#quick drawing of stevie i did at a coffee shop

[wordynerdygurl]

The Guy

Author’s Note:  Hello my lovelies!  I have to say, I love writing requests and taking part in Challenges.  It helps me sharpen my skills!  But, with the insane way the world is right now, I offered to participate in one... then lost the details.  So, with my sincere appreciation for @lancsnerd​ ,who kindly sent me a reminder about my missing “assignment”, I present the following! Summary/ Prompt:  A quote of “He’s the guy” and my boy, Loki Pairing:  Female Reader x Loki Warnings:  Swearing, Implied Smut, Fluff, Soft Loki

“Are you gonna tell me what I want to know?  Or… do we have to do this the hard way?”  Gravel filled and low, the Winter Soldier had you pinned against the rough brick wall, his metal arm holding your wrists together.

“Ooph!  Bucky!  Get off!”  “Make me, princess!”  

Kicking your legs free, you swung around Bucky, locking him in a bear hug from behind.  Squeezing him with your thighs, your forearms wrapped around his strong neck, “Tap out, Buck!” Wheezing, staggering back, Bucky tried spinning you around but even his metal arm was unable to grab you, “Never!” Applying more pressure to his windpipe, you grunted, “Give me the win!” “No way”, you felt his hard hand grip your thigh, breaking your hold.  Suddenly you were untethered, above your feet was the ceiling of the gym, and then there was no breath in your lungs.  Bucky had managed to flip you over and slam you down onto the waiting mat with reverberating force.  Gasping loudly, you curved up to meet Bucky’s waiting hand, “You alright, doll?”

Shaking your head, sitting up, “That was a dirty trick, Barnes.  I had you and you know it.” “Yea… but you still haven’t answered my question, so I couldn’t let you win.”  Pulling you to your feet easily, Bucky threw his arms around you, his warm hug an easy way to make sure there would be no lasting damage from your sparring session. “Why do you want to know so bad?”  Lowering yourself to the workout bench, forearms resting on your knees, you kept a close watch on your sparring partner. Tossing you a towel, Bucky grabbed both of your water bottles, sitting down on the mat in front of you.  Wiping the sweat away from your forehead, slugging down the cool water, you kicked at the super soldier sitting criss cross applesauce.  Leaning back, resting his weight on his arms stretched behind him, “Because...  I worry about you.  I want to make sure you’re safe… and I want to believe this guy is good enough for you.” Considering his words, you snapped your bottle shut, nodding, “I get it, Bucky.  I really do.  I’m just… not ready to talk about it.” Sensing your hesitation, Bucky patted your knee, “Just know that I’m here when you are ready.  And if he fucks up, I’ll kill him.” Laughing, you stood up with a groan, “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind!” At dinner that night, Steve knocked into your shoulder, “Hey kiddo.”

“Hey Stevie!  How are you?” “It’s spaghetti night, what more does a guy need?”  It was an easy exchange, making you chuckle as he loaded a plate high with pasta and sauce before settling himself into the chair next to you. Unfolding a napkin to lay over his trousers, “Bucky told me you’ve met someone?” Flicking your eyes to the Winter Soldier, who all of the sudden was very interested in something Tony was saying, you munched on your garlic bread.  Swallowing thickly and patting your mouth clean, you turned to Steve, “Oh, he did huh?” “Yes… but he says you won’t give up this guy’s name?”  Concern was present on your friend’s face.  While you appreciated Steve's sentiment, it wasn't necessary, not entirely.  You knew what you were doing and you didn't want to be talked out of it, even by your well intentioned friends.

"I don't know why everyone cares so much.  He's a guy… I'm a girl… it's traditional and boring."

Swirling a fork through his saucy plate, lifting those dutiful blue eyes to yours, "So why the secrecy?"

Chewing, thoughtful, you considered Steve's question.  It was valid.  You were quick to acknowledge that, answering, "Um… because we're still in that love bubble.  Ya know?"

Chiming in, Bucky curious now, "Love bubble?  I don't know what that is… what does that mean?  Love bubble?"

"It's that time in a new relationship when… um… it's like…" words failing, you desperately tried to give structure to your argument.

Interrupted by Loki, sulking at the end of the long table, "She doesn't want to share her paramore.  Greedily, she wants to keep the pair in a love bubble.  Separate and safe from any interference.  Unpopped, if you will."

"Is that true? You don't want us to bug you?"  Bucky's eyes widened at the thought.

Shrugging, you dug around for another meatball, "Kinda… Look, it's not that I don't love you, Buck.  Or that I don't trust you, Steve.  It's just… all of you can be a lot to deal with.  And-" looking at the faces of each of your Avenger friends, "-my… guy… I really, really like him.  I don't want to scare him away."

Admitting it out loud, that was taking a lot of your courage but you were being completely honest.  This guy, he was just about perfect and you didn't want to blow that by bringing him around your overprotective people so soon.  Natasha, the group's mama bear, smiled.  "Seems reasonable to me.  Give her some time, fellas… if he's half as great as she says, we'll like him well enough."

Steve, smiling a little in your direction, "I don't know who he is… but it seems like he makes you happy!"

Bucky, over protective, kept hounding you, "When will I get to meet him?"

"Soon, Buck.  I promise." 

"I wonder who it is… this man you care about so much that you're protecting him from us, your dearest friends!"  It was Loki, musing from afar that made the observation, his sharp eyes on you.

"I told you-" It was Tony’s turn to interrupt, loudly calling, “FRIDAY?”

“Yes, Mr. Stark?” “Start a pool.  Five dollar buy in, guesses on who this guy is… whoever has the winning answer gets the kitty!” “Tony!  Not cool!  And, not necessary!  You guys don’t really need to do this!”  But your protests went unheard as chatter erupted and a round of bills were flung on the table. Steve, murmuring to Bucky across the table, “What was that guy at the coffee shop?  Cameron?  Carson?” Snapping his fingers, Bucky answered, “Carlton!”

“He’s my guess, Tony.”  “Shit, Steve.  That’s not fair… but, ok.  Ok, my guess is Matt.  That guy from the pizza place who kept bringing extra chicken fingers for you!  You’d never admit to a date with him!”  Bucky, smug and pleased, sat back content with his detective work.

“Natasha?  Thoughts?”  Tony was typing away, his interface with FRIDAY recording all the back and forth, compiling the list of possible boyfriend candidates. Tapping her lip, Nat watched you, “Hmm… Is it Warren?  The kid from China Star who rode the Kawasaki and always wanted to take you for a ride?”

Clint leaned over you, grabbing a breadstick as he threw down a ten, “I want to put Charles, from the IT department on the list… and Juan, the recycling rep.  Both of those guys follow you around like puppies and I could see you taking pity on at least one of them!” “Nope.  No way!  She went out with Charles once already.  He was the guy who ate her french fries at dinner.  Big No-No!”  “Rhodes, how do you remember that shit?  Fine, not Charles then.  What about Frankie?  The dude from the diner?”  Clint asked the assembled team, looking for someone to back him up.

Mortified, hiding behind your hands, you grimaced.  The list, it kept growing, and you could feel icy eyes of judgement lighting you up from across the room.  You knew you’d have to answer questions later.

Jane, having joined Thor at the table, was getting caught up on your situation.  Conspiring with her Norse God of a boyfriend, she chuckled, slapping a bill on the table with the announcement, “Our money is on Loki.”

Silence overtook the room.  Everybody stared at the small, brunette scientist, evaluating if her suggestion was real or a joke.  A guffaw broke out of you and quickly gathered steam, propelling you directly into a hiccup filled giggle fit.  In a flash everyone joined in, the idea of you and Loki being together was at once so hilarious and unbelievable. It was also diverting enough that the talk of your love life died completely.  Grateful and satisfied, you finished dinner without any other questions, even offering to do the dishes.  While you were scraping remnants into the compost bucket, you felt the room’s temperature drop, noticing that Loki had slid into the room, "Love bubble is it?"

Dropping the plates into the sink, plunging your hands into the soapy water, his strong ones glide over your shoulders, "Yes.  I'm really enjoying our little bubble of love."

“Me too.”  Pressing a small kiss to the curve of your neck, Loki pulled your body close, hugging you tightly from behind.  As Loki was nearly a foot taller than you, it was nothing to tip your head up, his welcome mouth finding yours for a soft kiss.  Curving your back, your bottom rubbed against his pelvis, his desire already rising. “Although, they had a lot of suggestions, my innocent little kitten.  Should I be worried?” Shaking your head, “No.  None of those… meatballs compare with you, Loki.” “Good.  That makes me glad… and I’m pleased to know how coveted you are, my pet.”  Roving hands took the liberty of sliding under the hem of your shirt, fingertips just grazing over your bra covered breasts.

Sighing into Loki’s loving touch, “Not that you were much help!"

"What can I say?  I like seeing you squirm"  his lethal voice purred, warm against your ear.

Pirouetting in his arms, your damp hand brushing back a strand of dark curls, "Jane almost gave us away.” A small smile, almost sad, pulled down Loki’s lips, “Is the idea of you loving me so hilarious?”

“Not to me.”

His head dipped, lowering those pink lips to your own, almost colliding… when laughter, drawing near, broke your moment of connection. Effectively ending your private chat, Thor stomped confidently into the room unaware of the way Loki jumped back as if scalded, or the way your hands trembled at the possibility of discovery.  “Brother!  I need to speak with you!” Flicking his desire filled eyes to yours, Loki smirked, “Of course… to what do I owe the honor?” “I have asked Jane to be my bride!” “Brother!  It’s about time Jane made an honest man out of you!”  Loki, more than a little surprised but genuinely pleased for his sibling, hugged Thor close.  “YAY!  That’s so exciting!  Have you guys picked a date yet?”  Wiping your hands dry, leaning against the sink, you were happy to hear all of Thor's big news. Shaking his blonde head excitedly, “We shall be wed in three months time… and I was hoping that Loki would play for our special day?” 

Loki, blushing a deep rosy pink, “Thor… It’s been years.” 

“So?  What of that, God of Mischief?  You always find a way”, wagging a finger at his dark hued brother, Thor’s teasing grin was sweet. Piling on excuses, trying to gently defer his brother’s marital request, Loki added, “I don’t think I have a suitable instrument.”

That was enough for your mouth to hang open, “Wait… you want Loki to perform?  Like play music?  At your wedding?”  “Of course!  He’s the best chamber musician in Asgard.  Possibly the entire Nine Realms.”  Pride filled Thor’s words at Loki’s accomplishments, something you found impossibly charming, even if you couldn’t quite believe what he said was true.  

“Thor, really… I don't think-" Clapping a broad hand onto his younger brother's shoulder, Thor’s tone changed, “Music from home, Loki. It would mean so much, especially since… Mother and Father-”  

Loki held up a hand, stopping Thor from going further into emotional sincerity, unable to bear the rawness in his brother’s words.  Closing his eyes, agreeing, “Fine.  Ok, I’ll… I’ll do it!’  Loki could sense your watchful eyes on him, curious and questioning, as he gave into his older brother.    

With his easy smile spreading, Thor’s joy pushed the cloud of sadness away, “Our special day will be filled with music!  And flowers!  Jane has a whole… Pinterest board?  I don’t know what that is but she’s filled it with ideas-” spinning around to grab you off your feet, Thor continued, “And you’ll be invited too!  All of the team must come, not just my wayward brother!” Getting swept up in Thor’s passionate excitement, you laughed, offering up more congratulations and promises of attending.  As your toes touched the floor, Thor pulled Loki away, “Jane says you will take Darcy as a date for the ceremony.” Tilting his head, Loki shrugged shyly, speaking loud enough for you to hear, “Uh… actually, I already have a date.” Gripping Loki in a rib smashing hug, Thor squeezed his little brother tightly, “That is marvelous news!  Jane will be so pleased!  So, who’s the lucky girl?” Smiling, you watched them go, happy to see the pair so connected.  You didn’t need to hear Loki’s answer.  You knew who he’d be taking to Thor’s wedding.

That night, as you were toweling dry your cropped hair, a pop of green light signaled the arrival of your secret boyfriend.  He was positively electric, grabbing you by the terry robe covered hips, and kissing you swiftly.  Loki's hands rubbed over the soft fabric on your back until they cradled your smiling face, "Hmm… you smell so clean that it makes me think dirty thoughts."

Giggling, you rose up on your toes, curling your hands into his tangle of dark hair.  You bent his waiting mouth to your own, savoring the sensation of shared breath, as your tongue flicked over Loki's lips, “Dirtier than that?” Nodding, his heated look hungry, “Oh yes.” "How dirty are we talking?", you teased, resting your cheek against Loki's chest.  His rich laugh, rumbling through his core, joined your own.  Pressing his forehead to yours, Loki sighed sweetly, "I missed you…"

"I just saw you at dinner!"

"But it's been too long.  I… I need more."

Turning to hang up your towel, over your shoulder, "More what, my prince?"

"More of you."  Having gained on you while your back was turned, Loki was behind you now, wrapping his long arms around your waist.

Squealing, delighted, "LOKI!  Someone will hear!"

Dropping you quickly on the mattress, Loki shimmied up beside you, toying with the open collar on your robe, "So?"

"So… they'll find you here."

Thoughtfully, Loki’s proud look captured your own, "Maybe I don't care.  Not anymore… Maybe I don't want to keep you and me… us, a secret."

Swallowing hard, your gaze trapped by Loki's earnest expression, "Really?  You're ready to pop the love bubble?"

His fingertips brushed over the thin skin between your breasts, "Yes?  I… I think so.  Are you?"

Biting on your bottom lip, scrutinizing his handsome face, "Loki, I…"

Freezing, his hand stalled, and Loki sat back on his heels.  Looking out your window, shoulders slumping in resignation, "You don't want to tell anyone.  You are ashamed to be with me."

Swiftly sitting up, cupping his face with your hands, crooning, "No, no, no, no, no, no!"

Shrugging away from your touch, "You don't care for me, not like you claim to, if you won't declare your feelings for all to hear."

"Loki!  That's not it at all."  

Letting you tug him closer, Loki's tear filled eyes still refused to meet your own, "Loki… I… I love you.  And… I just don't want to share you.  Not yet, anyway.  That is-" putting your arms around his neck until you were nose to nose with the red-rimmed eyes of an emotional Odinson, "-my only reason for keeping our romance quiet."

Whispering, Loki was too shocked to shake you off, "You… love me?"  His voice wavered, as if the idea of being loved by you had never been a real possibility, as if something impossible was occurring right here and now.

On your knees, sighing, you started pressing tiny kisses along those sharp as knives cheekbones, "Yes.  I am crazy in love with you, Loki Odinson."

Loki had held you tightly before; in the night when terrific dreams haunted his sleep, in the night when he claimed your body for his own.  But this embrace, after telling the dark Prince the truth in your heart, had no equal.  

Still taller than you, even though you were both kneeling, Loki's right arm wove around your waist forcing your hips flush with his own.  His left supported your back, his hand cradling the nape of your neck, helping him kiss you soundly.  It was conquering.  

You were his.  Body and soul.  What's more?  He was yours.

Coming up for air, panting from the work of loving you, "My dove, my dearest one… I love you too."

Shucking your robe was easy and Loki savored the lavender soap scented skin he exposed.  If a spot of you wasn’t kissed, it was licked. If not licked, nipped.  If not nipped, it was caressed.  And Loki was very thorough. When you mewled, weak from forced pleasure, “Loki… please.  Make love to me.” he was eager to comply. “Look at me, darling girl.”  Puffing out your pleasure filled breath, skin dewy with perspiration, you met Loki’s eyes with your own.  Resting his hand over your heart, he lifted your own, letting you feel the pattern of his pulse.  “It beats for you and for you alone.” In the afterglow, laying in Loki’s arms, you stifled another giggle.  Groggy from exertion, Loki opened one eye, “What’s so funny?” “You never told me you play a musical instrument.” “You never asked.”

“Are you any good?”

“You’ll find out when you accompany me to Thor’s wedding.” --- With his heavy cello, Loki took a seat on the edge of the dance floor, taking just a moment to get settled.  A beautifully strange combination of concentration and relaxation mingled over the features you loved so dearly.  Fiddling with strings, taking a moment to tune the instrument, you admired his long, talented fingers as they took their place on the frets. The din of conversation was silenced when the first low note of Loki’s song echoed through the ballroom.  Everyone paused, entranced at the melody weaving its way through the throng of well wishers.  Many were surprised, but not you, not entirely. You knew how long Loki had been preparing for this moment.  It wasn’t all about making Thor’s day special, although, that was surely part of it.  No, he planned to seduce every single person with sound.  Giving all of the attendees a taste of what being loved by Loki was like, he hoped The Avengers would see that he was worthy of you in all ways. Mesmerized, the bow danced over the strings, each note perfectly played.  It wasn’t hard to picture those shapely digits dancing over your skin in the dark of night.  Sending a shiver up your back, you sipped at your champagne, unwilling to take your eyes off of Loki. “I didn’t know he was so talented.”  Bucky, stiff in his tuxedo, sidled up to you with Steve in tow. “Me either.  Look at those fingers fly!” “Guys… hush.”  Shooting a silencing glare their way, you let the music transport you, swaying just a bit at the soothing sound. Too soon, in your opinion, the last lingering note of Loki’s song filled the hall.  Rising swiftly, Loki bowed at the applause, then turned to the happy couple.  Thor hugged his brother close, while Loki kissed Jane’s hand with a gentlemanly air.  Conversations started again, quiet at first, then gaining strength as Loki strode across the room.  Snagging a glass of champagne from a passing tray, his eyes trained on you, Loki accepted accolades as he moved ever closer.  Another server took his empty glass as Loki finally made his way to you.

Scooping you up, Loki spun you slowly in a circle, your gown snapping behind you in an emerald wave of chiffon and lace.  “Loki!  Come on, put me down!” “As my lady commands”, when your mouth passed close enough to his own, Loki kissed you as if you had never kissed before.  You pushed your hands through his dark locks, a hand on each side of his face, “You were amazing, babe.  Just amazing!”

“You really think so?” “Absolutely!”  His arm settled on your waist, keeping you tight to his side, as you were handed another glass of bubbly.

Bucky, leaning against Steve, wore a look of wide eyed shock, “Um.  Loki… what the fuck are you doing?"

"Agent Barnes, do I really need to explain?"

Mouth dropping open, Bucky gaped, "He’s the guy?  Really?  You’re telling me Loki is the guy?” “She’s not telling us, Buck… she’s showing us.”

“But Stevie…?  Loki?  You?  You’re the guy who makes her happy?  The one who she’s been covering for?” Pressing a chaste kiss to your forehead, just a touch guilty, “I am.  And, I’m madly in love with her.” “I’m happy Bucky.  Stevie… really.  Loki is… he’s my everything.  I love him, too.”  

As your secret was outed, the group formed a circle around you and Loki.  Questions were shouted, congratulations extolled, Loki was clapped on the back more than once.  Natasha gave you a wink and the "ok", which was really all the approval you needed. 

“So, who won the pool then?”, Clint couldn’t help asking. “Me… and Thor”, the bride stepped right up to Tony with her hand out ready to take the prize money. “No fair!  He’s your brother in law now.  He probably told you!”  Rhodey chimed in, unsatisfied with the final results. Defending her methods, Jane spun in her wedding dress, “No way!  I used my powers of scientific deduction.  I knew she was head over heels for Loki the night we announced our engagement.” Wondering, you looked at Jane, “You did?  How?  I mean, I didn't tell anyone.  We didn't tell anyone ” “You didn't have to!  You two wouldn’t look at each other.  Dead give away.”  Counting her cash, Jane smiled at you. “That may be true, but I promise you this, Odinson… break her heart and I’ll kill you.”  Bucky shook Loki’s hand good naturedly, if a little too long, stopping only when Steve pulled him away. Gazing down at you, adoration evident in his face, Loki husked, “Not to worry, Agent Barnes.  She has my heart you see... and I plan to be her guy as long as she’ll have me.”

Tagging my Minxes:  @lancsnerd​ @vodka-and-some-sass​ @just-random-obsessions​ @brokenthelovely​ @lots-of-loki​ @thefallenbibliophilequote​ @sammy-jo1977​ @queenofmischief​ @iamverity​ @iluvsumbucky​ @unadulteratedwizardlove​ @wolfsmom1​ @procrastinatinglikeabitch​ @mizfit2​ @shxdowofdarkness​ @nonsensicalobsessions​ @ahintofkiwistrawberry​ @jessiejunebug​ @rorybutnotgilmore​ @crystalizedcaramel​ @lokislittlecorner​ @scrumptious-finicky-illusion​ @capcapcapsicle​ @jamielea81​ @caffiend-queen​ @thenatalie @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore​ @is-it-madness​ @jenjen8675309​ @alexakeyloveloki​ @poetic-fiasco​ 

[etherealwaifgoddess]

One In A Million - Chpt.9

Summary: Now that the timeline is irrevocably altered Rose has to make a tough decision. Content Warning: smut, a good bit of it.

Word Count: 2.6k

Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! Well, we’re winding down now. Only one more chapter and the epilogue to go. Honestly this chapter is a bit of serious plot followed smut, like half the chapter is smut lol. So... enjoy! XOXO - Ash

Chapter Nine

You know there is no fixing what’s happened. The timeline is irrevocably changed now that Bucky made it through the draft. Your jump point is a month away, circled in red on the calendar hanging in your kitchen. You had spent so much time thinking of ways you could extract yourself from their lives but now the looming reality is, you don’t necessarily have to. You had forged a split in the timeline and this reality is going to keep going whether or not you’re a part of it. The pressing need to jump back to your time so as not to disrupt realities is no longer an issue, the damage is done. 

You’re quiet that night while the guys celebrate Bucky’s good luck. They dance around the living room to old records, trying to get you to join in on their fun. Steve puts on La Vie En Rose, imploring you to dance with him to the sweet tune that initiated your first kiss. You relent, dancing around your tiny living room in his arms, Bucky watching from the sofa with soft eyes. It’s difficult to accept that this could be your life. There are so many pros and cons to staying and you had never really stopped to consider it as a real option. 

Later that night you lay awake in the darkness on your side of the bed. Steve is tangled up with Bucky like an octopus but you only have one ankle looped into their jumble. You stare up at the ceiling running through plans and calculations and options. It’s some time around 2am that you come to the conclusion that you don’t want to go back. A scary revelation for sure, but one a small part of you had suspected was coming for months now.  

The 1940s are problematic compared to your modern life but all the issues don’t overshadow your love for Steve and Bucky. You’ll have to be careful, hiding your relationship until well into your old age when polyamory becomes more acceptable. Steve and Bucky will have to hide their love until then too, unfortunately. You’ll have to put up with society considering you inferior just because you’re a woman. There won’t be a Starbucks latte back in your life until you’re too old to really enjoy one. You won’t have the luxury of a smartphone or a decent computer until you’re well into your eighties. It’s jarring to realize how much you had taken for granted when you were volunteering to go back. 

You look over at your guys, sighing quietly to yourself in the darkness. It’s still worth it. Every inconvenience, every struggle, it’s worth it to have them in your life. To get to see the soft little looks Bucky gives Steve when he’s overcome with love for him. To spend a quiet day listening to the scritching of charcoal on paper as Steve loses himself in another drawing. Getting to see the way the first rays of sunlight hit Steve’s golden mane of hair in the early morning. Hearing Bucky’s laugh, so loud and authentic, when something funny catches him off guard. The way they both will randomly scoop you up in their arms, peppering you with kisses and whispers of I love you. Staying with them is worth it all in spades. 

The next day you’re the first one up. You had caught a few hours sleep in the wee hours of the morning but they were restless ones. A pot of coffee brews on the stove, the smell alone helping to wake you up. You’re making pancakes for your guys, a special Saturday morning treat that you make sometimes when the mood strikes. There are fluffy stacks waiting on plates when Steve finally emerges from the bedroom looking adorably sleep rumpled. Bucky is only a few steps behind, yawning and stretching as he joins you. 

“Wow, I got lucky two days in a row now. I should put down money on a game or something.” Bucky teases, snatching up a plate for himself. 

“Actually these were a treat for Steve.” you say just to be smart. 

With a wicked smirk, Steve grabs the plate away from Bucky who scrabbles after it frantically, unwilling to lose his precious breakfast treat. 

You roll your eyes and give one of the other plates to Bucky, placing a kiss on top of his disheveled hair when he takes his seat at the table, “You’re lucky I love you both.” 

“And we know it.” he tells you before taking a bite of the hot syrup laden cakes. 

You spend a lazy weekend at home with the guys, quietly working through your plans to get word back to your team that you’re okay. Steve paints with watercolors and Bucky works on repairing the broken slats in your fence out back, both of them happily occupied while you plan. You’ve run through every scenario you can think of and it should work the way you intend it to. The jump point is designed to take you back to the lab and it’s timeline, but it may not necessarily need you. The brooch needs to be activated and then, after a short countdown, the brooch and whatever it’s attached to will blink back to the lab. You don’t know if it requires an actual living creature or if an inanimate object will do but you figure something with a pulse is a safer bet. Some poor little mouse or bunny is going to have the journey of a lifetime. The team will be displeased you messed up the timeline but hopefully they understand your reasons for staying. 

Plans set in your mind, all you have to do now is wait a few weeks until the jump point. The world seems to shift again now that things have been decided. You feel connected to the thrumming city around you again. The older man running the butcher shop seems kinder, the girl who works at the bakery could be a potential new friend. Possibilities are endless now that you have time. 

Dinner is a lively affair. All three of you are restless after a whole day of hanging around the house. Bucky cooks up the steaks you’d bought on your quick trip out and you toast the bread you’d gotten from the bakery in the oven with lots of butter and garlic. Steve mixes up a salad of vegetables from your kitchen basket and your garden, wanting to contribute to the meal. It’s a nice spread by the time you’re all done and you choose to eat outside on a blanket so you can watch the sunset. The weather is warming up finally and as long as you have a light sweater you’ll be okay to stay out for a bit even once the sun goes down. 

As expected, none of you want to go inside, even after nightfall. Stargazing in the city isn’t great due to the light pollution but you can still see some of the twinkling stars in the night sky. You’re lying between Steve and Bucky who are wrapped around you and holding hands across your middle. It’s sweet and you can see why Bucky loves being in the center of the bed. The guys are up to something, you can tell when they start to stroke along each other’s hands and wrists with slow, fluid motions. Soon they’re littering kisses on your shoulders and nuzzling in closer. 

“You see that pretty little constellation there?” Bucky says pointing at the night sky, “The one to the right of the moon?” 

“Cassiopeia?” you ask him, zig zagging your finger along its shape.

“Our girl is smart, Steve.” Bucky praises, “Yeah, darlin’, cassiopeia. Did you know you have almost the exact same pattern in freckles on the back of your right thigh?”

“I do not.” you snort.

“You do,” Steve chimes in, adding in a low tone, “I would be happy to show you if you’d like to move this inside.” 

You roll your eyes at his antics but shrug, “I think that can be arranged.” 

Bucky is standing before you can even fully sit up, he scoops you up into his arms and you let out a very unladylike squeal. Steve is shushing you, grinning as if he approves of Bucky’s ridiculous show of bravado. You’re glad you ran the dishes in earlier but the cups and blankets will have to wait until morning. All three of you have other things in mind.

Bucky carries you all the way to your bedroom, depositing you on the enormous bed with a playful flop. Bouncing on the mattress elicits another squeak from you and Bucky chuckles at the sound. Crawling over your body like a lion going in for the kill, Bucky starts unbuttoning the long trail of opalescent buttons on the front of your dress. He only gets down to your waist before he showers your breasts with kisses, mouthing over the slippery satin of your brassiere until your breaths are coming in harsh gasps. You roll your head to the side, eyes fluttering open for a minute and you catch sight of Steve. And what a sight it is. Steve is leaning up against the door frame, still fully clothed, palming himself over his trousers. His cheeks are stained a deep pink, pupils blown wide with lust. “Stevie.” you gasp out his name like a prayer.

Bucky lifts his head at your voice and looks back catching sight of Steve himself. “Gonna join us?” he asks, pulling back from you to extend a hand.

Steve gives him a lazy, smug smile before coming over to take his hand. Bucky pulls him in quickly, Steve slamming against his chest roughly. Bucky’s mouth is demanding, possessive, and Steve can’t get enough. You lay back, content to watch them have their moment. Fumbling with your buttons you get them all undone and push the sides away, leaving you bare except for your bra and panties. Your guys are taking their time loving on one another above you so you take the opportunity to slip a hand down between your folds. If you’re going to have a front row seat, you might as well enjoy the show. 

A breathless unf slips past your lips; you got yourself closer to the edge much faster than you’d expected. Both pairs of blue eyes snap down to look at you and your hand stills beneath your panties. “Hi” you say sheepishly. 

“Whatcha doin’ doll?” Steve asks with a smirk.

“Enjoying the show.” 

“If you’re enjoying it so much maybe you should join in.” Steve leans down to trail kisses from your throat down to the lacy edge of your panties. Bucky is kissing lines along Steve’s back and you don’t know which is working you up more, Steve’s mouth on your skin or Bucky’s on his.

“You like watching us?” Bucky taunts, having caught on to your not so subtle staring.

You nod, “Yeah. So much.”

“What if, instead of taking turns, tonight we can all enjoy ourselves together?” 

Steve’s whole body shudders at the suggestion but you’re unsure of the logistics.

“How? I mean, yes. But, how?”

“Well, you can stay right there and let Stevie fill up that perfect little pussy of yours, and while he’s busy doing that I’ll be busy filling him up.” 

Steve whimpers and you moan. Bucky knew his suggestion would be a hit but he loves hearing your reactions. You nod frantically, helping Steve get your clothes off while Bucky undresses himself and starts tugging at Steve’s shirt. “Stevie,” Bucky coos after he gets all three of you bare, “Why don’t you go down on our girl while I get you ready?” 

Steve doesn’t have to be told twice, sliding quickly down your body to oblige Bucky’s request. You lean up a little on your elbows, wanting to watch. Bucky is so careful with Steve, slowly pressing a vaseline coated finger into his hole until Steve gasps against your throbbing clit. Bucky is babbling a stream of praise as he adds another finger, slowly working Steve open. Steve has to pause, resting his head against you, hips thrust involuntarily, when Bucky grazes his prostate with two curled fingers. “Buck, enough. I wanna feel it. Enough.” Steve pants out, desperate. 

“You good, darlin’?” Bucky asks you, making sure you don’t need more time yourself. 

“Mhmm” you moan in assent. 

Steve moves up from between your legs, holding onto your hips with a loving squeeze as he lines himself up with your entrance. He pushes in slowly as always, letting you get used to the size of him before burying himself fully inside you. Steve stills and you see Bucky running a hand along his back, giving Steve a moment before he breaches the tight ring of muscles and drives himself home. Steve is shaking, breaths coming in pants, and he’s gripping your hips so tightly you’re certain you’ll have bruises in the morning. You’re not sure who starts moving first but after a moment the three of you fall into a rhythm, gradually increasing your pace until it’s frenzied and desperate. Steve reaches a hand down to toy with your already too sensitive clit and you fall off the edge of your orgasm. Steve curses, knowing he should have expected the chain reaction he just set off. Between Bucky hitting his prostate with every thrust and your inner walls squeezing around his cock while you come beneath him, it’s all just too much. Steve comes with a shout, harder than he has ever before in his life, and thinks he may actually black out for a breathless moment. Bucky, driven to his own edge watching you fall apart for Steve, is lost when Steve’s muscles clamp down around him while he comes. Bucky gets a few more stuttering thrusts before he’s spilling deep in Steve who shudders a few more futile thrusts in you at the sensation. You’re breathing heavily under the pile of your guys, amazed and blissed out beyond words. 

Bucky is laying delicately on Steve who is laying not delicately on top of you. He’s so light though, it doesn’t bother you and you wrap your arms around him when he starts to roll off to the side when Bucky finally lets him go. All three of you need cleaned up but no one’s brains are working quite yet and instead you lay in your tangle, idly stroking whatever limbs are closest and enjoying the quiet post orgasmic bliss. 

A little while later Steve nudges your chin with his, getting you to look him in the eye. “That was okay, right?”

You give him a reassuring smile, “More than alright.” 

He lets out a relieved breath at your words. “Good. Great. I love being with you, I really do. But Buck and I… we go way back and I still need him too sometimes.” 

“Sweetheart, I didn’t expect you and Bucky to stop having sex just because we started. You two should still enjoy each other whenever you want, whether it includes me or not. I’m sure there will be times when it’s just you and me or just Bucky and me. That needs to be okay too.” 

“You really are one in a million.”  Steve says, his voice soft with something akin to wonder. He snuggles closer, wrapping you so tight you can scarcely breathe. Bucky huffs seeing Steve enveloping you and dives on top of you both so as not be left out. Between the squirming and laughter somehow you get comfortable and a shower is put off again until cooler heads can prevail.

Tag list! @wolfarrowepz​

[wildmoonflower]

Run For Your Love

Summary: Who would have thought that a morning run can bring You something else than just a strong urge to die or kill Your friends? You didn't expect to meet the love of Your life, that’s for sure.

A/N: This is my short addition for @kitkatd7 challenge with prompt 'Please don't make me.' Congratulation on the beautiful milestone and thank You for extending the dead-line. :) Hope You all enjoy the reading. Pairing: StevexReader Warning: none, maybe some light swearing Word count: 2749

  First golden rays of sun lit up the pink sky, foretelling a sunny beautiful day. Warm breeze ruffled the leaves on the trees, their pure green colour clear indication of late spring. Despite the early hour, the park in New York already bustled with life and sounds. Pet owners chatting while their furry friends run around, more than often disturbing the peace of readers, spread on the blankets or the concentration of artist, trying to catch the beauty of the morning on the canvas and papers. Stony paths were busy with life too as runners were having their morning run, loners and couples alike. 

  One particular pair of runners stood out more than others. With the speed higher than some sleepy eyes could notice and movements more fluid and swift than humanly possible, it was given that two super-soldiers stood out like a sore thumb. There was a time when Bucky hated when Steve forced him to go run with him out in the open, not in the closed space of the gym with the special treadmills Tony created for their super-human speed. 

"You have to get used to normal society, Buck," Steve gave him a pity smile,"show them your calm, domestic side, not only the new Avenger." Bucky understood, he really did, but it didn't mean he had to like it, nor enjoy it. So he forced himself out of the bed every morning for his sake and honestly, it was worth it seeing Steve's relieved face mixed with pride. 

After running at almost full speed for an hour, finally both super-soldiers were slightly out of breath, finding their spot under the tree that casted a huge shadow, giving the shelter from the sun to several more people, including a young girl reading a medical book, an elderly man in great shape who was currently in a weird yoga pose that looked as if he broke his back and two young men who clearly finished their run too, their breath quick and short, faces red and sweaty. They were waiting for somebody, Bucky could easily tell from their bodies slightly turned to side so they could see the paved path, his sensitive ears catching something like 'slow, angry, won't go with us ever again'. 

"Buck? You listening?" Flinching, Bucky looked up to Steve. He knew Bucky still hasn't lost his habit of scanning the area and people around, looking for any indication of danger, escape routes and possible weapons. But this time, Steve couldn't bring himself to say anything as he always did the same, his super senses and brain analyzing and planning, a habit he rarely tried to stop. "Sam said he can go run with us tomorrow when he comes back from the mission." "He tries too hard to keep up." Bucky grumbled but in the end, he was glad. Tower tended to be quite intense when Tony and Buck were in the same room and without Sam's constant shouting and attempts to distract Bucky, his tension grew. 

"You say that but who was running backwards right next to him last time, nice and slow just to piss him off?" Steve jabbed at Bucky, laughing at his friend who doubled over and proceeded to almost slip up, sending both into another fit of laughter, succesfully ending their run as both men slid down in the shadow of a big oak tree, revelling in the comfortable buzz of life around them. Not that either of them needed the rest. It was Sam's idea, his way of lifting spirit after a bad day, night or a bad mission. Bucky had to chuckle just how much Sam-like it was, surrounding himself with life and hustle of humans. 

Their peaceful silence was short-lived when huffing puffing woman suddenly stopped next to the spot where they sat, collapsing right in front of them. Before any of them could even overcome the shock, hard breathing woman raised her fist and smacked Steve in his shin, the anger and frustration clear in her voice. "Thank you for waiting for me, you two pricks!" Unknown girl hid her face in the crook of her elbow, breathy voice muted: "You promised you won't leave me behind if I will go on a run with you. And you disappeared. After. Five. Minutes!" Each of her last words were ended with a smack in Steve's shin, who was now forcing back the smile while Bucky was already trembling, his left hand pressing against his ribs. 

"Uhmm, Ma'am?" Steve cleared his throat as it constricted at the sight of her eyes shooting open, burying in his soul. In his head, tens of colour combination swirled around, trying to copy the beautiful colour he was seeing but Steve knew- he knew that no matter how much practice he has in drawing, neither him nor any artist would ever be able to catch the true beauty of mysterious woman's eyes.  Little, barely noticeable crow's feet in the corner of her eyes from laughing and at looking at the sun, much more prominent spark, a sign of keen mind and undeniably, Steve's breath did hitched a little at their warmth. Simply, everything about her eyes pulled Steve in, even a small mole on her right eyelid tempted Steve to kiss it. "Oh my God." Woman whispered, still lying down on the soft grass, "oh my God, you are not my two idiots!"

´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´ The moment Y'N's alarm rang in the morning, at the time when the bed just looked and felt the best, she just knew this day will test her very being. First test was Martin and Jake knocking on her doors, dressed for their run, brimming with energy that Y/N usually felt maybe two hours after waking up. Instead of normal breakfast of toast with bacon and eggs, a small bowl of hummus and banana has been thrusted in sleepy hands as Jake run to the closet, trying to find the good work-out outfit, horrified of obvious lack of presentable clothes, finding only clothes for work and clothes for sleeping while Martin ushered Y/N to bathroom, instructing her to do the morning hygiene.

Y/N still couldn't wrap her brain why did she accept their offer to morning run. She always hated running, her whole life she avoided running, of course, except the P.E. classes. She was what people called a person with two left feet. Clumsy. Inept. Running was dangerous, running was...personal Hell. So why did she suddenly accepted Martin's offer? She didn't know. It was probably the sad expression of her favourite neighbor when she refused at first, maybe the pleading eyes of his boyfriend. 

With the reasons still unknown, an hour later she found herself on her knees, panting like a dog, sweating and even without a mirror, Y/N knew her face resembled a tomato juice. Kneeling in front of two men she didn't know like an idiot, after smacking their legs, like an idiot, while her real two idiot friends were in her peripherals, slapping their knees like retarded seals.

"I-I am sorve!" Y/N's face couldn't be more red as she bit her tongue. At that point, dark haired man looked like he suffered a stroke, one hand pressing deeply in his side while other arm, oddly shining in the morning sun covered his face, whole body shaking like a leaf in a hurricane. It was the other guy that officially took Y/N's last breath away as she locked eyes with most gorgeous blue she has ever seen, softest blue that seemed to burn a hole inside of her now shame-ridden soul. Handsome young face almost couldn't belong to these eyes, to these old, sad, wise eyes. 

Lost in the sea of blue, Y/N didn't notice Martin and Jake approach, her focus snapping when latter crouched beside her, still wiping the tears from his eyes. "Are you okay, Y/N?" Jake handed Y/N a water bottle, turning to Steve when she just opened her mouth just to close it again, like a fish out of the water, staring at Steve and then finally looking down, shaking her head. "We're sorry, man. We underestimated her dislike for running, didn't thought it would break her." "It's okay," Steve shook the outstretched hands one by one, holding Y/N's unconsciously little longer,"I'm Steve. Nice to meet you."

"I'm James." Bucky, finally catching his breath nodded his head and looked at Y/N, eyebrow raised:"Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't you the girl that girl who was pushed into the duck pond last week, by some big dog playing fetch?" Round of laughter passed as Y/N nodded her head and sighed.  "Week before that I slipped on a puddle and took down a running lady."

While Y/N's face was slowly gaining it's normal colour, she watched Steve in the corner of her eye. Now that they were standing, she could see that man was standing tall, unlike his friend who was, despite being almost same height, slightly hunched over, as if trying to be less noticeable or appear less threatening. "Y/N?" Y/N flinched as a hand appeared in front of her face, snapping her out of her bubble. "I have to go back, this took longer than I thought. Are you staying with Jake for another lap or what?" Martin asked, puffing out air at Y/N's horrified expression.

"Please don't make me." Slight tremble in her voice expressed the horror of that thought, ignoring the fake offended gasp of her friend. She could swear she saw a bling of disappointment in Steve's eyes.

"Same goes for us, Stevie." Bucky patted Steve on the back, his eyes shifting between his best friend and Y/N, who were both trying very hard to steal a glance at each other while failing miserably. "I quess we will be seeing you tomorrow?" Satisfied with hums of agreement, Bucky thrown his arm around Steve's shoulder, clicking his tongue. "Punk, You've got it bad!" "....Yeah."

´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´´ "You've got to talk to him more." "Maybe invite him to that nice new coffee shop that opened nearby!" "Or just smile at him, dude looked smitten already." "Or pretend to trip and fall in his big, muscular arms like a damsel." "With the way she looked at Steve yesterday, she will not have to pretend to trip, her knees will give out by themselves!"

These were the words Jake and Martin barged in Y/N's flat with, once again with much more energy than should be be allowed in the morning. Not giving her a chance to think of reply, she was already in her running clothes, shirt a size smaller and not even hers, hugging her curves more.

"In what universe do you guys think I could possibly flirt or make a move on a hot guy?" Y/N pushed out of herself, trying her hardest to keep her breathing slow. 'Inhale with nose, hold, exhale with mouth.' That was her mantra as she ran, her friends jogging beside her with ease. Temperature was lower than yesterday, something Y/N really appreciated as cool breeze stroke her skin. Not that it helped that much when she remembered the way she acted yesterday, heat striking her face as she recalled the number of times Steve caught her staring at him. Deep in her thoughts, she didn't notice the conniving smiles Jake and Martin exchanged. 

Three slips and lots of internal cursing later, a huge oak tree appeared in the distance, the sight causing Y/N's stomach to churn with both excitement and jitters, the butterflies multiplying as she spotted two familiar figures standing next to the tree while third man was sat down, obviously trying to catch his breath, raising a middle finger at Bucky in an instance. Closer they got, the more could Y/N see, realising she knew the third person, a warning sign deep in her head started to flash. A thought bounced in her head, evading her grasp, missing that one piece that would complete the puzzle. Before she could finish the thought, they were few meters away from Steve, Bucky and Sam. 

"Y/N?" Sam asked, carefully standing up, his eyes full of surprise. "You know each other?" Bucky asked incredulously while Steve's attention was jumping around from Sam to Y/N. "Yeah," Y/N nodded weakly,"umm, Jake, Martin, this is Sam. Sam helped my brother when he came back from Iraq TOD." "That's right, man was lucky to have his sister with him all the time." Sam smiled at Y/N, noticing a slight furrow on Steve's face and Bucky's smirk, putting two and two together. "What did you two do to make her get up from bad at this hour. If I remember correctly, Y/N here is not a morning person." "We have our ways." Jake said with angelic smile, jabbing Martin in the side as he muttered:"Even more reasons."

Weekend has many advantages. One of the main is one do not have to hurry. Being a regular weekdays 9-5 workers, Jake, Martin and Y/N made a habit of having a coffee at nearby coffee shop. For Steve, Bucky and Sam, work depended on the bad guys. They never knew when their phones will ring with an order. They just took any free moment to enjoy life. Running, having a chat Buck, train at the Tower with other Avengers, help cook or order a lunch and dinner and end the day with a movie in the main living room.

That is how Steve's free days usually went. At the end of it, he felt as relaxed as he could, trying his hardest to push the mantle of Captain away just for a day but at times, the tightness in his body let out at the evening at best. So now, at the time when the sun just showed up, he was surprised to find himself completely relaxed, sitting beneath the tree's shade, conversing and laughing with his friends and three people he met just yesterday. 

His body was relaxed but his mind was buzzing as every nerve in his body was reacting to a woman sitting beside him. Soft breeze ruffled through her hair now and then, his sensitive nose picking the fresh smell of mint shampoo and her natural scent that came out after her body calmed down from the run. He couldn't help but admire the way Y/N talked, quiet at most times but peep in with quirky comments. Steve knew this feeling. It was more than just interest. Just like with Peggy, he couldn't think straight when she looked at him with her Y/E/C eyes, words coming out of his mouth either too polite or chopped in weird sentences. 

He wanted to know more. About her. Y/N Y/L/N. He wanted to know more about her likes and dislikes, about her brother she so lovingly talked about, about her relationship with her two neighbors she called 'her idiots' in most loving way. Steve wanted to know what songs she sings when she has a good mood. He wanted to know it all. The good and the bad. 

"Wow. It's late again." Martin checked his phone, throwing a side-eye at his boyfriend. "Do you guys have any plans for later?" He turned to Steve,"You free around 12? How about you, Y/N? You know, after shower." Martin baraged his questions at them while Jake, Bucky and Sam stood up, smirking at the panic and confusion of their friends. 

"I'm free?" Y/N looked at Steve, her heart hammering as she noticed him looking at her with a smile. "Yeah, me too." Their attention snapped back at the beaming man clapping his hand together.

"Great! Good. There is a reservation under my name Whitaker. You two enjoy the lunch! See you guys tomorrow!" A round of 'byes' filled the air as everyone run in different direction, leaving Y/N and Steve stumped in shock, still sitting on the grass.

Y/N jumped on the spot as Steve crackled up, pressing both hands on his ribs. Now he understood why Bucky had that gleeful smirk when he returned from his evening walk. 

"I should have known something was off." Steve sighed and looked at Y/N, whose face returned to pink shade. "Can I invite you to a lunch totally planned by our friends?" He was worried, this is not how he would invite a girl out. So when Y/N smiled and took his hand, Steve felt the nervousness and excitement shot right up. He will have a chance to know all the good and bad. "You totally can."

THE END

[imagine-loki]

Loki’s Cupcake

TITLE: Loki's Cupcakes

CHAPTER NO. / ONE SHOT: 2/2

AUTHOR: Solaramoonset

ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Reader and Loki try to steal food from the kitchens and you almost make it successfully until Thor catches you both. You both wind up throwing some sweets at him and bolt, leaving him shaking his head annoyed but also amused at your antics.

RATING: Teen

NOTES:These are little side stories about what the others saw and did. it's not so much a new chapter as it is a different view of the story.

– Side stories -

Steve looked around the old neighborhood. He had grown up here, but everything had changed. Little mom and pop shops changed into chain stores, some buildings gone completely; the Brooklyn he knew was long gone. It was time for him to say goodbye to the past. As he was passing an alleyway, a whimper caught his attention. Dangling from a fourth story window, was a little girl, and she looked terrified.

“Hang on doll, I'll get you down.” He was up the fire escape and at the window in a flash. He bulked at what he found. That little girl was tied to a rope hanging from the window. Someone purposely tied her up and let her hang. Steve took the girls arm,she was shaking.

“Doll, this might be a little scary for a moment. You aren't going to fall, but I have to cut the rope. It might feel like you're falling but I got you. Ok? Ready, one two-” Steve cut the rope. He grabbed her tight as she began to fall. Pulling her into his chest, he noticed her shaking getting worse. “Let's take you home ok?” The girl didn't respond. Steve gently carried her down the fire escape and entered the building. A balding man was checking his mail and notice the girl in his arms.

“I wouldn't be bringing Rebekah back, Johnson's not a good foster father, you might wanna just take her to the police and send them to investigate. Children's services works too slow.” The man turned and walked away. Steve looked at the little girl in shock.

“Did you foster father put you out the window?” Steve asked gently. The girl's eyes widened and she gave the barest nod then winced. “Alright. You're coming home with me.” Steve held her close as he made his way back to the tower. He didn't stop until he was in his apartment. He set her down on the couch and pulled out his phone, ignoring the curious glance Bucky shot him.

“Hey Pepper, I might have just accidentally kidnapped a foster kid. I need some advice, and can I get a meeting with legal?”

“Steve get up to my office now.” Even Bucky heard Pepper's voice through the phone.

“Rebekah, I've got to go out for a bit, this is Bucky Barnes. If you need anything just let him know ok? I'll be back as soon as I can.” Steve pointed over at Bucky. The girl looked back and forth between them for a moment. Once Steve left, Bucky and Rebekah just looked at each other. No mater what he said, Rebekah wouldn't talk to him. It took four hours for Steve to come back. Rebekah had stayed silent the entire time.

“So what's going on pal?” Bucky asked. Steve rubbed the back of his neck.

“Well, … I'm a foster dad now?”

“Are you asking me or telling me? What's going on?” At Bucky's loud exclamation,Rebekah disappeared down the hallway.

“Long story short, her name is Rebekah, she been in several abusive foster and group homes. Until the state can find a suitable place for her, the avengers are her legal guardians. Pepper thought it best she stay here with me and meet everyone slowly. Bucky what am I gonna do?”

“You're gonna go in there, and help a scared little girl. I'm gonna go apologize for scaring her and we are going to take this one day at a time.”

=XOX=

Steve knew Rebekah wasn't eating enough at meals, but he didn't know how to get her to eat more. Bucky was the one who realized she was sneaking out at night, to get food. They decided as long as she wasn't causing mischief, they'd let her continue her nightly wondering. Bucky of course followed to make sure she stayed safe. Steve still hadn't masted following someone like Bucky had.

By Bucky's estimate, it was the fourth night Rebekah had snuck out when something happened; it wasn't even something she did.

"I didn't know Stark allowed children in his precious tower." That was Loki. Bucky hurried to the kitchen. Loki was in one of his moods and whoever crossed his path, would take the brunt of his anger. Bucky couldn't let Rebekah taken the brunt of Loki's anger.

"Don't know... Stark." Rebekah's voice was shaking; she was scared already.

"I am Loki of Asgard." Loki waited, Bucky knew Rebekah wouldn't respond,she was too scared. He stepped up behind her. "And what is your name?" Loki hissed. Rebekah squeaked and ran into Bucky's legs as she tried to get away. Her terror filled eyes looked up into Bucky's face.

"Hey kid, hurry back to bed before Stevie notices." Bucky patted her head gently and let her pass. He listened as she hurried down the hallway. When he was sure she was out of earshot he turned on Loki.

“I knew you could be a real bastard but that? Terrifying a child? What was the fucking point? That little girl has been sent from abusive home to abusive home. Raised voices have her running for cover. And you, you think its a great time to purposely scare her? In the middle of the fucking night? What the fuck is your issue?” Bucky pushed Loki up against the wall. The god sneered at him.

“What does she matter?” Loki pushed passed Bucky and stalked away down the hall. Bucky pushed his hand through his hair. Steve was going to murder Loki when he found out.

Two nights later while Bucky was following Rebekah, Loki made another appearance. Bucky hurried closer to kick the god away when Loki did the unexpected.

"Little one, I behaved badly when we met. Here, take this... as an apology." Loki held a cupcake out to Rebekah. She took it but didn't eat it, just kinda of stared at it.

"Its alright, you're not going to get in trouble. You can eat it." Loki encouraged. Slowly she raised the cupcake to her lips, Loki nodded and she took a nibble. One bite was all it took, her eyes went wide and she scarfed downed the cupcake.

"Good night little one, and I am truly sorry for frightening you." Loki stood and started to walk away.

"Rebekah My name is Rebekah " she called out to him. He smiled at her.

"Goodnight Rebekah". No words passed between Loki and Bucky. Bucky was worried about Loki's action. Was he really apologizing? Was this just a scheme? The following night, Bucky stayed over at Steve's and shooed Rebekah back to her room. He couldn't guarantee her safety with Loki. So for the time being he'd keep them apart. The next day he was sent on a mission with Steve and Loki.

=XOX=

“Pepper please! I have a mission.” Steve begged. Pepper sighed.

“Steve, I work fourteen hour days, how am I supposed to watch her?” Pepper knew deep down, there wasn't really anyone else he could ask.

“Take one day off, please. She hasn't meet anyone besides Bucky and she's still scared of me. I can't leave her with any of the guys. I can't get a hold of Natasha.” Pepper pinched the bridge of her nose, mentally calculating how to shift her schedule.

“Alright Steve, Rebekah can stay with me until you get back. Is there anything I should know?”

“She's terrified of men. She seems to tolerate me and Bucky, but she's still scared of us. She doesn't eat a lot. No matter what I've tried. She sneaks out at night. Bucky followed her to the common room. She's been sneaking food when she thinks no one's around. The quieter she is, the more scared. Also if her fear becomes too much she runs and hides in the smallest place she can find.” Steve rubbed the back of his neck. Pepper closed her eyes and took a deep breath before answering Steve.

“I see. So just me, no Tony. When does she see a therapist?” Pepper knew the girl didn't, but maybe it was time to make Steve realize he was in over his head. She needed more help than what Steve could give her.

“Uh.. I haven't set one up yet?”

“Bring Rebekah here so you can go to your mission Steve.” Pepper used her disappointed voice. Steve winced and nodded. He was back in her office within ten minuets.

“ Rebekah this is Ms. Potts. I have to leave for work and won't be back until tomorrow. Ms. Potts is gonna watch you while ism away. Ok?”

“Yes, Mr. Rogers.” Steve gave her an awkward pat on the head and left.

“Rebekah, I have to finish up a few things then we can get out of here. Do you want to draw a picture while I hurry up?” Pepper smiled at the little girl. Rebekah eyed her before nodding slowly. Pepper handed her a few blank sheets of paper and a pen. Rebekah went to the coffee table. Pepper quickly typed two emails, one with instructions for her PAs, and the second to Tony explaining what was going on. When she looked up Rebekah was bent over the paper. She typed a quick protocol for FRIDAY to alert her if Rebekah got up in the middle of the night.

“Alright Rebekah, I'm finished. Are you ready to go?” Rebekah jumped up and hurried over.

“Yes, Ms. Potts.” Pepper spied the drawing and reached down to pic it up. It was a view of the city from her office window. The detail was incredible. It looked like a piece from an adult, not a child.

“This is beautiful. May I keep it?”

“Yes, Ms. Potts.”

“ Rebekah, you can call me Pepper if you want. Since it's just us tonight, would you like to get a pizza?” Pepper smiled at Rebekah but Rebekah's eyes grew wide and she shook her head almost violently. “Ok, ok no pizza. What about grilled cheese sandwiches?” Rebekah smiled and nodded. Taking her hand Pepper led her to the pent house. Pepper watch as Rebekah nibbled on half a grilled cheese sandwich. The situation was worse than she thought. Rebekah gave her no trouble when Pepper said it was bed time. In fact, Pepper was surprised when FRIDAY alerted her that Rebekah was headed to the front door.

“Hello Rebekah, did you need something?” Pepper smiled gently at Rebekah. Rebekah had jumped at the sound of her voice. Turning slowly Rebekah eyed the floor.

“No Ms. Potts”

“Lets go back to bed then.” Pepper held out her hand. Rebekah took it gingerly, shaking. Pepper made sure her voice and touches were soft as she put Rebekah back in bed.

The next morning, Pepper and Rebekah were waiting in the common room as Steve, Bucky and Loki came in. Rebekah calmly took Steve's hand and waved at Loki. Loki, waved back. For a moment no one moved. Loki broke the spell by heading off. Steve shook his head and headed to his rooms.

=XOX=

Loki leaned against the wall and waited for Rebekah to appear. Despite what he said that first night, and despite what the other tower residents thought of him, he really did care for the girl. He saw bits of his own miserable childhood when he saw her. And he wanted to help her. "Tell me little Rebekah, shall we sneak to the kitchen and find some sweets?" Loki smirked as he saw Rebekah enter the hallway. She smiled and nodded at him. Loki took her hand and led the way to the kitchen. Something seemed wrong to Loki. Why was the girl sneaking out to steal food?

"Dose the good Captain not feed you?" Loki asked suddenly. Rebekah stopped. Loki looked down at her wide eyes and knelt in front of her."You will not be punished for speaking. Whatever else it may be, this tower is a safe place." Loki watch as Rebekah thought over his words.

"Mr. Rogers feeds me..." Loki waited but Rebekah didn't finish her thought. He needed to probe gently so he wouldn't scare her more.

"But?" he asked softly.

"If I eat too much I'll be a burden." Loki chuckled at the thought. Captain Rogers and Sargent Barnes regularly ate more than him. An amazing feat considering that they were human.

"Little one, have you seen how much Rodgers and Barnes can put away? Trust me, you are not a burden. Let's get some sandwiches with our sweets tonight, alright?" Loki knew he had to get some real food in her or the sweets would make her sick. He hoped she liked sandwiches, it was the only midgardian thing he knew how to make.

“Sandwiches are my favorite food!” Rebekah's eyes were bright as she smiled up at him. He could practically feel her vibrate with excitement. She wasn't lying, she truly loved sandwiches. Loki took her hand again and led into the kitchen

.

“will you tell me about these things called group homes? What were they like? How was it you came to be with the Captain?” Loki kept his soft tones. He made sure to use his seidr to summon items to them. Her wonder kept her fear at bay, and she answered all of his questions. He kept his anger hidden as she told him about her past. He could tell she wasn't telling him everything. But what she did tell him, what she obvious felt was normal, was horrible. Her childhood was nothing short of torture. It was in that moment that Loki vowed to himself to protect and watched over the child. She may not have been his daughter, but she would be treated as a princess. He would see to that.

“I believe I can find some cartoons on the Television to watch while we eat.” Loki held his hand out to Rebekah. She grabbed it without hesitation. Just as they turned to the doorway Thor lumbered in. Loki felt Rebekah tense before hiding behind him. Loki was happy she trusted him enough to protect her but how to get her over her fear of new people. A crazy idea popped into Loki's head. When he was a child, his mother used sweets and over the top theatrics to distract him. That might just work here.

"Oh no it's the dreaded Older Brother! We must throw sweets at it of we are to escape!" Loki made sure his moments and tone were exaggerated. Rebekah giggled softly behind him; his idea was working. Now for a little bit of fun at his brother's expense.

"Brother what are yo-" was all Thor was able to get out before a cupcake smashed into his face. Rebekah's laughter bounced around the room. Thor stiffened before wiping the cupcake from his face. Loki doubted is anyone else would have noticed his brother's shock at hearing a child's laughter. Thor turned to Rebekah, and moved ever so slowly.

"Hello there, small one. I am Thor." He gave her a gigantic smile. Rebekah didn't move. Loki handed her a cupcake. Which she gently held it up to Thor. "Thank You." he said as he took it. When nothing happened at his touch, he took the cupcake to his mouth and took a bite. The moment his lips touched the cupcake, it exploded in his face. Rebekah shirked with laughter. Loki grabbed her hand and ran down the hall continuing to throw cupcakes at Thor. It was debatable if Thor would follow them or not.

IT would seem, Thor wouldn't follow them, but they had bigger problems at the moment. Barnes was in the living room and if his rigid posture was any indication, the soldier was close to the surface. Rebekah noticed him seconds after Loki did. Her laughter stopped and she hid behind him again. Her little hand grabbed the back of his pant leg.

"Barnes the irony of our situation is not lost on me. Stop scaring Rebekah" Loki kept Rebekah behind him. Barnes had tried to warn him off the first night he had met Rebekah and now here Loki was protecting her from Barnes Barnes made his way over to them, with each step a little more of the tension leaked out of Barnes Ever so slowly, he knelt in front of Loki, never once looking at the trickster, his entire focus was on Rebekah.

"Sorry kid." Rebekah peeked her head out at him. An idea twisted in Loki's mind. He hoped it would bring her laughter out again.

"Rebekah, why don't you give Barnes a cupcake. This one is special." Loki handed her a cupcake. It looked like all the others. Rebekah inched out to stand by Barnes, holding up Loki's special cupcake. Barnes, like the innocent fool he was, took it. Loki smirked. As soon as Barnes' fingers touched the cupcake, frosting exploded all around the room. Every piece of furniture, every bit of space on the walls, everything as covered. Rebekah began laughing and twirling in the frosted room. He face filled with so much joy, even Loki's smirk turned into an honest smile.

"Tony's gonna kill you for this." Barnes leaned in. Loki had no doubt if tony ever found out he would make Loki's life as miserable as possible of the foreseeable future.

"It's worth it to hear her laugh." Loki was a but surprised that he actually meant it. He would willing face Tony's wrath just to make that little girl smile.

"Stevie should see this, she's been so timid and shy, he doesn't know what to do." Barnes stated. Loki looked at him shocked. How could they have not seen how easy it was? Could the two soldiers be so hopeless?

“Earn her trust, then he will get to see this. But if you lose that trust, you'll hurt her more than an of these foster parents.” Loki couldn't help but sneer at the term. The people supposed to look after Rebekah had not been worthy of the term parent. Barnes nodded in understanding. The two watched Rebekah go back and forth between eating and plating. Loki made sure, they never ran out of sandwiches or cupcakes. By the time she seemed to be getting tiered, the sun was rising.

"What happened in here?" Rogers entered the room, confusion on his face and in his demeanor. Rebekah glanced at him before bounding over. Loki envied her energy.

"Mr. Loki made cupcakes explode!" She smiled up at him holding up one of the few remaining sweets. Rogers was stunned by her smile, and automatically took the cupcake. With and smirk and a wiggle of a few fingers, Loki was sure Rogers would get to hear Rebekah laugh. Nothing happened until Rogers took a bit, then the cupcake exploded in his face. Cake bits and frosting coated his face and hair. Rebekah fell to the ground laughing. Loki quietly chuckled. Rogers looked down at Rebekah almost reverently, giving her the brightest smile. Loki knew from that look, Rogers would not let Rebekah go back into the foster care system. Rogers had a daughter he would protect with a ferociousness that few ever saw from the good captain. Loki smiled to himself. He would stick around to help out, but now he knew Rebekah was safe, and she finally had a home.

"I think we should thank Loki, don't you?" Rogers held a hand out to Rebekah.

“THANK THAT MENENCE? NEVER!! LOOK AT WHAT HE DID!” Tony bellowed. No one had notice him enter the room, but he had apparently seen enough. Rebekah ran from the room, pure terror on her face at Tony's outburst. Rogers turned his gaze to Tony. Barnes stepped between them.

“Easy punk.” Barnes's voice was soft.

“Dammit Tony! She was just starting to relax. She was smiling. What the fuck is wrong with you?” Rogers glared at Tony. For a moment no one moved. Steve Rogers, the one who told everyone to watch their language, just cursed. Loki waved his hand and the room was once more pristine.

“While you two settle this, I believe I will go find Rebekah” Tony grabbed Loki's arm as he tried to leave.

“You're not going anywhere. I know the kids got issues but you can't destroy the tower to make her smile.” Loki looked from Tony's hand up to his face.

“Your precious tower is fine. Look around you. As far as issues go, ask FRIDAY to play our conversation in the kitchen last night Stark. Rebekah never lied, but she never told everything either. That child has lived in hell her entire life. Everything about adults scare her, she knows how to read anger better than any I've ever known and she hides when she sees it. For a few brief moments that child was able to be a child and you, you had to ruin it. For what? A magical mess that is gone as easily as it is made?” Loki sneered and towered over tony.

“I know you aren't good with people, especially kids, but try to remember, this kid, has never had the chance to be a kid. Her entire life has been fear after fear. You want to yell and scream? Fine do so, but at least ask Rebekah to leave the room first. Tell her you aren't mad at her but you need to yell at Loki, or me, or whoever. She may not believe you, but she'll leave to room. You have to be so gentle with her.” Rogers looked sad at the end of his speech. Tony let go of Loki and looked down.

“Pepper told me I had to treat her like she might break. She showed me the reports, the child abuse charges, the neglect, the hospital visits. I read it all. I'm sorry.” Tony rubbed his hand over his face. “Maybe after I don't scare her you can bring down to the lab to meet the bots. Kids love robots right?” Loki rolled his eyes as he walked away. Steve sighed.

“yeah Tony, I think so. We have to set up some ground rules or protocols or something to keep Rebekah safe. She needs to heal and we need to make this tower a safe place for her. I thought maybe a room or something but Doctor Willis suggest the whole tower. Teacher her she's safe everywhere. Please Tony, we have to help her.” Tony met Steve's gaze and nodded.

“Alright. Lets make this place safe. FRIDAY, lets start the Rebekah Protocols. What do we do to keep her safe Rogers?”

=XOX=

For an hour Loki searched the tower. Barnes had silently joined him. Together the walked the halls. Neither thought to ask FRIDAY where Rebekah was. “Little Rebekah? It's safe!” He called. He was really starting to get worried.

“Come on sweet heart, it's just me and Loki.” Barnes called out. They stooped as they heard a shuffle just around the next corner. Rebekah's head slowly peaked around the corner. “Rebekah, honey, come one out it's ok. You're not in any trouble.” Barnes called out to her.

“But I got Mr. Loki in trouble.” Rebekah slid back towards the corner.

“No little one, you didn't. Come here. It's all right.” Loki held out his hand to her. For a moment Loki wasn't sure she was going to take it, she still looked so scared.

“Mr. Rogers is mad.” She almost disappeared around the corner.

“He's mad at Tony, not at you. Not for something like this. He's making lunch right now. Hoe does ham sandwiches sound?” Barnes took a step forward. Loki could read his desperation.

“Sandwiches?” Rebekah came back towards them.

“Yep. With lettuces and tomato.” Barnes nodded. Rebekah look at them before taking Loki's hand. She looked up into his eyes.

“Are you sure, about what you said earlier? I'm not a burden?” she whispered. Barnes stiffen at her whisper. He watched Loki closely.

“Oh I'm sure. I've seen the captain eat. If he even thinks to make a comment I'll just remind him how much he eats.” Loki winked at her, smiling gently. Barnes slowly t out a breath. It seemed Rebekah was reassured by Loki's answer. They walked in silence to the captain's apartment, Rebekah shaking the closer they got. Loki made sure he held her hand the entire way. He would give her this same bit of strength.

“Hey punk, those sandwiches ready yet? We got a hungry group here.” Barnes called going first. Loki could tell he was giving Rebekah time. He would wait right there with her until she was ready. With a deep breath She went in. the Captain smiled softy at her and placed half a sandwich at the table. she sat and nibbled. She kept stealing glancing at Loki, as if to make sure, it was really ok to eat. Before he knew it, Rebekah had eaten her half sandwich and was glancing at him again. Loki smiled at her and nodded.

“Mr. Rogers?” she called softly. Barnes and the Captain had been talking quietly. Both stopped and looked at her. “May I have some more?” nothing happened and Loki reached for his daggers. Rebekah started to shrink back from the stunned expression the Captain wore.

“Yea! Absolutely!” the Captain jumped up and quickly got her another sandwich. He had the biggest grin on his face. “ You can have as much as you want.” Rebekah looked up stunned before breaking into the biggest smile. Loki knew that was the moment she finally began to trust the Captain.

"Oh! Before I forget, Peppper mentioned you liked to draw. you can use any of my sketch pads and pencils until we get you some of your own, ok?" Loki will never forget the look of pure wonder the Captain's words caused.

=XOX=

Two weeks later Tony woke in his lab. Something was off but he couldn't figure out what it was. Shaking his head at his paranoia, he went up to the common room for coffee. He heard her laughing long before the could see her. He didn't want to scare the kid again, but if he was going to do anything close to function, he needed coffee. Slowly, he entered the room trying to remain unnoticed. The laughing continued so he assumed he'd been able to slip past. As he finally got a sip of his coffee, he heard a familiar woosh and click sound. He turned to take a better look at the room. Rogers and Barnes were no were in sight, but Dum-E and U were. His bots were out of the lab! That's what had been off. He watched in amazement as Rebekah ran between the bots, tapping U.

“Tag!” she giggled. Tony cocked his head to the side. What was going on? U reached out and slapped Dum-E. Rebekah laughed hysterically. Every so gently, Dum-E booped Rebekah's nose.

“I'm it! I'm it!” she cheered and began racing through the bots again. A hand clapped him on the back as Steve came up beside him.

“I guess you were right Tony, kids love robots.”

END

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

The Bad Guy

Bucky x fem!Reader

Theme: It's a good day in New York City for Bucky Barnes, who seems to feel right at home till his morning is disrupted by a bad guy. Maybe New York isn't the same place after all.

Series: I don’t know if this is a series.

Chapter warnings: swearing. so much swearing.

A/N: @writing-prompt-s​ once gave a prompt last year that stuck with me...I don’t remember the exact wordings but it had something to do with the reader/writer being the villain having a crush on the hero, always finding excuses (or crimes) to meet them. One day they are getting their ass beat and you decide to jump in and save the day. This one is same but with a liiiiiiiitle twist

Word Count: I cannot believe there are days when I wish I can poop at will, like my brother, and not just sit there constipated. Today has been one of those days.

MASTERLIST in bio, love. Tags are open

“Get the fuck outta my face, you asshole!”

The anger rushed through the burning veins to press on the car horn for as long as that bald guy could; or till other vehicles standing there impatiently started cussing at the boomer to hold it together. To add fuel to the fire, a flock of pigeons made sure it got to do its business right in the middle of newly washed windshields. A woman stood by the crossing, watching everything unfold through her bloodshot eyes as she smoked the scene away in broad daylight while a stray dog peed at the lamp post she supported herself on. A man walked by, catcalling the same woman with the kind of smile you do not want to witness; but when you do, it is difficult to remove from your brain. “Slut,” the man spewed when he did not get anything for his manly advances. “Boo-hoo,” uttered the woman with pure disinterest, going back to looking at the woman standing across the road, trying to balance her grocery bags in her arms while deciding the right moment to cross the road.

Ah, yes. It was just another day in New York City.

It did not feel normal till the exhaust fumes filled up your lungs when you stepped out into this articulate maze of a city to go about your day, just like anyone else. That rusty smell of iron and concrete along with a splash of dust in the alleys, the stench of piss in those missed corners in the back alleys and parks, the howls and so-called greetings by the men at every woman passing by that caught their eye.

Some things never change. That’s what Bucky lamented this morning, feeling himself caught off guard for a split second as two women walked by with a knowing smile just for his blue eyes. Never indeed.

So, he still had it, didn’t he? Feeling like the same Brooklyn boy before the war, catching secretive gazes and moans of all eyes alike, greeting the elderly, petting a dog and stroking a cat as he felt a skip in his step. It was so good to be outside.

Two weeks. Two weeks since he had come back from Wakanda, deciding to join Steve, Sam and Stark in whatever little shenanigans they had running at the compound in the city outskirts; saving the world and all that. It had been a good start since the whole Hydra and Snap events. He had settled pretty well with the rest of the Avengers. Turned out it isn’t that hard to live with people who are just the same amount of weird as him. But the relief came from the fact that he wasn’t the only ex-assassin in the house. That redhead was super rad. I should maybe ask her out if she and Steve aren’t a thing already…though I doubt that.

But just because he had come home did not mean he forgot about the previous one. He would still get occasional memes in his inbox from Shuri and he would try to use them- what he thought- the right way, peppering them into conversations as much as possible. 

I wish Shuri was here, Bucky sighed as he looked at the Times Square announcement for the Young Leaders Summit happening this weekend, smiling to himself in gratitude for that young scientist making him well enough to enjoy the bustling crowds again.

The walk through this massive city was no joke. But the Winter Soldier took his sweet time to watch the life of the loudest and the quietest corners before he decided where he wanted to get his coffee from.

Just by the corner of the University was a little shop with the cosiest ambience- everything furnished in wood, old advertisements for wall decorations and some good old jazz music playing on the vinyl satiated his soul just the right amount.

“Coffee and uh…eggs and bacon, please,” he requested with a slight smile as he settled on the stool, trying to ignore the snickers and giggles coming from the booth behind him.

“Oh my gosh, he’s so hot,” his sensitive ears caught, forcing him to clear his throat and grab the newspaper kept on the counter.

“So fuckable,” another whisper came. Okay, some things have changed, he shuddered, gladly turning his attention to the police sirens in the distance instead of having to hear what a couple of strangers had to say about him.

“I wonder if he goes dow-“

A crash and a peal of horrendous feminine laughter drowned out everything else, breaking open the can of fight or flight instincts- neither of them containing the ‘go back home, its none of your business’ choice.

Stepping out, Bucky was greeted with one end of the street bustling with cars and people getting out of them to witness a woman stand over one with a bag swinging in the air as if to mock whoever who was standing opposite her. Bucky could not get a clear view thanks to the tree line in his view.

“I said put that down,” a commanding voice said out loud. Wait a second…

“Good Lord! Would you relax!” the woman called out, her back still to Bucky. By the casual pose, he could tell she was not scared of whoever was standing in front of her. “It’s just a smoke grenade in one hand the most expensive painting in New York in another. Also, the shittiest,” she shrugged before taking the piece out of the bag and forcing a gasp out of everyone, “I mean, who decided to pay a hundred mil for this stupid looking square drawn over a circle?”

Bucky moved along the tree line, right where her blind spot was, reading the scene to realise she was some idiot out to cause chaos in the streets. I guess the police have it cover-are you kidding me?!

“As much as I would love to agree with you,” a very tired Steve announced, his shield resting on his arm, “I’d rather make sure Tony gets this back in one piece.”

“Well, he can pay my student loans and I’ll draw him a better one,” you negotiated, almost making Steve laugh.

“Yeah,” he chuckled, “that’s a good one. Now come on. I don’t want you to get hurt. Give that ba-“

“Why not?” You tilted your head at him, making the Captain pause. Bucky stood behind an SUV, furrowing his brows at Steve and the woman.

“Wh-“ Steve was left with his lips in a confused pout, not really understanding the question while the summer sun made that soft blonde glow like a truly lost boy in the jungle.

“Why wouldn’t you want to hurt me?”

Bucky could swear by that colour of hurting emotion in her voice that she was looking at Steve as if he had betrayed her. Holy cow, she’s good. But then again, it’s Stevie.

“I..uh-“

“It’s okay. You have my consent. We should keep a safe word though.”

“O…kay I think that’s-“

“How about…Shield?”

Bucky nearly gave up his position with the involuntary snicker that left the back of his throat. Nonetheless, he had a perfect view of watching his best friend choke on embarrassment till he was red.

“’ Cause, you know, it’s safer to use protection.”

Steve was lucky. Really lucky the first time for having the street evacuated so as not to face the public embarrassment of being broken by a woman in a leather jacket and black jeans. That’s it. No weapons. He turned lucky the second time when an explosion in the art gallery behind him turned all the attention away from this weird one standing on top of a car and flirting with Captain America.

But Bucky was not going to let Steve forget this. Ever.

“Nat, what was that?” He called into his comms.

“Aw! Come on! I was just starting to get to know you!” She groaned. “Okay, I won’t burn this trash and we go on a date. What say?”

“We’re done here,” Steve declared before turning towards the three policemen standing behind him for aid, looking at him for further instructions, “cuff her up.”

Bucky moved next to the police car, taking the spare windbreaker resting on the front seat to walk towards the woman without giving away his identity. Not that there was much to give there.

“SO IS THAT A YES ON THE DATE?” she shouted in Steve’s direction while the cops cuffed her up. One of the policemen was quick to figure out the man doing the murder walk in their direction was not a part of the team.

“Hey, excuse me. What do you think you’re doing?“

Bucky tried to raise his hands to signal him to keep it quiet but something else was already catching his attention. That something being Steve body hurled out of the glass building like a rag doll.

It was a split-second reaction of him catching the arms of the cuffed-up woman. “Hey! You’re not going-“he broke as the face turned towards him, that weight in his voice slowly dissolving in those angry eyes- “anywhere.”

.

You had your share of bad luck. Who didn’t? It was New York fucking City. The whole place was a mess. So, it was a given that today was going to be just like any other day. Because who gets to rob an art studio and have their crush come and personally arrest them only to be called off by some other douchebag robbing the same place.

Now, it would have been great had things just halted there. But as fate would have it, embarrassment hit right when you got cuffed, watching the man of your fantasies being thrown out of glass and landing on the pavement with a groan.

No one hurts him but me, you growled, already trying to make your way towards Steve before a pair of hands wrapped themselves around your arms to stop and turn your around. “Hey! You’re not going-“

Oh, now what! You turned around to lock eyes with deep ocean eyes turning fifty shades lighter. “-anywhere.”

You did not know where that jawline came from but if he hadn’t been so beautiful you swore you would have punched the lights out of him right there and then.

Who is he, a part of you was purring.

Gunfire sounded behind you, making you break out this ten-second bliss to turn back to Steve hiding behind his shield from…was that a sniper you just saw on the roof?

Trying to walk towards Steve again, you were once again stopped by that blue-eyed guy.

“Let me go,” you declared, “he’s in trouble.”

Bucky scoffed. “That’s Captain America, doll. I think he can handle himself.”

You scrunched your nose at him, making him wonder it was Steve he was talking about. “Doll? What century are you from?”

Bucky stopped short of saying something. Let’s just not go there, darlin’.

“Let me go, he clearly needs help.”

“From a thief?”

“She tried to threaten a crowd yesterday,” one of the officers spoke, earning a death glare from you.

“And I am threatening to kill you right now if you don’t let me go,” you announced ever so softly to the officer, who walked backwards with every step you took in his direction, his hand resting on his gun, ready to take it out as soon as you were to become a legit threat.

“Lady, I am telling you to calm down,” he declared, his friends backing him up.

“Okay, no need to get-“

Bucky’s words were drowned by another explosion and before anyone could make sense of the situation, you were already breaking out of the handcuffs with one good yank, running straight towards the explosion, jumping over the cars to land on the concrete grounds of the studio.

“Uh…this is on the new guy,” the officer stressed, pointing at Bucky. Bucky looked at him with judgmental eyes before running behind you, trying to catch up as you disappeared behind the smoke, landing on the ground from the cars just in time to miss a screaming man that came flying in his direction; or rather, he missed a man that was thrown in his direction.

“What in the-“ Bucky walked into the smoke cautiously to hear the impact of fists made with ribs and bodies being thrown into walls and grunts coming from something wild trying to fight those men in tactical vests.

The chopper above cleared the smoke in time- thanks Natasha- for the Winter Soldier to witness you blocking an attack on Steve before crushing the attacker’s wrist and knocking him unconscious with your elbow right in his face.

“You okay, Cap?”

“They’re not with you?”

“Wha-Who? These Chads and Hunters? Not even if I was being paid for it, no.”

Steve apologised for the quick judgment, looking around at the men lying on the ground groaning in pain. “You know you’ll still be arrested for the theft,” Steve stated with heavy breaths, trying to wipe off the blood from his lips.

“Eh,” you shrugged, looking in Bucky’s direction, “I’ll live.”

For a second Bucky lost all sense of direction as you walked towards him, your eyes stuck on his. And was that blood on your cheek? Were you really hurt? How does someone look just as…pretty when half their face has been smashed? Everything ran in his mind like a freight train- which came to a deafening halt right what you stopped in front of him, drawing your hands up, palms out.

“Okay, now you can cuff me.”

Steve was a bit confused by the interaction while he stood outside this bizarre bubble between his best friend and this crazy woman who apparently had the hots for him. What was more surprising was watching Bucky lose all that made him ‘Bucky’ and stand there like a mute fool while you waited for him to do something with your hands.

“Oi!” you tried to snap the man out of whatever daydream you thought he was running through, “we going or what?”

Bucky never turned his gaze away from your y/e/c eyes as he tried to find the zip ties that he had on him, taking them out and securing your wrists in them, not bothering with the judgy brow Steve was throwing at him right this moment. He could deal with that later.

“Oooh,” you cooed at Bucky as he turned you by your arm towards the police cars waiting for you, “looks like someone is always ready for some action. I like that.”

Bucky was about to open his mouth to say something cocky back when he felt you push him back to grab the knife and the hand holding it, twist and break it before kicking the tactical vest guy in his knees. “Stay down, punk,” you commanded. And at that very moment, one more person in the universe started believing in something called ‘the one’.

.

“Why did you steal the painting?”

“Sweety, can we do this at the station. I’m tired and I could really use a quiet ride.”

Bucky licked his lips as he walked you back, not really content with the answer. You knew it too. It was hard to miss when Bucky’s hands on your arm changed the intensity of the hold. Not to mention the walk back was getting awkward the more distance was covered towards those pea-brained cops.

“…that painting could sell for millions online, ruin the name of this shady studio and win me a date with Cap.”

Stopping right next to the car, you turned and smirked at him, making Bucky wonder about this strange feeling in his stomach. “That’s all you get, pretty boy.” With those last words, you got inside the car, the cops driving you away as Bucky stood there alone for a few moments, replaying all of them back and questioning what exactly he had done today to have led him to this.

Just as the car disappeared from the view, Steve came to stand next to him, looking in the same direction.

“So, zip ties, huh.”

“So, a pretty stalker, huh.”

“She’s the bad guy, Buck.”

Bucky was still looking far out with this little last hope of you coming back. “…really?”

.

“First she impersonates an ambassador’s daughter to get access to the military secrets of three countries, then she crashes two military drones, and when that wasn’t enough thrill for her she comes after me!”

Pepper closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. “It was a painting, Tony.”

“Well, today it was!” He stated matter-of-factly. “Tomorrow she’s going to try and steal one of my cars. Or maybe even Steve.”

Steve- who had an icepack pressed to his swollen cheek- rolled his eyes.

“Oh, definitely Steve,” Natasha agreed before passing a smirk at an irritated Rogers.

“It’s not funny,” Steve muttered.

“She said something about the Studio being shady.”

All eyes turned on Bucky. The unwelcome chill down his spine told him he was being questioned quietly till he could come up with something more.

“Tony, you said this painting was shipped yesterday.”

Tony nodded. “It was supposed to be delivered here today.” He turned and looked at the canvas covered in brown paper standing in the corner, waiting to be attended to.

“Could she have been after the studio?”

“Wow, he’s really not stopping today, is he?” Tony uttered to Steve.

“I’m standing right here.”

“Why would she go after the studio?” Pepper questioned. “What are they, some drug dealers or traffickers?”

Everyone stared at each other in silence for a second before Tony called Friday to run diagnostics on the painting and give him everything.

Within five seconds, the results were up.

“There’re traces of unsanctioned medical drugs along the outer frame. I have also found a microdrive that contains in total seventy-five identities. On running a deeper search through the internet, I have found these seventy-five identities belong to the girls that have been missing for the past one year from the middle eastern countries. All these girls have a codename next to them. Would you like me to run a further search on this, sir?”

Silence.

“Yeah, you do that.”

Tony watched in contemplative silence as Bucky crossed his arms across his chest, waiting for the call.

“How do we know she’s not with the bad guys who have these girls?”

“We can always send Steve in to question her,” Pepper suggested.

“You too Pepper?” Steve felt betrayed by the one person in the room he thought was not going to get in on this. “And I don’t think I’ll be of much help. She never talks sense around me.”

Natasha chuckled, pouring herself some whiskey from Tony’s bar. “That’s true.”

“And Nat’s not going to talk to her because the last time they were in the same room she tried to kill her dog.”

“You had a dog?” Tony gasped. “When?”

“I just pushed him away a little hard from the fighting…with my leg. And it was Y/N’s dog,” Natasha stressed.

Y/N. Bucky ran that name inside his head again and again till it settled like a layer of his own skin on him.

“That’s called a kick,” Steve chimed in blankly.

“That’s definitely a kick,” Tony added, narrowing his eyes at the Black Widow, earning an eye roll.

“I can talk to her,” Bucky volunteered, “she doesn’t know I’m with you guys. She thinks I’m a civilian. I could get in her good books and find out what she knows.”

A brief moment was taken to put some thought into it. “I like that idea,” Natasha finally spoke. “If she’s the bad guy then we can put a stop to whatever she’s up to.”

“If she’s not…” Bucky began.

“Then Cap can finally go out with her without having to think of the greater good,” she concluded with a smug grin.

So, it was settled. Bucky was going undercover to find out the truth. Quite possibly the easiest mission of his life. But if it was this easy, then why was his heart bubbling with this strange sensation? Maybe because it was his first mission after so long. Maybe it was something he was yet to discover.

___

So...what do you think?

[ciarawritesmarvel]

a worthwhile catfish - steve rogers x reader

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Word Count: 2.7k

Warnings: Language maybe, I’m not gonna check tbh and dating app usage which in itself is a goof

A/N: Welcome to Day Eleven of Hello Spring by @ibwhellospring! Here’s a little something something for ya, with Steve and tinder and all around fluffy goodness. There is scope for a part two here so let me know if that’s something you’d read. Lots of love to youse all <3

Prompt: “Where should we meet?”

masterlist in my bio and tags in the reblog! please drop me an ask to be tagged in bucky, steve or all the hello spring pieces!

---

It was just a regular day, or so it seemed. You were sat in a little coffee shop, a cup of tea at your right hand and a delicious half eaten pastry at your left. Your laptop was perched in the middle of the table and you were getting on with some work that, strictly speaking, should have been sent off two days ago. You were rather lucky your boss was so understanding.

After an hour or so, you finished off the work and sent it off with a triumphant smile, clapping your laptop shut and then looking around as if someone else had done it when a few eyes glanced up from their plates. As you were finishing off your own drink, you haphazardly pulled your phone out of your pocket and your focus landed on the little app in the top corner.

It couldn’t hurt to have a little swipe.

You had a serious love-hate relationship with Tinder. Every few weeks you’d go through a cycle of a few days where you swiped with abandon, started conversations with a variety of different people and enjoying most of them. But invariably, it always ended the same, with you agreeing to a date with the one you liked the most and it going horribly. You’d swear off the app for a few weeks and then the cycle would start anew.

Clearly it had been a month since your last disaster date and it was time for you to find a new one.

You swiped left many, many times, mostly down to people’s bios rather than their looks, a couple of right swipes thrown in here and there but nothing spectacular.

After about five minutes, you swiped left again and found yourself on a page that brought the ghost of a smile to your lips involuntarily.

Steve Rogers. 100+.

The picture was of one Captain America, in a dark blue button up and jeans and taken in front of a gorgeous lake as he smiled.

It was clearly a catfish because there’s no way that the actual Steve Rogers would have tinder of all things, you expected he was probably more of a match.com kind of guy if anything. However, the bio was interesting and even concluded with a little America’s Sweetheart joke and you couldn’t help yourself. You swiped right.

Y/N: I know there’s an age difference here but I think we could make it work.

You decided you’d probably found the best you were going to find today and clicked your phone off, stuffing it into your back pocket and tidying up your table in preparation to leave.

You couldn’t wait to get home and put some fluffy socks on. Couldn’t. Wait.

---

It was just a regular day, or so it seemed. Steve was sat on his balcony at the tower, which he’d covered in plants and climbers just to ensure he had a little more privacy. The small window in the middle of these invasive plants offered him a beautiful view that he sketched from time to time. A chance to measure his progress, and mark his ever changing style.

Bucky was sat beside him, scrolling mindlessly through his phone and occasionally glancing over to Steve’s paper with a smug smile. Steve had asked to draw Bucky for a bit of a change and a bit of a challenge, but he’d politely declined and said that he didn’t need anyone staring at him intently as he went about his business. Steve certainly understood that.

“Wanna go for dinner later? Nat suggested this new place downtown, I don’t remember the name. Just the four of us, y’know, with Sam?”

Steve looked up from his work and smiled at his friend warmly.

“I’d like that Buck. 7pm?”

“Seven it is. I really want to eat a good-”

Bucky was cut off but a buzz from Steve’s phone, a familiar buzz that had both pairs of ears pricking up. Steve fumbled in his pocket to pull it out and check it.

Y/N Y/L/N. 30.

He read your message and Bucky saw his eyes light up and the corners of his mouth perk up just the slightest. His grin was huge.

“Found y’self a pretty dame, Stevie?” Bucky teased, drawling the words in a tone that had Steve rolling his eyes.

“It’s the first match I’ve had in ages. Don’t know why you even set this up for me.”

“It’s only ‘cause people think it’s not really you. You need to get yourself out there and Sam and I can’t trust you to do that yourself,” Bucky explained and Steve’s brow furrowed.

“Why would they think it wasn’t me? Who else would I be?”

“Think about it Rogers,” Bucky said, almost but not quite exasperated, “You’re the Captain America. That’s a pretty good way to get matches. I bet there’s hundreds of Caps on there.”

A quick and frantic search from Steve had him finding, much to his horror, the hundreds of Caps that Bucky had described, each one with different photos of him and different bios, mostly consisting of things he would never write under any circumstances. A few even made him choke back a gag. He looked back at his friend with a horrified gape.

“This is theft!”

“Not much you can do about it,” Bucky shrugged, “I’m surprised someone’s actually messaged you. She must either be really gullible or really desperate.”

Steve glowered at him.

“James,” he warned, “That’s an insult to her and to me.”

“Oh, you knew what I meant, just show me what she said.”

Y/N: I know there’s an age difference here but I think we could make it work.

Bucky stood up and crouched beside Steve to read the message and then turned his head to Steve, eyebrows raised with a smug grin adorning his face. Steve’s brow furrowed.

“What?”

“She doesn’t sound gullible,” he said, an amusement in his tone that Steve couldn’t place, “Or desperate.”

“...your point?”

‘Message her back, dipshit!”

Steve elbowed Bucky away from him and he stumbled back into his own chair with an over dramatic thud. He quickly started typing though, and Bucky’s grin only grew wider than before.

Steve: 70 years is nothing. The real problem here is that you’re way out of my league.

He briefly considered showing his response to Bucky before he sent it, but he was unwilling to have him change it and then it be sent without being fully his so he hit send and then held it out for Bucky to see. He nodded slowly, eyes alight with a shine of their own.

“You’ve got more game at 100 years old than you ever did at 20.”

A pause.

“Shut up Buck.”

---

Y/N: Morning sunshine. Any plans for the day?

Steve: I’ve got a super top secret ‘hush hush’ mission but other than that, not really. You?

Y/N: Ah right, of course. A mission. ;)

Steve: Still don’t believe I’m Steve Rogers, huh?

Y/N: Nope. But I’m talking to you anyway, so I think you should be flattered.

Steve: If you say so, sweetheart.

You looked up from your phone to make sure that none of your colleagues were watching you with a silly grin on your face, the slightly flustered look in your eye. Just one text with the word sweetheart in it from your current tinder crush ‘Steve’ had you an absolute mess, whether that be at work, at home or out with your friends. So far, you’d been caught grinning twice and full on laughing out loud once. That was a low point.

Y/N: I do say so. And I’ve got the day off, so I might have a date…

Y/N: ...with Netflix.

Steve: I’d be lying if I said you didn’t scare me for a minute there.

Y/N: And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to scare you for a minute there.

Steve: If you’ve got the day off and my super top secret hush hush mission should be wrapped up early afternoon, why don’t we actually meet up today?

If it was possible, your heart completely stopped. Your eyes went wide as you read and re-read the message on your screen, making sure you hadn’t seen it wrong, hadn’t made up what was happening. You were worried. Three weeks of talking to this guy practically all day, every day and you were already slightly smitten. But at the same time, you were 95% sure you were being catfished. If you agreed to this, you probably weren’t agreeing to meet Captain America, but instead some random man who was pretending to be him, and doing a damn good job at it too.

But he was sweet. Kind. Funny. You felt there could be something there, if it was given time.

Steve: Didn’t mean to scare you off, don’t worry, it was just a suggestion.

“Did you just double text? God, Steve, I have told you before, quite a number of times, that you don’t double text.”

“She wasn’t replying Nat, what was I supposed to do.”

Nat fixed him with a glare.

“Oh I don’t know, have some fucking patience?”

He rolled his eyes and left the room, flipping her off behind his back as he did and she chuckled sardonically at his retreating form. Men.

Y/N: Didn’t scare me off. I was just double checking my calendar. Where should we meet?

Where should we meet? Where should we meet? Where should we meet?

The words played over and over in your mind as you read them back to yourself. You were really doing this. Going with your gut wasn’t exactly a common occurrence for you, but then again, your love life hadn’t been that great. Maybe it was time to change things up.

Steve: Wherever you want. Ladies choice.

Y/N: I know a place that does great burgers.

Steve practically punched the air, and considered himself very lucky that he’d gotten away from Nat when he did. He would’ve really been in for some teasing otherwise.

Steve: Sounds perfect. :)

You quickly sent over the details and agreed to meet there at seven, effectively cutting the conversation short before you lost your cool at work. 7pm. You’d be meeting your mystery man. You quickly fiddled with your phone, making a decision.

You needed to call in a favour.

—-

Now, at 6:55pm exactly you stepped out of your car and walked into the restaurant, trying to ignore the way you felt you teetered in your heels and the irrational urge to pull your skirt down. It was unnecessary, as you’d chosen a just-above-the-knee red skater skirt with a white off the shoulder top for the occasion. Not too much, not too little. At least you hoped so.

Walking up the stairs inside to the actual restaurant area, you mused that at least you felt vaguely comfortable. This was one of your go-to spots with friends and dates alike, with its range of burgers, beef, chicken and non-meat that seemed to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. One waitress skimming past gave you a bright smile, one that you returned as best you could, and even that was enough to bolster your confidence a little more.

One waiter saw you hanging around the door and came up to you, the smile on his face just a little too manic for your liking. In fact, looking around, everyone seemed a little...giddy.

“Hi, can I help you?” he asked, almost excitedly and you smiled kindly, if a little worriedly.

“I’m here for a date, he booked the table so…” you paused, unsure whether to say this but going for it anyway, “It might be under the name Rogers?”

The man gasped. Audibly. Incredibly loudly, in fact, to the point where other people eating in the vicinity looked up at you and you felt yourself getting more and more anxious, dropping your gaze to the ground. The moment you heard the giggles and whispers around you, though, your head snapped up again and your brow furrowed.

What the everloving fuck was going on here?

The man seemed to collect himself with a stern cough and a deep breath.

“Right this way, madam,” he said, in a far more deliberate voice than previously and your mind was going a mile a minute. You followed him through the restaurant, taking a right and then a left and then one final right before…

You were lead outside onto the terrace that nobody was ever allowed to eat on, the one reserved for VIPs and ridiculously rich people and there, through the double doors, sat a man who quickly stood up as soon as he saw you and in doing so, knocked his chair over.

You bit your lip to stop your giggles as he mumbled apologies and leaned down to pick the chair up. Huge biceps, broad shoulders and an incredible a-

He turned around.

“Holy shit!”

The expression was an involuntary one and you clapped your hand over your mouth in utter shock as you stared at the Captain America, who was looking equal parts embarrassed and smug. Capt- Steve, rather, asked the waiter to give you a few minutes and though he looked reluctant, he hastily left the balcony area. Just the two of you.

“Sorry about the balcony,” Steve said after a few moments of silence that you couldn’t fill, “I tried to stop them but they insisted.”

He still looked kind of embarrassed by this and you decided then and there that whatever strange awe you were in had to stop, for his sake rather than yours. The way in which he spoke was so familiar due to his texts, anyway, and it gave you a much needed reminder that this was the man you were developing a crush on.

“Probably for the best,” you said, taking your hand away from your mouth and smoothing out your skirt just to give it something to do, “There’s a lot of whispering going on in there.”

Steve winced and you realised that probably wasn’t the right thing to say but before you could apologise and change your story, he made the few steps over to you and the words died in your throat.

“You look-” he trailed off as he looked you up and down and you actually shivered, “-even more beautiful in person.”

His words sounded genuine even if you were in a perpetual state of disbelief that this was really happening. You spoke before you thought.

“And you’re actually Captain freaking America so this is going well so far.”

He laughed then, a freeing and somewhat gorgeous sound that didn’t look quite right coming from the lips of a man you had seen in such a serious light so many times on the TV or in the news. You quite liked it.

He moved over to pull your chair or for you and finally you moved, thanking him softly as you let him tuck you into the table. Once he had taken his own seat on the other side, he spoke up.

“So,” he began, and already there was a teasing note in his voice that had you smiling, “You agreed to come out on a date with me even though you were that sure I wasn’t who I said I was.”

You bummed thoughtfully, beginning to see where he was going and your lips parted, smile morphing into a grin.

“I did.”

“Well, it begs the question: why?”

You sat further back in your chair and pondered how to answer it. But truly, the only way you could answer was honestly.

“Because I liked you, whoever you were. You were sweet and funny. We had a lot in common. I had to find out whether this could be…”

You trailed off, unsure of how to finish but by the look shining in Steve’s eyes, you decided that maybe you’d said the right thing after all.

“Nice,” he said, sincerely though, not just as a throwaway comment, “Although this won’t be anything if these burgers aren’t good.”

And just like that, you were out to dinner with Steve and not Captain America.

And, as it turns out, you liked Steve an awful lot more anyway.

[jbbarnesandnoble]

A Day In London

Hello Spring: Day 1

Pairing: Steve Rogers X Reader

Summary: Three years after leaving New York to live in London, you have a surprising re-encounter with an old friend

Word Count: 1,223

Warnings: Fluffish

Prompt: Re-encounter after three years

A/N: This is for @ibwhellospring and @itsbuckysworld Hello Spring 31 day fiction short story event. Feedback is always welcomed and appreciated:)

"Crap, I'm dead, I'm so dead. Nat is going to kill me for being late." You're practically sprinting down the busy street streets of London, all while trying to fish your phone out of your purse. You were supposed to meet your best friend -who you haven't seen in over a year- for a cup of coffee at your favorite cafe. You're already late and trying to hail a cab during rush hour is like trying to move a stubborn bull. Completely useless and time consuming.

You have been living in London for three years. Ever since Fury offered you a position you couldn't pass up. He decided that London needed someone like you to take charge, and becoming the director of SHIELD was what he thought was best.

You can't deny that it has been your dream for ages. But you never thought leaving New York would be so hard. It never really felt like home to you, that is until you became friends with a strange band of misfits who just so happen to save the world in their spare time.

You never thought you would get so attached to being around the Avengers. But as soon as you were offered this job in London you suddenly found yourself not wanting to leave. Of course, they all knew about your dream and insisted you take this 'once in a lifetime opportunity' served to you on a silver platter. Tony's words, not yours. But if you're being honest with yourself, it felt more like an obligation than anything else.

You managed to say goodbye to everyone with no tears. Until you got to Steve. You and him have had crushes on each other for the longest time. Everyone knew it, the two of you included. But decided against it. You both agreed that staying friends would not only be easier, but safer 'for you' were his unspoken words. You knew he was thinking them. You could see it in his baby blue eyes. You thought it was cute that he felt the need to protect you. Even though you are capable of taking care of yourself. 

You were convinced that saying goodbye to him was the hardest thing you ever had to do. But tried your best to be strong. Not just for him, but for yourself as well.

When you finally make it to the coffee shop you're only ten minutes late. Not bad considering you had to sprint the whole way here. Your shoes aren’t exactly ideal for running either. 

After catching your breath you walk into the small cafe. Looking around for red hair, that's assuming she hasn't changed it since the last time you've seen her. She has this tendency to change her hair every few months.

You stop, blinking in disbelief when you see him. His sitting at a small table for two in the back of the shop, intently reading a book that has seen better days. He hasn't changed much since the last time you saw him. His hair is a bit longer, but it looks good on him. His eyes are still as breathtakingly blue as before and his smile is as bright as ever. You don't think anything could ever change that. The biggest shock and change to his appearance is his new beard. You never thought it was possible, but somehow it makes him look even more handsome. Although he looks handsome either way.

Knowing Nat, she probably had something to do with this 'small coincidence' You walk over to where he's sitting. As you draw closer you begin to notice the worn book in his hands. A huge smile creeps it's way onto your face when the  title fully comes into view.

"I told you it was worth the read." You say smiling down at the super soldier sitting in front of you. He looks up at you, a smile of disbelief appearing on his face.

"Y/N, W-What are you doing here." You feel your heart warm at how cute his innocent reaction is.

"I guess I kinda live here now. Or something like that." You shrug your shoulders. A small blush creeps onto his face at the realization of how dumb his question might of sounded. Which only makes you smile more.

"I think I should be asking you that, I take it you're here on a mission?" The fact he's in the same city you live in means he's here on a mission from Fury. The fact that he's here, in your favorite coffee shop means he's here on a mission from Romanoff.

"Fury said he needed me for a few meetings this week." He places his book on the wooden table next to his coffee, another sweet smile forming on his face. "Today just happens to be my day off. Nat told me this is the place to go if I find myself in need of coffee."

"What are you doing here?" He quickly corrects himself. "This coffee shop, I mean."

"This just so happens to be my favorite place to grab a quick cup coffee before work." Sitting down, you take the free chair across from him. "But today I was supposed to be meeting Nat. Although, the fact that I found you here instead of her means she's back to her old ways." You both laugh at that.

"How have things been here? Compared to New York, do you miss it?" You take a small sip of your coffee powdering over his question.

"No, I don't miss it." He down casts his eyes, a bit of sadness clouding his ocean eyes. "But, that doesn't mean that I don't miss my friends." You can see his eyes light up at your words. "I never thought of New York as my home, I didn't have anyone to make it special. But the Avengers changed that for me. You changed that for me.” you meet his eyes staring into yours, you never had to say the words for him to know. He already did, you made that clear in subtle ways. You can’t deny it felt good to finally admit. “You guys became my family. You guys are my family." You share a knowing look. When you both had nothing you had the Avengers. You are a family, nothing can change that. Not even distance.

You sit there for hours catching each other up and reminiscing on old memories. The two of you act like nothing has changed. Like this isn't the first time that you have seen each other in person in three years. Like this isn't the first time you have actually had a conversation in three years.

"In the three years I have been gone, it sounds like no one has changed at all." You both start laughing.

"Not one bit." Steve confirms through a laugh. Letting a comfortable silence fall between the two of you.

Steve clears his throat slightly, "Since I'm free for the rest of the day, would you maybe be willing to show me some of the sights." A shy smile appearing on his face. "For the amount of times that I've been here, I have never actually been able to do any sight seeing."

Your heart warms at the gentleness in his voice when he asks, "Of course, Stevie." You smile brightly at him.

[etherealbuccky]

Always & Forever: Two

Summary: Soulmates are linked through identical marks. Some are large and distinctive making it easy to find each other. Some, however, are very small and easy to miss. Mila Jones was born with a small crescent moon on her wrist, whereas Bucky Barnes saw his appear on his wrist at the young age of 10. despite all odds being against them finding each other, they do. Forcing both of them to make important decisions and figure out what they really want out of life. Can she be happy with a mobster? Will they give love a chance?

Bucky made his way into his office with Steve just two steps behind him. Walking in he saw Nat was already waiting for them with a bored look on her face.

“Mila Jones, just moved here from DC and lives alone in SoHo. Mom’s a lawyer, dad’s a physician. Law degree and works for Stark as a contract manager. No record, nothing out of the ordinary. Her address and additional info are in the folder. Why the hell are we looking into her again?” she asked with the same bored expression.

“Not important. Thanks for getting the info so quickly.”

The red head just nodded at this and walked out of the office.

“You can’t keep her a secret forever you know.” Steve said with a knowing look in his eyes.

“I know, I just want to keep it a secret ‘till we figure it out.”

“What’s there to figure out? She’s your soulmate. Not everyone is lucky enough to find theirs especially with a mark as small as yours. Go after her Buck, you deserve a bit of happiness.”

“Steve did you hear a word Nat just said? This girl grew up in a happy home with two accomplished parents and has no record whatsoever. What the hell is she gonna want with a mobster? It ain’t gonna work Stevie.” He said with a sigh.

Sam walked in looking uncharacteristically serious. “Rumlow just hit two of our guys. We need to deal with this before he gets outta hand.”

Bucky’s face was suddenly devoid of emotion. “Get Barton, Odinson and Maximoff” He said while grabbing his gun and tucking a knife into his sleeve.

After a while the six men were standing in front of a seemingly abandoned warehouse. Bucky turned to his men with a serious expression.

“I’ll do the talking and see if the punk takes the easy way out. If not and any of his men draw their weapons you give em hell. Rumlow is mine.” Of course no one ever takes the easy way out, he thought as he was driving back to his brownstone in Brooklyn heights covered in blood and with bruised and bloodied knuckles. But at least he made it known that no one touches his people and lives. After a long shower he slipped on a pair of black sweatpants and a grey T-shirt. Sitting down at his kitchen table and pouring himself a drink he looked over the file Nat had given him that afternoon. She was beautiful, no doubt. Quite a few year younger than him too. She had curly black hair, big brown eyes and plump pouty lips. Her umber skin had a certain glow to it, like she radiated sunshine. He could stare at her face all day, but he wouldn’t let himself. How could she ever love him? Who in their right mind would agree to becoming his and having a target on their back for the rest of their lives? Finishing his drink, he decided that he was going to meet her the next day and explain why it could never work. They go their separate ways, and everyone is happy. Going to sleep that night all he could see were those pretty eyes and that damn mark on her wrist.

The rest of her day was spent deep in thought. She found him, or rather he found her, and she ran off like a mad woman. This was not at all how she had imagined her first meeting with her soulmate. She imagined them meeting in a bookstore or a coffee shop, as cheesy as that was. She imagined shy introductions and starting off as friends. Getting to know each other and gently explaining that she could never be in a relationship. Not after him. They would be non-romantic soulmates. There for each other in a way that was far more reliable than romantic relationships. No jealousy, no drama, no heartbreak.

She got home after a rather busy day at the office and ordered a pizza before stepping into the shower and removing all of her makeup. After moisturizing and changing into a black hoodie and some matching sweats the delivery guy was at the door. Her night was spent stuffing her face and wondering how they would meet again. Would they meet again? Did she throw away their chance by running away? Only time will tell, she supposed. Going to bed later that night all she could think about were those slate blue eyes and the itty bitty moon on his wrist. About the man who was destined to be hers but never could be because she was broken beyond repair.

The next morning she was having coffee in her small apartment, dressed in black pencil pants and a white silk blouse. She was wearing her favorite lipstick and smooth jazz was playing in the background. It was a good morning. All she could think about was whether or not she’d see him again. Checking her watch she put on her coat and left for work. When she stepped out into the cold she saw a pair of familiar eyes looking right at her. He was dressed in a black three-piece suit and has his hair pulled into the same low bun. God he was beautiful. He looked at her in a way she couldn’t quite decipher but it still sent a chill down her spine. He opened the door to the range rover he was leaning against and motioned for her to get in the car.

“Please, let me drive you to work. It’s too cold to be walkin’ doll.” He said with a cocky grin. He hoped she couldn’t see through his act, his heart was racing awaiting her reaction.

“Obviously your social skills are ever worse than mine, and that’s saying something.” She smiled and stuck out her hand. “My name’s  Mila, nice to meet you. This is the part where you introduce yourself and tell me how you figured out where I live. Fingers crossed it isn’t creepy.” She said with an amused look on her face. One on one interactions she could always handle easily. Groups are what scare her into being an awkward stammering mess.

“Bucky Barnes.” He said taking her hand in his and lifting it to his lips to place a kiss on her knuckles. He saw her getting flustered at the gesture and it made his heart swell in his chest. Cute, he thought. “Let me just drive you to work please, I’ll explain everything over lunch later if you’ll join me.” She knew she shouldn’t trust strangers but it was freezing out and she was far too curious about him to decline. So she got in the car and let him drive her to work. The journey was mostly silent. Until he asked her what time she would like for him to pick her up and what kind of food she likes. “12.30 is when I have my break and anything’s fine really.” She said with a small smile as they pulled up in front of the building.

“Alright then, see ya at 12.30.” He said with a small smile which she gladly returned. He reached over her to get the door for her and only then did she realize how amazing he smelt. She has to force herself to lean away from his body and she hurried off muttering a quick goodbye. Driving back to his office all he could think about was how great she smells and how good that lipstick looked on her. He had to force himself to stop staring at her beautifully plump lips. What was he getting into?

12.30 came around quickly and she hurried towards the elevator saying a quick goodbye to her coworkers. Stepping out of the building, she saw him right where she left him. Looking right at her with those beautiful blue eyes. She thanked him for opening the door for her and he gave her a small smile. This smile was a lot less easy than the one he gave her this morning. He looked anxious. They pulled up to a nice looking Italian place and he got out first to open her door for her. They got out and walked in. The place was completely empty, despite her knowing it was damn near impossible to get a reservation here. This convinced her even more that the allegations were true. One quick google search at the office earlier and she found out he’s a very dangerous person. A string of murders throughout the city ever since he allegedly took over a Brooklyn based mob. None of the crimes were linked back to him in the form of evidence of course, which is why he was here right in front of her. She looked at him questioningly and he just smiled and said he thought it would be better to have some privacy. She nodded, thinking he must not want to hide what he does for a living from her. They were seated immediately and he asked her if she preferred red or white wine.

“I don’t drink.”

“At all?” He asked surprised. She just nodded and asked for an iced tea while he ordered a red wine. She was fidgeting and he noticed. It worried him. Did she already find out who he really was? Was she scared of him already? Worries flooded his mind until he heard her speak softly.

“I know who you are, what you do. I googled you at the office earlier. I thought I’d let you know to save you from having to explain. You look nervous enough as it is.” He forced himself to keep his composure. “I can neither confirm nor deny these allegations.” He said with that stupid cocky smirk. “Cut the crap Barnes, I can see you’re nervous. But, as it is we are allegedly perfect for each other. So, I won’t judge you for how you make a living. However, I really don’t want any part of it.” He nodded in understanding. She looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to say something, anything.

“I get that you don’t want anything to do with my business. However I would like to get to know you. No expectations, just getting to know each other.” She found the uncertainty in his voice endearing. She should tell him, she supposes. “I’d like that too, I should tell you though, I’m not at a place where I can be involved with anyone romantically.” She said quietly.  “I accept everything that you are, if you accept that we can only be friends.”

He wanted her to be more than a friend. Especially because she was so accepting of who he was and what he does. But he had to try, for her. He gave her a small smile and agreed to her terms. “Fair enough.” He said with a voice that raised the hairs on the back of her neck. Lunch came and they talked about anything and everything. She found him surprisingly easy to talk to and he liked hearing her laugh. She told him about her love for jazz, the books she’s currently reading because she can never just read one at a time and how she was an only child. He told her how he came to take over his dad’s business when a hit took out both of his parents. He had just graduated college at the time. He has three sisters two of them are married and moved away to London and Amsterdam respectively. They couldn’t take this life anymore. The eldest of the three however, Rebecca, still lived in Brooklyn and they have dinner together every Sunday.  It was almost time to go and they were drinking coffee, he remembered he needed to lay down some ground rules with her.

“Doll, before I forget,” She felt her cheeks heat up at the pet name. “If I’m gonna be in your life you’ll need protection. My line of work is unpredictable. You’ll have a driver to take you to and from work. I’ll have people looking out for you at all times and make sure no one can get to you. I know being associated with me can be risky business but I can more than handle it.” It was as if she was only now realizing what she had agreed to but she pushed down the bad thoughts and put on her brave face.

“I can handle myself just fine you know.” She said with a small smile.

“Then let me do it for my own peace of mind. Please, Mila.” Her name coming from his lips was like music to her ears as she pushed those feelings down too. She couldn’t let herself think like that.  “Alright. I agree to you terms, but I have some of my own.” He nodded for her to continue. “You can’t just show up without letting me know beforehand, If we meet it’ll never be at each other’s houses because that’d be risky. Also, we keep this between us. The less people that know about us being soulmates the less messy anything can get.”

“Agreed. I’ll admit showing up at your house and job was a bit reckless. Steve is outside he’ll take you back to work and take you home later too. Your driver starts tomorrow.”

“Who’s Steve?”

“My right hand man, my closest friend. You can trust him, probably more than you can trust me.” He said the last bit with a sweet smile.

“So I can safely assume he already knows about me?”

“Yeah he does, I tell him everything.” She nodded slowly before letting him guide her outside after dropping far too much money on the table. Outside was one of the men she saw the first time she met Bucky. He was blonde, tall and quite muscular. He gave her a warm smile and reached out his hand. “Hi there, I’m Steve Rogers nice to meet you, again.” He chuckled. She returned the smile and shook his hand. “I’m Mila Jones, but you already knew that.” He just smiled at that and opened the passenger side door for her. She gave Bucky one last look and he smiled at her saying “I’ll text you.” She nodded and got in the car giving him one last smile. The drive back to work with Steve was nice. He was really funny and easy to talk to. He asked her what time he should be there to pick her up and gave her a tight hug before he left.

The rest of her workday was pretty uneventful. It was 4PM when she went to get some coffee downstairs and felt her phone vibrate. It was a text from Bucky.

Bucky: Dinner tomorrow?

Mila: How did you get my number?

Bucky: Don’t ask any questions, and I won’t tell any lies ;)

Mila: Fine, don’t tell me.

Bucky: So I’ll have Lance pick you up tomorrow at 7?

Mila: Sure, sounds good. Where are we going? And is Lance the poor guy driving me around?

Bucky: One of my places, less prying eyes. Yes, Lance will be your driver.

He says it like it’s normal to own several restaurants. She thought to herself.

Mila: Okay, see you then.

She got her coffee and finished reviewing the remaining documents, adding remarks here and there. Packing up and taking a few documents to review later at home, she said goodbye to her colleagues and got on the elevator with Wanda. They talked about upcoming deadlines, Yvonne from marketing’s horrible lipstick and about meeting for brunch on Sunday. She got out on the ground floor hugging Wanda goodbye as she had to be at the underground parking lot. She expected to see Steve but saw Bucky instead. Raising an eyebrow at him he just gave her a smile and opened the car door for her. Once in the car she couldn’t stop herself from asking.

“I thought we had a deal?”

“I know, I know. I just had a no good horrible fucking trash day and I needed a distraction. So, can you do that for me please?” He asked looking frustrated and sad all at the same time. “Sure, while we’re breaking the rules anyways, let’s go to my place. I make a mean lasagna. It’s bound to lift your spirits.” She smiled at him and he couldn’t help but smile back. They got to her place and looking around he saw white walls, a cozy living area to the left and a small kitchen to the right with a round dining table dividing the two areas. He saw an open door right ahead, revealing a large bed and a vanity. She had a lot of plants around the apartment and a record player in the corner. Books were scattered everywhere.

“I know it ain’t much but I love it.” She said while walking into the kitchen.

“No, No. I love it. It’s cozy.” He said with that beautiful smile of his. She walked back taking of her coat and stretching out her hand to take his too.

“Make yourself comfortable, I’ll start cooking”

“No doll, I don’t like feeling useless. Let me help. Just tell me where you need me.”

“I wouldn’t wanna ruin your suit Buck. Is it alright if I call you Buck?”

“Doll, you can call me whatever you want.” He said with a wink. She just laughed and threw an apron at him. He took off his suit jacket and waistcoat and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt putting on the apron. The night was spent cooking, laughing and making fun of each other. The ate with Nina Simone drifting through the small apartment and after having some ice cream while she gave him a few book recommendations and showed him her record collection. Their fun was cut short when Bucky got a call from Steve and had to rush off. He gave her a tight hug and promised to see her tomorrow for dinner. 

She did the dishes with a heavy heart. Bucky was nice, he made her feel comfortable and he seemed to relax around her too. She knew it was only a matter of time before one of them fell for the other hard. Yet all she could think about was how she lost Tommy and a feeling of guilt washed over her. Life can really be a cruel joke sometimes, she thought. After a long shower and finally going over the documents she went to bed thinking of how nice it felt to hug Bucky. Little did she know that a certain mobster was thinking about the same hug while washing the blood from under his fingernails. All he could think was how nice it had felt, and how small the chance of her being this kind to him would have been if she saw him right now. Blood covered his hands face and most of his shirt and none of it was his. He hoped she would never have to see this side of her. 

That night he didn’t sleep a wink. She consumed his every thought. He had only just met her, how was this even possible. “Guess that’s how I knew she really is my soulmate.” He muttered to himself while taking a sip of his Bourbon. He couldn’t help but wonder why she didn’t want a relationship. Was she hurt badly? Did she just not want to be with him? He doubted that the latter was her reason seeing as she has been nothing but honest with him so far. Night faded into morning and he watched the sun rise while images of her lips and those gorgeous brown eyes flooded his mind. Pools of honey, he thought to himself.

[this-ginger-has-no-soul]

Our last first dance

(A/N): I think I have a bit of writer’s block so instead of messing up everyone’s request to help get over it I decided to write this to help myself out

Summary: The story of (Y/N) and Bucky’s last and first dance together

Warnings: angst?

Tags: @mcuimxgine, @ifoundlove-x0vanessa0x, @saradi1018, @holland-toms, @superwholockian309, @fly-f0rever, @capbuckthor

(I also got inspiration for this fic from the song It’s been a long, long time by Harry James and Kitty Kallen) 

 Never thought that you would be Standing here so close to me There's so much I feel that I should say But words can wait until some other day

   (Y/N) and Bucky gently swayed to the soft music playing in the air, slowly moving in time with the music. Bucky was dressed in his uniform, ready to be shipped out and (Y/N) was wearing something far less fancy but Bucky found them just as radiant in the dim lighting in their old, ratty clothes as he did when they were dressed to the nines. His arms were wrapped around (Y/N)’s waist, loosely, his face nuzzled into the crook of their neck as they held him tightly, little heartbreaking sniffles falling from their lips. 

   The silence over the two had been heavy, both of them too scared to break it, neither one even knowing what words to say. They had both said their goodbyes earlier that week, the thought of having to say goodbye on that particular day just too heartbreaking for either of them to handle. 

   It was only a few hours until Bucky had to leave, until he had to go fight men, murder them. They both knew there was a good chance that he wasn’t going to come back, there had already been so many reports of men who had died that it was almost common now to hear about it but neither one of them had accepted that particular thought yet. 

   Bucky reaches up, gently running a hand over (Y/N)’s hair as he gently sways back and forth with them, slowly moving in a small circle. They’d been dancing for god knows how long, long enough that it was now dark and Bucky’s feet were starting to ache but he didn’t want to stop- he didn’t want this to ever stop. 

   Eventually the song began to draw to a close, the soft crackling of the record ending filling the room. The swaying stops but Bucky won’t let go of (Y/N), not yet at least. He holds them against him as much as he can without hurting them, his eyes beginning to brim with tears. He didn’t want to leave (Y/N), he didn’t want to have to leave them here all alone, no one to keep them warm during the winter, no one to dance with them in the evenings, no one to take to science conventions, no one to read to every night, no one to bathe with- (Y/N) would have no one. 

"When you get back," (Y/N) whispers, their voice hoarse with emotion. “I can make you some nice food, maybe open up that bottle of wine we’ve been saving?” Bucky’s heart aches in his chest as he nods, his fingers going numb as he grips the back of (Y/N)’s shirt, his knuckles nearly white as he does. 

   “Yeah- yeah, that sounds nice,” (Y/N) smiles sadly, their eyes twinkling with emotion. 

   “We can invite Stevie over, have a nice reunion,” Bucky smiles at them, an actual genuine smile. God- they looked so beautiful, with those shining eyes and soft lips, those slightly pink cheeks and that wonderful messy hair. Bucky reaches out with his left hand, gingerly tucking a strand of hair behind (Y/N)’s ear. 

   “That sounds great doll,” Bucky gently nuzzles his nose against their own, breathing in their scent for the last time. His eyes catch the time on the old clock nailed to their living room wall, the old hands reading that it was nearly 7:45; he only had two hours left to get to his post. 

   “I’ve got to go (Y/N),” Bucky whispers, his voice straining against his will to cry. (Y/N) nods their head, sighing shakily as they do. 

   “I guess you do,” Bucky gives them another smile as he presses a gentle kiss to their lips, slowly starting to uncurl his arms from their body. (Y/N) kisses back, all their love and passion exuded into this one kiss- their last kiss. Bucky eventually pulls away, knowing that if he didn’t now then he never would. With one last sad smile Bucky pulls away, grabbing his suit cases that had been cautiously placed by the front door. “I’ll see you soon Barnes,” (Y/N) smiles at him as they rest their head against a wall, their eyes brimming with tears once again. 

   “I’ll see you soon Doll,” 

You'll never know how many dreams I've dreamed about you. Or just how empty they all seemed without you.

   (Y/N) awoke with an abrupt scream, their entire being quivering as they clutched their sheets to their chest. 

  “Bucky- Bucky I just had the worst nightmare-” But when (Y/N) reached out to hold Bucky like they usually did they found his side of the bed empty, the sheets cold. Oh...it hadn’t been a nightmare. 

   All these years and Bucky was still haunting (Y/N)’s dreams, leaving them reeling from the past. It was nearly 1992 and that man was still glued into (Y/N)’s memories like a bug. Usually losing someone didn’t hurt this much- after all, being a god came with the price of leaving behind loved ones but (Y/N) had learned to get over it. They’d lived a thousand lives, married a thousand people and yet none of them had hurt as much as Bucky did. 

   With a sigh (Y/N) flopped back onto their sweaty sheets, their heart aching from the pain of their dream. It had felt so real; (Y/N) had only ever heard stories about Bucky’s death but in their dreams (Y/N) could see his face as he fell to his death, heard the snap of his bones as he hit the snowy earth. Tears well within (Y/N)’s eyes and they try to rub them away using the palm of their hands but the dream was too raw- too fresh even to this day.

    God- (Y/N) would do anything to have Bucky by their side, smiling at them softly as he tenderly held them, just the way he did all those years ago. (Y/N) looks over to the vacant side of the bed, sighing shakily as they attempt to reign in their tears. The sight of the empty bed was starting to get too much for (Y/N) to handle so they flip over, hugging their sheets to their chest as they willed themself to go back to sleep- praying to whatever entity out there that Bucky wouldn’t make a reappearance in their dreams again. 

    Years had ticked by, nearly 20 years before (Y/N) finally had some form of closure. It had been a simple work day, go to the coffee shop across the street, spend a few hours there and then head home to get some shut eye. What they didn’t expect was too walk right into the middle of an arrest it looked like- a million cop cars surrounding the square. (Y/N)’s eyes search over the crowd, landing on one particular man. He wore a white shirt and some plain pants and he looked almost similar to the last time (Y/N) saw him all those years ago. 

   “Steve?” (Y/N) breathes out, cocking their head to the side. No...it wasn’t possible, Steve had died the same year as Bucky, there was no way- (Y/N)’s train of thought becomes derailed as the patriotic man turns around the square, looking around before his eyes landed on them. His eyebrows furrow and his lips part in surprise and recognition, his usually stoic features suddenly morphing. 

  “(Y/N)?” Steve calls out, his whole body turning to face them. “Is that you?” The rest of the group, the cops, some darkly dressed man, all the city people all turn to looks at (Y/N), their eyes raking over their form in scrutiny. 

   (Y/N) gulps as they walk forward, completely ignoring the way the police officer’s tensed up. 

   “Yeah Stevie,” (Y/N) smiles a bit, hoping they didn’t look to guilty. (Y/N) had never told Bucky or Steve about their condition, about the fact that they were a literal god. It seemed rather pointless if the two were just going to die someday but now Steve was alive, standing there and staring right back at (Y/N).  “It’s me,” 

   (Y/N)’s mouth ran dry as they flipped through Steve’s mission report, their eyes raking over all the information. 

   “H-He’s alive?” (Y/N) squeaks, their voice unable to do much else. 

   “I saw his face (Y/N), he looked at me and didn’t even recognize me...he didn’t even know his own name,” (Y/N) sighs shakily, throwing the folder across the table and at Fury, someone they had gotten to know well these last few years. All the repressed pain was slowly starting to boil back up, threatening to overflow if (Y/N) didn’t do anything about it. 

   “Steve, I can’t-” 

   “I know it’s painful (Y/N) but-” 

   “Steve, I said I can’t. I have watched him die over and over again, every single night since the report and I can’t- I can’t watch it again...” 

   “So you’re not gonna help us?” 

   “I’m sorry Steve,” (Y/N) sighs, standing from their chair as they do. “But I’m out,” 

    “Which version of Bucky am I talking to?” Steve asks, his eyes soft as he gazed at his best friend. Bucky sighs softly, squeezing his eyes shut as he attempts to recall his memories all of which had been clouded by years and years of brainwashing. 

  “I-I-” Bucky trails off at the sound of footsteps, the soft light ones that sounded painfully familiar. 

  “Steve, god, do you know how hard it was to sneak out of that place?” (Y/N)’s voice. It was (Y/N)’s voice. Bucky’s head perks up just a bit at their voice, his mind recollecting a few memories from their past, a past they had shared together. 

   “I never did get that reunion (Y/N),” Bucky looks up, his gaze connecting with (Y/N)’s. (Y/N) seemingly gulps, their eyes glazed over as they look at him, their expression unreadable. 

   “It’s been kinda hard to cook a nice meal when we’re on the run Buck,” (Y/N) suddenly smiles, making Bucky’s heart flutter just a bit. “God- can we stop holding him back like some animal?” (Y/N) demands harshly, looking away from Bucky for a split second. Steve quickly nods as he helps Bucky maneuver his arm out of the makeshift weight he and Sam had improvised. Bucky moves his arm immediately, gingerly rubbing at the plates. (Y/N) sighs, muttering a quick ‘thank you’ before they drop down beside Bucky, running their fingers along his arm. 

   “It doesn’t hurt doll-” Bucky pauses when (Y/N) grabs his hand, lacing their fingers together. 

   “It’s nice to see you again...jerk,” 

Kiss me once, then kiss me twice Then kiss me once again. It's been a long, long time. Haven't felt like this, my dear Since I can't remember when. It's been a long, long time

   The soft music of some old record player was almost warm in the cold lab, the colorful notes a stark contrast to the white everything, the walls, the tables, even Bucky’s clothes were white. This time the two continued to sway softly, only now Bucky could only do it with one arm, his other one stuck in some hydra base far, far away. His face was nuzzled into (Y/N)’s neck once again as the two slowly danced together, just like the old days. 

   There was no heavy atmosphere this time, instead it was light and happy, there was no need for goodbyes or tears, there was no need to rush their dancing, no reason for last anythings. Rather they had new beginnings, this wasn’t some sad, last dance instead it was a peaceful first dance, and they were going to make the most of it.  

   “I’ve missed you Barnes,” (Y/N) whispers, resting their head against Bucky’s chest, just above his beating heart. Bucky smiles, nuzzling against (Y/N) just a tiny bit more. 

  “I’ve missed you too,” Bucky whispers back, placing a gentle kiss to (Y/N)’s neck. (Y/N) hums, as they slowly step in time with the music, their soft vibrations also in time with the music. 

  “So kiss me once, then kiss me twice, then kiss me once again,’ (Y/N) sings along, their voice just as soft as the music. “Haven’t felt like this, my dear since I can’t remember when, it’s been a long, long time,” Bucky smirks as he pulls away, just enough to nudge (Y/N)’s nose up using his own given his one arm was wrapped around their waist snugly. (Y/N) looks at him for a second or two before he leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to their lips. (Y/N)’s just about to kiss back when Bucky pulls away, smirking up a damn storm. But before (Y/N) could even begin to complain Bucky kisses them once again, giving them a sweet taste before pulling back once again. 

  “Barnes if you don’t properly kiss me-” This time Bucky leans in and stays there, kissing (Y/N) as sweetly as he could manage. (Y/N) whimpers against his lips as they reach up to cup his cheeks, kissing him back with just as much passion as he was kissing them. 

   “I agree,” Bucky whispers, pulling back just enough to whisper, “It’s been a long, long time,” 

[coffeenfun]

Artwork - Part 1

Summery: Bucky Barnes is a struggling artist who has no inspiration, until he saw you. Word Count: 1100+ Triggers: Homework A/N: Based on this ask from @bucky-plums-barnes spinoff saturday

If you could go back and change one thing in your life it would be going to college. You could probably live off minimum wage. It would be so much better then writing this damn essay.

‘20 pages’ you mumbled to yourself as you pushed the door open to your favourite coffee shop. It was early morning so the line was crazy long. Opting to sit down and wait for the line to get a little shorter, you had your pick of tables.

After scanning the room for a few minutes, the weight of your laptop on your shoulder becoming ever more present, you made your decision. There was a round table, enough for two people but your laptop claimed it for you. It was right in the back, in the corner. You had a perfect view of the whole room, the platform it was on slightly raised.

Sighing to yourself, you plopped yourself down on the chair. You opened the laptop and took out the relevant papers. You started typing and by 10 the room was practically empty

-

‘God, Stevie!! I can’t think of anything’ Bucky was walking down the street. After spending the whole night in his studio he decided to take a break. Maybe in the madness of being sleep deprived would inspire him.

‘It can’t be that bad’ Steve had obviously taken a bite out of the cream cheese bagel that his wife Sharon made him.

‘All I can think of is-’ Bucky stopped, not actually having anything to end his sentence.

‘That sounds great. I can just see the title of your newest piece “Bucky Barnes’ Nothing”’ Steve giggled, his voice was slightly hushed showing he was at work.

‘Ha ha very funny’ Bucky ran his fingers through his hair, and inhaled deeply.

‘Anyway, I’ll see you tonight. Chinese?’

‘Always’

Bucky pushed open the door of the coffee shop closest to him. The door had a bell attached to it that no one in the room actually paid attention to. He looked behind him as he walked away from the door, wondering why they even had the bell there. He was overwhelmed with the smell of coffee and fresh pastries. Realising he hadn't eaten in ages, his mouth watered immediately.

There was a line of three people so he joined the back, pulling out his phone and scrolling through instagram. The man looked up for a moment and searched the room. Hoping to find any kind of inspiration. When his mission failed, and he was one person closer to getting that wonderfully delicious warm liquid, he turned back to his phone.

He moved forward with the line, staring intensely at his phone. Until he heard your voice. Looking up to see the face that matched the voice. You were looking up at the menu and talking to the barista, who was a young girl with dark curly hair and dark skin to match. Your voice was tired, and your lips move in time with the words he heard. Smiling slightly.

You waited for the transaction to be done before moving to the other counter. Bucky ordered quickly and moved to join you to collect your drinks, when he got there you looked up from your phone and offered a small quick smile. It wasn't long before your drink was given to you. He was so immersed in the way your finger moved over the screen of your phone that he missed your name and decided that was for the best.

His drink soon followed and he chose his seat. There was a square table along one of the sides of the walls. It was low, perfect for him to scratch.

You were sat looking in your our mug then at your screen and at your mug again, searching for motivation in the ripples on the surface. Deciding to actually do work you put your arms above your head and stretched your body out. Bucky sat at the table that gave him the best view of you, and took out the pad of paper he kept with him. Your eyes were closed so you couldn't see the brunet watching you, tracing every curve with the tip of his pencil. Hearing a satisfying click you put yourself back to work.

You sat there all day, getting lunch there too. Your fingers never stopped working.

Every few minutes your position would change and Bucky would have to use a new piece of paper. He had some favourite positions of you. One of them being when your back was curved over the back of the chair. Your shirt had ridden up, showing the soft flesh of your belly. Your eyes were closed and lips pouted as you let out a deep breath. He couldn't capture the soft moan you let out when your body clicked in the drawing, but he would never forget it.

At lunchtime there was a big rush and Bucky’s view of you was cut off by a group of men in suits. Each of them talking in deeper voices then the other, signaling they were the most masculine of the group.

Some young girls walked in giggling loudly and you looked over to the door. Only for a split second but he had to capture your expression. Your whole face was deep in concentration except your eyes. They were both wide with curiosity, wondering why the girls were laughing.

Had they all passed an exam they had spent the last month stressing about? Did one of their crushes ask them out?

Of course Bucky had no idea what you were actually thinking, but from that one look you gave them he liked to think that's what it was.

At the end of the day when the sun was going down and the pink hue of the sky was falling through the glass doors, you held your mug of fresh coffee. Your whole palm covered it, the  warmth transferring to your blood. You sighed softly as your work was done, a small smile plastered on your face.

Your eyes scanned the room, but stopped at the gorgeous brunette. He was drawing something, the pencil flicking over the paper and making a satisfying scratching sound. His head was tilted and facing down, his eyebrows forced together. Making a line between them. He stopped drawing and looked up.

Your eyes met.

You immediately stopped looking at him and closed your laptop. Quickly packing say you slung the laptop back over your shoulder and left.

-

‘Bucky?’ Steve walked into Bucky’s studio, wanting to spend his evening with someone while Sharon was at work late. ‘Bucky? I have chinese’ Steve turned to see his best friend with a streak of red on his forehead and various other colours splattered all over him.

‘Steve, I found it! I found my inspiration’ his face was warped into what Steve imagined Vincent van Gogh looked like before he cut his own ear off.

‘So, no Chinese?’ Steve held the bag of food up. His friend grabbed it out of his hand and smelled the contents of the bag.

‘Of course Chinese.’

Part 2

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