#sebastian stan x original character

[kilojulietsierra]

You Promised - 1940s James "Bucky" Barnes x OFC

I LOVE 1940s Bucky so much and so I wrote this!

Summary: Bucky finally wins the favor of the pretty new girl in the neighborhood and together they make the most of the week before he ships out. Bucky makes her a promise the night before he leaves, and he intends to keep it.

Warnings: all my work is considered 18+, shameless flirting the both of them lol, fluff, angst,talk of war, there’s a tiny altercation in a dancehall, protective Bucky, allusions to smut, allusions to premarital sex which was frowned upon, nightmare mention, minor ofc is a refugee, pre serum Steve makes a couple appearances, happy ending

~~~

Bucky had seen her a handul of times around the neighborhood. Had done a bit of chatting up the neighbors to learn the little about her he could. She was new, relatively, to their block. Mrs. Martin in his building had said she remembered her folks before they had moved away, the girl had just been a baby then. He'd heard her talking to Frankie at the deli and her accent wasn't from around here, she'd grown up somewhere else. Mr and Mrs Lewis had even told him, just the other day when he'd stopped to help change their tire, that her family had moved back in to take care of a sick grandmother. Her mothers or fathers side they didn't know, but they lived in the place next to them and she was "such a sweet girl James, she'd straighten you right up."

Today she was walking out of the grocery a paper sack in one arm and a small stack of library books in the other. He smiled. Tis was his chance and he was more than happy to take it. Part of him, admittedly the slgihtly shallow part, wished he was in his uniform or at least dressed better than his work clothes.

That didn't stop him from picking up his pace and cutting across the street to bump into her. "You sure got your hands full. Here let me help." He ducked his head to catch her eye and spare her an easy grin as he gestured towards the sack of groceries.

Her eyes were a pale, sea glass green and they were sharp and skeptical as she appraised him. "I can manage, thank you though."

"No, not a chance, my ma would never forgive me." He deftly snagged the bag from her, grinning wider. "Besides, I think we live across the street from eachother. It's Lettie right?"

Those pretty green eyes narrowed at him, her brow furrowed "It is…"

"James," He settled her groceries in one hand and extended his other to her, "Everyone calls me Bucky though."

"Strapping young man like you can't get them to stop?" She quipped even as she held her hand up for him to take, "Your teeth don't seem that bad to me." One single brow arched and her face was passive as she held her books tight and walked on down the street. Not waiting for him to follow.

Bucky smiled wide as he fell in step beside her, keeping his stride slow and leisurely. "Cute," He looked down at her but she didn't look back. Unphased he elaborated, "Buchanan is my middle name, family name."

"Ohhh," She looked at him finally, tucked her sleek red hair behind her ear as she turned to walk backwards eying him in a way he couldn't quite place. "You're the Barnes boy. Mrs. Lewis told me to watch out for you." She looked pleased with herself, thinking she'd got some sort of upperhand.

Still grinning Bucky picked up his pace, just so he could step past her and lean down close and say, "Funny, she told me the same thing about you." And he continued on ahead of her biting his bottom lip and waiting.

"Now, just a minute, what is that supposed to mean?" She jogged to catch up to him again.

He didn't respond just smiled, kept walking, and threw her a lazy wink as they walked on down the street.

At the next corner she turned on him again, "What's your angle Barnes?"

"What angle doll?" He countered her overly formal use of his name with one that earned him a slght pink flush to her cheeks.

"Just a nice neighbor boy, carryin' my groceries? What is it? All the other girls in Brooklyn had their fill?" She shifted the books in her arms and Bucky saw one was a Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

"No angle," He nodded his head for her to continue and went out on a limb as he put his free hand at her shoulder to turn her and keep her moving, "Okay, that's not entirely true," He nudged her forward again smiling at the triumphant look on her face when she spun on him. "I just mean, that you are prettier than any girl I've ever seen and I've been dying for a chance to steal just a little bit of time with you." He slowed to a stop in front of what he knew was her building and grinned when she continued on a few steps before she noticed.

Her eyes were calculating and predatory as she scrutinized him. Looking for the angle, as she had said.

He noticed then the second book was a copy of the Hobbit he'd borrowed himself years ago.

"Alright, I'll bite, a little bit of time for what exactly?" She looked almost unimpressed, with herself, for asking.

Licking his lips Bucky smiled and took a step closer so she would have to tilt her chin up to look him in the eye. Which she did, standing her ground, and he loved it. "To ask if I could take you out one night this week."

"Just one night huh?" Her face didn't change as she said it

Was she really…? Bucky faltered the slightest bit, cocked his head to the side as he tried to figure out the real meaning in her words. He pushed his luck. "Every night if you'd let me."

She smiled. The barest tilt of her lips and Bucky felt ten feet tall. He was in love with this girl already, or would be if he wasn't careful.

"How about we just start with tomorrow night?" Her face softened but her eyes kept the spark in them.

"Done." Bucky didn't hesitate. "There is one catch though."

She rolled her eyes and then they both had to step away from the stoop as one of her neighbors exited the building. Both of them mumbled their apologies before she continued, "Always is."

"Not anything bad." Bucky assured her. "See i've got this friend, my best friend really, he's a great guy but shy."

Lettie nodded, eyes skeptical again. "So you actually want me go out with this friend?"

"God no!" The moment the words left his mouth he cringed, but the sting of his own embarrasment faded when she chuckled and ducked her eyes to the sidewalk. He caught a peak at the tip of her tongue as it wetted her lips and his confidence came back, "I'm keeping you all to myself sweetheart, trust me."

Her cheeks were pink when she looked back up at him and she was biting the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling too wide. "So, this friend…"

"Steve. Great guy. He just, needs a little push out of his shell if you know what I mean." Bucky almost felt bad, but God help him he desperatley wanted to find his pal a girl. "Was just thinkin' maybe you had a friend, we could make it a double date."

Lettie's eyes were skeptical again and she glanced behind her before she responded, "A friend that likes shy boys or a friend that likes any boy?"

When he caught her meaning Bucky licked his lips and looked her up and down, "Oh sweetheart, surely you don't have friends like that? I had you figgured for a good girl." He was going to fucking marry this girl, God help him.

She flushed a darker shade of pink and laughed, rolled her eyes again but settled her greens back on his blues after a heartbeat. Lettie licked her lips and looked him up and down herself. "Most of the time." Her eyes locked on his mouth as Bucky sunk his teeth into his bottom lip for a fraction of a second.

Unable to stop himself Bucky hummed approvingly and hunted for her gaze again before he spoke, "Then why don't you bring one of your nice, sweet friends with you tomorrow night and she can keep Steve company while you and me see what kinda trouble we can get into?"

Lettie answered by taking back her brown paper bag full of groceries and taking the first few steps up to the front of the building before she turned and said. "You better be right here by seven tomorrow night, Barnes." She settled him with a look which softened after a second. "Earlier if you want to make a good impression."

"Yes ma'am." His cheeks hurt from smiling and he shoved his hands in his pockets. She was almost to the door before he called after her, "Hey sweetheart," she was grinning when she turned around, her face still skeptical but in a teasing sort of way now. Bucky took a few steps backwards towards his side of the street, "Wear somethin' you can dance in."

~~~

Bucky was outside her building at 6:45pm, fighting the urge to smoke a cigarette while he waited.

The front door opened at 6:50pm and Lettie poked her head out, "Why Mr. Barnes, I'm proud." She sounded snarky but she was smiling as Bucky jogged up the steps to meet her. She pushed the door open wider and waved him in.

He stepped right up in front of her and took the door, looking over her he sucked his bottom lip between his teeth. "Well hello to you too doll." She looked so pretty he had to force his eyes to meet hers. "You look gorgeous."

She rolled her eyes but blushed that rosy pink color that he liked. "You look pretty sharp yourself."

He'd worn his uniform. Shined his boots and everything. "

That'll help." She added cryptically as she started up the stairs.

Bucky paused at the bottom, "Help with what?" Lettie bounced back down a couple stairs until they were eye to eye. "Help convince papa you're a fine young man that's gonna take good care of me."

"Oh," Bucky felt a rush roll through him as she grabbed his hand. He used the hold to keep her in place as he held her gaze intenesly and added, "I'm gonna take real' good care of ya sweetheart."

Her father had been nice enough, intimidating but Bucky had won him over quickly. Her mother was a looker with the same red hair as Lettie. A younger sister that he'd seen poking her head around the corner to sneak a peak had the same pretty green eyes and looked like she'd be a world of trouble herself in a few years. If the way Lettie and her mother had both scolded the younger girl and sent her scurrying was any inclination.

"I'm impressed." Lettie said once they were back down on the street.

"Already?" Bucky teased and laughed when she playfully shoved him towards traffic. "Kidding." He tugged her close and looked her over, "Thought springing your folks on me was gonna send me runnin'?"

She didn't answer but that was answer enough. Bucky picked up her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. Lettie smiled and rolled her eyes even as she let his lips linger. He liked that little bit of attitude mixed with that soft and sweet. He liked it a lot.

"We should uh, we should go. I told Isaline we would meet her at the station. I wasn't sure where we were going." Lettie seemed the slightest bit flustered but her eyes were still bright.

Bucky smiled, wrapped her hand in the crook of his elbow and led her off down the street. "So is this the nice friend or the really nice friend." He coughed out a laugh as she smacked him in the chest.

"Isaline is a sweetheart, she's a little shy herself but only, well, you'll see."

When he watched her greet her friend at the station the rapid chattering in a different language caught him off guard. He stood back, a little awkward, but with an easy, charming smile on his face.

"James this is Isaline, Isa this is James, or Bucky as he somehow prefers to be called." Lettie introduced them with a big smile.

The friend was pretty and Letties comment made more sense when he heard how heavily accented her English was. On the train the girls sat and chatted while Bucky stood, one hand on the rail and listened as they went back and forth between English and French. As they left the train Bucky grabbed Lettie's elbow softly and leaned into her ear, "Aren't you just a treat?"

The girl with him blushed a bright red but smiled, "What do you mean?"

"You speak French?"

"My family lived in Montreol for most of my childhood." Lettie lowered her voice, "Isaline's family fled France a couple years ago, before…" Lettie trailed off.

Bucky nodded, "Brave girl." He whispered back before he wrapped Letties hand through his arm again. Isa and Lettie linking arms and letting Bucky lead them down the street to the little dancehall he liked best. Steve would like this girl, even if she was shy, she was pretty for sure, a killer smile and brave enough to escape the Nazis. Right up his best friends alley.

~~~

Steve was waiting for them out front. Standing off to the side, hands in his pockets, wearing that same old jacket. Bucky had to grin. He whistled then called out, "Hey punk, over here!"

When Bucky introdruced him to Lettie and Isa Steve was ever the gentleman. Then as Isa rattled something off in French to Lettie, Bucky and Steve exchanged a look. Steve furrowed his brow at his best friend, Bucky just smiled and shrugged.

Lettie chuckled and then linked her arm through Bucky's, whcih pleased him greatly, as she addressed Steve. "She wants me to tell you that she's sorry her English isn't so good, but that she'd like it very much if you would help her practice some tonight. Preferably while she's running her fingers through your hair." Isa giggled beside her friend and Bucky outright laughed.

Steve gulped as Bucky clapped him on the shoulder and pushed him towards the door with the music spilling out. "What're you laughing at Buck?"

Bucky laughed again as Isa hooked her arm in Steve's and began to drag him forward at a jog. "I think we're both in trouble tonight pal." He felt a pinch in his side as he laughed again and turned to tip his gaze down to Lettie, "What was that for doll?" With his same easy grin he walked her towards the line to get in, his pace a slow kind of swagger. Feeling good in his uniform with a gorgeous girl on his arm.

"Isa is not trouble." She defended her friend, "She's just... flirtacious. It's 'cause she's French."

"I'll say." Bucky laughed again, falling in line behind the flirty French girl and Steve. While they waited Bucky ducked down to whisper in her ear, "What would a guy have to do for you to whisper to him in French and play with his hair? Hmm?"

Lettie rolled her eyes and flicked the bill of his cap, "He'd have to take me on at least two more dates."

Bucky smirked and raised his brows as he straightend his cap. In his head he counted out the days until he shipped out. "I think I can make that happen." "

Oh do you?" Lettie smirked as they came to the door, "I think I'll be the one that decides that Mr. Barnes."

He kept smiling as he paid for the four of them to get in, "Y'know, technically, it's Sargent Barnes."

Her cheeks were rosy from her permanent smirk as she shook her head, "Whatever you say Bucky." She teased him, not giving him the satisfaction of acting impressed.

With one hand on her back he guided her through the door behind Steve and Isaline. Once she was in front of him he leaned in to whisper beside her ear again, "You're just a little firecracker aren't you?"

There was a brief moment where she halfstepped, intentionally causing him to bump into her back as he followed her and on reflex he set a hand at her waist to steady them both. WIth him close Lettie glanced over her shoulder and gave him a look, "I thought I was a treat?"

Bucky liked the way she felt just barely pressed against him and the way her waist fit so perfectly in his hand. He smiled, a little mischevious and leaned in so close his nose brushed her hair, "Girl can be both. Perfect combination if you ask me." He caught the way she blushed and smiled wide just before she looked away from him and it was doing dangerous things to his ego.

~~~

Lettie knew she wasn't the best dancer but she had been excited. Impatient even to let Bucky take her out onto the floor. It hadn't taken him long and they'd quickly abandoned their friends in the corner to camp out on the dancefloor. They danced song after song until the band took a break, She was warm and a little breathless when she had nodded and let Bucky pull her towards the back of the hall for something cold to drink.

She stood a little behind Bucky while he spoke with a server behind the bar and busied herself trying to spy across the room at Isa and Steve. Neither of them had ran away yet, which based on what Bucky had told her while they danced was an improvement. She hadn't seen them out on the floor even once, but it looked like Steve had a bit of a pink hue to his cheeks which made Lettie laugh to herself.

"Hey honey, you gonna give anyone else a go tonight?"

"Excuse me?" She turned towards the unfamiliar voice.

"You heard me sweetie. You been lettin' that pretty boy hog you all night. Think I should get a turn, huh?"

The disgust on her face was evident when she spat back, "I think you should quit callin' me names and beat it."

"You little s…" The mans hand was a blur of motion but it froze midair when Buckys hand caught him by the wrist.

"That's a real bad idea." Bucky said calm as can be as he held an iron grip on the man with his left hand and reached towards Lettie with his right. He twisted the mans wrist just enough to cause some discomfort and push him back.

"You outta put muzzle on your bitch there." The man snarled even as Bucky twisted his arm further.

Before Bucky could retalliate though Lettie was pushing past him, "You outta put a bag over your head so the rest of us ain't gotta suffer that ugly mug."

"Okay doll, that's enough." Bucky dropped the mans wrist in favor for catching Lettie around the waist and pulling her back, spinning her around behind him once again. He saw the motion out of the corner of his eye and groaned, "You're killin' me." He caught the other mans sloppy haymaker easily and twisted him around with it, pinning it at what looked to be an extremely uncomfortable angle. He shoved the man back towards his group of friends, "You boys, better sort your pal out there." Bucky gestured to the still fuming, stumbling, loudmouth and then turned back to Lettie

"Nuh-uh." Bucky shook his head as he pushed her back by the hip, "Leave it doll, let's go." He reached for the two cokes he'd bought and gently ushered her back from the scene of the incident.

"You're just gonna let him…"

"I…" Bucky drew out the syllable to emphasize a point, "Am keepin' you outta trouble."

Lettie chewed on her lip, not noticing the way Bucky was figinting back a grin, "You should've let me…"

"Let you what doll? Sock him?' Bucky glanced over his shoulder then back to her, "Was gonna do it myself till you went tearin' after him like a prize fighter."

The scowl on her face softened slightly and Bucky tilted his head to one side, smiling down at her, "Sweetheart, I think you did enough damage without either one of us puttin' hands on him." He tugged her closer, let his arm wrap all the way around her waist and she relaxed into him almost immediatly.

"I'm sorry James." She finally, had the decency to look a little embarrassed.

"Don't apologize, I kinda liked it." Bucky threw her a wink and held her gaze a beat, "My little firecracker."

Lettie scoffed, purposfully ignoring the way he had used 'my'. She leaned back enough to pluck a Coke bottle from his grasp and take a sip. "I kinda liked it too." She mumbled against the mouth of the glass bottle.

"What's that?" Bucky leaned closer so he could hear.

She sighed deep and stood up a little to repeat herself in his ear, "I kinda liked how you… ya know…" Lettie trailed off not sure how to explain that she had found his quiet, confindent, control of the situation so attractive. The way he could have clearly swung on the troublemaker but instad chose to use his brain as well as his muscles.

He must've seen it in her eyes, or heaven forbid read her mind, because Bucky pulled back with a shit eating grin, "Oh really?" He licked his lips and gave her a nearly inappropriate look, "I'm glad." He all but whispered against her temple and followed it by a careful press of his lips. When he pulled back she was grinning too and they left it at that.

~~~

For awhile the four of them had sat at the little corner table and chatted. Bucky had kicked Steve out of his chair, forcing him to go and sit beside Isa so Lettie could sit next to him. Soon he had his arm draped over the back of Letties chair and was smiling contently as the girls chatted across the table.

After awhile Bucky had all but bullied his pal into taking the pretty French girl out for a spin on the dancefloor. Lettie had giggled beside him as Isaline had nearly drug Steve along behind her. Together they sat there, watching from the sidelines as their friends danced, or tried to.

"Gosh is that how clumsy I looked?" Lettie laughed hiding it behind her hand.

'Not a chance," Bucky ducked his head to meet her gaze, "You looked like a dream doll."

She turned that pretty pink color and couldn't hold his eye. Bucky chuckled, "How come you can be so gorgeous, so quick, square up with a guy twice your size without thinkin' twice," He paused and reached a careful hand out to tip her face back to his, "And still get so flustered when I say somethin' nice?"

Lettie bit her lip and shook her head a little, eyes dropping closed for a moment when he stroked her cheek with the pad of his thumb. "I don't know."

All he could do was smile. When he caught sight of the others coming back he gave her a soft smile and a wink.

~~~

The four of them had split up at the station, Bucky once again nearly forcing Steve to walk Isa home, giving Bucky and Lettie the chance to walk home together. Alone.

She had ahold of his elbow again, only this time she had both arms wrapped around his and they laughed and teased eachother as they walked. At the front steps to her builing Lettie's heart dropped slightly and she took a fortifying breath. She turned to face Bucky and asked outright, "You're leaving soon aren't you?"

Though it might have caught him off guard he didn't show it. He only took her hand in his and nodded, "My company ships out Friday."

Lettie nodded, looked intently at his hand that engulfed hers, warm, rough to the touch but gentle. She put on a smile, forced but not insincere, "I had a really great time tonight Bucky."

That brough his smile back as well. He picked her hand up to his lips and kissed the top of her thumb, "So did I."

SHe studied him intently, eyes searching for some answer he was more than willing to let her find. He stood there patiently, with his easy grin firmly in place while he waited, hand still holding hers.

"Even though I kinda tried to start a fight?" She chuckled sheepishly.

HIs grin doubled, "Oh especially since you tried to start a fight."

She swatted at his chest and he took it in stride, even tugged her back to him after.

"So you'd consider, maybe, taking me out again?" Lettie was fighting back nerves that evaporated when she saw the way his face cracked into a wide, honest smile.

"Sweeheart, you have no idea how much I'd like that." He took that as a sign that he could get away with wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her against him. "Can I come fetcch you tomorrow? We can get a bite to eat, just you and me this time?"

Lettie was beaming when she nodded, "Sounds perfect."

The way she was looking up at him, matched with the way she had all but melted into him, gave him hope but she was a handful and he was a gentleman. So, he asked, "Lettie," he tipped her chin up with his knuckle and looked her in the eye, "Can I kiss you goodnight?"

"Yes please."

Bucky had to remind himself to keep it short and sweet. The way all the air left her in a rush as he pressed his lips to hers drew him in. He'd meant it to be a quick little peck, empitome of a gentleman, but then her hands had reached for either side of his jaw and he couldn't hold back the happy hum in the back of his throat. He swiped his lips over hers again and spread a hand wide over her back to press her even closer to him.

When he finally forced himself to pull away he saw her eyes still closed and her lips still parted and couldn't help himself. "Look at you." He murmered to her, catching the way her eyes fluttered open only for her to moan and let them fall closed once more as he allowed himself one final kiss. Electricity trilling down his spine as she captured his bottom lip between hers as they pulled away the second time.

Lettie was trying to catch her breath and her eyes were wide and lit from within.

"See you tomorrow beautiful." Bucky tipped her face gently so he could press a kiss to the corner of her eye, not trusting himself to kiss her properly again.

WIth a happy hum she let her hands slide over his shoulders and down to squeeze his biceps as she smiled up at him sweetly. "Can't wait."

Bucky held the door to her building open for her and returned her silly little wave as she scampered up the stairs. He stood there unitil he heard her door upstairs open and close. "Neither can I." He whispered to himself, with the shake of his head, as he let the door swing closerd behind him.

~~~

"You're too good for the likes of him Lettie, you mark my words."

"Sal!" Bucky scoffed, "C'mon, you've known me my whole life"

"Exactly!" The old man pointed at him accusingly as he set another bottle of Coke down.

Bucky shook his head, offended, "Don't do me dirty like that Sal, c'mon." The man behind the counter laughed loudly as he walked away, sharing a conspiritorial wink with Lettie.

Still shaking his head Bucky shifted to face her on his stool, "You might have everyone fooled, but I know better."

Lettie scoffed, "Oh, you know better? Do you? A few dates and you've got me all figured out, is that it?" She propped her elbow besdie her plate and arched her brow, waiting.

"Workin' on it." Bucky grinned, reached down to grab the leg of her stool and drag her closer. It made her giggle and he loved it, "You're no angel darlin' but you are definitly too good for me."

That surprised her and she grinned even wider, licking her lips she spoke softly, "Well then aren't you lucky?"

"Very lucky." Bucky leaned in to kiss her cheek.

"You knock that off Barnes! People eat here."

Lettie snorted out a laugh, as Bucky jokingly growled, "Sal, you're killin' me here." He caught the way Lettie was looking at him out the corner of her eye, "Don't you enourage him doll." She snorted out an even less lady like laugh and went back to her food. "You're both killin' me."

Bucky snuck a hand out to tickle her ribs earning him a squeal of laughter and a hard swat to his forearm. "Behave yourself." She scolded him, jabbing a finger in his direction.

Bucky surrendered, hands in the air and everything. "Okay, okay, best behavior." He tossed her a wink as he went back to his own plate. Both of them fighting back smiles, cheeks aching.

Sal walked back by after a minute and gave Bucky a hard look, "I take it back, this girl, I think she's good for you." He smacked Bucky hard, affectionantly but hard, on the shoulder and turned to move on down to another couple at the end of the counter.

Bucky caught Letties eye and kept his voice low, "Oh, she's very good for me."

Lettie flushed bright red and hid her face in her free hand, "You are the absolute worst." She hissed back at him.

He furrowed his brow, asbsentmindedly twirling his fork between his fingers, "Really? Pretty sure that's not what you ..."

"James Buchanan, I swear..." She left her threat to trail off in the static between them. Her face flushed and Bucky grinned like the cat that ate the canary.

"Okay, like I said, best behavior." He left it at that, only reaching for the hand she had been hiding behind and tugging it to him so he could press a kiss to her palm. Then with a happy, contented smile he remained on his best behavior through the rest of lunch.

When the two of them left, Bucky left a little bigger tip on the counter than he needed to and tucked Lettie into his side as they headed back out onto the street. Neither of them paying attention to the looks that trailed after them. The group of girls in a booth that looked longingly at the handsome young man and the open and obvious adoration for the girl that wasn't them. The older couple that shared a knowing, reminiscint smile, and Sal who shook his head with a chuckle as he cleared their plates away.

Out on the street Bucky and Lettie continued down the sidewalk, his arm over her shoulders and their fingers laced together.

"Buck?" "

Yeah doll."

"What happens while your gone?" She tried to keep her voice light.

Bucky swallowed thickly and did the same, "Told you, we're gonna go over there, kick HItlers ass, and be back in time for you..." He paused mid stride to spin her around and pull her back so they stood face to face, "To take me ice skating for Christmas."

Lettie rolled her eyes in that way she knew he liked. "For me to take you, huh?"

"Well, we already established I don't know how, so... yeah. You're gonna have to hold onto me all night." He fought back a grin as he walked into her, pushing her to step backwards, "I'm probably gonna make a fool out of myself, hanging on you the whole time." He made his point by wrapping his arms around her tightly, still keeping them walking down the street. Lettie trusting him completely as she continued stepping backwards.

"James, I'm serious." She looked up at him with bright but serious eyes. He returned her gaze and slowed them to a stop at a cross walk. His sharp blue eyes left hers to watch the traffic go by for a moment. "We talked about this Lettie." He looked back to her, kept her wrapped up tight. "

You hardly know me."

"Don't matter." His answer was so immediate and certain it took a little of the fight out of her. "You're my girl. We both know this ain't..." Bucky trailed off. For once he was the one at a loss for words, "Don't matter it's only been a week. It's never been like this for me before Lettie."

With a heavy sigh she wrapped her arms around his neck and relaxed into him. "Me either."

"So, you'll wait for me?" He gazed down at her lovingly, hopefully. His eyes nearly fluttering closed at the feel of her nails scratching through the short hairs at the nape of his neck.

"You know I will. " She smiled up at him just as in love, even if neither of them had said those words just yet. "As long as you promise to do your damndest to come home to me."

HIs smile turned into a smirk, "Such a mouth on you." He kissed her before she could say anything back, being so bold as to swipe his tongue into her mouth right there in the middle of the sidewalk. She nipped at his bottom lip as he pulled back and he let her draw him in for another slow kiss. "I promise Doll, I'm comin' home to you."

They stood that way for a moment longer, more unspoken promises being shared in the silence. Lettie was the one that broke them out of it, "You, better let me go, so I have time to go round up a friend for Steve and get ready."

"You look good in what you're wearin'." Bucky almost pouted, carefully bunching up the fabric of her skirt in one hand.

"Thank you, but" She swatted his hand away, "You promised to wear your uniform for me tonight, so I have to go get dolled up." She winked when she used a play on his favorite pet name for her, "So those other girls out there don't get the wrong idea."

"Don't see how they could when I can't keep my hands off you." Bucky offered smoothly as he dropped a short, teasing kiss to her lips. "But, you know I love it when you get all done up for me." His eyes were downright sinful when he looked her up and down and he smiled at the blush on her cheeks. "You sure you're okay meeting us there?"

"I'm sure." She patted him on the chest, took a moment to enjoy the feel of the hard earned muscle under his shirt and then dropped her hands when Bucky gave her a look. "Don't you..."

"Wasn't gonna say a word." He bit his bottom lip and looked her up and down. Unabashedly remembering how her hands had felt on his bare skin, the slight red marks she had left behind. Bucky slowly backed away before he got himself in anymore trouble.

"Hey Sarge!" Lettie called after him, teaasing him again, "Forgetting something?"

WIth a laugh and a shake of his head he joined her back on the corner of the sidewalk, and with a hand on each hip he pulled her into another kiss. "I'll see you tonight."

~~~

It was too bad Isaline hadn't been the girl for Steve, it turns out they were just two different types of shy. Isa was shy becuase she was new to the States and still didn't feel completely at home. Steve was shy because, well, he was Steve.

Lettie liked Steve the little she'd been around him. Bucky was right, he was a great guy, he just was a little unsure of himself. Lettie remembered the first little tiff she and Bucky had had, on their second date, when she had brought up what Isa had said about Steve. But Lettie had apologized for speaking harshly about his best friend and Bucky had apologized for raising his voice.

They had sat in a park down by the water and talked after that, Bucky filling her in on growing up with Steve and she understood better. Even became a little more invested in finding him a girl, vowing to take up the mission while Bucky was overseas along with most of the competition. Admittedly the date she'd found for him tonight wasn't the best match but she'd had short notice. Mae was smart as a whip and pretty, but a little on the stoic side. She had been excited though.

Of course that was after Lettie had told her that Bucky, her handsome Army beau had got them tickets to the Stark Expo and was going to bring a buddy along for her. Bucky had talked him up, sharing all the best things.

Mae had looked at her sideways when the boys arrived, "That's Buckys best friend?"

"Yeah." Lettie called them over and then turned back to Mae. "Don't be rude, he's the sweetest guy. You'll see."

"He could be sweet and look like yours. Is that too much to ask?"

Lettie rolled her eyes already feeling bad about the setup but excited for the expo and to spend the night with Bucky.

~~~

They had stayed out so late that Lettie was certain her folks would be upset, even if they liked Bucky which they did, it was well past the decent hour to bring a girl home. Who could blame them though? He was shipping out in the morning. This would be their last night together in God knew how long.

She swayed with the motion of Bucky bumping into her as they walked, "Where that pretty mind of yours wander off to?" He asked when she glanced up at him.

She gave him a soft, sadly tinged smile and apologized, "Sorry, was just thinkin'."

He didn't have to ask, he just held her tighter and dropped a kiss to the top of her head. "You got the pamphlet right, on how to get letters to me?"

Lettie nodded but didn't trust herself to speak. They were a few blocks from her house now and her throat got tighter with each step.

Bucky breathed deep and tried to lighten the mood, "Wish I could keep you out all night. Keep you all to myself 'till I have to leave. But, I think your folks like me and I don't wanna mess that up. Would throw a real wrench in my plans."

With a snort Lettie gazed up at him, "Your plans huh?"

"Mhmm."

When he left it at that she finally cracked a smile and a hint of a laugh, "Care to share those plans with me Barnes?"

WIth a wide smile Bucky pulled her to a stop around the block from her home. "Nothin' too crazy. Just go to war, come home, convince you to marry me, which admittedly may be difficult but I'm up to the challenge," He laughed at the eye roll that earned him and continued, "Get a good job, find us a place, figure out how many kids we're gonna have."

"So you do, just got it all planned out don't you?" Lettie shook her head.

He nodded once slowly, not saying anything else for a long while. Then he tugged her to him by the waist and kissed her, "How does that sound?" He whiispered against her lips.

Lettie wrapped her arms around his neck and allowed him to mold her body against his and squeeze her tight as they breathed the same air.

She thought of a lifetime of the laughing and smiling, the teasing and squabbling. Of his wandering hands and hugs that set the world right again. With heat rising up in her chest she thought of the one night they'd been able to steal together. The way they had laughed and fumbled and whispered together in the dark. How she had felt so adored and loved and at the same time so alive and indescent in the most amazing ways. She thought of the way he had looked at her, and she at him.

It wasn't that they were the only people in the world, far from it, but that they were only ones that either of them could imagine having for the rest of their lives.

With no sense of how long she'd been thinking she hugged him tighter and whispered into the side of his neck, "It sounds amazing."

His arms held her tighter, closer, if that were even possible, and then her feet were off the ground and the world was spinning. When Bucky sat her feet back on solid ground she was laughing and he was giving her that obnoxiously charming, easy grin she had fallen for so quickly.

Bucky brought his hands up to cradle her face as he kissed her again. More so this time, "I wish I could take you home with me tonight." He barely pulled back from her to say the words and then he was devouring her lips again. "One more time before I go." He wouldn't give her enough time to respond between kisses so she just hummed, moaned more like, happily into his mouth and carded her fingers through the hair at the back of his head.

A shiver rolled through her at the thought of another stolen night spent thouroughly exhausted and wrapped up in his arms. The promise of a future where he wouldn't have to sneak her home after. Where they could stay that way, wake up wrapped in eachother.

Eventually Lettie moaned again, nipped at his lip to get him to give her a chance to breath, and they were both giggling as they pulled apart. Bucky licked his lips like he was savoring the taste of something sweet and it made her heart flutter.

All of the sudden she couldn't keep her hands still. They slid from his neck to frame his jaw and then down to his firm chest and even lower over his torso. The memory of watching the muscles there ripple, flex and contract above her brought heat to her cheeks.

"You're thinkin' too much again doll." He was teasing her now, as he took her hands in his and started them walking back down the sidewalk before they got themselves in trouble.

"You mean it right?" She blurted out as he tucked her back into his side and turned the corner towards her building.

"Every word." He kissed the top of her head again, hugging her to him the whole rest of the block. In front of her building he smiled at her, "Want me to walk you up?" He didn't want to leave her yet.

Lettie took the first step and then turned towards him again, they were eye to eye like this, and shook her head. "It'll be quietter if I go up alone." She draped her arms over his shoulders and closed her eyes, smiling serenely as his hands moved to her waist.

They stroked up and down a few times before he wrapped his arms around her completely. He was going to ask for one more kiss but she beat him to it. One of her hands reached up to tip his cap off his head and the other combed through his jet black, slicked back hair underneath.

His eyes closed with the gentle touch and he smiled when she pressed her lips to his. This kiss was softer, sweeter, a proper good bye, as they held eachother in the dark on their Brooklyn street. When his eyes opened and saw her there, green eyes glassy and lips swollen he hadn't hesitated, "I love you so much." He lifted his own hand to tuck a strand of hair back and swipe away a tear from the corner of her eye, "I promise you doll, I'll do everything in my power to come home to you."

"I love you too, God, so much it scares me." She sobbed out a little laugh and leaned into his hand. "And you better keep that promise."

Bucky laughed too, a lump in his throat and fighting back uncharacteristic tears of his own. "You better get upstairs." He kissed her again, quick and light. Trying to ease the heaviness of the mood.

"Good night Bucky." She tilted her head to kiss him, one more time, and then set his cap back on his head. Crooked, the way he liked it. Then she backed away.

"Sweet dreams doll." He held her hand in his until it had slipped away and he watched her turn at the door and smile back at him.

She waved, that same silly, flirtacious wave, she'd given him every night for the past week and then blew him a kiss. How could he not laugh, shake his head at her and return the wave. He even blew her a kiss of his own, laughing at himself but loving the way she beamed back at him. Then the door swung closed behind her and Bucky was alone in the darkness. With a sad smile he shoved his hands in his pockets and turned to walk across to his own building. He knew he wouldn't sleep tonight.

~~~

Lettie could barely sleep either. She had woke early, her eyes jumping to the clock. In less than an hour Bucky would be reporting to muster at the ship yards, and by lunch he would be on his way to England. Then on his way to war.

Not knowing what possessed her she bolted out of bed and threw a robe over her nightdress. When she had dashed down the hallway she had nearly bowled over her father who stood in the kitchen. The collision slowed her down enough to apologize and clear her thoughts for a moment.

"What are you doing darling?" Her father questioned her, concern etched in his face, "Are you alright?"

She didn't know how to explain. She needed to see Bucky, one more time, if she hurried….

"I'm fine Papa." She blurted as the hurried to the door and nearly ripped it open. When she dashed out of the apartment she collided with a solid form for the second time that early morning.

This time however the man she had collided with cursed slightly under his breath and caught her in his arms, "Easy doll, where you runnin' off to?"

She was speechless when she came to her senses and saw Bucky standing before her. Crisp and clean shaven, uniform pristine and that crooked smile on his face. All she could do was wrap her arms around him and hug him to her. "I wanted to see you, one more time before you left."

Strong arms wrapped her up tight as he chuckled into her messy, morning hair. "Guess that makes two of us."

Lettie didn't see her father poke his head out of their apartment door, nor did she see the look the two men exchanged. Bucky appropriatly sheepish at the current postition in which he was entangled with the other mans daughter, but his hold on her never weakened.

To both of their surprise her father coughed, breaking them apart, and gestured them back inside the apartment. Bucky hadn't planned on sitting at the kitchen table with Lettie and her parents that morning, but it did his heart good. Her father had poured him a cup of coffee and shook his hand. Her mother had kissed him on the cheek. Lettie had sat beside him in her robe and disheveled hair and that was exactly how he wanted to remember her.

Like this he could picture her in their own home, walking into the ktichen in her robe, hair a mess from the night before to kiss him goodbye on his way to work.

After Lettie had walked him down to the front door, he hadn't let her come outisde with him. She shook her head, laughing at him when he said it was one thing for him to see his girl in a robe, but no way the whole neighborhood was getting a peak. They had kissed goodbye again and again and again until he absolutely had to leave.

Then Lettie walked back up to the apartment sat down at the kitchen table with her parents, and cried.

~~~

War was hell.

Even in Brooklyn, war was hell.

Lettie had held her breath between each letter. Each of them a heaving gasp of fresh air as she opened them and read Buckys words.

She focused on her work, she'd got a job at one of the factories like so many of the other girls. She spent all day punching rivets into fuselages and often caught herself wondering what she would do with herself when the boys came back.

Lettie liked the girls she worked with, they had all become good friends. Some of them were married, a few of them had kids, a couple were single but most of her new friends had a man they loved fighting overseas. Those had been the friends she'd confided in when Bucky's letters had stopped.

War was hell.

She knew that.

He wasn't allowed to tell her much about it, but she knew that of course there would be long gaps in communication. There had never been one that had gone on so long before though and fear had settled in her stomach like a lead weight.

Isaline, who worked with her, did her best to keep her friends spirts up. Told her that her boyfriend was just busy fighting Germans, and as soon as he was able he would write her another of his lovesick letters. Telling her stories of the men in his platoon and their rowdy shenanigans.

Just when Lettie had nearly given up hope, had settled into the bleak depression of not knowing, a runner had came to her station on the line with a telegram. Her heart had stopped and her rivet gun had dropped to the ground with a clatter as she stumbled.

No.... No, no, no....

One of the married women had caught her and steadied her, shushing her in her thick Brooklyn accent.

Isa had plucked the telegram from her fingers and opened it with a pale, sickly expression on her face. An expression that had disappeared instantly, replaced with elation, in French she exclaimed, "Listen, Lettie listen. for the love of God, girl listen!"

Lettie's world stopped spinning and her eyes settled on Isa as she read the telegram, beaming.

"Doll, I'm safe, I'll write soon. Love Buck"

After that the letters started up again, this time with even more fantastical shenanigans which included Steve now which he promised to explain later, and even more promises. He loved her, he was safe, he was coming home to her as soon as this was all over.

Then one of her friends from the factory had drug them to the cinema, demanding they get dolled up and go out, boys or no boys. Which is where she saw Bucky for the first time in over a year.

There on the screen, his face scowling in concentration across from none other than Captain America, Steve Rogers. She had recognized a few others in the reels from Buckys letters, men from his platoon and the girls had giggled together as Lettie retold the stories she'd heard. Once she got home that night she had written him and informed him he very much had a lot of explaining to do.

She never got a response to that last letter.

War was hell.

Again, she found herself repeating old mantras, the weight settled back in her stomach.

This time however, it was not a telegram that knocked the wind out of her. It was Sargent James "Bucky" Barnes, leaning casually against the front of her building in the warm afternoon sun, smoking a cigarette and wating for her.

~~~

She awoke with a start, heart racing for some unknown reason. Until a warm, heavy hand settled on her waist, "Sorry doll." His voice was hushed and hoarse in the silence.

Lettie rolled over and saw, once her eyes had adjusted, Bucky lying wide awake beside her, one arm propped behind his head and his chest rising and falling faster than normal. She slid over to him and tucked herself into the space he made for her against his side. "Nightmare?" She whispered softly as she pressed a kiss to a scar on his chest, one of the thick, ugly ones, and then rested her head there.

"Mhmm." Was his only response, aside from sinking back down into the matress and pulling the covers up over them.

"Want to tell me?" She asked against his chest.

She felt and heard him swallow thickly and then his arm around her tightened. "Not this one sweeheart." He murmered into the hair at the crown of her head and then dropped a kiss there. "Just tell me I'm home."

Lettie smiled and shifted so that she could look him in the eye, take his face in her hand and kiss him. "You're home." Kiss, "You're home, in bed, with me." Another longer kiss and then she carded her fingers through his sleep mussed hair. "RIght where you belong."

Bucky hummed appreciatively, wrapped his arms tighter around her and pulled her impossibly closer. HIs body had changed, he had grown into a man over there. His chest filled out, his arms and torso no longer lean but bulky. His back was solid muscle as were his legs. He had changed too. Not for the worse, just changed. Darkness chased him, and so many others, but he was sill her Bucky.

A fact made evident when his lips carressed her throat and he murmured, "Y'know, I'm pretty sure you promised, once upon a time, to play with my hair and talk dirty to me in French if I took you out two more times."

Lettie breathed out a laugh, "Oh really? That just don't sound like me at all." She teased even as she stroked through his hair again. A nip to her collarbone brought out a giggle. "Can't believe you remember that."

Bucky hummed again and rolled up onto his side. shifting her onto her back and gazing down at her. "Lettie, I tried not to think about home too much,noene of us did, after awhile it hurt too damn much." He reached a hand up to trace her cheekbone. "But, that week with you, God there were times I played it like a movie over and over again in my mind."

The way he looked at her gave her butterfilies, just like he had back then. Lettie smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around his neck, to bring him closer.

He dropped a sleepy, short kiss to her lips and then added, "And I distanctly remember you promising to do exactly that."

Lettie laughed and pushed him off of her. "You wouldn't know what I was sayin' anyway." She pointed out as she moved back into his side and laid her head on his chest.

"You could read me a diner menu doll, and I'd be just fine." He chuckled at himself and tugged her closer, already feeling the weight of the nightmare fading. They were quiet for a long time, Bucky distracted by the warmth of her slight breath over his bare chest and the feel of her twisting the gold band on his finger over and over. He smiled, content and let his eyes fell closed as he focused on the comforting repetetive motion of his wife toying with his wedding band as she drifted back to sleep.

After awhile his eyes grew heavy and the motion of Lettie's fingers slowed. As if with her last bit of energy before sleep reclaimed her she whispered to him in the darkness, her French slow and whispy as she faded, "You're home, my love, home with me. Where you belong."

Bucky breathed deep and released it in one long exhale, all the negativity of the nightmares gone with it, and then laced his fingers throught hers. "I'm home." He followed her in sleep with his hand holding hers and a soft, content smile on his face.

~~~

[splendidreads]

Open Your Heart, Part 1

Mob!Bucky Barnes x Female OC

Word Count: 3,299

This first chapter is so long omg.

This first chapter has no warnings. Future chapters will include the following; Cursing, mentions of abuse, violence, weapons, smut, angst, fluff.. I will add more as needed!

Kind of a summary? Idk. I’m still thinking.

‘Arranged marriages are never easy. This one is no exception. Both sides will have to relearn their ways, and learn to trust each other. Bucky has all the love to give, but Katherine doesn’t know how to accept real love. She’s never been loved by anyone other than her best friend. Will she learn to open her heart, to New Yorks most notorious Mob Boss? Or is she too scared, that he’s just like everyone else?’

A/N; This is my FIRST Bucky story. As well as my first AU story. If this first part does well, I’ll keep on going. I’m incredibly beyond nervous about this. Constructive criticism welcome, but please be nice. Please re-post and comment :)

I do NOT give permission for my work to be copied and posted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. PLEASE just reblog if you want to share my story!!

Will happily start a tag list if anyone is interested!

✨Part 2 here✨

“Yeah, it’s getting pretty chilly out.”

Katherine tossed her keys onto her dresser as she held the phone between her ear and shoulder, flipping through the stack of mail in her hands.

“Perfect night for a book and hot chocolate.”

Katherine chuckled softly, “Sage, do you ever really need an excuse to do that?”

She could hear laughter on the other side of the phone, “Not really. But it’s the aesthetic!”

She rolled her eyes at her friend, humming softly as she sorted a few bills, until her eyes landed on an envelope that stood out. It was a deep, blood red color with a silver wax seal on it. Her name was written on it, so she didn’t hesitate to open it.

“Anything interesting?”

She hummed in response, “Possibly..”

Her fingers gently tugged the paper out from the envelope, her curiosity spiking. She unfolded the paper, and her eyes soon began to go over the words.

“Oh my god,” she gasped softly, a bit breathless, “Its him.. It’s a letter from HIM!”

As soon as she got the words out, her phone began chiming in her ear, signaling that Sage was converting the call to a video call. Katherine answered it, and propped the phone up on her dresser.

“Well, what did he say?” Sage looked at her curiously, “Its about the wedding, right?”

Katherine looked at the letter, and let out a soft breath.

“It says..”

“My Dearest Katherine,

I know that we’ve both been waiting for this moment, at least.. I know that I have. I wanted to give you the space you deserve, and to not rush you. If you’re ready for me, I’m here, and I’d like for you to come stay with me. I’ll take care of anything you need, or want, to make this transition easier and more comfortable. Just let me know when you’re ready.

Sincerely yours,

James Buchanan Barnes

My number: xxx-xxx-xxxx”

Both girls were silent for a moment. Katherine’s thoughts were overwhelmed by excitement, the moment she’d been waiting for was finally here.. While Sages thoughts were quite the opposite.

“The mob boss Bucky Barnes?!” Sage exclaimed, finally processing the words from the letter. “YOU'RE MARRYING A MOB BOSS?”

“Seems so..” Katherine grabbed the phone, and immediately put the number in, sending him a text.

“I don’t know Katie, this is.. Are you sure? You’ve heard all of the stories..”

Katherine rolled her eyes, “I can’t break the deal. It’s not mine to negotiate anyways..” she let out a soft sigh, “I know. I remember them, we’ve all heard the stories..”

Sage let out a long breath, worry written all over her face, “Well.. When do you think you want to go? I’m sure he’d understand if you wanted more time.”

Katherine bit the inside of her cheek, having already received a few text messages from him, “In a few hours.”

Sages face fell, “What?”

“He’s sending a driver over at 3,” She began moving around her room, and began the process of packing, “It’s not like I have much to pack anyways.”

“You already texted him? Katherine-“

Katherine shook her head, cutting her off, “You know how long I’ve been waiting for this. Yes, it’s.. Interesting.. Who he turned out to be.. But this is still my only chance to get out… A chance to be happy.”

As much as Sage wanted to argue, disagree, and try to talk her out of it.. She knew that she was right.

“If he can make you happy..” Sage let out a soft sigh, before a smile spread on her lips, “Make sure to tell me everything! I want to know what he’s like, what his house is like! I’ve heard it’s a huge mansion..”

As Sage began to go on and on about all the different rumors they’ve all heard about him, Katherine’s mind was occupied with other thoughts.

I hope I don’t disappoint him.

If I just keep my head down, and listen, I’m sure it’ll be fine.

I wonder if he’ll like me..

Will we be happy together?

“I bet the arm thing isn’t real. You know how mobs like to spread stories to scare people.”

Sage's last words made Katherine chuckle, “I suppose I’ll be finding out which rumors are true or not, hmm?”

“Yeah, you’ll have to let me know if his eyes are really that blue.” Sage let out a soft dreamy sigh, “I wonder what he really looks like. It seems to depend on who you ask.”

Katherine hummed softly, imagining the man as she packed, “Yeah, if they’re on his good side, or his bad side.”

Both girls chuckled a bit, continuing to talk about all the different possibilities that might happen. Katherine continued packing as they spoke, finding that she really didn’t have much to pack. She didn’t have many clothes, most of it being her work uniforms. A couple pairs of jeans, a few t-shirts (All of which had something to do with music), a single long sleeved shirt, and her oversized nightshirts. She only had three pairs of shoes; A pair of purple converse sneakers (which were on her feet), her black combat boots, and her work shoes. Thankfully, she still had her black dress and heels from when Sage forced her to get them. She could still hear Sages words from that day, ‘This dress would look killer on you, your curves will pop, and drive any man crazy!’ She had only tried the dress on once, never having an occasion to wear it. So, including the heels, she actually had four pairs of shoes.

Great.

A loud knock on the front door made both girls fall silent, but Sage was quick to realize.

“It’s three..”

Katherine sucked in a breath, nodding her head, “Okay… Okay. I’ll talk to you later, I promise!”

Sage sighed, nodding her head, “You’d better.. I’ll send a search party! Don’t forget your art bag!”

The call ended after the both girls said ‘I love you’, and Katherine made a beeline to the front door, bags in hand. She opened it to find a man, a bit older than her, with a nice suit on.

He offered a small smile, “Miss Connors?”

She nodded her head, “Yes sir.” Returning the smile, before realizing..

Dad.

She let out a soft sigh, “I have to do something really quick, then I’m ready.”

The man nodded his head, and reached for her bags, “I’ll take these, and meet you at the car.”

She turned on her heel, walking through the house. Her father was passed out in his recliner in the living room, a beer threatening to fall from his hand and onto the floor. Shaking her head at the sight, she decided to just leave him a note, instead of waking him.

‘Mr. Barnes finally reached out.

I accepted.

That’s where I’ll be when you wake up.’

She placed the note in front of the television, before walking back through the house. Grabbing her leather jacket, and her ‘art’ bag as Sage called it, she went out the front door. The man at the car gave her another smile, opening the back door for her. As she stepped in, she took one last look at the house, before nodding to herself and letting the man close the door.

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

The car ride was silent for the most part, the man asking her a few times if she was alright or if she needed anything. New York City seemed to disappear behind them as they went, the drive lasting about 20 minutes. Katherine’s eyes widened as the car rolled to a stop.. He really did have a mansion.

“Alright Miss. Connors.” The man got out of the car, as her eyes observed the large home. It was old, Victorian era old. Equal parts elegant, beautiful, and creepy. The driver, whom she had learned to be Joe, opened her door for her, offering a warm smile. She got out, and was greeted by a crisp breeze. She was glad to have her leather jacket on.

“Thanks for the ride.” She said to him, a small grin on her lips as she grabbed her bags.

“Anytime, ma’am. Mr. Barnes is my favorite client.”

She gave him a small nod before turning to walk towards the house. As she walked up the front steps,, the nerves finally began to break through. She took in a deep breath as she raised her fisted hand to knock, but the door opened in front of her, startling her.

“You must be Katherine!” An older woman, probably in her late 50s or so, gave her a wide grin.

“Yes ma’am, that’s me.” She returned the grin, trying to conceal her nerves.

“Come in, come in…” The woman motioned her inside, and as she stepped in, she closed the door. “I’m Annette, one of Mr. Barnes housekeepers.”

Katherine’s eyes wandered around the entryway, “It’s nice to meet you.”

Annette stood there, silent for a moment. As if she were allowing Katherine to study the home. “Mr. Barnes is currently in a meeting, so I’ll show you to your room!”

Katherine gave her a small smile, nodding her head to the woman. She followed along behind her, looking around as they went. It was pretty modern inside, compared to the old style of the outside. The first room was huge; a long fireplace along the far wall. It seemed to have been set up to hold guests, maybe for meetings or get-togethers. There were staircases on either side of the room, and they started the descent up the left side. Once at the top, she realized that both sides met on the same floor. There didn’t seem to be much personal touch in the home; No family photos in sight.

“Here we are, the last door on the left. The room on the right is an office area that he never uses, the other door on the left is another entrance into your bathroom. I usually keep it locked.”

Katherine blinked a few times, before hesitantly opening the door to the bedroom.. her eyes widened once again, seeing how large it was. It was almost like a suite at a hotel; having a lounge area with a couch, recliner and television. A wall separated that space from an area with a ginormous bed. It must’ve been a California king, she’d never seen a bed so large. As she walked around, Annette came in as well, opening the curtains.

“This door here is your closet,” she said as she turned the knob, revealing a walk in closet. “And over here is your bathroom.”

Katherine was shocked, her eyes trying to take in the massive space, “A-And this room… Is mine?”

Annette let out a soft chuckle, “Yes dear.”

Confusion then came across Katherine’s face, realizing that she and her future husband had separate rooms. Annette must’ve noticed this, because she offered a kind smile.

“Mr. Barnes is a good man, Katherine. He wanted you to have your own space, he didn’t want to pressure you into anything until you were ready.”

Katherine nodded slowly, setting her bags down on the foot of the bed- Her bed. She gave Annette a big grin, when the initial shock had finally subsided. She let out a giggle, doing a twirl as she took one long look at the room. Annette chuckled softly, watching the woman.

“It was overwhelming to me too, back in the day. I’d never seen such spacious rooms.” She shrugged her shoulders.

Katherine let out a long sigh, a smile tugging at her lips, “This is.. It is a lot. This room is half the size of my house!”

Both women chuckled for a moment, until there was a knock at the door. Katherine’s eyes moved to look at who it was, somehow knowing that it wasn’t him. A tall man leaned in the doorway, golden blonde hair that went just past his ears, and a neat beard on his face.

“Mr. Rogers.” Annette nodded her head toward him, giving him a small smile.

“Annette,” he returned the smile, then his eyes landed on Katherine, “So you’re the one who’s marrying my best friend.”

Katherine’s nerves slowly creeped their way back into her mind, nodding her head silently. She wasn’t sure what to say, her eyes flickering between the man and Annette.

He walked towards her, extending a hand, “I’m Steve.” He gave her a warm grin, and it helped settle her silly nerves.

“It’s nice to meet you,” she said, taking his hand and shaking it.

“I hope you’re finding everything to your liking. Buck sent me to extend his apologies, his meetings running later than expected.” Steve let out a soft sigh as their hands fell, “He wanted to greet you when you arrived.”

Katherine nodded her head, running a hand through her long brown hair, “It’s alright, I understand.” She shrugged, though secretly she was quite anxious and excited to finally set her eyes on him.

Steve’s eyes wandered around the room, before settling on her bags, “Are there more bags downstairs? I can go get them if you’d like.”

Katherine was slightly embarrassed, “Oh, uhm.. No.. That’s all I’ve got.”

Silent words seemed to be exchanged, Steve understanding the expression on her face. Katherine didn’t want to have to explain to anyone that she was dirt poor and didn’t have many possessions. Steve didn’t seem to want to press the issue.

“Well, I’ve got to get back to work. I’ll see you around dear! Steve will take good care of you.” Annette gave them both a smile, before leaving the room.

Katherine let out a breath, before making a clicking sound with her tongue, “Welp,” she moved to start unpacking her bags, “I s’pose I’ll start unpacking while I wait.” She shrugged her shoulders, before letting out a soft chuckle. Her phone was going off in her pocket, and she knew who it was. She pulled the device out, to see text messages from Sage.

‘Everything good?’

‘Are you there yet??’

‘KATIE’

‘…Has he swooped you off your feet yet?’

‘DETAILS WOMAN!’

Katherine laughed, reading the messages. Steve quirked an eyebrow curiously, wondering what was going on. She looked over to him as she texted Sage back.

‘I haven’t met him yet! Just settling into my room. I’ll video call you before bed!’

“Oh, it’s just my best friend chomping at the bit. Sage is a very protective friend, and if I don’t answer, I’m sure she’d manage to find out where I am.”

Steve let out a soft chuckle, nodding his head, “Oh, I understand that.”

Katherine hummed softly, “I’m sure she’d like to see where I’m living now.. Do you think he’d be alright if she came over some time?” She looked at Steve, wondering what he thought. But Steve’s eyes were now on his own phone.

“You can ask him yourself,” he said, sliding the device back into his pocket, “He’s out of his meeting, and would like for me to escort you to his office.”

Katherine nodded her head slowly, “Uhm, then lead the way.”

Steve gave her a smile, before doing just that. He led her down the hallway, and back down the staircase. Her fingers began fumbling with the hem of her shirt, ‘The Andrews Sisters’ logo quite faded on the front of the old clothing. As she followed him through the house, her anxiety came creeping back into her mind. Thoughts of her mysterious suitor flooded her brain, wondering what their first interaction might be like. She was lost in her thoughts as Steve led her into a room, her eyes wandering around as she observed the new area. There were bookcases covering the walls, hundreds of books filling them. She smiled, looking at all the old covers. She could’ve sworn she had spotted an old copy of ‘Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe’.

“Katherine?”

Her eyes snapped to where she had heard her name, and the nerves turned into butterflies in the pit of her stomach. Standing before her, leaning against a large wooden desk, was a man. Probably the most attractive man she’d ever laid eyes on. He had dark hair, a quiff of dark locks settled at the top. His eyes were an icy Blue, staring into her hazel brown orbs. He had quite the jawline, a short beard covering it. His arms were crossed against his chest, one of which seemed to reflect the light from the ceiling..

“H-Hi.” Was all she managed to squeak out, her eyes transfixed on him.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” he took a few long strides across the room, extending his flesh hand to her, “Bucky.” He flashed a toothy smile, and she felt her heart flutter.

It was him.

She took his hand, hoping he didn’t notice that hers was shaking. He gently clasped both of his hands around her much smaller one, the metal of his fingers sending a chill up her arm.

“You have a really lovely home.” She mentally scolded herself, knowing those weren’t her first choice of words.

He let out a hearty chuckle, holding onto her hand gently, “Thank you. It’s yours now, too, you know.”

She nodded her head, realizing how much closer he was to her now. She could see his dark eyelashes flutter as he watched her. She slowly retracted her hand, suddenly feeling quite self conscious. She wrapped her arms around her middle, wanting to hide herself from his piercing eyes. He seemed to notice her hesitance, taking a step back from her. They were both silent for a moment, Steve watching the awkward interaction. Her eyes began to wander again, fixating on all the books in the room.

“Do you like to read?” He asked, giving her a small smile.

Katherine’s eyes glanced towards him, getting captured by his icy orbs once more, “I do.” She returned the sweet smile.

“You’re more than welcome to any of them. I have more in the basement library.” He hummed softly, “Please feel free to explore. What’s mine, is now yours.”

She gave him a slow nod, the smile still spread across her lips, as she began to walk around the room. She walked up to one of the large bookcases, her fingers lifting to gently brush across the spines of a few books. She hummed softly, her eyes scanning over the different books. Bucky silently followed her, watching as she admired them. He glanced at Steve, who gave him a reassuring smile.

“I’m happy to collect more, if you think of any we should add to the collection.” He said to her, trying to ease her nerves. He didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable, regardless of the odd situation.

“Duly noted.” She turned towards him, a slight blush crawling onto her cheeks as she realized.. While she was studying the books, he was studying her.

“Uh, are you hungry?” He gave her a side grin, “Steve and I usually go to this pizza place out on 6th, every Thursday.”

Katherine let out a soft laugh, “Pizza sounds great.”

Bucky clapped his hands together, “Then it’s settled. Steve, can you pull the car around?”

Steve nodded his head, “Yep.”

Katherine smiled to Bucky, “What are your favorite toppings? I’m a meat lover myself.”

Bucky’s lips spread wide on his face, “Me too. With the garlic sauce on the crust.”

Katherine’s nerves were slowly fading, “Extra cheese?”

Bucky chuckled, motioning for them to leave the room, “Doll, I have a feeling this’ll be much easier than either of us realized.”

“As long as you don’t put anchovies on anything, I think we’ll be set.”

They both began to laugh, all the nerves and awkwardness fading behind them.

[chasingmidnights]

Title: A First Time for Everything

Pairing: sugar daddy!Carter Baizen x reader 

Bingo Selections: Cafe AU; first time; sugar daddy 

Summary: Carter is a regular at the cafe that you work at. One day, he offers you an opportunity that you have a hard time saying no to.

A/N: This is my first entry for the bingo slumber-party event that’s going on (@the-slumberparty)! I hope you enjoy it! Please note, nothing is beta read and I do not claim to be any kind of professional writer. All my mistakes are my own. Also, the gold glitter divider that you see was by @firefly-graphics.

Warnings: 18+ only, minors DNI!! Warnings would include: some angst, mild self-degradation; mild cursing; mentions of sugar daddy-sugar baby relationship; Carter Baizen (yes, he’s a warning!); mentions class/society differences; mild inappropriate thoughts; and I believe that’s everything. I apologize if I miss anything but you are responsible for what you read. 

Wordcount: 3,596

The morning rush had been non-stop since you flicked on the open sign. Usually you could handle the craziness along with the rude, snooty customers but when two of your coworkers called at the last minute, it put you in a sour mood. Also, normally, you wouldn’t mind the handsome stranger taking up a spot at the counter for over an hour but with how busy the cafe had been this morning, it was kind of getting annoying. You were about to ask him to leave when the espresso machine started screeching at you and spewing steam. 

“Dammit!” You muttered under your breath as you turned your attention to the machine instead of the man. 

Just as you left, the brunette man looked up from his paper and smirked. He picked up his coffee mug and took a small drink of his coffee. A chuckle escaped him as he watched you manhandle the espresso machine. 

“Something funny sir?” You snapped as you tried to get the espresso machine to work. 

Before he could comment, another customer walked up and interrupted. “Excuse me, miss? I think my coffee was made wrong. There’s supposed to be three shots of espresso and I can tell there’s only one.” 

You groaned quietly as the customer complained about their order. When you turned to face the upset woman, you were surprised when the older gentleman spoke up. 

“That’s impossible.” You raised a brow as you watched the interaction. “Impossible because I’ve watched her make every order since I’ve gotten here. While making each order, she counts everything. It doesn’t matter whether it's pumps of syrup or spoonfuls of matcha powder, she counts it. She doesn’t think anyone notices but I do. So, there is no way possible that there is only one shot of espresso in your order. And, as you can tell, the espresso machine is currently out of order.” 

Your jaw dropped as you listened to the man defend you to this rude lady. A disgruntled scoff came from the woman before she picked up her cup and retreated. It took a few moments for you to comprehend what just happened, you didn’t think anyone paid that much attention to you. Let alone someone who was so attractive. You blinked a few times before you walked over to the brunette. 

“Ya know, you didn’t have to do that.” You felt your cheeks starting to heat up as he made eye contact with you. 

“Don’t worry about it sweetheart. Some of these high society, Upper East Siders need to be knocked down a few notches. I enjoy doing it.” He then took a sip of his coffee. 

“Well, thank you.” You tucked a piece of fallen hair behind your ear. You then introduce yourself properly and tell him your name.

“Oh, I know who you are sweetheart.” He gave a quick wink and just then his phone dinged. You swore that you both sighed in annoyance at the interruption of your conversation. Surely you just imagined his sigh. 

“Sorry about that.” He said as he tucked his phone back into his pocket. “Looks like I’ve gotta head off. But here, take this,” He paused as he pulled out what looked like a business card. You looked down at the elegant, white card with crisp black lettering. “Call me, I would love to discuss a few things with you.” 

Your face scrunched up in immediate confusion as you looked back up at the brunette. What on earth could he possibly want to discuss with you? 

“Who do I ask for if I decide to call? There’s no name, it just says Baizen Industries.” 

He smirked as he put a twenty dollar bill in the tip jar. “Ask for Carter Baizen.” 

You watched as he effortlessly left the cafe, leaving you with butterflies in your stomach and your mind swirling with questions. Did that really just happen? 

“Wow, I can’t believe this! No fuckin’ way! Carter Baizen wants you to call him?!” 

You had just told your best friend and roommate, Zoey, about what happened today as the two of you sat down for dinner. “Okay, how do you know who this person is and I don’t?” 

“Because you, my darling, are completely oblivious to what’s happening in the world.” She teased and you playfully rolled your eyes at her, even though it was true. You watched as she reached for her laptop and set aside her plate. She quickly typed on her keyboard and pulled up Baizen Industries on the internet. “This is what you’re dealing with.” She then turned her laptop towards you. 

You couldn’t help but feel a little odd about looking Carter up but you were curious. From what you gathered from the website page, he was a rising titan in the oil industry and dealt with many areas within the oil industry. You still had a hard time believing that a man of his status wanted anything to do with you. You lived in Brooklyn whereas he lived on the Upper East Side and probably vacationed in Martha’s Vineyard. Wait, no, he was an oil guy, that didn’t sound right. You let out a heavy sigh as you continued to search the website page. 

“Hey, no, don’t do that.” Zoey said as she pulled the laptop away and closed it. 

You instantly let out a huff and started to pick at your food. “Do what?” 

Zoey narrowed her gaze at you before she softened it. “You’re a total catch! Don’t let stupid society and its so-called rules get to you! If you want to call him, you should! Who knows, it could be the best damn thing to ever happen to you!” 

You playfully shook your head and rolled your eyes. “Can I at least have a couple of days to think about it?” You gave Zoey your best puppy dog eyes and pout. 

The two of you stare at each other for a moment before Zoey breaks first. 

“Alright, fine! But if you don’t, then I’m gonna do it for you!” Zoey smirked, but you knew she wasn’t teasing. 

A few days passed and you still had not called Carter. You had formed a pro-con list in your mind about this whole situation, which you still could not wrap your mind around. Surely it was some kind of trick? The cafe was buzzing and as you went to use the espresso machine, you were surprised that it didn’t combust on you. You started to examine the machine and wondered who fixed it, you wanted to thank that person. Heck, you could kiss that person right now. 

“You’re welcome.” 

Carter. 

You slowly turned to face the man who was now in his usual seat at the counter. “You fixed it?” 

Carter ticked his head after he took a drink of his coffee. “Well, had it replaced. You know, you never called.” 

A smile spread across your face. “Yeah, I was doing some thinking. I was gonna call you tonight.” 

“How about you meet me for dinner tonight instead?” 

How was he such a smooth talker? Just his little smirk alone was making you go weak at the knees. 

“Eight o’clock, The Artemis.” Carter said, it was almost more of an order more than anything. 

A part of you was impressed and made you want to say yes immediately. “What if I don’t show up?” 

Carter then stood up, placing a ridiculous large tip on the counter. “You will sweetheart.” 

“How are you so sure?” You asked before he left. 

You could see the twinkle in his eyes as he stared at you. 

“Your curiosity.” 

Later that night, you found yourself staring at your reflection in the floor length mirror that you had in your room. Zoey had loaned you an elegant, yet simple black dress which hugged your curves and accentuated your best features perfectly. Zoey also helped with your hair and makeup, keeping it all very simple and classic. Eight o’clock was approaching and your stomach was in knots. You couldn’t help but second guess your decision on everything. From you actually deciding to go to this dinner, to the outfit, to- 

“Will you come out all ready?! You look gorgeous!” Zoey called out from behind your closed door. “Besides, you’re gonna be late!” 

You took a deep breath before you finally left your bedroom. “Are you sure about this?” 

“Yes! He’d be stupid to not be interested in you. You’re a goddess and you’re completely worth it!” Zoey encouraged you before she wrapped you into a hug. 

You didn’t know what you would do without Zoey, she was always the best hype girl and knew exactly what to say to get you out of your thoughts. Just then, a knock came from the apartment door and the two of you separated. Confusion washed over you both as another knock sounded from the door. You went to answer the door to find an older man standing there in a black suit. 

“Can we help you?” You asked, arching a brow as you did. 

“Did Carter send a car?” Zoey whispered in awe. 

“Yes ma’am, Mr. Baizen sent a car for you. He didn’t think it was right for you to have to take a cab.” The man confirmed.

You and Zoey looked at each other and you did your best to conceal your excitement. “Alright, let me just grab a few things and then I’m ready.” 

When you got to the restaurant, the car slowly came to a stop. Your heart started to race as you waited for the driver to open the door, you couldn’t help but wonder if you were about to make a huge fool out of yourself. As the driver opened the door and offered you a hand to help you out of the car, you took a deep breath before you accepted his hand and climbed out of the vehicle. You gave the driver a small smile as you straightened up and adjusted your dress. 

“Thank you, sir.” 

“It’s no problem, miss. I’ll be back as soon as your dinner with Mr. Baizen is over.” The gentleman informed you, before he briskly walked back over to the driver side of the car. 

After a moment, you turned to face the restaurant. The Artemis was a high end, five-star restaurant and a place you could never afford on your own. The building itself was exquisite, brick with greenhouse windows that were floor to ceiling. In reality, it was just a little hole in the wall joint that looked like it belonged in a fairytale. When you walked inside, your jaw dropped at how beautiful it was. There was greenery everywhere along with fairlights all over the place, it gave the place a very intimate setting. It was surprisingly spacious for being such a small restaurant, tables evenly spread throughout and in the far back corner was a small bar. As you took in every detail of the restaurant, you noticed how quiet the place was, with very few other customers that mingled around. Then you spotted Carter. 

Butterflies started to flutter like crazy in your stomach. He was wearing an all black suit which matched well against his sun-kissed skin. His hair was neatly combed back but still had a little fluffiness in the front. You could tell that it had been a few days since he had last shaved last but you actually didn’t mind the stubble. A thought popped into your head and you instantly shook it away, you shouldn’t have those kinds of thoughts. You barely know the man. Carter stood up when you reached the table and he pulled the chair out for you. 

“Wow, you look absolutely beautiful.” Carter complimented as you sat down. 

“Thank you. Are you sure about this place?” You asked as you looked around again. 

Carter glanced around as well but shortly after a smile formed on his face. “Don’t worry about it sweetheart, tonight is all about you. Order whatever you like.” 

Just then, a waiter walked over and offered some champagne before he started to fill our glasses. “I hope you enjoy it, it’s one of our bests.” 

The waiter gave a slight nod before he walked away. You took a sip of the champagne and you couldn’t agree more with him. 

“Do you like it?” Carter asked as he smiled from across the table. 

Your eyes lit up as you set the slim flute down. “Very much.” 

“Good, only the best for you.” Carter smiled as he raised his glass a little bit towards you before he took a sip of his own champagne. 

A comfortable silence washed over the both of you as you looked over the menus. Everything sounded delicious and you did your best to control your facial features at each price next to each meal. You know he said not to worry and to order whatever you like but you still couldn’t help looking at the more inexpensive options. When the wait returned, you were still looking at the menu and had not made a decision. 

“If I may, tonight I would recommend the Chef’s choice. It’s a fantastic option, if I do say so myself.” The waiter suggested with a smile.

“Sounds perfect.” Carter agreed and before you could protest, your menu was being taken away from you and the waiter was walking away from the table. 

You couldn’t help but glance around the restaurant, a wave of nervousness suddenly washed over you. As you looked around, Carter found himself staring at you, anyone else that he would’ve asked here tonight probably would be taking every last advantage of him right now. But you were different, he could tell. When your eyes landed on Carter again, you felt your cheeks begin to heat up. To help calm your nerves, you reached for your champagne glass and took a rather large sip. Carter let out a small chuckle before he took a sip from his own glass. After a brief moment of silence, you finally decided to speak up again and ask the question you had been dying to know the answer too. 

“So, why did you ask me here tonight?” 

A smirk curled up onto the corner of his lips. “Is it so hard to believe that I find you attractive and just want to get to know you better?” 

“Yes.” You deadpanned.

“And why is that?” Carter sat back in his chair as he crossed his arms. 

“Because I’m mid-class Brooklyn and you’re high-society, Upper East Side. Oh, not to mention one of the world’s top oil guys right now.” You leaned back a little bit when the waiter brought out the first course. You smiled up at the waiter and thanked him. 

Carter uncrossed his arms as he placed his napkin on his lap. “Believe it or not, I’m actually not that shallow.” 

“Then why? You said that you had a few things you wanted to discuss with me?” You arched a brow before you took a few bites of the first course. 

Whatever you just ate was absolutely delicious and simply melted in your mouth. You ate a few more bites before the conversation continued. 

“I’m gonna be completely transparent here with you then because there’s obviously no tricking you. I asked you here tonight because I think you’d be perfect for my needs.” Carter started to explain, he then took a sip of his champagne. 

‘For his needs,’? You thought and your mind started to wonder what he meant by that. Did he think you were some sort of call girl?

“For your needs?” You inquired, causing you to put down your fork.

“Yes. Let’s just say, I have a few functions that are coming up and I need someone at my side. I think you’d be perfect. You see, I’m trying to rebrand as being a family man, and well some of these companies that I work with aren’t too thrilled that I don’t have a woman by my side.” Carter answered before he wiped his mouth with his napkin. 

“You keep saying that but you don’t even know me. I’m not some ditzy, floozy or arm candy that can be shown off.” You felt yourself getting a bit upset, you should’ve known that this was going to happen. 

“Of course not but I do know that you’re behind on some loans and that one day you would like to open and own your own cafe.” Carter pointed out and you wanted nothing more than for the earth to swallow you whole right now. 

“I see you’ve done your homework.” You mumbled as you bowed your head and looked down at your lap. 

“Of course, I had to know who I was going to get myself involved with, sweetheart. This is why I wanted to have dinner and talk. I think we could really help each other out, if you’re open to it.” 

All you could do was stare at him when you lifted your head back up. A mixture of shock and disbelief on your face. Was this really happening? Just then, your main course arrived and your first course was being taken away. When you felt like you had somewhat comprehended what was being offered, you finally spoke up. 

“Let me get this straight, and please correct me if I’m wrong. If I were to say yes, would this be some kind of sugar daddy-sugar baby relationship?” 

Carter chuckled as a smirk returned to his perfect, plump lips. “Well, I was thinking more along the lines of me being a benefactor, but if that’s the way that you wanna phrase it, then yes.” 

You took a deep breath before you decided to take a few bites of food. A million thoughts roamed in your mind as you ate. After a few moments, you took a long drink of your champagne before wiping your mouth with your napkin. 

“If I were to say yes, how would this work? Like, would there be some kind of NDA or some kind of contract that I would have to sign?” You watched as Carter straightened up and arched a brow. 

“Well, if you say yes, then yes, I would write up a contract. I would let you go over it and only if you agreed to the terms then we would both sign it. Look, I understand that you probably have a thousand questions and are probably rightfully skeptical of me, but we’re not gonna figure this out in one night. So, how about tonight, we treat this as if it were a normal date and you can have a few days to think about this?” Carter tilted his head as he waited for you to answer. 

You studied Carter for a moment as you thought about what he just said. After a moment, you took a deep breath and tried to relax. “Alright, let’s do that, treat it like an actual date.” 

“Gladly.” Carter beamed at you from across the table and you could see the twinkle in his eyes. 

By the time you got home, Zoey was already asleep on the couch and you couldn’t help but smile. You walked over to her and covered her up with a blanket and shut the T.V. off. You didn’t bother to wake her up, you could tell her everything later the next day. As you got ready for bed, you couldn’t stop thinking about Carter or the fact that he was pretty much offering to be your sugar daddy. 

Almost a week passed before Carter popped back into the cafe. You were a bit surprised to see him as you came out of the back, you had started to wonder if he had changed his mind. A small smile crept onto your lips as you watched him for a few moments before going over to talk to him. 

“You know, I tried to call but was told that you weren’t available.” You said as casually as possible. 

Carter swallowed his coffee before answering. “Yeah, sorry about that sweetheart. We had an emergency at one of our Texas plants and had to take care of a few things. Hope you didn’t miss me too much, sweetheart.” 

There are those damn butterflies. 

“Maybe a little bit.” 

You watched as a small smile formed on Carter’s lips. “So, have you thought about my offer?” 

Just then a loud crash came from the back of the cafe. You groaned as the sound of dishes shattering ruined your moment with Carter. 

“I have thought about it. And well, there’s a first time for everything, right?” 

“Can I take that as a yes then?” It was adorable the way Carter perked up. 

“Yes.” You smiled back at him. 

“Great! I’ll get a contract written up and set up a time for us to meet.” 

Another loud crash came from the back as Carter was standing up from his seat. Carter placed yet another ridiculous tip on the counter before he turned to leave. You watched as he left the cafe, getting a little hypnotized by the sway of his hips. A groan escaped you once more as you heard your name being called for from the back. As you made your way to the back, you couldn’t help but wonder what the future was about to hold now that it seems you have gotten yourself a sugar daddy.

[stinkiesdraws]

Certified Fall 9th Moments

My birthday gift to @gojo-stan !!!! Amari and Sebastian!!! I know Sebastian is a SDV character but honestly I see him more as Steph's oc 😭😭😭

Well I REALLY hope you like it Steph!!!! The music was composed by LaunchPadVGM on Twitter!

Hehehehehehhee

[w1nter-wolf-barnes1]

WIP WEDNESDAY. Here is the cover for my Mob Bucky story I’ve been teasing for the last few weeks!

I also wanted to tell you some more about it. This is going to be a very dark fic. Very mature themes I really haven’t decided how graphic the smut will be because it is not the focal point of this story. I’m planning on doing a broad warning ⛔️ for the fic and then mark parts of the individual chapters because some of it is deep in the plot, but I want people to be able to protect themselves. I’m just going to tell you up front this story will cause emotional damage and I’m not sure I can actually apologize cause I really like how it’s turning out.

I’m also trying a different approach with my OC Evie. Part of her and Bucky’s relationship will be told only in snippets in flashbacks. If the story gets enough interest maybe I will go back and write a prequel we will see.

But for now here is the cover of my story ILL-FATED I hope you will join me here or on AO3 for the ride

[buckyswifesblog]

Masterlist

✍🏼 welcome loves

✍🏼 please don’t translate or used my stories

✍🏼 stories will also be posted in wattpad

wattpad: blcwinter

Characters

Chris Evans

Jake Wyler

Johnny storm

Harvard hottie

Nick Gant

Colin shea

Steve Rogers

Nick Vaughan

Frank Adler

Ari Lavinson

Ransom Drysdale

Lloyd Hansen

Sebastian Stan

Chase Collins

Bucky Barnes

Nick Fowler

Steve Kemp

Max

Jefferson

Tommy Lee

• Having an affair with Andy Barber

pt 1 pt 2 pt 3 pt 4 pt 5

summary: Yn is a law student while dating Ransom Drysdale, what will happen when Ransom is being arrested for physically abusing yn plus attempted murder by his grandfather, will yn ever find love ? Will she be afraid of loving again, will yn find love working at a law office Where Andy Barber works at

• Broken heart

pt 1 pt 2 pt 3 pt 4

summary: Yn and Andy barber were friends since middle school they did everything together until andy ask yn out on a date in high schoolThey both were in love everyone was jealous of their relationship more the popular girls in school but what will happen when yn enter Andy's room to see him and Laurie naked in the bed, years later they both got invited to the reunion where they see each other again, what will happen when Andy try to get back with her, when yn doesn't want anything with him again

the assistant

Happiness

New parents

The other women

The proposal

Buddy

Love in the air

Emotional

Lust on web

Captain

Stalker

hike fun

[blackleatherjacketz]

Ghosts

Bucky Barnes x Original Female Character

Summary: Desperate for connection after Endgame, Bucky seeks out someone from his past to see if his intimate memories of her are real.

Warnings: Sexual Flashbacks, Face Holding, Kissing, Crying, Angst, Magic, Touch Starvation, Bucky Working Through His Trauma

Part 1

Part 2

[deexchanel]

Celebrating my 100th post!!

Thank you everyone for the support of liking the one-shots I make! I know I am inconsistent with my posting but I am full time college student.

it's a well known fact.

To my sexy lover and friends, you choose the next post.

But to get into the groove of things, I want to finish writing where I left off. This post doesn't mean I'm not going to finish the other ones, I'm just letting you guys choose the next one.

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

1. Blind p.2 ↠ Bucky Barnes

-Read Blind first before selecting this! (If you haven't)

"Roles has reversed on the best friends. Monday morning Bucky starts on trying to get his best friend back but someone has caught her eye."

2. BM 2 ↠ Chris Evans

-Read BM first before selecting this! (If you haven't)

"I mean who going to believe a man when he say he wants you but he’s supposed to be getting married?"

3. In-love with a stripper ↠ Chris Hemsworth

-New

"Mr. Hemsworth is the big man in the office with his personal assistant. Both with arranged relationships they don't want to be in, Chris and Niara (Knee-are-rah) has their relationship as a secret. With her double life of being a stripper; which is how they met."

Poll Here : https://forms.gle/FHRsoRLpZu5a1K9p6

Thank you once again for all your support from the past til now! I am grateful that you guys like my post!! Much Love <3

*results will be shown when post is made*

[aikaterini-drag]

Chapter 1 Ensnared

Kofi 🧡 AO3 🩷 ASK ME 🩵

Summary: The Winter Soldier was cold and calculated, his power raw and brutal. Grace Landon was kind and calm, similar to gentle waves dancing on the shore. She was his mission. His target. But he would soon find out that she was all he could ever ask for; his salvation, his whole world. She held the key to his redemption, the missing piece of his desolate world. But... could his dream of having her come true? James Bucky Barnes was ready to crawl to the surface and discover the truth.

Warnings (whole series): Violence, Non-Con Abduction, Explicit Sexual Content, Fluff, Enemies to Lovers, Sexual Tension, First Time, Emotional Sex, Protective Bucky, Angst with a Happy Ending, Soft Bucky Barnes, Bucky Barnes Recovering,Barnes Gets all the Love he deserves.

Find more chapters of the "Fading Scars" Series here ♡

Author's notes: Hello, friends!! Follow Bucky on this path of self-discovery, healing, and love. He will rise from the shadows of his past and turn into a beacon of hope and love.

The events of this story take place somewhere after "The Winter Soldier". Steve falls from the bridge and Bucky saves him. However, in my fiction, Hydra somehow manages to re-capture Bucky and trigger the Winter Soldier in him.

The plot will flow according to my interpretations of the story. I won’t follow canon events and use my own ideas to create an engaging and sizzling romance. Content warnings will be added when needed.

Happy reading, Aikaterini ♡

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

The room was cold, seeping into his bones. A solitary light flickered in the distant corner, casting eerie shadows as the low thrum of machines buzzed incessantly in his ears. His hands, clenched into fists, gripped the cold metal bars that restrained him. He bit down on the retainer between his lips, a silent testament to his resolve.

Above him, a dome of gleaming metal stretched like a dome, its cylindrical rods encircling him with an unsettling grace. Bolts of lightning came from the rods, igniting a frenzied tempo in his chest. Gradually, the curved rods descended and closed around him, encompassing his head. He had gotten used to the pain, the agony. But lately, the torture had intensified beyond measure, reducing him to a mere doll.

Blinding beams of light seared through his cells, rendering him numb to all but the searing agony coursing through his brain. His hoarse screams echoed like a roar in the room. He was burning, pushed past the limit he had grown accustomed to enduring. It was endless, merciless, and above all, effective; it wiped even the most inconsequential fragments of memory from the depths of his mind.

No matter how hard he struggled to safeguard some of the memories of the past, his every effort crumbled. The early days of his military service were entirely disposed of as was the time spent with Steve, his best friend. Each time he remembered who he was, he was wiped clean again.

The lights drew back, the pressure against his temples gone.

Then everything stopped.

No questions.

No will of his own.

Stars erupted in front of his eyes, his stomach writhing under the onslaught of pain. He did nothing. He stayed strapped and mute; obedient just as they had programmed him to act. His world stood empty, a desolate landscape with no colors. And his heart felt void and poisoned.

And then, came the words.

Longing Rusted Seventeen Daybreak Furnace Nine Benign Homecoming One Freight car

Uttered in Russian, the heavy code phrases triggered his brain, complete submission washing over his entire being. His mind was rewritten by his enemies, it did not belong to himself but to a shadow of a man; a cruel, heartless assassin, bound by the compulsion to kill.

The Winter Soldier.

Blood-thirst coursed through his veins, a raw need to complete his every mission running through and through. The Soldier did not show fear, he did not forgive and he certainly did not spare his targets. He was an elite assassin, infused by the serum that granted him the power to infiltrate and assassinate.

And he was the best because he obeyed.

Every time.

"Soldat?"

A rough voice awoke him from his daze and he turned to face the burly man addressing at him. He was holding a red notebook, a black star etched in the middle of its cover... the cursed book. The Winter Soldier merely nodded at his words, well aware that it wasn't his place to do anything but listen and obey. Pleased, the man sealed the ominous notebook and spoke once more.

"You've got a new mission. Seize and capture. No witnesses," he said and tossed a brown envelope into his lap.

Slowly, the metal restricting him unclasped and The Winter Soldier replied, "Ready to comply."

Walking on shaky legs, the Soldier entered his cell where he was prepared for the task. More leather straps were added across his chest, constricting him over his vest. With deft precision, he secured blades and ammunition, concealing extras within his boots. Two guns were holstered at his sides and he was finally ready.

Once he was left alone, he opened the envelope he was handed and studied its contents. He usually didn't need more than a few minutes to study his mission and devise a strategy. Yet, as he glanced at the scattered papers, his gaze fell upon a certain photograph and the name of his target.

Grace Landon.

His cold blue eyes drifted to the woman's face, lingering on her warm, caramel hair and the depths of her hazel eyes. He memorized everything about her; her name, her age, her childhood, all the way to her daily routine. During the last two months, she had been working at a small bakery in California. And from what was included in the file, she and followed the same pattern every day—work then back home and repeat.

Browsing through her medical files, the Soldier found out she had a fragile constitution. She was weak and asthmatic since birth. Her records also mentioned that she was heavily traumatized and that the slightest exposure to violence led to panic attacks.

She was an easy target. Something unusual in his field of practice.

A sharp kick at the door notified him that his time was up. Clasping the documents in a viselike grip, he headed out. A sharp pain caused him to sidestep and lean against the was. The ache jabbed his skull, feeling as if tiny needles pricked at his nerves. There was so much he had to recall. But the Winter Soldier didn't let him win. He brought him back to his mission, killing his real self, killing James Bucky Barnes.

The assassin prevailed, grasping control of the situation. Wearing the cold mask of a killer, he exited the secret compound and rode his bike, dead-set to fulfill his mission—the mission that, unbeknownst to him, held the power to irrevocably alter the course of his existence.

▪️▪️▪️

Grace murmured a happy tone as she conducted the usual check before leaving the bakery. She made sure that everything was sparkly clean and that the pastries and desserts were ready for tomorrow, meticulously stored and safely refrigerated. She had also come up with a new menu concept for the shop which she was going to share with her boss tomorrow.

As she peeled off her apron, she exchanged the usual goodbyes with her coworkers then headed out with a carefree smile. It was way past 10 and she couldn't wait to go home, cook a delicious meal, and lay lazily on the couch for the remainder of the night while watching TV.

The night's oppressive darkness spurred her to hasten her pace, street lamps illuminating her form with a warm glow. She caught the next bus and got off a few stops later, walking along a pebbled road. She passed through the bustling main street, then veered into a long, shadowed alley, a mere five-minute walk from her apartment.

It was awfully quiet that night and the unsettling silence awakened goosebumps on her skin. She had that awful feeling that someone had eyes on her. The sinister awareness disquieted her. A surge of instinct propelled her forward, the quickening rhythm of her steps halting abruptly with a thin scream.

A cat saw fit to leap in front of her, a thin purr reverberating from her furry chest.

Grace breathed in relief and rubbed a palm over her beating heart. She rushed ahead, swiftly crossing the next two blocks. Her fingers fumbled within her purse, grasping for her keys. Another sound caught her attention, it was supremely faint and she soon realized it. And from the dark silhouette lurking in the shadows. A man. She could feel the darkness and danger he emanated.

Without a second thought, she thrust her feet, speeding away. But she didn't make more than two steps. He lunged at her, his grip clamping onto her shoulder. Whoever that man was, he didn't appear human. She screamed but a large palm slapped over her mouth, and a metal— a metal arm curled around her neck.

A metal arm...

He was working for them; Hydra.

She thrashed and panted, cold sweat running down her temples.

A light kick at the back of her knee and she lost her balance, her back colliding with the ground. Her breath hitched, pain spreading through her. Her gaze was forced skyward, at the towering silhouette looming above her. She couldn't see his face clearly. A mask was fitted over his mouth and nose, revealing a pair of crystalline eyes gleaming in the night, an enigma within an enigma. He was clad in black from head to toe, with leather buckles and belts encompassing his chest.

She struggled against her captor's restraint but he yanked her up as if she weighed nothing and slapped a hand over her mouth. Her muffled screams went unheard as he maneuvered her, his metal hand tightening painfully around her waist. He carried her away, her flailing and wriggling doing nothing to stop him.

Panic burned her chest and she found it hard to breathe, her lungs suffocating. She fought for air but his tight grip on her only worsened the rush of heat on her face. Tears followed, drenching her cheeks, mingling with the hand that stifled her cries. He injected her then, her energy waning to the syringe's vile contents. The grip upon her mouth loosened and she looked up at him, barely hanging on reality.

"You're with Hydra, aren't you?" She shouted with an effort that seemed to squeeze every bit of air from her lungs. "Let me go— I won't let you—"

Pretending to be in intense distress, she went limp in his arms. That caused the Soldier to momentarily loosen his grip. She waited a few moments before twisting, using her flexibility to maneuver her body and slip from his grasp. Her facade took him by surprise, especially when she, delivered her strike, her fingers jabbing into his eyes. The impact didn't hurt him but startled him enough to make him stumble back. 

She raced away, swift as a startled deer, weaving through alleyways and screaming out her lungs. But there was no one to offer comfort or aid. No faces appeared at windows or doorways. Her echoing footsteps and hoarse yells turned into a symphony of isolation. What had he done? And then, as if answering her question, his silhouette emerged from above. He seized her, his grasp unyielding and commanding.

"No!" She let out a heart-wrenching scream. "Hydra scum! Release me! I despise them! I despise you!"

He didn't reply.

With robotic movements, he taped her mouth shut and maintained his grip on her, moving forward with unwavering purpose, his strides relentless. Dread flooded her; he had drugged, and stolen her away beneath the shroud of night. She was powerless. Cold sweat gathered at her forehead as the chokehold of terror constricted her ability to speak.

Swallowing the ache that worked its way into her throat, she attempted to beg the masked devil, appeal to his sensitivity, if there ever was one. But in truth, she was merely whispering as if speaking in her sleep. Because with every passing second, she was drifting into the darkness, the drug making her numb and dizzy.

In the end, the tears dried, her eyelids closing, succumbing to the darkness.

She was unconscious, ensnared by The Winter Soldier.

▪️▪️▪️

Grace opened her eyes, reluctantly welcoming the world around her. Her head was pounding, a searing pain hitting the base of her skull. She was lying down, she noticed, in a dark and cold room. Memories of zoning in and out of consciousness flashed through her mind. A stranger had given her water, then injected something into her veins, forcing her back into sleep.

As she looked around, she couldn't miss the red dot flashing at the upper corner, a camera was keeping track of her. She was trapped in a small, sparsely furnished room with just a bed and a tiny bathroom. Grace noticed that the camera couldn't peer into the bathroom. An old bulb hung from the ceiling, its light trembling, fading.

There were no windows, no way out; only metal walls surrounding her.

As her memories cleared, terror ran through her at the thought of the man in black, with inhuman eyes and impossible strength. She could still feel the soreness, a bruise forming from where the metal hand had squeezed her waist. Despite her growing awareness, she still felt exhausted and weak.

Her eyes swept across the dimly lit room until she spotted her captor seated in the far corner of the room, his massive figure cloaked in shadows. Her body jolted from the bed, a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. It was him. The masked captor. He was barely visible from the shadows but she noticed he wasn't wearing a mask. The air charged with his energy. He remained unflinching, like a statue carved from marble, one hand outstretched right next to his gun on the table.

Grace wished she could hurt him with her stare. He had caused all this ordeal. He had manhandled her, drugged her, and imprisoned her in this wretched place. Oh, how she hated Hydra. Anger surged within her, and at the same time, her eyes couldn't stop studying him, searching even the slightest clue in the blue depths of his eyes. What had they done to him to make him so inhuman?

Allowing a rush of adrenaline to empower her, Grace crawled from her spot on the bed, her legs unsteady. Hindered by the drugs, she stumbled, her balance faltering. She tried to re-orient herself but lost her balance. Yet, before she could hit the ground, a pair of arms wrapped around her sore waist. She hissed and he immediately altered his grip before scooping her in his arms.

She wiggled and yelled, terrified to the bone. He ignored her, again and lowered her onto the bed, studying her condition. Seizing the opportunity, Grace examined him just as closely. He was large, towering over her by at least two heads, his build muscular and commanding attention. Defined cheekbones framed his face, and a couple of days' worth of stubble covered his jaw. His hair was long, a tousled mane of dark brown waves, framing his face in an artful disarray.

And his eyes... his eyes were a surreal shade of deep, smoky blue that seemed to hold countless pain within. Despite his cold demeanor, she sensed an underlying loneliness hiding in his irises. Aware of her scrutiny, she scrambled back and retreated to the far corner of the bed. She refused to let her thoughts take such a turn toward the man who had treated her harshly.

"Who are you?" she asked, hugging her legs to her chest.

Again no answer came.

"They are using you, aren't they?" She tried again. "Do you even know they're taking advantage of you?"

She sighed at the silence. "Perhaps you're in a worse spot than I."

"Why are you doing this to me?" She chucked. "Apologies, I forgot. Hydra likes its victims mute and easy to suppress, right? I suppose you're in poor fate as well."

Her words seemed to stir him from his reverie, whether for better or worse. He moved one knee, advancing on the bed and adjusting his posture to match her height. She winched when he leaned in as close to her as he could. An unreadable expression was painted on his face, one that melted away as their eyes locked.

Grace fell victim to his impossibly blue eyes — eyes as blue and clear as the open sky. A desire to resist, to shout, surged within her, yet her body remained unresponsive to her commands. Instead, an intimate unease gripped her, suppressing the fear.

"I've done nothing to harm you. Why subject me to this?" she told him, stunned by her own bravery.

Once more, he remained silent, though his eyes narrowed, slight wrinkles forming at their corners. The first genuine flicker of emotion surfaced, a mix of confusion and distress. She couldn't understand what he was going through. Not even the Soldier himself was aware that Bucky Barnes was struggling to reach the surface.

"Don't fight back," said a husky baritone, the voice of Bucky Barnes resurfacing from his deep sleep.

Her heart slammed in her chest. "Wh... Why?"

"Do as you're told. Submit."

"Submit? To Hydra?" She scowled. "Never."

"Listen here—"

"No. I don't trust you," Grace said in one breath.

He took in the sight of her and exhaled. "Do you think this a game? A dream?"

"I wish it were," she replied, grief in her tone. "Please release me. There's still time—"

"No."

The moment he voiced his reply, he recoiled, distancing himself abruptly. A second later, the door swung open, and two armed men eased inside. Grace ran to the corner of the room, it was futile, she knew, but she couldn't stay still. The men approached her and she bent to her knees, begging. But what was she even doing? She had lost the game. She would never receive help from anyone in Hydra.

She was grabbed by the elbows, strong hands holding her in place. They hauled he to her feet and forced her to walk into corridors surrounded by gray walls, accented with metal in places. They were so many, it was like a maze. Considering the constant whirring of the ventilation system, Grace was certain of it now, she was held in an underground compound.

When the procession halted, they abandoned her in a dark room. The lights turned on and her stare darted on a chilling sight. The room was yet another prison, engulfed by metal bars. It was dominated by computers, with a chair at its center adorned with leather straps and metallic restraints. Above the chair, loomed a thick cylindrical structure that emitted a low, ominous hum. People in lab coats entered, pacing around, entirely ignorant of her, fully focused on whatever their task was.

"Feigning bravery is futile, Gracie. You can't escape."

Grace faltered at the nickname and the disturbingly familiar voice. In stunned disbelief, her gaze fell upon the man easing inside. Dressed immaculately in a sharp suit, he was focused intently on his tablet. Her chin quivered, her voice faltering as she summoned the strength to utter his name.

"Silas."

[sebstanaddict]

🌟Masterlist

Bucky Barnes Fics

⭐New Beginning - Bucky x OC (Completed)

What if Bucky Barnes falls in love with the daughter of one of his victims? Will she forgive him and change his life for the better? Or will she break his heart and convince him that he doesn't belong in this world anymore.

⭐The Distance - Bucky x OC (In Progress) - Sequel to New Beginning

Bucky thought he was finally living the dream. He was about to be married to his soulmate when the unthinkable happened. Instead of living the life he wanted he is forced to deal with grief the likes of which he had never experienced before. But the earth is at war with the Kree and Bucky will have to deal with his grief while battling to save earth. The battle brought him to places in the universe he had never been before and to situations he never thought he would face. Will he survive everything and successfully reunite with the love of his life? Or will he lose it all in the final battle?

Sebastian Stan Fics

⭐Always You - Sebastian Stan x Female Reader (Completed)

Best friends for twenty years, Sebastian Stan and female reader have been in love with each other since they first laid eyes on each other. But fate kept them apart until a sad event finally united them. Their happiness is cut short however because Sebastian is in a PR relationship with an actress. Will their relationship lasts through all the obstacles or will fate break them apart again?

⭐Love Song - Sebastian Stan x Female Reader (Completed) - Sequel to Always You

Happily ever after. At least that's what reader thought when she hit the jackpot and married his best friend who happened to be one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood. Having been in love with each other for twenty years, reader and Sebastian Stan finally tied the knot and soon after went to Europe for their honeymoon. Surprising events happened one after the other, turning their heavenly honeymoon into a honeymoon from hell. Will they survive it and return home unscathed? Or will it change their lives forever and make them question if happily ever after is real or just something out of romantic movies.

⭐Too Good To Be True - Sebastian Stan x Female Reader (New!)

She's a personal assistant to a beautiful yet obnoxius actress. She's smart, kind, patient, understanding and dilligent while the actress she works for is her total opposite. Life can't be more unfair for her. Especially since she falls in love with the actress' PR boyfriend. A Hollywood A list actor by the name of Sebastian Stan, whom she has had a crush on for so long.

One day she wakes up and finds her world upside down. By some miracle she has swapped bodies with the actress she works for.

Slowly but surely Sebastian falls in love with her too and for once life seems a lot fairer for her. But how long will the swap last? And will she ever find out who Sebastian falls in love with? Her real self inside or how she looks like outside?

[galacticwildfire]

Memories | Bucky Barnes

Twelve

Bucky Barnes x oc

Word count 4.7k

Tags: winter soldier time, language, violence, blood, bucky remembering

A/N; it's time for THAT scene from tws - quick disclaimer I am currently writing a few more chapters in the fourties’ that will take place before this and will update the masterlist appropriately

~

~

~

We return to the hospital in hoodies to get the drive that was stashed in the vending machine and find it missing and Natasha standing being us.

Steve, too wound up to act like himself pushes Natasha into a nearby room, demanding "Where is it?"

"Safe."

"Do better."

"Let her go," I order but Steve doesn't let up. "I said let her go."

He reluctantly lets her go with a shove and Natasha looks at me "Fury gave it to you, why?"

"What's on it?' Steve asks but her guess is as good as ours.

"I don't know."

Something in Steve's voice makes me flinch "Stop lying."

"I only act like I know everything Rogers," she says, as taken aback by him as I am. 

"Steve!" I snap. "Pull it together."

He backs off and Natasha eases up, but still, something isn't right and it's then she blurts out "I know who killed Fury." I don't dare speak, I can't, all I can do is reach for the tags around my neck as she tells us "Most of the intelligence community doesn't believe he exists, the one's who do call him the Winter Soldier."

I turn my head away and Steve looks at me "The Winter Soldier project- it still exists?"

"No!" I grit out and they both stare at me with the same caution they'd give a wild animal. "The Winter Soldier project died when I did."

Natasha blinks at me, blindsided. "You know about the Winter Soldier?"

I begin hyperventilating, tears in my eyes as I stumble across the room until I hit the wall, pressing my forehead against its cold surface and slap a hand over my mouth to muffle the tearful gasps that try to escape me.

"Ada," Steve says cautiously. "What do you know?"

I can't bear to look at him, I can't. I told him James survived the fall and that he was being tortured by Hydra, I told him about the Winter Soldier project, but never what James became.

Slowly I turn back to look at them, each of them staring at me with mixed expressions of caution as I tell them "I was its first subject. It was 1941, they injected me with the serum and tried to condition my mind, not like the red room did no, this was different." I can still hear those fucking words in my head. "Brainwashing, making and unmaking you as a person. They didn't succeed, not with me, I escaped before they could but-" 

"But what?" Steve asks, frustrated. "You need to tell us what's made you like this since Fury was shot."

I look at him, numb. "After Erksine died Zola tried to recreate the serum, any survivors of the experimentation would have been candidates for the program. But there was only one." I swallow hard, trembling, but Steve still hasn't connected the dots. "The Winter Soldier was born and died at the end of the war."

But Natasha shakes her head. "He is credited with two dozen assassinations in the last fifty years. Five years ago I was escorting a nuclear engineer out of Iran, somebody shot out my tires near Odessa, we lost control and went straight over a cliff." I grip his dog tags with a closed fist as she tells us "I pulled us out but the Winter Soldier was there. I was covering my engineer so he shot him right through me." She lifts up her shirt to show us the scar. "Soviet slug, no rifling." It's then she looks at me. "You saw him the night Fury was shot, described him right down to the metal arm."

Steve's head whips around to me and starts accusing me "You said you didn't see him!"

"I lied!" I spit out. "I lied because I thought I was going fucking crazy! Because the Winter Soldier died in 1945!"

Natasha interrupts, immediately sensing there's a good reason for me lying and holds up the hardrive to distract Steve. "She's right, he's a ghost story. I've tried going after him but it's a dead end."

Steve looks at me in a way he hasn't before, like a possible enemy, and I realise just how deeply Fury's own mistrust has dug itself in him. "Then let's find out what the ghost wants."

He walks out and Nat takes my arm, murmuring "Are you alright?"

I shake my head and there's some sort of realisation in her eye. She knows what I was doing in 1945 when I ended up in that chamber, she knows who I was looking for. Even if Steve hasn't put it together yet.

"He can't know," I whisper and watch her eyes fall on my dog tags. "He's already losing it, he can't know. He'll freeze, he won't be able to fight him if he knows."

She gives me a stiff nod. "Alright. But Ada... what you saw was real. He's real. He's alive."

And that right there, is the very fact that makes me want to die.

He's alive.

All this time he's been alive.

He's been the Winter Soldier.

All because I couldn't bring myself to kill him.

~

We use a computer in the mall, hiding in plain sight, to uncover where the file on the drive originates from. New Jersey, Wheaton. Where Steve and I undertook our training, and he was injected with the serum. After making it out of the mall thanks to Natasha's pda we're in a stolen car heading straight to New Jersey. 

I sit in the back, biting my nails and staring straight out the window, trying my damn hardest not to let myself remember back to the night I found him as they make small talk.

"Where did you learn how to steal a car.?

"Nazi Germany."

"Mmm."

"And we're borrowing so take your feet off the dash."

"Alright I have a question for you, one which you do not have to answer, I feel like if you don't answer it though you're kind of answering it-"

"What?"

"Was that your first kiss since 1945?"

It was. Just like it was my first one with Sam. But unlike me he doesn't have any guilt attached to it. My husband is alive. My husband is the Winter Soldier and killed Nick Fury.

My husband is Hydra's Fist.

Whilst I was oblivious to it.

And still I'm praying this is some demented nightmare, because I can't live with the thought of this happening because I failed him. Praying that somehow it is someone else, some other poor fucker with a metal arm. I have to pray because I can't face the truth.

After listening to them arguing Natasha asks "No one special?"

Steve scoffs "Believe it or not it's kind of hard to find someone with shared life experience."

Nat looks back at me, trying to keep it somewhat cheerful whilst I'm having the worst breakdown of my life. "What about Ada?"

"No," we both immediately counter and she whistles.

"That bad huh?"

"We'd probably kill each other," Steve answers for me. "She's more like the murderous little sister I never wish I had."

We were forced together from the start, but it was Bucky that brought us together and made us like a family. Him, Steve, Peggy and I. 

Now Steve and I are all that's truly left.

Or so I thought.

We arrive at the camp and for a moment I'm stuck in my seat at the sight of the worn down razor fence and buildings I never thought I'd ever see again.

Slowly I get out, walking behind Steve and Natasha, almost able to hear the sounds of the base, the gunfire from practice, the soldiers laughing, the music they'd sometimes play for us.

It's almost like a special type of torture coming back here.

"It's a dead end, no heat signatures, no signal," Natasha says as she checks out the base. "Whoever wrote the file must have used a router to throw people off."

"But why would it land here of all places?" I ask her, knowing something isn't right. "Keep looking." It's then I spot a building that shouldn't be there. "Steve, they forbid munitions storage within five hundred feet of the base right?"

"Yeah," he answers and sees what I'm looking at. "That building's in the wrong place."

Steve breaks the lock and we head inside, turning on the lights to find a Shield office, the logo right on the back wall.

"This is shield." 

"Maybe where it started," Steve says and I nod along. Peggy had something to do with this, she would have had to.

Sure enough as we venture deeper we find a wall with Peggy's photograph beside Howard's.

"There's Tony's father," Natasha says and I look upon my old friend and wonder if he regretted it. If he regretted helping me get back to Europe to search for James. I know it would have ate at him for years. 

"He was my friend," I say sadly. "A true friend. He was always there when I needed him, even if it meant flying me across the world searching for a ghost."

Sometimes I wonder what would have came of me if I never went looking for him. If I would have stayed and helped Peggy found Shield, if somehow I would have ended up with Howard. He loved me, I know that. I wish he didn't die thinking I died over there.

"Who's the girl?" she asks and I look at Steve, knowing she's the only girl he's ever loved.

"Another good friend," I answer for him as he keeps walking and finds a secret elevator behind some filing cabinets. Natasha cracks the code and we enter, heading below ground.

We find ourselves in an old computer room and Natasha says "This can't be the data point, this technology is ancient."

"You'd be surprised with what we could do with it," I tell her. "No doubt Howard's the person who put all this together."

But then we find a modern data reader connected and Natasha plugs in the hard drive. The room lights up and everything begins working again in a way that is too eerie for my liking.

Nat initiates the system and my blood boils at the face that appears on the screen, at the voice. 

"Rogers, Steven, born 1918." The camera moves to Nat. "Romanoff, Natalia Alianovna, born 1984." And finally it finds me. "Alekseeva Morgan Barnes, Adelina Viktoria, born 1922."

I stare at the screen as Nat says "It must be some type of recording."

"I am not a recording," Zola says. "I may not be the man I was when the captain took me prisoner in 1945 and the Red Widow tortured me to near death, but I am."

Steve stares in bewilderment as Nat asks "You know this thing?"

"This fucker tried to destroy me," I answer, pulling my pistol out. "He turned me into what I am. He-"

He did this to James. He created the Winter Soldier.

"Arnim Zola was a german scientist who worked for the Red Skull," Steve explains. "He's been dead for years."

"First correction I am Swiss-"

I fire a bullet into one of the computers. "Shut up."

"Second look around you, I have never been more alive. In 1972 I received a terminal diagnosis, science could not save my body, my mind however, that was worth saving on 200 000 feet of data tanks. You are standing in my brain."

Natasha tells us "In Operation Paperclip after world war two, Shield recruited german scientists with strategic value."

"They thought I could help their cause. I also helped my own."

"Hydra died with the Red Skull," Steve says, but then he seems the look on my face. "Ada?"

"She knows the truth," Zola reveals. "She knows all of it. Cut off one head, two shall take it's place."

I stare numbly at the screen as Steve says "Prove it."

We're shown a Hydra propaganda video, shot in the way the Nazi propaganda was, but it was clearly made after the war. Made for us.

"The new Hydra grew a beautiful parasite inside Shield. For seventy years Hydra has been secretly feeding crisis, reaping war, and when history did not co-operate." For a split second in the video I see it, I see his arm. The metal arm with the red star. "History was changed."

"That's impossible," Nat denies. "Shield would have stopped you."

They show a newspaper clipping of Howards death. "Accidents happen." And I realise it was no accident. Howard would never have let what we fought flourish. So they killed him. "Hydra created a world so chaotic, that humanity is finally ready to sacrifice its freedom to gain its security. Once the purification process is complete, Hydra's new world order will rise."

It seems there is no getting out, no walking away from this. My work is not done. My ledger is not complete. Not until Hydra is gone for good.

"We won captain. Your deaths will amount to the same as your life, a zero-" just as Steve raises his fist I fire five shots straight into the screen, but the voice does not stop and his face merely appears on the others. 

"The Winter Soldier," I say, staring down Zola. "What did you do to him?"

Zola laughs and tells me "You know exactly what I've done. Too bad you will be too dead to see it yourself."

The doors close on us and Natasha's transmitter starts going off. "We've got a bogey, short range ballistic, thirty seconds tops."

"Who fired it?"

"Shield."

"You mean Hydra," I mutter running for the grate on the floor, Steve helping me tear it up and we jump down into it just seconds before the missile hits.

As the building collapses down on us I'm back in 1945, my mother shoving me inside the cyro chamber to preserve Hydra's weapon, whilst it all went dark.

~

My eyes open to fire and smoke and Steve pulling me out of the rubble, as much as I wish it would just swallow me up.

"Come on," he says, pulling me to my feet and he lifts Nat up. "We need to go."

Just as we make our departure we see the Shield drones flying overhead and the Strike team closing in. It's clear now they don't want to take us in. 

They want us dead.

~

The next day we arrive back in Washington, and go to the only person left we trust.

The moment he opens the door his mouth falls open at the sight of us, Natasha and I bloodied and covered in ash, Steve somehow coming out better than us.

"Hey Sam," I say, still coughing up ash.

"Ada?" he asks, too bewildered to even begin to make sense of what's in front of him. "What the hell happened?"

"Everyone we know is trying to kill us," I say and look at Steve. "You're the only person we trust not to."

He opens the door for us to limp in, Steve sitting Natasha down as Sam wraps an arm around my waist to help me in, immediately checking me over for injuries.

"Are you hurt?"

"I don't know," I answer truthfully. "But I'm not dead unfortunately so there's that."

"Unfortunately?" he repeats back at me and sees the blood that still stains me from the elevator and shakes his head slowly "Who's trying to kill you?"

"Shield," I cough, ash in my lungs. "Turns out they had the bright fucking idea to recruit the scientist we spent the entire war trying to kill, and surprise, he made Shield a cover for Hydra."

"What?' he exclaims as I help myself to a glass of water. "Shields trying to kill you?"

I drown the cup and simply say "I think I'm going to need something stronger to drink."

~

Natasha and I take turns in the shower and clean up, she wears civilian clothes whilst I still have my catsuit that I'd covered up with a hoodie until now. I overhear her and Steve in the bedroom, Natasha telling him it seems she just traded in the KBG for Hydra.

Meanwhile I went straight back.

"You need to take it easy," Sam says. "From what Steve told me I don't know how you guys are still alive."

"I'll take it easy when I'm dead," I say, my Russian accent slipping through. "And when Pierce and the rest of them are dead too."

He's concerned as he looks me over. "That's a change in tone from two days ago, not wanting to be what they made you to be."

"Hydra made me what I am," I tell Sam. "The Red Room trained me then gave me over to them for their experiments. I was their prisoner, their blade as they liked to put it. I woke up a year ago thinking Hydra was gone, the war won. But it's like a fucking nightmare that just won't end."

"Hey," he says moving forward and putting his hands on my shoulders. "You're safe here alright, and if there's anyone who can stop them it's you three."

"Except Hydra has a weapon of their own now to replace me," I tell him, my voice shaking. "I killed my own sister because Hydra brainwashed her and turned her into a weapon." His face changes, realising just what I've done, what they've taken from me. "Now they've done the same to him, made him the Winter Soldier." The words are bitter on my tongue, yet a newfound certainty comes with them as I look up at Sam. "I had the chance to kill him and I was too weak to do it. I'm not making that mistake again." Yet the words don't feel right, but I know I have to do it. "I'm the only person who can. It's my mess to clean up."

He lowers his voice, asking me one question "It's him, isn't it?"

The look in my eyes answers the question. Steve and Natasha walk out and Sam's voice is stiff "I made you guys breakfast, if you guys eat that sort of thing."

~

We sit around the kitchen, trying to figure out exactly who launched the missile and where to go next.

"It was Pierce," I say with no doubts. "He has the authority and from having one conversion with him he's just as fucked up as all the other fascists I've killed."

"Who happens to be sitting on top of the most secure building in the world."

"He's not working alone, Zola's algorithm was built into the Lumerian Star."

"So was Jasper Sitwell."

"So the real question is how do the two most wanted people kidnap a shield officer in broad daylight."

"The answer is, you don't," Sam answers and I cut him off.

"Send me in," I say, knowing who I'll be facing. "Killing politicians and agents is what I was made to do. Send me in and I'll get the job done."

"And get yourself killed in the process," Sam says, looking at me like a stranger. "What happened to wanting out, to wanting no more bloodshed."

"They started it, I'm going to finish it," I say, and make myself promise. "I'm going to finish all of it." I watch as he puts his file on the table for Steve and Natasha and shake my head at him. "No, you aren't getting involved in this."

"It's too late for that," he tells me and Steve backs me up. 

"We can't ask you to do this Sam. You got out for a good reason."

"Dude, Captain America needs my help," he says, being too good of a soldier to deny a call for help. "There's no better reason to get back in."

~

After breaking into the Fort to get Sam the Falcon suit he used on his special missions we turn out attention to the Shield officer Steve wants to interrogate. Sitwell.

Sam makes the call to him, ordering him to go around the corner into the car whilst I sit pretty in a nearby building, the laser of my sniper pointing right on his tie.

Sure enough minutes later we have him at the top of the building, Steve pushing him as he orders "Tell me about Zola's algorithm."

"Never heard of it."

With a calculated hand I pull Steve back and take his place, the officer staring at me with wide eyes as I ask "Do you know who I am?"

He nods, from the look in his eyes knowing my true reputation as the Red Widow. "Yes- yes agent Morgan."

I have him backed against the edge of the roof top, one push is all it would take. 

"Do you know I tortured Zola so severely when we captured him he was hospitalised for six months?" I ask and he nods again, terrified. "So tell me what we want to know."

"Or what?" he asks with more courage than I anticipated. "You'll throw me off the roof?"

I tilt my head at him and brandish a knife, tossing up between that and his suggestion. "Hmm, I think I will."

With a single kick he plummets down screaming, only for Sam to fly him back up, but the damage has been done as he's dropped in front of us. I only need to take one step forward before he starts talking.

"Zola's algorithm is a program for choosing Insights targets!"

"Which target?" Steve asks.

"You!" he yells out and we still. "The Tv anchor in Cairo, the undersecretary of defence, a highschool validictorian in Iowa city, Bruce Banner, Stephen Strange... anyone who's a threat to Hydra. Now or in the future."

"In the future?' Steve questions. "How could it know?"

Sitwell starts laughing. "How could it not? The twenty first century is a digital book. Zola taught Hydra how to read it." It's moments like these I wish I was there, wish Howard was still here so I could scream at him and Peggy for letting this happen. For letting everything we did be for nothing. "Your bank records, medical histories, voting patterns, emails, phone calls, your damn SAT scores. Zola's algorithm evaluates peoples past to predict their future."

I step forward and ask him "Tell me, how does my past predict what I'm going to do to you in the next minute?" He turns pale and Steve has to stop me.

"And what then?"

It's then Sitwell realises "Oh my god, Pierce is going to kill me."

"Not before I do," I spit, grabbing him and throwing him to the ground as Steve stands over me. "What happens then!"

"Then the Insight helecarriers scratch people off the list... a few million at the time."

"A program for a calculated genocide," I breathe. "Anyone who would resist." I could almost laugh. "Back in my day they had gulags for that. Not even getting your hands bloody while you sit protected by security." I lift him back up and bring him back over to the edge of the rooftop.

"Wait," Natasha says. "Bring him with us, we'll need him to get past the security checks."

~

I sit in the front seat with Sam. Natasha, Steve and Sitwell are in the back. 

"Hydra doesn't like leaks."

"Shut the fuck up before I shoot you," I mutter, sick of listening to him already.

"Insights launching in sixteen hours," Nat says. "Don't you think we're cutting it a little close here?"

"I know, we'll use him to bypass the DNA scans and access the helecarriers directly."

But it's then I catch something in the rearview, something dark and then a flash of silver. The car swerves as a metal fist comes through the glass and pulls Sitwell out of the car, breaking the glass and throwing him into traffic.

My heart stops completely as Sam is yelling out and despite the terror, despite the fear, a smile spreads across my face.

He's here.

He fires through the roof of the car and Sam breaks hard, throwing him off the roof onto the street in front of us. I watch breathless as he lands, metal fingers leaving scratches in the concrete and Natasha looks at me with one warning "Don't, it's not him-" and the next thing I know they're all screaming at me as I throw open the car door and step in front of the car.

He stands there, goggles and a mask hiding his face from me, long hair past his chin leaving him visibly unrecognisable. But I'd know him even if I was blind, even after seventy years.

I open my arms out wide, an invitation, knowing who Hydra's number one enemy is. It isn't Steve or Natasha.

It's me.

"Come on!" I yell out at him. This is my mess to suffer, not theirs. "You know who I am, if you want to fucking kill me here I am!" I'm smiling like a mad woman but I know they'll understand as I tell him "To hell and back remember?"

It's then a Strikeforce vehicle rams into the car and he charges forward, slamming me into the hood of the moving car by my throat, metal fist wrapped tight around it and I reach up, tearing off the goggles so I can look him in the eye as I bring my knee up hard between his legs and he falls forward, head slamming into the windscreen as I throw him back onto the top of the car and shoot wires out of my bracers, the cord wrapping tight around his neck as I pull hard screaming out as he reaches back to rip the steering wheel clean off and the car's thrown clean off the bridge, Steve covers Natasha and Sam as they fall but James and I are thrown into the air flying. 

I slam into the windscreen of a car down the road, lying in a heap of bloody glass as I look for them, finding them safe down the road, the shield having covered them. But it's not them he comes for. It's me.

He comes for me with a rocket launcher in hand.

Shit.

I scurry for cover, the car exploding as the rocket hits and I throw myself over bridge hit the ground running. I don't even think about looking for cover, I run like hell to get him as far away from the others as possible. They can deal with Rumlow and his soldiers, but he's all mine.

I duck down behind a car, in the review mirror catching him on the bridge above looking for me with a machine gun in hand.

"Come on baby," I breathe, chest heaving as I pull my pistols out. "Come find me."

I jump up to fire at him, provoking him into a chase which he accepts as he jumps down, landing hard on his feet and marching towards me. A smirk spreads across my face as he sets his sights on me. We're trained for efficiency, but no amount of brain washing can rid of the human sense that is curiosity. It's enough he won't blow my head off just yet.

He stands there holding his weapon, sizing me up as I smirk at him "You remember me? Don't you?" His head tilts towards me, listening. "I know what they've done to you, but I know you're still there." Even in my sisters eyes at the very last moment I saw it as she begged me to do it. "What's my name?"

He raises his rifle, pointing it at me, but doesn't fire.

"Adelina," I say, daring to step forward towards him. "Do you know your name?" He's utterly silent and I lower my pistol, trying to show him I'm not a threat. "James Barnes. Your name is James Bucky Barnes."

I let out a breath of relief as he slowly begins to lower his rifle and I throw my pistol to the ground. Primal instinct is stronger than the mind, and if I'm not a threat then I have a chance. He hasn't kill me yet, if he were truly gone I'd be dead.

It's then he repeats back at me "Ada?"

I nod, tears in my eyes and breathe "You know me." Each step I take towards him could easily be one step closer to my death but I don't care. Not when he's right here. "James-"

But it's then we're surrounded by Hydra, half a dozen trucks and dozens more soldiers with semi automatic weapons, aimed at us both. Standing in front of him right now, I know in my heart if I'm about to die it will be worth it having touched him one last time. He watches me like a predator watching its prey as I reach out to pull away the mask and I can't help the soft gasp that leaves my lips at the sight of him after all this time. And making my peace with death I bring my hand to his cheek, running my thumb over the stubble and watching as his eyes close at my touch. 

It's then I hear the order "Take Rogers, Romanoff and Wilson to Shield headquarters. The Red Widow is coming with us."

"Remember me," I whisper and I don't fight as I'm restrained and handcuffed, eyes only on him as I'm thrown into the back of one of the trucks whilst he stands there frozen in time. 

They might be dragging me to hell, but I'll be going there with him.

Taglist

rachel-stone-12162001 multifanworld emromanoff lovestruckgavemefeels azriel-the-shadowsinger buchananss killtherandomness hellodeanwinchestersass angelxbarnes that-lonely-fangirl sebstanfangirl @fangrlbaby @lovely-geek @namelesssav @ranbowrider @ouuwitchywoman @jimmysjams @putbloghere @hellodeanwinchestersass @brunosemeraldstar @milea @sinnerwinner03 @ohraggi @sebs-oxygen @sourvibez @jubsl8os @plantchild15 @whoreforeternals @depressedmesstration @buckys2thicc @qlara @shaggzthatsnottheworm @findmemyaladdin @wonderlandcloudsmoonlight @pizza-connoisseur-things

things @xxforeverinadayxx @ocfairygodmother @whovianthatissherlocked @summerdaughter @nat-barnes @poge-life @silly-multi-fandom-fan-girl @sunny-byeol @captainwinterfalcon @redemption-kylo @just-my-imagines @midnightvitality @winterrwidow-2 @wildwollff @danielle-leah1997 @notsosecretspy @veralyonn @ranbowrider @ripperofmonterey @buckyys-doll @hellodeanwinchestersass @ravenclawavengerx @peterbparkerth @whateverittakestoavenge @reelovesbuckybarnes

[chasingmidnights]

Ari's Diner, let's have a little look inside shall we?

"You ain't nothin' but a hound dog...Been snoopin' 'round my door You ain't nothin' but a hound dog Been snoopin' 'round my door You can wag your tail But I ain't gonna feed you no more..."

[duckybarnes1917]

Figure My Heart Out - Chapter 7

18+ only.

Bucky Barnes x Black Original Female Character

Chanel, Sam, Bucky, and Zemo are on their way to Madripoor. What can go wrong on a private jet?

[trappedwriter]

Chapter 25

Content Warning, this is intended for people that are 18+ and this chapter includes ddlg themes (always forced age regression) abdl themes, graphic violence,some smut, swearing, cannibalism, amputation . If I left anything out, let me know.

Sebastian’s POV

“I want you and Bunny to move in.” I looked him straight in the eyes, hopeful he’ll say yes. I didn’t have any need to worry. Right away he said yes. I smiled, grabbed the hair at the back of his head, pulled him in closer for a passionate kiss. My tongue invaded his mouth and entwined with his. Our hands roamed across each other’s bodies grabbing and caressing. Things were about to get steamy until a little voice broke us apart. “Daddy? Dada?” Jessica said, rubbing her tiny fists on her eye. “Hey there sleepy head, come over here, we need to talk to you about something.” I said. Sleepily she walked over and shimmed herself onto the couch, sitting right in between us. Little cockblocker.

I took her right hand in mine whilst Chris took her left hand. I gave it a reassuring rub. “Honey, Dada, and I have some exciting news. Dada is going to move in with us.” Even though she was still pretty sleepy, she managed to show a little bit of excitement. Chris continued “That means that Bunny will also be moving in with us.” She turned her head and gave him a confusing look “why?” We both chuckled “Because silly, she’s our other little girl. She needs somewhere to sleep and live.” Chris explained. She frowned “But I’m your little girl.” Her eyes started to water. To save her from crying, Chris quickly explained “Well Bunny is our little girl, but she’s more of a big girl. You’re our only little girl, you’re our baby.” She seemed content with the statement and as if by magic, the tears disappeared.

Not wanting to waste any more time, I continued “There will be major changes happening tomorrow, we’ll have new rules for the both of you to follow. Bad behaviour will not be tolerated. There will be consequences for your actions. But we know that you’ll be our best little girl and will not break any rules. If you do, you won’t get any rewards.” She nodded in agreement. She leaned her head onto my arm. “Daddy, can I go back to sleep?” “Of course, you can pumpkin.” And with that, I carried her back to our house and placed her down into her crib.

——

The morning sun shone through the living room windows. Today was going to be a big day for our family. Everything had to go perfectly. Which is why Chris, and I were up pretty much all night coming up with the new rules for our littles. It wasn’t as easy as we thought, I knew Jessica would follow the rules, but Bunny would definitely find some of them tough. Sitting down at the table, I sleepily sipped on my coffee. Chris had been periodically bringing his and Bunny’s belongings over throughout the morning. Everything was set, now we just had to wait for the little ones to wake up.

Thankfully I didn’t have to wait long for Chris and Bunny to come bursting through the front door. Chris looking like an overpacked mule, arms filled with stuffies and toys, tried to keep a bouncing and excited Bunny in his hand. As soon as Bunny saw me, she let out a loud squeal and ran towards me. I opened my arms, ready to be ploughed into by her. “Oof! Hey there hunny Bunny, you gotta be quiet, ok? Jessica is still asleep.” I said keeping my voice stern but also soft. “Oh ok. I sorry Dada.” “It’s ok little one, why don’t you play with some of your toys.” I said patting her head. “She’s still asleep?” Asked Chris. “She’s normally up at the crack of dawn.” “Yeah, hopefully everything’s okay. I’ll go check on her.”

I tried to be as quiet as I could entering her room, but there was nothing I could do about the clunk of her lock. A snore that rumbled out from underneath a mountain of blankets told me I had nothing to worry about. She always liked to be all cozy and warm. I gently shook her awake “Good morning baby, it’s time to wake up.” She let out a little groan. It wasn’t enough to wake her up. “Oh no. Looks like I have a sleepy girl, and you know who loves sleepy girls? The tickle monster.” I exclaimed. My fingers dug into her soft sides, a squeak turned into a series of giggles that filled the room. Definitely the second best way to wake her up. After changing her, I carried her into the living room. This could either be chaotic or very stress free. I was hoping for the latter.

I placed her down on the floor next to Bunny, without hesitation she grabbed one of Bunny’s toys and started to play with her. I sighed in relief and plopped down on the couch to watch the pair play. Chris grabbed my hand and gave me a reassuring smile. We let them play for a while until it was time to tell them the new rules. Chris grabbed the reward chart and new rules list from the fridge. We carefully and thoroughly went through each rule, making sure they fully understood them. We explained the consequences for bad behaviour and rewards for good behaviour. Both girls nodded in agreement and with that came our first test. Breakfast.

——

We sat the girls down in the designated chairs, Jessica getting the highchair whilst Bunny got a booster seat. Both girls strapped in and no way to get out. Chris had made an amazing breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs and honey glazed bacon, with strawberries, and grapes on the side. I placed the food in front of them and got a chorus of thank yous. Jessica dove right in, seeing as she little she didn’t need cutlery meanwhile Bunny had her silicone fork and spoon. Both myself and Chris sat down with them and enjoyed the little happy eating noises from Jessica. Bunny however was looking at her plate and slowly eating the fruit. She looked up at Jessica who just started to suck and nibble on her bacon. “Hmmm nice bacon Dada. Who’s this?” She asked. In that moment, Bunny’s eyes went wide and her face paled. “You’re welcome hunny, so happy you’re enjoying her. Hmm let’s see, that would be Nicole. She was extra plump.” Chris explained. I nodded in agreement “Very plump. The honey was a nice touch. Just the right amount of sweetness.”

I looked over and noticed Bunny’s shocked expression. “What’s the matter Bunny? Remember rule number 2. All food given must be completely eaten. No excuses.” Jessica gasped and sat up a little in her chair “Can, can I have Bunny’s if she no eats it. It’s really good.” “I’m afraid not baby, Bunny has to learn the rules.” I explained. Saddened by the news, Jessica plopped down on her chair with a squelch. Looks like a change will be needed soon. Bunny ate the rest of the breakfast leaving the bacon aside. “Daddy, I’m full!” She claimed. “That’s okay Bunny, why don’t you go a play with your toys.” Chris said whilst helping her out of her seat. I got Jessica out of her chair and went to go clean her up. I have no idea how she gets so messy. Once all cleaned up and a fresh diaper change, the girls went back to playing. Bunny was mumbling something to Jessica, but I couldn’t clearly make out what was said. I stood behind Chris as he washed the dishes and slide my hands around his waist, pulling him into a hug. He leaned down and kissed my hand. I released my hands from him and grabbed the marker from the counter and placed a big x next to breakfast under Bunny’s name.

The rest of the morning went smoothly. Jessica went down for a morning nap and Bunny did some arts and crafts with me and Chris. Bunny was all full of chatter, giving lots of affection and being playful, it felt like the good old times. I sat back on my chair and watched as Bunny was giggling and playfully putting paint all over Chris. It was a beautiful sight to see. A buzzing from my phone alerted me to Jessica’s baby monitor. She was up. I stood up and kissed a messy Chris on the side of his face and went to get our little girl.

Once situated on my hip we reappeared in the living room. Bunny was on Chris’s lap and the two were clearly starting to have some fun of their own. Chris kissed Bunny and smeared paint across her face. I was about to clear my throat when Jessica shouted, “Hi Dada.” Chris unlocked his lips from Bunny’s and leaned his head back “Hi Baby, did you have a good nap?” She nodded her little head and turned herself more in towards me. Immediately her hand went straight to her mouth. “No, no baby, that’s yucky.” Before she could completely slobber all over it, I took it out and replaced it with a pacifier. I put her down in her highchair just as Chris was picking up Bunny. “I think we need to get cleaned up. We got a little messy.” He said. I nodded and as by habit immediately noticed his hard cock through his sweatpants. He took her back to our room continuing to kiss her. Moans and giggles filled the hallway. The bedroom door closed, and it was silent.

Jessica watched the whole interaction. When the door closed, she looked back at me with a sadden look on her face. “Right little princess, what would you like to do? We can colour or play with some toys.” Very quietly she asked “beach?” I gave her a stern look. It was the first day and she was already pushing the limits. I was about to say no when a familiar sound came from our room. Her head turned towards it. I sighed “ok little one, let’s go to the beach.” I was expecting a squeal or something to indicate that she was happy about going. But she very quietly got ready and waited for me by the door. I wrote Chris a note to let him know where we were and headed down to the beach.

——

Once down at the beach, Jessica’s mood picked up. We made the biggest sandcastle ever. It was honestly a work of art. Bunny and Chris joined us a little bit later and brought a picnic. Another food test. Bunny and Jessica played together whilst we set everything out. I was slightly annoyed at Chris for his morning actions and had to let him know. I nudged him to get his attention “You could have waited until Jessica was down for her nap.” He gave me a puzzled look. I continued “She was upset. It’s the first day Chris, you could have waited.” I said sternly. “Sorry babe, things just got a little bit out of hand. I’ll make it up to her…” His apology was cut short by the sound of wails and thumps. We looked over and were shocked by the sight in front of us. Jessica was on top of Bunny, crying and hitting her. Bunny tried to push her off, but Jessica had hold of her hair. We ran over to pull the girls apart. After much tugging and pulling we got them separated, only for Jessica to kick out at Bunny with her prosthetic leg.

I yanked Jessica back by the collar of her T-shirt and spun her around to face me, my hands slammed down on her shoulders holding her tight. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I yelled. She only cried and tried to squirm free of my grip. “What the fuck Jessica?” Tears and snot covered her face. But she wouldn’t say anything, I shook her and she half-heartedly pointed toward her sandcastle. I glanced over and saw what had happened. I sighed and lowered my head. My sympathy went out the window when she kicked me in the shin. “Fucking bitch.” I grabbed her by the arm and dragged her up to our house. I harshly flung her into her room and locked the door.

Jessica’s POV

I lay there on the floor, rubbing my red and sore arm. My tears were now sobs. I wiped the snot off of my face using the bottom of my T-shirt. I could hear Daddy and Dada outside in the living room. They were making sure she was ok. She started it. She destroyed mine and Daddy’s sandcastle. She did it on purpose too.

As I lay there, hearing their concern over her it made me more and more angry. That’s when it was decided, Bunny had to die.

Chapter 26

[buckybraneslover111]

can someone help me find a story?! i was reading it last night then my phone updated and now i can’t find it because i can’t remember who posted it, but it was part of a series, it’s called ‘Sugar’. it was of Bucky and the reader and there life in the 40s, and Bucky was living a normal life if he never fell off the train. pleaseee help me it sounds like such a good series and i was reading itttt!!

[w1nter-wolf-barnes1]

TEASER TUESDAY

Here is one of Bucky’s mood boards for my WIP mafia AU fan fic: also as an added bonus here are the main characters of the fic

Evie Lane- female main OC Bucky’s Secret Girlfriend

Bucky Barnes ”the white wolf” King of Brooklyn

Natasha Romanoff Russian mafia princess arranged marriage to Bucky

Clint Barton head of security

Steve Rogers Bucky’s best friend and Underboss also his secret security

There will be guest appearances but I don’t want to ruin the surprise 🤫