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mermaidxatxheart · 2 months ago

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It’s Always You {4}

A/N: I know it’s been a while. I didn’t think I’d be looking at this story again, but the mood has struck. So here we are. If you guys like my work, please consider reblogging. It’s the best way to share my work with others who might also love it. Comments keep me motivated.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x OFC Ava

Warnings: swearing, sass, mentions of pain and Sam. I love that man. Yall get Sam in scrubs in the next chapter 👀

Summary per chapter: Ava is certain about what she saw in her dream vision. Immediately calling Steve, she explains and suddenly her accident may not have been just an accident. Also Steve is an old man and Sam finds it pretty amusing.

Word Count: 1618

Series Master List

Previous chapter

My eyes flutter open and my whole chest hurts, but it’s not a physical pain-it’s something emotional. Something in my gut tells me Steve would want to know about this. I reach for my phone in the bedside table drawer.

“You’re awake.” Jonathan says from next to me.

I let out a small groan. This asshole again. He just can’t understand ‘stay away’. “Is there any water?” My throat is rough.

“I’ll have to go get some.”

“Please?”

He heaves a little sigh and I’m annoyed at him; it burns low in my belly. He gets up and heads to the door, the plastic pitcher in his hand. As soon as the door clicks shut, I scramble for the phone, every move making my body scream. I find Steve’s number and press send, calling him.

“Hello?” He mumbles after three rings, clearly, he had been asleep.

“Steve? Michael was getting married. We went ring shopping.”

There’s silence for a minute and I keep my eyes trained on the door.

“You remembered?”

“I remember us going ring shopping and I asked him if he gave something to his boss? I think. It’s fuzzy now, but he...” I let out a quiet, frustrated groan. “It was right there, on the tip of my tongue. I can’t remember now.”

“That’s okay. This helps.”

“Can we keep this a secret?” I ask and the door clicks open. I immediately hang up and open a game on my phone, turning it sideways while it loads, like I’ve been playing it the entire time. I turn the ringer off so that in case Steve calls back, Jonathan won’t know.

“I’ve got your water.” He says, coming back in.

“Thank you.”

“What are you playing?” He asks as he pours a small cup for me.

“Some sort of digging game?” I shrug. “It’s really addicting.”

“Yeah, that’s what you said when you downloaded it.” He smiles.

For some reason it makes me really uncomfortable when he keeps referring to the past I don’t remember. I turn the game off and set the phone in my lap. There’s a knock on my door and I look up, hoping to see Steve even though it would have been physically impossible since I literally just hung up on him, but instead it’s his friend, Wanda.

“How are you feeling?” She asks, setting flowers on my bedside table.

“Groggy. A lot sore. So, the usual.”

She’s holding a paper bag in her hand. “Have you been up long?” She asks, sitting on the other side of me.

“Not really. Did you bring me a present?”

She laughs. “I did.” She sets the bag on my bed and I pull out a stack of books.

“Italian.” I smile to myself and stack the books in front of me. “Thanks, Wanda.”

“I thought you might get bored when you’re not busy in rehab.”

“You’re learning Italian?” Jonathan asks, peering at the books.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Does he need minute to minute updates, or what? “Just curious.”

“I was hoping I could speak to you alone, Ava. I have some questions that you might be able to help me with.” She smiles apologetically at Jon and I can suddenly see why Steve keeps her around. She’s smart, and with her astounding good looks, she can get just about anyone to do what she wants.

“Oh. I guess. I’ll just be outside, baby.” He says and I bite back a groan. That fucking word again.

By this point, I get the feeling that Steve and Wanda might do some not so legal things, and I’m tempted to ask her to make Jonathan disappear completely. Not necessarily kill him, but I wouldn’t be sad if he got stranded on a deserted island any time soon. But that might be pushing this tenuous friendship I’m starting.

“What’s up?” I ask, looking at her.

She sits next to me and takes my hand, careful of all the IVs. “Steve called me while I was on my way here. He was worried when you just hung up on him.”

“Oh, someone—" I look pointedly to where Jonathan could be seen on the other side of the glass. “—was coming in, and I didn’t want him to overhear anything.”

“You don’t trust him?”

“At this point, Wanda, I’m not even sure I trust myself.”

“Then, and forgive me if this confuses you, but how do you know if you can trust me, and Steve?”

“Gut instinct? I don’t really know. You guys have been genuinely nice to me. When he’s nice, it feels fake--something forced. I don’t like it, I don’t buy it.”

“He asked me to bring the books since I was going to come by. I wanted to be here when you woke up. Steve’s really sorry he couldn’t come by, he didn’t want to... get you into trouble?” She says, but it’s more like a question, like she isn’t sure she has the phrasing right.

“Wanda, I don’t want to be here anymore.” I say quietly.

“We’re working on it. Just hang tight.” She smiles apologetically. “I have to ask. What did you remember?” She whispers.

“It was a dream just before I woke up. But I know it was a memory. We were going ring shopping. He was going to propose to someone. Kept going on about how she was the one.” I sigh, realizing now how weak it sounds. “I’m sorry it’s not more help.”

“Anything you remember is helpful.” She assures me.

“It seems small but I know it was important.” I frown.

The door opens and another nurse comes in. “Time for PT.” She says brightly.

“I think I’d rather be shot.” I mutter. I seize Wanda’s hand. “Don’t let him follow.”

“I won’t.” She promises. “Jonathan, can I ask you some questions?” I hear her start as I’m led away.

Another hour of torture.

On the bright side, my pain tolerance is increasing.

Steve

“Okay, Shuri, the scans should be sending now.” I say, tapping on the computer screen.

“Captain, it’s not a touch screen.” Shuri’s voice comes over the telephone.

“Oh. I thought everything was these days.”

“Not quite everything.” She’s laughing at me, I know it.

I find the right button. “Okay, now they’re sending.”

“I have them.” She’s silent for a moment before a strange noise sounds—warbled, an animal in pain. It takes me a long second to realize that noise was the Wakandan Princess. “What have they done?! They butchered her!”

“Can you fix it?” I ask.

“She should have been brought to me as soon as the accident happened, Captain. Maybe then she could have been good as new. But this? I can’t undo this. It would do more harm than good.”

“I didn’t get to her as soon as it happened. I only found out about it two weeks after. That’s when Tony contacted me.”

“It would be best if you could get her out of there before they decide she’s better off without a limb.”

“I’ll see what I can do. They just replaced her knee yesterday.”

“They did what?” She shouts.

I flinch at the feedback on my end. “And she has therapy.”

“She can complete her physical therapy here in Wakanda under our supervision. We have better facilities.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Shuri hangs up and I turn to my friend, Sam. “That went well,” Sam says, bemused.

I roll my eyes. “I don’t know how I’m going to get her out of there. Or if it’s even a good idea to move her right now.” I scratch at the back of my head.

“I looked into the guy she mentioned this morning. Michael. Turns out she was right; he bought a ring the week before her accident. I think that before she went into the coma she was trying to tell you that he wouldn’t have killed himself. If that’s the case... maybe her accident wasn’t an accident?”

“In that case, they may come back.” I sigh.

“All the more reason to move her. And that princess sounds terrifying.”

“Shuri’s not...” I hesitate. “Yeah, yeah she is.” I admit. “Anyway, looks like we have a house to break into. We need more information.”

“Finally.” Sam says happily.

***

My phone rings and I yank it out of my pocket to see Shuri’s face on the screen. “This is a really bad time, Princess.” I answer quietly. Taking a phone call while in the middle of breaking and entering is a terrible idea.

“Is she still in the hospital, Steve?” She asks, bypassing all the small talk.

“Yes. I haven’t had time to think of a plan yet.”

“Well, you better think of it quickly. They’re poisoning her.”

I freeze and Sam stops a foot behind me. “What?”

“I’ve just finished looking over her medical charts. Someone has added a medicine that shouldn’t be there. Someone at the hospital is involved.”

“Sam, get Wanda on the phone. Make sure Ava doesn’t take anything they give her. We’re getting her out of there tonight.”

“Not sooner?” He questions.

“If we take her now, people will notice. Nighttime, there’s less people, easier to sneak her out.”

Sam nods and steps away to make the quick phone call. I can hear his rushed whispering behind me.

“We’ve got it covered, Shuri. See you soon.” I hang up at the same time Sam does.

“What is she going to do there? She’ll be bored.”

“She has recovery to think about first. And then it’s up to her; if she wants to train, she can train. I know the perfect person to put her with. But it’s still her decision.”

Chapter five

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aldbooks · 2 years ago

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Quick little drabble I hinted at the other day. It's unfinished but I wanted to share anyways. Mostly Gwynriel but with Elucien as well...

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Gwyn's face remained placid, a small smile tilting her mouth, even as her heart constricted in her chest as her gaze caught on the sight across the ballroom. Azriel stood next to a petite female with flowing curls that glinted gold in the faelight, brown eyes as wide as a doe and beauty that she had no doubt could bring kingdoms to their knees. His hazel eyes were dark and intense as he gazed down at her smiling shyly up at him, as pretty as the flowers woven into her hair.

Her hand reached up, idly twisting the delicate glass rose that hung from the chain around her neck. She'd known it was from him, though he'd never acknowledged it and she'd never brought it up. It hadn't been difficult to deduce. She only knew three people with the means to purchase such an expensive gift and two already had mates and would not buy such gifts for another female. As pretty as the necklace was though, she couldn't help feeling like it didn't quite fit her, like the gifter hadn't known her well enough to judge and had simply picked something that was objectively beautiful to be safe. After their brief interaction on the roof the night before the necklace had been delivered, she'd made a point of interacting with him more, to allow him to understand her better.

Watching him now, she felt the necklace was better suited to someone like the female he now offered up a small, rare smile to.

"She's beautiful isn't she?"

Gwyn flinched at the soft voice, not having noticed anyone approaching. It only took her a moment to recognize him, even though she'd never seen him before. Fiery red hair, a few shades lighter than her own, mismatched eyes, an elegant bearing and sharp features that were almost cruel in their beauty and made even more so by the wicked scar across his left eye. Lucien Vanserra, son of the High Lord of Autumn, emissary of the Night Court and mate to Nesta's younger sister, Elain- who he stared at with a sort of sad longing from across the room as she gave her smiles to another male.

Elain, the beauty who so enraptured the Shadowsinger... heaven above.

She glanced nervously between the male at her side and the pair across the room. Mated males were notorious for their aggression towards those they saw as encroaching on their territory. But Lucien showed no sign of attacking Azriel, or causing any sort of scene. Rather, he seemed almost resigned. As though he'd already conceded his claim on his mate even though, to her knowledge, the bond had not been rejected. Curious that he seemed so calm. She could not help but wonder at such restraint, he must be quite powerful.

He blinked then and glanced down at her, as though remembering he was not alone. A charmingly wry smile tilted his lips as he turned to her. "Forgive me such maudlin thoughts, my lady. We have not even been properly introduced."

He did not reach for her hand, which she was thankful for as he bowed respectfully, his posture courtly and perfect, every inch the High Lord's son he was. "Lucien Vanserra, emissary to the human lands, at your service."

She quirked a brow at the title, noting that he chose to mention his connection to the humans rather than the Night Court. Interesting to be sure. With a small smile in return, she dipped a short curtsey. "Gwyneth Berdara, priestess and Valkyrie. It is a pleasure to meet you, my lord."

Interest sparked in his russet colored eye as the mechanical one seemed to observe her more closely. "Valkyrie? How intriguing. The Valkyrie disappeared before I was born but I'd heard they were finally reemerging once more. It's an honor." He bowed his head in a gesture of respect that made her cheeks flush.

She'd heard of this male, even before she came to the Night Court. A few of the older priestesses at the temple had returned from Calanmai celebrations in Spring once, whispering and giggling about the handsome son of Autumn. The charming fox, they'd called him, for the mask he'd been forced to wear during Amarantha's curse. She could see why now as he smiled down at her, offering his hand.

"Would you care to dance, my lady? I should like to say I have danced with one of the legendary Valkyrie, and I doubt the bride is inclined to oblige me at present."

She glanced behind him to where Nesta and Cassian swayed on the dancefloor, entwined in each other's arms, oblivious to anything else around them. She smiled. Some internal safety mechanism warned her to flee. This was a male and males were not to be trusted. The voice was much fainter now than it had been two years ago, though. She'd made progress, more than she'd realized, and tonight, that felt like more than enough cause to celebrate. Even so, she took a moment to study him, to fully gauge his trustworthiness. He projected a mask of charm, but she sensed a familiarity, as though he felt the same loneliness that she had for so long.

He waited patiently for her answer, no judgment in his features. She got the impression that if she declined, he would not be insulted or angry. That he would understand. And before she knew it, her hand was in his.

"I should hate to disappoint, especially when the request is so cleverly aimed to flatter my pride."

He grinned, his smile becoming more genuine as he turned and carefully led her to the dance floor. The music was just transitioning to a new song and she noted with relief that it was a dance that did not require much touching beyond the occasional grasp or touch of hands as he guided her to a spot in line and took his place across from her among the other male dancers.

They bowed as the music began, and smoothly stepped closer and away, reaching out to touch hands as they pivoted on another in time with the music. He was an elegant dancer, well trained as was expected of the son of a High Lord. Gwyn had been trained in the temple on the more common fae dances, ones she might be expected to join at various celebrations. She was not a great dancer, certainly nowhere near as talented as Nesta, but she'd been blessed with the natural grace of both her grandmother's race and her grandfather's and they moved together well, weaving in and out of the other dancers as they exchanged smiles and small talk.

Despite the anxiety she'd felt when she'd first arrived at the mating ceremony, nervous to be away from the library after what had happened the last time she'd left it, she soon found herself laughing delightedly as the music sped up and their movements became faster and more frantic as the tried to keep up. Lucien grinned and laughed along with her and her heart relaxed it's painful grip, warming at the sense of camaraderie that bloomed between them like the beginnings of a new friendship.

Perhaps it would not be so bad to return to this world afterall...

---

Elain's gaze suddenly snapped away from him, honing in on the crowded dance floor with precision, like it had been drawn there. Something shifted in her expression though he couldn't quite read it and he turned to follow her stare, feeling himself go wholly still. He noticed then that his shadows were writhing around him, seething and agitated as they watched two bright spots of color move together on the dancefloor.

Gwyn smiled brightly at whatever Lucien said, their hands raised before their faces and fingers brushing as they turned. Some mad, protective instinct rose up in him as he watched them dip and twirl, grin and laugh, he'd neer seen Gwyn so easy in the company of a male. She'd been wary of him when they'd first met, though not frightened as he'd come to expect of the other priestesses until they became used to him. Cassian had said she'd been uncertain with him at first as well, though Rhys's presence seemed to fluster her more than worry her. He'd seen the look on her face when other males were even mentioned, especially the Illyrians, and the way she'd held herself stiffly when she'd first arrived tonight, as though she was afraid for anyone to touch her. Yet here she was, allowing herself to be charmed by this male, dancing with him, and laughing at his words. A mated male, at that.

He turned to Elain, suddenly realizing he hadn't been much better, openly flirting with a mated female. Rhys would kill him if it led to an incident and for once, Azriel understood why his friend had been so adamant that he leave her be. Because this burning, roiling feeling in his gut as he watched them dance- the radiant flush of her skin and the luminescence of her eyes and- cauldron boil him, why did his chest feel so tight? Why was his skin aching like some savage beast lurked beneath the surface, scratching to be released. His shadows seemed to encourage this, snapping and hissing around him.

Several fae hurriedly backed away from the display, clearing the space surrounding them but Elain remained rooted to the spot beside him, her gaze fixed on the pair. Her face showed no emotion and she said not a word, but he could feel the tension radiating off of her. Jealousy shot through him, but not at her fixed expression as he expected. No, that emotion was aimed squarely at the red headed bastard who danced with his-

He froze, blinking in shock at both the vehemence of his thoughts and the words themselves. His. Gwyn wasn't hisanything- aside from being his trainee. Or maybe his friend? The very idea was absurd. Wasn't it?

Neither of them moved as they watched them spin and twirl and leap, grinning and laughing like they hadn't a care in the world, while they remained still as statues. Faintly, he recognized his siphons were glowing rhythmically and breathed deeply to reign in his emotions. The last thing he needed was to explode in the middle of a crowd of important guests. Around the room, he could see others watching the pair with interest. Nesta looked on the verge of tears- so did Cassian for that matter- as they watched Gwyn. Helion wore a wistful smile and even Eris had an unusually soft expression as he watched his brother.

Lucien's arm lifted high, spinning Gwyn beneath the arc and he could swear he heard her laughter float on the air to his ears like the sweetest music. His shadows purred in return before resuming their angry vigil. Both of them seemed to glow with some internal light. He wanted to throw something.

Beside him, Elain's eyes had gone distant, her features slack as he'd once seen them do when she was having a vision. He hadn't even known she'd still been having them, they hadn't been spoken of since the war. He wondered what she saw.

#gwynriel #elucien #i love the angst

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