#I should finish this. It's been sitting aroud for weeks

[serpentface]

so Brakul is bad at kickboxing, huh? does he still have to do it or is that all in the past?

Yeah he got better in his early 20s but 'getting better' means 'not getting absolutely trashed and winning MAYBE 5/20 matches per tournament' (when the qualifier for 'being skilled' is hitting 10). Being good at that form of kickboxing requires a degree of grace that he does not possess. He immigrated to Wardin (city-state) at 24 years old and has no means of participating in this specific tradition. His leaving home is a source of great melancholy, but at least he's not getting Owned at sports on a yearly basis.

The average Imperial Wardi citizen is aware that the 'Hill Tribes' exist but common '''knowledge''' of these peoples is summarized as "they're heathens who worship rocks???", "they're cattle raiders", "they're raiders in general, probably" "they're big on combat sports". The latter of which is a source of fascination, as Imperial Wardi culture at large shares an interest in combat sports, and most city-states host annual sporting events. So Brakul does occasionally show off the techniques to interested compatriots, while heavily downplaying the fact that he was not very good at it.

The one major cultural export from the collective Hill Tribes to broader imperial Wardin is khait wrestling, which is popular in the western and southern parts of the empire and has developed into its own brand of the sport. This is something Brakul is actually GOOD at and enjoys participating in. He's entered Wardin (the city-state)'s annual games 6 times and placed first twice (also placed third once in traditional wrestling), and has a modest degree of local fame for it.

I got a WIP sketch of Wardi brand khait wrestling here

[harryhandstan]

you bring me home

tw: death

word count: 2,356

This is a piece that was something more personal to me and I'm thankful to Olivia (@bfharry​) for allowing me to include it in her bf!harry fic-a-thon. My aunt died in early December of 2019 very suddenly. She and my uncle had been together for almost 20 years, but since common law marriage is not recognized in my state, her sister was in charge of all arrangements. Her sister lived in another state and basically just called and set up everything for her cremation over the phone. My uncle was too devastated to really speak up and say anything, so my family and I never truly got a chance to have the experience of a funeral for her. I never felt like I got that closure I needed, so for the past 8 months since her death, my brain has cycled through this vicious cycle of denial and depression, never fully reaching acceptance. This piece is basically just the experience I wish I had and Harry helping me through the grief process.

It's also the very first Harry thing I've ever written and posted here so any and all feedback is welcome!

also lots of hugs to @geoffwittek​ for reading over everything for me and being such an angel in general 

"Linds? We're gonna be late, love. Your family's still meeting at 3, right?"

His voice sounds distant, despite you both being in the same room. Your brain registers the noise but is unable to form a response.

He stands near the end of the bed, hands in his pockets, head down, "We don't have to go if it's too much for you. I'm sure your family would understand."

The black dress Harry helped you shop for 2 days ago lays, taunting you, at the end of the bed. You remember mindlessly wandering around before you had a breakdown in the middle of the department store. Harry had to sit with you on the bench outside of the store until you pulled yourself together enough to go back in.

Nearly a week ago, you had answered a call from home only to find your world turned upside down. Your Nanna cried on the other end, she couldn't believe the news was true either. It was so sudden and so unbelievably unexpected.

Your Aunt Linda was dead.

Thankfully, Harry had invited you over for dinner and a movie that night. You still don't remember how you stopped crying long enough to tell him the news. He held you on top of his chest, letting you sob until exhaustion took over and you fell asleep.

Currently, you were sitting on the side of the bed. Something in your brain had prompted you to gather enough strength to take a shower a couple of hours ago, but you hadn't had the energy to move since then. Harry's warm hand squeezing your shoulder brings you back to reality long enough to look at the clock and see you only had 10 minutes to get ready and be out the door.

"You coming back to me there, angel? Anything I can do to help you get ready for this?" he kneels in front of you, one hand on your thigh, the other cupping your face, wiping one of the many tears that were starting to form and fall.

"No, no, I can do this. I still wanna go. Just give me 5 minutes to get ready?"

"I'll go warm up the car." he leans up slightly and kisses your cheek before grabbing a set of keys off the dresser and disappearing down the stairs.

You throw the dress over your head quickly. Dread builds in your stomach but you push through, selecting a pair of pantyhose and taking longer to put them on than you have to spare, making sure you don't rip the delicate fabric. Shoes waited on the floor at the foot of the bed, a simple pair of black flats with a small silver buckle.

The bathroom lighting does you no justice as you try your best to do something to make yourself look somewhat presentable. You know there's no point in makeup, it'll all end up washed away by tears most likely before you even arrive at the funeral home. You apply a quick layer of moisturizer, hoping your skin will have a chance to recover before it's all washed away too. Your hair gets swept back into a low bun and at the last minute you grab a pair of earrings to loop through your ears on the way down the stairs and out the door.

The cold, winter air of December surrounds you as you make your way to the car. Harry was true to his word and had the car warm and waiting for you.

You take a shaky deep breath once you're settled in the passenger seat. Harry rests a hand on your knee, "You sure you're ready, peach?" you smile faintly at his nickname for you.

You'll never forget meeting him for the first time and comparing accents; your Georgia drawl versus his British one. Some nights when you were both delirious with sleepiness but unable to drift off, you would just exchange single words back and forth, trying to mimic one another. The nickname tended to roll off his tongue easier when you were in your hometown.  

You shake your head no. How could you ever be ready for a day like this? Despite she and your uncle never getting married, she always supported and loved you and your siblings as her own nieces and nephew from day one. How were you supposed to live without a woman who always had an encouraging or motivational word to offer when you were sad or frustrated? A woman whose light was so bright in your life that her absence surrounded you with a darkness you could never imagine pulling yourself through? ______________________________________________________________

"You're making your lip bleed, lovie. Here." He swipes a thumb softly over your bottom lip. He pulls a tube of lip balm out of his coat pocket and you gratefully take it and use it.

"I don't know how much longer I can do this, H." You look down at your hands, a few frayed tissues lay on your lap, messy and still wet with tears. Your gaze meets his, eyes pleading for some sort of escape.

His arm wraps behind your back and a hand rests on your side, pulling you closer to him. He kisses your temple, "Do you want to leave?" His voice is a low, comforting rumble in your ear.

You look around at the small funeral home chapel. Only two of the twelve long wooden pews were filled. Most of your aunt's family still lived in Virginia, where she was originally from, and none of them could be bothered to pay their respects here in small town, Georgia. You couldn't leave now.

He reads your face, a brief glance over your features, feels your body relax into his, "Just say the word if you change your mind, alright?"

You rest your head on Harry's shoulder for the remainder of the sermon. The preacher is nice enough, but the speech he prepared is all wrong. Your aunt would have appreciated this, but it just wasn't her. Wasn't an accurate representation of who she was and the impact she had on your universe.

The preacher finally wraps up with a prayer, asking all to stand and bow their heads. You've never known Harry to be a particularly religious sort, but he grabs your hand and squeezes as he bows his head. A quick and thoughtful reminder that he's still there. He's not leaving your side.

The small gathering of guests parades past the casket now, all expressing their final goodbyes as they pass. Harry stands back, quiet and respectful, letting your family through first before he rejoins you. His hand lands on the small of your back and wanders around to rest on your hip as you walk back into the lobby together.

You accept a few hugs and expressions of condolences from the few friends that came. Your hand stays loosely tied to Harry's the whole time, and he uses his free hand to greet everyone you introduce him to. Your family offers you a spot in the family car to the graveside, but you decline. Harry assures them he'll drive you to the cemetery safely.

The graveside service is thankfully quick. Another gathering of guests and more kind words from the preacher. A small prayer. Emotional exhaustion is settling into your body, and Harry easily supports your weight back to the car when the service is over.

"Your Nanna cornered me in lobby before we left the funeral home while you were talking to your cousin," he starts the car and fiddles with the controls, adjusting the heat, "she wants us to come to her house for a bit. Are you up for that?"

You nod your head yes, still not sure if your voice is strong enough to not break when you answer him. You know it will only be your family there. 8 people, including Harry. You could handle that.

"Should we grab a bite to eat before we go? You haven't eaten much today, honey."

You chuckle. The first genuine laugh in a week bubbling up through your chest. You stop when you notice Harry's adorably confused expression, his brow furrowing together with slight concern.

"Oh, no. You don't eat before you go to Nanna's house, trust me." ______________________________________________________________

Harry is a warm addition to the small house on the hill.

His eyes go wide when he sees the amount of food spread across your grandmother's small round kitchen table. His gaze follows everyone already seated around the table and then back to you. All you can manage is an "I told you so" shrug.

"Is all this just to impress me or..?" his voice is a whisper in your ear, but the kitchen is so small it echoes around to the whole table.

"No, babe. This is how it always is at Nanna's."

Your Nanna and Aunt Donna, who you're sure spent all day making everything, insist that it's not THAT much food, but you know you'll all be guilted into at least finishing a full plate AND taking leftovers home for later. You're thankful to see even your uncle has a plate in front of him, knowing his appetite hasn't been the same since he lost your aunt.

When dinner is finished, a pot of coffee is made and passed aroud to accompany dessert. The aroma fills the house, the strong scent a comforting reminder of your Aunt Linda. She always said she hated the taste, but loved the smell. You inhale, the essence surrounding you and bringing back warm and lovely memories. You catch Harry's eye, a small smile crossing your face.

He makes his way around the living room, refilling a few mugs along the way. The open entryway between the two rooms allows you to watch the path he takes. He stops where your momma sits in a green plaid armchair, her lips are moving but you can't make out what they're saying. They both look at you and he turns back to her, a charming smile lighting up his face.

By the time he makes it back to the kitchen, you've slipped into your Nanna's bedroom. You know it's normally rude to disappear, but this place is home. Had been your second home all your life and you knew no one would care that you were slipping your shoes off and crawling under the covers of the freshly made bed.

You hear a lull of voices outside the door, and you're thankful for the noise, for the small comfort of gentle chaos. If you listen closely, you could pinpoint individual noises throughout the house; your dad and Nanna talking politics, your momma and sister flipping through channels on the living room tv, your Aunt Donna and your uncle questioning Harry about his favorite British television shows. You hear water running and picture Harry, his tall frame towering over the tiny kitchen sink, helping with the dishes. You feel a slight bit of guilt for leaving him alone, but by the sound of his laughter, he's making himself right at home too.

You drift to sleep, and when you wake, Harry is next to you. His long fingers smoothing comfortingly up and down your arm, "You disappeared, love. Thought you might like some company. Hope you don't mind me joining you."

You shift your body closer to him, your head on his chest, his arm resting behind your head, "Is everyone still here?"

He brushes a loose strand of hair out of your face, tucks it neatly behind your ear, "Your uncle just left a minute ago, but everyone else is still around. Your brother called, said he was sorry he couldn't make it. I came to find you, make sure you were okay."

Your little brother was in his last semester of college. It was finals week and you know he would've been here if he could.

"I'm okay...I mean as okay as you can be after a day like today, you know?"

"Yeah, I know."

You slip off the bed and Harry follows you, hands on your waist to steady your balance while you slip your shoes back on. He helps you remake the bed, and the two of you make your way back towards the kitchen, now quiet that everyone moved to the living room.

"Harry?" You turn back at the last second before you leave the room. He's following so closely behind you you end up pressed against him.

"Hmm?" He catches you, pulling you even closer, the light from the kitchen shining on his face.

"I haven't had a moment to thank you today. For all of it..dropping everything and flying out here with me, spending the whole day with my family, driving me everywhere, just being here with me. You've kept me sane and I could never repay you for something like that."

"You don't have to thank me. I wouldn't have dreamed of being anywhere else than right here. You needed me and that was all that mattered, everything else can wait."

______________________________________________________________

“Ha! Look at baby peach! How old were you here?”

Your lap was covered in pictures, the few favorites you had brought with you from home. Harry was plopped next to you on the couch. The picture in question is a baby picture of you, chocolate icing all over your chubby cheeks.

“That’s my first birthday party.” You giggle at his smile, the way he can’t stop staring at the photo.

You shuffle through a few more, Harry being curious about each one and questioning you about every detail.

“Who’s this?” The picture he hands you takes your breath away for a second. You forgot it was mixed in and he instantly knows by the tears filling up your eyes.

“It’s your Aunt Linda, isn’t it? I’m sorry, I didn’t know..”

“No, it’s okay. This is a good picture of her. She had such an amazing smile.” He rests his head on your shoulder. 

“She loved you so much, babe. She would be so proud of you.”

“Yeah, she would’ve thought you were pretty great too, H.”

[avengersohyeah]

Can You Stop It ?

Masterlist 

A/N : So… Just another fluff, how Bucky can’t stop wondering how you couldn’t stop making him look at you. Just look at that !… My Baby Bucky

“Stop it….just stop it…” Bucky muttered lowly with his jaw clenched. Seeing this, Steve just can’t help but to follow his best friend’s gaze. He sighed at his best friend afectionally.

“What needed to stop Buck ?” Steve asked even knowing what’s bothering his pal.

“What ?!” Bucky snapped his head to see Steve plastering his toothy commercial grin. “No.. nothing.. I just ..” He couldn’t finish his sentence because he hears your laugh again, snatching all his attention from the world just for you. The way your voice sounded between short breathed laugh over and over, the way your eyes would disappear between your closed lids when you laugh, the way you throw your head back when you couldn’t contain anything that makes you laugh no more. He hates it, you snatched all his attention from the world around him. he was trained asassin that is supposed to be aware to every threats possible in the room. But whenever you’re in the same room, he couldn’t focus on anything but you.

“You just what Buck ?”

“Forget it Steve… it’s just I kinda not concentrated at the moment…” With that, he walk out of the room to the gym he was intended to be over five teen minutes ago.

“Oh come on now!… Can you just stop ?”

“Stop what Barnes ?” Sam asked, feeling that the question is directed to him, since he’s the one that have been talking with the soldier this past hour. But then he realized that the soldier’s gaze wasn’t even on him. He followed the gaze, and there’s you. Wiggling your butt and dancing carelessly while you cooking to the music from the headphone you put on. With a knowing snort, he left the soldier to stare at you dancing stupidly to whatever song you listen to. Before he exited, he chance a glance back towards the soldier. And yup! He doesn’t even notice him leaving.

“Sweet Jesus ! It’s eight in the morning….. Stop it please….”

Hearing these words from her fellow asassin Nat couldn’t help but to look at the cause of it. There in the entrance of the common room, you stood with your bed hair, eyes puffy, and lips pouting. Over all you look cute, Nat always thought you are cute as her little brother. But when she glance back at Bucky again, she knows exactly what’s up. It doesn’t need to be a master at reading micro expresion to know actually. She shakes her head while smiles at the form of the former winter soldier that is fawning over your zombie-like state.

“You should ask him out Barnes…” She said before taking a sip of her cofee.

“What ? ask  who.. who to ask …?.. I don’t know what are you talking about..” Bucky stammered, he hates it. He stammered in front of the women that he knew capable of reading people, even Loki.

“Don’t play dumb now ! The whole compound knew just how much you like that boy..” At her rather loud statement, He quickly chance a glance at the entrance of the kitchen where you stood just a mere minutes ago. And you’re gone

He sighed “That obvious huh ?” He scratched his neck. “But I can’t Nat.. it’s just .. it’s not possible, I mean I’m I’m a men and he is a men also.. How if people…”

“So what ? if you like him, then it’s enough reason to ask him out. Besides, you don’t need to worry about what people said. People will always judge, but that don’t stop you in finding your happiness..”

“I didn’t know you’re into heartfelt peptalk now Nat… where did you even hear that from?”

She shruged “(Y/N)…” Then she sips her cofee again.

At the mention of your name, Bucky’s form clearly lighten up. “(Y/N) ? You mean he said that to you ?”

“Yes he did, remember when you, Sam, and Steve went on that mission Saturday night last week ?” Bucky nodded “We had these drunk chatting, we play games, while we drink these wine stark brought from Italy. I asked him about how he doesn’t seems to care to let people know that he’s gay… And that was his answer…. That sentence only…” She get up and leave the soldier alone, to think over what she said. No,… what you said…

“Have you talk to him ?” Sam asked Steve while they wait for their drinks to be made. It’s another Stark’s party celebrating another successful mission.

“Yeah, but he’s afraid that (Y/N) would reject him..”

“Have you told him that the boy liked him too ?” Nat said from behind the bar giving both men their drinks.

“I did, but he’s sure that I’m making that up” Steve then downed his beer.

“We need to give him a push..” Sam says a moment after.

“How ?” Steve countered.

“I got an idea…” Then she left both of the men. They just looked at each other with the same confused expresion.

About ten or fiveteen minutes after Nat left them, they saw none other than Thor entering the room. He wears his human attire, red blazer over white shirt that is tucked in his jeans. Not long after, they already gathered on the secluded area reserved for the team members.

“I brought my finest mead from Asgard for you, Steve, and James,” He then poured the liquid to both of their glasses before pour it for himself. As soon as they downed the said liquid, their posture seemed more relaxed. They drink more and more, until the super metabolism they had can’t keep up. At least Bucky’s can’t keep up, since Steve stopped at the third glass, but Thor keeps pouring it for his friend over and over. “So.. where is (Y/N) ? I thought I saw him earlier” Thor purposely ask Bucky.

Bucky hiccuped “He said he needed to change his clothes since someone spilled their drink to him.” He slurred over his words by now. Seeing the cue, Nat cut in

“I think he’s taking too long can you check on him Barnes ?”

“I… yeah.. he’s taking too loooong…” He whines “I’ll check him out, oh… no no no .. I’ll check on him…” With that, he left the party to ‘check on you’

“So this is the push you’re talking about ?” Sam asked her in awe, and she just smirked before taking a sip from her drink.

Bucky knocked on your door, but got no answer. He checked on the handle, and it’s opened. Being drunk for the first time after he’s free does affect his manner. He was supposed to call you first before come into your room, but he couldn’t care less now. When he stepped into your room, he couldn’t help but feel at ease. The little trinkets you put here and there, the pile of books on the nightstand, dozens of polaroids displayed on one side of your walls, all and all makes him feel comfortable. This room just screamed you. Bucky sits on the bed, feeling a little light headed. Thor’s liquor really did number on him, now that he sit down, he could feel his body starting to recover itself. He glanced to his right and see a polaroid peeking out of your pillow. He took it in curiosity. If he was drunk a minute ago, he’s high right now. There, the photo in his hand is a photo of him, it’s taken from the side while he was laughing at something so he’s not aware of being captured in a camera. You sleep with this photo under your pillow, you sleep with this photo near you, the photo of him, you liked him just like what Steve told him. When he’s about to put the photo back, he heard a door opening. It’s you, coming out from your bathroom, hair damp from the shower, drops of water running down at your bare chest and ended on the towel that is wraped aroud your hip. He couldn’t help but stare at this beautiful piece of a men that always manage to make him overwhelmed.

“Can you stop ?” Bucky said lowly, making his presence known in the room.

You jumped lightly out of surprise “Jeez Bucky ! You scared me… What are you doing in my room ? Aren’t you having fun at the party ? Thor just came right ? He said he brought Asgardian liquor for you and Steve.”

Bucky get up from the bed and walking slowly towards you “I’m here to check on you.. cuz you took so long I’m wondering what were you doing.” His voice low, it sound near a growl.

“Umm… Bucky.. What are you doing?” You steped back as he steped closer to you.

“Nothing, just want to see you closer… What is taking you so long by the way ?”

“I.. I.. that women spilled her wine at me, it felt sticky so I took a shower…” Your voice loose it’s volume each words. You tried to take another step back but you can’t, you met with a very cool surface of your walls. Bucky stepped closer, he’s now just few inches in front of your barely covered body. You could feel the heat rouse to your neck and cheek, you looked down to avoid his piercing gaze. He was so awkward around you, but always sweet. And this men in front of you is the complete oposite, he’s a beast, a predator that eyeing his prey.

“So.. tell me (Y/N), why did you have my photograph under your pillow ?” He asked

At this question you snapped your head to meet his eyes. And the moment you did, you didn’t see the annoyance from his eyes because he literally just caught you sleeping with his photograph. Instead, you were met with the very blue eyes that reflects the warmness of his soul. You lower your gaze again

“I.. I… like you Bucky…” You whispered, and you are sure that you are tomato by now. You closed your eyes and bite your lips in worry. Worried that you ruined your friendship by telling him your real feeling. Out of all chances, how did he find that goddamned photo. You cursed yourself in your mind when you feel his fingers under your chin, lifting it so he could see right into your eyes.

“I like you too (Y/N), I always have since the first day I saw you. I was scared that you’ll reject me if I told you, but.. I guess I’m an idiot huh ?” He chuckled.

“No, we’re both idiots…So… what now ?”

Without any words shared, he cupped your cheek and slammed his lips to yours. The kiss was sweet, passionate, filled with all emotions we felt towards each other. He broke the kiss and stares at you. “So now can you stop ?”

At his question you raised an eyebrow “Stop what ?”

“Looking so cute in front of other people, because I want to be the only one that get to see you that way…” He smiled his cheeky grin

“You’re drunk…but I can try…” You slammed your lips to him again in more heated kiss, he wrapped his metal arm on your waist, bringing your nearly naked body to his fully clothed one.

He broke the kiss “Since we’re here�� Let’s not comeback to that party. Instead….” He then throw you to your bed, you bounced few times on it. You then lifted your upper body and support it with your elbows. And there you see him unbuttoning his shirt while openly staring at your tented towel wraped on your hip. You looked up to him, and then he attack your lips in yet another heated kiss. Pinning you down on the matress under his hard muscled body only covered in his boxer brief.

You broke the kiss again and ask him “So can you stop too ?”

“Stop what ?”

“Staring at me as if you undressing me with your eyes in front of other people ?”

He burst a laugh “So you’re aware of that ?��� You just shruged “I can’t promise that…”

“Even if you get to really undress me all you want ?”

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