#Janice On Ice

[blueberryspyder]

[thebellearchives]

the amount of bots i’ve been blocking daily isn’t even funny 😭 like i know bots are basically part of the tumblr experience but this is ridiculous 💀💀

[spiritdreamt]

@consumare asked: ❛  are you bleeding?  ❜

percy shifts her weight or maybe she sways on her feet, wincing at the sting of her multitude of cuts. she's sure her car upholstery is ruined, and when she glances down she discovers she's dripping blood onto dr. lecter's stoop. "sorry," is her immediate response, her voice tight and her eyes shimmering in the light shining over his shoulder. she'd managed not to cry the whole way here, been barely tethered to her body the whole drive over, but now she can feel the stinging on her arm and face & the terror of the night's events comes rushing back. "she got—she was mad about something else, and she was drinking, and i messed up, and she—" her voice breaks, a small shake of her head. "she threw her glass at the wall, and it... it broke and it hit me. i'm sorry, i couldn't stay there and i didn't know where else to go, i just needed help."

[rayzerr208]

So I'm starting out with d&d, learning the basics so to speak, we are doing a starter campaign at the minute and even though there was 6 missing the 4 we had had a pretty chaotic session. For context we were raiding an ice temple looking for an ice orb.

To summerize:

One of us (Character name : valour) who was on 1 HP got punched by a npc we saved (Janice) which caused exactly 1 damage and killed him.

Said player (valour) had frozen Janice's friend alive in an ice block, so of course, after valour was killed we froze him. He stayed like that until just before the session finished .

After this happened another player (character name: wyvern) and I (character name: Odette) went into another room where there were ice spiders. We got into a combat situation in which I killed one and tamed the other.

I now have a giant (mountable) spider aswell as a deer-cat (called Forest) as pets.

At the end of the session we got the guy we were getting stuff for to resurrect the ones frozen in ice.

So now we have 2 npc guard friend that we only saved because they believe in ice bees.

🧊🧊+🐝🐝= ice bees

[mastcrmarksman]

Being the mostly by the book security chief that this ship deserved and needed was hard. It's not the hardest thing, something something the profoundness of looking into one's self, gazing at their deepest ugliest wound and trying to heal it; quitting from the rot he caused to himself. That is the hardest thing and crawling back after relapse. The amount of paperwork and protocol, the need to straighten his boot laces and try to do things in a halfway place between Spock and Kirk and McCoy was hard, harder than most.

Getting Kirk to sign off on Clint's telling him NO was the hardest thing today and the scariest was going to Janice with his tail between his legs, begging for her help. She's impressive, clearly way underpaid and could probably be in some bigwig higher adminstrative position. Clint won't say that to her, if only because something tells him that if they lost Janice; her job posiition would be hard to fill with anyone other than her.

❝ Trust me, you should have seen his notes on it. ❞ She also should have listened in on the two iowans late hour chats, with Jim trying to sweet talk Clint his way. It almost worked, it always almost worked (has worked). There's a hopeful look that Janice will help figure out how to soften this no; because it was a NO.

There's a groan when she mentions to rewrite this; office time was what this job really entitled and most of them knew how stellar (not) his essays were during his academy years. Playing catch up with the finer jargon that was Starfleet approriate ate up his time. ❝ That, Janny, is why you're the best! I owe you something, BIG! ❞ He's already got the proposal he could make for this revision to sweeten Janice's delivery.

❝ You name it! ❞

𝚜𝚑𝚎       𝚂𝙷𝙾𝚄𝙻𝙳       𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎  𝚑𝚒𝚖.       𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝’𝚜  𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚕𝚢  the  vibe  she  goes  for.       scary,       but  somehow  approachable  when  needed.       as  soon  as  the  CSO  is  in  her  view  with  that  almost  apologetic  expression,       she  takes  a  deep  breath  to  get  herself  in  a  perfectly  relaxed  position.       ❝          hi  Clint.          ❞       she  greets  him,       ignoring  the  variation  of  her  name.       she’s  fully  immersed  in  the  problem  Barton  presents  her.       a  disapproving  ‘tsk’  hits  the  roof  of  her  palate  while  scanning  the  document's  contents.      

❝          do  you  seriously  think  he  will  sign  it       ?       it  says  in       BOLD       that  it  is  against  protocol.       breaking  protocol  is  part  of  his       IDENTITY.       he  must  have  hated  reading this.          ❞       the  blonde  sighs,       wondering  how  they  can’t  see  such  an  obvious  mistake.

oh  well,       this  way,       she  has  a       JOB       on  the  ship.      

❝          okay,       𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎’𝚜  𝚘𝚞𝚛  𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗  𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗       :       take  this  back  and  have  it  rewritten  to  emphasize  the  danger  it  poses  to  the  Enterprise  and  its  crew.       then  make  a  proposal  that  you       CAN       get  clearance  for  —  any  security  proposal,       it  doesn’t  matter  what  it  is.       attach  it  to  the  end  of  your  revised  copy.       i’ll  use  it  to  appease  him.          ❞       she  needs  to  come  up  with  something  to  compliment  the  captain  with  too,       or  give  cute  news  about  his  wife  before  the  conversation.       she  hands  the  document  back.       ❝          easy  enough       ?       find  me  when  you’re  ready.          ❞

[angelwiththeblue-box]

most insane lines from pibe that i havent stopped thinking about

when the problems run up youre running away (humpty dumpty)

try that door that doors locked try that door that doors locked all the doors are locked- hope to see your sister on the other side (murk of merkmere)

"michealangelo, we need your help" "cowabunga" (whimsy on wheels)

and put myself on a shelf but i called it a rafter and i laid on my back and i painted a ceiling can you relate to that? (whimsy on wheels)

is it a real crush or am i crushing on a crush (mallapalooza)

and when i look at you or our other friends, i think i don't really care what happens as long as it never ends (mallapalooza)

if i didn't fight for every crumb i ate i would end up bereft of life (animal style)

and it can be hard to be incredible when sometimes you wanna be fine, yes im janice wood but i wanna take my time i don't want to be great i just wanna be good (trade school musical 2)

FUCK YEAH SHES TALKING BOUT ARTISINAL ICE (trade school musical 2)

can we make this part short the part where we don't talk and can we make this part sweet the part where we finally come back and meet (bonus points for can we move past can we move past can we move past) (backwards compatible)

everytime jess/mary says huge wrong (backwards compatible)

hey windella learn about me girl! (heebie jeebies)

socrates gets on his knees when he sees a fellow with my finesse and ease (heebie jeebies)

ill tell my story it doesnt have be gory it doesnt have to be boring ill tell my own story tell your own story (heebie jeebies)

[lokis-army-77]

Left behind

Eddie Munson x female reader

Word Count: 1884

After a funeral, Eddie feels he's being left alone and says some hurtful things to the reader. After some time apart at home, he comes to apologize and is assured by the reader that she will never leave him.

Warning: Talk of death, at a funeral, angst, fluff, Eddie says some mean things.

A/N: I'm so sorry..

Masterlist

The wind whipped around us and the chill it brought stung like ice. My cheeks had already started to turn pink from the cold, my nose numb and as red as could be. A December afternoon in Indiana is a dreary thing, put a funeral on top of it and it's the physical manifestation of Depression. 

I stood just behind Eddie, who was dressed in his only suit with his long hair pulled back in a bun out of his face. My own black dress clung to me in the wind, the bottom hem whipping around at my knees. 

The pastor provided by the funeral home spoke in a bored and monotonous tone, by this point I had drowned him out. I was too concerned for Eddie right now to worry about being led to christ while we buried a loved one. 

He was hiding it well. No emotion showing on his beautiful face. His eyes almost glazed over as he bored a hole into the casket. 

It was a simple thing, the cheapest we could afford. Grey aluminum with the smallest casket spray on top. Those flowers weren't even the nicest and the wind was doing a number on the soft white petals. 

Quietly, I placed my hand on Eddie's shoulder, letting him know I was there for him. I felt him stiffen before reluctantly pulling my hand away. 

Looking around us, only a hand full of people were gathered. A few guys who worked at the plant and a waitress from the diner we visited almost every Saturday morning. 

They all gave me sad smiles when they caught my eye. I gave them one back. 

I hadn’t noticed the preacher had stopped talking until a hand was cupping my own. Turning around it was the waitress. 

"Saturday mornings sure aren't gonna be the same without him." She squeezed my hand. "I've got a casserole with your name on it, just come on by the diner and I'll bring it out to you." 

I shook my head. "No, no, Mrs. Janice, that's too much. You didn't have to do that." 

"Oh Hun, you shouldn't have to worry about cooking or finding food when you're going through a loss." She pouted. "Come on by and I'll give it to you and if you need any more, just give me a call." 

"Yes ma'am. Thank you."  I gave her a tight smile and she left. 

Next were the three plant workers who introduced themselves as, Randy, Carl, and Jimmy. They gave their condolences as they shook my hand before taking off. 

The Pastor was last. "Mrs. Munson," he started. I only nodded not wanting to correct him on the fact that I wasn't married to Eddie yet, only engaged. "They are going to start lowering the casket. I don't know if you want to watch that but you can if you would like." 

"Thank you, I think we might." 

"Well then, I'll be on my way. I'm very sorry for your loss." He turned on his heel and followed the others through the cemetery to where all the vehicles had been parked. 

I went back to Eddie, who hadn’t moved to talk to anyone. 

"Eddie, sweetheart, why don't we go? Hum?" I linked my arm with his. 

He didn't budge when I pulled on his arm so I stood there with him as he stared and I watched the men begin to lower the casket into the ground and shovel the mound of dirt back into the hole. 

Once they were finished and gone we still stayed standing, looking at the grave with the casket spray decorating the dirt. It was getting colder by the minute since the sun was starting to set and Eddie still hadn't given any sign that he wasn't a statue. 

"Eddie?" I question, going to stand in front of him, eyes searching his face. "Eddie please, I need you to say something, move, anything." I couldn’t hide the wobble of worry coming through in my voice. 

He opened his mouth, closed it, opened it, then closed it again. 

"Want me to give you a minute alone?" He nodded. "Okay. I'll be in the car when you're ready to go." 

Slowly I let go of him and braced myself against the wind towards the car. Slipping into the passenger seat, I hurriedly turned the key and started the ignition, thankful for the heater. 

Ten minutes later, Eddie opens the driver's side door. The rush of cold air taking away the warmth had me shivering once again. 

He sat quietly for a few seconds before suddenly slamming his hand shown onto the steering wheel. 

"Fuck!" 

I jumped, startled at his outburst. That was the only sign of emotion he had shown since this morning. 

"Fuck! fuck! fuck!" Each shout was emphasized by him hitting the wheel. 

"Eds, be careful, don't want you hurting yourself." 

I reached over pushing his hands down into his lap. His breathing had become rapid and his eyes were no longer glossed over. The haze cleared up and nothing but anger shone through. 

"Why do I keep being left alone?" 

I place my hand on his shoulder and rub my thumb into the tissue. "What do you mean, baby?" 

"Everyone fucking leaves me all alone at some point or another. First, it was my old man, then mom died, and now Wayne." His words were warped with anger and frustration. "You'll probably leave me too. You might at well go now while I'm already in pain. Rip my heart out while it's already broken, it would be better than leading me on." 

I shook my head at his words. "Eddie, what are you saying? I'm not going to leave you, ever." 

He looks up at me, eyes rimmed in red as tears he's been holding in for days begin to pour. 

"Didn't you fucking hear me? Everyone always leaves me." The crack in his voice was only the beginning of Eddie’s breakdown. "I'm just a worthless kid from a worthless family and if you knew any better you would run like hell." 

"Eddie don't say that, please. I know it's hard right now but we'll get through this." I tried to comfort him but I didn't know what to say. 

"That's easy for you to say, Wayne wasn't your Uncle. He didn't take care of you when you were dropped off at his doorstep because your dad was an abusive asshole and your mother had you get you away from him. He didn't struggle, morning, day, and night just to keep you fed and let himself starve. He wasn’t yours then and he’s not yours now." 

Eddies hand came up to swat mine away from him and when he did I placed it in my lap. Too stunned by his words to speak I just sat quietly. 

I thought to myself, He doesn't mean to be rude. The man who raised him just died. He needs time and space. He doesn't mean it. 

We sit in silence while Eddie drives us back to our apartment. I fiddle my thumbs and sneak careful glances over at him. Silent tears streamed down his face and my fingers itched to wipe them from his cheeks. My heart ached at the sight of him barely holding it together.

“Eddie, maybe I should drive?” The statement came out more as a question as I watched him struggle to stay on one side of the road. 

“No.” It came out in a rasp then he cleared his throat. “No, I’m fine. I always drive.” 

He wiped the tears from his eyes and stepped on the gas more. After that, the drive went more smoothly. No more veering into the other lane or stopping too long at a red light turned green. 

Finally home we went inside. The darkness added to the somber mood and the quietness rang in my ears. 

“I’m gonna heat up some dinner, okay?” I spoke, heading into the kitchen to take the leftovers out of the fridge. 

Eddie only grunted in response, kicking off his nice shoes and languidly undoing his tie. I listened to him slowly walking to our room before the door clicked shut. 

As I stood there, the refrigerator door wide open, I let the slip. A choked cry erupted from my chest and my hands came up suddenly to cover my mouth. I had wanted to be strong for Eddie, a shoulder he could come cry on if he needed, a support for him to fall on.  But honestly, I was almost as broken as he was. 

Wayne might not have been related to me but when Eddie and I became the best of friends in Junior High, he took me right in. He had looked after me like I had wanted my own father too. He’s the one that finally talked some sense into Eddie and I, separately, and made us realize we liked one another. 

None of that was equivalent to what he had with Eddie but what Eddie had said to me in the car had stung and although I knew it was coming from a place of grief, I couldn’t help but cry. 

Staggering back into the counter, I slid down them to the floor, head hanging into my knees as I let myself weep, body shaking. It felt good to cry even if my face began to feel puffy and my throat had a huge lump in it. 

I don’t know how long I stayed like that, but when the fridge door finally closed and a warm body sat next to me on the kitchen floor, I realized that my body ached from being there and my tears had all but dried up. 

Eddie slung his arm over my back, pulling me in closer to him, his other hand smoothed back my hair, fingers catching in the knots. 

“I’m sorry I yelled at you.” He apologized. 

“It’s okay,” I mumbled into my legs. “You were just letting out your emotions.” 

“Even so, I shouldn't have said what I did. It was unfair of me.” He sniffled. 

Looking up my puffy swollen face met his and I gave him a short sorrowful smile. He gave me one back. 

“Eddie, truly, you don't have to apologize.” I sit up and lean into him. “I should have just given you some space.” 

He shook his head but didn’t reply, I think he knew arguing with me would yield nothing. We held each other on the floor for a while longer before finally I stood to my feet, reached down for his hand, and pulled him up. 

“I love you Eddie Munson and I promise I will never leave you.” I gently lace my fingers in the hair at the base of his neck, he had let it down from its bun at some point, and pulled him down to my lips. Kissing him like this, soft and sweet and full of all the love I could give, felt wonderful. Like being cleansed of all your worry and strife with white-hot fire. 

“God, you’re too good for me Sweetheart. I really don’t know what I would do without you.” He pulled away, cupping my face in his hands. 

“You won’t ever have to find out.”

[mxflowercheck]

Erica Ortegas and Christine Chapel are besties, a lot of people think they're dating or one of them has a crush on the other. NO. Very platonic besties for many years. They kissed once. It was like Janice and Damian kissing in the end of Mean Girls.

Erica: ..not to like. offend you. but that was awful

Christine: god YES i am happy you agree

Erica: chips, ice cream, the shittiest romcom they have in the cinema now?

Christine: yeah, let's go, and i will tell you about my latest date!

Erica: i feel the "that bastard" somewhere in the story

[remcocoa]

It is fire's nature to strive upward

Mathieu van der Poel, 2024 Paris-Roubaix (Gruber Images) | Dictionary.com | Remco Evenepoel, 2022 Liège-Bastogne-Liège (Gruber Images) | Jonas Vingegaard, 2022 Tour de France Stage 11 (Team Jumbo Visma) | "Fire and Ice" (Robert Frost) | Tadej Pogačar, 2023 Tour de France Stage 9 (Gruber Images) | Jonas Vingegaard, 2023 Tour de France Stage 17 (Gruber Images) | Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World (John Vaillant) | Felix Gall, 2023 Tour de France Stage 17 (Marco Bertorello/AFP/Getty Images) | Tour de France: Unchained, Episode 4 | Mathieu van der Poel, 2023 UCI Road World Championships (Gruber Images) | "Horses" (Wendell Berry) | Dictionary.com | Marc Soler and Tadej Pogačar, 2023 Tour de France Stage 17 (Gruber Images) | "Horses" (Wendell Berry) | Giulio Ciccone, 2023 Tour de France Stage 14 (Marco Bertorello/Getty Images) | Tadej Pogačar, 2023 Tour de France Stage 9 (UAE Team Emirates) | "Tour de France races on to Carcassonne despite 40°C heatwave" (CyclingNews) | Dictionary.com | Jonas Vingegaard, 2022 Tour de France Stage 13 (Tim de Waele/Getty Images) | "Tour de France races on to Carcassonne despite 40°C heatwave" (CyclingNews) | "Soaring temperatures turn up the heat on Tour de France peloton: ‘It was a furnace’" (Velo Magazine) | "Tour de France 2022 Climate-Related Risks" (Janice Kai Chen/Washington Post) | Tom Pidcock, 2022 Tour de France Stage 14 (Gruber Images) | Romain Bardet, 2022 Tour de France Stage 17 (Gruber Images) | "Soaring temperatures turn up the heat on Tour de France peloton: ‘It was a furnace’" (Velo Magazine) | Gilberto Simoni, 2004 Tour de France Stage 17 (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

[rhapsodynew]

The friendship of Grace Slick and Janis Joplin

Girls with the same radical missions have become kindred spirits, instead of being competitors. They both proved that women can not only keep up with men in the music industry, but also surpass them in many ways.

Little is known about the friendship of the blues star and the Jefferson Airplane soloist, but judging by the remaining stories, she was close and strong. For example, in the recently released book Janis Joplin: Days & Summers, today's birthday girl Grace recalls Joplin's amazing vocal gift:

"Janice was a wonderful, witty wild woman who drank just like me—straight out of a pint. Why waste time on glasses? Like Otis Redding, it was simply impossible to turn away when she was on stage. She stamped her feet, shook her hair, and went from a whisper to a real scream in a split second... I didn't want to listen to anyone after her."

She talked about their friendship in 2019 in an interview for Uncut magazine:

"People who write books really misunderstand Janice. The woman I knew giggled, she laughed so much, and she was fun. Very noisy, very outspoken, very funny. Texas women tend to be like that. Everyone called us fire and ice. I was ice, and she was fire. But I think she's more of a symbol of those times than I am. She had more style. I have a normal voice, but she really went beyond it."

Ice and fire were such a prominent tandem in the hippie era that a line from Fleetwood Mac's 1982 song "Gypsy" is even dedicated to their friendship. Kristin McVie mentions the Velvet Underground clothing store in San Francisco, where she often saw the couple.

Joplin and Slick have few videos left together, and one of them is their performance at a rock festival in California in 1968

[wt-nv-quotes]

Of course, Janice is a young woman, not a kid anymore, but no one’s too old for ice cream. Esteban just adores ice cream. His favorite flavor at the moment is Nacho Cheese. Just like his dad. Me, I mean. Carlos’s favorite flavor is Cool Ranch.

[blueberryspyder]

Since my post has reached DOUBLE the notes I was expecting (tysm btw), I’ll get to work on drawing Miss Janice “On Ice” Smith, AND show my drawing of Leonardo and Randal that I’ve been doing for shits and giggles.

… once I’m done coloring it ofc

[squoxle]

✏ TNAIT: Pilot l.at fanfic

➢ pairing: none | wc: 400 | cw: profanity, jokes of death | plot: intro

Not to sound like an overdramatic, hormonal teenager, but my life is so over.

Everything was perfect. I had my friends, my prestige, and my parents' respect. I was on the path to obtaining my degree and enjoying every minute of my college years. But since the beginning of this stupid semester, it has been one thing after another.

Initially, I spent hours studying my ass off, but outside of that I never had time for anything else...

Wake up. Study. Practice. Go home. Study some more. Go to sleep.

Fucking Groundhog Day...every day...

So to keep me sane, I started to do whatever I wanted and my coursework was put on the back burner. Sure, I've been able to actually hang out with my friends, but my grades look like shit.

And midterm reports will be uploaded today. My parents are gonna fucking bury me alive.

Introducing the small friend group that will likely attend my funeral.

[ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ɪɴᴛʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ]

ɴᴀᴍᴇ: Abigail Amelia Grant (or just Abby)

ᴀɢᴇ: 19...until August

ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀᴀɴᴄᴇ: Beautiful, blonde, perfect body

ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ: Sometimes toxic, mostly sweet, lowkey in love with Jake -- a.k.a. your number 1 best friend

ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴜꜱ: Horny...

[ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ɪɴᴛʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ]

ɴᴀᴍᴇ: Xoey (can't remember her middle name) García

ᴀɢᴇ: 20

ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀᴀɴᴄᴇ: Long chocolate brown hair with bleached bangs, big brown eyes with a mole directly under the right one

ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ: Fiesty, can come off as bitchy, but that's just the way she is -- she also had a threesome with Jake.

ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴜꜱ: I honestly don't know...she's kinda hard to read.

[ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ɪɴᴛʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ]

ɴᴀᴍᴇ: Nova Diamond Moore

ᴀɢᴇ: 18

ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀᴀɴᴄᴇ: Curly hair, face like a baby (also her nickname), and thick in the humblest way

ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ: Sweet as hell and usually pretty silly, until it's time to be serious of course

ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴜꜱ: Hungry -- she asked if we could go out for ice cream later...too bad I have a family dinner to attend.

[ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ɪɴᴛʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ]

ɴᴀᴍᴇ: Janice Fatima Jones (sometimes we call her JJ)

ᴀɢᴇ: 21

ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀᴀɴᴄᴇ: Shoulder-length wavy black hair, can't really distinguish her ethnicity...but I know her dad is white

ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ: Can be uncomfortably formal at times, but she's usually pretty chill. Don't expect to find her at a party though, her dad is kinda the dean of this university.

ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴜꜱ: Neutral -- that's what she said when I asked lol

[ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ɪɴᴛʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ]

ɴᴀᴍᴇ: Sim Jaeyun (we just call him Jake)

ᴀɢᴇ: 21 until November

ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀᴀɴᴄᴇ: Cute, sexy puppy -- Abby's words, not mine.

ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ: Goofy, sweet, and UGH! I can't even say it -- Abby's words, not mine.

ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴜꜱ: Missing me -- Abby's words, not mine.

Well...hopefully whatever happens tonight doesn't actually end my life...

(I know it's a day early, but I couldn't wait any longer :\)

Thanks for reading this little intro to my series. [Series Masterlist]

Click this link to go to my main masterlist and stay tuned for the next episodes.

CURRENT TAGLIST: @chlorinecake @addictedtohobi @nikisdubblchococake @laylasbunbunny @urfavberry @antonitty @billiondollarworth @meowbini

[thatbanditqueen]

A Basic Training Snippet

Life has been very cruel and gotten between me and my favorite pastime... writing delusional scenarios in which I, I mean my original characters, dated Elvis Presley. So I thought for fun I would just share a very short snippet from the chapter of Basic Training I am working on, in which Elvis invites Bess to spend the weekend with him in Waco at the house of his friend, DJ and TV host Eddie Fadal.

This is very rough, I am not sure if it sounds like Elvis, I need to go back through it once I finish the chapter. I haven't even had anyone alpha this. However, I had at one point told @be-my-ally I would participate in the writing prompt "weather" and post Sunday (yesterday) and so this is my very pathetic attempt to just post something that at least mentions weather in passing...

If you want to read or catch up on this WIP you can find it here

“Well, you know I’m mainly a legs and ass man, through and through, but boy oh boy, Bessie is stacked. I tell ya what. Fa sho. I don’t know how it's possible, but they’re even bigger when you got ‘em in ya hands. Why you nodding Lamar, you ain’t ever gotten to second base, quit lyin.”

The rain had stopped by the time Bess opened her eyes again to find the bed empty, though she could still hear the drip drop of water through the hole. There it was, like an inverted nipple in the middle of the new glossy pink wall, a perfect round sphere with layers of drywall caved in around the edges where the firework had shot through. The smell of cigarettes wafted in from outside, along with a set of men's voices.  Bess was about to call to them when she heard Elvis say the word “Anita.”

There was laughter, then the sound of slaps and skids along concrete, as if a scuffle had broken out, followed by more laughter.

“Shit, but you’re wrong, Rex, cuz there are really only two types of girls. See, with ‘Nita, she is a good girl, but she puts it all on the table. If I’m happy, she’s happy, that’s all she wants. She let's it all hang out. All I gotta do is look at her and smile and she’s gonesville. But then, then there are the ones who keep it all tied up. You know, you saw it Lamar, when I come down here, Anita was ballin her damn eyes out. Now Bess, Bess’d never let you see her cry. Not if she can halp it. She plays it cool. But when you touch her you can feel her vibrating underneath that ice, jus enough to know her motor's running. And boy, when you get it going, what a motor. When she cries out, man, you know ya really earned it. Know what I mean?" 

There was some muffled laughter, and Bess couldn’t quite hear everything, but what she did hear made her face flush a deep crimson red.

“Oh, well I found out last night.  I swear, Bess tastes so fresh and sweet, I know I’m the first guy she let touch her.”

“Nah, a college girl?”

“What do you know, huh, lardass? Reckon I been with seventy five, no, I mean a hundred or more girls. Trust me, I know women, that girl spent college with her nose in her books.”

“Now you got your nose in her - OW - what the fuck?”

“I don’t wanna hear you talk bout her like that, got it?”

“But you just -”

“But you just, but you just, just mind ya goddamn manners.”

Bess sat there, unsure if she wanted to keep listening, but as she turned she was distracted by a dark set of eyes staring her from the doorway. She pulled the strap of her nightie up, and smoothed her hair back as she smiled at Janice Fadal.

“Mommy told me not to wake you up, so I’ve just been sitting here waiting. Ready to do my make up again?”

Bess nodded, relaxing as she stood and patted the little girl’s head.

“Sure, just let me get dressed, huh?’

Then Janice’s slick little tongue curved up and licked the bottom of Bess’ wrist.

“I don’t think you taste like ice cream at all. More like salt. “

*******************************************************************

more to come, let me know what you think....

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[theidiotwhowritesthings]

Fate is Definitely Drunk

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Warnings: fluff-ish, very meet cute if meet cute was more panicked and frozen in shock, cursing b/c I can’t write without cursing apparently

Word Count: 1,050

Summary: Everyone has the words their soulmate will first say to them written on their skin somewhere. You have the most average words in the known universe so you assume you’ll have a soulmate that matches that. Fate ain’t happy you underestimated her.

A/N: This is part of my marvel soulmate series. I did a whole thing. Sort of.

Soul marks were a funny thing. Mysterious. Unpredictable. Seemingly random. Science tried to understand it, but no matter how many studies they pushed out there never seemed to be a concrete answer. Some people referred to the marks as, ‘Scrawls of Fate’. That’s what it had to be, right? Fate pulling the strings, dragging people together, and creating happy endings or whatever.

You weren’t bitter.

And yes, that’s probably what bitter people said, but you were not bitter.

Not more than the average human at least.

You’ve seen dream couples meet because of the words on their skin. You had a friend in elementary school find her soulmate in the first grade. Yes, they got stuck with words said by their toddler selves, but they were stupid happy. You had just attended their wedding six months ago. It was sickeningly beautiful. Most of the couples you’ve seen get strung together were doing pretty well. Nothing special or crazy unique, but they were content.

That was the goal, right?

To be content.

Anything above that was just extra, and there was nothing wrong with extra, but if you walked around thinking the fates owed you extra then of course you’d be disappointed. That was your view of it at least. Even as a kid you never really got worked up over your words. They were simple, average, and you wouldn’t be surprised if a handful of other people in the world had the exact same mark as you coincidentally.

‘Terrible weather, huh?’

Your soul mark was literally the epitome of small talk. You’ve seen a lot worse though. A friend in high school had the words, ‘Fucking fish’ on their arm. You were still very curious as to how that would’ve come up in conversation. Maybe you needed to reach out to him later just to see if he had met his soulmate yet.

The sound of your name brought your eyes up from the table in surprise. The gaze of all the other brand-new interns were zoned in on you, and the only reason you remembered the initial ice-breaker question was because it had put you off on the tangent your brain got stuck on.

“Nope.” You shook your head quickly and offered the group a smile that you hoped was less awkward and more ‘happy to be here’, “No significant other at the moment.”

The group leader, your new boss, was a chirpy brunette named Janice who was living her best life right now. Her smile filled her entire face and she seemed to radiate sunshine. Which was cool for her, but you couldn’t imagine being that excited on a Monday morning unless you were on something.

“I was hoping Tim would be back by now.” Janice hummed, drumming her nails on the table, “I was gonna have him pick you guys up some coffee. Nothing like a caffeine boost before we move onto the program training.”

You raised a hand, “I’ll go grab us some coffee.”

“You will?” Janice beamed. “You’re a saint. Just tell the barista that I sent you.”

The group gave you their orders, that you jotted down into your phone, then you hurried out of the boardroom with a sigh of relief. It was nice to finally stretch your legs after being stuck in there for the last couple hours. Honestly, you were so thankful to have this job. You were just a low-level grunt working the mail room and answering phones, but you were a low-level grunt at Stark Industries. Everybody said that’d look fantastic on your resume and since you had no real future plans right now it seemed like a safe bet.

The coffee stand was on the first floor in the lobby and was packed. It took a good ten minutes just to get to the front of the line, but you weren’t in any kind of rush. You ordered the coffees then wandered off to the side to wait for them to be made. Your eyes drifted to the large lobby windows that were currently being pelted with rain. You loved storms. It was funny that rainy days brought you such comfort, but you always figured it tied into your soul mark. You were never actively hoping for anything, but maybe your subconscious just knew this would be the setting you’d find the one in.

The barista called out your name and you turned away from the view. You grabbed the drink carrier that had five cups balanced on it. Before going upstairs, you drifted a little closer to the front doors and paused for just another second to stare outside. The board room you were stuck in had no windows at all, and only this close to the door could you smell and hear the rain.

Someone stopped a couple steps to your left and you couldn’t help but look over at them as they undid the clasp holding their umbrella closed. It took two seconds for you to realize that the person standing beside you with their umbrella was Captain America. Your eyes widened in shock. He always looked so big and in charge on the news, and in person he was legitimately intimidating. Tall stature, broad shoulders, and God, he was good looking. As in, who the hell had the right to look so good so casually??

Captain America glanced at you, his blue eyes meeting your gaze, and though your brain screamed at you to look away and not stare like a frozen creeper, you couldn’t move a muscle. You just stood there looking like the idiot you felt like. He politely gave you a tiny nod and warm smile. Captain America motioned to the door, “Terrible weather, huh?”

You felt the words on your shoulder tingle and your jaw fell loose in disbelief. Captain America just gave you one more nod before walking to the door. He opened his umbrella and you lost sight of him out in the storm amongst all the other walking umbrellas.

Had he just…?

Had you just…?

The drink carrier slipped from your hands and five full cups of coffee hit the tiled floor causing a disaster at your feet. You couldn’t even register that people were looking at you or that the hot coffee had burned your through your pants’ leg or that you were now standing in a pool of caffeine.

You gasped, “Oh, fuck me.”

[next chapter]

[sjsmith56]

The Right Time - A Private Man, Chapter 14

Summary: Bucky and Tracey share their news with everyone. Matt and Foggy advise Bucky that his settlement offer has been made.

Length: 4.8 K

Characters: Bucky, Tracey, Rebecca, Janice, Matt, Foggy.

Warnings: Residual anger against Thaddeus Ross, Val de Fontaine and others who threatened Bucky.

Author notes: Mostly a good news chapter. The Story of Ferdinand is one of my favourites, even though it tells the story of a barbaric sport that still exists in some parts of the world. In a way, it is symbolic of Bucky for me, because like Ferdinand, he just wants to live a quiet life, smelling the flowers, enjoying the shade, and being where he is happiest.

<<Chapter 13

That morning, when Tracey accepted Bucky's proposal he went back into the house with her and told Rhodey he would entertain the idea of being an Avenger if it allowed him to live a meaningful life with his sister and his wife in Brooklyn. Standing there, holding Tracey's hand while he said it, the reaction from everyone else at first was confusion, then awareness dawned on Sam's face.

"You asked her to marry you just now?" he asked.

Bucky nodded then looked at Janice. "I'm not asking your husband for his blessing," he said. "I would like yours."

"You have it," she replied, then she stood up and kissed him on the cheek before hugging her daughter.

That seemed to break the ice and everyone offered their congratulations. Bucky excused himself to go into his bedroom, coming out with a small worn round box. Rebecca beamed as he stood in front of everyone, gathering his words.

"Rebecca has had this ever since our mother died in 1970," he said. "Dad proposed to her in 1915. He was a soldier, not terribly well off but he bought what he could afford. During the Depression they came close to selling it several times but something always came up that allowed her to keep it. Being vintage it's worth a lot more now and the jeweller assured me that he could duplicate the design for the wedding band. It would honour both me and Rebecca if you accepted this ring as a symbol of the promise between us."

He opened the box and held the ring towards Tracey. With her eyes glistening she took it. "Bucky, it's beautiful," she said. "It would be a privilege to wear your mother's engagement ring."

She slid the ring with the round cut diamond and engraved band on her ring finger, then kissed Bucky, placing her palm on his face as she did. Once again there were congratulations with hugs and kisses from everyone. Despite the desire to stay and celebrate the three flying men prepared to leave. Rhodes pulled Bucky aside, away from everyone else.

"I want you to know that I will do all I can to make being an Avenger a full time job," he said. "The government can't expect any of us to sit around, waiting for a mission, and not have a regular source of income to rely on. If that doesn't happen then I won't blame you if you choose to turn it down. You stepped up to take care of Rebecca because she was your first priority, and I respect that, very much. We'll talk about what you need for this plan to be successful. That's my promise, Buck."

"Thanks," replied Bucky. "When you fell in Germany and we heard you were paralyzed I felt such guilt for your injury, that it was my fault." Rhodes began to object but Bucky persisted. "Then you showed up in Wakanda and there was no blame from you, no sign of anger or resentment. You treated me like a fellow soldier and that meant a lot."

"In those two years I learned what you went through and I couldn't fault you for trying to protect yourself, and to stop those who would exploit you," replied Rhodes. "They were ready to kill you because they didn't know the man you really were. You proved yourself as a man of honour in Wakanda and against the Flag Smashers. My accident was just that, an accident, a shot gone wrong. I had enough years in the Air Force to know that those things happen. We'll figure it out, Buck. I know we will."

He gave Bucky a heartfelt hug then returned to the living room where Sam and Joaquin were waiting. Together the three of them stepped out into the yard then raised themselves into the air. Rhodes used his suit to contact Wong and a portal opened for each man, which they disappeared into, leaving Bucky, Rebecca, Tracey and Janice behind.

"You don't see that every day," said a voice and they all turned to see Kalyna entering the back yard. "I guess I missed meeting the flying men. I saw them on TV yesterday and wanted to meet them. At least I got a picture of them for my husband."

"They'll be around again sometime," smiled Bucky. "Maybe not all at the same time. I better get ready for work."

He carried Rebecca back into the house and entered his bedroom to get his work clothes on. Tracey followed him, sitting on the bed and watching as he got changed. When he was ready to go, he held his hands out to her, pulling her into his arms.

"Share our news," he said lovingly. "Today is a great day and I want everyone to know that you're going to marry me. I'm a lucky man."

"And I'm a lucky woman," she replied, looking up at him with a soft smile. "Believe that."

They kissed fiercely, then pulled themselves apart breathing heavily. When they went out to the kitchen Kalyna blocked Bucky from leaving.

"What is this news that Mrs. Rebecca says you have?" she asked.

"I asked Tracey to marry me and she said yes," replied Bucky. "Now, I really do have to go. Ladies."

He kissed Tracey and Rebecca quickly then headed out the door before Kalyna could say anything else but she did look at Tracey who showed her the engagement ring. With a smile the Ukrainian woman hugged Tracey.

"You must have the reception at the volunteer centre," she said. "Several of the others are putting forth a proposal to start a non-profit catering service, one that offers foods from different cultures and countries."

"You know, that's not a bad idea," said Rebecca. "It would certainly be different."

"I promise you we will talk," said Tracey. "Now, I'm going in to work today as I think we got everything done yesterday, didn't we Mom?"

"That we did," replied Janice. "I'm going to wash the sheets that our three flying heroes used and remake that bed downstairs."

"Kalyna, do you know if Amina is at home today?" asked Tracey. "I have some spices that I picked up for her but didn't get back in time to give them to her yesterday."

"Yes, she has today off," replied the other woman.

Tracey got dressed, packed her bag, picked up the spices and headed over to Amina's house. She was just seeing her children off to school and smiled broadly at Tracey as she came up the sidewalk with the spices.

"Miss Tracey," she said. "We saw that horrible man be arrested on TV after the three flying heroes showed up. Kafeel was ready to jump on his bicycle and go over to offer his help. Is it over? Is Mr. Bucky safe?"

"He is," replied Tracey. "Mr. Ross has been relieved of his duties and was returned to Washington to be questioned by the President. I've brought the spices and a little piece of news for you."

She held up her left hand, showing the engagement ring to Amina. A broad smile formed on the Sudanese woman's face.

"Truly?" she asked. "You and Mr. Bucky?"

Tracey smiled and nodded. "He asked me this morning and gave me his mother's engagement ring. I'm going to marry him, Amina. I don't know when, but it would give me great honour if you came to the wedding, along with some others from the newcomer centre. I think you've known all along we were meant for this."

"My first American wedding," said Amina. "I will be there to witness your marriage. What are your American customs for weddings? We have many in Sudan, most of them will not have meaning to you but it would give me great honour if you would allow me to place henna on your hands. We do it at a party with just women."

"I've seen that," said Tracey. "I think it's a very beautiful custom but there are some people that would think I'm taking something beautiful from your culture to use for my own pleasure."

"Really?" asked Amina. "My goodness. I wouldn't want you to get into trouble for that. Would you be offended if I still wore it, in celebration?"

"I would be honoured if you did," replied Tracey. "Samira, as well. It's part of her culture, isn't it?"

Amina nodded and it was decided between them that those whose culture it was part of would partake in that wedding custom.

"We do have bridal showers in America," said Tracey. "We'll have one and you and the other ladies can come to that. Kalyna already suggested that we have the reception at the newcomer centre. Since that's really how I began to know Bucky better it seems like a good idea. I still have to talk to him about it."

"Oh, you must," exclaimed Amina. "So many of us there are, what is the expression, invested in you and Mr. Bucky's happiness. Am I permitted to share your news?"

"Yes, share it with everyone," smiled Tracey. "He really is a good man."

"He is," agreed the Sudanese woman. She stepped forward and took Tracey's hands in her own, holding them for several moments. "He will be a very good husband."

With a smile Amina released Tracey's hands and wished her a good day. As Tracey drove to her office she felt lighter in her mind and body. It must have been noticeable as she entered the building because the supervisor came out of her office with a smile on her face.

"Well, you look extremely happy," she said. "I wondered if you were coming in after watching all that business on TV. Is everything going to be okay?"

"We think so," replied Tracey, "but something wonderful happened this morning." She held up her left hand, showing the engagement ring and was surrounded by the other staff. "He asked me to marry him. This is his mother's engagement ring. It's over a hundred years old."

"I told you when you got that arrangement of roses that he really loved you," said the one young nurse. "How soon do you think before you get married?"

"I don't know but it's going to be quite the party when we do." She smiled at everyone. "Thanks for all your support this past month with everything that seemed to be going wrong. It's nice to have something go right."

After a few more close looks at the engagement ring everyone went back to their desks. Tracey logged in and pulled up her schedule for the day, assembling the files on her clients. An hour later she said goodbye to everyone and drove out to begin her rounds.

At the dock Bucky received more attention and comments on the arrival of Captain America, War Machine and Falcon to the rescue. He took it all in good fun, accepting the good natured ribbing then he shared the big news that he asked his girlfriend to get married. Most of them noticed Tracey on the news broadcast two nights before and told him she was much too good for him.

"I agree she is, but she still said yes," laughed Bucky.

"Well, marry her quick then before she changes her mind," joked Rick, the supervisor. "You do have vacation time coming to you."

There was some more joking thrown around then the supervisors all got down to business with their crews and began working. The day flew by quickly for Bucky. On the walk back home he stopped off at a florist and bought a bouquet of flowers.

When he arrived at the house he was pleasantly surprised to see a work crew there, pouring concrete supports for the ramp. They even dug up the plants that were on that part of the house so that they could be transplanted elsewhere. Bucky stopped to talk to their supervisor and learned that the work order was given from a high level federal government account with a RUSH priority. They would begin the actual construction in a couple of days and hoped to have it finished by the weekend. With a wave to the crew Bucky headed inside and was greeted by three smiling women, Rebecca, Tracey, and Janice. Presenting the bouquet to Tracey he kissed her affectionately then looked at all three.

"So, has something else happened that I should be aware of?" he asked.

"Matt just phoned," said Rebecca. "He and Foggy are coming over with a settlement offer for you from the government. It was delivered to them about 20 minutes ago. You saw the ramp construction started?"

Bucky nodded. "I did. You make one call to the President and it seems like everything just falls into place."

He went to shower and change while the flowers were put into a vase. By the time he came out Matt and Foggy were already waiting for him in the living room. After shaking their hands he pulled a dining room chair over to sit across from them.

"Well, thanks to a certain person phoning the President herself, and Colonel Rhodes passing on some of the information we had about Ross and Fontaine it appears an order was given to expedite your settlement," said Matt. "It's a generous offer, has likely been topped up because of the events of the past two days and it's my recommendation you accept it. Foggy, show it to Bucky."

The blond man pulled a paper out of the folder that lay on the coffee table and handed it to Bucky. Expectantly they all watched him read it then look up at them with what can only be described as disbelief.

"That much?" he said. "There's no way I earned that much. I was lucky to get $100 per month as a sergeant and a Howling Commando."

"It's not just the back pay," said Matt. "It's an admission of failure to protect you from torture, prolonged imprisonment, and conspiracy to keep you enslaved as an asset. So, the first million is for your back pay, adjusted for inflation, and interest added. Ten million is for the physical damage done to your person. The serum changed you, and although you enjoy good health, increased strength, and a prolonged life span from it, it was still medical experimentation performed on you against your will. The final ten million are for the emotional damages, the PTSD, loss of family and friends, and an acknowledgement that you suffered greatly. The back pay has already been taxed. The damages portion is tax free. It's all yours to do with as you please."

As Rebecca began to cry, Bucky swallowed then looked at her in a bittersweet manner before looking at Matt emotionally.

"Thank you," he said, in a voice barely above a whisper. "It's very generous and I'll accept it but I want it known I would have rather come home from the war with nothing but my reputation and the clothes on my back. Even though I have Rebecca and Tracey now, I'll never get those years back. I was robbed of a normal life."

"We know that," said Matt, calmly. "So does everyone who cares about you."

Bucky sat next to Rebecca and enclosed her in his arms, listening to her sob in a combination of happiness for him finally receiving his due, and sadness that it took so long. Pulling out his handkerchief he gently dabbed the tears from her eyes before kissing her on the forehead. Then he looked at Tracey, his face alight.

"That New York minute just got a lot closer," he said. "Should we make it official before the end of the year?"

"What am I missing?" asked Matt, turning his head in confusion.

"Bucky asked me to marry him, and I accepted," smiled Tracey. "I think we should get married as soon as we can."

"Kalyna said you should have the reception at the newcomer centre as they're starting up a non-profit catering service," said Rebecca. "It seems like everything is coming together at just the right time, Bucky."

"Then let's do it," said her older brother, reaching his hand out to Tracey. "Let's get married."

"Well, congratulations," said Matt, standing up and extending his hand. "I'm very happy for you both. If you'll sign off on this offer, we'll make sure it gets to the right person in government. Apparently, your cheque should be couriered over within a couple of days."

After declining an offer to stay for dinner Matt and Foggy left, leaving Bucky and the three women in the house. Janice clapped her hands together.

"Why don't we go out for dinner, my treat?" she said. "There has to be a nice Italian restaurant nearby that we can go to."

Bucky looked at the hopeful faces of the women and nodded. "There is something a few blocks away. I should phone and make sure there's a table for four."

While they got ready he called and reserved a table for four. It wasn't until they were almost at the restaurant that he realized he didn't bring his gloves. At first he wanted to run back to the house to get them but it was Janice, of all people, who wouldn't hear of it. Grasping his metal hand in hers she placed her other hand on his cheek.

"Bucky, don't hide yourself," she said gently. "You're a good man with a big heart. This isn't the hand and arm of your jailers or a killer. It's the hand and arm of a free man, a gentle man."

"Still, it might bother some people," he answered, looking down at the ground.

"Then that's their problem, not yours," she replied. "You have nothing to be ashamed of and I'll stick up for you if anyone says anything. You're going to be my son-in-law soon. I'm proud to be your future mother-in-law."

Tracey beamed at them both as this was something new from her mother, part of her spreading her wings after so many years of being held back. Nodding his assent he took Rebecca's walker out of the trunk and set it up for his sister. Together they walked into the restaurant and he gave them the name of the reservation. The hostess glanced at his hand then smiled.

"Our pleasure, Mr. Barnes, please follow me."

Picking up four menus she led them to a very nice table and assured them their server would be there shortly. The only people who said anything about his metal hand were kids, and he didn't mind them because their questions came from curiosity, not disgust or fear. They had a very enjoyable meal and began making wedding plans. When Janice went to pay the bill, Bucky stayed her hand.

"Please, let me," he said. "I can do that now."

"But I offered," she protested.

"I know, but I want to, please," he insisted.

With a nod she handed the bill to him, and he paid, giving a sizeable tip to the server. As they got up to leave the manager came forth and told them they were welcome anytime. Several children said goodbye to Bucky, and he returned their words to them, waving as he left the restaurant last.

On the drive home Bucky received a text message from Sam. He read it several times, not quite believing what he was reading.

"What is it?" asked Tracey, from the driver's seat, looking at him through the rear view mirror.

"A text from Sam," he said. "Val de Fontaine has resigned, so has the Secretary of State, and Thaddeus Ross is facing federal charges for trying to take me. They're calling it an attempted abduction, plus charges of violation of my civil rights, violation of Rebecca's civil rights, property damage ... several more charges to cover what he did to us. Sam said it's on the news right now."

Tracey sped up a little and they arrived home in minutes. While Bucky carried Rebecca in Tracey brought her walker inside. The TV was turned on and all the channels showed special news bulletins detailing this development from Washington. They watched for some time, not quite believing the turn everything took. It looked like the President had decided to come down hard on the three people. Fontaine was filmed leaving the White House but didn't talk to reporters. The Secretary of State stated he had only tried to serve United States interests and was unaware that Mr. Barnes was being threatened by Ross and Fontaine.

"Bullshit," snapped Bucky. "He's lying. I can read it as plain as day on his face."

Ross, to his credit, admitted he had taken a hard line in trying to recruit the former Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes to his task force, but felt given his service to HYDRA that Barnes would jump at the chance to serve his country. Bucky almost hit the TV when Ross said that. Right away, he received several texts from people saying that Ross was a lying piece of excrement, although the word they used was much cruder. The doorbell rang at that moment and Bucky looked out the small cutout window in the door. He turned back to the others.

"There are a bunch of news crews out there," he said.

"I'm calling Matt," said Tracey. "Do you want me to talk to them?"

"No, I'll tell them I have no comment at this time," replied Bucky.

As he opened the door there were all sorts of shouts of his name, bright lights, and flashing lights as newspaper photographers snapped his picture. Bucky stood in the doorway for a moment, frozen. Janice grabbed the phone from Tracey and jerked her head towards Bucky. Tracey's place was by his side. She joined him at the doorway and put her hand in his. He turned to her then turned back to Rebecca, who nodded her support. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out onto the top of their front steps.

"Bucky Barnes, no doubt you've heard of the development in Washington," said the closest reporter. "What are your thoughts on this matter?"

He swallowed then looked out over everyone and decided he was going to say something. "I'm only going to say this once. My service, as Thaddeus Ross, so casually referred to my imprisonment, torture and enslavement by HYDRA, was involuntary. It was forced on me. I fought it for over 70 years. I wasn't treated as a person, or as an individual, or as anything other than an asset to be controlled and unleashed on people who disagreed with those Nazis. Ross has threatened my liberty, ownership of the house I share with my sister and fiancée, he has threatened to have senior's benefits that my sister is entitled to stopped and cancelled outright. That doesn't sound like a man who wants me to volunteer to serve my country willingly. That sounds like a man who wants to control an asset and unleash it on people he deems dangerous. In other words, he sounds just like HYDRA. I fought Thanos, was one of the decimated, and when I returned, I took up arms against Thanos again to help bring him down, on American soil. I made amends to all the families of the victims of the Winter Soldier. Along with the current Captain America, Sam Wilson, I investigated and helped prevent the Flag Smashers from killing people and imposing their narrow view of governance on the world. If the Avengers is reformed, I pledge to serve my country as one of them, working within the law, at the request of those people or governments that need our help. I will never work for an organization that may be formed to violate the sovereignty of a country, specifically Wakanda, who has done so much for the world, without advertising it, without thanks, and without expectation of repayment."

"Wait, are you saying that Ross was looking to form a black ops unit against an American ally?" asked the reporter.

"Ask him, or Val de Fontaine, or the former Secretary of State," replied Bucky. "I can't confirm or deny that because I don't have the clearance to know it for sure. But whatever group Ross was forming, you can bet it wouldn't be legal. Not when he already hired people who used to work for the Japanese mafia. That is a fact."

Several other reporters yelled out questions but Bucky returned into the house, closed the door and turned off the porch light, while Janice drew all the curtains. Tracey hugged him, feeling him shaking as he fought off the adrenaline coursing through his body. She rubbed his back, watching him intently, until he looked down at her and smiled.

"I'm better," he murmured. "Thank you for standing with me."

"You did good," she replied. "I'm proud of you."

"So am I," said Rebecca. "Matt was listening to you speak as they showed it live. He said you did good. You didn't need him to face them."

They watched the news reports for a time then Rebecca finally said she was tired and wanted to go to bed. Pulling herself up onto her walker she walked by herself to the bathroom, telling Tracey she could go herself. As they waited Tracey went into their bedroom and came back out with a store bag.

"I stopped at a bookstore to find a new storybook for Rebecca and found this," she said. "It's original publication date is 1936 so I figured it might be one that Rebecca remembers from when she was a kid."

Handing the bag to Bucky he pulled the paperback book out and smiled fondly at it. "I remember this. I read it to her more than once. It's still in print, imagine that."

The bathroom door opened and Rebecca came out and looked at all of them as they looked at her. "What?" she asked, jokingly as she looked behind her. "Do I have toilet paper on my shoe?"

"No," answered Bucky. "Just a new book for you. Call me when you're ready and I'll come read it to you."

With a smile Tracey went to to help get her ready for bed and Bucky flipped through the story, remembering the times he read it to his sister. It was funny how until he saw the cover those memories weren't there but seeing the bright red cover of The Story of Ferdinand brought it all back to him. Janice watched him, at the soft look on his face as he looked at the book and came towards him. She looked at it then at him and patted him on the shoulder.

"You're going to be a good father someday," she said. "You're a protector but you're also a big softie inside. I saw how you were with the kids in the restaurant. You were so patient with them and their questions. Did you want to be a dad back in the 40s?"

"I was too much of a ladies man to think about that," he said. "I always thought I would get married eventually and have a family but I was too busy chasing skirts to stop and find the right one. Then your daughter found me." He looked down the hallway towards Rebecca's bedroom. "I'm no ladies' man anymore. Tracey is everything to me. I'll never raise a hand to her or our children, Janice. That's my promise to you."

"I know," she replied.

Tracey came out of the bedroom and beckoned to Bucky. Taking the book with him he went to the bedroom and Janice sat in the living room listening to Rebecca's cry of recognition when Bucky presented the book to her. Then she heard his voice read the story.

"Once upon a time in Spain there was a little bull and his name was Ferdinand," began Bucky.

As he read to Rebecca, tears began to stream out of Janice's eyes as she listened to this wonderful man that her daughter found, a man who had experienced terrible pain and suffering, but whose love for his sister and her daughter was absolute. His calm but expressive voice was full of love as he read his sister this book from their childhoods. She watched Tracey as she leaned against the door frame, at the love from her face and she felt glad that her daughter found someone like Bucky. All this drama that had happened recently to them wasn't enough to shake their love and she could hardly wait for their wedding so they could officially begin their life together.

Chapter 15>>

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