#Winter Soldier series

[koiponderingart]

The best of Winter Soldier: Of the many Winter Soldier/Bucky Barns paints I have done, these are my favorite.

Please feel free to find me on Ig: koipondering

[buckyssoldat]

Chapter 66: Unspoken

Warnings: major character death, grief and loss, emotional distress, mature themes, angst, violence, mentions of blood, themes of self-sacrifice and acceptance, heartbreaking conversations, romantic tension and vulnerability, strong language, sexual themes

A/N: This is part of my series, Forsaken - The Fallen Soldier. If you wanna be tagged in this, just send me an ask or a message. Feedback is always appreciated, don’t be shy to share your thoughts on this :)

I had all and then most of you

Some and now none of you

Take me back to the night we met

I don't know what I'm supposed to do

Haunted by the ghost of you

Alice’s eyes snapped open, her head throbbing with the force of a brutal headache. She felt the weight of her body pressing against the ground, the familiar hum of battle still crackling in the air. For a moment, everything felt surreal, too disorienting to grasp, but then she heard it: Peter Parker’s voice, calling out to her.

“Miss Onyx!” he shouted, his tone panicked but familiar. “Get up! We need to move! The gauntlet!”

Groaning, Alice pushed herself up, her eyes scanning the chaotic battlefield around them. Her sword was lying just a few feet away, its blade gleaming faintly. She reached for it, gripping the hilt with steady hands. As she did, the ground shook beneath her, and she looked up just in time to see Thanos preparing for another brutal attack. He was fighting Wanda, her power nearly overwhelming him, but he wasn’t backing down.

Once she noticed what Thanos was about to do, she instinctively pulled Peter into cover, her body blocking his as she shielded the gauntlet with hew own. The barrage of energy blasts rained down on them, the air sizzling with heat and force. But just as suddenly as it started, the blitz stopped. Alice’s chest heaved, her senses on high alert as she cautiously looked up.

Then, she saw it – Captain Marvel, hurtling through the sky, ripping Thanos’s ship like it was made of paper. She couldn’t help herself. She let out a whoop, a triumphant shout that was both a relief and a declaration of victory.

“Fuck yeah, Carol!” Alice yelled, her grin fierce. “I bet the giant grape is shitting his pants right now.”

Captain Marvel’s descent was like watching a comet crash to Earth, and when Carol landed in front of Alice and Peter, a new sense of hope blossomed in Alice’s chest. She stood up, pushing Peter gently to the side, though he remained clutching the gauntlet.

“Hi. I’m Peter Parker,” he said, giving Carol a small, awkward wave.

Carol’s grin was infectious as she met his gaze. “Hey, Peter Parker. You got something for me?”

Alice straightened up beside Carol, smiling at her friend before giving a quick nod. “Hey, Carol. Glad you could make it.”

Peter shakily passed her the gauntlet, his hands still trembling. “I don’t know how you’re gonna get it through all that,” he said, looking toward the warzone.

But before Carol could answer, the ground rumbled again as Wanda appeared, flying beside Valkyrie, her Pegasus taking her through the air with terrifying grace. Wanda’s voice rang out, steady despite the chaos.

“Don’t worry,” Wanda said, confidence in her tone.

“She’s got help,” Okoye, who had joined them, spoke.

Pepper, Mantis, Shuri, the Wasp, Gamora, and Nebula followed, their arrival like a wave of reinforcements crashing down on Thanos’s forces. They stood ready for battle, determined to see this fight to the bitter end.

Carol began to push forward, flying through the Outriders, Sakaarans, and Chitauri with an ease that made it look effortless. Wanda and Valkyrie destroyed Leviathans in their wake, their power unmatched. Alice, too, was in motion, slashing through enemies, her sword singing as it cut through the air.

Ebony Maw was the next target. Alice’s sword met his chest with a brutal thrust, pinning him to the ground. As he gasped in agony, Alice leaned down, her eyes narrowing with pure fury.

“That’s for throwing me across the fucking field,” she muttered, twisting the blade for emphasis before pulling it free.

Just a few meters away, Alice noticed Corvus Glaive fighting with a Wakandan warrior. She didn’t wait for Corvus to get the upper hand on the struggling warrior. Her boots pounded against the dirt and shattered fragments of metal, and she barely paused to shout, “Leave this one to me!”. The Wakandan man gave her a grateful nod and stepped back, eyes wide as she stepped into the fray.

Corvus turned his blade-like gaze on her, a twisted grin pulling at his lips. “I ripped your head off once,” Alice snarled, dropping her sword on the ground, “I can and will do it again.”

He sneered, “No, you didn’t.”

Alice’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Let me refresh your memory then.”

Corvus lunged at her, his weapon slicing the air, but Alice dropped into a low roll, evading the deadly swing. Dust and dirt kicked up around her as she popped back to her feet and leaped onto Corvus’s back with a burst of speed. Her legs clamped around his shoulders, locking in tight, and her fingers curled under his chin, finding a grip.

Corvus roared, thrashing wildly, but Alice held firm, drawing on every ounce of strength she had. With a fierce, determined scream, she pulled, and the muscles in her arms straining as she wrenched his head backward. The sinews of his neck resisted, and he tried to throw her off, staggering backward, but she tightened her legs and twisted.

There was a sickening crack, and Corvus’s head ripped from his body with a grotesque, wet sound. His body crumpled to the ground beneath her, lifeless and defeated. Breathing hard, Alice landed on her feet, holding the severed head aloft before tossing it aside.

“Memory refreshed,” she spat, catching her breath as she surveyed the ongoing chaos, already searching for the next target. She wiped her hands off on her pants, the blood still dripping from her fingers, but it wasn’t until she heard a sharp intake of breath that she turned.

Okoye stood a few feet away, her wide eyes locked on the lifeless body of Corvus Glaive, his head lying discarded in the dirt. The look on Okoye’s face was a mixture of pure horror and absolute disbelief.

“Did you just-?” Okoye’s voice was strained, like she couldn’t quite process what she had just witnessed.

Alice, still catching her breath, gave a casual shrug, as if decapitation one of Thanos’s top warriors was no big deal. “Yeah. I did.”

Okoye blinked rapidly, her mouth opening and closing like she wanted to say something, but the words just wouldn’t come. She finally settled on a deadpan, “I don’t know whether to be impressed or deeply disturbed.”

Alice shot her a grin. “Both is probably the right answer.”

Okoye could only stare, her face a picture of utter confusion and amazement. “You are a very, very strange woman.”

Meanwhile, Carol was streaking toward the van with the gauntlet, but the fight wasn’t over yet. Thanos was charging after her, but before he could reach her, he was stopped in his tracks by a blast from Pepper, Shuri, and the Wasp, knocking him back. Carol soared past him, but Thanos, now fully enraged, threw his double sword at the van. The weapon shattered the Quantum Realm tunnel, the blast sending Carol spiralling backward. The gauntlet slipped from her grasp, landing with a heavy thud on the ground.

Alice’s heart pounded as she sprinted across the battlefield, her boots pounding against the cracked ground. She’d seen Tony’s move, the way he’d tackled Thanos with everything he had, and now she was running toward the chaos, adrenaline pushing her faster. She didn’t know if it was the desperation or the sheer fury of watching Thanos almost win, but nothing was going to stop her from reaching him.

She reached the clearing just in time to see Tony being thrown in the air like a ragdoll, his body slamming against the dirt with a sickening thud. Her eyes locked onto Thanos, the gauntlet now on his arm, and she felt a surge of dread fill her chest.

The end was coming, and it was coming fast.

“No,” she hissed under her breath, her eyes narrowing. She didn’t have time to think, to hesitate. The world had gone quiet for a split second, the thrum of her heart drowning out everything else. She was already moving, charging forward, sword in hand. Her grip tightened, her breath steady.

Thanos’s fingers curled, and Alice’s stomach twisted as he prepared to snap his fingers. And then she heard it, Thanos’s voice cutting through the chaos.

“I am inevitable,” Thanos said, his voice dark and sure.

Alice reached him just as he snapped his fingers, and for a moment, nothing happened. Just a metallic “clink”. Thanos stared down at his hand in confusion, and his face twisted in horror as he realized the Infinity Stones were gone.

Tony Stark, now standing tall with the stones on his own hand, the power of them coursing through him, looked at Thanos one last time.

"And I… am… Iron Man.”

With that, Tony snapped his fingers.

Thanos’s army crumbled to ash, and Thanos, too, began to disintegrate. Horror filled his eyes as he looked around, watching his entire plan fall apart. He sat down, defeated at last, his form slowly fading from existence, his power, his dreams, evaporating into the void.

Alice’s feet seemed to falter with every step she took toward Tony. Her eyes were wide, her heart pounding, but nothing could prepare her for the sight in front of her. Tony, still laying amidst the wreckage, his right side a mangled mess of raw energy and shattered armour, was struggling to breathe. The very sight of him made her chest tighten in a way that felt like her ribs were cracking. Every piece of her screamed for him to move, to get up, to make some joke, something – anything – but there was nothing.

She couldn’t stop the tears from welling up, the hopelessness sinking in like a heavy weight that crushed her lungs. Her legs gave way beneath her, and she crumpled to the ground beside him, unable to look away from the slow, laboured rise and fall of his chest.

The power of the Gauntlet had destroyed him. There was no question now.

“Tony…” her voice broke, barely more than a whisper as she reached out, trembling hands hovering over him but unable to touch. She couldn’t bear to see him like this.

Bucky’s hand found hers before she could pull away, his grip firm warm. He didn’t say a word, but his presence was a quiet anchor, offering her the steadying force she needed. She looked up at him, tears spilling down her cheeks.

“He’s not…” Her voice faltered, and she could barely finish the thought. She didn’t wanna to say it. She couldn’t make herself admit it.

Bucky squeezed her hand tighter, his eyes full of silent understanding, and said nothing. He just stayed there, holding her, offering his support without needing to say anything more.

Peter Parker appeared then, soaring down from the sky with his webbing. He landed awkwardly beside Tony, his eyes scanning the fallen hero with disbelief. “Mr Stark?” he said, his voice trembling as he kneeled beside him, looking desperately for some sign of life. “Hey, Mr Stark? Can you hear me? It’s Peter. Hey. We won, Mr Stark – we won. You did it, sir. You did it.”

Alice couldn’t bear to watch as Peter’s voice cracked, his hands shaking as he tried to rouse Tony, his tears falling freely. She closed her eyes, her breath hitching as the overwhelming weight of it all settled in her chest.

“I’m so sorry,” Peter whispered, collapsing into Tony’s unresponsive form, his arms wrapping around him. “Tony…” His voice was barely a whisper, filled with so much pain Alice could barely breathe. He couldn’t lose Tony too – not like this.

Pepper arrived, kneeling beside Tony, her face etched with grief. Her hands shook as she touched his face, trying to hold onto him, as if touching him one more time might bring him back. “Hey,” she whispered softly, but Tony could barely lift his head.

“Hey, Pep…” Tony’s voice was a raspy murmur, so weak, but it was still him. Still the man who’d saved them all.

Pepper placed her hand on Tony’s Arc Reactor as Tony rested his hand on hers. She stared at his injuries, afraid of what was coming.

“F.R.I.D.A.Y.?” She called the AI.

“Life functions critical,” the AI responded as Tony smiled with tears in his eyes.

“Tony,” she gently lifted his face so he could see her one last time.

Alice felt her heart tear in two. Her breath hitched as she watched Pepper say the words Alice knew were coming.

“We’re gonna be okay. You can rest now.”

And with that, Tony’s Arc Reactor flickered and died. The light that had once been a symbol of hope, of Iron Man, of all that Tony Stark had been, was gone.

Alice let out a strangled sob, her chest tight with a pain she couldn’t name. Bucky wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close, but it didn’t stop the ache that filled every inch of her being. Tony was gone.

And then, in the midst of the silence, every hero who had fought beside him gathered around, kneeling in honour of the man who had given everything.

And there, on the battlefield, they all mourned together. For Tony Stark. For the hero. For the friend.

The air in the aftermath of the battle was thick with exhaustion and grief. Wakandan medics, led by T’Challa and Doctor Strange, had quickly opened portals and brough in advanced technology to check on everyone, making sure no one had injuries that couldn’t be mended. They cleaned up everyone’s wounds, patching up what they could, and offering the best healing methods they had at their disposal.

Alice had barely registered when the medics came to check her. She’d been lost in a daze of emotions – relief, pain, disbelief. The battle was over. They had won. But it didn’t feel like a victory. Not when they’d lost so much. Not when Natasha and Tony were gone.

Bucky had been cleared too, but he hadn’t left her side, his quiet presence a comfort that she wasn’t sure she could handle losing.

As the medics finished and left them both standing in the quiet aftermath, Alice turned to him, her voice soft but steady. “Come back with me,” she said, the words heavy with meaning. “To my place. In Harlem. We’ll just… be there.”

Bucky hesitated for a moment, his blue eyes scanning her face. But then he nodded, giving her a faint, sad smile. “Alright. Let’s go.”

As they made their way to leave, Alice caught sight of Steve, standing off to the side, his arms crossed as he watched them. There was something in his eyes – perhaps a quiet understanding, a silent approval – as he looked at his two best friends. It wasn’t the usual Steve Rogers, always stoic and reserved; no, this was something else.

Alice could tell there was a flicker of something in his gaze – contentment, maybe even a hint of relief. He knew what Bucky and Alice had been through, both separately and together. How much they had carried, how much they had fought to get here. And now, seeing them finally find each other again, even after everything that had happened, it seemed to bring Steve some peace.

He smiled, though it was small, and the lines of his face softened, as if he was finally seeing something that felt right again in the midst of all the chaos. There were no words exchanged between them, but in that brief moment, there didn’t need to be.

Alice gave Steve a nod, her voice soft as she said, “We’ll be okay.” It was more for herself than anyone else, but Steve heard it.

Bucky, too, offered a silent acknowledgement, the quiet understanding between them all remaining unspoken.

And then, with one final glance at Steve, Alice and Bucky stepped out into the cool night, ready to find what they could in the stillness of her apartment, knowing that, in their own way, they had found each other again.

Steve stood there for a moment longer, watching them leave, before turning his attention back to the scene before him. But his mind lingered on Alice and Bucky, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace about what had transpired.

The trip back to her apartment was a blur, the weight of everything still hanging in the air. Alice had barely said a word, her mind too full of everything they’d just been through. They both needed space to process it, but she wanted him with her, wanted the warmth of his presence to anchor her.

Once inside, Alice could barely focus on anything beyond the overwhelming fatigue. She headed straight for the bathroom, wanting to wash away the blood, dirt, and remnants of battle that clung to her skin. The shower’s warm water felt soothing against her sore body, and she stood under it for a long time, letting it wash over her in silence. When she finished, she wrapped herself in a towel, her mind still swirling with everything that had happened.

Bucky, meanwhile, took his own shower in the bathroom next door. His movements were slower than usual, but Alice didn’t press him. She knew the weight of the battle had taken its toll on him, just like it had on her. The silence between them was comfortable, but not in the way it usually was. This time, it felt heavy.

After a while, they both emerged from the bathroom, feeling a little more human. Before changing into something comfortable, Alice gave Bucky the biggest sweatpants and t-shirt she had. Once she was dressed, she settled on the couch with a sigh. The quiet of the apartment was different tonight – no longer a sanctuary of peace, but a reminder of all they had lost.

Bucky sat beside her, his presence a quiet reassurance. He reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. Neither of them spoke for a while. There was nothing to say that could make the pain go away.

Finally, Alice broke the silence. “You should come to bed,” she said softly, her voice raw with emotion. “Please. I don’t wanna be alone tonight.”

Bucky hesitated, but only for a moment. The look in her eyes told him everything he needed to know. He nodded, squeezing her hand before they both stood. He didn’t say a word, but as they made their way to her bedroom, he kept his arm around her, guiding her gently.

Once they were both in bed, the room dark and still, Alice curled up beside him, her head resting against his chest. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close. For a moment, they just laid there, the quiet of the apartment settling over them like a blanket. Even though they had won, even though they were together, there was still that heavy, lingering sadness in the air.

When Bucky spoke, his voice was low, almost a whisper. “We’ll get through this,” he said softly, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her back.

Alice’s heart ached, and she nodded. “Yeah, you and me. Together,” she whispered back.

And with that, they both fell into a deep, exhausted sleep, finding comfort in each other’s arms, trying to forget, even if just for a moment, the world that had been left behind. And, for the first time in a long time, Alice allowed herself to drift off to sleep, knowing she wasn’t alone anymore.

Bucky had stayed in Alice’s apartment for a few days now, and although the stillness between them was comforting in its own way, it was also heavy. They had both been through so much – the battles, the losses, the weight of the years that had passed. Everything was supposed to be different now, right? They had won. They had their lives back. But there was something in the way they were with each other that made Alice feel like they were still stuck in a limbo, uncertain of how to move forward.

It was the quiet moments that made her wonder if they were really moving forward at all.

At first, sharing a bed had felt natural. It wasn’t anything sexual – just two people trying to find comfort after everything they had been through. They didn’t need words to express what they felt. Just being near each other was enough. But over time, Alice found herself wanting more. Her thoughts turned to what they could be if they let themselves, what it might feel to hold him in the most intimate way possible.

She would wait for the nights when he was relaxed, when the tension seemed to face from his body. She would wear her most revealing pyjamas, nudge closer to him, just enough that she could feel his warmth, but not too much to make him uncomfortable. Her hand would inch toward his, the subtle movement meant to be an invitation, a gentle push toward the closeness they both needed. But every time she reached for him, he would either gently pull away or shift enough to create a space between them.

At first, Alice convinced herself it was nothing. He was exhausted. He was still processing everything that had happened. She understood that. But as the days stretched on, those small gestures – the ones that said more than words ever could – began to pile up. His eyes would never meet hers when she looked at him, and when she touched his arm or brushed against him, there was no reciprocation. It was like there was a wall, built from everything that had happened to him, to both of them, and no matter how much she wanted to tear it down, she didn’t know how.

One night, after they had shared a meal and talked about the small, trivial things that made the day feel normal again, Alice felt the same urge. They were sitting on the couch, her legs tucked under her, his arm resting on the back of the seat. She didn’t even need words. She just wanted to be close to him in a way that felt more real than the invisible barrier between them. The moonlight streaming in through the window cast a gentle glow across the room as Alice leaned into Bucky, her lips meeting his in a slow, passionate kiss. As the kiss deepened, she moved to straddle him, her hands tangling in his hair, and she began to rock her hips slightly against him. Bucky’s breath caught, his hands instinctively finding her waist, holding her as desire surged between them.

For a heartbeat, it felt electric, an undeniable pull igniting between them. But then, Bucky stilled, his fingers tightening briefly on her hips before he gently but firmly lifted her and sat her beside him on the couch. The heat between them cooled in an instant, replaced by a tension Alice couldn’t quite interpret.

“I… I need a shower,” he mumbled hurriedly, not meeting her eyes as he stood up and made his way to the bathroom, leaving Alice flushed and longing, her heart sinking with confusion.

The air felt thick, suffocating. Alice’s chest tightened, her heart aching as she left for bed. The space between them was becoming more than just physical; it was emotional, and Alice could feel it growing wider with every passing second. She had tried so hard to be patient, to give him the space he needed. But with each quiet refusal, the doubt started creeping in. What if he didn’t want her? What if all this time, she had misread the signs? What if he couldn’t love her the way she loved him?

The next day, when Alice was feeling particularly raw, she decided to confront the silence that had settled between them. She had been avoiding it for as long as she could, but there was no more running from it. She had to know what was going on, what he was really feeling.

One evening, after a quiet dinner, Alice suggested they go to the rooftop to get some air and watch the fireworks that were being thrown that night. The sky had grown dark, and the city below them was alive with lights, but the distance between them felt more pronounced than ever.

They stood there, side by side, watching as the fireworks lit up the sky. It was a celebration of sorts – a tribute to the lives that had been restored, to the world that had somehow, against all odds, made it through. For a moment, Alice lost herself in the beauty of the lights, but her thoughts kept drifting back to him.

Alice tilted her head, her fingers fidgeting slightly as she gathered her courage. She turned to Bucky, her voice soft but carrying the weight of her vulnerability. “Are we… okay?” she asked, her heart thudding anxiously.

Bucky glanced at her, his blue eyes filled with a complicated mix of emotions – regret, affection, and worry. He opened his mouth, then closed it, as though the words he wanted to say were caught in his throat. “Yeah… yeah, we’re fine,” he finally said, though his voice wavered, and the uncertainty lingered.

Alice’s lips pressed into a thin line, and she couldn’t help the frustrated exhale that escaped her. “Bucky, please,” she urged, leaning in a little closer. “I’m not sure what’s going on anymore. You keep pulling away from me, and I don’t understand why.” Her voice softened, the fear in her eyes evident. “I just… I just wanna know if you want this. Want me.”

Bucky’s jaw clenched, and his hands turned into closed fists before he forced them to relax. He looked down, avoiding her gaze, and his fingers fumbled with the fabric of his shirt. “It’s just… I-I…” He took a deep breath, visibly struggling. “I just haven’t-”

Alice’s eyes widened, a teasing smile breaking through her worried expression. “Wait,” she interrupted, a note of disbelief and humour entering her voice. “Are you a virgin, Bucky?”

Bucky’s head snapped up so quickly that Alice almost expected him to get whiplash. His eyes went wide, and his face flushed bright red. “What? No!” he sputtered, his hands flying up in panic. “It’s not that!”

A laugh bubbled out of Alice, the tension easing ever so slightly, but Bucky groaned and covered his face with one hand. “Alice,” he mumbled, his voice muffled by his palm, “you’re killing me here.”

Alice giggled, nudging his shoulder playfully. “Hey, I had to ask! You looked so flustered.”

Bucky sighed, letting his hand drop as he shook his head, though his lips twitched upward at her laughter. “It’s just… I haven’t dated someone in so long,” he admitted, the humour giving way to vulnerability. He took a shaky breath, his eyes finally meeting hers. “And being in love with you… it feels like it’s the first time I’ve done this. The whole relationship thing.”

Alice’s playful grin softened as she listened, her heart aching at his honesty. Bucky continued, his voice low and sincere. “I’m sorry if I made you feel bad. It wasn’t what I intended, really. I just… I wanna do things right with you. You’re too important to me.”

Her eyes glistened with tears she refused to let fall. Her smile grew gentle, and she reached out to take his hand, intertwining their fingers. “I… Bucky, it’s okay,” she said softly. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have pressured you. Take your time. It’s totally fine, I swear.”

Bucky exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little. “I just… I wanna do this the right way, okay?” he repeated, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.

Alice’s heart felt like it might burst from the love she felt for this man. “I love you, Bucky,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

He smiled, his eyes crinkling in that way she adored. “I love you too, Alice,” he said, and then leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a soft, heartfelt kiss. The fireworks above seemed to echo their emotion, bursting with brilliance and joy as they held each other.

For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, simply enjoying the warmth of being together and the magic of the night sky. The world felt a little less heavy, a little more bearable, as long as they had each other.

Then, after a few minutes, Alice’s curiosity got the better of her. She shifted slightly, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. “Hey, Buck?” she said, breaking the quiet.

“Yeah?” he murmured, his voice relaxed and content as he held her close.

Her grin widened. “You didn’t answer my question, though.”

Bucky pulled back just enough to look at her, his brow furrowing in confusion. “What question?” he asked.

Alice’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Are you a virgin?” she asked, drawing out the last word dramatically.

Bucky groaned, his cheeks flushing again as he threw his head back. “What-no, Alice,” he protested, laughing despite himself. “I’m not a virgin.”

Alice burst into laughter, and Bucky couldn’t help but join in, the two of them giggling like teenagers, the weight of the world momentarily forgotten. The fireworks continued to explode above, showering them in light, but nothing compared to the joy they found in each other’s arms.

As the laughter died down, the rooftop returned to a quiet stillness, the sky now painted with the remnants of the fireworks’ dazzling display. Alice and Bucky sat together, a comforting silence settling over them, though a new tension began to coil in Alice’s stomach. She leaned her head on Bucky’s shoulder, savouring his warmth, but the weight of a secret pressed down on her heart.

Bucky’s arm was wrapped securely around her, but he noticed the way her body tensed tightly. “You okay?” he asked softly, his voice full of concern.

Alice hesitated for a moment, then forced a smile. “Yeah,” she replied, but the tightness in her chest didn’t ease. Her fingers played with the hem of her shirt nervously. She knew she had to tell him the truth, no matter how afraid she was of his reaction.

I have to tell him about what happened between me and Steve, she thought, her mind swirling with anxiety. The memory of her past relationship with Steve was something that she couldn’t keep from Bucky. He deserved to know, especially now that they were moving forward together.

But as she looked into Bucky’s kind, trusting eyes, the words caught in her throat. Not tonight, she decided. Not here, not like this. She swallowed hard and resolved to tell him after Tony’s funeral. It would be the right time, and he deserved to hear it directly from her.

Bucky watched her carefully, sensing there was more she wasn’t saying. But for now, he let it go, gently squeezing her hand. They stayed there on the rooftop, holding each other as the stars emerged one by one, a silent promise lingering between them that they would face whatever came next together.

The morning sunlight filtered gently through the curtains in Alice’s apartment, casting a warm, golden glow that spilled across the floorboards. The peaceful ambiance was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotion still gripping Bucky. Alice lay fast asleep in the bedroom, her dark hair spilling across the pillow, her breathing even and calm. Bucky had slipped out of bed with care, moving as quietly as possible so as not to disturb her. He left a note on the kitchen counter, promising he’d be back soon, though he hadn’t given a hint as to where he was going.

The streets were eerily quiet as Bucky made his way to Steve’s apartment. He took the familiar route, memories flooding his mind – memories of the war, of decades lost to Hydra, of everything that had happened to him and Steve. And yet, here they were, still standing, still breathing, and still fighting, even after everything. But Bucky couldn’t shake the feeling of something coming to an end.

When he arrived at Steve’s place, the door was already ajar. He pushed it open gently, stepping inside to find Steve standing by the window, his back to Bucky. Sunlight spilled over Steve’s shoulders, making him seem both golden and impossibly weary. Bucky’s heart tightened in his chest; he knew his best friend well enough to sense the gravity of the moment before a single word had been spoken.

Steve turned around slowly, his blue eyes meeting Bucky’s. There was a calmness there, but it was layered with something else – something Bucky hadn’t seen in along time: peace, maybe, but also a deep, aching yearning.

“Hey, Buck,” Steve greeted softly, his voice steady, but his eyes shimmering with a bittersweet kind of resolve.

“Hey, punk,” Bucky replied, though his attempt at levity fell flat. There was no masking the heaviness in his voice. He stepped closer, searching Steve’s face. “What’s going on?”

Steve exhaled a slow breath, his gaze drifting out the window for a moment before he looked back at Bucky. “When I went back to the 70s to get the stone,” Steve began, his voice low and thoughtful, “I saw her. I saw Peggy. And right then… I knew what I had to do.” His eyes grew distant, like he was reliving that moment. “I knew that was my chance, Buck. My chance to finally have the life I’ve always dreamed about. The life I never thought I’d get back.”

Bucky swallowed, his heart thudding heavily in his chest. “Steve…” he whispered, though he couldn’t quite form the words that needed to follow.

Steve’s lips curved into a small, wistful smile. “And then, during the battle, when I saw you and Alice together,” he continued, his voice cracking slightly, “it just made me realize it even more. Seeing you two find each other again, seeing you be happy… it hit me, you know? I want that for myself, too. I need it. I deserve to be happy, to be loved. And Peggy… she’s always been my girl. My happy ending.”

Bucky’s eyes widened, the full weight of Steve’s words crashing down on him. He stepped forward, his boots feeling heavy on the floor. “What are you saying?” he finally managed, though his voice sounded hollow, even to his own ears.

Steve’s smile was sad, his eyes filled with unshed tears. “Once I return the Stones, I’m gonna stay in the past. With Peggy. I’m not coming back this time.”

The room fell into a suffocating silence, the words hanging between them like a heavy, unbreakable truth. Bucky felt like the air had been knocked out of his lungs. “I… I don’t know what to say,” he whispered, his hands trembling slightly. He clenched his fists, trying to keep his emotions from spilling over.

Steve stepped closer, his gaze steady and unwavering. “Tell me I’m not making a mistake,” he pleaded, his voice breaking just a little. “Please, Buck.”

Bucky’s throat tightened, and he had to swallow hard before he could speak. His mind raced with memories – of Brooklyn, of alleyway scrapes and shared laughter, of the decades stolen from them both. But he saw something in Steve’s eyes that made his heart ache: a longing for peace, for a love he’d waited too long for. “No,” Bucky finally said, his voice thick with emotion. “No, you’re not making a mistake. You need this. You deserve to be happy, Steve. To be with Peggy, your girl, the love of your life.” He took a shuddering breath. “It’s just… I just got you back, and now I have to lose you again.” His voice broke, a tear spilling down his left cheek. “I’m gonna miss you like crazy.”

Steve’s own tears finally fell, and he pulled Bucky into a tight embrace. They clung to each other, two brothers who had endured so much, their bond unbreakable even in the face of this impending farewell. “I know,” Steve whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “I’m gonna miss you too, Buck.”

Bucky closed his eyes, pressing his forehead against Steve’s shoulder, memorizing the feeling of this hug, the warmth and strength of the only brother he’d ever known. “Damn it, Steve,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “Why does it always have to be like this?”

Steve pulled back slightly, just enough to meet Bucky’s eyes. His hands still rested on Bucky’s shoulders, as if he were holding on for dear life. “I wish it didn’t,” he admitted, a tear slipping down his cheek. “But this… this feels right.”

They stayed that way for a moment, holding each other, the unspoken love and pain between them palpable. Finally, Bucky stepped back, wiping at his eyes. “Have you told anyone about this yet?” he asked, his voice hoarse.

Steve shook his head. “Nope, just you. I’m planning on going to Alice’s apartment later this evening to tell her.”

Bucky managed a small, sad smile. “Hum, okay. I’ll make sure I’m not there so you guys can have some privacy.”

Steve looked at him, slightly puzzled. “No, it’s okay, Buck. You don’t have to go.”

But Bucky insisted, his smile widening just a fraction. “You two should talk alone. I know how close you are.”

Steve’s eyes widened in surprise, a realization dawning on him. “Oh, you know?” he asked, his voice soft. For a moment, he wondered if Alice had already told Bucky about their past relationship. “And you’re… fine with that?”

Bucky chuckled softly, though his heart still felt heavy. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” he replied, the sincerity in his voice clear.

Steve felt a small sense of relief, though a bit of surprise lingered. “Oh, okay,” he said. “How do you think she’ll react?”

Bucky took a moment, his mind drifting to Alice’s smile, her laughter, and the strength she carried in her heart. “Honestly,” he said, his voice warm and genuine, “I think she’ll be happy for you.”

Steve's expression softened, a mix of hope and gratitude crossing his features. “Thanks, Buck. That means a lot.”

Bucky hesitated, a nervous edge creeping into his demeanour. He rubbed the back of his neck, taking a deep breath before meeting Steve's eyes. “Speaking of Alice,” he began, his voice faltering for just a moment, “I’ve been thinking about something. Actually, a lot.”

Steve raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “What is it?” he asked, his concern for his friend momentarily pushing aside the heaviness of their conversation.

Bucky swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his next words. “I’m thinking about asking her to marry me.”

Steve’s eyes widened, and his mouth fell open slightly as the words sank in. For a moment, the room seemed frozen, the significance of Bucky’s confession wrapping around them like an invisible force. “You… you want to marry her?” Steve echoed, as if he needed to hear it again to truly believe it.

Bucky’s heart pounded as he shifted uncomfortably under Steve’s gaze. He nodded, a nervous smile pulling at his lips. “Yeah,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I mean, I’ve thought about it for a while now. She even noticed I’ve been acting strange. Ever since we got everyone back… she’s my home, Steve. The way she makes me feel… it’s like, even with everything we’ve been through, there’s hope. A future.” His voice trembled, raw with honesty.

Steve’s initial shock melted into a slow, warm smile, and he let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “Bucky,” he said, his voice filled with genuine affection, “that’s… that’s incredible.” He clapped a hand on Bucky’s shoulder, his eyes shining with happiness. “I’m so proud of you. And so happy for you both.”

Bucky let out a shaky laugh, a relief flooding through him. “Yeah?” he asked, his voice hopeful. “You think it’s a good idea?”

Steve nodded, his grin widening. “Absolutely. Alice is one of the strongest, most loving people I know. And you… you deserve this, Buck. You deserve to be happy and to build a life together.” Steve’s expression softened, a wistful glimmer in his eyes. “If anyone understands what it means to have found love after everything we’ve lost, it’s me.”

Bucky’s eyes glistened, and he looked away for a moment, trying to steady his emotions. “You really think I can make her happy?” he asked quietly, vulnerability seeping through his tough exterior. “After everything… the things I’ve done, the things she’s seen… she still deserves better.”

Steve squeezed his shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. “Hey,” he said, his voice steady and unwavering, “Alice chose you. She’s seen all of you, the good and the bad, and she still loves you. That’s real, Buck. And I know you’ll make her happy because you love her with everything you have.” Steve paused, his expression turning serious. “You’ve come so far. You’ve fought so hard to be the man you are now. You’re more than worthy of this, and don’t you ever forget it.”

Bucky’s throat tightened, and he found himself blinking back tears. “Thanks, Steve,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “That means everything, coming from you.”

Steve smiled, the kind of smile that reached his eyes. “So, when are you planning to ask her? Got a big, romantic plan?” he teased lightly, trying to add a bit of levity to the conversation.

Bucky chuckled, some of the tension easing from his frame. “I don’t know,” he admitted, scratching the back of his head. “I mean, it’s Alice we’re talking about. She’s not one for grand gestures. I want it to be… simple but meaningful. Something that shows her how much she means to me.”

Steve nodded, his eyes alight with understanding. “Knowing her, she’ll probably appreciate something heartfelt more than anything flashy. Just be yourself. Speak from the heart.”

Bucky’s lips curved into a genuine smile, the kind he didn’t often show. “Yeah,” he agreed, feeling a bit more confident. “That sounds like something she’d like.”

Steve’s expression softened with warmth. “She’s gonna be so happy, Buck.” His voice grew quiet. “And knowing that you two have found each other again… it makes all of this a little easier for me.”

Bucky swallowed, his gaze locking onto Steve’s. “We’re gonna miss you, you know,” he said, his voice heavy with sincerity. “But I understand. I really do.”

Steve’s eyes misted over, and he pulled Bucky into another hug, their bond speaking louder than words. “I’ll miss you too,” he whispered. “But knowing you’re happy, that you have a future with Alice… that makes this goodbye a little more bearable.”

They stayed like that for a moment, two brothers in arms, holding onto each other and the life they had fought so hard to reclaim. Finally, they pulled apart, both looking a little steadier, a little more resolute.

“Promise me you’ll take care of her,” Steve said softly, his voice full of unspoken love and trust.

Bucky’s gaze was fierce, his blue eyes blazing with a protective intensity. “Always,” he vowed. “With everything I have.”

As the evening settled over Harlem, the warm glow of streetlights spilled into Alice’s apartment, painting the walls in a golden hue. The day had felt long and surreal, filled with the quiet echoes of mourning, victory, and the crushing reality that they’d never be the same again. Alice stood at the kitchen counter, fiddling with a mug of tea she hadn’t touched, her thoughts a tangled mess of relief, grief, and worry.

Bucky had kissed her on the forehead before leaving. “I’ll grab us some pizza from that place you really like,” he’d said, the tenderness in his eyes almost enough to settle the unease in her chest. Almost. Alice had nodded, watching him walk out of the door, the click of the lock echoing in the silence that followed.

She sighed, running a hand through her hair, trying to make sense of the ache she couldn’t seem to shake. The war was over, but not the pain. Not yet.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts, and her heart skipped. “Coming,” she called, placing the mug down and heading to the door. When she opened it, she found Steve standing there, dressed in casual clothes that somehow seemed too normal, too ordinary, for someone who’d carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.

“Hey, Ali,” Steve said gently, offering a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Steve,” she whispered, surprised. “Hey. Come in.” She stepped aside, and he walked in, his movement deliberate, as if he were carrying something fragile. As he passed her, Alice’s brows furrowed. Something about him seemed… different.

They stood in the middle of her living room, and odd, heavy silence hanging between them. Steve’s hands fidgeted, an unusual nervousness tightening his jaw. Alice’s worry spiked. “Is everything okay?” she asked, voice soft but tinged with concern.

Steve’s eyes found hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. He had always been her steady anchor, the man who carried too many burdens but never wavered. But now, he looked vulnerable, like a man who’d made peace with something he hadn’t dared to hope for in a long time. “Alice,” he began, his voice breaking slightly. “We need to talk.”

The air grew thick, and Alice’s heart thumped painfully in her chest. “Okay,” she said cautiously, gesturing for him to sit. They settled on the couch, side by side but worlds apart. Steve turned slightly to face her, and the intensity in his gaze nearly unravelled her.

“I’ve made a decision,” he said, his voice low, almost a whisper. “And I need you to hear me out, okay?”

Alice swallowed, her throat dry. “Okay,” she whispered.

Steve took a deep breath, his shoulders sagging. “When I went back to the 70s, I saw her. I saw Peggy.” His voice cracked, the pain and longing so raw it made Alice’s chest ache. “And for a moment, if felt like all the years, all the fighting, all the loss… it just fell away. I saw the life I could have had. The life I’ve always wanted.”

Alice’s eyes welled up, and she reached out instinctively, her hand resting on his. “Steve…”

He gave her a small, pained smile, covering her hand with his. “Alice, I’ve always been the man out of time,” he continued, his voice wavering. “I’ve tried to make peace with it, but I can’t. I’ve given everything, and now… I need to take something back. I need to be with her.”

The words sank in, and a tear slipped down Alice’s cheek. She wanted to be happy for him, to be relieved that he’d finally get what he deserved. But the thought of losing him again shattered something deep inside her. She had already lost Natasha and Tony. She didn’t want to lose Steve too. “You’re… you’re staying in the past,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Steve’s lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes glistening. “Yeah,” he said softly. “I’m staying with Peggy. I can’t keep being the man out of his time, Alice. I need this.”

Alice’s breath caught, and she tried to hold back the sob rising in her throat. “But we just… we just won,” she choked out. “We just got everyone back together, Steve. You’re my family. How… how am I supposed to say goodbye?”

Steve’s face crumpled, and he reached out, pulling her into a tight embrace. She clung to him, her tears soaking into his shirt, her heart shattering with the realization that this was goodbye. “I know,” he whispered, his own tears falling. “I know it’s not fair. But you’re strong, Alice. You’ve always been so strong.”

She pulled back slightly, her hands trembling as they cupped his face. “I’m strong because I had you,” she said, her voice breaking. “I don’t know how to be strong without you.”

Steve placed his hands over hers, his thumbs brushing her tears away. “You don’t have to be strong alone,” he said. “You have Bucky now. And he loves you more than anything. You two are gonna take care of each other. Promise me you’ll take care of each other.”

Alice sobbed, nodding even though it felt like her world was falling apart. “I promise,” she whispered. “But it’s not gonna be the same.”

“No,” Steve agreed, his voice thick. “It won’t. But you’ll be okay. Both of you.”

They stayed like that, holding each other. Steve eventually pulled back, his own face streaked with tears. “You know,” he said, his voice cracking but a smile tugging at his lips, “when I saw you and Bucky together, I knew you’d be okay. I knew you’d finally found the happiness you deserve.”

Alice let out a shaky laugh, her tears still flowing. “He means everything to me,” she whispered. “But so do you.”

Steve’s smile grew, even as his eyes remained sad. “And you mean everything to me,” he said. “I’m so proud of you, Alice. Of the person you’ve become.”

She took a shuddering breath, trying to etch every detail of this moment into her memory. “I’m proud of you too,” she said, her voice raw. “For everything.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared history pressing on them. Finally, Steve stood, his movements slow, like he was reluctant to leave. “I’ll see you again, you know,” he said, his smile soft. “In another time.”

Alice nodded, her heart breaking but her love for him burning brightly. “In another time,” she echoed, her voice trembling.

And with that, he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. When he pulled back, his eyes lingered on hers, filled with a love that would never fade, even across decades. Then he turned and walked out the door, leaving Alice to stand there, the echo of their goodbye ringing in her ears.

tags: ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​@capswife

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masterlist

[pascaloverx]

As It Was (S2)

Chapter Twelve

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Summary: You have a bold idea that obviously leads you and Bucky into an argument. Who doesn't like a wedding?

Author's note: Dear readers, I will be writing this fanfic again. This second season will have shorter chapters and it will probably take me a little longer to update the fanfic but I hope you like it!

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT WITH THIS STORY, there may be adult content and verbal and physical violence.

"That's the craziest invention you've ever had, Melisa. Did your ex-husband agree to this whole strategy?" Sam asks after you tell him your plan to capture Steve and Killian.

"What makes you believe I told him before I told the four of you?" I speak confidently that they will see things as I do.

"To recap, do you want to be bait in a fake wedding; making two dangerous men come after you?" Yelena seems to have understood the premise of my genius plan.

"Yes, this marriage will make them want to burn the archives. Despite my father's evidence, the fact that they tried to kill me makes everything worse." The reality is that I can't run away forever. Not knowing when something might happen to you or someone you love.

"What if they don't show up? Are you going to marry Barnes again?" Sam says it like it's the most unlikely thing in the world, considering I was married to Barnes once.

"Whatever, it's better to take a risk and not work out, than to do nothing and live in fear." I say, determined to make this weak team help me capture the man who killed my father and the man who almost killed me.

"I agree with Melisa, living in fear doesn't do any good. Not to mention that her marrying Bucky isn't the end of times. We'll be there to protect the engaged couple after all." Wanda speaks, trying to seek support in her wife's eyes, but Yelena seems unsatisfied.

"This could go very wrong, you could die, we could die too because Barnes won't accept this and we will have to do it without his cooperation. So if everything goes wrong he will take it out on us." Sam's right, Barnes will probably be pissed at them and if I survive at most I'll get two weeks without sex as punishment.

"But if we don't do anything to help Melisa, these two cowards will haunt her life. My friend spent months in a hospital bed and wants her peace back. I think we should give her that." Dave he says with authority, trying to show himself as a supporter of this plan. I hug him gently.

"Give what, to whom?" James Barnes came out of his eternal bath wearing a robe. Look, I didn't tell him about the plan but I know he's going to hate it.

"His ex-wife had an unusual idea to solve a problem. We're trying to figure out if it's worth trying." Yelena responds to Barnes, who looks confused.

"Funny, my ex-wife hasn't said anything to me in the days we've been together. At least nothing about this plan." You know that weird feeling like you're going to get fucked? I'm feeling it now.

"That's because she didn't feel you were ready to accept that plan." I say quietly as if I wished I didn't have to say anything.

"On a scale of one to ten, how much does Melisa put herself in danger in her plan?" He asks, clearly speaking to the rest of the group.

"Nine." Exactly everyone says it together, as if they were synchronized. Barnes looked at me as if to say, now you know why I don't like his plan.

"Baby, there's no way I'm going to agree to this plan. You at least suggested being bait to catch the two mother fuckers that almost killed you and I." It's funny how he says this minutes before grabbing me by the waist and kissing me on the cheek. 

"I'm not going to give up on the plan, Barnes. I love you and I respect you. I would like you to respect my plan and follow it. But if you don't, I'll go through with it without you." I said looking into the eyes my ex. I know he wants the best for me but I can't live in this way forever. 

"Do you want to end up like your father?" He responds sharply and I move away from him. I think we went back to the beginning of our relationship again. He wants to have the last word and I want to do what's best for me.

"Better to end up like him, than to live a life of fear and cowardice. If you don't understand me, that's your problem. But if you love me that much, you should support me and protect me. It was exactly for this reaction that I didn't tell you the plan." I say this hoping he will say something, say he will accept the plan or that I can't count on him. But I get silence. In fact, he left the house that was once ours and left without saying a word. 

"I changed my mind, I'll support you in this. If you need a new fiancé, I'm available. Now I'm going to go and see where your husband went." Sam says kissing my cheek and going after Barnes.

"I still think this plan is crazy but if you're willing to fight Barnes over this, it must be important to you. Count on me, for any plan you have." Yelena says giving me a look of support. I am grateful for her decision to help me.

"These idiots and I are going to help you. Either way we're going to get Steve and Killian. One way or another." Wanda says hugging me and then saying goodbye. Just me and Daven left.

"Wine and ice cream?" Dave says, throwing himself on the couch and turning on my TV. You nod your head, hoping that some movie will take your argument with Barnes out of your mind. To think he was so angry that he came out in a bathrobe. It's even funny. 

[barnesnatts]

New look at Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes in Marvel's THUNDERBOLTS.😍🫶🏻

[guardianjameslight]

I love the difference between Alexei's viewing of Bucky in MCU:

In What If S3, he's like, "He's not even a real Russian."

In Thunderbolts, he's like, "It's the Winter Soldier. That guy, so cool. "

[shybluebirdninja]

Fury

Summary: When Bucky's jealous of Steve, there's only one way to calm the storm— and it involves taking you hard and fast.

Pairings           : Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Note                 : rough sex, blowjob, jealousy

The tension was suffocating the second you walked back into the room. Bucky was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his jaw clenched so tight you could almost hear the grinding. He didn’t even need to say anything. His eyes—stormy, dark, and fixed on you—were enough to tell you what kind of mood he was in.

You didn’t do anything wrong, at least not intentionally. Steve had been the one who came over, his usual friendly self, maybe standing a little too close, maybe cracking one too many jokes. But it wasn’t like you were encouraging him. Hell, you barely even noticed until you saw the way Bucky’s eyes tracked every single move Steve made around you, like a predator sizing up his prey. The moment Steve walked out of the room, Bucky’s whole demeanor shifted—dangerous, possessive.

And now, here you were, the air thick with the kind of jealousy that could either end in a fight or something way more explosive.

He finally spoke, his voice low and rough. “You looked real comfortable with Steve, huh?”

You froze. Bucky wasn’t one for idle jealousy—when he got possessive, it was something primal, something that burned hot and fast, a storm you either weathered or drowned in. And right now, you were treading water.

“It wasn’t like that,” you muttered, trying to keep your voice steady. But you knew that wouldn’t fly. Not with him.

“Wasn’t it?” He pushed off the wall, taking slow, deliberate steps towards you, each one sending a wave of heat through your body. “Looked like he couldn’t keep his fuckin’ eyes off you. And you? You just let it happen.”

You opened your mouth to protest, but the look he gave you shut it right down. His hand was on you in an instant, his metal fingers curling around the back of your neck, pulling you close enough to feel the heat radiating off his body.

“You think you can let Steve get that close to you and I wouldn’t do something about it?” His breath was hot against your skin, his voice thick with that dangerous edge. “You’re mine.”

You shivered at the possessiveness in his tone, feeling that familiar pull low in your belly, the one that always came when Bucky got like this—jealous, furious, and desperate to remind you just who you belonged to.

“Bucky—” you tried, but his grip tightened just enough to stop you.

“Shut up.” His words were sharp, demanding, and your knees felt weak. He spun you around so fast you barely had time to catch your breath before you were pressed against the nearest wall, his body pinning you there, hard and unrelenting. “I’m gonna fuckin’ show you what happens when you let another man get close.”

His hand slid down your back, over the curve of your ass, gripping it roughly before he yanked your jeans down in one swift move. You gasped, your palms flat against the cold wall as he kicked your legs apart with his foot. His hand came down on your bare skin, a sharp slap that sent a shockwave of pleasure and pain shooting through you.

“Fuckin’ Steve...” he muttered darkly, another slap making you bite back a moan. “Think he can look at you like that?” His breath was hot on your neck. “Hear that, baby? You’re gonna scream for me, so loud, I want him to hear you.”

Before you could process the thought, he was pushing your face down against the wall, his fingers finding your heat, rough and fast, teasing you until you were a mess of whimpers and gasps. “Already so wet, huh?” he growled, pressing himself against you from behind, letting you feel just how hard he was.

You pushed back against him, needing more, needing him to just take what he wanted already, but he wasn’t giving in that easy. He always liked to make you wait, drag it out, make you beg for it. And you were close—so close to begging. But he didn’t give you the chance.

“Fuck this,” he growled, and then he was inside you, hard and fast, filling you completely in one brutal thrust. You cried out, your hands scrambling for something to hold onto, but there was nothing but the cold, unyielding wall in front of you.

“Bucky!” His name tore from your throat, a mix of pleasure and pain as he fucked you, each thrust harder than the last. His hands gripped your hips, pulling you back against him with every rough movement, your body jerking forward from the force of it.

“Yeah, that’s right, baby. Let Steve hear you. Let him know who fucks you like this.” His voice was dark, gravelly, and full of possessive fury.

The sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room, your moans and gasps echoing off the walls. Bucky didn’t let up, didn’t slow down—he was relentless, driving into you with a raw, animalistic need. And fuck, you loved it. Loved the way he lost control when he got jealous, the way his hands gripped you so hard you were sure they’d leave bruises. Loved the way he made you feel like you were the only thing that mattered.

You were close, so close, and Bucky knew it. He could always tell.

“You gonna come for me, baby?” His hand slipped down between your legs, his fingers finding your clit and rubbing it in tight circles. “Gonna scream for me?”

You were already screaming, your body trembling, barely holding on as he pushed you closer and closer to the edge. And when you finally fell, it was like a fucking explosion, your whole body shattering as you came hard around him, your cries echoing in the small space.

But Bucky wasn’t done.

He pulled out suddenly, flipping you over onto your back, and before you could catch your breath, he was pushing you down to your knees.

“Open your mouth,” he demanded, his voice rough and commanding. You did as you were told, your lips parting just in time as he pushed himself past them, rough and demanding. You gagged slightly as he hit the back of your throat, but he didn’t care. He was too far gone, too consumed by jealousy and lust.

He fucked your mouth with the same intensity he’d fucked you before, his hand gripping the back of your head, guiding your movements as you sucked him. You could feel him twitching, hear his breath coming out in harsh pants as he neared his release.

“Fuck, baby,” he groaned, his hips jerking forward as he came, spilling himself down your throat. He held you there for a moment, making sure you swallowed every drop before finally letting go.

You collapsed against him, your legs weak, your body trembling, and Bucky pulled you up, his arms wrapping around you possessively.

“You’re mine,” he growled into your ear, his breath still ragged. “Don’t you ever forget that.”

[urdepressedslut]

You’re Mine, Sunshine (masterlist) ♡

♡ Pairing: Grumpy!Bodyguard!Bucky Barnes x Sunshine!Fem!Reader (Mob!Au Bodyguard!Au)

♡ Series Summary: Bucky gets picked by a very rich and respected man to be his daughter’s personal bodyguard. The Father warns him that it won’t be an easy job, that she is a brat and difficult to deal with. But what happens when Bucky meets you and you’re the complete opposite?

♡ Series Warnings: mentions of amputation, dark themes, violence, death/death threats, talk of parent death, fluff, angst, stalking, daddy issues, anxiety attacks/panic attacks, abuse, depression, depressive episodes, PTSD, dry humping, hints to smut, (warnings to be added as new chapters are released)

Trope ⇢ Grumpy x Sunshine ☀️

(SERIES ONGOING)

Last Updated: 9/8/23

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT | SERIES 18+

⇨ Chapter One

↳ After Pierce interviews Bucky for the job, he warns him of you. Bucky is starting to rethink his decision, but when he meets you... you're not what he expected.

⇨ Chapter Two

↳ Bucky takes you home, and later finds you in the library. You both get to know each other a little better, but Bucky is hesitant.

⇨ Chapter Three

↳ Bucky has a surprise meeting with Pierce, getting informed about your secret admire. Meanwhile, Bucky tries to keep things professional, he’s hesitant to cross the line when you need him.

⇨ Chapter Four

↳ You don’t know what to think of Bucky after he took you to bed last night. Bucky can’t continue to keep the stalking situation hidden from you. Something is found on your doorstep.

⇨ Chapter Five

↳ Getting to know each other better doesn’t go according to plan. Bucky has to comfort you and fix the mess he made. Will you forgive him?

⇨ Chapter Six

↳ Bucky receives a morning visit from Steve, with the news about what was in the box. Bucky continues to think about what he should do. Should he tell you the truth about your stalker?

⇨ Chapter Seven

↳ Bucky finds you making a mess in the kitchen, attempting to bake and offers his help. The two of you get to talking and some reveals about each other begin to come out. Will he finally tell you about your stalker?

⇨ Chapter Eight

↳ After a surprise visit from Pierce, tension arises as he threatens Bucky of his job. Pierce wants to have a talk with you and it doesn't go very well.

⇨ Chapter Nine

↳ After the events from the other day, you try and cope with the reality of what happened. The world is a lot less colorful than you remember. Bucky helps comfort you after you realize you have no one left.

⇨ Chapter Ten

↳ Someone comes knocking at your door in the morning. Bucky answers and is surprised with who he finds. Are they going to help them or hurt them?

⇨ Chapter Eleven

↳ The tension can't be ignored anymore between you and Bucky. Steve shows up and he's not alone.

⇨ Chapter Twelve

↳ Reality is hitting you as you, Bucky, Steve and his men all venture off to a secret safe house only Steve knows about. The events from the last couple of days are starting to hit you with a sickening force, leaving you weak and crippled.

⇨ Chapter Thirteen

↳ Your dreams consist of random memories of your parents, but are they really random? Despite the past days of hell—you still find it difficult to resist Bucky. You two spend a heated morning together, devouring each other while you still have these moments.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

What a Mess 1

Warnings: non/dubcon and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Character: thick!Bucky Barnes

Summary: Your new job isn't all that you expect. (maid AU – short!reader)

Note: hate me, baby.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

You punch the code into the keypad. The instructions are in the app, under the corresponding address. It took you sometime to find the building, then a little longer to figure out how to work the elevator. As it stopped on the right floor, the grated door struck you with a glimmer of panic. 

Unlocked, you roll the door back to reveal the condo on the other side. Wow. It’s quite the place. Spacious. High ceilings, polished dark floors, tall counters. Well, everything is ‘big’ compared to you. The world is gargantuan in a way that makes you feel like a spec of dust. 

You set down your kit and roll in your vacuum. It’s a haul and a half and you felt a bit silly dragging it all up the front steps of the building. You always feel a bit ridiculous. Like you don’t belong. Even in a city so big that you’re invisible. 

You tap your earbud twice to turn the music up. You always keep one in to ward off the overstimulation of the New York chaos. It helps you through the hours of cleaning. 

You check the notes in the app. It’s a long list. The work isn’t new, just the place. They chose to give some of your old clients to newer cleaners and you took on the more particular ones. Zuli said it’s because you know how to get in and out without any hint that you were ever there. 

You start your cautious work. The client has included some very direct instructions. What you can and can’t touch. Alright, easy enough. You’re good with that. Details help. 

You get to the spiral staircase that leads up to loft bedroom. The instructions say to dust the railings and sweep the steps. It doesn’t really look like they need it but it can’t hurt. You’re paid to do the job. 

You start with the railings. Going top to bottom as you drag a microfibre cloth down the twisting ascent. You go back to the highest step with the broom, the task made awkward as the broom handle pokes through ceiling that would be the floor of the room above. It’s an interesting set up. 

As you bring the bristles across the metal step, a shadow shifts over you. The windows are tall enough to let the sky in. You ignore it until a voice startles you from above. “Got an extra cloth?” 

Your foot slips as a hand grabs the other end of the broom. You cling to the stick as another hand reaches to catch your arm. You squeak and look up at the man as he bends through the hatch door and keeps you from falling further. 

“Oh, I'm sorry,” you whittle out of your tight throat. 

“Careful,” he steadies you on the step until you get your balance. He lets go and steps back, standing above you as he looks down through the open hatch. “So, a cloth?” 

You tap your earbud to pause the music. You nod and give a wide blink. You turn and scurry down the spiral steps, dizzy by the bottom. You search your kit and take both the roll of paper towels and a microfibre cloth. You go back to him and offer both. 

You bat your lashes as you peer up at him. You know him. Well, you recognise him. The hair, the beard, the bright blue eyes. It's Bucky Barnes. What really gives him away are the metal fingers twiddling by his jeans. He bends to take the paper towel. 

“Thanks,” he rasps and walks away without another word. 

You don’t move for a moment. Then you set back to your work. You’re not there to ogle the famed super soldier. You have your list of tasks. You remember the underlined point on the list. Do not enter the loft.  

You make a slow descent down with the broom and gather the small cluster of dust in the pan. You dump it and begin on the lower floor. You get about halfway around the front room of the open-concept condo before the silence smacks you across the face. 

You hit play on your earbud. That’s better. You finish up with the sweep and start with the mop. You’re sure to use the gentle, unscented, all natural cleaner as specified in the app. You suppose a place this nice requires extra care. 

You bob as you clean, the rhythm of the music soothing your nerves. You can’t help by keep replaying your near disaster in your head. Imagine if you’d fallen down those stairs. That would have been painful and just as torturously humiliating. 

As you finish up, packing up your kit and tie up the trash bag to take out, you sense something behind you. You turn as you wait for the elevator to rise up and blanch at Bucky as he stands at the foot of the metal stairs. How hadn’t you heard him? 

He looks at you then around the apartment. You squirm, too tongue tied to speak. Better off that you don’t. Was that on the list? You can’t remember. 

“Looks good,” he says. 

His eyes meet yours and you flinch. His irises are a blue so bold and deep that they threaten to swallow you up like the sea. And the way he stands. His posture. He’s intimidating without trying. Or maybe you are a bit of a wuss. 

You press on your earbud, once more silencing the music. You wait for him to say something else. He doesn’t. He goes into the kitchen and opens the fridge.  

You hesitate and face the elevator again. Tension roils at your back as you hear the glass tingle followed by the hiss of a cap popping free. You push your shoulders up and lift your kit, hanging on tightly to the hose of the vacuum. 

He must deal with enough leers, he surely doesn’t need that from a cleaner. The elevator doors open and you step inside. You roll the vacuum into the corner and go to close the gate.  

Bucky appears at the threshold as he pulls it across himself. The whole time, his gaze doesn’t leave you. He hits the keypad on his side and the lock clicks before the outer doors roll across and block him from sight. You stay there, frozen, even as the elevator jolts into motion. 

Did you overstep? Miss a check on the list? You hope you didn’t mess this up already. You really hate starting all over again. You prefer to know what to expect than to have to keep guessing. 

[thyme-in-a-bubble]

the night trilogy

a/n: oops, i decided to make a oneshot i wrote a few months back into a miniseries because my brain wouldn't stop braining.... enjoy!

warnings: bodyguard!bucky barnes x reader, ex!peter parker x reader, reader’s mom is the british ambassador to france, age gap (10-15 years), forbidden romance, explicit sexual content, total word count is 10.7k

polls for the story: 1 | 2

masterlist | join my taglist 

PART ONE: JUST FOR TONIGHT

PART TWO: NIGHT OUT

PART THREE: STAY FOR A FORTNIGHT

© 2024 thyme-in-a-bubble 

[pauls-mescal]

Bucky Barnes

THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING | The Falcon and The Winter Soldier

[m-cristiny]

Winter soldier wallpaper

[buckyssoldat]

Chapter 65: Thanos

Warnings: graphic violence, strong language, death themes, emotional distress, trauma themes

A/N: This is part of my series, Forsaken - The Fallen Soldier. If you wanna be tagged in this, just send me an ask or a message. Feedback is always appreciated, don’t be shy to share your thoughts on this :)

Let me feel the sting

The pain

The burn

Under my skin

After the small memorial for Natasha, the whole team gathered inside the compound, everyone with their suits ready in case something went wrong. Alice was wearing her black and blue suit, with all her weapons in her pockets. The mood was heavy, but there was work to do. They had the gauntlet now, the one Tony and Rocket crafted to hold the Infinity Stones. The reality of their mission was beginning to set in. They had a chance to undo the Snap. But there was still one last question to answer: who would wield the gauntlet?

As the group crowded around the table, the newly finished gauntlet lay before them, its shimmering surface a reminder of both the power and the danger they were about to face. Rocket, always the one for dry humour, broke the silence.

“All right,” he said, his arms crossed. “The glove’s ready. Question is, who’s gonna snap their freaking fingers?”

Thor stepped forward without hesitation, his eyes bright with determination. “I’ll do it.”

Tony, ever the sceptic, shot him a disbelieving look. “Excuse me?”

Thor waved it off, his voice filled with conviction. “It’s okay.”

Before anyone could respond, the whole team began protesting in unison.

“Thor, just wait,” Steve said, his hand going up to halt Thor. “We haven’t decided who’s gonna put that on yet,” he added, his tone more measured, as if trying to reason with the god.

“I’m sorry,” Thor gave a sarcastic smile. “What, we’re just sitting around waiting for the right opportunity?”

Scott added, “We should at least discuss it.”

Thor, clearly eager to get thing moving, responded with frustration, “No, no, sitting here staring at that thing is not gonna bring everybody back. I’m the strongest Avenger-”

“Debatable,” Alice interrupted. “But keep going.”

“This responsibility falls upon me. It’s my duty,” Thor insisted, his voice growing more resolute.

Tony crossed his arms, shaking his head. “It’s not about that-”

Thor cut him off, his voice rising. “It’s not that- Stop it! Just let me! Just let me do something good. Something right.” His voice cracked at the end, and it was clear to everyone that Thor was carrying a heavy burden.

Tony sighed, trying to bring some logic into the situation. “Look- it’s not just the fact that that glove is channelling enough energy to light up a continent, I’m yelling you, you’re in no condition.”

Thor’s eyes flared with anger as he grabbed Tony’s arm. “What do you-What do you think is coursing through my veins right now?”

“Cheez Whiz?” Rhodey quipped, earning a few chuckles, but the moment quickly turned serious again.

“Lightning,” Thor answered, his voice thick with emotion.

Tony shook his head. “Yeah.”

Bruce, who had been silent until then, stepped forward, shaking his head. “Lightning won’t help you, pal. It’s gotta be me.”

Thor let out a frustrated breath, let go of Tony’s arm and stepped back. Bruce looked at the gauntlet, his expression tense. “You saw what those stones did to Thanos. It almost killed him. None of you could survive.

Steve, ever cautious, asked, “How do we know you will?”

Bruce took a long, deep breath, his gaze unwavering. “We don’t. But the radiation’s mostly gamma.” He looked at the gauntlet again, a quiet resolve in his voice. “It’s like… I was made for this.”

Alice stood a little away from the group, arms crossed and her mind whirring. She could feel her heart racing in her chest, the weight of the decision heavy on her shoulders. She had been quiet until now, but her voice broke through the tension in the room, firm but laced with emotion.

“I should be the one to do it,” Alice said, stepping forward, her gaze locked on the gauntlet. “The serum coursing through my body will help. I won’t die. I can handle it.” Her voice was steady, though there was a quiet desperation behind her words. She wasn’t about to let anyone else bear this burden.

Bruce turned to her, shaking his head. “Alice, it’s too dangerous. You don’t know what this could do to you. You’ve seen the kind of power those stones hold.”

“I can do it,” Alice insisted, her voice unwavering. “I’m stronger than I look, Bruce. The serum-”

Tony interrupted, his tone hard but concerned. “It’s not just the serum, Alice. You’re not invincible. We all know what happens when someone tries to use this kind of power.”

Alice clenched her fists at her sides, her jaw tightening. “I’ve been through worse. I’ve survived worse.” She met Steve’s gaze, hoping he would back her up, but Steve, ever the protector, just shook his head gently.

“I can’t let you risk it,” Steve said softly, his hand on her arm. “Like Bruce said, the gamma gives him the best shot at this.”

Alice looked down at the floor, a quiet pain flashing across her face. She wasn’t giving up, but she understood. Bruce, seeing the conflict in her eyes, stepped in again.

“We don’t know it anyone can survive this,” he said softly. “But I have the best shot. If I don’t do it, we’re doomed. I have to be the one.” His voice was filled with determination, but there was a sadness there, too.

Alice took a deep breath and nodded, stepping back. “Fine. But I’ll be there with you. Every step of the way.”

Bruce gave her a grateful nod, then turned to the gauntlet, steeling himself for what was to come. Tony clapped him on the shoulder, a faint smile tugging at his lips, “Good to go, yeah?”

“Let’s do it,” Bruce said, his voice full of finality.

“You remember – everyone Thanos snapped away five years ago and just bringing them back to now, today,” Tony warned. “Don’t change anything from the last five years.”

“Got it,” Bruce shook his head.

“F.RI.D.A.Y., do me a favour and activate Barn Door Protocol. Will you?” Tony asked his AI.

“Yes, boss,” the voice of the AI echoed around them.

“Everybody comes home,” Bruce said looking around the team. They all nodded in unison, the weight of the moment pressing down on them. He then took a deep breath and positioned his hand into the gauntlet, locking it into place. There was not turning back now.

Alice stood quietly, watching Bruce, her thoughts racing. Her fingers clenched and unclenched at her sides, the weight of everything hanging over her like a dark cloud. The thought of the Snap and all that had been lost – the people they had all loved and fought for – was overwhelming. But through it all, one thought kept coming to her mind, and it was the only thing that made her chest tighten with both hope and fear.

Bucky.

She couldn’t help but think about what it would mean to finally see him again. The thought of him – his smile, his eyes, the way he had always been there for her, even when she didn’t know she needed him – pushed through the storm of emotions swirling inside her. The vision of him coming back, alive, safe, made her heart ache with longing.

She remembered all the times they had fought side by side, the quiet moments when they had shared their fears and dreams, the time where they finally kissed and said ‘I love you’ to each other. She had never wanted anything more than to see him again, to hold him, to kiss him, to tell him that she loved him. And yet, as Bruce took a steadying breath and prepared to snap his fingers, a small know of fear formed in her stomach.

What if this doesn’t work? What if it doesn’t bring everyone back? What if it doesn’t bring him back?

She swallowed hard, trying to shove those thoughts aside, but they lingered, gnawing at her resolve. She glanced at Steve, then Tony, their faces a mirror of her own quiet anxiety. They were all hoping, praying that this moment, this decision, would be enough to undo the horror of the past five years.

The weight of the gauntlet in Bruce’s hands seemed to make the room feel even heavier, and Alice’s pulse quickened as she looked back to the man who was about to wield that kind of power. Bruce’s face was tense with the responsibility of what he was about to do, but she knew he was doing it for them. For all of them.

As the gauntlet began to power up, glowing with the energy of the stones, Alice felt a surge of adrenaline course through her veins. This was it. This was the moment that could bring him back.

Bruce staggered back as the gauntlet pulsed with violent energy, his entire body wracked with pain. He gritted his teeth, trying to steady himself, but the force of it was almost too much to bear. The nanobots shifted, locking the gauntlet around his hand, but Bruce could barely breathe, the immense pressure threatening to tear him apart.

Thor’s voice cut through the chaos. “Take it off! Take it off!”

Steve’s voice followed, steady but filled with concern, “No, wait. Bruce, are you okay?”

Tony, frantic now, echoed his worry. “Talk to me, Banner.”

“Bruce,” Alice pleaded.

“I’m okay. I’m okay,” Bruce panted through gritted teeth, his face contorted in pain. He took a shaky breath, trying to fight through the overwhelming power that surged through him.

Alice’s eyes never left him, her heart racing as she watched him struggle. She took a half step forward, instinctively wanting to help, but there was nothing she could do. The gauntlet was too powerful, the risks too great. Still, she couldn’t stop herself from whispering, “Bruce, please…”

The pain was too much for Bruce, and a scream of agony tore from his throat as he fought to maintain control. He managed to push through the intense wave of energy long enough to snap his fingers. A brilliant flash of light erupted from the gauntlet, and Alice felt the air around them crackle, a ripple of energy spreading throughout the room.

Bruce collapsed, the gauntlet sliding off his hand as he crumpled to the floor, unconscious. Clint was the first to react, kicking the gauntlet away from him as thought it were a dangerous object.

“Bruce!” Alice shouted, her legs already moving toward him, but Tony held her back, his face tight with worry.

Steve was right behind her, his hand on Alice’s shoulder, as if to steady her. “Bruce,” he called out, trying to rouse the man who had just made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Don’t move him,” Tony said firmly, kneeling next to Bruce.

Bruce’s hand reached for Steve’s arm, and for a moment, Alice thought he was going to pass out completely. His grip was weak, but he managed to rasp out, “Did it work?”

Thor exhaled, a brief, shaky laugh escaping him. “Worth a shot. It’s over. It’s okay.”

Alice’s pulse still raced, her nerves on edge as she looked over at Scott. The quiet of the room seemed to stretch, but then Scott’s voice broke the silence.

“Guys,” he said, walking toward the windows and peering out into the distance, “I think it worked.”

Alice felt a flicker of hope as she glanced toward Scott. Clint’s phone rang and his eyes locked onto the screen, the happiness in his voice was unmistakable. “Honey. Honey.”

Before they could process it, a missile flew from the sky, striking the compound. In an instant, more missiles followed, pummelling the base with ruthless precision.

Alice gasped, her heart sinking as the building shook beneath them. Everything happened so fast, but the destruction was all to clear. It was as if the universe itself refused to let them have even a moment of peace.

They were so close, so close to undoing everything that had been lost, and yet, it seemed like the universe was determined to fight back every step of the way.

Alice slowly regained consciousness, her head throbbing as she pushed herself off the ground. The explosion had sent her sprawling, and her vision was blurry as she tried to clear her mind, but it was hard to shake the feeling of disorientation. Her body aches, there was blood dripping for her head, but her instinct kicked in – she had to find the others.

A familiar voice reached her ears. “Come on, Alice. Wake up, please.”

“Steve?” Alice managed, her voice weak but steadying. She pushed herself up, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Steve and Tony, standing unsteadily, but alive. “Are you okay?”

Steve blinked at her, as if his mind had been clouded for a moment. “Yeah, we’re fine. You?”

Alice sighed, relief flooding her as she stood beside them, steadying herself against the pain in her side. “I thought… I thought we were done for.”

Tony gave her a side glance, eyes softening for a moment. “Not yet, kid. We’re still breathing.”

They moved toward Thor, who stood a little way off, his eyes fixed on something in the distance. Thanos, the 2014 version, was visible just beyond the wreckage. Alice’s stomach tightened at the sight of him. They had come so close, but now – now there was only one thing left do to.

Tony approached Thor first. “What’s he been doing?” he asked, his tone slightly sarcastic.

Thor barely spared a glance at him. “Absolutely nothing,” he said, his voice low but calm.

Steve, still catching his bearings, asked, “Where are the stones?”

Tony’s face hardened as he scanned the area. “Somewhere under all this. All I know is he doesn’t have them.”

“Well, let’s keep it that way then,” Alice responded firmly, her jaw set with resolve. The time for hesitation was over. It was time to end this. She had killed Thanos once, she could do it again.

Thor glanced at them, then at the distant figure of Thanos. “You know it’s a trap, right?”

Tony nodded without hesitation. “Yeah. And I don’t much care.”

“Good. Just as long as we’re all in agreement,” Thor said, his voice steady and sure now. Thunder cracked through the air as he raised his hands. Stormbreaker and Mjölnir flew to him, his casual clothes shifting into armour as he transformed in front of them. His long hair braided itself as he straightened, and his eyes narrowed, focus razor-sharp. “Let’s kill him properly this time.”

Alice could feel the weight of the moment, a thousand thoughts racing through her mind. The battle ahead would be fierce, but it wasn’t just for them anymore. It was for everyone who had been lost, for Natasha, for Bucky, for all of them. This was the moment they’d been fighting for.

Steve’s eyes met hers as they prepared to move. Without saying a word, he stepped toward her, his gaze unwavering, as if to tell her without speaking that they were in this together until the very end.

Alice took a steadying breath, gripping the handle of her weapons tightly. “Let’s do this,” she said, her voice resolute, no hesitation in her heart. She had killed Thanos once, she could do it again.

And with that, the four of them walked toward Thanos, ready to end it all.

Thanos loomed over the battlefield, his eyes cold and unyielding as he addressed them. His voice, deep and unrelenting, echoed across the ruined landscape. “You could not live with your own failure. And where did that bring you? Back to me.”

Alice’s heart thudded in her chest, her hands tightening around her blades as the weight of those words sank in. She glanced at Steve, Tony, and Thor, who wore matching expressions of grim determination. Thanos continued, a dark satisfaction in his voice. “I thought by eliminating half of life, the other half would thrive. But you’ve shown me that’s impossible. And as long as there are those that remember what was, there will always be those that are unable to accept what can be. They will resist.”

Tony stepped forward, his armour gleaming despite the dust and destruction. He tilted his head slightly, his voice hard but still carrying that unyielding Stark defiance. “Yep. We’re all kinds of stubborn.”

Thanos’s expression twisted into a look of satisfaction. “I’m thankful,” he said, rising to his full height. “Because now, I know what I must do.” He stood and donned his helmet, the metallic clink echoing ominously. “I will shred this universe down to his last atom,” he declared. “And then – with the stone you’ve collected for me – create a new one. Teeming with life but knowing not what it has lost but only what it has been given. A grateful universe.”

Thor’s eyes lit up, crackling with blue lightning, his expression wild with fury and grief. “Born out of blood,” Steve countered, his voice hard, every syllable filled with righteous anger.

Thanos remained impassive. “They’ll never know it,” he said calmly, his voice almost gentle, but dripping with finality. “Because you won’t be alive to tell them.”

Alice’s pulse pounded in her ears. This was it – the fight that would decide everything. She took a step forward, her voice cutting through the tension. “We’re not giving up now,” she said firmly, her resolve burning as brightly as the sparks dancing from Thor’s lightning-charged weapons. She didn’t hesitate, leaping into the chaos beside them, blades drawn, every step fuelled by the memories of those she loved and a fierce desire to make things right.

The battle began, a clash of titanic forces that shook the earth and lit the sky, each Avenger fighting with everything they had to stop the Mad Titan once and for all.

Thor roared, the storm swirling around him as he banged Stormbreaker and Mjölnir together, sending waves of lightning crackling through the air. The electricity surged towards Tony, who instinctively activated his suit’s energy absorption systems. His nanotech armour hummed and glowed as it drew the tremendous power, channels of light streaking across his chest and down his arms. Tony braced himself and unleashed the energy with a shout, firing beams of lightning-infused power from his hands, each pulse blindingly bright.

Thanos, unfazed, spun his double-edged blade with impossible speed, creating a shield that deflected the energy with a hight-pitched whine. The redirected blast splintered rock and melted metal, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. Tony strained against the force, his suit’s systems overheating, until Thor took advantage of the momentary diversion. With a mighty swing, he hurled Mjölnir towards Thanos. The enchanted hammer streaked forward like a comet, aimed to knock the Mad Titan off balance.

But Thanos anticipated the move. With inhuman strength and precision, he grabbed Tony by the arm and swung him into Mjölnir’s path. The hammer collided with Tony’s armoured chest, sending him flying. Tony’s HUD flickered as alarms blared in his ears.

Tony crashed into the ground, his suit sparking and smoking. He struggled to move, his limbs heavy, as his systems worked desperately to reboot. Groaning, he tried to pull himself up, but his vision swam.

“Tony!” Alice shouted, fear and determination mingling in her voice. She fought the urge to run to him, knowing they couldn’t let up for even a second against Thanos. Her eyes narrowed, and she readied herself for the next attack. Alice and Steve try to attack the titan but are immediately thrown away in the air.

Her heart pounded as she watched Thanos overpower Thor, her breath catching when she saw Stormbreaker nearly driven into the god’s chest. But then Mjölnir began to move. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and a swell of hope blossomed in her chest when she realized who was summoning the legendary hammer.

When Steve grasped Mjölnir and lightning coursed through him, Alice couldn’t help but scream, a mixture of pride and fierce joy erupting from her lungs. “That’s my Cap!” she yelled, her voice cutting through the chaos. Adrenaline surged through her, giving her a renewed burst of strength.

Thanos barely had time to register Steve’s newfound power before Alice sprang forward, her double-edged sword glinting. She attacked with relentless ferocity, slashing and spinning with the precision of a soldier who had nothing left to lose.

Thanos deflected her strikes with his blade, but she pushed harder, her movements fuelled by the faces of everyone they had lost. She parried one of his blows and, with a primal roar, drove her fist into his chest. The impact was so forceful that Thanos was launched backward, skidding across the ground and creating a deep crater where he landed. The earth fractured beneath him, rocks and dust shooting into the air.

Breathing heavily, Alice readjusted her stance, determination blazing in her eyes. “I’m not done with you yet, you fucking oversized grape,” she spat, her voice a mix of anger and exhaustion.

Thanos climbed out of the hole, his gaze darkening with rage. But Alice stood her ground, stepping closer to Steve, who had finally managed to get to his feet, battered but still unyielding. They exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgement of their bond and their shared resolve. No matter the odds, they would stand together, and they would fight until their last breath.

Thanos stood tall, his massive frame imposing as he surveyed the destruction before him. His voice boomed, deep and resolute, echoing through the broken landscape.

“In all my years of conquest, violence, slaughter – it was never personal,” Thanos declared, his cold, merciless eyes settling on the two exhausted Avengers. “But I’ll tell you now – what I’m about to do to your stubborn, annoying little planet – I’m gonna enjoy it. Very, very much.”

Alice felt a shiver run down her spine, but she refused to show fear. Instead, she tightened her grip on her double-edged sword, its blade slick with the remnants of their desperate battle. Steve, his broken shield strapped to his forearm, stood tall despite the pain radiating through his battered body. He refused to back down, just as he always had.

They both took in the sight of Thanos’s vast army, a seemingly endless horde of Chitauri, Outriders, Sakaarans, and massive war creatures ready to bring the universe’s darkest will crashing down on Earth. They sky was filled with ominous ships, and the ground trembled beneath the weight of impending doom.

Steve staggered but managed to keep his balance, every fibre of his being willing him to stay standing. He looked over at Alie, a familiar warmth in his gaze despite the overwhelming odds. She met his eyes, and for a moment, time seemed to slow. Their world was about to end, but they had each other.

Without a word, Alice reached out, her fingers seeking his. Steve took her hand, his grip firm and unwavering, as if in that small touch, they could face the darkness together. The connection was their last comfort, a silent promise to stand united, even if this was their final moment.

“Ready to die fighting, Rogers?” Alice asked, her voice cracking with emotion but laced with unyielding defiance.

Steve’s lips twitched into a small, determined smile. “Together, Onyx. Always together.”

Alice stood frozen for a split second, her breath catching in her throat. She had prepared herself to die fighting alongside Steve, her heart resolute despite the inevitable end. But then, Sam’s familiar voice crackled through their comms, and hope, a tiny and precious thing, sparked in her chest.

“Hey, Cap, Onyx, you read me?” Sam’s voice called, laced with disbelief and determination.

Steve turned his head, the battle-scarred shield strapped to his arm gleaming faintly in the ashen light. Alice’s heart pounded, and she almost didn’t dare to believe it was real. But then –

“Cap, Onyx, it’s Sam. Can you hear me?” Came again, more clear, more confident. “On your left.”

Steve’s jaw clenched as he turned, and Alice followed his gaze. A golden circle of light, shimmering and bright, formed behind them. A portal. Her fingers tightened around her double-edged sword, and her eyes widened as three figures stepped through: Okoye, Shuri, and Black Panther.

Alice exhaled shakily, disbelief melting into awe. More portals opened around them, one after another, and the impossible unfolded before her eyes. They had returned. Sam Wilson soared into view, his wings catching the light as he zoomed overhead. Doctor Strange, accompanied by Drax, Mantis, Star-Lord, and Spider-Man, emerged from another opening, and dozens more heroes materialized, filling the battlefield with life, hope, and the will to fight. Scott emerged from the rubble with Bruce, War Machine, and Rocket.

But it was only when she saw him that her heart shattered and mended in one instant. Bucky stepped through one of the portals, his rifle slung over his shoulder, his hair catching the light as he took in the chaos of the battlefield. His gaze swept across the heroes, and then, as if sensing her, his eyes met Alice’s.

A tear slipped down her cheek, unbidden and unstoppable, and her lips curved into a smile so full of joy it made her chest ache. Bucky was alive. He was here. Everything she had fought for, every moment of pain and longing, led to this. She wanted nothing more than run to him, to throw her arms around him and never let go. But the world still needed saving, and there were more important things to do first – kill Thanos.

“Hey, Alice,” she heard his familiar voice through her earpiece, warm and steady.

Her heart soared, and a smile broke across her face, even with tears still shimmering in her eyes. She swallowed hard, her voice thick with emotion but filled with strength. “Hey, Buck,” she replied with a big smile.

For a moment, the chaos around her seemed to still. The world felt right again, and she could feel the weight of everything she had lost finally lifting. She wanted to tell him everything – how much she had missed him, how hard she had fought for this moment – but there wasn’t time.

Alice took a steadying breath, her fingers still trembling around the hilt of her weapon. Bucky, as if understanding, gave her a small, confident nod, his own expression a mixture of relief and determination. The silent promise passed between them: soon.

Steve’s voice rang out, cutting through the chaos, as he raised Mjölnir. “AVENGERS!” His voice was powerful, echoing with all the hope and strength they had left. He paused, taking in the massive army of heroes ready to fight by their side. The Avengers, Guardians, Wakandans, Asgardians, and Ravagers took up their battle position. “Assemble.”

Alice’s heart roared with the call, the word reverberating through her very soul. She lifted her sword, the tears in her eyes now ones of fierce resolve. With a cry, she charged forward, ready to fight, ready to save the world – and ready to live.

Alice’s heart pounded as she charged through Thanos’s army, her double-edged sword a blur of lethal precision. She weaved through Outriders, ducking under claws and spinning to slice through two at once. Her blade cut through flesh and bone with surgical accuracy, and her movements were a symphony of practiced grace and deadly power. An approaching Chitauri snarled, raising its weapon to strike, but Alice pivoted on her heel, swinging her sword upward in a perfect arc that left the alien warrior crumpled at her feet.

She moved swiftly, taking down another group of Chitauri with a series of expertly timed slashed, her every motion driven by purpose. An Outrider lunged at her from behind, but she twisted in time to bury her blade deep in its chest. Black blood splattered across her suit, but she barely registered it, her mind focused only on pushing forward. She was relentless, a force of nature cutting her way through Thanos’s horde, each strike fuelled by the love and hope she carried in her heart.

Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed across the battlefield. Alice looked up just in time to see a massive Leviathan flying overhead, its gargantuan form casting a shadow across the chaos. It was headed straight for Clint, who was running desperately, clutching to the Gauntlet.

“No way,” Alice muttered. Summoning every ounce of her strength, she launched herself into the air, ready to intercept the beast. Before she could reach it, however, a strong arm looped around her waist, and she found herself hoisted into the sky.

Valkyrie grinned down at her from the back of her winged horse. “Need a lift?”

Alice barely had time to nod before Valkyrie steered her mound upward, carrying them high above the Leviathan. With a nod of understanding, Valkyrie released Alice, dropping her right near the creature’s thick, armoured back.

Alice landed hard but kept her balance, her sword at the ready. With a battle cry, she drove the blade down into the Leviathan’s armour, using all her strength to cut through its thick skin. Sparks and blue blood erupted around her as she tore through layer after layer, carving a deadly path along the creature’s back. The Leviathan thrashed in pain, but Alice held on, relentless as she drove her sword deeper, ripping apart its armour and severing the skin beneath.

The Leviathan let out a final, shuddering roar before collapsing to the ground, its massive body shaking the earth. Alice jumped off just in time, landing in a crouch before rising, breathing heavily but victorious.

Turning around, she was met with a sight that made her heart stop. There, standing a few feet away with his rifle slung over his shoulder and a smile breaking across his face, was Bucky. His blue eyes shone with pride and something deeper, something that made Alice’s pulse race.

Before he could speak, Alice was already running to him. She closed the distance between them in a heartbeat, dropping her sword and grabbing him by his vest. Without hesitation, she pulled him close, crashing her lips against his in a fierce, desperate kiss.

Bucky’s hands found her waist as he kissed her back just as passionately, the world around them momentarily forgotten. All the pain, the loss, and the yearning melted away in that moment, replaced by the undeniable joy of being together once more. The battlefield roared around them, but for a few precious seconds, there was only the two of them, locked in an embrace that promised hope, love, and the strength to keep fighting.

Bucky pulled back just slightly, his forehead resting against Alice’s, both breathing hard. His flesh hand gently cupped her cheek, and for a moment, the chaos seemed a million miles away. Alice smiled through the tears that threatened to fall, her heart swelling with joy at having him back in her arms.

But the moment was cut short as Tony’s voice crackled through the comms, filled with his signature brand of teasing.

“Hey, lovebirds,” Tony drawled. “Hate to interrupt your dramatic reunion, but we’ve still got a universe to save. So maybe less French kissing, more slicing and dicing?”

Alice pulled away from Bucky, her cheeks flushing as she rolled her eyes. Bucky chuckled, a deep, genuine laugh that Alice had missed more than anything. He squeezed her waist and raised an eyebrow.

“Looks like we’re getting called out,” Bucky said, his voice laced with humour.

Alice gave him a playful shove. “Yeah, yeah, don’t let it get to your head.” She reached down, retrieving her weapon from the ground, and glanced back at him with a mischievous grin. “Ready to kick some more alien ass?”

Bucky’s smile widened, his grip on his rifle tightening. “Right behind you.”

With one last shared glance, they turned back to the fight, their hearts lighter but their resolve stronger than ever.

Alice’s heart pounded in her chest as she locked eyes with Thanos. The battlefield around her was chaos, but she only saw him – the one who had taken everything. The one who had wiped out half of existence, including those she held closest. She couldn’t let him win. Not again. She couldn’t let be in vain the ones she lost and didn’t get back – Natasha and Loki.

Thanos had already destroyed so much. She couldn’t let him have the Gauntlet – not when it would mean more death, more loss, more pain. She could feel her pulse quickening as she darted through the wreckage, charging directly at him. She knew she would need everything she had to take him down.

“You took everyone that mattered to me,” Alice shouted, her voice raw with anger. “Now, I’m gonna take your fucking head off, just like I did last time.”

Thanos turned his head slowly toward her, his cold expression unreadable, but his voice was as mocking as ever. “You think you can defeat me? You’ll never succeed. All you’re doing is delaying the inevitable.”

Without waiting for him to make a move, Alice hurled herself toward the Mad Titan, her double-edged sword gleaming as she swung it with a deadly precision. Thanos raised his forearm to block the strike, but Alice was fast – she twisted midair, bringing the blade down again toward his exposed side.

Thanos stepped back, his eyes narrowing as he raised his weapon to defend. The blade struck the thick metal of his armour with a metallic clang, but Alice wasn’t deterred. She spun, her sword dancing through the air, forcing Thanos to retreat. She was a blur of motion, each strike carefully calculated, each movement honed through years of training.

Thanos grunted as he blocked another attack, his weapon pushing her sword aside with ease. “You have no idea what you’re facing, little girl,” he said, his voice a low growl. “But you will.”

Alice leaped again, slashing downward with all her strength. Thanos caught the blade in his hand and squeezed it, the metal creaking under his grasp. His grip was monstrous, and Alice’s arms trembled with the effort to hold her ground. With a mocking grin, Thanos twisted the blade out of her hand and sent it flying across the field.

Alice’s fists clenched. She was unarmed now, but she wasn’t done. She threw herself at him, her entire body becoming a weapon. She threw punches with all her might, landing blow after blow. The force of her punches made the ground beneath them crack, a reminder of just how much power she was packing.

“You’re strong, I’ll admit, but not strong enough,” Thanos taunted, grabbing her by the throat once again, lifting her off the ground with ease.

For a moment, the world seemed to spin as Alice struggled against his grip. She reached up, grasping his hand, her nails digging into his skin as she fought for air. As breathing became harder, she had to think quickly – her sword was gone, lost somewhere in the chaos, but she wasn’t finished yet. She wouldn’t be. Not after everything.

And that was when she remembered – on her left pocket, there was the vibranium knife Tony had given her. She grinned despite the burning pain in her chest, her left hand wrapping around the handle.

With the knife in hand, she managed to pull herself up using Thanos’s arm, propelling her legs upward as she grabbed hold of his shoulders, her powerful hands digging into the thick armour of his neck. Thanos roared in surprise, but it was too late. With a quick twist, Alice pressed the blade to his throat, aiming for the kill.

Her muscles strained as she pushed against the knife, her super strength working against the thick hide of his skin. The blade scraped against his neck, but she wasn’t going to stop. Her grip tightened, every fibre of her being focused on one thing – ending him, right here, right now. She could feel the force of her strength doing its work, the blade cutting deeper, making Thanos bleed.

“You’re not… getting away…” Alice growled, her voice thick with fury.

She pushed harder, her strength forcing the blade deeper. She was so close. She could almost feel the satisfaction of ending it all – the battle, the pain, the loss. She could almost hear Bucky’s voice in her mind, cheering her on.

But then, from the corner of her vision, she saw him – Ebony Maw.

His telekinetic power surged, and with a flick of his fingers, Alice was ripped off of Thanos’s shoulders. The force of the pull was so strong that it sent her crashing to the ground, the knife slipping from her grip. Her body slammed against the ground with sickening force, and for a moment, everything went black.

tags: ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​@capswife

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[pascaloverx]

As It Was (S2)

Chapter Ten

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Summary: Lots of news in this new season, which will be full of several twists and discussions. And of course, lots of James Buchanan Barnes.

Author's note: Dear readers, I will be writing this fanfic again. This second season will have shorter chapters and it will probably take me a little longer to update the fanfic but I hope you like it!

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT WITH THIS STORY, there may be adult content and verbal and physical violence.

Waking up in a hospital bed is much more uncomfortable than it seems. In fact, at first I thought I was dead. But it was when I tried to move and felt a pang in my stomach that I realized I was alive. I don't know how happy or sad this makes me. Someone I believed was good cheated on me, someone I loved died and I have no idea where the hell my ex husband is.

"Thank God you finally woke up, I'm going to call the doctor but try to stay conscious for the next few minutes at least." Dave speaks happily as if he's been yearning for me to wake up.

A few moments later I was so confused that I didn't even notice a team of doctors and nurses entering my room, it was almost as if I were a rare specimen. They are analyzing my every mole, asking standard questions like do I see this or that, do I remember my name, and checking my moles as soon as they enter what appears to be my hospital room.

"Doctor, what happened to me?" I ask, fearing that they are analyzing me because something terrible is about to happen.

"You may be a little confused in the next few days, the shot you took hit your spleen, which resulted in complications in his surgery. You got on induced coma for a while so that we could guarantee a recovery. The exact time you were in a coma was six months. The good news is that your body has fully recovered, without any apparent signs of trauma. For any additional information, you can ask the doctor on duty or the nurse who will be responsible for the care of this ward." The doctor speak so seriously, I feel a little confused with so much information.

"Will I be released soon or will I have to stay here for a long time?" It's the only question I long for the answer.

"We have to keep you here for at least another day for further observations but probably tomorrow, you will be released and you can go home." He speaks subtly with precision. It's a relief knowing that I will soon be able to leave here if everything is okay with me.

Dave enters the hospital room a few seconds after the doctors leave, looking extremely relieved. I really want to hug him but you're afraid to make sudden movements.

"You look like you got hit by a truck but I'm so glad you woke up. Sam and the girls were just as worried as I was, wondering when you would wake up." Dave says sitting in the companion's chair next to my hospital bed.

"How is Bucky?" It's all you can think about, wondering how my ex-husband was, who risked his life because of me.

"You won’t like to know. I think for your recovery, it’s better if you know this later.” Dave says while holding my hand softly.

"I need to know how he's doing Dave. If you consider yourself my best friend, start talking." My authoritative tone must be more powerful now because Dave seems to want to obey me.

"Barnes is working..." Dave sounds so uncertain saying this like he's afraid of my reaction.

"What do you mean, working?" Something inside me says I'm going to get stressed in the next few minutes.

"His father figured that Killian and Rogers would betray him and made a dossier and secretly handed it in before he died. The FBI and national security had no doubts about Barnes' innocence so as soon as he recovered from his injuries, he returned to work. I think he even got promoted." Because this information doesn't surprise you, it reminds you why I ended up ending my relationship with Barnes.

"What a son of a bitch, how can he come back after everything we've been through...what about Rogers and Killian?" This I really hope that one of them is at least arrested.

"Both are on the run from the police, but they disappeared. Which is kind of good news." Dave talks trying to sound optimistic.

"They both have reasons to kill me. Which makes it even worse." Stress slowly eats away at me as I imagine how unbearable my life will be.

"We will be with you and Barnes will also take care of you. Rumor has it that you're going to have cops watching." Dave tries to calm me down, which somehow works.

"I think I'm going to need some time to adapt to this information but I'm glad I'm back." I say, holding Dave's hand tightly as I lie to his face. I'm not happy, I'm desperate. My father died, my ex husband is still the same idiot and there are two cruel men wanting my head. I couldn't be more fucked up.

[barnesnatts]

New look at Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes in Marvel's THUNDERBOLTS.😍

[darkmasterlistyouneveraskedfor]

The Baby Trappers AU Masterlist

Stories including some devious men with a breeding kink.

Wicked Games | Steve Rogers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

So I | Bucky Barnes | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Crash and Burn | Tony Stark | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

No Sugar Tonight | Brock Rumlow | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Long Snake Moan | Loki | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Bittersweet Symphony | Thor | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

[florida3exclamationpoints]

Marvel + text posts