#bucky barnes x f!oc

[tempestuous-lush]

set fire to the third bar | chapter one

summary: Odette Perec is one of Bucky's ghosts. A dream about her prompts him to ask for help tracking down what happened to her. However, Sharon Carter has been using her in her dealings as the power broker and has been for some time now.

warnings: There is violence in this chapter. Also, the character of Odette is being used against her will in the same manner Bucky was as the winter soldier. References to violence in WW2.

Sharon is awful?

tags : @ambassadortotrilliusprime

Inspiration for this chapter: twenty years - augustana

Odette's appearance.

Bucky tested the strength of the door to his cell, the heavy iron creaking and groaning but never once threatening to give under the force of his strength. 

He didn’t realize yet the truth Odette had come to accept.

There was no escape. Furthermore, if HYDRA had you here, they wanted you for something terrible. Odette couldn’t glean much from her limited time with Johann Schmidt. However, the pieces that she pulled were dark and frightening. There was a hollowness, a darkness, to his eyes that chilled her to the bone. She heard Bucky pulling at the restraints once more and she spoke out, “Vous ne pouvez pas y échapper. J'ai essayé. Acceptez votre destin et restez assis. Je suis fatigué.”

Translation: You cannot escape it. I tried. Accept your fate and stay seated. I'm tired.

It was the first time Odette had spoken since he had been brought here after being captured. Bucky thought he was alone this entire time. To hear her voice gave him some hope, even though he couldn’t understand half of what she had said. He had worked on his French with some of the other soldiers but Odette was  obviously a native speaker, the dialect pouring from her lips almost soothing in its rhythm. He tried to remember the words that the others taught him to say if he did not understand, and he cleared his throat, “Désolé mademoiselle je suis américain.”

Translation: Sorry miss, I'm American.

There was silence, followed immediately by something Bucky didn’t expect to hear in such desolate surroundings. Her laughter started out small before consuming her, the melody of it echoing off of the walls and washing over him anew. 

Once calmed down, tears wetting her face from such unexpected laughter, she spoke up again, “Pardon my…hystérie, I wasn’t expecting an American to speak French, let alone hear my native tongue with such…butchery. But it's nice to hear a friendly voice, assuming you are friendly.”

Bucky sighed in relief when you spoke English before huffing a bit himself, a blush creeping at his face in embarrassment, “To be fair, miss, I only just started to learn it before being captured.”

“So, an American? Can I…assume, the great war against the third reich, not going well? Or at least not for you, since you were brought here.” Odette’s eyes glanced around the darkness of her own cell, her nail beds bloody from scratching tallies into the walls to keep track of the days that she had been here. Eighteen days since she was pulled from Auschwitz-Birkenau. Years that felt like decades since she had been pulled from her home, her younger sister gunned down in front of her by soldiers when she tried to run. A bit of a crazed laughter escaped her, the pain of it not lost on Bucky, before she commented, “Qui suis-je plaisantais? It hasn’t been going well since the beginning, has it?”

“How long have they had you here?”

“What is your name?”

Bucky answered her, “James Buchanan Barnes, ma’am.”

“Well, James” - a shaky exhale escaped her - “my name is Odette, Odette Perec. And I am so sorry.”

Bucky was pressing against the wall that separated the two of them, wishing he could see this woman speaking to him. When she apologized, he cleared his throat, “What are you sorry for, ma’am?”

“Johann Schmidt, the man that brought me here…he is not a man. But a”- Her breath caught before she could force the word out, her feelings of hatred clear- “monster. Those of us in the camp, stories were whispered about him. He…he isn’t human. And if you’re here, there is no escape.” 

Odette fought back her tears before managing in a broken voice, the pitch shifted higher with oncoming madness, “You will die here, James. We both will. But at least I won’t die alone now. And neither will you.”

Bucky woke up, the floor of his apartment beneath him and the dull glow of his phone screen reaching out into the darkness around him. His breath was heavy, the vibranium of his hand flexed into a fist as his eyes adjusted. As his breathing slowed and muscles relaxed, his hand ran through his hair before throwing his blanket to the side and heading towards the kitchen. He wouldn’t be going back to sleep, not now. So, coffee was the next best option. As he started the machine, he went back to the living room and grabbed his phone.

Leaning against his kitchen counter, cup of coffee in hand, he dialed Sharon. She picked up after the third ring, her voice sounding every bit irate, “What could you possibly be calling me for at this time of night?”

At that, Odette’s voice echoed in his mind. At least I won’t die alone now. And neither will you.

Bucky pushed those thoughts from his head and took a sip of his coffee, “It’s four in the morning, Sharon, practically five, which is an hour before you normally get up. So don’t act so grumpy.”

“Grumpy? I will come down to New Orleans and kick your damn a” -

“Odette Perec.”

Sharon came to a still in her New York home, the electric lights casting a glow along her penthouse. How the hell did Bucky know that name? There was no way that he could possibly know anything about her personal information. They were created at two different times. They had never interacted with one another. She knew that much for sure. They were used for different jobs, even. Sharon sighed and quipped, “Are we talking about Swan Lake at four in the damn morning, Bucky?”

“No. Odette Perec. She was at the facility that Steve rescued me from all those years ago. I’d been so consumed by everything else I’d nearly forgotten. I never found out what happened to her. And, I figured if you had some free time in any capacity you could look into that for me? If not, I can call up someo”-

Sharon was quick to interrupt, “I can do it. But, give me a couple of days, yeah?”

“Yeah. Alright.”

He went to hang up before adding, “And Sharon?”

“Yeah, Bucky?”

“Thank you.” Bucky clicked his tongue before placing his cup on the counter, a smirk creeping into his voice, “And I still haven't forgotten, by the way. I still owe you a second date.”

Sharon sighed before smiling, “Yeah, you do. See you later, Buck. And I’ll email you anything I find.”

As soon as Bucky hung up the phone, Sharon tossed hers to the side and uttered one word as she rubbed her forehead. 

Fuck. 

This could get messy. 

She’d been using Odette Perec, the raven of HYDRA, ever since she became the shadow broker and paid a pretty price for the woman. It had been how Sharon had managed to stay relatively clean all of these years. Well, that and living in Madripoor. She needed to get Bucky a file soon, one that confirmed the death of one Odette Perec in one of the Nazi camps. However, on the thought of Odette, Sharon looked down at her watch and noted the time. 

In about an hour, the raven would once again be bringing death. 

At least she had time for a shower and some food before she had to tune in to make sure the mark was dead. 

Sharon Carter was far from the girl everyone thought they knew. 

Meanwhile, along a highway in upstate New York a lone figure sat perched on the seat of a motorcycle, clad in black. A camera was inserted into the visor of the helmet, giving Sharon the ability to see every detail of what was about to occur while giving orders. 

As Odette waited there, she heard Sharon’s voice come through clear as day, “Your mark should be coming along within the next five minutes. Black sedan. Will have two escorts on motorcycles. Take them out first, however you want, before they can put in a call for backup. But leave no witnesses.”

Her fingers flexed around the handles of the motorcycle, motor idling in wait. Sure enough, a black sedan drove past with two escorts. Odette waited approximately two minutes before pulling out to follow them. Quickly, she caught up to the car and swiftly threw a weighted blade that had been sheathed on her leg. It sank into the neck of the first motorcyclist, his bike swiftly crashing and the second driver catching on the wreckage of the first. Then, efficiently, Odette pulled her handgun and took out the back two tires even as the car sped up in hopes of escaping. 

As the car pulled over, the driver got out swiftly. 

Sharon watched as she simply commanded, “Take the driver out quickly.”

Odette took very little hesitance in putting a bullet between his eyes. Then, she wrenched open the back door with such force that there was no question of just what she could be. Facing her gun was the man Sharon was after, blocking access to his wife and two children. Sharon didn’t hesitate to speak swiftly, “Kill them. All of them.” Odette’s fingers were shaky and Sharon muttered, “Ubey ikh seychas zhe, voron.”

Translation: Kill them now, raven.

Squeezing the trigger, Odette fired first upon the man and yanked his body from the car. As he hit the ground, he cried out for her to show mercy. The silence was deafening after Odette pointed the gun at him and fired one round into his skull. After a few moments, his wife let out an agonized scream as the children began to cry. One of them escaped out the other door and Odette fired without question at the mother and the child that remained in the car before turning her attention to the runaway. Sharon commanded once more, “Prikonchi yeye.”

Translation: Finish her.

As Odette held the gun, a memory flashed through her mind. 

She was home in France.

Soldiers had come by to take them away, and her sister took off running. They called for her. But she didn’t slow down. She was scared because she had known what everyone was saying about the German officers. They all had. And they had witnessed the horrors of what they were capable of as one of them did not even blink before three bullets were fired, her sister's body hitting the ground with a thud.

Odette had screamed for her sister that day, and many nights in the overcrowded beds as sleep eluded her. And now? The sound of her own screams reverberated through her skull as the gun dropped to the ground and she fell on her knees beside it. And everything hit her like a freight train. Every memory, both old and recent. All that she had endured, been used for, and endured again. The things she was made to do. 

Odette acted quickly, knowing her time was limited. 

Her hand found the gun and Sharon barely managed to send the signal in time, a small electrical charge that knocked her out cold for collection. The gun had been pointed up beneath her chin and fingers trying to find the trigger as she slumped to the side. 

Sharon leaned back in her chair and uttered one word, “Fuck.”

That kid was in the wind. If authorities got to her first? Sharon would never get to her. And she needed Odette to remain a fucking ghost, especially with Bucky calling and asking Sharon to look into her. 

Bucky was at a cafe in New Orleans with Sam when he spotted the television. Tapping Sam on the shoulder, he nodded at the TV. Sam gave a low whistle and spoke up, “Hey Shannon, can you turn that up for us?” 

Bucky’s blue eyes never wavered from the screen as he saw the news. 

The politician that Odette had murdered, along with his family, was plastered on the screen as details were given from the eyewitness. A five year old that managed to get away. The little girl had said it was a woman with super strength. The crime scene had found that the car door was nearly ripped from its hinges, suggesting that whoever the assassin was…they were not human. 

Though, the way the newscaster finished her statement had Bucky reeling, “With the recent issues faced in America by Karli Morgenthau and her terrorist group, one has to wonder: is there a super soldier who was missed entirely?”

Sam gave a low whistle before asking Bucky, “You gonna call your girlfriend?”

“She’s not my” - Bucky didn’t know what Sharon was to him. Last time he was in New York things had escalated further than he anticipated and things happened but they still hadn’t really talked about it. Or what they were to one another. Sam was holding back a laugh which Bucky cursed under his breath at and pulled out his phone - “yeah fine, I’ll call her.”

Sharon looked down at her phone and sighed, looking up to the sky almost like a plea. Fuck me. Answering her phone, Sharon smiled, “Hey Bucky. Guessing you just saw the news.”

“Is there another super soldier out there, Sharon?”

“We don’t know, Buck.”

Sharon’s eyes observed Odette shrewdly in her holding cell. Thick, specialized glass held her for now. Though, Sharon suspected it might be due to the guilt she felt riddling her body. Odette’s body was huddled in the corner, occasionally her face looking up to reveal the tear stained cheeks and blue eyes sparkling with more sorrow. Sharon hesitated to put her back under control, wanting to speak with Odette as is to truly see how much Bucky knew about her. 

Bucky sighed, “What do you know?”

“About as much as you. The eyewitness is a child so everything from her is shaky. Honestly? I’m thinking that the girl is so traumatized she isn’t sure what she saw. And whoever it was is probably long gone.” Sharon tilted her head, observing Odette as she began to harm herself with her own fists.

Jesus christ this will be frustratingly difficult to speak with her in any capacity. 

Bucky couldn’t help but feel something was…off? She almost seemed distracted. Bucky’s eyes narrowed a bit, questioning, before he responded with a smile, “Alright, well keep me updated?”

Sam looked at him confused as Bucky added, “I’ll be in New York on Thursday. I know it’s only a few days from now, but Sam mentioned wanting to visit some friends and I figured I’d go with. Any chance to see you, right? So if you’re free, let me know?”

Sharon closed her eyes. Fuck. This was not what she needed right now. Right now, Sharon had to deal with Odette. Thursday was in two days and Bucky being around could only potentially complicate things. She smiled though, “Yeah, absolutely.”

"Besides, if there's another super soldier out there, gotta find them right?"

Meanwhile, Sam looked at Bucky, questioning until Bucky hung the phone up, “So” -

Bucky held his hand up to be quiet. He looked at the phone and mouthed, “Someone could be listening.” Next, he stood up and spoke up, “Hey, I’m gonna run to the bathroom real quick, yeah?”

As Bucky walked outside instead Sam stood quietly and followed him. Once outside with the door shut, Sam looked at Bucky and quickly, “What’s going on Bucky?”

“Something doesn’t feel quite right.” Bucky began explaining why it felt off.

Once Sharon hung up the phone, she scanned her hand to open the door to Odette’s cell after masking her face and voice. Couldn’t risk anything getting back to her if someone were to catch Odette. 

As she walked in, Odette recoiled at the sound of someone’s voice, “Hello Miss Perec.”

Odette didn’t say a word. She focused on the sound of Sharon’s voice instead, asking her a question, “Do you know where you are, Miss Perec? Or what year you are even in for that matter?” Odette’s cries slowed as she recognized the sound of Sharon’s voice as the one that has been ordering her all of these years. Instead, her grief was quickly transforming into anger. Yet, Sharon sighed, “I have an important question for you, Miss Perec. How do you know James Buchanan Barnes? Because he seems to remember you…and I need to know just how much.”

Odette’s anger subsided if only for a moment at the mention of James. A broken smile flitted across her features before she whispered hoarsely, “He was nice to me. A bit of starlight when I was submerged in the dark. Ma lumière.” Her dark blue eyes closed as she thought of how he used to hum music to her, or tell her stories that took her far away from that damp cell that chilled her to her bones.

Translation: My light.

Sharon stepped back as Odette swiftly stood, eyeing Sharon from behind brown strands of hair, “Vous vous souvenez de moi ? Il est vivant? Est-ce que tu l'utilises comme tu m'utilises, putain ?”

Translation: Remembers me? He is alive? Are you using him like you use me, whore?

A huff escaped Sharon as she realized what Odette just said, “If I could use him like I do you, I would…but no. He broke free of what controls his mind. Something you’re too weak to do, except when it is awfully inconvenient for me. However, using him is a bit more fun, I have to admit. Now, thank you for giving me insight. It seems the answer to my problem might be for you to extinguish your…lumière. Sweet dreams, Miss Perec.”

Odette moved to lunge just as Sharon released the same electrical charge to knock her out, once more. 

She looked at the small group that stood on the other side of the glass. Those who worked for her. A smile graced her features before she ordered, “Tie her up in the chair so we can give her her next mark when she wakes up. We have a bit of cleanup to do before Thursday comes along.”

As she exited and they entered to do what she asked, her right hand stopped to ask, “And what then?”

Sharon stopped and looked back at Odette’s slumped form as they lifted and carried her to the chair in the cell before answering with a smile, “And then we see the end of the winter soldier.”

“What if she loses?”

“She won’t.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because when she is under control, she is no longer human. And Bucky? He’s too morally straight to take her life, no matter how hard she comes at him.”

Odette began to stir back as she was tied to the chair, her eyes pleading before she cried out, “No! Help me, please. Please…pl- please don’t do this. Let me go and I’ll disappear forever.”

A heartbreaking plea spilled from her lips as tears glimmered in her eyes once more, “I just want to go home.”

[allclonesneedkisses]

Summary: The rain always makes Bucky ache so he retreats to his favorite place.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x f!OC (Marija)

Word Count: 1.1K Rating: T

Tags: fluff, comfort, short and sweet, slight pining, light reference to old wounds, soft Bucky, mixed race oc, disabled oc, romantic undertones

Masterlist

Bucky never really had much opinion on rain before the war. In the city it cooled things down a little, made the huff and puff of industry easier to breathe. But on the battlefield it made everything much more dangerous. It made it easier for enemies to get close, the sounds of their boots muffled by the constant hush of the drops falling through the air. Made the terrain more treacherous, the ground less stable and harder to move across. 

Now he regarded it with resigned annoyance. In the city of today it served much the same purpose, to cool and clear the air. But now it also brought an ever present ache, one that had only gotten worse the longer he was alive. Old wounds flared up, even ones whose scars had long since faded would give him trouble. But worst of all was his left shoulder, where vibranium and flesh came together. That ache was impossible to ignore, a deep teeth grinding ache that wouldn't go away, no matter how much advil he took.

But Bucky never complained, never told anyone just how bad it could get, how much he wanted to dig his fingers into the joint and just rip the whole thing out. He didn’t tell Steve, didn't tell Nat or Tony even when they noticed his discomfort. He’d just brushed them off, downplaying his pain until they stopped asking.

…

It was April in upstate New York, and like the three days before it was raining. Bucky knew before he was fully awake because his shoulders and neck were stiff from being drawn taught, trying to relieve the ache in his socket. If it didn't make him feel useless he’d spend the whole day in bed trying to sleep away the constant weight in his bones. But it did so he forced himself up, his face drawn into a scowl that persisted even as he made the trip into the closest town. 

The little bookstore was quiet, not that it ever got above a murmur between the stacks. But today was especially slow, and the constant drumming of the rain against the windows was the owner's only companion. She was curled up in an old threadbare armchair tucked between crafting and cooking when the tiny shop bell chimed and she looked up. Bucky stood there, his back pressed against the open door as he shook the water off of his umbrella before leaning it against the door frame and stepping inside. Marija smiled as she tucked a receipt between the pages of her book and stood. As her hand found her cane Bucky's eyes found hers and he gave her a small half smile. Even in the dim light of the bookstore her amber skin seemed to glow with health and Bucky couldn't help but admire her as she approached.

The even step thunk, step thunk, on the worn hardwood floors seemed to rouse the shop dog from where he was snoozing behind the counter. Because with a yawn, he trotted out to sniff at Bucky's rain soaked boots.

“Is your shoulder acting up again?” 

Bucky hummed as he patted the wiry gray head of Gruñón who was quickly losing interest in him. “You could say that.” His gaze flicked back up as Marija stepped through an open doorway and into the tiny kitchenette behind the counter. As he straightened back up her red skirt drew his gaze down to see she wore a heating brace on her bad ankle. Bucky kept an eye on Gruñón as he carefully stepped behind the counter where the dog had retreated to. Gruñón watched him, his brown eyes bright, but he made no move to intercept Bucky so he continued until he could lean against the doorframe of the little kitchenette. The old frame creaked in protest at his added weight but Bucky didn't react, he’d leaned against it so many times he no longer worried that it’d give out.

“Looks like your ankle’s giving you problems too.” 

Marija looked over her thin shoulder at him, her small glasses were slightly fogged as one heavy black eyebrow arched above the rim. She continued to stir the small pot in front of her, the milk steaming away. “When isn't it?” Bucky just shrugged and watched her work in the small space. Eventually the milk was simmering and Bucky leaned forwards to open the little cabinet above the stove to pluck two hot chocolate packs from an open box. Together they poured and mixed their coco with Bucky leaning around the doorframe since there wasn't enough space for two. 

When they were finished Bucky picked up the two chipped mugs and walked back to where Marija had been seated earlier, careful not to trip over Gruñón who had a habit of laying right where Bucky was walking. Once he was in the little corner Bucky used his foot to drag over a creaky wooden chair which he sat in as Marija approached. Only once she was comfortable and her cane was hooked on the edge of the chair did Bucky hand her a mug. 

This was their routine on days like this, they’d curl up as far away from the cold window as possible with a hot drink in hand and just sit. Usually they read, with Marija tending to customers as they wandered in but sometimes they talked. Their conversations were the highlight to Bucky’s days, her soft voice a soothing distraction from his aches. But today they read, each holding their own dog eared book as time ticked by and the rain continued to fall.

…

Bucky wasn't sure when he fell asleep but the feeling of his book being tugged out of his loose grasp woke him, but he didn't open his eyes. His head was resting in the crook of his right elbow which he’d laid on the arm of Marijas chair. He felt relaxed, more so than if he’d stayed in bed. It was a lot harder to pretend to be asleep when Marija wrapped a heating pad around his left shoulder with gentle hands but he managed, even though he wanted those hands to stay on him, to brush against his exposed skin with the same gentleness she showed everything.

Next to him Marija settled back down, a smile on her full lips as she gazed down at the slightly scruffy man that meant so much to her now. She propped her book back open and let out a contented sigh that was swallowed up by the hush of the rain that always meant Bucky would be back at her side.

@writer-wednesday

[outoftheseine]

- BUCKY BARNES FIC RECS PART 3 -

his strut, lord forgive me | some fics might have 18+ content so minors do not interact. | more will be added!

main masterlist | part 1 | part 2

SERIES - MULTI-CHAPTERS

break free • bucky barnes x fem!reader

↳ by @james-bucky (angst, violence, comfort, smut)

honey girl • dbf!bucky barnes x fem!reader

↳ by @violentdelightsandviolentends (age gap, soulmate au, smut, angst, fluff)

taken • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @antiquarianfics (angst, violence, kidnapping)

public affair | public display • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @kaznejis

you are mine, sunshine • grumpy!bodyguard!bucky barnes x sunshine!fem!reader

↳ by @theeleggymeggy

i never thought you'd happen to me | part 2 | part 3 • bucky barnes x curvy!reader

↳ by @nickfowlerrr (slight angst, mostly fluff, smut, luv itt)

against all odds | part 2 • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @bossbtch1

ONE-SHOTS - HC'S - BLURBS

you found me • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @samthemarvelfan (slight angst, fluff)

cry baby • bucky barnes x fem!reader

↳ by @buckymorelikefuckme (smut, friends to lovers)

secret injury • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @lives-in-midgard

the collection • tfatws!bucky barnes x fem!reader

↳ by @theeleggymeggy

better knock • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @buckysouvenir (flufff, implied smut)

suffocate me with your love • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @rocketrhap3000 (angst with happy ending, self-esteem problems)

always • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @nickfowlerrr (angst with happy ending)

contaminated • bucky barnes x agent!reader

↳ by @adrinktostopyourthirst (fluff)

finally • bucky barnes x spy!reader

↳ by @adrinktostopyourthirst (smut, fluff, angst)

curiosity killed the cat • mafia!bucky barnes x fem!reader

↳ by @queers-gambit (angst, kidnapping, mean!bucky)

help me • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky (angst, bucky's ptsd, comfort)

his everything • bucky barnes x fem!reader

↳ by @likeahorribledream (angst, fluff and insecure bucky)

the way he loves • bucky barnes x widow!reader

↳ by @lovelybarnes (aahh so fluffy so sweet)

patience • grumpy!bucky barnes x sunshine!reader

↳ by @sageandravens

it's called: freefall • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @kikixreverie

baking for bucky • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @itsplumwriter (so fluff, i wish i can bake for bucky too)

wrapped in affection • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @aikaterini-drag (very fluffy)

the signal • bucky barnes x fem!reader

↳ by @lostgirlmuseum (angst, a misunderstanding)

first time • bucky barnes x gn!reader

↳ by @ivybucky

i was born ready • bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @whatthetumblfck (angst, kidnapping, ptsd?)

babysitting duty • bucky barnes x girlfriend!fem!reader

↳ by @nicoline1998enilocin (fluff)

here's looking at you, kid • boxer!bucky barnes x reader

↳ by @cryonme (angst, violence, tw: abuse)

knight in shining motorcycle • bucky barnes x fem!reader

↳ by @queen-of-the-avengers (almost sa, slight angst, comfort)

verity • bucky barnes x fem!reader

↳ by @cosmicbucky (angst, fluff, friends to lovers)

let it be known • mob!bucky barnes x bf!fem!reader

↳ by @kinanabinks

harvest heart • bucky barnes x fem!reader

↳ by @eloquentreverie (verry fluffy)

[queers-gambit]

Damage Done

prompt: The Winter Soldier is activated and Bucky's lover is unlucky enough to be in proximity.

pairing: Bucky Barnes x female!Widow!reader

fandom masterlist: Marvel

word count: 5.4k+

note: oh, wow, Cherry wrote Bucky NOT in a Mafia AU?

warnings: takes place during Civil War, absolutely no plot - author just doesn't know how to shut the fuck up. cursing, violence, established relationship, small angst, injury, blood, hurt and comfort, Winter Soldier antics, choking, abrupt ending, maybe domestic violence? it's the WS.

it's really not that bad, it's not terribly descriptive but still tread carefully if triggered by these topics.

"Keep them together," Agent Everett Ross commanded, a little man with a raging Napoleon Complex, gesturing at you and Bucky; the latter held in mobile, restrictive captivity. "He doesn't play nice if he doesn't see her, or so it's said," his eyes rolled.

"You're making a huge mistake!" You barked, struggling in the restraints they had you wrapped in.

"No, I don't think so," he sneered, approaching you as Bucky's unit kept moving. "I think the mistake was letting you out of anyone's sight. Tell me, how long have you been in cahoots with the Winter Soldier?"

"He's not the Winter Soldier anymore, you jackass, he's a person! A real, live human being! His name's James but he prefers Bucky! He likes plums," you were yanked away, still snarling, "his favorite color is blue, likes motorcycles, he has real guilt over his past transgressions, and you've got the wrong guy!"

"Oh, right, like you're the best judge of character," Ross laughed.

"Natasha! Nat! Fucking tell him!" You pleaded, struggling in the hold of the men who kept iron clad restraint on you and were starting to drag you away. "You've got the wrong guy! Bucky didn't do this! I wouldn't lie - not to you, Natasha! Tell him!"

"That's touching, really sweet," Ross mocked, rolling his eyes as you were finally overpowered and lead away.

"Hang on a second," Nat muttered, sharing a look with Tony. "Was her DNA or facial recognition anywhere at the UN? Anywhere near where the bomb was set off?"

"What's that matter - "

"Since they met, they've not parted ways," Nat spelled out. "He won't go anywhere without her - you, yourself, are keeping them together for interrogation - "

"It's just easier," Ross scoffed.

"No, you know..." She blinked in confusion, "You know, Bucky won't talk unless she's there - you know he'll be ten times as difficult if she's not in the room."

"So?"

"So, in the past two years, have you heard about him without her? Have you seen her without him?"

"Nobody's seen or heard from either of them," Ross shook his head.

"Exactly," she nodded, lungs tightening with nerves. "If you can't find evidence of her being in Vienna... Bucky might not be your guy... Besides, they're both trained to avoid cameras - "

"Mistakes are made," Ross waved off.

"Not by two highly trained assassins like them," she snapped. "Check the files, go back - look! Actually look, run her scans through facial recognition - if you don't find her, it wasn't Bucky."

"You're so sure?" Tony asked skeptically.

"I know her," Natasha nodded, "better than anyone. She's as good as my sister, she's as good as blood. I know her. I know she wouldn't run this risk - "

"Then you also know she wouldn't get caught," Ross laughed.

"Neither would Bucky."

The silence stretched, but Ross was stubborn; sneering at the Avengers and taking his leave with his own plan of action in mind. He left Tony and Natasha to deal with Sam and Steve as he went to observe the interrogation. When he got before the monitors, he watched as it took four different men to restrain you enough to hoist your locks up the wall until they were clicked in place by ultra-strength magnets.

You jostled, feeling the full extent of your containment, grunting when the pipe you were connected to shocked your entire system into submission. Everett Ross smirked at your pain; watching your tongue swipe over your teeth, arms high above your head, readjusting your weight in your feet, but otherwise, not moving.

Ross heard Bucky ask quietly, his eyes watching you carefully from inside the reinforced cell, "You okay, doll?"

"Looks like they learned from last time," you grit, the cuffs around your wrists electrified; charring your skin, making you grimace slightly in a veiled attempt to hide your pain from your lover.

"Don't fight, you'll make it worse," he advised softly, frowning, eyes glassy from restrained emotion.

"They could've at least put me in a bit more comfortable position," you sneered, glaring up at one of the cameras, shaking your head as if in disappointment.

"I don't think they want to play nice, sweetheart."

"Yeah, could've guessed that from when they arrested us," you shook your head, puckering your lips to gather the blood in your mouth; spitting it to the floor. "You good, baby?" You asked as the men who restrained you moved to plug in the power cell caging Bucky.

He nodded silently at you, bowing his head and letting his long locks curtain his face. You frowned, shifting again as you blindly felt your cuffs and designed a way to get free; watching the men stoically as they exited the room to make way for the psychologist. Your jaw clenched, the air smelling foul - alerting you that something wasn't quite right.

"Hello, Mr. Barnes," the accented man greeted casually, standing at a single table in front of Bucky, you off to the side; chains rattling as your defenses flared. The psychologist smirked and greeted you, too, assuring your real identity was known - something that Natasha released to the world about two years ago when HYDRA sent Bucky after Cap in DC. You didn't fault her, in fact, you respected her move, and after getting out of the blown-to-shit base, you had run into the Winter Soldier... Beginning your epic love story, both of you on the run from authorities and higher powers.

You smuggled Bucky out of the country, using fake aliases that had yet to see the light of day and therefor, wasn't released in the files Nat published during her takedown of the compromised S.H.I.E.L.D. agency. He was appreciative, pondering how he was meant to go forward in a world he didn't know; so, you agreed to stick around for a bit to help settle him, and that bit turned into a couple of years - the two of you inseparable.

There was an incident in London that almost exposed you, but instead, it just shined a light on your new partnership. Captain American, Nat, Sam, shit - even Tony Stark himself was unable to catch up; your trail going cold, Nat knowing your Widow training was running the show and keeping you safe. Granted, she probably could've unraveled the web you had weaved - but the truth was, she didn't want to. So, she kept quiet. Leading you all here...

"I've been sent by the United Nations to evaluate you both," the man you'd come to know as Helmut Zemo continued; playing his part very well, but not well enough to convince you of his innocence. Something about the man rubbed you the wrong way. "Do you mind if I sit?" He asked politely, feigning like you two had a choice. When he did, Zemo continued, "Your first name is James?"

He noted the way Bucky and you shared a look, both remaining silent. Zemo tried to assure, "I'm not here to judge you - either of you. I just want to ask you a few questions. Do you know where you are, James?" Continued silence, your head subtly shaking - an act only Bucky clocked. "I can't help you if you don't talk to me, James."

"My name is Bucky," he croaked, your sigh echoing around the room.

"Hm," Zemo nodded, "I take it, she doesn't want you to talk?"

"She wants me safe," Bucky answered stiffly.

"That is admirable," the psychologist offered kindly, "a great display of love, is it not?"

"Jesus Christ," you shook your head, offering a glare, "you went through all that schooling to ask stupid fucking questions? Might wanna get your money back."

Zemo chuckled after humming, "I am merely trying to establish the connection you two share. I hear it is rare to find one without the other, that you two have become, uh, joined at the hip?"

"I protect her," Bucky offered, sharing a long look with you, "and she protects me."

"An equal partnership, would you say?"

"Yes."

"Buck," you warned, wrists twisting to hold the cuffs; being zapped, making your jaw clench and the veins in your neck to bulge.

"It's all right," his voice sounded like it was being put through a grater. "We're caught, doll, it's all right."

You huffed, eyeing Zemo as his eyes flickered between you two. He nodded, making a note in his little book, "I was warned that you would be unwilling to cooperate without her present. Why is that?"

"She keeps me safe."

Zemo hummed, "So you've said, and yet... Here you both are..." You were ready to lash out, but the doctor changed course, "Tell me, Bucky. You've seen a great deal, haven't you?"

"I don't wanna talk about it." Your restraints zapped you again when you jolted forward as if to physically silence Zemo, Bucky's head snapping over and his eyes drooping in sympathy. "Told you not to move, it'll only get worse," he told you softly.

"He's asking questions that will get him killed," you snarled, gritting your teeth as the electric currents seized most of your energy. But it was worth it, finding a little weak spot and letting your mind devise a specific plan.

"You fear," Zemo continued, "that if you open your mouth, the horrors might never stop. I feel it is safe to assume, uh, your lady is privy to your past experiences? Perhaps, you two have shared a couple?"

"Just leave her out of this," Bucky pleaded.

"Don't worry," he assured you both, tapping something on his tablet before looking back at Bucky with a sick recognition. "We only have to talk about one. One mission... That I know you," he nodded at you, "were not present for."

"Kinda game you playin', Doc?" You sneered. "Think anything he says will change my opinion about him?"

"No, no, I know your relationship is too strong for that," Zemo smiled. "So, it's not so much what he will say... But what he will do..."

"The fuck does that - "

But then, the lights went out; darkening the room save for the lights individual to Bucky's holding cell. You perked up, the electric currents halting as the cuffs died with the power and gave you an opportunity to begin working on your escape. As red panic lights flickered, Bucky questioned, "What the hell is this?"

"Why don't we discuss your home?" Zemo offered. "Not Romania. Certainly not Brooklyn, no," he reached into his satchel, revealing a red notebook the world thought long lost... Buried in snow... Forgotten in time. "I mean, your real home," Zemo removed his glasses as you frantically started working.

"No, no, no, no, no, hey, hey, hey, don't - fuck!" You grit, trying harder to free yourself. "Bucky - Bucky, don't listen - ah, Goddamnit!"

The man you now understood to be a fake psychologist stood with a little flashlight, opening the red notebook, and began repeating words in Russian that would activate the decommissioned Winter Soldier. Bucky had told you all about these words, begging you to provide a shield against them should they ever be uttered again; but you had prior knowledge, the Winter Soldier someone you had been debriefed on during your time with other secret agencies.

"Longing."

"No," Bucky whispered, head tilting back in panic as he felt his stomach curl in a familiar pattern.

"Bucky - don't fucking listen, please!" You begged, still working to free yourself.

"Rusted."

"Stop," Bucky pleaded, sounding in pain.

"Don't do this!" You pleaded to Zemo. "You're fucking hurting him, please, stop!"

"Seventeen."

"Stop!" Bucky barked, his vibranium hand clenching in anger and pain; the entire arm whirring from the flex of his muscle. He began to pant, a deep growl emitting above your panicked whimpers.

"Daybreak!"

"You have no idea what you're doing!" You raged, Bucky screaming in pain as his mind was forcibly sunk back into dark recesses of his past. "Don't - Bucky, baby, listen to me - don't fucking listen to him, please, please, baby, don't do this!"

He screamed, breaking free of the iron restraints that kept him seated in the reinforced, mobile cell. "Furnace!" Zemo continued, ignoring the pain and panic you and Bucky were both thrown into.

"Fucking stop, please! You don't understand!" You begged, freeing one hand and working in vain to unlatch the other. Bucky was out of his seat, anger coursing like a palpable rain over you all - him screaming as his metal arm worked to pound into the strengthened glass surrounding him.

"Nine!"

"Bucky, please, baby, please, don't do this!" You tried a new tactic, hoping you were enough to cut through the brainwashing - but how silly to imagine. Decades of trauma was washing over Bucky again and your little words couldn't cut through the barricades of his mind.

"Benign!"

"You stupid fucking little man!"

Zemo rounded around the cell, Bucky still pounding away at the glass. "Homecoming! One!"

"DON'T!"

"Freight car!"

You whimpered in fear when Bucky punched the entire door off the hinges, freeing him at last; but the words were spoken, the damage done. He crouched on the floor, Zemo pausing to take in the sight, slowly approaching Bucky as he stood upright; the jangling of your chains louder and more frantic as you tried to free your last wrist.

"Jesus Christ," you whispered, trying to divide focus between the two tasks of freeing yourself and protecting Bucky - but being terribly unsuccessful as you watched Zemo stand in front of your dead-eyed boyfriend.

What a ridiculous, mundane label to assign someone like Bucky.

In Russian, Zemo questioned, "Soldier?"

And in Russian, the man you loved answered, "Ready to comply."

Zemo demanded in English, "Mission report. December 16, 1991."

You whimpered in fear, listening to Bucky give the report that would haunt you for years to come. Just as he finished, you managed to get out of the cuffs, but the clanging of your freed restraints caught Zemo's attention - who smirked with abundant cruelty. "Don't," you warned, backing out of the room just as officers began to flood it.

It was a brutal fight, trying to stave off Bucky once in his Winter Soldier mindset. You grunted as he engaged you, men dead at your feet - the lucky ones just knocked out. You grit your teeth, trying to defend yourself as Bucky operated mechanically; doing what you could to protect yourself, but it wasn't enough.

Blows landed, punching and kicking one another in an equal match of strength and stamina.

"Seize her," Zemo demanded, and in the next moment, Bucky had you by the neck; an effort that made you wheeze and claw at his bionic hand.

"Bucky," you begged. "Baby - baby - it's me, it's me, please, don't, it's me! Don't do this, baby, please, come back to me. Come back!" You struggled in his grip, trying to pry his hand open, "Baby, please, please, come back to me," spit drooled from your lips as he squeezed tighter. "This isn't you!" You managed to squeeze out, tears surfacing. "Not anymore, don't let them win!"

"Shut her up, Solider," Zemo commanded in Russian, your eyes widening and trying to beg Bucky again before he was sending you into a wall. He marched up to you, grabbing your hair, and surging his balled up metal fist directly into the bridge of your nose, breaking it, head jolting backwards, and effectively knocking you out.

When you came back into consciousness, it was to Steve's worried face; his hands caressing your cheeks and begging, "You all right?"

"Fucking hell," you winced, reaching up to prod the tender spot on your head; revealing blood.

"Got your ass kicked, huh?" He frowned.

"Watch your language, Cap," you smirked, wincing when your face throbbed. "Shit, how bad is it?"

He looked you over, offering, "Definitely a broken nose."

"Goddamnit - where is he? Where's Bucky?"

"Help me," a voice pleaded from the next room, Zemo playing his part by splaying out on the floor like bait.

"Don't trust him, something ain't right about him, Steve," you whispered, waving him on as you sluggishly hoisted yourself up the wall to lean against it. "Kept asking about Siberia, asking about shit nobody should actually know."

"Get yourself safe," Steve told you swiftly, nodding at Sam; who was checking on the status of the other bodies around you.

"Just find him, Steve, he's lost in his own mind - a threat to himself," you panted, slowly standing.

"I know - "

"You don't know," you shook your head, wiping a trickle of blood from your temple, "but you're gonna have to do more than understand him right now, Steve."

"I've got this," he promised, watching you nod and limp away. You had just missed the action, Bucky overpowering both Sam and Steve; getting to a safety landing and running into Natasha, Tony, and Agent Sharon Carter.

"We'll hash our bullshit out later," you panted, "but for now - "

You heard a commotion behind you, flinching out of sight when Bucky made himself known and began taking down rogue agents unlucky enough to stand before the Winter Soldier.

"He have an off switch?" Nat asked.

"Not that I've found," you frowned. "Split up."

Tony tried to engage Bucky first, using a mobile Iron Man device he wore on his wrist that used sonics to disorient Bucky. It only worked to a small extent, the two exchanging a few blows, Bucky firing a bullet at Tony's face at pointblank range that was saved by his technologically advanced glasses. Bucky got the upper hand, sending Tony flying back, letting Sharon and Nat attack.

He disposed of them both easily, stumbling when you caught him off guard and wrapped your legs around him. Normally, you'd do anything to have your legs around him - but this wasn't one of those times. You exchanged several punches, blocking one another, going for disarming hits but being of equal challenge; leaving small cuts and blooming bruises on each other as if to prove the engagement. Natasha rejoined the fight, two Widows showing Bucky up on a few instances, but he was heaving her across the room as you swung onto his shoulders in an impressive acrobatic move.

You heaved your fists down in a repeated fashion on the top of his head, Bucky charging at one of the cafe tables; slamming you down and choking you again with his metal hand. Both your hands held his, legs up around his neck to try to keep him at a distance for relief on your windpipe.

Through a strangled breath, you managed, "You could at least recognize me!"

"Who said I don't?" He growled, reaching out to snap a piece of wood from a chair.

You tried to regain normal breath, wheezing, "This isn't you, baby, you are not this person anymore - you're not a psychotic, robot killer! You're a man - please!"

"You don't know a damn thing about me," he seethed.

"I know everything about you," you strangled, "and I know this isn't you. Come back to me, baby, please! Y-You can't let the demons win, Buck, please - fucking listen to me!" But he only raised the wooden shaft above his head. "BUCKY, DON'T!"

"Who the hell is Bucky?"

You cried out shrilly when he jabbed the sharp wood into your shoulder, staking you to the table just as King T'Challa rushed onto the scene and stole your brainwashed boyfriend's attention. You hissed in pain, trying to yank the wood free but being unsuccessful; resulting in blood to splatter onto the tiled floor.

Hearing someone pant your name, you caught a glimpse of red and knew it was Nat, her face worried over yours a moment later. "Where's Bucky?" You coughed and winced in pain.

"Goin' up by the looks of it," she informed, "now hang on, this is gonna hurt. Want a belt to bite?"

"No, just do it, get it done, please," you panted, bracing yourself, and suddenly, without warning, your companion heaved the piercing shaft free from your flesh. Naturally, you cried out, groaning and clenching your jaw so tight, it nearly crushed your teeth into dust.

"Hey, you seen..." Sam arrived on scene, taking in your injury, "Holy shit, you good?"

"Yeah," you grunted, stumbling to your feet as blood bloomed into a bigger, brighter blemish on your tactical shirt. "We gotta go, Sam, we should get outta here."

"Hang on," Nat paused you two, your opposite hand holding your wound; her hands occupied by a smart device, "looks like Bucky tried to highjack a helicopter. Steve stopped him, but it resulted in them all crashing in the river."

"Shit," Sam breathed. "We gotta go find them."

"We need to get outta here, you know, away from the cops and agents," your head shook. "Get somewhere safe, away from this catastrophe. We'll regroup with Steve."

"Go," Nat permitted, "I won't say a word."

"You're one of a kind, Nat," you praised, pecking her cheek. "Let's go, Sam. And grab that First Aid kit," you pointed to the wall where the white box was mounted. He agreed and you lead the way out of the facility.

Bucky groaned as he woke up, head lulling back before realizing he couldn't move his metal arm; finding it clamped in industrial weights. Sam called you both to attention, but while Steve jogged over, you remained in your place out of sheer distress.

You only vaguely listened to the conversation, hands trembling as your shoulder was bandaged to prevent further injury or infection. You did what you could to patch up any injury, and when you heard your name, you dialed in; Bucky asking, "Where is she? Is she okay?"

"You don't remember?" Sam sneered.

"No..."

"You stabbed her," the Falcon growled.

"What? N-No, I-I-I couldn't've - I wouldn't!"

"You did," Steve confirmed, pity coloring his words. "Punched her out pretty well, choked her, too. Broke her nose..."

"Please - Steve, please, tell me I didn't."

"I'm sorry, Buck."

"That why she's not here? She's in a hospital?"

"Actually, no," Sam trailed, "she's just in the other room."

"She didn't want to come here?"

Steve sighed as Sam informed, "Don't think she wants to see you right now, man."

"I didn't mean to hurt her."

"We know," Steve swiftly promised, nodding his head. "She knows it, too, you just have to give her some time."

Bucky looked utterly defeated, murmuring, "I scared her. Oh, my God, I scared her..."

"Gotta agree with you there."

"Sam," Steve reprimanded. "Look, Buck, she'll come around."

You waited until the two men left Bucky alone to regroup and stratify a new course of action. Slowly and almost sheepishly, you entered where Bucky was being kept, steps silent but he heard you anyways. His blue eyes flashed in concern as he met your gaze, mouth opening and closing as if words failed him.

"Doll," he finally breathed, "a-are you all right?"

"I'm okay."

"Don't bullshit me, how hard did I hit you? Steve said I broke your nose, I-I'm so sorry, doll, please believe me. What'd I do to your shoulder? Is that where I stabbed you?"

"Buck," you sighed, slowly squatting in front of him, "I need you to take a breath and know that I understand you were not in your right state of mind. You were forcibly triggered and sent back into that way of thinking, I know it wasn't you."

"I still hurt you, I still did it."

"Did you, though?" Your head cocked, eyes narrowing slightly, "Because I know my Bucky wouldn't hurt me, would never dare lay a hand on me - but the Winter Solider is a different story. You didn't do this, Buck, you weren't you."

"I can smell the fear on you."

"Well, yeah, it fuckin' scared me. I tried to stop that fake doctor, I tried to help, tried to save you and keep your safe. I'm sorry I was too slow, that I failed."

"You didn't fail anything, sweetheart... I-I failed you, I broke my promise to never hurt you."

"No, you didn't. The Winter Solider did all that, not my Bucky."

He frowned, repeating to ask softly, "Your Bucky?"

"My Bucky - the kind, charismatic, impossibly stubborn, kind hearted man I've loved the past couple of years who always gives me the crispiest fries, who has nightmares, who loves me unconditionally despite what I, too, have done in my past. And you know what I was doing out there while Sam and Steve talked to you?"

"What's that, doll?"

"Understanding that loving someone means loving their flaws, accepting them exactly as they are. So, while, yes, the Winter Solider scares the fuck outta me, he's still part of you and I can't authentically love you if I reject the Soldier."

His head shook "Your kindness is wasted on me."

"I think you should let me decide what's a waste and what's not when it comes to my own energy and emotion."

"I'm just gonna end up hurting you again. You're better off without me, baby, you and I both know you're better off keeping your distance. You should get out now while you still can."

"Not gonna happen. 'Cause you know what else I realized?" You reached up to caress his cheek, "I trust you beyond reasonable doubt, I trust you even if I'm afraid of the Winter Solider. I should've been faster, I should've helped you more, but I was powerless against that red notebook."

"You and I, both..."

You pet the cheek you were holding. "Buck, I know it was scary, I know how it must've felt being forced back into that mindset, but I want you to know that I'm in this for the long haul - you're not gonna scare me off. Because I love you, Bucky, and every single part of you - whether choking me out or not. Whether I earn a broken nose or not."

"I'm so sorry. I-I can't believe I did that, I'm so sorry, I hate that I hurt you. I'm so sorry, baby, I can't - I can't even put it in words how much I regret putting you in that position."

You smirked, "See? The Winter Soldier has no remorse, but my Bucky does." You gingerly reached out to curl his hair behind his ear. "My Bucky apologizes and takes accountability. There's no reason to not love that man - especially when he deserves it so much. Hey? Hear me? You deserve to be loved, too, Buck."

"And you deserve a man who doesn't run the risk of being turned into a psycho killing machine over a few measly words."

"I deserve to love my best friend, so let me do that. Say whatever you want, try to push me away - but I'm like a boomerang, baby, I'll just come right back."

"What kinda man puts his best girl in that kinda position? Who hurts the most important person in his life?"

"A man who endured decades of abuse," you laid your hands on either of his thighs, "a man who wasn't allowed control of his own mind. I can't - no, no, I won't fault you for that, Buck. Today wasn't your fault and I'll remind you of that as often as it takes. Don't you dare feel guilty because you didn't do this to me, okay? You didn't put me in any position - that fake fucking doctor did this, Agent Ross did this, special ops put us here. You, my sweet boy, didn't do anything to be at fault. You were trapped, but look at you now - freed, level headed, talking to me."

His eyes gleamed with a sheen of emotion, staring at the bloodied bandage wrapping your shoulder wound before his eyes danced over the bruising and other aftermath of your injuries. "I could've killed you," he muttered, tears filling his eyes.

"But you didn't - and surprisingly, neither did the Winter Soldier. Maybe there was a part of you still alive, wanting to refuse orders and not actually hurt me."

"Perhaps," he frowned. "I'm still so sorry, doll, I hate that I did this to you. It never should've happened."

Your head nodded, "I know, baby, and listen - I forgive you. Yeah? Hear me? I forgive you, this is in the past."

"Are you sure about me? You sure you wanna do this? Knowing I could flip a switch and hurt you - maybe even worse than today?"

"I'm sure about you, Buck," you agreed. "I don't wanna be without you, so, sign me up for whatever's to come."

"You might regret that."

"The only thing I could ever regret is abandoning you. I don't want to do this without you - I love our life together. In any world, in any lifetime, I'd still choose you. There's nothing that would make me regret you - regret being with you."

"You sure? I don't want to make you do anything out of your comfort."

"I love you, Bucky, yes, I'm sure. No matter what damage you think you might've caused, whatever damage has been done, I promise, that's not the truth. There's nothing about you that I could regret."

"Well, all that's left now is to get to Siberia, stop the other Winter Soldiers."

"And figure out a way to free your mind once and for all... It's what you deserve," you told him softly, rocking to your knees to meet his forehead with yours and caressing his cheek again. When you heard approaching footsteps, you sighed and pulled away from him to stand and turn, spying Sam and Steve. "C'mon, Cap, get him outta this. He's not gonna attack anyone," you requested, gesturing where your boyfriend was trapped.

"You sure?" Sam asked stiffly. "He did a real number on you alone. Not to mention all the other agents and cops he took out back there."

"He's good," you snapped, perking your brows at Steve, "and you two would do well not to throw what happened in his face, it wasn't his fault. So c'mon, free him, he's not a wild animal."

Steve agreed and lifted the machinery from Bucky's prosthetic, him instantly snatching it back and massaging where the joint met metal. Bucky stood with a set stare at Sam and Steve, as if anticipating them to lunge at him. His throat constricted, swelled with emotion when you stepped in front of him - posing barrier between the two Avengers and himself.

"You still got that phone on you?" Steve asked you softly.

"I do."

"Is it still unregistered?"

"You know it is. Who're we calling?"

"Reinforcements. We're gonna need help now that the Avengers will be looking for us. We gotta get to Siberia."

"Here," you agreed, unlocking the device and handing it over. "Who's first on your list?"

"Any Avenger who didn't sign the Sokovia Accords."

When he walked away with Sam again, you turned to face your lover directly; staring into swirling storms of baby blues. "You still with me?" You asked softly, reaching up to caress his hair again to push it behind his ear.

"Always. Got my six?"

"You know I do, baby," you smirked, stepping into his chest and wrapping your arms around his waist. "We'll figure this out, together."

"Together," he agreed, sighing deeply and returning your embrace tightly. His flesh hand rose to hold the back of your head, bringing his lips down to lay a chaste kiss on the top of your head. His voice rattled quietly, "Thank you..."

"Hmm? For what, handsome?"

"Believing in me. It's nice to think we can end this torment."

You smiled up at him, "You deserve freedom, Bucky, and to live without this haunting fear."

"I don't know about 'deserving' it, sweetheart. Done a lot of things that would argue against that."

"Maybe against the Winter Soldier, but Bucky deserves the world. Deserves kindness, accommodation, love and understanding. Now," you smirked and sniffled, giving his waist another squeeze before releasing and pulling back, "get your head outta this pit and focus, we've got a long day ahead of us."

He agreed, letting you take his hand and lace fleshy fingers together in a tether. Sam's face remained stoic and passive, but when Steve saw you two, he couldn't help but smile. Two years he hunted for Bucky and just today, he's learned his best friend's been shacked up with you - a warmth blooming in his chest over the idea of you two finding one another and loving each other.

requesting rules and masterlist

Marvel masterlist

[flordeamatista]

𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂

pairing: dark mob!bucky barnes x stewardess!reader

concept: Like clouds dancing in the air giving the setting sun a reason to live, that is how you came into his life. 

word count: 2k

warnings: possessive Bucky, dark Bucky, dubcon/noncon (to be safe on the kidnapp-ing, drug—ing), desire,lust, p— in-—v, mile high club, man—ipulation mature themes, edging, fingering, nickname ──(Princess, Sweetheart)

a/n: Written for @the-slumberparty April Mob AU Challenge. In the midst of my muse going off and on, I finally received the muse to finish this story from the writing fairies to submit it on the last day.

The prompt: “If it wasn’t meant to be, you wouldn’t fit me so perfectly.”

lovely beta:@lunarbuck & @targaryenvampireslayer

line divider by @s-tarksintern ──the cute gif/moodboard made by me

Masterlist

Despite the distance, I can still sense you. 

What a waste of time. 

You feel your heart sink as you realize you have been stood up. You try to distract yourself by focusing on the flickering candlelight on the table and taking a deep breath.

It's as if the radiant flame is a reminder of your feelings for him, a reminder that won't go away no matter how difficult the situation gets.

His deep crimson eyes, burning intensely, ran wild during lustful nights and burned so hard every day you were with him. 

This light was visible only to you. 

His possessiveness and jealousy, however, were like melting wax into molten tears of your fears as you fled. That night, when you left him, it ached for you, but you knew it was time to leave. You left, never looking back, never feeling his piercing light again. His hold on you was more than physical; it was as if he treated you as if you were his property and wanted whatever he thought best for you, regardless of what you wanted. 

You are finally free. 

Fresh air is the most beneficial thing for you. You have to venture into a new atmosphere, experience a new life, and encounter a new man.

Recharge from him and getting a fresh beginning.

The waiter comes with a drink. 

"On the house. He doesn't deserve you for standing you up."

You had the feeling that the restaurant staff were watching you and were sorry your date had not arrived. You’d been holding on to the idea that he was stuck at work for almost two hours but after sitting at the table alone and stupid, you’re giving up hope.

You quickly down the drink, hoping it will give you some relief from the humiliation and arduous wait. 

 “So much for romance,” you mutter into the glass. 

"Maybe your man is nearby," the waiter says softly in fear as you stare at him in confusion.

 Your attention is drawn to the door as he points to it. 

A stone wall surrounds you, and suddenly, the air is thick as syrup.

It feels like your body is drained, your arms and hands are heavy, and every movement feels like a struggle, as you grasp the table, feeling numb. There he stands, him, with a bouquet of roses in his hand. A smirk escapes his lips as fire returns to the room. 

But you keep seeing blurry figures, hoarse voices, and the sensation that your body is swallowing. The room looks like a slow-moving carnivorous scene. Air around you feels heavy and thick, as if it is tightly wrapped around you, suffocating you.

As if your body is turning to stone, you feel helpless, but a touch brings a sliver of reality when blue ocean eyes and “You can’t be taking free drinks from a stranger, Sweetheart. Just sleep and it will be okay.” Fingers stroke your cheek and you keep your eyes open. 

“There is no escape.” He kisses you on the forehead, and you see darkness. 

Your eyes only belong to him and he looks forward to seeing them again

It is only when you see his shadows and feel the beating of your heart that you know where you were.

Though you want to run, you return to him by the hand of the universe. In his hands.

A smirk appears on his face. “Hello, Lovebug. Our paths cross again. I want to know why you ran from me. Nobody, not even you, runs from me." His deep voice carries anger while his eyes focus on you.

“Where am I?” 

You see him stare down at you and tap his glass of Scotch, but you realize you are not at his house but on his private jet. In the midst of the peaceful flight across the clouds, you can sense the jet moving peacefully. 

But you are next to the darkest cloud of the world.

There is only one dark king in the world of mobs, Bucky Barnes. 

You can feel yourself being pulled into darkness, unsure of what the future holds. “Fuck you.” You take his glass and throw it across the plane.

You slap him hard across the face, causing his head to snap to the side. The sound of the slap echoes throughout the small plane. 

His eyes suddenly sparkle with rage as he pushes you back against the jet's cabin.

 As you stare at his lips, he licks them.

 This is the end for you, and you know it. 

His touch is electrifying, and he seems to sense it. With an inviting smirk, he leans in closer, leaving you with no doubt as to his intentions. 

He will make sure your words are moans for his name with a single touch

He reaches down and pulls up your dress, then slowly runs to your underwear. His fingers glide through your pussy. You can feel your heart beating faster as his touch enthralls you, as he brings you to the edge of pleasure. His eyes are dark and lustful, and he whispers, "I know she's ready for more. Let's make her happy, the king is home." Keeping his thumb firmly pressed against your most intimate area, he rubs it back and forth rhythmically, and you surrender to his words and the touch of his fingers.

He slides two thick fingers deep into your pussy, and you whimper. "Don't tell me you don't want me," he growls, leans in and bites your bottom lip, as his other hand grips your throat, fingers pumping you hard.

He aggressively takes your lips. His body shakes and he collapses onto you, exhausted. His breath is hot in your ear as he whispers your name. His tongue slides through your mouth as your whole body melts against him. He breaks the kiss and he looks down at you with a satisfied smirk. 

His body is trembling, and he wraps his arms around you, pulling you close. 

His hard body presses against yours while he moans.

He adds another finger to your pussy and your eyes roll back. His touch sends electric pleasure waves through your body. His growl echoes the intensity of those feelings coursing through your body. "I will give you more so you know you are mine." His fingers send you over the edge, your moans growing louder in the room. 

Biting your lip and trying to stay upright, you roll your eyes back in your head. 

Like clouds dancing in the air giving the setting sun a reason to live, that is how you came into his life. 

The stewardess of his private jet bandaged the shallow cut on his arm in silence when he won a fight and was on his way home. A sense of hope and possibility was brought by your unexpected arrival. He was given a glass of bourbon by you to ease the pain, but all he wanted was to feel the touch of your hands on his skin to soothe the wound. The sun shined through the plane that day as you flew in the air, he kissed you on the lips to claim you as his. 

The world was in his hands in every aspect, and even the air obeyed him, so there was no place for him to hide. Even though you attempted to run from the lifestyle, his hands were visible on your skin every second of the day and you were his.

In this moment when you know he is tracing what is his, you want him to trace more. 

Your body moans at his touch.

You are left utterly frustrated when he suddenly draws his fingers from you. 

You want to scream, but the sound never escapes your lips. He is playing a game, and you are on the verge of losing badly. Your breathing is heavy, and your eyes sting with tears yet to fall. In this moment, you feel trapped by overwhelming sensations and powerlessness. 

A soft whispered apology graced your lips. "I didn't mean to leave you. I needed air."

With his back to you, Bucky smirks in response to your unease, none of which he wants you to feel. Taking off his suit jacket, he turns to you as he removes his tie, unbuttons his shirt, and slowly rolls up his sleeves.

"Come here," he whispers softly. 

You stand, weighing your options, knowing you have none, since he is always a step ahead, forcing you to bend your knees to him. There is nowhere to hide or scream. He seems unimpressed after you take a few steps to ease up under his obedience.

“Come here now,” he says harshly. He is not backing down, and his tone makes it clear that you have no choice but to obey his order. It is unusual for him to repeat himself, and his eyes are burning. 

You obey, not wanting to anger him further. He sneers as you walk over, your heart beating wildly. He grabs your arm and pulls you closer, his breath hot on your face.

"I'm going to give you two options, baby," he growls. "You can take my cock, or you can cry while I make you take it."

Bucky has everything in his life, from power to his girl.

He ignites my flame once again with his words

Your pussy takes him in as he grinds his hips against you. His breathing becomes heavier as he takes you in. Every movement is torture and ecstasy simultaneously. His gaze is locked on you and he moves closer to deepening the connection between you and him. He feels like there's no one else in this world, but the two of you. He has been under his spell since the moment he laid eyes on you.

"Don't you need me, Princess?" he whispers softly, grabbing your jaw. But you can’t answer. "Answer me, baby," he says in a low, growling voice as he thrusts inside you slowly. "Or I will not let you come all fucking night!"

Your body burns and you know he will keep his promise, making your suffering even worse. You are his to take. You whisper, "I need it," into the air.

“Yes,” he growls again as your flesh yields. "You are..." He tightens his fingers around yours as he grinds against you. "Mine." He thrust faster and harder. In. Out. Faster. Stronger. The thrill of his body thumping into you was apparent in every thrust. 

"If it wasn't meant to be, you wouldn't fit me so perfectly. Look at our movement as one, darling." His breathing is heavy and ragged as he pushes himself in deeper, claiming every inch of your body. 

His words, touch, and excited expression make you lose your breath. 

He whispers darkly, "Your pussy is so happy to see me." His movements are precise and calculated, and you arch your back and wrap your legs around him to push him closer with each thrust.

You can feel the pleasure building up as your orgasm is quickly approaching. Finally, you reach the peak as you tremble and moan.

Your freedom from him slips away from you. 

Once again, you have crossed a dangerous, fine line, as Bucky said, you have nowhere to run. You have no choice but to take on the consequences of your actions. You watch the clouds move across the sky as you move with him in rhythm, knowing that no land can hide you.

Your voice echoes his name, and they remain until the end of time

[purple-babygirl]

in the far corner of the forest III

Pairing: Orc!Bucky Barnes x human!f!reader

Word Count: 6,540

Summary: For the longest time, the kingdom has used Bucky as their number one fighter, forcing him to win their wars for them. The only thing he asked for in return after he was done was that they give him a wife, and they did. They handed him the orphan he picked on a silver platter; it wasn't like anyone would miss her. It would've been perfect if she actually wanted to be there though.

Warnings: hand injury, mentions of blood, wound sutures/stitches, angry behaviour, jealousy, fighting, crying, racism against orcs. I think that's all.

A/N: this is the longest part yet because it might take me a while with part 4 depending on how the very important interview i have on the 17th goes. please send me good wishes on the stars if possible i would really appreciate it. And please enjoy this one and let me know what you thought if you can xx💜💜

~

“I got you something, little human,” Bucky said, his tone softer than it was that same afternoon as he scratched the back of his head.

He was new to courting, and it wasn’t exactly normal that he was courting his already-wife. Still, he was doing everything possible.

Bucky’s life has all been about fighting and wars. He didn’t do love or courtship. He didn’t do coddling or romancing. But there was a first time for everything and he was trying his best.

“Thank you,” she replied without looking up, pretending to be focused on folding laundry.

She was ignoring him.

Bucky had let his voice get loud a couple of hours ago after he had found her lost in the forest again. Only this time her foot was already messed up and she needed the rest, but she wouldn’t listen.

It hurt him how much pain she was willing to go through if it meant she could get away from him, but he wouldn’t let it show.

Instead, he yelled in frustration as he brought her back to their cottage.

She seemed like she wouldn’t quit, and so he wasn’t going to quit either.

Despite her constant rejection, Bucky refused to give up, his determination fueled by a newfound sense of purpose. He was willing to endure anything, face anything, if it meant earning even a glimmer of acceptance, or even affection, from her.

“You didn’t even see what I got you,” Bucky tried again, hoping she would at least look at him.

When she did, he gave a tiny smile and walked to the cottage door, bringing something inside.

“Here.” He dragged in a shiny wooden chair and placed it before his on their small dining table.

“You bought me a chair,” she said, pretending to be uninterested to hide the warmth that just spread throughout her heart.

“I made you a chair,” Bucky corrected, proudly palming the smooth wood, swiping his tongue over his tusks.

Bucky knew gifts were an essential part of courting and he didn’t like how she had to eat on the bed while he ate alone on the dining table because he only owned one chair.

He knew his days as a loner were long gone and it made his heart swell that he had her to share his house and life with now.

So he got to work and decided to make her her own chair out of an old oak tree. Being a lumberjack who had a woodworking shop had its perks after all.

It was going to be a weekend surprise, but he thought now was better timing after the fight they just had.

“You— you made this? From scratch?” She stood up in surprise, laundry forgotten for now.

“Yes.”

“For me?” She asked, not able to hide her emotions at the kind gesture anymore.

“Yeah,” Bucky chuckled, taking a step back so she could examine the chair.

She sat down and a big smile found its way on her lips when she looked up at Bucky. The chair was comfy and new and hers.

No one has ever gotten her anything, let alone made her something so beautiful. It was so special and a flood of emotions washed over her at the idea that someone had actually thought of her enough to make her a chair. That Bucky had made her a chair.

“Thank you,” she whispered, breaking eye contact so that she wouldn’t tear up.

Bucky only nodded in reply, internally celebrating the win with his heart doing backflips. She liked the chair.

She stood up and closed the small distance between her and the orc, getting on her tiptoes to press a quick kiss to his cheek, “welcome home.”

She quickly put the clean laundry in its place in the closet and went to the kitchen to start dinner, leaving Bucky with the most idiotic smile on his face as he shifted back and forth on his feet like a teenager.

She was punishing him for yelling at her by not making dinner, but that chair and the effort behind it deserved a good meal.

~

She was cleaning up after dinner later that night when she heard Bucky moving stuff outside. She didn’t pay it much mind; it was his house after all.

“Come outside, little human,” his voice called for her and she tentatively stepped out of the kitchen.

Bucky was standing by the open cottage door, a hopeful smile on his face as he encouragingly nodded for her to come over to him.

She didn’t know what to think, but any chance not to stay cooped up inside the cottage was going to receive a yes from her.

It wasn’t like she was ungrateful. She was certainly thankful she had a roof over her head and warm walls that she could hide inside from the rain and the cold.

But again, her situation wasn’t the most ideal either. If it was up to her, she would have stayed at the orphanage with the rest of the girls because if her fate was drawn for her to be an isolated orc’s wife, she didn’t want to be married.

When she stepped outside, however, marriage and Bucky didn’t seem that bad for a second.

“I thought we could watch the stars now that the sky was clear,” Bucky explained, internally nervous that she might call him ridiculous and refuse to sit with him.

He had waited for a day without rain and laid out a thick blanket on the ground before their cottage, the way lit for her feet by a close by lantern he had put out.

She was enthralled, mouth open and breath stolen. Tears welled up in her eyes, a mixture of joy and disbelief engulfing her.

Bucky has even went as far as bringing out the shawl he had gotten her just in case she felt cold.

It was just like… a date.

Her heart raced and she smiled shyly at the orc, making him smile too as he watched her sit down on the blanket, holding her knees to her as she glanced up at the night sky nervously.

She has never been on a date before in her life, the town’s boys always picking other girls from the orphanage to fool around with, but never her. She was never really anyone’s type.

She slightly shook her head to shut down her insecure thoughts, knowing that none of those player town boys could have ever brought her on a date like this.

“Is the ground too cold?” Bucky asked as he draped her shawl over her shoulders.

She hugged the soft material around her body, smiling gratefully at the orc as she shook her head.

She was too shy to even speak at this point, her mind barely registering the amazingly romantic end to her day that Bucky had brought into existence.

Bucky then laid down on his back, wordlessly urging her to do the same.

She got on her back, eyes mesmerized by the sight of the stars. She has never seen so many before, her view from her room’s window at the orphanage was very limited.

It was different here in the middle of the woods because there were no town lights to take the view away from the sky and it was gorgeous.

“So beautiful,” she whispered with a smile, observing how the stars sparkled above them.

“Yes, the most beautiful,” Bucky whispered back, watching her as she watched the sky.

He wished she could one day look at him the same way she was looking at those stars; the same way he was looking at her.

In his eyes, there was a mix of determination and yearning, reflecting his unwavering commitment to win her heart despite her initial reluctance. Bucky’s gaze lingered on her, drinking in every detail as if he couldn’t believe she was really here, right next to him.

She turned her eyes to him, her shy smile widening, “thank you for this, Bucky.”

Gods, the way she said his name was something else.

“You’re welcome, sweet thing.” Bucky smiled back, turning his eyes back to the sky as to not make her uncomfortable under his stare.

As they silently continued stargazing, she felt her heart become lighter. She felt so serene, so content, and she had suddenly forgiven Bucky for raising his voice at her just hours ago, wanting nothing but for this peacefulness to last for as long as possible.

Was it imaginable for marriage to be this good? Could her life finally be turning around?

She couldn’t help but want to see Bucky in a different light in this very moment.

She knew that he was harsh sometimes, but she also knew that she wasn’t making it easy for him either.

Maybe she didn’t choose him and didn’t choose this marriage, but Bucky was trying with real effort and she wasn’t blind to it.

Bucky cared for her when she was sick. He provided for her. He brought her gifts, filled up her half of the closet for her with anything and everything she could need. And he, most importantly, apologized when he was in the wrong, which wasn’t something common for the human males of this kingdom. He also respected her boundaries and hadn’t tried touching her after their first night together.

Could this all be preparation for the purpose of bedding?

No, it couldn’t be. Bucky didn’t need to do this to get her in his bed. He had already had her there and he had willingly let her go. He could have his way with her anytime if he really wanted to.

She wanted to believe that this moment was real so bad. She wanted to believe that Bucky was trying to win her heart.

So she did.

And if Bucky was trying, she was going to start trying too.

She knew just the thing to do actually.

She was going to make Bucky strawberry jam tomorrow to show him how grateful she was.

She might have not much to offer, but she knew she made the most delicious fruit jams and marmalades. It was her specialty at the orphanage. All the other girls always managed to ruin the jams, adding too much or too little sugar, applying too much heat or not enough, eventually producing something inedible. But not her. No, that was one thing she knew with her whole heart that she was good at.

She might’ve not been the prettiest of the girls, but she deserved a good life and she was now determined to build one. With Bucky.

She wasn’t in love with him, she knew that, but she didn’t need love to have a good marriage. Respect and effort were going to be enough.

This marriage could be her chance at building a life worth living.

“Could you bring home some strawberries tomorrow?”

~

“Oh my gods, this is amazing!” Bucky exclaimed, sliding another spoonful of strawberry jam in his mouth.

“I’m happy you like it,” she replied proudly, a smile plastered on her timid features as she brought a basket of sliced bread to the table.

It felt so good to have someone other than the orphanage girls taste her hand’s making. Receiving Bucky’s praise felt so much different than all the compliments she’s ever received before.

It felt… way better.

“It’s really good, little human.” Bucky was too busy adding jam on the piece of bread in his hand, groaning as he slipped it into his mouth and chewed, “how much of this did you make?”

She laughed, “well, I wanted to start with a small pot because I didn’t know if you liked jam and I didn’t wanna throw out any of it, but we have enough if you finish this and want more!”

“None of this is getting thrown out, little human,” Bucky told her seriously, “I asked because I wanted to take some to Sarah. She has a sweet tooth and she would love this.”

A frown quickly replaced her smile at the mention of another female’s name. She suddenly felt like wanting to take the bowl of jam away from the orc. Hell, she felt like she wanted to get back the jam he had already ate and swallowed.

“Who’s Sarah?” She asked, trying to act nonchalant as she greased her bread with some jam.

“She’s Sam’s sister,” Bucky answered innocently, oblivious to the way she hummed with her jaw clenched.

“And who’s Sam?”

“Oh, right, you don’t know Sam. He’s my best friend; and my partner in the shop. Great guy,” Bucky told her, more interested in the jam than her reaction.

At least Sam was a male.

So just to be clear, Bucky wanted to take the jam she made to his best friend’s sister so she could have a taste and satisfy her sweet tooth? Yeah, she didn’t like that very much.

“Is she, like, married?” She wondered, trying hard not to show her anger.

“Who?” Bucky asked, chewing the bite in his mouth, the foreign question finally gaining his attention.

“Sweet tooth Sarah,” she answered with a somewhat bitter tone that Bucky has never heard before, her thumb swiping under his plump lips before she could stop herself as she harshly wiped away jam from the orc’s face.

The realization as to why her mood had suddenly turned sour made Bucky smile as he hurriedly swallowed his food, “little human,”

She looked up at him with a silent glare.

Despite her efforts to appear unaffected, there was a vulnerability in her eyes, a hint of insecurity betraying her true feelings

“Are you… jealous?”

Bucky’s amused smile made her even angrier as she watched his lips literally twitching.

Jealous? Pfft, of course not! Why would she be jealous!

“No!” She replied aloud defensively, “it was just a question.” She stood up, collecting the plates from the table without asking if Bucky was done eating.

“Hey, that’s mine!” Bucky laughed, holding onto the small bowl of jam.

“Try to save some for your Sarah,” she snapped, snatching her hand from the orc’s as she let him have the bowl.

Bucky raised an eyebrow at her surprising reaction, his widening smile still glued to his face.

She frustratingly sped to the kitchen, violently twisting the water tab open as she rolled her sleeves up and started washing the things in the sink.

She had went through all this trouble and used all of these bowls that she now had to wash just for him to want to take her jam to another female to eat.

Who did he think he was?

It was her fault for trying to do something nice in the first place.

He didn’t even answer her question, and that Sarah was probably unmarried. She was probably an orc too. Yeah, it made sense that Bucky would be attracted to someone similar to him. Those two ‘friends’ were probably part of his clan.

The clan he never introduced her to.

How naive was she to think this marriage could actually work?

Bucky was outside still smiling to himself like a fool as he finished the rest of her sweet jam.

She was jealous. She was jealous over him.

He didn’t want to upset her though, so he didn’t say anything, letting her calm down first.

He took the empty bowl to her, setting it in the sink as she avoided looking at him.

She heard him chuckle as he left the kitchen and it made her punch the sponge in her hand inside the bowl, pounding it angrily as she ‘washed’ it clean.

When she was done cleaning the kitchen and brushing her teeth, she stomped out to the bed, getting in and covering herself from head to toe as she gave Bucky her back.

Bucky walked to the lanterns and dimmed their lights before joining her in bed.

He laid on his back, innocently waiting for his good night’s kiss.

A minute passed. 2 minutes. 5 minutes. The kiss didn’t come.

“Hey,” Bucky whispered as not to startle her in the dark, “we had a deal. Where’s my kiss?” He put a hopeful hand on her shoulder, trying to twist her to face him.

“Have Sarah give you your kiss,” she replied with a deadpan tone, masking her fury as she pushed her pillow over her head, shrugging Bucky’s touch off her body.

Bucky stared at the back turned to him with an open mouth as he took his hand away and laid back, disappointment replacing his surprise and filling him up.

It was the first time since she had started feeling well again that she has refused to give him any of his kisses. Yet, respectful of her feelings, Bucky let her.

Maybe making her jealous wasn’t all that fun after all. But he didn’t even mean to make her jealous, he was just talking!

Bucky sighed, turning on his side as well as he fell asleep staring at the hidden back of her head.

~

The next morning as she put his breakfast on the table, she didn’t sit or eat with him, preferring to scrub the kitchen sink while Bucky ate even though she had just washed it the night before.

She didn’t give him his good morning kiss either; didn’t even speak to him.

She was still mad at him. This was serious for her, he realized.

Bucky might have found it fun last night, but today as she deliberately ignored his existence, he wanted nothing but to make her understand that what was in her head was nothing like the truth.

“Here, I packed jam for your sweet tooth Sarah,” she said harshly as she set a small jar of strawberry jam on the table before him.

“She’s not my—”

“Hope she likes it,” she cut him off, disappearing into the kitchen again.

Bucky sighed aloud, running a hand over his face as he stood up. Grabbing the jam, he took one look at the kitchen entrance before leaving the house for work with a clenched jaw.

She peeked outside when she heard the door shut to see the table empty. Bucky had taken the jar to Sarah.

Oh, that was it.

She could take being given to an orc against her will. She could take never having been chosen or given the chance to choose. She could take not being loved.

But she couldn’t and wouldn’t take being cheated on.

Was that why Bucky had decided to relieve her off her wifely duties in bed? Because he had another female? Was it because he had someone else to keep him warm and wet where he needed to be?

She couldn’t even think about the idea without feeling herself gag.

Why would he ruin her life by bringing her here when he already had that Sarah?!

How could she be so dumb, trying to meet him in the middle like that? Starting a peaceful life with this orc was never going to work!

She tried to pick the lock on the door like she usually would, but the new lock Bucky had put in wouldn’t budge.

She groaned in frustration before hauling herself up and out of the cottage window, running off to gods know where, hoping that luck would be her friend for once and maybe lead her somewhere out of these woods for good this time.

This marriage ends today.

~

Back at the shop, Bucky was as exasperated as they come as he used his chisel to shape the rough piece of wood in his hand.

After everything he was doing, how could she think that he had someone else? What was he doing wrong? What was missing?

Bucky had only ever wanted her. He thought he was the luckiest orc just because he got to fall asleep next to her every night.

How could he make her see that?

As his mind ran with thoughts and before Bucky could stop it, the chisel slipped and sharply cut the inside of his palm.

“Gods, fuck!” He shouted in pain as blood started flowing from the fresh wound.

Bucky tried to get the chisel from the floor so that no one would step on it, but his hand hurt more when he tried to squeeze his fist around the item. He grabbed it with his metal hand instead, rushing to the supply closet to find a clean towel to wrap around his cut.

He couldn’t continue working like that; couldn’t do anything with his hand.

Sam insisted on sending for his sister after seeing the amount of blood staining the cloth around Bucky’s hand.

Sarah tried to be efficient while messily stitching the wound as best as she could, wrapping it up carefully with gauze before advising Bucky to take a few days off work until his hand was healed. She was no doctor but she did her best for her friend.

Bucky thanked both siblings, giving Sarah the jam jar before leaving to go back home as his friends insisted.

He thought that his day couldn’t get any worse, but then he opened the cottage door to find the place empty and he could all but forget about his injury as he slammed his fist against the wall, crying out in anger. If his wound had started bleeding again, Bucky didn’t care.

~

“What the hell did you think you were doing out there again?!”

Bucky was enraged. He had found her wandering around the forest, as lost and as stubborn as ever.

“Getting as far away from you as possible.” She crossed her arms, her stare upset and unbending.

“And going where exactly!” He shouted, the idea of her spending the night inside a cold cave clawing at his back.

“Anywhere but here!” She yelled back, her face so hot she could feel sweat forming on her hairline in the middle of winter.

“It’s going to snow soon! Do you wanna get sick again?” Bucky held her by the arm, not too roughly as he didn’t really want to cause any real damage.

Neither of them noticed his blood staining her clothes.

She was too infuriated to notice Bucky’s hand wrapped in gauze. She saw nothing but red.

“I don’t care. I just don’t wanna be with you!” She retorted, snatching her arm out of his hold and pushing at his chest.

Though he didn’t move, her touch too weak to do anything to his colossal body, Bucky was hurt.

“Are you doing all of this just because of a little jealousy? Gods, human females are just—” Bucky shook his head in frustration.

“Jealousy? Hah! You think I’m jealous?” She faked a laugh, “this is not even a real marriage! What’s there for me to be jealous over?!” She continued raising her voice, the mention of her jealousy provoking her further.

Her words hurt Bucky more, the real gash now slashed across his heart.

Not even a real marriage.

Despite everything he was doing and trying, she still didn’t consider their marriage a real marriage.

“Well, do you wanna make it real, little human?” Bucky growled lowly, bringing her closer to his heaving chest by her arm, painting the sleeve of her dress in more of his blood.

Her heart thrummed in her ears at the proximity, her breath trembling as she imagined what the orc could do to her if he only wanted to.

“Let go of me,” she whispered as tears clouded her vision, hoping he wouldn’t be able to hear how scared she was in her voice.

Bucky complied, hating how nervous she got in the span of a second.

She ran to the kitchen at once, a hand on her chest as she felt her heart trying to escape her ribcage.

What an audacious orc! He was already with someone else and he dared threaten her with taking her to bed?! Damn, she was so stupid to think they could make something good out of this marriage. So stupid.

Bucky took a seat on the bed, face in his metal hand as he tried to gather his thoughts.

He had almost lost her for the millionth time today.

Was it going to be like this forever? What could he do to make it stop? How could he show her that this life with her was all he ever wanted? That he never wanted anybody else?

“You’re not gonna eat with me?” He asked when he saw her slam one bowl of rice on the table.

“I’m not hungry,” she replied curtly, her eyes on the ground and her jaw tense as she waited for him to get off the bed.

Bucky moved away understandably, taking a seat on the dining table instead as she climbed in bed, burying herself under the covers and hiding away from him.

Bucky knew she wasn’t asleep and he needed to talk to her; or at least see her face.

How was he supposed to have an appetite to eat if she wasn’t on the table with him, her beautiful eyes facing him and her shy smile greeting him every time he would moan over the taste of her delicious food?

“Hey.”

She felt the bed dip next to her as it took on Bucky’s body, his warm hand on her shoulder just like last night.

“Let your sweet tooth Sarah give you a kiss,” she spoke before he could say anything.

“This is not about the kiss. And She’s not my Sarah,” Bucky told her, turning her on her back so she could see his sincere face and hopefully believe him, “she’s not my anything. She’s just a good friend.”

She snorted, not buying it as she turned back to face the wall.

Bucky brought her back to him again, “she’s not married. She’s a widow, who is loyal to the memory of her husband, with two kids that are her whole world.” Bucky answered her earlier question, not wanting to hide anything from her.

“That’s none of my business.” She pretended to be uninterested, giving him the cold shoulder for the third time as she turned away, covering her head with the blanket.

Deep inside, she knew she was relieved to know that Sarah wasn’t interested though.

“It is your business,” Bucky sighed, taking the blanket away from her hands, making her look at him again, “it is your business when you think I’m involved with her.”

“You can do whatever you want.” She shrugged, acting indifferent, making Bucky more frustrated.

He released a loud exhale, “you’re what I want, little human.”

She remained silent, not expecting the orc’s patience or this admittance.

He had told her he wanted her before, but that was on their ‘wedding night’ when he had forced her to get completely naked for him.

This one was different. It sounded different and felt different.

“You don’t have to say all these things. We both know how this marriage came to be a thing.” She tried her best to hold her tears in.

“How did it come to be a thing?” Bucky wanted to see inside her head.

“How?” She sat up, her voice loud yet wobbly with emotions, “they gave you an orphaned girl you didn’t get to see or pick beforehand to make up for making you go to war for them, that’s how!” She felt bad for him, but even more for herself.

So she had read the contracts.

“Who told you I didn’t get to see or pick you?” Bucky swallowed.

“What do you mean?!”

“I’ve seen you before, little human. More than once. And I asked for you to be my wife instead of the noble man’s daughter I was originally offered.” Bucky came clean about the truth behind their arranged marriage.

“You what?!” She became even angrier.

He did this? She was here now because of him?!

“I willingly picked you, little human.”

“Why! Why me! Did you ever stop to think that I might not want this? Or you?!” She practically screamed in anger.

Who was he to decide her future for her? Why didn’t he just take the nobleman’s daughter!

“I did. But you were the only human female who has ever caught my attention. I couldn’t take my eyes off you every time I won a glimpse.” Bucky confessed, his light grey skin gaining a tint at the cheeks as he bared his heart to her, “I knew I couldn’t continue if I didn’t have you, little human.”

Won a glimpse

Couldn’t continue if I didn’t have you

No one has ever used such words to describe an act so normal as looking at her. No one had ever wanted or needed her. Why was her heartbeat speeding up? What was that orc doing to her?

“The minute you entered my cottage, you became my one and only. I don’t want anyone but you.” He promised, squeezing her smaller hand in his, “I will live and die loyal to you, little human.”

She knew he was telling the truth because she had heard the stories. Loyalty was very important to orcs and their mates were for life.

She just stared at Bucky, words stolen from her throat by the way he was looking at her.

No one has ever looked at her like that. Like she was the most beautiful thing they could see. Like she was the only girl in the world. Like she was the only one with any sort of control over this orc’s mind and heart.

“When I suggested gifting Sarah some jam, I was only thinking of doing something nice for a friend.”

She listened with a frown, a little angry again at the mention of the other female’s name.

“If it wasn’t for Sam and Sarah and the boys, I wouldn’t have survived a lot of things. They are my only friends and the only ones I can share nice things with.”

“The only ones?” She pouted, turning her face to the dining table in discontent.

“That’s not what I meant! I just— I’m not used to saying such things, but—” Bucky took a deep breath, squeezing her smaller hand closer, “I was so proud of you being my wife and knowing how to make such delicious things that I wanted the important ones in my life to share it with me…”

Bucky didn’t have to know, but those words were everything to her because when she thought about it, no one has ever been proud to know or have her. No one has ever been proud of her for anything.

But Bucky was, and he wanted to show her off.

When she looked back at the orc, he was staring at the blanket covering her thighs, doubtful to meet her gaze.

Bucky looked… nervous, if you will.

She smiled, eyes tearing up despite herself as she waited for him to look back at her.

When he did, Bucky was instantly smiling back at the sight of her grin. That smile was the whole world for him; it sent him up on cloud nine.

“Have dinner with me?” He asked, his metal thumb wiping away a stray tear from the corner of her eye.

She nodded, her smile bigger as she got up and walked to the kitchen to make herself a plate, her heart going a hundred miles per minute as she couldn’t make her smile leave her face.

She wanted to be angrier over the fact that he got to choose and she didn’t, but then again, if she was being honest with herself, she probably could have never dreamt up a husband as good as Bucky was to her if she tried.

She believed that everything happened for a reason and she was too dreamy not to imagine that this whole marriage had to happen exactly the way it did just for her to meet this orc, and maybe, against all odds, have her happy ending with him.

Taking the lid off of the rice pot, she finally saw it: her palm covered in fresh blood.

“Oh gods!” She quickly washed her hand under the water, seeing and feeling no injuries, the realization that it must be Bucky’s blood sent a pang to her chest.

“Bucky?” Tears blurred her vision as she found the orc in the bathroom, trying and failing to remove the wrapping around his right palm with his left one.

She had been forced into this marriage, a union she never agreed to, but as she watched him struggle to tend to his wound, something inside her softened.

How did she not notice that he had come home with a covered up hand?

“Are you okay?!” Bucky asked, troubled to see her crying even when he was the one bleeding above his bathroom sink.

Her heart clenched at the sight; at the care in his cerulean eyes, “what happened to you?”

She sped up to get the first-aid box from him, getting out everything she was going to need as she looked at his bloody palm.

“It’s nothing, sweet thing,” Bucky told her softly, hating the look of anxiety on her precious face even if it was for him; even if it was making him feel all sorts of things, “just a scratch, really. Nothing I can’t handle”.

She tenderly finished unwrapping his hand, gasping as she saw the bleeding gash across it, “this doesn’t look like nothing!” She cried, more tears streaming down her face, “how did you get this?”

“I just hurt myself while working…” Bucky’s metal hand hesitantly pat her shoulder.

“Bucky.” She looked up at him, not believing that that was the only reason because the wound seemed to be loosely stitched and it was obvious that something had happened to make the wound bleed after it had been stitched.

“And I might have punched the wall when I came home and didn’t find you,” Bucky mumbled lowly, not wanting to make her feel bad.

It was just a silly scrape compared to what he had to endure back when he was still fighting wars, really.

“I’m so sorry,” she sobbed into the back of her hand, feeling terrible for all the things she has been putting him through ever since she came here.

“Hey, I’m okay.” Bucky’s metal hand cupped her cheek, his smooth thumb sliding across to wipe her tears.

“No, you’re not.” She shook her head in deep regret, not believing that he was still the one reassuring her in such a state.

“I am, I swear on our marriage.” Bucky wiped under her eyes patiently, caring about nothing but her heart carrying no burdens.

She was speechless because did Bucky just use their marriage to swear? Was it really that important to him that he would swear on it?

She didn’t care that this was an arranged marriage in possibly the most twisted of ways, a woman knew love when she encountered it and that orc’s eyes were showing nothing but pure love.

In the middle of her heart’s longing for a person to care about her, she couldn’t bring herself to step on Bucky’s. Trying to calm her down when he was the one injured and dripping blood? Yeah, that was an orc worth trying, caring and staying for.

“I’m— I’m gonna need to redo the stitches, is that okay?” She sniffled, relaxing herself as she wordlessly promised those concerned blue eyes to give them and this marriage her all.

“Yes.” Bucky smiled when he saw her wipe her tears away and the smile she gave him back made his heart soar.

“It might hurt a little, but just for a short bit, okay?”

Bucky nodded, not believing how delicately she was handling his huge hand with her smaller ones.

He was glad she never had to witness him back then or the actually deadly injuries he had had inflicted on him during wars. He wouldn’t have been able to take that look of fear in her eyes after every fight.

“Who did those sloppy stitches anyway?” She wondered in dissatisfaction with the work and Bucky swallowed hard.

She looked at him knowingly when he remained silent, “it was sweet tooth Sarah, wasn’t it?” She asked with half a smile as she started cautiously taking out the old stitches with the tweezers.

“Yes.” Bucky nodded sheepishly, “but Sam only called for her help because they don’t offer me help in the kingdom’s infirmaries.”

“What?!” Her head snapped up angrily.

They don’t offer him service at the infirmaries?! After all that he had done for this kingdom?

“I’m no longer a soldier of their own so…” Bucky shrugged with a sad smile.

Her expression went from angry to devastated to angry again in less than a second, “this is gonna sting a little.” She warned as she disposed of the old sutures in the bin.

“Don’t be upset, little human.”

She looked up, not knowing what to say or how to apologize to the orc about the terrible treatment of this kingdom’s people, but his smile told her that everything was going to be all right. She couldn’t help but smile back.

Her eyes swayed between his palm and his face as she started disinfecting the wound with the piece of sterilized cotton in her hand.

Bucky hissed and winced, making her stop at once.

“I’m sorry! I’m so so—”

“Ha, fooled ya! It’s not that bad,” Bucky laughed, amused at her reaction, instantly earning himself a slap on his shoulder with the back of her hand.

“Hey, you can’t do that to the injured!” Bucky whined playfully.

“Can’t I?” She teased, biting her smile back.

He smiled wider because she could.

Oh, she could do anything to him and he would take it with a smile and thank her for it.

For a heartbeat, the world around Bucky seemed to blur as he focused solely on her, engraving every detail of her smile into his memory. It was a sight he never wanted to forget, a ray of light in the darkness that had clouded his years for so long.

Everything was going to be okay, Bucky thought as he brought her to his chest with his metal arm, praying to the gods she wouldn’t pull away.

“I’m— I’m almost done,” she muttered coyly, trying to make him let her go so she could finish tending to his injury.

But then she felt it: her husband’s tusks were pressing gently on her scalp as Bucky kissed her hair.

Her breath caught in her throat, a mixture of surprise and tenderness washing over her as she felt herself wanting to stay longer inside his embrace.

“Thank you, little human,” he whispered lovingly.

As she tilted her head slightly to meet Bucky’s captivating eyes, she found herself lost in the depths of their oceans, catching a vulnerability she hadn't noticed before.

She looked deeper and she realized that beneath his rugged exterior lied a heart capable of great tenderness, a heart that might just beat for her and her alone.

She beamed again as she softly replied, “you’re welcome, Bucky.”

Yeah, they were going to be okay.

Part IV

~

Tag List:

@harrysthiccthighss @tinystudentfirepurse @lavendercitizen @tumblin-theworldaway @pretty-pop-princess-hs @lilymurphy03 @idontwannagomrstarkk @glxwingrxse @littlelioncub43 @mathletemadison @canned-rootbear @pandaxnienke @loveisallyouneed1125 @floral-recs @littlemoonkiller @hallecarey1 @vespasianphantom @vicmc624 @winters1917 @ionlyeverwantedtobeyourequal @blkmystery @millercontracting @trappedwriter @am-3-thyst @obsessedwithquinn @sydnielauryn @alittlerayof-pitchblack @olipiaa @peterparkersgirl-blog @buckybarnessweetheart @thealyrs @colorfulbluebirdpainter @stuckysgirl27 @ihavetwoholesforareason @princess-bee0 @pastel-noah168 @steeph-aniie @buckitostan @onthr-dream @sapphirebarnes @123iloveyou456 @ciaqui @lindasweetie @justherefortheficandsmut @xxdiaqiaoxx @morgthemagpie @wintrsoldrluvr @goldylions

[jen-with-a-pen]

❀ 𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒍𝒆 – 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕 ❀

❀ SUMMARY ❀ Ooey-gooey, fluffy snapshots looking into the lives of one Bucky Barnes and Honeysuckle, who have more chemistry than the experiments in Bruce Banner'e lab. Everyone else knows it... except them. It's not without a little help– from Sam 'Certified Wingman' Wilson– do Bucky and Honey begin to realize and figure out their feelings for one another.

❀ PAIRINGS ❀ Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader

❀ WARNINGS ❀ Tooth-rotting fluff, slowburn, friends to lovers, idiots in love, everyone knows they like each other except them, Avengers live in the Tower, Sam Wilson is a good wingman, touching, mutual pining, domestic avengers, maybe like a tad angst but not much, softness, mild to moderate language (includes cursing), lots of feel-good feelings, no use of y/n, no description of y/n besides maybe outfits but it's still vague

Read this fic on AO3!

header + warning banner by me ❤ dividers by @saradika-graphics

This series is nonlinear and each part can be read separately!

Spam liking will result in an automatic block!

❀ I – The "Not-Date" Date

❀ II – Another Time

❀ III – Sunset Spot

❀ IV – Think Pink

❀ V ❀ VI ❀ VII

[sarahowritesostucky]

📖Make it Stick: Pt. 3 The Knight

Rating: Explicit

Chapter Rating: Explicit

Pairing: Bucky x ofc x Steve

Word Count: 3195

Tags: dark!fic, mob/mafia au, mob!Bucky, mob!Steve, dubcon/noncon, sexual coercion, half-sibling incest, m/f/m, non-con drug use, mentions of torture (non graphic), double penetration, forced tattooing, forced orgasms, enemies to lovers

Summary: When his babygirl—his sweet pea, little one, puppy ... half-sister—is recaptured after her latest attempt at running away, Bucky makes a power play in front of the entire Bratva to remind her exactly who she belongs to.

Dark and smutty content below the break. Consume responsibly.

Wait! I haven't read part 1, part 2!

“Nnn, pl-please…”

Her gasp is hardly audible this time, she’s so out of breath.

Panting from the way the second orgasm’s just ripped through her. And she’s crying still, but only just. Not like before. Because now the pleasure’s overtaken most of the anger, all of the fear, and even some of the humiliation. Bucky pulls his hands from her and delicately eases her panties back into place, smooths her little slip of a dress out for her. He looks up from his spot on the floor.

Her chest heaves with her breathing, the underside of her breasts—beautiful and natural under the silk—on full display for Bucky from this angle. And, Christ, her nipples are pebbled up, just begging for attention. Bucky sees Steve refixing his hold on her waist to support her because she’s gone so slack. She’s shaking against him, his body practically the only thing keeping her vertical at this point.

Inside his pants, Bucky is … uncomfortable. He slowly pushes up from where he’s been kneeling in front of her, coming back to stand at his full height and crowd in close again. He cages her between his body and Steve’s, hands landing on her waist right alongside Steve’s own. “Shh sh sh,” he hushes, mockingly tender. “Don’t you want to say thank you for your orgasm?” He leans in so that the words are whispered against the side of her head. He’s staring at Steve as he says it, and when Lena’s mortified, overwhelmed little whimper comes in response, he doesn’t miss how Steve’s mouth twitches at the corner. Steve likes to play the white knight—and maybe he sort of is, compared to Bucky, but even still, he’s no sweetheart. And he’s enjoying the heck out of this. “Are you hard?” Bucky whispers, and he feels his sweet puppy’s body stiffen between them as she figures out who he’s talking to.

“You have to ask?” Steve answers, the rumble of his voice no doubt felt against Polina’s back. She makes another little outraged cry when Steve presses forward, driving his erection against her backside and pushing her more tightly up against Bucky.

Bucky, who helpfully slots his thigh back between her legs. She shivers as her sex is pressed up against him, going stock still to avoid any stimulation. Bucky coos down at her. He lets go of her waist and cups her face with one hand, tucking her hair behind her ear with the other. “Aw, princess,” he murmurs. “You sensitive now? Hm?”

She sniffles and nods her head. She’s been much more forthcoming ever since the suppository and the pill worked their way into her system. Behind the glossy sheen of her tears, her pupils are even wider and darker than Steve’s. It’s hardly taken any work at all to get her to come twice for him, she’s so keyed up.

Bucky tuts lovingly and brings the still buzzing vibrator up in front of her face. He twists the base, turning it off. Lena’s whole body slumps between them with relief, and Bucky chuckles. “Don’t get too excited. This might not be over for you.”

“W-what …” she swallows dryly. “What do you mean?”

“You still have a choice to make.” Bucky taps the little bullet vibrator against her lips. “Open.” She clamps her mouth shut stubbornly, so Bucky shrugs and rubs it over her instead, smearing her own release onto her lips. He leans in and slots his mouth over hers, licking the taste of her right back. “Mmm,” he hums. “Somebody’s been drinking their pineapple juice.”

She’s glowering at him when he pulls back. Bucky licks his lips like he’s savoring the last taste of a fatty meal. He can tell from the look on her face that he’s actually right: she has been drinking it. He feels a rush of fondness mixed with anger come at that—Fond, because it’s proof that she takes even his smallest teachings to heart.

“No, seriously. That’s why I have a glass each morning. It makes cum taste sweeter. … Pussy, too.”

Anger, because it’s not him she’s been drinking it for.

He forces the latter emotion away with a deep breath and a long exhale. He doesn’t have to be angry, because nobody but him is ever going to taste that pussy again. … Well, almost nobody but him. “Okay, little one,” he sighs. “Time to make a choice.” He reaches around her and tucks the vibe back into Steve’s pocket. Then he looks down and meets her gaze.

Her pretty blue eyes are wide but dazed, high from the drugs coursing through her system. Bucky smiles and cups her face with both hands. She’s so fucking beautiful, with her round little face and plush lips, her pretty blue eyes. They’re near arctic in color—closer to Steve’s cornflower blue than Bucky’s own muddled blue-grey. Sharp and clear, like ice underwater, and positively gorgeous when they’re crying.

Lena sniffles and Bucky’s heart twinges with affection. He leans in and kisses her cheeks, cleaning up her tears. “You need to listen to me now, Polina,” he murmurs, feeling her shudder underneath his touch. “Are you listening?”

She whines a little, not able to give up completely on her stubbornness, even now. Bucky loves her so goddamn much. She tries to squirm in their hold again, but as soon as her over sensitized clit bumps Bucky’s thigh, she’s calming back down. “What?” she asks quietly, sniffling and trying to put on a stiff upper lip. It’s cute.

“It’s up to you, how this goes,” Bucky tells her. He looks over to his right and catches the eye of one of the widows. It’s Belova. He jerks his head for her to go and get the supplies that are waiting in the wings. She disappears and reappears with a rolling tray table of tattoo supplies. “This,” he says to Lena, “is what’s happening.”

She squints in confusion at it for a second or two—the tray of gauze and ointment, inks and gloves and gun—before her eyes register the stencil and read it … and go wide in realization. She jerks in their hold, thrashing, tossing her head back against Steve’s chest in another vain attempt to hurt him. “No!” she huffs, the sound breaking into a pitiful whimper at the end, despite her bravery. “No, you can’t!”

Bucky waits her out, and sure enough, her little tantrum dies down. She cries, and he wipes those tears away, too. “Shh,” he soothes. “It’s not so bad.”

“It is!” she cries. “I hate you. I hate you!”

“You’re a smart girl, Lena. You can’t tell me you didn’t always know you’d wind up here.” He tilts her chin up when she refuses to look at him. Her tearful, angry eyes meet his, and he offers her a tender smile. He gives her another kiss, just a peck on the lips, this time. “I always get what I want, sora mica,” he murmurs, right against her lips.

Little sister.

She shudders underneath his touch but doesn’t shirk away, and Bucky preens because he knows the war that’s going on in her head right now, even if she’ll never admit to it. Revulsion, mixed with lust, and darkness, and something too close for comfort to love. It’s what he used to feel, back before he decided to give up on conventional morality altogether. Poor little Lena, though, he thinks sadly. She hasn’t gotten there yet. Oh well, she’s young, she’ll learn.

“Now,” he tells her, thumbing over the familial cleft in her chin. “You have two choices, sweet pea. You ready to listen to ‘em?”

She grits her teeth and purses her lips in an angry little moue, stubborn thing, though she capitulates when Bucky tightens his grip on her chin. “Yes,” she whispers tightly.

Bucky smiles. “Okay. Now, two things are happening, no matter what,” he says, raising a warning eyebrow at her. “You’re getting this tattooed on your body … and Gleb back there is going for a long swim in the Hudson.” He waits her out while she throws another hissy fit over that, tears leaking and eyes burning up at him. Bucky sighs and looks off to the side until it’s over. Then, when she’s slumped back against Steve again, all tuckered out, he continues, “If you hold still like a good girl, I won’t take your dress off in front of all these people, won’t force any more orgasms outta you down here where everyone can see. And Gleb’ll get wheeled off to his morphine and an easy death. No torture, just the widow’s bite—lickety-split, no fuss-no muss.”

He watches as her eyes flare and her face crumples with suppressed emotion. She composes herself faster this time, though, and he continues softly, drawing her lip down with his thumb. “But, if you make things difficult? I’ll have you squirting all over this floor before I knock you out and ink you while you’re unconscious. And Gleb will have …” he looks off to the side, as if trying to parse out his words, “... mmm, he’ll have a very stressful weekend.” He tilts his head and narrows his eyes, squeezing her chin sternly enough that it smooshes her cheeks the barest bit. “Are you gonna be good?”

She looks torn for a second or two, but then her eyes slip closed in defeat. In Bucky’s hand, she gives the tiniest of nods.

Bucky’s pleased, but he wants more from her. “Tell me,” he commands. “You’re gonna hold nice and still?”

She sniffles and nods again. “Yes,” she breathes. “I’ll hold s-still. I’ll … I’ll be good.”

Her meek response satisfies him. Feeling a sudden wash of tenderness towards her, he leans down and presses their foreheads together and whispers, “Thank you, little one. You know how I hate to see you struggle.”

She shivers against him but doesn’t throw out any bratty quip. She keeps her eyes down, avoidant. Sighing, Bucky pulls back and steps aside to have a word with Belova. He tells her his plans for Gleb, and she gives a sharp nod and heads off to handle it. Bucky knows then that he can put the idiot man from his mind for good. The widows will more than take care of him.

Bucky returns to Steve and Lena, ready to get to work. Really, he’d prefer Natasha to be the one doing this. Bucky’s no amateur with the gun, but he’s not as good as she is. Oh well. He has a steady hand, and the design is extremely simple. Just that one phrase, in cyrillic:

собственность дракона.

Translated roughly, it means: Property of the Dragon.

“Steve,” Bucky says. “Sit with her on the bench. It’ll help keep her calm.”

Along with the cart of tattoo supplies, a rolling stool, a bench, and a padded armrest have been brought over from the Red Room. Steve all but lifts Lena and brings her over there, straddling the bench first before pulling her to straddle it in front of him. Bucky goes about setting up, snapping on a pair of black vinyl gloves while Steve wraps his arms around Lena’s waist and murmurs quietly into her ear. Bucky smiles at the pair of them. Steve cares about Polina, too, has known her for almost a decade, and he’s always had a knack for calming her down. A good thing, since Bucky’s so naturally gifted at riling her up.

He sits on the stool and scoots over to them. Lena watches him warily. Steve’s used both his and Bucky’s discarded ties to bind her arm down at the wrist and at the bend of her elbow, in case she gets second thoughts about her promise of good behavior. Bucky’s mouth quirks at the ingenuity, and his dick twitches at the optics. He’ll have to take a picture, one he’s got the ink in. A shot of her arm; reddened and bleeding with his mark, and his and Steve’s neckties framing it. Fuck, he might jerk off to it sometime.

He spends a minute getting the ink prepared, and then he carefully cleans her inner forearm and applies the stencil. It’s small but long, stretching almost the full length between the ties. It’ll take a good hour or more in its entirety, but Bucky isn’t a sadist: His little one has been through a lot, and they’ve got a long night ahead of them once they take her upstairs. Bucky wants that time to be spent mostly in pleasure, not pain. They’ll just do the outline, for now.

Lena whimpers when the paper peels back from her skin, revealing the design left behind. “Bucky,” she pleads, though one look up at him and her begging stalls. Bucky gives her a grim, apologetic look, and she knows. She knows she’s not getting out of this. She whines lowly and turns her face into Steve’s shoulder.

“Shhh,” he soothes her, his big arms wrapped tightly around her waist, comforting and restraining all at once. “You’ll be fine, hon. This is how it has to be.”

Bucky settles himself and the gun, then turns it on. Soon, the buzzing fills the small space between the three of them. In the background there’s still the noise of the club: music, chatter, bodies moving around. But in their little corner in the back, it almost feels private now that they’re centered around what Bucky’s about to do to her. “Okay, malyshka,” he murmurs, waiting until he’s got her full attention. “Watch the gun. Don’t want you jerking around in surprise.”

He’s a little taken aback by the emotions that hit, as he brings the needle down and starts inking her for the first time. He’s marking her permanently, branding her as his in a way that will never wash off, and from which she can never escape. And despite her tears and the ties binding her arm down, she is sitting there for him, allowing it. That goes straight to Bucky’s cock as sure as anything else he’s ever done to her, and he spends the rest of the session focusing on each line and curve, putting the red ink underneath her skin and trying to work out what it is that’s twisting up in his gut so bad. There’s lust and possessiveness, that much he expected, but there’s also a certain amount of … melancholy? Maybe. Whatever it is, it’s there too. A feeling of resolution, of an era coming to an end. Arousing and yet oddly bittersweet.

Lena’s fist is already clenched when he starts, but he can see her body stiffening further as the burn of the needle really sets in. Her arm flexes and her fingers curl harder into her palm, the veins popping against the strained lock of her inner elbow. Steve keeps up a gentle litany of praise and reassurance in her ear, half of which Bucky hears and half of which he misses due to his own focus on the gun. He’d love to take Steve’s place, be the one to hold her and comfort her through this, but that’s just not possible because he simply doesn’t trust anyone else to do the work.

He’s even glad that Natasha refused to do it, at this point. Because this isn’t just any tattoo. It’s personal and intimate. A promise as good as any wedding ring. Probably better-than, in the fidelity it’ll enforce. Not on Lena’s part, poor thing, but on the part of any man who might dare to entertain the idea of an affair with her. One look at her arm, and that idea would go straight up in smoke. These red words are branding her for life, in more ways than one. It’s only right that Bucky be the one to do it.

“Almost done,” he murmurs when he’s finishing up at her wrist. It’s the most painful area, and he regrets saving it for last. But his girl does beautifully and keeps relatively still, sometimes hissing or whining in pain but never asking for a break, and never twitching enough to throw Bucky off course. He finishes the outline and sits back, setting the gun aide on the cart and reaching for the salve. He smiles at his little one, who by now has stopped crying. “Good job, sweet pea,” he praises softly.

Her defenses are down from having all of her focus on something other than him for so long. She only blushes a little when he uses the nickname, and says nothing snarky back. Bucky’s heart pulls with it. In Steve’s lap, she watches as Bucky uses a tongue depressor to apply the salve in long, smooth strokes over the raw areas. She blinks at her arm like she’s fully waking from a dream. “... That’s it?” she asks, sounding surprised, maybe even disappointed—though that’s probably just Bucky’s wishful thinking.

“For now,” he tells her, bringing out the non-stick pads and adhesive wrap. He’s giving her all the aftercare that he’s neglected on himself—already the back of his neck and shoulders feels tight and unpleasant, and he doesn’t want the same for her. Steve pulls the ties loose to release her arm, and Bucky explains, “You have delicate skin, sweetheart. We’ll let this heal, fill it in another time. Add some other design elements, if you want.” He catches her look of surprise and smiles, then looks away before her expression can shutter on him. He gently applies the pads along her skin, wrapping her up in an opera glove’s length worth of neon pink animal print bandaging, nice and tight. “There you go.”

“Cheetah print, really?”

“Just special for you, my little hellcat. Don’t worry, you can take it off tomorrow.” He rolls out on the stool and goes around to stand just in front of the bench. Briefly, he meets Steve’s eyes, and they have a short, non-verbal conversation, at the end of which Steve nods smally in agreement. “Okay,” Bucky says, reaching out to palm Lena’s face.

She automatically goes to shirk away from it, but Steve whispers something in her ear—Bucky doesn’t hear what—and it makes her settle. She bites her lip and peeks up at Bucky through her lashes and ruined makeup. “I was good,” she whispers, like she’s half-sure Bucky’s going to revoke his end of the deal.

He tries not to let it show on his face, how that hurts him. “Yeah, sweetheart. You were very good.” He bends over to kiss the top of her head, then turns and searches out Belova. She’s standing next to Maximoff now, over at the bar. Bucky goes over and holds out his hand. Pietro shakes first, Yelena second. “Thank you,” he tells them. “For bringing her back safely.”

“Again,” Yelena says with a smirk and a semi-suppressed eyeroll.

“You should get a leash,” Pietro jokes.

“Or a homing beacon.”

Bucky waves them off (though the homing beacon idea has occurred before), telling them to go back to their drinks and enjoy their evening. He doesn’t bother asking if the Gleb issue’s been dealt with—he knows from the look on Belova’s face that it has.

Part four

Masterlist

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[buckybarnesb-tch]

Random Thought: Bucky Barnes

The Winter Soldier

It wasn’t something that happened very much anymore.

The trigger words had been removed from Bucky like a parasite but he can never forget what happened and he will never forget who he was as The Winter Soldier.

You had spoken about how it still scares him. How he describes still feeling him in his head, as if he’s another person just waiting to take over, and he has done it before. Usually it’s something that only happens in a fight, a really bad one. Occasionally on a mission his mind will slip back into that place it was in when he was the soldier, he describes it almost like someone else taking the reigns when something is too bad. Steve and Natasha had both seen it while on missions with Bucky and they didn’t see it as a problem necessarily as he was mission oriented and focused but it made Bucky scared, terrified one day it would happen when he was around you. You assured him that it wouldn’t happen as long as you didn’t go getting yourself into a fire fight.

Well, one day it did.

You had been out on a date night. It wasn’t something you did all the time as both you and Bucky were much more home bodies but he liked to take you out and treat you once in a while. You had dinner and later went to a bar on the walk home for a few drinks, while Bucky was in the bathroom a few guys had started hitting on you and unfortunately wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. You had tried to brush them off 6 times before you made eye contact with Bucky across the bar, quickly placing your glass down and moving towards him, ready to leave when the largest of the three decided that you were being rude by leaving and that you weren’t going anywhere, grabbing ahold of your arm quite hard.

Bucky had become accustomed to how gentle he had to be with you, especially as a super soldier as you were so sensitive. You may be able to take a pounding but you bruise so easily and he is only willing to see certain kinds of marks on your body. You saw something change in Bucky’s eyes even from 10 feet away as soon as this man touched you and you knew that you wouldn’t be able to stop him, so you didn’t try.

Not even 30 seconds later all 3 guys were laid out on the ground, god knows how many broken bones, all definitely concussed and all anyone in the bar did was cheer for your blue eyed boyfriend, all of the women in here clearly grateful to him for putting them in their place.

Speaking of blue eyes, they were trained on you instantly as soon as the last idiot hit the floor, nearly stormy grey at this point and he stomped towards you immediately. You weren’t scared, you would never be scared of Bucky but you decided to just go along with whatever it was he needed next, seeing that he wasn’t himself at the moment. You knew Bucky better than anyone and that look on his face wasn’t one you recognized.

You were in his arms instantly and he was pulling you from the bar, out the door and down the street. You had a hard time keeping up with his steps, though he didn’t hold you hard or pull you roughly, instead when you first nearly stumbled he paused, turning to you. You started to apologize but he cut you off promptly, swinging you up into his arms, one hand under your butt and keeping your dress from exposing you when your legs wrapped around his waist and the other hand on your back, pressed right between your shoulder blades to hold you to him tightly. ‘Не извиняйся, Маленький Кролик. Отдохни, ты в безопасности.’ (No sorries Little Bunny. Rest your body, you are safe.) He was able to move faster now and he did just that, practically running back to your shared apartment in the tower. You were greeted by Happy when you walked in but he was ignored, though you shouted a quick ‘Goodnight’ just to be polite.

He carried you up the stairs instead of using the elevator and somehow got there faster than the elevator would have, once again ignoring someone on the stairs, though this time it was Pepper and you knew there would be questions tomorrow, hopefully you could pass it off as your soldier being a bit too horny and that’s why he was sprinting with you in his arms up the stairs at 83 Mph. He didn’t put you down until the door was locked and you were safely rested on your bed where he looked around as he had done upon entering the apartment, like he was checking for intruders and you realized he probably was.

This isn’t your Bucky right now, his mind is somewhere else, but that doesn’t mean that he’s not Your Bucky. For someone that everyone is so scared of, someone that Bucky himself is so scared of, he’s kind of a sweetheart to you. ‘Маленький Кролик теперь в безопасности. Не бойся, никто больше не тронет моего маленького зайчика.’ (Little Bunny is safe now. Don’t be afraid, no one will touch my Little Bunny again.) You had learned basic Russian after becoming friends with Natasha to make fun of people that you didn’t like and you thank god for it cause it seems to be coming in handy a bit. “Little Bunny” isn’t something Bucky had ever called you, not once in your lives and upon realizing what he was calling you, you realized how much this man cares for you in any frame of mind he is in.

‘I’m safe. Everything is okay now. Come on, bed time.’ You spoke to him, moving to stand up and step around him to your dresser. You grabbed ahold of a pair of sleep shorts and a tank top, slipping the dress up and over your head and dropping it into the hamper, followed by your bra. Just as you were about to pull the tank top on you felt his hands on my your waist. When you didn’t move him he brushed one hand across your stomach and up to your chest, hesitating before cupping your breasts with both hands, his body pressed against your back making you moan embarrassingly loud.

‘Симпатичный кролик. Со мной ты в безопасности. Больше никакой боли, я обещаю.’ (Pretty Bunny. Safe with me. No more pain, I promise.) He took ahold of your wrist and brushed his thumb over the now bruises that were appearing on your skin from that asshole grabbing you.

‘I’m okay. You saved me, thank you baby.’ You turned around, taking ahold of his face in your hands and brushing your fingers through his hair, holding on at the base of his neck and pulling him to kiss you. He hesitated only a second before he was kissing you back, hands now holding your waist before he picked you up, carrying you to the bed and clutching your body to his hard chest. His chest was always hard, muscley but comfortable and still soft, it made him the best snuggle buddy. Right now however, in the arms of this ‘assassin’ as he clutched you to his body almost too tightly, you had never felt safer, more protected, or more cherished in your entire existence.

(I used a translator, I hope the Russian is correct but I wrote down what each thing means)

Bucky Barnes Masterlist

[undercoverpena]

almost.

bucky barnes x fem!reader themes: some smut, lots of james-calling. wordcount: 2.2k an: see i didn't forget you lot , I'll be finishing the drabbles that aren't ever drabbles slowly. I've had more prompts than i know what to do with.

@mrsstrugglebarnes asked for a fight + make-up, so i hope this was okay

He didn’t need to look up when he heard the med-bay door open. 

Bucky had known when Sam had slipped out where he was going. Even if he asked him not to. 

Because Sam was a good friend… to you. Over him. 

Sam would choose you any day. You were family first, he was something he gained when Steve left. Like an annoying step brother Sam has now come to love. 

Because of that, he was forced to come face to face with that truth as you stared at him. Glaring, all jaw tight, eyes glistening with brimming tears as your fingers flex at your side.

“Nice to see you’re not dead.” 

“Ba—“

You shake your head, as though fighting letting a single tear fall. “Don’t you dare, James.” 

James. 

He hates being called James.

“You… you were shot?” you whisper, stepping closer, and he fully braced for your fingers on his cheek. 

The usual comforting touch you needed to do, to prove to your worrying mind he was okay. 

The one you always did, have done, since the two of you became friends, before becoming something more. Before he slid a ring on your left hand under the stars. 

But, Bucky didn’t feel anything this time. Looking up to see you stopped yourself. Arms wrapped around your waist, bottom lip between your teeth. The shine of the ring catching the ceiling lights, a bitter reminder of the promises he’d made.

The ones he’d just broken. 

Including telling you when he was hurt.

And he sighs, lifting his metal arm to wipe his face, because his friend has fucked him.

He can feel your anger. Your pain. 

It’s rolling off of you in thick waves he knows no words can dampen. 

And then you sigh. A harsh, quick sigh before saying, “You’re a real piece of shit.”

“Look—“

“No. I had to hear from Sam that you’re here? Is that some kind of joke? Some sick punishment because I tried to stop you from going?“

It wasn’t. 

Even if yesterday, and this morning, had pissed him off. But, even if you had tried to get him swapped off this particular mission, it was a low blow to accuse him of that. 

His chin lifting, eyes digging into you with the same intensity as you were staring at him. The rest of his expression hardening, even as a tear fell down your face. 

Because he’d never punish you. 

Not once. 

Not even if you warranted it, not even if he was really mad. 

“Because, if you’re wondering why I did that, James. It’s because of shit like this.”

“Like what?” He counters, raising his brow watching you clamp your mouth shut.

You take a step closer, one powerful step. 

You were almost in reach, one lift of his flesh arm, and he’d pull you close. But, he couldn’t. Not that he’d admit that pain was radiating through it—not even with his body healing quicker than most. 

“Because since we got engaged you’re reckless,” you snap, fresh tears dancing in your eyes. “You act like you’re invincible, Buck… like that's it, you've reached your life goal or something. But, you're not invisible... and...”

I need you.

He remembers the words from this morning.

And he knows this is all unravelling. He knows he should stop the fighting now before he says something he regrets.

Because he knows you've been worrying. So much so, you'd pleaded with him to stay, that you were worried, that you didn't have a good feeling. He almost felt guilty, it almost melted his anger at your earlier comment.

Almost.

“Well, I have a metal arm, remember?” 

“That metal arm deflects bullets from your other arm then? From your chest? From your fucking heart?” you screech, and your tone does something to him. "Because from where I'm looking, it's just a pretty thing on you, James. Since you're here. Hurt."

It twists things inside. It makes his heart ache, hearing the pain in your voice. The same pain you’ve been trying to smother, too stifle. 

He swallows, twiddling his other fingers, feeling the sting as the wound heals. “I am fine. I’m only here because of the protocol you wrote tells me I have to be.” 

Your eyes narrow. “So it’s my fault?”

“I didn’t say tha—” 

“No. But, instead of letting me know, you let me find out from Sam?”

“Because I didn’t want you to worry!” 

“Well, newsflash, Barnes. I’m worrying.”

He runs his tongue over his bottom lip. “Because Sam, who I’d been protecting for me to get shot, ran to you being dramatic once again.”

“So you’re sat here because of dramatics, right? Not because there was a bullet lodged in your upper arm.”

“Which I got defending him!” He snaps, but you don’t recoil. As if bracing for it, as if practically waiting for it. “I am fine. Which is why I didn’t tell you. Why I didn’t want you here.”

All expression falls from your face, blinking as you continue to stare. No venom, no anger.  

And he knows he’s just made it worse. 

He can tell. Because the room has gone cold. 

"You didn't want me here?"

He should stop. He knows he should.

Because even if you have no powers, even if there’s nothing running through your veins to dictate any change in environment. You could make a room chill with a look, with a glare; you could make his skin go warm with just a smile. 

You could make air shift and rooms go tense, just with your mood.

"No. I didn't."

You're an idiot.

It's all he thinks.  

His nostrils flare, he feels them. Knowing the two of you are going to keep circling this. Because you’re as stubborn as him. The two of you rarely fight, but when you do, it’s like this. All circles until one of you folds, bending to forgive the other. 

And his anger subsides because of guilt, just enough to know he can apologise.

“I didn’t mean it how it sounded.”

Holding your hand up to silence him, you shake your head, a disappointed smile replacing all the earlier smirk. “You know how I know you’re not fine, you haven’t moved your goddamn arm since I got here, James. So, save it.”

You turn on your heels, shaking your head as you head back to the door, arms straight, fingers twitching.

“Babe—“

Throwing a dark glance over your shoulder, one which meets him with more fury than a bullet, you smirk, all cold and devoid of emotion. “Why don’t you go throw yourself of the helipad, James? See if that metal arm protects you from gravity as well as friendly fire.” 

He sighs in time with the doors closing behind you. 

His arm suddenly hurting more, clenching his metal fingers close as he runs the side of it against his head, mumbling fuck under his breath.

By the time he’s discharged, there’s barely any evidence of the bullet. 

A dull ache, nothing more. 

A throbbing in his head from answering stupid questions he knew he needed to be asked. 

The corridors were empty, only a few lights having remained on. One’s he’s not sure ever really turn off. 

Sam hadn’t wanted there to be many people here. He hadn’t wanted something like Stark had. Something small, manageable. Not wanting any cracks to appear, not needing another Hydra or overthrow. 

He’d chosen this place with his help. A place close to his childhood home, close to where Bucky had moved too. Sam not wanting to leave his sister, himself not wanting to leave the only town he’d begun to feel content in. 

Which is when he met you—really met you. Before just a person he heard about, but then he was in front of you, Sam telling him how you’d saved his life, and Steve’s more than most. 

And you made the place glow brighter than it had done; the Louisiana sun having nothing on your smile. Making laughter flow from him easier than they ever had done. 

Now, it’s been hours since he saw you. 

Having been in two minds whether to break protocol and cause you more of a headache another day to find you. Having wanted nothing more than to charge after you, to find you, to pull you close.

Because you annoy the shit out of him.

But he can’t live without you. 

And he’s thinking about you, how angry you were, how hurt you were, when you appear in front of him. Pausing, as he pauses.

Your hand holding a large bag of chips, not able to miss the noticeable crunch as you try to swallow what’s in your mouth. Your heels missing, but the same tight skirt and blouse from earlier still on you. The one he’d watched you dress in, trying to desperately peel off of your skin this morning. 

He thinks of apologising.

But his mouth doesn’t move in time.

Your hand slamming the bag down on the side table next to you, turning your back to him.

And he has to laugh.

Running a hand over his face, groaning only to himself as he follows. His strides are bigger, closing in on you, wondering if you’re tempted to run just to get the upper hand.

Because if you reach the door, he’s on the sofa.

If you close the door on him, it’ll take more than apologies to get back on the other side. 

His hand wraps around your upper arm, turning you, forcing you to meet his eyes. All full of fury, rage and fire as he pulls you flush against him. Watching your lips part, feeling your chest rising and falling.

And all he wants to do is tell you how wrong you are.

That he’d never punish you.

He never wants you to worry.

That he didn’t mean what he said.

Instead, he crashes his lips against yours.

Kissing you with fuel from those thoughts, his tongue sliding roughly over your lips. It’s messy as he walks you backwards, hearing you hiss as he presses you against it. 

And then your fist grabs a handful of his top, your kisses turning sloppy, desperate as he drives his knee between your thighs, feeling the resistance of the skirt as it rises up your thighs. 

For a moment, he doesn’t care who sees the two of you.

Then, when you groan against his lips, it dawns on him. They’d see you like this, eyes blown, lips swollen. 

And there’s no way no one would be able to not imagine having you, the way he has you. How he’ll always have you.

Even if you’re mad.

Even if you have a right to be.

Because he was an asshole in what he said, how he spoke to you. 

But you’re no angel either. 

Breaking apart, your eyes are wide, looking at him with a mixture of surprise and confusion before they become enraged. Your mouth moving, lips parting as he picks you up, throwing you over his shoulder, metal fingers gripping you against him as he storms towards your door. The one you both share. 

He throws it open, hearing papers move from the invasion, before he kicks it shut behind him, placing you down with a quickness the pieces on your blouse move.  

He doesn’t flinch when your hand connects with his face, instead batting away the other before he throws it away, metal cupping your cheek, before you push him away.

He expects a fight.

Expects more words.

Instead, you unzip your skirt, his eyes watching it fall with a low thud. He then watches the bow of your blouse come undone, before it meets the floor to. 

Before he’s even aware, you’re lying on the bed, staring up at him, challenging him.

The crack of light from the half-open blinds shedding light over your skin, and the lace of your underwear. 

His throat is dry.

His mind lost from words. 

So he doesn’t wait for another word, pinning you between his arms as he spreads your knees with his thigh.  

Because he may be angry with you too. 

But he’s human. 

You undo him. You always have. 

Your nails scratching his neck as you pull his mouth to yours, his fingers sliding under the cup of your bra, cupping you, thumb running over you as your skin pimples under his touch. 

“I hate you, Barnes,” you hiss between kisses.  

He smirks, hearing the words while watching you try to pull the basic grey t-shirt over his head, one he removes over his head with ease.

“Right now, I hate you too.” 

Then, he’s kissing you. 

Feeling you wrap an arm around his neck, lips pressing furiously against his as he runs his fingers against your hip, feeling the goosebumps on your skin.

Before you rip your lips from his. 

“I’ve done nothing wrong—“

His finger and thumb slide over the thin fabric between your legs, hearing you let out a soft sound. “No?” He teases, watching your lips part, a slight ‘O’ shape to them as he continues. “Whatever you think of me, I’d never…” he whispers against your neck, sliding his hand under the fabric as you moan lightly. “… Ever, punish you. Not even if you think I’m being reckless…” He nips your ear’s lower lobe as you whimper at his touch. “And…”

“I don’t… I don’t care,” you groan, nails scratching his scalp. "Fuck... I was... just worried."

And he smirks. 

Licking his lips as he freezes his fingers. “Is that a sorry?” 

The light from the moon casts over your face, making your scowl more prominent, your desperation evident. "No."

"No?"

"You should have told me."

He smirks, sliding a finger into you, feeling how much you want him. Hearing the way you try to swallow a moan. "I should have," he says darkly, kissing the underside of your jaw. "But, as you can feel, I'm fine."

"I... hate—"

He snorts, twisting his hand, snapping your underwear from your skin. "No, you don't, sweetheart."

And instead of retorting, you kiss him. 

And that's good with him.

[incorrectmarvelquotesss]

— hiraeth —

Warnings: fluff, a bit of angst, tiny bit of miscommunication

Summary: The view of the sunset from your floor kept bringing Bucky back to you.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Word Count: 1.2k

A/N: Wrote this and edited it. Goodnight.

*the feeling of being homesick for a home one is not able to return to; homesickness pertaining to a home that never was*

You never realised the way the sun settled itself in between the two buildings, lodged between them perfectly as if it was always supposed to be there. During sunset, it would slowly make its way down the buildings, reflecting in the windows to glare into your floor in the Tower. The warm hues of the sun poured into your room like honey at dawn. You tended to bask in the light for a few minutes before pulling your tired body out of bed and the comforts of your blankets. 

You only noticed the coincident position of the sun when Bucky had pointed it out to you with an outstretched arm, metal finger glinting as he pointed and used it to outline the spherical shape of the sun. Perfect view he had said with a crooked grin, circling his finger once more before dropping it. You had shook your head and told him you never even noticed. He had shrugged and told you it was alright, that sometimes you just needed a new perspective. He had a way with little details, pointing out a crack in the tile that was shaped like a heart or a butterfly with a spot that seemed to form an outline of a star. 

Your friendship grew and blossomed the more time you two spent together. He would end up in your apartment at dawn, sprawled on the couch you had gotten just because of his fascination of watching the sun set. His hand would always stretch out and a finger would trace out the sun. You found yourself sitting next to him the second time he ditched the movie playing in the living room to watch the sun set. Slowly it became a tradition for Bucky to come into your apartment floor and watch the sun set between the buildings. 

It started off as a weekly occurrence. You had granted him full access to everything on your floor, apart from your art studio, and he was thankful for the permission. He was a bit reluctant to use your floor, but steadily started showing up as he pleased. Sometimes you would get back from a late night at the lab and find him staring at the sun kissing horizon or dozing off in your living room. It started becoming a daily occurrence and you were sure Bucky was spending more time in your apartment than his own. 

You had seen his apartment; the plain walls, couch, and mattress making your heart ache for him. The emptiness of the floor made you want to cry for him, empathize, but he had merely walked into his closet and grabbed his sweater. He deliberately changed the subject when you had tried to bring the minimalist layout of the floor, sending you a quick smile that pained your heart even more; it was missing in his eyes. 

You were dancing around an idea—an idea that was either genius or stupid, no bits in between—that you had yet to form into a sentence. The thought seemed like a good one when it first came to you, seeing Bucky walk into your apartment with an ease that made your insides warm. He had lounging gear on, sweatpants and a short-sleeved shirt, and was brushing his hair back with a quick sweep of his hands. He had glanced over at you in the kitchen nursing a mug of tea, grinning and letting out a good morning, doll. 

It had been months since then and you still hadn’t found the courage to ask Bucky your burning question. You were going to ask. You were. 

“Bucky?” You called out, turning your head to look at the blue-eyed man beside you. His eyes were trained on the sun, a low hum emitting from his throat as he adjusted his arm to be thrown behind you on the couch. You waited for his eyes to flicker to your face once before continuing. 

“I was thinking,” you started, nervously wringing your hands together on your lap and looking at them, “you spend so much time here. In my apartment, on this floor, I mean. I was wondering, if it wasn’t too much to ask, I would like… I mean, it’s not like you have to, but I would like it if you just—”

“Shit, I’m so sorry, Y/N,” Bucky cut in hurriedly, eyes wide and frantically flicking around. “I didn’t realize—I’m so sorry.”

“Wh—what? Why?” You were beyond confused at his reaction. 

“I shouldn’t’ve been coming  around so often. Of course, you wanted your space—shit. I’m so, so sorry, doll. I knew you were too sweet to say anything—I just—it sorta just became a habit to come here, I guess. I can—I can stop comin’ over everyday. I know it might’ve bit much so—”

“Bucky,” you interrupted gently, placing a hand over his knee to grab his full attention. His nervous eyes met yours almost instantly, his guilt clear in them, and his cheeks tinged pink with colour. 

“Doll, I’m—”

“Bucky,” you stressed, squeezing his knee to stop him from apologizing again, “that’s not what I was going to say.” Bucky’s eyes flooded with relief, eyebrows furrowing when he seemed to grasp the fact that he had no clue what you were going to say then. 

“Oh,” was all he could get out, the pink tinge in his cheeks getting darker. “Then—then what were you sayin’?”

“I was saying that you could move in, here, with me?” You withdrew your hand from his knee, noticing that it was still on him. Unconsciously, you wrung your fingers together and started fiddling with them, licking your lips. His lack of response was making you rethink the whole ordeal. Perhaps you should have kept that thought locked away, hidden from the tip of your tongue. Maybe your floor didn’t mean as much as you thought it did to him. 

“I mean, it's your choice. You just seem comfortable. At ease. I don't know. You don’t have to, but you seem to like it here more than anywhere else…” you trailed off, seeing his face break out into a grin. 

“Doll, I would love to move in with you,” he said, dropping his arm from the couch and weaving his fingers through yours to force your hands apart. He let his thumb brush over your fingertips, grasping your hand tightly in his and finally interlocking your pinkies. “I was thinking something too.”

“Were you?” You murmured, slightly disoriented by the way his other hand creeped up your calf and landed on your knee. He hummed, nodding as he looked down at your intertwined pinkies. He slowly unlocked your pinkies and laced your fingers together, lifting your conjoined hands and twisting them so that he would place a sweet kiss on your knuckles. 

“I was thinking, what if you become my home?” He let out a content sigh. His next words were carefully chosen, unhurriedly pouring out of him. “Wherever you are, home is. It’s not the apartment that brings me to ease, doll, it’s you.”

“Bucky.” You willed yourself not to cry. 

“‘M serious, doll. Be my girl.” He kissed your knuckle again. “Be my home.”

[lanadelreyscokewhor3]

hey idk if ur requests are open but i might as well try lol. is there any way you could make a stucky fic about if reader had a bad argument with her mother on the phone and reader breaks down and cries. maybe reader is home alone when it happens and the boys are at work, so when the boys come home they find her crying in their bedroom. (maybe the reader gets extreme lows quickly and the boys know that she has a history of hurting herself in these situations so they take extra good care of her). but they comfort her, tell her why she doesnt deserve how her mom treats her, tell her how much they love her. just angst w her mom in the begining and the rest is fluff. lol sorry im rly fucked up.

MATILDA- STUCKY

Pairing: CEO! Stucky x Fem! Reader

Word Count: 1.4k

Warnings: TW TW!!! self harm mentioned, yelling, crying, reader going through some very hard feelings, but other then that angst... fluff<3

Notes: hi. this fic is very personal to me. very personal. i have felt like this many times, and some things that have been said to reader have been said to me. so to whoever sent this, you are not fucked up. we are human, and we are hurting. we are coping and we are trying. and to whoever else feels remotely like this, know i understand. and im trying too. bucky and steve are here for you, and so am i.

Her voice still echoed in your head, the raging, strident sound bouncing off the corners of your brain like a pinball machine.

It hurt.

The endless, bottomless pit of hatred she threw you in, drowning you.

It hurt, badly.

You loved your mother, you truly did. She had raised you, read your bedtime stories in your rocking chair, and held your hand across the street.

But she was emotionally absent. She didn't realise that her words hurt. They hurt- a substantial amount.

The phone was limp in your hand, the line dead as she had ended the call a few minutes prior, screaming at you. You didn't even know about what anymore.

You tried to zone it out. But some of her phrases, they stuck out.

You're a disgrace to have as a daughter. Your father would be so disappointed with you. If you go down that hole again, I’m not helping you again Y/N. I’m done. I’m sick and tired of your shit.

You felt the salty tears begin to fall down your cheeks as you slumped against the pillows, placing the phone back on its stand. Hands seemed to wrap around your throat as the air was stolen from your lungs, sobs racking through your entire body.

Your phone was thrown across the sheets somewhere, now buzzing with texts from Steve and Bucky. You told them you’d let them know how things went with your mother.

They knew in advance it would not go well. They always did.

Some time had passed, and you knew their frantic texts were because they worried about you. You couldn't find the strength to answer, instead- curling into a ball, letting the tears smear your mascara down your heated cheeks.

Fuck you mom. Fuck. You.

You weren't sure how much time went by as you cried into your pillow, clinging to the blankets like it was your lifeline.

It was, in a way.

Bucky and Steve weren't here, so the crocheted blanket they had made for you was the only form of comfort you had.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

You kept silent.

“Doll?” the gentle voice called from behind the door, now partly creaked open as Bucky poked his head in. You sniffled, looking over at his gentle stare from the door, watching as he allowed himself in, Steve following in.

“We brought cinnamon buns from the bakery on the corner. The one we normally go to on Fridays?”

You nodded, watching as Steve set the baked goods on your dresser, him and Bucky slowly making their way over to you, as if you were a frightened animal. They knew how vulnerable you were in this stage, and they didn't want to scare you to make it worse.

You shuffled up, sitting crossed-legged as they crouched down beside the bed, their work uniforms still on. Their ties were out of place, top buttons undone, hair slightly messy.

They must have rushed here from the office, you realised, the guilt dawning on you all at once.

“Are you okay?” Bucky whispered, hand coming up to cup your jaw, rubbing little soothing circles to help ease your tears.

“She was cruel again.” you croaked out, watching as Steve gently twisted your arm towards him. Your scars shown faintly in the dim light, their faded marks scattered across your wrist. No new marks lay in their place.

You couldn't help but notice Steve's little sigh of relief, kissing your wrist tenderly. “I’m so sorry for worrying you guys. I just- I couldn't-” you broke out in tears, the full circle coming round.

Bucky and Steve knew about your past, you had told them of your old coping mechanisms.

Unhealthy mechanisms.

They had helped coaxed you out of your self-harming ways, with love and patience. Something you had needed, for a long, long time. It had been some time now since you had last done anything to yourself, but of course Steve and Bucky wouldn't have known that.

You had ghosted them, and left them high and dry. They knew talks with your mother could trigger some episodes, and you couldn't imagine how worried they must have been.

They wrapped their arms around you, and you leaned into their embrace, the comfort you had craved. “Shh, shh doll it's okay. It's okay, deep breaths okay?” Bucky cooed softly, instructing you to take a breath with him.

You followed suit, feeling the air rush through your lungs, soothing you like a drop of cool water in a desert as you allowed your heart rate to slow.

“We were just worried princess, that's all. We just didn't want to see our precious doll hurting.” Steve explained, kissing your tears away.

“You’re not mad?” you hiccuped, worried they'd feel coming to see you was a burden.

No Y/N. You’re not a burden, or else they wouldn't have come. You quickly reminded yourself, attempting to train your brain out of thinking negatively.

That was your mother's job. Not yours.

The boys could see the gears in your brain turning, giving you a small smile of encouragement. “Of course we’re not mad. We love you more than anything doll.” Bucky cooed, brushing the last tear you shed with his thumb.

“It's our job to comfort you, princess. Just like how it's our job to protect you.” The words he had once told you many months ago played in your mind, like a broken record. A good broken record, one you never wanted to stop playing.

It's our job to protect you, even if that danger is yourself right now princess. It's okay. We’ll get there eventually, together. One small step at a time.

“I just don't want you guys to feel like you need to come every time after my mom calls. I don't want you to miss anything important.”

“We want to come.” Steve reminded you gently, soft blue eyes yearning with love and compassion. “We always want to be with you doll. Even when you're having a harder time. You'd come to us if we were feeling down, wouldn't you?”

You nodded quickly, no hesitation in your mind whatsoever. You'd come to them at beck and call. You'd travel through volcanos, swim oceans to get to them, if that's what they needed.

“So it works the same with us honey. You need us, we come. Even if you don't call us, we come. And if you don't want us here- we leave and give you space, whatever you need. Simple as that. Whatever you want.” Bucky reminded you, knowing it was sometimes hard for you to accept love from others.

That it was hard to remember you deserved worth, the same as they did.

The same as anyone did.

You nodded, smiling softly as Steve grabbed another blanket from the bed, draping it across your shoulders. “Do you wanna talk about it?” You gnawed on your lip, thinking. Thinking about what you wanted, what you needed.

“No. I don't think I do.” you decided, wanting to forget it ever happened.

“And that's perfectly okay. But please know you do not deserve how that woman treats you. Whatever she said to you, whatever names she called you, it's a fucking lie.” Bucky reassured you, kissing your hand tenderly.

“We’re proud of you princess. We’re so proud of how far you've come, and that you stayed strong today after that nightmare. It's over now, you're safe.” Steve whispered, his hand stroking your hair soothingly as he sat beside you on the bed.

“I love you guys. Thank you.” you whispered, feeling a million times better than you did a few minutes prior, their calming words and aura soothing the sadness lodged deep in your soul. Bucky answered this with a kiss, his lips soft against yours, tasting of sugar as he told you all the things he needed to with his lips.

You're welcome. I love you doll. More than anything, I love you.

“Do you wanna do anything princess?” Steve asked, watching as your cat, Alpine trotted in your room, meowing. You smiled as she trotted up to Bucky, rubbing her body against his leg, purring as he leaned down to scratch her head.

Bucky was Alpines favourite, and she made this very, very obvious.

“Can we watch movies and eat cinnamon buns?”

“Warmed up for forty-five seconds, and a spoon on the side?” Bucky asked, already making his way over to where the sticky buns lay. You laughed, reaching down to pet the white ball of fur now curled around your feet, begging for attention.

He remembered. Of course he remembered.

“Yes, but-” you looked over to the clock that sat on your bedside table, its red digits glowing 10:13.

“Don't you guys have work? I thought you two had a meeting and had to stay later.”

They just laughed, the sound making butterflies flutter in your tummy, your heart tripling three sizes.

“Don't you remember? We own the place angel.” 

[queers-gambit]

Alpine

prompt: in an effort to help your boyfriend with his trauma, you rescue a furry feline together - a white cat named, Alpine - who rescues you both in return.

pairing: Bucky Barnes x female!Widow!reader

fandom masterlist: Marvel

word count: 6.9k+

note: been seeing a lot of Alpine recently and got inspired.

second note: no, it's not comic / canon compliant so just have fun. author did some research but there's not a LOT written / known about Alpine, so, again, just have fun!

warnings: post Endgame, pre tfaws; cursing, Lord's name in vain, small angst, mostly hurt and comfort, Nick Fury calling reader a bitch playfully, Bucky's trauma responses, small spoilers, Dr. Raynor / therapy.

other works with Widow!reader and Bucky NOT necessary to read

read here: Damage Done

"Are you angry with me?"

"No."

"Disappointed? Annoyed? Frustrated?"

"No, doll."

"Then why won't you talk to me!?"

"Nothing to say."

You wiped a hand down your face, lifting it only to pinch the bridge of your nose. Your head shook to shake away your thoughts, sniffling emotion, sighing when you dropped your hand to slap against your thigh. "I'm really trying here, Bucky, I swear to you, I am. But I can't help if you don't talk to me," you softened your voice, beginning to understand this was a losing battle.

"I never said I needed help."

"You never have to ask me for help, Bucky, I just give it because I want to! Because I love you! That's part of being in a relationship!"

"Maybe I don't want it!" Your boyfriend snapped, rounding on you with unfiltered emotion in his eyes. The horrors swam in his baby blues, vivid memories he was unable to escape haunting him, terrorizing him; creating a shell of a man who could no longer hide his avid pain. "Did you ever think about that? Ever consider that I don't want your help because I don't need it?"

"Everyone needs help sometimes, Buck."

"No, not everyone - I'm not one of your pet projects, you don't get to treat me like a broken thing that needs fixed! I certainly don't need your pity - not yours."

"I don't pity you! Fuck's sake, Bucky, I love you and want to see you heal. I know you better than anyone - "

"You don't," he sneered, cutting you off. "You don't know me, not really, not as well as Steve - "

"Oh, for fuck's sake, Steve isn't here! He's not coming back!" You snapped, instantly regretting it when Bucky's eyes coated with glassy emotion he fought vehemently to keep down. "I-I'm sorry, that was - that was really mean of me and totally out of line," you apologized, both sighing deeply. "All right, look, let's just talk this out, please."

"There's nothing to say."

Your hip cocked, arms crossing, "She called me, you know."

"Who?"

"Dr. Raynor."

"Fuck's sake," he growled. "Why would she do that?"

"Maybe because today's session was, apparently, supposed to be a couples session. She thought I was refusing, called to say I was impeding on your progress and if I want to help you, I'd have to show up to your appointments. Which is really funny because you never told me about today, so I had no idea what the hell she was talking about - but that didn't stop her from tearing me a new asshole!"

He frowned, avoiding your eyes. "I didn't need a couples session. Not today, I just - I wanted today to focus on other shit."

"And I can respect that, but you're not doing yourself any favors by hiding shit from me. To get the best results from therapy, you have to actually do the work, and not just do what Dr. Raynor says, but actually listen to her advice - "

"I don't need you on my back about this, Raynor does that enough for you both," Bucky growled. "I do the fucking work - I'm the one in that room, I'm the one applying silly little rules to my life - "

"Obviously not if you didn't even tell me Raynor requested my attendance! You should've told me, and then you should've said you weren't ready! I would've respected that, but I can't do a Goddamn thing if you don't talk to me!"

His jaw flexed as he clenched his teeth, skin twitching and distinct muscles tightening. "Like I said, there's nothing to talk about," he practically spat, shaking his head at you before grabbing his sneakers from the closet.

You didn't mean to sound harsh, but demanded, "Where are you going? We're in the middle of a conversation."

"No, we're not, 'cause I'm ending it," he scoffed, sitting on the corner of your shared mattress, exchanged his shoes. "And I'm going for a run, need to clear my head."

You shook your head before leaving the bedroom, "Absolutely unbelievable."

Bucky left your shared apartment a few minutes later, somewhere you've only lived five months - the time it's been since Tony Stark, Iron Man, snapped the other half of living beings back into existence. He lost his life in return, the ultimate sacrifice, but he managed to reverse the damage Thanos created five years prior. Five months of living in this apartment without a lick of warmth, personal touch, or real sentiment; it being dreary, dark, and mostly empty. Hell, Bucky didn't even feel comfortable in bed, so he camped in the barren living room, giving visual to the way your relationship was beginning to fray, unravel, crack.

He didn't want anything personal in your apartment - thinking it was ridiculous to settle down after all you two have endured, witnessed, and fought for. You agreed to keep things at the bare minimum, only stocking what was necessary, knowing this was part of his healing process and didn't want to drum-up further anxiety. It made everything impersonal, boring, bland, and down right depressing - but it was a small accommodation you could provide your lover.

You hated the distance. Hated how alone Bucky felt after Steve. Hated how reclusive he became, the anger he projected. Hated how no matter what you did, you weren't enough - not this time. For years, you've loved him despite his flaws, his brainwashing, his trauma responses, but whatever he was enduring now was something you weren't equipped to handle. Didn't mean you weren't willing to try, but Bucky was the one pushing you away; thinking his demons were his sole responsibility, never letting you be the pillar that helped support him. God, you hated the distance.

You left the apartment, too. Nick Fury had employed you for creative, solo, high profile missions; wanting to utilize your Widow training, especially now that Natasha Romanoff was deceased. And you wanna know what? Bucky hadn't even asked about her, never tried to offer comfort, only quietly attending the funeral service you hosted with the remaining Avengers to give her a proper sendoff - despite there being no body. Bucky knew you and Nat were as thick as thieves, family without blood, two lost souls who leaned on each other in trying times; bonded by trauma, encouraged by resounding bravery, disciplined by strength. The fact that your boyfriend never even checked in with you after Nat's passing obviously hurt your feelings but you remained silent.

Again, to avoid generating more anxiety for Bucky.

You met the one-eyed man at a local, bustling coffee shop, finding the sight of the hardened, burly man eating a scone amusing. "Got you one of these," he nudged a dessert plate to your side of the table when you sat down with your desired coffee, "know you like 'em."

"Blueberries are my favorite," you half-smirked, regarding the moist muffin and sighing sadly. "All right, sir, what's on the docket?"

He stared at you for a moment, chewing thoughtfully before leaning back in his chair. "The fuck's going on with you?" He asked.

"What do you mean?"

"You look different today."

"Mh," you nodded, joking, "got a hair cut."

"No, it's your aura. Something bothering you, kid?"

"You do realize I'm a fully grown adult, right?"

Nick shrugged, "I don't see age."

"You don't - nobody sees age, Nick, Jesus."

He took a sip of his green tea. "There's still something bothering you. Not sure if you should go on this mission if you're wound tight."

"I'm just dealing with shit at home."

"Oh, right, the cyborg. How is the hundred year old psycho?"

"You you want me to stab out your other eye? 'Cause I fucking will," you threatened with a fork clenched in your grasp, perking your brows up your forehead. "Say that shit again, see what the fuck I do, Nick, I absolutely dare you."

He chuckled, hands held in defense, "Sorry, sorry, that was uncalled for. What's wrong with Sergeant Barnes?"

You shrugged, "It's complicated."

"Bitch, aliens opening a wormhole in space and time to invade Earth is complicated - relationships aren't. Try me."

After an amused chuckle, you told him, "He's struggling right now. You know? After everything, it's been a lot for him and now that things are relatively back to normal, he's having a hard time trying to assimilate himself back into the populace. You know, learning to live in this day and age - a man out of time, outside his comfort zone, forced to adjust himself after living as a weapon of mass destruction for so long. Add in the fact that his best friend passed, marking another forceful adjustment he's unprepared for..."

"Hm," Nick nodded, "heard he's got a full pardon."

"He does."

"Which has a contingency he's gotta go to therapy, right? Part of rejoining society?"

You nodded, "Right, again."

"So he's in therapy and still struggling?"

"It's not like there's an on-off switch, Nick, therapy takes time and dedication. I just don't think he feels at peace, calm, in control - like he deserves any of this; the pardon especially. Think the stress, fear, and confusion is eating at him."

"Well, he's got you."

"I'm not his mother."

"No, you're his girlfriend, and it's a girlfriend's responsibility to support him, ain't it? Help him through this?"

"I can only do so much, Nick," you scoffed, "I'm just one person and he's a stubborn jackass - he just pushes me away. I'm sure I don't help the situation by accepting your contracts."

Fury considered your words for a long moment, then asked, "You said he's lonely?"

"Wouldn't you? Given his situation? He won't say, but I know losing Steve caused a part of him die."

Nick shrugged, "So get him a dog."

You never wouldn't guessed those words could ever pass Nick Fury's lips, head cocking, eyes narrowing, arms crossed over your chest. "I'm sorry, do what now?"

"It's obvious, ain't it? Dude needs company when you're gone, a sense of purpose, to feel like there was something - or someone - depending on him. Might help whatever limbo he's lingering in."

"A dog?"

"A dog. He can take it for walks or whatever."

You considered his recommendation, asking again, "A dog?"

"Do we need to get your hearing checked again? You lose the last functionality of your ears? Yes, a dog."

"I don't know..."

"It's just a suggestion, might promote his peace, help him process grief and guilt. Telling you, a dog would do him good. Now," he took another sip of tea, "onto business."

"You give me whiplash," you chuckled. "What's this job?"

"Simple and easy," he pulled up a tablet from the chair beside him, tapping it three times and handing it to you.

"None of your jobs are simple or easy, Nicky-Nick."

"I told you, don't call me that. Look, I just need you in London to investigate a string of potential terrorist activity. Just some recon, you won't be gone more than a few days - if you behave and stay on task."

You scanned the document, "When do I ever do that?" He chuckled briefly, you wondering, "Flagsmashers? Jesus, what a name. C'mon, you can't be serious. These guys are just radicals - you know, trying to vouch for those displaced after the Blip. It's actually kinda endearing, I mean, they're trying to give a microphone to those without a voice."

"They're escalating - too quickly," Fury informed. "They haven't raised any international flags yet, but something ain't right about them. I just need you as eyes and ears, maybe report if you think they're worth the worry."

Little did you know, in only about a month, you would join forces with Bucky and Sam Wilson - The Falcon - to dismantle the organization.

"When do I leave?"

"Tuesday would be ideal. But I can push it to Friday if you wanna go get that dog."

Your laughter was endearing, handing the tablet back over.

Bucky liked holding hands, though, he often wouldn't ever voice it. It made him feel tethered, anchored to reality; instilling a sense of pride to have such a gorgeous lady - such as yourself - at his side. However, the part he liked most, was being reminded he wasn't alone; even when on crowded, overpopulated streets, he didn't have to be afraid because with his hand in yours, he looked just like everyone else. You protected him even without intending to or without even knowing what you were doing.

"I'm sorry about yesterday," he sighed, people on the street sidestepping and avoiding running into you two. "I was upset, stressed out, you know how I get after seeing Raynor."

"It's okay, baby," you assured, ever the patient, loyal, and supportive girlfriend he needed. "I'm not holding it against you, but just promise me, when you're ready, you'll tell me."

He nodded, "I will - I mean, I promise." You hummed and pet his bicep with your other hand, giving his arm a hug. "Now are you gonna tell me where we're going?"

"I told you, it's a surprise."

He was ready to reply when a small commotion echoed from the alley you were passing, Bucky coming to a jarring halt that yanked on your arm, swinging you around. You were ready to ask what was happening when you clocked one of Bucky's "friends", an older man named Yori Nakajima, arguing with one of his neighbors.

"Hey, hey, Yori," Bucky intervened, you watching from the mouth of the alley, "woah, hey, what's going on?"

You couldn't hear whatever Yori was saying, but Bucky turned to the other man and growled something at him that made the neighbor scurry off. He glared at you, lip curled in a sneer, disappearing amongst patrons of the crowded sidewalk. You frowned and approached Yori and Bucky, your boyfriend still trying to calm his friend - well, 'friend' was a very generous term. See, Yori was the father of a young man that died by the hand of the Winter Soldier, being a name on Bucky's list he needed to make amends with.

However, when you took your place beside Bucky, Yori was waving you both off and shuffling down the alley, towards one of his apartment building's doors. "What was that all about?" You asked softly, taking note of the disgruntled expression your boyfriend usually wore these days.

"Just," he sighed, shaking his head, "Yori's upset with some of his neighbors - thinks they're encroaching on being disrespectful."

"When doesn't he?" Bucky sighed, you wondering softly, "You think you're ever gonna feel ready to tell him?"

"I'm working on it," he sighed sadly. "All right, c'mon - "

You both paused with furrowed brows when there came a series of shrill meows from under a couple of soggy, cardboard boxes beside a dumpster. "Did you hear that?" You asked.

"Uh-huh."

Another elongated meow was heard, Bucky curiously approach the discarded trash coated in sewage sludge. He slowly squatted, you approaching his shoulder when another meow cried out. Now, normally, you'd never investigate animal noises out of fear they were feral and carrying disease, but something just felt sad about what you heard - apparently, to Bucky, too. Gingerly, he reached out and lifted a piece of dripping cardboard, seeing a bundle moving under the next piece. He moved that one, too.

"Oh, my God!" You cooed when a tiny kitten was revealed. White fur was stained with dirt, sludge, and other nasty juices; nose pink, eyes a piercing, clear blue with brownish tear stains rimming them. The kitten mewed in greeting, pacing a tight circle before trying to back up in the brick wall; hunching its back and hissing slightly when you lowered yourself into a squat beside Bucky. "Baby, it's all alone, should we help?" You pouted.

"I don't think it wants our help, doll," he sighed. "It looks scared of us. Bet the mother's around somewhere, be a shame to move it if she's coming back."

"It looks too skinny, maybe it's alone?"

"Or maybe it's not," Buck countered. "C'mon, sugar, we can't take it."

After a bit of back and forth, you finally relented and had to walk away. You frowned for at least two blocks, but upon your halt at a crosswalk, you were greeted by another shrieking meow. Whipping around, you and Buck both looked down to discover the wee little kitten had followed you and was practically yelling for your attention. You grinned.

"Well, now we really have to help it," you told Bucky.

"How?"

"We take it to a shelter," you answered, shrugging, "good thing I know where one is."

"What's it doing?" Bucky asked nervously, the kitten dancing around your legs; brushing up against you both, meowing the whole time.

"I think she wants you to pick her up," you smirked.

He sighed and stooped to scoop the little creature in hand, regarding it carefully; weighing it, checking paws and other vulnerable spots. Bucky muttered, "All right, yeah, fine, let's take him to a shelter. Little beast needs some food it feels like, definitely a flea bath and some fresh water."

"You big softie."

"Lead the way to the shelter, princess, c'mon," he ignored your jab, tucking the kitten into his chest protectively. "He feels fragile," Bucky worried, "maybe you should carry him, I might crush him."

"You've got the little babe, Buck," you assured, "you're not gonna hurt him - I mean, if it's even a him."

"By the attitude, could be a girl," he joked, making your heart lighten. He'd been in such a funk that you missed his teasing, soft words; the little jokes he cracked, his smile - God, you missed seeing his smile. During your time on the run after DC, while seeking refuge in Bucharest for a couple years, you grew accustomed to seeing his radiant smile; remembering how easily he offered it when just the two of you. For a moment, you considered how your relationship was no longer just you and Bucky - but his trauma, too.

Arriving at the shelter, it was like an assault on the senses. Dogs were heard barking from the kennels, the pungent smell of urine and wood chips smacking you in the face, and a sort of humidity lingering in the air - a sharp contrast to the crisp outside.

"Hi," you greeted the receptionist, offering a kind smile.

"Hi, there. How can I help you two?" The man with long hair asked.

"Well, uh, two things," you explained, "one: we'd like to tour your kennels, we're interested in adopting a dog - "

"We are?" Bucky gaped.

" - and two: we found this little fella in an alley," you pointed to the kitten curled protectively against Bucky's warmth. "We wanted to make sure he was okay, maybe leave him here for adoption?"

"Oh," Man Bun blinked, regarding both Bucky and the kitten, "wow, uh, yeah, that's really nice of you guys, rescuing the little guy. You know, since everyone came back few months ago, there's be an influx of strays. A lot of people gave up their animals when their loved ones came back."

"Well, that's super fucked up," your eyes rolled.

"Tell me about it," he sighed. "Look, I'd love to help you guys out, so, tell you what. I can let you back in the kennels - no problem! Help match you to your new companion, but, uh... I don't think I can help you with the cat. You see, we, uh, we've had to start euthanizing the overflow animals or the ones who don't get adopted in a timeframe. We're at our max capacity, so... If you wanna leave him here, uh, I can't promise he'll have a place."

"You'd put him down?" Bucky growled.

"It's not what we want to do," Man Bun swiftly explained, "but it's just necessary - we don't have the room or resources to take him."

"Do you know of any no-kill shelters? Maybe one that has room?" You asked, feeling Bucky's disgust rolling off him in waves.

"Not in the area," Man Bun frowned. "Honestly? I think the closest no-kill shelter's in Maryland. Maybe Virginia?"

"Jesus," you frowned, looking at Bucky.

"Look, my best advice?" Man Bun offered, "Take the little tike home, clean him up, and call around to other shelters to see if they have space. But if you intend to adopt a dog, maybe bringing back a kitten isn't the best timing. If you give him up to us, he'll probably be sent directly to overflow..."

"We'll take him home," Bucky instantly decided, shocking you.

"We will?" You asked softly, lips curling in a small smile.

"Why not?" He sighed.

"I would've thought you'd be more of a dog person..."

"I'm not an animal person, but we're not leaving this little guy here just for him to be euthanized. We can handle him for a few days, you know, until we find a shelter with room."

"I think that's a great idea," you grinned.

"But was this your plan? For us to adopt a dog?"

"Well, yeah..."

"Why?"

You shrugged, "Just thought a dog would be nice company when I'm outta town for work. You know, could go on walks or runs together, you'd have someone looking out for you, maybe a dog would help with your stress levels?"

He eyed you for a moment, sighing, "I appreciate that, doll. Maybe another time, though? At least let us find somewhere or someone to take this guy."

The kitten gave a prolonged squeak - seemingly agreeing. "All right, noisy, we hear you," you chuckled, giving the kitten's head a scratch. You asked Man Bun, "Do you guys have the means to check him over, you know, before we go home? Make sure he's not injured or something?"

"Yeah," he nodded, "let me go get one of the technicians."

After the tech's exam, you were given the paperwork from that day's visit, the name, number, and address of a recommended vet, and before you knew it, found yourselves at the local pet store. You would've been ashamed by the absurd amount of money you spent, but Bucky rationalized the need because you weren't sure how long your new companion would stay with you. So, you ransacked the store, buying a sizable litter box, 50 pounds of actual litter, a bag of kibble, case of wet food, several different treats, a balm for the baby's feet, too many toys and stimulation activities, a carrying case in the event of transporting the kitten, and a tiny collar - if you decided to keep the little noise machine.

The sight of Bucky with the little fuzz ball warmed your heart. He still seemed hesitant and stiff, as if afraid to hurt the kitten, but he wasn't so tense anymore. However, he handed the pet over for you to hold while he carried the supplies back home; biceps bulging to support the weight. In that moment, walking familiar streets with his arms full of cat supplies, he questioned how he got here - to feel all domestic and out-of-place. He was Bucky Barnes - a Sargent in the Army, prolific hitman, something of an Avenger now. He didn't adopt cats and buy toys!

However, watching you talk to the kitten softly, he smiled - something small at first that grew like a germinating seed to split his face. You seemed so... Bright, excited, rejuvenated, even. He knew the past five months since the Blip had been rough on you, what with losing Natasha, fighting Thanos and his army of aliens, then ricocheting into 'normal life' only to deal with his emotional baggage. Watching you walk down the street with a fuzzy white ball of energy, pointing out different things, cooing and narrating the city to the kitten as if he could understand was refreshing after seemingly seeing nothing but a frown on your lips recently.

To Bucky, as long as you were happy, he was happy - and it seemed you were very content with your new little buddy. So, he was happy with your new little buddy and figured a dose of domestic life wasn't the end of the world. In fact, he actually felt... Intrigued by the newest addition to your little family.

When you returned home, it was to an empty apartment. Bucky dropped the supplies in the living room, hands to his hips, looking around, "Well, uh... At least there's room to run around, right?"

You nodded, "And no risk of ruined furniture."

"Yeah," he sighed, watching you set the kitten down. "All right, pip squeak. C'mon, lemme give you the tour - pay attention. So, in here," he moved around the wall, kitten following and listening intently, labeling, "this is the kitchen, this is where you'll get your meals - and no, you're not allowed on the counters." He pointed a warning finger, "Don't let me catch you up there or there's gonna be hell to pay. I don't wanna find your hair in my morning bagel."

"Buck, you don't eat breakfast."

"Fine, then I don't wanna hear my girl found hair in her bagel."

The kitten mewed loudly, trotting to keep up as Bucky walked around the barren apartment - giving a literal tour. You unpacked the supplies, setting up a raised food bowl beside a full water bowl. You left the treats in an empty cupboard, the litter box ready to use in the bathroom, and tossed some toys around the open, empty living room floor. You meandered, stashing other supplies, hearing the scampering thuds of excited little feet.

When your head popped out of the kitchen, you grinned at what you saw. Bucky was sat on the floor, flicking a feathered stick over the hardwood floors for the kitten to race around and try to catch. The longer you watched, the more defenseless Bucky seemed, and dare you say it, he looked calm - maybe even happy. His eyes were locked on the animal's antics as if he didn't want to miss a single movement he made; small smile making him look younger and brighter.

You made a mental note to thank Nick Fury for his suggestion. Sure, he actually said to get a dog, but this kitten seemed to have the same effect.

"Hey, baby?" You called, hanging up your phone after calling the recommended vet. "So, uh... Listen, you know how I have to go outta town on Friday?"

"Yeah?" He glanced up, letting the kitten wrestle his booted foot.

"So, I managed to get a vet appointment but it's for Friday. Is that okay? Or do you want me to reschedule for when I'm back so we can go together?"

"Oh, uh, no, that's all right, sugar, keep the Friday slot. I can take him, it's not a big deal."

"You sure? I hate having to saddle you with this responsibility."

"I'm sure," he nodded, "I can take him, it's okay."

For the rest of the week, you had a front row viewing of an incredible bond being formed. The kitten liked you, you two had many moments together, but it was obvious the little guy adored Bucky. He was stuck to your boyfriend like Velcro, following him everywhere, shrieking for attention when Bucky was preoccupied, liked being held when he cooked, even tried to get in the shower with Bucky. They played together, Bucky's laugh warming the entire apartment; positively obsessed with one another, the little guy even sleeping between you and Bucky.

It was as if you both forgot to look for the kitten a permanent home, the lack of furniture providing wide space for play and entertainment. Bucky even got one of those cat trees, couple individual scratching posts, and a laser pointer that drove your furry friend up the wall. There was some unspoken rule about naming animals - where if you named them, they were yours officially. So, one evening over dinner, you proposed a few names, Bucky giving his opinion; but then you began to consider "theme" names. Because your little buddy was white, you mused over names like Noelle or Snow, but finally settled on Alpine after narrowly beating out Aspen.

The day you flew to London, you warned both Bucky and kitten to behave themselves. Later that night, while you were sat in a tinted SUV for surveillance, your phone rang with Bucky's contact. "Hey, baby, how's it going?" You answered, refocusing through your advanced camera lens to snap necessary photos.

"Good, yeah. Uh, how's London?"

"Pretty dreary, it's been raining all day. Hey, how was the vet appointment?"

'Oh, yeah, no, it was, uh, yeah, it was good. Gave Alpine a buncha shots, microchipped her, started her on antibiotics - "

"Did you say, 'her'?"

"Yeah, that was the other thing - turns out, Alpine's a girl."

You chuckled, "Well, I'll be damned. How're you feelin', Buck?"

"I'm... Okay."

"I'm sorry I'm not there," you sighed. "Nightmares again?"

"Yeah."

"Sleeping in the living room?"

"You know it."

"TV on?"

"Reminds me I'm not where I dreamt I am."

"Well, I'll be home in a few days."

"What's this mission?"

"Just a little recon, I'm only to observe. Nicky told me to keep an eye on some suspicious activity."

"Don't tell me you're sitting in a white van?"

"No, sir, it's a Rolls Royce this time," you chuckled.

True to your word, you were home by Tuesday night. The transatlantic flight was long and tedious; a storm creating steady turbulence, making it absolutely impossible to get any shut eye. When you landed, you made a beeline to the Starbucks and got the largest coffee possible with an added 2 shots of espresso before exiting the bustling airport. Outside, waiting at the curb, Nick Fury himself stood before a sleek and shiny car that probably cost more than a 4-year education at an American university.

He smirked, "Welcome back, kid."

"Nice of you to pick me up, Nicky-Nick."

"Don't call me that."

"Don't call me 'kid'."

"Get in the Goddamn car, I'm not having this argument again."

After storing your luggage, Nick drove you back home while listening to your mission report. You didn't think the Flagsmashers were extreme enough to warrant intervention, but all Nick heard was that now was the time to strike before there came the need, before a chance for escalation could occur. You left the tablet full of notes, observations, photos, and data with the one-eyed man, and before you fully departed the car, paused to lean in the open window.

"Hey, uh, I've been meaning to thank you."

"What for?" Nick asked, face hardened in a permanent look of disagreement. You never took it personally - Nick Fury having professional Resting Bitch Face (RBF).

"Your advice about getting Bucky a dog."

"No shit," he chuckled, "you actually got him a dog?"

"Uh, well, no..."

"What'd you get?" Nick asked in suspicion, watching your lips roll between your teeth to restrain your smile. "Ah, hell no! You didn't! A cat? A fucking cat?"

"I know you don't like them - "

"Bitch! One scratched out my eye!"

"But our cat didn't."

"Doesn't matter - fuck all them felines."

You laughed and slapped the metal door, "Well, thank you anyway for the idea of a companion animal. Bucky's a lot calmer it seems."

Nick Fury sighed, waving you off like a pesky insect. "I'll call you when I got another job. Have fun with the little demon."

"You talkin' about Bucky or Alpine?"

"The cat - wait, Alpine? The fuck kinda name is that?"

"You know, Alpine... Like the Alps?"

His head shook, "I know what fuckin' alpine is."

"Why don't you head off - looks like you're gonna give yourself a stroke. Didn't realize getting a kitten would stress you out this bad."

"Get out my Goddamn window and I can leave."

You grinned and dropped a wink, again, patting the car and stepping back onto the sidewalk. Nick peeled off, leaving you alone to shoulder your duffel bag and head inside your apartment building. When you got to your desired location, the door opened without the usual creak, Bucky obviously WD-40'ing the hinges. "Hello?" You called softly, hanging your keys on the little peg in the foyer, toeing out of your shoes, glancing around the empty apartment.

Ready to call out again, you actually almost choked on air when you inhaled but stopped abruptly. You pouted your bottom lip at the sight of Bucky sound asleep in his nest on the floor, TV's lighting flashing and creating shadows, giving clear sight of Alpine curled in a tight ball on Buck's chest. His flesh hand was raised to rest on his chest, keeping Alpine cuddled to his warmth.

Quickly, you pulled your phone from your back pocket, snapping an adorable picture of your boyfriend before silently tiptoeing away to dispose of your duffel and purse. You sent the photo to Bucky's phone, positive you were keeping the kitten. After a long, hot shower that washed the travel from your body, you changed into loungewear, pulled your hair back, then reentered the living room where you knelt at Bucky's side. In-sync, your presence made both Alpine and Bucky flinch awake - your boyfriend jerking away from your warmth as the kitten hopped off his chest.

You winced, "Oh, shit, I'm so sorry, baby, I didn't mean to wake you."

His head shook, "No, it's all right, doll, I wasn't sleeping."

"You were, don't deny it," you grinned, settling on the mound of blankets.

Bucky chuckled gently, "I tried to stay up for you. C'mere," his arm opened in invitation, smirking gently. You settled down and turned into his side, his arm now coiled around your form, constricting to pull you closer so his lips could plant on your forehead. "How was London? Your mission?"

"Easy peasy," you sighed, "nothing too strenuous or stressful. The most 'complicated' part of the whole thing was using a different car each day to avoid suspicion."

"Hmm... Who was the target?"

"Some radical group," you sighed, head resting on his pectoral. "How was it? Just you and Alpine?"

"It was pretty good, nothing to complain about. She's nice company."

As if understanding she was the topic of conversation, Alpine mewed several times in a row as she walked up the seam of your body pressed to Bucky's. She turned in two circles before settling down between you; your grin authentic as a manicured fingernail extended to scratch her head.

"Actually, sweetheart, I've been thinking..."

"Hmm? About what?" You mumbled, eyes drooping with each passing second.

"About how we should keep her - Alpine, we should keep Alpine."

"You're just figuring that out now?" You teased, sluggishly lifting your head to smirk at him. "I knew she was ours the moment you picked her up. It'll be nice having her around, don't you think? I know she's not a dog you can take on walks but with Alpine, you don't have to be alone."

He nodded, "I like that idea. She's a good cat."

"Check your phone in the morning."

"Why?"

"Mmmh, I sent you a picture, you'll see - but it's just confirmation that Alpines part of us now, part of our crew."

"Our family," Bucky agreed softly. He watched you resettle on his chest, spending the following couple hours in the glow of the TV, watching you and Alpine. Bucky's heart warmed to a degree he's never known, making the comparison of himself to Jim Carrey's, the Grinch - a movie you made him watch. Eventually, exhaustion outweighed his domestic thoughts; falling asleep with you safe in his arms and Alpine curled up between you.

"Well, this certainly is a surprise... I was beginning to think James made you up."

"Oh, please, nobody could make me up - I'm too complex, nobody's got that kinda imagination," you smirked, legs crossed, seated beside Bucky on a sofa; both facing his therapist.

"I'm glad you could finally join us - I've been asking James to bring you for a while now," Dr. Raynor's eyes darted between you and Bucky, making you feel as if she was seeing right into your soul. However, her tone was accusatory, as if scolding Bucky.

So, you swiftly defended, "Well, I'm happy to be here. Bucky's one of my top priorities, I'd do anything for him - including attending any of these silly mandated sessions. Which are bullshit, by the way, because he's not the Winter Soldier anymore so why is Bucky being crucified? Why is this being pinned on him when he technically didn't do anything? The Winter Soldier did."

"Well, healing often takes time and dedication, and must be done in a series of steps. That's how you see real progress. These sessions are a condition of his pardon - "

"I can't believe your government would even enforce these silly little rules considering Bucky's assistance. He fought against Thanos, he fought on our side, and by all means, helped restore what was lost. I just find it pretty dehumanizing to force him to jump through hoops. I mean, for Christ's sake, half the universe was snapped away, you'd think after that, there wouldn't be need for pardons or contingencies - or for holding onto grudges."

"This is simply how we keep order in a post-Blip society. Everything changed in those five years, it's necessary to keep balance amongst all worldly citizens."

You scoffed lightly, "Ever consider these sessions might be doing more harm than good?"

Raynor frowned, "Despite the Winter Soldier being decommissioned, James still has trauma to process and skeletons to clear out of the closet. Yes, the Winter Soldier is gone, but the man remains - and James needs to focus on healing that part of himself. Whatever he did as the Winter Soldier wasn't Bucky's doing, but he still remembers all he did, which creates a heavy toll on the mind. That's part of the reason these sessions are mandated - because the assassin might be gone, but the residual effects still linger."

You hummed, "Well, let's get into it, Doc."

"You know... I've heard a lot about you. James paints you in a very bright light, says your bark and bite are equally as vicious."

"Hm," you nodded, brows perked, "yet I don't know shit about you."

"Perfectly natural. Typically, most people don't gossip about their therapists. It's nice that you could join us for this session."

"Nice to be invited."

She clicked her pen and settled her pad securely on her lap, just staring at you and Bucky for a long moment. You were ready to snap at her when she opened her mouth, "So, I hear you adopted a cat?"

"We did," you confirmed.

"Alpine," Bucky supplied, body rigid with tension and nerves.

"Right... Alpine," Raynor nodded, leaning her elbow to an arm of her padded chair. "How did this cat come into your possession?"

"We rescued her from a dumpster," Bucky answered stiffly.

"Really?" Raynor perked both brows.

"She was under some pieces of cardboard, screamin' her li'l head off," You chuckled. "Though, I think it's safe to say she chose us, adopted us as caregivers."

"How's that?"

"She wouldn't let us pick her up and we were afraid to take her in case her mama was lingering around. Turns out, she followed us. We were at a crosswalk when she caught up, demanding we pick her up and take her home."

"Is that so?"

"I'd like to think so," you nodded. "We were already on our way to the shelter, so, we took her with us, got her checked out."

"Why were you heading to the shelter to begin with?"

"Oh, uh, to adopt a dog. I had a colleague recommend an emotional support animal - or a companionship animal - to help Bucky feel less alone."

Raynor made a note of something. "You work often?" She asked.

"Often enough that I feel guilty for leaving. Figured getting a dog would instill a sense of dependence, you know, help Bucky feel like there was someone depending on him. Help usher in comfort and stability, help keep him calm, focused, distracted. But Alpine does the same thing - no dog necessary, apparently."

Raynor nodded, her wrinkles dimpling as she frowned and wrote down another note. When her eyes lifted, so did her lips; a smirk on display as she praised, "I actually think that's a wonderful idea. You know, there's been a lot of research about soldiers with PTSD benefitting from an emotional support animal. You're right, they promote peace, stability, distraction - gives patrons a tangible purpose, taking care of another life not their own."

"For sure, again, anything to help," you agreed, holding Bucky's gloved hand he kept covered by leather - only worn in public.

"Although, I wonder, why get a pet? I ask because James speaks highly of you, credits you for keeping him stable and on-track. Do you feel as if she's not enough, James? Is that why you kept Alpine?"

"No," he answered instantly, "she's my best girl and will always be enough. Watch your mouth, Doc."

"But sometimes extra help is nice," you tacked on, tightening your hand in Bucky's. "But for what it's worth, Dr. Raynor, Bucky keeps me sane. I keep him balanced. We keep each other safe. Alpine's just an added bonus, a quiet menace to help quell the business of our brains."

Raynor smirked, "I must say, you surprise me, Miss."

"I'm no stranger to mental health. But as I said before, I just want to help." You looked up at Bucky, finsihing softly, "He deserves peace in this lifetime - and if a little ball of fur can help, sign me up..."

requesting rules and masterlist

Marvel masterlist

[purple-babygirl]

in the far corner of the forest II

Pairings: Orc!Bucky Barnes x f!human!reader

Word Count: 5,500

Summary: For the longest time, the kingdom has used Bucky as their number one fighter, forcing him to win their wars for them. The only thing he asked for in return after he was done was that they give him a wife, and they did. They handed him the orphan he picked on a silver platter; it wasn't like anyone would miss her. It would've been perfect if she actually wanted to be there though.

Warnings: foot injury, nudity, fighting, forced/arranged marriage. 18+ content.

A/N: I tried to make this one longer for you guys (hopefully it's not totally shitty). Let me know your thoughts about this story if you can and please enjoy xx💜💜

~

She quickly slipped her shoes back on and ran out of the door for her life without looking back.

She only realized she had no pants on when her thighs started freezing under the cold rain hitting them. It was getting harder to keep running but she knew she just couldn’t stop.

She was dead meat if Bucky was to find her.

Her wet hair was stuck to her face and she was struggling. Long branches were scratching her all over and the rain was dropping so heavy she could feel it bashing down on the top of her head.

The woods looked the same everywhere and she felt like she was running in circles. She could see no light, hear no humans and she knew that she has gotten herself so far away from safety.

All of that didn’t scare her as much as the sounds of footsteps sinking in the mud not so far behind her did. Her blood ran cold and she felt like she couldn’t breathe.

What if it was Bucky? What would he do to her if he found her? She ran faster as her thoughts got wilder because what if it wasn’t Bucky? What would another person— another creature do to her if they found her all alone out there in the dark, empty forest?

With too much going on at the same time, she hardly noticed the rock about to collide with the front of her cheap shoes and before she could even gasp, she was falling down hard, twisting her ankle underneath her in the process.

She let out a muffled sob as her tears mixed with the rain. Trying to take a step on that foot was impossible, let alone running. She wasn’t even able to get back up, how was she going to escape whatever was about to reach her?

At this point, she had given up all hopes of escape. She knew she was doomed.

The footsteps were coming closer and her foot was no good. Sitting herself up against a mossed tree, she closed her eyes tightly and cried.

She should’ve just drank the milk. She should’ve drank the goddamn milk.

The footsteps got louder and louder and her heart beat faster with each passing second. Suddenly all sounds stopped and it was just her whimpers and the beating rain, so she opened her fearful eyes.

And there, towering over her and panting was a very wet and very angry snow orc.

“What did I say, little human?” He growled, roughly pushing his own wet hair back before crouching down before her.

“Please,” she cried helplessly, pressing herself further against the tree, scared of what he might do to her after she’d disobeyed him, “I’m hurt.”

She thought maybe that would make him have a little mercy on her.

Bucky just shook his head.

She was dreading his next words but they never came because she was suddenly being lifted up in his arms. Bucky carried her so easily as if she weighed nothing.

He was mad, but she was hurt. And scared. And shivering. He surprisingly found himself wanting to do nothing to her but safely get her home and warm her up.

~

She had fallen asleep on Bucky’s chest on the way home. Too much crying and over exhaustion would do that to a person. It’s been a long night for her and she needed the rest.

When she opened her eyes, she was still in Bucky’s arms and he seemed to be struggling, trying to open the large bathtub water without waking her up, or dropping her altogether.

She took a moment to look at him.

He was so big and strong. His hair looked so soft even when it was styled by the rain. His full, stubbly cheeks would’ve looked cute if she wasn’t so afraid of him.

Bucky was rather handsome for a ruthless orc.

“Y—you can put me down,” she whispered, trying not to overuse her tired voice.

Bucky’s ears perked at the sound of her weak voice and he looked at her for a second before sitting her down on the toilet seat and going back to fix her a bath.

“Strip,” Bucky said, his voice laced with anger and his face turned away from her.

Fear filled her heart and tears her eyes as she recalled her earlier experience in Bucky’s bed.

She had made him change his mind. It was her fault for not listening and now she was going to get the life raped out of her by this huge orc.

“Please, I’m sorry. I won’t try it again, I swear—”

“I just wanna get you in the tub. You’re all wet and muddy,” Bucky interrupted her frantic plea, his tone still firm, yet gentler this time, though his deep frown didn’t leave his face.

“Oh, o-okay. Could you please—”

Without getting to continue her request, Bucky turned around, giving her his back and some privacy.

Her whole body was quivering as she took off the wet sweater, only then realizing how wet and cold she really was. She eased her underwear down as well before trying to stand up to walk to the tub on her own. Her foot didn’t agree though and she instantly stumbled forward, almost falling face first if it wasn’t for the shower curtain.

Bucky turned around at the sound of her gasp and quickly had a muscly arm around her.

She shivered harder at his touch on her naked body for the second time that evening.

How did he manage to be so warm all the time? Wasn’t he just with her under the same rain?

Bucky had a large hand curled around her waist as the other held hers, helping her step inside the large tub.

She could feel the warmth of the water spreading up her shins as she dipped her other foot in too. She grabbed onto Bucky’s arms for dear life as she lowered herself and finally sat in the hot water.

“Thank you,” she whispered yet again, closing her eyes at the cozy feeling of the nice water embracing her sore muscles.

Bucky took his own wet sweater off and just stared at her. He didn’t know anything about her but her name and that she was an orphan. Yes, he’s seen her before and he picked her himself, but he didn’t know enough to be feeling the way he was feeling about her at that moment.

Bucky couldn’t decipher exactly what he felt right there but he knew he felt absolute terror when he saw her milk untouched and the cottage door ajar. He knew the image of her getting hurt or lost out there scared the shit out of him. He knew he had never put his boots on faster.

He knew he wanted to protect her with his life.

Bucky was mad at her, very mad, but he had no intention of acting on or according to that emotion.

She was looking so peaceful with her eyes closed and her body swallowed up by the warm water, kind of as if she’d almost forgotten all about where she was or who had her for a second.

The tub was too big for her small human body and she felt hugged by the warmth of the water everywhere. She wished the water could swallow her up, put her out of her misery for good.

Bucky’s finger tips went to her hair, carefully mapping down the locks.

Her eyes snapped open and the water moved with her when she jerked away from the touch.

“What are you doing?” She asked, afraid and alarmed again.

“I’m just gonna wash your hair,” Bucky replied, walking to kneel behind the tub, “I can’t let you put this head down on my pillows.”

“I can sleep on the floor.” Oh, please let me sleep on the floor.

“Not gonna happen.”

He let himself cradle her head when she didn’t object and started leaning it back so it can be touched by the clean water.

“W—wait—” She nervously tried to stop him.

“Trust me.”

Bucky gave her a minute to refuse and when she didn’t, he helped her get her hair in the water.

She didn’t actually trust the orc but she didn’t want to give him more reasons to be angry at her, so she curled her fists tight under the water and let him wash her hair for her.

She was ashamed and had a lot to be forgiven for, no need to add to that list.

Bucky was so gentle with her that she believed she had drifted off and was dreaming. His fingers weren’t harsh when they massaged the soapy matter on her scalp. Before she knew it, her head was smelling clean again. It felt like her scalp was breathing.

“You ready to wash off?” Bucky’s question pushed her out of her mental paradise as she was reminded of her foot’s condition.

She bit her lip, not knowing what to tell him but he was quicker.

“I’ll help you stand up, come on,” Bucky offered, giving her his large hands again and this time she didn’t stare too long before taking them.

He unplugged the tub before helping her stand up close to the shower. She relied on her good leg, leaning onto Bucky for support where her other leg was.

Bucky swallowed at the proximity of her wet, naked body to his own but managed to maintain his composure.

He couldn’t quite understand what he was feeling or what the warmth inside his chest was and he could all but imagine other ways for her smooth body to be trembling-

Shaking his thoughts off, Bucky adjusted the water’s temperature for her and had her test it before helping her stand directly under the water.

Her eyes shut as the soap was washed out of her hair. She could feel Bucky moving it from her shoulders to her back so it would all get rinsed equally.

In the heat of it all, she couldn’t help but notice that she was no longer trembling like crazy under Bucky’s touch. She pinned it on the hot water.

“Hold onto me,” Bucky instructed when her hair was thoroughly rinsed.

She listened without questioning, choosing to hold onto the orc’s waist (the closest part to her arms), and watched quietly as Bucky grabbed a washcloth, rubbing the soap on it and when he felt it was good enough, he started rubbing down her arms, tummy and thighs, avoiding her privates at first.

He had to get her cleaned up though so he gingerly let the washcloth caress her breasts and ass, even briefly slipping it between her legs while avoiding eye contact.

Her eyes shut and her nails dug harder in his sides but she stayed put.

She noticed that Bucky didn’t try to force his touch on her this time. He even used the washcloth as a barrier between his skin and hers so he could clean her up without making her uncomfortable.

Maybe it was the rain she had beat down on her head, but that Bucky was much kinder and much more respectful than the discourteous one she had met earlier that same night.

Once the water had washed down all the soap, Bucky extended an arm and grabbed the towel he’d prepared earlier.

He kept her leaning on his body as he bent to twist the water tap off.

Bucky got out of the tub first, one arm still around her waist.

He wrapped the towel around her, not missing how tightly she immediately clutched it to her body, before swiftly carrying her out of the tub and onto the toilet seat again.

Bucky slipped his wet sweats and boxers down and she looked away quickly, her face heating up yet again.

He could have showered with her, but he didn’t want to intimidate her. She was already terrified enough when he had told her to strip.

He walked to his closet and pat himself down with a towel, hastily pulling up another pair of sweats and a clean sweater.

Bucky walked back in and carried her outside, carefully placing her on the bed.

“I—I can dress myself,” she told him when she saw he was trying to gather anything from his closet that might fit her.

“Here,” Bucky handed her one of his large sweaters folded and on top was a lace piece of underwear.

She looked at him with both confusion and annoyance.

He didn’t seriously expect her to wear someone else’s underwear, did he?

“It’s brand new. I had someone buy me some from the village… for my bride,” Bucky told her, shrugging as if it was no big deal but the act still momentarily warmed her chest, “heard human girls liked that kinda stuff.”

He didn’t understand the need for lingerie yet he bought them for his future wife anyway. What a nice gesture that was unbecoming of a deadly, metal-armed orc!

“If I’d known they would send you without your clothes I would’ve bought more stuff—”

“Thank you.” She nodded, accepting the clothes, embarrassed about the fact that they gave her up without as much as a change of clothes.

“Get dressed so I can take a look at your ankle.” Bucky took the now cold glass of milk off the table and walked back with it to the kitchen.

The sun was soon going to rise and she deserved some good rest. So Bucky poured the milk back into a sauce pan and reheated it for her.

“You done?” Bucky asked before coming back out and only did when he received her confirmation.

When he got out with the hot milk, she was dressed and combing her hair with Bucky’s brush. He set the glass on the bedside table this time and stared at the brush she had in her hand, a strangely possessive feeling bubbling in his stomach at the sight of her wearing his clothes and using something of his.

“I- I thought I’d comb it so it wouldn’t—”

“Give it,” Bucky interrupted, opening his large palm.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered quickly, handing him his brush before pulling her legs to her chest, burying her hot face in her knees.

She was too upset with herself for overstepping the boundaries to notice the bed dip behind her.

Bucky had sat down and was gathering her hair back so he could comb it for her.

Goosebumps climbed up her back and she couldn’t believe what was happening.

First, the orc had washed her hair and body so tenderly as if she was made of literal snowflakes, and now he was combing her hair for her with so much care that she felt tears sting her eyes.

No one has ever taken care of her. No one has ever been so gentle or kind with her. It was new and it was overwhelming.

She didn’t know if she should still anticipate a punishment from the orc or if she should give in and trust him and his soft gestures. It was confusing.

Bucky couldn’t recognize himself as he worked the brush in her hair from the tips to the roots, careful not to hurt her or pull at her locks.

Where was this softness coming from! How come she was the one getting it to show so shamelessly, and why did Bucky like it too much to stop it?

~

“Thank you,” she mumbled for the millionth time that night as Bucky finished patching up the superficial wounds littering her skin and wrapping up her sprained ankle.

“It’s not free.” He crossed his arms.

“What?” Her heart started pounding once more.

“I have things I want in return.”

The orc’s words made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She knew she shouldn’t trust him.

“L—Like what?” She drew her legs back as best as she could, afraid of Bucky’s touch once again.

She knew she had nothing to give the orc. She was just an orphan who was sent here without even a dress to her name.

“Like first of all, don’t try to run from me again, especially with a foot like that,” Bucky said sternly, a thick finger pointing at her hurt foot.

She nodded silently, knowing that she wasn’t going to abide by that.

“Good.” Bucky huffed, standing up to put the first aid kit back in place.

“And what else?” She asked nervously, twiddling her thumbs.

“What else?” Bucky raised an eyebrow, his frown glued to his face.

“You said first of all, which means there is more,” she explained, trying not to sound annoyed.

“Ah! Well, I would postpone this conversation until after you’ve had some rest—”

“No!” She interrupted loudly, earning a glare from Bucky.

“I’m sorry, I just— I won’t be able to rest if we don’t talk about our situation. I need to know what’s expected of me here.”

“What’s expected of you is to give me a family,” Bucky replied, a bit harsher than he wanted to sound.

Her breath hitched in her throat and she lost her ability to form words. She couldn’t do that. She just couldn’t.

“But since we’ve already established that I won’t be forcing you through that, at least for the time being, I’m willing to accept something different.” He crossed his arms again.

“Something different?” She whispered.

“I’m willing to relieve you from your wifely duties, but only when it comes to sex. Otherwise, I expect you to be a good wife to me.” Bucky demanded, his intense gaze making her feel smaller than ever.

Her anger drowned over her fear and nervousness. She didn’t ask to be his wife in the first place, why was she expected to act like a good one?

“And how exactly do you suggest I do that?”

“It’s simple. You cook our meals, clean our home, wash our clothes and you kiss me before I leave the house and after I come back—”

“What!”

“What?” Bucky crossed his arms tighter in anger.

“I don’t wanna kiss you! You’re a—” She cut herself off before she could say anything more but Bucky understood.

“I’m what? Say it! A filthy orc? A monster?” He spat heatedly.

“That’s not— I didn’t say that.” She shook her head, eyes casted down.

“But you were gonna!” Bucky involuntarily raised his voice and she jumped in her place.

“Okay, fine, I am a monster, and you are that monster’s wife. You are going to kiss this monster good night and good morning, goodbye and welcome back for as long as this monster has you, and that is forever,” he growled angrily, leaving her frozen, unable to even nod as she took in his words.

“That’s not fair!” She teared up and Bucky hated that she was still trying to negotiate.

“Yeah, life’s not fair.”

Bucky walked to the lantern and blew its fire out before drawing the curtains so that the cottage was dimmer.

He went back to where she was sat on the bed, handed her the milk and crossed his arms, wordlessly waiting for her to scoot over.

She quickly got the hint, moving away from Bucky and closer to the wall.

He got into the big bed with her, the mattress dipping under his weight, trapping her between himself and the wall.

“I wanna sleep on the floor,” she said, still determined to get far away from him.

“No.” Bucky’s tone was fed up.

“I don’t wanna sleep next to you. You can’t force me!”

“Watch me.” Bucky looked her in the eyes, daring her to disobey anymore.

She dropped her eyes at once, staring at her milk.

“Drink.”

“I’m drinking!” She raised her voice again and earned a scowl, Bucky’s gaze sharp.

She tried to make it longer, but soon the glass was out of milk and her slow sips couldn’t help her anymore.

She wanted to stand her ground and not kiss him, eyes blazing with defiance.

But the orc wasn’t going to let that happen. Him taking mercy on her when it came to sex didn’t mean he would let her disobey him.

Bucky took the empty glass, putting it on the cupboard. He got comfortable on his back and locked his eyes on her.

“You know what to do.” Bucky’s tone left no room for argument and she knew better than to try.

Forcing herself down on her elbows, she leaned in closer to Bucky’s face, piercing blue eyes watching her, counting her troubled breaths as they left her lungs.

His tusks looked bigger up-close.

She couldn’t bring herself to do it. All she could do was press a shy kiss to his stubbly cheek before quickly turning over, giving him her back.

She hid herself under the large comforter, covering up from head to toe as her face burned, buried in the cold wall.

Bucky was having butterflies flying above him on the other side of the bed. He has never had something so soft come in contact with his skin before.

With a sigh, he got an extra pillow from behind him and pushed it between her and the wall so that she wouldn’t be cold.

She was too angry to thank him so she kept still as a log as he moved her back like she was.

Bucky turned on his side as well, giving her his back to hide the big smile that itched itself on his lips. His cheek was buzzing where her lips had touched and he couldn’t wait to wake up to get his good morning kiss.

Next to him, she was contrarily dreading the idea of waking up just to repeat it all again.

This was her life now. She had lived the first part of it an unwanted orphan and was now being forced to continue living as an orc’s wife, isolated and all alone with him in the far corner of the forest.

~

When Bucky woke up the next morning and she wasn’t in bed. He let out a sleepy sigh, immediately thinking she had fled the cottage again.

However, the sounds coming from his bathroom made him get up at once.

He knocked on the door, softly calling her name but the sounds only continued to get more aggressive.

Bucky opened the door to see her bowing by the toilet, throwing up her guts as she struggled to keep her hair out of her face.

He quickly kneeled down behind her, holding her messy hair back as she continued to harshly throw up.

Bucky frowned at how much her upset stomach was making her suffer when all she had last night was honeyed cow milk.

There was nothing to come out but her tummy still contracted and pushed her over and over.

When she was finally done, she collapsed back on her butt, her cheeks teary and her chin wet with her saliva.

She thought she looked like a nightmare, but all Bucky saw was fairness.

Her back weakly leaned on Bucky’s chest and he welcomed the feeling it gave him.

She was a mess but Bucky only recognized the beauty in her fragility. He wanted nothing more than to take care of her.

He helped her up to stand by the sink and silently handed her a brand new wooden toothbrush that he’d bought for himself as an extra.

He still couldn’t believe those people at the orphanage sent her here without anything on her.

She couldn’t even have enough power to thank the orc as she took the toothbrush from him with shaky hands.

Meanwhile, Bucky moved to the kitchen to see if he had fresh ginger so he could make her some lemon ginger tea or some soup to help her upset stomach. He didn’t get the chance to find out though because he heard the sound of the toothbrush hitting the sink.

Bucky walked back to her and a yellow face looked back at him before her white lips moved to say “I think something is wrong.” With that, she collapsed on the bathroom floor before Bucky could catch her.

~

When she opened her eyes again, she was back in Bucky’s bed with a cold, wet rag on her forehead and a terrible muscle ache all over her body.

She didn’t get to question what had happened as the orc came out of the kitchen, carrying a tray with what looked like a large bowl of hot soup on top of it.

Bucky smiled when he saw her eyes open, “how are you feeling?”

She was surprised he could even smile; he was all smirks and scowls last night.

“Ache-y,” she said, her voice faint and sick.

“I made you something that should be light on your stomach,” he told her as he set the tray on the dining table.

“I’m not hungry.” She crossed her arms stubbornly, still mad because of this whole situation.

Even when she was bedridden she could get on his nerves.

“I wasn’t asking,” he replied indifferently, his frown back to his face.

“I’m not hungry I said!”

“Do I look like I care?” Bucky barked, making her open her mouth in a silent gasp.

“I don’t want anything from you!” She wished her muscles would allow her to move so she could turn away from him.

He had her here against her will for goodness’ sake! Did he think a bowl of soup could make her forget such a fact? She was sick because she was trying to get away from him during a thunder storm! Did he forget that?

“You’re gonna eat it!” Bucky ordered strictly.

“Do you have medicine? I can just take the pills and feel better.” She shrugged.

“What I made you is far better than a thousand pills,” Bucky insisted, his words final.

Bucky removed the wet cloth from her forehead and helped her sit up, placing a pillow behind her for comfort.

He then put his palm on her forehead to feel her temperature, wiping the dew drops off her skin and her breath got caught in her throat at the mere touch of his calloused thumb.

“Your temperature is down, you just drink your soup and you’ll feel better before you know it.”

Was he caring or did he hate her? Was he crazy? Did they give her to a crazy orc?

“I don’t want to—”

Bucky only gave a silent glare.

There it was.

“Fine,” she yelled, as much as her sick body and sore throat allowed her.

She looked at him with squinted eyes, not believing the care he was treating her with.

Was this a trap? When was her punishment coming? Why was he acting like a grandmother?

“Come on now,” Bucky said, getting her out of her mind.

He was offering her a half full spoon. He wanted to feed her.

She had no idea why he was being so hospitable or why her heart beat so fast, but she didn’t like it.

“I got it,” she managed to say as she extended her arms to take the bowl from him.

She looked at it suspiciously, smelling the liquid in inspection. After all, she had no idea what kind of things orcs ate.

It seemed to be normal chicken soup with a hint of something more.

Bucky carefully handed her the spoon, “it’s a family recipe. I hope I did okay.”

The way he whispered the last few words almost made her smile but she bit the smile back quickly before starting to eat.

“It’s good. Thank you,” she whispered timidly, staring at her soup as she drank up.

The silence was awkward as Bucky just watched her drink so she spoke before she could think, “where’s your family by the way?”

She knew orcs lived in clans, but there was no one here, not for miles and miles as far as she could see.

“Not here.”

“I… can see that.” She dropped her eyes to her soup, “well, where’s everyone else?”

Bucky looked at her questioningly.

“Don’t orcs like to live in big groups?”

“Not this orc.” Bucky’s frown was back as he stood up and left to the bathroom to wash the clothes they had dirtied last night, but most importantly, to avoid this very conversation.

She shrugged off her curiosity, telling herself she didn’t and shouldn’t care about him. If the orc liked to live alone, he liked to live alone. That was not hers to be concerned about.

~

Three days have passed and she was feeling way better already.

Bucky has been nothing but a gentle orc to her, if that was even a thing.

He kept the fact that she was sick in mind and not once did he push her to comply with his kissing conditions even though they both knew he couldn’t get her human stomach flu.

Bucky only focused on nursing her back to health, doing the housework himself as he took care of her.

The orc was trying his hardest, but their disagreements, nonetheless, never ceased.

It didn’t matter that she was sick, she used all of her energy to get under the orc’s skin and he hated that she succeeded every time because he was so short-tempered.

Bucky was always so fast to snap and it ruined his plans of trying to be nice to her every single time.

She was just too provocative and never listened without making him glare or shout.

It wasn’t how he wanted to continue with her and he silently vowed to work on his anger for the sake of his mate, even if his mate happened to be a very annoying, stubborn, childish human.

Bucky has always been feared and he had liked it that way, but not anymore. Now, he just wanted peace. He wanted a peaceful life with her.

He had found her staring at the mirror on the third day, feeling better enough now to get to the bathroom on her own.

“The floor is too cold for your feet, wear something,” Bucky advised, wanting her to use the slippers he had gotten her, but she didn’t reply, too engrossed in watching her own face.

She didn’t pay him any mind and that angered Bucky a little, but he chose to ignore it because she appeared too sad.

“What are you looking at?” Bucky asked, confused.

“I look so sick… and faint,” she answered, still deep in thought, voice so softly unhappy.

“You look fine.” Bucky wanted to reassure her, but he had no idea how to be smooth.

He had never had to say sweet nothings to a woman before. That wasn’t exactly his area of expertise.

“I look withered, like a dead plant.” She huffed gloomily.

“Not all withered plants are dead! Take garlic, for example,” Bucky blurted, “you could be a garlic!”

He had no idea he just dug himself a deep hole.

“A garlic?! You’re comparing me to garlic? Is that supposed to be a hint at the way I smell? Because you showered me with the same soap you shower with!” She suddenly started arguing and Bucky had no idea when or how they got there.

“That’s not what I meant!” He followed after her as she stormed out of the bathroom as fast as her bad foot allowed her.

She only huffed in response as she got under the heavy blankets to warm up her freezing feet.

“Garlic doesn’t lose its taste or aroma no matter how old or dry its skin gets!” Bucky tried to explain as he fetched her a pair of socks but her face made him aware of the impact his words had as she opened her mouth wide.

He was just making this worse.

“So now you’re calling me old with dry skin? Wow, thanks, husband!” She snatched the socks from him, her face now sadder than it was when she was before the mirror.

“That’s not what I mean—”

“Then what did you mean?!” She snapped.

How dare he comment on her age or skin or smell when she was deadly sick like that?! She normally took good care of herself and she was neither that old nor that unpleasant! Maybe she wasn’t the fairest of them all but—

“All I wanted to say was that you’re beautiful!” Bucky snapped back before watching his tone for the sake of her health, “sick or not… you’re still beautiful, little human.”

Taken aback by his sudden admiring comment, she remained stunned and silent as the orc gathered his axe and fled the house to go take his frustration with himself out on some dead trees.

Wow.

She may have just gotten compared to a dried bulb of garlic, but her heart was waltzing inside her chest as if that was the loveliest compliment to receive.

That orc confused her.

Part III

~

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[jen-with-a-pen]

⊹-୨୧-⊹𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓⊹-୨୧-⊹

⊹–SUMMARY–⊹ Inexperienced and still freshly-traumatized by his first heartbreak, Steve Rogers decides to finally move away for college after taking two gap years to work, save, and help his Ma around the house. It’ll be good for him. Away from his ex. Away from his hometown. He's excited to finally chase his dreams and begin again as a promising fine arts student at Richards College. Well, almost. Thanks to a generous scholarship spanning the next four years of his life, Steve is required to participate in on-campus Greek life. It’s simple: join a frat. They shouldn't be too intimidating. At least they're not as bad as they are in the movies, right? Right..?

⊹–PAIRINGS–⊹ Art Student!Frat Brother!Steve Rogers x Film Student!Sorority Sister!F!Reader

⊹–WARNINGS–⊹ more to be added as series progresses frat bros being frat bros, sorority sisters being sorority sisters, manipulation, coercion, blackmail, fluff, angst, whump, explicit forced s3xual acts, slow burn, dissociation, nud1ty, dubcon (bordering noncon), forced drvgging, mentions of kidnapping, emotional damage, Steve's just trying his best, Bucky and Sam are major frat bros, Tony and Clint are somewhere I swear The warnings listed here are not exhaustive but generally encapsulate the series as a whole and do not represent every single chapter. Please be mindful and read the chapter warnings!

Read this fic on AO3!

The Richards College Playlist

Steve's Playlist

any art featured in the series title header and story-specific dividers was found on pinterest and is used in good faith. all credit goes to the original artists, as i could not find accurate credit for any. collage done by me

Spam liking my works will result in an automatic block!

ALL TIED UP: STEVE'S WEEK

–⊹– One: Saturday, currently.

–⊹– Two: Last Monday.

–⊹– Three: Last Tuesday.

–⊹– Four: Last Wednesday.

–⊹– Five: Last Thursday.

–⊹– Six: Saturday, still.

–⊹– Seven: Last Friday.

–⊹– Eight: Saturday, again.

–⊹– Nine: Saturday, again.