#john x lemar

[swan-of-sunrise]

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Part II)

Summary: In the wake of the announcement that John Walker would be the new Captain America, (Y/N) lends a patient ear to both Sam and Bucky, and an open-minded Steve gets an important and well-meaning lesson on modern forms of discrimination.

Pairing: Steve Rogers X Fem!Reader

Word Count: 4k

Warnings/Disclaimers: Disclaimer for a frank discussion of racism/bigotry

A/N: Writing more Sam and Bucky and their constant squabbling was so much fun, and it really did wonders counteracting how sad it was writing Steve’s emotions about Walker becoming Cap lol thank you for reading, I hope you all enjoy!

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Part II) May 2024 Rockport, Maine (Previous Chapter)

Two weeks later, (Y/N) was sitting alone on her wraparound porch and fiddling with Natasha’s old red hourglass-shaped belt buckle, her lost friend’s treasured memento unable to give her its usual sense of comfort as she listened to Sam talk. He’d filtered through a wide range of emotions in the days since Captain John F. Walker had been named the new Captain America – shock, anger, sadness, outrage – before finally settling on heartbreak. Seeing a white man with the same blonde hair, blue eyes and chiseled physique that the country had come to expect in their Star-Spangled-Man-With-A-Plan did nothing short of break Sam’s heart and – although she was nowhere near a trained psychologist – she suspected that it only served to validate his intrusive imposter syndrome. She’d made it a point to call and check in on him every day since, and she was happy that her best friend hadn’t shut her out; just as he’d been there for her during so many difficult times in the past, she was giving him the strength and support that they both knew he needed.

“I decided not to watch that GMA interview that aired this morning,” Sam sighed over the phone. “I mean, why put myself through all that?”

“Believe me, you didn’t miss anything you couldn’t just find out with a quick Google search. The guy’s like a walking slice of plain white bread.” (Y/N) smiled to herself as her best friend snorted in amusement at her joke. “Scott was blowing up my phone throughout the entire thing; Walker had better watch himself, because he’s only been on the job for two weeks and he’s already got Ant-Man pissed off at him.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Tic-Tac angry before and now I kinda don’t want to; all the shrinking and growing still freaks me out a little, and I haven’t forgotten how that little shit deactivated my wings like it was nothin’.” Their laughter faded away into a heavy silence that was eventually broken by Sam. “Thank you, (Y/N).”

She frowned in confusion. “For what?”

“For not trying to convince me to talk to Steve about all this. I love the guy, I really do, but with all this that’s happened…it’s somethin’ that he can never really understand. Maybe he will someday, but it’s not up to either of us if he does or doesn’t.” Biting her lip, (Y/N) struggled to think of how best to respond to his statements but he continued on before she could say anything. “So, how’s everyone doing today? Enjoying the warm weather up there?”

“Well, Steve took Carina and Indy for a walk after the GMA interview, so it’s just me holding down the fort; I tried working a little on the first draft of my book but I couldn’t get Walker’s annoying mug out of my mind, so I decided to sit out here and give my best friend a call. What about you? How’s your search for these Flag Smashers going?”

A few days after the new Captain America was announced, Sam told her about the emergence of an anti-nationalist group that aspired to return Earth’s governments and society to how it was after the Snap and before the Battle of Earth: a united world without borders or patriotism that cared about helping each other in times of need. As someone who lived through those turbulent five years and who didn’t necessarily agree with everything the Global Repatriation Council was doing, their initial mission statement sounded appealing to (Y/N); however, their methods were violent and destructive and most concerning of all, they were comprised of suspected super-soldiers and possessed a replica of Doctor Erskine’s serum. An Air Force friend of Sam’s had a close call with the group in Switzerland and for the past two weeks, they’d both been tracking their whereabouts to try and apprehend them.

“Pretty good, actually. Torres managed to track them to Munich and Redwing picked up some aerial footage of their suspected base just outside of the city, so we’re flying out of D.C. at oh-nine-hundred.”

“In that case, I should probably let you go so you don’t miss your flight…” (Y/N) twisted the belt buckle around and around in her grasp and tried not to think about the last friend she’d said goodbye to before an important mission. “Good luck out there, Birdbrain.”

Sam chuckled and replied, “Thanks, Booksmart. I’ll give you a call as soon as I can, okay?”

They both said their goodbyes and after hanging up, (Y/N) sat back in her rocking chair and held her belt buckle to her chest as she closed her eyes. “Keep an eye on him for me, Nat.” Her eyes flew open when her phone rang again and she scrambled to answer it. “Hello?”

“Hey, doll, it’s Bucky. Where the hell is Sam?”

(Y/N)’s shoulders sagged in sudden realization. “Oh, shit. I take it that you watched the GMA interview…”

“Yeah, I did, and it’s about time that he and I discussed how he just threw away that shield.” The super-soldier’s voice was filled with ire and she could hear his agitated pacing in the background. “I’m at your guys’ old place in D.C. but he’s not here, so I thought you might know where he’s at.”

“Bucky, none of this is going to change what’s happened-”

“Do you know how much it hurt to hear a total stranger sit there with that shield and call himself a brother to Steve? Do you have any idea how it feels to have Steve’s legacy tarnished by a guy who would’ve gladly kicked his pre-serum ass if we were back in the 40’s?”

Clenching her jaw in growing irritation, (Y/N) stood and started pacing across the porch. “Believe it or not, Bucky, I do. You think I didn’t try everything I could to get answers for what they did? It took threatening to go to the press for Senator Smith’s office to return my calls and when they finally did, I got an incredibly condescending explanation about what constitutes as government property. If I went any further than that, then I’d risk my family’s safety and privacy, so now I’m forced to sit by and watch a man who I know isn’t worthy of the shield parade around as Captain America while all those asshats on Capitol Hill congratulate themselves for preserving the so-called sanctity of a mantle that they’ve never understood.”

She could hear Bucky sigh. “Look, I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to accuse you of not caring or anything. It’s just…that shield, Steve’s legacy…it means a lot to me. And to see Sam just throw it all away for no reason…”

“You want answers? Sam’s scheduled to fly out of Joint Base Andrews at 9 o’clock for an overseas mission, so if you want to talk to him then you’d better make it quick.”

“Thanks, (Y/N). I owe you one.”

“It’s no problem, but can you do me a favor and actually listen to what Sam has to say? He’s really been beating himself up over what’s happened, and you coming in hot with angry accusations isn’t going to make him or you feel better.”

“…Okay, okay, I’ll try. For you.” Bucky’s pacing slowed and she could tell he was weighing his words. “How’s Steve handling all this?”

(Y/N) leaned a hip against the porch railing and looked out at the gentle waves in the distance. “When I figure that out, I’ll tell you.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. I should probably let you go now; by the time I drive across D.C. and talk my way past the MP’s, it’ll be time for Sam’s flight to take off. I’ll call you soon, doll. Give Carina a kiss for me, okay?”

After they exchanged their goodbyes and she tucked her cell phone back into her pocket, (Y/N) looked down at the belt buckle in her hand and gave it a small smile. “Could you keep an eye on Bucky too while you’re at it, Nat? Something tells me that Sam won’t be traveling to Munich alone…”

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

“Dinner was delicious, sunshine,” Steve commented later that evening as they cleaned up the kitchen together; there was a mischievous twinkle in his azure eyes when he spared her a brief glance and continued drying the dishes she’d finished washing. “You know, you’ve come a long way from only knowing how to make spaghetti, tacos and scrambled eggs.”

Narrowing her eyes, (Y/N) playfully flicked some soapy dishwater at her chuckling husband. “This coming from the guy who used to boil all his food and who never touched hot sauce until he was ninety-seven.” They finished washing and drying the dishes in comfortable silence, and it wasn’t until after they checked on Carina fast asleep in her crib and made their way back out to the living room that she decided to bring up the subject of the new Captain America. “Sweetheart, if I ask you a question will you promise to give me an honest answer?”

Steve’s brow arched but he nodded all the same. “Of course. What is it?”

“What was going through your head when you saw the announcement naming John Walker as the new Captain America?”

They sat down on the couch and Steve’s hand automatically found hers, his thin fingers intertwining with hers as he considered her pointed question. “Honestly? For a split second there, I thought that I was seeing a ghost on the television screen.” (Y/N)’s brow furrowed in confusion and he continued. “When I was accepted into Project Rebirth and sent to Camp Lehigh, I joined an entire regiment of potential candidates and over the course of a week, we were ordered to complete training that would determine which one of us would be chosen as the SSR’s first test subject. Doctor Erskine made it pretty clear from the beginning that he wanted me, but Colonel Phillips was gunning for a guy named Gilmore Hodge.” He huffed out a quiet chuckle. “Talk about a horse’s ass. Hodge was a bully; he fought with the other guys in the barracks, he cheated during training to get higher scores and he hated that a woman was the one personally overseeing our training.”

“Wait a sec, was he the soldier that Peggy told me about once, the one she knocked onto his ass with just one punch?” Steve nodded and (Y/N) grinned appreciatively. “Peggy Carter was such a bad-ass. So, Walker reminds you of Hodge?”

“Mm-hmm, right down to the blonde hair and blue eyes. Everything I’d read or heard about him since paints him as the perfect soldier, and it was all summed up in that GMA interview this morning.” Steve bit his bottom and looked over at the wall beside their small piano. He’d spent their first month in Maine framing and hanging some of the sketches he’d completed over the years; scenes of his childhood in Brooklyn featuring his mother Sarah and Bucky, portraits of his fellow Howling Commandos and everyone he’d worked with at the SSR, doodles of the laid-back days spent with the Avengers and more drawings of (Y/N) throughout the years than she could count. Doctor Abraham Erskine’s portrait hung proudly towards the center of the wall, a place of honor for the man who changed Steve’s life in more ways than one, and Steve’s eyes softened a little as he continued. “Doctor Erskine came to the barracks to see me on the night before the scheduled procedure. He told me about the time Schmidt took an unfinished dose of the serum and how he became the Red Skull, but then he said something I don’t think I’ll ever forget: ‘The serum amplifies everything that’s inside, so good becomes great and bad becomes worse.’” His azure eyes flicked back over to (Y/N) while the corner of his mouth lifted into a humorless smile. “The second thought that ran through my head after seeing that broadcast was ‘Thank God that they didn’t get their hands on Erskine’s serum too.’”

Sensing his pensive mood, (Y/N) draped her legs over his lap so she could cuddle up against him and rested her head on his shoulder. “The government did what the government does best: purposefully overlooked the accomplishments of a Black man in favor of maintaining the status quo. It’s a tale older than America itself.”

“But…” Steve’s voice was filled with an uncertainty that she’d come to associate with him being a man out of time. “Sam was the one who decided to give the shield to the Smithsonian. Unless…did he mention if someone contacted him and convinced him to hand it over?”

“No, no one convinced him. Sam doesn’t talk about it much, but he suffers from something called imposter syndrome; it’s when you believe that you’re less capable than those around you, that any success you’ve had in your life is only the result of luck and that at the end of the day, you’ll be outed as a fraudster. Many, many people of all walks of life struggle with imposter syndrome but it particularly affects the BAME – Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic – community.”

The thumb that had been caressing her knee slowed as Steve carefully asked, “So, when Sam said that he felt like the shield belonged to someone else, what he really meant was that it belonged to someone who looked like me?”

(Y/N) nodded. “To you, you were only passing along a superhero name and a vibranium shield to the person you believed was meant to have them but to Sam, he was faced with accepting a mantle that reminded him of the atrocities of our country’s history and a future where he’d be the first and only Black man ever named Captain America. It’s a heavy burden to bear and in the end, Sam chose to put his well-being first.”

“I didn’t think that…I-I should’ve known…”

Sitting up, (Y/N) cupped Steve’s face and gently coaxed him to look at her, her heart breaking a little as she looked into his distraught eyes. “Sweetheart, none of this is your fault. You only did what you thought was right, and there’s no way that you could’ve known any of this on your own. Sam doesn’t blame you, so you shouldn’t go and start blaming yourself.” She gave him a sad sort of smile. “If only there were more people like you and Sam in the world…I guess I should count myself lucky that I have the both of you in my life.”

Her husband’s expression softened and he shook his head. “Nah, we’re definitely the lucky ones, baby.” His thumb and forefinger lightly grasped her chin and held her steady as he leaned forward to capture her lips in a loving kiss.

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

The next day, (Y/N) spent the morning and much of the afternoon on a conference call with Greg and the editors going over the first draft of Assemble: The Unabridged History of the Avengers and while a freshly-inspired Steve worked into the evening on the cover art, (Y/N) set up Carina’s playpen in the garage and kept an eye on her daughter while she worked up a sweat with their suspended punching bag. Her time with the punching bag was when she allowed herself to reflect on the nightmares she experienced as a result of her PTSD; they were usually memories of all the losses she’d suffered at the hands of Thanos, playing over and over on a constant loop in her mind, but exercising helped her acknowledge and slowly push through them.

While she was taking a quick water break and checking Carina for signs of sleepiness, her cell phone began to play the tell-tale tune of Sam’s ringtone. “You hear that, Cari? Uncle Sam’s calling!” The infant clapped her little hands together and (Y/N) grinned as she reached for her phone, but she arched a brow in surprise when she saw that it was actually a FaceTime request; with a shrug, (Y/N) answered and was met with the sight of Sam’s withdrawn face. “Sam? What’s wrong, Sam?”

“It’s probably easier to tell you what isn’t wrong,” Her best friend sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Bucky and I went to Munich yesterday and got our asses handed to us by eight super-soldiers, he took me to Baltimore to meet an old man named Isiah Bradley and I got to learn that the Army once experimented on Black soldiers while trying to replicate the serum, Bucky got himself arrested because he missed a therapy session, and I was forced into an uncomfortable couple’s counseling session with Mr. Stares-a-lot himself.”

“Wow, that was…a lot.”

“I’m sorry for interrupting your workout, (Y/N), but after the day I’ve had, I just really needed to see a friendly face.” Sam’s expression relaxed when he caught sight of Carina playing with her stuffed white wolf. “Two friendly faces, actually. How you doin’, cutie-pie?”

“Say ‘hi’ to Uncle Sam, lemon drop.” (Y/N) helped the infant wave her chubby hand at the screen and grinned when her best friend chuckled. “Hey, that got you to smile! Did you want to talk about it?”

Sam shook his head. “Nah, it’s okay. I’m too tired to go through it all again.”

Before (Y/N) could reply, Bucky appeared from behind Sam and gave her a half-wave. “Nice to see you again, doll. Is Samuel here tellin’ you all about my time in the slammer?”

“Bucky, are you all right?” She ignored the glares that both men were shooting one another and waved her hand in front of the camera to grab their attention. “Hey, if you guys stop doing that weird macho shit, you’ll realize I asked you a question.” Carina let out a particularly loud coo and (Y/N) glanced over at her with an apologetic smile. “Yes, Cari, that was a bad word that Mommy shouldn’t have said, but your uncles are driving Mommy insane right now.” She looked back at the screen and raised a pointed brow. “How are you feeling, Bucky?”

“Well, I feel better,” Sam interrupted as they walked out onto a sidewalk.

Bucky sighed in annoyance. “I feel awful, (Y/N), but thanks for asking.”

A police car’s siren blared through the phone’s speaker, ending as soon as it began but replaced with a familiar boastful voice. “Gentlemen! Good to see you again.” Instead of hanging up the FaceTime, Sam switched to a normal phone call after exchanging a look with Bucky and although (Y/N) was confused by his action, she listened closely as they approached John Walker. “Who were you talking to? Your girlfriend?”

“My best friend, actually. She was checking in on me, but she had to go.”

“(Y/N) (Y/L/N), right?” (Y/N)’s brows rose in surprise but she remained silent, mindful that the phone was on speaker. “I’ve studied the files of all the Avengers in preparation for taking up the mantle, in case I ever have to work alongside them. I sent her an email, you know, giving her my condolences and asking for her personal blessing to carry Steve’s shield, but I guess it must’ve gotten lost somewhere ‘cause I never heard back.”

“That’s because I sent that unopened email directly into the goddamn trash,” She muttered under her breath and heard Bucky cover his snort of amusement with a small cough.

“Look, if we divide ourselves, we don’t stand a chance and you guys know that.”

Sam sighed. “So, what do you got?”

“Well, the leader’s name’s Karli Morgenthau. We’ve been targeting civilians who’ve been helping Karli move from place to place.”

A new voice spoke up, and (Y/N) quickly recognized it as belonging to Lemar Hoskins, Walker’s partner known as Battlestar to the public. “They geo-tagged a location, then scrambled the signal. But our satellites have found their symbol popping up in various displaced communities all across Central and Eastern Europe.”

“We think she’s taking the medicine she just stole to one of those camps.”

Bucky snorted in derision, and (Y/N) could very-well imagine him rolling his eyes in plain view of Walker. “Well, there are hundreds of those all over the planet since the Blip, so I guess you’ll have to look real hard.”

“Good thing I have 20/20 vision, huh?”

“Where is she now, Walker? Do you know?”

“No, we don’t know, Bucky. It’s only a matter of time before we find out.”

“Things are really intense for you, aren’t they, Walker?”

(Y/N) listened to the heated exchange between Bucky and Walker with growing concern, and she was thankful when Sam interrupted them before they could escalate. “Take it easy. Look, Walker’s right. It is imperative that we find them and stop them, but you guys have rules of engagement and all kinds of authorization you have to get. We’re free agents. We’re more flexible, so it wouldn’t make sense for us to work with you.”

There was a moment’s pause before Walker replied, “A word of advice, then: Stay the hell out of my way.”

She could hear footsteps walking down the street and after a minute, the phone call was switched back to FaceTime and she saw Sam and Bucky’s concerned faces on the screen. “So, what do you think of the new Captain America?”

“I think that you two need to be careful around him,” (Y/N) answered honestly, perching herself on the garage’s workbench and shaking her head. “Something seems off with him. I mean, ‘targeting civilians’ was concerning enough, and then he basically threatened you both when you wouldn’t agree to work with him? I don’t know about either of you, but I’m even more grateful that he doesn’t have the serum than I was before.”

“Yeah, me too. Speaking of the serum, it looks like we’ll have to start there if we wanna gather more intel on these Flag Smashers.” Sam glanced over at Bucky walking beside him. “What are you thinkin’?”

“Well, I know what we have to do. When Isaiah said ‘my people’-”

“Oh, don’t take that to heart, that’s not what he meant.”

“No, he meant Hydra.” At Bucky’s statement, (Y/N)’s jaw dropped as she slowly realized what he was intending on doing. “Hydra used to be my people.”

Sam scoffed at Bucky’s implication. “Not a chance.”

“Walker doesn’t have any leads-”

“I know where you’re going with this, no.”

“He knows all of Hydra’s secrets. Don’t you remember Siberia?” Bucky shot an imploring look at (Y/N). “C’mon, doll, back me up here.”

(Y/N) bit her lip and carefully thought their less-than-ideal situation over. “It sounds like you don’t have much of a choice in the matter, but you need to make sure you’re mentally prepared to face him again. I remember Siberia, Bucky, but I also remember how he took control of you in Berlin.”

Sam looked over at Bucky with concern in his dark brown eyes. “So, you’re just gonna go sit in a room with this guy?”

“…Yes.”

With a slow nod, her best friend glanced between the super-soldier beside him and his phone screen. “Okay, then. We’re gonna go see Zemo.”

Despite the seriousness of their situation, (Y/N) couldn’t contain her huff of laughter. “Look at you two, already starting to work together like a team. Keep it up and you’ll figure all of this out in no time. Hey, maybe you’ll even end up becoming real friends!”

“You’ve got some imagination, doll; it’s no wonder why Steve fell head over heels for you,” Bucky remarked but managed to give her a half-smile. “Take care while we’re gone, okay?”

“I’ll give you a call as soon as we know more about what we’re dealing with.” Her best friend’s assured tone and the look of determination that was written across his features helped to ease some of her worry for the pair, and he smiled a little when she finally nodded. “We’ll see you soon, Booksmart.”

“Good luck, Birdbrain,” (Y/N) replied and when the FaceTime ended, she sighed and stared at her concerned reflection in the phone’s screen. “And stay safe.” She pocketed her phone and lifted Carina out of her playpen, giving the giggling infant a kiss on the forehead and tickling her stomach before handing her the stuffed white wolf. “You’re absolutely right, lemon drop. Your uncles are going to be okay because they’ve got each other’ backs. C’mon, let’s go check on Daddy and make sure he hasn’t fallen asleep on one of his easels again…”

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

A/N: The next chapter takes place in Delacroix, so buckle up for more angst and shenanigans! Thank you all so much for reading and commenting! I’ve created a Spotify playlist inspired by this series, and I’ll be updating it every time I upload a new chapter. Enjoy!

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ziGMhEsAw833GQ9eV44nR?si=6dfead09c76848d5

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Part III)

Stumblin’ In Book VII: “Superhero Snapshots” Masterlist

Stumblin’ In Book I: “The Winter Soldier” Masterlist

Tagging:  @mrs-obrien​​​​​​ @lahoete​​​​​​ @awkward117 @cminr @natdrunk​​​​​ @momc95​​​​​​ @savedbystyle​​​​​​ @miraculouscloud @awkwardnesshabitat​​​​​​ @marinettepotterandplagg​​​​​​ @mangosandmimosas @supersouthy @benakenalove​​​​​​ @brooke0297​​​​​​ @hufflepeople​​​​​​ @becausewelie​​​​​​ @outoftheregular​​​​​​​ @junipermurdock​​​​​​ @ladydmalfoy @mads-weasley​​​​​​ @username23345 @crist1216​​​​​​ @capswife​​​​​​ @lilmschild​​​​​​ @avngrsinitiative @crowleysqueenofhell​​​​​​ @y-napotat​​​ @mary1raven​​​​​​ @groovy-lady​​​​​​ @ljej95​​​​​​ @innersublimefury​​​ @prettysbliss​​​​​​​  

[skyfallslayer]

Cherry (Masterlist)

Main Masterlist

🍒 Summary: As a superhero, you always believe in the good that comes with it, and the feeling of bringing hope to people's eyes makes your heart flutter. That is… Until you witness your teammates murdering your husband. Now your world is upside down, and the people you once deemed your enemies are offering you some help. Will you take the bait? Or bury your head in the sand?

🍒 Pairings: Bucky x Fem!Reader; Platonic!Avengers x Reader; Platonic!Peter x Yelena

🍒 Rating: Explicit

🍒 Warnings: At the beginning of each chapter (This story will contained future 18+ content. Minor DNI)

🍒 Word Count: 9,203

🍒 Start Date: 7/28

🍒 End Date: N/A

🍒 A/N: This AU is inspired by Amazon's The Boys. Only inspired. And for anyone who watches the show, you know that this story will get dark, gory, and very smutty. You'll be warned before each chapter, but read at your own risk. The story and it's plot is the only thing I own.

//-Index-//

🍒Character Bios:

Meet the Avengers: 001 002 003 004 005 006

Meet the Thunderbolts: 007 008 009 010 011

🍒 Chapter 1: A Crimson Deception?

🍒 Chapter 2: A Red Awakening

🍒 Chapter 3: A Red Awakening II (Coming Soon)

-Taglist is open if you liked to join-

@marvelouslovely-barnes @daddyavesxx

@avengershoney @cjand10 @dumb-fawkin-bitch

[doetic]

Accepting requests for any of the tagged characters, yandere/dark requests preferred and will be given priority, but not required. Please check my request info post here for more info and characters!

[battletrio]

come on, skinny love, just last the year pour a little salt, we were never here

[buckyalpine]

His Tags

18+ minors dni

Bucky x civilian reader 

@imagine-all-the-fandoms Love this so much. John Walker is actually NOT awful here, he’s actually quite nice. Sharon on the other hand..eh. I’m sure sure you would have pieced together by now, I have a thing for mirrors, I’m so sorry. 

Warnings: Floooof, Bucky is so in love with you, smut, a lil angsty but Bucky makes it all better

Word count: 3.7k

You sipped on your tea, anxiously waiting for the Quinn jet to land; Bucky had been gone for nearly a month and you missed your boyfriend more and more each day. You ran to the hangar as soon as you heard the low rumble of the jet, bouncing on your heels when you saw a very tired but hardly injured Bucky making his way towards you.

“Hey babydoll” Bucky kissed your lips, his arm easily lifting you up and carrying you on his hip as he made his way through the compound, straight to your shared bedroom. “Missed you so much”

“I missed you Bucky” You buried your face into his neck, inhaling his scent, peppering his face with kisses while he set his things down, still keeping you in his arms. He carried you off into the bathroom, stripping both of your clothes off before hopping into the shower. He held you close to him; the hot water soothing his sore muscles, all the stresses of the mission washing away when he was finally home again with you. His lips found yours, his hands roaming to feel every inch of your body that he’d craved to touch again.

“Welcome home soldier”

A few days later

You noticed Bucky had left his water bottle behind, making your way to the gym to give it to him. You entered the large room, scanning the space for your handsome super soldier boyfriend; you saw the rest of the team there before your eyes finally landed on him. Nat and Steve were sparring on the mats. Clint and Sam were hitting weights. Bruce and Tony were attempting to update the AI system. Your boyfriend was in his happy place by the punching bags.

“Hey y/n!” Steve waved at you from the mat while you made your way to Bucky, the rest of the team also greeting as you walked to the gym. Bucky had his music on and you knew better than to tap his shoulder from behind without warning. Your heart raced seeing him; watching him train was one of your greatest weaknesses. His hoodie had been thrown onto the floor, sweat glistening off his skin, his muscles tensed with each blow to the bag. You shamelessly admired him for a good while before realizing he’d look for his water eventually. You carefully stepped around so he could see you, placing his water bottle near him before leaving him to continue.

“You’re welcome to keep me company doll” Bucky smirked, knowing you were quietly watching him from behind.  You happily sat by his hoodie, giggling when he came over to give you a quick kiss on your head before slipping his headphones back on and continuing his workout.

You admired the swiftness and talent each person on the team displayed while they went through their routines. It left you mesmerized; the strength, precision and coordination it took to fight as an avenger was incredible. You silenced the tiny insecurity that started to gnaw at you; you’d never be as skilled as- shut up y/n.  

You shook your head, going back to looking at your beautiful boyfriend who was in his own world, focused on his hits, mind completely focused. He really did look like a work of art; muscles sculpted and flexed, his dark vibrainium shining under the light, his dark hair sticking to his forehead, pink lips parted as he panted. He was beautiful and his skill set was something you couldn’t even begin to comprehend and then there was you- just stop.

*****

The team had gathered together for dinner, which was a regular occurrence though today there were a few others that had joined the table. John Walker and his friend Lemar Hoskins had joined Sharon, who was visiting the compound, bringing in potential agents for her department.

“I know most of us know each other but maybe we can just go around and introduce ourselves? This is John Walker and Lemar Hoskins, they’re going to be joining the new recruits soon”

The team introduced themselves, while Sharon eyed you curiously; waiting for you to explain what you did since she’d never met you before. Her eyes were trained on how Bucky’s hand rested protectively over your thigh; he’d been touching you one way or another all night. Not that it bothered her. At all. She waited for Bucky to get up to use the bathroom before turning to you, giving you the sweetest smile she could muster.

“What exactly do you do y/n?”  

“Oh, I’m a teacher” you smiled, feeling a little out of place though no one else seemed to notice your shift in mood.

“What are you doing here then?” She scoffed, trying to hide her slip in attitude with a fake cough. Nat cocked an eyebrow while Tony’s face scrunched watching Sharon poorly cover her absurd question with a fake smile.  

“I-I’m dating Bucky”

“Right, didn’t think you were an avenger” She gave you a pointed look, before continuing to eat. You bit you lip, sitting back in your chair, wishing you could run off to your room. You knew you were not the best catch, Bucky deserved better. Someone he could train with, who understood his line of work better. He would have been better off if he was dating someone else but he was stuck with you instead. You could feel tears threatening to spill, John’s voice breaking you from your spiral.

“Y/n, I think I saw you in the paper before, they did an article about a program you started right?” he smiled at you, while Lemar nodded.

“I knew I’d seen you before, what you did was incredible. It’s a tough school too, so you must be incredible. You helped those kids a lot”

You smiled, not trusting yourself to speak. You squeezed your fingers into your palms to keep from crying at the table. You quickly excused yourself to the bathroom, wiping your tears and touching up your makeup as best as you could before returning to the table where Bucky was looking for you.

“Hi baby” Bucky smiled as soon as you sat down, kissing your cheek softly. He was a sweet heart. He deserved the world. He deserved more than you.

*****

You watched Bucky pack for quick mission, putting away a few things in his bag while you sat on the couch in the shared living room. He suited up in his gear, doing a quick pat down of his weapons before grabbing his bag.

“Baby, do you need me to do anything?” You always made him coffee before he left but recently even that had been taken over by Sharon, who decided to extend her stay. Fantastic.

“Don’t worry doll, I think Sharon already made some for everyone”

“You don’t need me to do anything?” Your heart sank a little, it was the one thing you were able to do for him but it was fine. You just wanted him to have everything he needed; that mattered more.  

“Just a kiss from my best girl” Bucky smiled, wrapping his arms around you and lifting you off your feet. He gave you the sweetest, longest kiss he could before he had to break away for air, placing you back down carefully on the couch. “Be right here when I’m back?”

He looked at you like an excited puppy, running off to the jet, hoping the sooner he left, the sooner he could get back.

“I’ll be here when you’re back” You gave Bucky a small smile, before walking off to your shared bedroom and slipping under the covers. He was off to save the world. You were here. You couldn’t silence the thoughts that crept up on you, your mind beginning to wonder why Bucky was even with you in the first place.

*****  

Bucky wandered around the living room looking for you; you had never missed his arrival after missions. He frowned when he couldn’t find you, making his way through the compound before finally checking the bedroom. He breathed out a sigh of relief, seeing a small lump under a pile of blankets, though he found it odd; you never slept this early.

“Doll? Are you okay?”

You shuffled from under the covers, poking your head out. The bed dipped as Bucky sat down, happily wrapping his arms around you when you crawled into his lap.

“M’okay, just tired” You lied, snuggling into his hold, freezing immediately when you remembered why you’d gone to bed so early in the first place.  

“What’s wrong sweetheart?” Bucky could feel your body tense up, your eyes focused on your hands, which you were anxiously fidgeting with.

“Nothing” You forced a smile onto your face, doing your best to swallow the lump that was forming in your throat, “I had a really bad headache” Bucky didn’t believe you but he didn’t want to prod until you were ready to talk either.

You insisted on staying in bed, claiming you’d already eaten. Bucky reluctantly ate his dinner quickly, dashing back upstairs so he could cuddle you and fall asleep. While he softly snored, little whimpers slipped from your lips as you tried to keep your sobs in. Your mind sucked you in deeper.

You loved your boyfriend.  You loved the team. They all loved you more than you’d ever know. Still, you couldn’t help but feel like you weren’t good enough for him. You knew you’d never measure up to what Bucky deserved. He was a part of a different world. They all cared for you in a way that you’d never be able to return. You’d never be able to help them the same way. You carefully slipped out of Bucky’s hold, deciding to go to the living room instead, not wanting to wake him up with your cries, the least you could do was let him get a decent night’s sleep.

*****

You were curled up on the couch, hidden under your blanket, quickly wiping away your tears feeling the seat dip as someone sat beside you. You peeked up to see a grumpy Bucky with bed head, looking down at you, sleep still evident on his face. You looked over at the clock; 1:09 AM.

“You okay bubba?” You’d managed to get yourself together; your heart worrying that Bucky could have had a nightmare when you went missing. Bucky shook his head, pouting down at you while you shifted so he could sit with you under the blanket.

“Couldn’t find my teddy bear” He whispered, wrapping his arm around you to pull you into his lap. “Can’t sleep without her” You rested your head onto his chest, fresh tears spilling from your eyes. There was no point stopping them, more took their place each time Bucky swiped his thumb across your cheek. “Please tell me what’s bothering you baby, did someone say something to you?”

“Bucky no, it’s just- I don’t- us” You struggled to find the words, not realizing you were about to send Bucky down a spiral of his own. Of course you didn’t think you were a good match, he was a monster and you were an angel and-

“I’m not good enough for you”

Bucky’s spiral came to a full stop, his ears perking up at your quiet confession.

“Sweet heart?”

“I-I’m not good enough for you Bucky, you deserve more than just me. You deserve someone who-”

“Stop. Please stop” You blinked up at Bucky, who looked at you with broken, glassy eyes. There was no way, of all people, his little angel thought of herself like that. Never.

“Y/n. You deserve the world. Every single day, I can’t believe someone like you would want to be with someone like me”

Bucky carefully scooped you in his arms, making his way back to your bedroom, gently setting you on the bed before crawling on top of you. His fingers carded through your hair, while he gazed down at you, he was so in love with you, there was not a single doubt there.

“You’re so pure and sweet and kind, please baby tell me, in what way am I not the luckiest person in the world. I get to call you mine, I get to show you off, I have the best girl in the world always excited to see me when I get back home”

You swallowed thickly shaking your head; of course he was the sweetest and wanted to comfort you but you were just holding him down.

“Bucky, I make it so much harder for you. You always worry about me, I can’t even protect myself-

“I’m here to protect you baby”

“But I can’t even fight-

“I can fight”

“Bubba, you don’t understand-

“Y/n, you don’t understand. For years, I didn’t even have control over my own mind; I’m finally free to make my own choices. Baby, I promise you, no matter what, I always chose you. I can finally make choices and decide what I want. It’s you baby girl. I love you. I want you. I want my y/n. Exactly as you are”

Tears spilled down your cheeks, while Bucky’s forehead rested on yours. He’d meant every word he said; he finally knew what freedom felt like and that included loving you.

“I love that you work outside of the compound. The best part of my day getting to come home to the sweetest girl in the world, and hearing all about her day, please don’t tell me to leave you doll, I don’t want anyone else”

“You know you’re mine baby, my best girl, my only girl” He kissed your forehead while you whimpered under him, holding back your sobs. Your hands slipped under his shirt, desperate to feel him closer.

“I want to feel you angel” Bucky whispered, taking his shirt off, before tossing yours aside. “Let me show you just how much I adore you”

The rest of your clothes were thrown off within seconds, leaving you both bare and wrapped up in each other. His hands rubbed up and down your body, gripping and caressing your skin till he came to your thighs, spreading them apart. You felt your heart face as he trailed kisses down your body before stopping right before you needed him most, his lips just barely brushing over your clit.

“Bucky…” You squirmed on the bed while he arms wrapped around your thighs, holding you still. He nipped on the soft flesh of your inner thighs, before kissing and gently licking the area after each bite.

“Shh, just relax for me baby, let me take care of you”

Your breath itched in your throat feeling his tongue dip into your entrance, your slick coating his tongue and making a mess on his face. He groaned, drinking up every bit of your arousal, pushing his tongue in as far as he could, his nose teasingly nudging your clit. The taste of you was enough to make his cock leak along with the sinful sounds leaving your lips; Bucky could barely keep himself from rolling his hips against the mattress.

“You taste so good angel, I love when my baby makes a mess on my face” he pressed a soft kiss onto your clit, feeling it pulse against his lips.

“Baby please…” You whined out, your clit swollen and throbbing, needing more friction. Bucky hummed, taking his time to savour you before letting you fall off the edge. His lips started to move slowly around your clit, his tongue flicking and swirling around the sensitive nub. He was practically making out with your clit, giving it gentle little sucks and kisses, making your orgasm climb higher and higher, pulling away just before you could let go.

“Baby please, m’so close” You looked down at him, your lip caught in your teeth, your hand going down to card through his hair, grazing his scalp. Bucky moaned, kissing your clit once more before coming up and pressing his lips onto yours. His tongue slipped into your mouth, letting you taste yourself, while his hands roamed down to rub his cock through your folds.

“I know you’re close angel, want to feel you around my cock when you cum” The blunt tip of his cock teased your entrance, nudging against it, loving the way you whined and squirmed under him.

“Bucky, need you” Your thighs were wrapped tightly around his waist, trying to buck your hips up to push his cock in. Bucky’s hand cupped your cheek while the other lined his cock up.

“I know baby, I know, I got you” You moaned into his neck, your arms clinging onto him as he pushed himself all the way in, hissing at the way your pussy squeezed around him. “That’s it baby; you make me feel so good sweet heart”

Bucky started off with a slow pace; neither of you were desperate to cum. There were no chasing highs, he just wanted to feel you and you just wanted to feel all of him. His hips rocked gently, hardly pulling his cock out, staying pressed against you while kissing you softly.

“I love you y/n” He whispered against your neck, his hands lacing with yours “love you more than anyone else”

“I love you James”

Bucky pulled out of you to turn you onto your side, facing the large mirror that was to the side of the bed. He spooned you from behind, his arm hooking under your leg to hitch it up as he pushed his cock into you. You nearly sobbed, watching his cock thrust in and out of you, covered in your creamy slick. He groaned as his eyes locked with yours, trailing down to watch the way your pussy swallowed his cock, your tits bouncing each time he fucked into you. His cock was hitting a deeper angle, your belly bulging each time he pushed in further.

“You feel that baby, that’s all me princess” Bucky took your hand in his, pressing it against your tummy, rocking his hips faster, making your eyes roll back.

“Please James” Your hands clung onto him, your head thrown back against his shoulder as he nipped your ear lobe, gazing at you through he reflection.

“Just wanna look at you, you’re so pretty baby” Bucky cooed, kissing your temple, trailing kisses down to your cheek. He slipped his dog tags off, putting them on you; the cool metal gave you goose bumps as he continues to thrust into you.

“See babygirl? You’re all mine” The sight of you in his dog tags unleashed something in Bucky. His gorgeous girl, bare, the feeling of your warm skin on his, the gorgeous sounds you made just for him, hair tousled from your love making, his name around your neck. Because you were his. His girl. His princess. His absolute everything. You were more than enough for him and he’d remind you of that every damn day if he had to. He picked up his pace, unable to hold off the way he balls started to throb, his sensitive tip leaking and stroking your g-spot.

“Y/n, you feel so good babydoll, m’gonna fill you up sweet heart, cum with me baby, please”

“James, fuck baby m’gonna cum” You whined, your face buried in the pillow as he slammed his cock into you faster. You could feel his balls tap your clit, his cock growing harder each time you squeezed and clenched around him. “Fuckfuck, I- JAMES please, oh- fuck-

You could feel your body throb, pleasure and warmth spreading throughout your body. Your orgasm immediately set off Bucky’s’ your moans and cries paired with the way you were clenching around him sent him over the edge.

“All mine angel, you’re all fucking mine” He moaned into your neck, stilling as his cock throbbed spilling ropes of cum into you. He continued to gently roll his hips, making sure he filled you till he was empty, your mixed arousal covering his thighs and your ass.

Bucky carefully pulled out of you, quickly grabbing a warm damp towel to wipe you down before wrapping his arms to cuddle you again. You snuggled into his chest, your hand going down to play with his dogtags as you always did, realizing he’d put them on you.

“Baby your tags…” You looked up at him, wondering if he’d want them back. He pulled you close to him, his hand brushing your hair away from your face.  

“They’re yours now doll, I want you to have a piece of me wherever you go. I’m always yours baby, just like you’re always mine”

He pressed a soft kiss to your lips while you nodded, tears welling in your eyes as you buried yourself into him. Bucky pulled the covers over you both, wrapping his arms tightly around you. He never wanted you to forget just how much you meant to him.

“Come here, my little teddy bear”

*****

Sharon seethed, seeing Bucky’s tags clink around your neck as you made your way to the kitchen. You hardly noticed her, your body still buzzing from the night before, not even realizing the little bites on your skin hadn’t faded away yet.

“This was the same man that almost said no to life saving surgery because he didn’t want to take off the tags” Sam snorted. “Gotta say, they look good on you y/n”

“Cause I didn’t want to lose them bird brain” Bucky countered but everyone knew it was so much more than that. He never took them off, keeping them close to him.His tags were the one thing that had reminded him of who he was. Of where he came from. It reminded him that his heart had always wanted to do the right thing. Of the choices he made when he was free.

“You gave her your tags?” Sharon questioned, struggling to keep her voice neutral. Bucky nodded, smiling when he saw you gazing down at them with heart eyes, your hand toying with the chain. There was no doubt; you’d never take them off.

“He’d give her his arm if she asked” Steve grinned, watching his best friend deeply in love with you.

“Sure” Sharon rolled her eyes, catching herself before scoffing again. Steve and Sam giggled to themselves like school children, watching Bucky shrug, coming over to hold you from behind while resting his head against you.

“My angel can have anything she wants”

-

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[onceuponastory]

all this love - bucky barnes x reader

I took all this love I found, and I hope that it's enough Is it enough? - only love by pvris

Plot: After John Walker oversteps, Y/N makes sure that her boyfriend Bucky knows just how much she loves him. Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader  Warnings: John Walker being an asshole, some violence (not from Bucky), slightly graphic mentions of injuries and blood, a few mentions of Bucky’s past as The Winter Soldier, and the anxiety/self doubt he has afterwards. As always, if I miss any triggers please let me know! Notes: Some of you may know but I love PVRIS, and I love this song, so of course I had to write something for Bucky using it. Not beta’d, so any mistakes are my own. Also, thanks again to @staticscreenwriting / @astartothemoon for my dividers!

Y/N scans the room, keeping an eye out for Karli and the other Flag Smashers. As she does, she suppresses a sigh. She loves accompanying Bucky and Sam on their  missions and helping them as best as she can, but this time it’s different. For once, she can’t wait to get home. Mostly because of their company - John Walker. 

At first, she tried to be civil, even though she, like the others, doesn’t agree with him being made Captain America. And Lemar is friendly enough. But John’s done nothing but be annoying and rude to them all ever since they joined forces. At least once this is over, they can forget he ever existed.

Right now, John’s complaining about something yet again, angrily pacing around as he does. “John, just calm down. We’ll find Karli soon.” Y/N insists. Immediately, John stops, his head whipping round angrily. Despite how annoyed he makes her, the glare John gives her at that moment strikes fear into her heart.

“Don’t do that Y/N. Don’t fucking patronise me. You have no idea of the pressure I’m under.” He warns. As soon as he takes a step towards her, Bucky and Sam are by her side, ready to shield her if needed. Bucky’s face hardens angrily.

“She wasn’t patronising you, John. And you better watch your tone. Don't talk to my girlfriend like that.” Bucky warns, his eyes narrowing slightly. However, instead of backing off, John keeps going, this time turning his attention to Bucky.

“Or what? Are you going to go all Winter Soldier on me?” He scoffs. Bucky visibly tenses at John’s words. Protectively, Y/N steps forward, reaching out for Bucky’s hand. “This is really easy for you, isn’t it? All that serum running through your veins.” John continues, not caring about the obvious effect his words are having on Bucky.

“Watch your fucking tone….” Y/N hisses. Yet John ignores her warning, continuing his verbal tirade on Bucky.

“I mean, does anyone here really trust him after what he did? Who’s to say he’s not working with them, or that he won’t try to kill us too?” Y/N’s anger grows, and she tightens her grip on Bucky’s hand.

“John.” Sam warns. Bucky opens his mouth, about to defend himself.

“What? Don’t act like you don’t agree. He’s a monster who doesn’t deserve to be here.” And with those words, Bucky’s face falls. He turns and looks at Y/N, his eyes shimmering with tears. The sight breaks Y/N’s heart. Before she can say anything, Bucky turns and storms off.

“Bucky! Bucky, wait!” Y/N calls after him. Just as she’s about to go after him, John’s smug voice sounds once more.

“I don’t know why she’s going after him. He’s not worth it. She’s too good for someone like that, anyway.” He murmurs, clearly intending for her to hear him. Y/N’s blood boils, and her fist clenches.

“Y/N….” She registers Sam’s voice beside her, warning John to be quiet, and for her to control her anger before she does something she regrets. And for a moment, she considers doing just that, and simply going after Bucky. Yet, John’s next words seal his fate.

“Besides, I’m a much better choice. At least I’m not a murderer.” Y/N turns around, marching right up to John. He sneers at her, the look making her stomach churn. But she’s too blinded by anger to think about that right now. “See, she understands-” John’s words are cut short by Y/N’s fist connecting with his nose. A sickening crack fills the room, and John hisses as blood begins to pour from his nose. “You fucking bitch.” He hisses, lunging for her before being pulled back by Lemar in the nick of time, whilst Sam pulls her back, protectively grasping her arm.

“Say that shit about my boyfriend again, and I’ll end you.” She warns, her voice like venom. Sam’s voice sounds again, telling her to choose her next words carefully. Of course, she knows he’s right, but she ignores him, too angry to even think straight. “He never chose to be a killer, but you chose to be an asshole.” She blocks out whatever the rest of John says, consumed by her desire to find Bucky safe and well.

“I’m going to go find him. Can you deal with…that?” She gestures vaguely in John’s direction, and Sam nods.

Y/N visits several places to try and find Bucky: a park, a number of coffee shops and bars, searching high and low for the brunette super soldier she loves more than anything in the world. And yet, there’s no sign of him. With each failed sighting, Y/N’s stomach churns more and more with anxiety, and her heart pounds more and more. Bucky is fast, and he could be anywhere by now. The next time she sees John, she’s going to do more than break his nose. Suddenly, her phone starts ringing, and for a moment, her heart almost stops, thinking it’s Bucky.

When she sees Sam’s name flash up on her caller ID, she can’t help feeling disappointed. But she knows Sam is Bucky’s friend too, and he wants to help find him just as much as she does.

“Any sign of him?”

“Nope. Checked everywhere nearby I could think of. Any news on your side?”

“None yet.” He replies, and she sighs. “Look, I’ll take the wings and see if I can find him. You go to the house and see if he’s there.”

“Okay.” Sam can immediately pick up on the anxiety in her voice, and he sighs.

“Y/N. We’ll find him, alright. I promise.”

“I hope you’re right.”

As soon as she steps into the house she shares with the boys, Y/N immediately senses that someone is there. Her heart rate picks up. Bucky. Maybe he’s here. “Bucky? Babe, are you there?” She calls. “It’s just me.”

“Go away.” A quiet, yet familiar voice calls. Despite how much her heart wrenches at the sound of pain in his voice, Y/N breathes a sigh of relief. He’s here, and safe. Y/N immediately sets off towards his voice, quickly texting Sam to let him know that Bucky’s okay. Bucky sits huddled beside their bed, curled up into a ball. He doesn’t even look up at her when she enters. The sight makes Y/N feel like a hundred daggers have been stabbed into her. She kneels down in front of him, gently placing her hand on his knee.

“Bucky, sweetheart, it's me.”

“I said, go away.” Bucky’s voice is muffled, but she can tell he’s been crying. Her eyes fill with tears, and she has to stop herself from finding John and punching him all over again. The fact someone like him, someone so rude and cruel, could make someone like Bucky feel so awful about himself infuriates her. “John’s right. I’m a monster. I don’t deserve anything good, especially not you.” Bucky sniffles, and Y/N’s heart breaks all over again.

“No, you’re not Bucky. What you did all those years, it wasn’t you. They tortured you and brainwashed you. It wasn’t your choice.” She insists. “The serum never corrupted Steve, but it didn’t corrupt you either. They made you a killer. It wasn’t your choice.” Bucky looks up at her then, the skin around his eyes red from crying. Y/N’s face softens. “You’re making amends and showing people you’re sorry. That says a lot about you. John has no idea what the fuck he’s talking about. He’s just an asshole.”

“But the serum is still in me. W-What if I hurt you?”

“You could never. All you’ve done is show me love and support. Honestly, I don’t think you’ve got an evil bone in your body.” Bucky takes her hand, squeezing it tightly, which Y/N returns. Even before they got together, Bucky has supported and protected her through it all, and now it’s her turn to do the same.

“You still deserve someone better. Someone who isn’t as broken and messed up as me. I thought I wasn’t good enough for you ever since we got together, and even John sees it, too.” Y/N leans in, gently kissing his forehead.

“Hey…I love you, Bucky. Nobody else, just you.” She insists, cupping his cheek in her palm and using her thumb to wipe away his tears. “And I love you just the way you are. To me, you’re the best person in the world. Don’t listen to John Walker. He’s not even half of the man you are. I know I can’t possibly take away all your pain and trauma, but I’ll be here to tell you just how good you are and how much I love you every day.”

“You’re such a good person, Y/N.” Bucky mumbles. “So kind, and so loving.”

“So are you. And you show me that every day.” Bucky shuffles forward into her embrace, wrapping his metal arm around her tightly. 

They sit together for a while, Y/N letting Bucky cry as she holds him protectively, and whispering reassurances in his ear. “I’m going to be here forever, Buck. You’re stuck with me, I’m afraid.” She tells him when they pull away. Bucky manages a chuckle at that, and it makes her heart flutter. He gazes at her, smiling like she hung the moon.

“I’m glad. I don’t think I could ever survive without you in my life.” Smiling, Y/N leans in close, gently kissing his lips.

“Me neither. Good thing that I’m not going anywhere.” Bucky takes her hand, pressing a kiss to it. Suddenly, he notices the bruise developing on her knuckles, and his eyes widen.

“What happened to you? Did he hurt you? He can say whatever he wants to me, but if he hurts you, then there’s going to be a problem.” Bucky insists. Just as he’s about to get up, Y/N stops him.

“Don’t worry. It wasn’t him that did it…sort of.” Bucky’s brow furrows, and Y/N chuckles. “I punched that smug fucker right in his face after what he said to you. I probably broke his nose, actually.” Bucky gasps.

“You did that for me?”

“Of course I did.” She shrugs. “He doesn’t get to mess with my boyfriend and make him feel like shit without facing the consequences.”

“Thank you.” Bucky smiles. “At least let me get you some ice, though.” He helps her up, gazing at her with a smile. Y/N’s stomach flutters once more. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have you protecting me, you know that?”

“Well, you protect me, so it’s only fair I return the favour.” He kisses her lips once more, and Y/N smiles. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

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[late-to-the-party-81]

Power Play - Chapter 2

AN: Thank you all for your amazing response to part one. It was vastly unexpected and meant that I felt like you all deserved a bit more than just filthy ramblings, so hopefully I have got the plot balance right. Again, a big thanks to @buckybarnesevents

I’ve chosen the prompt How do you want me... Spread open.

Beta’d by @buckysbarne

Dividers by @firefly-graphics and banner by me

Master list | Hot Bucky Summer Master list | Chapter 1

Summary: You settle into Bucky’s mansion and he imparts some important information about your former colleagues.

Relationship: Mob! Bucky x Undercover Agent! Reader

WC: 2.7k

CW: Soft!Dark! Bucky, Stalking, Very slight somno (blink and you’ll miss it), Dirty talk, Angst, Alcohol consumption, Themes of betrayal, more kissing, Russian Pet names as mangled by Google translate, John Walker and Lemar Hoskins being misogynistic PoS’.

Although you hadn’t accepted Bucky’s rather tempting offer, you hadn’t outright rejected it either. The man himself seemed to think it was a done deal, because after he’d finished kissing you - leaving you dizzy and aching - he’d untied the rest of your bonds.

A telling smile had spread across his face as you just stood there, rubbing at your wrists and ankles, not trying to attack him or escape.

“Come, Pchelka.”

He didn’t offer any more, and you didn’t ask in your tired and confused state, just followed him out of his study and down the corridor of his opulent home, like a puppy at its master’s heel. 

There were a few other people walking the halls, mainly big, imposing men in black suits, but there were a few women too, who looked like staff. Bucky led you up a large staircase, and along another hallway until he got to a pair of double doors. He pushed one open with ease and gestured for you to walk through.

You took a few tentative steps across the threshold and then whirled around to look at him open-mouthed.

“What is this, Mr Barnes?”

“What does it look like, milyy? It’s a bedroom.”

You looked at him with trepidation and suspicion.

“Is it yours?”

Bucky just chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with mirth and your suspicion turned to embarrassment.

“No, it is not. But mine is just through the adjoining door if you’d like to go there instead? A little eager, aren’t you?” 

“Well… I… you said you wanted me.”

Oh God! Could the world just swallow you already?

Suddenly, Bucky crowded into your personal space and you could feel the heat radiating off him. Smell his cologne.

“I do want you, Pchelka. I want you spread open for me. Needy and wet. Begging for me to fuck you.”

His hand came up to stroke the side of your face and over your hair and your eyelids fluttered.

“But it isn’t time for that. Yet. No, for now this room is for you, and you alone. You must be tired, hungry and in need of a wash. Please feel free to use anything in this room or the en-suite. I will organise some food for you.

“Can I leave?”

It was his turn to give you a questioning look.

“I don’t believe you’d want to leave this.” For a moment you thought he was talking about the opulence of his dwelling, but he caught you off guard again, cupping your face and giving you a deep, but all too brief, kiss before slipping out of the door. You heard a key turn in the lock and realised that you were once again trapped. With a sigh you decided that there was no point in hurting yourself trying to escape - a small voice in your head even questioned whether you even wanted to - and decided to explore your gilded cage.

The room was brightly decorated. There was still the dark wood that prevailed in the rest of the house - or what you’d seen of it so far - but the walls were covered in a yellow and cream wallpaper. The carpet, so deep and plush it felt like a cloud under your bare feet, was also cream, and the drapes matched the yellow of the walls perfectly. The bed was large, kingsized, with dark wood head and foot boards. The counterpane was also in the same tones and the room felt spring-like because of it. There were other doors in the room. Two on one side and one on the other. The lone door was the one that Bucky had indicated led to his room.

With a few steps, you crossed the space and tried the handle. It didn’t budge - there was no way out there - and you weren’t sure why you felt disappointed, but it wasn’t because an escape route was blocked. Moving across the room you tried the first of the two doors on that side. 

It was a walk in closet, but didn’t look as you’d expected. If this was a guest room it should have been empty, but it wasn’t. It was filled with rack after rack of clothes; suits, skirts, tops, dresses, jeans. You walked past them, running your hand over the expensive fabrics. One dress in particular caught your eye. It was a rich, sapphire blue colour, made of satin and when you slipped it off the hanger to look at it closer you were surprised to see that not only was it your size, the tag was still attached. You checked a pair of jeans and found the same. 

On the opposite side of the closet was a large shoe rack with a similarly eclectic selection, any type of shoe anyone would ever want. Again, they were all brand new and in your size. There was a sinking feeling in your chest. The drawers full of high end lingerie confirmed your suspicions. The clothes and the shoes could be a coincidence, but there is no way anyone would be able to accurately guess what size bra you wore. He’d said he’d been watching you, but you hadn’t thought he’d meant that closely.

Leaving the closet and not knowing what to make of it all, you went to the other door which, as you had surmised, was the en-suite. It was just as luxurious as the rest of your lodgings, and stocked, unsurprisingly now, with your preferred brands and scents of toiletries. You should feel creeped out. 

Should.

To take your mind off it all you decided to have a shower. Bucky was right, as much as you didn’t want to admit it. You were in need of a wash and you were really tired, not really having slept since you were taken by him and his men at the gala.

You took it slow - there was no need to rush after all - and after indulging yourself in a way you hadn’t in a long time you padded back into the closet. There was no need to look a gift horse in the mouth after all. 

Digging around, you found a pair of pyjamas - silk, of course -  to put on, and climbed onto the bed for a well needed rest.

“Wake up, Pchelka.”

You were so warm and cosy, and despite the insistence of the voice in your ear, your body was resisting. You let out a grumpy mumble and heard some quiet laughter in response. 

“You must be hungry, lyubimyy. I’ve bought you some food.”

“Five more minutes…” you muttered, your mind still wrapped up in a thick blanket of sleep.

However, the fog started to lift as warm kisses, accompanied by the slight scratch of facial hair, littered your neck and face, setting your body alight. You sighed happily, enjoying the sensations, your half-asleep mind creating scenarios in your head and…

It was like your brain suddenly came online and you sat up with a start, your heart thudding in your chest and embarrassment suffusing your being. You clutched a hand to the front of your pyjamas as you took in your captor. He’d abandoned his suit jacket and sunglasses, and rolled up the sleeves of his black shirt. As he looked at you, amusement in his eyes, he placed a toothpick between his teeth. 

Why was that so goddamn sexy?

Ignoring your reaction, both to his wake up kisses and to your realisation about what was going on, he gestured towards the tray on the small table near your bed.

“I brought you some food, lyubimaya. Come. Eat.”

He stood by one of the chairs and pulled it out, an obvious invitation for you to sit. You moved hesitantly, sliding off the bed and padding over the carpet, ducking your head in acknowledgement of his chivalry as he tucked the chair in under you as you sat down.

Bucky then took the cloche off the tray, revealing two portions of smoked salmon and Eggs Benedict on toasted English muffins, along with a teapot and two cups. He placed one plate in front of you and then sat down opposite you. He poured out the tea, and the smell of calming chamomile wafted over you. 

The food looked good and as the first taste hit your tongue you realised how hungry you actually were. In fact, it wasn’t until you’d almost emptied your plate that you realised that you’d hadn’t even spoken a word to Bucky. Looking over at him you saw he was smiling at you indulgently, an unexpectedly soft look on his face. Butterflies danced in your stomach and you grabbed your tea cup, taking a large swig of the hot floral liquid in an attempt to squash the tingling feeling within you.

“Erm… thank you for the food. It was delicious.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, Pchelka.” He took a drink from his own teacup and you found yourself transfixed by the movement of his Adam’s apple as he swallowed. “Now that you’ve had some rest, I have some things to show you. So, if you’d like to get dressed I’ll come back in ten minutes for you.”

His tone was calm, congenial, and suggested that the thought that you wouldn’t comply hadn’t entered his head. To be honest, you didn’t feel any need to be combative anyway. 

Eleven minutes later he knocked on your door again. You’d picked out a pair of jeans, a soft sweater and a pair of canvas slip-ons and were revelling in how much nicer the expensive clothes felt on you. When you opened the door to him, you were beaming and he smiled back. It was easy to forget that he’d fought you, kidnapped you, that he was technically your enemy. For the most part he’d treated you much better than any of your colleagues.

Barnes took hold of one of your hands and brought it up to his lips, keeping his eyes on you the whole time.

“You look beautiful, sladkiy. However, now it’s time to talk business, as unpleasant as that may be.”

He hooked your arm into the crook of his and walked the pair of you back down the stairs and hallway to his office. As you entered you were surprised to see that the chair you’d been tied to earlier on had disappeared, with Bucky offering you the much plusher option opposite his desk.

Once you’d sat, Bucky moved back over to his bar. He poured two tumblers of scotch and then opened a mini fridge, taking out a bottle of water. He placed it, and one of the crystal glasses, in front of you.

“Have some water, milyy. Then I have some things for you to listen to, after which you might need the other drink.”

The air in the room was heavy, a sense of foreboding settling upon you, but you did as he said, cracking the seal on the bottle and drinking almost half the small bottle in one go.

Bucky was perched up on the desk once more, and as you placed the lid back on the water, he pulled his laptop towards him and spun it so that the screen faced you. With a few deft clicks he pulled up an audio file and pressed play.

At first the sound was muffled, sounding as though it was coming from down a drain, but after a bit of static it suddenly cleared, and you recognised the voice of your boss, John Walker.

Walker was tall, blonde, good-looking and slimy as hell. You hadn’t expected someone of his age - your age - to be part of the ‘boys’ club, but you’d been unpleasantly surprised. He was overt in his sexual appraisal of you and behaved in a generally toxic manner. You surmised that he must just be that good at his job that the higher-ups were willing to overlook the fact he was a walking HR nightmare. Either that, or he was so well connected he was untouchable.

When you’d been picked for this op, you’d been so excited you’d put aside all your reservations about him, ignoring the comments that were a little too close to the line. Now, listening to the recording, you wished you hadn’t.

“So… you think the piece of fluff can actually handle getting intel on Barnes?”

That was Hoskins, Walker’s partner in crime.

“Well, if - when - she fucks it up, it’ll fall on her, not me. And it’ll stop her from getting ideas above her station. Should fucking stay with filing and looking cute. Would be better if she put out though. Frigid bitch.”

There was a slap noise, probably a ‘bro’ high-five, and two disturbing chuckles.

“So you reckon she’s gonna blow it?” Hoskins again, then a snort from Walker.

“Reckon? I know it. She’ll be made as soon as she makes contact.”

Another chuckle, and you felt a sick feeling churning in your gut. “She piss you off that much? What do you think Barnes will do when she tries to make contact?”

“Dunno. Probably just ignore her overtures. He won’t do anything over the top - he won’t want to draw attention. Her failure will put her back in her place, then maybe the boss will go with my plan. Can’t believe they went with the ‘honeypot’, but at least they picked her outta all the other candidates.”

“Won’t you get backlash for recommending someone who fucks up so royally?”

“I gave them a number of options. Is it my fault if, on paper, she looked like the best one?”

“You dog.” The laughter this time was more than just small chuckles and you felt the bile rising in your throat. “Come on - Let’s go get a drink. We can toast to the downfall of the airhead and your rising star.”

There was the sound of people and papers being moved about, footsteps and a door closing and then the recording came to an end. As it did you realised how hard you were gripping the arms of the chair. You looked up at Barnes, willing the tears in your eyes not to fall. You expected him to look amused, or smug, but he wasn’t. He looked… concerned, and somehow that was worse.

“Walker’s the mole? He fed you information about me just so this op would fail and he could swoop in and take over?”

“Not him directly. He wants to bring me down to make himself look good, but he knows who the mole is and may have dropped some important information in the right place at the right time. He’s trying to play the long game, not knowing it’s gonna backfire.”

You took hold of the tumbler of scotch and threw it back, coughing slightly at the strength of it, but determined that you wouldn’t show weakness in front of Barnes.

“So what made you pull off this charade? You could have just done what Walker thought you were gonna do. You could have just ignored me.”

“Pchelka, it would be impossible to ignore you. Especially after I learnt everything about you. I was curious, why would Walker wish your downfall? So I tailed you. Investigated you. And I was both impressed and appalled. Impressed by you and appalled by those apes you work with. You are so much better than them in every way and they aren’t even deserving to be scraped off your shoe.”

“You stalked me. You broke into my apartment and found out what size clothes I wear. What toiletries I use. And you are asking me to trust you?”

He stood up from where he’d perched himself and crouched down in front of you, taking your hands in his own. The thought that you’d found yourself in this position with this man a number of times now flitted through your mind.

“I never meant you any harm. I wanted to be ready for you. To make the transition, should you choose to take it, seamless. Join me, sladkiy. Get your revenge. Live your best life. You can be successful and powerful, and above all respected and cherished.”

He’d commented earlier in the day about how he wanted you spread open, and you felt that way now, albeit in a different way to how he’d meant it. You felt stretched out. Raw. Thin. Burning with anger and shame. Rage and embarrassment. Probably not the best state to be making life changing decisions in, but you’d been sensible your entire life and where had it gotten you?

You looked up into his eyes, the cool icy depths tempting you in, so you dove with abandon.

“Yes.” You uttered your reply, and for the first time took what you wanted, bringing your lips to his.

Chapter 3

Tag list: @jobean12-blog @bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky @tuiccim @sidepartskinnyjeans @flordeamatista @krissy25 @bodeckersdiamonddoll @goldylions @luxeavenger @wheezy-stucky @doasyoudesireandlive @chemtrails-club @seitmai @talia-rumlow @peaches1958 @pono-pura-vida @writing-for-marvel

[petertingle-yipyip]

SIN MIEDO - BUCKY BARNES

episode five - truth

tags: n/a // four // SM masterlist // what, it’s back? yeah, i’ve been thinking about it alot so i figured it’s time to come finish it

Pairing: stark!reader x bucky

Word Count: 7,209

Summary: After a near death battle with John Walker, Y/N decides to take a step back. But the desire to live up to her father’s legacy both weighs her down and purges her forward.

“We have to take her to a hospital.” Sam insisted.

“I know.” Barnes agreed, his hold on you tightening just to ensure you wouldn’t slip.

“What was she thinking?” Sam said worriedly. He couldn’t understand why you would take on John by yourself. He knew you were a smart fighter, skilled and powerful. But John had lost it. He took the serum and was off his rocker seeing Lemar killed.

“She wasn’t.” Barnes said simply. Barnes’ brain was running a million miles an hour. He wondered why you would be so stupid, but he also understood you weren’t one to play it safe. “We need to take care of her first, then we find Walker.”

“God, you’re unbelievable.” Sam scoffed. “How can you still be worried about that?”

“We need to get that shield. You saw what he’s capable of.”

“She needs to be the top priority!”

Without you knowing, or at least assuming you didn’t know, you’d been his priority the whole time.

“I don’t care about the shield right now!”

“You think she’d want to forget about the shield?” Barnes countered, watching his volume as if you were simply asleep in his arms. “That's what got her like this. Because she wanted to take that shield from him. We can’t let this go.”

“Is that what you think is right or is it because you have a crush on her?” Sam challenged.

You stirred in Barnes’ grip, slowly coming back. You felt the cool stream of water still working to heal you, the damp feeling of your suit’s material paired with the wet spot in your hair at the back of your head. You felt the cold vibranium arm under your knees, the warmth of Barnes’ chest against your cheek. Your eyes slowly opened to a completely different part of the city than you remember.

“Put me down.” You said hoarsely, pulling your hand and the water out of your suit and zipping it back up. You rubbed your eyes and the bridge of your nose to quickly heal that swelling and tenderness before flicking away the excess water from your hand and pulling the absorbed water out of your suit’s fabric.

You weren’t fully healed, but it was good enough. Your chest didn’t ache with every breath and your spine didn’t sting with every movement. You felt considerably stronger than before with clearer vision and the absence of pounding in your head.

The only thing in your head now were your dad’s words. You didn’t know if it was a dream or if you had really crossed the threshold between living and the dead. You didn’t care. All you knew was that he was right. You weren’t done yet.

“No.” Barnes answered. You turned and saw he wasn’t looking at you. Instead, he kept his eyes focused ahead. “You need a hospital.”

“I’m fine.” You struggled in his grip. “Put me down, Barnes.”

“No.”

“Fine.” You replied simply. Using your arms for momentum, you flipped backwards out of Barnes’ arms and landed wobbly on your feet. After quickly regaining your balance, you stood tall. “Where’s Walker?”

“Y/N..” Sam tried gently. “You took a hell of a beating, alright? Just take it easy and we’ll find him later. We’ll get the shield back.”

“You guys don’t get it…I have to do everything myself.” You muttered, turning your hand to see the inside of your wrist. You tapped the screen connected to FRIDAY and had her take the tracking information from Sam’s suit. “Thanks for the tracker.” You saluted Sam before quickly making an air ball and riding it to find Walker.

You had to stop him. You had to get the shield back. If not for Sam, then for your grandfather. He made that shield for Steve, and it should be with the man Steve gave it to. It was Steve’s legacy but it was also Howard’s favorite accomplishment. You couldn’t let it stay in the wrong hands and continue to cause people pain. To take lives. 

You heard the footfalls of the boys behind you, but you weren’t stopping. You figured they knew that. All they could do now was follow and fight beside you. All they could do was help you so you didn’t die. You had a feeling that if you went down this time, you weren’t getting back up.

You all found Walker off some old train tracks. He was distraught, likely over losing Lemar. You didn’t blame him for flying off the handle, but you couldn’t excuse taking a man’s life. A man who wasn’t responsible. And to do it so publicly made you sick.

“Are you insane?” Barnes asked you quietly as the three of you approached Walker.

“I’ve been called worse.” You shrugged.

“Walker.” Sam began, as if in warning.

“You guys should see a medic. You don’t look so good.” Walker replied. “And I’m surprised you’re still standing.” He nodded to you.

“I’ll admit, you got a mean swing… If you wanted me to stay down, you should’ve put me down.” You said simply, weaving a flame between your fingers on either hand. You felt the wind dancing around your ankles at the same time, maybe even small tremors in the ground. “This ends now.”

“You saw what happened.” He defended loudly. “You know what I had to do! I killed him because he killed Lemar!”

“He didn’t kill Lemar, John.” Barnes countered.

“Regardless, we don’t trade lives.” You added tensely. Every word between you four wound your muscles tighter. The flames at your hands grew hotter. The air at your feet moved in faster, tighter circles. 

“You go down that road, it won’t end well.” Barnes continued. 

“I’m not like you.” Walker countered angrily. There was an accusation in his tone, that that's who Barnes still was. He insinuated that he was better than Barnes, but that just showed he didn’t really know who Barnes was outside of his Winter Soldier stories.

You instantly turned your attention to Barnes. His eyes were down, as if he was processing what Walker had said. He looked like someone kicked his puppy and you didn’t know why that expression hurt you as well.

Without really thinking, your hand had reached for his, flame extinguished. You gave his hand a gentle squeeze, as if to say that everything was okay. He looked up at you and offered a tight smile before gently squeezing your hand in return. You didn’t know it but that gesture meant a lot in that moment. You hoped your eyes conveyed the sincerity you intended.

“It was the heat of battle, alright?” Sam tried reasoning with him. But the look in his eyes, the way he eyed you all like you were dinner, showed you he was well past reasoning with. You slowly pulled your hand back and the flame danced through your digits again. “If you explain what happened, maybe they’ll consider your record. We don’t want anyone else to get hurt…”

“You have to give us the shield.” You tried calmly. Even though every muscle in your body was wound tight and every nerve was alive with adrenaline, you followed Sam’s lead. You tried to talk to him, same way you tried with Karli. 

“So that’s what this is?” He answered darkly. “You almost had me..”

“You made a mistake. A very public one.” You said simply.

“You don’t want to do this.” He threatened.

“Yeah, we do.” Barnes answered with a nod. He glanced at you, who met his eyes and added a quick nod in return.

Barnes moved in first and Sam was quick to follow. You hesitated just a moment, letting Sam and Barnes make the first move. You had to be smarter and more calculated than the last time, otherwise you’d likely be returning to the States in a body bag. At the first opening you got, you stomped to raise a slab of rock and you kicked it at Walker.i

Walker kicked Sam away and tried to take on Barnes. You quickly took Sam’s place and created a fire blade in your hand. While Barnes had Walker by the shield, you slashed the flame across his back, burning through his suit and his flesh. You choked on the smell momentarily before dropping the flame and creating a rock gauntlet. You slammed your stone covered fist into the burning wound and forced him to the ground.

Walker elbowed you in the jaw and spun to land a solid right hook on Barnes. The contact sent both of you reeling back and gave Walker time to capitalize. He moved to swipe the shield in a direction that could take you both but Sam came through just in time.

The two went hand to hand while Barnes came around to get you. You could feel the bruise forming already as you moved your mouth around, trying to break up the pain.

“Come on.” He said when he got to your side, hauling you to your feet. “Fight’s not over yet.”

“After you, Sarge.” You gestured for him to go.

“Ladies first.” He shrugged.

You chuckled slightly before moving back into the fight. You moved quickly, throwing flame after flame at him. He ducked behind the shield and Barnes came from behind you. Walker countered most of your attacks but you saw a perfect opening. He pulled back to slam the shield against Sam so you yanked up a rock column to connect with his chin. The impact sent him wobbling back and gave Barnes a chance to apply more pressure. After ducking a heavy blow from Barnes, he threw the shield and sent Barnes flying across the room.

Walker was running after the shield as soon as it left his hand, you and Sam moving in right behind him. Walker had Barnes pinned against an old crate, the two fighting for the disk.

“Why are you making me do this?” Walker screamed, a desperate rage in his voice. He launched Barnes again once the sentence left his mouth.

“Bucky.” You muttered when you realized he didn’t get up right away. While Sam took on Walker again, you ran to Barnes’ side.

“You gotta get up.” You told him, kneeling at his side. You watched the electricity crackling around his arm. He winced as he tried to lift his Vibranium arm. “Here, let me just...” You said gently, focusing on redirecting the extra voltage away from his arm.

What you didn’t see was the way Barnes was looking at you. He watched the intent focus your eyes held, the precise movements of your hands, the careful direction of your fingers. The lightning travelled the path of your arms like a road, seeming soaking into your spine and exiting out the other hand. He was in awe.

He was partly surprised you had focused on helping him. You didn’t have to. It would’ve gone away within a minute, but you took the time to help him. He realized that you actually were his friend. And more than that, he liked that you stopped to help him.

The electricity crackled up one arm and to your spine. You turned and focused on Walker, carefully handling the power in your body. Electricity was a tricky thing. One slip of control and you could hurt yourself. You learned that the hard way. You shot it at Walker, your aim slightly off so you hit right near his feet, and caught him just before he tried to land a devastating blow on Sam.

“Come on, James.” You sighed as you pulled him off the ground to sit up. He groaned and leaned against a nearby pillar. You realized you used his first name and you tensed slightly. It felt too intimate to use in those moments.

“We gotta finish this.” Barnes muttered, to which you could only nod. You relaxed slightly when it didn’t seem like he noticed. But he did. 

“Did you have a plan or should we just try and tire him out?” You tried to joke.

“You want to be the bait?” He offered and you couldn’t fully tell if he was joking or not.

“Make him go after me?” You asked with raised brows. “Promise you won’t let him kill me.”

“Cross my heart.” He nodded.

“Worth a shot.” You shrugged, jumping back into the fight.

Walker had just yanked Sam out of the air and lost hold of the shield. You threw a blast of air to push the shield further for everyone and slammed a fist to the ground. You used the rock to snag Walker’s ankles and cause him to fall on his face. By the time you caught up to him, he was top of Sam and was ripping his wings apart.

You called a flame to cover the entirety of both hands and ran. You tackled Walker off Sam, your hands moving to his neck as you two rolled and you tried to bury your fingers into the soft tissue. The smell of burnt flesh invaded your lungs and you felt the smoke burning your eyes.

He screamed out from the burns and once your momentum stopped, he had you pinned with a knee on your chest. You coughed from the burnt smell and the increasing pressure. He pulled your hands away easily and squeezed. You cried out as you heard the bone break in your left arm. 

“We could’ve been a team.” He sneered ferally.

“I don’t play nice with others.” You commented, trying to buy yourself and Barnes some time. Turning your head to come up with something, you realized you had landed right next to the shield. But so did Walker.

“I am Captain. America.” He practically snarled.

“Yeah?” You asked as an idea came to mind. “You look like a cheap knock off to me.”

He quickly reached for the shield and raised it above his head. As he screamed, you lifted your right hand and flicked a quick bolt of lightning at his chest. He winced inwardly but didn’t budge. In a last ditch effort, you did your best to take control of his blood.

With one hand and the pressure on your sternum, it was impossible to gain complete control. He was fighting you the whole time, pushing the shield with all his strength. You knew once your control slipped, that disk was headed straight for your chest. You groaned as you tried adding your other hand, but the pain was too much. You stomped a foot instead, sending deep vibrations through the concrete foundation. Walker faltered but wouldn’t move.

You thought that was it. Your time was truly up this time. But maybe that would be enough to get that shield back to Sam, back to the man it was supposed to be with. You were about to accept your fate and let him kill you when Barnes made good on his promise. He tackled Walker off of you and handled the fight himself.

You turned on your side and coughed violently, trying to open your airways enough to breathe properly. They traded blows for a minute until Walker managed the upper hand. Sam moved in for the rescue, so he and Barnes were able to get control of the situation. Him and Barnes were turning Walker’s arm outward and you saw an opening.

You pushed yourself to stand and slammed your foot to break loose a piece of the concrete floor. You kicked it forward and heard the sickly pop of his bone dislocating. The pop turned Sam’s pressure into action and he went flying in a separate direction. You almost felt bad for dislocating his arm in such a violent manner, but the shooting pain in your own arm quickly erased that thought. 

“It’s mine.” Walker growled as Sam stood with the shield in his hands and Barnes came to stand with you.

“It’s over, Walker.” You answered through heavy breaths, clutching your arm to your chest.

“It’s mine!” He repeated, pulling back to swing on you.

You ducked his arm and the punch was blocked by Barnes. He landed a hard shot against Walker’s jaw and you swiped your leg to knock him over. Barnes lifted Walker and swung him like a baseball bat into Sam, who was moving in hard with the shield. The impact sent the three of them in different directions, the shield landing between them all.

You quickly moved to grab it while the boys groaned and tried to get up. You held the shield in your hands, staring at the dried blood on it. The sight disgusted you. You moved and shoved it into Sam’s chest once he stood.

“You give this away again, I’m keeping it.” You said plainly before pushing off and walking away with Barnes.

“You’re going to the hospital.” Barnes said simply once you caught up with him.

“I can fix myself.” You defended, picking up a stream of water from a nearby puddle and focused on the returning pain in your chest.

“It wasn’t a request.”

“You can’t order me around.”

“I’m pulling rank. I’m a Sergeant, you’re not.”

“Alright, you got me there.” You answered, too tired to really argue with him. “Can we get something to eat first?”

The next day, you three waited in the same room you had talked to Karli in. You did basic healing on your arm so the hospital left it in a sling rather than a hard cast. They said they may have to put pins in your sternum if it didn’t right itself, but that would take a bit of time before they knew.

Sam caught you up on the Karli situation and his buddy, who you learned to be called Torres, came in. You followed Barnes out after he ignored Sam asking about Zemo.

Later or maybe even the next day - things had really blurred together - you and Barnes found Zemo at the Sokovia memorial, exactly where you expected to.

“Thought you’d come sooner.” Zemo said when you two approached.

“Had something else to take care of first.” You shrugged.

“And don’t worry. I’ve decided I’m not going to kill you.”

“You’d never get the chance.” You said easily as Barnes said “Imagine my relief.”

“The girl… She’s radicalized beyond salvation.” He began as if he was just waiting for a chance to give his speech. “I warned Sam, but he didn’t listen to me. As stubborn as Steve Rogers before him. But you- Both of you, can do what needs to be done. Karli has people everywhere and there’s only one way to ensure she cannot carry out her mission.”

“I appreciate the advice.” Barnes answered flatly. “But we’re gonna do it our own way.”

“I was afraid you would say that.” Zemo chuckled.

You stood beside Barnes as he lifted the gun to Zemo. You watched what seemed like relief come across Zemo’s features. You weren’t necessarily surprised to see that expression, given that he had lost everyone. He was willing to take his own life in Siberia all those years ago, so of course he wasn’t afraid to die now. But part of it may have been relief to see Barnes being the one to hold the gun. Part of him likely wanted Barnes to be the killer HYDRA made him.

When Barnes pulled the trigger and the gun was empty, Zemo’s relief shifted to disappointment. You opened your palm and moved the bullets in a circle above your hand. You held your hand up with a small smirk as Zemo stared at the bullets in disbelief. You smiled as the Dora approached.

You let the bullets fall to the ground and tucked your hands behind your back, rocking on your heels. “Told you I’d deliver him myself.” You nodded in greeting.

“I took the liberty of crossing off my name in your book.” Zemo added. “I hold no grudges for what you thought you had to do.. Goodbye, James. Goodbye, Y/N.”

Ayo talked to Barnes for a minute while you looked at the memorial again. So many lives lost.. It still blew your mind how quickly that situation had gotten out of control.

You left before Barnes did. He was still talking to Ayo when you slipped away. Part of you knew you should’ve stayed and explained where you were going. But the bigger part of you just wanted to go. You headed to the airport where the Stark jet was waiting for you.

First, you went to your shared apartment. You quickly packed all your things and left no trace of yourself in the apartment. You thought about leaving a note, something simple that said ‘Heading back to my family. Thanks for the place to crash.’ but even that didn’t feel right. You decided it was best to say nothing so left about two months worth of rent in cash and walked out. You hailed a cab and headed to the lake house.

You spent the last couple days getting to know your half-sister, and she was such a sweet kid. You saw a lot of resemblance to your dad so the first day with her was rough. But you gave her a chance and you were glad you did.

The two of you spent most of the time near the lake. You showed her different tricks you could do with the water. You used the air to blow her hair around and make the leaves fly. You made little Avenger figures from the rocks below. You used your powers for parlor tricks instead of fighting, and the calm felt nice.

When you got the call from Sam, you ignored it. You assumed it was a lead on Karli and at the moment, you wanted nothing to do with it. You did your part and got the shield away from Walker. You couldn’t save that Flag Smasher but you saved Sam and Barnes. You put Zemo back in prison. All your boxes were checked. You could rest… So why didn’t you feel at peace?

It was another couple days before you were contacted by Sam and Barnes again.

You were with Morgan at the shoreline when the car pulled up. You assumed it was someone for Pepper, probably Happy. You were making a crown from the water for Morgan, freezing it above her head before placing it in its place. You spun the air around you two for dramatic effect.

“I now crown thee, Princess Morgan!” You announced theatrically, pushing a wave across the lake that made her giggle. “Sovereign ruler of this great body of water! What is your first decree, your Highness?” You bowed dramatically.

“Trespassers!” She announced, pointing behind you. “Defend our shores!”

“I shall give my life to serve!” You laughed before turning to see who was coming. You saw Sam and Barnes stepping out of the car and you froze momentarily. “Alas, fair Princess, it’s only visitors from another kingdom.”

“Trespassers!” She yelled again with a wide smile. “Get them!”

“I live to serve thee.” You chuckled and shook your head before heading to the boys.

“So this is where you’ve been hiding?” Barnes asked simply.

“Better than fighting.” You shrugged. “Besides, I never rescheduled my apartment walkthroughs… You guys could’ve just called, yknow.”

“It’s not really the kind of thing you say over the phone.” Sam reasoned. “And last time I called, you didn’t answer.”

“Yeah, cause I thought you were gonna ask what I’m guessing you’re gonna ask me now.” You sighed and turned to check on Morgan. She was playing with the rock Avengers you made her, creating a fight scene of her own. You watched as she held the figure of yourself in one hand and threw a rock at one of the other Avengers. 

“I’ll set the table for two more.. You don’t talk shop in front of the kid, you can stay for lunch.” You sighed, walking backwards and motioning for them to follow. “Pepper usually makes too much food anyways.”

“Morgan!” You called, heading towards the house with the boys following behind. “Chow time! Come get some lunch!” You waited at the porch for her to catch up. 

“What is it?” She asked when she met up with you. “Who are these guys?” She whispered.

“Just some friends..” You dismissed her concerns with a smile as you took her hand while she jumped up the stairs. “Let’s go wash up.”

“Everyone washes their hands before we eat.” You said over your shoulder. “Morgan will show you to the bathroom.” She shot you an accusing look. “I’ll wash my hands in the kitchen so I can reset the table.” You put your hands up in surrender before heading to the kitchen.

“You invited people over?” Pepper asked as you pulled two more plates from the cabinet.

“More like they invited themselves..” You shrugged. “I figured there’d be enough anyway.”

“What do they want?” She eyed you carefully.

“Hopefully just to check in.”

“I didn’t know you were friends with those two.” Her tone betrayed something of disapproval.

“With all the family I’ve lost, I could use a few friends.” You answered sharply. “Oh, and I told them not to talk about anything in front of her so lunch should be pleasant. You’re welcome.”

“Y/N!” Morgan came running into the kitchen while laughing. “You are relieved of your knighthood.”

“I- Huh?” You laughed in disbelief while you pulled her chair out for her and your own chair from beside her. Pepper hid her giggle while bringing the food from the kitchen. “And who will take my place? Who can defend this great land better than me? The prodigy of Earth’s greatest defender, himself?”

“Him!” She pointed to Barnes -who offered a look of confusion- as he and Sam sat on the opposite side of the table. She grabbed your arm and pulled you close so she could whisper her next sentence. “He has a metal arm!” Her jaw dropped to mimic her earlier shock.

“Unfortunately, he won’t be staying long enough to protect your waters.” You said, feigning disappointment. “Sadly, Sir James is only visiting… Besides, I’m stronger than him anyway.”

You felt Barnes’ eyes on you but you ignored them. You didn’t call him James often. Really, that only came to mind as the third time. In Madripoor, taking the shield from Walker, and now. You weren’t sure why you said it but it felt better than calling him ‘Barnes’ when talking to Morgan. But maybe ‘Bucky’ would’ve been better.

“It’s true. I’ve seen it.” Sam added with a chuckle. Barnes simply rolled his eyes with an amused smile. You were relieved that he stepped in and dissipated the tension.

Lunch was surprisingly pleasant. The boys talked to Pepper about how the company was doing and the plans - if any - for rebuilding the Avengers compound. She asked about Zemo and if they knew anything about his escape. You all made jokes and told stories, which made the reunion rather fun.

Once the table was cleared, you took the boys outside while Pepper kept Morgan in the kitchen. You all stood around by the lake. You skipped rocks while Sam and Barnes started their proposition.

“We’re pretty sure Karli is going to attack the GRC vote.” Sam explained.

“Pretty sure isn’t enough to be here, Wilson.” You shook your head. “You’ll need to do something better than that.”

“There’s no guarantee but I bet we’re right.”

“Right… You really think she’s going to be able to travel to New York without someone snatching her up first?” You scoffed. “That move would make sense, I guess. If you can’t change the vote, you stop the vote. Probably kill the Council as a whole and get someone else in there.”

“So you’re in?”

“Am I in?” You laughed. “I did my due diligence. Walker doesn’t have the shield and Zemo is locked up. My hands are clean.”

“So you’re comfortable with quitting on this?” Barnes challenged.

“Why do you care?” You turned on him. “Why do you really care? Let me ask you something, Barnes. Why did you let me stay with you when you didn’t know me?”

“What are you getting at?” He avoided your question. The accusations in your tone hit him deep. It sounded like you were accusing him of ulterior motives, but he just wanted to do the right thing. He was glad for it, being that he quickly got used to having you around. To the point where he even liked having you around.

“I’ve seen my name in your book.” You said simply. “You think you have to make amends because you killed my grandparents. That’s all it’s been about, right? Cause I’m the only Stark left that can forgive you?”

“No.” He shook his head and tried to continue, but you interrupted. He had to admit that it might’ve started like that, a chance to right a wrong from so long ago. A wrong that was the final nail in the coffin of Tony and Steve’s friendship. But the fire in your eyes made it hard for him to admit that to you.

“You didn’t actually care that I was on my own, and that’s fine. I don’t need you to. But you don’t get to stand here and pretend that I was more than just a personal assignment.”

“It wasn’t like that!” He shouted. Barnes was wondering why he couldn’t tell you the full story. Maybe since he couldn’t even admit it to himself.

“What was it like then?” You snapped in return. 

“Let’s just take a step back.” Sam tried carefully. You noticed the way he looked at Barnes, as if he was trying to help him.

“Do you see Howard when you look at me?” You pushed Barnes. A vicious heat was sprouting in your chest, inching up your throat and creeping down your arms. “Howard in his youth, believing that you and Steve were some- some unstoppable duo that HYDRA didn’t have a chance against. Or when I had blood on my face, did you see Howard before you killed him?”

“That’s enough!” Sam announced. The firmness of his tone cleared the red from your vision. You realized you had stepped closer to Barnes, almost in challenge. You chuckled in disbelief, stepping back with your hands up in surrender as you chewed the inside of your cheek.

“Y/N, we could really use your help.” Sam’s tone was gentler, bordering pleading.

“Please.” Barnes murmured, so quietly that you weren’t sure you had actually heard it.

“I think you’ve overstayed your welcome, boys.” You replied simply, taking a couple steps backwards. “You’ll get an email when the Compound’s up and running again.”

“Y/N.” Sam tried again but you ignored him.

“This isn’t the kid Steve thought you were.” Barnes called out. “Doesn’t seem like the kid your dad thought you were either!”

“Bucky.” Sam scolded. He knew that wouldn’t convince you to help. If anything, it would push you further away.

You turned on your heel and pulled water up from the lake. In a swift movement, you threw it at Barnes and froze him against a nearby tree.

“You don’t get to tell me who my dad thought I was.” You warned as you stepped closer. “You barely knew him. Both of you barely knew him… And you barely know me.”

“I know you’re not a quitter.” Barnes continued.

“I’m not quitting.” You shrugged, dropping the ice. “Like I said, I did my part. You want a fighter? See if Walker will answer your calls. Maybe call on Sharon for another favor. I’m done. My part in this fight is over, Soldier.”

“We’re a team.” Sam offered. “We can’t do it without you.”

“I think you’ll manage.”

“Did you bring it?” Sam asked Barnes as you walked away.

“You think it’ll make a difference?” Barnes scoffed.

“Just give it to her, dumbass.” Sam rolled his eyes.

“Stark!” Barnes called.

Your hand was on the stair railing but you froze. You turned but didn’t leave your position from the steps. You sighed and leaned against the house as Barnes came up to you with a case in hand.

“What is that?” You asked with a brow quirked in interest.

“I called in a favor.” He said causally as he held the case out to you.

“Again, what is it?”

“Will you stop being so stubborn for one minute?”

“No.”

“Consider it a gift.”

Cautiously, you took the case from his hands. You ignored the brushing of your fingers, though it made your heart stutter.

“Am I going to regret taking this?” You tried to lighten the air around you. There was still a tension lingering from your interaction only a few minutes earlier.

“Do you regret any of it?” He countered sincerely.

“Yeah.” You looked over at the lake. “We’ve lost good people doing this type of work… Can you really blame me for wanting to keep my peace?”

“We really need your help here, Y/N.” He stepped closer, placing a hand near yours on the railing.

“Tell me the truth then.”

“It doesn’t change anything..” He sighed. “You-“

“I want to hear you say it.” You said with a nod, more to convince yourself you were sure. “Is my name in your book?”

“Yeah… It was.” He confessed. “That’s what it was at first but..”

“But what? You saved my life so it balances out?”

“Wha- No. You know, you’re insufferable sometimes.” He groaned.

“Well, I guess that’s settled.” You sighed. “Thanks for this. I’ll send a ‘thank-you’ basket to Sam’s place for you.” You turned and went inside, dismissing your mom and Morgan while you went straight to your room.

You dropped the case on your bed and sat on the ground, back against the wall and knees to your chest while you stared at the so-called gift. It was light but there was weight to it. You had purposefully knocked it against the railing on your way in and felt a different reverberation from it, something you’d felt before but not often.

If you had to guess, you would’ve said Vibranium.

You folded your arms over your raised knees and dropped your chin on top. The case was taunting you and you let it. Your fingers itched to flip the latches, your brain creating possibilities for the contents. With a sudden movement, an all at once action that didn’t allow you to reconsider, you moved to it and pressed your thumb against the scanner.

There was a slight hiss of air as the seal between the two halves broke. There was almost a light coming from the contents and it only tempted you more. You drummed your fingers over the top, closing your eyes to register the reverb. It was Vibranium, but not completely. Not a solid piece, more flexible and bending. Fibers, maybe, or woven between.

You opened your eyes and held your breath while you lifted the top. The case sat open for a few more seconds, just until your chest was burning for air. Then you let out the breath and opened your eyes, seeing a flooded bunch of dark fabric sitting before you. Your fingers grazed the material, tracing the overlapping red and gold lines.

The colors matched your dad’s first suit perfectly. So perfectly it brought tears to your eyes.

“Dad…” You said softly. “I wish you were here right now, give me some advice.”

You gave a broken smile before shutting the case and shifting it out the way so you could sit. Hunched over, elbows on your knees and hands clasped while the tears welled to a point you had to close your eyes.

“You’d know the right thing to do, always did… Me on the other hand, I’m flailing. I don’t know who I’m supposed to be or where I’m supposed to be. I just wanted to be like you, Dad…”

A light knock at your door stole your attention. After a second of silence, Pepper walked in with a small smile on her face. She looked between you and the case before she settled on the bed next to you.

“You already are a lot like Tony.” She said softly and you sniffled. “He hit this kind of point too, where he thought he needed to stop because too many people were hurting.”

“But he didn’t.” You finished her thought and sat up, letting out a heavy sigh. “Pepper, I’m not my dad. I know that. I’ve always known that, but I just thought I could be like him.”

“You are.” She insisted gently. “I see him in everything you do. The way you are with Morgan. The way you talk. The way you carry yourself. Even the way you lose.”

“He’d want me to see this through.” You said quietly. Your voice felt far away, like it wasn’t coming from your body but from someplace else. From the lake maybe, where you and Pepper floated your dad’s first Arc Reactor. “I know that, but I don’t know if I can.”

“Your dad was wrong about a lot of things, Y/N.” She nodded before nudging you slightly. “But he was never, never wrong about you… You’re Tony Stark’s daughter. I don’t think your dad ever found a fight too big. Neither should you.”

“Karli’s threatened you and Morgan already. Sam’s nephews. If we can’t stop her, everyone we care about is in trouble.” You rambled, desperate for some sort of assurance that backing down was the right thing to do.

“Loki threatened you when he came to New York.” She shrugged. “Didn’t stop Tony.”

“Morgan is all the family you have, Pep. I can’t let that get taken away. You said it yourself. I don’t know how to do this. I can’t clean up my own mess. ”

“I’m gonna say this once, kiddo. Your dad didn’t know how to clean up his mess until he was standing in the middle of it.” She chuckled sadly. “But he found a way. And you are Y/N Stark, just as smart and capable as your father. Morgan thinks so, too.”

“You really think it’ll all be okay?”

“I do. After this is done, if you’re still done with it, then you can rest.”

You offered a small smile and she gave the same in return. You threw your arms around her and she laughed in surprise before returning the embrace. You weren’t sure where the path to Karli would leave, but you knew Pepper and your dad’s ghost was right.

You had to finish what you had started.

You packed a bag, separate from the suit Barnes gave you, and called up your family’s pilot. The jet was ready within the hour and you gave Morgan one last hug on the way out. She clung to your leg for a few minutes and you felt the little tear puddles on your pants. She muttered that you had to promise to come back, to protect Stark Waters, and you did just that.

Your flight was relatively quick and you hailed a cab to take you the rest of the way. The driver was chatty, especially when you told him where you were headed. Sam’s family was well-loved in his community and you liked to hear it. You kept your head down and signature Stark glasses on your face as you walked the few blocks to Sam’s sister’s place.

You hesitated to knock, worried you wouldn’t be welcomed. Or maybe you were worried you’d be too welcomed. Either way, you turned away from the door. You called another cab and had them take you to the pier, this driver also knew Sam’s family and directed you to the right boat.

You stepped aboard and left your suitcases up top before you headed down to the engine room. You remembered hearing from the drivers that Sam was trying to fix it up and you decided to help with the hard parts. You activated your glasses and the AI showed you where there were issues.

You were working quietly on your own, ordering parts as you went, when someone else showed up. Sam first, then Barnes soon after. You were startled and looked at them with wide eyes, but when they gave you knowing smiles - the type that said they knew you would show up - you turned back to your work.

Later that morning, you three had the water pump pulled apart. Sam and Barnes were talking about whether or not a certain bolt existed in a big gear and you ignored them, examining the gear itself. You rolled your eyes in amusement as they went back and forth until Sam’s sister Sarah came up.

“The water pump is not the problem.” She instead. “I don’t come up into the sky and tell you how to barrel roll or whatever so don’t come down here and start messing with things you clearly don’t understand.”

“It’s not the problem but it will be soon.” You said, lifting the propeller shaped gear. “The corrosion’s gonna lead to this thing not bringing in enough water and it’s gonna overheat. And the impeller is cracking. Don’t worry though. I ordered new ones and they should be here by end of day. Easy fix.”

“Stark.” She nodded.

“I thought about a whole new pump but…” You shrugged. “She’s still got some kick in her. Just needed a few add-ons.”

“Alright, off.” She shooed you three away. “Off, bye. Thank you so much.”

You stayed around the boat for a while longer while Sam and Barnes went off to do something you didn’t care to join in on. Instead, you waited around for your parts to arrive and you put them in place. By the time Sam got back, you had finished your portion of the rebuild. You were tightening a few last bolts while Sam and Sarah talked, though you caught the end of their conversation.

“What would be the point of all the pain and sacrifice if I wasn’t willing to stand up and keep fighting?” Sam said simply, as if he truly understood his place in the fight.

And at the same time, you seemed to understand yours.

After hanging around and training for a few days with Sam, he got a call. His friend Torres caught a cell ping that matched the same pings from across Europe, just before the Flag Smashers went through. The ping was set in New York.

You were quick to set up travel plans to New York. Sam said he would get in touch with Barnes while you did your end. After the calls were made and a time table was set, you found Sam opening his case.

“Looks good.” You said as you went in, peering over to see it. “It’ll suit you.”

“How’d yours look?” He asked.

“Stylish, easy to move in, and a little homage to my dad… Pretty much perfect.”

“Pretty much?”

“Depends if it’s fireproof.”

At that, Sam laughed.

“You ready for this, Captain?” You gave him a small nudge with your elbow.

“Are you, Stark?”

“Yeah.” You nodded with a small smile. “I think I am.”

[youlikefanficdontyousquidward]

Little less than super, soldier

Part 4- THE END!

God damn this was meant to be short but hey.

First / Previous

Summary: Zemo has escaped but how will y/n deal with the fallout.

Zemo X OC (but written an reader insert in-case you wanna play in the space. backstory linked in part one ✌)

Warnings: gore, body horror, self deprecation,

The fight had ended poorly. Bucky missing an arm, the Dora Milaje humiliating John and his reddening face inches from your own.

"You let Zemo go!" He roared, spittle flying out at you. You feigned surprise, moving to look but he had you by the shirt in a second.

"Let them go." Bucky growled. Walker sneered before he made a dramatic gesture of dropping the fabric in his hand. You went to scamper back but he grabbed your arm in a bruising grip.

"No no Y/n, you are under arrest..." John began. His nostrils flared as he glared down at you with a smug grin. He was furious and it seemed he would be taking that out on you.

"Wait no you can't..." Sam cut in coming forward.

"Can't I? You gonna go against the law... again?" John snapped spinning you. You didn't struggle as you looked to Sam and Bucky. Sam stood frozen as he watched you get cuffed while Bucky seemed to be staring incredulously at him.

You tore your eyes from them letting John pull you to the door. You fought back the tears at their silence as you stumbled in John's forceful grasp. They were abandoning you? After everything Sam no longer trusted you and it shattered your world.

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John had been gone for some time and you hadn't seen Lemar since they'd chained you up there. Why he'd not just brought you to some US embassy or something was beyond you. Though they seemed to have to rush off suddenly and had just picked some place to tie you up in.

So you stayed cuffed to the metal scaffolding in the warehouse. Light fell and rose and you drifted in and out of sleep. It'd rained at some point and the floor you were laying in was still wet.

You couldn't find it in yourself to rise instead letting the cold rack your body. You didn't even tug against the metal of the cuffs. Maybe this is what you deserved. Maybe Sam was right to leave you to John and the government. That this would be your punishment for abandoning the world; for believing Zemo was right here, for not even stepping in to help them against the dora, for being useless.

You wanted to hate Sam and Bucky but he'd done the right thing, he always had. This must be the right thing for everyone then? It was yourself you found the rage turning on. Where you stupid to fall for Zemo's kindness? Had every moment with him been to lead you to this.

Though it couldn't have been right? He'd offered you an escape but to take it you'd have to turn your back on Sam forever. You just couldn't find it in yourself to do that. You only had yourself to blame.

John returned in a state. Running into the building and spinning in some kind of distress. You remained silent as you observed him. Something had gone terribly wrong and your thoughts quickly turned to concern.

John seemed to oscillate between rambling whispers and shouts. As he turned you saw the blood. A shocking red against the gleam of the shield. At this you froze stiff not even fearing a breath that might draw his attention. What had he done? Was Sam okay? Helmut?

He turned to you suddenly and you felt a sudden bolt of fear. His face seemed set and he walked purposefully to you. In flashes you saw soldat in his place. The metal arm coming to take you. You couldn't help but flinch at him though he payed it little mind.

His grip was stronger than before as he hauled you to your feet. He un-cuffed the hand securing you to the wall and gripped your wrist to re-cuff them together. The pressure was imminence and you hissed as you tried to tug away from the pain. John yanked the hand to restrain you and you felt the bone snap.

You shrieked at the sudden pain before he shoved you forward.

"Time to go to work." He spoke.

You lifted your head to see Sam and Bucky a few meters across the empty middle of the warehouse. For a second you were sure they weren't real but they remained solid. They'd come back for you?

Sam was focused on John but Bucky's eyes shifted sympathetically to you. His hand subtly out to still you, to tell you not to move as they tried to talk him down. He grimaced at your limp hand before shooting a glare back to Walker.

Walker seemed distraught, Lemar was dead and he was on the war path. As soon as Sam mentioned the shield he seemed to shift and his voice took on an aggressive bite.

Bucky moved first and John was on them in an instant, tossing you into a pillar with a sickening snap. The fight was brutal to watch as your writhed healing your spine on the ground. Walker was definitely stronger but how? Hadn't the serum been destroyed? Walker flung Bucky across the room and you rose. Sam was still on the attack but even with his wings John was beating him.

You staggered to your feet even as your insides screamed. Something was piercing something else but that didn't matter right now. You tackled into John as he swung the shield into the ground above where Sam's head had been. He rolled with you before pinning you to the ground. You swung your bound wrists as you tried to catch the metal against him but his mask took the hit. You snapped your teeth at him as you tried to wriggle out.

John brought the shield up over his head and you heard Sam call out to you. The the red, white and blue was brought down into your face. It was beyond any pain you'd experienced in years. The bones cracked and caved in, your eyes popped and within seconds your waking mind left you.

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You woke with a start shrieking out for Sam. He was at your side in an instant assuring you it was over and offering water. You accepted looking around the room before surveying Sam. He was hurt but okay and with some persuasion he let you heal him.

"Always hated the way that felt." He said when you pulled your hand back. "Like itchy?" You laughed at that. He was right, pain was pain but the healing always felt invasive.

"Look, I'm sorry about..." Sam began.

"No!" you cut in. "I'm sorry, I let all this stuff get to me and I wasn't helpful." You tried to explain but found yourself stopping when Sam let out an almost manic laugh.

"There you go again. It's not your fault, Zemo got in everyone's head. Bucky's off to deal with him" Sam met your eye. You shifted your gaze to the ground at that. It felt shameful to admit to Sam you'd grown fond of the man and you worried what would happen to him. Especially if you'd just been a fool in his game.

"And you've been a massive help. I hate to ask for something else but..." Sam trailed off shaking his head.

"Anything Sam." You stressed. You felt awful at this situation, like you needed to make it up to him more than just healing some scrapes.

"I gotta sort something and Sarah's heading home, I'd just appreciate if someone else was with her. At least til I get back." Sam shifted uncomfortably.

You of course agreed to go and were on a flight with him back to the US. You were thankful to this Torres fellow for getting you passed security. Then you split from Sam at the airport heading out to meet his sister and her boys.

Sarah was kind, every bit as delightful as Sam and then some. You took to helping her make these batch meals for folk. She was good at giving you direction but her boys made quick work at roping you into their games instead.

"Really? You've never played hide and seek?" She asked as you counted for them. She'd left the stove to come check on you in the living room.

"No, well maybe? You don't normally attack when you find them right?" You spoke with your hands hiding your face, though you could hear the brief panic in her breath.

"I'm kidding." You grinned behind your fingers.

"About the game or...?" She began making you laugh. She chuckled along before you took your hands from your eyes.

"I think I should get some help." You confessed meeting her gaze. She frowned in that little concerned way Sam did. "I... Sam told you about..." You tried to begin.

Her hand covered yours in your lap and you remained very still. "Yeah, not sure who you could talk to about this but sometimes you gotta let people in. Folk who know what you've been through that you can speak about this with."

"If your talking about Sam he doesn't know all the details..." You sighed. Still even after your short trip and time here, you could let her keep a hold of you. She squeezed a little before rising.

"Doesn't have to be Sam but you gotta open up to someone. Someone you feel comfortable around, that makes you feel safe you know? Now go look before those boys start to worry you forgot about them!" She laughed.

You smiled, someone that made you feel safe?

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

Sam came back soon with an easy smile for you and you felt yourself drifting back to your usual comfort with him. You spent your day with him and Sarah's boys untangling fish net. Then you'd spent the evening watching anything Sarah recommended. Sam was preparing to fix the boat to sell it and you immediately offered your help.

"Do you know anything about boats?" He asked.

"No..." You admitted and he just grinned.

Bucky returned that day, immediately jumping in to assist Sam. You couldn't help but grin at him. In a lot of ways he was so much like you. Only he had a normal to look back on for how to act with people. Even if his manners may be a little out of date.

He seemed stiff around you but as the time fixing together passed he eased up. Even joking with you when you'd struggled with some of the manual jobs.

"Come on if I can't help you at least use your legs!" He encouraged as you tried to shift a box.

"Not all of us got cool robot arms for their troubles!" You huffed giving up on the thing. Bucky's face looked strained again. You sighed to yourself, Sarah was right. Things were still a struggle between you both but maybe a little openness on your part could ease him.

"You know it's not you I was ever scared of right?" You assured, shifting as you tried to get into Bucky's vision. He kept turning but you danced around him. You knew you'd hit the nail on the head.

"Not gonna stop till you look at me bud." You laughed and Bucky stopped. His face was still pained and you found your heart breaking for him.

"I never blamed you. We all you knew who you were, what they'd done. None of us in that mountain blamed James Buchanan Barnes for what the soldier was forced to do to us." You explained. "I've been jumping at a shadow of a nightmare" He nodded to you but his face remained serious.

"Then why'd you pretend about the pain..." He frowned at you. Your mouth bobbed open before he interjected. "And I know it does really hurt so why bother lying about it."

"Because it made you feel better." You admitted. Bucky gritted his teeth and you could see his confusion still on his brow. "We deserved a fresh start with one another, right?" You asked as he met your eye again.

Bucky nodded slightly. You knew shifting it to be about you too would help ease him. It wasn't totally a lie, you'd love to try putting your past behind you. To get to know him as Bucky the guy Rogers had told you about.

"Bucky." He stated as he put a hand out to yours.

"Y/n." You smiled back as you shook his hand.

Bucky and Sam broke off from you as you took to sanding and painting. You could hear them talk about Karli in hushed tones. While it broke you to think about them going against her again, you knew you couldn't get involved again.

Then Bucky mentioned Zemo. So he was still alive and in prison from the sounds of things. It comforted you somewhat, to know he was okay. If he was there he likely wanted it that way. Not like seeing him again could really do you any good. Getting conformation about his manipulation was most you'd gain.

Bucky headed back with you and Sam to sleep for the night when the light got low. You'd packed your bags that morning before heading out to the boat and were in the process of sneaking out. With everything you'd felt overwhelmed and need to take a step away. You stopped in your tracks when you spotted Sam's silhouette in the shadows of the kitchen.

"You mind getting the light?" He said. You flicked the switch and Sam stood leaning against the counter arms crossed over his chest. "You were just gonna leave without saying good bye to the boys?"

"I can't stay Sam...I can't help you with Karli." You started.

"I'm not saying you gotta stay, you don't even gotta help... just don't leave for good this time." Sam said.

"I... I'm sorry I never told you everything." You stumbled over your words, letting your bag drop as you entered the room. You trusted Sam and even when you thought he'd betrayed you, it'd been you that was wrong.

"Never really told us anything." Bucky's voice cut through. You jumped as he rounded the corner behind you, walking past with a tight smile. "Sorry." he said giving you a tight smile.

"I...I don't know how to talk about this. I was... HYDRA... things are still so hard for me. I want to make friends and I want to help you guys but it all still hurts so much. It's so hard to be around people." You didn't know when you started crying, just felt the first tear fall and then couldn't stop the rest.

"We're here Y/n, you can talk to us." Sam assured.

"Maybe something little, something I'd been thinking about. Why'd you stay in Sokovia." Bucky started as Sam shot him a frown. You turned to him. He was scrutinizing again but you knew why he'd asked.

"When you brought me there before, when the soldier did. I liked it, despite everything. The smells were nice, the city was beautiful. When I crawled out of that mountain, I thought it would be the last place they'd check. Plus I already learned some of the language." You explained, trying to laugh at the end but it sounded choked.

"And when Ultron attacked?" Sam continued for you. "Why'd didn't you let them help you?"

"They were the Avengers, I was a HYDRA experiment. I thought if I was found I'd end up in a cell again. Wasn't wrong about that was I?" You grimaced and Sam mirrored your expression. Like he too was remembering the compound they'd taken you to. The sobs intensified, you felt your throat constricting tighter. "I can't..." You strained.

"It's okay Y/n, you don't have to tell us everything now. Just know you can talk about it, if you want." Sam began as he crossed to you. He reached for you and you flung yourself against his chest, gripping him in a tight hug. He held you there, rubbing your back as he spoke. "Sharon's got something set up for you, your always welcome back. Just pass on the number once you've settled."

He pulled back and you laughed at the mess on his shirt. "Ruined that." You laughed. Bucky joining you giving your shoulder a light squeeze.

"Ah not the worst fluid you've spilled on him... Wait no that came out wrong. The...the blood" Bucky hid behind his hand. Sam and you both laughing at him.

You stayed until the morning, thanking Sarah properly for having you and saying good-bye to her boys. AJ insisted you return soon and you pinkie promised.

"Don't you break that now." Sam warned grinning.

"What you think AJ's gonna break my pinkie?" You smirked.

"Oh he might, got a good throwing arm that one." Bucky laughed as he went to chase him off.

You'd never been great with good byes but this seemed easier. It was a see you soon after all. So with that you left again, heart feeling lighter than it had in years.

Sharon's return to the USA meant she had to hide her slightly less than legal help. Still the flat was bigger than you'd ever had and the admittedly humorous alias was more than you could have ever asked for.

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

Oeznik's assistance came quick, a few weeks back he might not have wanted to be free again. Hell when Bucky held the gun to his head he'd been ready to die. Though as soon as Zemo was back in that cell again he felt his mind shift to you.

Where would you be? Sam would never leave you with John and as far as he'd heard your escape was part of what had ended up disgracing their new captain america. Still he couldn't help but imagine you in the sun traveling the world. Taking in art at museums was his favourite fantasy, he'd imagine you bright and dazzled just like in Madripoor. Then feeling of your finger tips on his forehead would burn in his mind. Had that been the first time you'd touched his skin?

Now he was free again he hesitated. He could live the remaining years in his homes, traveling and reading. Only now he couldn't imagine doing so without at least seeing you again. Maybe you'd figured out he'd played you somewhat. Maybe you'd not want to see him again.

"You know..." Oeznik approached from his side handing him his phone. "I hear the British Museum is doing a final showcase." Zemo smiled to him as he left him in. On the screen was the add for the event, he went to close the app before the picture changed.

He'd tapped the screen just enough to scroll image and his eyes were widened. There on the street, smiling on the phone was you. Still with the somewhat disheveled look you'd sported before but with a new edition. You were still wearing his shirt.

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

You'd only been to a few places last time you'd been in London. Never anything touristy so you were quiet enjoying your time in the Museum. It'd be the last time a lot of these things were going to be shown here. Next time you'd have to visit the country they belonged too.

By request of your rather strange neighbour you were checking out the Egyptian exhibits today. He'd offered to come as he had a fair bit of knowledge on the subject but you'd declined. He was nice sure but his ever shifting accent put you off somewhat. That and you could only imagine doing this with one person.

It was there you'd felt the strange sensation crawl up your spine. You were being watched and the fright set your hair on ends. Has someone come for you? SWORD knew John had had you, so maybe they'd been tracking you? You remained composed as you shifted down the hall slowly. Keeping your eyes on the attractions as you made your way to more sparse areas.

The crowd thinned giving you a better opportunity to seek out your tail. A man, average build and height but that was all you could tell from the distance. You rounded a corner dotting into the arch leading to the toilets. You flipped the burner open preparing to alert Sam or Bucky.

The man passed but paused looking into the empty room. You moved to leave sneak behind him but paused. The familiar figure turned slightly and you stepped fully out from your hiding spot.

"Helmut?" You asked. He dropped his head and chuckled before turning to face you.

"Hello leibling." Zemo smiled broadly shifting on his feet. You felt your heart skip a beat as you stared up into deep brown eyes. He looked tired and soft, dressed in plain casual clothes with his chestnut hair tousled.

"Bucky said..." You began finding your voice catching as your eyes drank him in.

"Ah yes, free again. I'm so pleased to see you are too. I worried what might have happened with Walker." Helmut said. His eyes glanced behind you as a tour group entered the room.

You realized how awkward it looked standing so far apart to talk and made your way towards him. Helmut stiffened a fraction before you smiled gently to him and gestured to the art as you walked.

"Well had to take that shield to the face again but Sam and Bucky came back for me. Got me set up here." You explained as he followed close after you. Your nerves seemed to react to his proximity setting you on edge rather than the comfort they'd brought before.

You risked a glance to Zemo stilling as you caught his darkened expression. He quickly softened as your eyes met but you wondered what had riled him up.

"I wanted to apologize for that. I would have come for you but I knew Sam wouldn't leave you. I won't lie I did intend to drive you two apart before." Helmut said. His eyes had drifted from you and you got the sense he was actually being genuine.

"Well, like I said they came back for me. Oddly I have to say I've been doing a lot better since that trip." You admitted. Zemo's eye darted back to you surprised by your comment.

"Been working on being more open with people I care about." You preened. "Which does bring me to something I would like you to clear up."

"Oh?" Zemo asked.

"You admit you'd manipulated us but was it all that?" You asked, turning to face him. The room was quiet again as the group from before left. You were alone again and with far less space between you both. His eyes were set on yours with a soft intensity you were unfamiliar with.

"I came to find you for two reasons. Firstly to ensure my departure hadn't lead to complications for yourself." Zemo whispered as he stepped in closer. A buzz ran through your veins, something like adrenaline but that bubbled an excitement in you.

"Secondly because I greatly enjoyed our time together." He smiled down at you. The grin split your face immediately and Zemo tucked his chin in as he chuckled.

"I'm glad that pleases you, care for some company?" Zemo grinned offering you his arm. You took it as the butterflies seemed to burst from your stomach and fluttered up into your head.

"Yes, danke" You giggled.

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

You glittered. Bright, warm, charming, somehow more you than he'd ever seen before. Zemo had been stunned from the moment he saw you in person again. You were somehow lighter than before, free in a way you'd never been.

It sent a warmth flooding through him that made him feel like a blushing teenager. It took everything not to stumble over his words as he chatted about the art exhibits.

Helmut felt the familiar tug of your body as you shifted closer to him. It was getting busy and he could tell his time was up. Still he didn't wish to part ways just yet.

"If it's not to bold, I'd like to see you again. Tomorrow?" Zemo asked as he led you to a taxi rank.

"Ahh tomorrow's not going to work." You trailed off. Zemo felt stung by the rejection but endeavored to be the gentleman. You owed him nothing of course but his heart tugged him to you. Still he gently removed his arm from your own, not wishing to cause you discomfort.

"Ah, my apologies..." He began but stopped when you'd suddenly gripped his arm.

"No! Uh..." You fumbled pulling your hands back. "I'm headed to the US tomorrow to visit Sam, he's got some BBQ thing and I promised..."

"Well you don't supposed you'd be allowed a plus one." Zemo chuckled. Your shoulders relaxed again and you laughed with him before retaking his arm in your own.

"Not entirely sure how welcome you'd be." You said.

Zemo smirked at you. "Perhaps not, well how about I meet you back here when you return. I would love to show you this lovely restaurant."

"It's a date!" You laughed before stilling again. Zemo let his hand rest on your arm stroking his thumb against you.

"Perfect." He purred. You looked so cute blushing in front of him but you met his eyes again. He went to remove his arm again to hail a taxi but your grip tightened. Helmut struggled to keep his gaze locked on your own on briefly glancing down to your lips.

"I...you could... If your not busy that is." You stuttered before taking a breath and settling yourself. "Would you like to come to mine."

Helmut was stunned by the offer but recovered before you'd notice.

"Of course." He agreed grinning from ear to ear. Excitement for the future bubbled through him for the first time in years. Oh he was smitten.

[sarahsmi13s]

Lieutenant Rogers - pt 1

Call Sign ‘Star’

(not my gifs)

pairings: romantic!neil ‘omaha’ vikander x rogers!reader, platonic!dagger squad x rogers!reader, plantonic!sam wilson x rogers!reader, platonic!bucky barnes x rogers!reader

characters: y/n rogers, neil vikander, the entire dagger squad (admirals and captain included), penny benjamin, sam wilson, bucky barnes, james rhodes (this chapter only), john walker, lemar hoskins, misc. characters from both universes

warnings: language, blood, fighting, sexual inuendoes, john walker, cannon dangers, cannon deaths, suggestive themes, if i miss any please let me know

word count: ~3.2k

a/n: if you couldn’t already tell, i’m OBSESSED with crossovers. reader is the daughter of steve rogers, and has the super soldier serum as well

sources: Top Gun: Maverick (2022) , The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

summary: 13 pilots were called back to Top Gun in 2023. at the same time, Lieutenant Rogers learns that her father’s shield was passed down to John Walker. 

reader’s call sign: ‘star’

pt 2  pt 3  pt 4  pt 5  pt 6

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

You stared at Sam from your spot leaning on your bar. “Say something.” “Why? Why do you want to give me the shield?” “Because you're his child, Y/N. It should belong to you.” You shook your head, “No, Sam, he gave it to you. It’s yours.” “Yes, which is why I am now giving it to you. If it’s mine I can do what I want with it.” 

You rubbed your face, “Sam, I can’t take up the mantle. Dad wanted you to take it over, and I agree with him.” “Why can’t you take it?” “Because I'm on active duty, and the Navy is where I belong.” Sam hung his head.

“I can’t fill his shoes. This shield- it means something to so many people. Me included. But Steve gave it that meaning. I’m gonna let him down.” You sighed and pulled Sam out of his chair. “Sam, I won’t begin to understand why you feel that way. You could never let him down.” You hugged him, “He trusted you with it. And I do too. I know you’ll only do what you think is best.” 

He hugged you back, sighing as he looked at the photo on your mantle in your house and the folded flag in its protective box. Sam wrapped his arms a little tighter around you before letting go.

“I’ll let you get back to getting ready. Have a good night Y/N.” He walked past you to the door. “Sam, wait!” 

He stopped with his hand on the handle, “You sure you don’t want to stay? I’m sure Neil wouldn’t mind you staying for dinner.” He shook his head, “I’ve got plans tonight, but maybe some other time.” You nodded, “Okay. Call me if you need anything. Love ya Sam!” “Love you too kid!”

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

When Sam told you that his plan was to turn the shield over to the museum for the Captain America exhibit, you weren’t happy. But you realized that this was what Sam thought was best, what he thought was right. You trusted Sam, so you supported him.

He asked you to be there at the ceremony, for support and reassurance. So, that’s what you did, with permission from your superiors of course. 

Wearing your dress blues, you stood right next to Rhodey. “Lieutenant Rogers.” “Colonel Rhodes.” He sighed, “I’m not gonna lie, I’m surprised to see you here.” “Is that because I’m on active duty, or because of a more personal thing, sir?” He chuckled, “Bit of both.” You sighed, “I’m here to support Sam. I know he needs it from me. He sure as hell isn’t getting it from Bucky.” 

“Has he even talked to Bucky since the funeral?” You shook your head, “I don’t think so.” “Have you?” “I’ve tried. I’m not sure he wants to talk to me.” Rhodey just nodded.

Sam stepped up to the podium, “Steve represented the best in all of us. Courageous, righteous, hopeful. And he mastered posing stoically.” The crowd chuckled. “The world has been forever changed. A few months ago, billions of people reappeared after five years away, sending the world into turmoil.” 

Sam paused and tears burned the backs of your eyes. “We need new heroes. Ones suited for the times we’re in.” He looked at you and you gave him a reassuring smile. 

“Symbols… are nothing without the men and women that give them meaning,” he nodded down to the shield. “And this thing,” he chuckled fondly and picked it up. “I don’t know if there’s ever been a greater symbol. But it’s more about the man who propped it up, and he’s gone.” 

You exhaled shakily and looked down, your standard bun not allowing your hair to cover your face. 

Sam looked at you before continuing, “So, today we honor Steve’s legacy. But also, we look to the future.” You looked up and made eye contact with Sam, him giving you a small smile; almost as if to say, You’re his legacy and you are the future.

He looked at the banner behind him. “So, thank you, Captain America. But this belongs to you…” You walked up to be beside Sam as they placed the shield in its display case. Cameras flashing everywhere. You both clinched your jaws. 

To him, this was to honor Steve. But to you, this was like you were truly putting him to rest, and you really didn’t know how to feel.

Afterwards you, Rhodey, and Sam were talking with some government official (that’s literally what the IMDb says). “Thanks again for comin’ forward with the shield, Sam. It was the right decision.” They shook hands and he walked away, nodding to you as he left.

Your phone rang, “I’m sorry, I need to take this.” Both nodded and watched you walk away. “This is Lieutenant Rogers.” Out of the corner of your eye you saw Rhodey and Sam walk away. 

“Star, I know you’re taking care of something personal, but I need you back on base as soon as possible.” You nodded, “Yes, sir. It should take me about four hours to get back.” “That’s alright, just get here.” “Yes sir.” You hung up and went to find Sam and Rhodey.

You walked into the exhibit, running into Rhodey making his way out. He noticed the rush you were in. “You get orders?” “Yeah. I need to be back on base as soon as possible.” He nodded, “He’s back there.” You followed his hand, seeing Sam by the shield display. “Thank you.” 

You moved past Rhodey. “Hey, Star?” You straightened and turned around. “Whatever it is, give ‘em hell alright?” You nodded, “Of course, sir.” You saluted each other before you moved to Sam.

When you came up beside him, he spoke first. 

“Thank you for being here, Y/N. I know this wasn’t what you were expecting me to do,” Sam said with his head hung between his shoulders. “I don’t think anyone was expecting it honestly.” He looked back up, looking at you before moving his eyes to the exhibit. 

You sighed, swallowing the lump in your throat, “I’m needed back on base. I’ve gotta go.” Sam nodded and looked down at you, “You better get going, it’s a four hour drive.” You nodded as well and hugged Sam. 

“Call me if you need anything,” he said once he pulled away, patting your shoulder. “Always do. Tell Sarah and the kids ‘hi’ for me okay?” “Of course.” 

When you got back to base, you changed before meeting with your commanding officer, seeing Omaha and his WSO, Halo, there as well.

Once you were allowed in you stood at attention in front of his desk. “Sir, may I ask why you needed me back so urgently?” “You’ve all been called back to TOPGUN.” You looked down at him in surprise before looking at the two next to you. “Sir?” “I wasn’t informed of why, but you along with 10 others were called back. You’re due to report in two weeks to North Island.” You nodded, “Yes sir.”

Since you had moved to North Island after graduating TOPGUN five years ago, you and your boyfriend were allowed to move in early, to get a feel for the island again.

*******

A few days into your stay at the North Island you were watching TV while Omaha had gone to get groceries.

You had finished your beer and were getting up to get a new one, when a news broadcast took over the rerun you were watching. 

“Unrest, in the wake of recent events, has left us vulnerable. Everyday Americans feel it. While we love heroes who put their lives on the line to defend Earth, we also need a hero to defend this country. We need a real person who embodies America’s greatest values. We need someone to inspire us again, someone who can be a symbol for all of us.” The man said.

You recognized him as the guy who was talking to Sam after his speech.

“So, on behalf of the Department of Defense and our Commander-in-Chief, it is with great honor that we announce here today that the United States of America has a new hero. Join me in welcoming your new Captain America!”

Your throat dried up as some guy walked out, carrying your father’s shield like it was a damn trophy. Your heart ripped in half. You could already tell this guy was bad news and when he winked at the camera, you nearly threw up. 

Tears filled your eyes as you stared at the screen, even though it no longer portrayed the imposter.

You gasped when the bottle shattered in your hand, not even registering how hard you were holding it.

Robotically, you moved to the bathroom, cradling your hand to keep blood off the floor. Then moved routinely as you grabbed what you needed from the drawers and cabinets.

*********

When Neil came home he didn’t expect to see a shattered bottle followed by little droplets of blood on the living room floor and your phone ringing. 

But he didn’t panic, instead he set the grocery bags down and went to your phone, seeing “Bird Boy” displayed as the caller ID. He just let it ring as he followed the little droplets to the closed bathroom door. 

He looked down at your phone before knocking and saw Sam had called you a lot.

“Baby?” He knocked softly. “Y/N, are you okay? What happened?” When he was met with silence he tried the handle, finding it unlocked. “I’m coming in.” Omaha pushed the door open slowly.

You were sitting on the closed toilet seat with a cut up hand and your other hand slightly shaking with tweezers in it as a small pool of blood was gathering at your feet. 

He squatted in front of you, “Doll? You with me?” He wasn’t sure what was going on, maybe you got hit with a bad flashback. But your nod told him it was something else. 

He slowly took the tweezers from you, “Wanna tell me what happened?” You inhaled and clenched your jaw as he wiggled a bigger piece of glass out of your hand. “You don’t have to hide it from me…”

As you exhaled, a small sob escaped your throat, “They gave it to someone, Neil. They fucking replaced him, with some Wal-Mart looking asshole.” Omaha clenched his own jaw and exhaled, “I guess that’s why Sam has been trying to get ahold of you.” You nodded, wincing a little as he pulled out some more shards before disinfecting the cuts.

Your phone rang again, but he moved it out of your reach, “After we patch you up. Talk to me about how you feel.” You swallowed, “I want to go UA just to kick this guy’s ass, but I have to focus on this mission, whatever it is. I need to carry on the legacy of Captain America, shield or no shield.” 

Omaha smiled and pressed a kiss to your now bandaged hand. “Plus, it’s not like the government cares what I have to say on the matter anyway,” you dryly chuckled, flexing your hand.

He pulled you off the toilet and into a hug, “That’s my girl.” You hummed and kissed his chest, where his dog tags were. “No, but seriously the guy looked like Carl from Up, I swear.” Omaha threw his head back and laughed, “Okay, come on now. How does steak sound?” “With your mom’s corn?” He kissed your nose, “Whatever you want, Star-light.” You giggled and kissed his lips.

Your phone ringing again made you pull away. “I should probably answer him before he flies up here.” Neil nodded, “I’ll get started.” He left to the kitchen and you took your phone to the back porch.

You answered the phone, “Sa-” “Did you see the news?” You sighed, “Yeah, I sure did Sam.” “God, I swear had I known they were gonna do that I would have never-” “Sam, Sam, I know. I know,” you cut him off. “Had I known they were gonna give it to someone I wouldn’t have let you. But Sam, I need you to be honest with me...” “Of course.” “I can’t be involved with this, not until this mission is over. Will you make sure this asshole doesn’t ruin my father’s image? Ruin his legacy?” “You have my word.” You nodded, “Good, good. I’ve gotta go, talk to you later.”

********** *1 Week Later*

Checking to make sure you had everything, you threw on your dad’s aviators and threw your hair into a ponytail. Getting the keys, you got on your bike and sped to the Hard Deck to meet your fellow pilots and boyfriend.

Walking in while sliding your sunglasses on your head, everyone right by the door turned and smiled at you, greeting you as you walked by. And of course you said ‘hello’ back but made minimal conversation as you went to the bar. You didn’t make a big deal out of your presence just yet and just looked around.

“Y/N Rogers, to what do I owe the pleasure?” You turned and smiled at Penny, “Hi Penny.” “Are you here for the same reason they’re here?” You nodded, “Yes ma’am.” She nodded, gesturing over her shoulder with her thumb, “Want the usual?” “Yes, please.” She nodded and went to get you an Angry Orchard.

Sure, the serum allowed you to hold your alcohol, you just preferred the cider.

When she came back she smiled, “Hey, don’t worry about this one. It’s on him. I’ll start yours on the next one.” You followed the direction she had nodded her head in, seeing a dark headed guy in a green jacket. You tilted your bottle in thanks and he gave a nod and small smile back.

You turned to the group of pilots at the pool table and decided to make your way over.

You walk over to see Hangman walk away and hear the conversation between Phoenix and Rooster. “Well, he hasn’t changed.” “Nope.” You just smirked and took a seat on the barstool by the pool table, nobody noticing you.

“Check it out,” Fanboy said as he walked over to Phoenix. “More patches.” You glanced around the pillar, seeing the group of 5 khaki clad aviators. Payback did a roll call, “That’s Harvard, Yale, Omaha… Shit, that’s Fritz.” You looked back over at the group in front of you. “What the hell kinda mission is this?” Fanboy asked.

You stood up, boots hitting the hardwood floor, “That’s not the question we should be asking.” 

Everyone turned at the sound of your voice. You smirked a little and gestured to the group with the butt end of your bottle, “Everyone here is the best there is. Who the hell are they gonna get to teach us?”

“Star, that you?” You turned your head, seeing Bob, your best friend. “Robert Floyd, damn it’s good to see you.” You hugged him. “How’s Lemoore?” He shrugged giving you a small smile, “It was good when I left it. How are you holdin’ up?” Bob lowered his voice when he said that last part. You returned his previous smile, “Better than I thought I would be..”

“Well would you look at that? Thought the room looked a little brighter,” Hangman rested his arms on your shoulders and his chin on your head. 

“Who’s ass you kiss to be here?” You gave Bob a smile before elbowing the Texan in the ribs. “No, Bagman it’s kick, not kiss, and I do believe you’re on the list.” He painfully chuckled, groaning as he stood up, “Still as pointy as every, Star.” You nodded, “Best believe it.” You winked before waving to Bob and going over to your boyfriend.

“Hey, Doll,” Omaha said when you walked up to him. “Hey, Baby.” He kissed the top of your head and threw his arm around you.

As you talked with Halo and Omaha, the music cut out and everyone groaned. But soon, piano notes floated into the air, their distinct sound floating over everyone’s voices.

Phoenix was the first to notice that it was Rooster at the piano and got everyone’s attention. “Hey, guys, come on.” You smiled and grabbed Neil’s hand to pull him with you.

Rooster was warming up his fingers when the bell rang. You turned and caught the same dark haired guy from before hanging his head, then everyone began chanting ‘overboard’. 

Omaha winced, “Poor guy.” You chuckled and saw that Hangman, Payback, and Coyote were going over to throw him overboard.

Once he was thrown out, Rooster finally started the song.

You sang along, Neil spinning you around and laughing. “Imma tell the world that you’re mine, mine, mine!” You practically yelled in each other’s faces, but laughed before pulling each other into a kiss. You looked down and noticed that he didn’t have a drink. “Here, watch my drink, I’ll go get you one.” “You don’t have to,” he pulled you closer. “Yeah, but the bar isn’t occupied right now, it’ll only be a second.” He nodded, “Alright.”

You walked up and found Penny looking out the window. “You alright, Pen?” She blinked and nodded as she looked away from the door to you. “Uh, yeah, yeah I’m fine.” 

You looked to where she was looking and saw once again the dark haired man, this time instead of smiling he looked like he wanted to puke. “Who’s that?” “Captain Pete Mitchell, or Maverick.” 

Your eyes widened, “Wait, really?” Penny nodded. You looked at Pete and followed his eyes to Bradley at the piano, and you could put the pieces together. You saw your father with the same look every time he heard a song from his childhood and was reminded of Bucky.

You glanced back to see Omaha dancing with Fritz and you moved to go talk to Mav but he left before you could make it to the door. You sighed and turned back to Penny, who already had the bottle held out to you. “Thanks Pen.”

By the time you made it back over to your boyfriend, Rooster had finished the song and everyone was chanting his name.

**********

After it cooled down, you all regrouped at the pool table. “Star, I didn’t even see you come in! Holy shit, how have you been?” Rooster hugged you, rubbing your back. “Could be worse, all things considered. But how about you?” “Not too bad, not too bad at all.” You smiled and rubbed his shoulder. 

He took a sip of his own drink before his brows shot up and he quickly swallowed it. “How are you and Omaha?” You smiled, a blush spreading across your face, “We’re good. We’re really good.” Bradley smiled and patted you on the back before going over to play Phoenix and Bob in a game of pool.

“Hey, Star-light,” Omaha said, and you could just hear the smile in his voice. “Hi, Baby.” “You wanna play a round of pool? Loser has to do whatever the winner says?” You hummed and raised an eyebrow, “You sure you wanna make that bet, Honey?” He hummed back, leaning down into your ear, “Win or lose, I feel it’ll be worth it.” Neil playfully nipped under your ear. “You’re on.”

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

NEW SERIES ALERT!!!!

I hope you all enjoy this first part in my new cross over series

We’re in for a ride

How do you think the first day at training will go?

tags <3: @milesdickpic​ @luckyladycreator2​ @hotch-meeeeeuppppp​​

<3 love ya babes

[skyfallslayer]

Cherry || Chapter 2: A Red Awakening

Bucky Barnes x Female Reader Series

Series Masterlist

Ao3 link

Character Cards: 001 002 003 004 005 006

🍒Series Summary: As a superhero, you always believe in the good that comes with it, and the feeling of bringing hope to people's eyes makes your heart flutter. That is… Until you witness your teammates murdering your husband. Now your world is upside down, and the people you once deemed your enemies are offering you some help. Will you take the bait? Or bury your head in the sand?

🍒Chapter Summary:  You’re “kidnapped” by a group of people claiming to be on your side; But you're having doubts about what’s even real or what’s even fake.

🍒Date: 9/4

🍒Rating: Explicit

🍒Word Count: 4415

🍒Warning: Talks of blood; Talks of Vomit; Scenes of Delusions/Denial; Talks about Death/Murder; Possible OOC(?). READ AT YOUR OWN RISK! Let me know If I missed anything.

🍒A/N: So sorry this took so long! That was never my idea, I just had a crazy writers block after writing half of this chapter. Hopefully I don't go so long again. Anyway, Enjoy!

Whoever had their hand over your mouth was strong enough to muffle your screams. Your fight or flight senses kicked in heavily as you were pulled quickly through one of the rooms in the warehouse. You felt your powers starting to surge, the balls of your feet desperately digging into the concrete, your hands trying to claw this person off of you. You managed to finally get an elbow or two in your capturer’s ribcage, and heard them hold back a hiss of pain, but their grip never loosened to your dismay. Your eyes widened in fear again.

I’m fucked. You thought, your mind racing a mile a minute again.

I’m fucked. I’m dead. I’m going to die. I’m going to die. I’m going to die. I’m going—

“Stop struggling. I’m on your side.” A husky voice whispered into your ear, sending visible shivers down your spine.

Shivers.

Oh, Jesus… you were really off your game now. But can you blame yourself though?

You felt the person’s lips against your ear again, pulling you closer.

“Now, I’m going to let go, but you can’t scream because if you do then we're both done for.” They continue, sternly and… gently? That’s odd. “Nod if you understand, okay?”

Strangely you find yourself actually doing it, and soon the hand slips off slowly, and so does the grip around your waist. You felt the person take a very small step back, which you used as an opportunity to turn around, face this odd person of a threat.

You were met with a tall man, taller than your… well… 

You choked down the nonexistent bile.

Your… your husband. Yeah. He was taller than your husband, and even in the poor moonlight, you could see this man had the deepest, yet brightest blue eyes you have ever seen. Richer than your friend John. He had chestnut hair pulled in a half bun; Stubbles too on his face. A very… manly-man so to speak. Intimating looking, scary even, but the eyes can always hold your true emotion; And his were just as soft as ever. 

You tried to speak, to mutter something before he made a motion for you to stay quiet. He soon mouthed the words, ‘Follow me’, and usher you to come. For some, maybe dumb, reason you did. You followed him through the shadows of the warehouse and back out into the open, where you were suddenly met with a suspicious looking van.

Your breath caught in your throat as you froze on the spot. 

Oh no fucking way. I really am going to die today–

“Hey.” He says, stepping into your view. “I know it doesn’t look promising, but it is. So, ma’am, I need you to trust me and get in the van. We need to leave before they find us. Please. Trust me.”

Your heart flutters shockingly. Your chest felt warm for a millisecond; And once again, stupidly you nodded and followed. What you weren’t expecting was him to open the back door so quickly and shove you inside. He climbed in right behind you afterwards, slamming the door.

“We gotta go, Sam, it’s fucking bad.” He says, making your head snap up and off the ground.

You realized you two weren’t alone. You watched as the driver flicked his attention back at the two of you for a split second before slamming on the accelerator. You fell flat on the ground again, but not long after you felt his hands on your biceps, helping you to sit up. 

You nearly jerked away when you saw someone sitting right across from you, which so happens to be a young looking boy; A teenager to be exact, one who was typing away on his laptop. Your (Y/E/C) eyes meet his soft brown ones for a split second, and he gives you a quick reassuring smile before resuming his work.

You surely felt yourself blinking a few times.

Why was there a child here? 

“Peter, status?” The man who saved you asked.

“We’ve got 60 seconds until the camera loop ends, just enough time to grab her bike.” The teenager, Peter, replies.

That got you out of your trance a little. “M-My bike?”

“Yeah, we’re gonna grab your bike, clear up the evidence that you were there.” The man answers. 

“B-But… what about the crowd? There were tons of people standing around when I got there.”

“They’ll be distracted by the ‘heroes’ cars. It’ll be fine.” He reassures, venom in his words as his hand rests on the back door. “Steve, help me out.”

This guy, Steve obviously, arose from the passenger seat and passed by you, apologizing quietly before reaching for the door as well.

“Might want to sit back some more.” Peter says to you before facing his boss. “30 seconds, open the door.”

Your body jerked against the wall as the brakes were applied, the back door springing open. You briefly watch as the man and Steve pull your motorcycle in as quickly as they could before slamming the door shut. 

“Sam, go!”

Another step on the gas, and you impact the wall with your body. Then…

You were off into the unknown.

•°•°•°•°•°

If you were being honest, you zoned out for most of the ride. It was pretty fucking stupid of you to do so, but I guess you can call your current mental state the “processing” stage with all the shit that’s just happened. You had stayed quiet as the four of them were muttering something a mile a minute, something you couldn’t quite understand or hear (Or maybe you chose not to).

Eventually the van came to a complete stop. Where exactly? You were unsure. And there was a part of you that started to become fearful again because maybe these people weren’t exactly your saviors like they promised. You watched as they all started scrambling out of the vehicle, Peter tucking his laptop under his arm and holding his free hand out towards you. You could see the genuine care in his young features, making your heart flutter as you did take it without hesitation.

As he helps you out of the van, you take this opportunity to take in the surroundings. If this was their hideout/lair/headquarters (Whatever you want to call it), it desperately needed some kind of update. From the looks of it, this place could be anywhere from a warehouse to a giant garage of some sort, seeing that the structure was made out of nothing but concrete. No windows as you can see, but there was a metal staircase leading up to a man-made loft (Was that even safe?). And when you took one whiff of the place…

Ew. Definitely smells like boys live here, with a hint of water damage. 

You swallow, unsure what to make of this. You were also unaware as the four men crowded behind you, waiting. But when they noticed you weren’t giving them the light of day, the man who saved you cleared his throat, giving you a reason to look back. Oh, no… your emotions were starting to swirl.

“Alright, ma’am, listen–” He begins.

“What the fuck’s going on?!” You suddenly reply, your outburst surprising even yourself (I guess your processing stage was finally over). “Where am I?! And who the fuck are you?!”

He holds his hands up, trying to show off that he was no threat. “Relax, you're in our base of operations. My name is Bucky.”

You raise a skeptical eyebrow. “Bucky?”

What kind of name is that?

“Yes.” He gestures to his teammates. “These are my friends. The blonde’s Steve; The driver’s Sam, and the kid’s Peter.” They all muttered ‘Hi’ in some kind of way. “And you are…?”

Your shoulders slack at that. You realized they didn’t know who you were. 

Good.

You straighten up again. “Y/N.” 

“Y/N.” Bucky says, happy you're complying. “Nice to meet you. If you’ve got any questions? Ask away. I’m sure you have many.”

You nod slowly, reading to soak up any bit of info about these individuals. “Who exactly are you people?”

“We’re the Avengers. We…” He takes a quick second to find the right words. “Expose and stop, and if necessary, kill corrupted supes.”

You felt yourself blink a few times. You were not expecting that. “What?”

“You heard us correctly, Ma’am. We’re an anti-supe group.”

An anti-supe…what? You felt your heart pick up at those words. Your mind wanders to when you almost activated your powers in the warehouse. You wonder if you’d be dead by now if you did. 

“Anti-supe?” It still felt weird to say. In fact, you wonder if you ever said those words before. You dared to ask the next question. “W-why kill them?” 

“Because a good chunk of them, especially the ones on the fucking Thunderbolts team, have villainous intentions that need to be stopped.”

“We’ve been hired by the CIA to do so.” Sam adds, like it was supposed to make this situation better (Does it though?).

You were shocked beyond words. You really weren’t expecting that. “The CIA hired you? Th-They made this group?”

How could they… Your breath got caught in your throat at a morbid thought.

Oh god… They’re planning to actually kill us.

“But…” Your mind flashes back to earlier again. Your husband is crossing your thoughts. “T-The people I saw… the Thunderbolts, they… th-they killed one of their own.”

“Battlestar probably flipped the script. So Crossbones, Glamour and Killmonger decided to finish him off.” Sam explains, his words hurting you deeply. 

“This isn’t the first time something like this has happened before.” Steve says, adding more salt into the wound.

“B-Before…?” You mumbled in disbelief. 

I guess I really don’t know my teammates after all. Or… my husband if that really is true.

You looked ill after thinking that, and I guess they noticed rather quickly.

“Look–” Bucky says, taking a cautious step forward. “I know what you witness is horrible, and I know this a lot to take in as well, but unfortunately I have to ask you to keep this all a secret.”

You blinked for the millionth time today. “What? What the hell do you mean by that?”

“It means you can’t go to the police.”

You scoff. “Can’t go to the police, huh? Sir, I just witnessed three people killing someone and you’re asking me to keep quiet about it?”

“Ma’am, Listen–”

“You’re insane! I have to go to the police! I have to tell them what I saw! I have to tell him that they… they…”

That they killed my husband.

Bucky gives you an empathetic look. “I know. But the Thunderbolts have some cops under their thumbs. If you go to the wrong one and tell them what you saw, they’ll kill you on the spot, make your death look like an accident or even a suicide. Trust me, I’ve seen it first hand. I’m trying to save you from that kind of fate.”

You swallow, your throat feeling dry. “So… what do you expect me to do?” You asked, eyes starting to sting with unshed tears. Your emotions are starting to appear at full steam as the adrenaline seeps away.

“Well, you could stay here with us. We can–”

“No.” You shake your head. “No, no, no. I… I-I can’t. I can’t. I-If I just up and disappear there will b-be people looking for me and…” You sigh trying to calm yourself. “I’m sorry.”

I-I can’t leave. Not yet. I can’t until I…

“It’s okay. I understand.” Bucky says, smiling softly that it didn't quite match the expression in his eyes. “We can figure something else out.”

“Actually, boss. There was no activity outside. It’s safe to just take her home.” Peter cuts in, sending you a much brighter smile than Bucky did (this kid really knew what heart strings to hit).

“Yeah. We can just take you home. Straight home if that’s what you would like instead. We’ll do whatever you’re comfortable with.”

You clenched and turned away, your hand running through your hair. You really didn’t know what to think of this. You didn’t really know if you can even trust these people. And after everything you witnessed a little while ago, you wonder if you could ever trust anyone again.

You faced them again, still weary. “Fine. You can just take me home.”

But I’ll be keeping my guard up.

“Alright.” Bucky said, gesturing to the van with his head. “I’ll drive you.”

“I’ll go with you too just in case.” Sam replies, following. 

You held your breath as you trailed behind, but before you crawled into the back, you felt the teenager’s hand tugging on your sleeve. 

“I know this is scary, Miss, but trust me when I say this, that we really are trying to help you. Just remember that.” Peter said, with a smile that could warm anyone up.

You return the expression as he lets your arm go, backing up next to Steve to give you some space that you greatly appreciated. You climbed into the back and closed the door, scooting next to your bike. You watch Bucky get into the driver’s seat, Sam in the passenger, both sharing a quick look before driving off. You hugged your knees, both to stabilize your emotions and your powers surging at your fingertips. You could hardly breathe at the tension you felt inside the van. A tension that you decided that might be necessary.

Just keep your guard up. Just keep it up. You chanted to keep yourself sane.

A long time had passed before Bucky spoke out of the blue.

“So where exactly do you live? I want to make sure I’m going the right way.” 

You cast a look at the windows on the back doors, noticing the black tinting on them and frowned.

“Just… Just drop me off anywhere on 11th street.” You reply, and hug yourself a bit more. 11th street is where the restaurant you were supposed to go to tonight was on. There was no way you could tell them to go to the tower. If they find out who you really are, you’ll probably end up dead.

“11th?” Bucky said, surprised. “Look, I just drop you off at–”

“If you want me to trust you, then you have to trust me. Drop me off at 11th.”

You watched the two men share a look again before you felt the car turning into what you assumed was the direction you asked. A long moment passed again before you felt the van pulling up next to a curb, Sam telling you that you were here. You said nothing as you shifted and opened the two doors, your hands soon resting on your bike handles–

“Here.” Bucky says, holding out a small slip of paper. “This is my number.”

You carefully take it, eyes reading it over still not muttering a word. You hear him sigh, but not one of frustration, just concern.

“Look, I would appreciate it if you could text me in the morning, just to make sure you’re okay. Then after that, you can burn if you like. You’ll never have to hear or see us again. Okay?”

You swallow and nod slowly once more, tucking the number away before cautiously taking your bike out of the van. You met his gaze one last time, replying with,

“And please don’t follow me, because I will know.” You close one door, and flash a very, very small smile. “Thank you.”

You close the other one, and snag your helmet to put on. You felt the van behind you pull away into the night,  and you waited a minute or two before surveying the area. When you realize that they were actually gone, then that’s when you hopped onto your bike and rode to the place you were dreading to go.

•°•°•°•°•°

You almost broke into tears on the way over there. Almost puked into your helmet at the horrible scene waiting for you. You still prayed that this was fake. A dream. Your worst nightmare. But as you rode up to where you found John’s car parked behind Brock’s, you saw your car you lent to your friend along with a bunch of police vehicles.

Your heart sank as you saw the yellow tape hung up everywhere, with men and women in blue trying to usher the heavy crowds away. You rode your bike until you couldn’t anymore, parking it and throwing your helmet off as you started swimming into the crowd. You felt your heart beating in your ears, your mouth going dry, your emotions going into absolute overdrive. 

You jogged up right to the police tape, right up the barrier dividing you and the terrible crime scene. Your mind was still trying to deny it all, even after you found yourself locking eyes with John who looked almost as a mess as you. You tried taking a step towards him, but you felt an officer's hand against your chest, telling you to stay back.

“Hey! Let her through! She works at the tower!” John calls out. A white lie, sure. But he couldn’t exactly shout your secret ID to a lot full of superfans.

His words were all it took for you to be let through. As you ran up towards him, shaking your head, still trying to fucking deny everything.

“John… don’t tell me it’s…” You said, barely getting the words.

Please tell me I hallucinated everything. Please tell me I’m just crazy. Please tell me–

But when he shakes his head with a sorry expression, your whole world collapses.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I saw the body. It really is, Lemar.” 

"No…" You start crying just as he starts pulling you into his arms. “No, No, No, No, No, No…” He starts gently stroking your hair as you sob. “H-How… w-what…?”

You’re not sure why you even asked because you knew what happened; But maybe, just maybe, you hoped it was still hoped that the murderers you saw were someone else. You feel his chest move tightly, like he was sucking in a shaky gulp of air before speaking.

"Lemar had picked up something suspicious on the way back to the tower and decided to check it out.” John starts explaining, holding you a little tighter. “Not long after, he sent a distress beacon for one of us to pick up, but when they arrived they found his body."

You sobbed again. "They?" 

"Yeah, Brock, Agatha and Erik were in the area.”

As soon as he said that, you peaked over his shoulder just in time to see the three of your teammates stepping out of the building, wearing sorrowful expressions that made your insides ache. Those… those bastards were trying to act like they fucking care about your husband. They–

“I'm sorry. We'll find out who did this, Y/N." John promises with all his heart. A promise you know he’ll keep to his very end.

As much as you wanted to start screaming and lunge after them, you were just so emotionally drained that eventually your legs gave out…

And you passed out in John’s arms.

•°•°•°•°•°

You closed the door with the strength you had left. When you had awoken not too long ago, you were riding in the passenger seat of John’s car, and instead of breaking the ice (no matter what the circumstances were) like you always do, you just stayed silent; Your eyes so distant as you stared out the window. When you got back to the tower, you ignored everyone on your way back to your apartment. If Lemar’s death was done differently, you think you would have craved the pity and condolences everyone was giving you; But the fact that he was killed by the people you considered family, well…

You weren’t sure who you could trust anymore. You could trust John, that was for sure, but the rest of your teammates? 

Hell-fucking-no.

You weren’t even sure if you could trust the workers in the building. 

You let out a breath you didn’t know you had, and mustered up some more energy to push yourself away from the door; Standing tall yet shaky and nauseous. You bite your tongue to try to stop yourself from puking, To stop the dizzy spell. You had to take a shower. You had to wash off the muck and the nonexist blood. You could still see the blood all over your husband’s body, it’s–

You gag and cover your mouth. 

Shower. I just need to shower. You tell yourself, and take wobbly steps towards the bathroom. You desperately wanted to stay in hot water, laying against the cool tiles, laying for hours until—

.

.

.

.

He squeezes your hand. “Listen, just in case this mission goes south, or… I-I don’t make it to dinner tonight-” Another squeeze. “Promise me that you won’t come looking for me right away.”

.

.

.

.

You froze.

Wait…

You turn to look at your closet, still half way opened and begging you to take another look inside. Your mind flashed to the suitcase, the passports. You remember the confusing thought of why he even had those out. But now, after what you just witnessed, it was all starting to make sense.

You practically ran towards the closet.

.

.

.

.

“Oh, Lemar, Lemar, Lemar.” Brock said, kneeling before him. “Oh, Lemar, if only you just kept your nosy ass out of our business, then none of this would have happened. Honestly. The truth is–”

He touches your husband’s face, making him wince painfully, continuing, “I never really wanted to kill anyone on my team. I really do see so much potential in all of you, it’s insane.” 

.

.

.

.

You ripped open the empty suitcase, searching through all the pockets and zippers you can find for anything. Anything that can give you a clue on what your husband predicted.

What did you find out, Lemar? You asked the air, slamming the suitcase closed before searching through your passports.

What did you find out that made our teammates kill you? What did you find? You found nothing and sprung to your feet. From there you started tearing apart your husband’s side of the closet, making a mess all over the floor.

Give me something! You gotta give me something, honey. Please! You begged while tightening your jaw.

.

.

.

.

His light laughs made your stomach turn in a way they’ve never done before. It made you physically ill on many levels.

.

.

.

.

You raced around the room, opening and looking for anything that was Lemar’s, praying and praying that you’ll find something. Even if it was the smallest clue in the world, you’ll still fucking take it.

.

.

.

.

“However…” Brock rants on, his grin starting to falter a bit. “You just had to do this. You just had to figure out how the game is really played. You had to play God. Well–” He pulls him closer. “That’s going to cost you, my friend.”

You clenched your fists, trying to keep your nerves calm as you searched for an opening to interfere.

.

.

.

.

You empty out drawers, boxes, his side of the bed, under the mattress, the covers, Anything. But you were running out of options. You only had one thing of his left.

His laptop.

You had a small spark of hope as you turned it on.

.

.

.

.

Brock’s grin grew again, even more sinister than before, with an unnerving proposition behind it. “But don’t worry, I’ll make sure your wife’s taken care of. I’ll make sure to be there when she needs me. I’ll hold her at your funeral, and I’ll whisper the comforting things she wants to hear. And maybe…”

.

.

.

.

You typed in his password, the words so personal that they struck a cord but you pushed it aside, waiting for the home screen to appear.

.

.

.

.

He licks his lips at a sudden thought. “Maybe she’ll let me in enough to take care of her. Show her what a real man is. You know?”

As your eyes shined purple for flight—

.

.

.

.

When the screen finally loaded, you froze again.

.

.

.

.

You watched as Brock snapped Lemar’s neck with ease.

.

.

.

.

You slammed the laptop closed, not even thinking about the damage you may have caused to it. 

Encrypted.

The whole funking laptop was encrypted. The words on the screen, the files, and even the fucking search engine was encrypted to something you couldn’t even read. You were frustrated. Beyond frustrated. Whatever your husband had discovered was well hiddened on his screen. 

Damn it. Damn it! You metally sigh, closing your eyes and laying your forehead against the cold surface of the desk. You were pissed because you were no hacker. How the hell were you supposed to decrypt this?

Funny you think this because your brain suddenly reminds you of a certain teenage boy you met not too long ago. He was a hacker from the looks of it.

Could he…? You shake your head at such a bad idea. 

What the hell am I thinking? He works in an anti-supe team. I’m on top of their food chain. They’ll kill me if they find out who I am. 

Yet, there was still a very small percentage of your brain telling you to go for it. To give that Bucky guy a call, to set up a meeting, to tell them who you are and what really happened.

Maybe… if I tell them who Lemar is to me, they’ll take pity? But you couldn’t see into the future, you couldn’t predict the outcome. For all you know it could go completely sideways.

You groan loudly, throwing your head back, hands in your hair.

I’m sooooo fucked.

You racked your brain for some answers. Who could trust? What should be your next move? Who could you call? You go back and forth between many names, but there’s one that comes to mind many times out of all of them. And after witnessing the death of your husband, that name made your blood boil.

You pick up your phone and dial the number by heart. Your foot was tapping in rhythm with the ringing. You heard a familiar voice on the other side.

‘SHIELD International, This is Sitwell. How may I transfer your call?’

You swallow the anger you started to feel, but you felt it still simmering at the surface. You clenched your fist and said,

“Put my father on the phone.”

_____________________________________________________________

-Taglist-

@marvelouslovely-barnes @daddyavesxx

[marvel-and-magic]

Not Another John Walker

Stephen Strange x OC

Spoilers for: Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Warnings: mentions of blood/death and Self-harm.

The OC is a Shield operative and part-time student at Kamar-Taj.

The clock had just struck twelve as Greer Fraiser stepped through a portal into the New York Sanctum.  Her blue eyes were hazy from tears, and her clothes happened to be frayed from relentless combat.  She’s shedding tactical gear before reaching the bedroom, attempting to forget the blood that had seeped through her gloves, and coated her hands. She hadn’t been around when Loki overtook the city or Ultron destroyed an entire nation. She wasn’t even a hero when the original Avengers fought Thanos six years ago. 

It had been a long time since she saw such bloodshed, and she could still hear the squelching of the shield as it crushed that super soldier’s skull.  That soldier had a name, and he’d died due to another man’s callousness.  Greer had tried to stop the bleeding and had shoved John aside in an attempt to stitch his fractures back together with magic.  She was no surgeon, however, and all she left behind was the scorch of her frenzied spellcasting upon a corpse. 

Bucky had sent her home, so here she was. 

Ripping off her gloves as she rounded a corner, taking a turn too fast and teetering to get out of Stephen’s way, who’d been rounding the corner at the same time. 

“I thought I heard you.” He says by way of greeting, reaching out to steady her with a gentle hand. “I didn’t know you were coming home today, I thought you’d be in Latvia for a little while longer… What happened?” His gaze had skimmed over her, noting her disheveled state and blood-stained clothes, he could only assume the worst. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” 

An hour or so later, after a lavender-scented bath in a tub that had no right being so luxurious, Greer was sitting on the edge of their bed.  Candles were the only source of light in the room now, the scent of burning wax tickling her nose, as she watched Stephen’s shadow move with the flames.  He was sitting behind her, brushing knots out of her hair with a precision that always impressed her.  

They’d both changed into their pajamas, and there was no rush from either of them to go anywhere else that night.  “Bucky made the right call sending you home,” Stephen speaks, at last, his voice a soft rumbling that breaks the tension in the air. “You’ve no business fighting a maniac like that.” 

“I didn’t want to fight him, I wanted to fix his mistake.” 

“Mistakes like that can’t be fixed, but you tried, and that’s what counts.” 

“It didn’t count, it made no difference.”

Stephen sighs, leaning forwards to place a kiss against the top of her head. “We’re healers, my dear,” he mumbles against her hair. “Not Gods.” 

“You used to save lives every day, extraordinary cases, people who shouldn’t have survived… Why couldn’t I do the same?”

“Not everyone can be saved, Greer.” The hairbrush is abandoned on the bed, as damp strains of hair are pushed to the side, allowing the sorcerer to rest his chin against Greer’s shoulder, placing pacifying kisses against her throat. He was certain he could feel the pulse of her magic there, in time with her heartbeat. He could still remember the first time he lost a life on the operating table, the guilt and self-loathing were impossible to forget. She’d been working with Shield for almost a year now, but this is the first time she’d lost a life so brutally, and right before her eyes. What was even worse, the man had been innocent. A victim of circumstance, Lemar’s death had been an accident.  

The soldier’s death had been cold-blooded murder. 

“It’s a difficult lesson to learn.” Stephen continues when she doesn’t respond, his hands gliding along her torso, to hug her firmly, trying to be grounding in case her mind ran away with her. She needed calm in this idle storm, and he’d do everything in his power to give it.  John Walker would be lucky to never meet him. 

“When I lost Donna, I swore I’d do everything I could to preserve lives but… Truly, that’s not a power any of us have. We can only try our best to protect others, and our best is enough.” 

Greer was listening, her trembling hands happened to curl into the fabric of her pants before a sob breaks past her lips. “I don’t want to be like him.” She says, a testament to how much she feared her own power. “We can do so much damage, and hurt so many people. He was just a man with a shield... What could someone like us do?” 

A spark of light, blue and evanescent, strikes up the room. Greer winches, the short-lived burst having danced up her hand to settle amongst her marred skin. If Stephen didn’t know any better, he’d say it was a form of self-harm and not a testament to his partner’s lack of control.  “You’re nothing like him Greer,” He soothes, taking her now aching hand within his. “Power only shows a person’s true colors, and what John Walker has chosen to do with his is a scourge on Steve’s legacy.” 

“He was supposed to be one of the good ones.” She says, disheartened, frustrated tears starting to trail down her cheeks. 

“Most people don’t start out with bad intentions. It could be that his grief clouded his judgment, and finally showed who he is deep down."

Greer takes in a breath, trying to rationalize things no doubt, but she’d just witnessed something she’d never forget, something that would make her question if she was really meant for this Avengers business after all. 

Stephen coerces her back and tucks her in beneath a feathered blanket. 

He wraps himself around her, pulling her into the curve of his body, well aware of her own past mistakes.  What was a little girl to think, when her powers come into being so suddenly, and at the expense of a helpless animal? He couldn’t imagine how horrible it was, to watch the canine combust within a current of blue fire.  

He knew she’d been called a monster, 

And he knew she’d grown to believe such a name to be true. 

“It may not mean much coming from me...” He says, brushing her tears away with one hand and spelling the candles out with the other. “But today, you proved who you were always meant to be.” 

[justsomerandomfanfic]

Take A Chance - Beauty and The Beast AU - Sam Wilson X Bucky Barnes

Title: Take A Chance

Chapter 1

Sam Wilson X Bucky Barnes

Additional Characters: Steve, Tony, Pepper, John Walker, Lemar Hoskins, Vision, Wanda, Loki, Thor, Morgan, and Redwing

WC: 1,889

Warnings: John Walker and wolves

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a young prince lived in a shining castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the prince was spoiled, selfish, and unkind. But then, one winter's night, an old beggar woman came to the castle and offered him a single rose in return for shelter from the bitter cold. Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the prince sneered at the gift and turned the old woman away, but she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within.  And when he dismissed her again, the old woman's ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress. The prince tried to apologize, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was no love in his heart, and as punishment, she transformed him into a hideous beast, and placed a powerful spell on the castle, and all who lived there.  Ashamed of his monstrous form, the beast concealed himself inside his castle, with a magic mirror as his only window to the outside world. The rose she had offered was truly an enchanted rose, which would bloom until his twenty-first year. If he could learn to love another, and earn her love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time.  As the years passed, he fell into despair, and lost all hope, for who could ever learn to love a beast?

Sam took in a deep breath before sighing, today was a beautiful day in New Yorkshire. The sky was clear of any clouds, birds were singing, and children cheered and played tag in the nearby woods. Sam loved days like this, where everything seemed right with the world. Today, he was going to visit his favorite book store. He had been coming there for years now. It was always nice to go there, because it made him feel as if he had a home away from home.

The book store was small but cozy, and filled with all sorts of books. This place was amazing! Sam could spend hours looking through these books. His eyes would sparkle when he saw something new, and he'd want to read it immediately. But, he knew better than to do so. The book store didn't have many books, so he'd end up reading some books three or four times over.

Opening the book store door, the book shop owner turned around. When seeing Sam, his smile widened.

"Ah, Sam!" He called out, climbing down his ladder.

"Good morning. I've come to return the book I borrowed." Sam spoke, handing the book back to the bookstore owner.

The book store owner's name was Vision. He loved books, ever since he was young. Books had always given him a purpose in life, rather than going into the same profession as his father. Vision was sweet, kind, and an absolute gentleman, and believe it or not, he had a knack for art.

Vision put the book back on the shelf. "Finished already?" 

Sam smiled with a nod, before climbing on the ladder Vision was once on. 

"Oh, I couldn't put it down. Have anything new?" He asked, and Vision laughed.

"Not since yesterday." 

Sam shrugged, before picking up a book. "Then, I'll just borrow... This one." He spoke, stepping down the ladder.

"You've read that one twice." Vision spoke, a small frown on his face.

"Well, it's my favorite. Far off places, sword fights, evil spells, a prince in disguise. So much excitement that you just don't see in this small town." Sam spoke and Vision nodded.

"I can see why. I haven't seen such things here either. I hope you can find some excitement, Sam. Even if it is in this book." Vision said, smiling at him.

"Thank you. You're very kind."

As Sam left the bookstore, he thought about how nice Vision was. He was never rude to anyone, even when they were rude to him, or even if they returned their books late. 

Just up the street stood John Walker, with his friend, Lemar Hoskins. John just shot a duck out of the sky, landing on the hard, cobble ground in a soft 'thump.' 

"Wow, You didn't even miss, John. You are the best hunter in the world!" Lemar spoke, after grabbing the dead duck and shoving it in a bag. 

John grinned, running a hand through his blond hair. "I know." 

"No beast alive stands a chance against you... And no person could either." 

John smirked, adjusting his coat jacket lapels, "That is very true, Lemar, and I've got my sights set on that one!" He spoke, pointing across the way to Sam.

"The inventor's nephew?" Lemar asked, eyes wide in surprise.

"He's the one! The lucky man I'm going to marry." He spoke with determination.

"But, he's-"

"The most beautiful man in town, aside from me of course." John cut him off, rolling his tongue against the top of his teeth.

"I know-" Lemar spoke, but John interrupted him again.

"And that makes him the best. And don't I deserve the best?" John asked, gritting his teeth, looking at his friend with a threatening glare.

Lemar gulped and nodded, "Well of course, I mean you do, but I mean..."

With a strong swagger to his walk, John walked past the townspeople and straight to Sam, who was reading his book. 

"Hello, Sam." John spoke with his deep voice and charming smirk.

"Hello, John." Sam spoke, not even looking up at the man, continuing to read his book.

John sighed annoyed and grabbed Sam's book from him, opening it up and looking at it confused and with exhaustion.

"What is this? A romantic fantasy book?" He asked, holding the book in front of Sam.

"Yes, it's a romantic fantasy book." Sam answered, giving John a glare, crossing his arms.

"Give me back my book, John." Sam spoke up, trying to reach for it.

John chuckled, "I'm afraid I can't do that, Sam. Not until you agree to marry me." He spoke, continuing to slip through the book pages.

"I am not marrying you, John."

John pretended to ignore Sam before frowning at the book. "How can you even read this? It's so boring!" He spoke, closing the book.

"Well, not everyone has the same taste as you." Sam spoke with a sigh, watching as John tossed his book in a nearby puddle of mud.

"I'm one to like a little romance, Sam." John spoke, making his way towards Sam.

"I doubt your definition of romance is the same as mine." Sam spoke, picking up his book and wiping the mud off with his coat.

"What's that supposed to mean?" John asked, narrowing his eyes at Sam.

"It means you think romance is a person who would tend to your every wish and demand. I'm not that type of person." Sam spoke, taking a step back from John.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go home and help my uncle." Sam spoke before running back to his house where he and his uncle resided.

Back at the house, Sam went down in the basement. There, he found his uncle, Tony, working on an invention.

"Hey, Uncle Tony. How are you doing?" Sam asked, walking over to him.

Tony looked up, "Hi, Sam. I am just about finished with this next invention." He spoke, turning the wrench in his hands.

"Really? That's great! What will it do?" Sam asked, excitedly.

"Well, it should help with chopping wood."

Finishing up, Tony turned it on, and it began to cut wood on the conveyor belt. Sam smiled with joy as Tony fistbumped the air in victory.

"I'm going to win first prize at the fair tomorrow for sure. I just know it." Tony spoke and Sam nodded.

"You will." Sam agreed.

"And I'll become the world's most famous inventor!"

Sighing with a smile, Sam shook his head.

"I believe that." Sam agreed.

Sitting down on the small stools around the small basement, Tony spoke up. "So, how was your walk through town today? Talk to anyone?" Tony asked and Sam sighed with a small frown.

"Only that jerk, John." He humphed, crossing his arms.

"John? Handsome guy." Tony spoke, causing Sam to stand in frustration.

"Handsome, but rude and an absolute idiot."

"That's too bad. Well, maybe you'll meet someone else soon." Tony said, smiling.

Sam frowned, "I doubt it."

"Why? Why don't you think so?" Tony asked with a frown, to which Sam only shrugged.

"I'm not like other people, Uncle. I'm weird. I like to read, take runs early in the morning. Not to mention I am at the age to marry and yet no one in this small town is the right person for me." He spoke and Tony nodded, understanding.

"You are weird, but I am weird too." Tony spoke, smiling.

Sam blinked in surprise, "What do you mean?"

"Well, I love to invent things, I am weird because of that. No one understands that aspect of my life. They think I am crazy." Tony spoke and Sam nodded.

"I understand."

Later in the day, Sam helped Tony set up the wagon to Redwing, Sam's mighty steed, making sure Tony's new invention was hooked up tight.

After the wagon was ready, Tony climbed into it, and started heading towards the fairgrounds. Sam waved goodbye, before heading back to the house.

***

It had been a couple hours, the sun had set and a heavy snow storm had settled it. The snow made it hard to see the road ahead of them, both blinding the uncle and the horse. 

"We should be there by now. Did we miss a turn?" He asked Redwing, who neighed in response.

Tony lifted his lantern, illuminating a sign, giving directions to Jersenville and Vermontington. 

"Let's try this way." He spoke, turning his lantern. 

Redwing looked right, to an overgrown and snowy path, then left, towards a more inviting path, which already had wheel impressions in the snow. Tony nudged the reins, forcing Redwing to go right. Redwing huffed and Tony sighed, slightly out of frustration.

"Come on, Redwing! It's got to be a shortcut." 

Trudging through the snow, Wolves howl in the distance causing Tony and Redwing to freeze.

"Redwing, we must have gone the wrong way." He whispered, pausing when Redwing froze, eyeing a wolf in front of them. 

It growled deeply before coming towards them, standing back on his hind legs, Redwing neighed, kicking the wolf away, causing Tony to fall off the wagon. Once on the ground, Tony looked up, seeing wolves growling at him. Standing up quickly, Tony ran away as fast as he could, being chased by the wolves as he did. Stumbling down a hill, Tony saw the gates of a huge, dark castle. He grabbed the gate and shook it open, quickly running inside and closing it. The wolves hit up against the gate, barking and snarling at Tony, causing him to step away in fear. At least he was safe. For now.

Slowly, Tony walked up the castle steps, knocking on the two great big wooden doors. The doors opened, creaking as they did so. Cautiously, Tony entered, brushing off the snow on his coat shoulders.

[pineapplepiepieces]

Episode 7, of

Things the marvel Disney+ shows have in common

Rare side ship only I really care about

[m-bennet]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ”the blood will not dry

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤand time will not heal“.

[captainpikeachu]

I loved you completely. And you loved me the same. That's all. The rest is confetti.