#mcu fix it

[mf-headcannontap]

MARVEL Headcannon #6:

Everyone knows how Steve (and probably Bucky, let's be real) are technologically inept, right? Well, you know who else would also be technologically inept? Thor and Loki, but not for the reasons you think.

See Steve (and Bucky, but maybe he has some tech training as the WS, I can't see HYDRA not teaching him how to hack, so really just trivial things such as using social media might confuse him) has the problem of literally jumping forward in time. Thor and Loki would have the exact opposite problem.

Asgard is like this super advanced place that has literal magic and stuff. It's more than safe to assume that despite keeping older aesthetic, they are a highly advanced civilization that is a perfect blend of traditional and innovative technology. The technology of the 21st century here on earth would probably be something that predates them on Asgard, like how telegrams predate everyone currently alive.

So, while Steve is coming forward in time, Thor and Loki are going back in time technology-wise. And that's why they struggle. It would be like if teens today tried to figure out how to use a telegram (or a phone booth/rotary phone) when they are so used to touchscreen.

Loki is a very adaptable person and is the literal God of Fake-It-Till-You-Make-It, and Bucky has been trained (conditioned) to observe and learn (hence the staring problem) so those two are better at hiding their confusion with technology, but Steve and Thor? Yeah, those two visibly struggle.

The four of them have a "support group" of sorts, where they're just trying to figure tech out. Honorable group members include Carol Danvers and Peter Quill, who are alien tech whizzes, and yet are still stuck using 80's tech Earth-wise.

[grechkathekasha]

(“sailor song” by gigi perez starts playing)

[theefloraknight]

Idk who’s gonna come across this, but should I continue writing my MCU fix it? I have, like, half of my first chapter, but the actual post and the draft for the second chapter got deleted.

[bee-doodle]

They should not be allowed in the same room together

[moonyflesh]

a collection of my favorite Steven Grant moments because i related to him more than i think is deemed healthy.

[wynnd-citrus]

Tony survives! Anything But “Mr Stark” Pt. 2 :3

[foxbullfrog]

“You’ve been spending a lot of time in New York. You must really love the city.”

“Yes… the city.”

[devine-fem]

this ship isnt boring/bad, you guys don't get them like i do, i fear. if peter was a god, then wade would be his greatest disciple. if wade was an artist, then peter would be his muse. / Mario Puzo, The Godfather // it chooses you, miranda july // marcel proust // Terrance Hayes, The Same City // Eliza Crewe, Crushed // judas-redeemed // Mitski, I'm your man // u.k // Mitski, I'm your man // Richard Siken // Charlotte Eriksson Everything Changed When I Forgave Myself // u.k. // Noah Kahan You're Gonna Go Far // marilynne robinson, gilead

[mf-headcannontap]

MARVEL Headcannon #5:

President Loki is the result of Odin banishing Loki to Midgard instead of Thor.

Basically, Thor started the war, but Loki got thrown under the metaphorical bus and got banished under the condition of Thor having to prove himself worthy of having his sibling by his side again, and then Loki could return.

Of course, Loki, being Loki, took the first opportunity they could find to blend in and eventually amass power. It got to the point where eventually, Loki found themselves running for president against one Steve Rogers (who took one look around when he woke up and decided, if no one was gonna get their stuff together, he'd do it himself dammit, cuz if a literal alien could do it, so could he) completely by accident. But of course, Loki, being Loki, made that election one for the history books.

There's 2 versions of this singular timeline. One where Steve Rogers wins, and one where Loki wins (that's the one that got pruned) and its comedic gold.

By the time Thor proves himself worthy and Odin allows Loki back in Asgard, Loki has already established a pretty solid life for themselves, out of Odin's and Thor's shadows, so now they all have to convince Loki to come back to Asgard.

[weeklybuckydoodles]

hiii

todays bucky doodle is a WIP bucky

[aanonyarty]

i desperately need a glaring masked man in my life

[tea-writes19]

besties | p.p.

pairing: peter parker x f!stark!reader

summary: your friendship with your dad’s intern turns into something more

warnings: friends to lovers, swearing, these bitches being oblivious, comedy, dad tony, mentions of past affairs, suggestive content, fluff galore, slow burn, underage drinking

a/n: i’m not usually a peter girlie as i love him and mj together but i wanted to write some fluff so here we are. also i’m laughing at petey’s intials. set post endgame but tony lives and steve doesn’t go back in time. nat’s still dead tho :(

liked by peterparker, nedleeds, tonystark, and others

yourusername: your fave upstate & queens duo

tagged: @/peterparker

view comments below

user1: MY FAVES

user2: imagine being friends w/ the y/n stark😩

user3: THIS

nedleeds: can’t believe y’all got food without me…

peterparker: sorry!

yourusername: no we’re not

peterparker: never getting in a car with you driving AGAIN

yourusername: IT WAS ONE CURB

user4: like father like daughter😭

user5: omg😂

tonystark: how many people from queens do you even know?

yourusername: that doesn’t matter

peterparker: they hate when we serve orphan & nepo baby

yourusername: 🗣️🗣️

user6: not the dead parents—

user7: i bet peter is the funniest person alive😭

user8: bro’s got trauma for days😭😭

pepperpotts: so this is why it took you two 6 hours to get the olive oil i asked for…

yourusername: should’ve sent happy🤷🏻‍♀️

jamesrhodes: you act like y/n doesn’t have tony’s horrible time management skills

pepperpotts: and peter?

jamesrhodes: spends too much time with tony and y/n

user9: god i want to live in nyc so bad

user10: pov: you saw y/n stark hit a curb today

liked by nedleeds, yourusername, mjjones, and others

peterparker: lab days🛠️🥽

tagged: @/tonystark

view comments below

yourusername: YOU GOT FIVE GUYS WITHOUT ME?!??

peterparker: BLAME YOUR DAD!! IT WAS HIS IDEA

tonystark: that was supposed to stay between us kid😑

user11: is that a new iron man model i see👀

peterparker: nope, just fixing rhodey’s suit :)

yourusername: surprised uncle rhodes is letting you touch that old thing

jamesrhodes: HEY! the war machine suit works fine just the way it is

yourusername: clearly not if it had to be fixed…

user11: oh god what have i started🫣

user12: five guys👨‍🍳🤌

user13: looks so fun!

nedleeds: man you HAVE got to convince mr. stark to let me come with someday

tonystark: not happening hacker

nedleeds: 😔

mjjones: THIS was more important than acdec?

peterparker: YOU DON’T JUST SAY NO TO TONY STARK MJ!!!!

yourusername: i do all the time🤨

user14: 😭😭

user15: love how peter is just friends with all the starks

user16: i’m pretty sure he’s tony’s personal intern

user17: ^^^

user18: oh my god i thought he was another bastard from tony’s playboy days😭

user19: lmao nooooo

user20: tbf i forget y/n isn’t pepper’s kid sometimes soooo….

liked by nedleeds, mjjones, peterparker, and others

yourusername: a happy meal is the only true serotonin one needs in life

tagged: @/peterparker @/nedleeds

view comments below

tonystark: what am i? chopped liver?

yourusername: yes

tonystark: ouch

user21: imagine calling tony stark chopped liver😭

nedleeds: i’m pretty sure we broke the airplane wheel

yourusername: shhhh…don’t let ronald hear you

peterparker: thanks for the nightmare fuel tn

yourusername: anytime🫡

user22: happy meals >>>

user23: mcds cokes >>>

yourusername: ronald mcdonald🥵

user24: one of these is not like the others…

user25: LMAO NOT RONALD MCDONALD😭😭

peterparker: i’m just glad we took the subway this time

yourusername: WOW

yourusername: AND TO THINK WE WERE BFFS

peterparker: I’M SORRY I DON’T WANT TO DIE YOUNG

tonystark: that is the most bullshit response i’ve ever heard from you

user26: this comment section is so unhinged😭😭

user27: lol what’d you expect??? it’s the starks

tonystark: morgan would like a happy meal

yourusername: we all know that’s just the excuse for you to get one too but that’s ok

liked by tonystark, yourusername, steverogers, and others

pepperpotts: cozy day with the family🤍

tagged: @/tonystark @/yourusername

view comments below

user28: you guys are so cute!

yourusername: i would like everyone to know that dad pushed me into the pond after that pic was taken

user29: omg noooo😭😭

peterparker: did you save your drink at least?

yourusername: obviously…i’m not a monster pete

user30: i’m crying at the thought of tony stark pushing his daughter into a pond😭😭

user31: ^^^

tonystark: this is defamation

steverogers: glad to see you guys doing well pep!

pepperpotts: you should come over for dinner sometime soon!!

tonystark: please leave the 2 assholes that follow you around at home thanks

pepperpotts: TONY

yourusername: bring them for the bit

samwilson: i’m going to get morgan the loudest fucking toy for christmas now

user32: this thread is a mess😭😭

user33: it’s so weird to see y/n without peter lol

user34: lol frfr

user35: i’m kinda starting to ship them ngl

user36: omg yes!!

user37: you guys can never let a boy and girl just be friends😒

tonystark: my arms are so tired from pushing morgan in that swing all day

yourusername: sounds like a skill issue

peterparker: ^^^

tonystark: i’d like to see you two single-handedly save new york from an impending nuke

user38: 😭😭😭

jamesrhodes: looks like a perfect day for the stanks!

tonystark: you’re never letting that go are you

jamesrhodes: nope!

yourusername added to their story —>

[caption: when the trip makes it out of the family group chat >>>]

story replies

peterparker: can’t wait!!!

yourusername: i am so beating you to the best room

user39: i just know the pics are abt to be fire🔥🔥

user40: where are you going?

mjjones: i’m expecting a real life nemo

yourusername: 🫡🫡

liked by peterparker, pepperpotts, mjjones, and others

yourusername: us virgin islands? this american def ain’t a virg—

tagged: @/peterparker @/tonystark @/pepperpotts

view comments below

user41: HELLO?!?

user42: GIRL WHAT!?

peterparker: ain’t nothin’ virgin abt this isla—

yourusername: 🏝️= 👉👌

user43: WHAT IS HAPPENING?!?!

user44: YOUR PARENTS FOLLOW YOU Y/N

mjjones: the island after y’all left: 🤰

yourusername: MJ I’M SCREAMING😭😭

nedleeds: so was the isla—i’m gonna stop

user45: 😭😭

tonystark: sometimes i think i asexually reproduced you like a plant

yourusername: surprised you didn’t clone yourself in a lab or smth

jamesrhodes: don’t give him ideas

user46: i’m freaking out over the caption

user47: no fr…

user48: AND PETER’S COMMENT

user49: 🎶i think they did it but i just can’t prove it🎶

steverogers: there’s definitely an innuendo in here somewhere but i’m just going to pretend i’m blind and go

yourusername: good choice

user50: CAPTAIN AMERICA SIR—

user51: mom come pick me up i’m scared

liked by yourusername, nedleeds, tonystark, and others

peterparker: i have sand in my ass

tagged: @/yourusername @/tonystark @/pepperpotts

view comments below

user52: love how peter was invited on the family vacation

user53: he really is just part of the fam

user54: so convinced he and y/n are dating

user55: god i hope so

nedleeds: simp

peterparker: damn right - y/n

user56: not y/n stealing peter’s phone to comment this

user57: simp you say👀

yourusername: damn who that hottie in slide 2?

peterparker: you boo😘 - y/n

yourusername: aww thanks boo🥰

user58: 😭😭

steverogers: and that’s enough instagram for me tonight

tonystark: i still don’t know what y’all were looking at

yourusername: your ego obviously🙄

user59: oh to go on a hike with tony stark

user60: oh to be dating y/n stark

user61: they never said they’re dating…

user62: shhh let us be delusional🤫

liked by pepperpotts, jamesrhodes, yourusername, and others

tonystark: the difference between morgan and y/n on vacation…

tagged: @/pepperpotts @/yourusername

view comments below

user63: omg😭😭

user64: y/n is such a mood

peterparker: morgan is a menace at go karts

yourusername: she plays too much mario kart fr

jamesrhodes: when one gets pepper’s genes and the other yours…

yourusername: i can’t believe you’ve done this

tonystark: oh but tis has

user65: i wanna say i’m morgan but in reality i’m y/n

user66: thisssss

user67: same😭

pepperpotts: to be fair y/n was hungover in the second pic…

yourusername: the porcelain gods did not grant mercy on me😔

liked by tonystark, peterparker, steverogers, and others

pepperpotts: great vacation with even greater company💕💕

tagged: @/tonystark @/yourusername @/peterparker

view comments below

peterparker: thank you for the invitation mrs. potts

user68: stop he’s too cute

user69: peter you’re adorable

user70: what a wonderful time to spend with family!

tonystark: i love you mrs. potts

pepperpotts: i love you mr. stark

yourusername: 😖🤮

jamesrhodes: glad to see tony still somehow manages to end up in the er on every trip

tonystark: i have a world record to hold up😤

user71: lmao😭

yourusername: i’m still full from that feast

peterparker: none of my pants fit after that salmon😩

user72: LOVE🤍🤍

yourusername added to their story —>

[caption: 🌟🌊]

story replies

peterparker: you really are the best

yourusername: you too pete💞

user73: holy shit holy shit holy—

user74: omg i’m so happy for you

steverogers: so did you two…fondue?

yourusername: OH MY GOD

liked by yourusername, mjjones, nedleeds, and others

peterparker: another post bc we leave tmrw

tagged: @/yourusername @/tonystark

view comments below

yourusername: gonna miss sneaking out…

tonystark: oh please you do that back home too

yourusername: it’s not the same🙄

nedleeds: can’t wait to see you man!!

peterparker: so ready for our mandalorian marathon!

mjjones: nerds

yourusername: ^^^

user75: lmao tony😭😭

user76: he’s keeping an eye out for selener

user75: STOP😭

tonystark: andddd you’re grounded from the lab for that pic

peterparker: awww man😔

yourusername added to their story —>

[caption: when he cares abt school🤭🫠]

story replies

peterparker: you were just making fun of me for studying🤨

yourusername: semantics

user77: automatically makes a guy hotter

yourusername: hear hear🗣️

mjjones: that better be acdec work…

liked by mjjones, peterparker, tonystark, and others

yourusername: here’s the hard launch for you bitches

tagged: @/peterparker

view comments below

user78: OMG OMG OMG—

user79: I CALLED IT

peterparker: so happy to call you mine🫶🏻

yourusername: 😘

mjjones: abt damn time…

nedleeds: ^^^

tonystark: ^^^

jamesrhodes: ^^^

pepperpotts: ^^^

steverogers: ^^^

samwilson: ^^^

happyhogan: ^^^

yourusername: damn ok then

tonystark: keep the door open

tonystark: and don’t even THINK about fonduing in my house

yourusername: PLEASE STOP

© tea-writes19 do not repost, translate, or copy

[mandoalorian]

echoes of hydra [bucky barnes x f!reader]

Pairing: Congressman!Bucky Barnes x Personal Assistant!Reader

Synopsis: Bucky comes face-to-face with Ross, uncovering a sinister truth that threatens to pull him back into the past he swore he’d never return to. But as he fights to hold onto his freedom, an unseen threat is already closing in. When he returns to your apartment, something is very, very wrong.

Word Count: 3300

Tags/warnings: 18+ employer x employee. no smut in this chapter -- wow, first chapter with no smut, but lots of plot! lots of development. hopefully lots of jaw-dropping moments. please let me know if you enjoy it!

Masterlist

prev chapter <3 | congress & carnality masterlist

The gala was in full swing by the time Bucky arrived. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he walked through the grand ballroom, ignoring the whispers and curious glances thrown his way. He knew what people were saying — most likely talking about the assault and his “rumoured” lover. He wasn’t exactly a welcomed guest in circles like these, but that didn’t matter. Even if Bucky played his card right, his past meant that he would always be an outlier when it came to politics; and that was down to an unforgivable system. Bucky denied a champagne flute and slipped past the few people who made an effort to talk to him. After all, he wasn’t here to make friends.

Ross was the centre of attention, surrounded by political figures, military officials, and wealthy benefactors. Bucky scanned the room, catching sight of Tara, who was eyeing him with thinly veiled suspicion. She wore a sleek, emerald green dress, hugging her curves and her honey blonde hair bounced off her shoulders. It was the first time he’d seen her since Tokyo. Tara offered Bucky a smile, followed by a small wave, but the Congressman just nodded his head in polite acknowledgement. Slipping through the crowds of people, Bucky made his way toward the hallways leading to Ross’ private office.

Two security guards stood outside the door, tall and straight. But they were nothing that Captain America couldn’t make quick work out of. Once the guards were down and hidden, Bucky and Sam slipped into the unoccupied room.

Sam kept watch while Bucky hacked into Ross’ computer. The files he found made his stomach drop. A black budget project—one that used to belong to SHIELD before Hydra infiltrated it. Except now, it was active again, and Ross was making financial transactions straight to Hydra remnants.

Bucky clenched his jaw. Hydra wasn’t dead. It had just changed its face.

And Ross was funding it.

Bucky scrolled through the files, his breath coming out heavier the deeper he dug. “Jesus Christ,” he muttered under his breath.

Sam leaned over his shoulder, brows furrowing. “Tell me that’s not what I think it is.”

Bucky clenched his jaw. “It’s worse.” He tapped the screen. “These transactions—they’re going directly to Hydra cells. And look at this—” He pulled up another document. “It’s a classified super soldier development program. This is exactly what they did to me, Sam. They’re doing it again.”

Sam exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “This is bigger than we thought.”

Bucky’s hands curled into fists. “We have to shut this down. If Ross is making deals with Hydra, then—”

A noise outside the office made them both go still.

Sam shot him a look. “Time to go.”

Bucky copied as much of the data as he could onto a flash drive before ejecting it and slipping it into his pocket. “We’re not done here,” he muttered.

Sam gave him a knowing look. “Yeah, no shit.”

With that, they slipped back into the gala, acting like nothing had happened—while knowing damn well that everything had just changed.

The gala was a spectacle of excess—golden chandeliers dripping with light, champagne flowing freely, and Washington’s elite mingling in hushed, calculated conversations. Bucky barely had time to scan the room before Tara was on him, again.

“Congressman Barnes,” she greeted smoothly, her voice warm, familiar. Like a trap he hadn’t seen springing shut.

She was stunning in the green silk, the dress skimming her frame effortlessly. There was something about the way she looked at him—soft, concerned, like she wasn’t the same woman who had just weeks ago been flirting with him behind closed doors.

“Tara.” He kept his tone neutral.

She sighed, giving him a small, almost exasperated smile. “Are we really doing this? The cold, distant thing?”

Bucky clenched his jaw. “Not sure what you mean.”

Tara tilted her head. “You’ve been avoiding me. And don’t tell me you haven’t, because I know when you’re keeping me at arm’s length.”

He exhaled sharply. “I’ve been busy.”

“I know,” she murmured, stepping closer, her fingers grazing his wrist. “That’s why I’m worried about you.”

That caught him off guard. His eyes flickered over her face, searching. Her expression seemed genuine, but now Bucky was unsure about everything. Tara was actually hired by Ross to be Bucky’s campaign manager. He called her “the best in the business”, noting her as a favour to Bucky, but now that Bucky couldn’t trust Ross, he was even more hesitant when it came to his overly flirtatious employee. 

Tara took the opportunity, slipping her hand into his and tugging him gently toward the dance floor. “Just one dance. For old times’ sake.”

He should have said no.

But Tara was good at this—at keeping him on the hook just enough to make him doubt his instincts. She had always been a little too good at reading him, at knowing exactly how to manipulate a situation without making it obvious.

Best in the business.

So, against his better judgment, he let her pull him into a slow waltz.

“You’re good at this,” Tara beamed, her eyes sparkling.

Bucky shrugged. “We did this type of thing a lot back in the 40s.”

“Seemed like an easier time to live in,” Tara replied.

“During the war?” Bucky knotted his eyebrows together. “It was hell. People dying around you and nothing you could do about it, my soldiers… my men…”

“That’s right, you were a Seargent weren’t you?” Tara said. “Strange to imagine you in the whole get up.” She gestured her hands down his body, referring to his militia uniform. “Bet you looked good.”

Bucky scanned the room, looking for Sam, and looking for a quick exit. He didn’t have time for this. 

“Hey, Tara, how would you like to take some time off?’ Bucky proposed.

“Seriously?” Tara choked back a laugh. “I’m your campaign manager, and not to be blunt, but your campaign, if we can still call it that,  is in roaring flames right now. I don’t think I have ever had to deal with such a mess before.” Her hands rested lightly on his shoulders, and she peered up at him with something that almost looked like sincerity. “I mean it, Bucky. I’m worried about you.”

He scoffed, keeping his grip firm but careful. “Since when?”

She sighed, shaking her head. “Since you started getting reckless. Since you stopped trusting the people who actually want to help you.”

“Help me?” His brows furrowed. “Is that what you’re doing?”

“I know you think I’ve been working against you, but I haven’t,” she insisted, lowering her voice. “If I wanted to ruin you, I could have done it a long time ago.”

He narrowed his eyes. “So why haven’t you?”

Tara swallowed, gaze flickering over his face before she spoke, quiet and careful. “Because I care about you.”

Bucky’s grip on her waist twitched.

She leaned in just a fraction. “And her.”

His breath caught.

Tara took advantage of the hesitation. “I know you think she’s in danger because of me. But it’s not that simple. You and I both know there are bigger players in this than Ross.”

Bucky’s stomach tightened. “What do you know?”

Tara hesitated, then dropped her gaze for a moment, as if debating something. When she looked back up, she was the picture of conflicted loyalty. “I’ve heard things. Things I don’t like. And if you keep digging, you’re going to find yourself in a hole you can’t crawl out of.”

He searched her face, but she was good—so damn good at this. At making him question everything.

Still, his gut told him she wasn’t lying about one thing: whatever was going on, it was bigger than just Ross.

Tara exhaled softly like she had made some kind of decision. “Let me help you, Bucky. I can get you access to things you can’t reach on your own. I can feed you information.”

His fingers curled tighter against her back. “And why would you do that?”

Her lips parted, and for a moment, he thought she might actually be telling the truth when she said, “Because I don’t want to see you lose.”

The music swelled around them.

Bucky stared at her, weighing his next words carefully.

Then, with a slow, deliberate exhale, he murmured, “Fine.”

Tara smiled, squeezing his hand as the song came to an end. “Good.”

As she stepped back, she let her fingers graze against his one last time. “Let me know when you’re ready to talk.”

And then she was gone.

Bucky stood there, pulse hammering, knowing he had just walked into something much more dangerous than he’d realised.

When he turned, Sam was already waiting for him by the bar, arms crossed.

“She’s playing you, man.” He sighed, handing Bucky a glass of whiskey. 

Bucky exhaled sharply. “I know.”

Sam lifted a brow. “Then what’s the plan?”

Bucky’s jaw tightened.

“We let her think she’s winning.”

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

The phone rings a second time, and you hear Bucky’s gruff voice on the other end. He sounds tired, strained.

“Yeah?” he mutters, his tone rough, but there’s a hint of relief.

“You didn’t answer my messages, Bucky,” you snap, unable to hide the frustration in your voice. “You were gone all night, all day… I… I was worried.”

There’s a brief silence on his end. You can hear the faint rustling of paper or something else in the background. When he speaks again, his voice is quieter, softer.

“I’m sorry. It was... it was complicated,” Bucky replies, his words measured. “But I’m fine. I’ll explain later.”

You’re not buying it. “No. I need answers now, Bucky. Where were you?” You feel the anger bubbling up, a mix of betrayal and confusion. “You didn’t even text me back.”

“I didn’t want you to worry,” he finally says, voice low, almost apologetic, but his words still have a cold edge. “But trust me, you wouldn’t want to know the truth about last night.”

Your chest tightens as you hear the unease in his voice, but you can’t understand why he’s being so distant. “Why wouldn’t I? What’s going on, Bucky?”

He’s silent for a moment too long. “I’ll tell you when I can, okay? Just... don’t get involved in this. Please. It’s not what you think.”

The way he says it, the quiet urgency, sends a pang of fear through you. “What are you not telling me?”

“I’m doing this to protect you,” Bucky’s voice cracks ever so slightly, and then he quickly adds, “I have to go.”

Before you can protest, he hangs up, leaving you alone with your racing heart and mounting frustration.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

The tension in Ross's office was thick, nearly suffocating. Bucky stood in front of the massive desk, his jaw clenched tight as he stared down at the man who had orchestrated so much of the chaos in his life. Sam was there, close by, but this conversation was one Bucky had to handle himself. Ross was always a master at twisting people, at manipulating them, and Bucky wasn’t sure he could trust anyone else to see through the layers of lies that surrounded him.

Ross finally broke the silence, a calm smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Bucky, I had a feeling you’d come. You've always been a determined one, I’ll give you that.”

“I didn’t come here for your games, Ross,” Bucky growled, his fists tightening at his sides. “I know about Hydra. I know about the program you're running.”

Ross didn’t flinch. He leaned back in his chair, the dim light from his desk lamp casting a shadow over his face. “Hydra? What do you think we’re doing here, Bucky? It’s bigger than just that. Hydra has a vision, and I’m merely… facilitating it. Helping them with something far more important than the petty battles of the past.”

“You’re playing with people’s lives,” Bucky shot back, his voice low and menacing. “Neo-Hydra is recruiting soldiers. They're testing them, just like they did with me. You’re funding them. But you knew that, didn’t you?”

Ross’s eyes flickered with something Bucky couldn’t quite place. He remained calm, however, swirling the ice in his glass of water. “I’m not the one testing anyone, Bucky. I’m keeping the peace. Hydra is out there, and they’ve offered me a way to contain my… condition.”

Bucky’s brows furrowed. “Your condition?”

Ross’s lips twisted into a small, knowing smile. “Yes, Bucky. My condition. The one that your friend, Sam, knows all too well. I’ve been dealing with gamma radiation poisoning for years now. It’s a little… problematic. But Hydra’s been helping me manage it. They’re giving me medication to keep it under control.”

Bucky’s stomach twisted as he realized the implication. “You mean the serum… the one that turned you into… that?” The last word came out with disgust, referring to Ross’s transformation into the Red Hulk.

Ross shrugged, uncaring, as if the transformation into the Hulk was just another side effect of life. “Yes, that’s the one. I’m not as lucky as you, Bucky. I can’t control it. The medication Hydra provides keeps me from losing control. If they take that away, I’ll die—or worse, I’ll destroy everything in my path.”

“So you’re working with them because you’re afraid?” Sam spoke up, his voice tinged with disbelief. “You’re really willing to sell out for some pills? To let them control you like this?”

Ross’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking I have a choice. Hydra is playing their game, and I’m playing mine. They want you, Bucky. They want the Winter Soldier back. They want the ultimate weapon, and they want you to lead their new super soldier program. You’re their golden ticket. You can either join me and help lead it—or you’ll be a liability. A threat.”

Bucky’s breath caught in his throat. “You’re telling me they want me to go back? To be their soldier again? I’d rather die than let them have that control over me again.”

Ross’s smile returned, but it was cold, calculating. “That’s the choice you have, Bucky. You either step up and lead Hydra’s army, or they’ll go after everything you care about. I can’t stop them from doing what they want. But you… you can save yourself. And them. If you help us.”

Bucky’s heart pounded. “I’ll never be your weapon again, Ross. Not for you. Not for Hydra. Never again.”

Ross leaned in, his voice lowering, his tone deadly serious. “Then I guess you’ll have to live with the consequences. And trust me, Bucky, they won’t be pretty. I suggest you go pay a visit to someone you care about. I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to her… after all, she’s so important to you, isn’t she?”

Bucky’s gut twisted at the insinuation. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Ross’ expression hardens. “HYDRA is already watching you. They’ll come for you, and they’ll come for her too.”

Bucky stiffens, the mention of you sending a flash of panic through him. “Touch her, and I’ll burn everything down.”

Ross smirks, knowing he’s hit a nerve. “Then you’ll have to make a choice, Barnes. Help us, or watch everything you care about crumble.”

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

Bucky’s footsteps echo in the hallway as he approaches the door to the apartment. The familiar scent of the place—your perfume, the faint trace of coffee, the warmth of your presence—hits him as he twists the doorknob. He’s been gone longer than he intended, but the mission is far from over. Sam and him are still on the trail, but Bucky can’t shake the feeling that something is off. His mind races with what Ross said—about you being a target. He pushes the thought away, hoping it’s nothing.

The door swings open with a soft creak, and Bucky steps inside.

The apartment is eerily quiet. The usual comforting hum of city sounds outside the window is muted, and the silence wraps around him like a heavy blanket. The first thing he notices is that the apartment feels... empty. Too empty. The familiar clutter of your things—your books, the shoes scattered near the door, the coffee mug on the counter—are all in place, yet something is missing.

You’re not there.

A cold shiver runs down Bucky’s spine. He steps further inside, his heart pounding louder with each footstep. His eyes scan the apartment, his breath caught in his chest.

The bed is unmade, sheets tangled as though you were abruptly pulled from it. The sight of it sends a rush of panic through him. His hand instinctively reaches for his phone, checking for messages, but there’s nothing. Just a string of texts he never answered.

Bucky’s fingers tremble as he scrolls through the messages from you—texts that were sent when he was with Sam, the ones he had ignored. A low growl escapes his chest when he sees the last one: Where are you? Why didn’t you come back last night? I’m worried.

He swipes the screen off, his mind spinning. Something’s wrong. His body moves on autopilot, the adrenaline already kicking in. He checks the bathroom, the kitchen, each room, but finds nothing out of place. No signs of struggle. No indication of what happened, but the absence of you feels deafening.

His gut tightens, and the gnawing fear is undeniable now.

Bucky strides over to the nightstand, his hand brushing across your belongings—a necklace you’d left there earlier, the book you were reading. His fingers curl around the edges of the book, but he can’t shake the unsettling thought that something’s been taken. Something more than just your presence. Something vital.

She’s gone.

He rips the front door open, his breath quickening. He steps out onto the landing, looking down the hallway like he’s expecting you to be there. But there’s no sign of you. No sign of any struggle. No broken locks, no shattered glass.

She’s been taken.

The realization hits him like a brick. His pulse thunders in his ears as he rushes back into the apartment, his eyes wild as he scans every inch, desperate to find something—anything—that could explain where you are. But there’s nothing. Only emptiness.

Bucky’s chest tightens, his throat closing up as a knot of fear and fury builds inside him. The darkness of what’s coming bears down on him like a wave, suffocating him. He can feel it—the icy grip of HYDRA’s influence. He’d been too late. He’d been reckless. And now, they’ve got you.

“Dammit!” Bucky slams his fist into the wall, the sound of impact reverberating through the quiet room. His mind races, trying to piece everything together. Who would have taken you? Why? Was it Ross? HYDRA?

His thoughts turned to Tara. She’d been at the gala. She had known where he was. She had acted innocent, but Bucky’s gut told him that something was off. The pieces of the puzzle begin to click into place, and he felt a cold rage boil within him.

But none of it matters now. The only thing that matters is finding you.

Bucky takes a deep breath, forcing his pulse to slow down, but the adrenaline won’t stop pounding in his chest. The room spins, and he knows time is running out. They’ve taken you. And he’s going to make sure they regret it.

He pulls his phone from his pocket, and dialing Sam’s number, his voice gruff and urgent when he picks up.

“Sam, it’s happening. She’s gone. HYDRA has her.”

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

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[wynnd-citrus]

Tony survives! Anything But “Mr Stark” Pt. 1

[upon-the-snow]

a crossover absolutely nobody asked for!

[ravenanddoe]

WIP - “Revenger”

“Well, because I’m getting revenge. You’re getting revenge. And you’re—do you—what do you—do you want revenge?”

Digital painting

I feel like this painting is taking forever. Of course, the fact that I’m working on two other pieces at the same time isn’t helping…