#“hey Bruce remember the time you suggested BUYING ME A NEW SKIN

[ghost-bxrd]

read your ask about how the batfam would react to learning that someone stole jason's coat during a gala and for two secs it didn't register whose asks i was reading that i just went "i mean why would they even care? i mean sure, it's shitty but shit happens, unless it was designer? but bruce is a billionaire why would they- ooooh right"

felt like i should share

Lmaooo I can totally see that happen to one of the bats tho.

Jason is just unconsolable, blubbering about his coat missing, and Bruce absently remarking they can just buy a new one. It’s fine. Before his brain catches up to what Jason is actually saying and then it’s just— PANIC™️ 😭😂

[bre-meister]

absolutely adore the way you write the greens! so buttercup and butch and just domestic bliss? just any fluff is fine!

first, I’d like to apologize for long this took, and then I’d like to apologize for how long this is...she got a little out of hand but I hope you like it!

                                                   Family Trips

Butch was happy. Quite frankly, he couldn’t recall a time in the last few years that he hadn’t been happy, but today he was especially happy. 

Buttercup had offhandedly mentioned needing some basic things for around the house when they had been cleaning up after dinner one night and he knew their four year old could use a new pair of shoes - God knows that kid went through sneakers like a maniac but Butch supposed between his superpowers and being his son that it wasn’t that surprising. So, he had suggested that they take advantage of the upcoming weekend and spend a day downtown. Both adults agreed that now would probably be the best time to get some much-needed shopping done considering the recent drop in monster attacks that usually came with the changing of seasons. 

So, when Saturday rolled around Butch woke in a good mood knowing that this would be a day specifically for spending time with his family. His mood got even better when Bruce was well mannered at breakfast. Despite being very obviously excited for a day out, the boy was showing none of his usual signs of misbehavior even going as far as to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when Buttercup asked him what he wanted for breakfast. 

The car ride to the mall was also uneventful in the best of ways. Bruce sat in his car seat with no objections and talked candidly about all the fun things he would do when he stayed the night at his cousin’s later that day. Butch made a mental note as he drove that a stop at the candy store would probably be in order before they dropped Bruce off at Brick and Blossom’s.

“Mamma?” Bruce ended his excited rant to ask his mother a question,

“What’s up, green bean?” Butch smiled at the nickname his wife had for their son.

“Can I get a dinosaur so I can take it with me and I can play with Bryce?”

“I know for a fact that Bryce had tons of dinosaurs you guys could play with tonight. I’m sure Bryce wouldn’t mind sharing.”

Butch could see Bryce’s face form a small scowl from a quick look in the rearview mirror. 

“Ya but, I don’t have any to play with at home either.”

“Well buddy,” Butch interjected, “you would if hadn’t broken yours.”

Bruce deflated at the memory of why he no longer had any dinosaur toys.

“Here’s the deal.” Buttercup turned in her seat slightly until she could look Bruce in the face, “If you behave, maybe Daddy and I will let you pick out a new dinosaur.”

Bruce immediately perked up at the possibility of a new toy,

“Really?”

“Only if you behave the whole time.”  At that, Buttercup reached to tug playfully on one of Bruce’s legs.

The little boy pulled back and roared, throwing his arms up. Butch could only assume that he was pretending to be a dinosaur. He let out a chuckle as Buttercup continued their little game until Butch found a parking spot.

“Ok mister dinosaur,” Butch opened the passenger side door and helped Bruce out of his seat, “remember the deal.”

Bruce smiled up at his father, “Behave!”

Butch chuckled before holding his hand out for Bruce to hold onto as they crossed the parking lot and entered the typically crowded mall.

For his credit, Bruce sat patiently as a store clerk fitted him for new sneakers - green of course. He politely gave his input on what dress his Mamma looked prettiest in for her interview with his aunties the next week. He even ate his lunch in the food court without making any more of a mess one would expect from a four-year-old.

After lunch, the small family had just two more things from their list to pick up. Thankfully, the sheets and towels that Buttercup preferred were found in the same store.

“Mamma,” Bruce tugged on Buttercup’s hand as they made their way inside the homeware shop, “can I ride in the cart?”

Buttercup looked at the lines of grey shopping carts that Bruce was currently pointing at.

“Are you going to stay in the cart the whole time?”

The little boy nodded his affirmation so Butch made his way over to snag one, ruffling Bruce’s hair as he went.

Butch knew when he suggested this family day at the mall that Bruce would most probably be tired by the end and he could tell his original instinct when, instead of floating up into the seat himself, Bruce lifted his arms up to Butch. He made a show of lifting the boy into the little plastic seat upfront - even without his powers, it would take minimal effort considering that Bruce was a little small for his age - causing the four-year-old to giggle.

“You’re silly Daddy.”

“Am I? Or are you just really heavy?”

“Am not! Mamma, am I heavy?”

Buttercup chuckled at her two boy’s antics,

“No baby, but Daddy is.”

Butch scoffed, placing a hand over his heart in mock indignation and hurt. Buttercup turned her head slightly but didn’t stop pushing the cart towards where she knew the sheets would be. Bruce laughed at his parents' familiar back and forth.

“That’s pure muscle you're talking about, woman! Heavy my ass.” Butch said once he caught back up.

Buttercup gave him a look. Bruce tended to repeat words he learned from his Dad and, more often than not, it would lead to a scolding for her from her older sister. He mouthed a sorry towards her but they both knew he wasn’t. Personally Butch thought those lectures were kind of funny considering that, before they got together, Brick cursed like a sailor. His older brother would still let something slip every now and again - it never quite ended well for the redhead when that happened.

Bruce seemed to have not noticed Butch’s own slip up though, 

“I’m gonna have mus-cels just like you Daddy!” Butch could tell that, sometimes, Bruce was bothered by his small size. He always tried his best to encourage him when that happened,

“Of course buddy! You’ll get there in time, just like me.”

Buttercup made a beeline straight to the collection of black sheets, stopping in front of the vast choices to decide which ones to purchase. Butch never put in his two sense on these kinds of things. If it were up to him they'd probably be sleeping on the scratchiest sheets in existence - just something to cover the mattress. He’d learned in the years they’d been together though that his wife had skin more sensitive to these kinds of things than him so he usually just let her get whatever she wanted and when he had to pick, he’d just go with whatever was softest.

They'd been standing in silence for a few moments until Bruce spoke up,

“How much longer Mamma?”

“Not much longer green bean. I just need to figure out which one of these is least likely to tear.” Buttercup pushed and pulled the cart in front of her slightly in an attempt to calm Bruce.

“I feel like we just bought sheets.” She said exasperatedly.

“Probably because we did. Ya know, we wouldn’t have to keep buying them if someone would just stop ripping them.” Butch lowered his voice to a level he knew only BC would be able to hear, Bruce not having learned how to train his superhearing to that extent yet.

Buttercup blushed at the implications of the sentence. She looked away from all the sheets for a moment to sneak a glance at Bruce who looked to be on the verge of a twitching episode brought on by his annoyance at all the sheets - a quirk he inherited from his dad. One look at the kid told both his parents that he would need a nap before heading over to the red’s place.

“Hey, the towels are just around the corner. Would you mind - ?”

“Don’t worry, I got you.” Butch didn’t need her to explain to know what her goal here was, they knew each other better than anyone. If they split up they could get out of here faster which meant Bruce could get his nap faster. 

He also knew that no matter how tired he was Bruce would insist on getting his Dinosaur. Butch supposed he earned it - his behavior today had been wonderful aside from currently but who could really blame him?

By the time he found what he considered to be the fluffiest towels available - green, gotta stick with the theme - Buttercup had apparently decided which sheets would put up the most fight against her superstrength. He met back up with her and Bruce in the line for the register upfront, the latter of which was almost jumping out of his seat at this point.

Deciding to avoid disaster before it struck, Butch placed the new set of towels in the cart and gathered the squirming child into his arms. Bruce seemed to settle down once he was no longer confined to the shopping cart.

Looking ahead of him at the long line for checkout Butch made an executive decision.

“Hey,” he turned towards his wife, “I’m gonna take the little man to the toy store and get him his reward.”

“Dinosaur?” Bruce perked up immediately.

Buttercup shot Butch a thankful look before turning to address their little boy,

“Well you held up your end of the deal, it’s only fair we hold up ours. But you still have to behave for the rest of the trip, got it?”

Bruce shook his head eagerly, giggling as his Momma tickled his stomach. 

Butch made to set the boy down so he could walk but was stopped by Bruce’s protest,

“No Daddy.” He tugged on Butch’s sleeve slightly to let him know that he wanted to be carried. 

Usually, he would insist that Bruce walk, he was a big boy after all but Butch knew he would probably be pushing his luck. Butch was a brave man but even brave men did not want to handle superpowered tantrums in a crowded place. 

Placing the boy back on his hip, Butch was reminded of when Bruce was smaller and he’d carry him around more often. His kid was already four now - time really flew by. 

Bruce layed his head down on Butch’s shoulder and, for a minute, Butch thought the boy had fallen asleep due to how quiet he was. He was proven wrong though as soon as the toy store came into view. Bruce immediately began to squirm in his father’s hold - a sign he wanted to be put down. Butch complied but kept a firm grip on the child to avoid a superpowered accident. 

Butch noticed that Bruce seemed to take careful consideration as to which toy he wanted. Eventually, he had narrowed his choices down to either a green and blue-winged dinosaur and a purple t-rex. Bruce looked up to his dad with the biggest puppy dog eyes he could muster and, although Butch had a weakness in anything involving his kid, he had prepared himself for this. He schooled his features into what he hoped conveyed sternness.

“One.” He held up a finger to emphasize.

Bruce sighed deeply and Butch tried to hide his chuckle at the blatant show of disappointment. The child stared at the two plastic toys in his hand before ultimately deciding.

“I want the pterodactyl!” Bruce held up his prize to his dad’s face.

“Are you sure?”

“Mhmm, I’m sure Daddy.”

Butch’s superhearing picked up on a few older women swooning over the apparent cuteness of their current scene. 

“Look at how cute they are.”

“Men with babies are just adorable.”

Bruce must have picked up on them because he turned to the end of the aisle and assured the two women that he was most definitely not a baby.

Butch made to apologize on behalf of this kid but the women waved him off,

“Of course, how silly of us. You’ve got quite a brilliant young man on your hands there.”

“Oh,” Butch answered back, “you have no idea.”

The two women laughed. They made a few more comments before leaving, mostly about how handsome Bruce was and how he looked the spitting image of his father - Butch had to agree with both. 

Father and son made their way to the front of the store to pay for the toy.”

“What’s this again, a triceratops?” Butch knew that he was wrong. He lifted the toy towards his face and made a show of examining it just to get a laugh out of his kid. The question was also used to distract the once again noticeably tired child as they waited in line.

“No Daddy,” Bruce sounded exasperated and Butch couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face, “It’s a pterodactyl.” 

“Hmm. You should make sure to show Uncle brick when you see him today ok? I don’t think he knows his dinosaurs very well.” 

Bruce perked up at the idea of teaching his super-smart uncle something new. Butch knew he was being a little shit but he couldn’t help it. Brick wouldn’t correct the little boy but he knew he would be practically dying to give the boy a lecture as to why ‘pterodactyls’ aren’t a real dinosaur and how the proper name was pteranodon (look, Butch was a smart cookie too he just didn’t flaunt it the same way as his brother).

After paying and handing the toy back off to Bruce, Butch checked his phone to see a message from his wife to meet her back at the car.

Bruce once again motioned that he didn’t want to walk. This time Butch placed the kid on his shoulders and Bruce sat contentedly, one hand gripping onto his hair to keep himself steady. One the walk to the car Bruce used his free hand to make his new dinosaur fly, squawking noises Butcha assumed were supposed to be dinosaur sounds occasionally escaped from his mouth.

When they finally made it to where they had parked, Butch saw Buttercup leaning against the car with the various bags they had accumulated over the day sitting on the ground around her feet. He raised an eyebrow at her.

“You have the keys, genius.”  

Despite her rude comment, Buttercup placed a kiss on Butch’s cheek as she haled Bruce off of his shoulders. Bruce happily settled into his mother’s arms, eyes drooping, and head resting on her shoulder. Butch unlocked the doors as Buttercup made her was around the car.

“Are you tired, green bean?”

Butch heard Bruce mumble his dissent and he imagined that the boy was shaking his head although he couldn’t actually see from where he was placing the bags in the back of the car.

Walking back around to the driver's side door Butch could see his wife place a kiss on their son’s head. Bruce responded with another squawk and Butch couldn’t help but smile at the sight of his wife laughing so candidly with their son, happiness exuding from both of them.

The car ride home was just long enough to lull Bruce off to sleep. Buttercup made sure to be gentle as she brought the sleeping child inside the house and up to his room. When he woke he’d be upset that he had indeed succumbed to the nap that he so obviously needed - preferring to have rather gotten to his cousin's house early so he could show off his new dinosaur.

Pulling the covers back Buttercup layed Bruce down in the small bed and carefully tucked the covers around his little body. Bruce shifted, turning from his back to his side and hugging his new toy closer. Buttercup moved his bangs out of his face.

“He’s gonna need a haircut soon,” Buttercup said in a form of acknowledgment of her husband having entered the room. Her voice was low so as to not wake the sleeping child.

Butch hummed, moving away from the door frame where he had been standing and closer to the bed. 

“You need one too.” Butch ran a hand through his hair. She was right. He tended to keep the sides short but the hair on the top of his head was beginning to curl in front of his eyes. 

“I brought all the bags in.” He mimicked her volume level.

“And I suppose that's all you did?” Buttercup said, referring to his habit of bringing in groceries but leaving them on the counter instead of putting them in their right place.

Butch just shrugged,

“ I wanted to come check in on you two. I’ll put everything away later.”

Buttercup turned her head away from him but not fast enough to hide the small smile that tugged at her lips. Looking back down at their son she placed a kiss on his chubby cheeks before standing up from the bed. Butch opens his arms and Buttercup gladly accepts the affection.

“He’s getting so big.” she sighed.

“I know. Thank you for giving him to me. I never thought I’d ever have...anything like this, I -”

“Stop it.” Buttercup sternly interrupted him. “It doesn't matter what you may or may not have done in the past, it’s exactly that - the past. I love you, ok? So much. So does Bruce. That little boy adores you, Butch; you say he’s a Mamma’s boy, but all I see is that he wants to be just like his Daddy. Don’t ever say anything like that again.” By the end of her scolding Buttercup was holding Butch’s face in her hands. Butch leaned in and kissed her.

When they broke apart, Butch looked back over to Bruce who was still sleeping peacefully, hair having fallen back into his face.

“We should have another one.” the words slipped from his mouth before he could stop them,

It was something they'd been considering lately - having another kid. Butch wanted to. Secretly, he was hoping they’d have a little girl. He could see it now; she’d look just like her Mamma and he’d spoil her senseless. Bruce would be a great big brother.

“I want that.”

“What?” he was confused.

“Whatever world you’re thinking up in your head where we’re all happy and loved and Bruce gets a sibling, I want it.” Buttercup was smiling so wide Butch couldn’t help but mirror her. 

“How did you…?”

“You say it all the time, we know each other better than anyone; sometimes better than we know ourselves.”

Butch didn’t think his smile could get any larger but as he stood there with his loving, beautiful wife in his arms and his son sleeping peacefully and contently just a few steps away, he couldn’t help it. His smile was so wide and so bright and yet, Butch knew that it still couldn’t convey just how happy he was, how lucky he was, how...loved he was in this life that he never thought he’d be able to live.

[magicmanias]

Greyhound Station [Prologue]

Chapter: Prologue

Pairing: Firefighter!Bucky Barnes x Ballerina!Reader

Summary: Since she was eight years old, Y/N Parker knew only one thing for certain: that she would always love James Buchanan Barnes. By fourteen, she was positive she knew everything—including that Bucky would be hers forever. When she was eighteen, she realized she really only knew three things: one, that New York was rotten, two, that she would be a dancer no matter what her parents said, and three, that she would do everything in her power to never see James Buchanan Barnes again. But now, Y/N is twenty-four and somehow, she’s back at where she started all those years ago, at a Greyhound station on 206 Livingston Street.

Warnings:  Fluff, (Loveable) Asshole Clint Barton, Swearing

Word Count: 2.2k

A/N: I’m rewriting this series with my good friend, Angelina! Please go check out her account and follow her. She’s an amazing human being and she’s so amazing for helping me write this god forsaken story. I hope you all enjoy what’s coming soon!

Co-written by @dearspacepirates ​​ and @angelinathebook​.

GHS Masterlist // Next >>

[Summer of 2011, Freshman Year, 15 y/o.]

July 12 was going to go down in history as the day that Y/N Julianne Parker conquered her fear of heights. 

For the past seven years you've lived in Brooklyn, you and the gang went to Coney Island every day that you possibly could in the seventy-seven days of summer that school offered you. And every year, everyone would buy a ticket for the Wonder Wheel… except you. So for an hour of waiting time and ten minutes while your friends could be heard from the top screaming and laughing, you sat at the bottom waiting. But it wasn’t so bad. Someone always sat out with you to keep you company while the rest rode the wheel. Of course, you always felt a little guilty about it; like the little sister that no one wanted to deal with. They drew straws and the unlucky member that was picked didn't get to partake in, apparently, the “best ride ever” that year. 

[Summer of 2004, Third Grade, 8 y/o.]

The first time the gang went to Coney Island, well, the gang was much smaller. Just you, Steve, and Bucky. Sarah was the one to suggest that the boys draw straws.

“We don't leave each other behind,” she'd said, taking out the straw of her coke and cutting it into different sized pieces with the pocket knife from her ex-husband. “Now, that also applies to me. Three straws. Steve, Bucky, and me. Whoever picks the shortest straw stays with Y/N.”

You stared at your feet and shuffled your feet. “I-I don't want to keep you guys from—”

A comforting hand landed on your shoulder and Sarah gave you a warm smile. “Hey, we're not abandoning you.” She ruffled Steve and Bucky’s hair with her spare hand. “These two little buggers and I? We're with you until the end of the line, baby.”

Steve had drawn the short straw that particular time, but he didn't really mind. He said heights triggered his allergies anyway.

[Summer of 2011, Freshman Year, 15 y/o.]

“You can do this. You can do this. Just brea—”

“Hey, relax, will you? You've been shaking since we picked you up. It's a ferris wheel.” Tony slung his arm around your shoulders, chewing on the stick of the lollipop he started on the walk there. He peaked at you imphisly from under his sunglasses.

“Lay off, Stark. Just be nice about it, ok? She's nervous,” Steve butted in. Always the hero, you thought. 

“Thanks, Stevie. But really, I am… ok. I can do this,” you insisted. You looked up at the giant wheel and your stomach floored. The line shifted forward and Bruce bumped into you.

Bruce adjusted his tilted glasses. “Oh sorry—”

“I can't do this!”

Half of the crew sighed and started digging through their pockets. Tony, Thor, and Natasha muttered small curses before handing fives to Clint, Loki, and Bucky. 

“I really thought you were going to this time around,” Natasha groaned, but she still smiled at you before glaring at a very satisfied Clint.

You huffed in annoyance. “Even you, Bucky?”

“Don't hate the player. Hate the game, killer,” he smirked, shoving Thor's five into his pocket. You continued to frown.

“Aw, come on, doll. Don't be that way.” Bucky came over to you, placed his hands in his jacket, and shot an innocent pout at you. “You know I love you. You're my dream girl.”

You punched him in the arm. “Fuck off, James.”

He backed up like a wounded dog, holding his arm. “Hey, I'm just trying to make us some money. So we can start a life together, baby. You and me.” 

Flirt. You rolled your eyes.

“Whatever,” Tony muttered, putting his wallet back in his pocket. “Who's got the straws?”

Steve bashfully pulled out multiple straws of different lengths and began to shuffle them in his palms. The routine started again. Everyone pulled a straw: Tony, Clint, Bruce, Thor, Nat, then Bucky. 

Bucky drew the short stick. 

The gang patted his shoulder—their clandestine form of sympathy, just as the routine went. The gang entered the line and you and your unlucky companion for the next hour and ten minutes sat on the bench near the vintage ice cream parlor that sold flavors all the way back to the 1930s. And then, you'd thank whoever sat with you. Sometimes, they bought you a cone or if they had historically Irish luck, then you'd buy them a sundae because it was the second time they had to sit with you. (A rightfully bitter Clint once asked for the most expensive item on the menu and Coney Island prices weren't cheap.)

Something about this time was different though. It was funny. In all the seven years you'd known Bucky, he never once drew the short straw. Never. Long had he been accused of cheating, but your peers could never prove it. Until now.

Apparently, he wasn't cheating.

You decided to stick to the routine anyway, despite the sour frown on Bucky's face. 

“Thanks,” you mumbled. You tried to shoot him a small smile, but his pout persisted and he shoved his hands in his jacket pockets. 

You sat there for a good ten minutes until you started to get sick of Bucky’s frown. Bucky was always difficult when he was in a bad mood, but after years of trial and error, you knew how to deal with his moodiness. “I’ll be right back,” you said.

You got up and waded into the crowd of people before disappearing altogether from Bucky’s view. He slumped further into the bench. “Why am I even here if you're just gonna split?” he muttered.

After several minutes, Bucky’s cheeks began to hurt and he sat up. Where were you? He stood and scanned the surrounding area for his annoyingly evasive friend. 

“Hey!” A finger poked him in the shoulder and when he turned, he was met with a large ice cream cone shoved in front of him. Behind it, stood Y/N with an innocent grin lining her face.

Bucky took the cone and smirked, “You remembered.”

“Burgundy cherry on a sugar cone. Two scoops,” you recited, rocking back and forth on your heels.

He chuckled. She always knew how to cheer him up. He stared at the scoop of pink ice cream. “I’m sorry for being… dumb about the ferris wheel. I know you don't like it,” he mumbled. 

“It’s okay.” You blushed behind your cone, hoping Bucky wouldn't see. “You’re lucky you've got those baby blues, Barnes. It's what's kept me around all these years,” you joked, shoving him playfully in the arm. 

Bucky pulled away in pretend pain. “Careful killer, you just might make me fall in love with you.”

“Save it, Barnes.” 

Bucky watched you while you returned to licking your ice cream. As much as he loved you, Bucky was going on that ride.

He stood up and reached out for your hand, smiling warmly. “Come on, Killer. I've got a surprise for you.”

You looked up with excitement. “Really?”

“Yeah, but you gotta close your eyes.” Bucky walked behind you and covered your eyes with his free hand. “Trust me. You'll like this.”

“Holy fuck, Bucky!” you screeched, pushing into Bucky’s side, trying to get away from the edge of the seat. Your heart pounded out of your chest as you rose higher and higher. You screwed your eyes shut, but it only accelerated the tears that poked at the corners and threatened to spill down your cheeks. 

“Bucky, I want off…” you whimpered. “I want to get off.” 

“Hey, just don’t look down. You’re safe with me,” he assured you, taking your hand in his. You squeezed it, hard. He pulled his other arm away from where you pressed against it and wrapped it around your shoulders, beckoning you into his embrace. 

“Please Bucky, I want to get down,” you whispered, one single tear rolling down your cheek as you spoke. You knew what you were asking wasn’t rational, but logic and reason were left on the ground below, along with your confidence. 

“Just focus on your breathing and focus on me,” He coached, making stupid deep-breathing gestures with his arms. 

“What about you? Focus on how much I hate you or the strong urge I have to punch you?” You fire back, not feeling at all comforted. If anything, that made it worse. You were slowly rising higher and higher and the pit in your stomach grew deeper and deeper. 

“Well I… was thinking more like something along the lines of this,” he murmured, taking your hands. He started to rub small circles into the skin of your hand with his thumb, “And this,” he said with the same soft intensity, the arm that was wrapped tightly around your shoulders, snaking itself around your waist, pulling you in closer to him. You could feel the heat radiating from his body, warming you from the breeze of being so high. And then Bucky made that stupid face that made you feel all warm and fluttery inside. So stupid…

Bucky watched as you calmed your breathing. He knew you’d probably uphold your promise to punch him when you got off, but it was worth it. You shivered at the cool temperature from being at the top of the ferris wheel. Bucky’s instincts pulled your closer to him; he was always warm, so you would always cuddle up to him. It was then that Bucky realized that he was still holding your hand and you were still staring at him with your stupid, doe eyes. 

And that’s when Bucky couldn’t take it anymore. 

All of freshman year, you and he had been dancing around each other, daring the other to just say something, but the two of you were probably the most stubborn people on the planet. He wasted all of freshman year flirting with other girls because he had too much pride to just admit that you were the only one for him. Fuck friendship, Bucky Barnes fell hard for you and he didn’t want to come up for air any time soon. 

“What’re you starin’ at, pretty boy?” you mumbled. 

“Killer, you’re gonna be the death of me.”

“Oh, just wait until we get off this damn—mphf!”

Lips connected to yours. The butterflies in your stomach that started flapping because of your sheer terror, began to fly for entirely different reasons. His lips were soft and gentle. You gripped his hand a little tighter and lifted your free one to drag it through his hair.

“Oh shit! Are you guys fucking making out!?” You could hear Clint’s voice two cars down. 

“Holy shit!” Tony. “Someone get a picture! Also, Thor owes me 20 bucks!”

“What!? You couldn’t have waited like another week, Barnes!?” Thor’s voice boomed. 

Bucky placed his hand on the side of his mouth and yelled down, “Stop betting on everything!” He sucked in his lip in annoyance and huffed at his friends’ commentary and his ruined moment with you. But you just chuckled.

“I think this is my new favorite ride,” you said and Bucky’s face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. He placed his hands on the sides of your head and kissed your forehead.

“So does this mean you’re my girl, killer?” he mumbled against your head.

“I don’t know, James. I’m still pretty mad that you tricked me.”

“Didn’t you say you liked this ride now. I remember you calling it ‘your favorite ride,’” he said, bending his fingers in air quotes.

“I’m punching you when we get off this stupid machine, jerk.”

“If it means I get to kiss those pretty lips again, then hit me with your best shot.”

[Summer of 2020, 24 y/o.]

“We are now in New York City. This is 206 Livingston Street. Thank you for riding with Greyhound and we hope you have a good day.” 

The double-doors of the bus opened with a hiss and you gathered your bags after saying goodbye to the nice father who was taking his boys on a trip to the Big Apple for their summer vacation.

Your phone buzzed.

Today | 10:00 am

Wanda: Hey, just wanted to make sure you got here ok :) Y/N: I just got off. I’m headed to your apartment right now. Wanda: Are you sure you don’t want me to help you with your bags? Y/N: I’m ok. Just waiting for a cab.  Wanda: Ok, stay safe <3.  Wanda: And remember! Drinks at the Odinsons’ at 8, ok?  Y/N: Ok, I'll think about it… Are you sure he won't be there? Wanda: No, drama queen. He took an extra shift at the station anyway. Wanda: Be there! x

You stared at the apartment in front of you and thought about Wanda's last text. You were hesitant to go anyway. Seeing everyone again… It'd bring back too many memories that all involved him. Maybe Wanda was right. You were a drama queen. You couldn't even think his name without being upset. And even though you were in the largest city in America, you had a feeling it would be hard to avoid him. 

God, you couldn't believe you were back here. Six years ago, you swore you'd never come back to New York and here you were in the same place you started. 

Hopefully, Thor still made good drinks.

[etherealwaifgoddess]

To Give Him The World, Chpt.5

Main Characters: Thor x Ellie (original female character)

Summary: Ellie takes Thor on a walk into town for coffee and a little sightseeing. If you haven’t read the first four chapters you can catch up HERE!

Warnings/ Content: as usual- fluff and Thor getting frustrated with himself but Ellie helps him through it. Brief mention of PTSD and depression. Personal head cannon - I like to think that Bruce would have pulled Thor aside after Endgame and been like “Buddy, this isn’t just about being sad. You can get help. PTSD is real. Depression is real. Gods aren’t excluded from suffering.”  #brucebannerisagoodbro

Word Count: 2.9k

Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! It’s been a loooong week. I’m so happy it’s Friday because I’m planning on scrubbing through the rest of this fic tomorrow morning while sipping my coffee and pretending the outside world doesn’t exist. For now, enjoy chapter five. We’re over halfway through ya’ll!  XOXO - Ash

To Give Him The World, Chapter Five

Ellie led the way to New Asgard’s only coffee shop. It was situated at the edge of the main shopping street with patio seating outside under the blue and white awning. It was bright and cheery inside with walls of books and a whole section of teas and coffees to buy and make at home. Thor looked around eagerly, having never been inside before. Ellie let him look around a minute while she headed for the counter, desperately ready for her morning coffee. 

A young man with short cropped hair and rich brown skin stood behind the counter. He waved as she approached, “Morning Ellie! Your usual?”

“Hey Marcus. Yes, a big one today, I need it.” Ellie told him.

“I bet you do…. I see that guy you brought in with you. Hel-lo tall, chubby, and handsome. So is the dry spell over then?” Marcus quirked an eyebrow at her suggestively and she couldn’t suppress a giggle. She had befriended the overly dramatic barista when the shop opened four years ago and she started coming in daily for her coffee fix. Marcus had the morning shift on the weekdays, and sometimes on weekends they would find time to hang out. He was always up for some girl talk and his own dating life was much more exciting than Ellie’s so she got to live vicariously through him and his escapades to find his very own prince charming. 

Ellie blushed and couldn’t bring herself to possibly embarrass Thor by talking about him. “Be nice, he’s an old friend. I’m not sure about anything more just yet.”

Marcus shrugged, “Says the girl in yesterday’s clothes.”

“Marcus!” Ellie picked up a biscotti out of the counter top bin and threw it at him. 

Marcus laughed as he dodged it and walked over to the espresso bar to start on Ellie’s vanilla latte.

Thor had heard the commotion and walked over to join Ellie at the counter. He stared intently at the board reading through the options. “There are so many things.” he said almost to himself. Thor was starting to fluster, not knowing what most of the items on the menu were and becoming frustrated that he was inept at something as simple as finding the right type of coffee. He wished for a beer, he wouldn’t have to worry about anything if he just had a few beers. 

“Why don’t you get what I’m having and if you want to try something new next time, Marcus can go through the different types with us. I don’t know what half of this crap is.” Ellie offered.

“Okay, whatever you’re having is fine.”

“Marcus,” Ellie called over to him, “Make that two.”

“Not a problem, doll face. Gimme one sec.” 

Thor looked from Marcus to Ellie curiously.

“He’s a good friend. I come in daily for my caffeine fix and his dating life gossip.” 

Thor nodded, “Hello, Ellie’s friend.” He called out.

“Hello Ellie’s other friend.” Marcus called back cheerily. He took a minute to glance over and get a good look at the new man in his friend’s life, but his jaw dropped when he saw it was Thor. Marcus fumbled with the frothing milk pitcher, splashing a little on his hand with a curse. “I’m so sorry. I meant no disrespect your majesty.” Marcus tried to back peddle. 

Thor shook his head, “None taken. Any friend of Ellie’s is a friend of mine. It’s great to meet you. Please, call me Thor.” Thor extended his hand warmly which Marcus scrambled over to shake. Thor shook the smaller man’s hand heartily and Ellie had to bite her lip from laughing as Marcus’ whole body was swayed by the shake. 

Marcus was still wide eyed but managed to speak, “I’m Marcus. Can I get you something to drink?”

Thor nodded, ”Well, Marcus, I’m going to have whatever Ellie ordered.”

“Oh, right. Sorry. It should be almost done.” Marcus scrambled back to the espresso bar to finish the drink. He shot Ellie a quick text while he waited for the last two shots of espresso to pour. “Details girl. You owe me details.” He typed. 

Ellie’s phone chimed in her pocket and she pulled it out to check. She laughed when she read the message. “Later. Promise.” She sent back. 

Thor looked inquisitively at Ellie’s phone. “Everyone seems to be obsessed with those mobile devices. I don’t understand it.”

“They keep people connected.” Ellie explained, “It’s much easier to send a quick morning hello, or just something you found funny by text than call and have a whole conversation. Think about it, if you wanted to talk to Valkyrie to catch up, what would you do?”

“Hit myself in the face. It’s what she’d end up doing anyway.”

“Thor!” Ellie giggled and smacked his arm, “Be serious.”

“Alright. I would call her from my house phone. Or I would walk down to find her in town.”

“Okay, perfect. So, you would only walk to town once a day, right? You wouldn’t make trips down and back just because you thought of something else. You wouldn’t call her several times a day with small things.”

“No, I’d wait.”

“Exactly. With cell phones we stay connected all the time. You could tell her right away when you think of something instead of waiting until your next trip into town and possibly forgetting it.” 

“Hmm.” Thor took a minute to ponder her words, “It could be useful. But I don’t know if anyone needs me interrupting their day that much.” he says with a self depreciating chuckle. 

“I go back to work on Monday and I wouldn’t mind having my day interrupted by hearing from you.” 

Thor felt a blush spreading across his cheeks and ducked his head to look at the floor. He was saved by the return of Marcus with two lattes in hand. “Here you go. It was good seeing you Ellie, and nice meeting you, your magis…. Thor.” Marcus feels weird calling their king by his first name but doesn’t want to make an even larger faux paux by refusing to respect his wishes. 

Thor shoots Marcus a grateful smile for catching himself and pulls Ellie’s hand into his as they exit the shop. The streets are busy for a Friday morning and Thor’s hand squeezes Ellie’s a little tighter when people recognize him and say hello. He’s anxious but holding on and Ellie is so proud he’s managing. One overeager older gentleman stops them and begins giving Thor a piece of his mind for abdicating the throne to a non royal woman. Thor shifts uncomfortably, trying to come up with a polite response and squeezing Ellie’s hand for dear life. 

Ellie decides she’s heard enough chauvinistic rambling and steps in. “Wouldn’t you say being present is extremely important to governing a community?”

The old man’s eyes narrowed in on Ellie, unsure where she was going, “Well yes, of course.” he conceded.

“Good, we agree then. You can’t lead people if you’re not there and Thor has been part of the Avengers for almost a decade. He could be called away at a moment’s notice. He has been called away so much within that time that he’s been away more than he’s been here. Valkyrie hasn’t left since she returned and has no other obligations to pull her away. Clearly Thor made the right choice in leaving Asgard under her care.” 

The old man stared at Ellie like he wanted to argue but needed to restrategize first. Ellie didn’t give him a chance. “But thank you so much for stopping to say hello. We must be off. I hope you have a lovely weekend.” Ellie pulled Thor along with her, refusing to look back and enjoy what was probably a hilarious expression on the man’s face. 

Thor was stunned at how easily Ellie shut the man down and was staring at her, baffled, as they moved briskly down the sidewalk. Ellie looked up to see Thor’s face and gave him a little shrug, “Sorry if I overstepped. That guy was relentless and you seemed to be really uncomfortable.”

“You didn’t.” he assured her, “And I was. That man is exactly why I stay home.”

“Oh darling, no. Don’t let him get to you. We’re going to have a lovely morning out. I’m with you and nobody is going to upset you as long as I’m here.” Ellie promised him. 

Thor smiled down at her, amused by her determination. Remembering the cup in his hand, he asked, “I rather like this drink. What was it called?”

“Vanilla latte. I get one every morning from there.” 

“I might have to start. It’s like coffee but better.”

Ellie chuckled at his description. “It’s mostly milk and sugar but it has espresso which is kind of like really strong coffee.”

Thor nods, thinking for a moment, “And the cafe is open every day?”

“Yes, every day. Though Marcus is only there on weekday mornings. The weekend morning girl is Rachel.” 

“You really do go everyday.” 

“Of course! I can’t make this at home and it’s typically my breakfast.” 

“This is your breakfast?”

“Yeah, mostly. I never seem to remember to prep anything or bring it along even when I do.” 

Thor frowns, “You need more than that for a morning meal.” 

“I survive just fine, Thor. And look, we’re here.” Ellie pointed to the gates of the community garden. 

It was a beautiful area dedicated to nature and fenced off from the town surrounding it. The paths throughout the space were lined with smooth river rocks in varying sizes and low lying flowering plants. It managed to be whimsical and elegant all at the same time. You wouldn’t be surprised to stumble across either a wedding event or a faery tea party while you walked the paths. It was one of Ellie’s favorite places in New Asgard, she loved the smell of the green earth there and the calmness it brought her. Thor watched her face as she stopped every so often to admire the plants, sometimes bending down to lovingly run her fingers across soft leaves. Thor thought it was very well done and was impressed with Valkyrie’s planning. 

“Have you been here before?” Ellie asked him as she noticed he wasn’t as engrossed as she was. 

Thor shook his head, “No, but Valkyrie had talked to me about her plans years ago. It’s lovely.” 

“It really is. I come here a lot, especially if I’m stressed. There’s something soothing about being here.” 

“That’s nice you have a place to go. That’s how I feel about my rock.”

“Your rock?”

“Yes, the rock on the cliff at the edge of my backyard. You can sit on it to watch the sea. There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting there.” 

“Huh. I’d like to see that. Maybe we can do that next. I’ve shown you my favorite peaceful place, it’s only fair I get to see yours.” 

Thor was pleased he’d been able to contribute to their day and he grinned at Ellie who was already off, rubbing her fingers through a stretch of tall grasses. They walked through the labyrinth-like trails hand in hand, exploring each new turn as they came to it. Thor found a bench to park himself on for a bit and a trash can for their paper cups in the area around the large decorative fountain. He was happy to sit and people watch as Ellie backtracked a bit to try and see where the one narrow offshoot led to. She had a feeling it was a shortcut to the new children’s garden but wanted to explore. Ellie hadn’t wanted to try and have Thor navigate through the small area but when he announced he was ready to sit a moment she took the opportunity to go back. 

Thor sat happily people watching for almost fifteen minutes while Ellie explored. He loved sitting outside in the sun and realized he hadn’t done it in quite some time. As much as he enjoyed being outside in his yard, and especially sitting on his rock, it had been increasingly harder to get out of bed to the living room, let alone go outside. Thor knew it was depression and PTSD but it didn’t make him feel any better about it. He’d talked with Banner about it at length before he returned to New Asgard. There were medications he could try but being Aesir it was unlikely they would work so they ruled them out. Bruce had sent him emails on things he could do to help manage both issues but after a little while things started landsliding back to the way they were before Bruce and Rocket had found him in the cottage with Korg and Miek. 

Ellie found Thor right where she’d left him, deep in thought. “Hey,” she said sitting down next to him, “I was right, it was the children’s garden. It has a Very Hungry Caterpillar theme. Look.” Ellie held her phone out to him and flipped through the photos she’d taken of the area.

Thor was starting to like the idea of cell phones. “Thank you for taking those. It’s a charming little area.” 

“It is. So how was your rest? Ready to keep moving?” 

“Yes, I think we should. We’re almost done, right?” 

Ellie nodded, “Yeah, we’re about three quarters of the way through. Or we can take a quick route right out if you’re ready. We’ve already been here over an hour.”

“You love it here, we can keep going. But I will pay for a ride to get us home afterwards.”

“No, it’s okay. I come here so much, I don’t mind. Let’s call a car now and get you home. I need to pop over to my apartment at some point today though. My clothes are pretty gross at this point.”

Thor hadn’t even realized Ellie was still wearing yesterday’s clothes. The same clothes she had spent the whole day cleaning in. “Ellie, how inconsiderate of me. I didn’t even think of it. Is your place on the way back?  We can stop there first.”

“No, it’s okay. It’s a few more minutes in the opposite direction. Don’t worry about it, I’ll go later” 

“We can still go. You shouldn’t have to be uncomfortable any longer than you have been.”

“You sure you’re up to it?” 

“Absolutely. I’d like to see where you live.”

“Okay, thank you. And don’t get too excited. My place is pretty boring, just a little apartment over on Oak Street. Let me call for a car so we can head out.” Ellie pulled out her phone and made the call. They had ten minutes which was plenty for them to get back to the entrance. She took Thor’s hand again and showed him the most direct route out from where they were. There was a straight route out from almost anywhere in the gardens if you knew where to look. It was a safety measure but one that was most often used by frazzled parents with overtired children who were ready to be done with their outing. 

The car was early and they were walking out of the gates as it pulled up. Thor opened and closed Ellie’s door for her before dashing around to his side. Ellie gave the driver her address and they arrived at her little apartment barely five minutes later. It was an old stone house that had been subdivided into three apartments, one on each floor. Ellie had the bottom floor and she loved having the large backyard right outside her kitchen door. The car agreed to wait while they ran inside for a few minutes to gather her things and Thor followed Ellie into her home. It was nothing special, just a basic collection of rooms with cream colored walls and pale oak wood floors. Thor would have expected it to be more homey and wondered why Ellie hadn’t decorated. It could have been a show home for all the blandness. 

“Did you just move in?” Thor called to Ellie who was in the bedroom changing. 

“No, I’ve been here since we arrived. It was a great catch getting a bottom floor apartment.” she called back.

Thor was even more perplexed and was about to ask about the lack of personal items when Ellie popped out in her new outfit. “Oh, wow.” Thor had to consciously keep his jaw up when he saw her. Ellie had changed into a pair of soft looking leggings and a long cable knit sweater with a neckline large enough that it exposed her left shoulder. Thor thought she looked absolutely edible and fought the urge to go kiss her senseless.

Ellie laughed at his reaction. “So I’m all set. Unless you think I should pack a bag.” 

“Pack a bag?” Thor parroted back confused, his mind distracted by how soft her pale, creamy skin looked against the dark green of her sweater.

“Yes, Thor, if I’m staying over again I need to bring a few things. I didn’t want to pressure you or presume anything but you said you slept better with me there and I don’t have any plans this weekend.” 

That caught Thor’s attention. “Yes! Please do. Pack a bag. Several bags. I’d love it if you stayed the weekend.” 

Ellie laughed again, “Okay, give me one more minute to pack.” She raced back to her bedroom to gather up two sets of clothes, her toiletries, and set of lace underwear just in case. She was hurrying back to Thor in the living room before he’d gotten a chance to get his wits about him. 

“Come on, let’s go.” she herded him out the door and back into the waiting car. 

Tag list lovelies: @thorfanficwriter @lancsnerd @avengers-fixation

[gothamstodd]

Flirty

Dick Grayson x Reader

Word Count: 1.9k+

Summary: “The coldest train car. Three o'clock at dark, remember alcohol and dancing. Our friends are gone now, she chose me to take her home...” 3AM, AJR

Warnings: underage drinking, a little innuendo ;)

Author’s Note- Maybe if I keep basing my fics off of songs I’ll never have to actually come up with a summary... Any who, this was a request from @victoriavickens a while ago, go follow!! And I just got around to finishing it up! I didn’t really follow the request super well (kissing someplace you shouldn’t be), but it’s in there! Anyway, thanks so much for reading, please let me know what you think! (btw, this is set when Dick is in college, before he’s become Nightwing, sorry if there’s any confusion)

Masterlist | Ask Box | Taglist

-

Weak yellow light from the streetlights outside splayed into the entry hallway of Wayne Manor as Dick opened the door. Images and sounds from the party swirled in his head. People dancing, several different types of alcohol being offered to him- all of which he pushed away. You, stepping away from whatever drinking game or dancing partner, and walking up to him with a smile. 

“Anyway, she’s a total bitch.” You slurred as he helped you up the stoop, “And I really don’t think she’s right for her, and honestly just don’t think I wanna be around her.”

Dick wasn’t following completely, but surmised that your roommate’s girlfriend was staying over and you weren’t a fan. As much as he sympathized, he wasn’t entirely sure he’d made the right choice in bringing you back to the Manor now that he heard your shoes clacking on the hardwood and how loudly you talked.

He shushed you gently and pulled you down a hallway.

You’d asked him to take you home from the party, you were drunk. You stumbled over to him, and caught him just before he slipped out the door of the frat house. You gripped his wrist gently and looked at him with wide, pleading eyes. It didn’t take that much to convince him. 

While he walked you down the sidewalk, you went on to tell him you couldn’t go back to your dorm and without skipping a beat or waiting for an explanation, he offered to let you stay in his room at the manor. He’d sleep on the couch and sneak you out in the morning. You accepted, and continued the story once you had sat down together on the bench of a cold grimy subway car.

To be honest, he didn’t listen as much as he should have in that subway car at 3 AM. You had your head on his shoulder as you talked, and you pulled him close because he was warm and the bench was frigid. All he could manage to focus on was the way it felt with you so close, and how scared he was that the moment you woke up the next morning you would feel nothing like how you did then.

“Oooh, Grayson!” You sang as he began to help you up the long stairs of the manor. He turned around and held up a finger to signal you to be quiet but your proximity meant his finger met your lips instead of the air.

“Are you taking me to your bedroom?” You whispered suggestively against his skin, not bothering to think twice about it.

“I guess,” His cheeks flushed, “Don’t read too much into it.”

You grinned at him, but he looked away, taking you the rest of the way up the stairs and down the next hallway.

You yanked on his arm and brought him to a stop next one of the many doors that lined the walls. “What?” He whispered harshly.

You looked at him through your lashes, your hands wandering to intertwine with his fingers. “What’s the rush, Dick?” He could smell the alcohol on your breath as you leaned in. 

He flattened himself against the wall, but you persisted. “I just wanna kiss you.”

He could feel his cheeks heating up again. There was no way you meant that. No way you wouldn’t regret it in the morning. There was no way your pulse beat against your skin when you looked at him as quickly as his did when he looked at you. “Listen Y/N I really don’t think we should-”

“I like you, Grayson.”

There was no way you meant that. No way you wouldn’t regret it in the morning. He tried to ignore your words, though his palms felt damp with nervous sweat, and his heart raced when he looked into your wide-blown pupils. “You’re drunk, and I don’t want to take advantage-”

You interrupted by kissing him, and he found himself kissing back.

For just a fraction of a second he let himself enjoy your touch, the warm tingle that seemed to radiate from where your lips pressed to his, from each meeting of your fingers with his, from the spot where your hips pushed gently toward him. He shoved you away, scolding himself for not doing it sooner.

He pulled you quickly away from the door, it was Bruce’s- not that you gave him a chance to warn you. But he probably wasn’t even there... right?

Dick pushed open his own bedroom door and pushed you gently inside.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” You asked.

“What?” He ran a hand through his hair, his skin still warm with the blood that rushed to his face.

“That kiss.” You prompted, “That was a good kiss.”

You were right, but he wasn’t going to admit that, “You’re drunk.”

“Rude.” You snarked, “Hey can I borrow something to wear? This is so uncomfortable.” You gestured to what you had worn to the party, your tone shifting drastically.

“Sure.” He pulled a shirt and sweatpants from his drawer and tossed it to you.

“Hey thanks.” You smiled, plopping down on his bed. “Ooh comfy!” You remarked.

He chuckled, “I’m gonna go change.” He nodded toward the door. “Make yourself comfortable.”

“You can change right here, pretty boy.” You teased.

“Nice one.” He replied sarcastically as he slipped out the door, and by the time he came back, you were knocked out under his covers.

His eyes drifted to your face, peaceful as you slept and lacking the excitement you’d had when he looked at you moments before.

It was good. He told himself. Good, that you weren’t looking at him with misdirected lust anymore. That you weren’t meeting his eyes with false admiration.  

He curled up in the arm chair in the corner of the room, sinking into the cushions. His frame was still thin and agile, and it wasn’t much different from the spot on the floor he’d chosen when he was younger and refused to sleep in a new bed. Though it was a bit softer.

He fell asleep to thoughts of you, convincing himself as the minutes passed that he couldn’t build up hope, and that there was no way you’d like him in the morning. No way you’d like him the way that he liked you.

-

Only a few hours later, sunshine streaming through the window brought a low groan to your lips. You opened your eyes to find a glass of water and container of Advil already on the table next to you. A headache pounded against your skull and nausea bubbled up through your stomach.

“Good morning.” Dick’s voice sounded from somewhere else in the room. 

You shushed him and rolled over after downing a couple capsules of the Advil and half the water. Memories from the previous night were already rolling in.

You inhaled sharply. You kissed him. How could you kiss him? “Oh god I’m so sorry for everything I did and said last night, you can go ahead and completely forget I exist.” You groaned, hands quickly covering your flushed face.

A sharp stab of disappointment radiated through Dick’s abdomen. He’d been right, you regretted everything, you meant none of it.

He forced laughter, “Don’t worry about it.” You glanced up to see him digging through his dresser drawers- presumably for a shirt, since he didn’t have one on. 

You bit down on your lip, looking him up and down. Well, that’s one way to wake up in the morning. You clambered out of his bed, still unable to tear your eyes away from him. ”I uh- I can’t thank you enough.”

He looked over his shoulder at you, now holding a t-shirt he’d picked out for himself. “It’s no problem.” He shrugged, turning back and rubbing at his sore neck.

“Oh my god, you didn’t sleep on the floor did you?” You asked.

“No.” He pulled the shirt over his head, “I slept in that chair.” He nodded toward the armchair in the corner of the room.

“I’m buying you a massage envy gift card there’s no way you were comfortable.” You replied quickly.

“It’s really no problem.” He laughed. “I’m flexible.” 

His eyes went wide immediately, blood rushing to his cheeks, “That wasn’t supposed to mean anything, I-”

“It’s okay.” You giggled. “I thought you only got flustered when I was drunk and trying desperately to get in your pants.” A smirk played on your lips as you looked at him.

“And I thought you only got flirty when you were drunk and trying desperately to get in my pants.” He shot back.

“Thank you for not taking me up on that, by the way.” Your tone went more serious as you looked toward the carpet, “A lot of guys would’ve jumped at the chance to get with a flirty drunk but you didn’t.”

“Well,” He shrugged, “‘A lot of guys need to learn how to be decent human beings.”

You smiled at him, eyes wandering over his face. “That said,” You inhaled, “You should’ve shared the bed with me, at least.”

“I was fine.” He assured you, “I’ve slept in a lot less comfortable places.”

You looked at him quizzically. “Crazy childhood.” He brushed you off. “And I didn’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

“You’re too sweet for your own good, Grayson.” You rolled your eyes at him. “Can I give this back to you on Monday?” You gestured to the clothes you wore, forcing yourself to look away from his eyes. “I’ll wash them for you.”

Your eyes drifted over to his open drawer, something bright red and yellow catching your eye. “What’s th-”

He interrupted you quickly, “Sure. Yeah. Monday is great.” He lead you out of his room quickly. As you walked down the hallway, both your eyes lingered on the space on the wall where you had kissed.

After making down the stairs and through yet another hallway, you stepped out the large wooden doors of the manner.

“Wow, Dick.” You said sarcastically, “You are a master at sneaking classmates out of your parent’s house.”

He laughed, “He never expects me to go out the front door.”

“Listen.” Your tone changed, and he met your eyes. “I know I came on really strong, but as crazy drunk as I was, I meant some of what I said last night.”

He raised his eyebrows, not wanting to jump to conclusions. His palms were sweating again, and his heart was pounding into his chest, his reflexes doing quite the opposite of ‘not jumping to conclusions’.

“I like you, Dick.” You said. “And if you’re up for it, I’d really like to go out with you sometime.”

He grinned, “I’d love that.” A breath of relief left his lungs.

“Great.” You smiled back at him. “I guess I’ll see you in class then.”

“See you then.” He replied, still shocked. He watched you leave, making sure you got past the gate safely and checked your bag to see that you had everything you came with, a smile stuck on his face.

Finally turning away, he managed to make it up to his bedroom and back down the stairs to the kitchen just in time to meet Bruce and Alfred at the table for coffee.

“Your guest didn’t want to stay for breakfast?” Bruce asked, sipping his coffee. He barely seemed to look up from the table, his tone as deadpan as always.

Dick’s eyes widened, nearly choking on orange juice. “My guest?”

“Oooh, Grayson!” Alfred imitated from next to them and Bruce’s lips curved into a rare smile.

Dick’s face flushed, “I slept in the chair, they couldn’t go back to their dorm, I’m sor-”

“It’s fine, Dick.” Bruce interrupted. “Just drink responsibly next time.” The smile on his face grew.

Dick winced, “I didn’t even drink, they were the irresponsible one-”

“Relax.” Bruce let out a laugh, “I don’t mind. Though we could use a heads up next time.”

-

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[dibs4ever]

I love him so much (Part 2)

Barbara dug through the clothes of her 4 month old sons closet. The kid definitely had enough clothes. She hadn’t even bought half of them, most of the them were gifts.

She grabbed a couple of outfits she knew he was comfortable in and tossed them ontop of the suitcase the was embroidered with NWG in fancy cursive. A gift from Bruce.

When she turned she glanced at her son who was sitting up with a pillow placed behind him for safety and support. The infant was staring at her, his blue eyes wide with wonder.

”We are staying at someones house for a few nights” she said speaking to him in a normal tone. She had read that speaking to babies in a normal tone rather than ”baby talk” was good for their developing speech

Nathan blinked at her

”Well actually its not just ’somebody’ its---” she paused ”Your father, you remember him right? Tan skin, dark hair, blue eyes, really flexible and thinks he's funny?” she smiled

In response Nathan let out a squeal and began kicking his little legs rapidly.

Barbara laughed lightly as she began folding the tiny outfits. She paused ” This is a good idea right?”

The baby gave her a wide gummy smile

”This is for you so I guess it's a good idea ” she shrugged and continued folding clothes ”You're uncles and aunts can't know about this little ’sleepover’ or your grandfathers. I’d never hear the end of it.” she shook her head ”This little trip stays between us got it handsome.” she reached over poking Nathans belly causing him to giggle.

She decided it was time for a break so she laid back on the floor picking up the infant and setting him on her chest ”You're dad and I we---have a history” she sighed running her fingers through Nathan’s dark hair and kissing the top of his head “You know we’ve known each other since we were in elementary school and he helped train me to be batgirl.” she shook her head “Of course you don’t, you’re 4 and a half months old and her I am talking to you about my relationship. What do you care about what happened between Dick and I? But that’s ancient history, you are in the picture now and you come first so it’s time to put childish fun behind us from this point on the focus is on you and we are strictly co parents. No more romance or one night love making.”

She smiled and stood up keeping the baby close to her “We better finish packing, I told Dick we’d be there at 2 and I haven’t even started on my clothes “

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Dick had a wide smile plastered on his face as he raced around his apartment making sure everything was just right. He had read that babies shouldn’t be exposed to paint fumes so the first thing he did after clearing out his office space was paint the room teal. That was over a week ago and he didn’t smell paint anymore so he hoped it would be okay. He then went to Buy Buy Baby, with a little help from one of the clerks he bought everything that would be necessary to keep a four and a half month old over for a week. Crib, blankets, wipes, diapers, a changing table , baby shampoo, lotion, a rocking chair , toys, a weird C shaped pillow the lady said was usufull, some clothes, bottles, baby food (even though he wasn’t sure if he was eating food yet) and a bunch of other miscellaneous stuff. He even bought a car seat to keep in his car in case Barbara let him drive him somewhere.

There was a knock at the door and Dick immediately jumped, opening it to reveal Barbara holding the baby carrier where Nathan was peacefully sleeping in one hand with bags in her other. “Hey” he said softly “Let me take those for you” he reached grabbing the bags and letting her step in “If you want you can put him in the room I set up” he said softly shutting the door

Barbara turned looking at him “Yeah that would be good” she nodded

Dick smiled leading the way “I painted it last week so I hope it’s safe for him” he told her before opening the door revealing the room

“Dick this is—wow” she said looking around the nursery that had everything you could possibly need and more “I thought you said you were just setting something simple up”

He reached up scratching the back of his neck “Well I wanted to make sure I had anything he may need” he explained

Barbara smiled “Well you definitely went well and beyond former Boy Wonder”

She set the car seat down and gently lifted the infant out setting him in the crib “He should sleep for at least another hour. I have some more bags in my car if you don’t mind getting them.”

Dick nodded “Of Course” he said softly before following her out of the room

As Barbara had predicted Nathan woke up an hour later, Dick watched in Awe as she immediately picked up the crying infant, changed his diaper then began feeding him as if she could read his mind.

Barbara looked up from her feeding son to see Dick staring at her chest in astonishment “Why the wide eyes? They aren’t something you haven’t seen before” she teased

Dick tore his eyes away and met hers “It’s not that it’s just——how did you know what he wanted?”

Barbara smirked as the baby finished feeding she buttoned her shirt “It’s just practice and getting to know him.”

Dick shook his head “I don’t think I’ll be as good a parent as you”

Barbara smiled and passed the baby to him “Wanna burp him?”

Dick nodded setting the infant on his shoulder and began patting his back

“Dick trust me I was horriable in the beginning, you get used to it though” she assured

That was day one. It’s filled with mostly Dick observing Barbara with their baby.

Day 2 holds Dick being a little more comfortable with his son.

They’ve just finished their morning coffee (he had gotten in from Nightwing duty only 4 hours before) Nathan is playing on the floor.

“Wanna go for a walk?” Dick suggest setting his coffee mug in the sink

Barbara nods “Yeah that’ll be fun, let me just change him” she began getting off the stool till Dick stepped forward

“I’ll do it” he walked over scooping up the infant.

Barbara eyed him “You sure you’re up to it?” She rose an eyebrow

Dick nodded “Of Course you finish your coffee”

She watched the two guys walk away before continuing to sip her coffee. This felt nice almost like a .......family. Nope, she wasn’t going to think like that her and Dick were not a couple. It never worked out between them, this weekend was for Dick to get to know his son and for them to establish their “co parenting” dynamic.

She was pulled out of her thoughts by Dick letting out a yelp. Quickly she dashed to the nursery

Dick stood over the changing table wet spots across his grey T-shirt,he looked up at Barbara “He peeed on me!”

Barbara chuckled lightly “He’s notorious for that, I can finish if you want to change”

Dick shook his head “No I signed up to do this I’m changing him” he assured

“Dick it’s a diaper not a mission”Barbara reasoned

Dick smiled “Says the one who taught me that the other day she learned to change a poop diaper by holding your breath and breathing using the same training we had for scarecrow “ he said as he finished up changing the diaper

Barbara laughed “Hey it works”

Dick slipped off his shirt, Barbara averted her eyes

“I’m going to go grab a shirt that doesn’t smell like urine, then we can go” he said pulling her out of her trance.

Barbara nodded, and took her son from his arms

Dick returned only a second later still pulling his shirt on “I didn’t know if you were going to bring a stroller so I bought one” he said pulling the new stroller out of the closet

They made their way down the Bludhaven street, Barbara stood a couple feet behind Dick as he proudly pushed the carriage syle stroller. The attention Dick was getting didn’t go unnoticed. Mostly woman and some men would turn their heads oogling at the handsome man with a baby. One woman a petite blonde stepped forward when they were waiting to cross the street

“What a cute baby!” The woman said with a smile

Dick grinned “Thanks, his name is Nathan”

The woman nodded “Well he’s adorable and you look really good pushing him around. Such a great father” she rested a hand on his shoulder “Are you a single father?” She questioned

She saw Dicks back tense up

“Well either way if mom is out of town or if daddy needs some company you can give me a call” she continued “But I’ll only give you my number if you let me hold your baby”

That’s when Barbara decided to step forward there was no way she was going to let this nasty girl hold her baby

“Hey Dick, wanna go get breakfast” she asked resting her hand on Dick’s other shoulder and immediately feeling him relax

Dick wrapped one arm around her waist “Yeah let’s go” he smiled as they continued across the street

After they were a few feet away Dick leaned close “Thanks”

She chuckled “Please if I wasn’t here you would’ve taken her up on the offer”

Dick shook his head “No I wouldn’t have. I have a son now, I can’t have different woman around all the time”

At his words Barbara feels a wave of shock, as they near the local cafe for breakfast

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

She goes on patrol that night leaving Dick to take care of Nathan by himself for the first time. She’s slightly nervous but has faith in her long time friend. She arrives back at his apartment at 2am. But finds the couch where he had been sleeping empty. Slowly she makes her way down the hall and quietly peaks into the nursery. Dick stood with Nathan who was crying cradled in his arms gently swaying him back and forth “He flys through the air with the greatest of ease the daring young man on the fling trapeze his movements were graceful all the girls he did please and my love he stole her away” he sang softly, bouncing the baby gently

Dick sighed “Come on NayNay, Babs is gonna be home soon and I want her to see that I got you asleep. I did it once already, can’t you let daddy look good?” He sat in the rocking chair. Then chuckled lightly “Your mom, ya know she’s the one girl who always made me feel......whole.” Nathan snuggled into Dicks chest “She makes me feel safe, weather we’re together, dating or ummm something else she’s always the one I want to tell everything to” He let out a yawn “Even though we aren’t together and I’m not sure if we will ever be together as you grow, just know you were made with love. I love your mother more then words can explain”

He looked down at his chest and smirked “Well then I guess I board ya to death eh buddy?” He carefully stood up with the sleeping baby.

Barbara took this opertity to quickly go the bedroom and change out of her suit. She walked out just as Dick was exiting Nathan’s room.

“Oh hey Dick” she said casually

Dick nodded “Just got Nathan to sleep, he took the bottle like a champ earlier “

Barbara nodded “Glad to hear considering he refuses to take one normally”

They both stold awkwardly for a moment “Bruce says he needs us both to patrol tomorrow” Dick broke the silence

Barbara nodded “Yeah Tim told me tonight, Alfed will babysit. I’m gonna take a shower and go to bed.”

Dick yawned “Yeah me too, I’m going to sleep in his room, so you rest easy beautiful” he leaned forward pecking her cheek. He pulled back looking slightly panicked “I mean I’m ugh “

Barbara immediately wrapped him in a tight hug “It’s okay goodnight Boy Wonder, if you need my help wake me” she whispered before kissing him on the cheek as well and pulling away. Dick watched her walk into his (hers at the moment) bedroom. Before making his way to the living room. He wasn’t tired yet and needed to to some case work anyways.

Day 3 would lead to some surprises though....

[bananadineapple]

dangerous woman >> request

PROMPT: “ Anonymous: Hello! Would you mind writing one where Bucky and the team first hear you sing and they're astounded and Bucky falls even more for you !! “

PAIRING: Bucky x reader

WORD COUNT: 2,073 (WHOOPssss)

WARNINGS: A bit sexual? Mentions maybe

A/N: Heyyy there lovely! Here’s the ‘drabble’ you requested for, I’m so sorry it took so long to write. Was in a bit of a writer’s block again. But anyway, here, I hope you like it anyway, sorry if it seems a bit crappy.

This went kinda sexual all of a sudden forgive me red days are a comin’ but omg sexual Bucky is bae <333

+

MASTERLIST

+

"Damn it Barton, if that's you on the stereo again I swear-"

To be shocked with hearing music emerging out of nowhere, and not ceasing for more than 10 minutes already, was one thing for Tony to blame on Clint. But coming into the lounge room, eyes landing on the accused man casually eating a bowl of corn flakes with no milk, was another. Because, he too, seemed to have his ears perked and eyes flitting around the room in search of the source of the mysterious music.

"I hear it too." Clint nods at Tony, with a look knowing the supposed accusation falls on.

"That's not a stereo, though." Bruce walks in casually, but has the oddest look between his knit eyebrows, "The music is, but the voice-"

"I'm not familiar with it either." Steve paused for a moment, because for the slightest moment a bell rings at the sound of the faint music being familiar to him. "The background music is from... uh...uhm who is it again Buck?"

Tony was still very much demanding with his foot tapping, but was slightly amused at the captain's blurry recall, who was snapping his fingers repeatedly across Bucky's also confounded face.

"I have no idea-Sam?" Bucky was aware of the dispute between him and Sam, but finding this out seemed more important to them now.

To this, everyone turns their heads to Sam, who tried to look like he had no idea, but only to sigh heavily, kind of a bit sheepish that he was familiar of the music.

"Ariana Grande." His voice was flat, but did so cause a mass realization to the team, "Dangerous Woman."

Everyone was familiar of the name and the songs, hearing it a couple of times on the car stereo or around small cafes and such. Only Bruce nods casually as if nothing had happened, and passes right by to go on with his business in the lab. But the rest, were still surprised as the tones escalated with the guitar rift, the voice becoming more audible and loud, and what a voice it was singing through the hallways, only causing the growing mystery to continue mind boggling the entire team.

"Okay, seriously, this is surprising." Sam leans back with an impressed grin on his lips, "Who here would even listen to Ariana?"

"Wanda, maybe?" Steve suggest but only to be scoffed at by Tony.

"Just because she's young? Oh come on, we all know it's Nat!" It was obvious with the man's raised arms that he was half serious, "May I remind you all she's got this double agent thing, hard to shake off actually."

"But hiding pop music? Really?" Only Bucky was beginning to believe gullibly at Tony's remark, and the idea of Nat singing a pop song was suddenly growing uncomfortable to his thoughts.

 'Something 'bout you,

makes me feel like a dangerous woman'

 The entire room applauded with hoots and impressed looks at the octave shift of the mysterious voice's singing, which put a damper on Tony's witty guess but a bigger one on the huge question mark hanging above their heads to whomever to link to that singing with.

"Woah man, who is that?!" Everyone was just as shocked as Bucky who really wanted to applaud and give credit to such an amazing singer like...whomever that was, "That voice is skyrocketing!"

"Someone's American Idol material." Tony chuckles with a cross of his arms, "This is what I meant by 'shocking, fantastic abilities' you guys are hiding-seriously Clint, put some damn milk on that!"

"Not until we figure out this mysterious Ariana singer withtin our midst." Clint proceeds to annoy Tony with a spoonful of corn flakes in his mouth.

It was kind of pointless to suggest Ariana herself in the Avengers building, Sam shrugged the silly idea off as it was only an attempt to mock Tony's opinion. Steve wondered still if it was only Wanda, but shook his head at remembering she was off with Vision buying actual paprikash ingredients for dinner. There were so many possible theories buzzing in around the Avengers' thoughts that they couldn't decided on which one to consider.

Until Bucky took a second hear to the voice, more closely this time. Trailed with the tones of the background music lies a voice singing with more than intent of just merely singing. No, Bucky had heard the voice itself, as if it he felt something inside him tugging into the song. Because it began to sound, oddly familiar to him, and it was the cause of not responding to Steve's blurred call to his name.

"Buck? Hey-you alright bud?" It was always to Steve's concern when Bucky begins to stare off into the void again, but even more so when Bucky had an odd srunch on his nose.

"Either he's just entirely weird," Sam was close to laughing his ass off at the sight of his rival looking stupid, but also caught the gist of so, "or...he's getting something."

"Y/N."

The sound of that name wasn't surprising to hear from Bucky. He had said it so many times, mentioned it when he can or when she's caused him a smitten look in his eyes and a stupid grin playing on his lips, whenver he just talks about this cute crush on their fellow Avenger Y/N, and it amplifies each time he's near her or talking to her.

But what had everyone silent was the odd coincedence her name was said along with the voice still singing. And Sam was actually right, Bucky had already gotten something way before they did.

"Y/N!" Steve repeats, only louder this time.

"Wha-what now?!?!!" Sam was still trying to register if all that he was realizing was real.

"Mrfrfawhaa-? Phuriiilll??!?!" The flakes shooting from Clint's mouth was something Tony feigned being so disguted with even if none of them touched him.

"It's her." Seen in the softness of his voice, Bucky was beyond surprised than anyone in that room, "I recognize that voice."

"Of course you did." It was both amusing, and a teensy bit creepy, to Tony that Bucky had paid close attention to familiarize Y/N's voice. "But seriously? Y/N?"

"Yes, Y/N, and I'm finding it out now."

Leaving everyone else still so visibly shocked at this guess, Bucky stood up from his seat and made his way slowly towards her voice. Though, he couldn't blame that the rest were acting that way, because not only was hearing Ariana music bouncing off the Avengers hallways out of the ordinary, but guessing that it was Y/N, the not so outspoken person she is, is the one belting off tunes so high exceeded more than Bucky's expectations. It exceeded everyone's. He wondered how on earth she managed to hide such a talent from all of them.

It was what drew him closer to the sight of the supplies closet, which was also, odd, but not so surprising as he did recognize the melodic set of pipes belonging to Y/N. It put a whole new meaning to 'music in the ears' for Bucky, sending his eyes widening at the feel of the heat rising in his cheeks as he continued to listen to his crush singing in such an entrancing way. But with every movement he was catious and quiet, something he thought what Y/N was aiming for with the 'hiding place' and 'singing'. He felt himself smile at the thought of Y/N being so bashful about it; he found it cute, the way she would blush.

 Something bout, something bout, something bout youuu

Maaakes me wanna do things that I shouldn't

Soomething bout, something bout youuu

Something about the way she sang without him seeing her do it still painted a picture clear in his head. Because he could feel, something, coated within the lyrics she sang so intricately with all emotion and passion, more than a singing enthusiat would. Bucky could hear her voice almost talking to someone. As if the song she thought no one could hear, she tried to break some sort of wall with her voice. And it was doing pretty good, other than causing Bucky to suddenly fall deeper with his attraction towards Y/N.

 Aalll that you got, skin to skin, oh my gooood

Don't ya stooop, boooy

 Because he hears her voice shift into a smoother wave, more alluring this time.The same crave suddenly bubbling in his chest was heard in every note tracing through her singing. He could feel her touch through the lyrics, delicate and wanting, and he wished so secretly that she was dedicating all that affection to him. But it was no secret he had the same intimate thoughts playing with the way he sees her beautiful body move. It was hard to focus at both training and with catching Y/N in the act of singing. Well, will all those feelings about he'd kept at bay, hearing her sing surprised him, and a new burst of feelings were threatening to make him rip off the door from its hinges, take a shocked Y/N blushing so prettily in his arms, and kiss the hell out of those pretty singing lips of hers. What a thought.

And it only remained a thought. Bucky wasn't an idiot to let that slip off his mind.

But what he didn't realize that he was frozen on his spot just inches away from the door, nonetheless relieved nobody was around to see him look like a stalking creep. For a moment he shook his head , feeling traces of his brief trance simmer away from his eyes. What was he here for again? Right, singing, Y/N.

Y/N. Right. A+ on the attractiveness scale-much for Bucky.

At first he was hesitant to reach for the knob to reveal the truth. He could listen to that wonderful singing all day, and he'd hate to be a damper on her passion streak. But again, the thought of catching her singing, if she was indeed trying to hide, and find out why she was doing so, was enough to push his hand to grasp the knob, and mentally count in what he would say and how many seconds should he let pass.

 Maybe a few more lines? Just to his liking. Y/N was an excellent singer.

 All girls wanna be like that

Bad girls underneath like that

You know how I'm feeling insiiiidee

 Y/N sounded so into the music, and so was he so into her singing. So he blinked for a few moments, a smile tickling on his lips at realizing how attracted he really is to her that he was willing to let her be and let her enjoy her singing. Besides, she doesn't know that he too, was also loving this new thing going on with her. And he wouldn't be wanting to be such a rude person to rain on her parade, he'd hate to be the cause of a frown on her lips and a dampened look in her sad eyes if he continued to do so.

Yeah, those eyes. Those eyes where he saw the whole universe’s stars couldn’t compare to the way they twinkled, and how it crinkles at the way her smile would slip on those pink, luscious lips of hers. The way her fingers curl around, fiddling with her locks when a playful vibe dances around her hips. How she is so dangerously charming around a dangerously attracted man like Bucky, with every bit of her gorgeous being driving him so wild. Until he hears that beautiful voice of hers, just when he thought he  couldn’t have enough of just the thought of her.

Heaven be damned at how intimately he thought about having her.

So Bucky let go of the doorknob, and carefully stepped back farther from the door. Only to listen to that beautiful voice of Y/N's continue to let him fall in love with her even more. If only she wasn't so attractive, and if only he didn't love her enough to keep his distance.  Maybe just for then, but someday, he swore by the grin on his lips, someday he will have that song spiraling into reality against her skin.

“Just this once, Y/N,” he thinks to himself as he chuckles softly before turning to his heels to leave her alone, ‘those pretty singing lips of yours better be careful to lure mine to make you stop.”

for now.

"Something ‘bout you

Makes me wanna do things 

That I shouldn’t”

+

TAGLIST: (PERMANENT; STILL OPEN)

@n7siha @jaamesbbarnes  @gotov-otvechat @motheroftwosnailies@partypoison00

[darknessfactor]

Avocadon’t, Maybe?

A/N: I hAD TO

Based on this quote.  Ignores the Ragnarok post-credits scene.

They were aiming for Norway.  They didn’t hit Norway.

Or at least, that’s what Thor cheerfully tells him when Hulk finally cedes control back to Bruce.  Apparently it’s only be three days this time, and Hulk was mostly content to spar with Valkyrie when he got bored.  Then their ship had started to hurtle towards Earth, and then they’d crashed, and Hulk claimed boredom before shrinking back down to Bruce.

“If we didn’t get to Norway,” and Bruce doesn’t even know why they’d wanted to go to Norway in the first place, “then where are we?”

Korg pops out of nowhere, and Bruce nearly jumps out of his skin - one, because what the hell, and two, because the only other person he knew who was capable of that was definitely not a tall rock person - and says, “The nice fella I just talked to said we’re in some place called New Zee-land.”  

Bruce drops his forehead onto his knees and starts laughing.

Thor isn’t very thrilled when he sees exactly where New Zealand is in relation to Norway, but he cheers up slightly when Bruce explains that it’s where Lord of the Rings was filmed.  

“An excellent tale of your people,” Thor praises.  “Except the elves, they’re pretentious pricks.”

Bruce catches Valkyrie’s eye, and gives a very deliberate cough.  Valkyrie hiccups.

At any rate, their crash won’t have gone unnoticed.  They need to figure out where in New Zealand they are, and they need to find out where civilization is.  For now, they seem to be out in the jungle, and while they have plenty of food on the ship, it won’t last forever.

Bruce immediately volunteers to try to find a town.  Korg got vague instructions from the guy he’d talked to, but looking at a map, Bruce thinks he can pinpoint where it is.  Valkyrie volunteers as well, claiming that she’ll be protecting Bruce, but as soon as they’re on the road, Bruce gives her the side-eye.

“You just want a drink,” he accuses.

“What?  Noooo,” Valkyrie says.  “Well, yeah, but not just that.”

Bruce shrugs.  “’S okay.  It’s refreshing, to be honest.  You’re one of the few people who doesn’t treat me like a ticking time bomb.”

Valkyrie startles him by laughing.  “What?  You and Hulk, a ticking time bomb?  Yeah, right.  You’re both fucking teddy bears, you are.  Hulk’s just a bit of a bigger teddy bear.”

Bruce raises an eyebrow, unsure what to do with that mental image.  “Thanks, I guess?  You should probably realize that humans are a bit more, uh... fragile.”

“Yeah, I guessed that after you broke your neck to get Hulk to switch with you.”

Bruce snorts, but concedes the point to her.

There’s a goat, tied to one of the posts holding up the town’s sign.  It’s called Ono.  It seems appropriate.

There are a few stores, and a few places to eat.  Valkyrie makes a beeline for the liquor store, in her Sakaar leather-clad regalia.  No one gives her a second glance.  It’s Bruce who draws more confused looks, probably because he’s once again dressed in Tony’s clothes and really wishing he wasn’t.

He ends up following Valkyrie into the liquor store, only to find her arguing with the owner over prices.  That’s when he remembers that none of them exactly have any human money, and he sighs.

“Val,” he calls, and she spins around, looking confused.  “C’mon, we’ve seen what we needed to.  We should head back.”

She opens her mouth to argue, but something about his expression must convince her, because she follows him back out the liquor store and into an Internet cafe where he can use the phone that Thor gave him.  He breathes a sigh of relief when he discovers that Tony has kept his account open, and manages to get some cash from the disgruntled teller at the bank.

“Here,” he says, shoving half at Valkyrie.  “Don’t go too nuts over it, okay?”

“Sure,” she answers, thumbing through it with a frown.  “By the way - ‘Val’?”

“Valkyrie’s more like a title than a name.”

“Val.”  She says it with the air of someone trying a new kind of food for the first time.  “Well my real name is shite, so I’ll take it.”

While Valkyrie is buying as much booze as she can (Bruce doesn’t have the heart to tell her that it probably won’t affect her), he manages to use some of his so-called ‘awkward charm’ (named by Natasha) to get information from some of the townsfolk at the local coffee place.  All their gossip centers around the jail, where their first criminal in over twenty years is being held.

“What’d they do?” Bruce asks.

Dan, who’s had a few too many shots of espresso, leans forward and half-whispers, “Stole seventeen of Harry’s avocados, would you believe it.  Seventeen!  Looked like fucking Santa Claus, she did, carrying that thing over her shoulder.”

Bruce is sorely tempted to tell the man that he’s sharing a body with Hulk, and has been spending the last two years on an alien planet.  He decides to let Dan marvel at their avocado thief, however.  

Two minutes later, the town sheriff comes into the coffee place and orders drink with three shots of espresso, before turning to Bruce with an irritable glare.

“Your friend Val’s locked up,” he says.  “Ned down at the liquor store says she assaulted him?”

Bruce sighs.

Valkyrie is in the process of becoming best friends with her cellmate by the time Bruce manages to get the teller to withdraw enough money to cover bail.  He’s pretty sure that the teller’s opinion of him has plummeted down into the negatives, and it doesn’t help that his current outfit belongs to a self-proclaimed asshole.

“I’m Tony Stark,” he mutters, and has the insane urge to giggle.

The deputy sheriff pops her chewing gum in his face when he asks to see ‘Val’, before grabbing the keys and trudging over to the cells.  Valkyrie is in the midst of howling with laughter at the story her blond cellmate is telling, thudding her fist against the ground and only making the floor shake a little.

“Someone was nice enough to post bail, Val,” the deputy says, unlocking the cell and opening the door.  

“Hey!” Valkyrie snaps, holding up a hand.  “Story’s not over, don’t interrupt.  Rude.”

“So then,” the blond continues, and Bruce’s heart nearly stops.  She’s facing away from him, so he can’t see her face, but - 

“Then, Steve turns around and looks at me and just says - completely deadpan, like, you would not believe the deadpan this guy can pull - ‘I thought there’d be more ass’.”

Valkyrie starts laughing again, hard enough that there are tears streaming down her face.  The deputy is standing at the open cell door and has taken out her phone, scrolling through what looks like Tinder.

“Well, I guess I’m off, but I’m very happy I got to meet you,” Valkyrie says.  There’s a little tilt to her voice and Bruce has to think about it for a second, but - yup, Valkyrie is definitely flirting.  “Maybe you wouldn’t mind if I came back and visited after your trial?”

Natasha - because it has to be Natasha, he’d know that voice anywhere - flirts right back.  “Mm, yeah, I wouldn’t mind.”

Valkyrie shoots her a wink before she saunters out of the cell.  “Hey, Bruce,” she says, clapping him on the back hard enough that he stumbles.  “That didn’t take long.”

That catches Natasha’s attention, and she spins around in her cell, finally giving him a good look at her face.  He’s startled by the change - she looks like she’s aged ten years instead of the two since they’re seen one another, with dark circles under her eyes and wrinkles around her mouth.  But her eyes still carry the wicked glint he’s familiar with, even when they’re round with shock.

“Bruce?” she says, her voice cracking.  Her composure returns almost immediately, and she smirks at him.  “Channeling you inner Tony, I see.”

Bruce winces.  Valkyrie’s good humor has abruptly vanished, and her gaze is moving between the two of them, assessing.  “Can we maybe not do that?” he asks.

Natasha’s smirk falls from her face.  “Alright,” she says.  She nods at Valkyrie.  “It was nice meeting you, Val.  Please, do come visit.”  Her attention turns to the deputy sheriff in a clear dismissal.  “So - what’s for lunch today, Ella?”

Bruce is half-dragged out of the station.  He and Valkyrie make their way down the street until they leave town, heading back to their ship.  He still can’t shake the whole shell-shocked feeling of seeing Natasha again.  It’s like a bucket of ice-cold water, but he can’t deny that it brings back the longing with a vengeance.

Halfway back to the ship, Valkyrie gasps.

“Shit,” she says.  “You’re hung up on her!”

Bruce would like to disappear now.  That sounds nice.

“And she’s hung up on you!  Great, there go my chances.”

“Wouldn’t discount yourself just yet,” Bruce mutters.  Natasha’s had two years to move on.  It’s the smart thing to do.

“Well, obviously there’s only one thing to do,” Valkyrie says, her voice hardening.

“Yeah, get back to the ship and figure out how we’re gonna feed thousands of hungry - “

“Break her out of prison.”

“ - Asgardians - Valkyrie, no, that is not what I said - “

As it turns out, once Valkyrie gets an idea in her head, she apparently just... doesn’t hear any protests against that idea.  She finds Thor as soon as they get back to the ship, hurrying away as Bruce asks weakly, “She could’ve broken herself out, so why hasn’t she?”

Thor, of course, is overjoyed by the prospect of seeing another teammate of his.  He’s even more excited at the idea of breaking her out of jail - never mind that the reason Natasha’s in jail could be important, Bruce knows that much at least - and in spite of the fact that New Zealand is a small country and they don’t have very far to run if they bring the local law enforcement down on their heads.

Loki takes one look at them, with their heads bowed together, and walks away, muttering to himself.

At first, Valkyrie and Thor try to come up with some kind of plan.  Bruce suggests paying Natasha’s bail.  They both dismiss his idea.

“You could just let Hulk smash the place up a bit,” Valkyrie suggests.  Bruce can practically feel Hulk perk up at the suggestion, and is reminded that Hulk missed Natasha as well.

“I don’t think that’s the best idea?” he hedges.  

“Hulk was last out for three days,” Thor says, clapping Bruce on the shoulder.  “I say Bruce should get three days as well.”

“Seems fair,” Bruce agrees.  In the back of his head, Hulk grumbles, but concedes.

In the end, Thor and Valkyrie give up on a plan.  They just decide to go into the jail, smash up stuff up, grab Natasha, and leave.  Hopefully before Ono decides to come after them with pitchforks.

The trek back into town takes half an hour, and this time all three of them draw stares.  Bruce shifts uncomfortably under the scrutiny as they make their way to the sheriff’s station, though he notices that the looks Thor gets are actually appreciative.

Of fucking course.

Thor bursts into the police station with a grin, says, “Hi, we’re here to get our friend,” then marches over to the cell and rips the door off.  The deputy blinks at them and then says to Thor, “Can I get a Snapchat with you?”

Natasha makes a show of dusting herself off as she leaves her cell.  She catches Bruce’s eye.  He mouths, “This wasn’t my idea,” at her.  Her mouth quirks in amusement.

Valkyrie looks thrilled.  “Wow,” she says, looking Natasha up and down.  “Not only are you, like, wow, but Thor says you’re one of the greatest warriors on the planet.  Nice.”

“You keep talking but all I see are biceps,” Natasha teases back, eyeing Valkyrie just as appreciatively.

Valkyrie preens.  “Yeah, I know.”

Thor finishes taking selfies with the deputy sheriff, and heads over to envelop Natasha in a hug.  Natasha hugs back just as tightly, smiling with genuine warmth at Thor.  

“Why are you in prison, anyway?” Thor asks her.

“I stole some avocados.”

“Jesus,” Bruce mutters.  “I thought they were joking.”

That’s the moment the sheriff shows up, with an actual gun this time, and starts shooting at them.

Loki takes one look at who came back from Ono with them, and promptly disappears.  Bruce almost snickers.  

Almost.  Because somehow Thor and Valkyrie have given them the slip, leaving the two of them in one of the corners of the camp so that they can... what?  Talk it out?  Bruce isn’t even sure where to start.  Ultron still feels like yesterday for him, but Natasha...

Before he can say anything, however, he finds himself wrapped up in her arms.

“I’m glad you’re safe,” she murmurs in his ear, before pulling away.  “Tony and I didn’t know... we couldn’t figure out where you were.  Less surprising, since you were on another planet, but... I was worried you’d been captured somehow.  With the Accords and everything, it’s dangerous out there.  For people like us.”

Bruce has no idea what the Accords are, but they don’t sound good.

“I’m glad you’re safe too,” he says.  “What’s with the hair?  And why were you in jail for stealing seventeen avocados?”

Natasha snorted.  “I’m on the run.  Again.  Most of the Avengers are, except Tony.  And Rhodey, I think.  A disguise seemed like my best bet.  Though this is actually the third time I’ve dyed it.”

“It looks good on you.”

“Thanks.”

They lapse into silence after that, during which time all of Bruce’s pent up feelings rise to the surface again.  He still doesn’t know where to start - it doesn’t quite feel like he missed her, but at the same time, he has missed her.  Does he say that?  Does he talk about what happened on Sakaar?

None of those things, apparently, because the first thing out of his mouth is, “You still haven’t told me why you stole a bunch of avocados.”

“Dip.”

Bruce pauses.  “...what?”

Natasha shrugs.  “I was hungry.  I wanted dip.  I was out of money.  I stole seventeen avocados so that I could make dip.”

“Bullshit.”

“Avocados are a super food.  What’s so hard to believe about that?”

Bruce shakes his head.  “And you just let them take you to prison?”

Natasha shrugs.  “This time was for a dumber reason.  It’s not as bad as last time, when I got caught spray painting buildings in Russian.  Or the time before that, when - “

“Have you just been... shuffling yourself through jails?”

“...maybe.”  Natasha pauses, thinks about it for a minute.  “I might’ve been a bit reckless.”

“You think?” Bruce mutters.

“Also, the town was called ‘Ono,’” Natasha adds, sniggering.  “Too good an opportunity to pass up.  My mug shot will be on the wall in their sheriff’s station for all eternity.  Like, ‘Ono, Natasha was here’.”

Bruce wonders if he’s fallen into some kind of fever dream, but something about the terrible pun and her casual attitude towards being in prison strikes him as definitely being Natasha.  And in that moment, the ache of missing her fades, like they’ve never been apart.

Natasha notices.  “What’s that smile?”

“Nothing.”  Bruce reaches out, pauses to give her time to move, and takes her hand.  “I’m just really happy you’re here.”

[copperbadge]

Hi, indigopheonix here! For the Captain America IRC: Team Cap/Team Leverage team-up. (Sorry for the anon, I'm having issues logging in for some reason :/ If you need more info, feel free to send me an ask)

No worries! I love this prompt idea! :D 

“So how do we get your wings back from the government?” Steve asked Sam, sitting back in his chair. He glanced at Natasha, who shrugged.

“I can think of a few ways, but we’d need a bigger crew,” she said.  

“The Avengers?” Steve suggested. Natasha shook her head.

“Clint can be more help to us if they think he’s Hydra,” she said. “Tony’s too high profile, god knows where Thor is. And this isn’t Bruce’s jam.” 

“I think I know someone,” Sam said. “Old friend from my Para days. He runs with some people now, could be able to help.” 

***

In the middle of a board meeting, the man who was about to buy out Megashoes Inc. looked at his cell, held up a hand, and said, “I gotta take this.”

He stepped out into the hallway and answered the phone. “How the hell did you get this number?”

“Hey Eliot,” said the voice of Sam Wilson. “I need a hand.”

***

They met on the tarmac of a private airstrip that Leverage had somehow commandeered, and Steve watched with interest as they disembarked. First off was a messy-haired guy in a rumpled suit; then a guy who was so clearly military he must be Sam’s contact, followed by a gorgeous woman in sunglasses and a tall dark-skinned man with a laptop under one arm.

Then a tiny blond woman emerged, and there was a shriek of pure joy.

“Natasha?” the woman yelled, and Natasha said, “Parker?” in a mixture of pleasure and alarm, and before anyone could intervene, Parker had blown across the tarmac and leapt into Natasha’s arms. 

“This is Natasha!” she said to the rest of her crew, as Natasha put her down. “She’s the best.” 

“I think we can work with these people,” Steve said to Sam. 

***

The strategy meeting could have gone smoother; Natasha was supposed to be the mastermind, but Nate Ford didn’t give up authority with grace, and he had to have his foot stomped on a few times by Sophie before he remembered not to interrupt. 

“So, Sophie, you’ll need to go dress shopping,” Natasha said. “Alec, please build me your best RFID-cracking sports bra.”

“On it,” Hardison said. “I got the helium tanks too.”  

“Parker, check your ropes, learn that new knot. Sam and Steve, Eliot will get you some uniforms, then all three of you need to get the dog. Don’t get a German Shepherd, get a pittie or a big Lab, something they’re not expecting. Mr. Ford, I know it will be a terrible sacrifice to run the show from the van, but someone has to,” she said with a grin. Nate nodded, acknowledging the sarcasm. 

“Say it,” Paker told him.

“No, it’s Natasha’s job to say it,” Nate said. 

“She’s not gonna say it,” Eliot said.

“I’m really not,” Natasha told Nate.

“So I can say it?” Nate asked.

“Oh my god,” Sophie said. 

Nate clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “Let’s go steal a superhero.” 

***

“Where are the wings?” the general roared, and his subordinates, who were nominally in command of Ft. Meade, looked at each other.

“There was a woman,” one of them ventured. “I think she was drunk. And -- and one of our staff came down with a really, a terrible virus....”

“The pit bull got loose,” the other one said. 

“And by the time we’d finished the evacuation, someone had accessed the storage booth where the wings were -- “

“They must be dead, though,” the other one said. “It takes too much training, you can’t just strap them on and fly out. Sir, I really thing the more important thing is that someone filled an entire room with soap foam, like, a whole room -- “

“And the pit bull might still be around,” the first one finished.

The general leaned on his desk, knuckles cracking. “I want you to take your thumbs out of your asses and find -- “

“Sir,” an aide called. “I think you should see this.” 

He pointed at the television, where blurred footage of a giant air battle was showing. A little line of text in the corner said LIVE FOOTAGE. 

The camera zoomed, briefly, as a man piloting Ft. Meade’s stolen wings zipped through the air. The general’s jaw dropped.

“Sam motherfucking Wilson,” he said. “I might have known. Everyone’s dismissed -- get me Washington on the phone!”