#sampson barnes

[beachlifelez]

“OK, ladies, good practice. All except for you, Sampson. Ten laps and 100 free throws before you hit the showers. The rest of you, go home and get some rest.”

Her teammates all looked at Ella Sampson. Coach Barnes was being a real bitch. Ella was the captain and worked harder than anyone. They figured if Coach could treat the captain this way, she could keep the rest of the team in line.

Some of her teammates offered to stay with Ella, but she said it was OK and they could take off, so they did. Ella went about her punishment, actually doing an extra ten laps after her free throws.

She hit the quiet lockerroom and undressed. She went to the shower room and started washing up. And waited. But not for long. Coach Barnes appeared, also naked.

“You kept me waiting, Ella. Why is that?”

“Well, coach, I know you like me sweaty, so I did some extra laps for you.”

“Good girl. Let’s see.”

Coach reached down and pressed her lips agains one of Ella’s breasts. She moaned a bit as she licked the sweat off Ella’s body. At the same time, she reached between Ella’s legs and encountered what she knew would be a yummily warm and wet pussy.

Ella began her own moaning as Coach’s mouth and fingers worked their familiar magic. She humped Coach’s hand as her fingers began an intense, rhythmic fucking. After a few minutes of this, Coach removed her fingers and put them against Ella’s mouth.

“Taste yourself.”

Ella sucked Coach’s fingers into her mouth. Coach moved her other hand to Ella’s clit, rubbing it as Ella licked and sucked her own juices off her fingers. Ella was getting close, but Coach stopped rubbing and pulled her fingers out of Ella’s mouth.

“My turn to taste.”

Coach Barnes went to her knees. Before she dove in, she took a very long smell of Ella’s sex. The combination of Ella’s sweat and the moisture elicited by all of her digital stimulation was sheer heaven to Coach. She shuddered a bit at the sensation she felt, and then, she did dive in, greedily.

Ella leaned back against the shower wall, bracing herself for the climax she knew wasn’t far away. Those extra laps were definitely paying dividends.

[sjsmith56]

The Next Night

Summary: An aspiring jazz singer meets Bucky Barnes through her grandfather and invites him to join her and her friends at a dance club.

Length: 4.4 K

Characters: Bucky Barnes, named OFC, named OMC, other minor OCs.

Warnings: brief reference to cannabis use. Otherwise, this is romantic fluff.

Author notes: This one shot is a sequel of sorts to the story Night Music. It is told with the singer as a central character. The music referenced can be found on Spotify. Stomping at the Savoy, performed by Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra (original written by Edgar Sampson, lyrics added later by Andy Razaf). Shake, Rattle and Roll (original title in 1940, then changed to Afternoon of a Moax), performed by Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra (music by Charlie Barnet). Shoo-Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy, performed by Stan Kenton Orchestra featuring June Christy (music by Guy Wood, lyrics by Sammy Gallop). It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), performed by Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington and his Orchestra (music by Duke Ellington, lyrics by Irving Mills). The Man I Love, performed by Ella Fitzgerald (any version as they are all sublime), (music by George Gershwin, words by Ira Gershwin).

🎶 🎶 🎶

On the elevator up to the sixth floor apartment of Lia's grandfather, she thought over the response she got at Barney's the night before.  It had probably been the best audience she ever performed in front of at the open mic night.  The standing ovation to I'll Never Smile Again had been unexpected.  It was the first time she performed it live, wanting to honour her grandfather and the love he still had for his late wife, who died when Lia's father was only 6 years old, the youngest of four children.  Briskly walking down the hallway to her grandfather's apartment, Lia unlocked the door with her keys, being a frequent visitor to the man who encouraged her to pursue singing.  Cheryl, the day nurse / housekeeper came out of the laundry room.

"He's out on the patio," she said to Lia.  "He has a guest and is in fine form."

"Oh?  Who's visiting him today?  Darnell?" 

He was a musician whose father performed back in the day with her grandfather.  The two sometimes smoked up together, although Darnell often smoked the bulk of the joint.  Grandpa usually only took a couple of hits, claiming it helped his appetite. 

"No, a new friend."  Cheryl looked towards the door out to the patio before leaning towards her.  "It's that Bucky Barnes, the guy who used to be the Winter Soldier.  He seems nice enough and he's definitely easy on the eyes."

Well, that was interesting.  Thanking Cheryl for the heads up, Lia headed towards the door, looking out to where her grandfather sat with a dark-haired man, the latter with his back to the door.  She stepped out onto the bright surface, pulling her sunglasses out of her purse and sliding them onto her head.

"Ah, there she is," said her grandfather, raising his hand to her.

The dark-haired man stood up immediately and turned towards her.  Cheryl wasn't kidding.  Up close, the man was definitely handsome and familiar.  She noticed his left hand right away but put her hand out to shake hands with him.

"You must be Bucky," she said.  "Cheryl told me Grandpa made a new friend.  I'm Lia."

He smiled, shook her hand, then gestured to the chair he had been sitting in, getting another chair from a stack near the door and bringing it over as she kissed her grandfather on the cheek.  Letting her have his seat was a thoughtful gesture.  As she sat down, she slid her sunglasses on, then looked at the handsome super soldier.

"So, how did you meet Grandpa?  He doesn't get out much, being so old, even though he's young at heart."

Bucky looked at her grandfather first then smiled self-consciously.

"I heard you singing from the street and followed your voice to the fire escape of that building over there."  He pointed to the older apartment building across the alley.  "I climbed the fire escape and sat in the shadows watching and listening.  I wanted to see the face that went with that beautiful voice.  You're a great singer."

The compliment was sincere and she appreciated it.

"Thank you.  That's probably the most original pickup line I've ever heard.  Is it really true?"

"100% true," he grinned.  "After you left, your grandpa came over to the ledge and called me out of the shadows.  Invited me over for bourbon and a cigar, so I came over."

"That probably didn't go over well with Irene."  She looked at her grandfather, who winked at her.

"It didn't but we had a good visit before she got here," said Grandpa.  "You and Bucky should go out sometime.  He loves the music that you love so that's something you two have in common already.  It's what your grandma and I started with."

She and Bucky both chuckled, then she leaned towards him.

"Do you like dancing?"

"Depends on the music," he smiled.  "If it's to the same music that you sing, then yeah.  I enjoy it, although I haven't danced since about 1943."

She was going to ask why then remembered his background.  It was weird that this man was as old or older than Grandpa but looked a lot younger.  Still, the smile that appeared when she asked him about dancing was quite attractive in its own right.

"Well, there is a club that has swing dancing to some of the older classics every Saturday night.  I was going with a group of friends tonight.  You're welcome to join us."

"You don't want a grumpy guy like me with you," he answered. 

"Why not?" she asked, a hint of a challenge in her voice.  "Didn't stop you from watching me sing at Barney's last night."  Bucky coughed as he inhaled some cigar smoke the wrong way.  "I saw you."

"Told you she's got a mind of her own," grinned Sid.  "You should go, show these kids how it's done old school."

A chuckle escaped from Bucky's mouth.

"Not sure I have it in me anymore but sure."

Lia took her phone out, looked up the club and copied the location into a text then waited expectantly for Bucky to give her his phone number.  After she entered it she texted him the information, then watched as he saved her number to his contacts.

"Opens at 8 pm but we usually get there around 9.  You can wear what you want but my friends and I try to go period appropriate or a little dressy, although with this heat I won't be wearing stockings."

"I'll see what I can scrape together."

For the next hour the three of them talked of several things but it always came back to the music.  The fact that Bucky had seen several of her favourites, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington in person raised her estimation of him immensely.  The back and forth between him and her grandfather had her laughing more than once.  Although Bucky was invited to stay for lunch he begged off, claiming he needed the time to make himself pretty for the evening.  Lia walked with him to the apartment door, waiting as he picked up his breakfast leftovers from the fridge.

"Bagels and lox, huh?  Grandpa loves that."

"It's good food," replied Bucky.  "We did ask Cheryl to eat with us as I brought plenty."

Glancing at where the housekeeper was preparing lunch, Lia smiled.

"She's a nice lady.  Irene, not so much.  She wants everything her way."  She looked up at him.  "If you become a regular visitor try not to get on her bad side.  She can make it difficult for you."

"I like Sid, and I would like to keep visiting him, so I'll keep that in mind.  Does she like flowers?"

A laugh escaped from Lia.  "Yeah, what woman doesn't?"  She looked intently up at him.  "Don't stand me up, okay?"

"Wasn't thinking of it."

Impulsively, Bucky kissed her on the cheek, then opened the door to the hallway.  She watched him walk to the elevator, then closed the door after he entered it.  For a moment she stood there with her hand on the door knob.  There was definitely something worthwhile about Bucky Barnes.   Returning outside, she didn't see her grandfather, realizing he must have slipped into the bathroom.  When he returned, parking his scooter beside her chair, he reached out, inviting her to hold his hand.

"Do you like him?"

"Yeah, he's very interesting.  I could listen to his stories anytime."

He leaned closer.  "But do you like him?"  His eyes were fixed on her.  "Does he make you feel something inside?"

Sid Goldstein knew his granddaughter very well.  He knew that she was smart, ambitious, and intimidating to most men, because they underestimated her.  She could spot a fool within moments of meeting him.  So could Sid and he had quickly formed the opinion that Bucky Barnes was no fool.  The man had lived during the Depression, had worked a manual job, been a soldier, been a prisoner of war, and had survived decades of abuse and mind control to become the man he was today.  He had earned the right to have issues related to that abuse, but by all accounts he was an honourable man and Sid wanted nothing less than that for Lia.

"Yes, I do like him."  She fixed her eyes on her grandfather.  "I could fall in love with him."

"Well, spend some time with him, first, before you decide that," he grinned.  "But if it happens, then I can be happy for you."

He didn't add the caveat that he wanted to be sure she was set before he died.  Lia didn't like it when he talked about dying but he had noticed things lately; things that reminded him of his Minnie, who died in 1968.  Sid Goldstein figured his time was coming, soon.  Making sure Lia had someone to watch over her was the final thing he wanted to get done before he left this world, and he was certain the appearance of Bucky Barnes was a sign that he needed to take care of his granddaughter.

🎶

It wasn't as hot this evening as it was the night before as Lia got ready.  She chose one of her favourite dresses to wear, a red summer style with straps that met in between her shoulder blades then crossed at the front before returning to the back for tying off.  The flair on the skirt was perfect for dancing and if the house band called her up to sing, as they sometimes did, it would look great on stage.  With her hair up, the look would be complete.  A text from one of her girlfriends, Casey, said the ride share car was just minutes away from her place.  Quickly checking her makeup, Lia slipped her dancing shoes on, grabbed her clutch, making sure she had money, her phone, and lipstick, then headed out the door and down the elevator.  Casey, along with her brother, Jackson and his boyfriend Sean, greeted her with enthusiasm when she squeezed into the fourth seat of the SUV.

"You're wearing the red dress," noted Jackson.  "Someone you want to impress?"

"Maybe," answered Lia.  They all looked at her expectantly.  "I met someone and asked him to join us."

"Ooh, who is he?" asked Casey, "and why didn't you say something sooner?"

"I just met him this morning," she explained.  "He's a friend of Grandpa's." She sighed.  "I don't want to say who because he's known and I don't want you to have any preconceptions about him.  You'll recognize him when he gets there."

"Is the guy cute?" asked Sean.

"He's handsome, not cute.  He's a man, not a guy."

The two men peppered her with questions, trying to guess who it was but Lia refused to answer for the entire ride.  They all stared out the window at the small lineup already in place at the club, asking Lia if he was there.  She looked but didn't see him and shook her head.  As they clambered out, they saw more friends in line and stopped to talk.  Lia, who was a club member with priority entrance privileges, invited them to join her and went to the front of the line where the doorman, Brett, recognized her and let them in.  She waited for the others to enter then pulled her phone out, looking up a picture of Bucky.

"I'm expecting this guy to join us," she said, showing Brett the image.  "Could you make sure he gets inside?"

"You know him?" asked the burly doorman, surprised at the request.

"He's friends with Grandpa," she answered.  "Met him this morning."

"Okay," smiled Brett.  "I'll be nice."

"You're a sweetheart," she grinned as she entered.

More acquaintances were inside, greeting her as she looked for the others.  Several asked if she was performing but she just shrugged, as it was up to the house band.  By the time she got to her friends, the manager had already sought her out, asking for a couple of songs later.  As she sat on the banquette bench against the wall, a drink was slid towards her and a toast was made to having a great evening.  Then Jackson and Sean, sitting next to her, suddenly stopped talking and looked towards the entrance where a man was drawing attention just standing there.

"Is that ...?" asked Sean.

"Looks like him," replied Jackson.  "My God, he's hot."

Lia looked to where the others were focused, seeing Bucky eyeing the place, wearing black pleated pants, and a white shirt with a stripe pattern.  The shirt, with the sleeves rolled up exposing his powerful right forearm and left metal arm, was unbuttoned on the front, enough to show a white undershirt underneath.  He carried his jacket over his shoulder with his right hand. 

"Now that is a man," murmured Casey, then she noticed Lia leaving her spot.  "Wait, is he your date?"

"Yup, excuse me," said Lia, heading over to Bucky. 

As she got closer she noticed he wore a gold bracelet on his right wrist and a gold chain around his neck.  With his slightly long hair swept back, and his beard closely trimmed, he looked almost effortlessly and deliciously masculine.  Then he smiled as he saw her and came down the two steps onto the dance floor, shifting his jacket onto his left arm, while seeming to take in the whole space as he came closer.

"Hi," he said, kissing her on the cheek again.  "This is it, huh?"  He looked up at the glitter ball in the middle of the dance floor.  "Haven't seen one of those in forever."  He looked her up and down.  "That's some dress.  You look great."

"Thank you, so do you," she replied.  "Come and meet my friends."

Taking him by his right hand, she led him to where her friends were, introducing him to them.  He shook all their hands, saying their names in turn, then looked at the drinks on the table.

"Guess I should get something for myself."

"Oh, I'd love to buy you a drink," gushed Sean, receiving a little elbow from his boyfriend.  "We both would.  What would you like?"

"Bourbon, neat, a double.  Scotch if they don't have bourbon."

"Bourbon, it is," answered the giddy man. 

He stepped away from the table, walking backwards towards the bar, as if he didn't want to lose sight of Bucky.

"Don't mind him," said Casey, "he's just a little star struck.  We all are, since Lia wouldn't tell us who her date was."

Bucky smiled at her then turned to Lia.  "I'm your date?"

"You're trouble."

"Not me, I'm reformed."  A drink appeared from the side, courtesy of Sean, who was practically vibrating.  "Thanks."

"My pleasure," stammered Sean, who was pulled into his seat by Jackson.

Bucky waited for Lia to sit, then slid next to her, draping his jacket over the back of the banquette.  She noticed how with a quick glance on the way to the table, he knew where the exits were.  Now that he was sitting with his back to the wall, he seemed slightly more relaxed.  He smiled at her, sipping his drink, then patiently listening as the others demanded to know how he and Lia met.

"I climbed up a fire escape when I heard a beautiful voice singing.  Wanted to put a face to the voice."

The other women in the group, plus Sean and Jackson, put their hands over their hearts, affected by his words.

"She was singing for her grandfather and after she left, Sid asked me to come over for a drink and a cigar.  I met her this morning after I took him some bagels and lox."

"How is Grandpa Sid?" asked Jackson.  "I love that guy."

"He's fine," answered Lia.  "Up to his usual tricks."  She looked at where the band were coming on stage then at Bucky.  "The music is going to start right away.  You ready to cut a rug with me?" 

"I'll do my best to keep up with you young 'uns," grinned Bucky, sipping his bourbon again.

The first song, Stomping at the Savoy, filled the dance floor.  Offering Lia his hand, Bucky led her to an open spot then took a breath and began dancing.  It was like going back in time, as his feet and hands seemed to remember exactly what to do.  She was a good dancer, and her smiling face, as she followed his lead, just added to the rush of dopamine to his brain.  When that song ended, the band went right into another song he hadn't heard in years, Shake, Rattle and Roll by Charlie Barnet and his Orchestra. 

"You know this one?" she asked, as he pulled her in for a moment.

"You bet," he answered.  "I didn't think anyone younger than 90 still listened to this music."

"Everyone in this club listens to it, and there are several other clubs in the city."  He twirled her away, bringing her back.  "It's good music."

As he twirled her away again, she added some oomph to it, watching him as he watched the flare of her dress raise up, exposing her legs.  His cheeky grin made her feel giddy inside and when he pulled her back into his space, he held her close, swaying his hips as they stepped in time to the beat.

"Oh, you are trouble," she grinned as she matched his moves.  "I would have thought you'd take me out to dinner first before you tried this."

"Sweetheart, I'll take you to dinner and make you breakfast," he murmured into her ear.  "Every day."

The heat of his breath on her neck spread throughout her body and she found herself with no words to throw back at him.  Then she felt the briefest touch of his lips on the pulse point below her ear and knew she was definitely liking this man.  Bucky took pity on her and toned it down a bit but the next song, a slower, sultry number, almost made it worse as he focused his gaze completely on her.  Never had a man made her feel like she was the centre of his world in the same way that Bucky did while they danced.  After one more dance, she begged off to get hydrated, having a sip then grabbing her clutch and excusing herself to the ladies room.  Casey followed her, then barely waited for the door to close before taking Lia by her hands.

"What was going on between you two on the dance floor?"

Her eyes were wide open as she stared at Lia. 

"What do you mean?  We were just dancing."

"Lia, that was sex, plain and simple.  You might as well have just got down to business right there because no one was in that world with you two.  It was hot."

"Yeah, it was, wasn't it?"  Lia looked at her face in the mirror, then took her lipstick out of her clutch and reapplied it.  "He's intense but he wasn't inappropriate with me, as hard as it is to believe."

"What did he say to you?  You almost melted after."

She turned towards Casey, leaning against the sink counter.

"That he'll take me to dinner and make me breakfast, every day."

"Damn.  The man has moves, serious moves."  Casey leaned against the counter beside her.  "You taking him home?"

"I don't know."  She breathed out, accepting that she may have met the one.  "I like him, as in really like him."

With a look at each other, that best friends could use without words, the two women left the ladies room and returned to no Bucky, no Sean, and no Jackson at the table.  The others pointed to a place on the dance floor where Bucky was showing both of them that swaying motion he used on her, then watching as they did it together.  Giving them the thumbs up he returned to the table, his face brightening up when he saw Lia.

"They asked how to do that," he said, unashamedly.  "Didn't always have a girl handy to practice dance moves with.  They were saying that you were probably going to sing with the band later."

"Don't change the subject," interjected Casey.  "You were dancing with guys back in the 40s?"

"If there were no girls around, yeah."  Bucky frowned slightly.  "It was war time and sometimes a guy wants to dance."

She flopped back into her chair, fanning herself, to his amusement.  Lia grinned at him and sat down.

"Yeah, they often ask me.  They know I'm trying to build a repertoire and be noticed."

Another song started that Bucky knew and he put his hand out to Lia.  They danced non-stop for the next three songs then the band announced they were taking a short break.  Knowing that she would be up when the band took the stage again, Lia excused herself to the artist's room to begin warming up.  The club manager stepped in, watching her for a few minutes before he said anything.

"That's Bucky Barnes, right?"  Lia nodded.  "Damn, he's a good dancer."  She nodded again.  "Do you think he would pose for a picture?"

"You'll have to ask him," she said.  "May I warm up in peace, please?"

With their break over the band returned to the stage, warming up a little, then their leader introduced Lia, who stepped on to enthusiastic applause.  She sang Shoo-Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy, a fun song that Bucky danced with Casey.  Then she went straight into Ella Fitzgerald's It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing).  Most of the dancers stopped to listen to her, including Bucky, knowing without a doubt that for this evening he felt the most normal he had since before the war.  As the song ended and she thanked everyone, a voice from the back called out.

"Can you do The Man I Love?" 

Lia tried to find a face to go with the voice but the spotlight made it difficult to make out faces at the back. 

"It's not a swing number."  She looked at Jason, the leader of the house band.  "Do you guys have the music for it?"  He nodded and waited for his band to bring it up on their iPads.  "Alright, last song for me, The Man I Love by George and Ira Gershwin.  Thanks for listening."

Someday he'll come along

The man I love

And he'll be big and strong

The man I love

And when he comes my way

I'll do my best to make him stay

Something magical happened as she sang.  Couples still danced, but many faced her with the taller partner behind their shorter one, swaying slowly to the music.  It brought Bucky back to a time he heard several women singers, like Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, and Ella Fitzgerald singing it in a smoky club, making it their own with their unique sound, just as Lia was doing at that moment.  Her face showed all the emotions of her love for this music, music that her grandfather had shared with her from the time she first sang along to Miss Ella, as he called the legendary singer.  It was proof of her talent and how special a woman she was, a woman Bucky never wanted to be parted from.  She looked at him then, as if she realized the same thing about him, her face softening when she sang the final line I'm waiting for the man I love. 

With the band getting back to their usual music, and many of the audience stopping her to say something personal, Bucky waited as Lia made her way towards him.  Extending his hand to hers, he squeezed it, then lifted it to his lips.

"That was beautiful," he said, loud enough for her to hear it.

"Thank you."  She looked towards an exit.  "I need some fresh air.  Come with me."

The manager nodded as she put a doorstop on the exit, so they could come back in after.  Outside, in the slightly cooler air, she leaned against the brick wall, then up at Bucky as he stood facing her.  Gently, he touched her cheek, then leaned closer and kissed her softly on the lips.  Her arms reached for his shoulders then around his neck as she kissed him back, passionately, crushing her lips against his.  The heat from him as he pressed his hard form against her was noticeable, warming her whole body with its intensity.  But she didn't pull away, knowing that this type of heat wouldn't burn or harm her.  It was a heat she had always wanted to feel, a love burning just for her, a love that would never die, just like the love her grandparents had even though one of them had been dead for a long time.

"I hardly know you," she whispered, when he pulled away enough for them to breathe.

"You know enough.  We don't have to do anything you're not ready for but I'll always be here for you."  He watched her face intently as he spoke.  "I want you and only you for as long as you'll have me."

She swallowed.  "Then let's start with breakfast ... the first of many."

🎶

In their later years, after their children were grown and had started families of their own, Bucky Barnes and his wife, the famous jazz singer, Lia Goldstein, would often be seen out walking in their Brooklyn neighbourhood, their hands intertwined as they walked their dogs.  The former super soldier who became a congressman, then a senator, then Secretary of State before retiring at the age of 140, was often asked about the nature of what made a love last a lifetime. 

"The right moves, the right music, and the right partner," was always his answer.  "With some help from an old man who loved one woman for almost his whole life."

It was an answer that he shared freely with anyone who would listen.  That second night of listening to Lia sing was the night he truly left his past behind and committed to a future with a particular woman.  Her night music captured him on the first night he ever saw her and he never missed a subsequent performance if he could help it.  It was a beautiful romance between the former soldier and the singer that lasted for a long, long time.

One Shots Masterlist

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[bloodwrittenletters]

❪ ✶ ❫ 'YOU'RE LIKE A LOVE LETTER TO THE WORLD.'

(this angel/vampire loves her best friend and loves that she said this to her!)

──── 🪽 STRAIGHT FROM THE ANGEL'S MOUTH; hello! i'm anabella, bella, bells, bellsie or more! (most of my names coming from my dearest of friends). english is not my first language and although i am fluent, i still struggle with it daily!!! so, please, bear with me and my writing.

──── ✒️ SHE'S BEEN AROUND MANY TIMES AND THIS ARE HER FAVORITES; percy jackson, the naturals, boys of tommen, a good girl's guide to murder (series) , yellowjackets, the hunger games, outer banks, gilmore girls, better than the movies / nothing like the movies, betting on you, veil, a curse for true love (series), caraval (series), the cruel prince, the invisible life of andie la rue, criminal minds. (and more!!)

──── 🪐 HER AND HER LOVERS; percy jackson, michael townsend, gerard gibson, joey lynch, charlie sampson, wes bennett...!!

❪ ✶✶ ❫ THE VAMPIRE LADY IS VERY, VERY MAGICAL.

(the vampire lady loves her cherry lady and thanks her for giving her this nickname!)

──── 🫂 FOREVER IN HER HEART; covey girl! kj, annie, viana, lou, bibi, rosie, kailyn. (more to be added!)

──── 💌 YOU'RE JUST LIKE ME; percy jackson, hazel levesque, cassie hobbes, michael townsend (slightly), claire biggs, gerard gibson, shannon lynch, katie wilmot, evangeline fox, bailey mitchell, lenore dove baird variant...!!

──── 🫀 SHE LOVES; cats, dogs, animals in general, books, nicole rafiee, tv shows, pretty clothes, art, shopping, pinterest, showing her affection, psychology, writing, talking/yapping, painting, sleeping, walking, flowers, fanfics, her friends, fleetwood mac, her cat, stuffed animals, sewing, tumblr, wattpad, spotify, libraries, poetry.

──── 📖 CURRENTLY FALLING APART IN HER GLASSES; a curse for true love / stephanie garber, bad blood / jennifer lynn barnes, the hunger games / suzanne collins, the invisible life of addie la rue / v.e. schwab.

──── 🎧 TANGLED IN HER HAIR; DOES GOD CRY? / nessa barrett, merry christmas, please don't call / bleachers, fade into you / mazzy star, bags / clairo, cologne / beabadoobee, iris / the goo goo dolls, fool's gold / lucy dacus, silver springs / fleetwood mac, mess it up / gracie abrams, love grows (where my rosemary goes) / edison lighthouse, blackbird / the beatles.

CIAO AMORE,

CIAO AMORE,

CIAO AMORE,

CIAO.

'why do all vampires are portrayed as murderous and gloomy? :( i'm a sunshine!'

[tveitertotwrites]

Introductory

After having this account for almost 2 and a half years, I think it is finally time to do an introductory post.

Hi everyone! My name is Megan. This blog mostly focuses on stories from the mobile app, Choices (more specifically Open Heart, Red Carpet Diaries, and America's Most Eligible).

I do sometimes post about the faceclaims to my MC's/OC's and their LI's, Dancing with the Stars (mostly Jason Mraz and/or Daniella Karagach though), Cillian Murphy, and more.

I also talk a lot about Six the Musical (both US and UK/Int. versions but mostly UK as I sometimes prefer their setup vs the US) and will also make stuff for my MC's and OC's that involve six. I also talk about Moulin Rouge a little bit (not as much anymore due to my opinions on some terrible casting choices).

I do occasionally have some NSFW/suggestive content on my account, meaning that minors should not interact with it and it will be labeled.

My pronouns are She/Her. My birthday is March 3. I am 20 years old. I am from NY (not the city). I am currently a second year college student getting a BFA in screenwriting.

The reason my account is called TveiterTotWrites (or as you see it on tumblr tveitertotwrites), is because I am not very creative when coming up with usernames/titles. When I first started writing for Choices, I only wrote for Open Heart (hence at the time I was called openheartfanfiction). Now that I have expanded to other books, I had to change it and decided on my current username because the fandom name for fans of Aaron Tveit (who I am a big fan of and who is a faceclaim for some oc's of mine) is called the Tveiter Tots (idk why).

The main pairings I write for are:

Open Heart (OH): Dr. Tobias Carrick (FC: Jesse Williams) x F!OC - Dr. Adelaide Barnes (FC: Daisy Edgar Jones)

America's Most Eligible (AME): Derek Taylor (FC: Kendrick Sampson) x F!MC - Catherine "Charlie" Howard (FC: Leesa Tulley)

The Royal Series (TRS): Drake Walker (FC: Daniel Di Tomasso) x Briar Boleyn (FC: Emily Blunt)

The Princess Swap (TPS): Prince Clarke (FC: Aaron Tveit) x Ericka Montgomery (FC: Esme Rothero)

I also have written for two other pairings that I may still write for but they aren't in the main list.

Open Heart (OH): Ethan Ramsey (FC: Tiago Carreira) x Claire Evans (FC: Jodie Comer)

Red Carpet Diaries (RCD): Thomas Hunt (FC: Henry Cavill) x Brooklyn Moore (FC: Mary Elizabeth Winstead)

I do have pairings for other books but the ones shown above are my main pairings and will be the ones I write for as of now (never say never).

Well, I think that is about it for me for now. If I think of anything else, I will update this post.

[survivalpreps]

This winter storm hitting the east coast and southeast gave my place a good 2 inches of snow. My rooster Sampson has been worrying me with his comb showing frostbite symptoms, but now it's almost completely back to normal. Praise the Lord.

I gave him some old oats we had in the house that I fermented overnight mixed with some herbs, Chili powder, a good amount of garlic powder, and a few crumbs of their vitamin powder (a pinch goes to a gallon of water).

All my flocks have their heatlamps and are enclosed in either the barn or in thick, clear plastic tarps.

[ahorsebyanyothername]

Hi I'm Beau, and the horses I care for are listed below. I work at a few barns, primarily I'm the barn manager at a sanctuary for thoroughbreds. Pacific Northwest, Queer :)

Hugh (RIP 01/25/24) - thoroughbred, late 20s, died of kidney failure. A truly massive guy, he was a champion jumper before retiring to the sanctuary. Heart of gold and soulful eyes, he wandered freely between pastures and was generally the favorite.

Fred - thoroughbred, somewhere between 31 and 36, blind. He was a pony horse at the track and then later a hunter/jumper, and briefly a lesson horse, before he came to the sanctuary. One of his students still stops by to see him from time to time.

Atlas - thoroughbred, an old racer. He was passed around from home to home after his career on the track, and wasn't always treated well.

Jethro - thoroughbred, my favorite horse, a total jerk but he likes me. The most beautiful bay I've ever seen.

Patrick - thoroughbred, piss baby little bitch,on good days he's a total sweetheart though. His feet hurt because his soles are thin so he's always irritable. Biter.

Dalva- thoroughbred, second most beautiful bay I've ever seen. She's got a lot of spirit! She was passed around a few homes and not always treated well before she came to the sanctuary.

Marsha- thoroughbred. Perfect, amazing, and very opinionated old mare. Loves to be brushed. Mom to Chris, Horatio, and Hugh.

Chris - thoroughbred, idiot 1. You know how people say "two heads are better than one"?

Horatio - thoroughbred, idiot 2. When we put these two together, they get stupider.

Evie - thoroughbred, wonderful sweet stubborn old lady to those she's well loved by. "Evil Evie" to others.

Xander - thoroughbred, lovely gentle old gelding. Total pushover, follows Evie around like a puppy.

Angel - thoroughbred, first career racing, second career hunter/jumper. Her conformation was not well suited for jumping and she had to be retired. She's appropriately named in my opinion.

Bond - thoroughbred

Sara - thoroughbred, dapple grey, elderly. She was in a kill pen with 24 hours left til she would be shipped off to a slaughterhouse in Canada, when the sanctuary bought her. She had worms, but was otherwise in decent health. She ended up at the feedlot through no fault of her own, but because her owner had passed away.

Sylvester - thoroughbred

Amelia - thoroughbred, rehabilitated by Sound Equine Options after being seized by law enforcement from a home where she was neglected and had never been handled. She bonded immediately with Laney, who died in 2021. She is currently in pasture with Sampson.

Sampson - thoroughbred

-

Rain - morgan

Lilly - morgan

Treasure - morgan

Grover - morgan

Tribute - morgan

Harley - morgan

Pepper - morgan

-

Maeve - mustang

Jax, Lucy, Moonpie, Valor, Inca, Vinnie, Lily, King, Ruby, Fury, CC, Buddy, Ferrero, Touch, Bennie, Three Socks, Tango, Casper, Buddy, Sunny, Athena, Nugget

Dewey - thoroughbred, was in a kill pen when he was rescued. Found a good home with Paige who loves him very much.

Rococo - paso fino

Jolene - mustang

Who am I forgetting... at least 2 of em

[dhampiravidi]

liked FCs

here’s some FCs I like to see (none of which I currently use). Of course, your muse doesn’t have to use any of these for me to interact with them.

an asterisk = very liked 😁

Women: Florence Pugh*, Adria Arjona*, Famke Janssen, Margot Robbie, Dua Lipa*, Greta Onieogou, Inbar Lavi, Claire Holt, Charlize Theron*, Emilia Clarke*, Jamie Chung*, Monica Bellucci, Hayley Kiyoko, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sonequa Martin-Green, Evan Rachel Wood, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eiza Gonzalez, Kiana Madeira, Ilfenesh Hadera*, Natasha Lyonne*, Dascha Polanco, Sarah Shahi*, Sophie Thatcher*

Men: Taylor Kitsch*, Santiago Cabrera, Peter Gadiot*, Jensen Ackles*, Regé-Jean Page, Charlie Hunnam*, Casey Deidrick, Drew Roy, Kendrick Sampson, Charles Michael Davis*, Ben Barnes*, Jamie Campbell Bower*, Elliot Knight, Keanu Reeves, Tom Hiddleston, Andrew Garfield, Rahul Kohli, Dylan O’ Brien*, Evan Mock, Cillian Murphy, Ian Somerhalder, Gabriel Macht

NB: Jessie Mei Li*

[thechaosmuses]

Below you’ll find a list of my Voltron: Legendary Defender muses along with their face claims (more info about each oc muse will be up soon but if you have any questions in the meantime don’t be afraid to pm me.)

Total Muses; 21 Newest Member; Adalina McClain Added; 4/17/25

Takashi Sota Shirogane... portrayed by Sakaguchi Kentaro Mitchell Aster Darling... portrayed by Milo Manheim Maya Astrea Darling... portrayed by Danielle Campbell Matthew Grant Holt... portrayed by Kit Connor Pidge Katherine Holt... portrayed by Sophia Lillis Keith Akio Kogane... portrayed by Sang Heon Lee Keira Akira Kogane... portrayed by Gia Kim Adalina Maria McClain... portrayed by Allie Bertram Lance Camilo McClain... portrayed by Jeremy Shada Camelia Lux Barnes... portrayed by Abigail Cowen Hunk Maui Garrett... portrayed by Jacob Batalon Atlas Cyrus Alforson... portrayed by Michael Evans Behling Aster Charon Alforson... portrayed by Jordan Fisher Allura Celeste Alforsdottir... portrayed by Samantha Logan Lotor Astrophel Zarkson... portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower Lysithea Andromeda Zarksdottir... portrayed by Hunter Schafer Zavia Helia Solari... portrayed by Cemre Baysel Kareena Faye Parker... portrayed by Barbara Palvin James Caleb Griffin... portrayed by Alex Sampson Rosemary Rae Rogers... portrayed by Katherine McNamara Ryan Elio Kinkade... portrayed by Rome Flynn

[newssphere0]

The Midwest Region of the NCAA tourney features some of the best coaches to have never won a title

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Houston coach Kelvin Sampson and Gonzaga’s Mark Few have been to two Finals Fours apiece. Purdue coach Matt Painter, UCLA counterpart Mick Cronin and Tennessee’s Rick Barnes have been there, too. Yet for their thousands of combined wins, dozens of conference champions and seven trips to the Final Four, none has been the last one standing. Few is winless in the Bulldogs’ two…

[mybookishlifeblog]

BOOKISH GET TO KNOW ME

Hello lovelies,

I have just realised that I’ve not made a get to know me post yet. I am not planning on making this blog about me, but I thought you should get a glimpse of who I am. I did some research, and came up with a few questions.

1. When did I start reading?

I have always been a reader. I can vividly remember reading a book at the end of first grade. I kept reading through high school and uni, as well. Mostly during uni, I started reading more. Specifically, more during Covid when I discovered Booktok😁 I’m also looking forward to reading more once I finish my studies, and I’ll only need to focus on work.

2. What is my favorite genre?

I mostly read romance, but I also like general fiction, fantasy, and crime/thriller books. I’m not that picky, even though, sci-fi isn’t really my jam. I’d like to have more diversity in what I read this year.

3. What is my favorite classic book?

I have to admit that I haven’t read enough classics, but I love the Great Gatsby. I’d like to read more classics this year.

4. One book character to describe me?

Definitely Emily Walker from Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams. Maybe I’ve chosen her character, because it’s a recent read, but I don’t remember reading a book with a character I could relate to more. We’re both eldest daughters, we’re fixers. I also often feel like her. I keep taking care of my siblings, but I sometimes wish someone would take care of me as well.

(The image is not mine, I’ve found it online.)

5. Paperback or hardback?

Difficult question. I like both, on my shelf I prefer hardbacks (they are more durable), but when reading paperbacks are more comfortable.

6. Do audiobooks count as reading?

About 2 years ago, I would have said absolutely not. Now I think they definitely count! I love having Audible. Unfortunately, where I live Spotify audiobooks aren’t available.

7. Do I read hyped books?

Yes, sure. But I try to approach them with caution, so I’m not disappointed.

8. What’s my opinion about reading with music?

I don’t really do that. Classical music is okay for me, but I find music with lyrics distracting when reading.

9. When and where do I read the most?

Tbh, I don’t really read outside my home. 90% of the time I read in my bed at night before sleeping. But I like listening to audiobooks when commuting, or gardening.

10. Which is the most unique bookshop I’ve ever been to?

Definitely the Dominicanen in Maastricht. It was also pretty special to me to me go to a Waterstones as we don’t have it in my country. One of my dreams is to go to a Barnes and Nobel once🥰

(It’s not my photo, I found it online.)

11. Who are my avourite authors?

I have quite a few. Ali Hazelwood, Jessica Redland, Sarah Adams, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Freya Sampson, and Nicolas Barreau come to my mind first.

12. Is there something I’d never read?

Well, kind of. I’m not a huge fan of sci-fi books, and many dark romance book are a bit too dark for my taste. I’m yet to try one though. A lighter dark romance would probably be okay. If we’re talking about romance books, I haven’t read anything by Colleen Hoover. She’s way too hyped up for my taste, and I haven’t heard a lot of good reviews of her books. I don’t think I’ll ever read anything by her, but never say never.

13. Series or stand alones?

For me stand alones. Unfortunately, it can be quite hard for me to commit to a series. This year I’ll try to change it a bit😊

14. What is my current read?

I usually read a few books at the same time😅 Right now it’s Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft by Jessica Redland (her newest book), The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley.

Hope you’ve enjoyed! Also feel free to ask more bookish questions, if you’re interested😊

[ulkaralakbarova]

A sweet-natured Temp Agency operator and amateur Presidential look-alike is recruited by the Secret Service to become a temporary stand-in for the President of the United States. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Dave Kovic / Bill Mitchell: Kevin Kline Ellen Mitchell: Sigourney Weaver Bob Alexander: Frank Langella Alan Reed: Kevin Dunn Duane Stevenson: Ving Rhames Vice-President Nance: Ben Kingsley Murray Blum: Charles Grodin Alice: Faith Prince Randi: Laura Linney White House Tour Guide: Bonnie Hunt Senate Majority Leader: Parley Baer House Majority Leader: Stefan Gierasch Mrs. Travis: Anna Deavere Smith Policeman: Charles Hallahan Jerry: Tom Dugan Lola: Alba Oms Secret Service #1: Steve Witting David: Kellen Sampson White House Guard: Lexie Bigham Frederic W. Barnes: Frederic W. Barnes Ronald Brownstein: Ronald Brownstein Eleanor Clift: Eleanor Clift Tom Harkin: Tom Harkin Bernard Kalb: Bernard Kalb Larry King: Larry King Michael Kinsley: Michael Kinsley Morton Kondracke: Morton Kondracke Jay Leno: Jay Leno Frank Mankiewicz: Frank Mankiewicz Chris Matthews: Chris Matthews John McLaughlin: John McLaughlin Howard Metzenbaum: Howard Metzenbaum Abner J. Mikva: Abner J. Mikva Robert D. Novak: Robert D. Novak Tip O’Neill: Thomas P. ‘Tip’ O’Neill Richard Reeves: Richard Reeves Paul Simon: Paul Simon Ben Stein: Ben Stein Oliver Stone: Oliver Stone Kathleen Sullivan: Kathleen Sullivan Jeff Tackett: Jeff Tackett Helen Thomas: Helen Thomas Nina Totenberg: Nina Totenberg Sander Vanocur: Sander Vanocur John Yang: John Yang Don Durenberger: Stephen Root Girl at Durenberger’s: Catherine Reitman Mom at Durenberger’s: Dawn Arnemann Clara: Marianna Harris Diane: Sarah Marshall White House Barber: Ralph Manza President’s Physician: George Martin White House Nurse: Laurie Franks Trauma Doctor: Tom Kurlander Trauma Nurse: Dendrie Taylor Japanese Prime Minister: Joe Kuroda Vice-President’s Wife: Geneviève Robert Vice-President’s Son: Jason Reitman Secretary of Education: Ruth Goldway Director of OMB: Frank Birney Secretary of Treasury: Paul Collins Secretary of Commerce: Peter White Postmaster General: Robin Gammell Judy: Heather Hewitt Policeman #2: Gary Ross Ellen’s Aide: Jeffrey Joseph Female Senator: Bonnie Bartlett Speaker of the House: Robert Walsh Congressional Doorkeeper: William Pitts Reporter: Dan Butler Announcer: Wendy Gordon Announcer: Ben Patrick Johnson Announcer: Steve Kmetko Chris Dodd: Chris Dodd Alan K. Simpson: Alan K. Simpson Arnold Schwarzenegger: Arnold Schwarzenegger Film Crew: Set Designer: Joseph G. Pacelli Jr. Screenplay: Gary Ross Editor: Sheldon Kahn Production Design: J. Michael Riva Casting: Michael Chinich Director of Photography: Adam Greenberg Casting: Bonnie Timmermann Executive Producer: Joe Medjuck Set Designer: Darrell L. Wight Director: Ivan Reitman Set Designer: Steve Arnold Executive Producer: Michael C. Gross Costume Design: Richard Hornung Art Direction: David F. Klassen Set Decoration: Michael Taylor Producer: Lauren Shuler Donner Hairstylist: Christopher Shihar Casting Associate: Alan Berger Costume Supervisor: James W. Tyson Script Supervisor: Karen Hale Wookey Hairstylist: Marlene D. Williams Makeup Artist: Linda DeVetta Construction Coordinator: Terry Scott Makeup Artist: Robert Norin Original Music Composer: James Newton Howard Movie Reviews: Rob: A lovely romantic comedy in that true eighties style. A little charmer of a movie starring the ever-watchable Kevin Kline. I’ll admit I’m pretty old-fashioned and, even in today’s evil world, I cling to the hope there are still good-hearted people out there somewhere. This is one of those movies keeping that hope alive. Let the soft side of you out and enjoy this film.

[covingtonrp]

sorry if you have answered this already, but what are some most wanted fcs in the group? :)

Oh man … so many! I know I have posted some and they can be found by adding /search/mw to the end of the url but I’ll post this so members can contribute some too!

Here’s some off the top of my head: Alperen Duymaz, Zeeko Zaki, Nathalie Emmanuel, Minka Kelly, Kendrick Sampson, Alexandra Shipp, Gemma Chan, Justin Hartley, Ben Barnes, Michiel Huisman, Michael Trevino, Rege Jean Page, Annabelle Wallis, Michael B. Jordan, Nina Dobrev, Yara Shahidi, Lucien Laviscount, Odette Annable, Kylie Bunbury, Bensu Soral, Berk Cankat, Amber Stevens West, Charles Michael Davis, Alicia Debnam-Carey, Nathalie Kelley, Davika Hoorne, Troian Bellisario, Anya Chalotra, Rebecca Rittenhouse.

[tveitertotwrites]

Hey! Here are my top 3!

America's Most Eligible: F!MC Catherine "Charlie" Howard (FC: Leesa Tulley) x Derek Taylor (FC: Kendrick Sampson)

Open Heart: F!OC Adelaide Barnes (FC: Daisy Edgar Jones) x Tobias Carrick (FC: Jesse Williams)

Red Carpet Diaries: F!MC Brooklyn Moore (FC: Mary Elizabeth Winstead) x Thomas Hunt (FC: Henry Cavill)

Extra options (if you don't want to do my top 3)

The Royal Series: F!MC Briar Boleyn (FC: Emily Blunt) x Drake Walker (FC: Daniel Di Tomasso)

Open Heart: F!MC Claire Evans (FC: Jodie Comer) x Ethan Ramsey (FC: Tiago Carreira)

Our 2024 Secret Pal Exchange is here!

The dates of the event are TBD: you can vote here. December 21-22 is leading. Whatever is leading by the end of day Nov. 30 EST will be what we choose.

What it is:

Simply put, it's secret Santa

Everyone who shows interest in participating will be given a secret pal for whom they should create a small work (drabble, art, edit, moodboard, etc).

How to participate:

Reblog this post stating your interest AND include your top 3 books/characters/pairings to help guide the person who receives you as their pal on what they should create for you (reblogs that do not include a top 3 will not be considered entries for participation)

or, message me here (@choicesfandomappreciation) or at @lovealexhunt stating your interest and include your top 3 picks

Note: When listing your interests, please include any preferred gender/pronouns/race or other customizations you may have

Please only sign up to participate if you plan to follow through and create for your pal

If there is a user or a particular sub fandom (ie-Open Heart), that you don't want to create for, just send me a message—no questions asked, no judgement. I'm happy to do whatever I can to make the event safe and welcoming for all!

The deadline to sign up to participate is December 6th

What comes next:

On, or about, December 7th, I will message you with your secret pal and what they listed as their top 3 interests

You create something for them based on their interests and post it for them from December ####* (date open to change based on poll)

It would also be really nice if you could include a brief positive message of encouragement and/or support with your creation for your match

Please tag @choicesfandomappreciation and #ChoicesSecretPal24 well so I can keep track of who posted and who is missing.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out. It should be a wonderful event that spreads joy and cheer in our fandom. ❤️❤️❤️

[basgiathfm]

mwm?

aldis hidge, alberto rosende, mena massoud, andrew koji, bill skarsgard, charles melton, charles michael davis, daniel sharman, dev patel, eddie liu, emilio sakraya, evan mock, froy gutierrez, freddie carter, gong jun, hayden christensen, oliver stark, jonathan daviss, josha stradowski, keith powers, kendrick sampson, kofi siriboe, lewis tan, andy biersack, mason gooding, michael evans behling, matteo martari, david gandy, pedro pascal, oscar isaac, raymond ablack, theo james, tom holland, tommy martinez, aaron fontaine, alexander dreymon, alexander ludwig, archie renaux, arnas fedaravicius, ben barnes, leo suter, kit young, sean teale, alex hogh andersen, tolga mendi, kerem bursin, cillian murphy, colin o'donoghue, daniel henney, devon terrell, dylan wang, jacob anderson, jake stormoen, jose ramon barreto, mahesh jadu, matthew goode, reece ritchie, rege jean page, taylor zakhar perez, timothee chalamet, xiao zhan, xu kai !

[hillzhqs]

how do we apply + mw?

shoot me a dm & i'll link you to our discord server. there, you can find the application page where you'll just send your apps in that channel!! as for most wanted, here's some from me + our members! : lexi underwood, deepika padukone, taylor zakhar perez, julia dalavia, suki waterhouse, jennie kim, tommy martinez, angelina jolie, matthew gray gubler, idris elba, joshua orpin, catherine zeta jones, bradley cooper, jeremy allen white, ricardo hoyos, chloe bennet, rachel mcadams, brenton thwaites, meghan fahy, daniel ezra, nico tortorella, isis valverde, lucas bravo, issa rae, kahara hodges, jon bernthal, bahar sahin, omar appollo, yves mathieu-east, pete davidson, ben barnes, nikki thot, shawn mendes, keith powers, keith powers, eddie lie, cody christian, kendrick sampson, taylor zakhar perez, d'pharaoh woon-a-tai, francisco lachowski, froy gutierezz, rafael silva, xavier serrano, zayn malik, josh heuston, elle fanning, sobhita dhulipala, florench pugh, chace crawford, ekin koc, aubrey plaza, channing tatum, alex fitzalan, melisa asli pamuk, shay mitchell, angela bassett, xolo mariduena, sasha luss, janelle monae, sarah michelle gellar, nina dobrev, peyton alex smith, daniel sharman, nick creegan, simone ashley, jessica alba, rami malek, ryan gosling, quintessa swindell, and oscar isaac!

[after-avenging-hours]

Leaf Pile: Dad!Bucky x Reader

This is for @promarvelfangirl‘s Fall 2K writing challenge.  Woo!!!! Congrats!

This fic features Sampson, my oc for your and Bucky’s kid.  Previous fics include:  Namesake /  Bad Dreams /  Snowman /  Puppy

Word count: 1536

Warnings: None, cuteness overload

“Now, Mom?” your son eagerly questions, shifting from foot to foot in barely contained excitement.

“Not yet…” you laugh lightly, providing him the same response you have been for the last 20 minutes.

The steady thwack of Sarge’s tail beats against Sampson’s leg, the chocolate lab and young boy staring intently through the back sliding door.  The two are positively buzzing with pent up energy, you’re surprised they’ve actually managed to be patient this long.

Through the glass, the three of you watch Bucky rake up the last few leaves across the lawn, toward the massive pile at the base of the large maple tree.  He’s certainly a sight, hair pulled back and tied at the base of his neck, a red flannel stretched across his wide shoulders and dark wash jeans hugging his thighs.  It could still sometimes take you by surprise to come to the realization that such a fine specimen of the human race had chosen you as a life partner.  But Bucky never failed to remind you just how much he loved you, every day.  It could warm you even on the coldest of nights.

“Now…?” Sampson asks again.

You watch as Bucky releases a long breath, wiping his brow with the back of his right hand. Flipping the rake around, he sets the blunt end on the ground, using it to lean against slightly as he admires his handy work.

“Okay, now,” you give your permission with a mischievous grin.

Sampson has the door thrown to the side in seconds, a whoosh of crisp autumn air invading the heat of the house.  “Charge!!!” he screams loudly as he dashes down the porch steps, Sarge hot on his heels.

Bucky looks up in surprise at the outburst, moments before his hard work goes scattering in all directions as his son and the dog dive straight into the pile of freshly raked leaves. He sighs dejectedly, letting his head hang to briefly mourn over the loss of the momentarily-clean yard.

His crystalline gaze shifts to you, narrowing at the Cheshire grin spread across your face as you move to lean against the railing of the porch.  He makes his way toward you, that certain strut in his step that typically intimidates his enemies, however only manages to make your blood hot when directed toward you.

He leans the rake against the porch rail before he climbs the steps.  “You think you’re pretty hilarious, don’t you, Mrs. Barnes?”

Your grin somehow manages to grow further, “Why I don’t know what you mean, Mr. Barnes.”

He continues forward until he’s crowding into your space, chest to chest, nose to nose.  You feel the wooden rail digging into your back as you attempt to lean away from him.  His breath warms your cheeks, just has the heat coming off his body permeates your knitted sweater.  “I think you know exactly what I mean.”

You meet his challenging gaze with a gentle laugh, your eyes glowing with amusement.  “I might.”

He shakes his head at you, some humor seeping into his visage, “You’re damn lucky you’re cute.”

You release a low hum, wrapping your arms around him and dipping your hands into the back pockets of his jeans.  “I’ve been known to use that to my advantage.”

His gaze heats up, nostrils flaring as his eyes flicker down to your lips.  Moments later, his mouth has slanted over yours.  Your son’s laughter and Sarge’s excited barks slowly fade to the back of your mind as everything Bucky begins to take over your senses. His nose is cold when it brushes against yours, having spent the better part of an hour outside already.  The few strands of hair that frame his face tickles your cheeks.  His tongue moves forward, swiping against your lower lip, and you have to fight the loud moan that wants to break free.  Sampson may be distracted as of this moment, but he’s been growing less and less fond of your and Bucky’s public displays of affection.  To draw his attention, would mean the kiss would have to end, and you weren’t quite ready for that.

However, apparently Sampson wasn’t the only one distracted.  Bucky’s cybernetic arm is wrapped securely around your waist, holding your body firmly to his.  With the intensity of his kiss filling your senses, you don’t notice the way his other hand is reaching for a leaf, settled on the railing just next to you.

The crunch of the dried leaf in his palm has barely registered in your ears before he’s pressing the palm of his hand to your hair and begins rubbing the fragments in, creating a tangled mess in seconds.

You jerk out of his hold, eyes wide in shock.  “Bucky!” Reaching a hand back, you can feel the pieces of dried leaf sticking to your strands.

He bursts into laughter.

Narrowing your gaze into a glare, you react quickly and without thought.  You swipe your hand over the rail, grabbing a generous amount of leaves.  You crunch them into a fist and dart forward, promptly shoving your hand down the front of Bucky’s jeans and releasing them.

“Holy-” Bucky’s laughter cuts off immediately as he jumps around slightly in an attempt to ease the scratchiness of the leaves in his pants.

Your mouth goes slack, and hand eventually coming up to cover it as you look at your husband in shock. “Oh my God, I can’t believe I just did that!” you exclaim, your mind finally catching up with your actions.

His eyes darken dangerously as he stills.  “Oh, you better run, sweetheart.”

You don’t have to be told twice.  You scurry down the steps, glancing over your shoulder, you watch him easily vault over the rail.  A startled shriek escapes you and you try to move faster.  You know that you’re not really a match for him, but you try to get away anyways.

You’ve barely made it to the tree when suddenly Sarge is bounding excitedly at your feet.  You yelp in surprise, trying to slow down or figure out how to step around him.  “Oof!” you huff feeling Bucky’s arm hook around your waist, before the world tilts and you both go down.

Bucky turns to take the brunt of the fall, before rolling over and pinning your body beneath his.  “Now, that really hadn’t been very nice, my dear wife.  I think some payback is in order,” he grins sinisterly.

“You started it!” you protest, struggling to get out from beneath him.

He releases a low chuckle. “Yeah, and I’ll finish it too.”

You release an odd combination of laughter and screams as you try and fail to stop Bucky’s onslaught.  He scoops handfuls of leaves, crunching them in his fists and sprinkling them all over you.  In retaliation, you try to scoop handfuls of your own leaves and shove them anywhere you can; down his shirt, even more down his pants, smashing them into his hair, too.

“Dog pile!” you both hear the shout moments before getting body slammed by your son.

You and Bucky laugh, forgetting your war with each other as your hands move to shield your faces from Sarge’s tongue, who is more than happy to make his presence known to anyone within licking distance.  The four of you tussle on the ground together, throwing leaves at each other while laughter fills the air.

A truce is soon formed as you all grow breathless, permanent smiles painted across your faces.

“Mom, can we have hot cocoa, now?” Sampson asks, from where he’s laid out on his back, chest heaving for breath.

You laugh between your pants, “Sure, baby.  But wipe all the leaves off Sarge, before you go in.  I don’t want that tracked all over the house.”

“Okay,” he agrees, slowly moving himself to his feet.  “Come on, Sarge.”

Sitting up, you watch him leave until the sliding door is shut behind him.  You then turn to Bucky.  He’s laid out next to you, his arms tucked back behind his head.  “What?” you ask with a smile when you see him gazing up at you.

“Nothin,” he responds with a slight shake of his head, a smile curling at his own lips.

“I’m sorry I shoved leaves down your pants,” you tell him.

He chuckles, moving to sit up as well.  “No, you’re not.”  Your cheeky grin is all the confirmation he needs.  He releases another sigh when he looks around at the state of the yard.  “Do I really have to clean all this up again?”

“Tomorrow,” you tell him. “And Sampson will help.  I said he could play in the leaves today if he promised to help you clean them tomorrow.”

“Can I just make him do it all?” Bucky asks, smiling innocently.

You laugh and shake your head.  “No, Bucky.”

He pouts before moving to stand.  “Okay, I need to get out of these damn pants before I die from itchiness.”  He walks hurriedly, if a little awkwardly, back to the house.

You laugh freely and soon follow.  You know it’s going to be a nightmare to get all the leaf fragments out of your hair, but you’re too happy right now to care.