me-myself-and-my-oboe

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

The Endless Library

Pairing: Morpheus / Dream x original female character

Lily Hart’s classroom smells like rain, cold coffee, and the faint green hush of too many plants lined up on the windowsill. Her desk is a scatter of sticky notes — reminders about lesson plans, new soil for the ferns, half-finished questions about dreams she can’t quite bring herself to say aloud.

Her students — restless middle schoolers pretending not to listen — still fall silent when Lily opens a book no one else has ever read. They don’t know the stories she shares aren’t from any library they know. They come from the impossible place Lily wanders every night in sleep: an endless maze of shelves where old myths breathe and borrowed words cling to her fingertips.

Some morning, she wakes with a book in her hands — no title, no author, no proof it should exist at all. She thinks the Library is hers alone, a secret place for a small, soft heart that wants to believe it belongs somewhere. She doesn’t know the shelves belong to someone else — and that every borrowed book ties her closer to eyes watching in the dark: a raven perched where rain meets glass, a keeper minding what’s missing, and far down the stacks, a quiet king waiting for the dreamer who’s already taken pieces of his endless heart.

Comming soon

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

Chapter 3: Lingering Notes

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x original female character

Masterlist

The rehearsal was winding down, the last chord reverberating through the music room. The sound lingered, a satisfying hum that made even Bucky feel like he was part of something bigger. Fury was already standing at the front of the room, his commanding presence silencing the quiet rustle of music stands and shuffling papers.

“Well done tonight,” Fury said, his voice calm but firm. “Most of you followed the tempo this time. Looking at you, Clint.”

“Hey, I’m artistic!” Clint protested, earning a few chuckles.

“Artistic doesn’t mean ahead of the beat,” Fury deadpanned. “Fix it. And for the love of all things holy, percussion, stop trying to outdo each other on volume. You’re not at a rock concert.”

Peter and Steve shared a guilty glance, prompting a low murmur of laughter from the group.

“That’s it for tonight,” Fury continued, waving them off. “Concert’s in three weeks, so don’t screw it up. Dismissed.”

The room erupted into movement, the energy buzzing as cases clicked open and instruments were packed away.

Bucky exhaled slowly, the tension in his chest still lingering even though the rehearsal was over. He carefully removed the mouthpiece from his trumpet, his hands steady but deliberate. It had been years since he’d held the instrument seriously, and while the basics came back quickly, his prosthetic arm added a layer of difficulty he wasn’t used to.

Across the room, Natasha and Wanda were already chatting, Natasha’s flute and Wanda’s clarinet packed away neatly. Sam leaned on his bugle case, teasing Clint, who was balancing his bassoon precariously against his chair.

Bucky’s gaze wandered to Steve, who was stacking sheet music. “Not bad for your first time back,” Steve said when he caught Bucky looking. “How’s it feel?”

“Rusty,” Bucky admitted.

Steve gave him an encouraging smile. “You’ll get there. Remember how awful I sounded on the bass drum the first few weeks in the army band?”

Bucky let out a rare chuckle. “You’re still awful.”

“Hey, I made it work,” Steve replied with mock indignation. “And look at us now. Back in the music game. Who’d have thought?”

Bucky didn’t reply, but the memory brought a small smile to his lips.

Sam ambled over, holding his bugle loosely in one hand. “You heading out, Barnes, or are you sticking around for the after-party?”

Bucky raised an eyebrow. “After-party?”

“We hit the diner after every rehearsal,” Clint chimed in, slinging his bassoon case over his shoulder. “Best fries you’ll ever have.”

“I don’t know,” Bucky said hesitantly, his fingers fidgeting with the latch on his trumpet case.

“Come on, it’s tradition,” Sam said, his tone light. “Gotta properly welcome you to the gang.”

“Think of it as hazing, but with cholesterol,” Clint added with a grin.

Bucky glanced at Steve, who gave him a small nod. “It’s not bad,” Steve said. “And you might actually have fun.”

Before Bucky could respond, Tara approached the group, her oboe case slung casually over her shoulder. She smiled at the cluster of musicians, her energy bright and welcoming.

“Are we doing fries tonight?” she asked, her gaze flitting between Clint and Natasha.

“Of course,” Natasha said, tucking her flute under her arm. “You’re coming, right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Tara said. Her eyes landed on Bucky, and she hesitated for a moment before stepping closer.

“Hey,” she said warmly, “nice playing tonight. First rehearsal back, right?”

Bucky straightened slightly, nodding. “Yeah. It’s been a while.”

“You’re a fast learner,” Tara said, smiling. “Or just naturally good. Either way, it’s impressive.”

Sam, sensing the awkwardness creeping in, jumped in to ease the tension. “Tara’s been playing with us for a while now. She’s part of the reason the woodwinds actually stay in sync.”

Tara laughed lightly. “Steve’s overselling me, as usual. But thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Bucky’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Well, thanks. I’m still getting the hang of things again.”

Steve, who had been silently observing the exchange, cleared his throat and leaned in a little, his tone light but teasing. “Hey, Tara, don’t let Bucky fool you. He’s actually a natural. Just a little out of practice, but he’ll be showing us all up soon enough.”

Tara raised an eyebrow at Bucky. “I’ll take that as a challenge.”

Bucky chuckled, his posture relaxing. “We’ll see.”

The group started gathering their things, and Tara joined the others as they made their way out.

“Fries?” Clint said as he held the door open for the group, a playful glint in his eye.

“Definitely fries,” Natasha agreed.

As they all filed out, Bucky felt the familiar weight of his trumpet case in his hand, but this time, the weight didn’t feel as heavy. There was a sense of ease now, the spark of camaraderie lighting something he hadn’t realized had been dimmed. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

Chapter 2: A Breath of Fresh Air

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x original female character

Summary

Chapter 1

Bucky’s heart pounded as he entered the music room, the familiar but almost-forgotten smell of polished brass and well-used sheet music meeting him like a warm embrace. The space was larger than he’d expected, filled with soft echoes of past rehearsals and pieces of music lingering in the walls. It felt alive, like it had seen countless performers pour their hearts into every note. He took a deep breath, hoping it would steady the nerves tugging at him.

“Hey, Buck!” Steve called from across the room with a warm smile. The drummer was setting up, his focus and energy unmistakable. “Didn’t think you’d actually make it.”

Bucky returned the smile, his tension easing just a little. “Yeah, well… you twisted my arm,” he replied, only half-joking.

Steve gave him an encouraging nod from where he was, gesturing for Bucky to find his seat. “Grab a spot next to Sam,” he called, flashing a thumbs-up.

Sam was already there, adjusting his music stand with an easygoing grin on his face. “So you’re the famous trumpet player Steve’s been telling us about, huh?” he teased, nudging Bucky as he sat down. Sam played the bugle, and there was an infectious excitement in his voice. “Can’t wait to see you in action.”

Bucky chuckled nervously, gripping his trumpet case. “Yeah, let’s hope I can still manage a few notes,” he murmured. It had been so long since he last played—almost another lifetime. His mind drifted to memories of the army, where he’d first learned the trumpet, the sound of it giving him a sense of grounding even amid the chaos. But now, with his metal arm and a long stretch of silence between him and the instrument, he didn’t know how he’d fare.

Across the room, Natasha waved at him, her flute resting on her lap as she chatted with Wanda, who was preparing her clarinet. Clint sat nearby, adjusting his bassoon with a focused expression, glancing over to share a friendly nod with Bucky. Peter, sitting with his percussion instruments, gave him a thumbs-up, looking thrilled to see him there. Bucky raised his hand in return, feeling a bit of his apprehension ease with each familiar face he spotted.

As he settled in, a warm laugh rang out from nearby, clear and bright like a melody in itself. Bucky looked up and spotted a young woman with wavy brown hair, her eyes alight as she laughed at something Natasha had said. She had an easygoing warmth to her, gesturing as she spoke, her hands moving as animatedly as her voice.

Sam leaned over, nodding in her direction. “Tara,” he said quietly. “She’s… well, she’s someone you’ll want to meet. Plays the oboe, and she’s one of those people who lights up a room, y’know?”

Bucky nodded, his curiosity piqued. Tara’s energy seemed magnetic, adding a new brightness to the already lively room. For the first time since he’d arrived, he felt a hint of eagerness mixing in with his nerves.

Before he could take in more, Nick Fury’s voice cut through the hum of voices in the room. “All right, people. Let’s get this session started. We’re here to make music, so I hope you’re all ready to work.” His commanding presence was softened by a hint of amusement as he took in the group, his hands clapping for attention.

Bucky adjusted his grip on his trumpet, lifting it to his lips as they started to play. The first note came out a little unsteady, but he adjusted quickly, finding his balance as he played, letting the music carry him. Each note felt like a piece of himself he was rediscovering, something long lost but deeply familiar.

The music filled the room, voices merging as the players found their collective rhythm. For a moment, Bucky closed his eyes, feeling at home again. He’d forgotten how grounding it felt, how playing took him out of his head and into a flow he couldn’t find anywhere else.

He stole one more glance at Tara, who was focused on her sheet music, seemingly unaware of the impression she’d already made. As they moved through the piece, he couldn’t help but feel a spark of something new, an excitement he hadn’t expected to find here.

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

Chapter 1: New Beginnings

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x original female character

Summary

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as Bucky Barnes settled into a cozy corner of his favorite café, The Daily Grind. Sunlight streamed through the large front windows, casting a warm glow on the rustic wooden tables and eclectic décor. Bucky absentmindedly stirred his latte, watching the delicate swirl of foam dance atop the surface, lost in thought. It had been too long since he’d felt like himself, and the weight of uncertainty lingered heavily on his shoulders.

Just then, the familiar sound of the café door swung open, and his friend Steve Rogers stepped inside, his presence brightening the room even more. Steve was a natural magnet, always drawing people in with his genuine smile and contagious energy. With a casual ease, he made his way over, his trademark smile infectious as he slid into the seat across from Bucky.

“Hey, Buck,” Steve greeted, his blue eyes shining with warmth. “You look like you’ve seen better days.”

Bucky forced a chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “Yeah, well, it’s been a while since I’ve felt like myself. Just trying to figure things out, you know?” He glanced around the café, watching the hustle and bustle of people chatting and laughing. “It’s weird being back in the city after everything.”

“I can only imagine,” Steve said, his expression shifting to one of concern. “Sometimes it’s hard to find your footing again. What have you been up to?”

Bucky sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Just working a lot, trying to keep busy. You know how it is. Same old routine. But I’ve been thinking… maybe I should try something new, something that doesn’t involve just sitting around.” He tapped his fingers on the table absently, then looked down at his left arm. He flexed his fingers, watching how they moved fluidly, but the metallic glint still felt foreign to him.

Steve noticed the look and gave Bucky a sympathetic nod. “You still getting used to it?”

“Yeah,” Bucky admitted quietly, glancing away. “I know it’s technically ‘better,’ but sometimes… I don’t know, Steve. I feel like it’s all just off. Like I’m some puzzle piece that doesn’t fit anymore.”

Steve leaned forward, his gaze steady. “Have you thought about music again? It used to be a big part of your life.”

Bucky’s brow furrowed. The thought of playing again brought up memories from years ago. He’d first picked up a trumpet in the army, mostly out of boredom, but it quickly became his escape. When he played, he didn’t have to think about anything else. Each note he hit became a small victory in a world where victories were few and far between.

“There’s this orchestra I’m a part of,” Steve continued, gently nudging him out of his thoughts. “It’s a small group, and we’re all just playing for fun. You’d fit right in.”

Bucky’s mouth twisted in a hesitant smile, though he couldn’t quite shake the anxiety that gripped him. “I haven’t picked up a trumpet in years, Steve. And now… with this,” he lifted his prosthetic arm, studying it as if seeing it for the first time, “I don’t even know if I can play like I used to. What if I mess it up?”

Steve reached across the table, his eyes full of understanding. “Buck, you’ve faced way bigger challenges than this. You have every reason to be unsure, but maybe trying it out will surprise you. And besides,” he grinned, “I’ve heard worse than a few off-notes.”

“Yeah, I remember that bass drum of yours,” Bucky replied with a soft chuckle, trying to lighten the moment. He could still see Steve in the army, beating on that drum with all his might, setting the rhythm for their little makeshift band. They were just a ragtag group of soldiers trying to forget the war for a few minutes at a time, and those moments of music had kept them sane.

“Come on,” Steve urged gently. “Those days back then… they kept us going. Music brought us a kind of peace. You should give it a shot. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Bucky considered this, the doubts and fears simmering beneath his calm facade. Picking up the trumpet meant facing a part of himself he’d buried, and it also meant risking failure. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized how much he missed the feeling of music flowing through him, how it had made him feel almost whole again, even in the darkest times.

Finally, he let out a sigh, nodding. “Alright. But if I’m terrible, I’m blaming you.”

Steve laughed, his smile wide and encouraging. “Deal. Just come to rehearsal tomorrow and give it a shot. And don’t worry—no one’s expecting you to be perfect.”

They talked a while longer, and with every word, Bucky felt a bit of the tension leaving his shoulders. By the time they left the café, he’d made up his mind. He would show up and play, prosthetic and all, and see what it felt like to let music back into his life. He couldn’t shake the nerves completely, but for the first time in a long time, he also felt a spark of excitement.

He didn’t know it yet, but this step would open a door to something unexpected—something that would change his life forever.

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

A Crescendo of Feelings

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x original female character

Summary:

In the heart of a bustling city, Bucky Barnes finds himself at a crossroads, drawn into the world of music he left behind. When his friend Steve persuades him to join the local orchestra, he unexpectedly encounters the vibrant and adventurous Tara, a primary teacher with a passion for the oboe. As their paths intertwine through rehearsals and spontaneous jam sessions, Bucky grapples with the ghosts of his past while Tara’s infectious spirit challenges him to embrace the present. Amidst the melodies and laughter, can they discover the harmony of their own hearts?

New story coming!

Chapter 1: New beginnings

Chapter 2: A Breath of Fresh Air

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

I need this in my life. Is there someone who made a Colin B travelblog or Instagram? Bonus points if it's a Polin love story in disguise. I want to make it myself but time is never on my side these days.

Which friend or family member do you think commented on Colin's post?

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

Cupid Steve Rogers on valentine's day.

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

That's very sweet of you! Sometimes it's all about accepting that things like this happen (because brains are weird things) and finding other ways to show the people around you how much you care about them.

It me. 😬

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

Absolutely! Go for it! Fingers crossed she will get it.

It me. 😬

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

Lady Whistledown on twitter!

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

Thor looking for a New Year's resolution. What could go wrong? Nothing, right?

My New Year's resolution? Including more characters!

Who do you wanne see taking part in the online conversations?

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

New year. New me.

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

It me. 😬

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

Loki celebrating Christmas (sort of)

Oh and merry Christmas everyone! 🎄

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

Natasha and Wanda are joining the online fun.

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

This words by St. Vincent sound like something Loki would say:

[me-myself-and-my-oboe]

Something to do with New York?