs. 

There you were, standing tall, probably the most stubborn woman to ever exist. But despite that, Bucky knew with certainty that you were the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. 

“Morning,” Bucky mumbles, his eyes taking you in up and down, not even trying to hide it. “You look… good.” 

Fuck . Bucky mentally cursed at himself. You were standing there looking like a dream, and the best he could manage was the most generic compliment known to man.

She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on, and still, the only thing I can come up with is “looks good?” 

You stood there with a raised brow. Your hair wasn’t done with a million bobby pins this time. It was made just how you like it. Your makeup was light, nothing camera-heavy, just you. And the dress flowing lightly in the gentle breeze topped it all off. 

Bucky swallowed hard as he watched you glance down at yourself, the softest smile tugging at your lips. That smile, God, that smile— it messed him up more than it should have.

“Well,” you say with a light shrug, glancing down at yourself, “if these are going to be framed and hung up for the world to see… I figured I might as well wear something that actually feels like me.”

Bucky nods firmly, agreeing. “Looks good.” 

“You already said that.” 

Goddammit. 

“Mr. and Mrs. Barnes,” the photographer calls, adjusting his tripod. “Right this way, please.” He gestures toward the center of the field.

Bucky clears his throat, extending a hand for you to grab, and you do. Your soft hand slips so softly and so easily in his as he leads you to the center. He watches as your eyes trail to his left arm. 

“You’re not covering it up,” you point out innocently. 

He glances down, then back at you. A small smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Guess I’m not,” he says quietly.

The photographer adjusts his lens, looking through it as he calls out, “Let’s start with something simple. Just stand close together and face each other—hold hands.” 

Bucky steps closer to you, his hand never leaving yours. With his free metal hand, he hesitates before grabbing your other hand. Catching him off guard, you reach for his instead, grasping it firmly. You angle your body towards him, and for a brief moment, your eyes meet.

His breath gets stuck in his throat. 

“Closer,” the photographer calls. “Let’s see some of that newly-engaged warmth.”

Bucky takes a step closer, swallowing nervously as he looks down at you. You also take a step forward until there’s barely any space left between your bodies. 

You glance up to meet his eyes again. “This warm enough for you?” you tease, your voice low enough for only him to hear. 

Bucky huffs a quiet laugh, his gaze steady on yours. “You tell me, sweetheart.” 

Now your breath hitches. You knew that he’s only saying it to keep things “natural,” but no matter how many times you two petcall each other, it always makes your heart flutter in your chest.

The photographer keeps snapping away, muttering compliments like “perfect” and “hold that right there.”

“Now let’s try one where he stands behind you, arms around your waist,” the photographer instructs.

Bucky feels you hesitate for a moment, but his feet is already moving before he can think. He stands behind you, his arms slip around you and you tense under his touch. His arms lock gently at your middle, pressing against your belly, pushing you closer against him. 

You’re thrown off guard at how natural this feels. 

“Now look over your shoulder at him—yeah, just like that,” the photographer praises. 

You turn your head over your shoulder, and the breath catches in your throat. Bucky isn’t looking at the camera. He’s looking at you. Only at you.

Your heart pounds loudly in your chest, and you’re pressed so tightly against him that you’re sure he can feel it. His arms around you are warm, solid, protective, and in this very moment, it doesn’t feel staged. It doesn’t feel fake. 

In this very moment, Bucky was yours. And you were his. 

Your voice comes out shakier than you’d anticipated. “Bucky—” 

But before you could get the words out, he leans in, pressing his nose against your hair, inhaling you, taking in your scent. You hear him let out a soft sigh as his body relaxes behind you, but his hold on you is still strong. 

“Excellent!” the photographer calls out, adjusting his lens again, completely oblivious of the tension between you two. “Let’s do one where you’re kissing now.” 

Bucky goes still. His hands are still resting gently at your waist, and you sense his hesitation. Like he's stuck between instinct and restraint.

You tilt your head back slightly to look at him. “We don’t have to,” you say quietly, offering him an out, even though your voice betrays a hint of hope. 

After everything, you didn’t want to push him, not after how weird things had felt since that first kiss that you two never even addressed.

Bucky’s gaze drops to your lips, then slowly finds your eyes again. He doesn’t say anything yet, just places his hands more firmly on your waist and gently turns you to face him. His lips part to speak, and when he finally does, his voice is low and hoarse.

“Tell me if you don’t want this,” he mutters, only loud enough for you to hear. 

You pause for a moment. Your eyes flick down to his lips, then back to those blue eyes that keep inviting you in—whether you liked it or not. 

“I want this.” 

Bucky breathes in sharply. Just like before, his hand rises to caress your jaw with a careful tenderness that makes your chest flutter. Then, he leans in and kisses you. 

He kisses you like no one was watching. He kisses you like you truly belong to him. He kisses you in the way he would want to, regardless if there was a camera or not. 

The camera shutter clicks in the distance. The photographer says something encouraging, but to Bucky, it’s just noise. He can’t hear any of it, not over the pounding of his own heart, especially not when your lips move so naturally against his. 

And that’s when it hits him. That feeling he’s finally come to recognize. 

The feeling he never knew he was even capable of having.

It washes over him now, and it’s undeniable and terrifying all at the same time. 

Bucky is in love with you. 

back || next

[rationales]

[ivanscarf]

puppy

[elliesgaymachete]

All the articles talking about how the marvels had the lowest box office opening of any marvel movie conveniently forget to mention that it’s the ONLY marvel movie to come out in the midst of an actors strike and didn’t get any of the press that all the other movies would have gotten 🙃

[tequiilasunriise]

No one asked but post-canon established Polytrix owning a personal aquarium headcanons go:

• Look man, they’re THE kpop global sensation of all time. They canonically live in a Korean Avengers Watchtower for goodness’ sake! Nobody can tell me they wouldn’t transform one of the many floors of their uber penthouse to a personal aquarium

• Yes the entire floor is dedicated to housing their various aquatic pets and yes they call it the Ocean Autism Floor (shoutout Zoey for the name)

• Speaking of Zoey, she would extensively talk about how one of her favorite spots in all the world is the Monterey Bay Aquarium and how she wishes she could visit it more often because it was such a comfort spot for her the small handful of times she’s visited it growing up, and Rumira instantly wanted to create a place Zoey can experience a fraction of that joy right in the comfort of their own shared home. It was originally just going to be a large fish tank containing some of her favorite species (that girl has marine bio autism and you can NOT tell me otherwise) but the passion project eventually grew to contain a whole multitude of various animals after Zoey got Rumira interested in aquatic animals through all the nature docs, reels, etc etc she’d have them watch with her.

• Thus, what started as just one large fish tank grew into an expansiveeee personal aquarium fully staffed with expert vet techs, enrichment providers, cleaners, etc etc because again, HUNTR/X can very easily afford this and what girlypop would NOT fully realize their exotic pet power fantasy if they had HUNTR/X’s resources?

• Oh you know the celebratory snack party went absolutely CRAZYSTYLE once the city approved all the permits for turning an entire floor of their mega tower into a personal aquarium >:) Zoey had been filling notebook after notebook after notebook with all the critters she plans to finally own >:D

• ^^^^ Rumira are endlessly endeared by Zoey’s boundless excitement and it’s actually incredibly sweet how happy they get from seeing how delighted Zoey is whenever she’s watching the inhabitants of one tank or another, definitely no regrets there! Zoey is hugging both of them so so tight with her frame trembling from pure Special Interest Joy™️ and they’re both veryyy happy to squeeze and cuddle her back to provide some nice pressure and warmth in order to help ground + anchor their gf from being too overwhelmed by euphoria (yes I’m projecting some of my autism tidbits onto Zoey, sue me)

• For Zoey, it’s like, well okay. Some people read out loud to dogs to get over their reading anxiety because a dog doesn’t really judge you, they’re just happy to be here. For her, having writing sessions while vibing with aquatic animals has a similar effect. They don’t judge, they don’t really care, they just continue to swim around doing their own thing. Even if they look strange or off-putting to us humans, they have evolved to best suit their needs and perfectly own up to it. Zoey really, really likes how lots of oceanic occupants reflect all of the colors stuck inside her head with their own sometimes bizarre patterns and are absolutely thriving with it. To have her own personal aquarium is sending her to the moon and back with sooooo much soul-nourishing fulfillment fer various reasons

• When it comes to what types of pets they’d own, to me Zoey likes more ‘oddball’ esque animals, Mira likes more cool and dangerous critters, while Rumi has an affinity for more pretty, cutesy looking ones

• In my heart Zoey has selfies of her and her beloved giant red pacific octopus affectionately wrapped around her arm because that's a Californian native octopus babbyy!! Her name is Baby Red and she's the smartest girl around, Zoey could watch her solve enrichment treat puzzles allll dayyyy

• She is also very attached to the several parrot fish she has in one of the coral reef tanks because they come in very vibrant colors and have these funky ass beaks and they POOP SAND LIKE??? Such a chaotic mishmash of random traits and Zoey is soooo about it

• Mira is deeply bonded with the colorful mantis shrimp she IMMEDIATELY sniped once Zoey infodumped to her about how this lil guy can punch fast enough to boil water and strong enough that it’s the same power as a .22 caliber gun AND THEY CAN SEE SECRET COLORS??? Oohhh Mira was already hooked but the moment her gay ass learned that mantis shrimp are naturally rainbow colored she was already looking up the soonest and easiest way she could obtain one. His name is probably some long punkass one like ‘Pistolwhip Skullcrusher Extinction Event 3000’ or some shit and he’s her son that she loves so, so much

• Oh speaking of Mira, I’m also a huge fan of her having a hugeee soft spot for manta as well as sting rays. These potentially dangerous creatures that are simultaneously so graceful and elegant in their angel flight-like swimming style? But could still rock your ass if you get to close (Rip Steve Irwin gone but never forgotten)? You best believe she got several for the Ocean Autism Floor!!!

• Aw geez I can’t stop thinking about the first time Mira saw a touch tank at a public aquarium with mantas in them and longingly stared so hard that Zoey took pity on her and, firmly grabbing her girl by the hand, dragged her over to a secluded corner of faux rocks. Initially, Mira didn’t want to go to the touch tank since Zoey was already planning to walk past to a different exhibit and this was supposed to be Zoey’s day after all. She didn’t want to pull Zoey off course, esp not for something as dumb and silly as some touch tank like really, it’s no big deal it’s whatever (being denied and shamed as a wild child black sheep by your entire family does that to ya I’m afraid), but hey! Luckily Zoey noticed what caught Mira’s attention and is here to physically drag Mira outta her comfort zone!

• After some encouragement from Zoey, Mira would read the signage explaining how to properly pet a manta not once not twice but thrice over to make sure she knows exactly which parts not to pet. Even so, she would still hesitate, afraid she’d mess up somehow and end up hurting the poor thing since they’re actually so delicate. Taking the lead once again, Zoey would ask, “Here, do you trust me?” and it’s like. Of course Mira does. How could she not?

• After getting confirmation, Zoey would gently grab one of Mira’s hands and guide it into the water towards a manta ray about to swim by. Mira stiffens fer just a second when she feels her fingertips brush along the smooth flesh, but Zoey’s sweet, “See, you got it!” helps soften her nerves enough to follow along with Zoey’s guiding hand and HOLY SHIT SHE’S ACTUALLY PETTING A MANTA RAY OOHHHH THIS IS SO, SOOO SICK

• As Mira is having the time of her life reaching out to pet another ray about to swim by- and make no mistake, she really, REALLY is enjoying herself right now, she truly gets Zoey’s ocean critter joy now, and Zoey herself is looking at Mira’s barely contained emotional expression with SO MUCH love shining in her big brown eyes- neither she nor Zoey separate their joined hands, both of them more than content with the way Zoey’s thumb rubs along the back of Mira’s hand.

•Zoey hopes it’s okay for her to be this clingy as she passionately starts infodumping about rays, and Mira hopes she doesn’t let go of her hand anytime soon as she intently listens <333 oh ‘loves to cling x loves to be clung to’ Zoemira they could never make me hate you <333

• Ohhh you know what? Eels. Mira would love eels, and so does Zoey! I think they freak Rumi out just a little but she’s supportive regardless (smth about their dead-eye stare gives her the creeps)

• But know what animal Rumi does really, really like? Seahorses! They’re so small and cute and she gets a little emotional over how they entwine their tails together to always stay connected. Huntrix definitely has several different species in various tanks and they’re peak girlypop

• Zoey once did a 24-hour streaming challenge during the hiatus to try and capture one of the male seahorse’s birth live on stream. She had a wholeass PC, desk, gaming chair, etc etc set up down near the tank with bean bags and everything for when Rumira would pop by as guest stars to Zoey’s stream. Surrounded by various snacks and energy drinks, Zoey would kill time during the stream with karaoke requests, gaming, QnAs, watch parties of nature docs, live reactions to stuff that’s been heavily requested, and what have you until the seahorse baby dad finally gave birth (it was a VERY momentous occasion full of confetti poppers and everything)

• Post stream I need to see Zoerumi bonding time where they’re tryna come up with goofy names fer all the seahorse babies despite 1) there’s a metric fuckton of them 2) there’s no way they’re gonna be able to tell which is which so giving them names is kind of pointless

• Do they care though? Of course not! Give me more goofy Zoerumi enabling each other’s silliness-filled shenanigans, Rumi’s got an arm around Zoey’s waist as Zoey cuddles into her side and points out another microscopic baby seahorse and giggles out a playful, “Ooohhh what about that one?” and Rumi’s got her brows fully scrunched as she replied with a deeply thoughtful voice, “Hm, looks like a Stewart to me”.

•Zoey can’t explain it- maybe it’s because Rumi looks so serious right now, maybe its the sheer concept of a tiny fucking seahorse baby named Stewart of all things- but she can’t help but burst into peals of laughter and press her face into Rumi’s neck with so much radiating joy, the curve of her smiling cheek highlighted by the bluish illumination of the seahorse tank as her fingers twist into the fabric of Mira’s jacket a certain clothing-stealing gf is currently wearing

• Later on, Zoey is yammering about the funky looking frogfish she’s SO SO SOOO excited to import while Rumi is nodding along as they sit together watching the beautiful, softly glowing jellyfish Rumi recently got. Both of them are holding hands as they watch carefree jellyfish float on by when Rumi steals a glance over to her girlfriend and is proceeded to be shot right in the chest with pure lovestruckness at the sheer wonder and passion in Zoey’s animated movements and voice and downright cuteful face. ‘Oh, how lucky I am to be able to love you like this,’ type beat, Rumi’s very grateful she has the privilege to witness and fall for Zoey’s most mundane moments (it’s not mundane to her, of course, because when you love someone even the most mundane moments become heartfelt treasures <333)

• Tbh jellyfish would be the animal where their preferences would intersect since they can be quite deadly while also simultaneously incredibly beautiful and even misunderstood at times! Polytrix definitelyyyy have some gorgeous tanks with Montery, fried egg, firework jellyfish, etc etc

• That being said, not to swerve into hurt/comfort territory, butttt :))) can you imagine Mira got a tank with some lionfish in it (because duh! They’re so deadly and so, so sick) but sometimes Rumi will go to the tank by herself to watch them swim around. She’ll sit there in a slight daze, admiring those iconic patterns lionfish are praised fer, patterns that many remark as beautiful, and maybe if Rumi tries hard enough and stares at the peacefully swimming fish long enough maybe she’ll start to see her own stripey patterns as pretty too (she doesn’t, but its worth an honest shot) :))

• I think Rumi would relate to lionfish a lot, actually. They’re an invasive species known to run rampant due to a lack of natural predators and will bring any environment they end up in to ruin due to unchecked overconsumption. To prevent this, people are often encourage to hunt and kill lionfish on sight. A deadly thing that deserves a merciless and swift death lest it hurt everyone else, they even have similar patterns. Rumi never thought she’d break down over random fish of all things, but here we are :)!

• I did say this is hurt/comfort, so imagine if you will Mira, who wanted to visit her lionfish, eventually finding Rumi standing in front of the tank, one shaky hand pressed to the glass while the other is trying to scrub away at stray tears. She immediately rushes over, careful not to crowd too much into Rumi’s space (Zoemira learned the hard way how… reactive Rumi gets when it comes to her feeling caged in). When she asks what’s wrong and how can she help, Rumi just gives non-committal grunts and headshakes as her answer. Mira can read people quite well, an expert at it really, and knows that when she’s like this, Rumi won’t be opening up anytime soon. Still, she tries to give support however she can, and when she lifts up her arms in a wordless offer, Rumi doesn’t hesitate to rush into her embrace and hide away her tear-streaked face into Mira’s shoulder.

• The moment Rumi is bundled up and secured in her arms, the dancer tightly hugs her like she could smush the broken pieces of her leader’s heart back together through sheer force of will. They stay like this for a while, swaying a little in place with the unjudging lionfish as their only witness to the muffled sobs Rumi lets out, and that’s okay <333

•The fact that lionfish are encouraged to be killed on sight due to being deadly, environment ruining animals and Mira chooses to house some in the aquarium anyways because SHE likes them, dangers and invasiveness and all. She’s well aware of what they are, and she still actively chooses to love them on purpose.

• Anywaysss :D I fully believe the Ocean Autism Floor gets to the point where they’re adopting fairly small species of sharks. Some cuties such as dogfish and black tipped reef sharks, possibly leopard sharks if we’re just gonna full send it and say they have the space for it. Maybe Zoey just really wants a cool shark tank and is like, “Hold on we can afford it lemme just-“ and whips out a chart topping single that can, heh, singlehandedly fund the new shark tank. I believe in her!

• You know what? Let’s just full send it. Zoey is working her ass off writing up new bangers for Huntrix and recycling unused song concepts for ghostwriting (you can not tell me Zoey wouldn’t be a downright phenomenal ghostwriter esp for raps that don’t fit Huntrix’s brand/style but would perform fantastically in the States under a different artist) because she has the greatest motivation of them all: justifiably affording a personal turtle sanctuary

• This turtle sanctuary is Zoey’s personal heaven. I truly do not think I need to elaborate how much she cherishes it. Girly even made side accounts dedicated to the sanctuary’s occupants and their little personality quirks and just being silly lil goofs she loves more than life

• To support a fundraiser for raising awareness about ocean pollution and subsequent cleanup efforts, HUNTR/X created a charity raffle people can donate to (the more they donate, the more tickets they get in their name!) with all proceeds going to the fundraiser. The winning prize included a private fan signing + personal tour of the HUNTR/X aquarium the girlies would sometimes post about in Instagram stories, mention in livestreams, etc etc. It’s safe to say when it came to donations, their fans blew it outta the water hehe

• Listen man you gotta trust me when I say the acoustics in some parts of Ocean Autism Floor go absolutely hard, just smth about belting your heart out with silly sea critters as your live audience just gives you an automatic +17 in performance and you best BELIEVE polytrix like to give their pets a fun little show sometimes as a way to unwind after a long day

• Not completely aquarium related but I do love the idea of Derpy, a wholeass demon tiger, being the easiest of Polytrix’s pets to take care of because when compared to their entire PERSONAL AQUARIUM, he doesn’t even need much??? He’s really easy to provide enrichment for and doesn’t even eat anything, taking care of Derpy is a breeze in comparison to the intense care that goes into a lottt of the ocean-native pets they own

• One final headcanon (for now!) and it’s very fitting to put at the very bottom. Despite their ABSURD amount of money, Polytrix don’t own any animals from the deep sea because those guys are realllyyy hard to take care of properly with all the specific conditions you gotta meet (correct pressure, temperature, lack of light, etc etc). That being said, if they could Zoemira ABSOLUTELY would have tanks dedicated to anglerfish and other scary as fuck looking abyssal dwellers and honestly Rumi is really, really glad it never worked out

[askhetaliamexico]

Happy Canada day to all the Canadians out there!

Happy birthday to every Canadian! Canada can share his cake with all of you and no one else!

at all!

Transcript:

Mexico: It's Canada day! July is about Canada and NO ONE else at all- We have to go find him!

America: hey-

Mexico: Happy birthday to my favorite northern neighbor, Its so cool how you're the only birthday in July! Chu~

Mexico: Right? So cool! And you can have this whole cake all just for you- This fucker can just stay quiet for 3 more days right, Canada?

Canada: Y-yeah thanks Mexico...

America: Sigh...