#an au where steve and his mom move in across the street instead of the mayfields

[wynnyfryd]

There’s a dead rat on the doorstep.

Steve’s running late for school and his hair is limp and lifeless because his hair dryer shorted out the shitty circuit in their shitty shoebox of a trailer, and now there’s a dead rat turning to sludge on his front porch. If you can call the rickety steps leading up to the flimsy front door a porch.

“Jesus Christ,” he mutters — spares himself one brief moment of panic to remember the last time he started seeing dead rats around town, reminds himself that it’s over it’s over it’s over, that this is probably a housewarming gift from one of the stray cats in the park — then he shouts into the house, “Ma, stay inside!”

“Everything okay over there?”

Their neighbor gives him a wary look as he shuts the door of his truck. Must have just gotten home from a night shift, by the looks of it; Steve can see the bags under his eyes from all the way over here.

“Yes, Sir, all good. Just, uh— got a little surprise on the…”

Steve glances down at his feet, scrubs a hand through his limp hair. There’s a dark puddle spreading beneath the matted, mangled fur. Its neck is snapped in half.

Steve’s gonna hurl.

“Ah,” is all he says as he approaches their yard, spots the gore oozing over the first rung of the stairs. “That’ll be Misty’s doing. She’s harmless, really, just likes to leave treats.”

His eyes rake over Steve’s pale face, the white-knuckle grip on his backpack strap, and he gives Steve a pat on the shoulder. Warm, reassuring; smelling faintly of sweat and menthol. “Listen, kid,” he says, nodding at his own trailer, “do me a favor and make sure my nephew gets his ass to school, would you? I’ll take care of this for you.”

Great, Steve thinks. More babysitting.

Whatever. What’s one more little shithead to wrangle? Beats getting blood under his fingernails. His stomach rolls at the thought. “Sure thing, Mr…?”

“Munson. But you can call me Wayne.”

“Sure thing, Wayne.”

He rushes down the steps, grateful to put distance between himself and the fresh horror that’s gonna live behind his eyelids for the next month, and he doesn’t even register the name until it’s already too late. The neighbor’s door bursts open before Steve can even get a proper knock going, and oh. God.

“What the fuck?”

Steve’s standing chest to chest with Eddie ‘The Freak’ Munson, and the freak looks pissed about it.

…Well, shit.

part 2

[carolperkinsexgirlfriend]

Steddie Upside-down AU Part 8

Part 1 Part 7

The gun feels wrong in Steve’s hands – simultaneously a toy and something so horrible he wants to throw it across the street and start running. But he can’t.

Because Eddie fucking Munson is in the street causing a ruckus as Steve stays, crouched behind some boxes in the alley behind the arcade, eyes trained down the scope of the rifle, finger brushing the trigger. His back aches from the poor posture he’s forced it into, knee scrapped raw from the rough pavement it’s squashed into.  

He's hovering somewhere between eight and seventeen. The wall beside him looms like his father, and Munson, flighty and frantic in front of him, plays the deer.

He’s eight, and his father’s hand is squeezing hard into his shoulder, urging him to, “take the shot, goddamn it, Steven, now!” He does. The shot hits the deer’s flank. It falls in the hollow between tree roots, but he didn’t do it right. He’s still breathing, ribs rising and falling rapidly as the life forced leaves in the bullet hole between his ribs.

He leans over and throws up into the dirt – the remnants of the scrambled eggs his mom made him that morning painting his father's shoes. He smacks him so hard he falls into the dirt, still heaving, and goes to put a bullet between the buck’s eyes.

Steve pictures that same bullet hole in Munson’s eyes and feels bile rise. He swallows it down, watches the other boy rant and flail and pace. Forgets the deer. Forgets his father. Just…forgets.

Steve should have given Munson credit for staying quiet before; when he’s trying, he’s loud. He’s rattling the metal lunchbox he fished from his pack, yelling about the patriarchy and how the man wants to keep them down, like this is one of his lunchroom confessionals and not a half-assed desperate plan to kill before they can be killed.

The only giveaway to Munson’s mounting fear is the violent tremor running through his hands, shaking as he gestures with his usual frenetic energy kicked up a few notches.

Steve’s foot taps with the need to move, to call a halt to this stupid fucking plan. He doesn’t, couldn’t even if he wanted to.

There’s a sound, reverberated through the alleyway. Like growling static. Like the devil is welcoming him home. Munson spins, eyes wide as he looks at where Steve’s crouched before his gaze travels up up up, like he’s going to look up at the clouds.

There’s a clicking on the pavement. Nails on cement. A dog on a walk. But then there’s that sound again, closer now. Growling. Static. Silence.

Steve turns around.

 It’s in the alleyway, standing tall, face puckered, arms outstretched.

“Steve—” He’s never heard Munson sound like that before. Like Steve’s breaking his heart and he’s terrified over it. He doesn’t have time to think about it.

The thing’s face unfurls slowly, then all at once, like petals toward the sun, but instead of pollen in the middle, it’s just teeth, all the way down. And the sound. It’s shrill, reverberating through his brain, shaking him where he stands.

Then, it’s charging.

Claws swipe, catching Steve in the shoulder, bringing him down. It stops to screech, flower head puckering and unfurling. Teeth teeth teeth, all the way down, but none of that matters. None of that matters because it stalks right past him and straight for Munson.

Steve has the rifle up before his next breath, fires on the inhale, holds the air in his lungs as the thing screeches in pain, stumbling in its forward momentum. The bullet is lodged in its ribs.

Munson has fallen on the ground and is scrambling backward, hand over hand in a desperate bid for survival.

Steve fires again, knicks the things neck, fires again when it turns to screech at him again, sending the bullet straight through the things gullet.

It doesn’t drop like it should, but it doesn’t keep coming, either. The thing turns tail and runs away.

Steve drops the gun, still staring at the spot where it had been standing.

“Shit shit shit shit shit,” Munson says, each one faster than the last, as he scrambles out of his crab-walk and bolts toward Steve.

“Are you okay?” Steve asks, just as Munson drops to his knees in front of him, his knees impacting with the pavement letting out a loud crack.

“Am I okay?” Munson asks. He sounds hysterical, and he’s crying a little as his hands hover over Steve like he’s a wounded deer. “It got you.”

He scoots closer, almost hovering over Steve as one of his hands finally settle onto Steve’s elbow. That brings the pain. It radiates from his shoulder, hot and dripping onto the pavement. He groans.

“Shit shit shit.” Munson rifles through his backpack, pulling out the bandages from the ransacking of Melvald’s and pulls them tight over his shoulder. The groan turns sharp, reverberating across the walls of the alley they’re still in. “I know, I know, sorry – shit!”

Munson lets him breath for a minute, before pulling him up, arm around his waist as he leads him away. Steve keeps his grip on the shotgun, knuckles turning white as he clutches onto it through the waves of pain.

“Time to go home,” Eddie says.

Home. What a concept.

Part 9

[edith-moonshadow]

The Camera Never Lies Part Two

For the amazing @jellyfishloveletterghosts 💜💜💜

Part One Of The Camera Never Lies

Warnings: Modern AU, Top Billy Hargrove, Bottom Steve Harrington, Stalking, Steve Harrington Needs A Hug, Touch-Starved Steve, Dubious Consent, Anal Fingering, Anal Sex, Marking, Sex Tape, Smoking, Begging, Masturbation, Semi-Public Sex, Oral Sex, Praise Kink, Feminization, Barebacking, Exhibitionism, Come Eating, Rimming, POV Steve 

Steve stared at his computer screen until his eyes burned. He tried to resist the urge to look out the window to see if Billy was still there. He wished he had something to do at work all day so he could focus on that instead. He wasn't that lucky. His dad hired him and put him in a lowly position but the job wasn't exactly taxing. Most days he was done by twelve and spent the rest of the day looking busy at his computer. He sighed. Billy had to be gone. He slid his computer chair over to the window and peered out from the corner. In the parking lot across the street, he could see the Camaro. Billy didn't even have the decency to be stealthy. 

He moved back over to his computer just as the door to his office opened. It was James with that day's mail. He smiled at him and then set down a larger-than-usual pile. Steve motioned towards it.

"This is all for me?"

"Yeah Mabel said Mr Harrington, other Mr Harrington has asked for the Jameson account to be audited so most of this is forms related to that then you have two from the outside."

Steve nodded and James left him on his own once more. It was almost as though his dad had heard his silent pleading for something to occupy his time but did it have to be something so boring? At least he'd be busy with this for at least a week. It would be a lot of box ticking and filing work but the monotony would keep his mind off his current problem. 

He wished he could time travel back to when he was in school because knowing what he knew now he would work harder. Being popular, going to parties and all that other high school drama had seemed so important at the time. In truth shortly after you were out the door it ceased to matter completely. Steve's grandfather had been a driving force in his dad's life and had him working at various family businesses from the time he was thirteen. He graduated high school and walked into a manager position before swiftly working his way up. When his grandfather died his dad easily slotted into the top position but he didn't focus on Steve the same way his dad had. Steve had always been grateful for this. He'd always thought of the company as a fate worse than death. Yet he did so poorly at school that he didn't have much choice. His dad was so embarrassed by how badly he did that Steve was placed on the lowest rung of the ladder and promptly forgotten about.

His job wasn't the kind you could exactly brag about. He barely earned enough to get by. His mom supplemented his income so he could afford an apartment that was bigger than a closet. All the girls he'd known from school had either gone to college or were busy in their careers. He didn't have much to impress anyone with. A woman called Diane from work wanted to set him up with her daughter but he felt that could get awkward if everything went south so he decided online dating was better. Unfortunately, Hawkins was so small and he'd known everyone forever so he expanded his search and found someone from the next town over. 

Her name was Jenny and she seemed to be everything he was looking for. She was happy to come to Hawkins so he went out and bought himself some new clothes, got a haircut and made sure his apartment was neat and clean. They were meeting for a few drinks and seeing where the night took them. He'd intended on keeping it a secret but James had spotted her on his phone and he was a terrible gossip with the women who worked in the mailroom. So that Friday when leaving work he got a lot of excited questions and encouragement.

He'd nervously sat at the bar they were supposed to meet at for over an hour. At first, he nursed his drink. He only took small sips and tried not to watch the clock but soon it was impossible. After half an hour his drinking increased until he was a few in. By the time the hour had gone by he was feeling tipsy. He had stood surprised when the ground came up to meet him and stumbled from the bar. The air outside only made him feel more uncoordinated. He had checked his phone for the thousandth time but there was still nothing from her. He decided a walk would clear his head and he could send her a message. 

Hawkins was a small town so barely even a block over he saw her pressed up against the wall by Ryan Smith. The humiliation made his face heat and his head spin and he ran quickly in the opposite direction for fear he would be spotted. He had suddenly felt so tired all he wanted was to crawl into bed and forget this ever happened. He had spotted a car idling and in his mind, he'd thought it was a taxi.

It had taken him a little bit of time to realise he'd been wrong when the driver was taking the scenic route home. Discovering he'd gotten into Billy's car by mistake made his face heat. They hadn't seen each other much since school ended. Billy had excelled in all the areas in that Steve had failed. He had finished school near the top of his class, a sports hero and with a full scholarship to some college in California. Steve wasn't sure why he was being an Uber driver but he seemed popular. He'd overheard many people talking about being in the Camaro. For a lot of them, it was their first time in such a fast car and Billy was a charming conversationalist. Steve had never gotten that impression but he knew how much things changed when high school was over. 

Alcohol had loosened his tongue. He'd planned to be non-committal about his failed date but Billy was persistent and soon he'd admitted the whole thing. He'd expected to be laughed at but Billy just pulled in off the backroads and stopped the car. He'd given Steve an offer one he never thought he'd accept but he was feeling very pathetic. It had seemed like a long time since anyone had touched him. In high school, he'd never had any problems but he feared that no one would ever want him again. So he accepted.

He got a lot more than he bargained for. He shivered pleasantly at his desk as the night flooded his mind. The gravelly growl to Billy's voice as he talked about the things he could do. The feeling of his fingers as he stroked him from the inside. His teeth sank into his flesh and made him feel lightheaded with pleasure. How incredible it felt to be so full and begging for more. He flushed as he thought about the things he'd said. That he'd agreed to but how they made his stomach ache. He'd awoken the next day warm and safe in bed with a pounding headache and a mouth that felt like he'd been eating wallpaper paste. He had dragged himself from his bed, his body aching and showered. When his fingers had brushed against the marks on his skin he found himself hard and wanting. He'd closed his eyes under the spray of the water and let the night before flow through his mind. He'd come so hard it hurt as his aching body protested but he'd had a nap afterwards and awoken later feeling better.

He couldn't stop thinking about it all weekend. Most of the marks were hidden under his clothes except for a large bite mark on his throat. It was purple and tender and nothing he owned would be able to hide it. He tried his best to keep it hidden behind his hand but it was quickly discovered. When they'd assumed that Jenny had done it and they looked at him with so much pride, it was like being back at high school for a moment. It was easy to let his old charming self come back for just a little while and see people's admiration. He was vague about his plans and no one pushed too hard. He sighed in relief but then he started noticing the Camaro.

Steve had thought it was just a heat-of-the-moment situation. Billy had wanted something that night and he'd gotten it so why was he still here? He felt like he was in an old horror movie with a creeping monster who would never stop until it had consumed him. He tried his best to ignore him hoping he would grow bored. Trying his best to ignore how his own heart quickened and his stomach squirmed when he saw the Camaro. Knowing Billy was inside watching. Waiting.  

To stop his racing thoughts he picked up the envelope on top of the pile. It was lightweight but he could feel something small moving inside. He ripped it open expecting a letter but a small flash drive fell into his hand. He looked at it in confusion. He knew that his dad preferred to do things old school. He always sent things through email or even better for him physical copies. It was why they had such a large filing room and two people employed to keep everything in its right place. He pushed it into the computer. It was empty except for one file. A video file named Face. He stared at it for a long time before he clicked on it. 

The image of his face filled the screen. His eyes closed. Mouth gasping around a name he could hear in his mind. His skin flushed pink. He felt his heart quicken as his face grew warm. He felt his cock twitch and ruthlessly slammed down on his keyboard to stop the short clip. He pulled the drive from the computer filled with the desire to stomp on it until it was nothing but tiny pieces of plastic. The bright lights that night hadn't been for Billy they had been so he could film him. He stormed back over to the window. The Camaro was still in the same place. He wanted to go down and confront him about this. Why had he done it? Why had he shown him? He walked out of his office and out onto the roof on the other side of the building. He fished his cigarettes out of his pocket and with a shaking hand lit one. The smoke filling his lungs calmed him slightly. 

His mind kept returning to that night. He didn't want to admit that it had felt so good. That Billy of all people knew what he needed. Seeing the pleasure on his face was still a shock. It was a tangible thing that he couldn't deny. He took another long drag of his cigarette. He didn't know what Billy was playing at but Steve wasn't going to play into it. He finished his cigarette and returned to his office. He pocketed the flash drive. He purposely ignored Billy when he left work.

It was two days later when another drive arrived at work. Steve didn't get much mail from outside the company. His job didn't require it so James had taken notice. Steve had flushed when he brought the mail mentioning that he had more outside mail. He acted as though it wasn't a big deal but the second he was gone he had the envelope ripped open and the drive in his hand. He got up and peered outside his office but the coast was clear. He inserted the drive. One audio file named Good. He clicked play.

"I…I want to be your g-good girl…"

A molten heat settled low in his stomach at hearing the desperation in his voice. Knowing that he'd said those words with a pathetic whine because he needed Billy at that moment. That he did want to be good for him. He flushed as he realised that the video had audio and all the embarrassing things he'd said to Billy were also on tape. He remembered that night and how he'd been afraid that someone might have seen them. Now he knew that Billy was recording the whole thing and he was ashamed at how turned on he felt. He pulled out the new drive and pocketed it then headed out for a smoke to settle his nerves.

That Friday he felt on edge. The mail was due at any moment and he had a feeling that Billy was going to send him another drive. He had been mysteriously absent yesterday. Steve had even triple-checked for him on his way home but no sign of the Camaro. He hadn't been able to focus all day, his mind a mixture of memories and anticipation. James suddenly walked into his office. He smiled at him.

"Any plans for the weekend?"

"Not sure yet."

"Are you not meeting up with Jenny again?"

Steve shrugged. James laughed.

"With the way she mauled you on your first date, I'd have thought she'd be blowing up your phone."

Billy's teeth sinking into his throat appeared in his mind and his stomach twisted. He laughed nervously.

"Think she's busy with some work thing."

"Oh well, when she gets back."

He winked at Steve and placed his mail on his desk before he walked back out. He took a shuddering breath and picked it up. The top three were forms for the Jameson account. The fourth was a familiar style of envelope with a tear on the side. His heart stopped as he ripped it open only to find it empty. He stood abruptly and ran after James who was only two offices down with his mail cart.

"James…"

"You ok? You look a little flushed."

"Yeah I'm fine, look I'm missing a flash drive…"

"A flash drive?"

"Yeah, it should have been with the mail. It's very important."

"I haven't seen one sorry. Just ask them to send you another can't be hard."

"Can I check your cart?"

James stared at him and Steve felt sweat running down his back. He slowly nodded.

"You can look while I bring Rosemary her mail."

Steve smiled and waited until he walked to the office door before he practically dived into the cart. He quickly searched through the mail trying not to disrupt everything too much when under a stack of letters he saw a familiar-looking flash drive. He grabbed it and held it close to his chest trying to calm his racing heart.

"You found it?"

"Yeah, thanks, James."

He walked quickly to his office and closed the door. He wished he could lock it but unfortunately, there had never been any reason before so no locks were installed. He sat for over five minutes just watching the door terrified that James or someone else would interpret his behaviour as strange and come see him. It felt like an eternity. He pushed the drive into the computer. A video file called Deep. He shivered in anticipation and clicked on it.

It was a slightly longer clip than the one sent previously. Billy's thick fingers held him open until he pushed his cock into Steve's body. It was the first time that no one but him and Billy would know who was in the clip, at least without sound. Steve's head swam as all the sensations from that night returned to him tenfold. His mind became hazy with lust as his cock hardened in his trousers. He hit his lip hard trying desperately to make the feeling go away but it only grew stronger as the seconds ticked by. 

He stumbled over to his door and peered out. It was just after their first break on a Friday early afternoon no one was going to come to him for anything. He quickly closed the door and leaned against it. He took a deep breath and tried one more time to calm himself. He glanced at his computer where he'd forgotten to stop the short clip from playing on repeat. He watched as his body opened up for Billy. He could hear his whimpers along with Billy's sweet praise. He wanted it again.

He quickly undid his trousers and pulled out his aching cock. He stroked himself quickly while playing the night on repeat in his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about someone coming to his office about some mundane matter. James checking up with him about the flash drive. Billy's wicked smirk if he could see him right now. How smug he'd be knowing he'd reduced him to this. He came all over his hand.

He snuck out of work before the day was through and walked across to the parking lot across the street. Billy was in his usual spot, his attention on his phone. Steve opened the back door and slid inside. Billy looked up his eyes going from annoyance to delight in a blink. 

"Go somewhere we can talk. "

"Anything for you Princess."

Steve glared at him but Billy just laughed and drove off. He drove like a demon towards the backroads of Hawkins and Steve flushed when he realised where they were. Billy had driven to the same spot he'd taken him previously out by the old abandoned factories. It had seemed so much more secluded in the darkness. Now it looked exposed as anyone could happen by. Billy turned off the engine and turned towards him.

"Enjoy your gifts?"

"It's illegal to film someone without their consent."

"I have them for liability insurance if they got knocked a little eschew and picked up a private moment that was purely coincidental."

"You're such an asshole."

"C'mon Pretty Boy I know you watched them. You think anyone will believe you weren't wholeheartedly into what happened?"

Steve squirmed in his seat as he thought about how badly he'd been affected earlier that day. How much he wanted a repeat of what had happened.

"What about you?"

"I can always show you how much I enjoyed it."

Billy smirked at him and Steve felt his face heat further. He licked his lips.

"What about the cameras?"

A little shock flickered across Billy's face but he quickly schooled his features before he used the controls on his phone to angle the cameras so they were all focused on Steve. He looked into the lens of the one right in front of his face. He thought back to the images he'd seen. That desperate note to his voice. 

"Are you going to put your money where your mouth is Hargrove or am I wasting my time?"

Billy was in the backseat and pinning him down before he could fully freak out over what he was doing. Billy wasted no time getting them both naked before he started to lick and bite his way down Steve's body. He couldn’t help but stiffen slightly as he knew the cameras were there this time. Billy’s teeth on his hip distracted him from his thoughts.

“Just focus on me, Sweetheart.”

“The cameras are a little distracting…”

“Don’t worry Baby I’ll help you out…”

A hot wet mouth closing around his cock made him forget about the cameras. He let his eyes slide closed and got lost in the sensations. Billy let his throat massage the head of his cock causing him to writhe against him. He whimpered when he felt a slippery finger pressed up against him. Billy pulled back to kiss his way down his thigh as he pressed it inside.

“That’s it so good…you feel so good…”

Billy gave him a little time to get used to the stretch before he pressed in a second finger. Steve spread his legs a little wider begging for more thinking back to the last time and that wonderful full feeling. Billy sunk his teeth into the sensitive skin of his thigh as he stroked over his prostate. His body fluttered around him.

“That feel good Princess?”

“Uhhhhhh….”

“Be a good girl and use your words.”

That molten feeling returned to his stomach and spread out through his limbs. His desperate voice echoed in his mind as Billy mercilessly pressed up against his prostate until he felt pre-come dribble on his stomach as his body squeezed Billy’s fingers tight. Billy tutted at him before he started to pull his fingers back.

“No please…”

He looked down seeing Billy’s intense eyes and raised eyebrow as he smirked up at him. He felt his face heat as he licked his lips nervously.

“It feels so good…please don’t stop…”

“That wasn’t so hard. Was it Sweetheart?”

Before Steve could answer Billy pressed in deep making his words devolve into a whimper. Billy continued to stoke him from the inside until Steve felt like he was going to explode. It felt so good but he needed more.

“Please…please…”

He felt Billy smile against his thigh and he knew it was a smug self-satisfied smile. He wanted Billy to feel as desperate as he did. It wasn’t fair that Steve seemed to be the only one being affected by this especially as it was all being captured on tape. Billy slowly pulled his fingers free and moved back. Steve sat up slightly so that he could watch as he poured a generous amount of lube onto his hard cock. He was mesmerised for a moment as it seemed to twitch in his hand while Billy watched him intently. He moved back in but before he could get too close Steve placed a hand on his chest stopping him. He leaned forward a little more so he could look him in the eye.

"I want to feel you nice and deep."

Billy's eyes burned with a renewed hunger. He pulled away and after a moment Billy moved so Steve could roll over onto his stomach. He was just moving into position when he felt strong fingers wrap around his hips and pull his ass up in the air. He felt Billy's hot breath on the bottom of his back followed by his soft lips as he kissed his way down his body. Steve leaned his weight onto his forearms. Anticipation swirled in his stomach as he felt Billy spreading his legs open and then his hot skin against him. He moaned when he felt his hard cock pressed against him before Billy started to push it inside. He pushed in slowly letting Steve feel every inch until the head brushed his prostate. His body fluttered around it as Steve shivered. 

"Deep enough for you Princess?"

Steve wanted to give him a snappy comeback but his mind was turning to mush completely taken over by the pleasure he could feel. He whimpered embarrassingly and Billy chuckled before starting a steady rhythm. He leaned forward changing his angle ever so slightly and Steve forgot how to breathe. Billy's cock was spreading him open and hitting his prostate just right on every thrust. He felt hot all over. His mind clouded with pleasure. Billy the only thing on his lips. 

He felt lips on the back of his neck followed by sharp teeth that made him whine low in his throat as his stomach twisted. He could feel himself growing close to coming so he looked directly into the camera that he knew was angled towards his face. He let the pleasure show on his face as he said Billy over and over. Billy's fingers squeezed his hips as he started to slow his thrusts. Steve bit his lip and stared deeply into the lens imagining it was Billy's eyes. Wondering how he would react when he watched this back. If he would send him this particular clip. If it would pass through several people at work whose curiosity could get the better of them and they could watch Steve, their boss's son and possible future boss fall apart under Billy Hargrove.

"So good for me…"

Billy’s voice had turned desperate as he kissed his way across Steve’s throat until he reached the spot where he’d previously left a bite mark. Steve shivered as he sunk his teeth deep thinking about the bruise that he’d have no explanation for. Billy pressed in deep and held his cock there making his breath catch until his body squeezed so tight that he couldn't take it anymore and came all over the seat beneath him. Billy groaned into his skin and came deep inside him. Billy’s sharp kisses softened to lingering ones. He kissed his way back down his body as he slowly pulled out. Steve felt him pulling his hips back up and spreading him open once more. He thought back to the final clip he’d received and wondered what he looked like on camera. He shivered and felt Billy’s come running down his thigh. Billy chuckled lowly as his fingers spread him further.

“Looks like I wrecked you, Princess…”

Steve cried out when he felt Billy’s tongue lapping at him before it pressed inside. It was perfect and too much and he needed more. He writhed against Billy who was merciless as he wriggled his tongue inside. He felt his cock weakly twitch against his stomach.

“Billy…oh god…”

His eyes slid closed as he let himself get lost in the sensations. He couldn’t stop his mind from thinking about the cameras. About Billy watching this back later. Him sending Steve clips like he did last time until Steve ended up in the same position. He shuddered and came weakly against his stomach feeling Billy’s satisfied groan before he sunk his teeth into the back of his thigh. Steve shivered. How long would he last until he gave in?

[metalbuckaroo]

Birthday

Summary: Toby invites Bucky to his 11th birthday party.

Warnings: good bit of sexual tension, rude ass parent, cursing, I think that's it???

AU: Babysitter!Bucky x Fem!Reader

AN: I waited soo long to finish this that I couldn't remember exactly what I'd planned for it, so I winged half of it.

THE FILL IN MASTERLIST

MAIN MASTERLIST

Moodboard by @bucksdolll

"Toby seems to be warming up to the temporary pretty well." One of the Moms whispered to yours. "Bucky? He's a sweetheart. Isn't he, dear?"

You looked away from where Bucky was being swarmed by the younger kids and a couple of their older sisters you'd went to high school with; your mom giving you a sweet smile. "A big softie."

"He's great with Toby, and is sweet on a little miss someone." She grinned, poking your side as you got two bottles of water from the cooler. "Well, aren't you lucky." One of the other mom's chided. "Extremely."

"Go save him, poor boy looks like he's ready to combust." Your mom sighed, fixing a few things on the table that held cake and various types of snacks.

Turning on your heels, you went to where he was stood letting Toby babble on about his arm. "Can I borrow you for a sec?"

Bucky gave a bright smile and nodded, letting you guide him to the open back door. "I think he's have a good time showing off his super cool babysitter." You teased, handing him some extra drinks for the cooler. "Does he ever run out of energy?"

Shaking your head, you looked over the way the dark blue t-shirt clung to his skin, the dips of his muscular torso visible even through the wet fabric. "You're not gonna take that off are ya." You said, tugging the hem.

He pressed his lips into a thin line and shook his head. "Nothing wrong with being a little modest, Buck." You smiled, noticing how he chewed on the inside of his cheek. "Don't wanna, uh, scare a bunch of kids."

"Or have their dads chasing you down because, the wives are gawking at you." You said, scrunching your nose up at him. He breathed a laugh and shook his head again, leaning down to peck a simple kiss to your lips. "Yeah. I don't think that's gonna happen."

After presents were opened and cake was ate, you and Bucky hid away in the kitchen again for a few moments away from the crowd of kids and parents. "You look beautiful, sunshine." He said, adjusting the thin strap of your dress. "Don't look too bad yourself, Buck."

Your fingers wrapped around the cool metal of his dog tags, tugging them so he'd lean down; his lips ghosting across yours when he turned his head to the opening back door.

"James! There you are." Your mom breathed, pulling the door shut behind her. "Mallory just extended her vacation for another 3 weeks. Please, tell me you're available?" She clasped her hands together and gave him pleading eyes.

"Yeah, of course." Bucky smiled, nodding his head. "Great, perfect. A few of Toby's friends are staying, so I hope they don't bother you too much." She said, looking to you.

"I'm sure Bucky wouldn't mind staying to help, right?" You looked up at him, patting his chest lightly. His eyebrows raised and he nodded, swallowing thickly. "I'll stay."

"Miranda, I've been looking for you." Darlene, one of the most judgemental moms, said, Toby and her son following in behind her. "I've been meaning to ask you- where's Matthew? Shouldn't he be here instead of-" She stopped when she saw Bucky, still standing very close to you.

"He had work." Your mom said with a forced smile. "No wonder it didn't work out, that's all he thinks about." Darlene said clicking her tongue. "Now, you're stuck having to pay a babysitter who-"

"Yeah, I'm gonna stop you right there. Toby, go play outside." Bucky looked down at your hard expression, putting his hand on Toby's shoulder to walk with him into the backyard. "That's not an appropriate thing to talk about at a kid's birthday party. He is eleven, he doesn't need to know why his dad didn't show up."

"It's just- this new babysitter of yours is so-"

"Sweet? Shy, handsome, good with kids? If none of those are what you are about to say, then don't say it." She looked at you dumbfounded, glancing at your mom. "You're not gonna let her talk like this are you?"

Your mom shrugged, leaning against the kitchen counter. "She's grown. I don't dictate what she says. Besides, she's right."

"Unbelievable."

As the families dispersed, going home once the sun started to set, your mom looking exhausted as she cleaned the kitchen. "I've got it, go on to bed. You've had your stress fill for the day."

She gave you a soft thank you before shuffling away to the hallway, Bucky walking in from the chaos filled living room. "Make it out alive?" You teased, picking up the trash that littered the counter. "Barely. Need help?"

His hand rested on the small of your back, pink tinting his cheeks. "You could move the couch for me? Put this to use." You teased, fingertips running up the dark metal of his left arm before wrapping around his wrist.

You finished cleaning the kitchen and went to check on the state of the living room; Bucky laying out the blankets and pillows on the floor for the kids.

"Can we watch Nightmare on Elm Street?" Toby asked, looking up at you with hopeful eyes as you picked up the remote. "No, it's too scary for you." You said, clicking through the movie selections. "Please?"

Bucky chuckled when you rolled your eyes and nodded. "One scream out of any of you and I'm switching it to lullabies."

It didn't take long.

Not even 30 minutes into the movie you were switching it to Toy Story, ignoring the protests that sounded from them.

Another 30 minutes and they were all passed out, sprawled out on the blankets and snoring as you tugged Bucky with you to the kitchen.

"Knew that was gonna happen." You said, breathing a laugh and lifting yourself onto the counter.

Bucky moved to stand in front of you, your knees parting on instinct to let him stand between them. "Steve said he'll have your car done in a couple days. Want me to take you back to your apartment tomorrow? So, you don't have to take the train."

Nodding, you wrapped your arms around his neck loosely; pulling his lips to yours. You all but melted completely in his touch, cool, smooth metal on your right thigh a beautiful contrast to the warm skin on your left.

"I'm so fucking lucky..." He muttered against your lips before pressing his tongue against yours.

"Ew, stop eating my sisters face." You breathed a laugh at Toby's tired voice, looking over your shoulder at him. "Whst are you doing up?" You teased, turning slightly to see him better. "You know I don't like to admit when you're right..."

You were getting restless. Wanting more every time you'd get near Bucky; more of the sweetness of his kiss and gentle, adoring touches.

But hwahented things taken slow. Which you fully understood; and with the group of kids in the front room, it wasn't going to go far anyways.

"Scared?" He nodded softly and you slid off of the counter. "Calm that down and come watch some tv." You smiled at Bucky, gesturing to the strain against his athletic shorts.

Bucky's face burned as he watched you usher Toby back into the living room, staying back for a moment before following.

"Don't you dare tell anyone about this." Toby said, pointing a finger at Bucky that made him look to where you were holding the boy's hand from your spot, laid on the loveseat. "You're about as threatening as the neighbors ankle biter." Bucky retorted, sitting in the recliner.

You had turned some random TV show on, suddenly becoming extra quiet within an hour.

Bucky glanced from the screen to see you sleeping peacefully, Toby's hand barely hanging onto yours as Bucky stepped over one of the kids to grab the blanket from the back of the loveseat.

Gently laying it over you, he leaned down to press a kiss to your cheek; biting back a smile when you subconsciously tilted your head to follow his lips.

There's always tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taglist: @likeahorribledream @cxddlyash @iwannabekilledtwice @bookstan0618 @marvel-3407 @glxwingrxse @yliumy @pineprincess @makbarnes @cupcakehinch @doasyoudesireandlive @magicwithinnightmares @preferredrealty @andy-is-gay @stucky-my-ship

[queenoftheworldisdead]

Home coming 4

Summery: Slow burn. You are forced to move back to your home town due to the pandemic.  When your high school tormentors return to remind you why you never  wanted to come back. This gets darker as it goes. I’m not a good writer folks sorry.

Warning: forced oral.

Dark Steve x Black Reader, Cop AU

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5

You watched antsy as the text bubble animated then disappeared. The pause between Steve's text was strangely long. Making you wonder what could have stopped the normally persistent Steve. Not willing to wait in the car any longer you headed inside.

When you unlock the door of course Uncle Nick was on the couch very much annoyed. "You need to ask if your gonna borrow my truck."

"Sorry I went to the bank" it was a lie, but you knew he would never bug you about something like that.

"What happened to your face?" He shot up rushing over, fuming. "It was that fucking Steve wasn't it!" He examined your face, you pulled away when he tried to cup it.

Shit

You forgot to cover your face backup. "Unc... it wasn't Steve. I fell, tripped on something getting out of the truck. Damn thing is so high up off the ground."

By the look in his eye he wasn't buying it. You moved and pushed past him, you could her him cursing under his breath.

When you got to your old room you close the door. Leaning against it you took a deep breath.

*Buzz Buzz

Ripping the strap from your arms you throw it across the room. Your hearts pace quickened, the thought of that squad car from earlier containing Steve. What he might do if he knew what you were planning.

Pushing off the door you run to your closet. Tossing things around, looking through unopened boxes for your duffel. Your hands tremble as you search. When you hear the faint buzz again and curse.

You had to go to it. Turning around you stare at the purse again. Swallowing thickly as you approached it.

Unzipping the bag, you dip your hand inside, pulling it out. The screen lit up with his name.

MSG Steve: Come outside

Your heart felt like a hammer. The short text not giving any hint to what you would be walking into if you walked out that door. Texting him back you tell him to give you a minute.

Had he seen you?

Blinking away tears you try and collect yourself.

You wanted to avoid another confrontation from your Uncle so you decided to go out the back. Slipping out the room you close the door quietly. Walking with bare feet and shoes in hand gingerly on the old floor.

You peer past the archway to see him laser focused on the screen. Still on tip toes you walk into the kitchen and through the back door.

The yard was over grown, Nick's old car rusting and in pieces in the back. You put your shoes on and walked around the house.

When you saw the cop car your mind reeled. Was he going to arrest you for steeling? He knew you stole those tools. It was him.

Through the squad car window's the tent was so thick that Steve's features were barely eliminated by his cell phone. You wanted to run back to the house, board up the doors and hide, but you knew you couldn't.

Each step you took toward the car seemed heavier and heavier like a weight was drawing you down. When you finally approached it he looked away from his phone and up at you with a smirk.

He opened his door and towered over you. "Sorry have to go to work later, so I hope you like a man in uniform" he joked. His eyes burned on you. Twitching a bit when he finally noticed the damage.

Lacing his fingers with yours he said nothing as he led you to the other side of the squad car. He boxed around you on the car when you reached the passenger door giving you another once over. The last time he saw you like this you had fucked up and trusted the wrong person. He sucked in air before letting out a long sigh. You flinched when he lowered his hand down and opened the door. Still silent he watched you slid inside.

Your stomach sat in knots while he drove you. He kept his hands on the wheel. The controls and laptop on the dash made the cop car feel like an alien space ship to you. He kept his work radio low, the back and forth chit chat filling the quiet spaces.

Steve's presence was so overbearing even with him not touching you. You couldn't remember a time being in a car alone with him like this and he hadn't tried touching you in one way or another.

*Ring Ring

Steve shifted in his seat, pulling out his phone. Splitting his attention between the road and the screen. He didn’t answer it. You glanced over quickly to see him silence the phone and tuck it away.

Your head tilted toward the window as the trip trekked on. The scenery slowly changing as you passed. The little town of Yielding looked like it was just waking up. The traffic just starting to get busy.

"It's just me and you today." When he spoke it was even. Still no hint of what his mood could be.

When he turned to go the opposite way from the direction of his house, you got more worried.

"Um... Steve where are we going?" You somehow found the courage to ask just above a whisper. Your nails picking at the seat as you waited for a reply.

"It's a surprise" he said coolly.

It wasn't until he turned down a residential street that you realized where you were. The row of houses flooding you with memories. He had taken you to his parents house.

Slowing to a crawl he parked in the driveway. Steve got out of the car and you watched as he walked over to your door. Opening it he held out his hand for you to take. His hand was so warm when you took it, but that didn't stop your skin from prickling.

Hand in hand he walked up the cracked walk way, halting only to unlock the front door.

Following behind him, you noticed just as at your uncle's house how everything looked frozen in time.

"Mom you in here?"

You looked at him puzzled. He lied.

Dishes clanked from the kitchen. "Just a minute" his mother called out. When she walked out it looked like she had aged a bit since you last saw her. Her once platinum blonde hair now mixed with grey.

"Hey Ma look what the cat dragged in."

his arm wrapped around your shoulder bringing you into a side hug. The move made you stiffen and shift from his side uncomfortably.

*Ring Ring

"Oh my goodness!" She opened up her arms to you, embracing you. "Steve told me you were back in town." Apprehensively you rose your arms to hug her. In you peripheral going in his pocket likely silencing his phone again.

She pulled back and frowned at Steve, you crossed your arms and picked at your sleeve. "You should've told me you were swinging by."

"Are you hungry Sweetie? I have some coffee brewing and I can whip you up something."

"No thank you Mrs.Rogers." Stepping back from you turned to address her son. You looked away as they talked.

Above the old TV a family picture hung on the wall. The sight of his smiling father opened a boxed memory.

You were never a favorite guest when the patriarch was around. Your 'study sessions' at the Rogers home diminished greatly after one faithful night.

Steve's father busted through the bedroom door, to find you two entwined. It was the first time you saw fear on him. He was whiter than the sheets you two laid upon.

He yelled for his wife as you redressed quickly. Mr.Rogers dragged Steve to the living room. Even though Steve surely could take the older man he coward on the floor in a ball.

The one time in your life you watched the great Captain brought to his knees. It was as if he had turned back into that scrawny boy from Mrs. Peppers class. His mother and you watched on as the older man beat his son. You wished at that moment for it not to stop.

She gripped your shoulders, her nails dug into you. "They were just studying?" She had shouted at him over and over again.

You didn't care that the old man cursed you for being a 'nigger'. Bringing trash in the house as he called it. The cacophony of blows that rained down on Steve filled you with joy and you tried to hard press down the smile on your lips. Even when Steve's tearful eyes found you, you could not hide your delight.

"I'll be right back Ma." He told her before capturing your hand again. She nodded and waved you off with a smile as Steve led you.

Walking through the house until he landed at his childhood door. You accidentally squeezed his hand because of your anxiety. When he felt it he brought your hand to his lips and kissed it, trying to comfort you. Instead it gave the opposite affect.

Urging you to go inside once it opened. You went in alone.

"You stay put I need to talk to her for a minute."

He closed the door behind you and you listened to his foot falls disappear. You hear his phone going off again as he moved further away. Steve uniform making his presence heavy as he moved down the hall. You scanned the familiar surroundings. crossing your arms again you pick at your sleeve, even with him not in the room it was hard to escape the feel of him. There was never enough distance you could make.

Trophies mounted on the wall next to ribbons of all his athletic achievements, movie posters, his twin bed pressed against the wall. All a time capsule.

You heard music turn come on from somewhere in the house. A thing she always did to give you both privacy. The classic tunes making your stomach knot tighter. Steve opened the door to find you unmoved. He closed the door behind himself.

"Do you know why I started dating Peggy?" He paused, his back pressed to the door. You couldn't face him. Walking around to face you he lifted your head with one finger, you were already crying.

"To find ways to make you fall for me, for you to love me." He looked at you so endearingly wiping a tear away with his other hand. You hiss when his thumb dragged across your bruised cheek.

*Ring Ring

The phone broke his train of thought. You could feel his agitation grow. Steve sighed dropping his hand, the vein on the side of his head started to become more prominent. He didn’t silence it, just letting it ring out before he started again.

"Bucky...I didn't tell him to do that." 

You didn't believe him. "I'm sorry I didn't think he would lash out on you. I’ll talk to him..." When his hand rested at the hip of his holstered gun your trembling intensified. 

“Get in position.” His request was soft, but it still made you break down harder.

There was no point in begging. Sobbing, you step back and get in the middle of the room.

"No...not like that...get on the bed. I need to show you how sorry I am."

"Pleas Steve there is nothing to apologize for." You assured him. It was a rare occasion when Steve wanted to 'apologize', and you never looked forward to the endeavor.

His face turned cold. His lips a hard line. It felt as if Steve had sucked the air out of the room. You felt the wetness from your cheek travel down your neck, sniffing repeatedly. You walked backwards, wiping away tears until you bumped into the mattress.

The bed dipped and squeaked as you lowered yourself on to it. Scooting back enough until your knees hung over the bed and your feet on the frame. Your legs splayed on the bed, then laying your back flat on the mattress. Steve only stood and watched, his dark uniform made him much more menacing.

He was unmoved by the puffiness of your face and red teary eyes.

You kept your clothes on, he preferred it that way. Steve felt like you shouldn't have to lift a finger when he needed to atone.

"Steve.." You spoke out softly. "It's not your fault..please"  you sniffed. Steve walked over to the bed, his badge twinkled as he approached.

Hiccups started the instant his hand fell on your jeans. Closing your eyes tears fell from each side, the salty water getting into your ear. The sound of his clothes crinkled as he half bent over you. The bedding wrinkled in your hands as you gripped it.

Steve’s palms pressed into your belly as he unfasten your pants. His fingers felt as if they burned your skin as Steve hooked his hands on the waist. Pealing them down slow,  taking your panties with them, making sure that your entire lower half was bear for him.

"I need to show you..." Steve's voice went low and you locked your ankles. "How sorry I am for not being there to stop him." Steve lowered and knelt on his knees.

"I forgive you please" your eyes shoot open when he palms both your knees. You tried to keep your focus anywhere, but him.

Steve's hands moved your knees apart, your ankles unlaced with ease. You tried to control your breathing, the hiccups fell with every exhale. All you could do was stare at the blurry ceiling. Steve's weight pressed into your thigh when he came face to face with your sex.

Steve’s arms wrapped around from the back of your legs. Locking you in place, his hair tickled your thigh the closer he got to your mound.

"Forgive me." He softly pleaded with you. Pecking down your inner thigh each time. Your legs tense hard at the contact.

"Stop I forgive you please stop" your shaky voice was so small when you felt his breath on your skin. You felt his lips part, taking your folds into his mouth and then pulling off slow to release.

“Mmm...”

"I'm sorry" Steve spoke softly before he began again. You felt every word as he talked into your lips. Every syllable driving sensual a moan from you. Steve's teeth grazed your folds until he moved to play with your clit, taking it between his teeth.

"Please..." His tongue plunged deep, curling and swirling.  Steve's nose grazed your clit as he swirled around, the touch electrifying you.

"Show me you forgive me.." He begged.

You fought the urge to grab his head and press him further when he sucked you in.

You knew exactly what he meant by that. He was forcing a need onto you. If you broke, then to him he was won.

"Forgive me...." He pleaded before flattening his tongue on your mound, making your back arch and spasm. Through it all his phone rang again and yet again unanswered.

Even though you cried, even though your eyes burned, you came for him. Steve devoured you, lapping up your wetness.

"Captain please I forgive" you panted, he wasn't finished. Steve wanted you to cum over and over again until it hurt.

There was no way to fight the desire for him like this and he knew it. Steve unwrapped his arms and moved his hands behind your knees. They bent as he slowly rose them up, folding you as he continued to apologize. Deepening his kiss, fucking your pussy with his tongue, your mewls louder than the last.

Your thighs tried to squeeze Steve's head, but he forced you to stay in place. Gritting your teeth hard you moan and cum on his face again. Each orgasm filled with tears.

"I-I...I need you...I love you, Captain I-I love you, I forgive you!" You were delirious as you come a third time or a fourth you weren’t sure. You wanted to say anything to make Steve stop.

When he finally released your legs they were a shaky mess. He rose from your mound, his face wet with your juices. You could feel his eyes as you laid there, a crumbled mess on the bed.

Before leaving his mother asked you two to stay for lunch. Steve declined. He needed to start his shift soon. She hugged you both goodbye and you felt numb.

When he dropped you home it was close to noon. Steve kissed your cheek and apologized about needing to go into work. Promising that he would text you as soon as he could and you shuddered.

Reminding you of the times you had to wait for him while he was at practice. Forcing you to lay down in the back seat of his car until practice was over.

Sliding out of the door your thighs felt sore. He offered to walk you up, but you managed to dissuade his help. Steve waited in the driveway for you to enter. A wave of relief washed over you when you saw that your uncle wasn't in his usual spot.

His truck was still here so you were sure he was just sleeping in his room. So while he slept you packed.

Chapter 5>>>>>

Tagging: @readermia​ ; @mrsbanreswillseeyou ;@astrobabezblog ; @sebastianstansqueen​ ; @tian-monique​​ ; @shadowcatsworld​ ; @sllooney​​ ; @tinystudentfirepurse​​; @mrsbanreswillseeyou​;  @jxtr610​​; @villanellevi​ ; @2fab4utheatrediva​; @afriendlyblackhottie​; @stupendouslovegardener​;

[tlcwrites]

Two Hearts Make a Whole

Prompt: “Kiss me again, like you mean it.” Photo prompt below.

Summary: NYC Pride is for celebration, and occasionally, long-overdue revelations.

Word Count: 2,001

Tags/Content warnings: Marvel. Stucky. If you have a problem with it, there's the door. SFW. Slight TFATWS spoilers so read at your own risk. Platonic Reader. Two idiots in love. Technically canon-divergent because I'm still in my everyone-is-alive-and-in-this-timeline happy place that I will never ever leave fuck you very much Russo brothers but not AU. Found family. All the feels. Complete and total LGBTQ+ support. Lots of bad language words because #me. Un-beta'd.

Author’s Note: Okay so yes this is technically 4 weeks late for @autumnleaves1991-blog's Writer Wednesday weekly challenge. BUT, it was incredibly important to me to finish this one before Pride month is over. Made it by the skin of my teeth.

Happy Pride, y’all. If you’re out, you’re amazing. If you’re closeted, you’re amazing. However you identify is valid and important. Trans folx are LGBTQ+. Bisexuals are LGBTQ+. Ace folx are LGBTQ+. Anyone who identifies or thinks they may be as queer is LGBTQ+. All are welcome in the family. You have the right to choose your pronouns and we have the responsibility to use them. Live whatever your truth looks like to you and love each other. Love is love is love is love. If your family doesn’t accept you for you, I’m your mom now and I’ve got mom hugs available on demand. Homophobes and TERFS can fuck off and roll in poison ivy. Always punch Nazis. Pride shouldn't be limited to the month of June. And don’t you dare forget that Black and Brown trans women were the ones who rioted at Stonewall, and we owe everything to their bravery. Don’t forget that much of popular ‘gay’ culture was appropriated from Black women. And for more facts about Pride that you should absolutely know, Rawiyah Tariq (@ mammyisdead on Instagram) has a phenomenally good overview.

“Oh my god.” You gasp loudly. "Oh my GOD. Is that-"

“What?!” Instantly in First Avenger Protective Mode™️, Steve surveys the crowd, wishing he had an actual shield instead of the screen printed one on his shirt. “What is it?”

You gasp again, smacking Sam’s arm repeatedly. “OHMYGOD IT IS HOLY FUCK.”

“First; ow.” Now-Cap rubs his bicep. “Second; clue in the class before Steve has an aneurysm, please.”

Vibrating with excitement doesn’t begin to describe your current state. “HER ROYAL HIGHNESS MISS LEMON MERINGUE IS STANDING RIGHT FUCKING THERE.”

With the finesse of a shampoo commercial, Bucky's dark locks fly as he whips around. “What?!”

“RIGHT THERE RIGHT THERE RIGHT THERE.” You abandon a relieved Sam and latch on to Bucky’s vibranium arm. “Oh my GOD I love her so fucking much.”

“She was robbed, absolutely fucking robbed,” he agrees, craning his neck to get a better view. “Divine Tension’s lip sync was shameful.”

Sam glances at Steve, who is slowly coming out of protector mode. “What the ever-loving hell are they talking about?”

“RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Nat flicks more confetti at both Cap-the-former and Cap-the-current. “They watch it every week.”

“Really, Steven, for a guy with enhanced super senses, you miss a lot.” Tony hefts a bedazzled Morgan higher on his back. The toddler, accompanied by Scott playing air-piano on the ground, sings along with the ABBA song being blasted at full volume through the street. Tony continues as if this is an everyday occurrence. “Why do you think both of your People disappear every Friday evening?”

Ears pink, Steve mumbles something.

“What?!” The only other one with hearing enhanced enough to hear a murmur over the cacophony of several thousand people belting out the chorus of ‘Dancing Queen’ at the top of their lungs, Bucky turns to stare at his friend. “You thought we were datin’?”

Steve’s blush extends down his neck.

You and Bucky stare at each other for a moment before you both collapse on each other, exploding into stomach clenching, thigh slapping laughter.

“I’m gonna guess that’s a ‘no’?” Clint confirms with Nat.

“Oh, a big ‘no’.” She watches affectionately as you and Bucky calm down enough to look at each other, breathe for a second, and both promptly dissolve into hysterics once more. “Like, the biggest ‘no’.”

Sam crossed his arms across his chest, his stoic stance so reminiscent of Steve it’s amusing (as well as a beautiful disparity to the sequined crop top he’s sporting. Oof, those abs.). “How do I not know about this?”

“Because you’re not a former super spy?” The usually-Black-but-today-Rainbow Widow tosses the last of her confetti at Tony, who spins a jubilant Morgan into it. “Or because you and that leggy barista from the lobby coffee shop are too busy playing hide-the-“

“-Baby Shark!” Morgan suddenly shrieks, flailing towards a guy on roller blades wearing a fin and tail (and not much else).

“Yeah,” Nat finishes with a smirk, “Hide-the-Baby Shark.”

Sam flips her a gesture that makes Clint laugh and Bruce sigh.

You and Bucky have finally managed to pull yourselves together. “Oh my god, Steven Grant,” you gasp, wiping tears from your eyes. “That’s the funniest fucking shit I’ve ever fucking heard.”

“Language!”

Steve glares at Tony. “One. Time. It was one. Time.”

Bucky slings his flesh arm around Steve’s shoulders. “Oh, punk. You may have perfect vision now, but sometimes you’re still as blind as you were before.”

Visiortn himself nods sagely. “Humans can be quite unperceptive when it comes to matters of the heart.” Vision casts a fond smile at Wanda, who is using her powers to make Pietro’s tinsel wig fly on and off. “Sometimes you have to look harder to see what’s right in front of your nose.”

A confused frown on that handsome face, Captain Clueless looks at Bucky. “Why do I feel like everyone else knows something that I don’t?”

His bestie sighs deeply. “Because, Stevie, almost everyone else on this planet knows that my tastes tend towards tall, blonde, blue-eyed knuckleheads who have zero sense of self-preservation.”

“And an ass you could bounce a quarter off of,” Scott helpfully supplies.

“And that,” Bucky agrees.

Steve frowns.

You press your palms to your eyes in vexation. “You, Steve. He’s talking about you.” (Seriously, how has this idiot survived for over a century while being so dumb?)

Whatever he was expecting, it was certainly not that. “He-“ The Man With A Plan gapes as he turns to his oldest friend. “You-“

“Me,” Bucky says gently.

Even though you’re slightly surprised that Bucky is going to do this in such a public forum, you can’t help but be so proud of your friend. It has taken a long time for Bucky to believe he deserves to be happy. There are days he still sinks into that dark place, where his inner demons whisper that he should have fought harder against his Hydra captors, and that his past actions were still somehow his fault. Those are the days no amount of baking or Modern Marvels will bring him out of his funk. You, Steve, Sam, and Nat have all held those strong shoulders as they shook with sobs, overwhelmed by the shame and horror at what his hands had done without his consent.

But he’s here. He’s free. And he’s smiling nervously at his best friend.

“I-” Steve is short-circuiting. “Me?!”

“Stevie.” With the kind of tender patience that can only be born of a lifetime of keeping (or attempting to keep) an idiot such as one Steven Grant Rogers from flinging himself headlong into every fight he comes across, Bucky moves his flesh hand to the back of Steve’s neck. His face is full of such soft affection that you almost want to look away for fear of intruding on this suddenly intimate moment. “What do you think ‘til the end of the line’ means, you idiot? You’ve been it for me since I was thirteen-years-old.”

Blue eyes are locked with blue eyes as Steve processes this revelation. “I-” He shakes his head as if to declutter his thoughts. “This whole time?”

“Since the first time I saw that asshole knock you down, and your scrawny ass climbed right back up.” A wry chuckle escapes as Bucky reminices. “You were ninety pounds soaking wet, and you stood there, against a guy who was three times your size, and never waivered for a second. It was magnificent.”

“I don’t like bullies,” is Steve’s quiet response.

Bucky’s grin is adoring. “I know, sweetheart.” He gently strokes the back of Steve’s neck with his thumb. “You’ve always had a heart way bigger than your brain.”

Steve is still back on the first part of Bucky’s admission. “If you’ve felt- if you-” He’s practically pleading. “Why didn’t you say anything then?”

Bucky shrugs, attempting and failing nonchalance. “It was a different time, you know?” He’s uncharacteristically unsure of himself, the subtle waiver in his voice revealing the anxiety born of a lifetime of being forced to hide his truth. “I mean, you remember how it was; you didn’t talk about, no one talked about- about being- about people like...” He swallows thickly.  “And I was so scared you didn’t, that you weren’t-” His voice breaks.

Even though you’ve all been emotionally invested in this love story for years, the entire team respectfully pretends not to listen as the former Winter Soldier quietly admits his deepest secret to his closest friend. It’s enraging as Bucky confesses yet another way he's been a victim of his circumstances, and denied his right to live freely without derision. Once more, you’re awed by his resilience.

“-it was a risk I couldn’t take,” Bucky finally gets out, that stubborn fire back in his eyes. “I couldn’t lose you, Steve. I couldn’t chance it. I could live with just being your friend and only your friend so long it meant you were in my life.”

Stunned silence meets the end of his confession. Steve’s face is impassive, those cerulean eyes uncharacteristically inscrutable.

You can all tell Bucky is heading steadily towards dread and heartbreak the longer Steve takes to respond. You and Sam exchange a look, both ready to intervene if Steve demonstrates any of the abhorrent attitudes that were so prevalent in the society of his youth. It would be completely out of character for him, but...

Finally, Steve speaks. “You’re telling me,” he says, his words slow and deliberate, “that you made me wait ninety-three years to tell me you’ve felt the same way about me as I have about you since the day you picked me up out of that alley?!”

The whole found family breaths a collective sigh of relief as Steve pulls Bucky even closer, broad chest to broad chest.

“Okay, to be fair, you were an ice cube for most of that time and I wasn’t exactly available for a relationship.” Bucky’s grin stands in contradiction to his mullish defense. “But yeah, that’s the gist of it.” There’s the Bucky you all know and love, biting his lip with those perfect white teeth. “Now, punk, I’d really like to kiss you now, but first I need you to say you want me to.”

“You-” Steve’s throat works as he attempts- and fails- to rein in his emotions. “You jerk.”

And then the Star Spangled Man seizes the president of the Sometimes-Former-Assassins Club by his ridiculously perfect face and crashes their mouths together.

At any Pride event, seeing two men kissing is, obviously, to be expected. But seeing The First Avenger and The White Wolf attempting to swallow each other’s tongues is not at all routine. As people realize what is happening, the crowd is whipped into a frenzy the likes of which is usually reserved for the aftermath of sporting events and elections that defeat fascists.

Watching the two men embrace, Scott sniffles loudly. “I’m gonna cry, I’m so happy.”

He’s certainly not the only one. Wanda has a watery smile as she wraps her arms around Vision and Pietro; Pepper, Tony, and Bruce are watching with fond parental energy; you and Sam sandwich Peter between the two of you, grins practically splitting your faces. Even Nat’s eyes look suspiciously shiny and she and Clint sling their arms around each other with platonic affection. And that’s not counting the several thousand people who are cheering for love being love being love being love.

When they finally break their embrace, the Centennial twins are startled to see they’ve collected quite an audience.

“Uh, so…” Suddenly bashful, Steve glances back to his- partner? Boyfriend? Soulmate? Is there a word that can accurately describe two people who have found each other time and again in a world that seems hell-bent on keeping them apart?- his ears practically maroon with embarrassment. For a guy with one of the most-recognized faces in the world, Steve is still incredibly and endearingly uncomfortable with attention. “Buck?”

Bucky seems just as stunned as Steve.

Thankfully, the masses demonstrate the usual support that’s the hallmark of Pride. “LOVE IS LOVE!” someone screams in the crowd. It’s quickly echoed, and chants fill the park.

The attention momentarily off them, the former Winter Soldier and his giant himbo of a soulmate look back at each other. You pretend not to watch through the happiest tears as they embrace again, bringing their foreheads together. The relief they share is palpable, as they’re finally able to show the world- and each other- the love they’ve each hidden for so long.

Bucky’s voice is so soft you have to strain to hear it. “You have no idea how much m’in love with you, Stevie.”

“Pretty sure I do,” Steve answers, bringing a hand up to carefully wipe the tears from Bucky’s face. “‘cause it’s as much as I love you, Buck.”

Bucky's answering grin can only be described as saucy. “Then kiss me again, like you mean it.”

And Steve, for once in his long life, does exactly as ordered.

---

A/N: “The Sometimes-Former-Assassins Club” is from Starry_Emerald173’s BRILLIANT The Avengers Wrangler over on AO3. If you haven’t read it yet, drop what you’re doing and do so immediately. Make sure you're not drinking any liquids, or your keyboard/phone may be in peril.

[im-in-love-with-pizza-bites]

Before the streetlights come on: Chapter 2

Steve Rogers X Fem!Reader (Highschool AU)

Series MasterList

Summary: it's the summer of 1994 and you find yourself falling for your childhood best friend. There's a lot that can happen before the street lights come on.

Warnings:

"Yeah mom I'll ask him!" You hollered before stepping out of your house smiling when you saw Steve waiting for you. You walked you bike across the grass to where he was waiting.

"Ask me what?" He smirked.

"We're going to the pool tomorrow want to come?" You asked him getting on your bike.

"Sure!" He smiled getting on his bike too. "So what should we do today?"

"Go to central park?"

"Sure! My mom gave me a couple extra dollars for food."

"Oh we also have to return the movie so did you grab it?" You asked.

"No I'll be right back."

———

"Climb that tree I dare you." You said pointing at a tall tree.

"Why?'

"Because your all big and strong now so you definitely can." You shrugged.

"Oh come on! When are you going to get over the fact I bulked up last summer?" He pouted. You've been teasing him and saying he had to have gotten steroids ever since he came back from summer camp last year.

"When you admit that the summer camp gave you steroids." You smirked at him.

"You know what."

"What?"

"Your just mad that you're no longer taller than me." He crossed his arms.

"Just climb the God damn tree." You crossed your own arms.

"Fine." He rolled his eyes before beginning to climb the tree.

"Okay so seriously. Did you only get big so you could join the football team?" You asked him from your place on the ground.

"It was part of the reason. But not the only one." He said relaxing in the tree.

"Oooh is it cause you wanted a girlfriend?" You teased him.

"No. Shut up sweetheart. Don't make me come down there." He warned.

"Just 'cause you're all big and strong now doesn't mean I won't win in a fight."

"Whatever you say." He laughed.

"What do you think life would be like if I didn't move next door to you?"

"I'd be sitting in a tree talking to myself instead of a pretty girl." He smirked down at you, watching you turn red.

"Shuddup. Let's go get hotdogs." You stood up glaring at him.

"Oh your supposed to say thank you when a guy compliments you." He said jumping down with a laugh.

"You fucking suck." You stuck your tongue out at him.

"Really? This how we're playing?" He crossed his arms.

"Yeah, this is how we're playing." You laughed.

"Get over here." He said a playful glare on his face as ran toward. You laughed getting on your bike hurry to ride away, he quickly followed on his own bike.

———

Steve walked up to the car with a towel. He was wearing his swim trunks with a normal T-shirt.

"The party has arrived!" He laughed.

"Steve it's good to see you! How have you been?" Your mom asked as he got into the back.

"I've been good ma'am, how are you?"

"Oh, I'm good dear. How's your mom doing?" She asked as she began driving.

"She's doing good." Steve answered.

"That's good. Me and her have to get together for a cup of coffee soon." Your mom said mostly to herself. Steve nodded before tapping your shoulder. You looked back at him.

"You didn't even say hi to me!" He feigned offense.

"Hi, Steve." You laughed.

"Much better."

To the pool, you go.

Taglist: @honeyyxashes

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

It’s The Avengers (03x09)

Loki x Reader Avengers The Office AU (Slowwwwww Burn)

Season 3 Episode 09: I’m Allergic to Bad Memories

Series Summary: Living in the Avengers facility post-apocalypse in a better timeline   Tony Stark has decided to capture every moment by pulling The Office on the Avengers. All of housemates are pretty used to the idea except for you, who had just come here to finish her degree, and the newest member- Loki.

Warnings: *shrugs*

Word Count: I am sick. But I am out of stuff to keep my loud mind busy. So here we are. Be grateful to the Gods of k-dramas

MASTERLIST in bio, darlings. Tags are open (check bio)

The chirps of concern were a train of ramblings coming in between the nudges little orange furry paws were giving you; smushing your lips, your cheeks, booping your nose. The only time they stopped was when that echo that resulted in your unconsciousness announced a little plan. “How about I be of some help, little one?” Lulu stood up on his hind legs while he and his camera saw a pair of pale hands stroke your head ever so gently, whispering something foreign under a sweet breath. The next second, you stirred, perking up the little furball- who smushed your face and head with an endless amount of rubs with his own. You groaned before a yelp found its way out of your throat as you felt the bump at the back of your head thump with piercing pain. “Ow! Ow ow ow ow.” “Ah,” the soothing voice called out from outside the frame, “you hit your head pretty hard, dear.” The realisation of the stranger came a little late- maybe because of the concussion, maybe because of the angelic voice that seemed to make you feel at ease- and once it did, your eyes widened while your legs moved your body away from… “God?” you gasped in question while Lulu’s camera looked at the aged women smiling down at you with a glow unlike any. “More or less, yes,” the glowing woman in a gold dress chuckled before bringing her hand forward. “Come, let me help you, dear.” You tried catching your breath there. “Wh...who…” The smile on that bewitchingly calm face brought this uncalled ease inside your chest. “I’m Frigga.”

. A shrivelled high-pitched scream eroded the den as Javier stood frozen at the expressions similar to that of a spooked out little child on the face of the head of the universe’s deadliest mafia. “No, please do not hurt my face!! That is my one good asset!!! You always hit me where it hurts the most!!!” Taneleer cried. The camera focused from the ball of luxurious fur whispering on the floor to Loki- who stood there with his arms across his chest. “I didn’t even hit you yet. Quit being such a pain in the a-” “Ssso what! You were thinking of hitting me,” Taneleer huffed while he looked up at Loki, “I could see it in those snake eyes of yours. Like you will bite my-my h-head off!” Loki sighed and rolled his eyes.

Loki: *bags under his eyes* I am…*blinks tiredly* surrounded...by the most idiotic scum of this universe *camera pans across his shoulder to show Taneleer calling his henchman* “As long as they are here, make sure that little Terran is safe. Otherwise, I will cut off your limbs and feed it to the street rodents,” he hisses.

“I cannot believe you just thought of hurting me for that Terran,” Taneleer tsked and jumped in annoyance, “she is getting between our friendship.” “You were never my friend,” Loki delivered the blow with a straight face while the boss felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. “And to think I made little marble figures of us both hanging out in Knowhere,” he whispered with the hurt reflecting in his voice. “Who is she to you anyway?” He pouted. “Who is this creature to have you travelling by her side as if you are...she is...you both...what is she to you?!!” “Just get me my fucking grace,” Loki raised his voice while rolling his eyes, “or I swear to all the power in this universe I will personally make you suffer for frying my brain cells with your utter nonsense. What are you trying to do? Buy time till your rotten brain can figure out how to make up an excuse for your incompetence?” Taneleer’s slouching and sad figure straightened up and raised a finger. “More like, trying to buy time before I really tell you who I sold your grace to.” . “Frigga?” The camera took in the glowing pale face smiling in your direction as it nodded in your direction. Your face, on the other hand, was a mess of confusion, surprise and the worst possible daze just sitting on top of your forehead. “Like...Loki’s mom Frigga?” A sparkle went off in Frigga’s eyes as the already glowing face seemed to shine four times brighter. Her eyes widened and her smile seemingly found a reason to grow wider. That was till some uncertain thought crossed her forehead and her smile twitched and transformed into an unsettling concern. “This is…” Frigga trailed off. “Weird?” you tried helping her. “It’s usually Thor that people know me through.” “Huh...makes sense.” “How...do you know Loki?” “Oh, I’m his friend. Y/N Y/L/N. Nice to meet you.” “Ah,” Frigga nodded and mirrored your smile before confusion punched that softness away. “I’m sorry, you are what?!” The Lounge Scott sat on the sofa reading the latest copy of One Piece while the big screen opposite him showed Loki threatening Tivan by his collar. The screen did not seem to take his attention but the figure looking in front of it, going to and fro more times than Scott could count. Actually, Scott stopped counting after six about an hour ago. "Instead of working your legs, it would be better to work that mouth for your friend, don't you think?" Natasha called out from behind the counter, sipping on her kale smoothie. The words stopped Steve short, his whole face a mixture of blushing horror. "W-what." "That's not what she means, you thirsty grandpa!" Scott called his thoughts out without raising his eyes from the latest in Wano arc, "go talk to him." Steve blinked and regained a part of his lost senses, slowly moving towards the dorms. "And kiss him senseless while you're at it," Scott added, stopping the captain midway to give him an irritated glare- one that Natasha was loving.

Natasha: *smirks* I have to say it feels good to have someone else make thirst jokes on Steve too *Camera pans out to show Scott smiling for the lens* Scott: It's me *points to self* she means me. Natasha: I guess there are more coming? Scott: *gushing* you have no idea

The Den “So, if I were to summarise what you just told me, midgardians have no quarrels with Loki, Thanos has been defeated and my son is living with the Avengers now.” Lulu’s camera caught seriousness in Frigga’s brows while you nodded. “And I’m his friend,” you added with a smile before looking at Lulu’s camera.

You: I stressed that for reasons *shrugs nonchalantly*

“Right,” Frigga acknowledged. “So, how is my son? Is he here? My essence is only supposed to be released in his presence or someone he…” Frigga paused and looked back at you, this time with the keen observation that seemed to make you a little uncomfortable. “He is somewhere in the back with the anime-hair guy. They are trying to find a way to get him out of these cuffs my dad made so he couldn’t use magic. Long story. But we got teleported into some galaxy far away and now we are here to help Loki get his powers back so we can go home.” You thought best to blabber than stand there in awkward silence while Loki’s mother was giving you a deep mental once over. “And by we I mean me, Lulu and Javi. We are all friends. Lulu is the little baby we adopted on the way,” you cooed and smiled at the little pile of soft fur purring on receiving scritches from your under his not-so-visible jaw. You looked back up to watch Frigga’s fingers rest on her lips to mask some sort of emotion you were too late to read.

Frigga: This cute little midgardian keeps calling herself Loki’s friend *tilts head* and then tells me they adopted an old beastling’s offspring as their child. *contemplates* So...do marriages not happen on earth lately? Or is this something my son came up with? *raises her brows* no matter the story, *waves her hand* I am not letting him lose this precious one.

“Let’s go meet Loki,” you jumped in controlled excitement taking the first step to lead the way before freezing right there. “Wait,” you interrupted your own buzz with a grim expression, “how do I know you are one of the good ones?” “I beg your pardon, little one?” You sighed, feeling a little heaviness settle in your chest. “How do I know you are not going to hurt him?”

You: Yup *purses lips* reasons *stretches the corners of her mouth in regret*

“Did you just ask me if I was dangerous for my own son?” You could already feel the mother hen judgment even when you didn’t stare into her eyes. “I know,” you sighed, “it’s the space. My nerves are overworked and the only thing I can think of is Loki.” “...” “-’s well being.” Clearing your throat, you nodded at your own words, stealing a glimpse at the camera. “That usually does not happen. I can assure you that.” The surprise at your sheer audacity melted within ten seconds to give place to something soft and glowing; along with something else. You did not expect Frigga to bring forward her hand and cup your cheek with her palm to gaze into your soul while you stood there with disbelief dripping from your skin. “Your hand is so warm,” you commented after flinching a little at her touch, waiting for her to say something. But Frigga took her time, her thumb stroking your cheek while you witnessed the corner of her eyes glistening. “By the Norns, you have been one gentle soul through such wild storms haven’t you, dear,” she whispered, forcing you to grow more confused for a second, “why would someone hurt such a precious soul.” Lulu’s camera moved with Lulu’s body suddenly on alert. He could feel the change in the atmosphere right when the camera caught your crinkled brows release themselves to some invisible realisations that were either too quick- or too heavy- to bring tears to your eyes. All that your face carried was bearings of something that stopped time for you while your tears ran as much as they could; and with them ran your breaths getting shallow by the second till Frigga engulfed you in her warm embrace, her hands soothing your back. “Forgive me, my child,” she whispered, never leaving your cold figure, “forgive me for bringing it all back.” Lulu’s whines and unknown movements from the corridor made Frigga bring herself to face a dazed you. “You are one brave human, my dearest. Trust in yourself. And you are not alone. Take good care of my son till I can see him one last time.” With those words hanging somewhere in the midst of your ears and your brain, she left with a peck on your forehead, dissolving into the same light she was radiating all along.

The Dorms and Their Outer Surroundings The camera zoomed in to focus away from the leaves and into the french window of Bucky’s room where he and Steve sat in their respective love seats five feet apart, trying their best to keep their composure while trying to come up with words. Steve cleared his throat. Bucky moved the bottle of water on the coffee table towards him. “So…” Steve’s throat barely made any noise the first time while Bucky’s red face tried to hide under the shadow of his long unruly hair, “I heard that...ahem...that you…” “I’m gay!” The confession came like a shot of rifle mid-air, taking both Bucky and Steve by surprise. “And that’s o-okay,” Steve stressed, sitting up straight, “it’s okay to love anyone you want.” “So-” Bucky’s fingers wrung each other under the internal pressure to get the words out- “is it...is it okay to love you?” Unknown to them, another camera standing outside in the lawn witnessed an excited Scott perched upon the top of the tree with the headphones on to hear every word they said. And just as the confession came, the poor man caught hold of his chest, muttered, “my heart,” and fell from the branch while his red-headed accomplice waited for more. “Is it okay to love you now?” Steve was on pause, his attention solely taken by Bucky’s words and eyes. “Bucky,” was he was able to get out before standing up, forcing Bucky to mirror him. “I know this may seem out of the blue, Stevie, but I have always...always only had eyes for you. And I know times were different back then, but now I finally have the guts to tell you how I feel and I would completely understand if you don’t-” The words were stopped short right on the lips when Steve took Bucky by the collar and kissed him. “FINALLY!” a victorious cry came from the Black Widow right beside the camera, making the poor thing wobble and fall down lens first onto the ground.

The Weird Den Javier’s camera already caught the shimmer of an orb disappearing from right in front of you as he entered the room but his company was too late to notice any of that golden light that had just illuminated the room. The moment Loki entered the room the camera recorded his senses going off. His eyes ran over every corner of the room, over Lulu rubbing himself on your legs while trying to draw your attention, and then back to your figure standing in the middle with your back to him. “Y/N?” he called out, taking one cautious step at a time. You flinched. That stopped him right in his tracks. “What’s wrong?” Lulu’s camera caught your hands wiping away the tears before turning to face him. That effort was not of much use as both Loki and Taneleer could make out some real tears had been shed. “Nothing. Did you find something for your cuffs?” your nasal voice did not help your case either. Taneleer raised his hands a little as he stepped close to you, bringing forward a dense black fabric. You took without much thought and blew your nose into it, making the boss gag behind you. Loki clearly wanted to ask you about the reason behind those tears but those lines of latent rage in between your brows made him go the other way. “We will have to travel a little further for that, I’m afraid.” You sniffed, finally feeling the air in your nostrils. “Cool. Let’s go,” you muttered nonchalantly and walked out.  Taneleer’s eyes widened and he aggressively gestured his guards to follow you.  Loki’s brows raised themselves in question. “What just happened?” . “Are you sure nothing’s wrong?” Javier’s camera caught the grit of your teeth as you sat down in the transportation vehicle that looked like an exoskeleton of a schoolkids’ van. “I said I’m fine,” you pressed with zero emotions in your eyes. “Then why are you crying,” Loki pressed back while casually leaning on the doorframe and watching you with his intense gaze. You scoffed. “Because I’m allergic to you,” you spewed into the air and shifted to face away from him. Taking full offence of that statement, Loki opened his mouth to say something before shutting it back. Tight. “You know I’m still single right?” Tivan whispered from behind the God with a smirk. The latter did not pay much attention to his words. “I’ve taken some of your inventory. Don’t bother getting it back in one piece.” Loki was about to step into the van when Taneleer decided to open his mouth. “She knows you are here.” Loki paused, his hand resting on the frame and his biceps feeling a tug under his dark shirt. “She knows you are out of hiding, Loki. She will come for you. I know you already know that. And she will come for anything-” his gaze shifted from Loki’s beautiful back to yours- “-that stands between her and you.” No words came from the other side except for the tap of a finger on the frame before Loki got inside the van and came to sit next to you. Tivan’s guards were already putting the vehicle in full throttle to fly towards your ship while Loki waited for you to say something. But you were stubborn in your own way, not letting out a peep but turning to watch where exactly Loki is sitting. “Lulu,” he stressed with a note of caution when he did not let Javier secure him in his seat, leading to the fur-boy slump in his seat and sulk till Javier presented him with candy. At the same time, you scooched closer to Loki- still not facing him- and let your fingers feel his overcoat in them. Your eyes still carried the remnants of the tears along with a hidden hurt that you did not want to show anyone. But the high definition cameras everywhere were quick to catch it all; even the slight break of your heartstrings when you felt the fabric of comfort in your fingers move away. It also captured the shock that followed when you felt his arm come and rest behind your neck to prevent the discomfort of the metal rails on the back of your head on this bumpy ride, giving you full access to take the support of his shoulder and arms in that moment. You didn’t even realise when the waterworks came again. “What,” Loki looked at you expressionless, “I’m just resting my arm.” You blinked and took in the snot rising up in your nose. “I’m still allergic to you,” you muttered while resting your head on his shoulder. A smile born for two seconds was seen by no one except the camera.

[gotmilk5101520]

Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia Watch Episode 9 Bittersweet Sixteen

Have a happy birthday Jim. Oh wait.

Suddenly in the sky.

“He looks like he's screaming" “He's excited" Excited for the day, am i right?

“No one should be alone on their birthday" I want to be alone for my birthday.

Jin Lake Jr. Age 16

“I think a bird or something tore away a piece of your drawing, Tobes”

“Ah, that was Aaarrrgghh. He thought the cake was real” The cake was a lie.

“It's not like I destroyed her house or anything”

“Oh, wait. It is”

“Have you thought about it? Telling her, i mean?”

"Not for another 3 episodes”

“Toby-Pie! Why is this box empty?”

“Ugh”

“Aaarrrgghh ate the kitty litter again” Again?

What did you put in those pancakes?

“I can't wait to cook you something with it” “Just promise me you won’t eat it” “Why would i eat it?”

“But, Jim, tonight”

“Celebration!”

I know that feeling all too well boys.

“Oh, my gosh. Was it the kitty litter?” Kitty litter makes you go crazy.

“Surprise!” How nice of some of the trolls to join in on the surprise.

“Happy birthing day, Master Jim!” Birthing day. That’s trolls call birthdays.

“The Hero's Forge!”

“Sacred proving grounds”

“For Trollhunters past, present, and future”

“Reduced to mockery”

Vendel the Party Pooper.

“And what better way to celebrate your birthing day”

“Than to work on forestalling your”

“Dying day” Assuming our dying day isn’t also our birthday.

“Master Jim does not appear to be himself”

“I expected the celebration of his birthing day to add some spring to his step”

“Birthdays really aren't Jim's thing”

“For creatures with such a short lifespan, i would think they would be cherished”

“Uh, not for Jim. They always reminded him of the day when his dad disappeared”

“Interesting”

“I did not know Jim's father was a magician” “Jimbo is convinced that he is”

“Mm, not "Magic" disappeared”

“More like "Walked out cause he's a deadbeat" disappeared”

“I'd just moved into the house across the street, and Jim's dad got him this sweet bike kit for his fifth birthday”

“And then, he just took off”

“The pieces laid there in the garage for years”

“Last i heard, the guy ran off with his girlfriend to be a ski bum in Vermont” I can relate to Jim. My dad walked out on me, my mom, and my sister, when i was baby. I never met him or anything so this kinda hits me even harder.

And no one sees it.

“All right, chief. You ready for your birthday gift?”

“Are we gonna sue someone?”

“Nah, that's next year's gift” Where are the fanfics where they celebrate Jim’s seventeenth birthday and they do sue someone? Who is the person they sue? Also Claire should be there wondering what the hell is happening.

And no one sees this thing flying in the sky.

“What the--?”

“What the heck! What was that?”

“Steve?” Suddenly Steve.

“This is really not a good time right now, Steve”

“Time for what?”

“Whatever! This, you!” “Is this cause of the whole Romeo and Juliet? I told you, and everyone before. I want to leave!”

And there he goes.

“Ah, Vendel! Just the troll we've been looking for”

“Don't stop looking on my account” Like i said before, Vendel is the most relatable character in the series.

“Easy on the scruff” NotEnrique’s scruff getting grabbed count: 1

Wait. How were they able to get NotEnrique? Shouldn’t he be at home? Has no one checked on him while he was in Trollmarket?

“You called me crazy, but who's the mad troll now”

“Huh?” Still you Blinky.

“Ey! I only came here cause you promised me socks to eat”

“And you'll get them”

“They better be argyle”

“And smelly” Blinky’s had it with him.

“Hole” Wait was that hole always there?

“You can trust the Trollhunter”

“In the face of the greatest danger, he will stand steadfast and gallant”

“WAAAGGGH!!!”

“WAHHHHHH!!!”

Or trip and fall.

So, instead of running away and giving them problems. He stays and sleeps.

Have some Jim is done with his birthday face.

“Stalklings are one of the only species of troll immune to the effects of sunlight” Wait you said “One of the only species” not “The only species” Yeah there’s also changelings, but what other species of trolls are immune to sunlight?

“That looks not nearly as scary as what attacked me” Never judge a book by it’s cover.

“Fear not, Master Jim”

“As long as you are not alone, you will be remain unharmed”

“You mean, i can't be alone for the rest of my life?”

“Is that a problem? You seem quite social” I’m not social. So if a stalkling comes after me, then i’m dead.

“I told him you became a monk and renounced all earthly possession, but he didn't believe me!” Monk Jim au.

“Claire! I... I thought you said you weren't ever gonna speak to me again”

“Actually, i said i hoped i'd never see you again. But then i realized something. First is that: I’m one of the main characters, so i have to see you everyday. And second: The thought of not seeing your cute face again was too much” “Wait, what was that last part?” “Nothing”

This image perfectly describes these three.

“The thing is, i asked around”

“I couldn't find a single person who was there”

“Be straight with me. What really happened?”

Claire’s getting more and more sus.

“What's she talking about?”

“Steve totaled his Vespa. He's got a concussion. And Miss. Janeth says he can’t be Romeo anymore” “I thought Steve would be happy about this” “Oh, he is. When called, he forgot to hang up and we heard screaming “YES! I’m finally free!”“

“Uh, okay, but I'm still confused” Me, after a new Kingdom Hearts game

“Forgive me!”

“Forgive me!”

You two could’ve kissed here, but whatever you tried i guess.

And everyone continues to not see the stalkling.

“Hey, it's me. I have to stay a little late at the clinic”

“What?”

“But some knucklehead crashed his Vespa, and I have to work up the x-rays” Wait.

Oh, that knucklehead.

“Come on, Tobes. Pick up. Please, pick up!”

“You've reached the Toby phone!” He’s dead.

The one way to get us to stop playing video games.

“Sixteenth birthday, but do I get a Vespa? No”

“I get a food processor and a killer flying troll” The things we all want for our birthdays.

“For the glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command”

“Because I really, really don't want to die!” Didn’t need to say all that, but okay.

“If I go”

“We go!”

Jim survives that.

“This is why I hate birthdays” A birthday he wants to forget.

“This better not be another surprise because I really don't think I can handle any more” He’s done with all the surprises.

“These are the pieces of a 1955 Vespa!”

“Jim's dad got him this sweet bike kit for his fifth birthday”

“And then, he just took off”

“The pieces laid there in the garage for years”

“I thought perhaps one day we could build it together”

“After your training, of course”

“Thank you. Thank you!”

“This is the best gift I've ever gotten!”

“Oh, well”

*Cries in Troll*

“When is your birthing day?”

“Like I'd ever tell you, wingman” Uh. Toby, this is something we all would like to know.

No roller skates, mustaches, maces, sharks, bombs and poop. Okay. Weird, but okay.

*Talks in Troll*

*Talks in Troll*

“It is almost complete”

“And Gunmar will rise again”

“Baa-haa-haa-haa-haa!”

Hopefully Jim’s seventeenth birthday will be better.

I’m feeling a little crispy.

[firebrands]

acta non verba

Steve Rogers/Tony Stark, T, college AU, 2.5k words

fill for stony bingo prompt: gladiator

also onao3

*

There are few things in academia that Tony actively dislikes, and being called to his lab advisor’s office after class is definitely one of them.

 Tony fidgets as he stands in front of his professor’s large oak table.

 “You can sit,” Dr. Pym says, motioning to the couch across his table. Tony doesn’t move, hoping that by standing up, they can keep this discussion short.

 “After the explosion last week—” his professor starts, and Tony immediately opens his mouth to defend himself. Unfortunately, Pym has spent a sufficient amount of time with Tony, and raises a finger to silence him before Tony can make a sound. “—we believe that the best way you can give back to the school is to serve your mandatory hours tutoring,” he finishes.

 A moment passes. 

 “I would rather die,” Tony says emphatically.

 “Spare me the theatrics, Tony,” Pym says, sighing. “Just two hours, twice a week. We have some engineering, math, and physics students who’ll do this as well, so you’ll only have one tutee.”

 “From where?” Tony grinds out. “Can’t I just… make a program to teach math…?” he asks hopefully.

 “While that would be fantastically helpful, I don’t want you spending more time on something that can be solved by just showing up,” Pym says primly. He pushes a piece of paper across his desk. “We’re having the orientation tomorrow morning.”

 Tony wants to throw a tantrum, because morning? Tutoring? Tutoring in the morning? But he also knows that battles with Pym rarely ever end in his favor, so he doesn’t. 

 Instead, he finds satisfaction in slamming Pym’s door as he leaves.

 *

 Tony, after two years in university, has come to realize that a lot of it is about weighing costs. This is what he tells himself as he takes two steps at a time to get to the assigned room Pym had given him. It’ll be even more annoying if I don’t do this, Tony reassures himself, as he pulls open the door.

 “Nice of you to join us,” says Pym coolly. He motions to an empty chair, and Tony sags into it, breathless from his mad dash from his dorm room to the classroom. Tony doesn’t have time to survey the rest, instead focuses on blinking away the spots in his vision. Too early to be this tired , he thinks.

 Pym talks about the importance the school gives on providing support for all students, or something, Tony isn’t really paying attention, even if his condition has stabilized.

 “Since you’re all from different colleges, we’ve partnered you up.” A table flashes on screen with their names. “Let’s go around the room introducing ourselves.”

 Tony rolls his eyes and plays videogames on his phone as people introduce themselves. Eventually, he’s called to stand. “Tony,” he says, then sits back down.

 Eventually, people stand to introduce themselves; again, Tony isn’t really paying attention, until someone hovers beside him awkwardly.

 “Hi,” says the hoverer.

 Tony sighs, and looks up, meaning to say “hi,” in the least friendly way possible just because it’s 9AM and no one should ever be friendly in the morning.

 He meant to say that.

 Now he’s just staring at the beautiful, blonde, buff guy standing beside him. His shirt is a size too small, and Tony wants to write a check to whoever told him that it was the right fit. Good lord, Tony thinks. And then the rational part of his brain, small as it is, finally catches up with him.

 “Hey,” Tony says, doing his best to sound suave.

 “I’m Steve,” he says, offering a hand. Tony shakes it. A good grip. A good hand. Oh, god. His thoughts on Steve’s hand stutter to a halt when Steve tells him what he’s taking.

 “An art student?” Tony scoffs. 

 Said art student raises an eyebrow in response.

 “Why are you even taking a math class?” 

 “It’s part of the curriculum?” Steve’s brows knit together and that’s when Tony realizes: hey, he’s even cuter when he’s annoyed.

 “Okay well I’m only ever free Tuesday and Thursday evening,” Tony says. 

 Steve bites his lip and looks irritated. “Fine. I can move stuff around. You better be fucking great at math,” he huffs.

 “Oh darling, I’m fucking great at a lot more than math,” Tony smirks.

 Steve, god bless him, blushes.

 *

 Steve’s late for their first session. They’d chosen the study hall for their lessons; it was situated right at the midway point between their two colleges, and it was usually only filled up by quiet freshmen (the library, on the other hand, was filled with over caffeinated seniors, which didn’t sound very productive to be around).

 Tony’s scribbling calculations about the battery he’d been trying to figure out when Steve comes rushing in. “Sorry I’m late, but I got you coffee to make it up to you,” Steve says, and Tony hides a smile by taking a sip of coffee.

 Steve’s wearing a dark blue henley that brings out the color in his eyes and Tony thinks that he should probably inform Dr. Pym that he is no longer qualified to tutor as he’s going to lose his damn mind.

 When Steve starts solving the problems on the worksheet Tony prepared,  Tony sends Rhodey a message: Oh no. hes stupid cute.

Rhodey immediately responds: ur so dumb istg

 Steve touches Tony’s arm to get his attention. “Okay, I don’t understand how you got from this,” he motions to his calculations, “to this,” he finishes, pointing at the equation Tony had written out.

 Tony stares at the problem equation, then casts a glance at Steve’s hand on his arm. He wants Steve’s hand everywhere, he thinks, with a hint of mania. 

 Steve follows Tony’s gaze and snatches his hand away. Tony tries not to weep at the loss, and instead writes out step by step how he got to the solution.

 After an hour, Tony stands up to get another cup of coffee, and he’s so distracted by the weight of Steve’s hand on his arm that now he can’t remember where they were sitting. Tony peers around and spots Steve resting his face on his palm, seemingly lost in thought.

 Tony stares, memorizing the slant of his nose, the soft curl of his lips.

 And then he walks straight into the glass door.

 Thankfully, the coffee is safe. Tony’s reputation, not so much: everyone had turned to look, and Steve covers up a laugh with his hand.

 “Don’t laugh, do your worksheet,” Tony hisses, sitting back down beside Steve.

 Steve continues to chuckle as he does his calculations. 

 Now it’s Tony’s turn to cover his mouth with his hand, horrified by how fond his smile is.

 *

 “Earth to Tony!”

 Tony looks up from his laptop, where he was preparing a new worksheet for Steve. “What?”

 Rhodey frowns. “I was asking what you wanted to get for lunch.”

 “Whatever you’re getting, honeybear,” Tony responds absently, still tweaking equations as Rhodey huffs and walks away.

 Tony’s reviewing the worksheet when Rhodey comes back with their meals and gently pushes down the monitor of Tony’s laptop to get his attention.

 “Okay! Okay already!” Tony screeches, snatching his laptop away from Rhodey’s reach and saving the file before folding it shut. “Jeez,” he says.

 “Didn’t think you’d have it this bad,” Rhodey smirks, digging into his mashed potatoes.

 “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Tony sniffs, removing the plates of food from his tray and arranging them on the table. “It’s—it’s not that big of a deal,” he says. “Totally harmless, he’ll be out of my hair in a few months.”

 “You guys are a walking thinkpiece about the need to bridge the gap between STEM and humanities,” Rhodey says, rolling his eyes.

 *

 Tony spends more and more time with Steve, eventually meeting his friends (and vice versa). It’s nice, mostly because having more friends means more people forcing him out of the lab and forcing him to live a life, which—it’s nice.

 None of these things matter, of course, at 3 in the afternoon on a Saturday, where Tony is sitting on the floor of Rhodey’s dorm room with his head in his hands.

 Thor pats Tony’s head consolingly. “You could try and talk to him?”

 “He doesn’t like me that way, okay?” Tony’s voice is small, muffled by his position.

 Rhodey groans. “Everyone can see it,” he says.

 “That he doesn’t like me?” Tony asks despairingly. 

“No, that he does like you,” Thor says, rubbing Tony’s back. “Like, everyone. Both sides.”

 Tony curls even deeper into himself. “Yeah, but you’re all idiots,” he mewls.

*

The October air is crisp with the onset of autumn, and Steve lets out an exasperated puff of breath as he pulls up the blanket draped over his shoulder. Sam raises an eyebrow in response.

 Behind them, Bucky slams the door to their apartment shut with a triumphant woop, and begins hustling Steve and Sam down the street: “Let’s go! ”

 Steve’s toes are cold in the night air, and he has never hated Halloween more in his life. Yes, even more than that one time his mom and Bucky’s mom had plotted against him and dressed the two of them up as Woody and Buzz, forcing them to go around the neighborhood much to ten year old Steve’s chagrin.

 “I hate costumes so much ,” Steve whines, and it’s likely the fifth time he’s said it this evening alone, but it bears repeating. Sam and Bucky roll their eyes in tandem. 

 *

 Thor’s house is noisy and cramped and Steve bites down hard on any more complaints, instead making a beeline for the kitchen. Sam and Bucky follow after him, carrying a bottle of tequila and vodka each. 

 Of course, the kitchen isn’t any better—in fact, it’s worse. Still, Steve needs a drink, or fifty, to make this night somewhat bearable. The things he did for his friends, really.

 Thor is in the kitchen, dressed as a pirate (wide brimmed hat and eyepatch included). He’s talking to a guy dressed up as a gladiator, wearing a gold chestplate on top of red robes, and as they approach, Steve realizes who it is.

 “Tony!” Bucky grins, draping an arm around the shorter man and pressing a kiss to his cheek. Tony smiles up at him and the disentangles himself to give Sam a quick hug. “Elvis and… hot professor?” Tony asks, turning from Bucky to Sam, respectively. 

 Sam is clearly taken aback, but before he can correct Tony, Bucky says, “and obviously you went above and beyond with the costume again.”

 Tony preens, and Steve has to wrench his eyes away from the way muscles in Tony’s arms flex as he wipes nonexistent dust off his chest plate. “What can I say? Not all of us can come in wearing a blanket and look as good as him,” he says as he nods at Steve, who's wearing a toga and a crown made of fake golden laurel leaves. 

 “Ugh,” Steve says, eloquent as ever.

 Tony takes this as an opportunity to keep teasing. 

 “Oh boys,” Tony says as he’s approaching Steve, “did you oil him up?” He traces a finger down Steve’s bicep.

 Steve flinches away. 

 Sam laughs. “That’s just his sweat,” he says. 

 Now it’s Tony’s turn to laugh and Steve fights down a blush as he begins looking around for something to drink. 

 *

 So the party’s pretty fun, and it was a blessing in disguise that Steve was barely wearing anything. It’s so crowded in the house, and everyone is sweating. 

 Steve bends down to pull out a beer from one of the coolers stationed strategically around the house and when he straightens back up, Tony’s standing right in front of him. Steve, momentarily disoriented by how stupidly hot Tony is, hands him his bottle of beer.

 Tony, the unflappable flirt, winks at Steve.

 Steve’s however many drinks in, so it’s not his fault that he’s flustered. It’s awful, how flustered he is. 

 Tony laughs, and blows him a kiss as he’s walking away.

 Steve turns to the cooler and briefly considers just dunking his head into the ice water.

 *

 Natasha passes Steve the joint, angling her head away from him as she blows out a cloud of smoke. 

 She juts her chin forward, motioning at the general area where Tony is currently talking to Bucky. Tony looks regal, which is crazy considering he’s wearing sandals, to match the rest of his costume. Still, Steve lets his eyes wander over the expanse of exposed flesh. Tony’s legs, Tony’s arms—Steve swallows as he checks out Tony’s ass.

 “You two should take a picture. It’s cute,” she says, jolting Steve out of his thoughts. Natasha smirks, fully aware of what Steve was doing.

 Steve does not deign to respond, and scowls at her as he takes a hit.

 “Why are you so huffy?” Natasha asks, rolling her eyes.

 “It’s just like,” Steve says, passing her the joint, “you know! He’s just fucking with me.”

 Natasha’s face crumples with disbelief. “You are so dumb.”

 *

 Steve is leaning back on the couch, watching the strobe lights make patterns on the ceiling. He’s having fun, even if he’s just seated with his legs sprawled out in front of him. This is what a good time is like, for Steve: a little tipsy, a little stoned, and very comfortable. He’s not really into parties, much less costume parties, but Sam and Bucky had forced him to come. But they all shared in the knowledge that Steve only agreed because he knew Tony would probably be at Thor’s party, too.

 After a while, Steve gets bored of the lights and he toys idly with the label of his beer bottle, and startles out of his concentration when Tony flops down beside him.

 “Hey,” he says. “You good?”

 “Yeah.” Steve smiles slowly and nods at him. 

 Tony leans against Steve’s bare arm and Steve has never felt so happy to be in costume in his life, he thinks serenely. He hazards resting his hand on Tony’s leg, reassuring himself that if Tony said anything, Steve would just laugh it off and say he was drunk and high (which is sort of true). 

 Thankfully, Tony doesn’t say anything. Instead, he spreads his legs a bit wider, pressing his thigh against Steve’s. 

 Steve lets out a shaky breath. 

 Tony turns to look up at him, his chin resting on Steve’s shoulder. Their eyes meet, and they stare at each other for a moment; Steve can feel Tony’s shallow breaths, can smell the alcohol on him, along with a hint of tobacco. Where would Tony have a pocket to keep cigarettes? Steve thinks, as he continues to chart the plains and valleys of Tony’s face, from the thick lines of his eyebrows to the soft swell of his lips. Steve bites his lip, and he sees that Tony’s eyes flick down at the movement.

 Tony looks up at him again, and he offers Steve a small, apologetic smile.

 “I want to kiss you,” he whispers.

 Steve smiles and leans forward, finally locking their lips together. 

[captainmarvels]

gliding light | one

Summary: Steve’s a little more preoccupied than usual, and gets (literally) knocked back into his senses.

Steve Appreciation Week Day 3 Prompt: Steve, Bruised and Battered

Pairing: (eventually) Steve Harrington x fem!Reader

Warnings: hockey fight, steve dislocates his shoulder, the usual messiness

Word Count: 3011 (sorry!!!)

A/N: first chapter for my college/hockey player steve au series! yay! I incorporated the steve appreciation week prompt into this chapter because what better way for steve to end up bruised and battered than during a fight in the ice rink? anyways, enjoy and lmk what you think! x

masterlist | taglist - add yourself!

As a kid, you don’t have much say in the trajectory of your life as the years go by. Your parents will have expectations; ideals, really. They aspire to see you grow up as they did; be what they once were; do what they once did. They really just want you to be like them. 

And why is that?

Your teachers will emphasize every year that your dreams are what you make them; that you are the captain of the ship named “My Life”, and that you are the sole determiner of the course that ship will take. 

But what happens when others have come aboard your ship, taken control of the steer, and claimed it as their own?

What happens when you can no longer have a stake in where your life takes you?

Steve can always be found leaning against the wall of the gym, staring at the ground, with his hair tied up in a messy bun, and his basketball shorts hanging loosely off his hips.

As you make your way over to him, your backpack strap slipping off your shoulder again and again, you wonder what’s happened with his dad this time.

Because it’s always his dad.

“Hey there, Harrington,” 

“Hey there yourself, missy. Debate team run long?” He glances up at you, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Sort of - Nancy was getting a little too into it again,” 

“When’s she gonna let you be captain?” You shrug in response, struggling to keep a steady hold on the mountain of books you were carrying. 

“Here, let me-” Steve catches the few books that manage to slip of the top with ease, chuckling loudly as you lean against the wall opposite him. 

“I swear, I’m gonna need three backpacks just to carry all these,”

“You can have mine if you want - it’s empty anyways,”

“We still on for homework and dinner tonight?” Steve nods, grinning as he opens up his bag and drops the books inside.

“Whose cooking will I be enjoying later this evening?” He asks as leans towards you.

“Lasagna, made by yours truly! My mom said pizza is on her this weekend, so...”

“Sleepover?” You nod, zipping up the bag and slinging it over your shoulder. 

“Can you drive me to practice Saturday morning then?” The two of you start walking towards the student parking lot as Steve continues. “John and the boys want to run a few extra drills before the first home game next week,”

“I can’t believe I’m gonna lose you to basketball practice so soon, it feels like just yesterday was the end of the season,” You say, kicking the car door wide open with your foot before dropping your backpacks in the backseat.

“Well, technically it was last month. But it’s state finals, baby! We gotta get in A-game shape!”

“I hate when you talk like that, it scares me like nothing else ever has before,” You both burst out laughing as you get into the car, Steve’s hand reaching over to take the car keys from you.

“It’s our junior year, sweetheart. You of all people should know we have to finish off strong. If I don’t get us the state championship, I might as well kiss college goodbye,”

You roll your eyes at him, snatching the keys out of his grasp before he can protest.

“Yes, I know. Regardless, you should still apply and try to get in with other scholarships and achievements besides basketball, Steve. Okay?” 

He nods, eyes closing slowly as he turns to face the window.

“Whatever you say, sweetheart.”

On an early Saturday morning, the last thing you expect to see is your childhood best friend barging into your bedroom, telling you to wake up before he’s late.

“Wha- What time is practice at? It’s a Saturday, for crying out loud!” You throw a pillow at Steve’s face, groaning as you cover your own with the duvet.

“I’m telling you, it’s the finals! C’mon, I can’t be late for this and you promised you’d drive me!”

The whole car ride to Hawkins High, Steve was tapping his fingers on his knees, his eyes focused on the road.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this anxious to get to practice, Harrington. Something up?” You ask as you pull into the driveway, parking just outside of the gym doors. He says nothing, and instead gets out of the car, and moves to open the backseat doors to grab his bags. You lock them.

“Hey, c’mon now!” 

“Tell me what the heck is going on with you first!” 

You look at him sternly, pointing at the passenger seat. Steve sighs, and plops back down, not even bothering to meet your gaze.

“Steve, you know I’m not gonna let this go. What’s up?” He crosses his arms over his chest, leaning his head back against the headrest of the seat.

“My dad… he’s been giving me a bunch of shit lately for coming home with shit grades, no job… he keeps saying I won’t get anywhere if I don’t make the basketball thing work, and he’s always on my ass about my plays and shit after every game, even though Coach says I’m the best Hawkins’ has had in years, and I’m the fuckin’ team captain. I’m just sick and tired of hearing that ‘I’m not good enough’ from him when I’m doing everything I can, you know?” 

Steve’s eyes are shut tight, and you know it’s because he’s fighting back tears. You rest your hand on his arm, saying nothing as you start to count his breaths.

1… 2…. 3…. 4…. 5

“I know you’ll prove him wrong, Steve. You always do. You’re better than he’ll ever be.”

Steve only nods, swallowing thickly as he mulls over your words.

You always know how to make him feel better - especially when it comes to his dad. Ever since you were kids, you always stuck by his side, comforting him and reminding him that he was everything his father was not, and it reminded him that at least he had one person on his team. He was always glad that it was you.

“T-Thanks. And sorry I didn’t say anything before now-”

“No worries. You know I’ll never push. Now get out of my car and show your dad you can take his ass in basketball any day, okay?”

He opens his eyes, smiling as he locked eyes with you. He takes your hand in his and squeezes gently before letting go and stepping out of the car to grab his bags.

As he shuts the door, you roll down the passenger window.

“Need me to swing by later or you good?” He shrugs, looking over the car at something in the distance.

Patting the car roof, he says, “I’ll let you know, yeah?” before heading off into the gym. 

As soon as he loses sight of your taillights, Steve books it.

Running across the street without a second glance, Steve can barely pick up the pace as he tries to keep his bags from slipping off his shoulders. 

Almost there.

He’s almost out of breath, but he finally makes it.

As he drops a bag to the ground, the bus pulls up to the stop where Steve is standing, the tires coming to a sputtering stop as the doors open.

Picking up his duffel, Steve boards the bus, and flashes the driver his round-trip ticket.

Once settled in a seat, he sets down his bags in the one next to him and finally looks out the window as the bus pulls away. 

The sign reading “Now Leaving Hawkins” flashes by, bringing a smile to Steve’s face as he leans back in his seat, eyelids fluttering shut.

Logansport, here I come.

Skates strapped on, helmet secured, and hockey stick in hand, Steve is ready for anything.

Well, almost anything.

He’s already on the ice, squatting in front of the net as he watches the team inch closer and closer with the puck coming right for him.

He hears it before he sees it.

Dodging right, Steve manages to knock the puck off course and straight into the rink wall, some of his teammates cheering loudly behind him as he picked himself up off the ice.

“Nice one, Harrington!”

“What a save, newbie!” 

Steve turns around, and is greeted with congratulatory waves and pats on the back as they make their way back to the box.

Well, almost.

Before Steve can step foot off the ice, he’s being pulled back into the rink by one of the older guys, who’s conveniently surrounded by some of his friends.

“Nick, was it?” Steve asked with a muffled voice, his mouth guard still in place.

“How many times you gonna make me look bad in front of Coach, huh?”

The grip on Steve’s shoulder tightened with every passing second, their eyes locked on one another.

“That’s not what I’m tryin’ to do, man,”

“Sure it’s not. Learn to stop kissing ass man, it doesn’t look too good on you,” He spit on Steve’s jersey before pulling off his helmet.

“I will when you learn to make a hard pass, and stop making it so easy for me to block your shots.” Steve pulled off his helmet and dropped it on the ice, the contact making a lasting sound across the empty arena.

“You’re really in it huh, Harrington? Let’s see what you got,” Without warning, Nick moves head on towards Steve, shoving him hard against the tempered glass boards surrounding the rink. Steve feels the back of his head collide with the glass, and thinks for a moment that he’s about to pass out on the spot. He feels blood trickling down the side of his face, and tries his best to wipe it off with the backside of his glove.

Before he can re-orient himself, Nick pulls Steve to him and punches him right in the jaw, his gloved hand scraping the underside of his jaw just before he hits him again.

Steve lifts up his knee and tries to hit Nick straight in the balls, but misses as Nick moves backwards, pushing Steve onto the ice. Before he hits the ground, Steve grabs Nick by the ankle and yanks it towards him, forcing him down with him, and they both hit the ice with a loud thud.

Before he can get up, Steve gets kicked on both sides by Nick’s friends; he can’t make out their faces as the right side of his face is already starting to swell up from the punch.

Hands suddenly appear on his arms, pulling him upright. Steve can barely make out Nick as he comes towards him, pummeling straight onto the ice again with two swift punches - one to the face, and another to the gut.

Steve lands on his side and winces as he hears the unmistakable sound of his shoulder popping out of his socket.

“Fuck,” is all he manages to get out before losing consciousness.

Flashes of bright white bring Steve back to the land of the living, and he finds himself sitting upright on a hospital bed. He glances down, wincing at the sharp pain shooting down his neck, and finds his arm in a sling, a band of ice packs wrapped neatly around his shoulder. 

Way to go, Harrington.

Before he makes any sudden movements, a doctor appears outside his door, tapping his clipboard with a pen.

“Well, Mr. Harrington, you’re lucky that shoulder injury isn’t more severe.”

Steve laughs awkwardly, barely nodding as the doctor moves closer to his bed.

“A harder push, or a different surface of impact, and we’d be looking at a separated shoulder in need of surgery. You’ll need to stay off the ice for the next four weeks though, I’m afraid.”

“No way for a quicker healing turnaround, Doc?” Steve smiled, wincing immediately from the flare of pain in his jaw.

“No can do, mister. If you want to regain full use of that thing, I suggest you keep your sport activities to a minimum, and stay off the ice. I have a painkiller prescription for you here,” The doctor flashes a piece of paper, “in case the pain lingers. If you dislocate it again, you’ll need to come in so I can re-examine it, alright?”

Steve nods in response, grimacing at the random flashes of pain he was getting from his shoulder and neck.

“Your friend is waiting for you outside; I’ll let her know you’re awake,”

Before he could ask any questions, the doctor stepped out, and was replaced by you. 

Shit.

“Glad to know you’re not dead.” 

“Can this… can we wait until we get home? I promise I’ll explain,” Steve says hoarsely, a weak smile appearing as he tries to appease the anger he knows is boiling over inside of you.

“Explain everything, or I’ll make sure that shoulder pops out again.”

The whole ride back to Hawkins was nerve wracking for Steve; a dead silence filling the car, your eyes focused on the road, your mind focused on the different ways you could kill Steve and get away with it. He was terrified of how upset you were, and he knew you were devising some sort of plan for revenge and honestly? He couldn’t blame you.

You were his best friend, after all. And he, yours.

Of course it pissed you off that he ran off to God knows where without telling you and almost died after a stupid, unfair fight.

This was the first secret he’d kept from you in years, and he just hoped you’d forgive him.

Growing up, he put you through a lot of shit, but you always forgave him, no matter what. Whether he’d just broken your brand new bike, or the time he accidentally elbowed you in the nose and broke it, or the five times you had to call firefighters to your house because Steve accidentally set something on fire.

No matter what, you forgave him. 

But he’s painfully aware that this time around is different, because he lied.

And that’s one of your sacred rules.

No lies.

The day you agreed to be friends, you made a pact that you both swore you’d honor to the grave - dramatic for a pair of five year olds, but nonetheless. You shook on it, and ever since then, it was the one rule left untouched - until now.

Once you pull into the driveway of your house, you help carry his bags into the house.

“Go wait upstairs,” was all you said after slamming the front door shut, and Steve followed directions. 

You tossed his things into the empty coat closet by the bathroom before heading to your bathroom, where you grabbed some rubbing alcohol, cotton balls and some gauze. Then you head off to your room, where you find Steve sitting on the edge of your bed, looking mopey as ever.

After shutting the door, you turn to look at him.

“Well, you better start talking, Harrington.”

You lean back against the door, crossing your arms over your chest as you waited for him to speak.

“This wasn’t how I wanted you to find out but,” He sighed, using his good hand to brush back some hair that was falling across his face. “I- I’ve been training and playing with this, this club hockey team over in Logansport for the last few months and,”

“Months?” You interrupt, scoffing at the fact that he had been lying for months now.

“I swear, I was gonna tell you-”

“When? Before or after you got a life threatening concussion?” Steve laughs sarcastically, shaking his head as he drops his gaze from you.

“Before, I promise. I just- I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision - that hockey was really what I wanted to do before telling you. ‘Cuz once I tell you, there’s no going back, and you know that.”

You want to protest his comment, but bite back your tongue instead. Maybe he has a point.

Supporting Steve’s dreams and ambitions meant making sure he followed through on them. Ever since you were both six years old, if Steve told you he wanted to do, be, or have something, you were right there by his side, championing him until he succeeded. But sometimes he’d want to quit, and you wouldn’t let him.

“Anyways, there’s no point in holding out anymore. I joined the club hockey team because I wanna quit the basketball team this summer, after the finals. That’s why it's been a secret for so long - I had to make sure I could do it, and that I wasn’t setting myself up for failure by joining a team for a sport I wasn’t too sure I’d be good at, or even liked. I know I should’ve told you sooner but I wanted to do this for myself, and-”

“For being one of the brightest people I know, you sure know how to pull some idiot moves, ya goof,” He brightens up at your back handed compliment, and flashes you a smile as you look at one another.

“You forgiving me then?”

“Only if you promise to stop hiding stuff from me,”

“I swear, this was it. You have no idea how much I wanted to tell you, honest,” He raises his hand up, chuckling when you roll your eyes. 

“So what’s your big plan then?” You sit down next to him, and cup his face gently, turning his head just enough so he was facing you, and start applying the alcohol on the cuts littering his face.

“Get us the state championship, quit before summer session starts, and start practicing with the club hockey team to get ready for the fall season. Easy, right?” He laughs softly and drops his gaze down to his slinged arm as he winces from the sting of the alcohol.

“You’re forgetting something,”

“What?” He glances up, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“How are you gonna break the news to your dad?”

tags: @thorsxodinson @jurassicbarnes @ahoyfandoms @messybitchjuice @bittergoldilocks @marvelismylifffe @cxddlyash @l4life @spidey-pal @000bananaclip000 @iydianight @harringtonsbaseballbat @1-800-gotjunk @cant-decide-at-this-moment  @novaddictx @fragcc @conors-my-boy

@mercedesbarnes @sadhwstudent @myhearthurtsss @madeinthemidnightmemories @nancethebadass @okaybutsteveharrington @coffee-and-stories @multifan-smc @stebehairrington @cassandras-musings 

[louhooo]

Hello My Old Heart | Chap. 9

Chapter Summary: You know what they say about ‘assuming’....

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader [AU]

Warnings:Swearing, minor fluff, angst

A/N: I definitely meant to have this up on Wednesday, but work has sucked all of the energy from me this week. Hopefully next week is better!

All feedback is welcomed! 💘

Giddy was the only way to describe your mood. Schoolgirl giggles and longing gazes at the words on your screen carried you into the early hours of morning, until finally falling asleep with your phone in your hand just around four in the morning.

You didn’t need much sleep, it seemed, when you had something exciting happening in just a few hours. You woke around eight and quickly got ready for the day. A little more time was spent on your appearance, but you resisted the urge to go the full nine-yards, deciding jeans and plain white t-shirt would make you seem more casual for your date.

Date. 

A date with your husband. 

Maybe it was best to not freak out about that part yet, and just take it step by step…. Right?

Your eagerness efficiency had you ready an hour before you were meeting him. Instead of sitting in your hotel room, thinking too much and stressing yourself out, you drove downtown and decided to shop to keep yourself busy. A cute boutique beckoned you in first. Soft indie pop played over the speakers and it smelt like warm vanilla. You browsed through a rack of dresses, debating on if you still liked the dress you brought for the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night.

“Are you finding everything alright?” You looked up at the source of the voice and you nearly screamed. She screamed for you. “Ohmygod! Y/N! I heard you were back in town…!

Dot Williams. Everything about her presence sent you right back to high school when you’d stand in front of the mirror, and pinpoint every flaw in your appearance. 

You grinned (at least, you hoped that’s what it looked like).

“Hi, Dot, how are you?”

“Oh, I’m great! The store is doing fabulous, so I’m doing fabulous!” You grinned politely with a tilt of your head.

“Oh, this is your store? It’s cute!” Can someone giggle conceitedly? Well, if no one else could, Dot had it covered.

“Oh, thank you!” God, was she this bubbly in high school? “So, what brings you back to town?” You couldn’t help but pinch your brows slightly.

“Steve and Sharon’s–”

“Oh, right! The wedding! Duh!” She smacked her forehead and laughed, “I’m super bummed. I’m going to the Hamptons this weekend otherwise I totally would’ve gone.” Sharon would have never invited Dot in a million years. There’s no way– “Bucky was pouting so much when I told him I couldn’t go.” You blinked.

“Bucky?” A soft gasp and a gentle hand landed on your arm.

“Oh, Y/N, I’m so sorry. I wanted to ask you if it’d be alright, but he said it’d be fine.” Your grip loosened from the dress you had in a vice and you turned your body directly towards her.

“If ‘what’ would be alright?”

“Well… he and I are dating, you know?” Your heart sank to the floor, going back into its fortress.

“Oh… I… I didn’t know that.” 

“Ya did pretty much leave him, so… can’t hurt that much.” Snotty and condescending. Just like high school.

You swallowed back your tears and cleared your throat, “Well, uh, it was…. Your store is nice, but I’ve gotta go. Stuff to do for the wedding.” She gave you a perky goodbye, but you were already hightailing it to your car.

How fucking dare he? You should have known better than to agree to the date. You’d both changed, and he had clearly moved on. You should, too. Finally end it like you should have done four years ago.

Peaches: Can’t make it. Sorry.

Bucky stared at his phone for ten minutes, trying to find a reason for why you’d cancel twenty minutes before you were supposed to meet.

Bucky: Are you feeling alright? I can get some of your soup from Peg’s and bring it by? With extra crackers even :)

He only waited a minute before texting again.

Bucky: Is it stuff for the wedding? I can help!

Bucky: Even if it’s just to tell Sharon to chill out about the details!

Bucky: But, honestly, I think Steve is worse, so I’ll just talk to both of them!

After another twenty minutes had passed without a response, he tried calling you, but the line just rang until it went to voicemail. He stopped leaving messages after the seventh one. He sat silently on the deck trying to figure out what happened in the last seven and a half hours since you’d last texted him. 

Did he say something? Bucky scrolled through their conversation, only noting the times when he’d teased you and you teased him right back. Everything had been great, so why was this happening now?

“I’m not sayin’ you ‘owe me one’ or anything, but I did just convince your mother to let me come here instead of her, so… you’re welcome.” George plopped down on the bench beside Bucky and leaned back with his arms crossed. Bucky glanced at him for a second before looking back at his phone.

“Hey, dad.” Had he teased too much about her mugshot? He knew he should have told Sam not to send it to him. A ten-dollar bill appeared on top of his phone. Bucky blinked and looked at his dad with a confused face.

“For mowin’.” Bucky raised a brow.

“You don’t hafta pay me for mowin’.”

“Ya sure?” Bucky nodded and George quickly snatched the money back up and shoved it into his back pocket. “It’s your mom’s ten dollars, anyways. So, free money for me.” Bucky chuckled and rolled his eyes.

“How was movin’?” Bucky locked his phone and set it on the bench in between them. George sighed and stretched his legs out.

“You know how your mom and sister are when they’re stressed.” Bucky chuckled.

“That good, huh?” George crossed his eyes while softly shaking his head.

“They wouldn’t even let me tell my best jokes! Becca lectured me the whole car ride there on things I could and could not say to her new roommates.” Bucky stretched and crossed his arm, his flannel tightening against his biceps.

“Can’t really blame her for that. Your jokes embarrass everyone.” George pushed Bucky’s shoulder, making Bucky burst out laughing.

“You little shit…” Bucky laughed harder and repositioned himself on the bench. Bucky sighed as his laughter died out and watched the stray black cat chase a bird across the yard. 

It’s his own fault. He started leaving food out for him two years ago, so it was no wonder he stayed around. But, then again, Bucky hadn’t seen a single mouse since he showed up…. George cleared his throat, “So, Sarah called your mom last weekend.” Bucky sighed in the back of his throat. “She said Y/N looked good, that they talked and caught up.”

“Yeah, they did. I saw her Friday when she got into town. We talked yesterday. About everything.” George uncrossed his arms and turned towards Bucky.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Bucky sighed. “It went good, or… I thought it went good. We were gonna have lunch today, but she cancelled and she hasn’t responded to any of my texts or calls, so…. I don’t know.” George sighed and rubbed Bucky’s shoulder. 

“Can I ask ya something without you getting mad at me?” Bucky didn’t respond, so George took that as the go-ahead. “Do– Are you sure you still wanna be with her?”

“I…” It’d been one of the first questions Bruce ever asked him. Do you still wanna be married to your wife, ‘cause you love her, or because you don’t know any different? “I do. I still wanna make it work, as fucked up as that sounds.”

George sighed, “It’s not fucked up, it’s…. Love is fucking confusing as it is.”

“Yeah.” Bucky’s phone buzzed and he quickly looked at it, hoping it was you answering his texts. His shoulders dropped. Clint.

Barton: Do you know why Y/N’s at the house crying in her bedroom?? 

Barnes: Is she okay? 

Barton: I mean, she’s crying, but other than that she seems fine.

Barnes: Can you find out what’s wrong? She won’t answer me. 

Barnes: Maybe I can come and see her and we can talk?

“Everything alright?” Bucky looked at his dad and chewed on his lip.

“I… don’t know.” George studied his son for a few minutes, trying to decide what would help him most.

George groaned softly and stood up, “C’mon. Let’s go get somethin’ to eat.”

“Dad, I’m not–”

“Fine, watch me eat, then.” Bucky wasn’t going win this one. He checked his phone one last time before following George to his truck. “Do ya think mom will make us lunch, too?”

“Dad, that has literally never worked.”

“Ya never know, James.” Bucky raised a brow at him, “Zip it and buckle your seatbelt.” Bucky rolled his eyes and did as he was told. Maybe he could convince Dad to stop at Clint and Nat’s to check on you….

“Oh, boys, just the people I wanted to see,” Sarah wiped her hands dry and Steve and Bucky stood semi-patiently in the doorway to the basement. They had only two levels left until they beat the video game completely, and Sarah was only slowing them down.

“Yeah, mom?”

“A new family just moved in a few houses down, and there’s a girl who’s your age. Why don’t you go introduce yourselves.” Bucky and Steve groaned.

“But, mom…” She gave him a pointed look, and he sighed. “Fine. Bucky let’s go.” Both boys grumbled and put on their shoes by the front door.

“Why do we even hafta? We don’t even play with girls.” Bucky just wanted to play the dang game. He’d looked up a hint last night, and he was hoping that would help them win.

“Yeah, you tell my mom that.” They sighed and rode their bikes down the street to where the moving truck was parked. Bikes were dropped unceremoniously in the front yard as they followed the sidewalk to the front door. 

“You knock.”

Steve scoffed, “No, you.” They both stared at each other before quickly doing rock-paper-scissors. Bucky grumbled after losing right away.

“Best two outta three.”

“Oh, for Pete’s sake.” Another round and Bucky still didn’t win. Steve grinned smugly as Bucky knocked three times on the door.

“Shut up, jerk.”

You peeked through the curtain and noticed the bikes in the yard first. What? You went to the door, cautiously opening it up. Two boys stood in front of you with equally cautious faces.

“Hello?” The blond boy grinned and stuck out his hand.

“Hi. I’m Steve, and this is Bucky,” Bucky picked his hand up in a short wave, “My mom told us to come say ‘hi’, ‘cause I guess you’re the same age as us.” 

“I’m Y/N.” Steve noticed your face stayed scrunched in confusion. 

“What’s wrong?”

“I… Why are you guys here so early?” You only were awake this early during the school year, not on summer vacation. Bucky laughed.

“Well, aren’t you a ray of sunshine in the mornin’…?” You blinked at the brown-haired boy. Who’s this guy?

“Do you have a girlfriend?” Steve and Bucky both choked on air.

“What?! No!”

“Yeah, not surprised.” Bucky’s cheeks were on fire as Steve doubled over in laughter. You stared back at him, very tactfully hiding a grin. Bucky pushed Steve, his laughter only subsiding slightly. Steve wiped the tears from his eyes and stood straight.

“Wanna come to my house? We’re playin’ a game.”

“What game?”

“Spyro. We’ve beat almost every level! We only have, like, three more and we’ll beat the whole game!” You smiled.

“Okay! Wait here and I’ll tell my mom.” Steve nodded and you shut the door to go change and let your mom know you were gonna leave. Bucky couldn’t believe what was happening.

“Steve! What the heck are you doing?! A girl can’t hang out with us!”

Steve’s brows pinched, “Why not? I like her.” Bucky scoffed.

“Yeah, ‘cause she didn’t make fun of you!” Steve rolled his eyes.

“So, it woulda been fine if she said that to me?”

“No…”

“You hesitated.”

“Did not!” Bucky exhaled, frustrated with his friend at the moment. “She doesn’t get to play any levels. She just gets to watch.” 

“She can play a level or two if she wants to, Buck! Jeez…” The door opened again and you were dressed in jean shorts and a turquoise t-shirt. You smiled.

“She said it was fine!” Steve smiled and led the trio to the bikes, where your face dropped. “Oh, uh, I don’t have a bike.” Steve shrugged.

“That’s fine. Buck’s got pegs on his so you can just ride on the back.” Your eyebrows pinched skeptically and you slowly looked at “Buck”. He seemed less than thrilled. He sighed and picked up his red bike and walked it to the street. Steve got on his bike and waited for you to get on Bucky’s.

“I don’t know how ‘ta…”

“How ‘ta what?” Bucky glanced at you and saw you chewing on your lip, staring at the pegs on his bike. “It’s not as scary as it looks,” his voice was gentler, like how it was when Steve had his panic attacks at school and needed help calming down. “Let me get on first, then I’ll help you.”

Morning become night and Sarah had told you and Bucky it was time to go home for the day. You had grown on Bucky, but only a little! He still hadn’t forgotten what you’d said.

“Are you guys doing that again tomorrow?”

“Yeah, probably. We might go to the pool, too.” You hummed and walked unhurriedly back to your house. “You can come if you want?” You looked at him eagerly.

“Yeah?” Half of Bucky’s mouth pulled into a grin.

“Yeah. It’ll be fun.” You smiled and stood in your driveway under the streetlight. “Well, I gotta get home ‘fore my mom starts lookin’ for me. I can pick you up tomorrow morning?”

“Okay!”

“Is 8:30 too early?” You shook your head quickly. “Alright. I’ll be here.” You nodded and bounded up to your door and turned to wave goodbye to him.

“Bye, Bucky!” He got on his bike and rode past the house.

“Bye, Sunshine!” Your cheeks heated up and you hid your grin as you came inside. 

Maybe this new town wouldn’t be so bad.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Previous // Next

[wilsonsnest]

[w&s] after closing

just came back from a trip with a six hour drive. i had never heard of stuckeys in my life being a northern gal. and then we passed a place called wilson’s general store and an au was born. 

so have some small town sambucky au compliments of riding through virgnia

pairing: sambucky (samsteve mentioned) word count: 2,331

Sam let out a soft sigh as he locked the doors to his store, smiling a little as Sarge slunk cautiously towards the door. The orange tabby always sat at the door and waited until Sam was in his car before disappearing back into the darkness of the store.

Sam saluted the night watch before turning around and heading out to the parking lot. Tomorrow he wouldn’t open until 10, which was nice. It meant he could sleep in a little bit before it was time to come in and open up with his scarily efficient morning staffer, Nebula.

He had taken over the general store nearly three years ago, from an older, battle-axe of a woman who had decided she was good and done. Sam had moved to Hopeway about six years ago now. After serving in the Air Force, losing a friend and almost himself in the process, he got out and started to try and piece his life back together. It led him here, the small lakeside town was just what he needed.

Convincing Ms. Adler that he could run the shop had been a bit of a struggle, and there had been many a time when he wished he hadn’t done it. But after a while he got himself together, a lot of it with help from the locals who Sam had truly began to see as family.

Speaking of locals.

Sam raised an eyebrow as he approached his car, seeing a tall figure leaning against the passenger side. If he wasn’t used to this happening, he would have freaked out, instead he just let out a whistle so as to not start the man.

Bucky’s head lifted, though his eyes were still shadowed by the green Stucky's ball cap he was wearing. Judging by his jeans, white shirt and green jacket, he was already off work. Odd, since the neighboring diner didn’t close until 2am.

“Well this is unexpected.” Sam raised an eyebrow as he unlocked the car. “Steve get tired of you messing up orders?”

“Nah, cashing in.” Bucky lifted his chin, his blue eyes bright, reflecting the street lamp light above them. He held up a paper bag. “I brought dinner.”

“Oh well, I guess I have to bring you home then.” Sam smiled, ignoring the bag to lean in and kiss the other man’s cheek. “C’mon, get in, it’s too cold to be standing around like this.”

“You’re the boss.” Bucky’s voice was warm as he opened the door and climbed inside.

Sam couldn’t help but feel warmth bubbling in his chest as he got in and started the engine. Being a shop owner meant long hours, and not a huge ton of extra time for socializing. He had become fast friend’s with Steve Rogers, the de-facto owner of Stucky's when he had moved here seven years ago. It had taken a little longer for him to mesh with Stucky's (reluctant) co-owner and cook, Bucky Barnes. Funnily enough, it had been Barnes that had given him the idea to just go ahead and name it Wilson’s General Store.

“It’s your’s isn’t it?” Bucky grumbled setting down a huge roast beef sandwich and a side of mixed vegetables with Sam knew were definitely not on the regular menu. “No time to get shy about it now, Wilson. I bet Stevie would love to design you a sign or something.”

Sam remembered that conversation for two reasons. One, he had actually decided to go ahead and rename the shop. And two, it was the exact moment he realized he had a crush on a surly army vet who was an excellent cook and hated being co-owner of the diner ostensibly half-named after him.

At least having a crush on Bucky was in good company with his massive crush on Steve.

Surprisingly enough, Bucky ended up asking him out. Sam had been content to let both of his crushes sit and put all his energy into running the store.

But apparently Bucky Barnes had other plans. They had been out late at Red/Hawk’s with Steve and a few others. Bucky was usually pretty quiet, but that night he had been particularly anxious. He’d been fiddling with his prosthetic hand the entire night, prompting Sam to ask if he were okay. He knew Bucky still had bad days where wearing the prosthetic was more burdensome than helpful.

“No, I mean - I’m Fine. I just..” Bucky stuttered his eyes flickering down to the bar-top. He fumbled around in his jacket pocket and pulled out a half-crushed box of cigarettes. “Y’wanna get some air?”

Sam didn’t smoke himself, but he nodded and followed Bucky out to the front of the bar. They wandered a little ways down to a grassy area nearby. Bucky clumsily took out a cigarette, nearly dropping the box. Sam knew something had to be up.

It had taken at least another fifteen minutes of awkward small talk before Bucky finally looked over, past Sam’s shoulder and asked him if he would like to go out sometime. “Like a Date date.” He had said.

They had gone on said Date date to some cute little restaurant the next town over. Bucky had been clearly uncomfortable being out of Hopeway and Sam had been worried about Bucky the entire time. The whole affair had been awfully tense until Sam invited Bucky back to his place. They curled up on the couch with ice cream from Sam’s freezer and watched the Twilight Zone until they fell asleep. It had been totally worth the fifty texts Steve had sent to them both when Bucky ended up late for opening the next morning.

Sam couldn’t help but smile at the memory, glancing at Bucky out of the corner of his eye. Bucky’s eyes were closed, head back against the headrest as Sam drove. He probably wasn’t asleep, but he didn’t have his prosthetic today and his willingness to take off early probably meant he was exhausted in more than just a physical sense.

Sam pulled up the dirt path of his driveway and placed a hand on Bucky’s knee. The other man blinked open his eyes, squinting over at Sam as they parked. Once the car was stopped, he leaned he over and drew Sam into a gentle kiss before pulling away with a sigh.

“Sorry.” He mumbled quietly.

“It’s been a long day.” Sam smiled warmly. “Just give me time to shower and I’m all yours.”

They got out of the car, Bucky carrying the food as Sam took out his keys. As soon as they entered, Sam’s fluffy, red-furred Somali Cat practically charged them, meowing enthusiastically all the while.

“Hey, Redwing.” Sam smiled brightly as he scooped the cat into his arms. He wiggled a bit, butting his head against Sam’s face, a purr beginning to rumble in his chest. “Yeah, I missed you too.”

“M’gonna go warm this up.” Bucky was already heading toward the kitchen as Sam lavished Redwing with more kisses and pets. “Go take a shower!” Bucky called, slightly muffled.

“Can you feed, Redwing?” Sam asked as he headed toward the kitchen. “I’ll shower quick.”

“Sure.” Bucky agreed as he began to go to work in Sam’s kitchen.

With that, Sam let Redwing down, watching amused as the red-haired cat immediately went to go and inspect Bucky. He hurried to the bathroom so that he could freshen up. The shower was an absolute godsend, and while he would have loved to luxuriate for a bit longer, he was aware of how much he was missing his boyfriend. He hadn’t yet convinced Bucky that couples showers were totally a thing they would enjoy.

After hastily drying off and changing into a t-shirt and sleep pants he found his way back into the kitchen. Bucky had dished out Sam’s meal of meatloaf and potatoes onto a plate and set it on his tiny two-person kitchen table.

Sam hummed, his stomach growling at the sight of the undoubtedly delicious food. But first, he went to his boyfriend, who was standing over a kettle making tea. He had taken his green jacket and baseball cap off and Sam could see his face clearly. His eyes had dark circles under them, and the messy ponytail meant he had been hasty when getting ready that morning.

Sam placed a hand on the small of Bucky’s back, leaning his cheek against his boyfriend’s right arm. The taller man looked over at him, a little surprised at first before his expression softened. He leaned over to give Sam a light peck.

“Go eat.” He reminded Sam, shrugging a little to get him to move.

Sam pouted for show before heading over to the table. Almost immediately he fell upon the meal with the ferocity of a starving man. Bucky’s food was delicious, even more so after a long day’s work. He had no idea how this man ended up being so darned good at cooking, but he praised the lord every day that he had gotten so lucky. He wasn’t sure he was going to survive when he introduced Bucky to his Mama. The two of them could probably put a meal together that would make even the most discerning food critics weep.

He barely looked up when Bucky set a mug of tea down for him. He only looked up when Bucky returned to the table with his own mug and sat down across from him. By then he was more than halfway through his dinner.

“You’ll make yourself sick, Sammy.” Bucky chided, though he was clearly pleased seeing Sam eat. “You been eating breakfast and lunch?”

Sam rolled his eyes, having to swallow his stuffed mouth before replying. “Yes, mom.” Bucky had nearly had a heart-attack the first morning he had woken up at Sam’s and found out that he never ate breakfast.  “I boiled eggs the night before. Protein. Are you proud of me?”

Bucky didn’t seem impressed, but nodded anyway. They sat in companionable silence while Sam finished eating, Bucky watching him fondly as Redwing wound between their legs under the table. Sam was amazed just how domestic they were, but he supposed dating for nearly two years would do that to you.

Finally, Sam pushed his plate away with a sigh, feeling full and satisfied. If he were somewhere comfortable, he was sue he would be asleep in a matter of minutes.

“Steve coming over tonight?” Sam asked with a yawn. He wanted to make sure they weren’t expecting anyone before they bundled up int he bedroom for the night.

“Nah.” Bucky said quietly, something flickering in his eyes before he looked down.

“Bad day?” Sam asked, leaning over to take Bucky’s hand. It was rare these days for one of them to come over without the other. After the initial awkwardness of both Steve and Bucky dating Sam at the same time, they fell into a rather comfortable rhythm. But there were days when they needed their own couple time.

“Just tired.” Bucky answered, squeezing Sam’s hand back. “Storm a few nights ago didn’t help.”

Sam nodded sympathetically. The change in air pressure had been hell on Sam’s back, and he’d had to sleep on his front from two days. Bucky tended to have the same issue with his shoulder.

“Let’s head to bed then.” Sam said quietly.

Together, they cleaned up the kitchen before turning out the lights. It was still a little early by their standards, but cuddling in the bed was more inviting than forcing themselves to stay up and watch television.

In the bedroom, Bucky immediately went to his drawer to change into a comfortable t-shirt and shorts. Sam crawled into bed, rearranging his pillows for Bucky’s side and then plugging in his phone to charge. Sam glanced over as Bucky climbed into bed on the other side, smiling already at how relaxed his boyfriend already looked. They both slept better with one another. Bucky slept over as much as he could, though when Steve was over, fitting the three of them in Sam’s bed was quite a challenge.

Discussing moving in was a difficult subject when he had only been dating Steve for a year. Not to mention, the two friends still lived and worked together. It was going to take a lot of talks and planning to even approach the subject of cohabitation.

“C’mere.” Bucky waved his hand toward Sam, indicating his chest. “Wanna hold you, Sammy.”

Sam ducked his head, his facing heating up before turning off the bedside lamp. He shuffled his way closer to Bucky, placing his head on the other man’s chest. Sam wasn’t a small man, but Bucky was broad and thick and made Sam feel exceptionally secure. He’d seen out-of-towners try to start shit and nothing had prepared them for two hundred plus pounds of muscled one-armed cook to come storming out of the kitchen.

“Sleep over on Saturday?” Sam asked quietly, one hand under Bucky’s shirt, stroking the soft skin of his stomach. “You can stay and keep Redwing company.”

He heard Bucky let out a long breath above him before answering. “That’d be nice.” A pause before asking. “Y’want Steve to come?”

“If he wants to.” Sam answered. Personally, he loved having both his boyfriends around, but tried to work within their boundaries as well. “We could go to the lake once I close up.”

Stucky’s was closed on Sunday and Wilson’s only stayed open until 2:30pm. Sunday was the town’s quietest day, even Red/Hawk’s was closed. Sunday was a time for family, and rest - something everyone here believed in fiercely. Sam could think of nothing better than spending it with his two favorite people.

“I like that.” Bucky mumbled before pressing his lips to Sam’s forehead. Sam smiled against Bucky’s chest, letting the gentle rise and fall lull him to sleep.

will be x-posted to ao3

[redgillan]

Missed Chances - part 1

Steve Rogers x Reader

Summary: 13 Going on 30!AU - Steve Rogers is crazy about you, but he’s afraid his feelings are only one sided and being one of your best friends, he doesn’t want to ruin your friendship… On his 13th birthday, he makes a wish and wakes up in the body of his 30 year old self. The problem is, you’re no longer a part of his life.

Word Count: 1,989

Warnings: Underage Drinking, Rumlow’s a piece of shit

A/N: Good for you if you never had to wear braces. It hurt me to write the insults in this chapter, but I had to show you Brock was the worst... I don’t condone Rumlow’s behaviour, he’s based on the bullies I know.

Missed Chances - Masterpage

2001

The school year was finally coming to an end and Steve Rogers couldn’t wait to go home and do nothing for the next two months. No more assignments, heavy backpack, nagging mother and detention until September.

The dream!

He finished emptying his locker and, occasionally, threw glances at you from across the hall. Bucky rolled his eyes as he walked over to his friend.

“I have some bad news for you, pal,” Bucky said once he was close enough to speak. “You look like a total creep. This little crush of yours is getting old. Ask her out!”

Closing his locker with more force than necessary, Steve glared at him. “You’re not funny.”

“Not trying to be,” Bucky replied, adjusting the strap of his Eastpack backpack as he hurried after Steve. “Seriously, though, you should invite her to your birthday party.”

“I’d have to ask my mom.”

With a little grin, Bucky slung his arm over Steve’s shoulders. “I’m sure your ma’ won’t mind.”

As they walked through the school doors, a feeling of relief came over them. Summer vacation was finally here! Outside, the kids were chatting excitedly about their plans for summer while they waited for their parents to pick them up.

It was a beautiful day, so instead of taking the school bus, they decided to walk home. While they waited for the pedestrian light to turn green, Bucky saw you walking toward them.

He gave Steve a subtle nudge and tilted his head in your direction. Steve’s eyes grew large, but he tried to remain cool.  

Bucky greeted you with a bright smile and you shyly looked away before you mumbled ‘hello’ in return. You were a little uncomfortable around him these days because, unlike you, he had perfect teeth.

Lately, your parents had taken you to the orthodontist where you spent an hour sitting in an uncomfortable leather chair while the dentist fastened braces onto your teeth. And as stupid as it seemed for you to be jealous of Bucky’s perfect teeth, you were only a kid.

You were a self-conscious twelve-year-old girl who wanted to look like the girls in the magazines.

And looking like a human zipper wasn’t the only downside. Your braces were so expensive that your parents couldn’t afford to go on vacation.

“Hey, I heard you were staying here this summer,” Bucky spoke enthusiastically, ignoring Steve’s dirty look. “This means you’ll finally be able to attend one of Steve’s legendary parties.”

“Legendary,” you repeated with an amused snort. “I thought you guys just watched movies and ate your weight in candies.”

“Yeah, we’re pretty wild,” Steve sighed. He glanced at you and gave you a small grin. “So, um, you’re in?”

“Sure thing, Steve,” you said sweetly, hoping your feelings for him weren’t obvious.

And they were obvious, but not to Steve because that boy was too infatuated to notice anything. Bucky, on the other hand, saw the way your face lit up when Steve was around. He wanted to see his best friends happy, but you were both too shy to make a move.

The first few weeks of summer passed by in a blur, each day the same as the one before. They mostly stayed indoors, watching TV and waiting for something exciting to happen.

One afternoon, you dragged them to the park where you ate lunch and played games. The grass pollen made Steve’s eyelids itch and his Irish skin wasn’t used to the sun, but he didn’t care because you looked so happy and carefree.

Steve was a short guy with bony shoulders and thin legs, but his eyes were his most striking features. They were a pale blue with long eyelashes and bushy eyebrows. He could look quite grim sometimes, but when he smiled, his whole face changed.

On the fourth of July, Steve had invited a few friends over for his birthday. He didn’t have a lot of friends so his mother was delighted when he told her it wasn’t just Bucky this year.

She had just finished baking his favourite cake when her pager rang. She groaned at loud, not even bothering looking at the caller. Steve looked up when he heard the all-too-familiar sound of her pager.

She was a nurse and she often worked odd hours, but they had promised not to call her unless it was an emergency. Steve frowned as he watched her rush around the room, collecting clothes that looked clean and her car keys.

“Do you really have to go?” he asked, his voice small. “You promised-”

“Oh, honey, I’m sorry.” She squatted down in front of him and pushed his hair out of his face to see his beautiful eyes. “I know you’re upset, sweetheart, but people need my help.”

“I know,” he replied with a sad sigh. “Go.”

“I love you, honey.” She kissed his forehead before she rushed out of the house.

Mrs Rogers wasn’t the kind of woman who let a bunch of thirteen-year-old kids unsupervised, so she asked her old neighbour to watch the kids while she was gone.

You arrived with Bucky since you were living on the same street. While you waited for Mrs Jarvis, the three of you sat on the sofa where Steve explained that his mother had to go to work.

Steve spent the rest of the afternoon watching TV with his two best friends and a sleepy Mrs Jarvis. It was nice to be together and relax. Bucky cracked a few jokes and you all laughed around a mouthful of cake.

At around five, someone knocked at the door and you shared a look with Bucky when Steve enthusiastically jumped to his feet.

“I can’t believe they’re here,” he said, smiling from ear to ear. He looked at himself in the mirror and fixed his hair.

“Who?” you asked with a frown.

“Brock Rumlow and his friends!”

You fought the urge to curl your lips in disgust and to roll your eyes as you set your empty plate on the coffee table. You hated Brock. He was the most popular kid in school and everyone seemed to adore him, but he was just a bully.

And Steve, who was famous around school for picking up fights with bullies, didn’t seem to notice that Brock was one of them. Steve wanted to be accepted, he wanted to be like the cool kids.

“You invited Brock Rumlow to your birthday party?” Bucky asked, confused. “Are you insane?”

“Why?” Steve said, crossing his arms. “Brock is my friend.”

“He locked you in your locker, Steve!” Bucky exclaimed, his eyes wide.

“Yeah, more than once,” you added. “He’s not your friend, he’s a moron!”

Somehow Mrs Jarvis was still asleep and Rumlow kept banging on the door. Steve let out a frustrated sigh and opened the front door. You fidgeted in your seat, not prepared to see Brock and his friends.

“Hey, look who’s here!” Brock exclaimed as he stepped into the living room. “It’s Braceface and Chubby!”

From the corner of your eye, you saw Bucky sink into the sofa, trying to disappear. He knew he was a little chubby for his age, but there was nothing wrong with that.

You also hated the name Braceface, but you kept your mouth shut, you didn’t want to start a fight. It was Steve’s birthday after all.

When Brock set a six-pack of beer on the kitchen counter, Bucky tried to wake Mrs Jarvis up, to no avail. Steve looked like he wanted to say something, but he was afraid that if he did, Brock and his friends would leave.

They all grabbed a beer and went down the stairs into the basement while you stayed in the living room with Bucky.  

“Thought there’d be more girls at your party, Rogers,” Brock mumbled as he flopped down on an old bean bag.

Steve fiddled with his unopened bottle of beer while the rest of them chugged down half the bottle in one go. He wondered what you and Bucky were doing.

Brock must have noticed the stricken look on Steve’s face because he nudged one of his friends and gave him a conspirator’s smile. They laughed quietly before Brock cleared his throat, catching Steve’s attention.

“This party blows,” he said. “You know what would make it more interesting?” Steve shook his head. “A little game.”

“A game?” Steve repeated.

“Yeah,” Brock fought back a laugh, “have you ever played Seven Minutes in Heaven?”

“No,” he said quietly.

Steve swallowed hard, his hands tightening around the beer bottle. He had never played that game, but he knew it involved sharing a closet with someone else for seven minutes. The two players could either talk, kiss or make out if they wanted to.

“You into dudes?” one of Brock’s friend, Jack Rollins, deadpanned.

“No,” Steve replied with a frown. “I like girls.”

“Let me guess,” Brock pretended to think about it, “braceface?”

“She has a name, she’s-”

“I know her name,” Brock cut him off. “So, do you want to play Seven Minutes in Heaven with her?”

Steve gave a slow nod, his eyes darting toward the staircase. A sinister smile spread across Brock’s face as he walked over to the closet and opened the door for Steve.

“C’mon, I’ll go get her.”

“You sure? What if she says no?” Steve asked.

“Of course she’s gonna say yes!” Brock said enthusiastically, his friends joining him.

“Okay, I guess,” Steve said, entering the closet.

Brock closed the door behind Steve who took a seat on the floor. Brock and his friends went upstairs, stifling their laughter.

Steve spent the next few minutes in complete silence, his heart beating incredibly fast. Perhaps this was the beginning of something great. He was going to spend seven whole minutes in a closet with you. This was his chance to tell you how he felt.

After a few minutes of nothing happening, Steve’s anxiety mounted. He slowly opened the closet door and peered outside. The basement was deserted, five empty beer bottles had been left on the floor.

With a frown, he stood up and went in search of you, Brock or Bucky.

When he walked into the living room, Mrs Jarvis was still fast asleep on the sofa, Bucky was sitting beside her. He got up when he saw Steve, a confused frown creased his brows.

Brock was standing in the middle of the living room with his friends. The front door was open and there was no trace of you.

“I’m sorry, Rogers,” Brock said, “Braceface just left.”

“She left?” Steve cast a quick look over Brock’s shoulder and then looked back at him. “What happened?”

“Yeah, turns out she’s not into you. Like not at all,” Brock replied, his lips pressed into a thin line. “She said some very nasty things about you, sorry man.”

“I don’t believe you,” Steve gasped, his heart started to feel heavy in his chest.

“Ask Chubby,” Brock said, gesturing toward Bucky. “He saw everything.”

Steve turned to Bucky who gave him a nod. At that moment, Steve’s legs wobbled as all the colour left his face. His best friend, the girl he was in love with, didn’t love him back. In fact, just knowing he was waiting for you in the closet made you run away like a scared cat.

This wasn’t happening. No, he refused to believe it.

“Steve,” Bucky said gently, trying to pull him out of his reverie.

“No!” Steve yelled before he ran back down to the basement and locked himself in the closet.

He sat there, hugging his knees to his chest, trying to ignore Bucky’s voice as the brunet begged him to open the door. Steve closed his eyes and made a wish.

“I don’t want to be a kid anymore, I want to be an adult. I want to be thirty, I want to find love.”

Part 2

[patronusofthepugs]

Tony isn’t the only one with a spider child AU

 AU where Captain American gets a chance to flex his dad skills with a super-powered spider teen.

Alright so Tony has adorable science whiz kid Peter but what if Captain America has small, sassy, jock Cindy Moon as his adopted spider kid?

Imagine instead of being locked in a bunker for 10 years, it’s only two years and Capt is the one to discover her. 

Suddenly, he has this scared, angry 17-year-old girl on his hands who’s mourning the years that she lost in a world that easily moved on without her. A feeling that Steve can relate to a little bit too much. 

So why do they work as a duo?

Cindy has essentially lost her trust in the world and who’s better to regain that trust than freaking Captain America?

He’s the one to soothe her during her panic attacks and he pushes her to go on his grueling runs with him. It helps to run out her aggression especially since thanks to her spidey powers, she can keep up with him. The winner gets to pick their breakfast spot, and the two have practically been to every mom and pop’s diners in New York City. Steve gives every place 5 stars on Yelp. 

Tony and Peter have science but Steve and Cindy are all about art and history museums.

 For the longest time, Cindy thought that Steve was just straight up immortal. She’ll ask him what Alexander Hamilton was really like or which president did he liked to party with the most. Steve typically plays along because he finds it adorable and he’s too awkward to break the truth to her. 

They go to every sports game they can. Cindy isn’t afraid to call out the Refs for bad calls. Steve is less vocal but his simmering disappointment is enough for any Ref to revaluate their calls. Steve buys a gaudy foam finger at every game and presents it to Cindy. She always rolls her eyes and laughs but secretly she loves them.

The two of them are close and even though she misses her family, she can’t imagine not having Steve in her life. He’s the hero that she wants to be. He doesn’t push her into being something that she isn’t. He lets her go at her own pace. 

The only Avengers that know about her is Sam and Natasha but Cindy couldn’t wait to meet the rest of them. But then Civil War happens and everything just goes to shit.

Suddenly her favorite person in the world is an outlaw, and she’s left alone.  She sneaks her way to the airport fight to provide support and discovers that holy shit there’s a kid with spider powers too like what the fuck.  The battle is mostly just Cindy and Peter geeking out over one another while beating the absolute shit out of each other. 

Peter and Cindy become fast friends after the fight in a weird Romeo and Juliet fashion since their adopted dads/father figures are not speaking to one another.

But then Tony and Steve are forced to work together to prepare for the coming of Thanos where a good chunk of the meetings are comprised of them snarkily bragging about their kids. 

“Pete’s more of a looking out for the little guy type of hero. No task is too small for my kid, he even helps little old ladies across the street.”

“Wow, great on Peter. I wonder who he could have learned that from? Certainly not you. You know, did I mention that Cindy prevented a nasty car accident from occurring the other day? A truck lost control and almost crashed into a bus full of kids but luckily Cin was there to stop it single-handedly.”

The Captain has also embraced all of the Dad puns. Even in the middle of the battle, he can’t resist cracking a joke just to see Cindy’s horrified face over how lame he is.

Imagine Steve Rogers raising his tough, firecracker spider daughter. He’s an overly doting, old-fashioned dad but when he sees his girl score a goal at a hockey game or swoop in to stop a bank robbery, his heart swells with pride because she’s just so amazing. He knows that she’s going to be great and he feels privileged to lend a hand in that. 

Imagine after the Infinity War, after he just witnessed Bucky turning to ash. And fuck, he can’t even find Sam. Imagine him hearing Cindy’s small scared voice behind him.

“D-Dad. Help me, please. Something is happening and I-I-I don't know what to do. Oh god, Dad help me, it hurts.”

And he turns around and Cindy is there, mask down and crying. She’s reaching out to him and he rushes to grab her, to hold her close because please, not her. Not his kid. Just as he reaches her, as he is pulling her in for a desperate hug, she looks up at him with wide eyes and fades away in his arms. 

Imagine Steve and Tony not having a lot in common until they do. Until they are two Dads who just lost their spider kids in the worst way possible. 

Imagine Steve Rogers as Captain Dad and Cindy Moon as his Spider daughter. 

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

Howlin’ For You - 4/?

Description: When Y/N gets an unreal deal on her first home, she wonders why her neighbor scared away all the other buyers. Despite being cautious, she doesn’t fully understand what gave Bucky Barnes such a bad name.

Pairing: AU - Biker!Bucky x Fem/Reader

Word Count: 4,059

Part Three 

After that morning, things got complicated. Everything seemed to change, yet somehow it still felt the same too.

Bucky still hadn’t made any move on Y/N. But he seemed so set on assuring she knew the truth about him. Even though he told her the story of just one arrest, an arrest where he offered himself as scapegoat to save Steve, Bucky had yet to disclose any other part of his past. In fact, he still hadn’t told Y/N how he’d gone from war veteran to the leader of The Howling Commandos.

It suddenly occurred to Y/N that maybe Bucky was trying to keep his distance from her too. But she couldn’t figure out his reasoning. She knew her own. But Y/N had yet to figure out what about her would make him try to stay away.

Y/N was brought out of her thoughts by her cellphone ringing.

She practically groaned when her mother’s name appeared on the screen.

“Hello?”

“Oh hi dear. So don’t get mad at me…” Y/N’s mother began, which was never a good sign.

“Mom, what did you do?” Y/N groaned.

“I was at the farmer’s market this morning. I ran into an old coworker of mine. She was with her son, Jared. Oh my goodness, Y/N. This man was just so handsome. Anyways, we started talking and he lives not too far from you. Can you believe it?”

Y/N knew where this was going already. “Mom, I’m not going on a date with him.” Her voice dark and warning.

“I know you asked me and your sister to stop setting you up…But Y/N I just think you two would really hit it off.”

“Mom! You say that every time!” Y/N yelled out.

“Y/N-” Her mom began but she was already cutting her off.

“No! I’ve had enough! Mom, did it ever occur to you that the reason I don’t have a boyfriend is because I don’t want one? If I wanted to go on a date, all it takes is a few swipes these days. Do you understand that? I’m not this pity party you need to go out and scavenge dates for.”

“Y/F/N Y/M/N Y/L/N what has got into you?” Her mom scolded.

“Nothing has changed, mom. You just never listen to me.” Y/N sighed.

“Just this one last date, sweetheart. Then I’ll stop. I promise.” Her mom laid on the sweetness to soften the blow.

“You already gave him a time and my address, didn’t you?” Y/N stated in realization.

There was a beat of silence.

“Tonight. 8 o’clock.” Then she continued to name all of the great things about him. But it didn’t matter. Y/N wasn’t listening anymore. She hung up on her mom and grabbed a pillow from her couch to scream into.

Y/N contemplated all of the things she could say when the man got there. Maybe she could fake a good sickness and apologize profusely. It wasn’t a coincidence that Y/N’s mother and sister never gave her these men’s numbers. They knew she would just call and cancel if they did that.

After Y/N went through almost every option in her head, she knew there was no getting out of this date without feeling like a total asshole. So she fell into the dreaded routine of getting ready for a date she never wanted to go on.

Later that night, her doorbell was a patient knock on her front door.

“Hi. Wow…Sorry. Ugh…I wasn’t expecting you to be so beautiful.” Jared stuttered awkwardly in such a dorky way that his words came out genuine.

Y/N couldn’t help but blush at the compliment. She was human after all! And no man had ever stuttered over their words because of her looks alone.

The slightly awkward introductions ensued. But the flattery soon ended as he guided her down the porch and to the car.

Bucky just had to be pulling into his driveway right as she was leaving.

Fate was playing a cruel trick on her. Y/N knew it. Her eyes locked on him. What she didn’t realize was that she was giving Bucky the most pleading look possible. Her eyes were sad with a desperation; a desperation for him to be taking her out instead of this random man.

Her entire body language could not make it more clear that she wanted to run back inside her house.

Bucky had turned off his motorcycle and watched the interaction subtly. If he had noticed Y/N’s desperate expression, he didn’t show it. In fact, he was too busy eyeing Jared as he opened the car door with Y/N.

When they finally drove past, Bucky was casually walking to his mailbox at the end of his driveway. Y/N lowered her head in shame, too scared of seeing how he was watching this awkward and forced interaction.

This date was different.

As the night went on, Y/N got a sick feeling.

She realized her mother had been right: Jared was a cute, smart, kind, gentleman.

But it was too late.

Had the two of them been introduced a few months, maybe Y/N would’ve actually gone on a second date. But this was life after meeting Bucky Barnes.

It was this particular date with Jared that Y/N finally realized, or rather admitted to herself, that she’d officially fallen for Bucky. She thought it was some silly schoolgirl crush. But she knew now it was more than that.

Poor Jared was trying so hard to charm her and it was a rare date where Y/N wasn’t completely annoyed by it. She’d never felt guilty for these men until now.

The rest of the date was painless, yet Y/N’s terrible feeling in her gut got worse and worse as they got closer to her house.

As soon as they were in her driveway, she took in a deep breath. “Jared,” She started sweetly. He smirked at the way his name sounded coming from her. “I had a really lovely time tonight. But I just have to say something.”

His grin disappeared for a moment. Then he seemed to immediately realize where the conversation was going. He chuckled lightly and nodded his head. “I’m not getting another date here, am I?” He didn’t sound upset or angry with her, just disappointed. Which somehow made her feel even worse.

“It’s just…there’s actually someone else. My mother is oblivious and didn’t even know about him when she set this up. Because I didn’t really know about it…if that makes sense. I want to be honest with you, because you seem so great!” Y/N’s tone was desperate.

“Y/N…” Jared said gently as he grabbed her hand. “I get it. You don’t have to explain.”

Her jaw slackened slightly. “Really?”

Jared nodded with a sad smile. “Really. Whoever he is…I hope he realizes how lucky he is.” Then he took in a deep breath. “And if things don’t work out, I would really love it if you gave me another shot.”

Y/N smiled at his maturity and kindness, then found herself nodding at his offer. But this was her cue to leave the car now. She slowly made her way to the house in awe of how well that conversation ended.

But as soon as she heard Jared’s car pull away, she felt a spark of bravery.

Without changing out of her date clothes or putting her heels back on, Y/N stomped down her driveway and across the street barefoot.

Before she could lose the adrenaline, her hand knocked on Bucky’s front door.

She heard his heavy footsteps before he opened the door.

He swung open the door and had a look of surprise.

But before he could say anything, Y/N flung forward and captured his lips in the most passionate kiss she’d ever had.

His surprise instantly disappeared and he was kissing her back. In was only a matter of seconds before his hands gripped her waist and pulled her body even closer. Then his grip slid down the outside of her legs until it moved to the back of her thighs. In one swift motion, he lifted her body off the ground. Y/N yelped into the kiss but her body quickly recovered and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

Neither of them knew how long their lips had been attached. But eventually they had to separate to catch their breath. Bucky didn’t let her go far, still holding her up as if she weighed nothing. Their foreheads were pressed together and they both tried to steady their breathing.

“Bucky, who’s at the door?” A whiny voice came from the direction of his bedroom.

Y/N felt his entire body tense as she looked over his shoulder.

Standing in nothing but her lacy underwear and one of Bucky’s t-shirts was Dot. Her makeup was smeared and her hair was messily sexy.

Y/N felt like she was going to be sick.

She managed to wriggle out of Bucky’s grip even though he tried to keep hold of her.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck…” Y/N whispered under her breath as she started backing away.

“Y/N, wait a second.” Bucky rushed forward.

“I’m such a fucking idiot.” Y/N muttered to herself and her hands ran through her hair in utter distress. The one time she’d taken a risk, put herself out there for a guy and it had completely backfired on her.

“Bucky?” Dot practically cooed.

He turned around to look at her but he was so dumbfounded by the situation. He turned back around to see Y/N retreating.

“Y/N, please, just listen.” His voice was a plea.

“Don’t.” She instantly answered. “Please don’t, Bucky.”

There was no point in saying anything else, Y/N was already in the middle of the street. She walked as fast as she could to her house. Meanwhile, Dot continued to get Bucky’s attention.

As soon as he saw Y/N get inside, Bucky rubbed his face with dread.

“Goddammit!” He bellowed before marching back inside his house and slamming the door.

Y/N was resting her back against her front door. She was in between having an anxiety attack and throwing up. Her breathing was getting harder and harder control. How could she have been so naive? Bucky didn’t want her. She wasn’t his type. At best, he had just seen her as a slam piece or something to entertain him.

Y/N started toward her bedroom and started changing out of her clothes without actually thinking about what she was doing. A few minutes later, she was wearing her running shorts and a sports bra.

When she was utterly panicked and clueless of what to do, she ran.

With her running shoes on and her earbuds in, she peaked out the window to make sure the coast was clear. She wouldn’t be able to handle whatever excuses Bucky would try to throw if he was still out there.

But Bucky was nowhere to be found.

Locking her front door behind her, Y/N then broke into a full on sprint. The music was turned up all the way. She was desperately trying to drown out the thoughts and distract her body from the knot in her stomach. The image of Dot wearing nothing but Bucky’s clothes was enough to keep her adrenaline going.

Y/N didn’t know how long she was running. She wouldn’t let herself stop until her entire body ached and her lungs felt like they were about to burst.

She slowed to a walk and laced her hands together on top of her head. Everything hurt but it was better to feel physical pain than what Bucky did to her.

She must of run miles upon miles, for she didn’t have any idea where she was. The sun had gone down awhile ago, leaving her walking in darkness.

Y/N shrugged and turned around to go back the way she came. Maybe if she rested for a bit she’d be able to break into another jog the rest of the way home.

She’d been completely oblivious to the world around her until her ears were met with the sound of multiple motorcycles coming up behind her. Her entire body tensed. She begged a higher being that it was Bucky’s friends and not anyone else.

But tonight was just not her night.

“Well, well, well…Look who it is.” A dark voice greeted as their bike slowed down enough to match Y/N’s speed walking.

She didn’t need to look over to know it was Brock.

“Not so tough when you don’t have Barnes and his little gang to back you up, are you?” He taunted.

It wasn’t comforting to be reminded of all his friends trailing behind Y/N too.

She continued to ignore him and walk.

“Come on, Brock. Let’s just go.”

She recognized that voice and it made her accidentally look back to see Brent on one of the motorcycles behind them. There were still some bruises healing on his face from the night he picked a fight with Bucky.

“Look at her, Ward.” Brock answered. “Bucky let his little pet loose. Dumb move on his part…” Then he revved his engine forward but skid to the side to completely cut Y/N’s path off. She had to jump to a stop to assure he didn’t run her into the ditch.

Y/N tried to turn around to walk the other way, but his friends seem to follow his move and blocked her path that way too.

“I have no connection to Bucky. I hardly know him.” Y/N finally spoke. It bothered her that she didn’t actually know if she was lying or telling the truth.

Brock had a dark smirk. “I’m going to tell you a little story.” He dismounted his bike and started slowly closing the distance between them. “Our little strip club got raided by the feds the other night. Shut down some illegal operations that were making us a lot of money. Very few people could’ve tipped ‘em off. Barnes and his guys are some of the only people that have the balls to even think about it. That lot is just a bunch of good doers. I’ve suspected that Barnes works with the police for years now.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I’m not part of his gang.” Y/N tried to keep her voice as even as possible.

“Yeah, but it would send a message.”

Y/N swallowed. “What would? I have no part in any of this.”

Brock chuckled and it sent a shiver down Y/N’s back. He was barely a foot away from her now. “You really don’t see it, do you?” Her brow furrowed at his question. “You really don’t see the way he looks at you. Man’s started not one, but two, bar fights to make sure no one else gets you. Do you honestly think that’s a coincidence?”

It didn’t matter what she said anymore. Y/N could see it in Brock’s eyes that his mind was made up. She didn’t know what he planned to do. But she knew her life was in danger.

Without thinking, Y/N shoved Brock as hard as she could. It was enough force to give her a path past him. Despite her body’s exhaustion, she flew into a sprint. But it wasn’t enough. Before she could get to her peak speed, Brock tackled to the hard pavement of the road.

But she wasn’t giving up without a fight. Her mind raced through every self-defense tip she’d ever heard or read. She tensed the heel of her hand and did an upward thrust to his nose. She swore she felt a crunch and Brock let out a howl of pain.

“You stupid, fucking bitch!” He growled and slapped her across the face.

The sting felt like the whole left side of her face was on fire.

Y/N tried to punch him, but he caught her fist before it could make contact.

Brock threw his weight forward so her back slammed back to the pavement. It caused her head to slam back and she saw stars. He pinned both of her hands to the side of her body. She struggled with her knees and legs, managing to send a kick to his manhood.

Y/N continued to fight, but her strength was dying. Her mind tried to focus on surviving and getting away. But it just kept thinking of how her corpse would be found on the side of the road.

Bucky’s cellphone had been ringing for awhile. But he hadn’t noticed it until now.

“What?” He growled without bothering to look at the screen to see who was calling.

“Where the hell have you been?” Steve yelled. “I’ve been trying to call you for half an hour Bucky!”

“What is it, Steve?” Bucky sighed, not in the mood to deal with anything.

“Before I tell you, promise me that you won’t do anything stupid.” Steve’s voice was too careful.

Bucky straightened on his couch. “What? What is it?”

It wasn’t the first time he’d got a call from a member like this. Unfortunately, it was part of their lifestyle.

“Bucky!” Steve snapped. “Promise me!”

Bucky was on his feet pacing his living room now.  “Fine. Fine. I promise I won’t do anything stupid. What the fuck’s happened?”

“It’s Y/N. She’s in the hospital.”

Bucky had never driven his motorcycle faster in his life.

Everything about him must have screamed danger because people at the hospital were diving out of his way and averting any possible eye contact.

He immediately spotted Steve in the waiting room. Natasha, Wanda, Sam, and Thor were seated nearby. There was a radius of empty seats around them, making a clear separation from the rest of the family and friends waiting.

“Talk now.” Bucky growled low.

“It was Rumlow.” Steve sighed. There was no easy way to tell him. “I guess she had gone running or something. The whole Hydra gang must have crossed paths with her.”

Bucky rubbed his scruff to deal with his overwhelming guilt and helplessness. He shifted his weight, trying to control himself. “How bad is she?” He whispered.

Steve looked back at their friends. But none of their looks were giving him any sort of aid. “The doctors said she… she has a couple fractured ribs. Her right hand is broken. There were some cuts and bruises on her face-” Steve had to stop himself. “She’s pretty beat up, Buck.” He exhaled.

Bucky put his hands on his hips and bit his lip. The pain of it stopped himself from punching the first person that even glanced in his direction.

“Who found her?” He didn’t know what else to do, so he just kept asking questions.

“I did.” Thor stood up then and carefully walked over. Bucky’s only cue for him to speak was his glare. “I was on my way to the bar. They left her on the side of the road, unconscious.”

“This is my fault.” Bucky hissed.

“Buck, don’t do that.” Steve immediately started.

“Steve, look me in the eyes and tell me that Rumlow didn’t do this to get at me!” He snapped.

“You were careful.” Steve defended.

“Not careful enough!” Bucky barked back.

“Steve is right. This is not your fault, Bucky.” Thor vowed with more diction and sincerity. He gripped Bucky’s shoulder in comfort.

“What room is she in?” Bucky asked. He needed to see her.

Steve told him the number. “Her mom and sister are with her right now. I think you should wait until they leave for the night. Natasha already conned the doctor to let you in after visiting hours, especially with us not being related and all that.”

“Stay here. I’ll be back later.” Bucky ordered.

Steve’s face dropped. “Buck, don’t do it. That’s exactly what he wants.”

“Yeah, and he’s gonna get it.”

Sam jumped up to join Steve in racing after him. The three of them got on their motorcycles. There was only one place Rumlow could be. If this attack was meant as bait, Bucky knew Brock would be waiting at the bar.

Bucky’s motorcycle wasn’t even fully stopped when he jumped off of it and stomped through the doors of the bar.

Brock was there with his gang, but they hadn’t noticed his entrance.

Without stopping his stride, Bucky walked towards Brock who was innocently playing pool with his back to him.

Bucky picked up a nearby pool stick and flipped it so the narrow end was in his hands. “Hey Rumlow!” He barked.

Brock turned around to be met with Bucky slamming the pool stick across his face, like a baseball bat on steroids. Teeth and blood flew out of his mouth from the hit. Some of Brock’s gang tried to stop the attack, but Sam and Steve had made their way in and kept the fight between Bucky and Brock.

Rumlow was on the ground, spitting blood and loose teeth onto the dirty bar floor.

Bucky looked down at him to realize he was already beat up. Brock’s nose was swollen and definitely broken, there were two black eyes to match. But that wasn’t Bucky’s doing. If he wasn’t blinded by his anger, Bucky would be able to feel the sense of pride toward Y/N’s ability to defend herself.

“Your girl’s a real spitfire.” Brock spat, realizing Bucky was observing his other injuries.

Bucky’s anger flared up once again. His left hand held Rumlow in place as he started landing punch after punch. Bucky blacked out from his rage. And if it weren’t for Steve and Sam pulling him back, he surely would’ve killed him.

Bucky finally stepped back, chest heaving as he looked at the damage he’d done. The entire bar was silent. The patrons always eyed him wearily, but now their gazes were filled with utter terror.

Bucky eyed the rest of Brock’s gang, some of which were bruised and beaten from Steve and Sam. “Anyone else?” He offered sarcastically.

No one even breathed.

“That’s what I thought.” He growled.

Then he took a few steps towards Brock until he was hovering over his bloodied body, barely conscious. Steve and Sam shared a look, ready to jump in if Bucky tried to continue. “And you,” Bucky whispered in a hiss. “You even look at Y/N again and I’ll fucking kill you.”

Rumlow wasn’t even capable of speaking. But the message was heard loud and clear.

When the three men walked outside and returned to their bikes, Steve and Sam watched Bucky carefully. He was pacing back and forth with his hands on his hips. Steve swore he could see tears forming in his best friend’s eyes.

“I fucked everything up…” Bucky almost whimpered.

Steve and Sam just looked at each other. They’d never seen him like this and they had no idea how to handle it.

“Buck, Y/N’s going to recover. She’ll be okay.” Steve said softly.

But Bucky was already shaking his head. “She wouldn’t have been out if weren’t for me.” He took in a deep breath. “She…she came over earlier. I opened my door and she was just there and we kissed.” He was talking quickly now. “Then…God-fucking-damn-it… Dot was there. She drove to my house drunk right before Y/N got there. I made her stay and sober up before I would let her leave. Gave her my shirt to wear because she threw up.”

“Shit…” Sam muttered, fully understanding how it all ended. Anyone would’ve assumed  the same as Y/N.

“She went out running because she was upset. I know it.” Bucky mumbled at the ground.

Steve took in a deep breath and stepped to his friend. He gripped his shoulders tightly. “Bucky, we can’t change what happened. But you better get your ass back to that hospital and fix this.” His voice was demanding. “I’ve known you all my life and I’ve never seen you this way about any girl. So don’t mess it up.”

Part Five 

Your book reports make me happy. Please continue with them.