#thewinterswimmer

[mercedesbarnes]

Come Home Soon

summary: Bucky’s away on a mission during the holiday season, and you hope he can make it in time for your Secret Santa exchange.

pairing: Bucky x reader 

word count: 1,867

warnings: tiny bit of angst if you squint, holiday fluff

a/n: Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate today! I hope you enjoy this cute lil story, and have a good day with your loved ones.

I wish I could be there

We’ll do a rain check and exchange when you’re back

Bucky takes a minute to respond to your text, and you know he's running a hand through his hair.

It’s okay, Y/N. You can open the presents without me. I’ll get mine later.

Later is too long

A few weeks is too long?

Yes

“Patience” -Steve Rogers

Hahaha very funny Barnes

Who am I supposed to decorate with now?

:(

Save a snowflake for me?

I will. Come home soon, Buck. I miss your interior decorating.

You don't miss me? Ouch.

Nah.

......

Ok, maybe I miss you a little.

I miss you too.

You can't stop the giddy feeling that arises in your chest at his message, doing away with a small part of your worries. Until your phone chimes again.

Gotta go, doll, duty calls. Ask Steve to help you. He’s got an eye for the lights.

Okay, I’ll try him. Be safe.

See you soon. x

Mindlessly swiping across your home screens without looking, Bucky's message bounces around your brain like a game of ping pong.

Soon. Soon. Soon.

Bucky has been gone 4 weeks and 3 days, an absence only made bearable by his daily texts and weekly FaceTimes. When he calls, his display picture really does light up your screen. The low quality photo of Bucky frowning had been his attempt at intimidation, but he had been trying not to smile at you behind the camera so he wasn't very successful.  Something about the memory makes you hide your own goofy smile behind a hand until you can get it under control enough to accept the call, every time.

Any sound of the catchy ringtone gets you retreating to the nearest empty room so he has your focused attention while you describe your days or if he needs to talk to you in the middle of the night.

But even with the contact you miss him, and it is hard. You miss him like crazy. You miss him in a way that you aren't quite allowed to, because you and Bucky are simply the best of friends and nothing more. Except somewhere along the line you started to see him in a different light, and there are moments, like the display photo one, where you wonder what he's thinking when he looks at you. Though, you don't push it since you'd rather have him as a friend than not at all.

Either way, soon isn't coming soon enough.  

“Who you texting?” Steve asks as he enters the room to see you seated on the brown L-shaped leather couch. His voice startles you out of your staring contest with the burning fireplace in front of you.

“Bucky,” you say with a sigh, locking your phone sadly. “He’s not going to make it for our Secret Santa exchange.”

“T'Challa and him must be working overtime in Wakanda.”  Steve settles beside you and cracks open a water bottle, propping his legs up on the ottoman to warm his sock-covered feet.  "It's supposed to take six weeks, so the project should be done soon."

There's that word again. Soon.

“I know," you exhale, rubbing at your eyes. "I just miss him, is all.”

"Me too."

A peaceful silence settles over the two of you as you watch the flames.  Your thoughts keep wandering back to Bucky, and Steve's reaction means your face is probably doing something to express who you're thinking about.  As he takes a swig of water Steve fixes you with a look you can’t quite place. It's some mixture of curiosity and sympathy and it's going on far too long. For someone who is, as Bucky repeatedly tells you, an oblivious punk when it comes to relationships, you're sure that Steve will figure out what's going on in your mind if he keeps this up.

So you poke his toned stomach. “Wanna help me decorate this place?”

"Let's do it."

"Woah."

"Woah indeed."

After hours of Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé , the room is finally decorated. Bucky was right:  Steve does have a knack for the aesthetic. Thank goodness for the art student in him.

Long strings of tiny fairy lights hang on the walls and around the doorways, casting a soft white glow over the common area and making it seem like snow reincarnated.  A tall fir tree in the corner gives the room a pleasant smell and is similarly decorated in silver tinsel and ornaments, reflecting the light of the stone fireplace nearby. Above the flames hang red stockings with each Avenger's name stitched on them in green.  Steve even tied a bow around the handle of Mjolnir, who had been left on the coffee table. The whole scene truly is picturesque, more homely than ever, and it already feels like the holidays.

You bump your hip to Steve's. “Doesn’t look half bad, Rogers.”

"Not bad, Y/N, not bad at all," he says, admiring your work on the snowflakes taped to the walls. He nudges you again and with a teasing smile begins to sing, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

"Everywhere you go!"

TWO WEEKS LATER

"Okay! Who wants to open first?"

Natasha's the quickest and she digs excitedly in her bag after checking the gift tag to see who it's from.  "Aw, new scarf, thanks Y/N!" She wraps it around herself and revels in the fabric, and you smile at your present being well-received.

Some presents are practical, like Thor's to Bruce (pants made out of the finest Asgardian stretchy fabric with “The Revengers” on the butt), while others are just practical jokes, like Sam's to Steve.

"I'm never going to live this down, am I?"

"Hey man," Sam says with his hands up and a wicked grin, "I just heard you were wondering about fondue so I thought I'd educate America's favourite senior citizen."

"A fondue kit is very thoughtful, thank you," Steve chuckles as he carefully puts it back in the bag. "Y/N, go on next."

You tug at the red silky bow to make it come loose, laughing at Sam's high fives to the others as you rip off wrapping paper to reveal a simple black jewelry box. The hinge makes a satisfying crack as you open it and your eyes widen. Inside, on a black felt backing, rests a shiny silver chain with a heart hanging from it. It's beautiful and takes your breath away.

“Who...” you whisper as you lift the chain from the felt, your trembling fingers cradling the precious gift. “who is this from..”

Even though you aren’t looking at him, you know Steve’s half-smiling when he answers. “You know who.”

Of course it's from him. Who else knows you like this, better than you know yourself? Tears prickle in your eyes and threaten to fall onto your upturned lips when you admire the heart, because he remembered you preferred silver jewelry over gold.  This present...it seems far too intimate to be exchanged between friends, but you quickly shake away that thought. Anyways, he always treats you with the utmost respect and dedication, so why should this be any different?

“Bucky really wanted to give it to you in person,” Steve reassures you quietly with a hand on your knee. "But if he couldn't be here he still wanted you to open it today."

You nod. Taking care not to have the clasp stuck in your sweater fabric, you put on the necklace as the hustle and bustle of the exchange continues. Its weight is comforting.  Somehow, having the cool chain on your skin also gifts you the knowledge that Bucky is here for the holidays in spirit, and you feel yourself getting excited at the prospect of seeing him again to thank him, whenever that may be.

It takes a moment before you realize you can thank him now.  Grabbing your phone, you search to find Bucky's name in the FaceTime app. You're a second away from pressing the call button when the door swings open.

In steps a very windswept Bucky, still in his gear and a duffel bag in one hand.

"Hi," Bucky says. "Am I late?"

And the whole room goes silent.

Maybe everyone is still talking, calling out seasons greetings. Maybe they really did stop. You don't know, since all you hear is the slow click of your shoes as you get up and make your way across the room and over to him.  The lights in the doorway have him stand out from the now-blurry background and make him the only real thing you can see.  

Bucky's arms open with a relieved smile, his bright eyes trained on yours the whole way. In them there's a new look when he notices that you're wearing his necklace, something like pure, unbridled adoration. It's this look that makes you ignore his hug and gently touch his biceps, chest, neck, before pulling him down to meet your lips.

Bucky groans and immediately drops the bag. His hands are warm as they find your hips, tugging you impossibly closer while you cradle his face in your hands. He is kissing you back, soft but insistent, and you are dizzy. Your fingers randomly tug at the ends of his hair since your brain can't think straight, and warmth consumes your chest when the kiss is deepened and you both sigh like you've been waiting a lifetime for this.

Nothing in this universe can ever feel as good as his slightly chapped lips do overlapping on yours, because every movement makes your heart soar.  You don't ever want to stop.  You want to keep kissing him for the rest of your life.

When you finally pull back, not even trying to control your goofy grin as you catch your breath, his cheeks are so flushed and he looks as dazed as you feel. A tiny part of your brain registers the cheers coming from the other people in the room. You don't pay them any mind, for your forehead is still on Bucky's, and he's beaming at you.

“Bucky....” He must be giving the breath of life to your lungs, because you've never felt this alive.  “Thank you.”

He wraps his arms tight around your waist so you can't move away from him. Not that you want to. "For what, doll?"  

"For the necklace and being here."

"I wouldn't miss this for anything. Especially now that I get to kiss you whenever I want." And he does, again, to more whoops from the audience.

There are a few more small kisses before Bucky finally lets you go to change into something more comfortable.  He returns in a nice grey sweater and jeans, and the celebrations can continue with the entire team together.

Steve gets to him first. "Happy holidays, Buck. Welcome home. "

"Yeah, you too. Thanks, Stevie." They hug, clapping each other solidly on the back before joining you on the couches. He winks at you.  "It's good to be home."

You kiss his cheek and he snuggles an arm comfortably around your side.  You can't help but think about how right he is.

Bucky on your left. Your friends on your right.

Feels like home.

Tag List (open!):  @parkerstcr ,  @buckys-fossil , @fxckmebuck , @langinator , @seeyainanotherlifebrotha , @secondstartotheright-imagines , @the-renaissance , @miraisnotavailable , @winchesterandpie  , @whyisbuckyso  , @supernatural-girl97  , @aekr ,  @bootypoppinbarnes , @sebashtiansatan ,  @engineeringgirlcve  , @sanjariti , @rotisserierogers , @feelmyroarrrr

[redgillan]

"during his time in wakanda bucky learned contouring" LMFAO MAISIE

He had his own YouTube channel 😂

[paintedface]

I must be living under a ROCK because I’m missing out on your super writing skills....if there’s room can I please be added to your permanent tag list??

of course love!!

[spiduhgirl]

🌀, 🍇, 🌎 ?

🌀- Favourite Weather?

Honestly, when it’s not too hot or cold, and when it’s a little breezy.

🍇- Favourite Fruit?

Bananas and Strawberries!!

🌎- Place You Want To Visit?

London definitely.

[playing--koi]

Once you get this you have to say five things you like about yourself, publicly. then you have to send this to ten of your favourite followers (non-negotiable, positivity is cool~) 🌈🌈

chrissy you angelic human, you!!! you’re one of my faves as well!!! and hmmm let’s see....

1. i like to think i’m pretty good at makeup?? i try to make sure my wings could slice through metal (on a good day)

2. my handwriting’s pretty cool i guess

3. ability to remember song lyrics and people’s names

4. i make a MEAN array of breakfast foods

5. i’ve recently OUTGROWN my allergy to strawberries so THANKS, BODY!!! that’s pretty rad i think???

[james-bionic-barnes]

You're the Reason I Come Home is so good wowow I'm loving it! If there's room can I please be added to your permatag list?

Thank you so much, I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!! And there’s certainly room

You’re the Reason I Come Home - Part One

[buckywintersoldierbarnes2017]

A Hidden Pain - Part 16

Original request from @purplekitten30​: Could you please write a Bucky x reader where she works as the teams assistant? She’s got a violent bf but no one knows about it until he assaults her at one of Starks parties. Bucky steps in and kicks his ass. He helps her move out of her place to live with him since he’s got his own floor at the tower.

Note: I genuinely cant believe this request is still going! I thought it may have been coming to an end but then another idea struck me so I guess I’ll continue until it either comes to a natural end or you all get bored <3

Bucky x Abused!Reader Words: 1,579

Disclaimer: GIF used is mine <3

A Hidden Pain Masterlist

Part 1| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

PREVIOUSLY

He was trying to be his usual self, attempting to make a joke out of what was actually a serious situation, but there was still a big part of him that was deeply concerned for his friend. Whether Steve admitted it out loud or not this whole thing wasn’t just about you and Bucky anymore….it was about you, him, AND Steve.

“She’s been through so much already, more than anyone deserves to, and so has Buck. They need each other. I refuse to take that away from either one of them.” He unwrapped the support bandages that had been around both of his hands and threw them into the bin nearest to him, his eyes only now looking over at Sam. “…and I sure as hell won’t allow you to either. It doesn’t matter how I feel after that time I spent with her….what matters is that she’s happy.”

“Ste-”

“I’m serious Sam. Just drop it. That year she only had me is over now. Well and truly.”

                                       * * * * * * * * * * 

The sun was barely even creeping through into the morning sky but already you were wide awake and sat at the breakfast table - not that you could even stomach a single mouthful of the cereal in front of you, instead it just sat there becoming a sorry mess. You had barely slept that night and your constant tossing and turning had started to disturb one of the rare restful nights Bucky had...this was the day you had been dreading.

They were moving Josh to a different facility out of state.

You should have been happy at the thought of him no longer being in the same building as you, that there would be hundreds of miles between you, but the bad feeling gnawing away at your stomach wasn't allowing you to have a more positive outlook. For a long time, Josh had always been one step ahead of you so what if-

"Nothing is going to happen today."

Your ever-growing paranoid thoughts were interrupted by only the second voice in your life that radiated calm and collected enough for you to feel it yourself, even if it was just temporarily. A soft smile lit up your fatigued face as you turned in your seat to face him.

"I wish I could be as confident as you are Steve, but I've just got this horrible feeling..." At the mention of it you felt your stomach tightening even more. "...I know he's going to be far away but at least when he was here, I knew where he was. Being hundreds of miles away he could escape, and I wouldn't know until, well, until he found me."

Steve's facial expression contorted into a slight frown as he took a seat in the chair next to you, his hands immediately encompassing yours as he squeezed them gently.

"He will not get away; do you hear me? Buck will be there, and hell would freeze over before he let that man escape. He won't even be able to so much as blink without him knowing about it."

You knew his words were supposed to comfort you but knowing that Bucky was going to be anywhere near him again made you feel sick to the stomach. He wanted to make sure he got to where he needed to be but that didn't make you feel any better about the situation.

"Steve..." There was a tremble in your voice as the emotional battle inside of you started to spill out. Your grip on his hands tightened as though your sanity depended on holding onto him. "...wh-when will all this be over?"

It was impossible to stop the tears now but before a single one trailed down your cheek you found your face buried in the super soldier's firm chest as he pulled you into an almost crushing hug. His own heart seemed to beat just as fast as yours, his breathing off its usual rhythm, it was breaking him seeing you in such distress, but your own emotions were too heightened to notice.

"Just let it out [y/n], I'm here, it's okay."

The words Sam had spoken to him in the gym a few weeks back played out in his mind as he felt you heaving with your sobs.

“You know, for a super soldier you are SUPER stupid.”…

…”Just tell her.”….

He shook his head almost violently to get the words out of his mind, wishing that they had never been spoken in the first place, he hated that he would never be able to have you in the way that he wanted but having the odd moment alone with you was all he needed….making sure you knew you were loved and looked after was all he needed….Sam’s idea would just have to be erased completely.

His lips pressed down onto the top of your head, a hand travelling up into your hair, as a single tear fell from his own eye.

“You’re safe with me and you always will be.”

                                       * * * * * * * * * *

If looks could kill Josh would have been dead ten times over with the stare he was currently receiving from Bucky. They were sat at opposite sides of the van to each other with guards on both sides and despite still being within arm’s reach the little cretin still wasn’t as close as Bucky wanted him to be….he wanted to feel his neck crushing underneath his fingertips; wanted to see the life escape his eyes, the least he deserved after everything he did to you was to die solely and painfully at the hands of the men who truly loved you.

Anyone else would have been scared out of their very pants if they’d had an ex-assassin staring at them in such a way, especially one that had murdered hundreds of people over the decades, but Josh didn’t so much as flinch. There was  twitch though, right in the corner of his lips, as they slowly contorted into a malicious smirk – even now, with nowhere to go except a cold dank cell for the rest of his life, he refused to show any kind of remorse for the things that he had done. If it wasn’t for the guards Bucky would have made sure he was incapable of showing that nasty little smirk of his.

“They really did a number on you didn’t they?” If he couldn’t do anything to him physically then he was at least going to try and get into his head. “They saw a pathetic piece of scum like you and used you without you even realising what they were doing.” Now it was Bucky’s turn to flash a wicked smirk. “Where are they now huh? Your new friends? Ah, yes, that’s right….they’re feeding you to the wolves because they have no more use for you.”

He leaned himself closer, clasping his hands together on top of his knees, the road grew a little bumpier and yet not even this caused his stature to falter. His eyes remained locked on Josh.

“They got you to do their dirty work and not only did you lose [y/n] but you lost your freedom too.”

It was only your name that gained any kind of reaction out of Josh, a sadness enveloping his eyes as he swallowed down hard at the lump that had formed in his throat. It was the only bit of emotion Bucky had ever seen in the man and it took him by surprise far more than he would have liked, lowering his defences ever s slightly, and it was in that very moment he witnessed just how quickly his emotions could switch as a more sinister look took over the sadness that had once been so evident.

“Oh I will never lose [y/n], trust me, I have taught her far more about this world than you and your pathetic superhero friends ever could and it won’t be long before she realises what side she needs to be on……” The van slowed to an unexpected stop causing the guards to look towards the front where the driver was. “….the side that always wins…..” His handcuffs fell to the floor with a loud thud reminiscing that of the moment an escapologist would succeed in his escape. “….the invincible villains.”

Before he, or any of the guards, could do anything to react a blinding white light incapacitated every one of them before a deafening explosion rang out around them, ripping the vehicle apart.

                                       * * * * * * * * * *

Your emotions had finally overcome you as the sun began to make it’s way into the sky. although he hadn’t fallen asleep himself he had stayed with you, his arms never once leaving you as he kept you wrapped inside a protective cocoon. His blue eyes watched closely as your chest rose and then gently fell back down again, making sure you were having the restful sleep you needed, having to fight hard to stop his feelings from growing.

When his own eyes started to surrender to the world of sleep your body shot upright as a horrified scream erupted from you. If the residents of Stark Tower hadn’t been awake already then they certainly were now as your scream continued on without you taking so much as a breath.

 Something was wrong.....something was really wrong.

                                       ~~~~~~~~~~

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[mercedesbarnes]

Bring It To You

Summary: After a string of sleepless nights, Bucky doesn’t join in on a group bonding activity and you try your best to cheer him up.

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Word Count: 2,409

Warnings: floof

A/N: This is my submission for Caro’s Game of Prompts! Thank you for organizing, and congratulations on your milestones @sanjariti ily 💗 💗 

Engrossed in a new book, you were curled up in your favourite armchair, devouring the words on the page as your eyes flicked rapidly from one side of the page to the other.  The author was fantastic at keeping you engaged, so much so that you didn’t hear Steve until he tapped your shoulder.

“Hey, you alive?” Steve asked, taking the seat beside you to slip on his shoes.

“Yeah, did you say something?” you replied while finishing up the sentence and marking your page with a bookmark.  

“I asked if you were coming to Coney Island?” A group bonding activity, he called it when he told you yesterday.  “We’re leaving kinda now.”  

“Of course, I’m ready to go!”

“Well, you almost had me fooled,” he mumbled, staring at your very not-moving body.

“Do I detect sass, Rogers?”

“Nooo.”

You good-naturedly shoved the part of his arm you could reach. Cold ice cream, exhilarating rides, and the overall loud atmosphere of the park had you excited, plus you were going with all your favourite people.

“Can’t wait for the wind in my hair,” you grinned at him.

“And the bugs in your teeth,” Steve finished, moving to his left shoe.  

“Exactly. We need to get a before and after photo.”

“Why, cause it’s Thor’s first time on a ride?”

“Yup. His hair’s going to go crazy from the wind. I bet he’ll tie it up into a high bun and we can’t let that memory go undocumented.”

“I’ll bet on that,” Steve said, looking past you. “Good afternoon, Buck.”

Bucky had wandered into the common room at the sound of your voices, looking rumpled and like he was in desperate need of a bed, despite having probably come from his room. 

“Afternoon,” he mumbled, heading straight for the nearest armchair and collapsing into it.

“Are you up for Coney Island? We’re probably going to stay for fireworks.”

Bucky shifted under both of your gazes. Ever observant, Steve leaned on his knees with his hands clasped, squinting a bit as he scrutinized his friend’s behaviour.

“Not in the mood?”

He gave a non-committal shrug then leaned his head back to close his eyes. Steve nodded slightly and unfolded himself to stand up. He patted his best friend’s shoulder as comfort and to show he understood that Bucky needed a chill day instead of being surrounded by the suffocating crowds of the park.

“Y/N, I’ll be downstairs, come when you’re ready.”

“Alright,” you said, setting your book on the table and glancing at the brunet, who now had his forearm draped over his face.  “Hey, Bucky.”

The arm fell away to flop on his lap and when he rolled his head to look your way you recognized the deep, dark rings under Bucky’s eyes.

“Hi,” he rasped, a forced smile following his words. “Are you leaving now?”

“Yeah…” you said, but suddenly that didn’t seem like the right answer anymore. Seeing Bucky so down like this, it dimmed the excitement you had felt when you first heard about the Coney Island idea.  If one of your favourite people was going to be left in the lonely tower, it wouldn’t truly be a team activity. Nor would it be a group photo.

“Coney Island’s fun. You’ll like it,” he said, closing his eyes again.  His words, tinged with fatigue and hints of nostalgia, had your mind gears turning. Did he want to go?  

You asked him, and he rolled his head no. “I didn’t sleep well the past few days, I’d rather stay in.”

You had to pass Bucky on your way out, and he grasped your wrist, stopping you with a more genuine smile. “Have a good time, Y/N.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you later, Bucky.”   

So. It sounded like he liked Coney Island, but a lack of sleep was keeping him from joining the team on their trip. Surely this was a simple fix. Your mind was racing as fast as the elevator descended the many floors, and when you reached the ground, the ding of the opening doors was like a lightbulb over your head.

You jogged over to the waiting group and tapped Steve on the shoulder.

“I have an idea.”

Two hours later, you strode into the airy Avengers tower lobby towards the elevators, an opaque shopping bag of items awkwardly bumping against your leg when you stopped to press the button. Chewing on your lip, you allowed yourself to consider the thought that had to potential to punch a hole in your otherwise flawless plan.

If you were Bucky, where would you be?

Just because he hadn't wanted to come to Coney Island there was no guarantee that he would be in the tower. Bucky could have gone for a walk by himself, or for a motorcycle exploration, actions he often did when in a mood like this. New York was big. He could be anywhere.

You snapped your fingers when you remembered the reason why he liked to do those things when in a funk. They were a distraction. A change of pace. Something in the tower had this power: movies.  

When you arrived at the 22nd floor, you made straight for the theatre, pulling open the star-decorated door with a bright smile. It was a cozy room, the luxurious floor-to-ceiling screen drawing the eye immediately as the automatic lights flickered on. The gold walls were offset by rows of four classic red recliners.  In the front one there was a recliner on each end, and a bed-like cushion between the drink holder adorned armrests, replacing the two middle chairs; being the best seat in the house you expected to see Bucky splayed out there in the middle of a film.

It was empty.

The screen’s reflection of this emptiness mirrored the feeling you experienced. You really thought he’d be in there, but apparently the ghost soldier lived up to the name. He did, after all, evade discovery for years. A crease forming between your brows, you wracked your brain for another spot. He could be in his room, maybe, or the gym. Those are distractions too. With the locations in mind you backed out of the cinema and let the door swing shut as you made sure the bag avoided getting caught in the hinges.

“Y/N?”

You spun quickly to see the subject of your thoughts standing down the hall.

Bucky was in his navy sweater and black jogger pants, and with the dark circles, his hair ruffled and hunched shoulders, his body language screamed exhausted. Still, he managed to appear on edge, thanks to his eyes that were alight with attention. Bucky had snuck up on you, his footsteps far too similar to a cat’s. Virtually noiseless. If he hadn’t the habit of doing this on a regular basis you would’ve been startled, however you felt welcome relief flooding through your veins.

“Hey! I was looking for you.”

“You were?” Bucky said while stepping closer, and you couldn't ignore the wary undertone in his question, or the way his eyes traced over your face, searching for something, anything that would tell him why you were here, if you were injured. “Is everything okay? Did something happen?”

“No, no, everything's fine, Bucky, they're all at Coney Island,” you assured him, placing a hand on his chest to stop him from going past you to the emergency phone found on every floor. Occupational hazard. The mind always goes to the worst possible scenario first.

You felt his breaths relax under your fingers, his body doing so too. He took a couple steps to the side to lean nonchalantly against the wall, but to you it looked like it was the only thing keeping him upright.

“But you’re not there.”

“I changed my mind.“

You didn’t want to reveal your surprise here so you left it at that. He rolled his bottom lip between his teeth as he nodded slightly, blue eyes boring into your own and making you feel like, somehow, he had been prepared for this vague answer.

“How are you?” you asked softly, fiddling with the bag’s handles to resist the urge to just go to him and hug all of his tiredness away.

Bucky exhaled heavily and ran a hand through his hair, messing it up further. “M’okay. Just tired.”

You nodded in understanding. When sleep evaded you, it meant exhaustion not only the following day, but the ones after as well. For someone like Bucky who was prone to multiple sleepless nights in a row, you couldn't even imagine how he was feeling. But you did know you wanted to make ‘just tired’ a little more tolerable. Cue your plan.

“What were you up to?”

Bucky shrugged, lifting an eyebrow to match. “Not much, really.”  His sight wandered around the room like it was going to tell him what he could do before it landed on you again. “Came up here for a movie.”

So you weren’t completely off base with your movie idea. “You’re going through Sam’s recommendation list.”

“Yeah.” He paused, considering you as if he was trying to work up the courage to make a decision. “Do you, um, wanna join?”

“Sure.” His hands were calloused and big and your heart jumped when your fingers slipped between his to tug him gently off the wall. He was so warm and if you had the power, you so badly wanted him to be happy. He deserved to be happy.  

Bucky didn’t let go of your hand, choosing to use his free one to open the door for you. “You still haven't really told me why you're back.”

“I have something for you,” you explained, entering the room and choosing the bed seat at the front of the theatre. Reluctantly you let go of Bucky to lean back against the pillows and make yourself comfortable, crossing your legs at the ankle.

“Oh?” He glanced at the bag, curious.

“C’mon, get comfortable.”

You patted the space beside you and he sat close, his shoulder brushing against yours, copying your leg position and watching as you began to unpack everything you brought. As you placed each thing on the cushions it was crossed off of your mental list.  

Two Nathan’s Famous hot dogs

An extra large bag of popcorn

Postcards showcasing the roller coasters, the background lit up by a rainbow of exploding fireworks

Seashells in all shapes and shades

A previously empty plastic water bottle, now filled with sand

Bucky’s brows traveled higher with each item, and he picked a postcard and turned it over to stare at the smiley face you had drawn on the back. Looking up, he asked quietly, “What’s all this?”

“You didn’t want to go to Coney Island, so I brought Coney Island to you,” you said simply, tossing the empty bag to the chair on your right to then turn back to Bucky.

“Ice cream’s in the fridge, if you want some now I can go...”

They always say that the eyes are the window to the soul. That you can see a person’s emotional state just by examining them. Here, right now, the way the goodness in Bucky’s soul was completely exposed to you when it usually was locked away and hidden from everyone--it was a testament to that statement. Gratefulness was radiating out in blue waves, spreading to every line of Bucky’s handsome face and you found yourself unable to finish your sentence.  

He blinked as a gentle smile grew on his pink lips. “You did this for me?”

“Yeah. You were feeling down,” you explained, shifting to face him fully and witness that masterpiece of a smile. “I thought this could cheer you up since you didn’t want to go out.”

“It’s amazing,” he said in that grateful tone, eyes flickering between your own like he was trying to memorize them. To see what was in your soul, perhaps. “You’re amazing.”

Having Bucky look at you like this was making your heart play a game of rapid jump rope. You’ve never been so close to him. “I am?”

“Yeah.”

You stared, until your brain stopped spinning enough to say hug him. Opening your arms with a lopsided smile that Bucky returned, you took care not to knock over anything as you both leaned in. His arms, one around your middle and one over your shoulder, had your head resting in the crook of his neck.  It was exactly how you imagined, how you wanted to hug him earlier. Soft. Comfortable. Relaxing.

“I love this makeshift Coney Island,” he whispered, “thank you.”

“Anytime, Bucky. I hope it helps.”

“It does. A lot,” he said, releasing you and picking up a hot dog,  “I’m starving.”

“Dig in!”

You munched while searching for the movie that would continue this night's theme, a movie called The Pick Up Artist that was supposedly set in the amusement park.

After moving everything to the floor, you and Bucky spread out on the bed-chair, pressed up next to each other and accidentally brushing hands when you reached for the popcorn bag. Always sending mini-fireworks, like the ones featured on the postcards, up your arm. It happened a couple more times before you slipped your hand into his and surreptitiously squeezed it; bigger fireworks exploded in your chest when he did it back.

Neither of you needed the Coney Island fireworks; they were happening just fine on their own here in the tower.

"Hey, Y/N," Bucky murmured near your ear as the characters came into view, "does the main guy look a lot like Tony or is it just me."

You gasped.  "He does, woah."  The resemblance was uncanny, and you made a mental note to talk to Tony about his secret acting career. 

Not long past the halfway point you noticed Bucky’s head fall onto your shoulder before he jerked awake with a start, and he stared bleary eyed at you, the screen, then back to you.

“Sleep, Buck. You need it.”

He didn’t respond other than to drape himself across the whole piece of furniture, head in your lap and immediately dozing off with a small smile. Your fingers started to mindlessly braid small sections of his hair before undoing them and fiddling again.  You spent the rest of the night in such a position, watching movies and not doing much, but enjoying it immensely.  

Chill nights, Coney Island--they’re not mutually exclusive, and together they cheer up even the most tired of supersoldiers.  

Tags (open!): @wndas-romanoff , @bootypoppinbarnes , @fxckmebuck , @langinator , @seeyainanothalifebrotha , @canumoveyourseatup-no , @secondstartotheright-imagines , @the-renaissance , @miraisnotavailable , @winchesterandpie , @whyisbuckyso , @supernatural-girl97 , @aekr , @stevnsbucks , @engineeringgirlcve , @rotisserierogers , @buckys-fossil

[redgillan]

happy birthday!!!!!!! 🎉🌺🎈✨🎉💜🌟👏💛💓💘✨🌈☀️⭐️💚🍰🎊🎈🎁✨🌟💝🌺💙🎊💛💜🍰🌼✨

Oh, sweetie! Thank you ❤ 🙊

[buckyywiththegoodhair]

Once you get this you have to say five things you like about yourself, publicly. then you have to send this to ten of your favourite followers (non-negotiable, positivity is cool~) 🌈🌈

Ah, I sent this to you and you sent it back. I see what you did there.

My eclectic taste in music.

My love for rainy days.

My appreciation for organization.

My hair when it behaves

My ability to not get sick of certain shows and willingness to watch reruns.

[paintedface]

check you out

summary: you’re studying in a library when you hear two girls talking way too loudly about the attractive librarian, but he shows them just who he has his sights set on.

pairing: librarian!bucky x reader

word count: 788 words

warnings: fluff, a bit of jealousy, mentions of sex from people who don’t have filters (in the fic)

notes: this was requested by my babe @whyisbuckyso but my requests are currently NOT OPEN. also I know that there were so many good opportunities for puns during this fic but it would’ve made this so cheesy, more than it already is. the title is bad enough.

“Oh, my god. That librarian is so fucking hot!” You hear a girl say, way too loudly for a library, to her friend as they look up from their attempted studying.

“Shit, I thought that librarians were meant to be old! But this guy makes me wanna check out more than the books.” The other girl bursts into fits of snarky giggles and you roll your eyes, resisting the urge to throw your newly sharpened pencil at them.

You shove your headphones in, trying to drown out their godawful remarks about the “hottie librarian.” But when you hear one of them gush about wanting him to fuck them against the bookshelves, that’s when you’re done.  

You stand up, shutting your laptop and brushing past the girls. You head straight towards the librarian, who is thankfully out of earshot of them. He looks up from shelving the books as you get closer, and a warm smile fills his face instantly.

“How’s the studying going, Y/N?” He asks, voice husky and soft as you move around to his side of the cart.

You huff, jerking your chin in the direction of those girls. “They’re talking non-stop, Buck, I can hear them over my headphones. But it’s not really the noise that’s bothering me.”

He raises an eyebrow, putting the final book away before moving the cart to the end of the aisle. “What’re they talking about?”

You scrunch your nose, crossing your arms, before finally saying, “About how they want you to fuck them in various places in the library.”

“Ew, that’s not great. Even hot people have human rights.” He cringes, glancing at them before shaking his head. Then his mouth curls into a small smirk as he leans forward and you can feel a shiver run down your spine.

“Were you jealous, hearing them talk about me?” He whispers, eyes glinting, and you can feel your cheeks warm up instantly. You push at his chest and he chuckles, combing a hand through his hair.

“Yes, I was, if you must know.” You huff, looking away. Bucky grins and wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you flush against his chest.

He smiles at you, before murmuring, “well then, I gotta show that I’m taken by my beautiful girl, hey?”

You let out a quiet laugh, leaning forward to press a tender kiss to his lips, one hand fisting his soft sweater and the other moving to run through his locks. You taste the coffee on his lips, something you’re so used to, that it feels like home. He lets out a muffled whimper, before pressing forward and knocking a book stand off the cart while moving to hold your waist.

You can feel the girls’ eyes on you, their mouths gaping open, clearly visible from your peripheral vision. You ignore them, despite your original intention, because your boyfriend is trailing his kisses down your neck and you’re getting extremely distracted.

“You should get back to work.” You murmur, and he looks up at you, a pout on his face as he reaches down to pick up the book stand.

“You started this! Besides, I’ve just finished my shift.” He protests, adjusting his shirt collar from underneath his sweater. You roll your eyes, before smiling at him.

“I’ll grab my things, then we’ll get afternoon tea.” You gesture to your desk, the girls still staring at you from a table behind your homework arrangement.

He nods, nudging the cart out of your line of walk. “I’ll be waiting.” Bucky winks flirtatiously and you snort, before making your way back to the table.

You smile inwardly at the girls’ jealous gazes as you pack up your belongings, slinging your bag over your shoulder. You still aren’t sure how you landed your handsome yet incredibly dorky boyfriend, though all you know is that you’re insanely lucky to have him. Your relationship isn’t fairytale perfect, but you wouldn’t exchange it for anything in the world.

As you move towards the entrance of the library, you see him sitting on the edge of the counter, his legs dangling back and forth. You take a hold of his collar and pull him down to give him a quick peck on the lips. His mouth spreads into a mischievous smile as he hops down from the counter, landing with a soft thud.

“We better not kiss while the other librarian’s here. He’d get me fired.” Bucky whispers, eyes flicking up to the older man coming into the library.

“And we wouldn’t want that, would we?” You smile at him as he pulls you close, hurrying the two of you out of the library before the older librarian sees you and reprimands you for merely hugging.

TAGS UNDER THE CUT

permanent tags (OPEN): @vibranium-arm / @gallifreyansass / @omalleysgirl22 / @girlwith100names / @buckysinthesinbin / @cameronahugenerd / @imsecretlyromanburki / @megan-atthedisco-blog / @buckys-fossil / @iamwarrenspeace / @alohabucky / @buckybarnesappreciationsociety / @debbielovesbucky / @metal-armed-dino / @helloitscrowley / @sebastian-stans-thighs / @fantastic-fantasy-fanfics / @lorna-danee / @feelmyroarrrr / @mjuikoli / @meganliiz / @yoyolovesbucky / @srgntjbarnes / @carriefish-er / @jurassicbarnes / @ssweet-empowerment / @shieldagentofthemonth / @palaiasaurus64 / @i-love-superhero / @infiniteholland / @ailynalonso15 / @bywonater / @vanillaicecrusher / @titty-teetee / @breezy1415 / @captain-amelia-bradley / @thewinterswimmer / @bioticgoddess / @thewonderfulworldofafangirl / @realgreglestrade / @memory-of-a-goldfish / @amynotsantiago / @bandbooktvaddict / @edgyroses / @buckysmaingirl / @thefridgeismybestie / @cumonbucky / @untimelyideasforstories / @ridingmoxley / @jadalecki-jackles / @peters-vlogs / @em--z / @hdthdthdt / @thefridgeismybestie / @jamie-leah / @heyrogers / @ivy-16-18 / @marvlemarvlemarvlemarvle / @wvntersoldierr / @saveyourbucky / @wonderless-screwup / @rashinyx2002 / @httpmcrvel

(strike through means I couldn't tag you, sorry!)

[spiduhgirl]

for your ask game: the harry potter fandom?

Ayy thanks for asking love 💕

The character I love: Draco Malfoy

The character I hate: UmBITCH

The character I would call if I was in trouble: Hermione of course lol

The character who I’m in trouble with: Fred and George Weasley (They are one “whole” okay??)

The character I would trust to plan my birthday party: Luna Lovegood

The character I would share fries with: Neville Longbottom!

The character who would be my best friend: Draco Malfoy again

The character I would hang out with on a rainy day: The Mauraders xD

[playing--koi]

oh my god I don't know where to begin. Your latest fic has me shivering in my seat because it was just. that. good. The line 'Like a fire burning so bright, the beauty consumed those around it, but harmed those who got too close' completely decimated me bc it was so beautiful. They had so much love and passion and I could go on and on but the damn word limit. Fire imagery and all, YOU are the girl on fire,Gabby. Please never ever stop writing, you have a gift and I'm in awe every time I read💕

...oh my god, chrissy. you truly just rocked my world with this ask. i literally can’t even comprehend how flattered i am. 

first of all, THANK YOU FOR READING IT, YOU ANGEL. second of all, i’m so so glad you liked it and took the time out to send me this. what did i ever do to deserve your WONDERFULNESS??? 

thank you for this. you’re such a ray of light and i sincerely look forward to your feedback every time. i love you!!! x

(also the girl on fire???? das u, girl)

[kiraswritten]

Hey can I please be tagged in future parts of A Soldier Told Me ?

added! ❤️

A Soldier Told Me (Reader x Bucky) pt. 1

[viollettes]

Like Rose

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Summary: In which she uses Titanic to comfort him.

special thanks to @buckyywiththegoodhair for not only beta-reading but also providing the encouragement needed to start and finish this piece.

Bucky sits on the bench.

The morning mist desperately clings to him as little tides of water from the lake wet the shore. The sun is masked by a flurry of gray clouds, but it manages to wrangle a few rays onto the ground. The dim beams of light catch him at an angle that makes his dark hair almost glow golden.

For a moment, her breath catches in her throat. She’s no artist -stick figures scrawled in pencil were her go-to medium- but if she could draw, this is how she’d want to capture him.

She lowers herself onto the space next to him.

“How did you know I was here?” he whispers hoarsely.

“You told me.”

(Y/N) shifted her body weight from one foot to another, her face reflecting a mix of pride and vulnerability as she watched Bucky take in the spacious landscape. “So?” she anxiously breathed.

He remained silent for a few beats, his face unreadable as his dark, blue eyes scanned the view in front of him.

Some of the heaven-touching apex of the surrounding mountains were drenched in brilliant light, while the others were bathed in the shadows. They stood in their broody presence of sky punching majesty. Granite met lush green as the bottom of the mountains were carpeted by thick, green forests. The crisp, cool air added to the peaceful etherealness exuded by the earth.

A puff of air materialized as Bucky let out a deep exhale. The corners of his lips curved upwards as he finally said, “Breathtaking. Truly breathtaking.”

“Oh, thank God.”

Bucky laughed as his girlfriend let out a sigh she probably didn’t realize she was holding in. “Why so nervous?”

She shrugged. “I find special places or things say a lot about a person. They’re often reflections of an individual’s true self. Sharing it with someone is like baring your inner soul, and that’s an open invitation to be judged and critiqued.”

“That’s awfully introspective.”

“Ha.”

He chuckled at her sardonic response before turning his attention back onto the view. “If it matters to you, I think this place is one of incomparable beauty. It’s pretty damn majestic.”

“Aw, thanks, babe. That means a lot. The only bad thing about this place is you have to hike five miles up a mountain and go slightly off-course.”

“And you hate exercise.”

“Exactly! But I like to come here when my mind is cluttered. Sometimes I’ll spend the whole day here.”

“Sounds idyllic.”

The two lowered themselves onto the camping blanket (Y/N) spread out on the large slab of cold granite. Bucky gratefully took the cup of hot chocolate (Y/N) poured out from her thermos.

“You know, I also have a special place.”

“Yeah?”

“When I was little,” he began, resting his head on her shoulder, “I used to sneak out to this lake by the forest preserve. I was small back then, and it always seemed like I stepped into a magical place. Like I found my way to Narnia.”

“Was there Turkish Delight at the lake?”

Bucky brushed his hair away from his eyes, pretending like (Y/N)’s quip wasn’t amusing. “If you have the mountains, I have my lake.”

Giggling, she reached over to tuck a lock of his brown hair behind his ear. “Will you take me to the lake one day?”

“Absolutely.” He hooked his arm around his girlfriend to bring her closer to his body. “Everything I have is yours. My thinking place is now your thinking place. That goes without saying.”

“That was a long time ago,” he quietly says. “I’m surprised you remembered.”

“How could I forget?”

She could tell he’d been lost in his thoughts. He’d paced around until his feet ached, thinking aloud until his voice was a mere whisper.

She had always been able to read him particularly well. After four years of dating and many years of friendship - how could she not? Her heart aches for him; he only surrendered himself to the unhindered chaos of his thoughts when mentally or emotionally at unrest.

“Bucky?”

“I’m okay.”

She disagrees. Uncertainty lines his voice, and it speaks volumes.

“Babe, I -”

“- Remind me, what’s one of your Top 3 movies?” he suddenly asks.

He’s asking for a distraction. Both of them are aware of this, but she takes the bait nonetheless.

“Titanic. I like the representation of good and bad.”

“Hmm?”

“In life there is so much good. But there’s also bad. We notice the bad much more than we notice the good. This makes us fixate on the bad things that happen and forget about all the good in the world. When it comes to Titanic, I like that Rose didn’t forget about the good in Jack.”

“But she still lost him.”

“In every good is a little bad, and in every bad is a little good. It was bad that Rose lost Jack. She lost someone who made her feel alive and beautiful. But the lessons she learned from him and held with her for the rest of her life were good. That bad experience helped her become a better and stronger person.”

His pain-spiked breath hitches at the weight of her words. It takes a while before he can muster up the courage to speak.

“Do you think that could happen to me? With what I’m going through now? Do you think something good will come from it?”

She cups his face with her palms, her gentle touch eliciting the softest of sighs from his lips.

“Yes, I think so.” She pauses before continuing, “No, I know so.”

Bucky allows himself to bask in her touch. His mind races through the sweet memories made with her - falling in love with her via the channels of friendship, her agreeing to be his girlfriend and accidentally pushing him into the pool out of excitement, the spontaneous stargazing road trips, the days lazily spent at home in each other’s arms...

Most of his favorite memories star her.

It’s a bittersweet realization.

“I can’t do this,” he hoarsely croaks. Tears leak out of his eyes, and a sob threatens to rack his body. “

“Yes, you can. I’ll always be by your side.”

She smiles. It’s one of those smiles that makes him feel weightless, like he’s been transported to the furthest galaxies. All he wants to do is hold her face and kiss her like there’s no tomorrow. He wants to bask in the warmth of her smile, commit the gentle curve of her lips to memory.

But he can’t.

Because she’s no longer here. She’s no longer here next to him.

Alongside his favorite memories with her are fresh, painful memories. He remembers getting the fateful phone call. He remembers screaming in agony as he catches a glimpse of her lifeless body on the gurney. He remembers the nurses and paramedics rushing her away from him. He remembers his knees giving out as the head surgeon apologetically delivered the news, Steve and Sam catching him just before he made contact with the floor.

She’s gone.

“Bucky.”

He opens his eyes at the call of his name. Standing a few feet away is Steve. Behind him stands the rest of the gang, huddled together in their respective choices of black apparel.

The corners of the Steve’s lips tremble as he quietly says, “It’s time to go.”

Bucky nods and turns his gaze back to the lake.

Was this how Rose felt as she watched Jack succumb to the ocean’s icy clutches? Did the pain also ruthlessly consume her? Did it shatter her to her core, breaking her bones and heart like she never knew was actually humanly possible?

Bucky is sure he will one day begin to enjoy life again. He’ll learn how to live and love again with his new heart - with the new shape and weight of it. His best girl is now free, and he, too, will figure out how to be.

He, like Rose, will never forget the good. He, like Rose, will become a better and stronger person.

One day he will be okay.

But for now, he allows himself to succumb to tears and mourn for her, the girl who was taken from him too soon.

tagging a few people who might be interested i’m sorry i currently don’t have a concrete taglist:

@buckyywiththegoodhair @abovethesmokestacks @sebbytrash @rotisserierogers @captainrogerss @jurassicbarnes @redgillan @bookybuns @sanjariti @dearthofequanimity @corruptedlungsandblackwings @cleanslates @aquabrie @spdrparker @pleasecallmecaptain @whatisaheroanyway @fandomlifeuniverse @cassiopeiassky @lovingkatsuki @killmongrer @howlingbarnes @too-cultured-for-your-bs @whyisbuckyso @themcuhasruinedme @hellomissmabel @buckys-fossil @papi-chulo-bucky @avengerofyourheart @bionic-buckyb @thewinterswimmer