#BonkysHalfwayTo1k

[the-iceni-bitch]

Paralian

Pairing: soft!Winter Soldier x fem!Reader

Words: ~3.6k

Summary: You find the Winter Soldier washed up on the beach in front of your small cabin and debate what you should do with him.

Warnings: explicit language, explicit sexual content (titty worship, soft sex, unprotected vaginal sex) minor angst, SMUT!!! 18+ ONLY!!!!

A/N: My official entry for @bonkywobble ‘s halfway to 1k challenge! I chose the prompts paralian (one who lives by the sea) and stranded so here we are!! Congratulations Georgie!!!!

It was your third year being stationed on Rankki, and fuck you were starting to get so bored.

You cursed yourself every day for taking this shit assignment. Sure, an isolated life on an idyllic Finnish island sounded great! All you had to do was monitor the radar for any Soviet subs and the radio for any communications that were worrisome, and other than that, you could enjoy the nice quiet life by the sea you’d always wanted.

Fuck all that shit.

Nothing ever happened, the last blip on the radar you’d received was just a pod of whales, and as sure as SHIELD was that they were tapped into the appropriate Soviet channels, you had never heard anything exciting or important.

You were damp all the time, the wind and sea spray soaking you to the bone and leaving you with a never ending chill. You had a fireplace but there was no wood anywhere on the tiny island. You knew, you’d walked all over the damn thing a thousand times. You had to arrange for shipments of wood from Helsinki every few months.

You were standing on the rocky shore outside your tin sided house as you sipped a mug of tea with a thick wool blanket wrapped around you. There were vicious looking black and purple clouds rolling in from the east, and you sighed to yourself before heading back inside to prepare for the upcoming storm. At least that would be a break from the monotony you were stuck with.

Within twenty minutes you heard the roll of thunder and then the wind hit your house with a howl, shaking the siding as rain pounded on your roof. You just stoked the fire with a sigh, secure in the knowledge that the construction of your house was sound.

You sat back in your armchair and curled up under your blankets to look out the window as lightning streaked across the sky. You could see see massive waves rolling far out in the gulf when suddenly your radio crackled and a distress call broke the silence in your living room.

The caller was speaking in frantic Russian as you scrambled to pick up the microphone. You tried to get a location or any information from the caller but they were babbling frantically and you didn’t think they heard you. The only words you were able to make out were Sverdlov, Karpov, and Soldat.

You sucked in a sharp breath at the last word. That was supposed to be a fucking rumor. Maybe evidence of the Winter Soldier would finally get you off this god forsaken strip of land. You tried to remain calm as you called back over the radio, but all you got in response was dead air.

You cursed before trying to raise the SHIELD base over comms, but there was no luck, the storm was causing too much interference. No matter which frequency you tried, you couldn’t get anything but static.

“Goddamn it.” You muttered, chewing on your lips as you gazed out the window again. You’d try again once the skies had cleared, maybe you’d get lucky and the ship would make it through, and you’d be able to hail them again.

The storm ended in a little over an hour, stopping as suddenly as it had started. You stood up and stretched, folding your blanket and tossing over the back of your armchair as you headed to your radio. You flipped through each channel slowly, desperately trying to find a signal, but all that greeted you was dead air.

A sigh escaped from deep in your chest as you shook your head resignedly, deciding to head out to walk over the island for the million and first time.

You cursed when you walked outside. The beach was littered with driftwood and other debris, including what you were quite certain were the pieces of the vessel you had received the distress call from.

You muttered angrily to yourself as you picked your way over the rocky beach, dreading the task of clearing up all this shit. At least it would be something to occupy your time over the next few days.

You caught a hint of movement out of the corner of your eye and felt your body tense as you went to investigate, suddenly regretting your decision to leave your gun inside.

You came up on what you initially thought was a dead body until you saw it roll over and jumped back warily. A set of blue eyes gazed up at you questioningly and you caught a glimpse of metal below the man’s sleeve.

“Who are you?” He rasped in surprisingly good English, struggling to stand up. “Where am I?”

“You’re on the island of Rankki in Finland.” You answered, searching for something you could use as a weapon gas you kept one eye on the stranger. “What do you remember?”

“I don’t know.” He muttered, drawing slowly to his feet as you sucked in a breath at the sheer power of his build, not missing the glint of metal on his left hand.

“Fuck.” You muttered as you realized you were now stuck on a tiny ass island with the Winter Soldier and no outside communications. “What’s your name?” You asked, looking around desperately for something you could use as a weapon if you had to fight him.

“I... I don’t know.” He mumbled, shaking his head and staggering as he tried to walk towards you.

You took a step back and chewed on your lip, trying to decide what to do. If he really couldn’t remember anything, he was going to be useless to you, though SHIELD would probably love to take apart that arm and study it. If he was faking it, he would most likely kill you in your sleep.

The look he gave you was full of pain and confusion, though, and you cursed yourself in your head for being so soft and gullible.

“Ok, let’s get you inside before the sun sets. I’ll make you some tea and get you into some dry clothes, ok?”

He nodded and followed you inside, looking around warily once he stepped into your tiny cabin. You chewed your lip as you closed the door behind him, still trying to figure out exactly what you should do about this new complication.

“The bathroom’s through here.” You said as you ushered him towards the back of your house. “Maybe take a hot shower and I’ll try to find you some clothes?”

He just grunted as he closed the door in your face, and you let out a deep sigh. You moved to put the kettle on the stove and reheat some lentil stew before heading to your radio. You flipped through all the channels, cursing under your breath as you still failed at raising the SHIELD base on the mainland. You worked at stashing all of your weapons as you listened to the shower running, knowing that if he really wanted to hurt you, he wouldn’t need a weapon.

You heard the shower shut off and grabbed an oversized sweater and some thermal leggings you hoped would have enough give to fit over his thick thighs. He stepped out of the bathroom and you swallowed a moan once you saw him with nothing but a towel slung low around his hips. It had been three years with nothing but your fingers to keep you satisfied and the presence of the massive soldier was reminding you just how hard up you were. You took a deep breath as you handed him the clothes and turned back to the kitchen, pouring two mugs of tea and serving up the leftover stew.

“Eat up.” You said when he returned from getting dressed in your bedroom. “Sorry, there’s not a lot of food options here.”

“S’fine.” He mumbled around a mouthful of stew as he sank onto your couch, and you did your best not to ogle the outline of his cock in your too tight leggings.

You gulped down your tea quickly as you tried to school your thoughts. This was very bad. You were stuck with one of the most dangerous Soviet agents alive and all you could think about was crawling into his lap and fucking yourself on his cock. Even if he did have amnesia, this was a very, very bad idea.

“The stew was good.” He mumbled as he finished his bowl, turning to you as you worked on your own helping. “Thank you.”

“Mmhm.” You mumbled, still trying to think about anything else except letting him bend you over and fuck you against the counter.

He stood up and moved to rinse off his dishes in the sink, brushing past you and making you clench. You tried to move out of his way but your kitchen was so cramped that all you ended up doing was tangling your feet with his until you almost fell over.

You gasped when he caught you by your elbow and yanked you into his chest to keep you from going down. His chest rumbled with a low growl as you steadied yourself, and you could’ve sworn you felt him sniff your hair.

“You ok?” He murmured before releasing his grip on your arm and letting you step back.

“Yeah, just clumsy.” You whispered, squeezing your thighs together to try to do something to relieve the ache in your core.

“Good.” He said with a deep sigh, running his hand through his hair. “Where am I sleeping?”

You cursed in your head as you thought about that question, looking around your tiny house as you tried to think about where you could stash him. The couch was too small for either of you to comfortably rest on, and you only had the one bed.

“Shit, I guess we’re doubling up.” You muttered, chewing your lip again as you dreaded spending the night in your kind of small bed with the gorgeous, massive stranger that was staring at you with puppy dog eyes. “There’s not even room on the floor anywhere.”

“Ok.” He grunted, avoiding making eye contact with you as you slid past him to wash up for bed.

You locked the bathroom door behind you and started splashing cold water on your face as you tried to calm down. Bad, bad, so bad this was bad. You couldn’t even try to reach SHIELD now and you weren’t sure when you’d have the chance to try again. You brushed your teeth furiously as you did your best to school your thoughts.

You threw on your pajamas once you were finished and stormed into the bedroom, determined to not let your libido get the better of you. He was sitting on the bed in just your leggings, and you swore under your breath as you moved past him to your side of the bed.

“Back to back?” He said with a cocked eyebrow as you slid under the covers and he turned off his lamp.

“Yeah.” You muttered, shutting your own light off and pulling the blankets up your body as you curled around yourself and squeezed your eyes shut.

You heard him let out a deep sigh as you tried to fall asleep, your brain refusing to focus on anything except the warmth of his back against yours.

You didn’t know when you fell asleep, but you did, until you woke up under the suffocating weight of his body draped over yours, his face buried in your hair as he whimpered in your ear.

He wrapped his arms around you and snarled, and you were surprised to feel tears soaking your hair.

“Um, hey.” You muttered as you tried to turn towards him. “Wake up.”

You squeezed his shoulder and gave it a small shake to try to rouse him and his eyes flew open. You yelped as he flipped you over and pinned you to the bed with his hand around your throat.

His eyes were murderous as he gazed at you, his pupils blown wide while you feebly clawed at his metal forearm, struggling to breathe. He finally came out of his post-sleep haze and released you with a hiss, scrambling back on the bed until he was huddled in the corner as you sat up and spluttered to catch your breath.

“Fuck, I don’t know what happened.” He muttered as he buried his head in his hands.

“It’s ok, I think you just had a nightmare.” You said as you rubbed your hand over your neck. “Are you ok?”

He turned his gaze back to you and you sucked in a breath as you saw tears glistening in his cheeks. Your instincts took over and you crawled towards him, curling your body around his and murmuring softly as his chest shook with sobs.

You ran your hands through his hair as he tucked his face into your shoulder, trying to figure out what exactly you should do to help him calm down.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” He choked out, his tears soaking through your shirt as you tried your best to comfort him.

“It’s gonna be ok.” You cooed, running a hand over his back softly as he moved his face up to your neck and inhaled deeply, moaning as he took in your scent.

His breathing had finally slowed down, and you could feel his chest moving in deep breaths against yours as he sighed into your hair. You moaned when he suddenly brushed his lips against the hollow beneath your ear as he wrapped his arms around you tightly.

“You smell so good.” He murmured as he ran his mouth over your throat, his soft lips on your skin making you whine. “Like pine and wind and home.”

“Uh-huh.” You muttered, trying your best to get control of yourself as he ran his hands over your sides until they came to rest on your hips.

His teeth brushed over your jaw and you whined as you felt your core clench around nothing as you throbbed with need. Your breath hitched when he moved his lips to yours and barely brushed against them as you rested your forehead against his and screwed your eyes closed.

“I need you so bad. Open your eyes.” He ordered, bringing his metal hand up to cup your cheek. You did as he asked, losing yourself in his darkened gaze as you breathed deeply. “But we can stop if you want.”

You but your lip as you considered that for a second before smashing your mouth against his in a desperate clash of teeth and tongues as you moaned against his lips.

He wrenched your shirt off and pressed his palms against your tits, gripping them harshly and groaning before bending forward to rub his face over your nipples. You felt a rush of arousal seep out of you as he laved his tongue over one of them and pinched the other, gazing up at you through his lashes as you arched into his face. He brushed his lips over the soft slopes of your breasts as you devolved into a whimpering mess.

You started grinding against his thigh as he worshipped your breasts, tracing their curves with his tongue and lips as you felt the sensation echo in your core. It was too much for you in your touch starved state and you felt a shiver travel up your spine as he brought you closer. He brushed his teeth over your nipple and you came apart with a wordless cry, your pleasure rolling over you in a wave as your pussy fluttered wildly over his thigh, your release soaking your leggings.

He moved his mouth back up to yours and nipped at your lips as he started to turn your bodies to pin you underneath him. His mouth devoured yours as he pulled your leggings off you before shoving his own down his legs as he slotted himself between your thighs.

You bit your lip as you felt him run his steely length through your puffy lips, coating himself in your slick before lining himself up. He rested his forehead against yours and gazed into your eyes as you just blinked at him and pressed your knees against his sides. Your eyes rolled back in your head and you dug your fingers into his biceps as he slid into you slowly, letting out a low moan as you stretched around his girth.

“You still good?” He asked, his eyes still focused on yours as he felt you relax around him.

“Very, very good.” You mumbled as he started to move his hips in long, slow strokes, hitting every spot inside you that had been neglected for the past three years as you melted into the mattress.

“You feel so good.” He murmured, moving to bury his face in your neck as he continued pushing his hips into you. “So tight and warm and... fuck you’re just perfect.”

You couldn’t say anything, you were so consumed with the feeling of him inside of you, your pussy clenching around his cock in waves from base to tip and tip to base as he edged you closer and closer to your release. He sucked your ear lobe between his teeth as you locked your ankles together at the small of his back and did your best to draw him even further inside you.

He kept moving his hips in smooth thrusts, his lips moving over your throat softly as he took you apart with slow, deliberate movements. A final twist of his hips had you screaming, every muscle in your body tightening and releasing like a bowstring as you spasmed uncontrollably around his cock. His eyes moved back to watch you closely as your face contorted with pure bliss and you sobbed underneath him.

You panted as you came down, smiling back at him and unwrapping your legs from around him as he slowly slid out of you. He moved his lips over your shoulders as his hands slid to your waist, starting to turn you over slowly as your breathing finally returned to normal.

He brushed your hair aside and pressed his lips to the back of your neck once he had you on your stomach, his chest pressed against your back as he nudged your thighs apart with his knees. You bit the pillow as he teased his tip against your entrance before pushing into you again, making you whine.

His hips started moving again as he wrapped his fingers through yours and pinned your hands above your head while he fucked you in swift thrusts, his hips slapping against your ass as he smothered you with his body.

“You close, honey?” He murmured against the shell of your ear as you arched your back to meet his thrusts.

“Yeah, I’m so close.” You moaned, your cunt clamping around him as he dragged his cock over your g-spot with each push. “Need more.”

“Yeah? I can do that.” He grinned before sinking his teeth into your shoulder and slamming his hips forward.

You shrieked as he fucked you, your body sinking into the mattress as he pressed against you. It only took a few thrusts before you shattered around him, stars exploding behind your eyes as you vibrated underneath him. His hips started stuttering and then he roared in your ear, his cock throbbing and swelling inside you until he was flooding you with his spend, warming you from inside as he fucked his cum into you with quick, rhythm less jerks.

He collapsed on top of you when he was finished, his breath coming in deep sighs as you panted into the pillow. You felt exhaustion starting to drag you under, your lids growing heavy as you felt him soften inside you.

“Can we just stay like this?” He muttered, his lips brushing over your neck gently. “I just want to hold you.”

“Yeah, ok.” You hummed, surrendering to the pull of sleep as he pulled the covers back over the two of you before he sank on top of you with a deep sigh.

You woke up with him still on top of you, his limbs tangled with yours as he snored softly. You moved gingerly as you worked to extract yourself from him, desperately needing to use the bathroom.

He gave a soft huff when you rolled him over, but quickly relaxed as he nuzzled himself into your pillows. You closed the blinds to block out the early morning light and tiptoed out of the bedroom. You took care of your business quickly and we’re heading back to bed when you heard the faint sound of your radio crackling to life.

You rushed into your comm room and turned the radio down before really listening to what you were hearing.

“Agent Y/L/N? Come in!��� Someone from the base was calling over the link.

“This is Y/L/N.” You answered.

“We got reports of a wrecked Soviet ship in your area. Intel says they had some sort of asset on board. Has anything turned up?”

You chewed your lip as you thought things over. If you turned the Winter Soldier over, you could probably finally get off this island and land a cushy desk job back in the States. It was all you’d been thinking about for years.

But then you thought about waking up to those small fearful sounds, and the look in his eyes before he started sobbing into your chest. And there was no way you could turn that broken creature over to the cold scientists at SHIELD.

“Just some debris.” You called back over the radio. “Nothing important.”

“Alright, well keep us updated.”

You hung up the receiver and started to move back to the bedroom, smiling sadly as you heard the soldier wondering where you were.

——————————————————————————

A/N: 🥺🥺🥺

Tags!!! (If your name is scored it won’t let me tag you, update your privacy settings to stay updated!)

@buckysnumberonegirl

@slothspaghettiwrites

@captain-asguard

@starlightcrystalline

@harrysthiccthighss

@quxxnxfhxll

@bonkywobble

@chrisevanscardigan

@chubbybuckydumpling

@StanAllStarks

@blackestpinkworld

@Fistmebuckyskywalker

@wandering-spiritash

@khadineberry

@shutupstevie

@muzzyandbusy

@slytheriin2002

@isysen

@babyb3ar

@WanderingAlice00

@kaleeelizabeth58

@tlcwrites

@angrybirdcr

@Unsaltedalmonds

@amerikakapitanyy

@lizette50

@daughterofthenight117

@obsessivereaderchick

@mariaenchanted

@Marvel-baby

@iwanttobekilledtwice

@stan-all-the-things

@bucky-bunnie

@oops-aquarius

@riemasonline

@superoopuniverse

@ethereal-beaut-y

@Lex-Is-Up-All-Night-To-Get-Bucky

@ambthegamer

@tapouttt34

@drabblewithfrannybarnes

@stargazingfangirl18

@jack-skellingtons-stuff

@chrissquares

@msmarvelwrites

@sweeterthanthis

[gogolucky13]

Metanoia

Summary: In the last stages of his recovery, Bucky goes on a spiritual retreat where he meets you, and finds more of himself along the way. Pairing: Bucky Barnes x f!Reader Word count: ~11k Warnings: Angst. Fluff. Smut (not super explicit). Swearing. Negative self-talk/thoughts. A touch-starved Bucky. Allusions to an abusive relationship and vague mentions to past violence. Brief mention of infertility. (18+ only please). A/N: Oh boy, oh man, okay. So this is my entry for @bonkywobble​’s follower challenge. Congrats on the milestone, love!! My prompt was Metanoia (n.) the journey of changing one’s mind, heart, self, or way of life. This got kind of long, but there was a lot I wanted/needed to include and there’s probably so much more I could include. The timeline fits after CA:CW/before IW. Tbh, I’m a bit nervous to share this, and I just hope it reads how I intended it to. I’ve never gone on anything described in the story so most references are what I read on google or just made up to fit the plot. Also, a special thank you to @please-buckme​ who is always willing to answer my questions 😬 and dividers by the talented @firefly-graphics​! Anyways, I hope people like this. Enjoy! 😊💜 gif not mine.

Day 1 (Arrival):

The first thing Bucky notices when he steps off the plane is its hot. Not the type of hot that has your skin sticking in uncomfortable places, or the kind that brings so much humidity it’s stuffy and difficult to breath. It’s just...hot. He doesn’t mind much, though. The warmth is welcomed after so many years on ice. Besides, he’s spent the last several weeks adjusting to tropical climate in Wakanda, so he’s used to it for the most part.

The second thing Bucky notices is his right arm is beginning to cramp from carrying his luggage on one side. The heaviness of his duffel bag on his shoulder and the suitcase in his hand creates an ache that has him stopping to readjust the baggage to even out the weight distribution. He’s been out of cryo for a little bit, but he’s still learning how to get on with only one arm.

After he came out of cryo, he was offered a replacement arm for the one that was damaged, but he declined. Too many bad memories resonated in his mind whenever he looked at the thing or thought of it. To him, it was never a part of his body, it wasn’t an arm—it was a weapon. He figured it better to just not have one at all, even if it does make things a little trickier. And of course, there are fleeting moments of self-consciousness. Is he seen as weaker? Less attractive? Will people only see a missing part of him and nothing else? He’s still working through those thoughts, too. 

Finally, the last thing Bucky notices is this place is fucking beautiful. He stands for a moment outside the resort lobby, gazing at the luscious greenery and colorful flowers, taking it all in. He’s seen exotic landscape before in Wakanda, but there’s just something different about being  somewhere completely new and experiencing it for the first time. He loves it.

When he finally steps into the hotel, Bucky is met with a wave of cold air, and the little hairs that have fallen out of his bun swirl around into his face. Before he can move further into the lobby, he has to stop and push the strands away. A sign then catches his eye and it creates a little stir of excitement mixed with uncertainty in his stomach. 

Welcome to Metanoia in beautiful Costa Rica! Your journey awaits you...

A spiritual retreat to Costa Rica was the last step in his recovery. His mind has been reset, he’s sorted through most of his metaphorical baggage with his therapist—baggage that’s a lot heavier and creates a bigger ache in his heart and mind than what he is currently dealing with—and he’s reached the final step in moving forward with his new life.

Taking a steadying breath, Bucky decides it’s time to start this journey and heads towards the check-in desk. 

“Hello, welcome to Metanoia,” the petite blonde behind the counter greets. 

She wears a smile that matches her perky attitude, and it brings a small sense of ease to Bucky’s nerves. The people here are nice, not that he had any reason to believe they wouldn’t be, but it’s comforting to know it’s true. He notices her quick glance to his left side though, which has him leaning further onto his right arm in an attempt to hide the emptiness that’s there.

“Uh, hi,” Bucky awkwardly replies, clearing his throat before continuing, “Uh, I’m checking in for the weeklong retreat,” a slight furrow to his brow and another throat clear because no shit, dumbass, everyone checking in at this place is here for the retreat. He could still use some more practice interacting with people, he supposes.

“Wonderful!” The blonde replies, not at all phased by the obviousness of his statement. “I’ll just need your last name, then.”

Her smile stretches across her face and Bucky thinks she has the whitest teeth he’s ever seen.

“Barnes.”

“Great, thank you,” she says, turning her attention to the computer screen before her. 

The sound of keyboard clicks fills the space between them while Bucky waits for her to finish confirming his reservation. 

“Alright, Mr. Barnes,” she begins, pulling out a series of papers and pamphlets, “here is your room key. You’ll be staying in the southwest side of the resort, which means you’ll have an amazing view of the sunset each night.” She pauses to give him a smile, which he returns because that does sound nice. 

Next she pulls out the pamphlet and opens it up. “And here is some information on what you can expect during your stay, including activities and a schedule for group meetings and workshops. There’s a Welcome mixer planned for tonight where you’ll get a chance to meet everyone.”

Bucky takes a moment, glancing at all the paperwork before he begins folding it up to stuff into a side pocket of his duffle.

“Okay, great. Thank you.” 

Just as he reaches for his suitcase to head towards his room, the woman speaks again.

“Oh, Mr. Barnes,” she calls, bringing Bucky’s attention back to her. “During your stay, we ask that you leave any electronic devices with the front desk. Without the distraction, it allows our guests to fully immerse themselves in following their journey.”

“I, uh, I don’t have a phone,” he bashfully admits, giving the woman a weak smile. He was too caught up in his recovery to bother with getting himself one. Besides, he doesn’t see the need, and is still a bit resistant to embracing every part of the 21st century. One step at a time.

“Okay, well, never mind then,” the blonde replies. “I hope you enjoy your stay.”

One more toothy grin from the front desk woman and Bucky is finally on his way to begin the last step in his journey of changing his mindset for the better.

The interior of the hotel is just as mesmerizing as the outside, which causes Bucky to get distracted and he ends up turned around a handful of times on the way to his room. But eventually, he’s walking up to a door with an iron 302 on it. His shoulder throbs in excited anticipation to be freed from his heavy duffle as he inserts the room key.

White. Everything is white Bucky sees when he steps inside. There’s a few pop of bright colors sprinkled around the room in the form of abstract art on the walls, but other than that it’s white. He sighs, dropping his suitcase and duffle bag onto the tiled floor then collapses backwards onto the queen sized bed.

A million thoughts run through Bucky’s mind as he gazes at the palm tree inspired ceiling fan. The faux wooden leaves of the slowly spinning blades holds his attention, the repetition of it helping to calm the last little bit of anxiety that’s lingering.

Everything will be fine. This will be good.

Bucky sits up and reaches for the welcome and information packet to learn more about what he can expect for the upcoming week. His therapist gave him some information, but it was mostly selling points about how great it will be for his recovery. He still isn’t entirely sure of what he’s going to be doing while he’s here.

Curious blue eyes scan over the various pictures in the pamphlet. They’re all of happy, almost too happy, people doing things such as yoga, horseback riding, scuba diving. Bucky doesn’t think he’ll be doing any of that. Then he finds the schedule for the week. A crease in his brow forms when he realizes the only things that are on it is the welcome mixer and the mandatory workshops. Everything else is up to guest’s choice.

Interesting.

Another sigh as Bucky sets aside the paperwork, his gaze shifting to the view of the ocean outside his room. He has a private patio, and he mentally takes a note to make sure he sits out and enjoys the sunset one night before he leaves. A shower calls for him, deciding he should probably wash off the sweat and germs from traveling, making sure he looks somewhat presentable before meeting everyone else.

The welcome mixer is outside, on the beach, because of course it would be when you’re in Costa Rica. Bucky didn’t think that through when he got dressed and wishes he would’ve just come barefoot as he dredges through the sand in his boots. Why the fuck did he bring boots to Costa Rica anyways?

“You must be Mr. Barnes!” A middle-aged man with dark hair greets as Bucky approaches the slowly forming group.

“Uh, yeah,” Bucky replies, running a sweaty palm over his jeans. “But, uh, Bucky, you can call me Bucky.”

“Well, welcome, Bucky, I’m Gerard,” the man holds a hand out and Bucky takes it. “Come, we’ve got drinks and food. I’ll introduce you to some friends.”

Bucky allows the man, Gerard, to place a gentle hand on his shoulder as he’s guided to the rest of the group. He meets a few instructors and counselors, and mingles with a handful of people who are also here for their own journey. He indulges in some fruity non-alcoholic drinks, enjoys some Costa Rican appetizers, and allows himself to relax. 

At one point during the mixer, Gerard makes a point to address and welcome the whole group. 

“Thank you all so much for coming,” he says, arms open wide with a warm smile on his face. “We are so happy to have you here, and to have the chance to help you in whatever journey brought you to us. During your stay, we encourage you to take the opportunity to try something new. Push yourself to do something you may not normally do, and put yourself out there—we’re here to catch you.”

Bucky listens intently, and his mind wonders back to the brochure he held earlier, the pictures of people doing yoga and horseback riding flashing in his mind. He takes a sip of his drink as he scans the faces of everyone in the crowd, curious what excursions they initially turned their noses up at.

“I’m sure you’ve all had the chance to review your schedule for the week,” Gerard states, bringing Bucky’s attention back to him, “and I’m also sure you’ve noticed it’s pretty much blank. This is intentional, because here at Metanoia we want you to choose what you think your journey is. What will bring you happiness? What will push you just that little bit out of your comfort zone, and open the doors you’ve been keeping shut? You choose your journey.”

The last bit of Gerard’s speech lingers with Bucky as he makes his way back to his room for the night. He doesn’t have a clue what his journey is. He’s here because it was strongly suggested he come and experience whatever this place is. Maybe in the morning he’ll know what his journey is. 

That hope stays with Bucky as he shuts the light off and crawls into bed. 

Day 2:

The wish of morning bringing a small respite from the heat quickly fades when Bucky steps out to grab some breakfast. He slept well, better than he has been, but his mind still worked in overdrive. Worrying him with a bunch of what ifs and could bes with what’s to come. The biggest worry of all, though, is not finding out what his journey is. What things should he do to try and find resolution? If he never discovers what his journey is, how can he finish it? How can he finish his recovery?

It was while he brushed his teeth he determined he wasn’t going to worry about it anymore. He’ll let whatever happens happen and just pray everything works out. That’s a good plan, and one he sticks with as he walks into the dining room of the hotel.

More white Bucky sees as he looks around at the tables and chairs. The far wall is all windows, allowing the bright sun to make all the white in the room look even more white. It’s so bright he has to squint while he looks for a table. He finds an empty one in a corner, and he knows he should be putting himself out there, but it’s only day two. He’s got all week to do that. 

Eggs and bacon sounds delicious, but so does pancakes and a parfait. Bucky makes several trips to the food stations, trying to balance as much as he can with one hand, before finally settling into his seat. It’s when he realizes he forgot to grab silverware that he spots you.

He stands from his chair, but is frozen in place as he catches sight of you. Gliding, you move with an air of confidence and exuberance that Bucky can feel from across the room. The woman at the front desk had a bright smile, but it’s nothing in comparison to the one you flash in the direction of a server. 

Stunning.

A distant sounding cough breaks Bucky from his trance. Blinking several times and creasing his brow in confusion, he focuses on an old man he met last night, Henry.

“Mornin’, son,” Henry says, “mind if I join you?”

“Oh, uh, sure, yeah, of course,” Bucky stammers, attempting to shift some of the plates around to make room for Henry’s food. “I need silverware, you need anything?”

“No thanks, I’m all good,” he replies, and Bucky watches as he sits in the chair across from him before lifting his gaze to find you again. It’s a lost cause as more people file into the room, your enthralling figure no where to be found.

After breakfast, Bucky decides to head back to his room for a bit. The intrigue of you has now overtaken his thoughts, and the worry of figuring out his journey is forgotten. He rummages through the papers he was given yesterday, looking for the form filled with pictures of counselors and instructors. Unsurprisingly, he doesn’t find you. 

He barely registered anything when he noticed you, but he’s certain you weren’t in a hotel uniform, and you aren’t listed on the brochure, so that means only one thing—you’re also here as a guest.

Quickly, Bucky reaches for the schedule of events. There’s a mandatory meditation workshop and a final group meeting at the end of the week, but what if he doesn’t see you there? You weren’t at the mixer last night, and Bucky would definitely remember if you were. 

Lower lip catching between his teeth, Bucky scans the activities for tomorrow. 

8am: Yoga for uncertainty: Begin, believe, trust, heal.

It’s not something he would normally participate in, but the title alone tells Bucky he should reconsider, regardless if there’s a chance he’ll see you there or not. 

Walking out onto his patio, Bucky still holds the list of activities for the week. As he sits on a chair, gaze falling to the majestic waves of the ocean, he concedes.

Yoga it is. 

Day 3:

This was a bad idea. Even with the hope of seeing you again, Bucky is instantly regretting his decision to come to this yoga class. Standing like an awkward giant, he clutches a mat under his arm and watches as people file in. 

Is the title ‘Yoga for uncertainty’ derived from the fact it will induce uncertainty when you attend, or is it meant to squelch the overall feeling of uncertainty? Because right now, Bucky is thinking it’s the former. 

Finally following everyone else’s lead, Bucky moves further into the room and slowly unrolls his mat. He’s grateful he decided to put his hair up in his room before he arrived. No one wants to see what he has to do to put it into a bun with one arm.

Oh shit.

A self-conscious hand comes to rest on his left shoulder as his blue eyes widen with worry. How the hell is he supposed to do yoga with one arm? Bucky’s certain he’s seen positions where people are balancing on their heads, using two arms to keep themselves straight. It sounds ridiculous, but sometimes he forgets he only has one arm. Never having to worry about what he can and can’t do, or what adaptations he’d need until recently. 

Shit, fuck, shit, fuck.

He drags his right hand down his face before it moves to rub the back of his neck. Eyes darting around the room, watching, as he decides his next move. He’ll just casually walk out, no need to draw attention. Anyways, Bucky doesn’t even see you so he has no reason to stay. He’s getting water, no, going to the bathroom. Just as long as he acts natural no one will notice…

“Good morning, everyone!” 

Dammit.

The instructor cheerily greets everyone as he makes his way to the front of the room.

“Thank you all so much for deciding to come to my yoga session. My name is Jeremiah, and my goal this morning is to help your body, mind, and soul achieve a level of peace.”

Jeremiah looks around the room with warm brown eyes, clearly taking in the different body types of everyone who has chosen to attend.

“This class is meant to ease uncertainty, bring a balance between the three sectors of our being, so for anyone who is worried, let me just say this class is a beginner’s yoga class. We are all here to succeed.”

A small sigh of relief pushes from Bucky’s lungs. Maybe if he had read the brochure a bit closer before attending, he wouldn’t have gotten so worked up over nothing. 

Beginner’s yoga, he nods to himself in reassurance, that should be easy.

Fifteen minutes in and Bucky is realizing beginner’s yoga isn’t as easy as he initially thought. Okay, so he’s able to do most of the poses, but it’s the holding of said pose and focusing on his breathing that is not so easy. He’s never had to think so much about what his body is doing, it just does what he wants it to. 

Or it did what other people wanted it to.

As he shifts into Warrior II position, Bucky knows he should be worrying about keeping his breathing even; however, he’s tempted to take a quick glance around the room. It’s mostly women, he’s one of three men who came, but that doesn’t bother him. 

Then his gaze travels towards the back of the room, and suddenly any attempt at keeping his breathes steady is lost entirely. Heart rate increasing, Bucky tries to hide the audible hitch in his breathing when he sees you. His attention swiftly moves back to the front of the room, almost losing his balance in the small shift of his equilibrium. 

Taking a moment, Bucky closes his eyes and uses the sound of the relaxing music to calm himself. Harp and… are those wind chimes? The instructor then directs everyone to sit down on their mats, and the pull to look to you again is too strong.

He catches your attention, and oh shit now you’re smiling at him. A small wave of panic rushes through him because you’re still looking at him and he hasn’t acknowledged you, yet. 

Stop being fucking weird.

Bucky finally manages a smile, awkward but friendly enough, and nods his head. Then he focuses his attention forward and decides not to look in that direction of the room unless he absolutely has to.

When the class ends, Bucky takes his time rolling up his mat and putting his shoes back on. The brightness of your aura is seen from his peripheral, and a few times he couldn’t help but glance at you. Eventually, everyone is mostly gone and Bucky is able to retreat back to his room for a shower and a pep talk. 

Day 4:

Bucky knows it’s probably a little creepy. He knows he shouldn’t have eavesdropped on you at breakfast, but when he overheard your plans for today, he decided they would be his plans, too. Okay, maybe it was more than a little creepy, but he’s intrigued by you and still learning how to get to know people. A for effort?

Pacing in his room, the newfound fluttering in his stomach begins to intensify as the clock ticks nearer to 10am. First on today’s agenda—hot stone massage. In theory, it does sound nice, but the thought of someone touching him was enough to make his skin crawl and nausea to swirl in his stomach. Bucky didn’t even consider getting one after initially reading about them until he was unknowingly persuaded to rethink it.

There’s no denying he’s nervous, for several reasons, but the excitement of getting to see you again helps to convince him he should go through with it. Maybe he’ll talk to you if he sees you, but what would he even say?

Hi, nice to meet you. You’re downward facing dog looked amazing.

Nope, definitely not that. Although, true.

Frustration begins to seep in and a groan rumbles in his chest. Why can’t he just be normal? 

Admittedly, he hasn’t had many opportunities to talk to different people over the last several years, so the idea of flirting with someone should induce the nervous energy he’s feeling. But its times like these when Bucky desperately wishes he could remember how easy it was for him to talk to people before. More often than not, he was the guy with two dames at his side, dancing the night away. Happy and carefree. Yet the mere thought of talking to a beautiful woman now has his insides twisting and mind racing. 

Not to mention the arm, or lack there of.

Another groan and Bucky collapses into a chair. Mindlessly rubbing at the nub where his left arm used to be, his thoughts don’t get the chance to spiral any more because the clock on the wall tells him it’s time to go.

Not white. This room is not white Bucky quickly notices when he steps into the spa. Oak paneling covers the walls, warm uplighting illuminates the space, and there are plants everywhere. Calming music similar to what he heard in the yoga class plays through the overhead speakers, and the tranquil ambiance is doing its job until he spots you.

Feet catching on the floor, he slightly trips before catching himself and awkwardly checking in at the front desk. Then, he silently makes his way over to the waiting area where you sit flipping through a magazine.

The tall stature of Bucky’s figure is hard to overlook so it’s no surprise your eyes are moving from the glossy page in front of you to Bucky’s approaching figure. Meanwhile, all he can think about is don’t trip, don’t trip, don’t trip.

A smile. You give him a smile. Probably the kindest smile Bucky has ever seen, and he’s mesmerized by the way it brightens your features.

“Hi.”

Oh, your voice is so much sweeter when it’s directed at him.

This time, Bucky is a lot quicker to return your smile when he takes a seat across from you. Clearing his throat, he rubs a sweaty palm over his thigh in an attempt to keep his nerves in check. 

“Hi.”

Silence falls between you then, and Bucky isn’t sure if he should say something else or just let that be the extent of the interaction. But then you make up his mind for him, and he’s mindful to keep himself focused on what you’re saying because he quickly finds he could easily get lost in the way your lips move around your words.

“You were at yoga yesterday, right?”

Another throat clear, because apparently Bucky is worried his voice will do something funny if he doesn’t make sure there isn’t anything in it before talking.

“Yeah, yeah, I was.” He nods, his hand still continuously rubbing along his thigh.

“What did you think?”

It’s brief, but Bucky doesn’t miss the glance to his missing left arm as you wait for him to respond. Darting his gaze to the floor, he self-consciously brings his right hand to rub at the back of his neck. Obviously, Bucky knew you would notice what’s not there, but this is foreign territory for him. Still learning how to navigate interactions with new people who aren’t familiar with his backstory. Or maybe you are, he doesn’t know.

“Uh, it was good,” he nods again, palm still soothingly rubbing at his neck. “Never done yoga before.” Finally, he brings his right hand to rest back in his lap.

A chuckle falls from your lips. Not mocking or condescending, almost in understanding of his confession.

“Me either,” you reply, “but you could’ve fooled me. Your downward facing dog was amazing.”

Shooting him a playful wink, Bucky chokes on air. A bashful heat takes over his body, creeping up his neck and tinting his cheeks. Are you flirting with him? 

“I…uh, thanks, I guess,” he replies with a forced laugh.

Now you’re smirking at him. The fluttering in his stomach returns, but the longer he holds your gaze, he doesn’t feel on edge. Calm and collected, Bucky unintentionally responds to your energy and he’s easing out of this slightly flustered state.

“What’s your name?” You question, folding the magazine closed, full attention now on him.

“Bucky.”

Lips pursing while you consider it. “It’s nice to meet you, Bucky. I’m Y/n.”

The name bounces around in his head. Dizzying and magnificent, it’s his new favorite word. 

“Nice to meet you.”

“What are you doing after this?”

The question catches him off-guard. Eyes widening and mouth falling slightly open, he quickly tries to process you want to know what he’s doing.

“Um, I don’t… I don’t know.”

“Wanna go to the beach later?”

Internally he’s freaking the fuck out, but he manages to keep his composure for the most part, attempting an air of nonchalance in his response.

“Yeah, yes,” he replies with a nod. And another nod and another and another. 

No, stop it, too much nodding.

He shifts in his seat and subconsciously clears his throat again. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

“Alright, cool.” 

The voice of someone calling your name steals both of your attention. Standing from your chair, you toss the magazine back onto the coffee table between you.

“Meet you in the lobby at one?”

Nodding once more, this time with the appropriate amount of enthusiasm, Bucky smiles up at you. “That sounds great.”

You leave him with one last smile, and it’s the only thing Bucky can think about for the rest of the morning.

__________

The massage wasn’t terrible, better than he expected actually. Despite the tender touches though, Bucky still found himself flinching a few times throughout. But then his body and mind succumbed to the effects, limbs melting and relaxing into the table. He could say it was the soft music or the deep pressure, but it probably mostly had to do with the image of your smile when he closed his eyes. It was nice.

The rest of his morning dragged on. Time seemingly slowed down on purpose knowing he was anxious to be in your presence again. But then one c’clock finally rolled around, and Bucky has never rushed so fast to be somewhere unknown with so many unfamiliar people before.

The air is hot and the sun bright. A gentle breeze blowing off the ocean helps to cool his skin even more as he sits under the umbrella with you. He’s thankful the resort’s beach provides chaise lounges to sit on, he isn’t too keen on the thought of getting sand all over his body.

“So, where’s your room?” You ask, glancing to Bucky and holding a hand up to shield your eyes from the brightness.

“Down that way,” he replies, gesturing to the right with his drink. It’s in a coconut with a little pink umbrella and he feels a little silly drinking out of it, but it seems to be the only way to get a drink at this place.

“Wait, your room faces the ocean?”

He nods as he takes a sip of his drink.

You scoff, dropping your hand to your lap with a gentle slap. “Well, that’s not fucking fair.”

For some reason, Bucky feels a smile beginning to pull at the corners of his lips. “What isn’t?”

“You get a beautiful view of the ocean and all I get to look at are some trees,” you reply, gesticulating towards the ocean as you speak. “Not to mention, there’s this annoying bird that lives right outside my window.” Pausing, you look to him with slight annoyance. “My alarm clock the past three mornings.” You finish with an eye roll to sell your point.

Bucky is laughing now. He’s laughing and he doesn’t remember the last time he’s genuinely laughed at something.

“I guess I shouldn’t mention the sunset view then?”

“Sunset?! Oh my god!” Your head falls back against the cushion of the lounger and Bucky takes a quick moment to appreciate your profile. “I guess when you show up late you get put into a less desirable room.”

“Why were you?” Bucky asks before he can even register what’s coming out of his mouth. “Late, I mean.” Voice dropping as he adds the last bit, then he’s thinking maybe he shouldn’t have asked that. It could be too personal of a reason. “It’s…I just, there was a welcome thing the first night, and…”

He watches you take a sip of your drink, lips curling upwards while you watch him stammer out a response. The nonchalance of your body language tells him he didn’t overstep and soon is voice fades until he just stops talking.

“Work,” you finally say, smile lingering. “I was late because of work. I didn’t get in until late Monday night so I missed the welcome mixer.” A beat passes before you add, “Wishing I was there?”

He’s silent for a moment as he considers your question. Coy smirk teasing at the corners of your lips, a glint in your eye that has his heart rate picking up just that little bit.

“Maybe I do.”

Where the fuck did that come from?

Is this flirting? Is he flirting? This feels like flirting.

The smile on your face widens, clearly enjoying the small glimpse of who Bucky thinks he was in his past life—charmingly confident and playfully witty, a flirtatious quip always at the ready. And it stirs something inside him that’s been locked away for decades. He likes this feeling. It’s exhilarating and refreshing, and he wants more of it.

This time, Bucky takes the lead.

“So, what are we doing tomorrow?” 

Day 5:

Horseback riding gets added to the list of things Bucky didn’t think he would be doing while he was here. But when you suggested trying it out, he couldn’t find a good enough reason to say no. 

Initially hesitant and anxious, the horse, Trudy, seemed to sense this. She was a little rigid, unwilling to follow Bucky’s lead and had put up small fights along the way. He could feel himself getting worked up, ready to call it quits until you assured him with a kind smile relax, it’s going to be okay. Having no choice but to believe you, he pulled himself together and soon found a steady rhythm he and Trudy liked.

Then, the ride came to an end and Bucky wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye for the day. The prospect of rejection was pushed to the very back of his mind, not an ounce of hesitation when he proposed have dinner with me?

A suggestion to have dinner in his room was met with an eager acceptance of his offer, followed by a playful excuse of only wanting to see the view of the sunset. Bucky knew that wasn’t the only reason you agreed to dinner with him, but even if it was, he’s not so sure he cares.

Room service arrives while he’s anxiously pacing around his room. He got your order before parting earlier, and Bucky has just enough time to set up the meals outside on the patio before there’s a gentle knock to his door. 

Guiding you to the patio, Bucky is sure to point out the setting sun over the ocean. 

“Wow,” you breathe, gaze fixated on the fiery sky before you. “You get to see this every night?”

“Yeah,” Bucky replies a little sheepishly.

“Lucky bastard.” 

You give him a playful smirk, one Bucky returns, and then you’re both sitting down to eat.

Bucky ordered pasta. It sounded good, but more importantly, it’s easy to eat with one hand. No worrying about how he’ll manage to gracefully cut his food, allowing him to focus entirely on you.

“Y’know, I wasn’t actually gonna come on this trip,” you say, peaking up from your meal briefly.

Bucky is slightly startled by your confession, fork hanging in the air. “Really? Why?”

“Mm,” you hum, attention fully on your meal as you cut up a piece of chicken. “Well, my therapist said it would be good for me, so I booked the trip, but then I don’t know. I’ve done one of these before, and after, I just ended up right back where I started. I guess the more I thought about it, I didn’t see the point in going on another one.”

“What was the other one like?”

“Nothing like this.” You smile at him, but he can see a hidden sadness in the depths of your eyes. It makes him hurt on the inside.

The intrigue you create has him wanting to understand everything about you. What brought you here? Is your past just as sorrowfully colorful and depressing as his? 

“What was so bad about where you were before? I mean, before the trip. You said...”

“We all have our demons, don’t we?” You look to him, smile fading and a seriousness taking over your features. “A past we wish we could forget?” 

They’re not really questions you’re looking for answers to, Bucky can sense. And it seems by the knowing look on your face, you have some knowledge about how much truth he finds in those questions. 

“I was in a bad relationship,” you continue in a low voice. “Really bad, for years. It messed with my head and I had a hard time getting out, but eventually I did. And I’ve still got some things I’m working on because of it, but I’m doing better.” There’s another smile on your lips, still small, but more assured this time, silently conveying you are doing better. “I know it’s no comparison to what you’ve been through...”

Bucky is quiet. Processing your words and putting himself in your shoes, but he doesn’t really have to, does he? For years he had been in a tumultuous relationship, used and abused, by a terrible, horrific organization. The difference in severities of his situation versus your situation don’t matter, neither should’ve ever happened.

“It’s still wrong,” he says softly.

You nod in understanding, letting your gaze fall back to your food, but then you’re looking back to Bucky when he speaks again.

“I’m glad you changed your mind.” 

Day 6:

Today, Bucky learns it wasn’t so dumb he brought boots to Costa Rica after all. After breakfast, you had asked him to join you for a hike to a waterfall, and that’s all it took for Bucky to agree. 

The trail is a satisfying challenge through the lush Costa Rican forest. Unsurprisingly it’s hot, sweat building over his entire body, but the promise of a cool swim at the end helps Bucky to push forward. Not to mention the view he has of you as he follows from behind. He’s a little ashamed to admit it, but he’s also only human.

A clearing up ahead and the sound of gushing water tells Bucky the waterfall is close. As he steps through the tree line, the air nearly catches in his lungs when he’s met with the full view of it. Majestic and enchanting, it’s like a painting come to life, and he has to pause for a moment to just take it all in.

“It’s so beautiful,” you say, voice a distant sound to Bucky over the roaring of the falls and his own thoughts.

“Yeah,” he agrees with a soft sigh of disbelief.

Something in Bucky’s peripheral catches his attention—you, taking off your backpack then removing your shirt. He quickly looks away, embarrassment flushing his cheeks and raising his body temperature even more, but his eyes naturally trail back to your figure. 

The bikini top you wear leaves little to the imagination, and Bucky suddenly doesn’t know what to do with himself. He knows he should probably look away, he wants to look away, but seeing you nearly bare and moving around before him is just as mesmerizing as the waterfall. Then his mind finally catches up with what you’re doing, and it has his brow creasing in confusion.

“Um, what are you doing?” He asks, standing motionless a few yards away as he watches you rub what looks to be mud all over your arms and legs.

“It’s volcanic ash mud,” you reply matter-of-factly, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“Uh, okay...” 

He remains where he stands, continuing to silently observe you scoop globs of mud from a large hole in the ground.

“One of the packets said mud baths detoxify and rid the body of impurities,” you explain, not looking up from what you’re doing.

Bucky hums in acknowledgment, still not entirely convinced he understands the science behind it.

“Would you mind?” You ask, gesturing to your back as you hold up a handful of the almost black sludge.

Taken slightly aback at your request, Bucky’s eyes widen in surprise and he fumbles for a response. “Uh…yeah…sure, yes.”

“Thanks,” you smile

Slowly, Bucky makes his way over to you. A steadying breath passes through his lips as he steps up to you, and soon the waterfall is forgotten when he watches you turn around to reveal your other side. The skin of your back is smooth, begging to be touched, and Bucky gets lost in the idea of it, frozen in place as his mind tries to register what he’s about to do.

Sure, he’s become comfortable in your company over the past few days, but this is new. Apart from the massage, Bucky can’t remember the last time he shared physical contact with another person. A handshake? Sure. Maybe a hug? Okay. But that was usually with Steve and Steve doesn’t count. The last time Bucky willingly touched another person? Not just a handshake or a brief hug? Well, that’s an even more distant memory than the time he spent all his train money to buy hot dogs at Rockaway Beach with Steve.

“Everything okay?” You softly giggle, glancing over your shoulder at him.

Blinking a few times, he clears his throat to respond. “Yeah, yes.”

Hand shaking and heart racing, Bucky tries his best to hide the nervousness radiating from his being by quickly bringing a glob of mud to your back and spreading it around swiftly. There’s a few times where he lets the touch of his fingers linger around the base of your neck, the cusp of your shoulder, or the bend of your waist. It takes way longer than it should for Bucky to coat your back, but you don’t seem to mind.

“Okay, done,” he finally mumbles, taking a step away from you, gaze falling to the ground below.

When you turn around, you give him another smile in thanks, but it quickly fades when you register his expression. 

Anxious, nervous, even more so than just a few seconds ago, because what if you expect him to take his shirt off now, too? He’s been to the beach with you, but he was able to stay covered up, only sitting together on the chairs and never going for a swim. 

The rise and fall of his chest picks up, crescent moons form in his palm as he clenches his fist, vision tunneling—Bucky easily recognizes what this is. It’s been a while since he’s had a panic attack, and fuck he was doing so well.

“Bucky...” 

He doesn’t hear it right away.

“Bucky...”

A few more times until finally he hears it. His name, soft and warm, falling from your lips and pulling him from his thoughts.

“Sorry.” He reluctantly meets your concerned gaze, but it’s painted in so much understanding it helps to release some of the tension in his chest. 

“You don’t have to apologize,” you gently assure. “You also don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.” 

A small smile graces your lips, coaxing a relieved sigh from Bucky. But then he’s looking to the ground again, this time not in fear, but in determination. He’s been trying new things all week, why stop now? You haven’t given him the slightest bit of indication you’re put off by the fact he only has one arm, so why should he worry so much if you see him shirtless? 

The scars.

So many scars. Red and angry reminders of where he’s been, what he’s done. The darkness and violence of his past reflected in the cracked and broken skin. They aren’t pretty to look at, that’s why he worries so much.

Fuck it.

With one final deep breath, Bucky looks to you for a brief moment, jaw clenching as he builds up the courage, and then he does it. He reaches behind his neck, grabs a fistful of his shirt by the collar, and swiftly pulls it over his head.

Instantly, his eyes lock with yours. Chest heaving in anticipation as he waits for the rejection. Waits for you to just say it already—disgusting, foul, put your fucking shirt back on.

But it doesn’t come. 

Instead, you stare almost in amazement at his form. Like you feel so honored and privileged he’s trusted you enough to make himself so vulnerable with you. Tears reflect in your eyes, and he can’t stop his own from welling up because in this moment, he’s never felt so free. 

After several quiet minutes, maybe it’s only seconds, he’s not entirely sure, your voice finally fractures the silence.

“God, you’re fucking hot,” you laugh, a small cry breaking through as a few tears fall.

Bucky laughs, too. In relief, in gratitude, in confidence. 

“Thanks,” he chuckles, bringing his hand to rub at the back of his neck.

“Want some mud?”

He joins you by the mud hole, turning around to give you access to coat his back. The delicate touches of your hands on his body are no comparison to the hot stone massage. This feeling has him easily relaxing and relishing in the tenderness of being touched by another person again.

But as you draw closer to his left shoulder, he instinctively sucks in a breath, body going unintentionally rigid. Your ministrations stop when you feel the tension in his back.

“Is this okay? I don’t want—”

“No, it’s fine,” Bucky promptly replies, taking another deep breath. “It’s just... I haven’t been... It’s okay.”

It is okay, but Bucky can tell you aren’t entirely convinced just yet, as your hand still lingers a bit from his shoulder.

“It’s okay,” he says again with a bit more certainty, turning his head to the side and seeing you nod from his peripheral.

You work in silence as you carefully rub the dark, grainy substance over his shoulder, and down to where his arm used to be.

“I’ve seen you look at it, y’know,” Bucky finally says, his head still turned to the side. “Why haven’t you asked?”

“It’s not my question to ask,” you answer honestly. “Anyways, do you think it would make a difference if I knew the answer?”

“I don’t... I don’t know.”

You stop what you’re doing and nudge him to turn around to face you. Steel blue eyes meet the intense gaze you give him before you respond.

“If I thought it would make a difference, I wouldn’t be here,” you answer simply. “I’ve only known you for a few days, but you have so much to offer, Bucky. This,” you gesture to his missing limb, “means nothing. And if you ever meet someone who thinks otherwise... Well, I don’t think you should be around them, anyways.”

Bucky doesn’t know what to say. He stands in stunned silence, your words resonating inside his mind and tearing down almost every insecurity he’s ever had. He hopes he can hold onto this even after he leaves this place.

“C’mon,” you say, grabbing his hand and pulling him behind you. “We’re gonna jump off the top of that waterfall.”

“Is that safe?”

“Guess we’ll find out.” You turn to give him a playful smirk before letting go and beginning the climb to the top.

It’s a fairly easy climb. There’s plenty of sturdy rocks and holes for him to keep his footing and hoist himself up. It doesn’t take more than five minutes to reach the top, and what a view it is from up here. Standing shoulder to shoulder, Bucky doesn’t know where to look first. From the intense flow of water to the thick greenery of trees and plants, it’s just as surreal from the top, maybe more so, than from down below.

“Oh, this is higher than I thought.”

Bucky looks to you, a smile curling his lips as he registers the traces of regret and uncertainty crinkling your features.

“Nun uh,” he says with a soft chuckle. “You dragged me up here. We’re jumping off.”

He nods his head in reassurance when you turn to him, holding his hand out for you to take. 

“We’ll do it together.”

Silently, you place your hand in his and he grips it like his life depends on it. 

“Ready?” One last look to you before he begins the countdown. “1...2...3!”

Pushing off the rock, Bucky propels forward, his hand never letting go of yours as you both free fall to the pool below. It’s not until he feels the impact of water that he finally releases your hand. Breaking through the surface, he catches his breath, shaking his hair out of his face and he laughs. The exhilaration and adrenaline coursing through his body has him losing control, and he’s in a fit of giggles with you. 

“That was incredible!” You exclaim as you manage to catch your breath.

Bucky doesn’t respond. He’s still laughing to himself, but it slowly begins to die when he catches a glimpse of you and the look in your eye. As you swim closer to him, the beating of his heart picks up. A new surge of adrenaline flows through his body not caused from jumping off a cliff.

Two arms snake over his neck first. Then Bucky feels your legs around his waist, and his right arm wraps around your back to bring your body into his. It’s happening before Bucky can even process it. His lips on yours. Your lips on his. A kiss so full of desperation and passion, shared between two people who hardly know anything about one another, but who know just enough. Even with your body weighing him down in the water, Bucky has never felt lighter.

So caught up in the moment, he doesn’t get the chance to worry if he still remembers how to kiss. If he’s good at it, what he should do with his hand, with his tongue. His body responds how he thinks it should, and he just gets to be here in this moment with you.

Eventually, someone pulls back for air. Bucky thinks it might’ve been you because he’s certain he could kiss you forever. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean—“

“No,” Bucky nearly pants. “No.” 

He pulls you back into him, lips crashing onto yours for another searing kiss, cutting off his voice and any other thoughts you may have about it because there is no need for an apology.

The hike back to the resort takes a little longer, the incessant urge to stop and kiss along the way hard to resist. And as it comes into view, Bucky is desperate to ride out this high for as long as he can.

“Stay with me tonight?” He asks, a glint of hope flashing in his bright blue eyes.

You smile at him, a sense of relief emanating from you because he’s reciprocating the same feelings.

“Of course.”

You come to him later that night, once you’ve both showered and changed, and Bucky doesn’t hesitate to pull you in for yet another kiss. It was only an hour, maybe two, since he last saw you, but it was too much time, too long to be a part. His lips tingled the entire time as he waited to feel yours again. 

And when you climb into bed together, it isn’t sexual or provocative. He holds you close and you curl into his side, a quiet comfort and understanding this is all that’s needed in this moment.  

Day 7:

A soft kiss to his cheek, then another, then another, trailing up his jawline. The faint brush of tender lips to the shell of his ear stirs Bucky from his deep sleep.

“Wake up, sleepyhead,” you whisper, “or we’re gonna miss it.”

“Miss what?” The words come out grainy, voice rumbling deep in his chest as his body fights off the last remnants of sleep.

“The turtles!” You softly exclaim with a giggle. “They’re hatching today. You really didn’t read the brochures, did you?”

“Guess I didn’t need to,” he yawns, eyes still closed as sleep continues to tempt him. “What time is it?”

“Four.”

That pulls Bucky out of his dazed state. “In the morning?!”

“No, the evening,” you laugh with a playful eye roll. “Yes, the morning. Now get up and get ready!”

With little room for argument, Bucky begrudgingly gets out of bed to put some shoes on. Luckily, the turtle hatching isn’t far from his room, and it’s a short walk down the beach. A small group of people have already gathered, apparently four am is just a little bit too early for most people. It is for Bucky, too, but it doesn’t bother him what time it is. When you ask him to do something, he’s there.

The first cracks in the sand appear and everyone goes silent for a moment. Hushed whisperings of awe begin to pick up as one tiny head and a flipper push through. Not too long after the first one, a second head, then a third, and soon there’s a small army of tiny baby sea turtles pouring out of a hole. Instinctively they begin their journey towards the ocean, crawling and pushing forward against any obstacle.

Bucky watches in astonishment. The beginnings of new life, innocent and pure, not yet tainted by the harsh and cruel realities of the world. To be here and witness such an amazing cycle, it’s incredible and overwhelming. It has Bucky thinking about himself, about this journey he isn’t sure he’s quite figured out just yet, understanding he still has time. Time to start over and begin anew. 

His vision blurs and he doesn’t realize he’s crying until he senses your hand slipping into his. A gentle squeeze brings him back down to earth and he blinks away a few tears.

“Thank you,” he whispers, squeezing your hand in return, eyes still on the scene before him.

You don’t say anything. You don’t have to. Instead, Bucky feels you bring yourself closer to him, sliding your other hand up his arm and resting your head on his shoulder.

The rest of the day is spent doing whatever sounds interesting together. Breakfast in Bucky’s room, lounging on the beach, a walk around the resort. At one point, Bucky spots a small group of monkeys and he drags you over to watch them eat some fruit.

Try as he might, Bucky can only live in ignorant bliss for so long, though. Too often his mind pulls him from these happy moments with you to remind him this is it. This is the last day he has with you. He tries to not let that fact sour the mood, and he’s continuously putting on a smile for you. Forced and slightly sad, it’s almost the same as yours when you return it.

As the night draws nearer, he becomes restless and anxious, even more so than he has been all day. There’s something about the receding warmth and light from the sun that creates an incessant reminder of tomorrow and what’s to come. 

But tonight, he’s putting on a brave face and enjoying the final moments he has with you here. The farewell gathering, complete with a bonfire and music, is the last scheduled event for the trip. He silently gets ready in his room, impatiently waiting for you to come to him. 

Giving himself another once over in the mirror by the bathroom, a gentle knock pulls his attention to the door, and he opens it not even a second later. Something told Bucky to bring at least one nice shirt when he packed for this trip, and he’s glad he did. Its just a simple white button up and a pair of jeans, but when he sees the look you give him? He feels like a man worth all the money in the world.

And he’s sure the look he gives you is no different. A sundress, colorful and airy, drapes over your body and flows with your movements. It fits you in the best way possible and Bucky can only stare in disbelief at your effortless beauty. He pulls you in for a kiss before taking your hand in his, leading the way out.

The bonfire comes into view, and it almost reminds Bucky of that first night, except this time, he’s decided to go barefoot and he hasn’t come alone. A group has already formed, a small band is playing live music while drinks and appetizers are being passed around. It’s a night of reflections and staying open to possibilities.

Not too long after arriving, Gerard is calling for everyone’s attention, a final thank you and goodbye for coming.

“We hope you’ve been able to learn something new about yourself, or allowed yourself the chance to see things differently, try new things while you were here. We wish you well on your journey, and hope you’ve found what you were looking for.”

The words resonant with Bucky as he considers them for a moment. He had been so caught up in you he forgot to figure out what his journey was. But then he thinks, maybe it was never just one, obvious thing; one clear idea. He’s tried new things, put himself out there, and he feels almost born again. Looking at the world through a different lens than when he arrived. The world is still scary, yes, but if he knows there are more people in it like you, he thinks he’ll be okay. 

He brings the back of your hand to his lips, placing a chaste kiss to the soft skin. You smile then, and he smiles, too. Feels it crinkling the corners of his eyes and stretching across his face—genuine and full of content. He could live in this moment forever.

Still holding onto your hand, Bucky doesn’t want to let it go, but he feels you both being pulled apart, getting swept up into conversations with other people met throughout the week. As Bucky sits beside Henry, he barely registers anything the older gentleman is saying. Catching snippets here and there, however, most of his attention is on you. Gaze rarely faltering, he watches you talk and laugh with another woman. And he doesn’t miss the glances you make in his direction, either.

The band shifts to play a new song, and you’re dismissing yourself from the woman and walking towards him with a coy smirk on your face. He can read you like a book, and before he can protest, you’re reaching for his hand. Bucky feigns reluctance as he excuses himself from the conversation with Henry, allowing you to pull him up for a dance. 

It’s been awhile since he’s danced. Let his body do whatever it wanted and move to the rhythm of the music. He nearly forgot how much he loves it. 

He twirls you, spins and sways with you, and Bucky is losing himself in the moment. Laughter falls from your lips, and it’s the only song he ever wants to dance to. The fire flickers across your features, illuminating the color of your eyes and brightening your smile. And then he feels it. 

A want begins to build within, burning hotter than any flame. Acting on pure instinct, Bucky brings you into him, hand on your jaw, his lips catching yours. The want quickly turns into something more, something he hasn’t felt in a long time. And when he pulls away, the lust reflecting in your eyes tells him it’s the same for you, too. It lights a renewed fire inside him, lowering his inhibitions and making him feel alive.

Grabbing you by the hand, Bucky stumbles with you through the sand back to his room. Both drunk on each other and the anticipation of what’s to come. The moment the door closes, he pins you against the wall. A fervent kiss to your lips that quickly deepens, tongues interlacing with one another. Bucky’s hand is on your jaw, your neck, trailing down to your waist as you unbutton his shirt. 

He’s desperate for this. Desperate to remember what it’s like to be this way with another person again. It’s been so long he’s forgotten how intense this feeling is—so powerful and unrelenting. 

Bucky senses you’re right there with him. It shows in the needy touches, the quiet moans between kisses. Then, his hand splays on the wall above your head, grounding himself in hopes of not passing out as you undo his jeans and reach inside. 

It’s difficult for Bucky to feel where his body is in space, a whimper falling from his lips as his head rolls back, dizzy and overwhelmed. Only a few slow pumps of your hand has him grabbing your wrist to stop before catching your lips in another eager kiss.

“I need it,” he pants. “I need you.”

Guiding him to the bed, clothes falling to the floor along the way, Bucky follows your lead. He’s feeling bold, yes, but this is all still essentially new to him. Pulling him down on top of you, Bucky quickly settles in the space between your legs, hovering over you he hesitates as a brief realization of what’s happening hits.

“Is this okay?”

“Yes,” you reply with a kiss, “more than okay.”

“I don’t... This is...” he struggles to explain what he’s thinking. He hasn’t don’t this in a while, but he’s still aware of the consequences and precautions. Finally, he just blurts it out. “I’m clean, but I don’t have any protection.”

Stopping the assault on his neck, you pull back, eyes scanning over his features. Heartache and appreciation swirls with the desire that clouds them. 

“I’m clean, too,” you say, voice trailing before you continue lowly, “and I can’t...get pregnant.”

He understands it now. The way you looked at him when he exposed himself to you at the waterfall, because he feels it, too. Sharing something so personal and sensitive, he hopes it’s as liberating for you as it was for him. 

A kiss, one full of respect and promise, as he leans down on his elbow and he slides into you. Slowly pushing in to give you both the chance to adjust, his lips never leave yours. It’s exhilarating and all consuming when he’s fully inside, eyes dampening and body shuddering at the indescribable pleasure. After several timid movements, he’s able to pick up a steady rhythm, gaining a newfound confidence with each thrust and mewl that falls from your pretty lips.

Then there’s a push from your hips and hands to his shoulder, and he’s taking the hint. Thankful for his super human strength, he’s easily able to shift positions and pull you on top with one arm. From this angle, Bucky is dumbfounded as he looks up to you. He’s accepted this new life with only one arm, but fuck if he doesn’t wish he had two in this moment. Hand trailing up your thigh, over the curve of your hip, to the swell of your breasts, anywhere he can reach. 

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispers, blue eyes shining in the moonlight. 

Heavy pants, broken whimpers, and soft words of encouragement pass between heady kisses. Fingertips pressing hard into your waist as your bodies work together, and he can feel you begin to tremble, fluttering around him. The fire within reaches unimaginable heights, burning flames of pleasure up his spine and alighting his entire body in euphoria. Pushing into you one last time, hips stalling and flush against yours, he wraps his arm tightly around your waist to keep you as close as possible. He finishes with a low, satisfied grunt deep in his chest.

It takes several still moments full of steadying breaths and hard swallows before he’s coming to. Your eyes, bright and elated, shine down at him, and Bucky pulls you in for one final kiss. 

The moon lowers in the sky, the threat of tomorrow creeping closer and closer, and Bucky finds it difficult to fall asleep. Apparently you do, too. Holding each other close, silently waiting for the inevitable between brief moments of light slumber and lasting kisses. 

Day 8 (Departure):

Morning comes much too soon, and it takes Bucky a moment to realize he isn’t in a dream. Bodies pressed together, bare and vulnerable, just as the two of you were last night. He takes a slow breath through his nose, the warm exhale causing you to stir against him. It encourages him to place a tender kiss to your shoulder, reveling in the feel of your soft skin against his lips again and again and again.

He could get used to waking up this way, he thinks. Tangled in sheets and warm limbs, but then cold, harsh reality seeps in—the trip is over. In a few short hours, you’ll both be on separate planes, back to your own lives.

A heavy silence lingers as you lounge with him in bed, stealing kisses and occasionally adjusting the hold you have on one another. Neither wanting to acknowledge the painful farewell that’s on the horizon, but then the clock is screaming it’s time. 

Wordlessly, he packs his suitcase, folded shirts and precious memories stuffed inside together. After, he walks with you back to your room, quietly sitting as you do the same. The air becomes too thick, constricting his throat and Bucky is finding it harder and harder to look at you; a first since meeting you.

Now, standing in the lobby with you in an attempt to push off the inevitable that little bit more, he briefly thinks how he found it so beautiful when he arrived, now it’s the ugliest thing he’s ever seen.

Your shuttle arrives first. Awkwardly standing together for a moment, neither wanting to be the first to seal this fate. Bucky feels a mix of emotions taking over—sadness it’s over, happiness it happened, and gratefulness he gets to leave with everything you’ve given him. Holding your gaze with a weak smile, he pulls you in for a final kiss goodbye.

“Thank you,” he whispers, forehead resting against yours, “for everything.” He cups your jaw, thumb running soothing strokes along your slightly damp cheek.

“I’m really happy I met you, Bucky,” you softly say.

“I’m so happy I met you.” 

Reluctantly, Bucky lets you go then. He watches you reach for your suitcase and head for the exit, and suddenly a bout of anxiety swirls in his chest as a painful realization hits.

“Wait!” He calls, instantly getting your attention. You look to him expectantly, waiting for him to continue. “I don’t... I don’t have a way to contact you.”

For once, he’s cursing himself for not having a phone. Why did he think he didn’t need one again? He wants to be able to reach out to you once he’s settled back home, but he also wants to assure you what happened last night isn’t a regular thing for him, and it meant a lot. 

It doesn’t paint the best picture—sleeping with someone on the last night of a trip, any confusing thoughts or feelings never having to be dealt with knowing the next day you’ll be far away. That wasn’t his intention, and he’s definitely not that type of guy. He’s almost certain you know it’s not that way, but regardless, he’d really like to be able to talk with you again.

There’s a pause as you consider his words, gaze holding his before responding.

“It’s okay,” you say with a smile and watery eyes. “I’m sure we’ll find each other again.” 

It’s not truly comforting, but there’s something in the way you say it that has Bucky believing it’s true. You give him one last smile, one he is sure to ingrain in his memory, before you turn to leave. As he watches you pass through the sliding doors, Bucky catches sight of something—a sign. Reading it silently to himself, it stirs that same bit of excitement and uncertainty in him the first time he saw it, but now, it’s welcomed and embraced because he’s ready.

Welcome to Metanoia in beautiful Costa Rica! Your journey awaits you...

[foxgloveprincess]

I Need You More Than Anyone

Pairing: Alpha Steve Rogers x Female Omega Reader [First Person Narrator]

Word Count: 5.9K

Summary: It’s just supposed to be a regular Saturday night at the bar. When Steve comes to pick you up, like he normally does, things don’t exactly end up the way you expect.

Warnings: my own interpretation of A/B/O dynamics (no smut), cursing (like lots of bad language words), very mild angst, kissing, romantic fluff. Minors do not interact (18+).

A/N: Congratulations, Georgie (@bonkywobble​), for getting 500 followers! You’re so amazing and such a great friend. This is the first challenge I’ve participated in, and it was so fun. I can’t wait to see what the other participants write. 💜 I’m not gonna lie, this one fought with me, but I like where it ended up.

I love feedback, so go ahead and like & reblog if you want. Do not copy, rewrite, translate or post my work anywhere. No permission given to copy, translate, rewrite or post my work on this or any other website (I cross-post to my AO3 account).

Title from “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations

This is not Beta’d, so all mistakes are my own.

Enjoy!

Tagging some friends who have expressed interest in reading my fics: ​ @slothspaghettiwrites​ @river-soul​ @kleohoneyao3​​ 

The ice clinks in the glass, the sound lost in the crowd’s chatter and the music playing overhead. Twiddling with the mini straw, I swirl the liquid, first clockwise then counter-clockwise, searching for entertainment that I know I won’t find.

Glancing around the room, I squint through the low lighting. It’s never bright enough in the bar—though perhaps that’s just my eyes.

Darcy stands against the wall, fiddling with a man’s sweater and smirking up at his dazed expression. Her eyes flick over to me, sending a quick wink and turning back to her beau for the night.

Mild envy simmers in my gut as I turn back to the bar, wishing I had her effervescence. She sparkles in any room and attracts people to her—alphas, betas, omegas. It’s quite the impressive sight.

Most Saturdays I find myself in her company, a nice dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and hours spent at the local watering hole, searching for a ‘good time’ and a chance at something new. Because both of us know what we’re looking for—I’m looking for the right partner, she’s looking for her partner right now.

It suits her, being in the proverbial spotlight and finding someone new, or not so new, to flirt with. She thrives in this environment.

Tonight, it’s Ian again—at least from what I can tell looking at the back of his head. I’m happy for her. They’re actually quite cute together and always seem to have fun.

On the other hand, I’ve never found anyone on these nights out—whether no one’s interested or I’m too much of a wallflower, it’s beyond my ken. But I don’t mind the atmosphere, the life and vitality thrumming through the bar. And I don’t hurt for company when Darcy wanders off, the staff welcoming and willing to look after me.

Staring at my drink, I smile to myself, shaking my head and casting a quick glance back over my shoulder to check on my friend. Though she never seems to need it.

I mean, she’s the omega that tased the knot-head captain of the debate team when he tried to corner me against the lockers in high school. ‘Omegas stick together’, she had said—and she’s stuck by me ever since.

Yeah, she can take care of herself just fine.

“Why do you come out at all?” a voice inquires. My eyes raise to the bartender, Loki, wiping at the bar top, brow quirked in question. “You don’t even like it.”

“It makes her happy,” I say with a shrug, sipping at my ginger ale. “Plus, I do like it. The company’s great when it’s not being so snarky.”

I quirk my brow at the man accusingly, rump shifting on the barstool, looking for a comfortable position after sitting for so long.

He hums in return, placing down his rag and crossing his arms. “I’ve called your alpha.”

I choke, the carbonation burning in my throat until my eyes water. “Loki!” I screech, banging my hand on the wood of the bar. “I don’t have an alpha.”

He sighs, rolling his eyes. “Fine, I called Steve, then.” I squawk, just as indignant, raising my finger to chew the alpha out for his glib statement, but he continues, “You’re obviously itching to leave and you know how Val is about omegas leaving the bar on their own.”

“I’m not even drinking,” I insist, gesturing to my glass of soda. “You’ve been serving me all night.”

“Yes, well. It’s Val,” Loki states, with a pointed look. “She intimidates me more than you.” He chuckles, green eyes shining in the low lights.

A scoff blows across my lips as I send a glare in his direction. “I hate you,” I pout, leaning back with my shoulders slumped.

“No you don’t, darling.” His smile spreads across his face, his forearms leaning on the counter.

“No, I don’t,” I admit, the words bitten out on petulant syllables. My hand runs over my face, a groan buzzing my lips. “You shouldn’t have called Steve, though. He’s in the middle of preparing for his latest exhibition. He gets so stressed, Loki. You shoulda called someone else.” My teeth worry over my lip, a wave of guilt washing over me.

The incredulous look Loki returns in my direction penetrates so deep I can sense the impending roll of his eyes. “Who would you suggest I call then?” he asks, sarcastically, gesturing at me for my answer with a sweep of his hand.

When no one comes to mind, I change the subject, asking, “Well, what about Darcy?”

“You know I always take care of her,” Loki reminds softly, shooting a fond glance over my shoulder in her direction. His brows knit together as he observes her for a lingering minute. “Though she seems to be finding some familiar company tonight.”

My head tilts, eying the alpha in sympathy. Before I can think of a way to reply, a warm hand lands on my shoulder.

The familiar weight distracts me, drawing my attention to the alpha behind me. Even in such a crowded bar, the notes of graphite and whiskey in his musky scent tickle my nose. I lean back, knowing he’ll support my weight, face scrunched in apology as I catch his eye.

“I’m sorry, Steve,” I groan pitifully, a pout sitting on my lower lip.

The lights of the bar illuminate his face, the room brightening slightly even as I wait for his remonstrance.

He just smiles, face full of understanding. “Sweetheart, you know you don’t need to apologize.” He turns to Loki with gratitude dripping from his scent. “Thanks for calling me, man.”

Loki nods, a knowing smirk on his lips. Catching the cheeky sparkle in his eyes, I lean forward again, landing my elbows on the bar, sticking my tongue out at the bartender in a childish gesture.

Steve’s hand moves to the back of my neck, gently squeezing at my nape. “Come on, omega,” he coaxes with an amused chuckle, “let’s get you home.”

My head immediately drops, eyelids fluttering, my whole skeleton turning into a pile of goo, for a second.  My omega purrs with the quiet display of dominance, submitting easily. Steve releases me once my breathing calms to soft, deep inhales, the spark of my agitation effectively stifled. He grabs my purse, tucking it under his arm, hand finding the small of my back to guide me out.

“See you two next week,” Loki snipes playfully as we turn away.

And in seconds, that spark ignites once more, burning to life. With Steve’s hand on my back, I can’t turn back to make a final parting shot, but my lip contorts in an irritated snarl. Steve simply turns his head, shooting an unimpressed glance to our friend with a final wave and nudges me out of the bar.

The cool breeze greets us outside, the air crisp and fresh. Steve’s scent much more noticeable in the natural air. I sigh, drinking it in, and crane my neck to look at the stars. The vexation draining away as soon as the door closes behind us.

“Thanks for picking me up,” I murmur, head tilting to catch my friend’s gaze. “I’m sorry if you were working on art pieces for your newest show. I know how involved they can be.”

Steve waves a dismissive hand in the air, not even saying a word as his lips quirk in the corner. He gestures for me to walk.

“My truck is parked just down the road.”

I nod, acknowledging his remark, unmoving, basking in the night air. I can see the old blue truck less than ten feet away. But I’m not ready to jump into it quite yet.

“You okay?” he asks quietly, mild worry clinging to his words.

I hum, head bobbing as my eyes close for a brief moment. “It’s just so peaceful outside.”

He hums, a small sound of relief and acceptance, leaning his body against the façade of the building, waiting for me.

The quiet hush surrounds us, ambient noises of the night familiar—crickets, the hoot of an owl, the occasional crunch of gravel under tires, a muffled sound of music drifting on the breeze.

Steve breaks the tranquil moment, clearing his throat. My eyes loll in his direction, finding him under the fuzzy lamplight.

“How’s your week been?” he asks, starting up a conversation, checking in even though we text each other everyday.

Warmth encompasses me, despite the chilly air, a feeling of contentment radiating from within. A smalls smile pulls at my lips, happy with his thoughtfulness.

“Nothing that I haven’t already told you, really. Though Phil’s been a bit more stressed lately with the election coming up,” I admit, rubbing the built-up tension in my shoulders with one of my hands. “Not like he has any competition in our little town.”

“He’s treating you okay though, right?” Steve straightens in his spot as I step over to the wall and lean next to him.

“Yes,” I drone with a smile, rolling my eyes in faux exasperation.  “He treats me the same as he always has. Part of me thinks he’s scared he’ll upset you if he doesn’t.” My hand covers my lips as snicker breaks through, Steve’s brow raising in surprise.

It’s no great secret that our mayor is quite proud to have such a prolific artist living in town. But if Steve knew to what extent Mayor Coulson idolized him, he’d be quite dumbfounded. To be fair, though, Steve seems to react that way when anyone recognizes or admires his talent.

“What’re you working on right now?” I ask, dying to hear about his newest pieces, chomping at the bit for details.

“Just a sculpture,” he replies cryptically.

My face drops into a scowl, lips pursed and blowing a raspberry in his direction. He laughs in response, eyes shining with mirth. I sigh, disgruntled.

In all the years we’ve known each other, Steve’s always kept his works in progress so hush-hush, locked away like they’re national secrets. It’s a wonder I survive the time between his shows—though he always brings me into his studio for my own personal preview, watching my reaction to seeing the beauty he creates for the first time. A quiet, private moment between the two of us, just for us. More often than not I end up in tears, left speechless and moved by his artistic expression.

I’ve suspected for years that he stays so secretive just to rile me up, to get that reaction from me.

He evades any further questions by asking, “Did you hear Bucky, Nat, and Sam are moving back to town?”

“Really?!” I shriek at the news, bouncing on my toes and turning my body toward his. A wide smile pulls at the corners of my lips, spreading them toward my ears. At Steve’s confirming nod, a noise of excitement bursts from my throat. “Bucky’s coming back!” Hands clapping in front of my chest, my body wiggles with delight.

My hands grasp Steve’s wrist, pulling him with me as I spin in circles and drag him along, needing to expel my new burst of energy. He breathes deeply, a soft smile twitching at the corner of his lips.

“My best friend is finally coming home,” I enthuse, swinging the alpha’s arm between us.

Steve scoffs indignantly, “Hey! I thought—”

“You are my best friend, Steve,” I assure sincerely. “But Bucky and I—we’re both omegas. I can talk to him about anything, you know?”

“You can always talk to me,” Steve insists, pulsing his grip on my arm until I look to him.

My wide smile shifts to something small and sweet, seeing the genuine affection in the alpha’s eyes. That warmth blossoms in my chest again, slow and tender.

“I know, Steve.” I wrap my arm around his, cuddling up to his side for a second before a train of thought sparks to life.

My hands gently shove him away as a gasp bursts past my lips. He steps aside at the force, though he’s strong enough that he does it solely for my own benefit. My tone drops slightly lower as we meander closer to Steve’s truck.

“Darcy’s gonna freak that Sam’s coming back,” I mutter, giddiness bubbling up my throat and bursting out of me in a short giggle.

“Why’s that?” Steve asks with a fond shake of his head.

“Well, we’ve just always had a crush on him,” I reply easily. My feet jump in front of his path, backing up with my eyes on him, arms swaying at my sides.

A deep, rolling growl, vibrates Steve’s chest for a moment before abruptly cutting off, choked down and silenced. A shock of dread shoots down my spine at the sound. My eyes dart over his face, scanning for signs of his sudden mood swing.

“Are you okay?” I ask , stopping his progress forward when he attempts to keep walking toward his truck, my palm flat against his chest.

He clears his throat, refusing to meet my gaze. “Yeah, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had a crush on Sam.” He looks up through his lashes, sheepish and apologetic.

I hum, forgiveness bestowed easier than breathing, “Oh yeah, when he moved into town junior year of high school, all of us got a crush on him—me, Darcy, Bucky, Natasha, Sharon. Nat and Bucky are just the lucky ones who nabbed his heart by the time we all came home from college.” A goofy grin spreads my lips as I explain, feeling the need to justify the admission. “He’s just so charismatic, stands up for what’s right and protects the ones he loves, a genuinely great guy—who hasn’t fallen in love with him?”

Steve nods slowly, face drawn in contemplation. I retake my place at his side, continuing our short trek to his truck.

The alpha continues to stew in his thoughts, and I let him. Feeling no need to fill the empty air between us, and not smelling any cause for concern in his scent.

A thought strikes me just as my feet meet the curb, his keys jingling as he pulls them from his pocket.

“You know, you must get that all the time,” I comment glancing toward the alpha.

Steve turns to me, confused. His eyes looking lost in that adorable puppy dog way of his. My lips twitch toward a smile.

“You and Sam,” I clarify with a nod directed at him, “You’re practically the same person. So you must have hundreds—if not thousands—of people in love with you.”

Steve doesn’t comment, absorbing my assessment with a quiet hum. He reaches out for the door of his truck, hand grasping the handle. At the movement, reluctance surges forward within me. I stop him with a slight tug to the back of his leather jacket. He turns around, a questioning glance as his hand drops back to his side.

“Can we walk home?” I request, not ready to be cooped up or sitting again so soon after getting out of the bar. “I mean, we can walk to my place and I’ll lend you my keys to drive my car home.”

“It’s too cold, sweetheart. I don’t want you getting sick,” he rebukes, pulling me closer toward the car.

I dig my heels in, tempted to stomp my foot. Though, Steve’s a stubborn one and I’m no match for him. Instead, I change tactics, turning to him with my most pitiful pleading expression and begging, “Please, Steve? I’ll be fine, I promise.”

He stares at me, lips pressed in a frown. The muscles in his jaw twitch, clearly disapproving of my pleas. But the longer he remains silent, the more certain I am he’ll cave.

A minute passes, then two. He drops his chin, sighing in defeat.

“Alright,” he grumbles, shrugging off his jacket and shoving it into my arms. “But you gotta wear this.”

My lips part, ready to refuse, “But—”

“No buts,” he interrupts, crossing his arms and staring me down. My instincts buckle, my chin tilting slightly in submission, my omega whining in the back of my mind. “Either you wear that, or you get in the car. Your choice.”

I huff, wrapping the worn, warm leather around my shoulders. My nose briefly brushes the collar. It smells like him. I pull it tighter around my body, taking comfort in his familiar scent. Cocking my brow at Steve, I silently ask his approval. He smirks, stepping away from his truck and pocketing his keys.

“Come on,” he chuckles, jutting his chin in the direction of my apartment.

I follow, gait easy, feeling pleased and thoroughly entertained by our antics.

We walk a block in comfortable silence, passing the bakery, the bookstore, and an empty storefront with a tarp over the windows.

My arms swing by my sides until the jacket starts to slip off. Being as unobtrusive as possible, I weave my arms through the sleeves, another indulgent whiff of Steve’s scent wafting to my nose.

“Tell me,” Steve starts when we step back on the sidewalk after crossing the next street. “Why do you go to the bar with Darcy when you so rarely enjoy yourself?”

I bark a laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. When Steve looks over, I bite back further giggles, pressing my smiling lips shut.

“Loki asked the same question tonight,” I explain, amusement bright in my tone. “So, I guess I’ll give you the same answer.” My head tilts as I look over, wondering at his curiosity. “It makes Darcy happy. And I do like it. Sometimes it just gets to be a bit too much.”

He hums quietly in response, tucking his hands in his pockets and sagely nodding his head.

“That’s not the only reason, is it?” he coaxes knowingly, prodding me with his elbow.

My cheeks puff with an air of indignation, but we both know he’s right. He won’t push me to tell him the real reason—he never does. But he’s curious and, if there’s anyone I can vent to, it’s Steve.

I kick out on the next step, watching my foot propel a rock down the sidewalk. “I,” the word fizzles out, but I gather my confidence and continue along this unintended path of vulnerability, “I also go because I’m always hoping that my someone will finally find me there.”

Steve’s steps slow, his head cocking to the side, giving me his full attention. “What do you mean?” he asks, a crease forming between his brows.

My hands knead together in front of my abdomen, nerves jittering under my skin. But it’s Steve. So, there’s nothing to fear, right?

“I just,” I pause, swallowing my bubbling anxiety, “I just always hope I’ll meet my true mate, you know? That they’ll notice me at the bar and we’ll be able to connect.”

My shoulders shrug nonchalantly while my anxiety turns into a stiff tension. Waiting for Steve’s reaction is like waiting for the guillotine blade to drop.

I pull his jacket tighter around me, hoping to block out the nerves that prick at the back of my mind, and it helps. The scent calming the sharpness as I watch expressions flit across his features, too fast to identify.

When his brows raise and his lips part, I hold up my hand, cutting him off before he can start and saving myself from his judgement at the last minute—unprepared to hear his criticism.

“And I know ‘True Mates’,” I say using air quotes, “are some bullshit trope propagated by Hollywood.” I avert my gaze, focusing on the pavement at my feet, scowling at it like it’s personally insulted my mother. “But I believe that everyone has at least one person—their person, the mate that they’re destined to find.” My toes scuff the concrete, dragging my legs like I’m slogging through mud. “If true mates exist, I’ll never find mine if I never put myself out there,” I pronounce, repeating the words like a mantra.

A familiar hopelessness begins to well in my stomach, the doubt that I’ll never find my mate, but I shake my head, swiftly shoving it down and burying it deep. Part of me praying that the acrid dejection doesn’t soak into my scent for Steve to detect.

His mouth closes, his head canting in the other direction as he mulls my statement over in his mind. “Yeah, I guess I believe that, too,” he concedes quietly.

My head perks up at his agreement, not realizing that he would share my sentiments.

“Really?” I ask, flabbergasted, brows inching toward my hairline.

“Really,” he agrees with a huff of laughter. “What? Is it so hard to believe that an artist can be a romantic, too?” A teasing spark lights his eyes.

A sheepish smile flashes across my lips. “No, I suppose not.”

We turn down a side street, walking away from the town’s main road and heading toward the more residential blocks. Steve glances over at me once, twice, thrice, before asking the question that spins the cogs working in his head.

“So, how would you know who your true mate is?” His hand reaches up to the back of his neck, rubbing over his nape as he asks. Curiosity laces his tone, mulled with a hint of something I can’t pinpoint.

The corner of my lip twitches up in a smile, suddenly aware of how charming he is. It’s absolutely ludicrous that he hasn’t found his mate yet—that betas and omegas don’t line up and down the street for a chance to catch his eye.

I delay my response for a minute, gathering my thoughts, compiling the sentiments that I’ve considered for years into a concise and somewhat coherent list—and dragging out Steve’s suspense just a little bit, to watch him wait.

“I’ll be honest,” I begin, rubbing the side of my face with my knuckles. “I’ve thought about this a lot, but I only sort of know what I want. Though I’ve certainly been through plenty of failed relationships to know what I don’t want.”

I peek toward his face, my teeth clacking together when I glimpse his eyes, focused in a way I’ve never seen. A small voice in the back of my head starts chanting don’t don’t don’t in a quiet whisper. The thought surprises me, stunning me into silence.

The alpha patiently waits another block for a continuation of my thought, breathing deeply and scenting the air for any reason relating to my hesitance.

My teeth gnaw at my cheek, even more nervous now, but I start spewing like a party girl with one too many drinks in her stomach.

“I just-I just want someone who fits,” I state firmly, decisively. Steve’s face scrunches in befuddlement, so I continue to explain, “I want—need—someone loving and kind, who gives me the dominance I crave, and cares for me. Someone I can care and provide for in return.” I breathe through my relief, feeling free and heard as I discuss this with someone who wants to listen. Excitement thrums through my veins, enthusiasm taking over as I gush. “But more than that, I want to be able to show them every part of me, love them with every part of me, and be a big, huge, weird dork, and still know that they love me—because of my idiosyncrasies, not in spite of them.”

By the end, I’m beaming, weightless and almost giddy from the confession. Observing Steve, I wait for his response with bated breath.

“So,” Steve ponders, his eyes shadowed away from the streetlights, shoulders stiff, “anyone come close to fitting your bill?”

“If they did, I wouldn’t be walking home with you, you big lug.” I playfully shove at his arm, his stride remaining unbroken. Not even a little sidestep. I huff a laugh, rolling my eyes and clicking my tongue. “What about you?”

“I’ve got my eye on somebody,” he replies, cryptic once again. He sniffs, avoiding my gaze as I seek his out.

“Really?” The syllables elongate on my tongue, skepticism clear in my voice. “Cause I never see you with anyone,” I accuse, scowling at the alpha. “Have you even tried courting them?”

“Not recently,” he admits, bitten syllables softened by a reserved regret. “I used to try, but I wasn’t sure if she reciprocated my feelings. So, now, I just let it be. If we’re meant to be together, we’ll find a way. And if not?” His shoulders slump, releasing their tension. “Then I can live with that.”

“That’s kinda beautiful, Steve,” I muse, tone sympathetic and sullen, “but also really fuckin’ sad.”

“I know,” he concedes, nodding his head, forlorn.

“Who is she? Do I know her? What’s her designation?” The questions bubble out of me, an unshakable urge to know everything about this mystery woman whose existence had been inconsequential to me until this moment. Needing to remedy Steve’s state, heart breaking for him.

He sighs, a piteous, aggrieved sound rumbling in his chest. “I’m not telling you, sweetheart.”

“Why not?” I demand, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning toward him with a disappointed frown.

“Cause you would,” he pauses for a second, face pinching at the thought that flashes across his mind, before beginning again, “cause you would pressure her to be with me and I don’t want that.”

I scoff, flinging my arms open in a gesture of incredulity, “So you’d rather be alone?”

“I’d rather she be happy,” he replies quietly.

My mouth snaps shut, a pang shooting through my heart, the muscle clenching in my chest. My shoulder slump with my limp arms, feeling my ribs collapse in on themselves with the weight of his statement.

Silence descends over us, our steps crunching on the sidewalk as my apartment building comes into view. My brow furrows, seeing my friend’s pain for the first time, that quiet anguish that hangs around his shoulders.

My lips part on a softer question, glimpsing him in my periphery and swallowing down the lump in my throat. “Does she smell like home?” I ask, voice cracking over the words. My lips try to spread into a smile, but it’s shaky and slips away easily. “One whiff and you’re weak in the knees?”

“Yeah,” he affirms, gazing up at the moon hanging in the sky. His eyes go hazy, getting lost in his thoughts.

This woman must really be amazing, leaving him starry-eyed and devoted, even when his love may be unrequited.

A strange jealousy seeps through my body, my lips pursing in discomfort at the feeling. It lingers even when I try to clear it away from my throat. Shaking my head and trying to lighten the mood, I whistle low, pulling his attention back to the conversation and away from the clouds.

“Her scent must really be something.” The comment rolls off my tongue easily as I step to the side and shove my hands into the pockets of his leather jacket, clutching at the lining like it’s my saving grace, palms sweating.

My omega whines in the back of my mind for escape, for distance, for this unusual pain to disappear, for comfort. Steve doesn’t respond, still caught up in his own head.

“I’ve never met anyone who smells better than you,” I remark in the quiet moment, not expecting Steve to pay attention to my rambling. And it keeps spilling out, “But I’m not convinced scent is everything. The quiet matters more to me.”

“The quiet,” Steve repeats, dubious and still slightly distracted.

“Yeah,” I confirm, nodding my head slowly. “You know how my mind works, a thousand miles per hour, nonstop.” A small, self-deprecating smile tilts my lips. “But finding someone that can just make me feel safe and content, settled?” I lean forward, knees bending weakly as I let myself collapse inward a little over my statement while keeping my stride. “That’s the dream,” I admit blithely, “I’ve only ever felt that way around you.”

Steve’s brow raises at the statement, remaining silent. The conversation between us lulls once more, but the usual calm does not follow. Instead, I’m combating a small stab of anxiety that shoots through me like a bullet.

Our discussion plays through my mind again and again, quietly dissecting my admissions about my perfect mate. Something niggling in the back of my mind, a thorn in my side.

The cause of discomfort strikes like lightning, shocking me down to my toes and leaving me stunned in its wake.

My vision goes a little cloudy with the sharp realization. Stopping mid-step, I squeeze my eyes shut, mind racing, trying to make sense of the thought that has left me reeling. My heart flutters in my chest at the possibility. Affectionate warmth pools in my belly, something so much stronger than anything I’ve ever felt for anyone.

And then all at once, an overwhelming feeling of peace settles around me.

I’m in love with Steve Rogers.

An ecstatic disbelieving huff of laughter blows past my lips, joyous tears welling in my eyes. It makes sense. God, I’m an idiot.

Eyes fluttering open, they dart to Steve, halted a few paces ahead of me. His shoulders tense, sensing my omega’s initial unease on the air. His jaw twitches, muscles locked and waiting to pounce on the problem.

And I’m dunked in a pool of ice cold reality.

“Shit!” I exclaim at the ground, face falling, emotions surging through me like a tidal wave. “Motherfucking, goddamnit.” My hand runs over my hair, sinking into the tresses with distress. And the curses keep flowing past my lips, the only thing that feels under my control as the world falls away from under my feet. “Holy Mary, mother of—fuckin’ hell.”

This is not happening with my best friend—this can’t happen. Steve is Steve. Even if he’s my perfect match, the one person in the world who actually makes me feel loved and appreciated, who I care so deeply for it aches. He doesn’t feel the same. He just told me he has his eyes on someone else. God, I’m an idiot.

As my mind spirals down a path of panic, I hear Steve’s voice trying to calm me down. Trying to catch my attention, ask what’s wrong. It doesn’t work, I’m too lost.

And then my back slams into the brick wall of my building, Steve pinning me and blocking away any other stimulation from our environment. He breathes heavily, his chest expanding until it presses against mine. Hackles raised, he stares into my eyes, a flash of panic in his irises.

“Tell me what’s wrong,” he pleads, his hands cradling my head to turn my gaze toward his.

My pulse jumps at his touch, my eyes widening at the proximity. “Fuck,” I whisper, face crumpling in anguish. But Steve shakes me softly, jarring my attention back to him.

“Tell me. what’s. wrong,” he demands, voice dropping to a pitch near his alpha tone.

My breath hitches, knees turning to jelly as I blurt, “I’m in love with you.” My hand smacks over my lips, a second too late to stop the words from spewing from my lips.

Steve steps back, eyes squinting and head tilting as he scans over my face. His brows sit low over his eyes, draw together with his scrutiny.

My hands clutch at the rough bricks, trying to grab onto anything to keep me standing. Words bubble in my throat, sputtering excuses that trip over my tongue in blubbering syllables as I try to excuse my confessed sentiment.

“I’m so sorry, Steve, I didn’t realize—I never thought—you don’t—”

Steve steps suddenly closer again, caging me against the wall, quietly shushing me with a delicate brush of his thumb over my lips. His forehead presses to mine, his eyes closing softly. A sweet smile stretches his lips, parting slightly on a amazed exhale.

“You love me,” he whispers, almost to himself, his scent filling with something so lush and heady, my head starts to spin.

“I-I love you,” I confirm, dragging a shaky breath into my lungs.

A spark of hope blooms in my chest the longer he holds me. So close, so affectionate, so tender, his scent filled with joy and relief. When his eyes open, the blue shining and steadfast, I feel weak, my skin pebbling with goosebumps and a shiver dancing down my spine.

His right hand cradles my neck, knuckles pressing into my scent gland until my knees wobble and my breath catches in my lungs. His other cups my cheek guiding my head closer. So close that as he speaks, his lips brush mine.

“Please let me kiss you, sweetheart.”

My head bobs once and that’s all it takes.

He kisses me softly. It’s sweet, the way his lips glide over mine, almost hesitant, chaste—treating me like a beautiful, fragile treasure.

He breaks away for a moment, lips parting on a question, “Are you sure—”

But my hands grip at his flannel shirt, pulling him back toward me, aching for another taste of him. He obliges happily, lips slanting over mine, deepening the kiss with passionate need.

His left arm wraps around my waist, fingers splaying on my back and gripping onto me like a lifeline. His tongue swipes over my lower lip, licking into my mouth and swallowing the tiny mewls of pleasure that echo in my throat.

As our lungs scream for oxygen, he pulls away, his forehead resting against mine, his eyes still firmly closed.

“God, if I’m dreaming, don’t wake me up,” he begs, words dripping with desperation, voice hoarse. The fingers of his right hand wrap gently around my neck, thumb caressing my jaw.

We stand in silence for a long, lingering moment, catching our breath and basking in each other’s scent, hanging thick in the air around us.

My fingers reach up, brushing a strand of his long hair away from his forehead, mind quite blank and thoughts peacefully still.

Steve revels in the delicate touch, his long lashes brushing his cheeks.

As he opens his brilliant, blue eyes, he snatches my retreating hand, pressing his lips to my palm and running his nose over my wrist.

“I have loved you for so long,” he confesses, quietly, fervently.

Our eyes lock, his gaze burning with earnest adoration. I swallow thickly, a jolt of pain lancing at my heart.

“I’m sorry I made you wait.” My chin drops in shame, thoughts stirring to berate myself over the years of wasted time.

“Hey.” He calls my name softly, fingers pulsing loosely around my neck. “Don’t apologize. Please. I have never regretted an instant of loving you.”

Meeting his gaze again, tears well in my eyes. My arms wrap around his waist, burying my face in the crook of his neck. I breathe deeply, drinking in his soothing scent and leaning on his muscles for support.

“I’ve got you, sweetheart,” he says, his hand rubbing at my back in a calming gesture. “Let’s get you inside, all nice and warm in your apartment.”

I nod into his neck, drawing away and letting my fingers raise to absentmindedly scratch through the beard on his cheeks. “Will you stay with me?”

A happy, contented sound rumbles in his chest, smile brighter than the moon.

“Always.”

[firefly-in-darkness]

Smooth

Pairing → Sam Wilson x Reader

Characters → Marvel 

Summary → Y/N has to fight off the smile and laughter at Sam Wilson’s chat up lines throught their relationship but here are a few of their milestones.

Word Count → 3.7k

Prompt → Trope: 5 Things Plus 1 for @bonkywobble​ challenge - congrats on your follower milestone lovely!

SSB2021 Square Fill → Posted at the end of the story as it’s a spoiler // @star-spangled-bingo

Warnings → Fluff, sweet, tooth-rotting fluff. Cheesy chat up lines.

Betas → @daydream3r-xo​ // all mistakes are my own.

A/N → This is my first proper Sam Wilson fic - I have done one in the past but there was more platonic - so I hope you enjoy this story!

Firefly’s Masterlist 

Sam Wilson couldn’t believe his luck, he’d signed up to the right gym, that’s for sure. There was the most beautiful woman standing at the opposite wall with a group of women. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her as she instructed the class. It was like he was hypnotised, but at least he was happy about it. Her figure was strong, and she commanded the attention of the women with ease and a stunning smile that made her eyes sparkle.

He dropped his bag onto the floor and folded his arms, as he watched on in wonder while she instructed them to loosen up with various stretches. The way her body bent and twisted into the poses was enough to make him stir under the belt.

Lost in his daydream, Sam didn’t realise the instructor had turned away from the class and walked in his direction. Lost in the sight of her plump lips and then he realised that she was looking at him. No, not just looking, her lips were moving. She was talking to him. He snapped out of his haze and apologised for not hearing.

“Are you here to assist with the self-defence class?” Her eyebrow raised at him, slight confusion on her face.

Now that she was in his personal space, Sam felt nervous. He was usually so quick and an absolute charmer with women. Well, with most people, young and old. He’d get himself out of any situation and this is when he needed his wits about him.

“Uhm- No, I think there’s something wrong with my eyes.” Sam wrinkled his nose and cringed at his train of thought.

The woman looked at him with widening fear and reached out to take his arm, “Right, okay, what do you need? What’s wrong?”

The feel of her soft skin warmed his arm in an instant, a tingle bloomed across his cheeks. Then he refocused back on his plan, even if it could potentially end badly, he wanted to charm her.

“I just can’t take them off you.” Sam grinned, but it dropped when he saw the scowl, she was giving him. 

Suddenly the most beautiful sound came from the woman, the laugh that fell from her lips made him feel like a cloud, completely soft and weightless. And the sight of her head thrown back brought the grin back to his face. It worked.

“But I am more than happy to help out with the class.” Sam’s smile didn’t drop but his heart raced at the thought of his offer being rejected.

“Oh, you are definitely helping out now.” grabbed his bicep and brought him to the front of the group. “Now ladies, this is-”

“Sam” He waved and gave them a lopsided smile. “Sam Wilson.”

“Sam is going to be our test dummy for today’s session.” Y/N grabbed a [added vest and handed it to him, “now put this on and be a good boy so these Ladies can practice kneeing someone in the stomach.”

“What? I thought you were going to wrestle me or something.”

“Nuh-uh, good luck sugar.” She grinned.

“Wait, do I get to know your name?” Sam asked as he pulled on the vest.

“You can call me Boss Lady.” She replied and returned to the group of women.

Sam didn’t miss the teasing smirk she sent his way as she walked away and discussed the techniques with the women that were lining up to practise their recently learned moves on him. He was glad he had this padded vest and years of training in the army to deal with the blows about to come his way.

At least he got to meet her, see that stunning smile, and hear that beautiful laugh. It was all worth it.

Y/N stroked her fingers through her hair, a failed attempt to tame the flyaway while giving herself a once over in the pocket mirror. Nerves swirled in her stomach as the Uber approached the Italian restaurant. She wasn’t sure if this was a good idea or not, she hadn’t been on a date in over a year and she had only known this guy for a few weeks through an online dating app.

The maître-d took her coat then led her to an empty table, leaving her to browse the drinks menu. Y/N wasn’t fazed by being here before him, she was a little earlier than planned and decided to order a glass of wine.

Yet, the minutes ticked by. Y/N sipped on her drink, eyes focused on the entrance for any sign of her date but after twenty minutes and an ignored message, she decided to ask the waitress to clear the reservation and bring over the cheque for her wine. She wasn’t going to sit there any longer, waiting for someone that wasn’t going to arrive.

Feeling scorned by being stood up, she left the restaurant in a flurry but tried to remain composed and swiftly began to walk down the block to the busier part of town to hail a taxi. But before she reached the end of the sidewalk an illuminated sign across the street caught her attention. Compound. It was the place that Sam had mentioned to her earlier in the week when they were at the gym. 

They’d formed a good friendship over the last few months and with a few of the other regulars at the gym. Sam had invited Y/N alongside Bucky and Nat who were personal trainers at the gym. Y/N knew them well but had declined the invite to the bar that was now opposite her. She made up an excuse, unsure as to why she lied about needing to go to her parents.

But now that she was here, she might as well put the time she had in getting ready to good use. She could just think of some other excuse and pretend like the evening hadn’t started as badly as it did. With a renewed surge of confidence, she skipped across the street and entered the bar.

It was busy but considering it was a Friday night, most people ventured further into town for a night out. She spotted Bucky and one of his best clients, Steve, at one of the pool tables in the corner. Bucky had just broken the set and Steve moved to take his shot. That’s when Y/N saw that Natasha was here too, almost hidden from view by the muscular giant that was Steve. Y/N was sure that Natasha never looked less than radiant, she never looked out of place anywhere. She was perfect.

Y/N removed her coat and hooked it up, uncertainty starting to worry her about turning up unannounced. She shook it off and walked over to the bar to grab a round of beers to take over to the table, she couldn’t go over there empty-handed.

At the sound of her name being called, she turned around to see Bucky, his signature smile on his lips and arms opened wide to welcome her in a light hug.

“Hi Buck, parents didn’t need me so thought I’d gate crash.” Y/N grinned and held up the bottles, “And I have beers.”

“Always welcome. But we need one more.” Bucky gestured over to the table, the new addition at the table was Sam.

An unexpected rush of butterflies assaulted Y/N’s stomach as she ordered the remaining beer and walked over to the bar with Bucky in tow. She greeted everyone, pausing as she approached Sam. This was the first time she’d seen him in something other than gym clothes and she appreciated the form-fitting shirt that hugged at his muscular arms.

“Somebody call the cops because it’s got to be illegal to look that good!” Sam bellowed out and held out his arms, gesturing up and down her body.

Y/N couldn’t help the giggle that erupted and wrapped her arms around his neck. She was glad that her date had stood her up because now she was able to enjoy the night with friends that wanted her to be around. Plus, who doesn’t love a confidence boost from a handsome guy?

Even though Sam used the most ridiculous lines to get Y/N’s attention, something was charming about him. It was a confidence boost for sure and when later that night, he asked her on a date, she secretly hoped that it was going to lead to something more. Even if the rational voice in her head told her not to get attached too soon.

Sam couldn’t believe his luck; they were on their fifth date and Y/N had invited him up to her apartment for coffee. Of course, he hoped it was code for sex. But honestly, he didn’t mind if that didn’t happen, he just wanted to spend more time with Y/N. She was great company, had a wicked sense of humour and was genuinely fun to be around.

Nerves bubbled in Sam’s stomach while he waited for Y/N to return with their drinks. He had sat on the cosy couch that was adorned with plush cushions and the softest blanket he’d ever felt but he needed to distract himself from the butterflies somersaulting in his stomach. A display of photographs and memorabilia adorning one of the walls caught his eye and he wandered over.

Several photographs of Y/N with different groups of people; at festivals, out for dinner, on vacation. Some of the frames had ticket stubs tucked into them, the other frames had ornaments hanging from them or polaroids stuck to the corners. It was a collage of happiness and colour. He couldn’t help the smile that formed as he thought of all the possibilities of their dating heading towards making memories like this, together.

Sam returned to the couch and Y/N placed the cups onto the coffee table. He noticed the change in her body language; she smoothed down her skirt several times, a coy smile played on her lips as she sipped on the drink. He grinned, she was on the same page as him and maybe just as nervous.

“We don’t have to do anything.” Sam’s voice gained her attention, “I’m happy to wait and see where things go if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Y/N’s eyes sparkled, she looked as if the weight of the world had been taken off her shoulders and then she plunged towards him. Their lips met in a heated kiss; Sam was shocked at the sudden change of pace, but he couldn’t resist the need to feel her body pressed up against him.

They both pulled back for air, and Sam brushed his knuckles against her cheek, “I guess that means you do want to do something.”

Y/N bit her lip and shuffled backwards, straightened up and gestured for him to follow her to the bedroom. Sam kicked off his shoes and loosened his tie in the doorway, completely enamoured by Y/N while she removed her heels. 

“Sam, can you help?” Y/N looked behind and pulled her hair over her shoulder, exposing the zip that she couldn’t quite reach the top of the dress.

Slowly, the zip glided down, showing a hint of the black lace underwear. Sam looked up to the ceiling, thanking God for the beauty before him. She turned around and began unbuttoning his shirt, her fingers delicate and features focused on the clothing. But there seemed to be an air of nervousness coming from her.

Sam tipped up her chin before she could finish undressing him. He kissed her lightly, in hope to ease her, comfort her. 

Their lips parted and he rested his forehead against Y/N’s, “as I said, we don’t have to do anything.”

Y/N nodded and guided him to the foot of the bed to take a seat, “I’m okay. It’s just been a while.”

Sam was in a similar situation and didn’t want his nerves to add to the concern that was already laced on her features as she stood in front of him, “We’ll do this at your pace.”

She nodded, a smile now taking over her features as she removed her arms from the sleeves of her dress and letting it pool at her feet. Sam’s mouth dropped agape as he took in her all beauty; the soft skin that curved and dipped in exquisite ways. 

His hands rubbed at his thighs and looked back up to the woman who approached cautiously, a smirk on his face, “I hope you know CPR because you are taking my breath away.”

Y/N bit her bottom lip and straddled his lap, “I think I’m pretty good at mouth to mouth.”

Sam held her waist with one hand, the other exploring and massaging the exposed skin of her thighs, her hips and stomach before he reached for her neck. Their lips crashed together, and they shuffled up the mattress, exposing more of their bodies and letting passion guide them through the remainder of the night.

The episode of The Big Bang Theory played in the background, Y/N was too occupied with painting her toenails, her feet rested on the coffee table as she tugged up her sweatpants for the fifth time in the hopes to not smudge the polish.

Sam had been in the bedroom for ten minutes, putting on an outfit that he needed Y/N’s approval on. At least they’d ordered food before he went in there because otherwise, Y/N would have consumed everything in his fridge which didn’t consist of much other than a block of cheese and a bottle of vodka.

The buzz at the intercom made her jump but luckily there were no smudges to her newly pampered feet.

“I’ll get it,” Y/N shouted from the lounge of Sam’s apartment and headed to the front door to wait for the delivery person. She handed the guy some bills and a little tip before hitting the door shut with her hip.

Y/N held onto the pizza boxes and bottle of soda tightly and cautiously made her way down the hall. She waited for Sam to appear, but he still hadn’t come out of his bedroom. It was getting a bit ridiculous now.

“Sam, hurry up or your food is going to go cold.” She called and poured out the drinks.

“What do you think?” Sam asked as he entered the room, arms wide as he twirled slowly.

Sam was in a crisp white shirt, smart black trousers, and a suit jacket. The bowtie was a little crooked, but it made his sheepish grin all that more endearing to her.

“A little formal for movie night don’t you think?” She smirked and dipped an onion ring into the garlic sauce.

“Thought it might impress you.” Sam grinned at her, “Thought it would bring a bit more class to the charity gala. We need to raise money for the community centre.”

“Well, I think you look rather handsome and I’m sure someone will bid a lot of money on you.” Y/N’s eyes squinted at him, for being reminded that Sam was being auctioned off alongside Steve and Bucky for dates to the rich women of New York.

Y/N knew they weren’t exclusive, but she knew they weren’t dating other people, they just hadn’t talked about that. It had only been a couple of months since their first date and as much as Y/N was enjoying Sam’s company, she didn’t want to rush into anything or mistake how she felt and that it was unreciprocated.

“Do you know what my shirt is made of?” Sam walked towards her and knelt to be at her eye level, “Boyfriend material. Yeah, I like the sound of that.”

Sam pressed a kiss to her cheek then stood back up to return to the bedroom while Y/N remained glued to the spot, eyes wide at the way he’d casually pulled off another cheesy line and quietened her insecurities in one swift movement. She was falling, hard.

Sam pulled the van into the driveway, feeling giddy at the sight of Y/N standing on the porch with their realtor. The sun beamed down onto Y/N’s skin, an ethereal glow as she spoke animatedly with Phil, probably talking his ear off about the cost of hiring a van themselves in comparison to hiring a removals company.

It had taken them a while to get here but Sam was over the moon to be where they were now. Everything came into alignment, apart from the odd bump in the road. But after many sleepless nights, a last-minute scramble for cash and only a few days to pack up their separate lives; they were finally moving into their dream home. 

They had talked about this for months, both unsure to take the leap when viewing different houses until this one came along. The minute they walked into the place, it felt like home. It was vacant and they were able to imagine what it would look like with their belongings; where the sofa would look best in the lounge or which room should be the guest bedroom or office space.

Of course, the kitchen was Sam’s favourite place, it was open planned and the best for socialising and he couldn’t wait for everyone to come round for a barbecue as the French doors opening onto a patio that stretched into a neat lawn. Perfect for hosting their friends this summer.

“Did you get lost pumpkin?” Y/N smiled at him.

“Never, I’m like a homing pigeon when it comes to you.” Sam chuckled, “are we ready now Phil?”

The middle-aged man that had a childlike spark, gave him a curt nod, and headed into the property, “Right this way.”

The papers were signed, and all that was left was to be handed over the keys so that they could begin unloading their belongings. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as Phil placed a set of keys into Y/N’s hands.

“Be careful with those.” Sam gave her a lopsided smirk and a raised brow.

“I’m not going to lose them!” She retaliated.

“Yeah, but this one,” Sam pointed to one of the keys, “is a special one.”

Y/N turned to him, brows knitted together in confusion, “what are you going on about Sam?”

Sam placed his hands on her shoulders, focusing her attention on him. His face lined with seriousness, “It’s the key to my heart.” 

Y/N groaned and rolled her eyes, shaking her head at him.

“Nailed it!” Phil said as he high fived Sam, “Now, I will leave you lovely pair to get acquainted with your new home.”

Y/N placed the keys onto the kitchen island and looked out onto the garden. Sam’s arms wrapped around her waist; his chest pressed tightly to her back.

“We did it, baby girl,” Sam whispered into her ear and lightly pecked her cheek.

“That we did.” She turned her head to capture his lips with her own.

Y/N grabbed the plates, shoving them into the dishwasher while Sam waved Steve and Peggy off from the front door. It was a good date night, regardless of the lack of wine. Peggy was almost ready to burst with the twins that had wriggled constantly in her belly. They’d finally decided on a name but refused to tell Y/N or Sam.

“Anything else I need to do, baby girl?” Sam asked as he returned to the kitchen.

“All done in here.” Y/N yawned, “Think it’s time for bed.”

Sam’s face dropped for a split second, but Y/N spotted it. She wandered round to his side of the room and wrapped her arms around his neck, fingers massaging the back of his head.

“What’s up?” She asked, pressing a light kiss to his lips.

A grin formed on his lips, the warmth spreading to her in an instant, shared happiness was a beautiful feeling.

“I was just thinking that I don’t think there’s anything I’d like to change about you.” He swayed your body to the music that filtered through from the music dock in the living room.

“So why the grumpy face?” Y/N pouted and squeezed his cheeks together; lips mushed into a dramatic grimace. 

“Because I realised there was something I’d like to change,” Sam mumbled through your hold on his face.

Y/N pulled away instantly, her hands dropping to her side as anger began to bubble under her skin, “excuse me?”

Sam tugged her by the waist, keeping her close, “Let me finish.”

She relaxed the tension in her body and placed her hands back on his chest, the annoyance still simmering but less noticeable. Sam’s fingers traced soft lines up and down her back until she gave in and placed her head on his shoulder.

“Now, where was I? Ah yes, the one thing I’d change about you.” He spluttered as Y/N hit him on the arm, lightly but still effective. “The only thing would be your last name.”

Y/N cringed at the chat-up line and pulled away, breaking their hold in favour of turning out the lights in the kitchen before re-joining him but he was nowhere to be seen when she turned around. The sudden silence had her on edge as she headed to the lounge to find Sam kneeling in front of her, his hand raised with a velvet box.

She gasped and clamped her hand over her mouth, he was being serious. He wasn’t using some cheesy chat-up line, well he was, but he was doing this! Y/N squealed internally, the sudden realisation that Sam was talking had her snapping up to his eyes.

The gorgeous brown brimming with tears as he told her how much he loved her, “I want you in my life always baby girl, will you be my wife?”

“Yes!” she responded, throwing her arms around his neck as he spun her around the room. 

Y/N pressed kiss after kiss to every place she could, their salty tears mixing in with their passion. Sam pulled back with a chuckle, he took her left hand and placed the sparkling ring onto her finger.

He might have used his cheesy pick-up lines to get to this point, but Y/N loved every single one. Especially this one.

The End.

SSB2021 Square Fill → Proposal // @star-spangled-bingo

Everything Tag List: @kitkatd7​ / @fandomfic-galore​ / @writerwrites​ / @thefridgeismybestie​ / @wedonttalkaboutitenough​ / @courtneychicken​

Marvel Tag List: @natasha-danvers​ / @little-baby-vixen​ / @stuckonjbbarnes​ / @starlightcrystalline​ / @nekoannie-chan​ / @hailhydra920​ / @vollzeitliebe​ / @fitzsimmons-is-forever​ / @ladyacrasia​ / @emmabarnes​

[queenofspades20]

Goddesses and their Gods (1/3)

Here is chapter one of my submission for @bonkywobble’s Halfway to 1K challenge. 

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader; Hephaestus!Bucky x Aphrodite!Reader

Synopsis: Tony has decided that it is time for the Goddess of Love to be married. Y/n and Bucky have been seeing each other in secret. Brock has made no secret that he wants Y/n, though she has no desire to be with him, and has declared his intentions to be with Y/n.  Y/n, Bucky, Natasha, and their friends come up with ways to trick Brock to keep him away from Y/n.

Word Count: about 3.9k

Warnings: maybe language, fluff, slight angst, implied smut

CHAPTER 1 – the trick

Y/n was wandering around Bucky’s workshop, looking at the different projects he had started. She stopped at one of the tables when something purple and sparkly caught her eye. Y/n looked around for her lover, but didn’t see him.

“Hephaestus, Bucky, my brilliant lover, what are you working on?” she called out. Her hand reached out to touch the sparkly item. Just as her hand was about to touch it, a metal hand quickly grabbed her wrist to stop her.

“Haven’t I told you not to touch things without asking first? You could have hurt yourself,” Bucky said gruffly from behind her. His grip was firm on her wrist, but not enough to leave a mark. Y/n loved that even though he was strong, he was always gentle with her.

“Where did you come from?” Y/n turned with a smile, acting as though she hadn’t just tried to break one of his rules. “I looked for you.”

Bucky looked at Y/n with an unimpressed look. “Stop acting innocent, Love. You know better than to touch things without asking first.”

Y/n let out a light laugh and moved closer to Bucky. She reached up with her free hand and stroked the side of his face. “You know me and shiny. I’m like a crow sometimes.”

Bucky just shook his head and released her wrist. He pulled her close, his arms around her waist, and dropped a kiss on her lips. Y/n tasted faintly of ambrosia and a warm wine. “What brings you here, Love?”

Y/n shrugged one shoulder. “I was just missing you.”

“We saw each other just a few hours ago.”

“Yeah. Hours. I’m the Goddess of Love. A few hours feels like an eternity to be away from my love,” Y/n said with a pout. Bucky could see something troubling her and didn’t buy her reason.

“Don’t lie. We’ve been apart longer and you didn’t say anything. What’s really going on?”

“My father has decreed that it is time for the Goddess of Love to be married. Brock has made his intentions known and, obviously, I don’t want him. I want only you.” Y/n felt tears gathering in her eyes. “I don’t want us to be a secret anymore, Bucky. I want people to know I’m with you.”

“Your father won’t approve. He’s never liked me,” Bucky said dejectedly.

“He hasn’t bothered to get to know you! You know if Brock gets his way, we won’t be together. I mean, I’ve held him off so far, but we need to step up our efforts to keep him away from me. And we need to convince my father to see reason.” Y/n pulled him close. “My love, we have people on our side. We can be together. We just need to convince my father to let me choose you as my groom.”

“Are you sure you want me? You could have any god or goddess you want . . .”

“And I have chosen and will always choose you.” Y/n made sure Bucky was looking her straight in the eyes. “You are my great love. The one who makes me feel safe and happy and loved. You accept me as I am, unlike anyone before. I. LOVE. YOU.” She punctuated each word with a kiss. She sighed. “But first, I think we need to come up with something that will scare Brock off once and for all. My father is considering letting the match happen, but nothing would be worse. The Goddess of Love shouldn’t be with someone who is the God of destruction, aggression, and war. I should be with someone who creates and builds, like you.”

“You’re going to keep sneaking in reasons you chose me, aren’t you?” Bucky said with a smile.

Y/n knew Bucky sometimes didn’t understand why she chose him, but she never wasted an opportunity to explain why she loved him. “It’s my favorite hobby. I never want you to doubt that I love you.”

“If I have doubts, it’s never going to be because you haven’t told me you love me. I was thrown off Mount Olympus and I have this,” Bucky said, gesturing to his arm. “I live in exile. I would hate to think you might get cast out as well if our relationship came to be known.”

“Well, it is known to pretty much everyone except Brock and my father. We have several people who approve, including Pepper. And as the Goddess of Marriage, she thinks our union would be wonderful. But back to our first task, getting rid of Brock. I think we need to meet with Natasha to come up with a strategy.”

“She is the Goddess of Strategy. It would probably help, since she’s helped us avoid detection by your father,” Bucky agreed.

“I think we should also ask Loki for help,” Y/n said hesitantly. Bucky and Loki, while not enemies, did not have the best of relationships.

“Why would we involve the God of the Dead? Are you planning on killing Ares?” Bucky looked at Y/n like she had lost her mind.

“Because, you forget, my dear, he is the God of Trickery for the Norse. He and Thor pull double duty these days.”

“Fine,” Bucky said with a huff. “I don’t like it though. How do we know he won’t betray us?”

“Because 1. He is my friend and as many on Olympus aren’t particularly fond of him, he is actually protective of the friendships he has; and 2. He hates Brock and loves to cause him problems.” Y/n looked at Bucky with a smile.

“I trust you.”

“Good, because we need to go meet them in 15 minutes.” Y/n leaned in for another kiss and reached down with her hand to cup Bucky’s cock, which twitched at the contact. “Which gives us just enough time for a quickie.” Y/n smiled mischievously.

Bucky smiled back and moved his hands to just under Y/n’s ass and lifted her up. Y/n yelped. He leaned in for a heated kiss. “Gods, I love you.”

 Natasha and Loki were sitting at a table on a beach that was protected by Steve’s powers. It was where they all usually met to avoid Tony’s attention. They each had cocktails in their hands. “How late do you think they’ll be?” Natasha asked with a smirk. She knew her friend wouldn’t be able to resist doing something with Bucky, it being in her nature.

Loki looked at her. “Knowing Y/n and Bucky and how many times they’ve been late before? I think we’ll have time for another round.” The two laughed and clinked glasses.

“Well, if it means more time to drink, I don’t mind. Besides, it’s nice seeing Y/n so happy. I don’t think she’s ever been as happy as she is with Bucky.”

Loki nodded. “Agreed. I think he’s a good influence on her, though he definitely indulges her a bit too much.”

Natasha laughed. “Can you blame the guy? But she’s as wrapped around his finger as he is wrapped around hers, so it doesn’t do much harm.”

“I’ve heard Brock announced his intentions towards Y/n. We really need to nip that.”

“Tony seems amendable to it. We need to do something that will scare Brock off of Y/n and maybe get Tony off the idea of Brock as well.”

“Did you have something in mind?” Loki asked with a lifted brow.

“Well, I think we need to make sure Bucky is on board and willing to build what I had in mind.”

“If it means Brock is out of the picture and I get to be with Y/n in the open, I’m willing to do my part,” Bucky said as he and Y/n made their way over to the table. They were holding hands. Y/n had a few marks on her neck and some clear beard burn.

“I’m impressed,” Natasha said, pretending to look at a watch. “You’re pretty much on time. That’s a first.”

Bucky blushed while Y/n just laughed off her friend’s remarks. “Well, I didn’t want to keep my two friends waiting for us, especially since time is of the essence. I see you two were already started to strategize.”

Loki waived his hand and two more chairs appeared at the table. Bucky sat in one of the chairs and Y/n just sat on Bucky’s lap, wrapping her arm around his shoulders to hold herself in place. “Really, Loki? You thought I’d sit in my own chair?”

“No. But I know Steve is going to want a seat of his own.”

Steve walked out of the water and made his way to the table. “Thank you, Loki.”

“Why, great Poseidon, what brings you to our little oasis?” Y/n asked with a smile.

“Cut the cheekiness, Y/n,” Steve said, chuckling. “You want to be with Bucky, you’re going to need all the help you can get.”

Y/n stuck her tongue out at Steve and then curled in closer to Bucky. “Fair enough,” she said, rolling her eyes. Bucky chuckled and kissed her temple.

“Alright, so what do we have in mind for the God of War?” Bucky asked.

Natasha looked a little hesitant. “Well, my plan involves Y/n acting kind of like bait to lure Brock into a place where we can spring a trap.”

Y/n perked up. “What do you mean, act like bait?”

Bucky shook his head. “I don’t want her being put in danger. Brock is unpredictable. He’s a brute. He doesn’t exactly like to play fair.”

Natasha waived her hand. “Y/n wouldn’t be anywhere near where him when the trap is sprung. She would basically get him to agree to meet in a place of our choosing. That’s it. You really think I would put my best friend in danger like that?”

Loki chimed in, “I think it’s a good idea. What are we thinking for the trap?”

“Well,” Natasha began, “I’m thinking Bucky builds some inescapable chains, not to be released until you and Y/n can be married. Tony can control him and prevent him from doing anything else. Maybe we can even point out that he was outsmarted and the Goddess of Love should be with someone who isn’t easily tricked?”

Steve looked interested. “I think Tony would go along with that. What about Pepper? Do you think she would help convince him?”

“She is the Goddess of Marriage and Tony listens to pretty much only her. And she knows about me and Bucky and has told me she approves.” Y/n piped in. “I think she’d help or basically make him agree to it.”

While the rest of the group started to discuss logistics, Bucky leaned forward and whispered in Y/n’s ear. “She knows?”

“Yeah.” Y/n whispered back. “She’s been helping cover my absences when I come to see you. She noticed that I was, and I quote, ‘happier than she’d ever seen me and it must be love.’”

Bucky smiled and kissed her cheek. “You make me happier than I’ve ever been or hoped to be.”

Y/n laid her head against Bucky’s and sighed in contentment.

“You lovebirds need a minute?” Natasha asked with a smirk.

“We’re good. When are we springing this trap?” Y/n asked, unbothered by Natasha’s attempt to tease her about Bucky. She knew Natasha liked to see if she could embarrass Y/n. Y/n thought it was a fun game.

“I’m thinking in a week, if Bucky can get the chains done that quickly.”

Bucky just smirked. “I can get them done in less than a day. I’ve made chains that like before for Loki.”

Everyone turned to look at Loki, curious. Loki just rolled his eyes. “I do have certain people in Tartarus that need to be held, you know.”

“Of course that’s all you need them for,” Natasha said with a smirk.

Loki looked bored. “If you all would get your mind out of the gutter. May I remind you I am not with anyone?”

“That never stopped me before,” Y/n said, trying not to laugh.

Bucky perked up and looked interested. “Are you saying there are things you’d like to try, Love?”

Y/n kissed Bucky’s cheek. “Of course. But I think that’s a conversation we should have later, maybe on our wedding night?”

“You’re awfully confident you’ll convince Tony.”

“I’m the Goddess of Love. If I marry, it’ll be because I’m in love. I’m in love with you. Therefore, I’m going to marry you. Tony can’t argue with that logic, especially when Pepper helps me. He’ll have to put aside any issues he has.”

Bucky just pulled Y/n tighter against him and rested his head on her shoulder. He felt like he was the luckiest being in the universe to have such a wonderful person in love with him.

Loki, Natasha, and Steve looked at them with smiles. They all felt the love Y/n and Bucky were feeling for each other. It was a pleasant feeling.

“Okay,” Natasha clapped her hands. “I’m going to find a spot that works for us. I have a few in mind that won’t raise suspicion. Y/n, all you have to do is bait him. You don’t even have to invite him there. Just make it seem as if you’ll be there and you won’t mind him showing up. I’ll let you know of the place later today.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Bucky slid his arm under Y/n’s legs and picked her up as he stood.

“Bucky!” Y/n yelled, laughing.

“What? I need to go back to my workshop to get the chains done and then I want some quality time with you.”

Bucky made his way back to the passage way that would lead him to his workshop. The other gods smiled at their friends and then went off to deal with their own things.

 About a week later, Bucky had made the chains and Natasha found the perfect place to spring the trap. They decided to include Pietro to try and limit Y/n’s contact with Brock. Natasha sent messages to Brock, pretending to be Y/n. In the messages she feigned interest in Brock, playing to his ego. Natasha and Y/n met on the beach to sort out the final details of the trap.

“Okay. So, you’re going to see him on Olympus and mention wanting to go somewhere secluded. In the messages I sent all week, I made it seem like you were interested in a little rendezvous and that you were flattered by his declared intentions. He hasn’t responded, but I think he’s either waiting for you to come to him, proving the messages are real, or he’s not interested. I’m inclined to think it’s the former, as he declared his intentions towards you.”

“Eww. Can we just start off with that?” Y/n said with a scrunched face. She had always gotten creepy vibes off the God of War and couldn’t imagine a scenario where she would willingly spend time with him.

Natasha laughed. “Sure. But it had to be done.”

“I know, but eww. So, the place you chose is a beach not far from Olympus?”

“Yes. Because I want to make sure you have plausible deniability, I described the place in your messages. I made it seem like you love to go there to get away from everyone, perfect spot for privacy. When you see him, you’re going to mention going to your spot at precisely sunset tomorrow. And it will . . .”

“Nat. I am the Goddess of Love. I do not know how to flirt well enough to get someone to pick up hints and go where I want them. How do you think I convinced Bucky to go on that first date?”

“I am the Goddess of War and strategy, it’s my nature to make sure the plan is clear and there are no misunderstandings.”

“Fair enough. Okay, so I guess I’ll head up there now.” Y/n stood up.

“Y/n. Please be careful with him. I don’t want to see something happen to you.”

Y/n leaned over and hugged her friend. “I know and I will be. This is the easy part. You, Loki, Bucky, and Steve are doing the hard part by trapping him.”

“And it’s something we are happy to do to keep you safe.”

“Well, here goes nothing.” With a flash of soft light, Y/n transported herself onto Olympus. There were a few gods and goddesses around, strolling and enjoying the eternal beautiful weather that existed. While most gods and goddesses were content to stay in Olympus, Y/n had always found it interesting to go to the world of man. She enjoyed bring love into people’s lives, no matter what kind. Y/n strolled around the area that she knew Brock liked to frequent and she wasn’t disappointed. She walked up to him and caressed his shoulder.

“Hello, Brock,” Y/n said leisurely.

“Y/n! What a pleasant surprise. As this isn’t usually your kind of area, were you looking for me?” Brock leered at her, seemingly undressing her with his eyes.

It took everything Y/n had to not shudder at his look. She smiled serenely. “Well, I’ve been sending you messages for a week but I haven’t heard from you. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were avoiding me,” Y/n said with a pout.

“Oh Angel, don’t look at me like that. I am very interested in spending more time with you.” Brock reached out and stroked a finger down Y/n’s arm. “I would love to see that beach you mentioned in your messages.”

“Why don’t you go?”

“By myself?”

“Well, I go by myself sometimes,” Y/n said with a shrug.

“I’d rather go with you.”

“And why would you want to go there with me?” Y/n knew that with a god like Brock, she needed to act coy to reel him in. He was the sort of man that preferred to chase his women.

“I’d love to spend some private time together. I’ve made it clear that I’d like to be your husband.”

“Well, when you put it that way . . . I’m probably going to be there at sunset tomorrow.”

“Is that so?”

“I was planning on going alone, but I wouldn’t object if someone were to pop up either.”

“It’s a date then.” Brock clearly felt he had bagged her.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” Y/n said, a smirk on her lips. She placed a hand on his bicep. “Enjoy your day.” She sauntered off, making sure to sway her hips a bit more than normal. She didn’t want to come off too strong, but just enough to keep him interested.

When she got far enough away, Y/n flashed herself to Bucky’s workshop. She was on a mission. “Bucky!”

“Love?” Bucky asked, coming from around a corner. In his hands was some contraption he had been working on.

“Set whatever you’re working on down,” she demanded as she made her way to Bucky.

Bucky, seeing the look in her eyes, wasted no time setting the item on a nearby table. By the time he had turned his body back to her, Y/n had jumped onto him, wrapping her arms and legs around him. Bucky caught her easily.

“I feel so creeped out dealing with him. I need you. Make me feel good in the way only you can.” Y/n pulled him close for a kiss.

Bucky moved over to a wall, using it to hold her up. “You gonna be a good girl for me?” he rasped out as he kissed his way down her neck.

“Always for you. Please, my love. I need you.”

Bucky and Y/n made their way into a bedroom Y/n had made sure Bucky set up when they first started seeing each other. After several hours, they fell next to each other, panting.

“Always such a good girl for me, Love.” Bucky turned his head towards Y/n.

“I love you.” Y/n felt overwhelmed by her feelings for Bucky.

Bucky turned on his side and pulled her close. “I love you, too.”

They stayed with each other until the next day, when it was time to spring the trap.

 Natasha and Loki were at the beach, waiting for sunset. They were hidden behind a rock. They had a perfect view.

“You know how to spring those chains, Loki?”

“Of course. Bucky informed me what to do. We just need the buffoon to show up.”

“Well, I’m assuming since I haven’t heard from Y/n, the plan went as it should. We would’ve heard otherwise if it didn’t go as we expected.”

Loki looked over at Natasha. “You didn’t confirm?”

“Knowing her? She probably went straight to Bucky. And if you want to get involved in that, be my guest, but I tend to stay away when they’re being ‘a couple.’”

Loki made an illusion to make himself look like Y/n. “Well, I guess I should take my place.”

“I’ll keep an eye on you. If anything goes wrong, I’ll be there to help.”

“The things I do for friends.” Loki, as Y/n, rolled his eyes. He sighed and made his way to the spot where the chains had been hidden.

He had been sitting there for a few minutes when he saw a flash of angry red light.

“Hello, Y/n. Been waiting for me long?”

Loki turned to look at the approaching god. “Not at all.”

Brock came close to him. He ran his finger along Loki’s arm. “So, what should we do with our privacy?”

Loki took care to keep his face schooled in a sweet smile. Gods, this idiot doesn’t waste time, he thought to himself. At least that makes this quick. Hidden in his hand was a button to press that would activate the chains. Loki put his hand on Brock’s wrist, pressing the button. Suddenly, golden chains sprung up from the ground and wrapped themselves around Brock. Loki quickly jumped back to avoid getting caught.

“What the Hades is this?!” Brock yelled out, struggling to break free.

Loki, in a flash of green light, returned back to his normal self. “I didn’t make those. But you certainly will not be able to get free.”

Brock’s face turned a deep shade of red. “What are you doing here? Where’s Y/n?”

Natasha came out from behind the rock. The chains had done their job and Brock was securely tied up. “Y/n isn’t here. We came here to make sure you leave her alone so she can arrange her own marriage to the god of her choice, which, if it isn’t clear, isn’t you.” Natasha sneered at him.

“I will have her!” he screamed out.

“Oh, I don’t think so,” a voice could be heard coming from the water. Steve made his way onto the beach. “You are going to be held in Loki’s domain for a while.”

Loki looked at Steve. “Why my domain? Why not yours?”

“Because you have Tartarus. You can hold him. You are all powerful, right brother?”

Loki rolled his eyes. “Fine. But I’m not doing it because you appealed to my vanity. You make a point about Tartarus.”

Steve just smile. “Fair enough.”

Loki, taking hold of the chains, flashed him and Brock to the Underworld. Natasha and Steve looked at each other. With Brock taken care of, now they just needed to convince Tony to approve of Bucky and Y/n’s marriage.

[saundraswriting]

Huddling for Warmth

“I decided to join a writing challenge for @bonkywobble‘s hafwayto1K. I did Huddling for Warmth and Cosmogyral. I hope you enjoy! I also have a mutil-fandom blog @saundrasays

SUMMARY: You head to DC with Steve and Bucky and on the way back after an unexpected dip in the Potomac leads to you three huddling for warmth on the Quinjet. 

Masterlist // Ao3

Being a personal assistant to the Avengers was definitely more than you bargained for. You had been hired by Pepper. There were too many Avengers and not enough hands to wrangle them on the busy days or the day to day things. You accepted without hesitation, getting to work right along the Avengers, even if most of your work was tedious and some days felt like you were watching over toddles. You had gotten lucky to be given Captain Steve Rogers and Sargent James “Bucky” Barnes. They were easy to get along with, not very demanding and honestly cared for you. They asked to you go with them to meetings away from the compound and to PR stunts around the world knowing how much you like to travel and learn about the world. The arrangement was better than you could have ever hoped for after graduating college with a business management degree.

“Hey, Y/N. You ready to go? We have that meeting down in Washington today. You wanted to go didn’t you?” Captain Rogers asked knocking on the open frame of your door. You looked up from where you were packing your purse. One thing working and living with the Avengers taught you to be ready for everything.

“Yeah. I am excited. This is the first time I get to be there with the Cherry Blossom festival. I am so excited. I have been trying to go for ages. I am hoping with it being a weekday it won’t be so busy.” You quickly looked around hoping you didn’t forget anything, you patted yourself down to find you phone.

“I am glad that you get to go then. Remember to grab your camera, doll.” Sargent Barnes chimed in from behind Steve. You snapped your fingers beaming and got the top of the line camera that was their most recent Christmas gift to you.

“Thank you, Sargent Barnes. I am ready now.” You grabbed your bag. You looked up at the two super soldiers with a bright grin. You were so happy to be able to be apart of their lives, you were even happier that they got to be part of each other’s lives. The two of them moved against the wall, giving you room to lock your door and say bye to FRIDAY.

“We’re taking the Quinjet today. Well, one of them.” Captain Rogers told you. They let you go before them, shortening their stride to keep just behind you. “I figured that way you would be there as soon as possible. I know it is a little early but I figure that way you would have the whole day to yourself, sweetheart.”

“Oh! That is so nice of you. Thank you so much. We should hurry then.” You picked up your pace. Steve and Bucky shared a smile, letting you get further ahead, the picnic they planned in secret would be a perfect surprise for you too.

Upon arriving at the Triskelion’s airfield, you all got into an elevator. “Sargent Barnes and Captain Rogers, you know where you are going? You will be okay? Do I need to send the meeting points again?” You were fidgeting in place trying to force the professionalism you didn’t feel.

“We are perfectly fine. If we need anything, we can always ask someone here. We want you to go and have fun. We have a surprise planned for you around 1:30. We’ll call you okay? Go take lots of pictures. Enjoy yourself. I know you are dying to, doll.” Sargent Barnes gave you a light shove into the lobby towards the doors.

“Okay. If you are sure. Then I’ll be off. See you later.” You scurried off through the doors, a bubble of excitement practically visible.

“Oh how I wish we were going with her. I would rather do anything than this meeting. Aw, well. The faster we are done, the faster we see her again.” Steve clapped a hand on his best friend’s shoulder. “We decided to do this so we can spend the afternoon with her. So let’s get a move on. The two of them stepped back into the elevator to begin their morning of meetings that probably had no application to them, but seeing as they were the only ones free, were forced to go to.

The day dragged as slowly as they believed it would. The only thing that broke up the monotony was the food they were given constantly and the selfies you sent or the social media updates you posted. Ever picture was somehow better than the next, the lighting and angles getting better, your smile bigger. Steve and Bucky could feel their fondness and pride and affection for you grow. You may have stumbled into their lives as their PA but your meant more than that now. You were part of their family.

“Thank you both for coming today. I appreciate it. Having you here is important. I will make sure to send everything of note to you PA later today. See you later.” Maria Hill and several other SHIELD agents left the room.

“Sweet freedom! You go get lunch and I will call Y/N. Find a place to meet.” Steve said. Bucky nodded and they headed over the elevators. Steve went down in one while Bucky went up in another. Steve called you on the way down.

“Hey. I was wondering if you were free to meet for our surprise. Bucky and I got out and are done for the day. I had a place in mind if you were okay with it.” Steve’s voice came across your phone. You grinned at nothing, looking up at the sakura tree you were taking a break under.

“For you, anything. Want to meet at the Triskelion? Or should I meet you at the location? I can do either.” You packed up your meager belongings, leaving you camera out for more pictures.

“I have a spot next to the Potomac. It is near a park and has a great view. How about you meet us here and we will all go together.” Steve suggested. You hummed in agreement turning towards the Triskelion.

When you got there, Captain Rogers and Sargent Barnes were waiting patiently by the doors. They both had a basket hanging on their arms. You tilted you head in confusion. “Are-”

“Nope. No questions. Follow us. It isn’t too far away.” Steve and Bucky led the way to a small nature park on the bank of the Potomac. There was a natural depression leading to a very nice dock and scenery. The three of you weren’t the only ones enjoying the warmth of the sun. There were a few other families, but they stayed at tables while Bucky and Steve readied the picnic under a tree near the bank. They set up nice finger foods and warm tea and fruit on plates for all of you to enjoy. You took a few pictures while you all talked about your day, laughing at the two super soldiers uneasiness. The hours passed and just as you were getting ready to suggest a sunset trip back to the cherry blossoms you were interrupted but a mother yelling for her son.

“It’s too cold to swim, sweetie. We can’t go in. We have to wait for the weather to get warmer. You’ll get sick if you-” Her words fell on deaf ears as the child, laughing, jumped off the dock into the river.

“No! Charlie, you can’t swim.” The mother began to run faster but you and Steve and Bucky could see him thrashing in the water, too deep and cold for him to survive long. The mother’s screams were getting more frantic and You could feel the two men freeze next to you.

They already had issues going into water as it was, let alone the freezing water of the Potomac. You scrambled to your feet before quickly stripping your outer layers. “I am gonna get that kid.” You raced off, not even missing a beat before you arced off the dock and swam out to the kid. You could feel the bottom of the river against your toes, not enough to stand firmly. You lift the kid above you, hoping he would stop thrashing and just breath. He did as you hoped calming significantly. You were reading water badly; you could feel it sitting in your lungs and stomach. Taking a deep breath, you tucked one arm under the young boy’s armpit and used the other one to swim back to shore.

You were slower on the return trip then the way out but you were tired. Bucky and Steve met you closer to the beach, you were kneeling trying to catch your breath. Steve picked up the kid and carried him back to his mom. You could just make out their cries of joy and Steve trying to explain the risks of hypothermia and pneumonia. Bucky-seeing as you could barely stand-picked you up and carried you to the blanket. You were shivering but weakly. Not a good sign when it comes to hypothermia.

“We need to get you changed. We’ll let Steve pack up. I’ll take you back to the Triskelion, we can get you some dry clothes at least. Then we can head home, doll.” Bucky said. Steve agreed hearing the trail end of the conversation. Bucky carried you back as he said he would, upon arrival Maria met them at the door.

“I’ll help her get changed. And dried. Then you guys can head home.” Maria took you into a locker room and stripped off your clothes. You weren’t very helpful, cold and tired and lethargic, you couldn’t help her much. She removed all your clothes, muttering under her breath. She redressed you in a tank top and t shirt and jacket, and two pairs of sweat pants and socks. She helped you back to Bucky who was joined by Steve.

“Let’s head back to the jet and then we can worry about getting you warm. You aren’t even shivering.” Bucky swept you up and the three of you got on the elevator.

“Sorry for ruining the day. I wanted to get more pictures too.” You sulked in Bucky’s arms.

“Yeah but you saved a little kid’s life. We were frozen.” Steve said. “Thank you for that, sweetheart.” He headed to the pilot seat, getting the jet up and running. Bucky settled down near you taking off your jacket and his shirt wrapping you up in blankets. You snuggled in cooing at the warmth he was putting off. Steve turned on the auto pilot, sending a message to Natasha to be ready to get you into a bath upon arrival.

“Come on, Steve. Join us. She could use the body heat.” Bucky jerked his head to entice him into your human fort of warmth and comfort. The next few hours were spent cuddling the furnaces that you called friends, shivering and almost biting off your tongue as you slowly heated up.

Steve got up close to the end of the flight to land the jet while Bucky stayed curled around you, listening to the slight rasp in your lungs as you breathed. Once they landed and the ramp came down, the others could only see the top of your and Bucky’s head and a mountain of blankets.

“Only the three of you could come back from a day of meeting and return with a hypothermic personal assistant. Amazing.” Natasha said. “Come on, let me fix it. Again.” The Avengers laughed and Bucky and Steve spluttered trying to explain themselves.

“I had a good time today. Thank you for letting me go along. I enjoyed the picnic too. Now, I am gonna take a shower and go to bed. See you tomorrow.” You clambered out of the nest on the floor of the Quin jet stumbling over to a sympathetic Natasha.

“We did too. Thank you for all your hard work. Tomorrow can you see Bruce for a checkup? We don’t want you getting sick now.” Steve and Bucky waved at you and Natasha from the top of the ramp. You hollered an affirmative as you were escorted away. “Well life certainly isn’t boring with her around.”

“No. and I wouldn’t change it for the world. We should clean up. Maybe we can have a movie night or something.” Steve said.

“Hell yeah. Let’s get a move on.” Bucky cheered.

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

Well how was it?

[nekoannie-chan]

Creating the happiness prologue

Pairing: Steve Rogers X OFC (Alena Rumlow)

Word count: 792 words.

Summary: Alena didn't like the people she loves were sad because of the Snap, so she found a solution, she would create worlds where they were happy.

Warnings: Sad.

A/N: This is my entry to @bonkywobble​’s Halfway to 1K Challenge with the word #10:

“Habromania (n.): delusions of happiness”

This series is based on the comic ‘House of M’ (not related to Wandavision, so no spoilers or something).

My native language is Spanish so I wanna improve my writing skills in English if you notice any mistake please let me know and I will correct it.

I don’t give any kind of permission that my fics be posted in other platforms or languages (I translate myself my work) or the use of my graphics (my dividers are included in this), I did them exclusively for my fics, please respect my work and don��t steal it. There are some people here who make dividers that anyone can use, mine is not this type, please look for the other’s people. The only exception is the ones I gifted ‘cuz now belong to someone else. If you find any of my works on a different platform and is not one of my accounts, please let me know. Reblogs and comments are always welcome.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own Marvel’s characters (unfortunately), except for the original characters and the story.

Main masterlist.

Add yourself to my taglist here.

My other media where I publish: Ao3, Wattpad, ffnet, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter.

If you like it please vote, comment, and give me feedback to improve my skills and reblog.

Tags: @sinceimetyou​ @navybrat817​ @angrythingstarlight​ @shield-agent78​ @saiyanprincessswanie​ @charmed-asylum​ @pandaxnienke​ @real-fbi​ @smokeandnailz​ @white-wolf1940​ 

Alena put her hand on the table as if she were afraid that she would vanish as some people did it was all chaos, friends, beloved people and strangers are disappearing very quickly that they did not know exactly if she would have known a pattern or even when would stop, but what worried them most was being able to reverse it in some way.

In Alena's head, the cruel words Tony had told her the last time they were meet were repeated over and over again.

She was startled to hear that someone was knocking on the door in the bedroom that a few years earlier had been hers, however, she did not answer, she was sure that she would receive more news that someone else had disappeared... She was afraid that the victim would be her brother or her boyfriend. she didn't even dare move or make any noise; meanwhile outside the room Brock was beginning to despair, although for a moment that terrible idea appeared in his thoughts; he needed to see it so he suddenly opened the door if his sister... if his sister...

"Why didn’t you answer? I was worried, dumb, “Brock claimed.

Alena blinked several times before answering, she was still confused, they were never supposed to go back to Compound again, but now there they were.

"Is that stop yet? I-Is Steve still…?”

"You're more worried about Rogers than your brother," Brock complained.

“No... I mean, well, I just... why are we here? Why did we lose? Why didn't they listen to me when I told them that the Accords would only bring us trouble and when we were really in trouble and the government would let us know would be too late?”

"Because we’re stupid and because they are too. We're going to the boardroom; we have an emergency meeting.”

No one knew exactly where Stark was, the only information and clue they had was the one Pepper had told them, Nat and Rhodes had found a strange communicator near Fury's vehicle, perhaps with that, they could locate Stark, although they had to first decipher what that message that appeared on the screen meant.

Alena would see out the window, she could do several things thanks to her powers, but she could not bring back her friends, somehow, she also felt guilty, could she have stopped the Snap? She was not sure if she could have done something like that. Steve approached her, put a hand on her shoulder to avoid frighten her, Alena turned and smiled at him, though it was a sad smile.

"Are you okay, Stevie?” She questioned as she turned her whole body and put her hand on her boyfriend's face.

“I... I just want this nightmare to end...”

"I know, we're going to do whatever it takes for everyone to come back,” she didn't know what to said, she read Steve's thoughts, they were very similar to hers.

"Doll, are you, all right? I've noticed you've been so distant since we got back from Wakanda.”

"I just want my friends back.”

"They ordered pizzas, if you want to eat, we'll be in the living room, we'll also keep talking about what we can do, “Steve told her.

"I’ll go in a moment; I just want to see the landscape a little longer.”

"Don't be too late or the others would eat the pizza,” Steve said, kissing her on the forehead.

"I'm starting to believe there's no way we cand solve this," Alena thought.

Steve left, she stayed, kept watching the landscape, within a few minutes Brock showed up, he sighed when he sees her sister, maybe Steve hadn't noticed the picture Alena had in her hand, but Brock knew her sister perfectly.

"You miss them” he sentenced as he sat next to her on the bench.

“Molly, Nico, Tandy... All of them... They just disappeared. I have to get them back one way or another, it’s the least I can do after they helped us when we were fugitives.”

"Maybe one day we'll figure out.”

Four months had passed, Thanos had destroyed the Stones, there was no way to return things like before the Snap. Alena walked slowly inside the Hostel, all her friends' stuff was there, everything remained intact just as they had left it, she fell on her knees near the stairs and began to cry, she was avoided being at the Compound, everyone's thoughts there overwhelmed her, looked up at the ceiling, wiped away tears, if she couldn’t do anything to fix it, she could do something to erase the sadness of the superheroes who were at Compound, she would create a world for everyone where they could be happy, it was the least they deserved.

[queenofspades20]

Goddesses and their Gods (3/3)

Here is the final chapter of my submission for @bonkywobble’s Halfway to 1k challenge. Had fun writing this. Might do some one-shots in the future.

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader; Hephaestus!Bucky x Aphrodite!Reader

Synopsis: the wedding. Just some fluff. 

Word count: 2k

Warnings: Fluff, some very slight angst (wedding nerves)

Y/n and Natasha sat on their spot on the beach, drinking some fun drinks and discussed their ideas for the wedding.

“I know pretty much all the gods and goddesses need to be there, but I don’t want to go crazy. Bucky isn’t the biggest fan of crowds and it’s our day, so I want him to be happy with everything, too.”

“Y/n, you know that god will be happy if you are. You could demand that everyone has to wear pink and he’d go along with it,” Natasha pointed out. She knew Y/n wasn’t the type to go overboard, despite what others might think.

“Yeah, I’m not really feeling that. I may be the Goddess of Love, but even I don’t need everything and everyone in one color. What about these two colors for the wedding?” She pushed a couple of swatches towards Natasha. [Pick your two favorite colors]

Natasha really liked the colors together. She could see Bucky being happy with them as well.

“I think they look great. Do you want to use them as accents?”

“Well, I want to use this color for the bridesmaids dresses for you, Wanda, and Pepper. As well as for color accents for the guys,” Y/n said, pointing to one of the colors. “And I want the other color to be used for the flowers.”

Natasha was impressed. “I think that would look really nice. What about your dress?”

“I’m going with non-white. I’m leaning towards a soft champagne or silver color for my dress and my flowers will be a mix of the two colors. I have to run this by Bucky too, to see what he thinks.” Y/n looked thoughtful. “I hope he likes them.”

“I’m certain he will. And I love that you are trying to get him involved. Do you really think he’ll help?”

“Well, we already decided on our cake and the menu for the reception. He’s been pretty involved actually. I love it. Him wanting to be involved makes me feel as if he really is excited for this.”

“Why wouldn’t he be?”

“I know wedding stuff isn’t for everyone. Bucky has made some great suggestions too. This wedding is about both of us, the day we start the rest of our lives together.”

“You really are a romantic.”

“Well, it comes with the job,” Y/n laughed out. “I guess I was made for it.”

“You were. You and Bucky really make the rest of feel love. It’s like you project it out. It’s the best feeling.”

Y/n smiled. “I really lucked out with him.”

 Bucky was working in his forge, finishing up some bolts for Tony. He wanted to get a head’s start on some of the projects he agreed to take on before the wedding, so that he and Y/n could have a nice extended honeymoon. He heard a crash from behind him. Bucky quickly turned around to see Steve trying to put the items back on the table he had knocked over.

“Sorry, Buck.”

“Don’t worry about it, Steve. Those are just some toys I’ve been working on. Thankfully nothing dangerous. What brings you by?” Bucky set the bolt in the holder he had created for them and made his way over to where Steve was standing.

“Wedding details. Y/n gave me a list to give to you. You get to make the decisions for these things.” Steve handed over a piece of paper. There were a few things on the list.

“That’s not too much. I think this wedding is pretty much planned out,” Bucky said, looking at the list.

“Big day is in a week, right?”

“Yeah. Y/n mentioned there were a few last minute things that would come up, but we have all the big details down. I can’t wait to see her at the altar.”

“You planned this pretty quickly.”

“Well, we didn’t want to waste time. I knew she was the one for me on our first date. She’s amazing.” Bucky got a happy dazed look in his eyes.

“And you didn’t want Tony to change his mind.” Steve smirked.

“Uh, duh. He can be pretty impulsive.” Bucky laughed. “Honestly, I don’t think he would change his mind on this. He’s getting his bolts back and Y/n is happy, which is what he wants. He wouldn’t do anything to make her sad, not intentionally.”

“True.”

“Any other reason you stopped by?” Bucky knew his friend well enough to know when he needed something more.

“Are we doing a bachelor party? Did you want one?”

“I don’t really care about it. I know Y/n is doing a night in with Pepper, Wanda, Loki, and Natasha. They’re just going to pamper themselves and relax. I’d be okay with doing something low-key like that. Just a night in with some friends.”

Steve nodded. “You, me, Sam, and Thor?”

“Works for me.”

“I’ll let them all know.” Steve moved towards the door to leave. “Any requests for drinks?”

“Just the usual. Let me know where to show up.”

“Will do, Pal.”

Steve left Bucky to finish up his work.

 The week went quickly and the last minute preparations were done for the wedding. Y/n and Bucky had their nights with their friends after the rehearsal dinner. Before they knew it, the day of the wedding had arrived. The morning of, Y/n, Loki, and the girls were all in Y/n’s home getting ready. The ceremony was going to take place on Olympus with all the gods and goddesses in attendance. Bucky and his groomsmen were getting ready at Natasha’s home, which was next to Y/n’s. The wedding was set to be in the early afternoon, with the reception planned to go through the night. Since gods and goddesses didn’t really need much sleep (if at all), they figured they would just party and celebrate with their friends until people decided to do something else. Y/n was feeling nervous all morning.

“What if he changes his mind? I can be a lot,” Y/n said, her leg bouncing with nerves.

“He would never. He loves you too much,” Pepper said, rubbing Y/n’s shoulder.

“He’s completely whipped for you,” Loki interjected. “In a good way, of course.”

Y/n couldn’t stop bouncing her leg. “I need to see him. Nat, I need Bucky.”

Natasha hesitated. “What about the tradition of not seeing the bride before the wedding? Isn’t that bad luck?”

“I never agreed with that tradition. I’ve seen plenty of people see each other before the wedding and had perfectly happy marriages. I don’t even know where that stupid tradition started.”

Pepper spoke up, “It emerged from a time when arranged marriages were commonplace, and was practiced to ensure the groom would go through with the marriage regardless of the bride-to-be's identity or appearance. I don’t think it would apply in this case.”

Y/n threw her hands up. “See? Pepper knows about these things. She’s the goddess of marriage. The tradition wouldn’t even apply to us because Bucky has seen me plenty of times. Nat, I need to see him.”

“Okay. I’ll run and get him.”

Natasha rushed out the door and ran next door. She knocked a few times before the door opened, revealing Steve. He looked at her quizzically.

“Aren’t you supposed to be helping the bride get ready?” He leaned against the doorway, his eyebrow quirked up.

“Bride needs to see the groom. She’s kind of freaking out with nerves.”

“She getting cold feet?”

“I think she’s scared of him getting cold feet and needs assurances he still wants her.”

Bucky stuck his head through the doorway. “Why would she think I don’t want to marry her?”

“I think the irrational part of her is taking over. Thoughts of being the jilted lover. She needs you. Come over, please.”

“What about the trad—“ Steve started to ask, but Natasha interrupted him.

“It’s a stupid tradition that wouldn’t apply to you two anyways, since this isn’t an arranged marriage.”

“What?” Bucky and Steve asked together.

“I’ve already lived through this conversation once today. Just get your butt over there and calm her down.” Natasha was getting exasperated. “Your bride needs you.”

Bucky looked at Steve. “Make sure my suit is ready for when I get back.” He made his way out the door. “Let’s go, Nat.”

As soon as Bucky was through the door, Y/n rushed and jumped into his arms. He could feel her heart beating quickly. He tightened his arms around her and moved his mouth close to her ear.

“I’m here, Love.”

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled.

“For what?” Bucky asked, pulling back.

“Making you come over here.” Y/n still wouldn’t look up.

Bucky put his hand under her chin and lifted her face to look at him. “There is nothing to apologize for. Are you okay?”

“I am now. I guess I just got stuck in my head. You sure you wanna marry me?”

“More than ever.” Bucky smiled at her. “I’m so excited to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“I can’t wait to spend the rest of my days with you.”

Bucky started to let go of Y/n but she pulled him back into her. “Not yet. You calm me.”

Bucky tightened his arms around her. “Okay, Love. I got you.”

They stayed holding each other for a few minutes until Natasha, Pepper, Wanda, and Loki came back into the room.

“Alright love birds,” Pepper said, clapping her hands. “Time to break it up. We need to finish getting Y/n ready for the ceremony and Bucky, you need to get dressed yourself.”

Y/n and Bucky reluctantly separated themselves.

“See you at the alter?” Y/n said with a smile.

“I’ll be waiting for you, Love.”

The rest of the morning was spent getting ready for the ceremony. When everyone was ready, they made their way to the park in the center of Olympus. Y/n could barely contain her excitement.

Bucky and his groomsmen were at the altar. Tony, as king of the gods, was presiding. Y/n had decided to walk down the aisle by herself. It took everything in her to not run down the aisle to Bucky.

Steve kept his hand on Bucky’s shoulder to keep in place. Bucky kept trying to move forward to meet her and Steve had to hold him in place. Bucky was in awe of Y/n. Her dress shimmered in the sunlight. When she reached him, Y/n handed her bouquet to Natasha and placed her hand in Bucky’s.

“You put all the stars to shame with your beauty, Love,” Bucky said softly.

“I think I’ve blinded you,” Y/n replied with a light laugh.

Tony smiled at the couple before beginning. “Welcome goddesses and gods. We’re here to witness the marriage between Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, and Hephaestus, God of Metalworking and Fire.”

The rest of the ceremony went in a blur. Y/n and Bucky decided to say their own vows. There was not a dry eye in the crowd. They exchanged rings, with a special one being designed for Bucky’s metal arm that would stay no matter what.

“Alright, now with the exchanging of vows and rings, that means you two are now joined. By the power vested in me by, who else, me, I now declare you married. You may kiss each other, but knowing you two, keep it short. We don’t need a show.”

The crowd laughed and Bucky pulled Y/n into his arms. He dipped her low and gave her a dramatic kiss. Everyone started cheering as they stood up, kissing once more.

“I love you, Husband.”

“I love you, Wife.”

Bucky and Y/n made their way to the reception, where they danced the night away, surrounded by their friends and family. It was the perfect day for both of them.

Tags:

@i-alyssa

[queenofspades20]

Goddesses and their Gods (2/3)

Here is chapter two of my submission for @bonkywobble’s Halfway to 1K challenge.

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader; Hephaestus!Bucky x Aphrodite!Reader

Synopsis: Now that Brock is out of the way, it’s time for Y/n to convince Tony to let her marry Bucky.

Word Count: about 2.9k

Warnings: maybe language, fluff, slight angst

CHAPTER 2 – the deal

The day after Natasha and Loki locked Brock up in Tartarus, Y/n made the decision to visit Tony and make her case about marrying who she chose. Y/n felt bringing a gift basket filled with Tony’s favorite things would be a good way to soften him up. Even though he loved his wife, he still saw marriages more as business transactions and should be done for advantages.

Y/n decided to visit Bucky before going to Olympus.

“Bucky?” she called out. She saw his figure near one of the forges he liked to use.

“Over here,” Bucky grunted back. His voice almost drowned out by the roar of the fire he was working with. Y/n made her way over to him and waited for him to be done. She had learned early on in their relationship to not get too close while he was working with fire. Thankfully, gods didn’t scar easily.

After a minute, Bucky set the project he was working on down and turned to Y/n. “Hi, Darling. What brings you down here? I thought you were going to try and talk to Tony today.”

Y/n moved forward into Bucky’s arms. She sighed happily and nuzzled his neck. “Is it too much to want a Bucky fix?”

Bucky wrapped his arms around her and kissed the crown of her head. “No. I’m always happy to see you, you know that. I was just wondering why you’re here instead of Olympus like you had planned.”

“You make me feel more confident. Needed a boost before seeing Tony,” Y/n admitted shyly. She didn’t want Bucky to think her weak, but she didn’t want to lie to him. Y/n kept her face down.

Bucky felt his heart burst. He smiled softly and lifted Y/n’s face to look at him. “I don’t know why you would feel more confident around me, but if it helps, I’m always here for you.”

“You don’t think I’m weak? I know being the Goddess of Love means I’m not exactly a beacon of strength. And I’ve been told before that I’m mostly just good for being seen and not much else.”

“Of course you’re not weak! You are worth so much more than whatever asshole has ever put you down. Love is what makes you strong. The world wouldn’t be worth much if love didn’t exist. You definitely made my life so much better since we started being together.” Bucky looked at Y/n like she hung the moon and stars.

Y/n’s eyes teared up and she gave him a watery smile. “Thank you. See? You are very good for my confidence.”

Bucky chuckled as he leaned in. He brushed his lips against hers. “I love you. And I know, if anyone can convinced Tony to let us marry, it will be you.”

 After spending a good while with Bucky, Y/n grabbed the gift basket she made for Tony and made her way to Olympus. As she walked to Tony and Pepper’s residence, she heard whispers from other gods, discussing how Brock hadn’t been seen for a few days. Y/n knew she had to hurry before rumors got back to Tony.

As she walked up to the house, she saw Pepper standing in the front garden, speaking with Thor.

“Thor, I think having Wanda come by to tend to the garden is a lovely idea. Do you think she would do it? I feel hopeless with these flowers and she’s amazing.”

“Of course she would. I would come by more often, but my double duty is taking up more of my time than expected.”

“Oh, Thor. I don’t blame you for not having the time. I’m just happy there’s someone who can help. I love sitting out here in the mornings and enjoying the flowers. I can’t do that if they’re all dead,” Pepper said with a laugh. She was a great many things, but gardener was not one of them.

“Well, Wanda is the Goddess of Spring. She can definitely help. What I did today will take care of the flowers for a few days, so expect Wanda maybe tomorrow or the day after.”

“Perfect. Thank you!”

Thor smiled at the Queen of the Gods. “Always happy to help when I can.” He turned to leave and saw Y/n standing at the front entrance. “Ah, Y/n! Always lovely to see you. I’d love to stay and chat, but there’s an issue in Norway I must tend to. I think someone stole Mjolnir again.”

Y/n smiled. “Lovely to see you, as well, Thor. And no worries. We can catch up later.”

Thor took off in a flash of rainbow light. There was a mark on the street where the bridge had opened up to carry Thor off to Norway.

Y/n made her way through the gate and towards Pepper. “Hi, Pepper. How are you today?”

“Y/n! Always a pleasure. I’m good. My flowers were having a horrible time. I’ll admit I’m not the best gardener, so Thor was kind enough to give me some help.”

“He is wonderful for that. Occasionally I can get him to refresh some bouquets I’ve received if I really want them around longer. I’m hopeless at gardening myself,” Y/n said with a small chuckle.

Pepper saw the basket in Y/n’s hands. “I take it you’re looking for my husband?”

Y/n smiled sheepishly. “Is the basket too much?”

“Not at all. You know he loves gifts. Are you finally going to try and get your relationship with Bucky out in the open?”

“I want to marry him. It started off as just something physical, but it grew to something so much more so quickly. He makes me feel more loved than I ever thought I could be and I’m the Goddess of Love! He’s kind and smart and, when I’m in his arms, I know I’m home.”

Y/n had a dreamy look on her face. Pepper knew that anyone who put that look on Y/n’s face was the one for her. “Tony should be here for lunch in about an hour. You’re welcome to wait and we can start planning the wedding.”

“Pepper, Tony hasn’t said yes yet. Isn’t that jinxing it?”

Pepper waived her hand in dismissal. “Not at all. Between the two of us, we’ll get him to say yes. You deserve to be with the one you love. I know Tony likes to say marriage is about what you can get out of it, but we all know he’s a big softie as well. Besides, as the Goddess of Marriage, I have final say and he wouldn’t dare go against me. It’s all a formality with him.” The two headed into the house to get comfortable in the living room.

“If you’re sure.”

“Of course I am. Now, I’m thinking a summer wedding for you two. Maybe use jewel-toned colors?”

“I do love gemstones, especially the ones I find in Bucky’s mountain,” Y/n said thoughtfully.

Pepper smiled. “I figured. You always have loved shiny things.”

Y/n laughed. “Well, they are pretty.”

The two goddesses were so engrossed in their conversation, they didn’t hear Tony walking up to the house. He heard their talk about the wedding. I wonder if she’s going to come clean about her relationship. It's sad that they think they can trick me, but I do enjoy their games.

He waited a few moments and then opened the doors dramatically. “Hello, lovelies!”

Y/n and Pepper jumped from the unexpected appearance. “Tony, I thought you wouldn’t be here for another hour,” Pepper said, as she rose from her seat. “What brings you early?”

“Just wanted to see my wonderful wife. And I get the surprise of Y/n. What brings you here?”

Y/n jumped up and handed Tony the basket. “I wanted to bring this by and to talk to you about your proclamation.”

“Which proclamation is that?” Tony asked, trying to fluster Y/n.

“You declared that I have to get married.”

“Oh, right. We can’t have the Goddess of Love single any longer. Brock has declared his intentions towards you, you know.” Tony felt a little bad when he saw the panic on Y/n’s face, but knew it wouldn’t last for long. While he was amendable to hers and Bucky’s relationship, he wanted Bucky to start building things for the gods again. He missed using lightning bolts.

“I heard. And I think, he’s just not the right god for me.” Y/n squared her shoulders. Pepper moved to next to Tony.

“And who do you think is the right god?” Tony asked. “Who will be the most advantageous?”

“I think Bucky.” Y/n didn’t see the point of drawing things out. She was serious about Bucky and she knew if she beat around the bush, Tony would be harder to convince.

“He was cast out of Olympus. He’s a fallen god. Why would I welcome him back, let alone let him marry my daughter? Why not a god like Clint, Pietro, or Sam?”

“Because he can be useful to the gods. He is very smart and has created many items that the gods use, including the chains Loki uses to keep prisoners in check in Tartarus,” Y/n reasoned. “I’m sure he can even start creating your thunderbolts again. I know Thor has been lending you some of his power from his Norse side, but that can’t be very fulfilling. And as for the other three, I love them, but more as brothers. Clint loves to try and teach me archery, Pietro has too much energy, and Sam has his sun duties. And I want someone who builds things. I think his powers complement mine.”

“And what makes you think Bucky would be amendable to you volunteering him to work for the gods again?”

Pepper decided to step in. “I think maybe the three of us should visit Bucky and ask him. I’m sure this would make everything quicker.” She had a hunch that her husband knew of Y/n and Bucky’s relationship, but she was maybe 12% sure he knew. She didn’t want to risk their relationship for her hunch.

“Splendid. Let’s go right now.”

“Now?” Y/n panicked. She wasn’t sure if Bucky was ready to see Tony.

“Now.” Tony grabbed Pepper and Y/n’s hands and flashed them to Bucky’s home.

“Bucky?” Y/n called out. “Are you here?”

There was a moment of silence before Bucky popped his head from around a corner. “Um, hi,” he said hesitantly when he saw the trio standing there. Y/n and Pepper looked nervous. Tony had his usual cocky smirk on his face.

“Well, well, well, Hephaestus. You look a little nervous to see us.” Tony strode forward.

“What brings you here, Zeus?” Bucky kept his eyes on Tony, not wanting to give anything away.

“You seem a bit nervous.”

“Well, last time I saw you, you tried to ripped off my arm and threw me from Olympus. Can you blame me?”

Tony waived his hand in dismissal. “Ancient news. I got over you being involved in my mother’s death.”

“Yet, I still was cast out from Olympus.”

Y/n and Pepper watched the two men. Pepper rolled her eyes and decided to put an end to whatever game Tony decided to play.

“Tony, stop.” She looked to Bucky. “Hephaestus, we came here because Y/n has suggested you as a potential husband and Tony here wants to hash out a deal, if one can be made.”

“You can call me Bucky. And what sort of deal?”

Tony looked happy to make some demands. “I want you back to building for the gods, specifically my thunderbolts. You do this and I agree to the marriage.”

“That’s all you want?” Bucky was suspicious. Tony was rarely so generous.

“I need my thunderbolts. I’ve tried but can’t get mine to work like yours. I’ve been using some of Thor’s, but it’s not the same.”

Y/n moved forward. “And if he agrees, we can get married and Bucky is no longer banned from Olympus?” She wanted to be able to show him off on Olympus. While she enjoyed spending time with him in his workshop, she wanted to be able to have free reign to go wherever they wanted.

Tony looked over at Y/n. “Well, that is presumed when you get married.”

“Not necessarily,” Pepper chimed in. “You do like to make things more difficult sometimes.”

Bucky looked over at Y/n. “I’ll build things, but within reason. I’m not going to lose all my time to build. I do want to spend time with Y/n.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “Fine. As long as I’m stocked with thunderbolts, I don’t care what your hours are.”

Bucky reached forward with his left hand. “Deal.”

Tony glanced at the metal appendage, gleaming in black and gold. He reached out with his own hand. “Deal. Bygones be bygones and all that. Once married, you’re no longer cast out of Olympus and our deal is in place.”

“Swear it on the Styx.” Bucky wanted to make sure Tony wasn’t going to go back on the deal.

“I swear this deal on the Styx. You and Y/n get married. You come back to Olympus.”

The two gods shook their hands and the deal was done. Y/n moved cautiously towards Bucky. She glanced at Tony, who had an amused look on his face.

“You two can stop pretending you’re not madly in love. Did you really think I didn’t know about you two?” Tony smirked.

Y/n looked shocked. “You knew!?”

“Of course.”

“Then why did you put us through all this?”

“Wanted Bucky to make me thunderbolts again. Figured I could get something out of this. And it was amusing to see the lengths you went to to hide everything.”

Bucky started laughing. He pulled Y/n close to him and hugged her tight. “Of course you knew.”

Pepper moved close to her husband. “You couldn’t let me in on your knowledge?”

Tony looked at Pepper. “Don’t act like you didn’t know either. I know you’ve been helping them.”

Pepper rolled her eyes. “Well, since everything is out in the open, I say we get out of here and let the newly engaged couple start planning their wedding.”

“Works for me. But, before we go, there is one thing I don’t know. What happened to Brock? He’s been missing for a few days and something tells me you all know something about it.”

Y/n and Bucky looked a little guilty. Y/n spoke up. “Well, when he declared his intentions, we wanted him out of the way so I could convince you to let me marry Bucky instead.”

“So, where is he?”

“Um, Tartarus? Loki is holding him.”

Tony looked thoughtful. “He can’t stay there, but I don’t really want him back. Think I’ll turn him mortal, teach him some humility. I’ll send a message to Loki to talk it out with him.”

Pepper just looked at him. “We’ll sort it out. Let’s go.”

After they left, Bucky and Y/n looked at each.

“I can’t believe we’re engaged!” Y/n exclaimed. She threw her arms around Bucky’s neck and held him close.

“I can’t believe Tony knew. Natasha, Goddess of Strategy, was helping us hide.”

“Well, he is the king of the gods. We probably should have known he’d know,” Y/n said with a shrug. “Either way, who cares? We’re engaged and you are welcome at Olympus. I can’t wait to walk around with you in the open.”

Bucky smiled down at Y/n. “Now we just need to plan our wedding.”

Y/n looked even more excited. “I have so many ideas. We’ll have to plan it quickly. I don’t want to wait.”

“Neither do I, Love. I’d be happy if we eloped.”

“Well, we can’t do that. I know there will be a lot of people who want to be there. Specifically our friends who helped us. It doesn’t have to be big. As much fun as a wedding is, I just want to be married to you.”

Bucky looked at her with wonder. “What did I do to deserve you?”

Y/n smiled up at him. “I think I’m the lucky one. So, now to plan our wedding.”

[saundraswriting]

Cosmogyral

I decided to participate in a writing challenge for a great author, Georgie at @bonkywobble. This is the first of two prompts for this challenge. I hope you enjoy it! 

SUMMARY: Cosmogyral: (Adj.) Whirling around the universe. Bucky stops whirling about the universe once the reader enters his life. 

This is being posted on my writing blog instead of my main blog @saundrasays. Please check out my other works if you wish. 

Masterlist // Ao3

Recovery was hard. Shuri and everyone in Wakanda did what they could for him. They were able to somehow fix his brainwaves into being triggerless, but he still had so much trauma to work through that some days he could barely move. There were days that the weight of the world bent his back, his hands were stained red. His time in Wakanda helped him learn how to be human again, caring for the goats and interacting with people, he even relearned his strength. He was able to train and spar and not kill and that did great things for his mental health. He was stable, but not happy. He wasn’t sure what would make him happy anymore.

“Hey, Buck.” A deep voice came through the sparring room. Bucky looked over from where he was working at a punching bag. His eye brightened significantly seeing you and Steve come through the door.

“Y/N! Hey. Good to see you too, Steve.” Bucky smiled, walking over to them. Steve shot Bucky a knowing grin at the enthusiasm but said nothing.

“We came to move you out of basic training, dingbat.” You were rocking back and forth from toe to heel, excitement palatable. “You based all your checks and Shuri and the others gave the recommendation for a return to New York.” You were grinning from ear to ear. You and Bucky had grown close over the events with Zemo and the almost Civil War.

You were one of the few that successfully drove attention from the in-fighting to the bigger problems, also pointed out that the Accords as they were written were terrible. Your involvement led to a peaceful reconciliation and explanation instead of a practical disbandment of the Avengers, much to yours and everyone’s pleasure. You worked closely with everyone to get their opinions and strived to find solutions, one of those was a location change. You suggested a move to somewhere out of sight, fit for training and bonding. No one was against you and as such you were along for the ride to collect one of the remaining members.

“Wait, what? I can go home?” Bucky froze, mouth slightly open and eyes wide. Then slowly, like a sunrise a grin crossed his face. His eyes scrunched up and he had dimples on his cheeks. The shoulders that seemed to be weighed down by something relaxed and eased, making him seem younger.

“Yep! We are gonna help ya pack and then get you home. Well sort of. We don’t live in the city proper anymore. But I think you will like this better, anyways.” You put your hand to the side of your mouth to whisper. “It was my idea.” You winked and turned quickly on your heel. “Hurry the hell up, oldies. We got shit to do and places to be.” You trotted out of the room hollering for Shuri, even though you knew exactly where she was.

“You heard her. Let’s get a move on. She waits for no man, let alone to 100 year old super soldiers.” Steve clapped Bucky on the back. Bucky huffed and nodded. The two of them cleaned up Bucky’s small mess and then slowly made their way to his small house to pack his meager belongings. They knew you would find them eventually. You had friends in Wakanda too.

A few hours later, Bucky’s last two years of his life were packed in discreet plain cardboard boxes the fit easily into the back of the Quinjet. Bucky had already said his goodbyes and was anxiously waiting in a sit behind Steve. You were at least on the ramp, loitering in your goodbyes, you were laughing and waving as the door closed. You settled down for take off and noticed Bucky’s look.

“You do know that not having a lot of thigs isn’t a bad thing, right? That just means you weren’t meant to settle down there. The next place I hope for you is a forever place and if not, I’ll help you find it. We have all the time you need. You aren’t alone anymore.” You said. You were trying to comfort Bucky, but knew you fell short.

“I guess that is true. I was too busy learning to heal and get healthy to be worried about stuff. I can get things now. I can have stuff.” Bucky said. He grabbed your hand and squeezed.

“Yep. You get to be a person now, isn’t that great. Decisions are all around you.” You said. You squeezed his hand back. “I know I just said that but to make the move easier and a bigger surprise, I did choose some of the things for your room, which if you don’t like we can change.” You let go of Bucky’s hand before settling down in your chair.

“This is your captain speaking. We have reached cruising altitude. I would like to thank you for flying Stark Air and Have a wonderful day.” Steve said from the cockpit.

You sighed and rubbed the bridge of your nose. “Great. Thanks, Steve. I have so much shit to do. I have three godamn reports to file and a STRIKE team to brief for Fury. I’ll be in the tech room if you need me.” With that you headed off to a small room to the side, where you began briefing the team you’d mentioned and reviewing the reports you needed to file.

“Bucky, you can sit up here. I don’t bite.” Steve said. He and you had worn civilian clothes, Steve was relaxed in his seat, letting the auto pilot have control. “I hope you liked your surprise. I hope you like your surprise. She worked very hard on it. She’s sweet on you.”

“Nah. She’s sweet on everyone. I am sure I will like it. She gets me pretty well. When I first woke up here, after Shuri cleared me of triggers, she was one of the first people I met. She happened to be walking through the lab and somehow knew that I was uncomfortable with the prodding even though I didn’t know. Then in a snap, she was everywhere. Not maliciously, just comfortingly on the edge of my radar, especially at the beginning. It’s no wonder, why I love her the way I do. She means a lot to me. Right now, I am okay with it being sweetness and softness and warmth. If one day it becomes thick and heavy and hot then I am okay with that too.” Bucky said. He couldn’t look Steve in the eye, only able to focus on his fingers, rubbing his human fingers against his cybernetic ones.

“Well then. I think I am embarrassed, and I was the one who mentioned it.” Steve could feel the heat on his cheeks. He laughed softly. “I am happy for you Bucky. I really am.”

The two of them chatted for most of the ride, finally you joined in after getting your work done. All too soon though, the jet alerted everyone to the start of the descent, forcing you all to return to your seats. Upon arrival, the boxes were left to be delivered later by a shield team. You and Steve had explained the upstate compound to him while packing in Wakanda, the solution to many problems, a training ground for new Avenger candidates and such. Your trio headed straight to Bucky’s room, the anticipation making you tremble.

“This is my room, but you look more excited.” Bucky pointed out. The two of you had been walking next to each other from the hangar but every few feet somehow, you’d shifted to the right or left, orbiting each other. Steve could barely stomach the nauseating aura the two of you put off. You couldn’t stop smiling and your kept clapping every few steps laughing in excitement.

“My love language is acts of service for a reason, buckaroo. I like doing things for the resident dumbass.” You grinned, reaching for Bucky’s hand, that was already reaching for yours. Steve silently gagged from behind the two of you.

The three of you reached the room, but Steve kept going. This wasn’t something he wanted to intrude upon. He had seen and heard enough with all your questions you had for him. You and Bucky stopped in front of his door. There was a biometric scanner next to the door but also a regular lock. You pulled a single key on a goat keychain and handed it over, your fingers trembling. Bucky grabbed on, his fingers brushing yours. You didn’t let go just yet.

“Welcome home, Sargent James Buchanan Barnes.” You took a deep breath and let go of the keys.

“Thank you. I promise, there is no need to be nervous. You did this for me, out of the goodness of your heart, I will love it.” ‘I already love you.’ He thought, he swallowed the words down though. He unlocked the door, ignoring his own nerves and pushed the door open.

His room had several big windows with a window seat, overlooking the acres and acres of land. There were shelves along one wall, several filled with books already, and movies. There were several plants hanging near the window seat. The walls were a muted blue/gray color and the sheets were chocolate color with what looked like a dozen pillows. The ceiling however was covered in a projection it looked like. It was too real to be painted but too artificial to be real. It was soothing and inviting and had just the right things to make him feel welcomed into his new home.

“The ceiling is something Shuri helped with. It is a projection from tech in the top of your walls. You can change it to project and sky from anywhere. Just ask SKYNET.” Bucky looked at you in awe. You had worked so hard to make him a place to call his own. “There are some books, movies, video games. The computer and tablet and phone are loaded to go with logins and apps and payment methods, I wrote down all that in a notebook in the desk too. I have a re-education guide for pop culture there too, same one I used for Steve except yours is more cause documentaries and I know you’d enjoy it more. I stocked the kitchenette with stuff already, nothing super perishable but snack foods and such.” You were rambling to cover your nerves; you both knew it. The more you spoke the more embarrassed you got. The more you talked the more Bucky felt his whole world shift, his entire existence tightened, to you and only you.

Recovery was hard, especially had been hard on him. He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to be doing or where he was going. He was just floating, purposeless until you.

“Do you like it?” Bucky realized he had been staring not at the room but at you while you were talking. He could see the love and care you put into the room, not just the room but into your wordless confession.  

“Yeah, I love you.” Bucky grabbed your hand, pulling you into a tight hug.

[nekoannie-chan]

Creando la felicidad prefacio

Pareja: Steve Rogers X OFC (Alena Rumlow)

Palabras: 767 palabras.

Sinopsis: A Alena no le gustaba ver a las personas que quería tristes por el Chasquido, así que encontró una solución, crearía mundos donde ellos fueran felices.

Advertencias: Triste.

N/A: Esta es mi entrada para Bonkywobble’s Halfway to 1K Challenge con la palabra #10:

“Alucinaciones de felicidad”

La idea está basada en el cómic House of M (no tiene ninguna relación con la serie Wandavision)

No doy ningún permiso para que mis fics sean publicados en otra plataforma o idioma (yo traduzco mi propio trabajo) o el uso de mis gráficos (mis separadores de texto también están incluidos), los cuales hice exclusivamente para mis fics, por favor respeta mi trabajo y no lo robes. Aquí en la plataforma hay personas que hacen separadores de texto para que cualquiera los pueda usar, los míos no son públicos, por favor busca los de dichas personas. La única excepción serían los regalos que he hecho ya que ahora pertenecen a alguien más. Si encuentras alguno de mis trabajos en una plataforma diferente y no es alguna de mis cuentas, por favor avísame. Los reblogs y comentarios están bien. DISCLAIMER:Los personajes de Marvel no me pertenecen (desafortunadamente), exceptuando por los personajes originales y la historia.

Otros lugares donde publico: Wattpad, Ao3, ffnet.

Si te gusto por favor vota, comenta y rebloguea.

Tags: @sinceimetyou​ @black23​ 

Alena puso la mano encima de la mesa como si tuviera miedo a que se fuera a esfumar como lo habían hecho algunas personas, de hecho, todo era un caos, amigos, personas queridas y desconocidas estaban desapareciendo con una gran rapidez que no sabían exactamente si tendría un patrón o hasta cuando se detendría, pero lo que más les preocupaba era poder revertirlo de alguna manera.

En la cabeza de Alena las crueles palabras que Tony les había dicho la última vez que se vieron se repetían una y otra vez.

Se sobresaltó al escuchar que tocaban la puerta de la que unos años antes había sido su recámara, sin embargo, no contestó, estaba segura que recibiría más noticias de que alguien más había desaparecido…temía que esa víctima fuera su hermano o su novio. Ni siquiera se atrevía a moverse o hacer a algún ruido; mientras tanto afuera de la habitación Brock comenzaba a desesperarse, aunque por un momento apareció esa terrible idea en sus pensamientos; necesitaba comprobarlo así que de golpe abrió la puerta, si su hermana…si su hermana…    

—¿Por qué no respondías? Me preocupé, tonta —reclamó Brock.

Alena parpadeó varias veces antes de contestar, seguía confundida, se suponía que nunca más volverían a la Base, pero ahora ahí estaban.

—¿Ya se detuvo lo que sea que está pasando? ¿S-Steve aún está…?

—Te preocupa más Rogers que tu hermano —se quejó Brock.

—No… o sea, bueno, yo sólo… ¿Por qué estamos aquí? ¿Por qué perdimos? ¿Por qué no me escucharon cuando les dije que los Acuerdos únicamente nos traerían problemas y cuando realmente estuviéramos en problemas y el gobierno nos avisara sería muy tarde?

—Porque somos estúpidos y porque ellos también lo son. Vamos a la sala de juntas, hay reunión de emergencia.

Nadie sabía exactamente donde estaba Stark, la única información y pista que tenía era la que Pepper les había dicho, Nat y Rhodes habían encontrado un extraño comunicador cerca del vehículo que se suponía era de Fury, quizás con eso podrían localizar a Stark, aunque primero debían descifrar lo que significaba ese mensaje que aparecía en la pantalla.

Alena vería por la ventana, podía hacer varias cosas gracias a sus poderes, pero no podía traer de vuelta a sus amigos, de alguna manera también se sentía culpable, ¿podía haber evitado el Chasquido?, no estaba segura su ella hubiera podido hacer algo así. Steve se acercó a ella, le puso una mano en el hombro para evitar que ella se asustara, Alena volteó y le sonrió, aunque era una sonrisa triste.

—¿Está bien, Stevie? —cuestionó mientras se volteaba y ponía su mano en el rostro de su novio.

—Yo…sólo quiero que esta pesadilla termine…

—Lo sé, vamos a hacer todo lo necesario para que todos regresen —no sabía que más decir, percibía los pensamientos de Steve, eran muy parecidos a los de ella.

—Muñeca, ¿tú estás bien?, he notado que estás muy distante desde que regresamos de Wakanda.

—Sólo quiero que mis amigos regresen.

—Ordenaron pizzas, si quieres comer vamos a estar en la sala también seguiremos discutiendo sobre lo que podemos hacer —le informó Steve.

—En un momento voy, sólo quiero ver le paisaje un rato más.

—No te tardes para que alcances pizza —dijo Steve dándole un beso en la frente.

“Aunque comienzo a creer que no hay manera alguna de que solucionemos esto”, pensó Alena.

Steve se fue, ella se quedó, siguió observando el paisaje, a los pocos minutos Brock apareció, suspiró al ver a su hermana, quizás Steve no había notado la foto que Alena tenía en la mano, pero Brock conocía perfectamente a su hermana.

—Los extrañas —sentenció mientras se sentaba a su lado en la banca.

—Molly, Nico, Tandy…todos ellos…desaparecieron. Tengo que hacer que regresen de alguna manera u otra, es lo menos que puedo hacer después de que nos ayudaron cuando éramos fugitivos.

—Quizás, algún día encontremos la solución.

Cuatro meses habían pasado, Thanos redujo las gemas a átomos, no había ninguna forma de regresar las cosas a cómo eran antes. Alena caminaba lentamente adentro del Hostal, todos los recuerdos de sus amigos estaban ahí, todo seguía intacto tal y como ellos lo habían dejado, se dejó caer cercar de las escaleras y comenzó a llorar, evitaba estar en la base, los pensamientos de todos ahí la abrumaban, alzó la vista al techo, se limpió las lágrimas, si no podía hacer algo para solucionarlo, si podía hacer algo para arreglar la tristeza de los superhéroes que estaban en la Base, a cada uno les crearía un mundo donde podrían ser felices, era lo mínimo que se merecían.

[sweeterthanthis]

I’m all misty-eyed over here so you’ll have to excuse me 😭

First of all, this beautiful journey that you just took me on was so well described and mapped out. The way you spoke of Bucky’s insecurities and inner-turmoil, well it was just stunning.

And weaving that all together with perfectly timed tid bits of humour was wonderful.

I love how patient and understanding she was of him, I love how she brought him out of his shell, but what I love most of all is her encouragement and validation of his thoughts and feelings. And her gentle teasing was simply adorable.

The lovemaking scene (I’m not calling it smut, because it deserves better than that) was perfect. Simple, pure and full of emotion. Just real. I adored it.

God, the whole thing was simply stunning Rose.

I hope they find each other again, truly. But maybe they’re not meant to. Maybe this fleeting moment in time was meant to be just that — a moment.

She showed him that he deserves to smile, to have fun, to be touched lovingly on his terms.

All I want is for our boy to be safe, loved, and happy.

Thank you for writing this beautiful piece 🖤

Metanoia

Summary: In the last stages of his recovery, Bucky goes on a spiritual retreat where he meets you, and finds more of himself along the way. Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader Word count: ~11k Warnings: Angst. Fluff. Smut (not super explicit). Swearing. Negative self-talk/thoughts. A touch-starved Bucky. Allusions to an abusive relationship and vague mentions to past violence. Brief mention of infertility. (18+ only please). A/N: Oh boy, oh man, okay. So this is my entry for @bonkywobble​’s follower challenge. Congrats on the milestone, love!! My prompt was Metanoia (n.) the journey of changing one’s mind, heart, self, or way of life. This got kind of long, but there was a lot I wanted/needed to include and there’s probably so much more I could include. The timeline fits after CA:CW/before IW. Tbh, I’m a bit nervous to share this, and I just hope it reads how I intended it to. I’ve never gone on anything described in the story so most references are what I read on google or just made up to fit the plot. Also, a special thank you to @please-buckme​ who is always willing to answer my questions 😬 and dividers by the talented @firefly-graphics​! Anyways, I hope people like this. Enjoy! 😊💜 gif not mine.

Day 1 (Arrival):

The first thing Bucky notices when he steps off the plane is its hot. Not the type of hot that has your skin sticking in uncomfortable places, or the kind that brings so much humidity it’s stuffy and difficult to breath. It’s just…hot. He doesn’t mind much, though. The warmth is welcomed after so many years on ice. Besides, he’s spent the last several weeks adjusting to tropical climate in Wakanda, so he’s used to it for the most part.

The second thing Bucky notices is his right arm is beginning to cramp from carrying his luggage on one side. The heaviness of his duffel bag on his shoulder and the suitcase in his hand creates an ache that has him stopping to readjust the baggage to even out the weight distribution. He’s been out of cryo for a little bit, but he’s still learning how to get on with only one arm.

Keep reading

[bonkywobble]

Me trying to figure out where to start with this:

Review will be under the cut!

The familiar weight distracts me, drawing my attention to the alpha behind me. Even in such a crowded bar, the notes of graphite and whiskey in his musky scent tickle my nose

The way you introduce Steve. Right off the bat I’m drawn to him.

The quiet hush surrounds us, ambient noises of the night familiar—crickets, the hoot of an owl, the occasional crunch of gravel under tires, a muffled sound of music drifting on the breeze.

I love this setting. Simple but wonderfully effective. Seems like a perfect night for SHARING SOME FEELINGS.

It’s no great secret that our mayor is quite proud to have such a prolific artist living in town. But if Steve knew to what extent Mayor Coulson idolized him, he’d be quite dumbfounded.

Gold star for including Phil Coulson. Amazing.

It’s a wonder I survive the time between his shows—though he always brings me into his studio for my own personal preview, watching my reaction to seeing the beauty he creates for the first time. A quiet, private moment between the two of us, just for us.

So this is freakin’ cute. My heart melted into a puddle.

“I’d rather she be happy,” he replies quietly.

Oh dude, this one got me. Poor Steve.

“Hey.” He calls my name softly, fingers pulsing loosely around my neck. “Don’t apologize. Please. I have never regretted an instant of loving you.”

That’s it, I’m done. My soul has left my body because my heart grew three sizes. I am a weeping mess. This was beautifully touching, Rach.

Overall this was such a magical fic and I am beyond grateful for your participation. You pushed on and created something so soft and perfect. Thank you for joining the challenge!!

I Need You More Than Anyone

Pairing: Alpha Steve Rogers x Omega Reader [First Person Narrator]

Word Count: 5.9K

Summary: It’s just supposed to be a regular Saturday night at the bar. When Steve comes to pick you up, like he normally does, things don’t exactly end up the way you expect.

Warnings: my own interpretation of A/B/O dynamics (no smut), cursing (like lots of bad language words), very mild angst, kissing, romantic fluff. Minors do not interact (18+).

A/N: Congratulations, Georgie (@bonkywobble​), for getting 500 followers! You’re so amazing and such a great friend. This is the first challenge I’ve participated in, and it was so fun. I can’t wait to see what the other participants write. 💜 I’m not gonna lie, this one fought with me, but I like where it ended up.

I love feedback, so go ahead and like & reblog if you want. Do not copy, rewrite, translate or post my work anywhere. No permission given to copy, translate, rewrite or post my work on this or any other website (I cross-post to my AO3 account).

Title from “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations

This is not Beta’d, so all mistakes are my own.

Enjoy!

Tagging some friends who have expressed interest in reading my fics: ​ @slothspaghettiwrites​ @river-soul​ @kleohoneyao3​​ 

Keep reading

[princessmisery666]

Um 😶 Daisy whhhhhhhhhy did I not know you wrote a Sam Wilson fic?!?!

Also...

This just made me a mushy puddle. It’s so cute and perfectly cheesy Sam. 💜😘🥰😍

Smooth

Pairing → Sam Wilson x Reader

Characters → Marvel 

Summary → Y/N has to fight off the smile and laughter at Sam Wilson’s chat up lines throught their relationship but here are a few of their milestones.

Word Count → 3.7k

Prompt → Trope: 5 Things Plus 1 for @bonkywobble​ challenge - congrats on your follower milestone lovely!

SSB2021 Square Fill → Posted at the end of the story as it’s a spoiler // @star-spangled-bingo

Warnings → Fluff, sweet, tooth-rotting fluff. Cheesy chat up lines.

Betas → @daydream3r-xo​ // all mistakes are my own.

A/N → This is my first proper Sam Wilson fic - I have done one in the past but there was more platonic - so I hope you enjoy this story!

Firefly’s Masterlist 

Sam Wilson couldn’t believe his luck, he’d signed up to the right gym, that’s for sure. There was the most beautiful woman standing at the opposite wall with a group of women. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her as she instructed the class. It was like he was hypnotised, but at least he was happy about it. Her figure was strong, and she commanded the attention of the women with ease and a stunning smile that made her eyes sparkle.

Keep reading