winterwidowgirly

[winterwidowgirly]

- Bucky and Natasha fighting people -

Bucky: You were vicious back there, by the way. Wanna make out?

Natasha: Desperately. But the clock is ticking. Get us in there.

[winterwidowgirly]

Different Version

So I'm not continuing Different Version on here since I'm officially now on AO3!

Five chapters have already been done and I'm doing more until I think that I should conclude it.

Different Version on AO3

[winterwidowgirly]

Different Version - Chapter One

Summary: The New Avengers finally get a mission, but it was against someone that no one expected.

Words: 3.2k

Warnings: gore, smut, fluff & ptsd

Masterlist: Chapter Two

Characters: Reader, Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, John Walker, Ava Starr, Alexei Shostakov & Bob

It was always quiet at the New Avengers tower because no alerts would go off for missions ever because the missions would always go to Sam's Avengers. It surprised the team when alerts went off on the screen.

Bucky got up from his chair to see what it was about, Yelena got up with him, Walker stayed where he was and Ava joined Bucky and Yelena. There was a red dot on the screen. "The hell is that?" Yelena asked.

"Suit up." Bucky said, already going to the gear room. Yelena, Ava, and John followed.

. . .

When they got there, there was smoke in the sky and bodies. People in gear shot in the chest and even in their eyes. The shots were clean as hell.

Bucky's blood ran cold. "I know what this is," he muttered, looking at the bodies. "Because i've seen this before."

Walker glanced at him. "You sure?"

Bucky crouched down, looking out the dead bodies. He didn't even answer Walker at all. He knew what this was. It was the same placement, same efficiency. Same as what he did.

It was the same as The Winter Soldier.

The team walked through deeper, looking at everything they can see and then Bucky stopped when he saw something or saw someone.

There was a figure in the smoke, with a mask on, a metal arm and wearing the same gear that Bucky would wear as The Winter Soldier, but it wasn't a man... it was a woman.

You immediately went after them, clashing with Bucky first and then the others.

"Stop this!" Bucky shouted. "This isn't you whoever you are!"

You didn't even stop at all. You kept going after the team.

"She's not gonna listen, Bucky!" Yelena said, trying to take you down.

But Bucky was the one to take you down. He punched you before pinning you down. "This isn't you. You're not a weapon."

You were confused.

"We're not your enemy." Bucky said, taking off your mask. "We're not."

. . .

After the fight, you were restrained in a Stark tech containment cell, the room equipped with reinforced blast-proof glass.

Bucky found himself staring at your reflection across the room.

Your gaze was fixed ahead, shoulders tense even though you were no longer fighting. You didn't give any visible sign of emotion, but the faint rhythmic twitch of your metal hand's fingers betrayed a silent tension.

He watched you for a moment, the cold detachment in your eyes mirrored the Winter Soldier's stare. But Bucky saw the difference now - the absence of the programmed obedience, the emptiness beyond the steel. You were a reflection.

You didn't look up as he entered the room, but your eyes tracked him silently.

He could almost see your brain working - calculating, analyzing. But you didn't speak. Just sat there in grim silence, metal fingers twitching like the beat of a clockwork machine.

Bucky approached the glass. There was a tense moment when your gaze flicked up to meet his.

"How long has it been for you?" He asked quietly.

No answer. You just watched him, gaze steady and unblinking.

Bucky sighed, leaning against the counter.

Normally he'd be in the training room, burning off some steam. But this - you - was something he'd never encountered before.

Again, he found his gaze drawn back to the slight rhythmic twitch of your fingers. A nervous habit, perhaps. In anyone else, it might have been an innocent fidget. But in you… it was a reminder of a darker past.

"I'm not gonna hurt you, you know." He said softly.

You didn't reply - but that seemed to be your default stance. No fear. No gratitude. Just a cold, mechanical indifference.

Bucky found himself studying you, analyzing your movements like they were some form of silent code. The way you sat so still. The calculating edge of your gaze.

"I know how it feels." He said, voice low. "To be stripped of your free will. To be a weapon."

Still, you didn't respond. It seemed like even the mention of your conditioning didn't elicit any form of reaction.

But Bucky saw the subtle flinch, a barely perceptible tightening at the corners of your eyes. Perhaps a memory you couldn't suppress.

He leaned forward, lowering his voice.

"They took a part of you. Made you into someone else. Someone without mercy, without empathy. That's what Hydra does."

Silence.

Bucky watched as your eyes flared, a hint of emotion creeping into your expression for the first time since your capture. Anger. Recognition.

Whatever had been done to you, you clearly understood exactly what he was talking about.

"They took your name. They took your identity." He continued, keeping his tone soft. "They made you an extension of themselves. A machine."

Again, that subtle, almost mechanical flinch.

Bucky moved closer to the glass, his gaze never leaving your face.

Even now, with all his knowledge and experience, he couldn't say for sure who - or what you were. A variant? Another brainwashed soldier? A clone?

But one thing he did know - that empty stare, the rigid tension, the way you held yourself… he knew that all too well. He'd seen it every time he looked in the mirror.

"You don't have to be their puppet anymore." He pressed, watching the way you shifted in your seat.

His words seemed to affect you. Your gaze flickered, like the thought of escape was a foreign concept. But it was there, under the surface. A small flame of defiance.

"You choose your path." He said, his voice firm yet understanding.

No response. Just that tense, quiet breathing.

Bucky sighed. It was clear that you weren't going to speak anytime soon. Still, he stood his ground.

He thought back to the fight earlier. The way you moved, the lethal precision of every blow. You'd been trained, conditioned, just like he had.

He tried a different approach. "Can you speak?" He asked, his gaze fixed on your face.

Again, that flicker of emotion in your eyes. Not defiance. Not anger.

Fear.

It was a subtle thing, like a shadow passing over your gaze. But Bucky caught it, and it surprised him. Fear from someone who had been trained to feel nothing?

He took a step back, giving you space. "I'm not asking you to reveal classified intel or anything. Just… talk to me."

Once more, silence settled over the room.

Outside, the night was quiet, the city lights outside the tower twinkling like distant stars. But in here, it was just the soft hum of the machinery and the sound of your breathing.

Yelena came into the room with a tablet in her hand. "We've got her DNA results."

Bucky turned, taking the tablet from Yelena.

The data was there in black and white. A name. A history. Everything the system knew about you.

But it was the last few lines that made his heart sink.

"The daughter of Steve Rogers."

Bucky stared at the data, the words sinking in.

Steve Rogers - the symbol of righteousness, compassion, and the best traits of humanity.

His friend.

All his life, Bucky had known him as a symbol of hope and courage. And now, he was faced with a reality that was both astounding and grim.

"This can't be right…" He muttered, his fingers tightening around the tablet.

Yelena stood there quietly, watching his face. She knew how much Steve had meant to him.

"I ran the test twice." She said, her voice uncharacteristically sober. "It's a match."

Bucky's hand clenched the tablet.

So many thoughts raced through his head. Questions, concerns, doubts… but there was one that kept resurfacing above the rest.

He looked up, his gaze fixed on the room across the glass. "Steve doesn't have a daughter."

"Not that we know of." Yelena responded, her tone careful.

Bucky's mind was spinning. Steve had never mentioned a child. He's never so much as hinted at it. And now, here was the living, breathing proof - a girl with his eyes and his DNA.

Bucky ran a hand through his hair, trying to gather his thoughts.

"This doesn't make sense." He said, pacing the room. "No one ever knew… not the Avengers, not SHIELD, nobody. How is this possible?!"

Yelena shrugged. "It's the only logical conclusion - unless you have a better explanation."

Bucky's eye flicked back to the glass, to your still form. He thought back to the fight, to the way you fought like him, moved like him.

Like a daughter.

He felt his stomach twist at the thought. "How old…" He began, his voice hoarse.

Yelena understood immediately what he meant. She glanced down at the tablet.

"Best guess," she said quietly, "About 82 years old. The serum slowed her aging process down and so did cryo."

Bucky's eyes widened. He'd done the math in his head. That would have been after the war. Back when Steve was frozen in ice.

"That's… that's impossible." He murmured, the words feeling like ash in his mouth. "Who's her mother?"

Yelena shrugged. "No record in our system."

Bucky felt his stomach drop. The thought of someone - anyone - having a child with Steve felt wrong, unnatural. Steve had been devoted to Peggy and the cause. To everyone, he was Captain America. The living symbol of peace and heroism.

The thought of him breaking that commitment, even for a moment, shook Bucky to his very core.

"There has to be a mistake…" He muttered, almost to himself.

But no matter how many times he retraced the data in his head, he couldn't see any error. The DNA samples didn't lie. You were Steve's… and that thought haunted him like a nightmare.

Yelena studied his face, knowing his thoughts as if she could read them. "You need to see for yourself, you know."

He understood what she was saying. He needed to talk to you, to look into your eyes, to find out the truth - if such a thing was even possible.

Bucky exhaled slowly, running a hand over his stubble. "Alright."

He approached the glass again, his gaze locked on you.

In the dim light, he could almost see a hint of Steve in your features. In the strong, square jaw, in the curve of your brow, in the set of your shoulders.

Yelena had left the room.

Now it was just you and him, separated by a few feet of glass and a lifetime of secrets.

He stood there, not sure what to say - or more accurately, what to think. You were Steve's… and that reality was just as alien to him as the thought of you being Hydra's.

Finally, he spoke. "Can you hear me?"

Silence. Just the hum of the room's machinery.

He tried again, keeping his voice low and even. "I know you can understand me."

You still didn't move. Your eyes stayed fixed ahead, the lack of emotion in your gaze making his heart feel like a stone in his chest.

He took a step closer, his hands clenching involuntarily.

Seeing Steve in your features made him ache inside. It was a stark reminder of what he'd lost.

"I won't hurt you." He said, voice hoarse. "I just need to talk to you. Please."

Your head turned ever so slightly, eyeing him with that calculated, machine-like stare. But you didn't move aside from that.

Bucky forced himself to exhale, steeling his nerves.

This was no longer just a mission, or a puzzle to solve. This was Steve's blood on the other side of the glass.

The silence grew heavy in the room, the tension between the two of you like a coiled spring.

He studied you, trying to find some hint of emotion in your gaze, but your expression gave nothing away.

"I need to ask you some questions." He said, his voice still gentle. "Can you speak, at least?"

Again, silence. But this time, there was a hint of movement in your eyes. A flicker of recognition, a quick glance in his direction.

He took heart at that, though your emotionless stoicism was starting to make him agitated.

"Just one word." He pleaded, his voice betraying his desperation. "Anything."

A moment passed.

Another.

Then, finally your mouth moved. But it wasn't what he expected - it was a quiet, sharp gasp.

You suddenly stiffened in your seat, head jerking up as if you'd heard something. Your eyes narrowed, your expression sharpening.

Bucky was taken aback by the sudden change. He watched as your gaze suddenly focused on something over his shoulder.

He turned to see what you were looking at. Nothing. Just an empty corner.

He started to turn back, but then you spoke.

"Leave."

It was a whisper, so soft he almost missed it.

Bucky froze, his heart clenching painfully. That voice…

That one syllable reminded him so much of Steve it was almost cruel.

He spun back around, his eyes locking on yours. "What?"

Your gaze was still fixed on the corner of the room, your face hardened with sharp focus. But something about your demeanor had changed. There was a hint of tension in the way you stood, the way your metal fingers flexed.

"Leave." You repeated, sharper this time.

Bucky's heart was pounding in his chest. Something was wrong. Something you could see but he couldn't.

"Why-" he began, but your voice cut him off.

"Now!" You snapped, and the command was clear.

Bucky's eyes flicked to the corner again, then back to you. But he couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. So he just left to the lounge room.

Yelena and Ava were there to meet him as he exited the holding room.

"What happened?" Yelena asked, taking in his expression. "You look like you saw a ghost."

"She talked." Bucky said, his voice still hoarse with shock. "She told me to leave-"

He didn't get to finish the sentence. Suddenly, alarm sirens blared throughout the building.

"What the…" Ava muttered.

Before they could react, the building lurched.

Bucky felt his balance falter as the floor tilted beneath him. A low, heavy rumble shook the foundation. An earthquake.

"What the hell's happening?!" Yelena shouted over the sirens.

Through the window pane, they could see that the entire city was shaking. Cars were overturning, buildings toppling, people screaming.

It was chaos.

Then came your screams.

Bucky's blood ran cold.

He recognized those screams. Sharp, desperate, filled with fear.

He didn't even think, he just moved.

Yelena tried to stop him, her hand closing on his arm. "Hey, wait! We don't-"

Her words fell on deaf ears. He shook her hand off and bolted back down the corridor towards your cell.

The alarms were still blaring, the building shaking wildly, but he barely registered it. All his focus was on the glass room.

He reached it in seconds, his heart pounding.

His eyes widened at the sight of you. Still bound and tied, but your eyes were now filled with terror.

Your body thrashed violently against the restraints, panic and confusion on your face. You were trying to free yourself, pulling and straining like a trapped animal.

The sight was so jarring, so unlike the emotionless soldier he'd seen earlier, that he almost froze.

You were terrified.

He stepped forward, hands held up in a placating gesture. "It's okay, it's-"

Another quake shook the building, and you pulled your legs up instinctively, trying to shield yourself.

"Hey, hey, look at me." He said, trying to keep his voice steady despite the fear he felt. "You're alright. You're safe."

You didn't respond. You just kept thrashing against the binds, your eyes wide and wild.

Bucky cursed under his breath, his mind racing with thoughts of what could be causing this panic in you. He was used to seeing fear. He'd seen it on the faces of hundreds of victims, prisoners, and enemies. But seeing it on you felt like a knife to the gut.

He drew closer, carefully avoiding any sudden movement that might startle you further. "Calm down, just breathe." He said, his voice low and steady.

But you didn't hear him. Your eyes were darting around, your breath coming in short, pained gasps. You were trapped in a private hell, reliving some past trauma that he couldn't understand.

He was now standing right by the glass, looking down at your trembling form.

He could see your panic, the raw fear reflected in your eyes. This wasn't the emotionless assassin he'd fought earlier. Now you were just a person, in pain and afraid.

"I'm gonna open the door and untie you, alright?" He said, his tone firm but gentle.

You didn't respond. You just kept pulling against the restraints, your face contorting in pain.

He took that as a yes.

He quickly keyed in the code and stepped into the room, moving slowly towards your trembling form. He turned on his comms. "Yelena, get Alexei to start the quinjet."

"On it." Yelena replied, her voice tight.

Bucky knelt next to you, his hands hovering over the restraints. It took all his willpower not to reach out and touch you, to offer the comfort you so obviously needed.

"I'm going to release you now," he said, his voice steady. "Don't move suddenly."

He began to work on the binds, undoing the knots with precise, careful movements. The room was still shaking around them, the alarms blaring incessantly.

The moment the last of the knots came loose, you lurched upwards as if you'd been electrocuted. You went to go after him, but he pulled out a needle and inserted it into your neck to knock you out.

You went limp almost immediately. He caught you before you fell, your body sagging against him.

He held onto you for a beat, a feeling of dread settling in his stomach. You felt so small, so fragile. The difference from your earlier fighting was jarring.

He adjusted his grip on you, hoisting you up in his arms. You were just a bit lighter than he'd expected. He held you as gently as he could, feeling the warmth of your body against his chest.

As he walked towards the exit, he thought he heard you mutter something - a word so quietly breathed that it was barely a whisper.

Daddy.

Bucky's heart nearly stopped. He looked down at you, but you were unconscious, your head lolling against his shoulder. You were just a girl in need, in pain, and that one word had broken something in him.

"Ava, grab the cuffs. I don't want her to escape when she wakes up on the jet." He said to Ava on comms.

"Copy that." She responded.

Yelena was waiting by the Quinjet with Alexei, Walker and Bob, her face tight with worry. She immediately took in the sight you in his arms.

"Is she-" she began, but Bucky cut her off.

"I had to knock her out," he said, stepping into the jet. "We need to move. Now." Ava joined next.

The doors of the jet shut, locking you safely inside. Bucky laid you carefully on a bench, his hand brushing away a stray lock of hair that had fallen on your face.

The jet began to ascend, buffeted by the violent tremors around them. He felt strangely protective of you, wanting to shield you from the chaos outside. Ava handed him the handcuffs and Bucky put it on you.

The earthquakes stopped, but they didn't go back to the tower. Bucky put the jet on auto pilot and he put the coordinates in to an old friend's farm. Clint Barton's farm.

[winterwidowgirly]

Different Version Masterlist

Different Version Fanfic Series

Chapter One

Chapter Two

[winterwidowgirly]

New Avengers Fanfics Masterlist

Series

Different Version

Oneshots

[winterwidowgirly]

Paid to Pretend, Fell for Real - Oneshot Bucky

Summary: Steve got an idea to pay Bucky to take a chick out and Bucky of course accepted it. You both didn't like each other, but what happens when you both start to fall for each other for real?

Words: 5.7k

Warnings: smut, fluff, hand holding, some cussing & Bucky being a flirt

Characters: Reader, Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers, & Howard Stark

Masterlist

Bucky and Steve were leaning against the lockers when Steve got an idea. He took out $100 from his pocket and handed it to Bucky. Bucky arched his eyebrow. "What's this for?" Bucky asked.

Steve grinned, eyes gleaming with mischief. "For that 100 bucks, you take out a chick," he said, still grinning.

Bucky's lips tugged into a wide smirk. "You're really gonna pay me 100 bucks to take out some chick?"

Steve nodded, grinning even wider.

"Done," Bucky said, pocketing the money and he started to look around and he spotted you at your locker. "Found one." he said to Steve before walking over to you.

"I'll pick you up on Friday night," he said confidently, leaning against the locker next to yours.

"Yeah, no thanks," you said immediately, grabbing your books from your locker.

Bucky chuckled, almost silently impressed at how easily you’d blown off what would make most other people blush. He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze steady on yours. “Ah, so you’re just too tough to be impressed.”

You scoffed, rolling your eyes again. “Impressed? By what? Your cheesy pick up lines?” You turned around to look at him. "Look, I don't date so pick someone else." You closed your locker and left to your class.

Bucky watched you walk away, his smirk still in place. He couldn’t help the strange rush he felt from your harsh attitude. It was almost refreshing, in a way. You were different. You didn’t immediately respond to his jokes with giggles and blushes. You didn’t fawn over him.

He stayed leaning against the locker, his mind already ticking. You could say no all you wanted. He was not about to be denied. He always got what he wanted. And this was going to be interesting.

. . .

During class, you were doing your school work, which you were never distracted from until now. You felt a pencil hit you and you looked up from your work. "The hell?" you muttered to yourself.

Bucky couldn’t help but smile when he saw the pencil hit your desk. He was sitting a few desks behind you, which gave him an ideal view of your annoyed expression. He chuckled silently under his breath, waiting for you to turn around and see who'd thrown it. He didn't even like you, but Steve paid him to take a chick out so he had to do it.

You turned around, your irritation rising at the interruption to your work. You scanned the room until your gaze landed on Bucky, his smirk still in place. You immediately tensed, your eyes narrowing as you recognized him as the guy from before.

Bucky met your gaze, his smirk only widening at the hostile look on your face. Yeah, he definitely found this entertaining, even when you were giving him the death glare. He waved at you, his innocent gesture clashing with his cocky expression.

You rolled your eyes and turned back to your notes, ignoring his cheeky wave. But he didn't seem to get the hint. Throughout class, he continued to send crumpled papers and erasers your way, each one landing on your desk with a soft thud.

Each time you turned to glare at him, his smirk only widened. He was enjoying every second of this. His silent little game to annoy you and get your attention was working, but it was only making you more irritated. You tried to stay focused on your notes, but the constant projectiles were distracting.

When class finally ended, you quickly pack your stuff, ready to flee from Bucky's annoying presence. However, just as you stood up, he was suddenly right in front of you, leaning against the desk beside you.

You couldn't help but glare at him, your patience reaching its limit. "What do you want?" Your voice was cold and harsh, but Bucky didn't seem put off.

Bucky shrugged, his smirk still in place as he nonchalantly crossed his arms. "Just wanted to make sure you didn't forget about our date on Friday."

You scoffed, shaking your head in disbelief. "You're unbelievable. I told you, I don't date." You picked up your bag, ready to leave.

But Bucky wasn't ready to let you go just yet. He stepped closer, cutting you off from leaving. His smirk was slightly softer now, but just as confident. "Oh come on, don't be like that. One night. That's all I'm asking for. Just give me a chance, huh?"

Your eyes narrowed, your irritation growing. "Why do you care so much?" you snapped back at him. "There's plenty of girls at this school who would kill to go out with you. Go bother them."

Bucky chuckled at your response, not at all deterred by your harsh words. "Oh, I know there are plenty of girls who'd like to go out with me. But none of them are you." He took another step closer, his gaze locked on yours. "And that's exactly why I'm bothering you."

You felt a strange flutter in your chest at his words, mixed with the irritation he was causing. Why did his attention affect you so much? You tried to shake off the feeling and focus on your anger. "And why is that? Why do you care so much about taking me out on some date?"

Bucky leaned in a little closer, his voice soft but firm. "Because you intrigue me. You're not like the other girls. You don't fall for my charms, you don't giggle at my jokes. You're different. And that makes me want to get to know you better."

Your heart skipped a beat at his words, but you tried not to show it. His confidence was both irritating and attractive, and you hated it. "You're just trying to get me to go out with you so you can add another girl to your list of conquests."

Bucky shook his head, his smile still in place. "No, it's not about that. And I can assure you, I'm not trying to 'conquer' you. I just want a chance to spend time with you, to get to know you. Maybe you'll even have fun."

You rolled your eyes, trying to hold onto your stubbornness, but there was a small part of you that was curious. He was the most popular guy in school, and he wanted to take you out? It was hard to believe. "Fine. I'll see you on Friday." you left the classroom.

Bucky watched you leave the room, a satisfied smile on his face. He'd finally gotten you to agree, even if you weren't completely convinced. He had one night to make a good impression and prove that he wasn't just another one of those guys who wanted to add another conquest to their list, but he was just pretending. He just wanted the money.

Friday

Bucky stood outside your house, dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit. He leaned against the wall, his cocky smirk in place as he waited for you to come out.

The front door opened and you walked out, trying your best to look cool and collected. Seeing Bucky standing there, looking far too confident, made you want to roll your eyes. "Are you ready?" you asked bluntly.

Bucky pushed himself off the wall, his smirk never leaving his face. He took in your appearance, his gaze lingering for a moment before he spoke. "Of course. I'm always ready." He held out his arm, offering it to you. After looking at your appearance, he realized that this isn't gonna be pretend anymore because he was starting to fall for you. For real.

You hesitated for a moment, not sure if you should take his arm. But ultimately, curiosity and a hint of interest won out. You cautiously linked your arm with his, feeling the warmth of his skin against yours. “Fine, let’s get this over with.”

Bucky's smirk turned into a genuine smile as you took his arm. He didn’t say anything, just enjoyed the feeling of your arm linked with his as he guided you towards his car. He opened the passenger door for you and waited until you were settled inside before going around to the driver’s side.

As he started the car and pulled out onto the road, Bucky glanced over at you. "You look nice tonight by the way." His tone was casual, as if he was just making an observation, but his gaze lingered on you for a moment longer than necessary.

You tried to keep your expression neutral, but a small part of you was surprised by his compliment. "Thanks," you muttered, looking out the window to hide your reaction. "Where are we going anyway?"

Bucky kept his eyes on the road as he drove. "It's a surprise." He couldn't help but smirk at your curious tone. He liked keeping you guessing, it made this whole thing more interesting. "Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Trust me, you'll like it."

You leaned back in your seat, trying to ignore the slight flutter in your stomach from his words. "Trust you? Yeah, right. You're probably just taking me to some lame party or something."

Bucky chuckled at your suspicion. "Nah, nothing like that. I have something different in mind. Trust me, you'll like it." He gave you a quick glance, his smirk still in place. "I'll just reveal it. We're going to the Stark Expo."

Your eyes widened at the mention of the Stark Expo. "The Stark Expo? Seriously?" You couldn't help but feel a hint of excitement mixed with surprise. "How'd you get tickets? It's nearly sold out."

Bucky just shrugged nonchalantly. "I have my ways." He knew he could never tell you that his friend's dad worked at Stark Industries. "I've got connections." His tone was smug, but there was a hint of genuine anticipation in his eyes. He was excited to show you the Stark Expo, and not just because of his bet with Steve.

As the car arrived at the Stark Expo, the bright lights and towering structure of the building greeted you. Bucky parked the car and came around to open the door for you. He held out his hand to help you out of the car, his cocky smirk still in place. "Ready to be amazed?"

You took his hand cautiously, feeling the warmth of his touch again. You couldn't help but feel a little awestruck as you looked around the Stark Expo. "This place is insane."

Bucky chuckled at your words, guiding you towards the entrance. "Just wait until you see the inside. There's a reason it's called the Stark Expo."

As you walked through the entrance, you were greeted by the overwhelming sights and sounds of the exposition. The Stark Expo was an explosion of innovation and technology, with cutting-edge exhibits and the latest breakthroughs in science and tech everywhere you looked.

Bucky walked closely beside you, occasionally pointing out particularly impressive exhibits. "Over there is Stark Industries' new and improved weapons prototypes. Those will be game changers." He watched your reaction, noting the way your eyes widened with curiosity at the displays.

As you continued to walk through the expo, Bucky couldn't help but notice the small gestures you made. How your eyes lit up when you saw a particularly impressive display, how you'd occasionally bite your lip in thought as you absorbed the information.

"And over there is the Stark Industries robotics exhibit. They're working on some pretty incredible stuff." Bucky continued to guide you through the expo, pointing out various displays and explaining what each one was about. He watched your reactions closely, taking in every small gesture or expression you made.

As you stopped to look at a display of Stark Industries' latest robots, Bucky leaned in close to you. "Impressed yet?" His voice was soft and teasing.

You rolled your eyes, trying to hide your growing fascination with the exhibits. "Yeah, it's…pretty impressive. But I'm not easily won over." Despite your words, you couldn't deny the way your heart was racing from his proximity. You were falling for him.

Bucky chuckled at your retort, his smirk widening. "Oh, I know you're not easy to impress. But I'm not done yet." With a sly wink, he linked his arm with yours again and led you to the next exhibit.

Bucky guided you through the crowd to a quieter side of the expo, where a large stage was set up. He gestured towards the stage with a smirk. "Now, this is the main event."

You looked at the stage curiously, wondering what could possibly be so impressive. Then, the lights suddenly dimmed and the Stark Expo logo appeared on a massive screen. A hushed anticipation fell over the crowd, including you.

Bucky leaned in close to you, his breath warm against your ear. "Watch this."

The spotlight illuminated the stage as a man walked out to the center. It was Howard Stark, the billionaire genius behind Stark Industries. The crowd erupted into applause, but it quickly quieted when Mr. Stark raised his hands, signaling for silence.

He smiled at the crowd, his eyes scanning the audience. "Greetings, everyone." His voice was confident and charismatic. "I hope you're all enjoying the Stark Expo so far."

"But I have a feeling things are about to get even more exciting." Mr. Stark paused, building suspense. You found yourself leaning closer, your curiosity piqued. Beside you, Bucky stood with a smug expression, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Mr. Stark continued, "I'm happy to announce that Stark Industries will be unveiling a groundbreaking new project tonight."

The crowd buzzed with anticipation, the excitement in the air almost palpable. You leaned in, your curiosity getting the better of you. What could it be? Some new weapon? A revolutionary form of technology?

Bucky smirked beside you, his arm still linked with yours. He leaned in close, his voice a whisper in your ear. "You're going to love this."

Mr. Stark gestured towards the stage as the lights dimmed even further. A hush fell over the crowd as the anticipation grew.

Then, the spotlight shifted to the back of the stage, illuminating a large table covered in a black cloth. Mr. Stark stepped forward, his hand grasping the edge of the cloth. "Ladies and gentleman, I present to you…"

He slowly pulled the cloth away, revealing a shining silver object beneath. The audience fell into a stunned silence as they took in the sight before them.

Bucky squeezed your arm, a subtle gesture of reassurance, as the object was revealed. It was a metal suit, sleek and imposing. But it was the technology and design that left the crowd speechless.

Mr. Stark grinned, his excitement barely contained. "The Iron Man suit. This wasn't actually made by me at all. My seventeen year old son, Tony made this."

The crowd broke into applause, stunned by the revelation. Tony Stark? A teenager had created this revolutionary technology?

Beside you, Bucky let out a whistle, impressed despite himself. "Wow," he muttered, unable to hide his admiration. "That's seriously impressive."

You nodded, still in awe yourself. You couldn't believe that a teenager had created something so complex and groundbreaking.

On stage, Mr. Stark was continuing his presentation, explaining the various functions and capabilities of the Iron Man suit. The crowd listened intently, mesmerized by the possibilities of the technology.

Beside you, Bucky nudged you softly, his gaze flicking from the stage to you. "Pretty incredible, huh?"

You nodded again, unable to find the words to properly express your amazement. The Iron Man suit was truly groundbreaking, and the fact that it was created by a teenager was simply unbelievable.

Mr. Stark finished his presentation, and the lights brightened again as the crowd erupted into applause. Bucky's arm remained looped through yours, and he leaned in close to you again. "Told you you'd like it. Come on, I want to take you to Coney Island."

You were snapped out of your trance by his words. Coney Island? The amusement park? "What, right now?"

Bucky chuckled at your surprised tone. "Yeah, why not? It's a beautiful night. Come on." He tugged you closer to him, leading you through the crowd.

You found yourself letting him lead you out of the Stark Expo and towards his car. The cool night air hit your face, clearing your head slightly. You couldn't believe you were going to Coney Island with him, of all places.

As you approached his car, Bucky opened the passenger door for you again, his smirk still in place. "Ready for some more fun?"

You looked up at him, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. "I suppose. This better be good." You climbed into the car, still amazed by what you had just witnessed at the Stark Expo.

Bucky chuckled as he closed the door and went around to the driver's side. Once he was in the car, he turned to you, his gaze curious. "You liked the Stark Expo, didn't you?" His voice was laced with satisfaction, as if he already knew the answer.

You rolled your eyes, trying to downplay your excitement. "It was alright. A little geeky, but impressive." Despite your dismissive tone, there was a hint of a smile on your face.

Bucky chuckled, his smirk widening. He knew you were trying to play it cool, but he could see through your act. "Oh, so you weren't impressed by the Iron Man suit? Admit it."

You couldn't help but laugh at his persistent teasing. "Fine, I admit it. That suit was pretty amazing. I can't believe a teenager made it. It's crazy."

Bucky's smirk softened into a genuine smile. He was pleased that you were finally admitting it. "Yeah, it's pretty incredible. And you know what's even crazier? Tony is that friend who got me the tickets."

Your eyes widened in surprise. "You know Tony Stark? Personally?" You didn't expect him to have connections like that.

Bucky chuckled at your reaction. "Yeah, I do. We met a few years back, and he's been cool ever since." He put the car in drive and pulled out onto the road, headed towards the amusement park.

You were still processing the information, surprised that Bucky had connections like that. "So, you're friends with the child prodigy who created a groundbreaking piece of technology that everyone has been talking about tonight?" You tried not to sound impressed, but it was difficult to hide.

Bucky chuckled, amused by your reaction. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. Tony's a cool guy. Smart as hell, but he's pretty down to earth."

You leaned back in the seat, shaking your head in disbelief. "I can't believe you're just casually taking me to Coney Island after that whole Stark Expo thing." Your tone was both amused and astonished.

Bucky chuckled, his gaze lingering on you for a moment before returning to the road. "Hey, I promised you fun, didn't I?" His smirk was back in that boyish, cocky manner.

You rolled your eyes, but couldn't help the small smile that escaped. "You sure did."

A moment of comfortable silence fell between you as Bucky navigated the car through the nighttime streets. You found yourself stealing glances at him, noticing the way the city lights illuminated his features through the window. He looked even more handsome in this light, and you quickly looked away before he could catch you staring.

Bucky glanced over at you, noticing the way you quickly averted your gaze. A sly smirk played at the corner of his mouth, but he didn't comment on it. Instead, he kept his eyes on the road.

As the car entered the parking lot of the amusement park, Bucky found a spot and pulled in. He killed the engine and turned to you, his smirk transforming into a warm smile. "We're here."

You looked out the window at the carnival-like atmosphere of Coney Island, the lights and rides making your heart rate pick up just slightly in anticipation.

Bucky got out of the car and came around to open your door for you again. He held out his hand, that cocky smirk on his face. "Come on. I'm gonna show you a night you won't forget."

You hesitated for a moment, your hand reaching up to take his. His touch sent a tingling sensation through your arm and up to your chest. You forced your expression to remain neutral as you got out of the car, standing beside him. "Big words," you said dryly, trying to sound unimpressed.

Bucky chuckled at your dry tone. "I always keep my promises." He held onto your hand for just a moment longer than necessary, relishing the feeling of your skin against his.

He guided you towards the entrance, the sound of laughter and music filling the air. "Come on, I know just where we need to go first."

You followed him through the entrance, your hand still enclosed in his. "And where might that be?" you asked, trying to sound nonchalant, despite your growing curiosity. The sound of laughter and cheerful screams filled the air.

Bucky glanced at you, his dark eyes sparkling with a playful glint. "You'll see." He led you further into the park, the bright lights of the rides illuminating his face.

Eventually, he stopped in front of one of the rides, a towering, brightly lit roller coaster. The sound of the riders screaming as they plummeted down the track filled the air.

Your heart skipped a beat as you looked up at the towering ride. It was one of the most terrifying yet exciting things you had ever seen. You turned to look at Bucky, your eyes wide with anticipation. "You're not serious, are you?"

Bucky chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down your spine. "Oh, I'm dead serious." He tugged you closer to the ride, his hand still holding onto yours. "Come on, it's the best ride in the park."

You reluctantly let him lead you to the back of the line, your heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. "I hate heights." you muttered as you stood waiting.

Bucky chuckled as he stood next to you, his hand still holding yours. "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe." He winked at you, his smirk still in place.

The line slowly moved forward, and the anticipation grew. You could hear the screams and laughter from the riders as they descended down the track. It was getting close to your turn, and your heart was in your throat.

As you neared the front of the line, you felt your heart pounding so hard, you were sure Bucky could hear it. He seemed completely unfazed, standing beside you with his easy confidence.

Finally, it was your turn. You swallowed hard as you watched the riders climb into the cart.

Bucky could sense your nervousness. He leaned in close, his voice low in your ear, "Just hold onto me. I've got you."

You couldn't help but shiver at his words, the intensity of his expression. You nodded, your throat dry. "Okay."

As you climbed into the cart, you reached out to grab onto the safety bar, but Bucky's hand stopped you. "Here," he said, gently guiding your hand onto his thigh. "Hold onto me. It'll be easier."

You did as he said, his thigh tense and muscular beneath your hand. You swallowed hard as the restraints locked into place, the realization that you were about to plummet down a large drop was setting in. You felt a bit safer with Bucky next to you, however.

Bucky noticed your tension, and he smirked at you, his eyes glittering with excitement. "You trust me, right?"

Your gaze met his, and despite your lingering fear, you found yourself nodding. "Yeah, I trust you."

He chuckled softly, his hand going to cover yours, which was still resting on his thigh. "Good. Because this is gonna be one hell of a ride."

Your heart was in your throat as the roller coaster began to move. You squeezed Bucky's thigh tightly, involuntarily.

He chuckled at your reaction, and he moved his hand to cover yours, holding it tightly. "Don't worry, I've got you." His voice was soft, but confident.

The ride began to climb up the first drop, and the sensation of your stomach dropping was undeniable. You couldn't help but clutch onto him, your fingers digging into his thigh.

Bucky's hand tightened around yours, his grip steady. "Just breathe, sweetheart. I'm right here." The nickname slipped out effortlessly, his voice still calm and soothing.

You tried to slow your breathing, focusing on the warmth of his hand holding yours. The roller coaster reached the highest point, and you closed your eyes, bracing yourself for the drop.

The feeling of weightlessness was both terrifying and thrilling, your stomach swooping as the cart plummeted down the track. You let out a strangled scream, clinging to Bucky's leg for dear life.

Bucky's heart pounded in his chest, the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He watched you, the look of pure terror mixed with excitement on your face.

He found himself gripping your hand tightly, not letting go. "Easy, doll. You're doing great." His voice was a mix of reassurance and a hint of amusement.

You couldn't believe how calm he was. Even as the roller coaster twisted and turned, he remained steady, his hand still holding onto yours.

The ride finally came to a stop, and you couldn't help but let out a shaky exhale of relief. You looked up at Bucky, his gaze still focused on you. There was a gleam in his eyes, a mixture of thrill and something else that you couldn't quite place.

He smirked at your wide-eyed expression. "See? I told you I'd keep you safe." His hand was still gripping yours, his thumb rubbing soothing circles against your skin.

You took another deep breath, your heart still pounding. "Yeah, yeah." You tried to regain your composure, but the adrenaline was still coursing through your veins. "You knew I was terrified, and you still made me go on that damn thing. You're evil."

He chuckled, his hand still on yours. "Hey, I promised you a night you wouldn't forget, didn't I? And I delivered." His smirk widened, his gaze flicking from your face to your hand in his and back up again. "Let's go get some corn dogs."

You let out a shaky laugh, still trying to calm your racing heart. "Yeah, yeah. Fine. But I swear, if you try to make me get on another ride, I will murder you."

He chuckled again, that boyish smile still on his face. "No more rides, I promise." He guided you out of the cart, his hand still holding yours.

You followed him out of the ride area, still trying to recover from the adrenaline rush. You'd never been so scared, yet at the same time, you'd never felt more alive.

He led you toward a nearby food stand, a hint of a smirk still on his face. "I'm craving some corn dogs. Want one?"

You nodded, your heart rate gradually returning to normal. "Yeah, that sounds good."

He ordered two corn dogs from the vendor, and they stood off to the side, waiting. He stood close to you, his arm brushing against yours.

"I don't want mustard on mine." You said.

Bucky chuckled softly, a sly smile playing at his lips. "No mustard, huh?" He leaned in a little bit closer. "I'll keep that in mind." He winked, enjoying your close proximity.

You pretended not to notice his wink, but you could feel your cheeks heat up nonetheless. "Yeah, I never liked mustard."

He hummed, his gaze focused on your face. "Good to know." He handed you your corn dog, his fingers brushing against yours briefly.

Outside of your House

After leaving the amusement park, Bucky pulled up in front of your house. The silence between you was comfortable, but you could feel an underlying tension. The night had been an adventure, and you were both aware of the fact that the night was coming to an end.

Bucky killed the engine and looked over at you. "Had fun tonight?"

You nodded, your heart still fluttering from the rollercoaster ride. "Yeah, I did. It was… fun." You tried to sound casual, but the truth was you didn't want the night to end.

Bucky smirked, noticing the hint of disappointment in your voice. "You sound like you're not ready for the night to end." He turned to face you fully, leaning back against the driver's side door.

You bit your lower lip, trying to hide your expression. "I just…I'm enjoying myself." You weren't used to opening up to anyone, but there was something about being with him that made you feel comfortable. "I gotta go."

Bucky's smirk softened into a warm smile. "Yeah, you probably should." He paused for a moment, his gaze steady. "Wait. You can't end a very fun first date without a kiss."

You felt your cheeks heat up at his words, a mixture of surprise and excitement coursing through you. "It was just a friend date." You tried to play it cool, but your voice betrayed you.

Bucky scoffed playfully, his smirk returning. "A friend date? Come on, doll." His gaze lingered on your face, his expression soft and sincere. "This was way more than a friend date, and you know it."

You heart raced as you looked into his eyes. You couldn't deny the strange connection you had with him. "Alright, maybe it wasn't just a friend date."

Bucky's smirk widened into a genuine smile, his gaze still locked on yours. "There, was that so hard to admit?" He chuckled softly, his tone teasing. "So, does that mean I get a goodnight kiss?"

Your heart skipped a beat at his question. "No." You tried to sound firm, but your voice faltered. And the truth was, you did want him to kiss you. You got out of the car, but you didn't realize that Bucky got out of the car as well.

He stood in front of you, closing the space between us. He towered over you, looking down with a smirk. "No?" His voice had gone soft, but there was a playful glint in his eyes. He was enjoying this little game.

You found yourself looking up at him, your heart racing in your chest. "No." You tried to sound definite, but his proximity was making it difficult to think straight, let alone speak coherently.

Bucky's smirk turned into a cocky grin, his gaze never leaving yours. He took another step closer, reducing the space between you even more. He was now standing so close that you could feel the warmth radiating off his body. He leaned in slightly, his voice low and soft. "You sure about that?"

You swallowed hard, your brain trying to catch up with the situation. Your heart hammered in your chest, betraying your cool demeanor. "I-I'm sure." Your voice betrayed you too, and your words came out a little breathless.

Bucky let out a low chuckle, clearly amused by your stammering. He leaned in a little closer, closing the remaining distance between you. "You don't sound so sure." His hand reached up, and he ran his fingers gently against your cheek, his touch sending shivers down your spine.

You couldn't help but lean into his touch, a soft sigh escaping your lips. His smirk widened as he noticed your reaction to his touch. "See? I think you want that kiss more than you're letting on."

You couldn't deny the truth in his words. You wanted him, you wanted this. You wanted the kiss. You tried to resist the magnetic pull towards him. "I still say no." You said, but your voice was barely above a whisper.

Bucky chuckled softly, the sound sending shivers down your spine. His gaze was fixed on your face, studying your every reaction. The touch of his hand was still on your cheek, and he gently grazed his thumb across your bottom lip, noticing a small shiver run through you. "No? I don't believe you."

More Than Words by EXTREME played on the radio of Bucky's car and you both didn't even notice.

You found yourself lost in the moment, unable to form a coherent reply. Your mind was a blur of thoughts, and your body seemed to have a mind of its own. Bucky leaned even closer, the proximity making your heart race even faster. "You can keep saying no, but your body language says something else." His voice was barely above a whisper, his gaze fixed on your lips.

You couldn't deny the truth in his words. Your body was betraying you, leaning into his touch, your lips parted slightly, your breath coming out in uneven gasps. You tried to resist, but the pull was too strong. "I…I…" Your voice trailed off, unable to find the words to protest further.

Bucky's smirk widened, his expression smug and satisfied. He leaned in even closer, his face mere inches away from yours. The scent of his cologne enveloped you, intoxicating. "Say it." He whispered, his voice low and soft. "Say you want it."

You couldn't hold back any longer, the words spilling out before you could stop them. "I want it. I want you." The moment the admission left your lips, a weight lifted off your chest, and a wave of relief washed over you.

Bucky's smirk turned into a genuine smile, and his gaze softened. "There we go." He leaned in even closer, his lips hovering just above yours. "Was that so hard to admit?"

You shook your head, your heart pounding in your chest. "No." You barely whispered, but the sound was swallowed up in the intensity of the moment. Your breath mixed with his, the distance between your lips almost nonexistent.

Bucky closed the remaining distance, his lips finally capturing yours in a hesitant, gentle kiss. It was soft and tender, and yet it felt like an explosion of sensations through your body. He pulled you closer, his arms encircling your waist, pulling you flush against his chest.

You melted into the kiss, your hand coming up to rest against his broad chest. You forgot about the rest of the world for a moment, all your senses completely focused on him. The kiss deepened, and it seemed as if time stood still, the moment suspended in a realm of pure sensations.

You officially fell in love with the man you didn't even like at school. Bucky was gonna pretend this whole date, but he didn't. He still got to keep the $100 from Steve though.

[winterwidowgirly]

BALD

[winterwidowgirly]

Since Frank Castle is back in the MCU, it’s time to put him on screen with Bucky Barnes fr.

Wouldn’t be the first time that Sebastian Stan and Jon Bernthal have been on screen together

[winterwidowgirly]

Yall need to shut the fuck up about Annabelle because that woman loves Sebastian to death when you people say that she’s using him. You call yourselves Sebastian Stan fans when yall act like crybabies and hate on his girlfriend. Annabelle is the best thing to happen to Sebastian in a long time and you guys need to deal with it and stop being jealous little crybabies and fake fans that you are!

Just remember, you guys are the reason he ain’t on social media anymore.

Sebastian and Annabelle, I love you both so so much. Don’t let the haters take advantage of you both.

[winterwidowgirly]

Sebastian worked so hard on his role and he got nominated just to lose to someone who used AI for his accent. The Oscars are really turning into a joke and it sucks. Sebastian was the most deserving to win. The host didn't even mention Sebastian and The Apprentice at all, which is stupid as well.

[winterwidowgirly]

I have a lot of fanfic series to continue, but I don't know when I'll do that. I have another fanfic series in the works and it's a team-up between four Marvel heroes that I won't be sharing who the four are. You will have to find out.

[winterwidowgirly]

Fiyero Tigelaar Masterlist

Series:

Dancing Through Life

Oneshot:

[winterwidowgirly]

new Bucky fanfic series in the works!

[winterwidowgirly]

MY GOD!!

[winterwidowgirly]

Dancing Through Life - Fiyero Tigelaar

Pairing: Fiyero Tigelaar x Reader

Summary: When you, a quiet scholar at Shiz, accidentally catch the attention of the ever-charming Fiyero, your world turns upside down.

Warnings: Fluff, Slow Burn, Mild Angst, Fiyero Being a Flirt 😭, Possible Drama Incoming, Light Touching and Storm Symbolism

Words: 1.9k

Chapter 2?

The Emerald City was always dazzling, but nothing compared to the first time Fiyero Tigelaar smiled at you.

You had always been more comfortable in the shadows of the grand halls of Shiz University, nose buried in a book while the world danced around you. And danced they did—especially Fiyero, the carefree prince who swept through life without a worry.

You had never expected him to notice you.

And yet, there he was, standing in the library, leaning against the shelf you were browsing, that signature smirk tugging at his lips.

"Tell me," he drawled, tilting his head. "What could possibly be more interesting than skipping class and having a little fun?"

Your fingers tightened around your book. "Learning, for one."

He chuckled, the sound rich and amused. "You sound like Elphaba."

Your lips twitched. "And you don’t."

Fiyero placed a dramatic hand over his chest. "Ouch. Wounded." But there was a glint in his eyes, like he’d found something intriguing.

You tried to return to your book, but he wasn’t having it.

"Come on," he coaxed. "I promise, just one dance. One night where you don’t have to think so hard."

You hesitated. You knew his reputation. Fiyero Tigelaar was all charm, all mischief. And yet, something in the way he looked at you—like you were a puzzle he wanted to solve—made your heart beat just a little faster.

Maybe, just once, you could let yourself dance.

And so, with a sigh and a reluctant smile, you let him take your hand.

Fiyero's grin widened as you hesitantly placed your hand in his. "See? That wasn’t so hard."

You rolled your eyes but let him pull you through the dimly lit halls of Shiz. It was late enough that most students had retreated to their dorms, leaving only the faint hum of the wind and the distant laughter of Munchkinland exchange students still lingering near the courtyards.

“Where exactly are we going?” you asked, half-curious, half-wary.

“You’ll see,” he said, that ever-present mischief twinkling in his eyes.

Moments later, you found yourself in the grand ballroom, its crystal chandeliers casting a golden glow over the polished floors. It was empty, save for the two of you.

“Fiyero,” you said slowly, “did you break in?”

He scoffed. “I prefer ‘borrowed without permission.’ Besides, the doors were practically begging to be opened.”

You gave him a look, but before you could protest, he tugged you forward, one arm slipping around your waist as the other held your hand.

“I don’t—”

“Don’t worry about steps,” he interrupted. “Just follow my lead.”

And for once, you did.

The music in the room was nonexistent, but somehow, Fiyero’s presence filled the silence, his movements effortlessly smooth as he twirled you across the floor. At first, you were stiff, uncertain, but the way he looked at you—like you were the only thing worth paying attention to—made your heart race.

“You’re a natural,” he murmured, his voice softer now.

You let out a breathless laugh. “You’re lying.”

“Maybe,” he admitted, smirking. “But I like the way you laugh when you let go.”

His words sent a warmth through you, something dangerously close to giddiness. This wasn’t how you’d expected your night to go. You were supposed to be in the library, studying, not twirling under the soft glow of candlelight with a charming prince.

But then again, Fiyero had a way of making you forget about expectations.

As he spun you one last time, you stumbled, and in an instant, he caught you—his arms steady, his face inches from yours.

For the first time since you met him, he wasn’t grinning.

He was just looking at you.

Your breath hitched. “Fiyero?”

He hesitated, his fingers tightening slightly at your waist. “You make it very difficult to just be charming, you know.”

You swallowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” he murmured, tilting his head, “that I might actually want to dance with you again. And not just because it’s fun.”

The words sent your heart into a frenzy. This wasn’t just a game to him. Not anymore.

And for once, you didn’t want to run from the feeling.

So you smiled, just slightly, and whispered, “Then ask me again sometime.”

Fiyero grinned—this time, something softer, something real.

“Oh, I will.”

And as the two of you stood there, wrapped in the quiet magic of the moment, you realized something.

For a moment, neither of you moved.

Fiyero was still holding you close, his grip steady, his breath warm against your skin. Your heart pounded in a way that had nothing to do with the dance. It would be so easy to close the gap, to let yourself fall into whatever this was.

But then—

“Ahem.”

The sound of someone clearing their throat shattered the moment like glass.

You and Fiyero broke apart, spinning toward the source of the interruption. Standing in the doorway, arms crossed, was none other than Elphaba.

Her expression was unreadable, but her raised brow told you she had been watching for far longer than you’d like.

“Should I even ask what you two are doing in here?” she deadpanned.

Fiyero, ever the smooth talker, flashed a grin. “Elphie! What a lovely surprise. I was just giving our dear friend here an essential lesson in the art of not taking life too seriously.”

Elphaba’s eyes flickered to you. “And you’re going along with this?”

You hesitated. “I… wasn’t exactly given a choice.”

Elphaba snorted. “Of course not.”

Fiyero put a hand to his chest in mock offense. “Why does everyone assume the worst of me?”

Elphaba ignored him, turning her attention fully to you. “Look, I get it. He’s charming, and sometimes he even pretends to be deep. But don’t let him fool you.”

“Elphaba,” Fiyero groaned. “Can we not ruin the moment?”

She smirked. “That’s exactly what I’m here for.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at their banter, the tension in your chest easing—just a little.

Elphaba sighed and looked at you again, her expression a little softer. “Just… be careful.” Then, with a pointed look at Fiyero, she added, “And you—stop stealing dance partners in the middle of the night.”

Fiyero raised his hands innocently. “I make no promises.”

With a shake of her head, Elphaba turned on her heel and disappeared down the hall.

As soon as she was gone, Fiyero let out a dramatic sigh. “Well, that was unfortunate timing.”

You bit your lip to hide a smile. “She’s not wrong, you know.”

“Oh, don’t tell me she’s won you over with her anti-Fiyero propaganda.”

You shrugged playfully. “She has a point.”

Fiyero sighed and placed a hand over his heart. “You wound me.” But his eyes were still locked on you, something teasing, something warm.

And then, before you could say anything else, he took your hand once more and bowed, pressing a light, fleeting kiss to your knuckles.

“Until next time, my favorite dance partner.”

Your breath caught, your skin tingling where his lips had touched.

You should have pulled away, should have laughed it off.

But instead, you whispered, “Until next time.”

And as you walked away, heart pounding, you knew that this—whatever this was—was far from over.

. . .

You had told yourself that was the end of it.

That one dance with Fiyero Tigelaar was just a fleeting moment, a small ripple in the otherwise quiet routine of your life at Shiz. But the next morning, as you made your way to class, you realized how wrong you were.

Because the second you stepped into the lecture hall, there he was.

Fiyero was leaning against a desk near the back, chatting lazily with a few students who were hanging onto his every word. But the moment his eyes found yours, his entire expression shifted—his signature smirk slipping into something softer.

You should have looked away.

Instead, your feet betrayed you by stopping in place, heat creeping up your neck when he tilted his head in amusement.

"Well, well," he drawled, making his way over to you with that effortless, lazy confidence. "Fancy meeting you here."

You folded your arms. "This is a classroom, Fiyero. Meeting me here isn't exactly fate."

"Maybe not," he mused, stopping just a little too close. "But wouldn’t it be more fun if it was?"

You huffed, trying to ignore the way your pulse picked up. "Are you always like this?"

Fiyero grinned. "Only when I find someone worth bothering."

You definitely weren’t blushing.

Before you could come up with a response, the professor entered, forcing you to take your usual seat. But even as the lecture began, you could still feel Fiyero’s gaze lingering on you.

And that was only the beginning.

For the next several days, Fiyero seemed to have made it his personal mission to insert himself into your life.

At breakfast, he conveniently happened to sit at the same table as you.

("Did you know you look adorable when you're concentrating on your food?")

During study sessions in the library, he'd show up claiming he needed "urgent help" with his coursework—only to somehow derail the entire session with his antics.

("I swear, I was about to take notes! But then I got distracted by how serious you look when you're thinking.")

And worst of all? The little things.

Like the way he always greeted you with an easy smile, like he had been waiting to see you. Or how he casually brushed his fingers against yours when passing you a book. Or the way his voice softened whenever he said your name.

It was dangerous.

And yet, despite yourself, you found that you didn’t hate it.

One evening, as you were leaving the library, you felt a familiar presence fall into step beside you.

"You know," Fiyero said casually, hands in his pockets, "for someone who claimed that dance was a one-time thing, you haven't exactly been avoiding me."

You scoffed. "You're the one who keeps appearing everywhere I go."

He gasped in mock offense. "Are you suggesting I’m stalking you?"

"I’m suggesting you have too much free time."

Fiyero grinned. "And yet, here you are, talking to me again."

You rolled your eyes, but you couldn’t fight the small smile tugging at your lips.

The two of you walked in comfortable silence for a while, the path illuminated by the soft glow of Shiz’s lanterns.

Then, after a moment, Fiyero spoke again—his voice quieter this time.

"You know, I wasn’t lying that night."

You glanced at him. "About what?"

His usual playful expression was gone, replaced by something unreadable. "About wanting to dance with you again."

Your breath hitched.

Fiyero stopped walking, turning to face you fully. The warm light from the lanterns cast a golden hue over his features, highlighting the sincerity in his eyes.

"You make me want to try," he admitted softly. "To be more than just some prince who coasts through life. And I don’t really know why yet, but... I think I want to find out."

Your heart stumbled.

For the first time, Fiyero Tigelaar wasn’t just charming or teasing.

He was real.

And you knew, deep down, that this wasn’t just a game to him anymore.

It wasn’t a game to you, either.

But before you could figure out what to say—before you could even process the weight of his words—thunder rumbled in the distance, shaking the sky.

A storm was coming.

And somehow, you had a feeling it wasn’t just the weather.

[winterwidowgirly]

My poor Fiyero 😭

Ariana Grande shared this from the set of Wicked

[winterwidowgirly]

A Soldier's Heart - Bucky Barnes Oneshot

Summary: Bucky Barnes, once hardened by war and loss, finds solace in his first Valentine’s Day with his pregnant girlfriend. Nervous but hopeful, he gifts you a simple silver necklace, symbolizing his commitment. As they share a quiet evening, you surprise him with a heartfelt journal filled with memories and letters to their unborn daughter. Overwhelmed with love, Bucky promises to cherish every moment, realizing that for the first time in his life, he truly belongs. As they dream of their future together, he embraces the warmth of a love he never thought he deserved.

Warnings: Mentions of Bucky’s past trauma, Emotional vulnerability, Pregnancy themes, and Soft angst and healing themes

Words: 1.1k

A/n: My first Valentine's Day fanfic! I was debating to do this with either Anthony Bridgerton or Bucky Barnes, but I obviously chose Bucky. Y/N will be carrying a child in this since Bucky cannot keep his hands off her so.

This February air was crisp, a gentle snowfall dusting the streets of Brooklyn as Bucky Barnes pulled his coat tighter around him. Valentine's Day wasn’t exactly his thing—too many years lost to war, to HYDRA, to the Winter Soldier. Love had never been a luxury he could afford. But tonight was different.

Tonight, he had someone waiting for him.

He exhaled a breath that fogged in the cold air, checking the small box in his pocket for the hundredth time. A simple silver chain with a tiny heart pendant, nothing too flashy. Just something to remind his pregnant girlfriend that he was here, for you and the baby, and that he wasn’t going anywhere.

Stepping into the little apartment, the scent of vanilla and cinnamon wrapped around him, warm and inviting. You turned from the kitchen, a soft smile on your lips.

"Hey, you’re home," you said, wiping your hands on a dish towel before walking over.

"Yeah," he murmured, leaning down to press a kiss to your forehead. "Got you something."

Your eyes widened as he pulled the small box from his pocket. "Bucky—" You thought he was proposing.

"Don’t freak out, it’s nothing crazy. I’m not ready to propose just yet," he chuckled, suddenly self-conscious. "Just… wanted you to have something from me."

You opened the box slowly, your fingers tracing the delicate chain before lifting it out. "It’s beautiful." You opened the pendent and tears welled up in your eyes. "Our baby’s name.."

He took the necklace from your hands, fastening it around your neck. His metal fingers were always careful, always gentle when it came to you.

"It’s just a reminder," he said, his voice softer now. "That I’m here, that I’m trying. For you. For the baby."

You turned in his arms, looking up at him with tenderness that made his chest ache. "You don’t have to try, Bucky. You already have my heart."

His lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. Maybe Valentine’s Day wasn’t so bad after all.

You let out a small laugh, placing a hand on your stomach. "You know, this is my first Valentine's Day with you… and my first one carrying our little girl."

Bucky’s breath caught as he looked down at you, his eyes flickering to your belly with awe. He still couldn’t believe it sometimes—that after everything, he had this. He had her. And soon, they would have a daughter.

"You make it sound like we need to make it extra special," he teased, resting his flesh hand over hers. "Guess I better step up my game."

You grinned, lacing your fingers through his. "You already have. Just by being here."

Bucky pressed a kiss to her temple, his heart feeling lighter than it had in years. He had a family now. A future. And for the first time in a long time, Valentine’s Day didn’t feel like a reminder of what he had lost—it was a promise of everything he had gained.

He led you to the couch, settling you against him as he wrapped an arm around your shoulders. "So, what’s the plan for tonight?" he asked, his voice filled with rare ease.

"Well," you started, biting your lip. "I may have ordered us something special for dinner. And there’s a little surprise for you, too."

He raised an eyebrow. "A surprise for me?"

You nodded, reaching behind the couch and pulling out a neatly wrapped package. “Open it.”

Bucky took the gift, carefully unwrapping it to reveal a small leather-bound journal. He flipped through the pages, finding handwritten notes and little memories you had written down—some from their time together, some hopes for their future, and even little letters to their unborn daughter.

His throat tightened as he looked up at you, emotion swelling in his chest. “This… this is amazing,” he murmured. “I don’t even know what to say.”

You placed a hand on his cheek, your eyes shining. “Just say you love me.”

Bucky swallowed, setting the journal down so he could pull you into his arms. “I love you,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to your lips. “More than you’ll ever know.”

As the snow continued to fall outside, Bucky realized that maybe love wasn’t something he had lost—it was something he had finally found.

. . .

Later that night, as they sat together on the couch, their dinner long finished and soft music playing in the background, you rested your head against his shoulder. “Do you think she’ll love Valentine’s Day?” you mused, your fingers absently tracing patterns on his arm.

Bucky chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “If she’s anything like her mom, she’ll love it.”

You sighed happily, your free hand resting protectively over your belly. “I can’t wait for her to be here.”

Bucky’s heart swelled with warmth as he placed his hand over yours. “Me neither,” he admitted. “She’s already got me wrapped around her little finger.”

As the night stretched on, Bucky knew one thing for certain—this was the kind of love he had fought for, the kind he would always cherish. And for the first time in his long, complicated life, Valentine’s Day truly meant something to him.

The soft lull of the evening carried them into a peaceful quiet. You shifted slightly, turning your face up to meet his. “Bucky?”

“Yeah, doll?” he murmured, running his fingers gently over your arm.

“Promise me something.”

He tilted his head, a small smile playing at his lips. “Anything.”

You took a deep breath, your eyes full of love and vulnerability. “No matter what happens, no matter how crazy life gets… promise me that we’ll always find time for moments like this.”

Bucky tightened his embrace around you, his heart hammering at the sheer depth of what you meant to him. “I promise,” he whispered, pressing a lingering kiss to your lips. “Always.”

And as he held you close, Bucky Barnes knew that for the first time in his life, he truly belonged.

The hours passed in comfortable silence, the warmth of their love surrounding them. As you drifted off to sleep in his arms, Bucky let himself imagine their future—late nights rocking their daughter to sleep, tiny hands gripping his fingers, the sound of laughter filling their home.

With one last glance at the snow-covered streets outside, he closed his eyes, holding onto the peace he had found. Whatever the future held, he knew one thing—he would always fight for this love, for his family, for the happiness he never thought he deserved.