#I just hope traffic in that area isn't too stressful

[kitschyliepard]

[yourlocalwheeliebin]

Driving Home to Bucky After A Long Day

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x (Gender Neutral) Reader 

Word Count: 1.3k

TW: None 

AN: Just a short but sweet one shot about our favorite boy. This has sat in my google docs for a ass time so I hope you all enjoy! Okay, mags out!

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It’s been a long day. Too long for it to only be a Wednesday. You're having to work late because one of your colleagues fucked up some paperwork after a mission that you now need to fix. Your boss is nice enough to ask if you need dinner orders but you tell them no and you'll eat when you get home. “Fucking Sara, how do you screw up a goddamn injury form this badly” you groan, filling out anther claim made by our colleague. 

Finally, after around 3 hours past your usual shift, you're able to leave for Buck's. You look out the window and the rain has only gotten heavier on the cold November night. It’s pitch black out apart from city lights and cars that drove past. You shut down your computer, grab your coat and start to head out. In the lift, you message Bucky letting him know you're finally on the way home. It's almost 8pm. 

You run to your car, holding your jacket over your head to not get too wet. You sit there for a few minutes to let out a deep sigh and release some stress that you'd been holding. Starting up your car, you turn on the heating and connect your phone up to the Bluetooth. Songs that remind you of Bucky start to play, a feeling of ease finally washes over you as you pull out of the parking lot. 

Traffic in Brooklyn is brutal, the journey home taking far longer than you'd like it to. The lights of other cars slowly strained your tired eyes. The yells and noise of the city deafened by the music playing through the speaker. Your clothes and hair slowly dry as you drive, wondering how much longer the journey will take.

Pulling up to Bucky's apartment, you turn off the car and lie back on the seat for a second. Almost steadying the tiredness and stress from the day before you venture into the apartment complex. The area isn't the nicest but it's near where he grew up. A rough blue eyed boy from Brooklyn who deserved the world waiting for you to come home to him. Mentally cursing how many stairs you'll have to climb since the lift is out of order. 

Entering the building, the dusty smell of the cold building is a stark contrast to the cold November air outside. The climb up the stairs felt like an eternity, the walls getting progressively dirtier as you climb each flight. Standing outside the door of Buck’s apartment at last, you slowly open the door to the dimly lit home. 

Bucky's apartment wasn't much. He rented it when it was just himself living there, not taking into account meeting you or the fact he deserved more than just four dingy walls. Parts of you linger in each room, a daily reminder that you’re real and not just part of some sick dream. That you're really with him, not planning to leave any time soon. 

From the toothbrush in the bathroom; to the extra blankets and cushions you bought for the living room so the leather of the beat up old sofa wouldn't stick to your skin after hours of watching TV together cuddled up. Fairy lights hung up in the bedroom and living room, a fond memory from when you put them up at Christmas the year before but never took them down since you thought they looked pretty. He couldn't help agreeing, saying they looked beautiful as he stared at you rather than the yellow lights decorating the walls. 

The small kitchen held home to kitchenware that you bought once you found out he only had two pots and a frying pan for pancakes. A cheesy apron hung up on the edge of the door that had "Kiss the Cook'' on the front, a joke gift that a friend of yours bought you for your birthday. 

Though the apartment was small and there was barely enough room to move in it, he wouldn't change it for the world. His room didn't have a door to separate it from the living room and sure, the heating didn't work half the time and don't get him started on the guy on the 2nd floor who flirts with you every time he runs into you....he wouldn't change it one bit of it meant a life without you. 

Walking through the door, the smell of cinnamon, leather and dust washed over you. A warm welcoming smell that always felt like home to you. He always seemed to smell like old leather, pine and something sweet that you couldn't quite put your finger on. You took off your shoes and called out to Bucky as you put down your bag and jacket on the small side table that was next to the front door. 

You looked around for Bucky as you walked in. The kitchen island was tidy for once and the wooden floor had been mopped. 'Must have cleaned while I was out' you thought as you walked towards the sofa in the middle of the living room. An old Friends rerun playing on the TV again. 

Buck walks out from the bathroom in a t-shirt and a pair of tracksuit bottoms, looking freshly showered with his wet hair sticking to his forehead. He comes over with a smile on his face, eyes still the brightest blue you'd ever seen, and envelopes you in a hug. He asks how work was as he leaves a kiss on your forehead. You explain your day before quickly heading off to change out of your work attire.

After changing and finally feeling comfortable again, you walk into the living room. The main lights had been turned off, the fairy lights from Christmas were turning the room a warm and cosy yellow. Some candles were lit on the kitchen island and on the TV stand as some soft music played in the background. You laugh a little as you walk over to him. Sat on the sofa, Bucky smiles at you, knowing how hard today must have been.

"Long day?" He asked. "God, don’t get me started” Buck stood up from the sofa, making is way to the middle of the small living room and placed a hand on your lower back and slowly pulled you in for a kiss. “I would gladly have rather spent the day here”. Buck let out a small breathy laugh, “well you’re here now” he says, almost whispering as if was trying to convince himself you were real. 

“How'd you do this all while I was getting changed? I was only in there for like 5 minutes, Buck". He takes your hands in his as Louis Armstrong starts to play through the speaker. "I may have planned this out a bit before you got home. Plus, food has been ordered. Got your favorite" He said with that same sweet smile he always gives you. Even though your tired, that damn Bucky Barnes Charm is irresistible. 

“Wow look at you go, ordering food from your phone” He scoffs sarcastically. “Hey, I am perfectly capable ordering from the phone, it’s not rocket science” You laugh, resting your forehead against his. “I know, I’m only joking old man”. 

He pulls you close and starts to sway to the music. The windows open slightly let in the light noise of rain and that ambiance of the city outside. It all adds to the small bubble the two of you had made in the apartment. The song changes to Can't Help Falling In Love With You as he places another kiss on your forehead. 

"I love yah, Doll. You know that right?" You turn your head to face him. The swaying stops and his hands rest on your waist. His face, dimly lit by the fairy lights and candles. "I know, I love you too Buck. Always have, always will". The two of you go back to softly swaying to the music, wrapped in each others warmth. Feeling safe in the world for a moment. 

[bikepackinguk]

Day Seventy-nine

It's one hell of a windy day today! Storm Betty is rolling up the Irish Sea and there are weather warnings from Penzance up to Belfast, so today may be a little interesting.

For now, it's out from behind the shelter of a nice line of trees by Mynytho, and an easy start to the day with a roll downhill to join the A road at Llanbedrog.

The greenery lining the road is good shelter from the high winds, but means only fleeting views through to the waterside.

Down the road I have a short stop at Pwllheli for some supplies and to take in the marina, before carrying on eastward to get iff the peninsula. The road along continues to have a decent provision if cycle pathing adjacent to it, meaning some fairly stress-free riding out if the traffic.

Whilst the wind is making quite some noise through the trees, it's still a very warm and humid day, making for sweaty work as the road is slogged along.

Past some more great views across the bay ti the south, the road heads on through Criccieth and into Porthmadog. I'm treated to a beautiful view of a grey and shrouded Snowdonia to the north. There's also a lovely old traditional rail line here which has a payhway leading all the way alongside to cross Afon Glaslyn, which flows all the way down from the side of Yr Wyddfa.

Across the water, it's on through Penrhyndeudraeth to get onto the A496 to head on southwards. The hills of Eryri skirt the sea here which provide some good shelter from the winds for now, as the road leads through some dense forested routes.

Rounding the corner of a hill by Llanfair and suddenly the wind is able to howl round the road, feeling like a slap in the face as I meet it head on. There are aome lovely sights and stopping points along this stretch, but I'm having to just get my head down and slowly work my way along as the gusts get well into gake force levels.

Finally getting down to Barmouth, I have a bit of a break after the windy slog so far to enjoy the nice bay here from Afon Mawddach.

A push up the hill and it's over Barmouth Bridge, which being more exposed treats me to some ridiculous crosswinds. The wind is getting pretty serious!

Following the rail line, the route heads down to a nice little picnic area which provides a little more shelter, before heading on through an RSPB preserve area and then on to the A493.

Past Friog it's into the big climbs for today, as the coastal road rises up and up over the cliffs. It's some sweaty work heading up them, but the gradient isn't too severe, which is useful as the riads are narrow and getting off to push in this traffic would not be enjoyable!

The effort of the climb is nicely rewarded with a superb view back at the beach around Fairbourne, as well as some beautiful views of Llŷn over the water.

Afon Dysynni ahead means the road ahead cuts a little more inland once more, and I spy a good patch of forest whilst heading along which catches my eye.

The storm rains are forecast to start hitting within a few hours and not letting up until tomorrow is well underway, so I'm conscious that I need a good spot to hole up in today, and I shouldn't wait until it's too late to settle on one.

A quick bit of scouting later and I think this should provide a decent bit if cover to let the weather pass! It means an earlier finish to today than I was hoping, and a later start tomorrow, but the weather can't be helped!

TTFN!

[darkacademicfrom2021]

Flufftober - Day 24

24 - Caught in the Rain

Pairing: Loki x gn!librarian!reader

Word count: 1.2K

A/N: I PROMISE this is fluff. Sort of. I promise this is not angst.

Loki has always loved to travel around Midgard, visiting new cities, new cultures —new people even. He's been visiting different places, trying to rid himself of the chains to the Avengers Tower and find answers that the compound's limited library couldn't give to him. But he had hope in midgardians; he had read good literature —the problem was Anthony Stark and his disinterest in refilling his common library. Loki couldn't read from his phone, like everyone did, nor could he pay enough attention to the robotic voice of the AI's narrating to him. He needs a library of sorts.

He has been walking around for a while now. The cobbled streets started getting wet, drop by drop; the sky turned as gray as ash —the sun burnt too much before, and it was nowhere to be found now.

He sees everyone around him hurry their steps, seeking shelter in nearby stores and roofs, like water wasn't a blessing itself. But Loki isn't about panicking over wetting clothes he could easily dry with a little bit of magic.

Although, walking under the rain for a little while more, he stumbles across an old building with a majestic entrance that called his name. He looked at it before going in; a sign on the door indicated a used books store.

He dried himself off before going in, and the twinkling bells of the door greeted him with a deep scent of dust and wood, the characteristic smell of old stories. An elderly woman smiled tenderly at him, and he remained in place until she told him to go in "as if it were your own home". He smiled back, and chuckled. Perhaps this library could end up being more of a home than that godsdamned compound filled with mindless barbarians.

He wasn't looking for anything in particular. He roamed around the bookshelves in search of something that called his name and invited him to another world, although the mere act of being there made him more relaxed already. He needed a place to hide from the rain, and maybe this one was the perfect one. The floors were wooded and crooked, with a carpeted reading area, a couple of individual couches that reminded him of his own, back in the Palace's Library. They were even emerald, as the ones he had shifted back home.

Home, he thought with a sigh. So far away, even in time. New Asgard is not the same. He always imagined with excitement the moment Asgard would stop being ruled by the Allfather, but then, he didn't consider Asgard would cease to exist. And that broke his cold heart —as many liked to speculate. His heart wasn't cold; if his heart were cold, he wouldn't fall in love so easily.

That's what he thought after a few days of meeting you. That's why, he is now remembering this moment. This exact moment, when you walk into the bookstore, wet head to toes and panting, stressed and apologetic to the elder.

"I'm so, so sorry. The traffic was terrible and the rain… and I got down the bus and ran all the way from the park to here!", you explained, trying to keep your voice low despite the enthusiasm in your explanation. The woman chuckled tenderly and patted your shoulder, handing you a towel.

"You ran from the park? That's like a thirty minute walk, you could've done just fine!".

"No, I couldn't possibly delay this anymore, I'm sorry I'm late, I held you back and now it's raining", you sighed out, passing the towel through your hair and face. Loki couldn't help but peep in, pretending to be searching for some books, but way more entertained by the spectacle.

"You're not late, dear… you're two hours early. My shift is not over yet", explained the woman, and you, wide-eyed, took a moment to process, and sighed in frustration.

"Oh, shit".

"Hey", she corrected.

"Oh, sorry. No, I mean, it's better being early than being late. I'm sorry, I'm still a bit jet-lagged from vacations", you laughed.

"Don't you keep apologizing, sweetness! What are you gonna do now? It's pouring outside! Not that you haven't noticed".

"Oh… I… I guess I'll pass the time in here", you finally said, and noticed Loki. He looked like a kid caught doing mischief, and almost even blushed. You didn't looked pissed, in fact, you waved at him and smiled again. He waved back, a bit more enthusiastically than he would've liked. "Hi. Can I help you with anything?".

"This is my shift, dear!", complained the old lady, and then laughed and went back behind the desk. "Go make some friends, not clients".

You laughed, and blushed too, now. Loki walked towards you and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, fighting his urges to pick at the skin of his palm.

"It appears we're both caught in the rain", he started, and you nodded.

"It does", you said, and introduced yourself briefly. Loki didn't know if he wanted to say his name yet, so he didn't. "Are you new to the city?".

"I'm just visiting. I'm not acquainted with the place yet, so I wouldn't know where else I could spend the time until the rain passes", he explained as politely as he could, and you seemed interested in his way of talking.

"Well, there are a few places I love around here. This one, for starters. But there's a very nice cafe just around the block, if books bore you".

"Oh, they don't bore me at all. Although I'm afraid I've already read them all", he explained nonchalantly. You looked at him almost startled.

"The… the whole library?".

"I have… a lot of free time, per say". You laughed, and he laughed too. "You have a very nice laughter, may I add".

"Oh, thank you", you laughed again, not exactly knowing how to take the compliment. "You know, I've been working in this library for years now, and it usually doesn't get many clients, so free time is what I have to spare. Yet I've never actually been able to read them all".

"I presume I've had way more time than you, especially in my younger years…", he tried to explain, without having to actually say who he was, yet trying to hint it, just in case you knew him and didn't say anything about it.

"Younger? You seem pretty young already!".

You have no idea who he is, he realized.

"Haven't you read the news for the past two years, darling?".

"I… I mean, yeah. I don't catch up with international news, only the ones from here. You don't even have an accent, though".

"Oh, I'm very well spoken in your language", he sort of lied. "So, anyway. My name is Loki, a pleasure to meet you".

"As in…?".

"Yes, as in Loki".

"That's so cool, your parents were mythology geeks too?", you laughed again, and he smiled, bewildered. Oh, dear, you were clueless.

"I mean… they were pretty obsessed with Asgard, if you could put it that way. Anyway, now that you've mentioned it, I might want some coffee to pass the time. Would you mind leading the way, and perhaps passing the time together?", he smiled, trying to sound as smooth as possible. You smiled back.

"I would love to, Loki".

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