#it was the absolute SEXIEST suit tony has made | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

marvelousmarvelimagines · 5 years

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Pairing - Tony Stark x Avenger!Reader

Summary - Tony Stark’s relationship with Steve Rogers has always been rocky at best, but when he starts noticing all the time that you’ve been spending with Steve Rogers, time you could have spent sleeping with him, he starts to get a little more jealous than normal. He’ll never admit that though. Will he?

Request by @wannaone-svt-scenarios

Word Count - 7,488

Warnings - 18+ Smut and Language

Not many things could distract Tony Stark when he was working.

You were one of them.

Tony loved watching you work. Your body seemed to move around the mat without thought, like it was all one fluid motion just streaming from your consciousness. You never hesitated, never stopped, never pulled your punches. You were like a vapor, no one could ever quite get a grip on you. Even in his Iron Man Suit, Tony had never felt as powerful as you looked right now.

Then there was the whole sports bra and leggings and covered in a sheen of sweat thing that was insanely attractive.

The only thing Tony didn’t enjoy so much about you sparring was having to watch you spar with Steve. He didn’t know why it always had to be Steve. He knew others had offered to work with you, but you had always insisted on him. It had even gotten to the point to where Tony had offered to spar with you in the Iron Man suit, but still you had refused. While he knew it was good training for you, Steve was the best hand to hand fighter of them all, that didn’t mean he had to like watching Good Ol’ Captain America trying to get his hands on your bare skin.

Or that.

He had been so engrossed in his thoughts he hadn’t even noticed when you pinned Steve, a triumphant smile on your face as you straddled him. He said something to you, shaking his head, and you laughed, a loud laugh that Tony could hear all the way from his not quite a hiding, but yes a hiding, spot.

Within seconds, he reacted, stepping out into the room with an obnoxious and noisy clearing of his throat. “Am I interrupting?”

“Always,” You replied, sounding annoyed, but the smile you gave him was anything but. It was the smile you only ever seemed to have for him and had him forgetting about the other man in the room. He relaxed at it, his muscles that he hadn’t even noticed were tense, eased and he let out a breath while you helped the super soldier to his feet.

“Did you need something, Tony?” Steve asked, wiping those hands that had just been all over you on his sweats.

“Y/N,” Tony replied, and his pause after saying it might have been intentional. “I finished your suit modifications.” He added.

You raised your eyebrows, but nodded. “Your lab?”

“Right now, if you don’t mind.”

“Now?”

“It’s very important and urgent.” Tony replied.

A knowing smirk flashed on your face for a brief moment before you turned back to Steve. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight, Steve.”

Tony waited until you reached him, sending the Captain a quick salute before putting his hand on the small of your back and walking with you to the elevator.

“You know Tony, it’s interesting . . . I don’t remember needing any modifications to my suit.” You said as you both walked into his lab, and Tony locked the door behind you both.

“Did you not?” He asked, no longer able to resist, he took your ponytail and used it to tug your head to the side, planting his lips on the silky skin where your neck and shoulder met.

“Nope,” You murmured, Tony felt you leaning backwards against him and used that as an invitation to wrap his arms around you, his hand stroking the bare skin of your stomach, slick with sweat. “So that makes me question your intentions of bringing me here.”

A little nip at your neck had the cutest squeak leaving your lips. “Are you implying my intentions are anything less than honorable?” His mouth moved up to nibble at your ear lobe. “Because if so, you are absolutely correct.”

You turned around at that, your hands resting on his chest and sliding down way slower than he would have preferred before stopping at the button of his pants. “Good, because I have some less than honorable intentions of my own.” You replied before giving his growing erection a squeeze.

The way you looked up at him under those lashes was so damn sinful. It was the sexiest thing he had ever seen. “God, you’re hot.” Without another word, he gripped your ass, hoisting you into the air so you could wrap your legs around him. Your lips found his within seconds, tugging his bottom lip into your mouth with your teeth, your hands finding new purchase in his hair. You pulled on the strands and his hips thrusted into yours, while he squeezed your ass tight. You knew how much he liked that. Your answering moan was more than his body could take.

Frantic hands began shoving as much off the tables behind the two of you that you could reach, sending objects and papers crashing to the floor, but neither of you cared. He never did when it came to this. His focus was on you.

He placed you on the table after it was cleared, and began working on getting those tight leggings off your body. “Damn it, why must these things be so hard to get off?” He grunted with the effort, needing to be inside of you as soon as possible.

“Why do you think they look so good? They’re tight as hell,” you replied, tugging on his shirt. “Off,” you instructed.

Normally, Tony didn’t like being given instructions, but for you he would make an exception. He slid his shirt over his head while you shimmied out of your pants, kicking them to the floor. A smirk found its way to his lips as he noticed the red lace you were now sitting in. His favorite pair. You had planned this. “You little minx.” Tony told you, snapping the band with his finger.

“You gonna do something about it?” You challenged, raising your eyebrows at him as your hand rested on the scarring of his chest with a gentle caress that didn’t match your teasing words.

“Oh plenty of things. Would you like a list?” He asked, his hands trailing up your sides at an agonizing pace until he reached your sports bra, tugging it over your head and somewhere behind you. He didn’t care where. He was too busy staring at the view before him, bare and perfect, you were a site he’d never get sick of seeing.

“I think I’d rather have a demonstration.” You replied, biting your bottom lip as your eyes traced over his own body.

Tony needed no further encouragement, dropping to his knees in front of you and pulling your legs apart. He kept his eyes locked on you, watching the way your chest moved up and down with your heavy breathing as his lips came closer and closer to where you wanted him. He used one of his fingers to move your thong to the side pressing a soft kiss against your folds as he did. Your hand found his hair again, running through it and encouraging him as he slicked a slow stripe up your folds. The action caused you to whimper in need.

Tony Stark was confident about a few things in his life and knowing just how to make you orgasm was one of them. Just like everything else he did, he was thorough and accurate, moving his mouth just where it was directed to, using the noises you made and tensing of your muscles as his guide until you came apart, your hips thrusting into his mouth.

There would never be anything more attractive to him than the sight of you coming undone because of him.

By now he was painfully hard and couldn’t wait a second longer. He shoved his pants and underwear down, and in one smooth motion slid into your warmth. You let out a moan, slipping an arm around his neck, still shaking with sensitivity from your last orgasm. “Fuck, Tony,” you groaned, holding him close. He pulled back just enough to meet your lips in a kiss, his fingers leaving bruises on your hips as he held onto you. He stilled for a moment, letting you get used to the feel of him. You were so tight, a perfect fit and always eager for him. He could tell by the way that your hands tugged him closer, leaving their own marks on him while your lips messily fought for control, breathless and eager to keep him near you. He responded just as eagerly until your hips started rolling against his, urging him on.

“You ready babe?” He murmured against your lips, always wanting to make sure you were comfortable.

You nodded and without any more hesitation he began thrusting, his mouth moving lower to place tender kisses against your breasts, the sensation causing your chest to arch into his mouth. He took his time with you, his thrusts slow and purposeful as well as his kisses until you were whimpering underneath him, begging for a release which after a few more minutes of torture he gave you with a hand between your thighs, and a few hard thrusts deep inside of you. his own orgasm triggered by yours and he rested his forehead against yours while the two of you caught your breath.

Once the both of you were relaxed, he pulled out of you, tucking a strand of hair that had fallen out of your ponytail behind your ear with a smile before pressing a kiss to your forehead. You let out a satisfied moan at the sensation, closing your eyes and laying back on the lab table while he went to go grab a washcloth to clean you both up. You watched him through heavy lidded eyes as he paused on your underwear, sliding them down your legs and holding them up. “I’m taking these.”

You pouted, your lips still red and kiss swollen. “Why?”

“Because you obviously can’t be trusted with them.” Tony replied as he pulled his pants back up and tucking the thong into the back pocket. He gave you a playful slap on the thigh as he climbed up to join you on the table, handing you his shirt to slip on.

You smiled and put it on, curling into his side and letting your hand draw circles on his chest. “Well, if that’s the case, I need to take all of your pairs of jeans.” You replied.

Tony quirked an eyebrow at you. “Jeans? Really?”

He couldn’t believe it as a slight flush that wasn’t from your previous activity formed on your cheeks. “Your ass looks great in them. Also, I like you a little messy.” You admitted.

From then on, Tony made sure he was wearing his jeans more often.

⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊

It was the kid’s suggestion. He loved the movies even though he acted like they were too old for him. But Peter wasn’t the only one, strangely enough the metal armed hobo did as well. Neither one of those would have made Tony put these movies on again, no, the fact was, you loved them too.

You laid down on one end of the couch, eyes glued to the screen as you watched Luke conversing with Yoga about his training. Tony knew that you had seen these movies at least one hundred times at this point, yet you still looked as intrigued as he suspected you did the first time you watched them. It brought a smile to his face.

At least until Steve Rogers entered the room.

He sat down beside you without hesitation, and you smiled at him before twisting your legs to settle in his lap. He saw the fake annoyance on the super soldier’s face, but you continued to smile at him. He sighed, but made no move to push you off.

Tony focused his gaze back on the movie. After all, that was what they were supposed to be doing right? Team bonding and shit or whatever? Not having secret conversations on the other side of the room and whispering to each other - He grabbed his half full bucket of popcorn. “I’m getting more popcorn.” He announced, interrupting your conversation with Steve.

He wasn’t angry. He had no right to be angry. Why should he be angry anyway? You were free to do whatever you want with whoever you wanted. Tony had always told you that this was a no strings attached deal. So if you wanted to go bang the 100 year old virgin, you were free too.

“You’re very intent on that popcorn there.”

“Dear God!” Tony turned around, clutching his chest that was now pounding hard, glaring at the amused look on your face. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

“No, but you almost having one was just a little funny to watch I’ll admit.” He turned away from you, ripping open the new bag of popcorn. “I saw you get up. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Tony asked.

“I don’t know, sensed something was off.” Tony stopped as he felt your hand on his arm, gentle and concerned. “Plus, I kinda wanted some alone time with you.” You added, and he felt your lips press against his shoulder, light as a feather.

His tense muscles relaxed and a smile formed on his face. “Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to get better control of yourself. There are innocent children and virgins in the next room, and you -” Tony turned around, wrapping you in one of his arms and pulling you against his chest. “Are being a terrible influence.”

“Hmm . . .” You leaned forward and whispered in his ear, your breath hot against his skin. “I can show you how terrible of an influence I am if you want?”

His hand slipped down to give your ass a squeeze. “Maybe you should show me, see if I can quell some of those bad habits from you.”

“Well, since the rest of the team is occupied . . .”

Tony didn’t waste another second, tugging you over to the elevator as you giggled. So what if you had your feet in Cap’s lap when he got to have you in his bed?

⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊

He wasn’t looking for you. No, he was looking for the very important part that he had been working with early in the morning before putting it down and forgetting it. He definitely wasn’t looking for you because Steve was missing too, and he wanted to make sure neither of you were hooking up.

When he found you both, he almost would have preferred that.

“I’m terrible.” Steve told you as he spun you around the room in a lopsided circle. There were several times he would have stepped on your feet if your reflexes weren’t so fast.

“You’re not so bad!” You were lying. Tony could tell by the sympathetic smile that formed on your lips. “I’ve danced with guys way worse than you, trust me. You’re a lot better than my prom date.”

Steve laughed, shaking his head at your words. “Prom date must have been pretty bad then.”

“Oh, you have no idea.” You replied, your smile turning genuine as he pulled back to spin you. “Where did that come from?” You asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Guess I’ve got a couple of tricks up my sleeve.” Steve admitted, grinning down at you, and letting go of one of your hands again to spin you once more.

This time though, your eyes landed on Tony, your smile brightening at the sight of him, but he didn’t notice, his fists clenching around the part he now held in his hand at the sight of you in the super soldier’s arms. “Oh, hey Tony! Sorry, we didn’t see you.”

“Clearly,” He replied.

You frowned at his tone, lines appearing on your forehead.

“Did you need something, Tony?” Steve asked, letting go of you.

“Yes, actually, turn the music down. Some of us are trying to get actual work done here.” He told them, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Come on Tony, we’re just -” You started to explain.

“I don’t care. Turn it down.” He snapped, turning away and leaving the room before he could see your hurt expression.

⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊

You were struggling, he could see that. They all were. This mission had been rough, and some had been lost due to a circumstance that none of you could have foreseen. Of course since you had been at the center of it, and you were the one who had been overwhelmed, you blamed yourself.

Tony understood how you felt. He knew the slump of your shoulders, the slow tense and release and deep breaths that you tried to calm yourself down with. It was the techniques you had tried to teach him. They weren’t working though. When the quinjet landed and the rest of the team headed to debrief, you still sat there, your head in your hands.

He wanted to say something. He hated seeing you like this, beating yourself up over something you had convinced yourself you could have prevented. The thing was . . . he didn’t know how to. Working out stress and frustration with sex? Yes, that was something he could do and was good at. Depression and self hate? There were times when he struggled with that himself, so how could he help you?

So with a final glance at you, he left.

You never showed up at the debriefing, you never showed up to dinner, and you never showed up to your room that night. At least according to FRIDAY who Tony had check at 3:00 a.m. while he was still sitting in his lab, fixing parts of his suit that had gotten damaged in the fight. That last bit of information concerned him. Where the hell could you be? “FRIDAY, I want you to see if you can find her. Let me know if she’s still here.”

“She seems to be in the training room with Captain Rogers, sir.” FRIDAY replied.

Tony threw his tools down. That was it. He might not be good at comforting, but he wasn’t going to stand by and let his girl be reassured by golden boy Rogers. That was his job, damn it.

When he found the two of you, the sight of you made him pause. He had known you for several years, and he had never seen you as upset as you were right now. Your whole body was shaking, and the sight made his heart ache. Then he watched as Steve pulled you into his side and held you close. “I just wonder about this job sometimes, Steve. I’m not sure if I’m the right person for it.” He heard you say.

“It’s rough.” Steve told you. “Not everyone can do it. Especially on days like today. You can handle this though. You know how I know that?”

“How?” You asked him, and Tony had never heard you sound so broken before.

“Because you feel bad about what happened today. It’s when we stop caring that we have to start worrying about each other.” Steve told you, resting his chin on top of your head.

The both of you were silent for a moment. Tony knew he could interrupt. He could pull you away from Steve and try to do his best to comfort you even though he didn’t know how. There was nothing stopping him.

That was until he watched you curl deeper into Steve Roger’s side and tell him, “Thank you, Steve. I don’t know who else I could talk to about this.”

A multitude of emotions flooded Tony’s body at your words because he knew that wasn’t true. You could talk to him. You could tell him what was bothering you. It would have been just as easy for you to go find him than to find the super soldier. In fact, probably easier. But instead, you had chosen to talk to him, and come to him for comfort.

Looks like no one can resist the charms of Captain America. Not even you.

⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊

“All I’m saying is that I could get in there, be done in five minutes, and get out with minimal casualties.” Tony insisted.

“And how are you planning on getting past the multiple armed guards on the outside and the ones guarding every floor in the Iron Man suit without being seen? As soon as they see you they’ll flood you, Tony.” You tried to reason with him.

“I’ll be out of there before they even have the chance. With the lack of casualties, it would be worth it.” He said, hitting his hand on the table.

You were shaking your head before he could even finish his sentence. “Not if one of those casualties is you.” You told him in a soft voice.

Tony looked at you then. He could see in your eyes the pleading, the hurt, the confusion that he had been causing over the past few days. Ever since he had found you and Steve together, he had cut off as much contact between the two of you as he could get away with while living in the same building. Just the sight of you right now made him angry. The way you had come in and sat by Steve and started a conversation without even acknowledging his existence made him furious. Yes, he had been staying away from you, but if you cared about him, it shouldn’t be so easy to accept him not being in your life anymore should it? No, as far as Tony was concerned you and the Star Spangled Man could live a happy life together as long as you kept it out of his face. Easiest way to do that? Get himself out of here as much as possible.

“She’s right Tony,” Steve spoke up.

His teeth grinded together as he turned to look at Steve, crossing his arms over his chest. “Of course you would agree with her. Considering how close the two of you are.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Lines appeared on your forehead, your arms mimicking his own.

He rolled his eyes. “I think you know exactly what it means. If not, maybe you two should have another three a.m. conversation to discuss it.”

Your lips whitened with the force you pressed them together, your jaw clenched. Tony had seen the look in your eyes many times, but it had never been directed at him before. It made him question for a moment whether he should have said that. “Are you fucking kidding me? Is that what this has been about?”

“Annoyed I caught onto your flirting?” Tony asked.

His words were met with silence as the two of you stared at each other, daring the other to speak.

“You know, at first this was entertaining, now it’s just awkward.” Sam spoke up, who Tony had forgotten was even in the room.

“Tony, it’s not -” Steve started to say in that stupid reasoning voice that he always tried to use in arguments, but Tony cut him off before he could finish his sentence.

“Save you explanations, Captain. I saw it first hand.” He said. “You two sure did look cozy on those stairs.”

Apparently that was your snapping point. “Everybody get the hell out.” You said, your voice sounding so authoritative everyone scrambled out of their chairs without hesitation. The only person who hesitated for a moment was Steve, but as soon as you gave him a look, he nodded and left the two of you alone.

“Aww, the two of you are having silent conversations now. I’m impressed. I didn’t think Cap had the confidence to go for it. I guess the Star Spangled Man really does have a plan -”

You cut him off before he could finish his bitter rant. “I’m going to stop you right there before you make an even bigger idiot of yourself.”

“I don’t make an idiot of myself. The signs are all there. Everyone sees how the two of you are around each other.” Tony insisted, disdain leaking into his voice.

“We’re friends! We act like -”

“Oh please, I don’t see you all curled in Danver’s lap when she flies in.” Tony felt a little bit of satisfaction at the stunned look on your face before he continued on. “You know, I thought you had better taste, but I guess that’s just the sex talking.”

He watched as your face turned from utter disbelief to a look of realization, your eyes widening before shaking your head. “You’re jealous. You’re fucking jealous. Tony, we’ve talked about this shit with Steve -”

Yes, the two of you had discussed a few times Tony’s lingering anger at Rogers. How his father had worshiped him and would have kissed the ground he walked on when Tony wanted a speck of his attention. This was a completely different situation. The insinuation had Tony’s blood boiling. “Why would I be jealous? We were just fucking right?”

His words did not have the effect he was expecting. He was shocked as your eyes slowly filled up with tears. In all the years that Tony had known you, he had never, never seen you cry. Even when you had been with Steve that day, you hadn’t cried. Right now, you couldn’t hide it. You stepped backwards and tensed your arms, but instead of it looking defensive, it looked more like you were trying to hold yourself together. “Fuck you, Tony Stark. Just . . . fuck you.” You said, the words meaning to be filled with venom, but instead coming out hurt.

Never had someone looked at him with the amount of betrayal as you were right now. You started backing towards the door, and he started after you. He couldn’t . . . Why were you so upset? “Y/N, wait . . .” His hand brushed your arm, and you flinched like you had been shot.

“Get away from me,” You snapped brushing a tear away before taking off down the hall leaving him confused.

What the hell had you been so upset about?

⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊

It took exactly eight hours and sixteen minutes for Tony to realize that he had fucked up. Even he didn’t realize how bad it was until he went to apologize only to find that you were gone. Bags packed and nothing left. Not even a note.

“She went home last night, Tony.”

Tony turned around to face the last person in the world that he wanted to see at this point and time, “but this is her home.”

“Not this home. Where she came from. Her parent’s house?” Steve told him.

Tony sighed and put his hand to his forehead. He could feel the beginnings of a headache coming on. “She’s pissed.”

Steve raised an eyebrow. “Do you blame her?”

He chose to ignore that question. “If she’s so pissed why didn’t you go with her? You could go ahead and met the parents after all. Isn’t that the next step?” Tony snapped, but it didn’t have the same venom as his voice held yesterday.

“You know Tony, your father told me something once that stuck with me.” At the mention of his father, Tony looked up, equal amounts curious and annoyed.

“Was it about how he might have been in love with you? Because there were times growing up that I wondered -”

Before he could finish, Steve interrupted him. “‘The moment you think you know what’s going on in a woman’s head is the moment your goose is well and truly cooked’.” Steve put a hand on Tony’s shoulder. “Your goose is well and truly cooked, Tony.”

“Okay, maybe I was a little out of line, but the two of you -”

“Aren’t anything.” Steve interrupted again.

Those words made Tony freeze. “What?” He couldn’t be telling the truth. The two of you were so close. You were around Steve all the time - Okay, maybe not all the time, after all, you did spend a lot of time with him too. But there was also the fact that you were affectionate - Well, now that he thought about it, you weren’t any more affectionate with Steve than the others . . . In fact if he had to pick someone you touched and hugged a lot it would be -

“Listen, the only reason I’m saying anything is because neither of you are. Y/N and I are just friends. There’s never been anything between the two of us other than having easy conversation. In fact, most of the conversations center around one person.” Steve said, looking pointedly at Tony.

“Betty Grable?” Tony suggested half heartedly.

He shook his head. “She wants to be with you, Tony.”

Tony crossed his arms over his chest. “Then why did she go to you that night?”

“That’s something you’re going to have to ask her.” Steve replied, “but I know you want to be with her too.”

“And how do you know that Capsicle?” Tony asked.

Steve shrugged his shoulders. “Mostly because you came here to apologize, and I’ve never seen you do that before.”

He had him there.

“Just give her some space. Then talk to her. Once she calms down I think she’ll listen.” Steve told him, giving him a smile before he started to head back down the hallway.

“Hey, Cap!” Tony stopped him, and when he turned around, Tony nodded to him. “Thanks.”

“No problem, but for future reference, if you piss her off again, I’m getting the shield.” He replied.

Tony cocked an eyebrow. “Haven’t we proved that the shield is no match for the suit?”

“Oh, it’s not to fight you with. It’s for you to protect yourself with. You’re going to need it if she’s after you.” Steve told him.

The scary thing was that he was right.

As Steve walked away, Tony moved into your empty room, sitting on the bed. All of this new information forced his brain to go into overdrive. There were some facts that he was now forced to accept. The first was that it wasn’t just sex between the two of you. It had started out like that, but it hadn’t taken long before it wasn’t anymore. From the moment you stayed in his room and helped him through a night terror, he should have known it was more.

The second was that you hadn’t thought it was just sex for a while now according to Steve. You had feelings for him. You, intelligent, kind, a badass, and way too good for him, had feelings for him.

Or at least you had, because the last thing he had to accept was the fact that he had, indeed, been jealous of your relationship with Steve, and had acted like an ass about it. The more he thought about it, the worse he felt. You had never given any indication that you cared more for Steve than you did him except for that one night. The night he left you alone when he should have been the one comforting you. How could he blame you for going to someone else when he hadn’t been willing to step up? Then he remembered the look on your face as he told you the two of you had been fucking. You had been so hurt, and some part of him had known it would. He hadn’t cared at that moment though. All he had wanted was to make you feel as hurt as he did at the thought of you running off with Steve when he needed you so badly.

He was startled at the realization. He needed you. Tony needed you in his life to help keep him sane and to make him smile. He needed you to lay next to him and run your fingers through his hair until he was able to sleep. Tony needed to see you smile again.

“FRIDAY, plot a course for Y/N’s hometown.” Tony called out as he stood up from the bed, a plan already forming in his mind.

“Right away, Sir.” The AI responded.

Steve had told him to give you space, but Tony was never good at listening to authority.

⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊⎊

Women liked extravagant gestures right? Grand and expensive things everyone could see and marvel at? Well, Tony was crunched for time, so a large bouquet of blue orchids was going to have to do. He hoped that they would be okay traveling in the bag he had attached to the suit.

“Sir, we’re approaching Y/N’s home.” FRIDAY echoed in his helmet.

“Thanks FRIDAY.” Tony said, zeroing in on a spot to land. With a carefully thought out superhero landing, Tony stood up and looked around. The house that stood before him was modest, the very definition of a white picket fence, including a porch swing. Not to mention the young child who was staring at him with huge eyes. Tony disengaged the suit, and it began dismantling back into his reactor.

The kid dropped the toy she was holding.

Tony made his way over to the little girl and bent down to her level, picking up the toy as he did. “Hey, kid. I’m looking for Y/N. Is she here?”

The little girl took the toy from his hand and stared at him for a minute before nodding.

“Amazing. Is she inside?” Tony asked, but before she could reply, another voice spoke up from the front porch.

“Mr. Stark, is it? I think you should go.”

When he looked up he found an older looking woman, gray hair braided down her back, her arms crossed over her chest and looking very defensive. Y/N looked just like her when she was pissed. “Mrs. Y/L/N, I presume?” Tony asked, standing up and holding out his hand to her as he approached.

As disgruntled as she looked, she shook his hand. “You would be correct. Guess you are a genius.” She replied, sarcasm that made him grin a little dripping from her voice. “Now, my baby girl doesn’t want to see you.”

“I know, ma’am, but I need to apologize to her.” Tony told her.

“I’m sure you do, but not now.” She insisted. “I don’t know what you did, but -”

“Mama! I could use some help with the cake. What’s going -” You froze as you joined your mother, and Tony froze as well.

The whole time that you had been at the tower, you were almost always in casual clothes, leggings and large t-shirts and tank tops with a ponytail unless you had a party to go to. In that case you were always dressed to the nines with extravagant updos and fancy dresses. Right now it was like seeing a new woman. Your hair hung loose in waves and clothed in a mauve sundress that showed off your tan skin. You were even barefoot. He had never seen you looking so carefree. Well, until you realized who was here. Before either of you could say anything though, the little girl he had been talking to ran over to you, tugging on the bottom of your dress. You picked her up and held her. “Yes?” You asked her.

“Isn’t that Iron Man?” The little girl asked.

You looked over at Tony for a brief moment before turning your attention back to her. “Yes, it is.”

The little girl looked at him again and then said, “I thought he’d be taller.”

“Me too, sweetie,” Your mother agreed.

Tony crossed his arms across his chest and stood up a little straighter, trying to make himself appear taller. “I’m of average height actually -”

He could tell you were trying not to smile by the way you bit your bottom lip. “Guys, could you excuse us for a second?”

“Now, baby, you don’t have to talk to him, I could go in there and get -”

“I got it, Mama. Thanks.” You said, kissing her cheek with a soft expression, one your mother didn’t have as she gave Tony another glance before taking the little girl from you and going inside, shutting the door behind them. After a second you turned to him, your expression changing, guarded, as you crossed your own arms over your chest. “What are you doing here, Tony?”

“You left, and compound policy requires at least two weeks notice -” At that moment, he remembered the flowers and reached into the bag over his shoulder to get them, “Oh, and I brought you -” He pulled out the orchids only to find a good majority of them crushed and missing petals. “These.” He finished lamely.

You raised your eyebrows at him.

“They looked much better earlier, I promise.”

“Why did you bring me flowers?” You asked.

“I thought that was standard with apologies.” Tony said.

Shaking your head, you walked down the steps towards him. “I don’t want flowers.”

“Well then what do you want? I’ve got the suit, I can get whatever it is and be back in -”

“I want you to admit that you were an idiot.” You told him once you reached him.

Tony let out a sigh, “I didn’t think you’d need an affirmation of that.”

“Oh, I really do.” You insisted. “In fact, I don’t even think idiotic can properly describe how you acted. Jealous, insecure, angry -”

You were right. Everything you were saying was true. “Y/N -”

“No!” You interrupted. “You wouldn’t let me say anything last time without interrupting so now you’re going to listen while I explain how big of an ass you were!”

Tony knew he deserved all that and more, so he motioned for you to carry on, though he was sure that you didn’t need or want his permission in the first place.

“All I was trying to do was keep you safe! I know your damn, self sacrificing, stubborn streak! If you had gone in there you would have gotten hurt, and God forgive me, I can’t stand the thought of that. And you took it as Steve and me teaming up against you! Then, oh then -” Your eyes locked on his, and he could see the fire in them, attempting to block the hurt. “The three a.m. conversation. You’ve always made it clear you weren’t my boyfriend!” You were so caught up in what you were saying you didn’t even notice as Tony grabbed your erratic moving hands and pulled you towards him. “I wasn’t about to bug you with my problems when you have more than your fair share of your own! Steve was there so I decided to talk to him! He’s my friend, and he’s always been nothing more! But did you believe me? No! You were too blinded by your own issues with him to see what was right in front of your face!” You finished, breathless at this point.

“You’re right,” Tony said once he was sure you were done.

His words startled you, he could tell, but you tried not to show that. “Yes, yes I am.”

“I was an ass, and all of the other things you called me.” Tony agreed. “To be fair, I thought I was losing you though.”

“Why would you care about that? We were just fucking, right?” You asked, biting your bottom lip and looking down to avoid his gaze. You even tried to take a step away, but Tony pulled you back before you could.

“You’re one of the smartest people I know. Do you really believe that?” Tony asked, cocking an eyebrow at you.

“You’re the one who said it.” You admitted.

“You do have a point. Only one way to prove it I guess.” Tony tilted his head and without hesitation met your lips in a kiss. It wasn’t like the normal kisses that the two of you shared, teeth and tongues clashing, no, this one was tender, his lips soft as they parted to slide across yours. While it was different, Tony was finding that he rather enjoyed it, and if your reaction was any indication you were as well. Your hands squeezed his tight before pulling them around you so your bodies could press together. Encouraged, Tony slid his tongue across your bottom lip, but at that you pulled away, shaking your head with your eyes still closed.

“You can’t kiss your way out of this, Stark,” You mumbled, but made no effort to move away from him.

“Is that a jab at my kissing skills? You’ve never complained before.”

You squeezed his hands again and opened your eyes to look at him, “What you said really fucking hurt, Tony.”

“I know.” Tony admitted, leaning forward to press his lips against your cheek. “And I’m sorry. I’m going to do whatever I can to make it up to you as long as you come home.”

“Like what?” You asked, and Tony couldn’t help but smile as you buried your face in his neck.

“Oh, I don’t know, fly you to Paris, take you ice skating, wine tasting in Tuscany, picnics in the park - you know, the usual date stuff.” Tony replied off of the top of his head.

“Date stuff?” You repeated, pulling back to look up at him. “We don’t date, Tony.”

Tony let go of one of your hands to brush some of your hair behind your ear, a fond smile on his face. “Yeah, about that, I think that should change.”

He did enjoy seeing you shocked. It wasn’t often that you were surprised. “What?”

“Clearly, I’m terrible at all relationships in general, so why should I let that stop me from trying a real one with you?” Tony asked, brushing his thumb across your cheek. Man he had missed how soft your skin felt under his fingers.

You leaned into his hand, “and who says I want to be in one with you anyway?”

Those words startled him for a moment before he saw the teasing smile on your face. “That was rude.” He responded.

“You were rude.” You replied, “and you’re going to get a lot more punishment than that for your ridiculous jealous behavior.”

“Punishment? You know I have those handcuffs -”

“Nuh uh, Stark, this is not the kind of punishment you will enjoy. No sex for at least a week, maybe two.” You told him.

He gasped. That one hurt, but he knew he deserved it. “Rough, but fair.”

“And you have to come inside because it’s my nephew’s birthday, and he loves Iron Man.” You added. “Forget that his aunt’s an Avenger . . .”

“Is that the one staring out the window and swatting at his sister I’m assuming?” Tony asked, amused.

You turned your head, resting your head on his shoulder and smiling at the two children who ducked under the sill at being caught. “That would be them.”

God he had missed having you in his arms. He hadn’t realized how much until this moment. You felt good, warm and soft, not to mention calming, and that wasn’t something he got to feel often. He brushed his lips against your forehead and whispered, “You know your mother hates me.”

“Believe it or not, that’s a good sign.” You replied. “It’s when she’s indifferent to you that you need to be worried.”

“Well then, I better go make an even worse impression.” Tony said, squeezing you tight for a moment before letting go of all but one hand. He started to walk up the steps to the modest home, but you tugged him back. He gave you a questioning look, but you just slipped a hand into his hair on the back of his head, standing on your toes until you met his lips in another kiss. It was slow and sensual and filled with promises and lazy movements. His hands drifted to your waist, his fingers spread wide apart so he could touch as much of you as possible.Tony could honestly say he had never been kissed like that before, and when you pulled away, he let out a disappointed groan.

You giggled at the sound and kissed his chin for a brief second. “I need you to know it was always you, Tony. You’re the one I’ve had feelings for this whole time. Never for one second has it been Steve, and it never will be. You know that now, right?” You asked, biting your kiss swollen lip in a way that had Tony wanting to pull your dress up right now if it wasn’t for the situation.

With the way you looked at him in that moment, all concerned and nervous that he thought you had feelings for Steve? Tony knew that you were being honest. As crazy as he found it, you wanted him. Not the ridiculously handsome super soldier with perfect teeth, but the hot mess of a human being that was him.

The thought made him smile. “Yeah, Y/N, I know.”

#tony stark #tony stark x reader #iron man #iron man x reader #tony stark imagine

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wonderlandmind4 · 6 years

Text

Monster In Me (Loves the Monster in You)

A Bucky Barnes fic. (Can be read as a one shot; eventually a mini-series)

Summary: Mission: Undercover at a high-end Casino/Gentlemen’s club. Objective: Obtain Hydra intelligence via a USB drive. Except, Bucky becomes a little distracted.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings: Language. Mild violence. Mentions of strippers and sex workers and what tends to happen in places like that. Eventual angst. *Takes place after CW and Black Panther. There’s no such thing as The Snap in this one.*

Words: 7.2k (Title from Little Mix, Monster In Me)

A/N: I’ve had this idea for months in my head and I finally sat down in wrote it. This will probably be a mini-series, at least three parts for sure. (pic not mine)

One Year and A Half Ago:

“This is the fanciest strip joint I’ve ever been in,” Bucky murmurs, expertly sliding past a group of half-naked, who he assumes to be, dancers. They’re wearing the shortest skirts he’s ever seen and little heart shaped glittering- pasties- is what Wanda called them at the compound.

He’d be more nervous of people recognizing him if it weren’t for the facial disguising veil Agent Hill gave him and the others. She also gave him a realistic but fake flesh colored hand that Tony had made. It was a hassle to get it on and adjust properly; lube had to unfortunately be involved.

“You often visit strip clubs, Barnes?” Natasha’s teasing voice crackles through the comm in his ear. “It’s a Gentlemen’s Casino, by the way.”

“Just a classy way of saying strip club,” Clint inputs.

Bucky rolls his eyes, spotting Clint across the room on the second level of the club. He’s sitting with his profile angled toward the open floor plan of the room. The wide, expansion of the room, with marbled pillars and floors, and red drapes lining the walls. There are mini stages set up here and there, some with dance poles and others without. The main stage is to the right of the room, with two bars on opposite sides. There are separate hallways leading to the private paid rooms in the back. On the second level and also the opposite side of the joint is the casino portion, with the wide lobby between the main rooms. The main casino room holds several smaller performing stages as well, and its own bar on a smaller scale.

“We did sneak into a burlesque show when we were seventeen” Steve supplies unhelpfully.

A tiny one-syllable chuckle escape Bucky’s lips as he runs his right hand through his slicked back hair. He oddly remembers that. He almost remembers Steve’s poor, sick mother nearly tugging their ears off after she found out. Bucky carefully and nonchalantly scans the room as he makes his way to the bar.

“You’d be surprised how many joints I’ve been in as the Winter Soldier,” He mutters, eyes locking on a man dress in a white suit.

“Some of the sleazier Hydra agents liked to do business in them,” Natasha confirms. “Speaking of, I got eyes on our first target. Heading your way Barton.”

“Copy that,” He answers lowly.

Bucky finally makes it to the bar, keeping the man in white in his peripheral. He orders whiskey on ice when the bartender asks, making a show to slide a crisp Benjamin across the countertop. His tactic works quickly, as a woman with platform heels and a glittering body suit slides in next to him.

“Who ya’ buying for, honey?” She questions with a flirty drop to her voice.

Glancing at her, Bucky pretends he’s interested, sliding his fresh drink over to her. He turns on his charm the best he can, flashing her a crooked smile. He turns his torso to face her, leaning his right elbow on the counter.

“You, sweetheart,” He responds lowly. “Enjoy,” Then he turns to face the bartender again.

She gives him a strange look for the briefest moment, accepting the drink. “That’s it?”

Bucky glances at her, then over her shoulder as the man in white turns. Not the target he thought it was. He turns his attention back to the woman.

“Enjoy,” He tells her. “Plus, I’m sure your girlfriend wouldn’t mind a few more free drinks either.”

The girl beams brightly at him before waving her girlfriend over. They thank him as he leaves, heading towards the opposite bar to get a better view of the entrance. He orders another drink from the new bartender, his eyes lazily scanning the room.

He doesn’t spot the man he’s looking for, but he does see one of the waitresses huff in anger as she walks away from a table of older men. The waitresses are dress a differently, short sequins shorts with thigh high stockings and garter belts, those same platform feels and a lacy red and black corsets.

She makes her way to the bar, dropping her tray down a little harder than necessary, giving the order to the second bartender. She quickly glances at Bucky, then flashes a fake smile on her face, pushing stray hairs from her eyes.

“Sorry about that, have you been served, sweetie?” She says in a silky tone.

Bucky makes to answer, when another table rudely snaps their fingers for her attention. While she’s distracted, he turns to the bartender handing him his drink.

“Are there rules against buying drinks for the waitresses?” He inquires, forming a bit of a plan in his head.

“No, but you aren’t allowed to touch them or book them for the private rooms,” The man answers sternly.

“Got it. Could you make whatever drink she likes, please?”

“Coming up.”

Once the candy red drink is made and the waitress comes back with a new order, he slides the glass over to her. She eyes him suspiciously, with good reason Bucky thinks, then looks at the bartender. The man nods in approval and for her own safety that Bucky didn’t spike her drink. She smiles in gratitude, taking a long sip as if it’s nothing but water.

Bucky starts up casually chit-chat with her every time she comes back to the bar for new orders. He turns up his charm, flirts and buys her another drink when she finishes the first one. All the while the comms are quiet as the team and himself scan the Casino. Nothing so far, which is normal considering the night is still young, but the switch of important Hydra database files and their new plan for weapons is still high risk.

The plan is for Barton and Bucky to track the two Hydra agents to gather intel of which man has the USB they’re suppose to obtain. Bucky is meant to track the second agent, a higher risk level, to one of the card tables. If the man has the drive, he’s to signal Natasha, who will then cut the power for no more than two minutes. That’s his window to obtain the drive, should the agent have it. Easy. Two minutes is plenty of time.

Something is shining from the second level, catching Bucky’s attention; Barton. He gives a small signal for Bucky to keep his eyes on the main entrance. However, a group of people just stood up and he has to get around them. He leaves the bar, circling around the large group to head to the entrance.

Bucky halts in his tracks, distracted as a new couple walks through the doors. It’s not the sight of the Hydra target waltzing in like he owns the goddamn place, no. It’s his escort that stuns Bucky into momentarily forgetting what his mission is.

The woman is absolutely beautiful, gorgeous. She holds herself high in confidence wearing a long, satin black evening dress. The neckline plunging down her chest, just below her breasts, a good amount of cleavage showing. There’s a thigh high split in the dress exposing her lean right leg, showing off sleek, expensive looking heels. Bucky swallows the hard lump in his throat. He’s never been so distracted by a woman before.

Her outfit leaves very little to the imagination, and although she’s wearing more clothes than some of the dancers, he thinks she’s the most stunning and sexiest woman in the room. Her hair is pull to the side over her right shoulder, the dangling opal earrings gleaming colorfully against the lights in the room. Her delicate fingers are wrapped around a stylish black clutch with a golden sleek logo on the front. Her nails are perfectly manicured, muted against the large sapphire ring on her left middle finger. Everything about this woman drips money, especially since her right hand is on the elbow of their target.

Her makeup looks neutral, her natural beauty and cheekbones doing wonders for her. Her lips are painted a bright red, perfectly applied as if she were born with that lip color. Bucky can’t tell the color of her eyes, standing too far away, but they do scan the crowd of people lazily. And with a sudden spark of realization, Bucky thinks she looks bored.

Maybe she’s escorted the Hydra agent to these functions before as he does business deals and trades. Maybe she’s left alone at the bars or tables as the target ruthlessly kills people behind her back. Maybe he leaves her to fend for herself as he disgustingly goes off to cheat on her. Maybe Bucky can catch her alone and fish for some information. Maybe they’re both walking his way and he has yet to move.

Goddamnit, get it together. He mentally scolds himself.

Bucky casually turns, quickly spotting the waitress from earlier at the bar. He’s already buttered her up and charmed the impressive heels off her. Maybe he can grab information out of her too, as if he were a curious newcomer to the place. He slides up next to her just after she finished handing drinks to another table.

“Time for another drink, darling?” Bucky inquires lightly.

She spins around, tucking the black tray under her toned arm. “I’ll never say no if you’re paying,” She winks.

Bucky chuckles naturally, following her as she heads back towards the bar. He scans the room again, watching as the Hydra target ushers his date to the more private area of the joint. The room is still open, giving a good view of the Casino table. The man sits first, not even offering to pull his date’s chair out for her, the clear gentleman his is. Bucky catches the slightest flare of the woman’s nostrils, pegging it as annoyance, before her expression changes into a smile. Interesting.

“Ahh, I see,” The waitress in front of him catches his attention. “Just like everyone else.”

“Excuse me?” Bucky questions with genuine confusion.

“Every man, no matter who they are, always seem to love the date of that man there.”

“He comes often then?”

The waitress snorts as the bartender hands her a glass. Apparently, she ordered while Bucky was distracted. He pulls out another hundred, informing the bartender to keep a tab open for the waitress. She winks at him, jerking her head to the side. He follows her to the corner, the less busy side of the bar.

“Every Saturday,” She supplies. “Has a new girl on his arm almost every time.”

“Gold diggers?” Bucky internally winces at the term.

“Sometimes. Sometimes high-end escorts. Other times it’s models. I suspect he pays them as his date for the night, even if it’s not their profession.”

“What about his current date then?”

“She’s beautiful, that one,” The waitress sighs dreamily.

Bucky quirks a curious eyebrow.

“What? I pay both fields, ya know, handsome,” She smirks. “Do you see that dress on her? Anyway, she’s been his date for the past two months, strangely enough. Maybe because she ignores the fact that he fucks regularly in the backrooms and she’s left to suck up all the free drinks and attention everyone else gives her.”

“Interesting,” Bucky states, bringing up his left arm to scratch twice at his ear. A signal.

“Listening. Checking them out now,” Natasha’s low whisper comes through the comm.

“I bet you are,” The waitress chuckles. “Listen, handsome, since you haven’t even asked my name yet, I can tell I’m not your choice of drink tonight. I appreciate the ones you bought me though, and the tab. So for that, I won’t rat ya out for wanting information.”

Bucky blinks. “What makes you say that?”

She shrugs. “Not many men who come through here are as nice as you. You haven’t groped me once, dropped a creepy line or spiked my drinks.”

“Does that happen often?” A wave of anger curls through his chest at the thought of it happening to all the women, and men working here.

She sighs in disappointment. “Unfortunately. But thank you. Enjoy your night.” She raises his drink in a cheers to him before turning. “Oh,” She spin back around. “He always leaves to go into that backroom around 11:30. She’ll be alone after that. Good luck.”

“Got it,” Natasha says. “Rogers, where are you stationed?”

“Second level, near Barton,” Steve answers.

Bucky ignores them briefly as he slowly exits the main floor and heads towards the opposite room. There’s an open seat at the private Casino table, the game of cards hasn’t begun yet. He quickly glances at the watch on his left wrist, noting he’s got a good hour before the target leaves the table. The usher by the rope of the room nods in greeting, easily allowing him access; given that the usher is another undercover SHIELD agent on this mission.

The open seat is adjacent to the target’s, which also gives him a great view of his date. Bucky sits, pulling out yet another two, one-hundred dollar bills from his wallet and handing it over to the dealer. Once he takes the chips given to him, Bucky nonchalantly glances around the table. They all seem like the usually, rich and classy poker type, until his eyes land on the woman’s.

His heart jumps a little when he realizes she’s staring back at him. She was beautiful from a distance, but up close she’s enthralling. Her eyes sparkle for a moment, the only expression given away before her pretty eyes move back to the man next to her. Bucky shifts in his seat.

He had to relearn how to play poker from Tony for this mission, and to his surprise and Tony’s dismay, he was good at it. Bucky is great at laying the game while simultaneously detailing everything about the Hydra man. He doesn’t recognize him, thankfully, meaning the disguising veil is working. Although the veil is doing it’s job it only changes his features slightly, and if the man looks at him for too long, he could recognize him. Bucky doesn’t though, so he must not have been present when Bucky was still under their control.

It’s probably why his heart rate remains normal, as long as he doesn’t look at the man’s date. She doesn’t seem to be too good at the game, other than keeping her face expressionless. She taps her nails against the edge of the table once in a while, random enough for no one else to pick up on. Bucky does. She’s informing the agent of something, and Bucky narrows his eyes slightly. Is she actually a Hydra agent herself? Or has he been keeping her around because she’s somehow helping him win the games? Is she counting cards?

“Target One didn’t have the drive,” Barton’s voice suddenly says in Bucky’s ear. “Up to you, Lefty.”

Internally rolling his eyes at Clint’s nickname, Bucky slowly shifts his right foot. He knows Natasha is close by, watching his every move, his foot was the first signal. His second is tilting his head to his left shoulder, pretending to crack his neck. He makes a show of releasing his cards to rub at the fake sore spot of his neck then dropping his hand to the table.

Two seconds later and the power cuts out. Bucky moves quietly, efficiently, all the skills of the Winter Soldier that were naturally mixed in with his sniper abilities come out. The joint is pitch black, save for the red glowing lights of the exit signs in the distance. With the serum in his veins though, he can see fairly well in the dark.

Only five seconds past before Bucky has the man in front of him. He doesn’t touch him, despite anger running through his veins and just wanting to take this Hydra goon out. Instead, hte man is distracted, already reaching in his pocket for a phone, wondering what’s going on. He goes to move into the backroom where the switch for the drive is supposed to take place.

However, Bucky expertly slips his right hand into the opposite pocket, coming out clean and unnoticed with the drive. Fucking idiot. Who just keeps an important USB drive loose in their pocket like that? Just as fast, Bucky slips the drive into his inner pocket of his own jacket, flipping over the table and back to his seat.

The power comes back on. Everyone winces at the abrupt lights, and the panic that was building slowly subsides. Thankfully, they picked a stormy night to do this mission, as the managers of the club reassure everyone that it was just a power surge. The Hydra man looks confused and angry.

“That was impressive, Barnes,” Nat says. He can hear her smirk.

Bucky glances around the room, pretending to ignore the agent.

“Great. Can we go home now? I think I pissed off a stripper,” Clint pipes in.

Bucky has to keep from laughing at Steve’s loud ground.

“Not yet, and you apologize to her,” Steve answers sternly. “There’s one more thing to obtain.”

The game in front of them has to start over, and when Bucky finally glances up, the man and the woman are gone. He tells the dealer to leave him out, getting his money back.

“Too much commotion for me, sorry man,” Is his explanation.

Once he’s out of the quiet room he speaks up. “Target probably headed to the backroom. Meet you in there, Romanoff.”

She doesn’t respond, so he assumes she’s already in said location. Once he enters the private room, slipping past the guards who are distracted by another patron, he looks around. Surprisingly, the private room isn’t all that private. It’s more of a VIP area, two poker tables set up and a roulette one as well. There’s a long skinny bar on the left wall, nothing but expensive and imported liquor lining the shelves.

Round tables are scattered about the floor plan, some small enough for three people, others with two chairs and one booth. There’s a stage up front set up with three dance poles spread out, one stripper already climbing the pole as she spins. It’s rather impressive, Bucky thinks as he finds a seat. He watches as the dancer hooks her left calf along the pole, her right leg hanging down in the air as she leans her torso upside down, all while spinning.

“Gemini Bridge,” A smooth accented voice says from behind Bucky. British, he thinks.

He turns to see the stunning woman from before; the Hydra agent’s date. His heart jumps again and he has to make the conscience effort not to let his eyes drop, considering her skin is dusted with a light coating of shimmer.

“Come again?” He inquires, bemused.

She nods her head towards the stage. “That move she’s doing. It’s called a Gemini Bridge, and that’s an Extended Butterfly into a Gemini Plank.”

Bucky glances over his shoulder to see the dancer perform a series of skilled moves. There are men up front tossing money all over the stage as she continues to spin. He turns himself around to face the woman head on.

“And you know this how? Did you use to work here?” He questions, hoping it didn’t sound as rude as he thought.

She smiles smoothly at him, resting her arms on the table as she leans forward. “I like to know the art of dancing.”

Her bright, captivating eyes slowly scan him up and down. The right side of her mouth ticks up higher in a smirk as she does. Bucky inhales slowly, his nose picking up on her expensive perfume; sweet but a hint of spice under it.

“Would you rather watch her as those gross men cat call her and join in, or would you rather try your luck at Roulette?” She asks, suddenly leaning back. She crosses her legs, and the slit of her dress falls down to expose more of her bare skin.

Bucky swallows. Damn. He briefly wonders if she knows what she’s doing to him. Probably, given the fact that the waitress told him this woman fends for herself once the Hydra prick is gone. Bucky stands, briefly looking down at her. Two can play this game. He’s gained his confidence back after his stay in Wakanda.

“Shall we then?” He offers his right hand to her, rising his eyebrows in a challenge. If he plays this right, he can pull information out of her.

She studies him for a moment before placing her hand in his. Immediately goosebumps travel up his arm, and Bucky has to grit his teeth from how soft and warm her skin is. He helps her stand, quickly dropping her hand as she leads the way back to the table. He may have gained his confidence back, but apparently, he lost some respect as his eyes drop to the sway of her hips briefly.

Don’t let her distract you. It’s probably a ruse.

Or not, since he hasn’t read her as wanting to help the Hydra man. She’s seemingly clueless to what that guy really is. Maybe she’s just along for the expensive ride filled with free drinks and pretty dresses. They sit at the table, their seats separated by any patron. Bucky starts, when he realizes it’s Natasha. Her disguise is good, but Bucky can spot that sly smirk on the spy a mile away.

“Evening,” She quips lightly, a fake southern drawl coming from her mouth. “Thanks for saving our game.”

“My pleasure,” Bucky responds, subtly stepping on her toe. Her smirk widens.

He can feel the gaze of the mysterious woman of the night on him. So, he glances behind Natasha, just in time to see the woman’s eyes slip away, her jaw clenching for a moment. Hmm, intriguing. Maybe she really is interested in Bucky, and thinks that Natasha was flirting with him.

The game begins, however Bucky isn’t paying too much attention, instead he’s too invested in the woman on the other side of team mate. Which makes him loose three times in a row because he forgets to move the damn chips. Natasha snorts so quietly, only he can pick it up.

“Maybe you should’ve stayed at your lonely table,” The beautiful woman teases. Her red lips spread into a pretty smile. She gathers the chips she won on the last spin.

Leaning against the back of his seat to see her better, Bucky says, “Maybe I just need a good luck charm.” He drops a wink for good measure. It earns him a bright smile as she slowly licks her bottom lip.

“We’ll just see about that, love.” She winks back.

“Keep it in your pants maybe,” Nat mumbles.

“Says the woman who invented flirting for intel,” He breathes almost inaudibly.

Her hand drops under the table to pinch his thigh. Bucky schools his frown, subtly smacking her hand away. The next round starts again, this time Bucky moves his chips to where the woman’s are. He catches her eye and she just shakes her head in mirth. He ends up splitting the winnings on that round with her.

“What did I tell ya, doll,” He teases lightly, making sure to brush her fingers as they take back their chips.

“Really should have just left you there,” She quips, her eyes scanning over him again.

He inhales slowly once more, ignoring Romanoff’s shaking shoulders.

The game continues for another twenty minutes, and in the end him, Nat and the woman win the most chips. The dealer announces a small break in case anyone wants to order drinks or watch the upcoming Burlesque show about to happen. Natasha takes that as her que to leave, and her que to sneak into the private room. She gives her signal by placing a flirty hand on his shoulders, trailing her fingers along his neck. He has to bite his tongue to keep from chuckling at the spy’s tactics.

He catches the woman’s eyes once Natasha leaves, and swears he sees them darken, the twitch in her jaw is back. Bucky takes that as an opening, sliding over to sit in the now empty chair, making sure his elbow knocks into hers.

“How about I get you a drink for our winnings? He flirts, spinning a chip on the table.

“Our winnings, is it?” She responds, before stealing the chip he’s spinning. “Looks like my winnings now, Casanova.” With that she winks once more, then rises from the chair in one fluid motion.

Bucky watches her go, wanting to follow her when the crackling in his ear abruptly brings him back to the mission at hand.

“I think she wants you, Casanova,” Clint’s voice is too gleeful over the comms.

“Fuck off,” Bucky murmurs as he leaves the table and heads back to the one he was at beforehand. It’s in clear view of the real private room. “She came with the target, been associated with him for two months.”

“She was checked out before this mission, she’s in the clear” Steve supplies, he also sounds like he was laughing. “Good to see you still have it in you, Buck.”

“Wants it in something,” Barton mutters.

“Gross,” Natasha whines.

“I’m going to break your bows, just you watch, dick,” Bucky threatens, feeling his cheeks darken.

Steve is just laughing, clearly out of range of anyone hearing him. “What’s your location, Nat?”

“In the room, in the vents, now hush.”

“This seat taken?” That accented voiced inquires from behind him.

Bucky tenses as her hand touches his right shoulder, dragging her fingers over his back to his left. He fights the shiver that shoots down his spine, but he can’t fight the intrigued stir coming to life in his trousers; again. Jesus, he doesn’t know how anyone could ignore this beautiful, alluring creature. Maybe she’s strong, independent, stubborn Hydra never liked those kind of traits for their leashed pets.

“By you, hopefully,” Bucky flirts again, dropping his voice an octave.

Work the charm, get her spilling secrets about the current Hydra agents. She sits gracefully, crossing her legs, the material of her dress slipping off further this time. He snaps his gaze away from her smooth skin.

“See you bought yourself a drink,” He acknowledges the martini glass in her hand. Gin martini with two olives.

“With my winnings,” She informs him, dropping the chips she hadn’t cashed in yet on the table.

Suddenly the lights dim and the spotlight on the stage comes on. Bucky ignores it and the men cheering. As she takes a delicate sip from the glass, he slowly details her. She exudes sophistication, a sexy confidence about her, and he figures she has to be to have that Hydra prick keep her around for so long. She plays with the ring on her middle finger with her thumb, and her foot in the sleek open sided heel is bouncing to the music playing. There’s a jeweled, star brooch on the heel Bucky hadn’t noticed before, gleaming in the dim lights. Her pulse flutters calmly in her neck, matching her heartbeat Bucky can faintly hear.

Her perfume fills the air between them, and he swears it’s the scent of it that captivates him, rather than her alluring eyes. Rather than her pretty, mirthful smile, as if she knows she already has Bucky in her YSL clutch bag. His eyes linger on her lips as she licks away a drop of gin. Clearing his throat, Bucky decides it’s time for business.

“Where’s your husband?”

“Subtle, Buck,” Steve’s voice echoes in his ear. God, he wishes he could turn the comm off.

Her cool expression breaks long enough for Bucky to notice. She raises her eyebrow instead, but the look of disgust remains in his mind.

“If I had one, I’d know,” She replies smoothly, placing her drink down. She taps the ring. “Ring’s on the wrong finger, Casanova.”

“Can never be to careful,” He responds, feigning disinterest as he looks back to the stage. He hears her shift, pulling his gaze back. She’s leaning over the table, clearly working the deep neckline of her dress and showing off her cleavage.

“Why do you ask? Would you no longer be interested?”

“Married women aren’t my thing.”

“That’s not stopping anyone from cheating in here.”

Bucky meets her gaze straight on. “Good thing you aren’t then. Still not interested in a woman already taken by someone else.”

That was the wrong thing to say and Bucky knows it. He’s relying on it, for it breaks her collected attitude once again. Her eyes tighten just slightly as she picks up her drink, taking a short sip. When she places it down, she toys with the rim of the glass with her index finger.

“I’m not taken by anyone. I’m not someone’s property to own,” Her voice is sharp when she replies.

Got her. He holds back his triumphant smirk. He leans forward, matching her move. “Then why are you here with your date, besides helping him cheat at poker, that is?”

“I have expensive taste,” She answers coolly, dropping her tone and her eyes to his mouth.

Bucky wonders if he can get away unscathed playing this close to fire. He brings his right hand on the table, knuckles a centimeter away from hers. He can feel the heat emitting off her skin, despite the cool air in the Casino and lack of material of the dress. She shifts, the top of her foot brushing against his calf briefly.

“In that case, why aren’t you with him in that room? Surely there’s more expensive entertainment in there.”

Something changes in her eyes then, her foot pressing firmly to his leg. “I’m not allowed in. He conducts business in there.” She pauses and when her eyes darken just a little, Bucky swallows the lump in his throat. “I, conduct business out here.”

Goddamn, control yourself, Barnes. She’s just flirting. You need intel. Be smart.

He isn’t smart. “What kind of business?”

He meant to imply what kind of business the Hydra agent does behind that closed door. Clearly, it did not come out that way, and clearly, she’s going to give him an answer; to her own sort of business. Her fingers slowly slip down the rim of her glass to the thin stem, Bucky grinding his teeth because he should not have found that sexy.

She uncrosses her leg, breaking contact from his calf, only to slowly place her hand on his knee. Damn small tables and close proximity. Her perfectly painted red lips spread into a coy smile as she leans around the table, sliding her hand up his thigh.

“Are you sure you want to know, love?” She teases as she lifts herself from her seat. There’s only a three foot space between them.

“I’m sure you wouldn’t mind showing me, would you, doll?” His own voice sounds strained in his ears, fighting against the curl of arousal in the pit of his stomach, and between his legs. Mission, focus on the mission. Focus on the goddamn mis-

She hums as she moves closer, lifting her eyes briefly before capturing him once more. “There are half naked women on stage, and you’re curious about my business?”

“Only have eyes for you, the whole night,” And fuck, ain’t that the truth.

Her chuckle is low and sultry as her hand continues to travel up. Bucky licks his suddenly dry lips. He can’t inhale a clean breath of air to clear his head, all he smells is her. She’s ensnaring every one of his senses, and he briefly wonders why he was even allowed to join the Avengers since he’s failing miserably. He clenches his fits to keep his hands to himself.

“I could tell,” She tells him, her voice a near whisper now. “I could feel your eyes on me. Is that want you want, handsome? To own a pretty little doll like me? Show me the real entertainment?”

Mayday. Choose words wisely. With your big brain, Barnes!

“Ooooh, she’s a minx!” Comes a gleeful chuckle through is ear.

Bucky has never been so grateful to hear Barton’s voice before. It helps break the trance this woman is putting him in. He blinks, his thoughts becoming clearer, the clouds fading away.

“No.” Bucky answers firmly.

Her hand slides extremely close to his groin before she takes her touch away. Bucky is only spared a second of relief, then she full on straddles him, slowly lifting her left leg over his lap. Her hands slide up his sides, under his jacket, trailing fire with her touch as she moves her hands over his chest stopping at his shoulders.

“No?” She tilts her head, a real glint of curiosity shinning through her pretty eyes. She drops her right hand to his left, taking hold of his wrist to place his hand on her bare thigh. Then she releases him, only to snake her fingers through his slicked back hair.

“No.” Bucky states again, his fingers twitching against her leg. Thank god he’s wearing a fake gloved hand.

Her fingers are lightly stroking the back of his scalp and it feels utterly amazing. However, he has his focus back as he stares unyielding into her eyes. She looks a little confused, as if she’s wondering why he hasn’t touched her inappropriately yet, despite her literally on his lap. He figures it’s something she’s used too, and he will not sink to the level of those disgusting men, Hydra or not.

“What do you want, handsome?” She breathes, her nose grazing his.

She smells of gin and cinnamon, the spice from that expensive perfume she’s wearing. She’s warm and soft as she presses her chest against his, feeling the friction of her bare leg against his pants. He mentally begs her not to shift her hips up, otherwise embarrassing things might happen. He is on a mission.

Finally, Bucky indulges himself just a little, lifting his hands to find both of hers. He wraps his fingers around her wrists, bring them both to his shoulders again. When flashes her a small but genuine smile, ignoring how hard his heart is fluttering in his chest.

“Just your name, sweetheart.”

Her eyebrows twitch down for a moment. “That’s all?”

“That’s all.”

He knew it wasn’t an answer she had ever gotten before, and he hears her heart rate speeding up when she realizes he’s telling the truth.

“I’m not like your escort,” He continues lowly, wishing he could have met her anywhere else at any other time. But he wouldn’t have, and he’s never going to see her again after the mission is completed

“No,” She agrees, dipping her head down. There’s only two inches between them now. “You’re not like most men, are you.” Briefly, she breaks their eye contact to glance at the private room. When she looks back, her eyes have darkened with what Bucky thinks is anger. “He’s an evil man.”

Bucky opens his mouth to inquire more, to gather more information, when her next words stop him.

“But you aren’t,” She murmurs, her eyes half lidded now.

Her words clear his head faster than Barton’s did, because this beautiful angel on his lap has no idea just who he is. Who he was. That he was part of those evil men; that he was an evil man, despite everyone else telling him otherwise.

He wants to tell her she’s wrong. She doesn’t know, not even his name, not even his real face. The veil makes changes minuscule if programmed, but she hasn’t recognized him for who he is. He wants to gently lift her off, places her back in the chair and leave without a word, with an explanation. Maybe the best he can do is take those men down and save her from any sort of Hydra clutches.

He’s about to do so, when she moves her hands up, brushing her thumbs along the scruff of his jaw. He swallows thickly again, just giving in, to give himself a selfish little moment and feel her skin warm against his one last time. He lifts his right hand, fingers grazing along her cheekbone as he pushes her hair back behind her ear. He hadn’t noticed before, since her hair blocked it from sight, but there’s a little tattoo there. A half crescent moon and a little star.

“What do you want?” Bucky can’t help but ask her the same question.

She has the tiniest quirk to her lips as her eye flutter for a moment before Bucky breaks his touch. She stares down at him intently, the tension that had been growing them since the Roulette table thickens. She doesn’t answer him, just tilts her head down.

Their noses touch brush against each others, her soft fingers now resting against the pulse in his neck. Her eyes fall shut, and Bucky finally gives in, allowing his own to close as well. He barely feels the feather-light graze of her upper lip on his, the ghosting touch of what could have been, before a loud bang interrupts them.

It came from the private room and Bucky springs into action. He quickly and carefully stands, minding the woman he still doesn’t know the name of, and steadies her. She’d moved quicker than he did though, and she drops her arms as if she was in a fighting stance. Clearly, she had to learn some self defense moves if she’s been in certain types of situations before.

“Run to the nearest exit and if you hear gun shots, take cover under the closest thing,” Bucky instructs her hurriedly, hands on her shoulders.

He spares one last lingering look at the alluring woman, before he lets her go, sprinting towards the room. Pulling out his concealed gun from the back of his waistband, Bucky kicks open the door, firing at the two Hydra agent he sees. They’re gaining on Natasha as she takes out both targets, performing her signature thighs of death move, as she knocks out the other.

Bucky lands two non-lethal shots to their shoulders and thighs, taking them down. Natasha brings the Hydra agent in the white suit down to the floor, before she straightens up, and fixes her askew dress. She smiles at him, holding up two phones.

“Got more intel,” She states, casually stepping over the unconscious men.

“And you didn’t invite me to join the fun?” Bucky pouts in jest.

“Sounded like you were having your own fun, Barnes,” She quips, as she pulls out zip ties from her own purse she dropped on the table.

“I wish,” He mutters bitterly. “Rendezvous at the van in five?”

“Did I miss all the fun again? You gotta stop taking them out so quickly Nat, this is getting boring,” Clint whines through the comms. “Barnes was the only form of entertainment.”

Bucky tries not to blush, forgetting that they all heard every single word said.

“It’s not my fault they make things so easy,” Natasha replies.

“Plus, Bucky’s fun ended once the commotion started,” Steve pipes in unhelpfully.

“Let’s just get to the car, please,” Bucky snaps a little.

He ends up exiting the chaos of the joint with laughter in his ears.

Before they reach the van with Maria Hill waiting for them in the driver’s seat, they’re stopped by police. Steve gives them the small bit of information he can, to at least make sure no one else was hurt. Clint is twirling an arrow between his fingers, smirking over at Bucky every other seconds. It’s annoying and he wants to-

“Hurry up, slow pokes, the jet is waiting!” Agent Hill shouts at them.

They jog to the van, Bucky gladly removing the thin facial veil and fake flesh colored hand. Once they reach the location of the Quinn jet, they pile out of the small van. Bucky has a bottle of water in his hand, thankful for the cold liquid for several reasons. He feels as if his skin still tingles from her touch.

“You got the USB, right?” Natasha inquires as they walk the short distance to the jet. “Didn’t fall out with you barging in like a moose?”

Bucky rolls his eyes at the simile. “Yes, Romanoff, I got the-“ He pats his jackets, however, the little hard object that was in his pocket is in longer there. “Uh-“

“I swear to god, Barnes. Did you drop it?”

“Give me a minute,” He glares at her. He flicks what’s left of his water at her as the ramp of the jet opens, stepping onto it once it hits the ground. “I’ll check when we’re…”

He trails off, his mouth hanging open as he steps into the jet. There’s a silent pause for several long moments, before Clint’s loud cackles break it. He hears Steve’s surprised gasp followed by incredulous laughter.

Sitting in one of the chairs of the cockpit, swiveled around to face the opening, is none other than the woman Bucky had been flirting with. The same woman with stunning, alluring looks and the bright red lipstick, and those stupid expensive heels with that sexy black dress and her exposed leg. The same woman who boldly straddled his lap, who almost kissed him, who is currently holding the USB drive between her delicate fingers, with a smug smile on her lips.

“Did you lose something, Sergeant Barnes?” She asks innocently, tilting her head the way she did in the Casino. Her British accent is gone, replaced by her real voice.

Bucky is speechless. “What the fuck?”

Except for that.

“You should really be more careful who you decide to flirt with, Casanova,” She winks playfully at him.

Natasha makes her way to the woman sitting in the chair, a proud expression on her face as she squeezes the woman’s shoulder.

“Boys, this is Agent Y/L/N, or Agent Eleven,” The red headed traitor states with pride shinning in her eyes. “Or, as I like to call her, my protégé. She has officially passed her final test.”

“What the fuck?” Bucky blurts out again.

“We were in need of a new member whose face and name wasn’t recognizable yet,” Hill explains, moving pass them to take the other pilot seat. “She’s been undercover for two months on this mission. Fury recruited her due to her impressive espionage skills and field work. She’s a level six, just like Agent Romanoff.”

“What the fuck.”

“I think we’ve already established that the fuck you are asking about, Sergeant Barnes, has been explained,” The agent teases. She rises from the seat, moving like she did inside the casino. “Y/N or Agent Eleven will do.”

She hands Bucky the USB drive, which he fumbles with still from shock. Then Y/N lifts her hand, pressing the pads of her fingers under his chin to gently shut his open mouth. Her touch lingers for a moment.

“Close your mouth, handsome. Don’t want to be catching bugs. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to change out of this ridiculous dress. I’m keeping the shoes though.”

She saunters down the narrow hallway of the jet, before glancing back over her shoulder. Of course, Bucky’s gaze followed her of their own accord. He catches the mischievous gleam in her eye.

“Unless I need a good luck charm for that too.”

She laughs brightly at Bucky’s blank expression, and probably the blush in his cheeks. He watches her disappear behind the sliding door, the echoes of her laugh reverberating around his chest.

Fuck, Bucky thinks he’s already in love.

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

Part Two: Coming Soon

Tags: @kat-lives @justreadingfics @moonbeambucky @afewmarvelousthoughtsadmin @thecreatiivecorner @keldachick @watchoutforfrostbite @stressedasalways @barnesb1tch @iheartsebastianstan @ruinerofcheese

(let me know if you want to be tagged)

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fanfic #mcu fanfiction #monster in me fic #mini series #my fic

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safflowerseason · 5 years

Text

veep rewatch - 2.06

Season Two, Episode Six - Andrew

aka - The One Where Amy Dates a Quaker

All right, let’s just get this out in the open: DAN BASICALLY ASKS AMY OUT IN THIS EPISODE.

I go back and forth on whether or not this is a new thing he’s asking her to do. It’s reasonable to assume they’ve gotten “strategy drinks” before and Amy doesn’t act like the idea is a new one, but at the same time...this doesn’t seem like just a drink after work to blow off steam and talk about the future. Dan is asking her to do something alone after a formal evening event with alcohol that will presumably go late into the night. Hello. I don’t care if he doesn’t think of it as a date. It is fundamentally a date, the Dan-and-Amy version of a date, and the fact that he doesn’t call it a date only reinforces the fact that it means something. And then he acts like a complete dickhead the rest of the episode because she’s picked another man’s company over his. I don’t make the rules. It was a date.

And the mysterious line: “You swore you were only going to date outside DC!” When would Amy have told him this?! Either we’re supposed to assume Amy’s opening up to Dan off-screen about her personal life (…no), or Dan’s throwing this little factoid at her from their pre-dating days, or…something else. A lot of fanfiction from when this season aired features the two of them hooking up off-screen, and while that’s a debatable interpretation of the canon, it would at least explain this weird interlude about Amy’s dating rules. Dan doesn’t even believe she has a date in the first place, and if they were having lots of cathartic after-work hate-sex, that might explain why. It also wouldn’t be hard to imagine Amy saying the thing about only dating outside DC if they were seeing each other more off-screen. Plus, Dan seems more okay with Amy dating someone else who is not DC related, and therefore not a threat to his monopolizing her time.

Then again…it could just be Dan being such a dick that he doesn’t believe anyone else wants Amy, even as he’s publicly asking her out in front of the entire office.

Sue and Gary’s reactions to Dan and Amy in this scene basically confirm that everyone else on Selina’s team is fully aware of what’s going on between them.

Awww, and Amy is so smug at Dan’s obvious displeasure. She knows he’s jealous and she loves it. It’s so satisfying to see these two interact with each other on an even playing-field, not one tilted enormously and unrealistically in Dan’s favor. Also, Amy’s in a very plain black top and grey skirt—in stylistic terms, as pure a feminine mirror to Dan’s simple dark grey suit as it’s possible to be.

“Gary, deflower the room!”

Gary dragging Jonah out of Selina’s office doorway. “Okay, that’s actually a fire hazard.”

Selina: He took me to Cap d’Antibes for the night… Gary: Yeah…they had crazy intercourse! JLD’s split-second delayed physical reaction to this line is perfect.

Selina: Gary…you know my red thing? Gary: Yeah Selina: Do you think that it shows enough skin? Gary:…Yeah. Selina: Okay, I’m going to be the sexiest woman to ever exude fiscal prudence.

Dan’s jealous face! Also, he’s jealous of Ed, who is singularly unimpressive.

Amy’s obviously not very *suave* around men she’s romantically interested in, for a variety of reasons, but I think her nervousness here is heightened by the fact that Ed is a NotDan! romantic option, considering how much time they’ve spent together this season.

Love that little moment of Tony Hale, Reid Scott, and Matt Walsh all reacting to Amy’s “Andrew” laugh. Dan is normally so disdainful toward them both, it’s fun to see all three of them united in a moment of “traditional male confusion” at women.

I think this is the first indication that Selina is taking anti-depressants.

Selina to Catherine, trying to sound hip: Don’t you think all your friends would call this an “epic succeed”?

David Pasquesi is so great in this role.

Selina: Just give me five minutes, I just need to go talk to Andrew. Mary King: The ex? Three minutes.

I like how Mary King and Selina’s dialogue implies a kind of begrudging mutual understanding and respect. They don’t like each other, but they know what the other person has sacrificed to get there.

Amy’s choice of dress is interesting…it’s not particularly attention-getting, even with the slight shimmer over the material. The neckline and the sleeves are still very professional.

And Ed actually goes in for a kiss! And Amy seems not thrown off by it! Maybe they’ve gone out before now because I can’t imagine Ed thinking this party is a good place to try and kiss Amy for the first time. The fact that they’ve kissed before must explain why Amy is so nervous earlier. Also, this is very quick work on Amy’s part. This episode can’t have happened more than a week after Helsinki, considering Dan mentions it early in the episode, and Ed’s already a presence. Obviously they knew each other already, but still.

Whatever Jonah means by the line “Does this mean you’re back on the market?”, it totally reinforces the idea that whenever Dan and Amy are in each other’s company, absolutely no one thinks she’s single.

“Monsters. It’s like first Princess Diana, now this.” Gary’s response to one negative press article about Selina.

Amy’s red shirt is definitely eye-catching, but other than the color it does nothing for her in a traditionally feminine sense. The cut and style is almost masculine, especially around the collar and sleeves, and it’s so loose…not my favorite look on her.

“Deal, boom. Party, boom. You are the boom-boom Veep.”

Let’s all take a moment to appreciate the hilarity that Selina turns into such an unstable basket-case around Andrew that her entire staff has to accompany her to a private family dinner.

If every dinner Catherine has shared with Selina and Andrew since their divorce (and probably before) has been as twisted as this one, no wonder Catherine is the way she is. It is truly demented.

Do we ever find out how recent their divorce is? We know they were divorced during her campaign, so they’ve been divorced at least since…2010? But I’m sure it’s earlier than that. I’ve always thought it was an interesting choice to make Selina a divorced woman, although I agree with it completely…Veep just wouldn’t work with a “Second Gentleman” hanging around. I feel like it’s a choice only a British showrunner would have been bold enough to make, though. Americans are generally far more puritanical about the personal lives of politicians than Europeans and an American showrunner might not have felt that it was “realistic” enough that a politician of Selina’s older generation could have made it as far as she did with a divorce hanging over her head. (Before anyone flames me: I have not researched the marital status of all the women serving as US Senators. It’s entirely possibly I am over-estimating how few divorces there are. But no woman who’s ever conducted a serious campaign for President has been divorced, that is for certain, and we know Selina was a serious primary contender.)

“So, Ed…Eddie. Who do you know? Do you know Ray McCaskill?” Dan’s version of dick-measuring.

“Well guess what, I work hard and I play hard, bitch, that’s my credo. I got that shit tattooed on my dick with room to spare.”

The reveal that Mike’s been trapped in the car with Andrew, Selina, and Catherine is too funny. “Hey, Catherine…pretty nice cake you’ve got there.” Dead.

#veep #veep rewatch #2.06 #Andrew #the boom boom veep #selina meyer #dan egan #amy brookheimer #gary walsh #mike mclintock #sue wilson #does this mean you're back on the market #an epic succeed

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iwritefanficsometimes · 6 years

Note

Hey there, I loved your story, and I would love to request something if it's okay. 😍 I would love to read some ironstrange get together. What exactly is up to you. 😚 if you write smut (which is total'y not necessary) I would love to read first time together. 😍❤

(Your wish is my command. I love IronStrange get together. And any get together. My asexual self doesn’t really do smut, though I may have added a little something in that’s kinda cute. Hope you like this.)

Tony makes a point of visiting both Kamar Taj and the New York Sanctum whenever he feels like Stephen Strange has gone too long without making contact. It’s half a power play, proving that he has access to Stephen whenever he wants it, and half an incessant curiosity about Stephen’s magic, which Tony hated.

Curiosity was probably the wrong word, unless Tony added morbid to the beginning, then maybe it worked. No matter. Whatever his purpose Tony saw Stephen regularly, treated him to dinner now and again when he seemed particularly irritated, and just generally made a nuisance of himself in the way that some people hated and others found annoyingly charming. Tony was betting Stephen would fall into the latter category sooner rather than later. Most people eventually warmed up to Tony, even if it was kind of grudging.

Stephen was a tough case though. Aside from that time when he sacrificed half the universe to save Tony’s life (Stephen said it didn’t count since they fixed it in the end, but Tony disagreed), Stephen didn’t really show any sign of being affectionate or caring at all about Tony. He refused to smile, even when Tony pulled out his best lines (not the playboy ones, the genius ones). The sentient outerwear was mostly on board with Tony, but it was too loyal to Stephen to give him more than a passing… glance? It doesn’t have eyes ears or any visible pressure or temperature receptors, but it definately managed to interact with the outside world and react to stimuli. Stephen said it was magic. Tony didn’t like that explanation.

But we digress. Tony was having a hard time breaking Stephen’s outer shell. Most people were peanuts, with enough pressure the shell comes off right in your hand, but Stephen was more like a walnut. Tony would need a tiny hammer and a weird pick thing to get on Stephen’s good side. Bad metaphor. Maybe he shouldn’t compare breaking nuts to making friends. Friends? Well sure, why not. Tony was trying to make a friend of a wizard in charge of the magical security of New York. As a superhero in charge of the physical security of New York it seemed like a good strategy. Getting along outside of work would make working together easier. That was why Tony was bringing Stephen food from his favorite Italian place, not for any other ulterior non-platonic reason. He also had enough for Wong, should he be floating around doing whatever wizards do in their free time, or not free time. It was hard to tell which was which with them.

He knocks, but only as a courtesy. He came right in when he received no answer after two seconds and really, the place should have better security than that. Tony would talk to Stephen about installing a security system. You know, like friends do.

Tony drops the extra container in the kitchen, knowing that Wong will find his way to it and maybe even join them if he wanted to, though that seems to happen less and less frequently lately. Tony should ask about that. Friends ask about that sort of thing. Tony is going to be an excellent friend.

“Howdy neighbor!” Tony says as he enters Stephen’s study, holding out the food bag to butter Stephen up for his unannounced entrance. Stephen ignores Tony until he gets to the end of his page and then puts aside the book he’s reading to look at Tony.

“If the world isn’t in crisis why on earth are you hear?”

“What? Can’t a man drop in on his favorite wizard?”

“Sorcerer,” Stephen glares, having corrected Tony enough times in the past that he shouldn’t have to keep repeating himself, but Tony is stubborn and he likes that look of near anger plus exasperation bordering on amusement.

“Sure, but I brought food, so you can’t be mad.” Tony plops down in a chair he isn’t starting to think of as “his chair” and opens the take out bag, letting the smells really waft towards Stephen so he’ll stop being hornery.

“You can’t buy people’s affection, Tony,” Stephen says even as he reaches out for the bag to grab his syrafoam container and a foil wrapped piece of garlic bread.

“I beg to differ. I’ve done it very sucessfully nearly my entire life.”

“Nearly?”

“When I didn’t have access to the family bank account it was a little bit harder.” He grabs the remaining container from the bag and settles in his chair, opening it up and tossing plasticware Stephen’s direction from the bottom of the bag. “But not impossible.”

“I’m not going to ask.” Stephen opens his container and pretends not to impressed by the very nice food from a very nice restuarant that doesn’t usually do take out.

“Probably better that you don’t.” Tony unwraps the remaining plasticware and tucks the napkin into the collar of his shirt, tossing his tie behind him to keep it out of his marinera. “So, any world ending catastrophes coming up that I should know about?”

“You’re wonderful at dinner conversation.” Stephen says as he tucked in to his own food, making use of a nearly empty table resting next to his chair that had been besides Tony’s the last time that he’d been there. Tony knew that it was probably Stephen being petty, so he pretended not to be bothered by it so that he wouldn’t get any satisfaction from it.

“You want to pull up a chair. There’s plenty of room here.”

Or that. Tony blinks and then stands up before his mouth even has time to answer. Unfortunately when that answer finally comes it’s something as stupid as, “Sure, why not? I always like getting up close and personal with you, Strange.” Tony adds a wink because it feels appropriate, but he’s actually more unsure about it than he was about… well anything. He was very rarely unsure.

Stephen snorted and rolled his eyes, but it was kind of fond underneath all the annoyance, so that was good.

Tony dragged his chair behind him, earning an unimpressed look from Stephen, but he ignored it. He sat down like it was the most natural thing on earth and started eating. “I got something new, let me know what you think.”

Stephen hums in response and Tony mixes up his pasta dish and digs in, they ate in silence, which was unusual for Tony but he was learning to live with it because Stephen preferred it.

“This is really good.” Stephen has never ever made a comment about the food that Tony brought that Tony didn’t have to drag out of him. It catches Tony a little off guard, and he looks up at Stephen curiously.

“Is it? It’s the same restuarant from a couple weeks ago, but I got something different. Glad you approve.”

“This is one of your favorites.” Stephen unwraps the garlic bread and doesn’t look at Tony. “Everything else is one and done, but you’ve brought food from this place four times.” He picks up the open foil and shows the contents to Tony, “I recognize the bread.”

“It’s my absolute favorite, as it happens,” Tony doesn’t know how to feel about that. Sure, Stephen has an idetic memory, and he probably didn’t put any thought into knowing about the bread, but he’d commented on it. “If that’s a complaint I can go somewhere else. Plenty of Italian places in New York.”

“It’s not a complaint. Just an observation.” Stephen manages to make eating pasta look elegant and it’s kind of annoying, but mostly it’s cute. Tony knows he shouldn’t think of a bad ass sorcerer as cute, but he did plenty of things that he shouldn’t so why stop now.

“Oh.” Tony feels stupid just saying it, but he’s caught off guard. “Just an observation.” Was it a brush off or like really bad flirting? He had no idea. He knew which one he hoped for, and which one it probably was, but he wasn’t sure. It cut at him not to be sure about something, but even though Stephen had been doing this to him since they met, he was worth the agrevation.

“I can see why you like it. Everything’s been great so far.”

“They do a really great lasagna if that’s something you’d be interested in. I can bring it next time.”

Stephen sets down his fork, looking at Tony for maybe the first time. “If there’s going to be a next time, why don’t you let me treat you?”

“Because I’m a genius billionaire and I could buy the rest of your meals for the rest of your life with the money I make in a year. From five star restuarants.” Tony says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world and is surprised by the small smirk forming on Stephen’s lips. The man has never cracked a smile at one of Tony’s amazing witty jokes, but he can smirk about Tony’s very obvious fact.

“You’ve been bringing me food for months. The least I can do is take you out for dinner.”

“Out for dinner,” Tony repeats, because he can’t be hearing what he thinks he’s hearing, because what he thinks he’s hearing is.

“Like a date,” Stephen is looking at him with too intense eyes, and okay, maybe Tony is a sucker for Stephen’s eyes, but can anyone blame him?

“We barely talk.”

“I’d like to change that.”

Tony takes a second to process that, and then nods. “Okay, you have my number.”

“I’ll text you.”

—————————

S: Are you free Friday night?

Tony is surprised when FRIDAY reads the text to him. The last time he talked to Stephen was nearly three days ago, and he was starting to think that he was having second thoughts. He said so.

T: I was starting to think that you were having second thoughts.

It takes a couple of minutes to get the text back.

S: Just rearranging some things. So is that a yes or no?

T: I’ll make it work.

S: I’m picking the place. I’ll text you the address.

T: I’ll show up in the suit.

S: With a regular suit underneath, preferably.

T: Oh of course. I’m sexiest in a suit.

S: Nice to see you’re pulling out all the stops.

T: I’ve seen old pictures of you in suits. I’m sure you’re going to clean up nicely.

S: Of course I am.

T: Confidence is the new sexy.

S: A well cut suit doesn’t hurt.

T: No it does not.

S: My treat.

T: I didn’t forget. But I’m getting the tip.

S: I can live with that.

T: Why did I expect you to fight me on that?

S: Because I almost did, but then I remembered that it would be pointless and you’d just send a tip once we were gone.

T: Point

S: Seven o’clock?

T: I will be there barring world crisis.

S: Understandable

T: See you then.

S: See you, Tony.

And that made Tony’s heart skip a beat like it hadn’t since he was still carrying around too much metal too close to it.

—————

Tony shows up at seven o’clock sharp, throwing his tendency to be fashionably late to the wind. He tells the hostest that he’s with the Strange party, and she smiles, showing him the way immediately without making the very obvious joke about “what makes it so strange” or something to that effect which is kind of dissapointing, but he understands that it probably isn’t the time for that kind of thing.

Stephen stands up when Tony approaches, and wow does he clean up nice. A powder blue shirt that should look ridiculous beneath the deep blue suit looks amazing with a slate blue tie and white pocket square. It’s a classic cut and though it’s technically out of season, it looks amazing on him. Stephen waits for Tony to get to the table to speak.

“I’m glad you could make it.”

“Thank the supervillians for not trying to end the world tonight.” Tony smiles and sits down, waving the waiter away when he asks if Tony wants wine, just tipping his water glass to have him fill it, “water is fine for me.”

“I hope you’re not skimping on my account.” Stephen smiles when the waiter leaves, having filled both their glasses.

“I don’t really drink anymore. There was an incident. Unless you intend to kill me I’ll pass.” He flashes a grin that is supposed to ease any tension that may form after such a revelation. Tony never made a secret of his mistakes or his vices. He figured it was always better to put stuff out there himself than let the press out him.

“Oh.” Stephen looks at his taster of red, “Would you prefer I didn’t-“

“No, no, it’s doesn’t bother me.” Tony waves away the very suggesion and takes a drink of water to wet his palate. Usually admitting to a previous drinking problem that boardered on alcoholism didn’t feel this… vulnerable. Maybe it should have.

Stephen nods, but he doesn’t ask for more than a full glass of the wine he’s already tasted.

Tony talks to Stephen more than he’s ever talked to anyone who isn’t Rhodey. And he’s talking too him. Not at him. Not around him. To him. They’re having a conversation. Several conversation. Stephen has a dry wit to die for and a cutting tongue to rival the Asguardian who shall not be named. He makes Tony laugh and he makes Tony think and he’s amazing. He can only hope that Stephen feels similarly.

When the waiter asks them if they want desert Tony says no and winks at Stephen. “I know a place.”

Stephen rolls his eyes but asks for the tab anyway.

They end up at a milkshake bar, and Stephen is visibly unimpressed. Tony laughs and drags him in by the suit sleeve.

“We’re only here because you think that it’s cute to be rich and eat here, aren’t you?”

“And they have the best milkshakes in New York. With non-milk options if that’s not your thing, so you can’t protest.”

“Non-milk?” Stephen asks with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, we have almond, soy and sherbert options!” The cheery girl behind the counter tells them. “Though the sherbert shakes are just kind of melty. Some peopel are into that though! I’d recommend the chocolate almond milk if that’s a route you want to go. THe vegan toppings have a gree spoon in them.”

“Milkshakes with toppings?” Stephen turns to Tony, who is grinning.

“Yes. I told you this place was the best. I’m going to have whatever you just suggested with whatever your favorite toppings are.”

“All of them!” She grins and Tony nods.

“All of them then. Stephen?”

Stephen looks at the menu and then points out the special of the day. “I think I’ll do the chocolate carmel pecan shake.”

“Traditional, almond or soy milk?””

“Almond,” Stephen said, looking at Tony. Tony smiles because they’re obviously getting basically the same thing and that’s gonna be a good sign.

Stephen rolls his eyes, and Tony just winks at the server and mouths, “my date’s going well.”

She grins at him, barely hiding a giggle as she starts to make their shakes.

When Tony pays Stephen doesn’t protest, which is good because it would have ruined their very nice date. Stephen gets cinamon and chocolate chips in his shake, and Tony has an unfortunate medley of gummies, chocolates, fruit and miscelaneous candies that leaves him just a tiny bit less fond of the enthusiastic barista.

“That’s some shake.” Stephen comments as they walk the streets like teenagers. Stephen is using maybe too much magic to stablize his hands, to keep them from shaking and spilling carmel all over himself. He did the same thing at dinner and nearly every time he eats, he has to, but if Tony ever noticed the difference he hasn’t said anything.

“Where’s your sense of adventure, Stephen?” Tony asked, just before he tried to suck up a sour gummy work in his straw. It didn’t work out well. Stephen’s laugh was worth it.

“I think I left it in that milkshake bar with your dignity. You could have told her not to put literally all the toppings in it.”

“She was so excited.”

“She needs some dissapointment in her life. She was too cheerful.”

“You’re going to regret saying that when she runs the world one day.”

Stephen raises an eyebrow, “You have that much faith in her?”

“I have faith in everyone. And the youth are the future. As a futurist I would know.”

They continue in silence as Tony battles with the gummy worm stuck in his straw, and every once in a while Stephen chuckles about it, and it’s comfortable. Tony hasn’t felt this at ease with paparazzi following him in years. Not even when Stark Industries was buying up paparazzi photos for ten times the amount that gossip rags would pay them for. That hadn’t lasted long, but it had kept most of his sexual expermentation in college out of the papers long enough for Tony to get his shit together.

“You’re a good person, Tony Stark.” Stephen stirs his milkshake with his straw and Tony cocks his head at him.

“I’m sorry, for a second I thought you said you thought I was a good person.”

“I didn’t say I thought it. I said You are a good person.”

Tony doesn’t really know what to say to that, so he returns the compliment. “So are you. Even if your taste in dates is a little bit questionable at the moment.”

“There’s nothing wrong with you.”

And this is the moment that Tony had been dreading. Self doubt and anxiety dragging him down and shoving his confidence in a box and throwing that box in the ocean.

“Maybe nothing that you can see right now.”

Stephen looks at Tony and then holds out his hand. Tony, not knowing what else to do, takes it. Suddenly Stephen’s hand starts shaking, nearly violently, and Tony panics. He looks into Stephen’s eyes to ask him if he’s okay, but there’s no pain or signs of some kind of episode, it’s just sadness.

“You’re not the only one with invisible issues. I’m willing to deal with them if you are.”

“Are you asking me to go steady?”

“I wouldn’t dream of it. I’m asking you on another date. Next week. You can pick the place.”

Tony smiles, “Only if you buy desert.”

“I think I can manage that.”

Stephen is very close and Tony isn’t sure who stepped closer to who, but his face is right there and Tony really can’t help himself, so he leans a little closer. “While we’re making demands, can I kiss you?”

Stephen smiles and leans the rest of the way down, and he’s just tall enough that Tony has to tilt his head up, and his free hand rests on Tony’s waist, noticably not shaking. Tony makes a mental note to make sure Stephen knows he doesn’t have to do that if he doesn’t want to, and they kiss until the paparazzi flashes ruin the moment. That’s when Tony’s best car shows up, curtousy of FRIDAY, and Tony waves Stephen into the passenger seat.

When they’re both in the car Tony looks across at Stephen, revving the engine just to show off. “Where to?”

Stephen rolls his eyes, but doesn’t try that hard to hide his grin. “Is this a your place or mine question?”

“Do you want it to be?”

Stephen laughs and leans over again to kiss Tony, drunk on sugar and happiness.

Tony doesn’t protest.

(Oh my god this is so long I’m sorry.)

Prompt Me!

#by the gods i wrote somethin #i cant be bothered to retype just to add a g so forgive me #i’m exhausted #tony stark #stephen strange #ironstrange #get together #lysa writes #this got out of hand #Honestly I meant for this to be short #but then they decided that they wanted to go on a date #edited: it was missing a line at the end.#Sorry

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vampirefreakism · 5 years

Text

The Scientist (Chapter 32)

Summary: In the events following Asgard’s destruction, Loki finds himself on Earth seeking refuge to await the inevitable. Much to his surprise, it comes from a source he would never have expected.

The Soundtrack So Far

Warnings: none

Word count: 3.2k

A/N: I am still posting on AO3, but I’m experimenting with not adding the link on this chapter so this story can show up in the tags

Masterlist

----------

Tony Stark did his best to be a generous man. He was responsible; always trying to upkeep his space and the relationships he was blessed with. Sometimes things fell apart and out of his grasp, but he took it in stride. Tony may have been wealthy and famous his entire life, but he was no stranger to struggle and failure. Based on the positive influences he surrounded himself with, he always found a reason to pick himself back up and keep going.

At the compound, Tony did what he did every time it snowed and arranged for his robots and designated workers to clean the roadways and parking spaces for the employees coming back to work. His vacation renewed him. Devoting time and full attention to his betrothed was a gift in and of itself. As he stood in his office, he made a mental note to take more time away with his love. Pepper Potts would reiterate herself time and time again how much he needed to rest. He complained but never fought her. She was always right.

“Welcome back, boss,” FRIDAY greeted. “How was your trip?”

“Romantic as Paris could be.” Tony waved a hand, summoning a display. “Say, I forgot. How were the specs on the kid’s new suit?”

“Compliant, but a bit tricky.” A full-body digital image of the suit spun above the virtual table. “The material from the Commodore spacecraft is an excellent medium, but it requires more physical testing than the usual.”

“When do you think it’ll be ready?”

“I can have simulation ready within the hour.”

Tony plopped down into a desk chair and spun around. “And what about Mark 50?”

“I can do a simultaneous run.” An image of his new suit appeared beside Peter’s, both rotating in tandem.

“Yup. Do that.” Tony got up and jogged over to his bar and fridge, all set with a variety of spices, fruits, and vegetables. "Has our favorite little biologist arrived yet?"

“Yes. Ms. Fields has been here the better part of an hour.”

“An hour?!” Tony fiddles with the spoon in his hand, nearly dropping it. “Why didn’t you tell me when she got here?”

“It wasn’t important. You don’t have a meeting scheduled with her today.”

“I sure don’t,” Tony mumbles as he scoops a few spoonful’s of turmeric into the blender. Blessed be to Luna for showing him the wonders and benefits of Indian spices. “How about we surprise her?”

"That can be arranged. Will you need her packages as well?”

“Mm-mm.” He shook his head, voice muffled behind a dollop of Greek yogurt. “I’ll bring her to it. Make a little adventure out of it.”

“Of course, boss.”

Tony made a delightful blend of leafy greens and juicy reds, portioned appropriately for two. As he waited for his concoction to smooth out, he shrugged on a crisp blazer and a clean pair of Gucci sunglasses. A chiming from the machine drew him to it once again. Careful not to dirty his outfit, he filled two lidded cups and journeyed down to the labs, greeting everyone he could along the way.

The riveting tunes of Duran Duran graced his ears as he slowly approached the biology lab. It was the title song off of his favorite album, ‘Rio.’ A grin on his face, Tony took the remaining steps to the door and bumped the edge of the doorway with his shoe.

“Knock-knock, Lulu,” he greeted. Luna lifted her head from the microscope and flashed him a toothy smile.

“Hey!” Even without her glasses, she could recognize Tony’s silhouette anywhere. “Let me wrap this up real quick so I can give you a proper two-armed hug.”

Slipping her glasses back on, Luna covered the Petri dish she was examining and turned off the microscope. She hurriedly took off her lab coat and gloves, impatient to wait one moment more. She shuffled over to him and into his open arms, squeezing him tight in her own.

“Ooh, now that’s what I call a hug,” Tony gushed, holding her as close as he could without losing his grip on their drinks. Feeling the chill of the smoothies in his hands, he released her and led the way down the hall to the lounge. “How was your winter vacay? Hope you didn’t miss me too much.”

“It was good, and we missed you just the right amount. Well, me more than him, but you know.”

“‘We?’ Oh, right. You and your guy.”

Luna scoffed. “He’s not my guy.”

“Yeah, sure.” Tony let Luna take a seat first. “How’d your mother take him being there, by the way?” He dropped down onto the couch beside her.

“Hm?” She tilted her head, his inquest taking her for a spin.

“What’d you tell her about Mr. Tall, Dark, and Ominous?” he reiterated.

“Oh, right.” Luna shook her head out. Tony almost caught her on her lie. “Um, I just told her he was my new boyfriend, and he was spending the time with me since his family is overseas.”

Tony nodded. “And how’d she take it?”

“She bought it. It was a nice time.” Luna shrugged, forcing the tension from her nerves. “Suspected absolutely nothing from either of us.”

“I would expect no less from the Master of Lies.” Tony handed her a cup, prompting a change of subject.

“Aw, Tony, you didn’t have to!” Luna thanked him as she cradled it with both hands.

Tony dismissed her gratitude. “Oh, please. I wanted to.” He couldn’t let her know how it made him feel, but his smile gave it away. To hell with it. “Cheers to you, sad girl.” He tapped the lid of his cup against hers.

“And to you, Mr. Charitable.” They took a unison swig. The taste settled from sweet to a tang, finishing off with a bite from the spice. Luna crossed on leg over the other and angled her body towards Tony, elated with his little surprise.

Tony threw an arm over the edge of the couch, letting his thumb graze lightly against Luna’s shoulder. “So what’d you do to ring in the New Year? Nothing I would do, I hope.”

Luna giggled. “Not much. I got some sparkling apple cider and a large assortment of designer chocolates. We watched some ‘Star Trek,’ then the ball drop, and then some more ‘Star Trek’ until I couldn’t keep my eyes open.”

In his best monotone voice, Tony replied, “That’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard in my entire life.” Luna’s loud laugh made him suppress his smile. He couldn’t break his character now. “You should be ashamed of yourself.” He giggled a little. He couldn’t contain it.

Luna pats her chest and lets her laughter die down. “Ok, fine. What did you do?” She took a sip of her drink.

“Oh, you know. When in Paris, do as the Parisians do.”

“Which is?”

“Watch fireworks, kiss under the Eiffel Tower, and celebrate with a bang in more ways than one.” Luna let out a scandalized gasp as her eyes went wide and her mouth agape.

“And you’re calling what I said ‘sexy’? Wow,” Luna said as sassy as she could. They share a brief laugh.

“Say, did Loki do anything with that phone you said you were gonna give him?”

“Oh, yeah. He’s been good with it so far, I think.” Luna put her cup close to her mouth. “Apparently, Peter gave him his number.” Her statement was muffled, but Tony heard well enough.

“He what?!”

Luna nodded. “Mhm. They’ve been sending each other memes the entire weekend.”

“Has the kid Rick-Rolled Loki yet?”

Luna furrowed her brow. “I’m a little surprised you know what that is, but no, he hasn’t.”

“The kid sent me that darned song a few months ago under the guise of it being a video of him drinking five Red Bulls in under five minutes,” Tony explained and threw a hand into the air. “Can’t believe I fell for it.”

“It’s a good song, though. Not gonna lie.”

“Yeah, it is.” He paused, tilting his head back and taking a long swig of his smoothie. With a satisfied gulp, he moved on to his next point. “Hey, you know what? We haven’t had one of our lab meetings in a good while?”

“No, we have not.”

Tony placed his cup on the table and brought his hands down on his thighs with a loud slap. “Let’s have one right now.” He pushed himself off the couch to standing. “I really want to see what you've been working on.”

“Oh, I think you’ll really like what I’ve done so far,” Luna said, giddy about his willingness to take the initiative. In her turn to lead, she took him to the lab, discarding their empty cups along the way. “Alright, so you remember how I told you I was investigating Loki’s DNA?” She handed Tony a pair of large rubber gloves and took small ones for herself.

Tony snapped his pair on and checked his shoes. “Mhm. Did you find the source of his crazy?”

Luna scoffed a little. “He’s not crazy, but I did get some interesting results when I spliced it with that of a C. elegans.” Taking great care, she shifted the Petri dish and lifted the lid. Tony stepped closer, peering inside.

“What is that?” he muttered, seeing the uncharacteristic tracks left by the tiny worms.

“Ice,” Luna whispered back. Tony’s head snapped up, his face and silence communicating his dumbfoundedness. “Yeah, I couldn’t believe it either. They survive in room temperature as they should, but they love the deep cold.” Luna placed it back on the bench. “I even put them in a tub of dry ice, and they were fine. Nothing I did could hurt them. They even laid eggs.”

Tony leaned on the table edge. “When did you do all this?”

“A couple months ago.”

“Months?!” he exclaimed, taken aback. “These things are only supposed to live half of a week!”

“I know! I was surprised too! They can’t seem to die!” Luna grabbed her lab notebook and opened it to the latest entry. Standing next to Tony, she showed him her data. “Just from that sequence I used, their lifespans have increased 1000% already.”

“Already? You’re saying it could keep rising?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Luna closed her book.

Tony’s shoulders dropped. “This is dangerous stuff, Lu. I mean, in the wrong hands…”

“I know.” Luna held her hands in front of her. “I’m keeping all digital files on my private server and all papers under lock-and-key.” She pointed to a storage cabinet with a clear lock on the front. “No work is brought outside of this room.”

“If Loki knew you were doing this, it spells ‘danger’ for you.”

“He does know, but on a top level. I told him about the worms because I was happy my hypothesis worked, but that’s it. I’m careful.” Luna took off a glove and put her bare hand on Tony’s arm. “You can trust me on that.”

“I do. It’s just… I just…” Tony shakes his head.

“I know. I understand.”

“I know you do.” He covers Luna’s hand with his and smiles, grateful for her counsel. “On a lighter note, I believe Christmas presents are in order.”

Luna gasped and pointed at him. “Yes! Yes, they are!” She took her other glove off and lay it beside the first one. “First off, I have two for you.”

Tony smirked proudly and crossed his arms. “Two? I knew Santa was real.”

“Tony, you flatter me,” Luna giggled. “Let me get my bag.” She strode over to her personal cabinet and opened it.

“Hey, come on.” Tony nodded his head towards the door. “We’ll do it on the way.”

Luna bunched up the handle and held it tight. “To where?”

“To where I have your present.”

“Ooh, I get one?” She followed close behind him out of her lab and down the hall. “Now it’s my turn to be excited.”

Tony waved her off. “Yeah, yeah. Come on, kiddo, time’s a-wastin’.”

--------------------

A short trek down the stairs and the duo found themselves entering the lower garage. It had been freshly cleaned during the holidays, and the available cars polished and waxed. On their way to a table, Luna eyed them with desire. Tony loved his expensive toys.

“So,” Luna set her bag down and brought her hands together with a clap, “who should go first?”

Tony raised a hand. “Uh, it should be me, because I’ve been waiting since the end of November.”

“An awfully long time to wait, so I won’t keep you any longer.” From her bag, Luna pulled a small white box and a framed piece of paper. “Ok, so first, we have this.” She placed the frame on the tabletop and slide it over to Tony. He adjusted his glasses and took a gander at it.

“Is…is that-?” He picked it up, getting a better look at it. In his hands, he held a detailed portrait of his likeness, done up tastefully in reds and oranges.

“Yup, that’s you.” Luna grinned, leaning over the table. “Loki kept sneaking peeks at it while I was working. Little devil,” she snickered.

“He’ll look at anything if you keep it a secret long enough.” Tony didn’t bother looking away from his new art piece.

“Mhm,” Luna hummed, pleased with his reaction to her gift. “And the second one.” She held the little box and took the lid off, revealing a handmade string bracelet in colors of red, orange, gold, and silver.

Tony's eyes flitted to it, and he smiled tenderly. Reaching with one hand, he took it around his fingers and rolled it onto his wrist. It was his third one from her.

“You know me so well.”

Luna smiled back. “I try. A billionaire is hard to buy for, so I make due.”

“Oh, this is more than ‘make due.’ "He held up his picture and turned it for Luna to see. “This is going in the center of the art wall at home.”

“Again, you flatter me, boss.”

“Unlike some people, I speak the truth, and this,” he looked to his artwork, sighing, and chuckled, “is gorgeous. Makes my present for you seem a little subpar.”

“A subpar gift from you? Never in your life.”

“Since we’re on the subject, we should get that show over with.” The frame tucked safely under his arm, Tony tilted his head towards one area of the garage and led the way to it.

On the counter by the wall sat four boxes, all wrapped in colorful paper and of varying sizes. Tony stood beside the lineup and gestured grandly to them.

“Tony,” Luna started skeptically, “this can’t all be for me.”

Tony held his hands behind his back and rocked on his feet. “No, the one on the far left is for you, the second one is for DUM-E, and the biggest ones are for FRIDAY and the kid.” He paused, not taking himself seriously. “Yes, it’s all for you. Now open the darn things, or I’m keeping all of it.”

“Alrighty, boss, but you’re gonna have to help me.”

At a loss for which box to pick first, Tony stepped in and pulled the tape off of the third box from the right. Luna moved up beside him and held the top flaps open as he pulled the Styrofoam-encased object out. With great care, they worked together in uncovering it, occasionally stopping and brushing stray foam and plastic from their clothes.

Their efforts weren’t all for naught. Upon a clean space on the counter, Luna’s gift sat for her to look at. She passed her fingers over the edges, trying to decipher what she was looking at. Under a Plexiglas cover, it housed a round disc, a small lever, and a weighted arm with a small needle on the end of it. The needle caught Luna's eye and helped her tie her pondered thoughts together.

“Tony, what is… is this…,” she stammered a little. She didn’t want to jinx what her heart was telling her.

Tony rotated his hands around to coax out the rest of her question. “Come on, genius. Use your words. It’s a…”

“Is this a record player?” Luna whispered. Tony snapped his fingers.

“Bingo! And she gets the prize!” he praised, eliciting a gasp and an ecstatic response from his young friend.

“You got me a vinyl record player?! Tony! This is amazing!” Luna grabbed his arm and shook it. “Wait, is this because of that one time I casually mentioned how jealous I was that you had one?”

Tony tilted his head from side to side. “Mm, probably, but I wouldn’t count on it.” Luna laughed, brimming with joy. “You’re very welcome, by the way.” She took a hand off of him, fanned her face, and covered half of her mouth. “Oh, don’t get all teary-eyed on me. No need for that.”

Luna groaned, throat tight from emotion. “I’m sorry. I’m just really happy." She bit the inside of her cheek, but nothing could suppress the smile she wore.

“I can tell,” he said tenderly.

“Thank you, Mr. Stark.”

He waved a hand. “Oh, come on now. None of that.” He patted the hand she still had on him. “Now, I can show you how to connect all the pieces, or I can leave that up to you and your intellect. Either way, you're putting all this -” he gestured to the unopened boxes “- in your car by the end of the day and making your boy toy very jealous.”

Luna chuckled, giving up on correcting Loki’s unfortunate nickname. “So, uh, what are all the pieces?”

“We have the turntable itself,” Tony placed a hand on it, “the power amp,” he moved to the first box by them, “pre-amp," he stepped out of Luna's grasp pointing the second box, “a set of speakers,” he indicated the box furthest from them, “and all the necessary wiring and instructions included. I may have gone overboard on the wires, but hey, can’t go wrong in having lots of backup supplies.”

“No, of course not.” Luna paused, taking everything in: the lavish gift, his generosity, the expense he considered to be pocket change. No, it was pocket change for him. “Tony, this is so much.”

“But do you like it?” He folded his hands, hopeful for a positive answer.

“Oh, I love it. I love it so much,” Luna affirmed, smile broad and shining.

“Good, because I only treat my friends like this.”

The two scientists shared their moment for only a second longer as FRIDAY chose the next one to break it.

“Boss, the diagnostic run on the suits is complete. Would you care to see the results now?”

Tony stepped back from Luna and stood straight with a proud smile. “Since I’ve seen your work, do you want to see mine?”

Luna mimicked him. “When do I ever refuse? Let’s go.”

----------

Taglist: @the-doctor-9-10 @pinkieperil @sherlockfan4life

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userseokkie · 5 years

Note

#I have so many feelings about which designer house each avenger married #the only one I'm not so sure about is Tony because he's a designer whore omghshgorjykvmb please ELABORATE ON THIS

FKDJGKFHJLSFJG listen…. thank u for this i’ve been thinking about avengers and fashion for a while now and i have so many feelings about it (i’m a noob fashion enthusiast but whatever)

like, i have this headcanon that each avenger has this designer that represents them the best and that the head of the house are obviously in LOVE with them and would give their left arm to get them to do a campaign for them, so it goes as follows:

natasha NAT this girl is so painfully a Chanel gal i’m crying. Karl lagerfeld ABSOLUTELY loves her and personally asks her to wear some of his newer designs BEFORE THEY’VE EVEN HIT THE RUNWAY. Natasha embodies everything that Chanel is (and i mean modern day Chanel, not the nazi sympathizer shit from the 40s) and SHE’S BEAUTY AND GRACE….. she’s so elegant it’s like Chanel was made for her. here are some of my favorite designs i envision her in:

Chanel, Spring-Summer 1992

Chanel, Fall-Winter 1989

Chanel, Fall-Winter 1995

there’s more obviously but let’s keep it short for now dkgjhkj

Next, Thor. Oh god Thor,,,, he’d look good in a trash bag and make it WORK but I know in my soul he’d look best in Givenchy. I know Givenchy is fun and and shiny and always tries to push the envelope on what menswear means, and with Thor’s flashy personality this would be a GREAT match

Givenchy, Fall-Winter 2018 was FULL of glimmer and capes and it’s perfect

Then Clint, i’m not so sure with Clint bc i don’t think he’d be able to be talked into wearing stuffy suits and wear a tie lmao but if he did, then I see him wearing Tom Ford. TF is very straight to the point, very classic but keeping it modern and i think it can be a very ‘friendly’ firm for clint to work with. I think he’d look killer in stuff like this!!

Bruce is harder bc tbh i don’t see him in a designer house owning it and being like perfectly characterized by it, but i do like him in sharp, classic suits so I’d put him with Ralph lauren. like no shade but,,,, Ralph lauren is the most boring designer so there lol. now you get the Hulk to spice it up a bit

and NOW…. no we’re getting to the good stuff,,,,, the power couple of america,,, the duo EVERY FUCKING HOUSE WOULD KILL TO HAVE…. *drum rolls*

Steve Rogers is the face of Dior. No one can tell me otherwise. In a world where haute couture was barely starting to grow Dior dominated the fucking business from 1950 to 1980 easy. Dior Homme represents EVERYTHING that Steve can be style wise; classic yet risky, manly and innovative. they have the sleekest sexiest silhouettes in the game. and please, the all american boy going with a FRENCH house,,, oh mon dieu

work it,,,

i know this wimp is underselling this but imagine STEVE ROGERS filling out this dusty PINK suit with his BROAD shoulders and BICEPS,,,,

imagine Steve in this Dior three piece David beckham wore to the royal wedding i’m (also let’s not even talk about Robert pattinson’s campaign for Dior last year and whatever you do don’t look it up and imagine Steve in that photoshoot…..)

oops i failed. THIS WAS MADE FOR STEVE.

For the grand finale, Tony Stark, I said he’s a designer whore bc of course he wouldn’t stick to only ONE house come on,,,, that’d be robbing the world of the opportunity to see Tony work three different designers. HE LOVES THE ATTENTION, HE’S A NATURAL BORN MODEL. any house would be lucky to have him, and every time he chooses one campaign or design he WORKS THAT CAMERA LIKE NAOMI CAMPBELL.

Tony Stark would be the face of all the bad boys of the fashion world. Versace, Alexander McQueen, Armani, but ALSO Prada, Balmain, the really tasteful designers that know what it means to make timeless fashion.

Here’s some Versace made for Tony

AND some Alexander McQueen, who always shocks the runway as does Tony!!

and some Prada

AND my favorite designs for Tony, Balmain collection Fall-Winter 2016

So.... yeah. the super long list is done. This is what I mean when i say i have a LOT of thots abt the avengers and fashion, and TONY STARK SHOULD DO A CAMPAIGN FOR BALMAIN

#Anonymous #long post #the avengers #headcanon #fashion #core six

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quiet-onset · 6 years

Text

Real Life (9)

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 1,787

Tag List: @girlwhoisfearless, @lordemjay, @skeletoresinthebasement, @givemeanorigami

TW: Really chill sexual suggestions

A/N: Just a PSA, this series will be ending soon so I can make way for other things I want to post. Sad to see it going, but thanks to everyone who keeps reading. In other news, the first chapter of Pâro will posted tomorrow, so watch out for that! Enjoy!

Happy New Year

“I look ridiculous.”

“You look hot.”

New Year’s had come much too quickly, and you were internally panicking as you tried on dresses with Natasha. Ever since Christmas, you’d been in a funk. You couldn’t work, you’d cry yourself to sleep, you ate nothing but junk food. It was pathetic, really. You wanted to kick yourself for moping like this over a guy, but it wasn’t just a guy.

Bucky wasn’t just a guy. He was the guy.

The guy that you looked forward to seeing every day. His presence that made you smile. His jokes and charm that made you laugh and blush. He was the only guy you’d thought about for months, and now you were sure you ruined it.

You couldn’t fathom your new reality, but you weren’t sure if you and Bucky could still be friends.

“You don’t think this is too much?” You asked Nat.

“For a Tony Stark extravaganza?” She scoffed. “If anything, you’re underdressed.”

You felt exposed in your black bodycon dress. You had to admit, it hugged your body in all the right places, but the sheer material of the sleeves and torso made your skin visible. Part of you just wanted to cover up.

When you turned, Nat was zipping up her own dress, the signature cherry red color complimenting her skin. “How come yours isn’t sheer?” You asked defensively.

“Y/N,” She laughed. “You look great, alright? Now, calm down and have a drink.”

Taking the glass of champagne she offered, you shuffled in your place. “I’m a technician, Nat. I don’t wear this kinda stuff.”

“If you wanna take it off, then okay.” She told you quietly, her hands on your shoulders. You could tell she was only trying to make you feel as good as you looked. “But I’m telling you, you will be the sexiest woman at this party. And Bucky will be on his knees.”

“Doubt it.” You muttered.

“And why’s that?” She asked, her face falling. “Did something happen between you two?”

“No. That’s the problem. I gave him the chance, Nat. I practically served it to him on a silver platter.”

“And he said…?”

“Absolutely nothing.”

“Well that explains his moping.” Her brow furrowed as she rubbed her hands up and down your arms in an attempt to comfort you. “He was probably just caught off guard, Y/N. That man is crazy for you.”

“You have no idea how much I wish that were true.” You sighed.

“Wear the dress, okay? If not to guarantee a confession from Bucky, to make yourself feel good. ‘Cause you look good.”

Her hopeful smile was suddenly contagious, making a small grin slip onto your lips as you playfully slapped her hands away before going to slip on your shoes. “I’ll wear it.” You muttered. “But not because of Bucky.”

“Course.”

When the party finally rolled around, Nat’s theory was proven right. Bucky had been sitting at a table with Steve and Sam when he saw you from across the room, drowning his sorrows. He knew the alcohol would have no effect, not even a buzz, but he had to do something. He hadn’t seen you since Christmas when he made the dumbest decision of his life.

He even tried calling. Keyword, tried. He spent the last few days picking up the phone and putting it back down. He wanted to call and tell you that he was stupid. That he really, really liked you and has liked you for a long time, long before you met. But something always made him stop with a sigh. Self-pity, Steve called it.

Bucky told Steve and Sam what had happened, and they were the first to tell him that he needed to leave his room. Staring at the wall isn’t doing you any good, dumbass, Sam had told him. So they got him up, gave him a dark blue suit, and dragged him to Tony’s party to mope in public.

Then he saw you, and every emotion that a human can feel ran through Bucky’s veins.

Bucky felt heat creep up his neck as he quickly looked down to avoid your eyes, loosening his tie. He knew it was stupid, feeling so attracted to you when he couldn’t even admit his feelings. But he couldn’t help it. You were the definition of beautiful although your smile didn’t quite reach your eyes when you and Nat met up with Wanda. And that dress wasn’t helping either, forcing Bucky to shift in his seat as his clothes suddenly felt too tight.

When Sam and Steve noticed how distracted he was, they followed his gaze. You’d earned a damn! and one long, low whistle when you finally caught his eyes. Your smile faltered just a bit as you looked at him, but you waved shyly anyway. Bucky cleared his throat and gave a tight-lipped smile back, raising his glass to say hello.

“Bruh, if you don’t do something soon, I will.” Sam snickered.

“Do you really wanna try me right now, Wilson?” Bucky gripped his glass tightly as he tried to clear his thoughts.

“It’s obvious you’re both into each other, despite what happened on Christmas.” Steve observed. “Just go talk to her.”

“Before someone else takes interest.” Sam added. Bucky parted his lips to retort once more, but Sam stopped him with a point towards the bar. “Not me. Him.”

Bucky turned his head and found that you were no longer next to Natasha, but at the bar with Scott Lang. He watched you chuckle at something Scott said, your lashes just grazing your cheeks as you looked to the floor. Smiling at you, Lang waved the bartender over and asked for another drink. He offered to refresh yours, but you smiled politely and shook your head, kindly placing your hand on his knee.

Then Bucky felt something in his chest. Something protective, primal even.

Before Bucky could even consider the consequences, he downed the rest of his drink and placed his glass on the counter as he stood up. “I’ll be back.” He mumbled.

Bucky could hear the two men whooping it up behind him, but he couldn’t be bothered to pay them any attention. In that moment, he had tunnel vision, and you were on the receiving end. As he approached, he put on the nicest smile he could muster. You noticed him arrived and stood on your feet to greet him, your eyes wide and surprised. “Hey, James.”

You felt his flesh arm wind around your waist as you tried to mask your confusion for Scott’s sake. “Hey, doll.”

You stepped back just a bit. “Oh, um, James, this is Scott Lang. He’s—“

“Ant-man. We fought together once.” Bucky shook his hand.

“Then, I got arrested, and he didn’t.” Scott joked. “All in the past.”

“Of course. Hey, do you mind if I steal her for a minute?” Bucky placed his hand at the small of your back, your breath hitching in your throat. He’d never done that before. “Just something about my arm.”

“Oh yeah, go ahead. Work never ends, right?” Scott smiled.

Bucky muttered a thanks and lightly pushed you towards the nearest empty hallway. As soon as you were alone, you wrapped your arms around yourself, looking at the ground. “Something wrong with your arm again, James?”

“Please don’t call me James.”

Your head tilted, “That’s your name.”

“It’s too formal.” He shook his head. “I can’t take hearing you call me that.”

“Well, I don’t know what you want from me. It’s hard enough for me to be here.” You said quietly.

Bucky sighed, “I never meant to hurt you, Y/N.”

“Stop, James—“

“It’s Bucky.”

“I don’t want your pity. We’re just friends, I get it.”

“Just wait, okay? I want to—“

“Is something wrong with your arm?” You asked.

“No.” He admitted with a huff. “I just… I wanted to, um… You look beautiful, is all.”

You blinked. “Thank you.”

The sound of chattering and party music filled the silence as Bucky plunged his hands into the pockets of his suit pants. You rubbed a hand over your opposing forearm as you spoke shyly, “Why did you lie?”

“I don’t know. Something in me just snapped.”

“Snapped like…?”

He sighed as he tried to string the words together over the sound of hundreds of people counting down to the New Year. “Seeing you with Scott. I couldn’t stand it.”

You shrugged lightly. “Why?”

Bucky tried so hard to just say how he felt. He really did. But words couldn’t express the simple instinct that carried him from his table to the bar when he saw you with him. So he did the one thing he was sure of.

It was a surprise when Bucky lunged forward and cupped your cheeks, pressing his lips to yours. A pleasant one, but a surprise nonetheless. You stumbled backwards a bit and lightly collided with the wall as his soft lips moved against yours.

As if he’d suddenly came to his senses, he pulled away and looked into your eyes. They were filled with as much surprise as yours, his swollen pink lips parted to speak. “I’m sorry.” He said quietly. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

He tried to walk away, but before he could turn the corner, you grabbed his metal wrist in your small hand. Without another word, you pulled him back to you and kissed him again.

His body seemed to envelope yours as the shear size of him pinned you to the wall. His hands roughly pulled you closer by your hips, making you gasp. No sooner was his tongue gliding across your own. He hooked your leg around his waist and pressed forward, relieving some of the tightness in his pants. A quiet growl vibrated through his chest when you let a whimper fall from your lips.

All of a sudden, you two all but jumped apart at the sound of the first firework. When you both realized what it was, you laughed and pulled him closer once more. With a smile on his lips, he pressed one last soft kiss to yours. “That was unexpected.” You let out a breathy laugh.

“The fireworks or the kiss?”

You giggled as he pecked your lips again, unable to resist. “Both, Bucky.”

His eyebrows raised, and his smile widened to reach his eyes. “You called me Bucky.”

“That’s your name, isn’t it?”

He pinched your ass playfully, causing you to yelp and flinch in his arms. You laughed as he tightened his arms around you. “What’s your New Year’s resolution?” You asked.

“Mine?” He hummed. “To learn how to control myself around you.”

“That’s a tall order, Sarge.”

“Apparently so.”

Forever Tags:

@kimmy-h-life, @ben-platt-deserves-the-world, @thewordofthenerd, @wishuponastarlana, @here-for-your-bullshit, @bethbat

#bucky x reader #bucky barnes x reader #marvel x reader #marvel fanfiction #Real Life series

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riffs-music-notebook-part-2 · 5 years

Text

Jason Eli Becker (1969 - )

Eddie Van Halen's visit with Jason - August 31, 1996

youtube

Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet [Film Trailer] Jan 13, 2011

Jason is an American musician, songwriter and composer. At the age of 16, he became part of the Shrapnel Records-produced duo Cacophony with his friend Marty Friedman. They released the albums Speed Metal Symphony in 1987 and Go Off! in 1988. Cacophony broke up in 1989 and Becker began doing solo work, having released his first album Perpetual Burn in 1988, also through Shrapnel. He later joined David Lee Roth's band and recorded one album with him, A Little Ain't Enough.

Becker's performing career was cut short by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In 1996, Becker lost the ability to speak, and he now communicates with his eyes via a system developed by his father. Despite his disability, he continues composing by using a computer and has since released with Shrapnel Collection, a "best of" album of his favorite songs and three new songs. Becker is now the longest currently living person with ALS, since the death of Stephen Hawking in 2018.

Source: Wikipedia

Jason and his many stringed instruments

Becker started out playing alongside Marty Friedman in the Mike Varney-produced duo, Cacophony. Together, they put out an album, and toured Japan and the U.S. While they never went mainstream in the U.S., they proved popular enough in Europe to sell out almost every performance. [2] In 1989 Friedman left to join Megadeth and Becker began to pursue a solo career, having released his first solo album titled Perpetual Burn in 1988. He has since released the albums Perspective and Collection, as well as two albums of demos, entitled The Raspberry Jams and The Blackberry Jams.

Source: Wikipedia

youtube

Marty Friedman on Jason Becker and Cacophony 2011

Jason and Marty in the studio

youtube

Speed Metal Symphony - Cacophony ℗ 1987 Shrapnel Records, Inc.

Shrapnel Records was founded in 1980 by Mike Varney at the age of 22. It was the first record company in the USA strictly dedicated to Heavy Metal. As other labels followed suit, Shrapnel set itself apart from the pack by focusing on bands featuring guitarists of extraordinary ability and was at the forefront of the neo-classical electric guitar and shred movements. Shrapnel Records was the first label to bring renowned guitarists to world attention such as Yngwie Malmsteen (Steeler ), Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert, Racer X, Tony MacAlpine, Vinnie Moore, Greg Howe, Richie Kotzen and many others. Today Shrapnel continues to record guitarists of extraordinary ability and has also returned a bit to its metal roots in releasing some classic metal and hard rock records. The turn of the new millennium has brought a resurgent interest in virtuoso guitar work and this groundswell continues to build you can continue to look to Shrapnel to be at the forefront of a whole new generation of guitar excellence.

Source: shrapnelrecords.com

At the age of 20, he joined David Lee Roth's band to work on Roth's album A Little Ain't Enough, replacing Steve Vai, who had joined Whitesnake. In 1990 Becker won the coveted Best New Guitarist award from Guitar Magazine. While preparing for the album, Becker began to feel what he called a "lazy limp" in his left leg. He was soon diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; Lou Gehrig's disease) and was given three to five years to live. He finished the recording using lighter (thinner) gauge guitar strings and other techniques, which made it easier for him to play with his weakening hands. Although he managed to finish the album, which was released in 1991, he did not join the supporting tour due to his inability to perform on stage; former Lizzy Borden guitarist Joe Holmes took Becker's place on tour.

His ALS gradually robbed him of his ability to play guitar, to walk, and eventually his ability to speak. He now communicates with his eyes via a system developed by his father. Due to the nature of the disease, he remains mentally sharp and, with the aid of a computer, continues composing. In the back of the Perspective CD case, Becker states "I have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind." His medical condition has remained stable since 1997. In 2003, Becker posted on his website that he was feeling better and had gained some weight, while the folder for his 2008 album Collection also mentions an upcoming book.

Source: Wikipedia

At first it was really hard for him to adjust to life after the ALS took total control of his body.

But that never really stopped him from being happy.

Jason Becker - Perspective released in 1996

I highly recommend checking out End of the Beginning!

In 1996, Becker released an album entitled Perspective, an instrumental album composed by him (with the exception of Bob Dylan's song "Meet Me in the Morning"). The writing of the music had been started before ALS completely crippled his abilities. By using guitar, and, later, when he was unable to use both hands, a keyboard, he continued to compose while his disease worsened. However, when Becker could no longer physically play even a keyboard, his friend and music producer Mike Bemesderfer helped him with a music-composing computer program that reads movements of his head and eyes, enabling Becker to continue to compose after he lost control of the rest of his body.

Several years later, Becker released Raspberry Jams (1999) and Blackberry Jams (2003); the first contained various unreleased demo-tracks, and the latter contained demo-tracks and alternate versions of songs that were later reworked and published into other albums.

Two tribute albums to Jason Becker have been issued. Respectively entitled Warmth in the Wilderness I and Warmth in the Wilderness II, they feature guitarists such as Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Marty Friedman, Joe Becker, Rusty Cooley, and Mattias Eklundh. The album profits were sent to Becker to help him with his medical finances.

Source: Wikipedia

Prior to the ALS, Jason had done a few clinic tours which consisted of him teaching his style and mannerisms of playing guitar. Featuring demonstrations and playing parts of songs he wrote.

youtube

Jason Becker's Air Covered By Konstantin Kokourov

In the beginning of 2019 the young classical composer Konstantin Kokourov will release his first album Notes. The composition Air will be the first single. It is a cover version of Jason Becker’s composition from the album Perpetual Burn, which was released 30 years ago. Konstantin grew up on Becker’s music. His art and thirst for life is a guiding star for the composer. The American guitarist has been suffering from a serious affliction - Lou Gehrig's disease for many years. Jason can communicate and compose music only by moving his eyes. “Jason Becker’s compositions have helped me to live to the fullest, to work, to make music, and not to squander precious time over the past ten years,” explains Konstantin Kokourov. Jason and Konstantin stay in touch. The guitar player has already heard the final version of Air, recorded with orchestra in Berlin, and Jason gave his approval. “It’s amazing! It’s hard to find words to say how happy I am to hear such a beautiful version of Air. Absolutely fantastic!” says the musician. Konstantin’s album was recorded in Berlin at Teldex Studio and performed by the Scoring Berlin Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Bernhard Wünsch. Tobias Lehmann - a three-time Grammy Award winner – was the sound engineer. The release is scheduled for February-March 2019.

Source: YouTube description

In October 2016, Becker launched a campaign to fund an album, which was initially estimated for release in July 2017. The campaign raised more than $100,000. The album, Triumphant Hearts was released on December 7, 2018.

Source: Wikipedia

youtube

Jason Becker - Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday) (Official Music Video) 2018

Mr. Shades

Eddie Van Halen and Jason

Cacophony

The famous Yo-Yo guitar solo

The “Sexiest Man Alive” - Jason https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN3Gn8W4ZvA

Eddie Van Halen's visit with Jason - August 31, 1996

Via Jason Becker‘s official YouTube channel

#bio #history #the music notebook pt.2 #RiffMusicPony

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wineanddinosaur · 6 years

Text

London’s Hotel Bar Scene Has Never Been Cooler

If hotel bars are the sexiest bars, then London, an age-old mecca for grand hotels and historic watering holes, might just have the sexiest bar scene on the planet.

It was at a London hotel bar — DUKES Bar in the tony Mayfair district — that Ian Fleming created his “shaken, not stirred,” Martini-sipping secret agent. The American Bar at the Savoy not only gave mixology foreparents Ada “Coley” Coleman and Harry Craddock their start, it also served astronaut Neil Armstrong his very first drink after returning from the moon (imagine that thirst).

According to British-born Simon Ford, founder of Fords Gin and a longtime fixture of London’s cocktail culture, the city’s love affair with these in-house hideaways is rooted in its status as a cross-cultural hub.

“London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. It also happens to be one of the most connected — Heathrow has flights serving more international destinations than any other airport in the world,” Ford says. “All of this makes London a melting pot for what is happening in food and drink and the hotels have always been at that forefront.”

The Savoy Hotel, founded by Cesar Ritz and Auguste Escoffier in 1889, was influential. “That opening set the stage for hotels around the world, not just as a destination for accommodation but also for fine food and drink and for high society to mingle,” Ford says.

The Punch Room at Ian Schrager’s London EDITION hotel. Credit: Nikolas Koenig

While iconic institutions can all-too-often rest on their highly decorated laurels, sinking into overstuffed oblivion, such is not the case at the Savoy. It, like all of London nightlife, is continually reinventing itself. The Covent Garden institution went so far as to undergo a three-year, £220 million renovation in 2010, painstakingly restoring its groundbreaking American Bar and even installing a snazzy new cabaret bar called The Beaufort.

“I first started surveying the scene in the late ’90s when bars at The Savoy, The Lanesborough, The Dukes, The Berkeley, The Sanderson, and so on were already among the world’s most celebrated,” Ford says. “A world-class cocktail bar has been a required element… And every time a hot new hotel bar opens, existing spots upgrade their offerings to ensure that the newcomers do not outshine.

“The momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down.”

In 2007, the Langham Hotel celebrated its 142nd birthday by debuting Artesian bar. Outfitted with stately Victorian chandeliers and a crisp, royal-blue-and-white color scheme, it had one of the most forward-thinking cocktail programs the U.K. had ever seen. Drinks International named it the World’s Best Bar from 2011 to 2015, and it received a bounty of nods from Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards, including World’s Best Hotel Bar, Best International Cocktail Bar, and multiple International Bartender of the Year awards.

Less than a year later, the 1897 Connaught Hotel gave its treasured eponymous bar a sleek Art Deco-inspired facelift. It soon began accumulating its own arsenal of awards, thanks, at least in part, to its completely irresistible Martini trolley.

Fitz’s at the Kimpton Fitzroy London. Credit: Tom Mannion

In the decade that followed, properties citywide followed suit, creating its now-flourishing hotel bar landscape. New openings and renovations continue to inspire this constantly evolving city by combining contemporary design, boundary-pushing drinks, and decadent hospitality and attention to detail.

These five standouts prove there’s never been a better time to sip and stay in Londontown.

Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood Hotel

This plush, handsome Holborn staple has paid homage to political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe since its inception in 2014. The illustrator’s quirky caricatures hang on the walls and dot the pages of the novel-like menu, bringing a dash of levity to the library-esque atmosphere (read: massive fireplace, built-in dark wood bookshelves, slick marble, tufted leather armchairs). Look for celebrity-inspired cocktails like the Zingy Stardust, made with Absolut Elyx, lemongrass, and kaffir lime; and Booyakasha, a fiery Sasha Baron Cohen tribute featuring Patron Silver, Martini Rubino, habanero, verjus, pink grapefruit, and gusano.

“Scarfes is far from your typical 5-star hotel bar, with nothing stuffy about it,” bar manager Martin Siska says. “Between 60 and 70 percent of our guests visit from outside the hotel property.” Siska has also noticed several travelers book a stay at the hotel because of its bar.

If you ask Ford, that kind of following is a one-way ticket to greatness. “A good hotel bar has the challenge of not only staying ahead of drinking and bar trends around the whole world but it also needs to cater to an international audience,” he says. “If a bar is the reason that people are choosing to stay at the hotel then you have yourself a great hotel bar, and if that bar manages to mingle an international crowd with locals, then even better.”

The Green Room at The Curtain

Shoreditch’s boutique Curtain Hotel threw a big ol’ splash of color onto London’s hotel bar scene when it opened its Green Room in June 2018. Polished concrete floors and giant steel-trimmed windows play off the area’s industrial past, while blue velvet bar stools, glossy emerald tiling, hanging ferns, and a meandering snake of a plush green banquette speak to its youthful, street-savvy present. The drinks list is also tailor-made for the neighborhood’s brunch-craving crowd, with playful numbers like Holiest Harlot (Braemble gin, Martini Riserva Bitter, lemon sorbet, rosé) and Sunday Service (Tapatio Blanco tequila, eucalyptus, pear, lemon, floral bitters) leading the pack.

The Green Room at Shoreditch’s boutique Curtain Hotel. Credit: Justine Trickett

The Punch Room at The EDITION

Nestled deep inside Ian Schrager’s chic London EDITION hotel lurks this intimate haunt, opened in 2013 with floor-to-ceiling wainscotting, soft blue banquettes, and tobacco-hued club chairs. Beautiful as it is, what really makes this place pop is its central theme: punch, the communal English drink first invented by British East India Company sailors.

“I like the versatility of punch, but it’s the drink’s history that really fascinates me,” EDITION’s director of beverages, Davide Segat, says. “It was the first mixed drink that would touch all parts of society, from any social class or position. For hundreds of years, it would reflect society in a bowl — it’s beautiful.”

Punches here are expertly concocted using traditional and offbeat ingredients. Seasonal menus range from tart refreshers (the Enotria features Banks 7 rum, lavender and thyme cordial, Vermentino, and lemon juice) to hearty stalwarts like an English Milk Punch made with Havana Club 3 Year, Somerset Cider brandy, fermented red rice liqueur, milk, and a whole host of belly-warming juices and spices.

Fitz’s at The Kimpton Fitzroy London

In operation since April 2018, Ford deems this newly minted Russell Square addition as “a perfect juxtaposition between classic hotel bar and a modern-day disco vibe.” And trust us, from the velvet clamshell sofas, to the illuminated Art Deco-style back bar, to the massive disco ball hanging amid a thick halo of real ostrich feathers, it lives up to the description. Fitz’s opened in April 2018 and is helmed by Sean Fennelly of Milk & Honey fame, and Carey Hanlon from the trendsetting Callooh Callay. The list includes jazzed-up twists like the silky, bittersweet Vesca Negroni, served atop a bright pink hunk of strawberry- and rosehip-flavored ice. It’s art in a glass, with a sidecar of smirk. Elsewhere on the menu, complicated originals like the pleasantly nutty Golden Echo (St. George Pear Brandy, Noix de la Saint Jean, Smith & Cross rum, lime, toasted sesame, pimento bitters, ginger beer) exhibit skillfully composed balance.

Celebrated London proprietor Ryan Chetiyawardan’s Dandelyan at the Mondrian. Credit: Dandelyan

Dandelyan at the Mondrian (For Now)

Celebrated barkeep Ryan Chetiyawardan’s Dandelyan at the Mondrian quickly rose to the top of the ranks after opening in 2014. And though he recently announced its imminent closure via Instagram, Mr. Lyan, as he’s known, and his swanky, multi-award-winning Southbank digs remain, at least for now, a titan within the scene. The cocktail program is famous for incorporating foraged ingredients, bizarre housemade tinctures and syrups, and other one-of-a-kind finds. All are presented in a menu that resembles a coffee table book of mad scientist creations.

When and if it goes, it will undoubtedly be hard for any bar to fill the Dandelyan’s shoes. But London imbibers should rest assured that the city’s inevitable next class of hotel bars will be primed and poised to try.

The post London’s Hotel Bar Scene Has Never Been Cooler appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/best-hotel-bars-london-travel-guide/

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