#//is still my favorite quote because same steve same

[missvelvetsstuff]

No Benefits

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: Reader and Bucky are best friends until a drunken hook up. Bucky wants a friends with benefits situation because he doesn't feel ready for a relationship but reader knows that will lead to a broken heart.

Then Sharon Carter comes to work with them.

Notes: Steve and Tony are around but retired, everything else is mostly canon

Chapter 8

Warnings: swearing, angst, references to sex

The compound was tense the week after Cookie left. Tony was still pissed that she was gone and he couldn't get his favorite cookies. On top of that, fixing the Avengers gym was a major undertaking thanks to the holographic projectors that were used for team training simulations. Tony stood and watched as Bucky did most of the clean up before the tech team went in to replace everything he had destroyed.

Everyone was walking on eggshells as they waited for Nick Fury to return from off world. Of course he already knew what happened but was looking forward to bitching out the people who pushed her to leave. He was due sometime this week.

Sharon tried to get close to Bucky but he wanted to wallow by himself. He also shunned Nat who tried to distract him with her Widow seduction techniques. Anytime they were in the same room with Bucky, they were trying to get his attention. They would flirt, wear sexy and revealing outfits, act helpless so they could turn to him to open a jar or reach a higher shelf or something equally dumb. Bucky didn't really see through their efforts like the rest of the team did, he just didn't care what either of them said or did.

One morning Nat slid up to Bucky and started rubbing his arm as he drank his coffee. He looked at the hand on his arm then picked it up and pushed it away from him like it was diseased. Sharon stepped in and tried to get between him and Nat but he rebuffed her as well. It ended in a fight in the common room, both women ended up in medical, Sharon had a broken nose while Nat had cracked ribs and both had various scratches and bruises.

Bucky had just turned away from them and leaned on the counter to finish his coffee, seemingly oblivious to the women fighting right behind him.

Tony had enough and had Friday lock both women in their own rooms until Fury returned and decided what to do with them. He snapped at Bucky "I'm getting really sick of your little harem with their attempts to seduce you and fighting with each other. You need to find a way to convince them you aren't interested."

Bucky shrugged "I don't know what you want me to do, Stark. I don't speak to either of them, except to tell them to leave me alone and I don't do anything to encourage them. I don't want either of them and I keep telling them but they won't stop." He sighed "I just want Cookie."

The morning after Cookie went to the Harlan Thrombey book launch, Bucky was sitting next to Steve, both eating the omelettes Sam made for them, when Nat entered the room "Gee Barnes, looks like your precious Cookie has moved on already."

Bucky sighed and shook his head but didn't say anything.

Nat took that as a sign to keep going "She ended up in the gossip pages, seen leaving a book release party with Boston's most eligible, and notorious, bachelor." She smirked when she heard Bucky's breath catch "Ransom Drysdale has a different debutante, model or actress on his arm every week but this new woman is a mystery." She quoted the article she was reading on her phone. "There's a bunch of pictures of him with other women. Cookie was definitely a step down for this guy."

She snapped at Bucky "Why are you pining for some dumpy little analyst when I'm right here?"

Bucky could feel his control waning he turned and snarled at her "I don't fucking want you! Leave me alone. What the fuck are you doing out of your room?"

Nat shrugged "I have my ways"

Tony skidded to a stop, out of breath "There you are, Romanoff. Do I need to put you in a holding cell? The big guys room? Stop trying to stir up more trouble and leave Barnes alone!"

Nat scoffed "Fine, I'll go." She rubbed her shoulder against Bucky and purred "You know where to find me."

Bucky pulled away from her, then looked over at Tony in shock, he never imagined Tony would stand up for him. He softly spoke "Thank you, Tony."

Tony nodded "I think we need to have Romanoff and Carter checked by medical again."

He looked at Bucky and smirked "You're not hideous but they have a level of obsession with you that doesn't seem natural. I want to be sure they are both completely clear of that serums influence before we even consider putting them back out in the field."

Bucky nodded, thinking "It's interesting that I'm fine and we haven't had any problems with Yelena, maybe she'll know something more about that serum and the 'cure'."

Tony hummed "Well, you have the super soldier juice and they mentioned having to dose you repeatedly but yeah, maybe Yelena can shed some light. Friday, where is Miss Belova?"

"She's in her quarters, boss. She hasn't left since returning from kidnapping Cookie."

Tony nodded at Bucky "I'll let you know if I find anything. If Romanoff bothers you, tell Friday and we'll put her in a holding cell until Fury returns."

After talking to Yelena and consulting with Bruce and Dr Cho, And a trip to Antonia's holding cell, Tony discovered that Antonia had used an updated version of the serum after Yelena released all of the widows. The cure worked but only partially, and it seemed that the orders that Sharon and Natasha had been given were still floating around in their heads, making them act out. Yelena had voluntarily locked herself in her room after all the drama with Antonia, as she took being controlled again very hard and didn't trust herself.

Tony called the team to move Nat and Sharon to holding cells since Nat had escaped her room once but when they went to find the women Sharon was still in her room but Natasha was nowhere to be found.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That same morning, outside of Boston...Cookie woke up, closing her eyes as quickly as she opened them. Too bright, the room was all windows. She groaned as she became more aware, she felt some new aches in her body, most noticeably between her legs. She also felt an arm around her waist and that she had no clothing on.

A warm body behind her moaned "Relax. It's early and Sunday." Pulling her closer.

Cookie turned to look at him, in the early morning light and with his messy bedhead, she realized the man looked a lot like Steve Rogers. The thought made her giggle, until he turned her so she was facing him and pulled her close until she felt his morning erection pressed up against her "I know you're not laughing at me, sweetheart." He started kissing down her neck and grinding up against her until they were caught up in each other again.

A few hours later Cookie felt her stomach grumble "Ransom" she whispered with no response "Ransom."

She pushed on his shoulder and he groaned "nooo"

She started tracing down his side until he choked back a laugh and grabbed her hands "What is it, Cookie? I'm tryna sleep here."

"Ransom! I'm hungry so you need to feed me or I need to go home and get some food."

Ransom started pushing up against her "I've got something to feed you, right-"

Cookie elbowed him in the ribs "Really Ransom? What are you, 12? I need some food." She sat up "I should get home, I've got chores to do"

Ransom scoffed "Chores? That's what maids are for."

Cookie got up and found her clothes "Yeah, well not all of us have trust funds so we can afford to hire help."

He sat up and watched as she dressed.

Once she was somewhat respectable looking, for a walk of shame, Cookie turned to Ransom, who had started playing with his phone once she was dressed. After leaning down to give him a kiss she stood to leave "Thanks, Ran, I needed that. It was fun. Maybe I'll see you around."

Ransom looked up "Do you need a ride or something?"

Cookie smiled "No, my uber is almost here, I'm good."

He leered at her "I don't do relationships, baby, but you have my number if you wanna do it again."

She giggled "Yeah, sure. I'm going to wait out front for my car, so I'll see you."

When Cookie arrived home she took a long hot shower and went over her memories of the last 24 hours. She certainly never expected to meet Ransom Drysdale and spend the night with him. His reputation was justified, the man had a wicked tongue and impressive stamina for someone with no enhancements. He definitely satisfied but wasn't someone to get caught up with, as his reputation also warned. She wasn't in Boston to find a new man anyhow, she was getting over one. He didn't compare to Bucky but she tried not to think about him, everything was too confusing and messy.

Cookie sighed, she missed him and the friendship they had before Sharon showed up to ruin everything. Even though she knew it wasn't really Sharon's fault, Cookie couldn't help the anger that tried to bubble up. She pushed it back down as she dried her hair and went downstairs to find something to eat.

Cookie didn't feel up for cooking so settled for a bowl of cereal, sat at the dining room table and picked her phone up only to be hit with dozens of notifications. She felt her stomach drop, apparently Ransom was big gossip and the new unknown woman he left the book launch with was Boston's biggest mystery. Some of her coworkers were asking if it was her while Annie just tagged her with a winky emoji. Maria Hill texted a question mark and 'call me'.

Cookie's head fell into her hands, she knew she wasn't in any trouble but hadn't expected her little fling to get so much outside attention. This was a potential complication that she didn't need. At least she knew Ransom was on the same page and didn't expect anything more from her.

She jumped when her phone rang but was relieved to see it was Sam.

"Hey babygirl, sounds like you're having some fun in Boston. Don't forget us little people while you're hanging with the world famous writer and his family."

Cookie laughed "Please, it was one party. I'm still the nerdy intel analyst you know and love."

"Well I hope so. You didn't hear it from me but Robocop is turning green."

Cookie scoffed "Right, he has them to keep him occupied."

"Yeah, they are fighting over him and he's ignoring them. It's almost entertaining, at least until I had to help pull them apart. I got scratched in the face, those ladies are ruthless."

Cookie laughed "Poor, poor, Sammy. Beat up by those mean ol girls. I'm sorry I'm not there to stitch you up."

"Pffft, wasn't all that. Just annoying." Sam whined "I miss you, when are you coming home?"

Cookie sighed "This is my home for now. I miss you too Sammy but the compound was just too much. You should come here, there's lots of history."

They ended the call with Sam promising to visit when he could get away after Cookie told him she would make his favorite cookies.

After they hung up, Cookie started going through her mail. A plain white envelope with the compound as the return address caught her eye. The simple block writing made her heart race as she realized it was Bucky's writing. It was the first time he'd tried to reach out to her since the night they spent together and she was afraid he was finally rejecting her friendship outright instead of just ignoring her. Being ignored had hurt but there had been some hope, however foolish it might have been, especially after learning that he had been drugged, but if he told her he didn't want her in this letter that would really be it.

Cookie's mind came up with all sorts of awful things he could say and what his words could do to her and she felt a panic attack crawling up her spine. She dropped the letter like it was on fire and backed away without opening it. She wasn't ready to read what Bucky had to say yet and left it on the table as she started her laundry and straightened up her townhouse.

@erelierraceala @capswife @ozwriterchick @cjand10 @wintrsoldrluvr @mrsbuckybarnes1917 @browneyedgrli @greatenthusiasttidalwave @hhiggs @dontworryboutitsweetheart-blog @behindmygreyeyes @pattiemac1 @mrsbuckybarnes1917 @calwitch @mrs-bucky-barnes-73 @ordelixx @blackhawkfanatic @casey1-2007 @scott-loki-barnes @selella @hiireadstuff @winterschildren8

Every time she walked past the table she could see it out of the corner of her eye. It seemed to grow and catch her attention no matter where she went in the house but she just couldn't bring herself to open it yet.

Chapter 9

[steddieasitgoes]

Pulling triple duty with this one.

Written for @steddiemas Day 29: Holiday Parties and @thefreakandthehair Spicy Six Winter Fanworks Challenge. It's also a holiday sequel to my big bang fic Signed, Sealed Delivered, I'm Yours

My prompt for the Winter Fanworks Challenge was: “If I wear that sweater to work, my boss will kill me."

Tags: Established relationships, Christmas Fluff, Christmas Party, Mailman Steve, Platonic Soulmate Steve Harrington & Robin Buckley, Slice of Life

wc: 4003 | Rating: T

Read on ao3 | ao3 collection

The Brookbridge Post Office holiday party is a tradition that dates back long before Steve joined the ranks. Every year Warren splurges on renting out a private room at a restaurant or banquet hall before passing all the planning off to his assistant of the month. The only rule, as far as Steve’s aware, is that it has to be tied to some charity organization so that he can write the whole thing off later.

This year is no different as the invitation he finds shoved into his work locker has the Toys for Tots logo front and center. What is different is the attire section that requests all guests break out their best holiday sweaters for the occasion.

Steve’s not sure what constitutes a holiday sweater, but he has a closet full of knit red and green ones that’ll surely work. No sweat off his back. Especially since he’s also done with the toy shopping.

The holiday party isn’t Steve’s favorite way to spend a random Saturday in December, but he always sucks it up and goes. Usually drags Robin along with him so they can stand in the corner getting drunk off free drinks while making fun of Tommy and his gang of mini-me’s as they try to hit on everyone’s plus ones.

It’s not the highlight of their holiday season by any means, but it's a tradition they’ve had going for years now. One he’s not sure he wants to break this year even though he could take Eddie as his romantic plus one. Which is exactly what he tells Robin during their Saturday movie marathon.

They’re sprawled out on the couch, Dumpster between them, with Christmas Vacation playing in the background. They’ve seen it enough times to quote the entire thing from memory so neither minds the interruption. It’s not like they ever actually watch movies on their Saturday movie afternoons anyway.

“Are you kidding me, Steve?” Robin snorts, lobbing a pillow at his head. “Of course, you’re taking Eddie!”

“But we always go together.”

“Only because you never have a date!”

“So, what? You’ve been going all these years as my pity plus one?” Steve asks, nudging her with his knee.

“I’m sorry, did you think I liked hanging out in some stuffy banquet hall listening to Hagan and his little groupies try to hit on me?”

“Don’t forget the year Warren hit on you.” Robin retches, startling Dumpster from her slumber. The cat yawns before slowly climbing off the couch and down the hallway in search of somewhere quieter to sleep.

“Take Eddie. It’ll be fun!”

“Don’t you think two months of dating is too soon to be taking him to work events?”

This time it’s Robin’s bony knee that jabs into the meaty flesh of his thigh.“Jesus, Robs,” he hisses, pulling the hem of his shorts up to check for instant bruising.

“You’re dumber than I thought if you really think you and Eddie have only been dating for two months. What about all those months before, huh?” Steve doesn’t say anything, just rolls his eyes in silent protest. She’s not wrong, but she’s not right either. “Besides, it’s not like he hasn’t already met some of the people from work when he goes to the post office.”

“I mean, yeah, I guess you’re right,” Steve sighs. Still, there’s something lingering in the pit of his stomach. A gnawing, unpleasant weight that he can’t shake. He takes a moment to collect his thoughts before he brings a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Tommy’s going to be there, though.”

The same Tommy who has been a Grade-A douchebag since getting removed from Steve’s route and put back on sorter/greeter duty. Steve’s not sure why he doesn’t just quit if he’s so miserable but every day he finds himself on the receiving end of a lackluster death glare.

Also, the same Tommy who gave Eddie the nickname “Mr. Dreamy.” The same Tommy who relentlessly hit on Eddie until he finally got thrown out of his house once and for all.

The same Tommy who has no idea that the guy Steve is seeing, because yes, Tommy knows Steve is seeing someone and teases him about it daily, is said, Mr. Dreamy.

Bringing Eddie into that is a recipe for disaster. One Steve’s not sure he even wants to subject himself to, let alone Eddie.

“On second thought,” Robin says, scrambling to sit up. “Can you take two guests? I will suffer the gross gazes and bad pick-up lines of your male coworkers just so I can see Hagan’s face fall when he realizes you’re dating the guy he was after.”

Steve laughs despite himself, shaking his head. If there’s one thing Robin loves, it’s being a fly on the wall for some good, old-fashioned drama.

📬 🎄 📬

With Robin officially denying his plus-one invitation, Steve sets out to ask Eddie.

It’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, he knows this, but something about it also feels like a Big Deal — with a capital B and D. Sure, they’ve branched out from their routine lunch dates — they have a standing Sunday brunch double date with the girls and make a point to go out at least once during the week, plus Steve regularly stops by the shop now, but it's different inviting Eddie to go to a work event with him.

It’s another step in their relationship.

One toward a more permanent future and Steve doesn’t want to fuck it up by scaring Eddie away.

So he spends a week testing the waters. Asks Eddie about his holiday plans over Toasty Treats’ legendary holiday turkey sandwich on Tuesday. Brings up Tommy’s latest fuck up over chili leftovers on Thursday to gage Eddie’s feelings about him (“Jesus H. Christ he really is an idiot,” he laughs, clearly poking fun, but not in the teasing way he does with Steve that always makes his cheeks heat up). During brunch on Sunday, he goads Robin into sharing a fun anecdote from last year's party where one too many cocktails had her and Steve taking over the karaoke machine serenading guests all night with off-key renditions of Christmas carols.

When Steve steals a glance at Eddie he finds him smiling and laughing along with the story.

And just like that the seed is planted.

Steve finally gets the courage to ask the question he’s been dancing around for a week on Tuesday over leftover Chinese takeout.

“Course I’ll be your plus-one, Stevie,” Eddie answers mouthful of Chow-Mien. “I’ll be your plus-one anytime, anywhere, any—”

“Alright, you sap,” Steve laughs, leaning over the table to steal a kiss.

“Does this mean I’m finally going to see the back room where the mail sorter fairies work?”

“Unfortunately not. The party’s at the banquet hall in town.”

“Dammit,” Eddie sighs.

“Oh, and you have to wear a Christmas sweater.”

“Love me a good theme!”

📬 🎄 📬

Turns out, what Steve considers a Christmas sweater is very different from what Eddie considers a Christmas sweater. A fact he’s currently in the midst of learning as he glances around Eddie’s bedroom.

“Stevie, sweetheart, love of my life,” Eddie says, clasping his hands in front of him as he rocks on the balls of his feet. “That is not a Christmas sweater.”

Steve glances down at the knit sweater he’s wearing before fisting the hem and pulling it away from his chest to get a better look. He’s not sure what Eddie’s talking about. It’s totally a Christmas sweater!

“Yeah it is, Eds,” he defends. “It has a reindeer and a tree on it. That’s pretty Christmas.”

Eddie gawks for a moment before scrubbing a hand down his face. Steve knows he only does that when he’s frustrated so he braces for whatever he’s going to say.

“Objectively speaking, yes, it is a Christmas sweater. But it’s also not a Christmas sweater.”

This time it’s Steve who gawks at Eddie. He’s used to Eddie getting worked up over random things, but this is a new one. “Okay Christmas Sweater expert, what is an appropriate Christmas sweater then.”

“I’m glad you asked,” Eddie grins before stalking over to the pile of clothes on his bed. He shuffles through the clothes for a moment, tossing a few shirts to the wayside before he shouts victoriously and turns around clutching a red sweater in his hands. “Now this is a Christmas sweater.”

Steve can’t help the cackle that escapes him the minute his eyes land on the sweater. It’s a red monstrosity with an upside-down snowman sprawled out over the entire thing. A plastic carrot of some sort protrudes off and hanhs low, blending with the tinsel on the hat and two blue ornament balls that also dangle low

“If I wear that sweater to work, my boss will kill me,” Steve says through laughter.

“Oh come on, it’s not that bad!”

“Eddie!” Steve squawks, brows knitted together. “It’s literally a dick and balls!”

“Warren is a buzz kill,” Eddie sighs, tossing the sweater aside. Without another word, he reaches for another sweater from the mess on his bed and turns around. “What about this one?”

This one is green with a gingerbread man smiling in the middle. It looks innocent enough except for the fact that the gingerbread has bloodshot eyes and the words “let’s get baked” are stitched in big white letters followed by a marijuana leaf.

“Are you trying to get me fired? Again!”

“Hey,” Eddie scolds playfully. “I didn’t get you fired, I got you demoted. And we agreed it was both our fault. Don’t be putting the blame on me! Besides I’m just sticking with the theme.”

“Baby, the theme is Christmas sweaters not whatever this is,” Steve says waving his hands in the air.

“These are Christmas sweaters.”

“I mean, yeah, they’re technically Christmas sweaters but they’re not appropriate!” Steve laughs. “Where did you even find them?”

“Are you forgetting I work with artists all day? Me and the guys make them.”

“You made these?” Steve asks, snatching the sweater from his hands to get a better look.

Up close it's easier to tell that they’re homemade. The stitches are slightly askew, a missing thread or two here and there. Overall though they’re store-like quality. He didn’t even know Eddie could sew let alone sew an entire inappropriate Christmas sweater. If the tattooing thing doesn’t work out, maybe he and the Hellfire guys should start a clothing line.

“That’s pretty impressive actually.”

“So, does that mean you’ll wear one?”

“To my work party? Absolutely not,” Steve laughs.

“Come on,” Eddie whines. “Nowhere on that invite does it say it has to be appropriate!”

“I’m pretty sure it’s implied! Maybe you can get away with that at the shop's holiday parties, but Brookbridge is full of stuck-up employees. Warren might be sleeping with his assistant but I don’t think he’ll appreciate this,” Steve says, lifting the gingerbread sweater.

“I guess that means I should change then.”

“Wait, you’re wearing one of these right now?” Eddie nods, coaxing another chuckle from Steve. “What does yours look like?”

“Thought you’d never ask.”

With eyes shining with mirth and that crooked smile, Steve loves so much, Eddie slowly peels off his leather jacket revealing the Christmas sweater he’s been wearing. It’s hunter-green and looks incredibly soft to the touch. Unfortunately, the words “Well Hung” are stitched in a bright green across the chest. Four baubles are stitched on underneath in various sizes trying their best to make the phrase Christmas-appropriate instead of the innuendo it is.

“Oh my god,” Steve wheezes, doubling over in laughter. It takes him a minute to compose himself and when he does Eddie is standing there beaming with pride. “S’clever and definitely true.” Eddie’s smile grows even wider at that. “But yeah, I think you should change, baby.”

“Ugh, you’re no fun,” Eddie groans.

“Hey, I’m plenty fun,” he says, quickly closing the distance between them. Steve gets his hands on Eddie, wrapping them around his middle and pulling him flush with his chest before searing a kiss to his lips. “But I don’t want to give Tommy any ideas. Don’t think he’d back off if he saw you advertising yourself like this.”

Eddie hums in consideration before reluctantly agreeing. Wiggling out of Steve’s grasp, he yanks the sweater off and tosses it onto the bed with the other rejected sweaters. Then, he sulks over to his closet to search for another sweater. A few minutes pass, nothing but the sounds of plastic hangers clanging against the metal rod filling the room before Eddie turns around with a huff.

“So, turns out I don’t have any appropriate Christmas sweaters.”

Steve laughs, shaking his head. “Don’t worry, I have a spare lying around. We’ll just stop by my place before heading over.”

📬 🎄 📬

They get intercepted by Debbie as they’re trying to leave, costing them an extra ten minutes they don’t have to spare. That added with the detour to Steve’s place and the inevitable quickie that follows when they realize Robin isn’t home makes them an hour late to the party.

But it’s not a big deal. Hardly anyone but Betty even realizes they’re late. And the only reason she notices is because she’s smoking outside the door when they get there.

“You clean up nice,” she says like she does every holiday party. Tossing the cigarette to the floor, she snubs it out with the toe of her boots before slowly dragging her eyes up Eddie. “You do too, Eddie, right?”

“Uh, yeah, I’m Eddie. And thank you, ma’am.”

Betty tsks, waving her hand in the air. “None of this ma’am crap. Just Betty is fine. Steve’s told me lots about you. Have you made a decision on that P.O. Box yet?”

Steve has to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from snorting. That day doesn’t leave the best taste in his mouth considering how it ended, but it did start out with a lot of promise.

“Oh, uh, I don’t think it’s for me. S’much easier to have my mail delivered to me. Especially when he’s doing it.”

Betty glances at Steve and gives him another slow once over before winking at the both of them. “M’sure it is,” she laughs. “You boys better get in there. Don’t want to miss the fun.”

📬 🎄 📬

The banquet hall is decorated just as it always is. A giant Christmas tree sits in the middle. A handful of tables surround a small dance floor. There’s a buffet of food on one end, the donation table on the other. A small band is set up on stage, serenading the crowd with a mix of Top 40s and holiday hits. No karaoke machine this year much to Eddie’s chagrin.

After a round of drinks, Steve gets to mingling, introducing Eddie to the handful of coworkers he actually likes. The introductions are brief and his co-workers are quick to share embarrassing stories about Steve’s early days on the job with Eddie who listens and laughs along.

Eventually, Warren finds them, his wife draped lovingly on his arm while his assistant throws daggers his way from the bar. Steve puts on his best smile and expertly navigates the small talk, making a point to compliment Warren’s wife and joke about her being out of his league. Warren’s quick to excuse the both of them after that.

“He gives me the creeps,” Eddie shivers, watching as he guides his wife through the sea of people with a hand on the small of her back all the while making eyes with his assistant across the room.

“He’s definitely a douchebag,” Steve agrees.

He takes a sip of his drink as he scans the room. They’ve been here for almost two hours now and he hasn’t spotted Tommy once. Usually, he’s the center of attention at these things. Dancing up a storm and making it a point to flirt with everyone’s plus ones. Maybe he’s already staked his claim on someone and is getting lucky in the bathroom, Steve thinks before shaking the thought from his head. Who is he kidding, Tommy doesn’t have that kind of luck.

If he’s honest with himself, he’s sort of bummed that Tommy hasn’t made his presence known to him yet. Not because he wants to see him, he’d be happy going the rest of his life without having to share the same room with the guy, but because he wants to show Eddie off. And, okay, maybe he also wants to see Tommy’s face fall like Robin wanted to.

📬 🎄 📬

Steve is swaying with Eddie on the dance floor when the devil that is Tommy shithead Hagan finally materializes. He’s beyond tipsy, uneven on his feet, and freckled face flushed redder than Steve’s ever seen it. His eyes are glossy and his lips are curled in a way that sends alarm bells blaring in Steve’s head.

Trouble is afoot.

Afoot? Christ he’s spending too much time with Eddie.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Harrington.” He practically spits before whipping his head to stare at Eddie. “And oh, look what the postman dragged in. Yesterday’s mail!”

“I’m sorry,” Eddie says, taking a step toward Tommy. He gives Steve a mischievous look before cocking his head to the side as he gives Tommy his full attention. “Do I know you?”

“Oh don’t play coy in front of your little boy toy, darling,” Tommy slurs, reaching out to rest a hand on Eddie’s shoulder.

It takes all the strength in Steve’s body not to reach out and yank his arm away. Thankfully, Eddie does it for him, shrugging the offending hand off with more force than necessary.

“Oh come on,” Tommy scoffs, more of a whine than anything else. “Don’t pretend like we didn’t have the best times when Harrington got himself demoted. What’s it like getting my sloppy seconds, Harrington?”

“Watch it, Tommy,” Steve scolds, taking a step closer to Hagan. He’s not going to make a scene, he’s not. But he’s also not going to stand here and let him talk about Eddie like that.

Eddie scoffs, shaking his head. “If I’m anyone’s sloppy seconds I’m Steve’s. And they are very sloppy if you catch my drift.”

Steve bites the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. He knows he shouldn’t encourage this, but it's hard to be the bigger person when Tommy is standing right there purposely antagonizing him for his own gain. Sue him for wanting to play the game just a little.

“Sorry, Tommy, but Eds here is right,” Steve says, placing a delicate hand on Eddie’s shoulder before squeezing it. “Don’t you remember, I got demoted for hooking up with a “bombshell” in the van? Well, guess what, you’re looking at him.”

“That— that’s not what happened,” Tommy says, directing his words at Steve, not Eddie. “You weren’t with him! Aaron said you were with…”

Steve watches the metaphorical gears turning in Tommy’s head as he trails off. Can tell the moment things start clicking. He really had no clue that the guy Steve had been seeing was Eddie. Steve watches the stunned look spread across his face the same way it spread across his all those months ago when he caught Tommy leaving Eddie’s place. The gross realization that they actually do have the same type after all.

“Why don’t you keep moving Hagan,” Steve says, nodding his head in the opposite direction.

“Nah, I think I’m good right here, actually,” he says, confidence returning.

This guy just doesn’t know when to quit.

“Tommy seriously,” Steve tries again. “Go bother someone else. We’re not interested.”

“Oh, so you’re speaking for him now too?”

“Please,” Eddie scoffs. “You know I’m not interested in you. Never have been and never will be.”

That does it.

Steve sees the moment Tommy’s confident facade breaks. The rosiness of his cheeks grows into an angry red, flooding his body. His eyes, once glossy, are now laser-sharp and squinted. His fingers curl into fists at his side as he readies himself.

Steve’s faster though, stepping in front of Eddie at the same moment Tommy lunges. It would be easy to put an end to this once and for all. Give Tommy the gift of a black eye or bruised rib with one skilled punch that Steve would love to throw. But Tommy shithead Hagan isn’t worth losing his job for, so he reigns in his own anger and instead gets his palms on Tommy’s chest to hold him back.

“Don’t be stupid, Hagan,” Steve says. “Warren’s watching. Do you really want to lose your job for good this time?”

The words are supposed to knock some sense into the guy, calm him down. But it does the opposite, riling him up even more until Steve can practically feel his skin vibrating under his hands. Thankfully, Aaron and the rest of his minions are there in an instant, pulling him away and holding him back.

They try their best to calm him down but Steve can see Tommy’s anger growing by the second. He’s only seen him this angry once before — two months ago when Warren removed him from the route. He doesn’t need to see an encore performance so instead he reaches for Eddie’s hand and drags them away from the impending doom.

📬 🎄 📬

“Part of me still thinks you should have let him have it,” Eddie laughs, shoveling a mouthful of chocolate chip pancakes into his mouth.

“Tommy’s not worth it.”

“I would have been so pissed if I missed you deck him,” Robin says, working her way through her own mountain of pancakes.

“That’s the real reason you didn’t punch him, isn’t it?” Eddie teases.

“Oh yeah,” Steve deadpans, rolling his eyes. “Promised Robin I wouldn’t punch anyone unless she was there to witness it.”

“Does she also have to refrain from punching people,” Chrissy asks.

Robin shakes her head. “Why? Is there someone I need to punch in your honor?”

“Not yet,” Chrissy says, nuzzling into her side. “But if Eddie makes us go to the Birchwood Holiday party in these tonight, you might need to. Debbie’s nephew is in town and he keeps staring at me from the window.”

“Again with the sweaters,” Eddie huffs, letting his fork clatter to the table. “They’re cozy and hilarious. You guys are just boring! Besides, people are going to love my sweater. You’ll see. They’re going to be all the rage one day.”

“Debbie already thinks they are,” Chrissy giggles. “I saw her wearing the one that says “I’m So Good Santa Came Twice” the other day while she was taking out the trash.”

“You gave Debbie one?” Steve shouts, nearly spitting out his orange juice in the process. Robin does spit out her drink, through her nose as usual as she chokes on her own laughter.

“She cornered me and I panicked! I didn’t think she’d wear it!”

“Look on the bright side, Eddie,” Robin says between shrieks of laughter. “With Debbie’s help, every suburban mom in Brookbridge will be walking around in one by next Christmas.”

“It’s a good thing you know a great delivery man,” Steve teases. “Because they’re going to be flying off the shelves.”

“I’ve made a terrible mistake,” he groans.

As the table erupts into another fit of laughter, Steve can’t help but tug Eddie towards him before giving him a soft, syrup-infused kiss. And if he whispers something about feeling inspired by the inappropriate sweater Eddie’s picked out for him to wear later, well, that’s between him and Eddie and whoever’s bedroom they end up in when they leave Murray’s.

Besides, he still owes him for not punching Tommy himself at that holiday party.

And Steve always delivers.

[learnfromjobs]

Hey there, learners! Are you ready to dive into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship with me, your favorite snarky blogger? I hope so, because today we're talking about the one and only Steve Jobs.

Now, you might think you know everything there is to know about the co-founder of Apple. He's been idolized, analyzed, and dramatized to death in movies, books, and documentaries. But I'm here to tell you that there's still plenty to learn from this tech titan, even if you're not an Apple fanboy or fangirl.

Let's start with one of Jobs' most famous quotes: "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." Pretty bold statement, right? But the thing is, Jobs walked the walk when it came to innovation. He wasn't content to follow the crowd, copy what others were doing, or rest on his laurels. No, sirree. He was constantly pushing the envelope, exploring new technologies, and disrupting industries.

And here's the thing: you don't have to be a tech guru or a Silicon Valley insider to innovate like Jobs. You just need to be willing to challenge the status quo, think outside the box, and take risks. Maybe you're a small business owner trying to come up with a new product or service. Maybe you're an artist trying to break into a crowded market. Maybe you're just someone who's tired of the same old routine and wants to shake things up.

Whatever your situation, Jobs can teach you a thing or two about innovation. He believed that the best ideas come from a combination of intuition, creativity, and practicality. He also believed in the power of simplicity, elegance, and user experience. And he wasn't afraid to fail, or to iterate until he got it right.

So, my dear learners, let's take a page out of Jobs' book and embrace our inner innovators. Let's ask ourselves: what can we do differently? What can we improve? What can we create that doesn't exist yet? And let's not be afraid to take risks, fail, and try again. Who knows? We might just come up with the next big thing, and change the world in the process.

[voylitscope]

Stucky Recs: Cabins & Small Towns

Sometimes, you just want to settle in with a really cozy fic. Cabin and small town-set stories can be great for that, so for this rec post, I'm sharing nine favorites of mine.

It also feels like the right way to follow my Brooklyn Stories rec post. At home and then away.

Note: As part of my personal campaign to combat the persistent idea that every great fic in this fandom was written in 2015, I'm now marking recs of fics written post-2016 and recs of fics written post-Endgame.

Cabins

🌳We Were Here All Along | giselleslash | 15,046 words | Explicit | Canon, Canon Divergent Post-TWS | *Post-2016 Rec*

A Post-TWS recovery fic in a cabin. A story that gives them the healing time and softness they both deserve. A fic that can be heartbreaking and painful, because it's Post-TWS, and neither of them is really okay, while also being hopeful in all the ways you want a Post-TWS fic to be. This is a Steve who is absolutely refusing to do anything less than give all he's got to helping Bucky, and a Bucky who is finding himself with Steve. This is a fic that quickly becomes Bucky taking care of Steve right back. It's a fic that emphasizes that they'll always be okay if they have each other, but also that they'll only, really, be okay if they have each other. And I love, so much, that this fic lets them have that, and lets them need each other like that, and gives them this time for just the two of them.

Quote:

They’ve gone through their food and Steve makes another grocery run. He tries not to let on to Bucky that he’s terrified he’ll be gone when he comes back, but he keep his worries to himself and Bucky is exactly where he left when he returns with the groceries.

Steve finds Bucky looks at him more now, too. He’s forever looking up and finding Bucky staring at him, watchful and quiet. Sometimes there’s nothing beyond curiosity, as if he’s looking at a strange animal at the zoo, but sometimes, god, sometimes there’s a softness in Bucky’s eyes that’s so familiar it makes Steve’s stomach drop. The soft, fond look that used to always make it impossible for Steve not to walk over to him and kiss him, or run his fingers through his hair, or over his cheek. The look that meant, ‘goddammit, I’m so in love with you right now even if you’re the most impossible, ridiculous person in the whole fucking world.’

When he finds that look in Bucky’s eyes he makes sure he holds his gaze, looks back with the same softness, hoping beyond hope Bucky realizes one day that it’s Steve’s way of saying, yes, I’m here, I’m right here with you through all of this.

🌳Waking Up Slow |  odetteandodile | 44,638 words | Mature | Shrunkyclunks | *Post-2016 Rec *

A gorgeous story that's also a Shrunkyclunks and a kid fic, and that blends all of these elements so, so well. This is a fic that gets you invested from the very start, and that pulls you along, captivated, with every word. I love that there are also a lot of really unique elements to this fic -- it is a Shrunkyclunks, but not in the traditional sense, in a lot of ways, because Steve spends a huge chunk of this one unaware of who he is. So while the reader knows, there is a lot of time in this fic where, to Steve and Bucky both, Steve honestly is just a stranger Bucky saved from the cold one night. The ways Steve is written working through that, and the ways the two of them interact with each other as a result, are fascinating, and so wonderfully done.

Quote:

“Hey,” he tightens his arms around Bucky and then flips them, quicker than Bucky can realize it’s happening, so that their positions are reversed—Steve’s arms around Bucky’s waist, chin resting on his chest to look up into his face, pinning him still. “I don’t know what’s got that look on your face right now but if it’s…if it’s because I still don’t remember everything I want you to understand: I remember enough. I remember enough to know that you’re something I’ve been looking for a long time and never ever thought I’d have. When I tell you I feel lucky to have this…you gotta believe it’s because I know for sure it’s true. Okay?”

Bucky nods, feeling his chin pull a little bit at the suppressed mix of happiness and loss he feels looking at Steve’s blue eyes, intent and earnest on his own. He pushes the thought away. He hasn’t lost anything, not yet. Steve’s here. He’s right here.

🌳Calico Skies | musette22 @musette22 | 52,618 words | Explicit | Shrunkyclunks | **Post-Endgame Rec**

This is such a comfort fic for me. I always sort of want to wrap myself in this one and how wonderfully romantic and warm I find it. I think a huge part of what has always stuck with me is how much healing there is for both of them as this story progresses. This is a Shrunkyclunks, so Steve's got the obvious and expected trauma, but Bucky's also got some really hard and traumatic stuff in his backstory in this fic. The two of them finding each other and coming together is so good for both of them, not just romantically -- although, as I said, it is very romantic -- but also in this way where they truly help each other so much by being in each other's lives. Just knowing each other, just having that first conversation, ends up being the healthiest thing either of them has done in a long time -- and the way things build from there into this really, really beautiful relationship just gets me every time I reread or even think about this fic.

Quote:

“God, you’re a punk,” Bucky grins back, shoving Steve’s shoulder with his own. “I mean, I knew Steve was a punk, but who knew Captain America was too, huh?”

Steve smiles at his hands, with a touch of melancholy this time. “Not too many people, actually. My mom knew.” He laughs, remembering her fondly exasperated expression. “Lord, did she know. The Howlies, back in the war. Some of the guys on the team back in New York, maybe.” He shrugs again, running a hand through his hair. “I guess I don’t usually let people get close enough to find out.”

Bucky looks at him for a long time then. Steve can feel his gaze on the side of his face, making him feel like he can see right through him. He tries not to fidget, but it’s hard when he thinks about everything Bucky might be seeing. All the messy feelings he’s harboring inside of him, tucked just beneath the surface, struggling to be contained.

🌳Miles to Go Before I Sleep | obsessivereader | 34,079 words | Explicit | AU: Historic | **Post-Endgame Rec**

I was considering saving this one for a different rec post -- historic AUs, if I ever do that, maybe. But, I feel like, although this fic is set in the '80s, it's still more a cabin fic than it is anything else. A really gorgeous one, too. This fic features a Vietnam vet Bucky and an artist pre-serum Steve. It's got some heavy trauma and significant hurt/comfort done beautifully. This is a Steve who is equally bossy, stubborn, and unfailingly kind and a Bucky who no one has been kind to in a very, very long time. A fic I devoured and then could not stop thinking about.

Quote:

First the hope of freedom. Now this. He had a place to stay for at least a few more months. A place with Steve in it. He’d known the guy for a week, and already he’d trust Steve at his back. After that, when Steve went back home… Well. That was a problem for later. He was a survivor, he would continue surviving.

“Thank you,” he managed. Two small words that couldn't begin to express everything he was feeling.

The way Steve brightened at his answer warmed Bucky up all the way through, leaving him almost light-headed. Steve was the best thing that’d happened to him in a very long time, and the longer he could put off saying goodbye to him, the better. He couldn’t look away from the welcome he saw in Steve’s blue eyes. He looked until a hint of color stained Steve’s cheeks and he ducked his head and took another sip of his coffee, a ghost of a smile tipping up his lips.

Small Towns

📌North Fork | BeaArthurPendragon @beaarthurpendragon | 62, 834 words | Explicit | Shrunkyclunks | **Post-Endgame Rec**

There is something so achingly lovely about this fic, both in the writing itself and in the story. This is a fic filled with all these little details, all these photo moments, that played in my head while I was reading and that have really stuck with me. This is Shrunkyclunks with a very, very recently unfrozen Steve. The relationship Steve and Bucky develop isn't a slow burn, but it has this beautifully languid pace even as it's happening, one that suits this fic perfectly. There is conflict and there is some angst, and it's so, so well done- - but when I think about this fic, I think about the two of them enjoying these unhurried and lovely relationship moments together, and about all those little, but incredibly memorable, images and details.

Quote:

Tonight he is simply kissing a beautiful man beneath a beautiful sky, and though he’s not particularly inclined to think about anything right now, it does occur to him how sweet it is to be able to forget your troubles for a little while with another who has troubles of his own to forget, too.

They kiss and then they kiss a little more, and Steve can feel himself getting pleasantly half-hard, and notices that James is too, but neither one of them do anything about it, because this is sweet, too, this soft little arousal, this little promise of possibility.

Finally Steve comes down off his elbow and slides his arm beneath James’s neck to cradle him against his shoulder. This is sweet, too, to snuggle like this and watch the stars on their slow march across the sky.

The Space Station is gone now, but he spots another wanderer—a satellite, James tells him, because there are probably hundreds up there now—and they trace it with their eyes until it disappears behind the trees. Steve isn’t sure he’ll ever feel at home in this world, in this future, but he’s more grateful than he knows words to express to discover this man living here.

📌Some Say it Makes the World Go Round | mambo | 22,916 words | Teen | AU: Modern | *Post-2016 Rec*

This one is such a feel-good delight. Steve and Bucky are college professors, and neighbors, in a small college town. Steve's new in town and Bucky might be leaving soon. There's a ridiculous amount of flirtation and really fun sexual tension. There are also literal, non-sexual, sleepovers. There's pining in the cutest of ways, and some very sweet embarrassed-in-front-of-a-crush moments. It's all incredibly charming. Just a total gem.

Quote:

He’s looking particularly professor-ly in a tweed jacket with elbow patches and he’s wearing his thick-framed glasses. But he’s also just smiling as he steps in closer to Steve, and it makes Steve feel a little weak in the knees. He wonders what it would be like if Bucky were stepping in close to kiss him.

There is a very good chance that Steve’s crush on Bucky isn’t small at all. It’s probably not a big deal, but he’s finding that it’s shifting his center of gravity a little; he feels magnetized to Bucky, like he doesn’t want to be out of his orbit. This feeling isn’t something Steve is used to at all. Honestly, it makes Steve feel a little sick, but not in a bad way. The feeling is hard to describe; Steve isn’t sure he’s felt quite like this before, so attracted and so off-kilter.

It’s probably a big deal, actually. With the way he’s been thinking and feeling, it’s only a matter of time before Steve makes an utter fool of himself and does something that breaks school rules.

📌Where You Are | lemonoclefox | 45,916 words | Mature | AU: Modern | **Post-Endgame Rec**

A fic for all your rom-com needs, hopes, and dreams. Trope-y in the best and most charming of ways. Like, listen: Bucky wins an abandoned inn at a raffle and arrives in a small town to fix it up! Steve is the local carpenter! A central running theme in this fic is that Bucky is totally going to just get this inn fixed up and then return back to his life in the city! He is definitely leaving. He is going to hire people so that he can manage his inn from a distance. Because, you know, there is, of course, no reason for Bucky to stay in this small town. No reason at all. Nope! And, hey, Steve is just making conversation about how Bucky could leave -- or maybe, just a thought Steve had, Bucky could stay? It's just a casual suggestion. Steve's just a little curious about Bucky's long-term plans, okay? Casually! Professionally, even! And! And there is antique shopping (for the inn!), and long walks, and sweet small-town traditions! And also Steve has a puppy! (And maybe, maybe, there is some breaking in of newly remodeled rooms at this inn by Steve and Bucky.) It's all just so delightful. You should read it at once. Trust me.

Quote:

"You would've corrupted me, for sure," he mutters, taking a sip. Steve looks up at him from under his eyelashes. It's an unfairly endearing, yet incredibly hot move.

"In what ways?" he asks. Bucky gulps, taken aback by that suddenly low, soft tone of voice. He clears his throat.

"Don't know," he says. He shrugs. "Every way?"

Why did he say that? That's not what he meant to say. He's not even sure what it means. Steve catches it, though, and looks up properly, holding Bucky's gaze steadily with his own. There's that determination again, the one that's oddly jarring and exciting to be on the receiving end of.

"I would've liked that, I think," Steve says, his voice having dropped to that low timbre Bucky has heard before.

📌Backhoe | Zenaidamacrouras1 @zenaidamacrouras1 | 123,456 words | Mature | AU: Modern | **Post-Endgame Rec**

So, I feel like this fic breaks outside the bounds of what's typically classed a "small-town" fic a bit, but I also feel like it belongs on this list. This one is a treat, a joy, honestly, from start to finish, and l just love the way Steve and Bucky's relationship builds over the course of it. They've both got their own issues and insecurities happening, and the ways they hit against each other's but then are worked through is just so, so well done. I also really love that this is a fic where it takes all of about one conversation for them both to be helplessly gone for each other, just like, beyond smitten, and that neither can quite believe the other is reciprocating the instant attraction. It feels so right for them, and set against the incredible world-building of this fic, it has this gorgeous giddy headiness to it -- one that never really fades as this fic goes on and as their relationship solidifies. It's beautiful and really, really romantic stuff.

Quote:

“I’m so tired, Steve, and I still got presents to wrap. I should get about an hour of it in tonight, because I’m going to be even more tired tomorrow after the Christmas Eve party. I ever tell you I hate wrapping presents?”

“Only about once a day since Thanksgiving,” Steve says, and stands up, clapping his hands eagerly. “Come on, I’m artsy, I bet I’m great at wrapping presents. We can play strip wrapping, for every present we wrap, we’ll take off one article of clothing.”

Bucky rubs his hands over his face. “That sounds more productive than nothing at all,” he admits.

Steve’s wearing a dozen skinny leather bracelets on each wrist, and he stubbornly claims each counts as an article of clothing, and soldiers on stoically through wrapping every last gift. The last few are pretty sloppy, given that he’s wearing only bracelets and a pair of boxer briefs and Bucky’s nibbling along his neck as he’s trying to wrap them, and then Bucky starts trying to tape bows onto Steve, which is really the opposite of productive.

📌A Hard Case of You | Chiyume | 21,759 words | Explicit | AU: Modern

I'm a huge fan of a meet-ugly that resolves itself fairly quickly. It's a trope I'm just always into. There's something I really love about the general premise of, like, "We were both being assholes before, but now that we're having a real conversation you're sort of great." This fic is a stellar example of why, and it's got a nice bonus dose of, "I have literally known you for less than 24 hours, how am I possibly feeling such a connection to you?" Something that's another, fun, and 10/10 trope, really. Plus! Bucky's a lawyer and Steve's a mechanic and there's a whole lot of banter. (And a puppy!) You really can't go wrong here.

Quote:

Bucky manages to hold the gaze, but oh, it’s hard. It’s so hard, he has to distract himself by reaching for and emptying the last of his own beer. He knows that Steve’s watching him, and that knowledge is more than enough to send his pulse racing. It’s not the first time Bucky’s gone out and ended up following another person home, and he’d like to think that he’s got enough experience to read the signs Steve’s sending him with that look. That doesn’t mean the look doesn’t make him nervous as all hell, though.

He doesn’t put the can down when it’s empty like Steve does with his, fearing that he might end up fidgeting without something to keep his hands distracted. The strategic part of his brain keeps telling him that now would be a really good opportunity to make a move if he wants this to lead to anything, but sadly, the part in charge of speech seems to have gone on vacation once again. He can’t come up with anything to say, and suddenly he wishes there had been some kind of music playing, or a show running on the T.V. for him to default to.

Bonus:

I have a few more fics marked small town or cabin on my rec spreadsheet, (I feel like that makes me sound much more organized about this than I actually am.) but the ones I'd have included, are by authors who are already in this post. As a rule, I don't really want to double-rec authors in these posts, even if they have multiple works I love that fit the theme. I've got what would be a double-rec happening three times for this post, though, which feels like a lot of fics to leave out. So, have three more fics from authors with fics rec'd earlier in this post:

Coming Up Easy | musette22 @musette22 | 45,515 words | Explicit

Then a Small Thing Happened | BeaArthurPendragon @beaarthurpendragon | 41,164 words | Explicit

Someone to Watch Over Me | obsessivereader | 24,221 words | Explicit

Fic Rec Series

[all-will-be--well]

The Maybe Man

ok no one asked, but here is my AJR album review, song by song:

🌀 Maybe Man: I love this. I have a special place in my heart for all their album openers, they always give me chills. I can't wait to see them open with this live, especially when it goes so hard at the end! I've danced to this a lot already. Also learning that each verse references one song on the album! like a table of contents! I love them so much.

💔  Touchy Feely Fool: Very cute, and fun to sing along with. Probably like a solid 7 or 8 out of 10. Great to listen to, and has grown on me after listening to that Zach Sang interview and learning a little backstory

👍  Yes I'm A Mess: One of my faves from the album. I feel like such a badass walking around listening to this. Wish I could whistle!! The only thing i can't stand is the very end. I don't mind the tempo change but I don't like the slo mo voices that sound like a toy running out of batteries

🤓 The Dumb Song: More mid-tier for me. Got a great swing to it, and the instrumental breaks are really fun to dance to like a total idiot. I like to try out the lamest dance moves and just really commit to it. Lyric-wise, it's cute but reminds me of male weaponized incompetence (I know this isn't the intention, just what i think about), so it makes me feel a little weird if I think about it too much. Can't wait to hear a whole crowd scream "You should nooooot have done that!"

▶️ Inertia: Currently, this is my FAVORITE song on the album. It's fun, it's meaningful, it's got a great beat, and there are sounds that bring me back to past albums so it feels almost nostalgic. They used the instrumentals a lot in their promos for this album, and I can see why. It's both angelic with the choir sounds, and dark with the reverb/bass sounds. So good.

🧍‍♂️ Turning Out Pt iii : Always appreciate the Turning Out songs. Personally, the original is still my favorite. But even that one took me listening to it a dozen times before it really HIT, and then i was crying in the car. So maybe the same will happen with this one someday! Also if i'm not mistaken it's Ryan on vocals? So that's fun to have a change (though honestly he and Jack sound so similar)

🧠  Hole in the Bottom of My Brain: Gosh, so fun! Has that kind of nursery rhyme theme where it builds on itself (swallowed the spider to catch the fly, etc). However, unlike a nursery rhyme, the lyrics are kinda complicated to it's hard to sing along to. I'm sure people will be singing along by the time they're performing it live, like everyone memorizing the rambling line from Karma.

💿 The DJ is Crying for Help: I want to like this one more than I do. Don't get me wrong, I do like it! I think I just find it a little auditorily overwhelming. Like the string arpeggios are awesome, but I can't listen to that and the back up vocals and other sound effects at the same time. idk. To quote my favorite movie, Amadeus: "There are simply too many notes"

🙅🏻‍♂️ I Won't: This one has been out for a while so I feel like I've listened to it a lot already. Definitely makes me swagger walking around my apartment like I'm a total badass. Doesn't get my blood rushing like some of the others, but again that might just be because I've heard it a lot already.

🎡Steve's Going to London: Took me a few play-throughs to actually realize it wasn't just a nothing song! I appreciate them kinda breaking the 4th wall in a very AJR way. This song has grown on me with each listen! Very fun to sing and dance to, and has a great beat. My prediction is that this song will have a lot of special effects when they perform it live. We'll see...

💜 God is Really Real: RIP Gary ❤️ I love that their dad became a beloved part of the fandom. Very touching that they released this song early when it became clear they didn't have much longer with their dad. Beautiful, meaningful addition to the album.

🍂 2085: Perfectly packages up the album! The lyrics say that the old-timey voice says "You are not alone, young child, young child" which is NOT what it sounds like?? So hopefully that gets cleared up. I've seen some claiming it's a Yanny/Laurel situation, and tbh i wouldn't put it past the boys to find a way to do that on purpose. (I hear "You are my heart grown, just know, just know" which i know doesn't really make sense, but it's sweet to me) But the lyrics at the end "You've gotta get better, you're all that I got" give me chills. And then switching to "I gotta get better, I'm all that I got" 😭 . Also loves that it connects so perfectly back to Maybe Man so I can just listen to the album on repeat without interruption

 THE END

[greyeyedmonster-18]

ten books (to get to know me)

tagged by bestie andie #@femme--de--lettres and i couldn't be more excited.

Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jodi Picoult- i read this as a teenager, and i quickly became obsessed with the way this story imparticular was told out of order. and not necessarily with flashback and flashforwards, but told straight up out of order that it acted as a sort of mystery. and the young love in this story was so exquisitely painful.

Almost like Being in Love by Steve Kluger- this was my first queer romance and its still one of my favorites. i have read and re-read this so many times my book is falling apart. this one really got me into atypical means of communication in my own writing and alternative ways to tell a story (the use of sticky notes, Memos, E-mails in this turned into the use of recipes and postcards in my own writing).

Little Weirds by Jenny Slate- i am obsessed with this woman (and will also say that Stage Fright is one of my favorite netflix comedy specials ever) and the vulnerability displayed in this book is exceptional

The Sun Also Rises by Hemingway- if we're going classic literature? Idk why this one isn't talked about more. something something about perseverance and putting the star in starting over and over again. we love a not quite happy ending here.

Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare- literally there is not a single romance that compares to this. this is the blueprint. Beatrice and Benedick are it.

A Leg to Stand On by Oliver Sacks- so first of all, if you've never read anything by Oliver Sacks, you should. I read him in my undergrad as like a baby baby and he basically picked my career for me, I was so inspired. Hes wrote a lot (RIP) but this one is one of his more anecdotal ones from HIS experience about being a "patient" instead of being a doctor for once in his life and it is so great.

Beloved by Toni Morrisson- RIP the Queen. This book leaves me speechless every time. No notes. Not one.

Mans Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl- I had the quote "opportunity lies in the way man bears his burdens" in my room for the longest time, and its still something that deeply resonates with me. as much as we cannot control our shit hand, or our circumstances, we still have choices. and i think a lot about choosing joy as an act of resistance.

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes- i hate the way the movie absolutely obliterated the message of this book. because, yes, it is a romance, but its more a story about self-love and compassion? and getting unstuck. like its not "me before you" as in YOU CHANGED MY LIFE, WHAT WILL I DO WITHOUT YOU I AM NOT THE SAME. but "me before you" as in THANK GOD YOU CAME ALONG BECAUSE I DONT WANT TO BE THAT PERSON I WAS BEFORE I MET YOU and I will survive this life without you, that's fine because i am no longer who i was before you. i do not know her.

Disability Visibility by Alice Wong (or rather edited by her)- first person narratives of disabled folk in a modern context? yep. yep. yep. i need not say more.

(no pressure but i am going to tag @steelycunt because...yah.)

[prince-aly]

Stuff I would Recommend for Steve’s Notebook

Because I need to put off doing the dishes.

We Didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel (song)- Another song where he can learn everything he missed.

We Didn’t Start the Fire Cover by Fall Out Boy (song)- same as above.

Panic! At the Disco (Band)- my personal favorite band.

Queen (Band)- They’re just awesome!

Elvis (singer)- His music is a little closer to what Steve used to listen to. And since he was active for several years, it might help him ease into present-day music. Some songs are still good, right?

Animal Crossing (video game) might help him relax after a tough day.

Disney/Pixar (movies and tv shows)- he’s got a lot of catching up to do! Just don’t tell him about the Rogers Musical... Poor boy’s traumatized enough!

The Golden Girls (tv show)- the ultimate comfort show in my opinion.

MEMES- self-explanatory. This includes Vines.

The Office (tv show)- another comfort show of mine that I just so happen to quote 12 times a day.

Armstrong Woods (national park)- I live relatively close to this redwood forest and highly recommend it to anyone in California.

Feel free to reblog with your own suggestions! :D

[shinydixon]

It annoys me how some h*llcheers, when accused of homophobia, say they can't be homophobic because they're gay/bi. You very much can be, internalized as well as lateral aggression. Gay people can be biphobic, same gender attracted women can be homophobic towards sga men, and vice versa.

It sucks to be a guy and engaging in an m/m ship because m/m shippers are accused of all being straight women who fetishise gay men (which is something h*llcheers have said about steddies). Yes, some are and it sucks, but a lot, if not most, are queer men and women. Also, in my experience most guys I've come across in m/m shipping spaces have been gay/bi transmascs (like me) and since "fetishistic straight women" we're often called by transphobic gays, I can't trust people who say that.

Not to mention how much it hurts when people say "why don't you just ship canon m/m couples instead?" Because there isn't a lot of shows, that aren't "gay shows" (pose, heartstopper, young royals), that have main characters who are queer men, and that's not their entire personality, much less for trans men or bi/pan men.

I'm glad will is canonically gay, but with the way it's presented in the show I'm sure that some straight viewers don't get it yet, and why can't we have more than him and robin? And let's be real, will is a much "safer" character to "make" queer than steve or eddie; character's that I'm sure more straight men are projecting themselves on than there are who project themselves on will. Imagine if a character that was "meant for" straight people, came out as gay or bi? It's not gonna happen, especially if that character is a man, because straight men's sexuality and masculinity are so intertwined and so, so fragile. So please, let us have fun. Let us make up headcanons for these characters that we love, because that's all we're ever gonna have.

Even though both parties in h*llcheer are dead and the possibility of them being canon is non existant, it's still less non existant than the possibility of steddie becoming canon, and would be met with zero hostility from the general audience, compared to steddie. We know why this is, and we also know why they can so easily demonize and make out all steddie shippers as villains, while burying any evidence of foul play on their own side.

This was long, sorry, but I needed to rant and I don't feel like being attracting #them to my blog.

Don't ever say sorry, I'm here for everybody who have the need to vent or rant🥹

Sorry but it's so stupid saying "I'm bi so I can't be homophobic" for the reasons you already listed.

Anyway you shouldn't listen to those kind of hellcheers, some of them don't even respect Grace, we can't expect to be treated with kindness when they see steddie as something that gets in between their ship.

Block them, filter their tag and even if you're tempted, don't go looking for their post to check what they're saying about steddies because it can be hurtful and can ruin your fun.

Instead, look for what makes you happy! HC, art, fanfiction, incorrect quotes (these are my favorite btw) etc.

I realize that in my blog we talk a lot about these toxic people and this is the reason why I proceed to reblog a lot of steddie/steve/eddie/joe/jamie/Joe K./other media content; like this I can also share something that we enjoy with people that check my blog to see what I answer, and might be upset by some of the asks.

[reefer-reelz-n-reviews]

Evolution 2001

First movie. Evolution.

Bowl: Heart Eyes, courtesy of my friend Debz

This is something that I've seen a lot. Like I mean a lot a lot. I've watched countless times with my family.

One of probably the only things I have in common with my siblings is that we are part of an addiction, an addiction to movies. This happens to be one of the ones we watched on a semi regular basis and could probably repeat in my sleep.

Something random, I named my hamster after David Duchovny's character in this movie. Yupp, his name was Ira Cane. I also named my dog as Ian Somerhalder's character in his earlier role of Boone in Lost. This one was longer, is name was Boone Ian Somerhalder *Insert my last name here*

Of course none of this really has to deal with the movie, but what do you expect from a blog starting with the word reefer lol!

And already munchie lol. Time for one of the chocolate Christmas tree cakes

This is one of my favorite Orlando Jones movies also. He cracks me up! "God gave you two god damn hands for a reason!"

You ever wonder what some actors think about when they're filing. Like during a certain part, say when Orlando Jones walks behind David D shaking his hips all crazy. Like Orlando, my man, how did you not cry laughing every time?! Like I would be busting out! But I guess that's why you're the actor!

Insert fear factor candidate! Wearing open toe heels in a cave you know nothing about having flat worms just crawling around your toes. NO THANK YOU NADINE!

Side note, I don't think I would want to live around that much sand. I sure like grass, maybe not the bugs that come with it, but still. I really hate sand. Like almost Anakin in Star Wars level of hate of sand. Same thing he says, IT GETS EVERYWHERE, impossible to get rid of.

Oh Julianne, you're so goregous! And I love EVERYTHING you're in! 13 ghosts, love it. Crazy Stupid Love with Steve Carrell, another great movie!

I can't tell you how long it took me to understand why David D was saying fruit basket to the general, like wow 0.0 and then I couldn't tell it was his ass on the windshield also for a sad amount of time. I'd like to point out I was 9 when the movie came out and was raised in a very Christian household so I was/still am oblivious to some sexual innuendos and such. But I sure as hell make enough jokes myself! LOL!

My favorite part is about to come up. Orlando is about to get a bug in his body and need to have it removed from his ass! "I'd like an ice cream please" -OJ, "Yeah, what flavor?" -JM, "It doesn't matter. It's for my ass" -OJ. As weird as it sounds, my husband quote that the most. It's also a favorite of his!

"There's ALWAYS TIME FOR LUBRICANT!"

Sean William Scott is great in this as well. Can't forget about him. Stifler, the man himself! He was in a movie with The Rock called The Run Down, also another family and hubby favorite lol!

Hope you can get the point now about what this blog is about, because this is pretty much what you're gonna get. I really am stoned and typing what I think while watching this movie.

Hubby is grinding me more bud, and I'm munching again, this time on some cookies.

This lady about to get bit! like basically lose a finger from this alien. I couldn't imagine. OUCH! "We don't have a damn dog." He is nothing close to a dog, like at all lady. Fucking buzzard tongue looking mother fucker. Then it just deflates. Like wtf

So, you think that just saying to a cop "he shouldn't have touched it," several times he would just let you in?

The alien is about to give birth now, UGH its like a big loogie! Its oxygen tolerant and heads straight to a mall. How do you lose a 20ft bird in a mall? Well we sure know how to get it back, ask Sean William Scott to sing You are so Beautiful. "Rub some funk on it."

"So what do you want light meat or dark?"

My favorite song from the movie, Play Some Funky Music by Wild Cherry. Now I'm not as strong with music as I am with Movies and actors. I just had to google that so sorry if it's wrong, it was The Google! It lied to me!

Enter Dan Aykroyd! Love him too! Ghostbusters, of course another favorite, though honestly I only like the first one and the remake with my favorite Melissa Macarthy! "What the Fuzzy No Nose Chimp?"

"Haven't you noticed how shiny and flake free our hair is?" Who would have thought the solution to this movie was Head and Shoulders. Like so far off the wall am I right? And then using a fire truck to hose it down with. Feel so bad for OJ having to get covered in it and getting sucked up into a butt. Like who else can say they did that in a movie?

And sure, who wouldn't want to fuck after getting farted on by a giant ass hole lol! I mean I get the endorphins burning and what not, but they were still covered in shampoo and probably guts. I would not want to get that in my vajay!

And this brings us to the end of our movie and review! Hope you've enjoyed my randomness!

Till next time

-RRR

[joannhutch1976]

The Interview

Ok so here is the story i wrote and before you into it My character's Name is Lisa, yes the same as his mom. I got to far into the story to change it and i just went with it. If this is something i should keep posting i will. i do have another story about Steve rogers that I've done but it's not finished so here goes nothing. Be gentle guys.

“Lisa, come on your gonna be late.”  

Even across the apartment I could still hear my best friend Maci screaming for me.  

I was dreading this day.  

Today was the day of my first big celebrity interview.  

All I've ever done was interview hometown people or dog show winners but not today, today I was interviewing a movie star, who I had no idea. 

“So, you have no clue who you're interviewing today.” Maci asked.  

“Nope, all Harry said was and I quote Your getting a big-time star so don’t fuck this up.”  

“Ah Harry, such a soft-spoken old man.” Maci said 

I just laughed.  

“Ok so I have my tape recorder and my notepad but I have a pretty good memory.”  

“Good now let’s go or Harry will kill both of us if you aren’t on time.” Maci said. 

I grabbed my bag and we headed to Maci’s car.  

The traffic was horrible but that’s New York for you. But lucky for me Maci drives like a Nascar driver.  

“Look I'll drop you off here and go park, hurry up you’ll be late.” Maci said.  

I got out of the car and raced inside.  

I ran to where my interview was taking place.  

“Your late.” Harry said 

“Sorry boss, the traffic on 5th avenue was crap.”  

“Well lucky for you he’s running late as well.” Harry said 

“Oh, um ok so I guess I'll freshen up before he gets here.”  

Harry just nodded and gave me a crooked smile.  

I walked over to a corner table and pulled out a mirror and checked my makeup. 

“Don’t bother checking honey because you are gorgeous and I mean that.”  

“Hi Travis, how's my favorite make up guy.”  

“Honey I'm tired and drained. My weekend was full of fun.” Travis said with a devilish smile. 

“Oh, that’s right, your big date with Doctor Hunky. So, how was it.” 

“Baby doll you know me. I don’t kiss and tell but I will tell you this. He’s hung like a racehorse if you know what I mean.” Travis said smiling. 

Travis and I let out a loud laugh. 

“Excuse me are you, Lisa.”  

“Yes, I am and you are.” I said turning around seeing just who it was and when I saw who it was my stomach hit the floor. 

“Hi I’m Chris Evans.” he said, holding out his hand.  

All I could do was stare at him. Here in front of me stood the most gorgeous man I have ever seen and I've seen my fair share of good looking men but not this good looking.  

His eyes were like looking at blue pools of water. I was so lost in them it felt like we were the only two people in the room, until I was brought out of my haze by Travis poking my side.  

“Hi yes I'm Lisa I'll be interviewing you today. Umm will you excuse me for just one second.”  

“Sure, take your time.” He said.  

I turned and grabbed Travis by the hand and almost pulled his arm off. 

“Oh my god Travis do you know who that is.”  

“Hell yeah I know who that is. Captain Sexy.” Travis said looking through the door at Chris talking on the phone. 

I could feel my heart in my throat, the next thing I knew I was sweating in places I didn’t even know I had.  

“Travis what the fuck am I gonna do I can’t interview him.”  

“Why not honey.”  

“Cause, he’s not just Chris Evans he’s Captain America, Ari Levinson, Colin Shea, Ransom Drysdale. I’m going to bomb at this.”  

“Lisa, sweetie calm down, those are just characters, those aren’t real people, the man that played them is real, 100% grade A man, now take a deep breath and remember he puts his pants on one leg at a time. Ok.” Travis said, holding my hands.  

And he was right. So, I took a deep breath, counted to 10 and walked back into the room.  

“Sorry about that, I need a second to gather my notes.”  

“No worries. So shall we get started.” Chris said.  

“Yes of course.”  

We walked over to the chairs that had been set up and then we got our mics on.  

“Ok Mr. Evans I'm just gonna ask you about your time in the movie industry, and some other things, nothing too personal.”  

“Ask away, I'm an open book.” He said smiling. 

I smiled back and felt the butterflies in my stomach turn into elephant's. 

I just pray I can make it through this interview without saying something stupid. But man it wasn’t gonna be easy. 

[marjaystuff]

About Romance Novels

There are so many types of books in the fiction category.  I discovered long ago that I love romance. The books can be in the past, present or future.  The books can have characters who are cowboys, gangsters, thugs or dukes and earls.  I love them all.  They can be thrillers, historical, or even futuristic. I like them hot and heavy all the way to sweet and demure.  

Obviously I can not be the only person on earth that feels this way as there are so many romantic novels sold each and every year.  One third to one half of all mass market books are romance novels.  According to statistics used by Amy Pennza 15% of romance readers buy a new book or two every WEEK.  Romance novels are a billion dollar industry.  Yet they are still treated like a deep dark secret.  Some bookstores do not put out or share a list of the current best sellers in the romance industry. Reading different papers that contain book reviews - often do not include romances - unless it is a small mention at the end or to the side.  

My first romance books that I remember so clearly were Katherine Woodwiss’s novels, The Flame and the Flower and The Wolf and the Dove.  They were called bodice rippers at the time, denigrating their power with a negative connotation.  However, that has not stopped me or many others from passionately following our favorite romance authors and jumping on their newest books as soon as they are published.  My favorites:  JD Robb, Jayne Ann Krentz, Catherine Bybee, Chris Keniston, Amanda McKinney, Erica Ridley, Stephanie Laurens, Emily Windsor and so so many more!  Without Goodreads I would need a spreadsheet to keep them all in order.  

Recently I read a quote (not that I can find again or tell you who said it) that said, we read romance because it is predictable and allows us to follow a happy journey, even when so many of us, do (or did) not have that same journey.  I am not sure I believe that is true for everyone, but I really like the quote.  

Elise has sent in an interview this week with Carol Ross and her newest romance Wyoming Rodeo Rescue.  A wonderful romance novel…  She also sent in a guest review for a cozy mystery called Gone for the Gouda.  

Thank you for all your lovely responses to my last blog.  A shout out to Pauline for her understanding and positiveness.  You are right Pauline, reading is a huge benefit and love of mine! 

Books this week:

The Omega Factor by Steve Berry

Be Your Everything by Catherine Bybee

[herroyalhighnessqueenmomo]

Faded Memories (Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader) |Part 2|

Warnings: I do not own the song that is used here. Also swearing and angst up ahead.

Nancy was at your parent’s house. She came over to comfort you after you had called crying once you hung up with Eddie telling her you were second. She supportively told you that it didn’t matter how Eddie saw you, that you were still number one. To her you were her number one. It warmed up your heart a bit but it wasn’t the same. Nancy sighed as she sat at your desk and did a double take at the journal that laid open to the page where your song was. She grabbed the journal and began reading the lyrics. “What’s this?” She asked you. You simply shrugged. “Just something stupid I was working on. It was gonna be a song but I don’t think its any good.” You had explained. Nancy finished reading and looked up at you. “Y/N this is beautiful. You have to sing this to Eddie.” She stated.

You shook your head quickly. “No, Nope. Absolutely not.” You got up and grabbed the journal from her hands. “Why not? You always struggled to figure out how to tell him how you feel. This song is perfect.” Nancy stated her case. You shook your head again. “I already told you that I’m not telling him how I feel. It’s pointless, he doesn’t feel that way about me. Its a for sure rejection.” She huffed. “It is not a for sure rejecti-” “Nancy he basically told me I am second best right after his bitchy fiancée. Even if he didn’t reject me I’m always going to think of myself as his second choice. I can’t do that.” You said. “Well at least do it to get it off your chest. I’m sure its weighing on you a lot.” You didn’t say anything because she was right. It was like the weight of the world was on you. Which might have been fitting since Eddie pretty much was your world. “See? You know I’m right.”

The two of you dropped the conversation and just talked the way the two of you usually did. You’d talk about everything under the sun.

******************************************************

The weekend hit and it was time for Eddie’s bachelor party. Something about the event made you nervous. You wore your old Hellfire club t-shirt and a black suspender skirt with your signature combat boots. You drove over to the Hideout. You made sure to arrive at least 20 minutes later than the planned time. You generally were a punctual person but this was your attempt to try and appear casual about the whole event. Once you walked in you saw the Hellfire club members and Steve sitting at a table. The older members were drinking while the younger ones being Lucas, Mike, Dustin, and Will just chatted alcohol influence free. “Well if it isn’t my favorite girl. I was starting to think you weren't coming.” Eddie got up and walked towards you. His favorite girl? Just the other day he said you were his second favorite. You ignored his slip up. He is obviously not himself. He gave you a huge bear hug and then kissed the top of your head. “Munson, are you already drunk?” You asked him. He scoffed. “No I can handle my liquor better than that babycakes.” Well that was a new nickname. “But I am definitely high.” He then busted out into a fit of giggles. You rolled your eyes with a smile on your face.

Eddie led you to the table and as he pulled out his seat for you, your eyes landed on a tattoo on his arm you hadn't noticed before. "Eds, is that a new tattoo?" You asked as you took your seat. He sat down beside you and then you pointed at it. He looked down at it. "Oh. Yeah. Kendra said this the other day, kinda loved it so much I tattooed it." You took a moment to read it. Honesty plus love will get you through most situations. It was not an outlandish quote. In fact, it was mediocre at best. Definitely wasn't worth tattooing.

You tried your best to give a fake smile. "Wow, that's so...different." You said. "Yeah. After Kendra said it I just wanted that reminder from her always with me." He said.

"Sounds like she has you pretty whipped." Gareth stated causing you to snort and the guys to laugh also. "Say what you want but as far as I'm concerned, I'm the only here who is actually getting some." He stated with a level of smugness that at any other time you would find insanely attractive but this time you fought so hard not to roll your eyes. You instead scoffed. "Yeah sure, that you know of." You said as you got up and walked towards the bar. You don't even know why you said it. You were pretty sure he was. You just wanted to say something that would wipe that smug smirk off his face. The guys all stared at you as you left. You hadn't paid any attention.

"The hell does that mean?"Eddie asked as he thought out loud. The guys shrugged. "Seems like Y/N is implying that she's getting some too." Jeff said taking a sip of his drink. Eddie almost laughed. "Absolutely not. Nope."

Steve got a little annoyed by Eddie's attitude. "What? You don't think she could get any?" He asked. Eddie looked at him. "No, because if she did she would have told me." He said with a matter of fact tone. "What makes you think she'd tell you?" Steve asked. "We tell each other everything." Eddie replied. He took a swig of his drink. Something about this whole conversation just bothered Steve though. Maybe it was the way Eddie seemed too sure of himself or the way he dismissed the thought too quickly. "Well obviously not everything because she told me." Steve blurted out. Eddie damn near broke his neck by how fast he turned to look at Steve. "Bullshit."

"I'm serious." "With who?" Eddie asked. He couldn't believe it. Steve shrugged. "I don't remember, she said it was some guy she met at the library." He bullshitted. "The library?" Eddie asked. "Uh yeah...something about them reading the same book and he asked her out to dinner." Suddenly Steve mastered the element of bullshitting and Eddie was really starting to believe him. "Why the hell didn't she tell me? I would've been happy for her." Eddie was frustrated beyond belief. In fact he was borderline pissed. Why? He wasn't even sure. "Uh...buddy you've been busy planning a wedding and practically neglecting her." Steve said. "Neglecting her? Did she tell you that?" He asked. He hated the mere implication. Steve shook his head. "She didn't have to tell me that. I can see it, I have eyes Munson."

Eddie was really getting worked up by this. He stood up. "I'm going out for a smoke." He said and walked out it seemed almost too obvious that he was livid. "What just happened?" Dustin asked. No response from anyone.

By the time Eddie got out the door you had made it back from the bar with a glass in each hand. "Where'd Eddie go?" You asked as you went to sit down. "Apparently to go smoke." Steve replied. You gasped in general annoyance. "Are you shitting me? I have been working so hard to try and get him to quit smoking cigarettes." Steve went to grab the second drink that you had. You slapped his hand. "Excuse me, these are both for me." You said. Steve looked at you with some shock. "You got two glasses of screwdrivers for yourself?" He asked. You nodded. "I am trying to catch up to you guys. Plus I told the bar tender to give me another two once I am done with these." You replied and took a deep sip of your first glass. You moaned out with satisfaction. "God damn that's good. I needed this." You looked up to see the guys all staring at you. "Is there something on my face?" You asked placing a hand over your mouth.

"Didn't realize you liked drinking that much." Dustin said breaking the silence. You shrugged. "More like every once in a while I need to indulge. This is one of those times." You said taking another sip. "So Y/N, Steve was telling us that you're seeing someone-"Will began trying to make conversation. You spit out your drink and looked at Steve with wide eyes. Steve looked away from your gaze. He cleared his throat. "Uh yeah, sorry Y/N. Just kinda slipped up. Didn't mean to out your secret like that." He said. You were utterly confused. "And um...why did this come up?" You asked. "Well after you implied that you were uh...getting some... the guys were curious. Eddie didn't seem to think it was true so I just confirmed it." Steve explained. Eddie didn't believe you were seeing someone? Why wouldn't he believe it? Should you be offended? "So I told him how you met him at the library." You looked at him. The library? Was that the best he could do? Guess it could have been worst. "I think Eddie is a bit offended that you didn't tell him though." Steve added. "He was?" You asked. Steve nodded.

You made sure not to smile at that statement. Eddie still deeply cared about your relationship... friendship. You took another sip of your drink. You saw the door open and in came Eddie. He still appeared visibly irritated. He didn't say anything as he sat down smelling like the cigarette he just smoked. "Eds I thought you were quitting." You said. He didn't look at you. He refused. "And I thought we told each other everything. Guess we're both wrong." He deadpanned. His bluntness caught you off guard. "Seriously? Why are you so upset, Eddie?" You asked. You weren't expecting it to bother him so much. "I just thought you were always honest with me. I never thought you would hide things from me." He stated. Steve furrowed his eyebrows. "She didn't hide anything from you man. She just didn't get the chance to tell you." Steve said defending you. Eddie finally looked at you. "When the hell were you planning on telling me?" He asked.

You were at a loss for words. The hell were you supposed to say. "I um...was gonna tell you today, actually." You stammered. Eddie didn't look like he believed you but he didn't bother asking you anything else. Everyone basically tried to move on from the now awkward conversation. You on the other hand were trying to drown your thoughts by getting to the bottom of your glasses. You got up once again to grab the other two glasses from the bar. The guys looked at Steve. “Is Y/N okay? She seems a little off.” Mike questioned him. Steve didn’t know how to respond. “Yeah she usually doesn’t ever stay this quiet.” Dustin said. “Or drink this much.” Gareth added fully knowing you never went past drinking two glasses of alcohol before. Eddie was quiet too. Was something really wrong with his best friend? Why would Steve know and not him? Eddie was slowly starting to freak out in his head that he was possibly losing you as his friend. That was something he refused to let happen. “I’m sure she’s fine. I think she’s been stressed at work is all.” Steve said as he managed to come up with an excuse. 

You came back excited to be carrying two more glasses. You sat back down and didn’t waste time to start drinking. “Y/N.” Eddie said your name softly trying to get your attention. “Be honest. Are you okay?” He asked. The question caught you off guard. “Why wouldn’t I be?” “You’ve been acting really weird.” Jeff stated. “Just answer the question.” Eddie pressed. Next thing you knew your attention was taken away when Bernie the owner of the Hideout came to the table. “Guys I’m having a bit of an emergency. Our performer canceled tonight. Do you think your band could play?” He asked looking at Eddie. “We can’t. We don’t have any of our stuff or anything prepared. I’m here for my bachelor party. Eddie explained. Bernie looked beyond stress. “Shit, the evening rush is gonna be coming in less than five minutes and they’re all gonna be expecting something being played live.” He said as he freaked out. Something clicked in your head. “I can go up.” You stated. You weren’t sure why you volunteered yourself. Maybe it was the fact that you downed three glasses of OJ and vodka but you had an odd amount of confidence. “You will?” Eddie asked. He hadn’t realized you had performed anything before. For argument’s sake you hadn’t but you were suddenly willing to try. You nodded. “Are you sure?” Bernie asked you. “Sure, why not?” Bernie had a huge smile on his face. “Kid, you’re a lifesaver. Is there anything specific you need for your performance?” You thought for a second. “You by chance have an acoustic guitar back stage?”  Bernie nodded. “Yeah. Just the one. Why don’t you head back there and get ready.” You got up without a word and went backstage. You had been back there many times in the past after Eddie’s gigs to always tell him how great he was. This time was different since that obviously wasn’t the case. You found the guitar and grabbed it. You leaned against the wall behind you as you strummed the guitar to see if it needed tuning and it definitely did.

After tuning it you decided to spend the next few minutes to practice playing the beat of the song. You already knew how it was supposed to go. You just wanted to make sure it sounded right. A minute later Bernie walked up to you. “Okay we’ve worked up a pretty big crowd. Its time for you to go up. Are you ready?” He asked. You took in a shaky breath and nodded. He walked you to a stool in the middle of the stage. You took a seat and he then left to pull the curtains open. Your heart started to beat incredibly fast as the stage lights blinded you. You looked out to the crowd. There was easily about 30 people out there. Your eyes met Eddie’s as he appeared to be studying you. He was generally curious to see how you would do. The mic went on and you cleared your throat. “Um hi. I-I’m Y/N L/N. I don’t usually perform here. Actually...I don’t perform at all so this will be my first time.” You stated. “Just sing something already!” Some guy shouted from the crowd which made you nervous. “Hey shut the hell up.” Eddie turned to look at the guy. The guy thankfully didn’t say anything else. “So I’m going to sing this song I wrote. It’s called Honest. It is pretty important to me.” 

You started to strum the guitar. You took a deep breath and began to sing. 

Listen, I've got something to tell you. You looked up to Eddie. As you sang.

And no, I don't know how it'll sound. I was never good at conversations. Whisper when I meant to scream out. You took in another breath and looked back down at the guitar in your hands. All of these feelings are saying, That I could never find a better love, better love than you. The silence is killing me, doll. The chorus was coming up. You thought. That's how I know I haven't said enough. Said enough. If my heart had a voice. It'd cut through the chaos, cut through the noise. If my heart had a choice. I'd tell you the stories. I'd always avoid. I'd be honest to you, honest to God. If my heart had a voice. You decided to look back up at the crowd who was deathly quiet. Distance won't make me forget you. This line made you think of how you didn’t get to spend any time with him during the two months and yet you still thought about him. Won't you please just ask me to stay. I know that I can be frustrating. Promise you, my touch will explain. All of these feelings are saying. That I could never find a better love. Better love than you. The silence is killing me, doll. That's how I know I haven't said enough. Said enough. If my heart had a voice. It'd cut through the chaos, cut through the noise. If my heart had a choice. I'd tell you the stories. I'd always avoid. I'd be honest to you, honest to God. If my heart had a voice. You began to hum the harmony as you strummed. You took another deep breath. If my heart had a voice. It'd cut through the chaos, cut through the noise. If my heart had a choice

I'd tell you the stories. I'd always avoid. I'd be honest to you, honest to God. You stopped strumming as you had completed the song. You hadn’t realized it until now that there was tears in your eyes. 

The crowd was silent for a bit but then everyone started clapping and cheering. You breathed in deeply. The breath was shaky. Tears kept streaming down your face. They wouldn’t stop. You put the guitar down and walked out of the building. You felt like you couldn’t breathe from all the emotions that were coming at you all at once. You took a deep breath. You leaned forward and placed your hands on your knees as you breathed out. The door opened but you were too distraught by your emotions to even process the fact that someone was approaching you. It wasn’t until you felt a hand on your back that you realized your weren’t alone. “Baby, you did so great.” It was Eddie. Your muse. Did he know? “I didn’t realize you could sing. I’m so proud of you.” He showed his support as he kept rubbing circles on your back. You stood up straight. “Thank you.” You said almost in a hushed tone. Eddie brought you into his arms. “That guy isn’t worth it if he’s making you feel that way.” You heard him say softly into your ear. 

You were confused by his comment. “Huh?” “That guy, you’re seeing. From the library.” He said. Oh my god. He really didn’t know then. He pulled away from you and rested his hands on your shoulders as he looked into your eyes. “The song was about him. Wasn’t it?” He asked. You had two options. Either lie through your teeth and just say you were planning on leaving this so called library guy. Or you could tell the truth and be honest with him. That’s what your wrote the song about anyways. Being honest with yourself and him. That would be the right thing right? “No. It wasn’t.” You admitted. “Then who was it-” “It was about you.” You stated cutting him. It felt like all the air in your lungs was just sucked right out of you. The silence between the two of you was deadly. “I love you. I’m in love with you.” You said as you broke the silence. “Y/N...” “You shouldn’t marry Kendra. Y-You can’t marry her.” “Y/N. You’re drunk.” He tried to argue. He found this all too hard to believe. “I-I’m not.” You shook your head. “Yes you are. You need to go home Y/N. You don’t know what you’re saying.” He said as he grabbed your arm and began to pull you inside. “Yes. I do. Why won’t you believe me?” You asked as he stayed quiet. Eddie made his way back to the table with you. “Harrington take her home.” He said to Steve. 

Steve looked confused. “Why? The party isn’t over.” He said. “It is for her. She’s drunk.” Eddie argued. Steve shook his head. “She seems fine to me-” “Well she’s not fine, so please take her home.” “Eddie I-” You wanted to defend your sobriety but Eddie wouldn’t have any of it. “Harrington. Now.” “Alright fine. Jesus Christ man.” Steve got up from his chair walked over to you. “Come on Y/N. Lets get you home.” You started crying again. The waterworks coming right back. You didn’t say anything as you walked back out by yourself. You walked all the way to Steve’s car. Steve followed shortly after. He opened the car for you and you got into the passenger seat in silence. “Y/N are you-” “Just drive Steve.”

You kept crying as Steve obliged and started his drive towards your house.  You sniffled. “I told him Steve.” You finally spoke. “I finally told him how I felt, and he didn’t believe me.” You explained. “He didn’t?” He asked as he turned to look at you briefly. You shook your head. “No. He said I was just drunk." You sniffed and wiped your nose. "I know I was drinking a lot but I-I...I'd know if I was drunk." You cried even more. Steve was so angry at Eddie at wasn't even funny but he said nothing about it.

****************************************************************************************

That next day the four of you were at Family Video again. "I just don't get why he wouldn't believe you." Robin was furious. "It doesn't make any sense. I mean you were sober enough to play guitar and sing that song. That man is an idiot." She continued. Nancy rubbed your back. "I'm really proud of you Y/N. I know how hard that must have been for you." She said. You tried so hard not to cry this time. "It just hurts so much. He didn't even want to consider that it might've been true, despite if I was sober or not.” You clutched your chest. “It hurts to think about him. It just hurts to even see him.” You say. “Then don’t.” Robin replied. “I can’t just not see him, Robin. It feels like he is everywhere. Hell I’m even supposed to go to his wedding. I can’t just avoid him. Hawkins is too small.” She looked deep in thought. “You’re right. Hawkins is too small. but you can leave.” You were confused. She wanted you to leave Hawkins? “Do you not want me around?” You asked. “Well of course I do but not if it means you’re not happy, and lets face it, you haven’t been happy here in a long time. I think you could use a fresh start. One where Eddie isn’t around.” Robin explained to you.

All she really wanted was what is best for you and she did bring up a great point, there was no way you’d be happy here in Hawkins. It started to feel like you were living life in hell. As if life had seen all your fears and worst nightmares and decided to make it a brutal reality that you honestly couldn’t stand. The idea was tempting to say the least. “I guess a fresh start would be nice...but I would miss Eddie too much. I would miss you guys too much. Hawkins is my home. You guys are my home.” You said as the thought brought tears to your eyes. “No this isn’t fair. Y/N shouldn’t have to leave because Eddie is the biggest dumbass to walk this Earth, okay? It should be him leaving.” Steve interjected. You shook your head. “Yeah but that isn’t gonna happen obviously. Look Robin is right. If I want a fighting chance to heal and to survive this heartbreak I need to leave.” Nancy started to cry now. “Y/N you can’t leave. You’re my best friend. What about all of our movie nights? Our late night chats over the phone? I don’t want to lose all of that.” You hugged her and also cried freely. “We can still talk over the phone when I leave Nance. This is something that I have to do. Eddie made his choice. No it’s time to make mine.”

Taglist: 

@thegirlthatsfalling​

@fangirling-4-ever​

@lechera-con-leche

@toomanybandstocare​

[boxofbonesfic]

Hello my bone babies!

 I just hit 5k, and I’m feeling like a celebration is in order. Since I already have my Spooktacular Smutfest going on, naturally I thought “why not another challenge?” Autumn/Winter is my favorite time of year, that’s when you stay in, watch movies, get cozy, snuggle up with friends and family. There are so many seasonal things I love about this time, so I thought maybe you all might want to share in that joy with me!

Let’s get into it! (Yuh)

🍁Rules🍁

You may either write a fic for this challenge yourself, or you may request one from me, using the theme and character wheels!

I have listed below several themes to choose from that I feel are “central” to the season. You must pick one, and run with it! Same for the character wheel! Your theme must be apparent in your work!

Your entry must be able to be read as a stand alone piece, and I would prefer if it was written specifically for this challenge. 

There is a hard 2.5k word limit! Less is fine, but let’s not go over! If your fic exceeds 250 words, put it beneath a cut!

This challenge is open to almost all categories, fluff, smut, dark, soft!dark, AU, etc! But your fic must be tagged and warned appropriately, and I will not reblog it if it isn’t!

BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF MY BLOG, AND THE MAJORITY OF CONTENT FOUND THEREIN, THIS CHALLENGE IS 18+ ONLY. MINORS, DO NOT INTERACT! Your story does not have to include smut, but my 18+ rule still applies regardless. 

NO: Bestiality, toilet play, snuff, or necrophilia, though Monsterfucking is actively encouraged 😉 

This challenge will run until January 1st, 2022! Please tag your submissions as “bonetastic bombastic 5K”, and also tag me in them so that I can see them! I do, however, reserve the right not to reblog any work I find offensive or that does not follow the rules. 

🍁Themes🍁

 тнємє ωнєєℓ

Fireplace

Snowed in

Baby it’s cold outside

Meet the parents

Happy Holidays (Thanksgiving, Xmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, New Years, ETC!)

Hot cocoa

Apple picking

Cuffing season

His sweater

Snowball fight

Winter getaway

Getting sick

Warm me up

Baby, maybe?

 🍁Characters🍁

¢нαяα¢тєя ωнєєℓ

Chris Evans

Steve Rogers

Bucky Barnes

Jake Jensen

Andy Barber

Ransom Drysdale

Eddie Brock

Peter Parker

Thor Odinson

Clark Kent

Sam Wilson

Lee Bodecker

Arvin Russel

Curtis Everett

🍁Quote Prompts🍁

“Well, you know. Tis the season.”

“I didn’t get you anything—” “It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re enough.”

“I thought you wanted to go somewhere for the holidays!” “Yeah! Somewhere! I didn’t think that would be here!”

“It’s beautiful.” “Yeah, you are. I mean, it is! I mean—shit.” 

“I never actually… made a snowman before.” “I mean, for your first try it’s adequate.” “Hey!” “I mean, he’s perfect, babe! Frosty himself would be jealous!”

“It won’t be so bad!” “Your parents hate me.” “They don’t hate you! They just… don’t… like you very much.” 

“Are you telling me we’re stranded?” “I’m telling you the snow is higher than the goddamn door!”

“Maybe we should share the blanket. You know, for warmth.”

“Already got my present right here. Stay still, doll, gotta unwrap it.” 

“So what you’re telling me is you’re not interested in wearing matching sweaters?”

 “I don’t know that you’ll get any presents with that filthy mouth.”

“I can’t sleep without you. It’s too cold.” 

“What? Nonsense. It’s the perfect time for scary stories.” 

“My hands are cold.” “Then you should let me hold them.”

“Tell me you didn’t.” “Didn’t… what?” “Didn’t get baked in my parents backyard and then eat all of the dessert for this evening.” “That… depends.” “On what?” “Whether you want me to lie or not.” 

“Mom, this is my [significant other].” “Oh no. What happened to the doctor?”

“You have to help me get revenge!” “Revenge? [insert character name here], he’s seven and he hit you with a snowball.” “He knew what he was doing!” 

“This is… a pregnancy test. And it’s… positive?” “Merry Christmas?” 

“We’re under the mistletoe, and you know what that means…” “You’re holding it!” “It still counts!”

[lokislastlove]

Rural Rivalry (Bucky Barnes x Reader x Clark Kent) p3

Summary: Moving back home is made tolerable when you start dating you old grade school crush, but tensions build between him and your childhood best friend.

Warnings: NONCON/DUBCON, smut, fingering, rough sex, spanking, (some others but ya know… spoilers 🤫)

Note: This was the first thing I ever wrote, and I decided to go back and edit the hell out of it because it was BAD 😬. I feel a bit better about it now so I figured I’d post it. Fuck it. THIS IS A DARK FIC! Mind the warnings y’all. 😘

🍂

Chapter 3:

Weeks go by and things get better. After much deliberation, and a full week of penitent pampering from Bucky, you decided to ask Clark for a bit of space while you work on things with Bucky. Clark, ever the gentleman, is understanding and resigns himself to avoiding you as much as he can. Bucky agrees to work on his anger and shows tremendous progress.

Winter arrives and your anxiety spikes the morning your mother reminds you of your obligation at the upcoming Winter Festival. The whole town pitches in, with some families volunteering to host specific events. Your family just so happens to organize and run the ‘Charity Holi-Date’ auction.

Local vendors donate a special date to bid on, with the proceeds all going towards some sort of town improvement, last year it paid to fix the library’s leaky roof. The dates range from a couples massage, a free dinner and games at the local pub, or a private movie screening. For one night Steve closes the theater to the public and plays whatever movie you request, free popcorn and candy provided. That was always your favorite date, secretly dreaming of winning it for years.

The only problem is, you have never had a boyfriend to try to win it for you, until this year that is. Your parents, geniuses that they are, decide that they could collect even more money by adding another option to the auction, someone to share the date with.

So for the past five years your parents manage to convince some local girls and a few young men to include themselves in the auction. Needless to say, the addition quickly turns it into one of the most popular events of the fair.

Steve became an avid supporter of the event after Bucky, the expert wingman, bid on a date with Tasha in Steve’s name. They hit it off immediately, as everyone had expected, and the rest was history. Sadly, Wanda and Vis didn’t have the same longevity, though despite her recent break-up she still signs up for the auction with you.

“I can’t believe your parents are making you sign up for the auction even though you have a boyfriend,” Wanda smirks, sticking a finger full of chocolate frosting in her mouth.

“Yeah. They keep saying that it can be a platonic date. Dad says, and I quote, ‘everyone in town would love a date with you’,” you rolls your eyes as you continue frosting the cupcakes. “I want to believe he is just trying to be nice, but –,”

“But it could just be that your dad doesn’t like Bucky,” Wanda raises an eyebrow knowingly and your shoulders sag.

“Yeah. I don’t know what his problem is,” you scoff. “Seems like I’m just a big disappointment to all the men in my life.”

You watch Wandas face fall, giving you those big sympathetic eyes. You had given her a vague account of that rough night with Bucky, trusting her not to judge your decision to stay with him.

“So are you worried about the auction, or Clark and Bucky being in the same room?” Wanda asks after studying you for a moment.

“Well, Bucky has been doing really good with his anger management, and I’m sure Clark will try to keep his distance. He’s not exactly the type to cause drama, especially with the whole town there,” you hope, unsure if you are trying to convince Wanda or yourself.

“Uh huh,” Wanda drones out doubtfully.

“Hey, I’m trying to be optimistic here,” you narrow your eyes and playfully flick a piece of frosting at her face.

Wanda laughs and smiles back at you, “It’s going to be fine. I’ll be there with you for support. Besides the thing we should be worrying about is who is gonna be bidding on us tonight.”

“Well I’m not too worried about that, as if Bucky would let anyone else win a date with me,” you laugh as you finish the last of the desserts and put them in the plastic containers to keep fresh. “Maybe the mysterious tall dark and handsome will finally make a move.”

“Ha! Let’s hope not. I prefer him as a distant admirer. Ok I think you’ve made enough cupcakes. Let’s go get ready!” Wanda hops off her barstool and drags you upstairs to prepare for the evening.

—

The decorating committee sure outdid themselves this year, likely due to Tasha’s recent involvement. The town hall ceiling glitters with paper snowflakes and baby blue icicle lights. Fairy lights underneath sheer white curtains adorn every wall, giving the room a soft enchanting glow. The crisp scent of pine from the trees draped in tinsel and the sweet smell of holiday treats permeate the air. The tables scattered around the room are cloaked in silver table clothes, decorated with sparkling white manzanita trees and blue tea candles. You relish the atmosphere of the room as it slowly fills with more and more guests.

The local cover band plays classical holiday songs to fill the time until Mayor Odin arrives to make his annual holiday toast. Despite the speech being similar every year he has a way of commanding the attention of the room, kicking off the festivities just right.

The “winter ball” as the town calls it is the last night of the weekends festivities so people go all out. There is a buffet style dinner, followed by the announcement of the raffle winners. After that the dancing commences, and somewhere in the middle the auction winners are announced. Thankfully the open bar is free for the first three hours of the evening, helping to loosen people’s wallets when it comes to bidding.

The bidding is anonymous, people submitting an amount of their choosing and the top bidder is called to the stage to claim their prize and select the person they’d like to share it with. You hate being on stage, all those eyes on you makes you nervous.

“Come on, it’s a party! Loosen up!” Wanda grabs your shoulders and shakes you lightly in the rhythm of the music. “We are young, we are hot, and we are here to have fun!”

“Yeah. Fun. I can do that,” you nod, trying to consciously relax your body.

“Wow, pep talk fail. Okay, why don’t we get you a drink while we wait for Bucky and Steve to get here,” she huffs, dragging you across the room. “Oh look Tasha has first shift at the bar!”

You spot Tasha behind the bar wearing a tight navy blue dress, with a plunging neckline. Her red locks elegantly pinned away from her face with a sparkling snowflake hairpin to match her dangly snowflake earrings. She looks stunning as ever.

“Well, hey there,” Tasha coos seductively as she watches you and Wanda walk up to the bar and take a seat. “If it isn’t the two top prizes of the evening,” she winks.

Wanda laughs and flips her hair theatrically while batting her lashes, “Gotta look good for our sugar daddies.”

You grimace but laugh, a little nervous that Wanda might have gone a bit overboard with your outfits. Taking into account your parent’s conservative attitude and your jealous boyfriend, she selects the slightly less skanky choice for you. You wear a white form fitting dress with a bustier top blending into a lace A-line shirt that ends at your knees. Its preferable over the black backless skater dress that Wanda chose for herself. The straps are thin and the skirt barely conceals the red lace panties you know are underneath. Thankfully, she lets you go with a neutral palette and hairstyle.

“Steve is going to flip when he sees you,” you smile, raising your brows at her cleavage.

“Yeah, what the hell were they thinking giving you the early shift? Imagine all the tips you could make for charity later,” Wanda jokes.

“Trust me, it’s always better to have the early shift. People get handsy after they’ve had a few drinks, and I don’t feel like breaking any fingers tonight,” Tasha quips as she cuts lemon slices. “So, can I get you ladies anything?” she flirts in a sultry voice.

“Yes! This girl needs a stiff one. She’s nervous about Bucky and Clark both being here,” Wanda teases, bumping your shoulder.

“I’m fine,” you whine. “But yes I will definitely welcome that drink.”

“You got it,” Tasha winks, busying herself behind the bar.

With drinks in hand, you both swivel on your barstools and scan the crowd. After only a minute Wanda seems to find what she’s looking. She crosses her legs slowly, giving someone in the crowd her most seductive bedroom eyes as she slips the straw between her painted lips. You look at her, mouth gaping and cough out a laugh at her antics.

“Damn girl. You really are putting it out there tonight, huh? I mean, you aren’t even looking at me and you got my attention.”

“Don’t want to be third wheel forever,” Wanda smirks and takes another drink.

“Who is the lucky guy?” You ask, trying to follow her gaze.

“Tall dark and handsome just got here…and he is looking extra good tonight,” Wanda says biting her lower lip.

The crowd shifts enough for you to spot the mysterious ‘prince’ of the town, Loki. Dressed in an all black suit, dark emerald shirt and black tie, long dark hair brushed back neatly. He looks far too posh for the small town scene. In fact, both the Mayor’s sons are slightly alienated from the town due to their boarding school upbringing, but for Wanda it only adds to his allure.

“I see the appeal. He certainly knows how to wear a suit, I’ll give him that,” you smile into your glass as you continue scanning the room.

“And he’s not the only one,” Tasha offers from behind you.

You look back at her and she nods her head across the room. Your pulse quickens as Bucky and Steve strut toward the bar, more gorgeous than ever. Steve leads the way, his blue tie bringing out his eyes and his skinny grey suit showing off his lean legs and broad shoulders.

“Bucky,” you breathe quietly as you drink him in.

The pair of them turn quite a few heads as they make their way toward you. Bucky tugs on his lapels, bringing your attention to the tight fit across his arms and chest, he has been working out more lately and it shows. The deep navy blue suit and black shirt bring out his sun-kissed skin and bright eyes. You are left breathless, wholly unprepared for the way it makes your core ache and your panties dampen.

“You look absolutely stunning, darlin” Bucky coos, running his eyes down your body.

He makes a show of putting his hands in his pockets, shaking his head and whistling as his eyes finally land back on your face. The hunger in his eyes mirroring your own. He takes in a deep breath and reluctantly looks away to the rest of the ladies.

“Wanda, you’ll have them lining up for you tonight. Tasha, looking lovely as always this evening,” Bucky compliments sweetly, before extending his hand to you.

You take it eagerly and he twirls you to him, admiring every inch before stealing a soft kiss. Although it’s brief, his minty breath, the rich scent of his cologne, and the silkiness of his lips leave you breathless and wanting more. How is he even real?

“You look amazing. Is this a new suit?” Your hands glide down the lapels admiring the smooth fabric.

“Thought I might need one for special occasions,” Bucky smirks, unable to keep his eyes from drifting down to your breasts pressed against his suit.

Time stands still as you hold each other in mutual admiration. Your pulse racing as he lets his fingers lightly graze over as much of your exposed skin as he can without appearing indecent. Its your first time having a real date to this event and you feel giddy at the thought of dancing with him the whole night. Your nervousness subsides in the glow of your excitement and you almost forget what had you so worried in the first place.

Shit. Clark.

Your brain floods with memories of all your previous winter dances. Evenings spent pining after boys and inevitably ignored until Clark comes to save you. Every year he’d be there to make sure you got to dance, but surely he’d know this year is different. You quickly hide your anxiety by burrowing into Bucky’s chest, letting his strong arms wrap around you.

You spend nearly an hour at the bar getting in free drinks and keeping Tasha entertained during the lulls. Finally when people start making their way over to the buffet, you grab a table with your friends. Your knee bounces under the table as you steal glances at the auction display table. Each date has its own poster with pictures to help entice the bidders, and in the center is a collage of headshots, including yourself and Wanda. You hold out hope that even if Bucky doesn’t win one, no one chooses you, it is optional after all.

As dinner comes to an end and the raffle winners are announced a familiar chuckle draws your attention back to the charity display. Your breath hitches as you see Clark and Loki hovering over the sign up sheet, cracking jokes with your parents. He looks amazing, his charcoal suit clinging to him in all the right places, eyes lingering on his ass which rivals every man and woman’s in the room.

Your father smiles at Clark, clapping him fondly on the shoulder and, to your horror, points in your direction. Before you have a chance to look away Clark’s eyes land on you, his jovial smile shifting into a smirk when he notices you watching him.

Even at this distance the look sends a shiver down your back, goosebumps erupting across your skin. He runs his tongue over his lips slowly as he holds your gaze and you watch him turn away and lean over the table, scribbling something with the pen your father hands to him. Clark returns the pen and gives your father a firm handshake with a respectful nod before walking away laughing with Loki at his side.

This is the longest you have gone without talking to Clark. You find a bit of relief that he doesn’t appear to be upset with you, though you can’t describe the look he gave you as particularly friendly either. Maybe his curious new friendship with Loki has something to do with it.

You fight the urge to go say hi and break this awkward tension, unaware that your boyfriend has been watching you. Unfortunately you aren’t as subtle with your attention as you hope, which you blame on Tasha’s heavy hand.

“Do you want to go say hello?” Bucky’s voice sobers you up instantly.

“What?! Oh. N-no” you replied quickly shaking your head fervently and putting all your attention back on your boyfriend.

“It’s ok Darlin’. I think I can handle you saying hello in a room full of people. You have been very patient with me, and I appreciate that. But I think it’s been long enough. Go say hi. I’ll be right here,” Bucky smiles sweetly before kissing the back of your hand.

Your face lights up at his words and you wrapped your arms around his neck pulling his face to yours for a deep kiss. You pull away with a sigh, looking into his stormy blue eyes as you spread your hand along his stubbled jaw and trace his bottom lip affectionately.

“I love you. I won’t be long,” you promise before leaving to find Clark.

The walk across the room feels long and short all at the same time, legs wobbling slightly in your tall heels. Your mind buzzed with what to say, everything sounding too dramatic or too casual. How do you rectify choosing your new boyfriend over your best friend?

Loki notices you coming first, whispering something behind his hand before snickering at you and slinking away. Clark watches you make your way towards him, content to stay leaning against the wall near the entrance to the main hall. He was never usually this hard to read. He has one hand in his pocket and another wrapped around a bottle of beer. He takes a long swag as you neared him, the right corner of his mouth curving upward the closer you get.

“Uh, hi,” you mutter weakly, hands twisting nervously in your skirt as you bit your bottom lip.

“Well it seems our time apart has done you some good, you look even more beautiful than I remember,” he remarks flatly as he gestures down your body.

You feel your face heat and you take the opportunity to appreciate his perfectly tailored suit, just tight enough to suggest the strength underneath. His crisp white shirt lacks a tie, but the unfastened buttons show off the tuft of chest hair below. He knew what he was doing when he got ready today.

“Definitely didn’t seem to hurt you either,” you laugh sheepishly.

“I wouldn’t say that,” he mumbles, taking another sip.

“Clark… I…,” you frown. “Look I know I was selfish and I understand if you’re mad at me. I’ve felt so guilty about it for the past three months. I have no idea how to fix it, but I just want to let you know I’m going to try… because you’re important to me too,” you hold his gaze.

“How does the boy toy feel about that?” He returns clearly not convinced.

“Bucky is actually the one who told me to come over here. He’s really working on his… issues. I think he’s finally starting to see there’s no reason for it,” you try to smile reassuringly, faltering when you see a flicker of anger in Clark’s expression. “I’m sorry Clark. You mean so much to me. Please. I can’t handle you being mad at me,” you plead, voice threatening to break.

You stand there in silence for a few seconds just staring at the floor in shame, until Clark hooks a finger under your chin forcing you to meet his eye.

“You know I can’t stay mad at you, sugar” He pinches your chin with a small smile. “Best get back to him. I’d hate to piss him off this early in the evening.”

“Ok. I’ll see you soon?”

“Count on it,” he asserts.

He looks over your shoulder nodding to someone unseen, the corner of his mouth curling upward. You turn to look curiously and he catches your chin, placing a soft kiss on your cheek.

“Save me a dance,” he whispers before walking off, leaving you no room to argue.

The stress you’ve carried over the past several weeks finally seems to fall from your shoulders with an evening of dancing with your friends. Bucky’s hands rarely leave your body, making sure you don’t stray too far. He maintains his composure the whole night, in fact he’s been perfectly sweet and attentive, even encouraging you to talk to Clark. You know it will take time, but its a much better first step than you expected tonight.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I please have tonights Holi-date participants join us up here on stage.”

Your mother’s voice rings out as the music fades. Wanda whoops loudly and grabs your hand, pulling you through the crowd. One of the other participants, Sam, helps you and Wanda up the stairs onto the stage and joins you in a line behind your mother.

“You clean up nice, Sam,” you whispered, bumping his elbow.

“Not so bad yourself,” he offers as your mother goes through a brief description of each date.

“Remember the person with the biggest donation gets to select first. So without further ado, it looks like our top prize goes to…,” your mom pauses for dramatic effect, the band offering a drumroll for extra flair.

“Loki!” Your mom exclaims excitedly.

Wanda squeezes your hand tightly as she stands next to you and you both watch Loki make his way to the stage. He takes the envelope with the voucher for the ice skating date and slowly saunters towards Wanda, outstretching his long graceful hand. His notorious grin sharpens his chin and Wanda giggles, taking his hand as they leave the stage.

You smile, bobbing your brows to your friends who you find laughing in the audience. Well, more like Tasha laughing at Bucky and Steve’s dumbfounded expressions.

The second place winner is one of Steve’s old ex-girlfriends, Sharon, who claims the paintball date as well as Sam. He throws you a quick wink before leaving the stage with his arm wrapped around Sharon’s waist.

“Our third largest donation was from… aw Mister Clark Kent,” your mom coos.

Your breath hitches and you freeze, eyes flicking to Bucky on instinct. His eyebrows draw together as he watches Clark climb the steps. You feel time slow as Clark crosses the stage, pausing to embrace and thank your mom, his footfalls echoing in your ears. Grabbing the envelope labeled ‘movie theater’, he slowly taps it against his palm as he stares you down, eyes dark and expression triumphant. You could feel your breathing pick up as you silently beg him not to do this.

Clark rounds the table and takes the unfortunately short walk to you, blocking your view of the crowd as he holds out his hand. You don’t know how long you hesitate, body trembling, feeling hundreds of eyes burning into you. You gulp and place your sweaty hand in his. His grip is firm and his teeth sparkle as he smiles down at you. As you exit the stage, your vision tunnels, vaguely aware of clapping and your mom speaking without missing a beat.

Clarks hand wraps around your waist but you block out the strange sensation as you focus on not falling down the stairs while you try to spot Bucky in the crowd. Steve grips Bucky’s shoulder and whispers urgently in his ear, attempting to calm or restrain you aren’t sure, but it’s obvious that Bucky is pissed.

You make it off the stage and try to pull your hand away but Clark tightens his grip, “Hey don’t be running off so soon, we still have the winners dance, remember.”

“What are you doing Clark? Are you trying to piss him off? You probably just ruined all the progress he made with this little stunt of yours,” you hiss quietly, smiling politely at the few in the crowd still watching you.

“Hardly a stunt, sugar…besides, it’s for a good cause,” he winks and pulls you closer.

“Last but not least we have Mr Barnes! Come claim your prize young man,” she claps and looks around the room.

Scattered applause mixes with hushed whispers throughout the crowd and you try to search where he had been standing only moments ago. You spot Steve standing there with a sour look on his face, Tasha rubbing his back in comfort as she watches Bucky storm out of the hall.

“Oh well, we will make sure this gets to him. Thank you all so much for your participation! We hope to see you next year, but for now will the prize winners make their way to the dance floor for their celebratory dance. Have a great evening everyone!” Your mom finishes her speech as the band reclaims the stage.

“Shall we?” Clark gestures to the dance floor.

You scoff and stomp ahead of him, the silent treatment is always your go-to when you are angry. Clark locks his hand around your wrist and spins you back to him when you reach the open space, the other couples quickly joining you. He twines your fingers together as his other hand slithers around your waist keeping you close. You try to pull back, putting some respectful distance between you but Clark doesn’t allow it. You grit your teeth as he presses you firmly to his broad chest.

“You really do look beautiful. I’ve missed you. You know how hard it has been to try to stay away from you these past few months?” Clark whispers as he nuzzles your hair, breathing you in and making you shudder.

“I’m sorry, but this was not the way to punish me for it, Clark,” you snarl, nostrils flaring in anger.

“Punish you?” He chuckles darkly. “Oh sugar, this isn’t punishment,” his hand drifts down your side feeling the curve of your hip, a low hum rumbling his chest.

You gape in shock as he bites his lower lip, eyes fixed on your cleavage pressed against his torso. His hand drifts down further, running along the outside of your thigh before suddenly gripping your leg and bringing it to his hip. He lets go of your hand and holds your back, dipping you as the song ends. You squeak as your world spins and you grip his shoulders tightly. He keeps you bent awkwardly as people in the crowd applaud, his eyes flashing with a petrifying intensity.

“Thanks for the dance, Sugar,” Clark goes to press his lips to yours but you manage to turn your head so he catches the corner of your mouth.

He growls his disapproval and pulls away, returning you to your feet. Suddenly, you are pushed apart, someone gripping your upper arm and pulling you away from Clark.

“Dance is over now, Clark,” Wanda asserts, standing in front of you protectively. Clark tilts his head, jaw ticking before he nods slowly and backs away.

“See you soon, Sugar,” Clark says over his shoulder, as he heads toward the exit.

[butyoumakemesohot]

Another fun take:

Eddie is the type of person that gives off the illusion of being transparent, like you know everything you could possibly know about him that he wears his feelings on his sleeve…but if once someone actually sit down and think about they realize they don’t know anything about him aside from surface knowledge.

I feel like Steve is the same way he just has a different personality, if that makes sense.

i can def see this!!

eddie has no qualms when it comes to sharing trivial things about himself. all of his friends know his favorite color and whether or not he likes pineapple on pizza and how much he loves dogs. in fact he probably babbled about all those things the first time they met him just to fill any awkward silence. then one day, steve/nancy/robin are all talking and come to the realization that they don’t know eddie’s middle name. or what his childhood was like. or what exactly happened to his parents. but they know dumb shit like the fact that he can say the alphabet backwards or something haha

with steve it’s a bit different; he’s not as chatty as eddie but everyone knows his interests/quirks/etc. just from watching him. like, he doesn’t have to tell dustin how much he likes star wars because he quotes han solo all the time. but then one day he’s like “i have to go out of town for my grandma’s funeral tomorrow” and his friends have trouble processing this very normal statement because it’s such a personal anecdote about his life, which he rarely shares, yet he’s just said it so casually. and it makes them wonder what else he’s hiding, because they didn’t realize his grandma was sick. or that his grandparents were even still around.

[sexybabystevie]

Ok, so I've had this HC for a really long time, even incorporating into my own self insert fic but it's the fact that originally before Steve had been introduced to a bunch of different kinds of film, his favorite genre was comedy. Specifically I feel like Mel Brooks ridiculous comedies would be right up his alley. I think that whenever his house was too quiet before he met the party and made a bunch of other friends that he would use these movies to his advantage, especially Young Frankenstein.

After he meets Robin and starts working at family video he still has a lot of nostalgia for the comedies that made him laugh when he was going through the first two rounds of the Upside Down. I think that he's watched his movies so many times that he becomes the most annoying person ever whenever something like Space Balls, Blazing Saddles, or Young Frankenstein for family movie night with references and talking over the movie *do I say this because my family does the same thing? No comment*

you're right!! steve is SUCH a comedy guy and he's totally the guy who repeats every single line after the the third time he's seen it.

steve using movies as a means of coping with his loneliness and with his trauma is something i've personally never put together, but i love it! sometimes he just needs a laugh, and when he doesn't have anyone around who can do that for him, he turns to movies. so much so that i think he probbly used them to fall asleep in his empty home many nights, dozing off on his living room couch because there's no reason for him to make the trek upstairs to his room when no one else is there.

i feel like familiar things bring him a lot of comfort, and of course a genuine love for the movies themselves makes him watch them with his friends on their movie nights. he is 100% the annoying guy who quotes every line either right as it's said or right before it's being said, and he's also the type to get super excited to share the things he likes with his friends, so he unintentionally spoils some things. "okay, okay, just watch. this is the exact moment when..." and it drives robin and the kids absolutely insane.

he also annoys robin with them at work, always insisting that his favorite comedies are playing on the tape player when it's his turn to choose. thankfully robin is the main one who broadens his movie tastes, alongside some of the kids, but little does she know that he'll be just as insufferable about those as he already is about his beloved comedies.