#barn mates anniversary

[buckyalpine]

hey shay! what do you think about steve and sam betting that bucky cannot date the newest avenger for like two months without falling in love with her. and, of course, he accepts, and asks her out, all in the hopes of winning.

(plot twist: he is a dumbass and a fucking simp because he falls hella hard in like the first month. she’s basically his soulmate and his dream girl. absolutely perfect. he dreams of their marriage and children and cannot wait to make it a reality. and steve and sam are beyond happy for him, and the three decide never to speak of the bet ever again.)

but fast forward to their first anniversary together, and she finds out that the only reason why bucky ever paid any attention to her, and asked her out, was because of the bet. and it leaves her absolutely heartbroken and destroyed, to the point that she debates asking for a transfer. because of course the only way the legendary sergeant james buchanan barnes would ever notice her is because of a bet. pfft! how big of an idiot she is!

(and we see bucky do some seriously grovel. because he cannot lose the love of his life. his baby. his everything. his sunshine in the dark. the reason for his existence.)

maybe steve and sam join in to help him? because they adore her as well, and they know how much bucky needs her.

YESSSS YES YESSSSS. I am here for the angst and the fluff, I love this because we all love a break up make up situation.

"100 bucks"

"No"

"Okay, 150"

"Why are we doing this"

"200"

"...why"

"Because we know for a fact, there's no way you'd be able to date the new recruit for two full months-

"-without falling in love, you can't actually fall for her"

Sam and Steve looked at Bucky intently while the soldier cocked an eyebrow, the three of them lounging in the common room after a morning briefing to meet their newest team mate.

"You're both willing to pay me $200 just to date y/n without falling in love?" Bucky deadpanned staring at his two best friends, both with matching shit eating grins.

"What's wrong Barnes, scared you'll get your wittle heart broken?" Sam egged him on only to be met with a cocky smirk from the brunette.

"That's not a problem because I don't date" Bucky shrugged, happy to win easy money if all he had to do was ask the new girl out and date her for a bit without actually catching feelings.

He was never really the relationship type; the charm he used to have in the 40's was slowly making its way back and it was perfect for when he needed a quick fix. Long term was never his thing and he wasn't about to start now but he also wasn't going to turn down a bet when his friends seemed so keen.

Besides, his pride was on the line and it was only two months.

"So let me get this straight. I date her for 2 months-"

"No falling in love with y/n"

"-no falling in love and you pay me?"

Sam and Steve nodded while Bucky got up, shaking their hands to seal the deal. He already mapped out a plan to ask the new girl out, mentally deciding on an easy break up speech for when the inventible comes.

"Two months white panther"

"Wolf"

"Two months"

"Easy"

****

Bucky knew he was screwed after the first date. Just the first date. When he first asked her out, she gave him a shy giggle and he knew he wanted to hear that sound again. And again. And again. She gave him a little nod, shuffling on her feet and for a moment, Bucky regained his confidence. There was no way he'd have anything in common with someone so shy and quiet, winning the best was going to be a breeze.

Until she came down in a sun dress, ready to go out for for their date and she smelled like peaches and cream and there was that fucking giggle again when he got ice cream on his nose when they shared a sundae. Her hands were so soft when she swiped her thumb over his little mess, cleaning him off with a tissue while he blinked.

"You're so adorable, sarge" She gave him a bashful smile and his cheeks couldn't have possibly blushed more, his heart beating strangely fast. He wasn't really too sure what to do, usually it was him making girls turn into puddles of shy messes but her he was, more tongue tied that ever.

He wasn't sure what it was.

Maybe it was the fact that she asked him about the 40's, something he rarely got to talk about. Maybe it was the way she listened to him intently while he got lost in his memories, recalling happier times, the both of them laughing over stories about scrawny Steve before the serum. He'd been on plenty of dates before but none of them were like this.

(It didn't matter though, his main goal never left his sight...not really)

He asked her out again and he immediately put his hand to his stomach when she showed up in her workout clothes since he'd offered to train with her before their scheduled date. He'd fully intended to take control over the situation, gain the upper hand again by making her all sweet and shy with his subtle touches but nope.

Here he was with butterflies dancing madly around his tummy when she smiled brightly as soon as she walked through the gym doors; his train of thought long gone when as she dropped her towel beside his. He flipped her with ease, her much smaller form blinking up at him as he caged her under him. He didn't even have it in him to throw her a wink or a flirty smirk, giving her soft puppy eyes instead and helping her to her feet.

To his own surprise, he didn't even try to make a move to get her in bed.

He couldn't.

Not when he was genuinely enjoying conversation with her. Not when she looked at him with such trust and care not to break her heart. Not after she'd confided in him that she felt safe with him after about a month of dating. Bucky's mind, which was usually filled with filth and fucking was now filled with thoughts of her in a pretty white dress, walking down the aisle, ready to say I do. He thought about how adorable their babies would look, how beautiful she'd look pregnant, she was his dream girl, how he couldn't wait for the day it'd all really happen, he was falling in love for the first time in his life-

He. Was. Screwed.

****

"M'gonna marry her"

"What"

"What?" Bucky blinked back at his friends with wide eyes, not realizing he'd said that out loud; the three of them sitting around the living room again since you had gone out for a girls night with Nat and Wanda.

"Come again, what was that?" Sam grinned, sitting up straighter from where he'd been sprawled out on the floor while Steve nudged Bucky with his shoulder.

"Nothing" Bucky mumbled but the blush on his cheeks spread up to his ears.

"AWWWW" Sam howled while Bucky buried his face in his hands, "BUCKY HAS A CRUSH"

"You like her, huh punk" Steve grinned, not needing verbal confirmation from his best friend; both him and Sam saw the way Bucky started falling for you from day 1, not standing a chance of winning their bet.

"I do" Bucky smiled shyly, not bothering with a snarky retort, not when he'd fallen so hard for you the second he heard your laugh. No one bothered to bring up the bet again, the entire thing long forgotten. Sam and Steve couldn't have been happier when they saw Bucky's eyes light up every time he looked at you. You'd tumbled into the living room along with Nat and Wanda behind you, giggling and falling into the soldiers lap, nuzzling into him like a kitten between tipsy kisses.

Sam could've sworn he saw Steve flick away a tear, the both of them watching Bucky grin like a little kid with the biggest crush, melting into a puddle instantly with you in his arms.

"Hey Sarge" You gave him a hazy smile, sighing contently when he kissed your forehead and scooped you right up, holding you to his chest. "Missed you"

"Let's get you to bed babygirl" Bucky whispered, carefully taking care of you, changing you into one of his Henley's and completing your skin care routine since you couldn't in your drunken state. He kissed you good night, pulling the covers up and holding you close to him the entire night.

Nothing compared to the soft puppy he became whenever you were near him and it wasn't exactly a well kept secret. No one failed to notice the way he was head over heels in love with you. With each passing day Bucky loved you more, doing everything in his power to keep you happy, to protect you with his entire heart, there's was no way, absolutely no way, he'd every do anything to hurt you or lose you.

Ever.

One Year Later

You stretched, blinking at the sun that peeked through the curtains, feeling extra warm, cuddled up with you boyfriend who was the human form of a furnace. You were in no hurry to get out of bed, burying your face into his bare chest instead, breathing in his scent, humming contently when his thick arms wrapped you impossibly closer.

"Happy anniversary my love" Bucky whispered, his eyes still closed, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. He couldn't believe a full year had gone by since you'd stolen his heart. A full year filled with kisses and giggles and softness. There wasn't a day that had gone by where Bucky wasn't a complete simp for you (he'd picked out a wedding ring within month three and had it hidden somewhere in his room by month 6).

"Happy anniversary handsome" You kissed his chest where his heart beat steadily, giggling when he pinned you under him, attacking you with a flurry of feathery light kisses, "Bucky stop!" You squealed with laugher as he wrapped you tightly and let his scruffy cheeks tickle your shoulders, the both of you tangled in his sheets, having a lazy morning.

"I love you" He whispered into your hair, sneakily slipping his hands up your over sized shirt, his cool metal fingers stroking down your spine making you shiver. "So much, bella"

"I love you, Jamie" Your cheeks heated up and the sweet name he had just for you, only reluctantly getting out of bed after Nat had practically dragged you out of bed to go shopping. You didn't want to do anything but cuddle with Bucky all day but the red head didn't care, happily evading your privacy to barge into the room and whisk you away, throwing back a wink when Bucky mouthed a silent thank you.

Bucky had planned out the perfect anniversary, something he'd thought out for weeks. The compound would be empty so it would just be the two of you; he'd cook dinner himself, have some songs playing from the 40's with a juke box he'd managed to get his hands on and spent the entire night letting you know how deeply in love he was with you. He didn't care how cheesy it was, buying out an entire florist shop to cover the room and terrace with your favorite flowers, having some suspended from the high ceilings along with petals strewn on the floor.

He'd pull out all the rom com stops for you, giving everyone a task to keep you busy so he could set up for the night. Nat had been tasked with keeping you away until evening, only bringing you back in time for dinner. Sam and Steve spent the whole day hanging and putting up flowers, lighting candles and listening to Bucky ramble about how much he adored you. Tony worked on lighting and sound, tinkering with the music and setting it up outside.

To say you were surprised was an understatement. Nat had blind folded you as soon as you got back and instructed you to put on the dress that had been laid out in your room. You had no idea what she was talking about until you found a floor length gown along with a note sitting on top of your bed.

See you at 8 tonight my bella

Happy 1 year Anniversary,

Yours forever,

JBB x

You didn't waste a second, hopping into the shower, doing your makeup and spraying on your perfume that you knew he loved so much. You slipped the dress on along with some heels before making your way down to the now dimmed lights, the soft glow of candles warming the room.

You gasped as soon as your eyes landed on Bucky, standing head to toe in all black, a dashing smile on his face. He strode over to you, cupping your cheeks in his hands, pecking your lips sweetly, the scent of his cologne already making you woozy.

"You did all this for me?" You blinked back tears, his thumbs swiping them away .

"Anything for you doll" Bucky whispered, pulling you in for another kiss before leading you to the garden; a trail of rose petals covering the floor to the back terrace. Fairly lights twinkled, mixed in with the tiny stars that dotted the night sky; you didn't bother with sitting in your own seat, sitting in Bucky's lap instead while your both sipped on champagne.

It didn't take long for him to swoop you off your feet so he could sway with you instead, music playing softly in the background while he whispered sweet nothings, only sitting down again so he could feed you the dessert he'd spend the whole afternoon making for you.

"I can't believe you did all this for me Bucky" You said sincerely, holding his face in your hands, gazing into his soft blue eyes, "You're perfect my Jamie"

"You're my perfect gift doll"

"Oh! I have to get you your gift!" You realized you'd left it in your room between a spoon of chocolate cake Bucky was feeding you, hopping up from his lap to get it. You scurried off to your room, giddy over the present you'd put together for Bucky, the whole gift taking months of planning to get everything to come in time. You rummaged through your closet, grabbing the carefully wrapped box and returning to the hall, excited to see his face when he opened his present.

You passed by Steve's room stopping dead in your tracks at the words you heard, your feet suddenly unable to move.

"Can you believe this all started over betting he'd never fall for y/n?" Sam snorted, sitting on the couch in Steve's room, the both of them munching on the scraps of chocolate cake and sipping on beer while watching a movie.

"All over 200 bucks, remember he was so sure of himself"

You felt like you'd swallowed cotton, your mouth dry, finding it difficult to swallow. You wanted to turn back time, wishing you'd never heard that conversation, or maybe it was all a misunderstanding, Bucky would never do that, not your Bucky.

"Didn't you tell him he'd only have to date her for 2 months?"

"2 months and 200 dollars, terminator shook on it"

"He even had a break up speech ready"

You gripped tightly onto the present, dashing away from the room, unable to bear more of the conversation. Your heart was hammering out of your chest as you shakily made your way back to Bucky, it just couldn't be true.

Could it?

Did he really only ask you out because his friends made a bet with him?

Bucky smiled when he saw you return, opening his arms for you to slink onto his lap again. His smile disappeared when you kept your eyes down, fumbling with the gift in your hand, staying rooted in place in front of him instead of cuddling up with him like you always did.

"Baby? Is everything okay?" Bucky got up from his seat, carefully making his way over to you. He tipped your face up, surprised to find your eyes wet with unshed tears, the corners of your lips quivering with how hard you were trying to keep from crying.

"You-you promise you'll be honest with me?" You tried to keep your voice from cracking, afraid everything you'd imagined with Bucky would come crashing down if what you heard was true.

"Of course" Bucky felt his heart race seeing your glassy eyes and broken expression, what could have possibly happened in the few seconds you were gone "Bella, what's wrong"

"Did you only ask me out because of a bet?" You tried to keep from sniffling, your heart breaking at the guilt that immediately spread across Bucky's face.

"Doll, I-

"So it's true?" You whimpered, stepping away from the man you loved so much, feeling a whirlwind of emotions, the gift you clutched onto slipping from your grip and onto the floor, "It was just a bet with Sam and Steve?"

"Baby, please let me explain-" Bucky wanted nothing more than to reach out and wipe away the tears he caused, his own streaming down his cheeks when you moved further away from him.

"Please don't" You shook your head, wrapping your arms around yourself, not wanting to feel his touch you knew you'd instantly melt into. "Just don't James"

Bucky was ready to drop to his knees and beg for forgiveness, beg for you to call him all the sweet names reserved just for him but you dashed back into the compound, slapping your hand over your mouth to muffle your sobs.

"Sweetheart wait, please don't go, just let me explain baby, I love you so much" Bucky trailed after you, quickly swiping his dampened cheeks, catching you in the elevator just before it closed. "Y/n, I love you doll, I'm sorry, it started that way but-

"It's not your fault" You quickly wiped away the new wave of tears that stung your eyes, desperately pushing the button to take you to your room faster, "I-I should've known you wouldn't have been into me in the first place"

"Y/n, that's not true sweetheart, don't say that baby, please"

"I thought you really liked me, I-I didn't know someone had to pay you to date me"

You felt stupid, ridiculous, ashamed, how did you ever think someone like Bucky, the handsome ladies man from day one, would suddenly be into you, some random new trainee turned avenger. You weren't special, nothing about you stood out from others, there was no reason for him to give you attention.

It all made sense now, your heart splitting into two, biting hard on your lip to keep your cries down, you couldn't believe how stupid you'd been to think he actually liked you from the start.

"No baby, you had me from day one-"

"P-please don't l-lie to m-me" You hiccupped, making a bee line straight to you room as soon as the elevator doors opened, not looking back once. You locked your door before Bucky could catch up, ignoring his persistent soft knocks, begging for you to give him a chance to explain.

"Y/n, bella, please, open the door sweetheart, I love you, I promise truly love you so much, I'm so sorry baby, I need to talk to you, please" Bucky sniffled, his forehead pressed to your door in defeat, now letting the tears fall freely. He stayed rooted in place, slumping down with his head between his knees, running his hands through his short locks in frustration. The only thing he cared about was making you happy and he was the one who screwed it up.

You clutched onto your sheets, trembling as sobs wracked your body, thinking back to all the moments you thought were so sweet, moments where you thought you were both falling in love, now realizing they were nothing more than a ploy to get $200.

You remembered your first date, thinking about how cute Bucky looked with a tiny dollop of ice cream on his perfect nose, how nervous you were to swipe it off, your heart racing when you told him he looked adorable. It took every fiber of your very being to muster the courage to do that but it had meant nothing to him.

You had been stupid to think he liked you too when he asked you out again; you remembered the way your entire body felt like it had been lit on fire when he had you pinned you under him, growing bashfully shy when he helped you up onto your feet, everything a part of his plan to eventually dump you.

You felt ridiculous. You were not gorgeous like Natasha or enhanced like Wanda. What made you think the very Sergeant James Barnes would have his eye on you of all people.

You should have known.

-

"Do you hear that?" Steve paused the movie, hearing a muffled cry from the corridor, his brows furrowing at the sniffles that followed. Sam nodded with a frown, both men getting up and peering into the hallway, surprised to find the super soldier sitting against your door, eyes and nose red from crying.

"Bucky?" Steve was by his best friends side in an instant, kneeling before him, helping him up to onto his feet.

"What happened, where's y/n" Sam blinking hearing crying from inside your room, his stomach churning when Bucky shrugged, chewing on his trembling lip to keep from breaking down again. Bucky let Steve lead him into his room, sitting on the edge of the bed, gripping onto the sheets till they nearly tore.

"What the hell happened Buck"

"She found out bout the bet" Bucky whispered, fresh tears streaming down his face when he remembered how defeated you looked with betrayal. "She knows I asked her out because of it"

"Fuck" Sam hissed while Steve ran a hand over his face. They felt equally responsible for hurting you for having suggested the bet in the first place, also piecing together you must have over heard them when they were talking earlier. Steve was sick with guilt while Sam also slumped onto the couch, all three men feeling awful for hurting you.

"Did you talk to her?"

"She doesn't want to even look at me" Bucky shook his head before burying his face in his hands again, unable to stop from crying; there was a good chance he lost you forever and it was his fault.

"Just-just give her some time" Steve threw an arm over Bucky, while mentally hitting himself for being part of the mess, hoping you'd forgive his best friend who was deeply and utterly in love with you.

-

You woke up with a throbbing headache, staying in bed for longer than usual. You felt more embarrassed than the night before realizing others must have known the true nature of your relationship with Bucky. Not only did Bucky not really like you in the first place but he'd only even looked your way because he was sure he wouldn't fall for you.

You kept to yourself for the first few days. You'd managed to wake up earlier than everyone else so you could eat breakfast and train alone, only to eat dinner extra late after everyone had gone to sleep. It wasn't difficult given your skill set; you slinked about undetected, evading the other avengers every time they knocked on your door to check on you.

Bucky tried to find you every single day, spending each night falling asleep by your door, ignoring the worsening kink in his neck, hoping he'd get get to see you just once, one time so he could at least apologize to you properly.

Two full weeks had gone by and you some how only felt worse. You hated hearing Bucky cry when you walked by his room but then you'd remember what he did and you couldn't bring yourself to trust him again.

Bucky was a mess. He missed you more than anything; you were his baby, his soul mate, his beautiful sweet bella. He would've given anything just to see you walk down the hall way, anything to hear your voice even if it was you telling him off like he deserved. He wanted you to yell and scream at him, tell him what at ass hole he was, that he was the biggest jerk on the planet, that you hated him, he'd listen to it like it was music if he just got to see you again.

He got his hopes up when a new mission came up requiring all hands on deck; Tony called for a sudden meeting with the full team which meant everyone had to be there. Bucky ran off to the showers within seconds, scrubbing himself with body wash he knew you loved so much before throwing on a tight black t-shirt and jeans that made you all shy and giggly. He knew he was playing dirty, leaving the scuff on his face before spraying on a dash of cologne.

He had to look his best, even if it meant you'd throw your cute little kitten mug at his head. He nervously ran to the conference room, eyes flicking to each individual, his heart dropping when he didn't see you there.

"Damn Barnes" Tony whistled while Steve smiled sadly knowing his bestfriend was hoping to see you. "Who'd you clean up for"

"Where's y/n" Bucky's eyes were pleading with everyone, hoping someone would say you were just running late or that you weren't taking part in the mission.

"She's....she's at the head office" Tony sighed, "She wants a transfer"

"Damn it" Sam had now sat up while Bucky left the room with Steve following behind him. "He needs her, he really loves her"

"I-I can't lose her" Bucky sobbed, shaking his head, clutching onto the card you had given him on your anniversary. He'd read every word 100 times over, memorizing it to heart, careful not to crush the paper as he pressed it to his chest. "She's everything to me"

"Look, it's out fault too. We're the ones who suggested the stupid thing, we'll get her back" Steve gave him a reassuring squeeze and Sam nodded.

"I feel like shit man, the whole thing was meant to be a dumb joke, we love her too, we're not just gonna let her leave like this, not our y/n, okay? That's our girl"

"C'mon, lets go get your girl back, punk"

-

You frowned as you entered through the main doors of the compound, finding it unusually quiet when everyone should have been at home since they'd just gotten back from their mission. You felt conflicted after your meeting with Fury and Agent Hill, both of them asking you to reconsider your request to transfer. You told them you'd think about it but you were certain over your decision.

You couldn't face the team any more and your were too embarrassed to look at Bucky again. You didn't mind working in the office and starting over, figuring that would be the best way to mend your heart.

You made your way up to your room, a little red envelope sitting on your pillow catching your attention. You were wary as you opened it, your breath catching in your throat as you recognized the handwriting.

To my first and only love,

I don't deserve someone as sweet as you, but I can't bear the thought of you thinking I don't love you with my entire being. I know I don't deserve a second chance, but I need you to know it was always real.

Always.

I've kept it will hidden but it's time for you to see. It's in my favorite hiding spot for your eyes only.

With all the hugs and kisses in the worlds,

JBB

You knew exactly what spot Bucky was referring to, thinking back to the early days of when you were dating. On more than one occasion, Bucky had grabbed you into his closet, shutting the door when he wanted a few extra moments of privacy before a mission, showering you with 100's of kisses before eventually getting caught and dragged down to the hangar with a bashful grin on his face.

You reluctantly made your way to his room, letting out the breath you were holding when he wasn't inside. The scent of him alone already caused you to feel butterflies but you ignored them as you looked in the closet, finding a shoe box with another red envelope sitting on top for you to read.

To my sweet bella,

You had my heart from day one. You were never supposed to see any of this but you have to know. It's always been you.

Forever and only yours,

JBB

You sat on the floor of the closet as you carefully opened the box, inspecting its contents. Inside was an old, weathering diary with a receipt stuffed in the middle as a bookmark. You opened the page that was marked, surprised to find the receipt from the ice cream place you where you had your first date, the date of the entry a few days before he asked you out.

A new team mate has joined the group. Her name is y/n, y/l/n. She specializes in hand to hand combat and is a trained spy. Tony introduced us to everyone today. I wouldn't mind being her friend but I hope she isn't afraid of me, maybe she's just shy.

The next entry was from the day Sam and Steve made the bet

I doubt I'll forget this but I'm writing it down anyway. 2 months for 200 dollars. Seems stupid but what's the worst that could happen, it's not like she'd actually fall for me anyway.

Then there was the entry after your first date.

She's probably one of the sweetest people I've ever met; I don't want to forget this day, bet or not. She wore a sun dress and she laughed at all my jokes. She called me adorable. Her hands felt so soft. I'm sure its in her nature to be so kind but I wish it was just for me. Maybe I'll ask her out again.

A few days later.

I swear I'm falling in love with her more and more each day and she doesn't even have a clue. I don't know how to show her she's special to me, you'd think I'd be better at this. I hope one day she feels the same way.

And then

I love her. So much. Ma would have loved her. I hope one day she says yes.

You let out a wet laugh at the entries became sappier, each one detailing how hard he was falling for you, all the little details of your dates filling the pages, your heart breaking when you realized he wrote as much as he could remember so he'd never forget. He didn't mention the bet in any of the pages because he'd forgotten about it completely, fully focused on making you officially his.

The diary was sacred to him, a private place where he recounted his most precious memories, the one thing he'd never share with anyone but he decided to share it with you because you had to know. It was one of the few places he poured his heart and soul into with no filter, some of his darkest memories scrawled onto the pages but after he'd met you, it changed. Page after page filled with nothing but sweetness, pure and untainted love. You wiped the tears away, carefully placing the diary back in its proper hiding spot before making your way downstairs hoping to find him.

You found a trail of petals that hadn't been there earlier leading to the living room, walking to a very remorseful looking Sam, Steve and of course Bucky, all three men clutching onto teddy bears along with a blanket fort hoisted up in front of the large TV screen.

"What-what is all this?" You whispered, hesitantly walking towards them with Sam stepping forward first, wrapping you up in a bone crushing hug.

"We're really sorry sweetheart" Sam murmured into your hair, hugging you tightly against him, "we never wanted to hurt you, we love you baby, truly"

"You're special to us darling" Steve came over next, pressing a firm kiss to your head, his large arms holding you in a comforting embrace, "We're idiots, you didn't deserve that, don't leave because of us sweetheart, it's not the same without you"

"It's-its okay"

"It's not, we know it isn't but just know we really do love you, okay? Especially him" Steve whispered the last part with a small smile, looking over to his best friend who was anxiously shuffling on his feet, clutching the largest bear in his hands.

You hugged onto the two little teddies from Sam and Steve, kissing their cheeks before they quietly left you and Bucky alone for some privacy. You set them down on the sofa, suddenly feeling nervous when it was just you and Bucky, anxiety and embarrassment attempting to claw its way back up again.

"I'm so sorry bella" Bucky hesitantly reached out for you, scared you'd pull away, relief flooding his body when you allowed him to pull you in for a hug. "My pretty girl, m'so sorry, I didn't mean for it to happen baby"

"You-you really liked me after?" you felt silly for asking such a thing but you couldn't help it, you had to know, your soft doe eyes pleading with him to be honest with you, "You don't have to lie Bucky, it's okay if you didn't-

"You're breakin' my heart babygirl, of course I did. Of course I liked you sweets, I fell hard and fast for you, it would've happened with or without that stupid bed. I wouldn't have been able to resist that smile or that laugh, nothing would've kept me away from you"

Bucky scooped you into his arms and sat you down on his lap and he settled under the blanket fort, keeping you straddled on him while his hands wrapped around your waist.

"Believe me when I say you're the only girl I've ever fallen for, the only one I've ever wanted. I never ever wanted to hurt you baby and I'll spend the rest of my life making sure you never cry again, if you'd have me. I hate seeing you cry sweets, especially because of me. I just want to love you baby, please?"

His voice cracked at the end, bottom lip quivering as he nervously traced his thumbs along your hips. What if he lost you forever, he wouldn't know what to do with himself, not when he adored you so much.

"I love you y/n, you're my dream girl, my everything, no one else comes even close-"

You cut off his rambling, smashing your lips against his, a soft sob slipping past his lips between kisses as he desperately clung onto you.

"Do-do you forgive me?" Bucky sniffled, breathing out a sigh of relief when you pressed your forehead against his, nodding and slinging your arms around his shoulders. "Please say it angel, I-fuck-I'm so sorry, I missed you so much"

"I forgive you" you whispered, squeaking when Bucky pulled you to cuddle into the pile of pillows and blankets he'd laid out, wanting nothing more than to kiss and cuddle you between cute cheesy rom coms you loved so much. He smiled at the giggles you let out as he attacked you with unrelenting kisses again, breathing in your scent and feeling your body finally wrapped up with his again.

"I missed you so much angel"

"Missed you to Jamie" You kissed his nose, caressing his face as he nuzzled into the crook of your neck, knowing Sam and Steve were probably creeping from some corner. "I love you"

"Love you more bella" Bucky smiled, letting you pick a movie, pulling a fluffy blanket up to cover you both. "Loved you from day one"

[blackwood4stucky]

hoping these roses dull the pain, cover the scars and turn the page

author: aspen blackwood

james “bucky” barnes x steve rogers | mcu

masterpost | 🅴 | 🔞 | word count: 3,360 | complete

tags: alpha x alpha, drugged, forced sex, non con body bod, non traditional omegaverse, triggered mating, secondary gender modification, dark elements

"A peculiar scent fills Steve’s nose as he wakes slowly. He knows that scent, it is one that still haunts him, that whispers his failures in his ears like prayers." - There were turncoats on the Lemurian Star.

bingo fills + event prompts

ch. 1: hoping these roses dull the pain, cover the scars and turn the page

@anyfandomangstbingo | barely conscious

@anyfandomdarkbingo | fuck or die

@anyfandomgoesbingo | possessive alpha

@anyfandomkinkbingo | handcuffs

@badthingshappenbingo | mutilation

@buckybarnesevents

alpha bucky april | breeding kink + purring + double minimum requirement babb 2023 | failed mission [april prompt] babb 2023 [babb060] | held down connect 4 [c4013] | c1: sex slave

@catws-anniversary | theme: bucky barnes - metal arm

@deaddovekink

frisky february | drugged sex monsterfcking march | shapeshifting: transforming during sex

@eclipsingbingo | trail of blood

@fandom-free-bingo: valentine’s edition | aphrodisiac, bound

@hurtcember | forced

@julybreakbingo: post-july | sex pollen

@kinky-things-happen | transformation

@marvel-smash-bingo | forced orgasm

@mcukinkbingo: open round | torture

@multifandom-flash

omegaverse | forced mating round 2 [1028] | free space

scalding hot: consent issues bingo | non con body mod: extra fuck holes

@sebastianstanbingo | sex slave

@stuckybingo [5080] | kink: breeding

@stuckygeekevents: stucky geek bingo | captivity, kidnapped

@yearoftheotpevent | april: canon divergence

read: ao3 | ffn | sqwa

mini playlist

ch 2

[gyokujyn]

A Softer World Remix Masterpost

For the Captain America: The Winter Soldier 10th Anniversary Event, I may have gone a little overboard remixing A Softer World comics in the style of @asofteravenger. Here is a comprehensive list of every remix I posted, including the rejects which did not make the cut for the original event.

CATWS 10th Anniversary Event Remixes by Day

Key 💜: Personal Favourites ⭐ : Fan Favourites

🔴 March 26th: On Your Left ◽close enough for government work [prompt: PTSD; char: bucky] ◽is this progress? [prompt: first meetings; char: steve, nat, sam] ◽when home is a person SkyMiles won't get you there [prompt: the smithsonian; char: steve, bucky] 💜who the hell is bucky? [prompt: the smithsonian; char: steve, bucky]

🔴 March 27th: Steve Rogers ◽for a treat [prompt: guilt; char: steve, howling commandos] 💜guilt will quench a fire as surely as the thawing winter [prompt: guilt; char: steve, strike team] 💜haha that's a totally normal answer to the question [prompt: fave steve quote; char: sam, steve] ◽it's what they call a catch-22 [prompt: elevator; char: steve, brock, strike team] ◽put it on the list [prompt: Steve's List; char: steve] ◽what could go wrong? [prompt: camp lehigh; char: zola]

🔴 March 28th: SHIELD ◽either way I'll be leaving you bleeding [prompt: weapons; bucky, steve] ◽i'm so sorry [prompt: compromised; char: steve, nick] ◽it is cold. [prompt: fave scene; char: bucky] 💜probably the windows too [prompt: neighbor; char: steve, sharon]

🔴 March 29th: Natasha Romanoff ◽are you? [prompt: fave nat quote; nat, pierce] 💜as soon as he's dead i can be on my way [prompt: natasha romanoff; char: nat, bucky] ◽get loved loser [prompt: disguise; char: nat, steve] ◽now i want cinnabon [prompt: mall; char: steve, strike] ◽who needs good choices anyway? [prompt: redemption; char: nat, steve]

🔴 March 30th: TWS Cast ◽and they were first mates [prompt: tws cast; char: tws cast] ◽do you think we could catch lightning in a bottle twice? [prompt: press conference; char: tws cast] ◽shh he eepy [prompt: stunts; char: tws cast] 💜try a knife flip! [prompt: stunts; char: sebastian stan]

🔴 March 31st: Sam Wilson 💜c'mon sam it was one time [prompt: wings; char: sam, bucky] ◽extra virgin [prompt: fave sam quote; char: sam, rumlow] ◽have you ever known what it's like to feel the exhilaration of really flying [prompt: sam wilson; char: sam] ◽oops sorry maria [prompt: sam wilson; char: sam, maria] ⭐the graveyard of our memories [prompt: Dept of VA; char: sam]; all our mausoleums have eyes [prompt: none (bonus); char: bucky, steve]

🔴 April 1st: HYDRA ◽and in such creative ways [prompt: fave fight; char: bucky] ◽beatings shall continue until morale improves [prompt: project insight; char: none] ◽besides what grave could hold you? [prompt: strike; char: rumlow, steve] ◽how many gunshot wounds is an orgasm? [prompt: fave fight; char: bucky, steve] ◽oh it's supposed to be enemies TO lovers [prompt: fave fight; char: bucky, steve] 💜scream for daddy [prompt: hydra; char: pierce, bucky] ◽tony only watches vanilla het porn pass it on [prompt: project insight; char: tony] 💜what kind of monster leaves the milk out on the counter? [prompt: hydra; char: pierce] ◽you don't have to be the fastest runner you just have to be faster than Project Insight [prompt: fave fight; char: rumlow, sam]

🔴 April 2nd: Bucky Barnes ◽a ghost story [prompt: ghost story; char: bucky, steve] ◽and then you remember [prompt: memories; bucky] ◽baby did you forget to take your meds? [prompt: memories; char: steve, bucky] 💜but spare the rod and spoil the child [prompt: bank; char: bucky, pierce, rumlow] ◽i kicked off bucky's world revenge tour 2k14 and all i got was half-drowned in the potomac [prompt: revenge; char: bucky, steve] ⭐i've always been an overachiever [prompt: revenge; char: steve, bucky] 💜past tense [prompt: "but i knew him"; char: steve, bucky] ◽rlb [prompt: revenge; char: bucky, steve] ◽the unpaid internship of a lifetime [prompt: bucky barnes; char: bucky, zola] ◽what gives a ghost nightmares [prompt: bucky barnes; char: bucky, steve] ◽ya gotov otvechat [prompt: bank; char: bucky]

🔴 April 3rd: Cap Quartet 💜advanced car surfing for dummies [prompt: cap quartet; char: nat, steve, sam, bucky] 💜alexa play jolene [prompt: cap quartet; char: nat, steve, sam, bucky] ◽gotta catch 'em all [prompt: cap quartet; char: bucky, nat, sam, steve] ◽hi i'm captain america [prompt: bedside vigil; char: sam, steve] ◽or a blond carnie with hearing aids and really good aim [prompt: cap quartet; char: steve, nat, sam, bucky] ◽peer pressure [prompt: fave duo; char: nat, steve] ◽some people get both [prompt: found family; char: nat, sam, steve]

🔴 April 4th: To the End of the Line ⭐but you can't seem to convince them of that [prompt: devotion; char: steve, bucky] ◽cause i'm with you til the end of the line pal [prompt: to the end of the line; char: steve, bucky] 💜i stopped remembering the exact weight of your hand and now i only know it with a knife [prompt: 1940s; char: steve, bucky] ⭐or die trying [prompt: reunion; char: bucky, steve] ◽sorry officer we'll remember to use the gag next time [prompt: helicarrier; char: steve, bucky] ◽that'll teach me [prompt: identity porn; char: steve, bucky] ◽the good news it can't be illegal if there's no word for it [prompt: fave stucky scene; char: bucky, steve] ◽the safe word is jersey [prompt: devotion; char: bucky, steve] 💜this is not what getting railed means [prompt: helicarrier; char: bucky] 💜walt disney did not prepare me for this body count [prompt: identity porn; char: steve] ◽we've had too many next times already [prompt: schoolyard to battlefield; char: bucky, steve] ◽yes even that [prompt: helicarrier; char: steve] ◽you either die young or live long enough to become the cautionary tale [prompt: devotion; char: bucky, steve]

CATWS 10th Anniversary | REJECTS!

Key 💜: Personal Favourites ⭐ : Fan Favourites

Run | Series MasterPost featuring: ◽alexa play run this town by jay-z rihanna and kanye west [char: nick] 💜alexa play run by daughter [char: nat] ◽alexa play run (beautiful things)(highsociety remix) by awolnation [char: bucky] ◽alexa play run boy run by woodkid [char: steve] ◽alexa play run by onerepublic [char: sam]

Barbershop Quartet (feat. any two+ except Stucky) | REJECTS! ◽hands off the boots [prompt: natasha romanoff] 💜he's a smooth operator [prompt: none] 💜she's gonna bite someone [prompt: disguise] ◽untitled (working title: all of it goes) [prompt: cap quartet] ◽untitled (working title: do i gotta make more romanorogers?) [prompt: none]

Bucky | REJECTS! ◽and a whole lot of UST [prompt: helicarrier] ◽untitled (working title: are u new) [prompt: bucky barnes] ◽untitled (working title: head injury) [prompt: bucky barnes]

HYDRA (Pierce, Rumlow, Zola, et al. feat. others) | REJECTS! ◽and your very own unicorn [prompt: hydra] ⭐but i knew him [prompt: "but i knew him"] ◽gotta look out for your assigned alphabet soup guy [prompt: project insight] ◽i thought this was america [prompt: none] 💜like parking in a driveway [prompt: elevator] ◽the road to hell is paved with kicking your ass [prompt: none]

Nick (feat. the Barbershop Quartet) | REJECTS! ◽untitled (working title: and AARP!) [prompt: project insight]

Steve | REJECTS! ◽and almost dead is still slightly alive [prompt: steve rogers] 💜glory [prompt: steve rogers, character bleed] ◽it is a disney property [prompt: steve rogers] ◽knock knock mf (working title: this one might send me to hell) [prompt: memories] ◽untitled (working title: elevator) [prompt: elevator] ◽untitled (working title: good work ethic) [prompt: guilt] ⭐untitled (working title: trade off) [prompt: none]

Stucky | REJECTS! 💜alexa play who wants to live forever [prompt: to the end of the line] ◽all our mausoleums have eyes (alt panel) [prompt: none (bonus panel)] ⭐body language [prompt: reunion] ⭐he's a little confused but he's got the spirit [prompt: none] 💜how it makes you a weapon [prompt: none, memories] ⭐just your hand on my body again [prompt: devotion] ◽we call this a midwest goodbye [prompt: fave fight, helicarrier] ◽untitled (working title: terrorist) [prompt: fave fight]

[futurequibblerjournalist]

I get the Weaselys, but why are the Averys represented by Barn Owls?

Ps are we ever getting designs? Totally not a demand, just a curiousity! :)

It is not as much represented by name meanings and that sort of thing like many of the other animals representing the Sacred Twenty Eight families are, but rather a handful of headcanons mostly revolving around Edmund Senior.

When he was still getting to know his wife, Esther, he took inspiration from the animal kingdom when trying to woo her and like how a barn owl presents their possible mate with the prey they've caught, Edmund Senior gifted Esther a taxidermied rat and they now share a love for taxidermied animals. He will gift her small taxidermied animals on their anniversaries, Valentine's Day or simply just because and they will fawn over how well perceived it is together.

Also relating to Esther and Edmund Senior, female barn owls have spots while males are bare. Esther has a lot of beauty spots while Edmund Senior has none. It does not work for further generations since Edmund Junior inherited his mother's birthmarks but I like it for Esther and Edmund Senior.

The family also generally resemble barn owls quite a lot physically. The large brown eyes (that are only made larger by the fact that they very often wear glasses), the curved, hooked and bumped noses, sharp lips, the spots and the varied brown palette that the family is very fond of.

The name Avery also means "wise" and an animal commonly known for being wise is an owl.

It is also a small nod to Igor's fear of birds, owls in particular. Edmund Junior and Igor do not get along particularly well.

I hope that explains it! As for the crests, @literallysleepy is working on some, though whether he decides to share those publicly, I don't know. I doubt I'll end up making any but who knows! Maybe inspiration strikes, only time will tell!

[mrneighbourlove]

The Long Years Ahead: Ch 1. The Sunset

The age of peace came by, every year building a golden age. Sitting on her porch, Leere strummed her guitar, trying to come up with a new tune. Walking onto the porch, Sunny took a seat beside her. The blonde rancher had a radiance to her, even with years of experience now. Leaning over, she kissed Leere on the cheek, looking at her with almost pure fascination. 

Leere looked back over to her, being happily puzzled by her wife's expression. With a chuckle, she stopped her strumming. "What?"

Sunny shrugged, shaking her head. "Oh, just admiring the best choice I ever made in my life." 

Leere knew the feeling. Today, the two of them celebrated their 35th anniversary. It was a day of mostly relaxation, cooking each other their favourite meals, and receiving some gifts from old friends and family. The sage put her hand up to Sunny, brushing her cheek. "I feel the same way."

Despite their difference in age, with Leere being much older, out of the two of them, Sunny was the one with wrinkles on her face. Some of the golden locks of her hair had also started to turn a silvery white. Looking her over, Leere had a twinge in her expression. This was something that Sunny picked up on immediately. "What?"

"What do you mean what?"

"Leere Dragmire Ingo. Don't give me that. You have something brooding in that noggin of yours. What is it?"

Setting her guitar down, Leere knew she couldn't hide anything from Sunny. Relenting, she spoke her mind. "Sunny. You only grow more beautiful to me with the years. But I look at you, and then I look at myself. I don't have the same wrinkles as you. And I don't think I can grow white hair."

"You know many women would kill to look as clear and young as you."

"Sure, girls maybe. Those who don't have the wisdom to know that growing old with those you love is a blessing." 

Sunny raised a brow, before chuckling. "You have a way with words. You're probably a late bloomer. Maybe Mortuus are like those Hasai folk. You look amazing till you hit eighty or ninety, then age suddenly catches up with you. When that happens, I'll still love you. Prunes and all."

That got a roar out of Leere. Laughing, her worries were set to the side. "Prunes eh? I'll hold you to that."

Perched not too far away in a barn, Modoc, once known as Bonegrinder, shaman of the Echidnan’s and leader of the Hive organization, watched the couple carefully and quietly. After the war between Chaos and Balance, Modoc opted to live a relatively quiet life. For a while, Blue and White pestered him to return to Omisha. Yet, there were too many memories there for him of his mate and hatchlings. Mother even offered him a place in training the next generation of Echidnan shamans, but he declined for the time being, wanting some time to himself to reflect. 

Of course, there was the very irritating fact that he could not be separated from Leere for long. Since she had brought him back, and his fate was tied to hers, being apart was physically painful. So, he had opted to stay on the farm with Leere and Sunny. This made it very easy for him to annoy the necromancer whenever possible, but he was always courteous to Sunny and did as she asked. When Joy visited, he was more than happy to be her mentor and spend time with his nephew, Napochi, as well. 

Sighing, the Anagari lounged in a large cherry tree near the property. Galaxia had shouted at him to move his ass, but he had ignored her and the others. He did not necessarily care for Sunny's siblings, seeing most of them rather shoot him on the spot instead of treat him like an actual being with a soul. Grumbling, he popped a few more cherries into his mouth and tried to think of when Joy's next visit would be. She was very happy in Omisha with Napochi and expanded her studies of Echidnan magic and medicine.

Leere gave her wife another kiss, thinking things over. “How about this. No more magic.”

That certainly surprised her. “What do you mean by that?”

“Maybe if I stop using magic, I can actually start to look my age. I think I’m in my eighties. I’m a great auntie for crying out loud. I should look the part.”

Sunny held Leere’s hands gently. She knew how much of a commitment this was. “You sure?”

“I am. I love you my sunshine.”

“And you my moonlight.”

~

Leere kept her vows for another ten years. Time forever marched forward. Around her, those she loved grew old. People she cared for walked into the embrace of death. Siblings. Family in Law. Friends. Every day Leere looked in the mirror, looking for change in her appearance. But age had not touched her.

Her daughter was a fully grown woman now. Joy looked so much like Sunny in her prime. A prime that had since long vanished for her wife..

Sitting on a bench, Sunny was retired now. Her muscles had since softened, her hair had turned fully white, and her skin no longer smooth. This didn’t change the love Leere had for her, but it did break her heart. 

Making her way over in a blue dress, Leere sat beside her wife. “Hello beautiful.”

“Hello gorgeous.” Sunny watched as Leere’s lip curled into a smile. Every compliment her wife was given was an easy way to get her to feel better. “How was your day?”

“Fine. Just fine.”

Sunny, seemingly satisfied, slowly offered a hand. “Come here.”

Hiding her pain, Leere took her wife’s hand and nuzzled her nose. These days, Sunny enjoyed sightseeing on the bench and around the ranch. Leere took a long look out over the land of Hyrule. After all she did, why was she being punished?

Sitting together, Leere felt Sunny gently rub her head against Leere’s neck. It was comforting for certain. 

It didn’t take long for Sunny to fall asleep on the bench. Careful to not wake her as she rose off, Leere draped a blanket over her, making sure she’d be comfortable. Once she was done, she silently crept her way to the barn. Gripping the wood, silent tears came down as she cursed herself. “Please… it’s not fair.”

To the Anagari, time was creeping by way too slowly for his liking. Modoc had been dozing in the barn when he heard Leere make her entrance. Here the woman was lamenting her fate again. Grumbling, he tried to bury further into the hay but could not drown out the noise of Leere's silently sobbing. This was getting old really quick, especially during his nap time. Lately, Leere was so upset about Sunny aging, that it was driving the shaman up the wall. He figured it was something to do along those lines once more, groaning as he slithered out of his makeshift nest of hay with a loud yawn.

"What are you sniffling about this time?" Modoc leaned over the loft to look down at Leere, "You've been such a crybaby lately, just like when you were little."

Modoc’s callousness caught Leere off guard more than him hiding. With a quick wipe of her eyes, she turned to him. “What?”

"Look, if you're blubbering about Sunny or Joy, then you really should have thought through what you were doing in the first place." Modoc was still bitter about Leere bringing him back to life, and had very little patience with the woman now. "What's the big deal with you getting so emotional about them aging anyway?"

“I’m not aging with them you bastard!” Leere was bitter and reaching a breaking point. “I don’t know why!”

"... pfffffttt..." Modoc tried not to laugh, but failed in doing so. "Leere, are you really that dense?"

“I haven’t used any magic in over a decade now! I’ve cut my ties as a sage to the shadows. A Mortuus should be showing some kind of aging by now, shouldn’t I?”

"For all your brilliance, I never assumed this would fly right over your head." Modoc was not sure whether to laugh some more or actually feel sorry for Leere. Then again, it was her fault he was still stuck here, stuck with her. Sighing, he rolled his wrist in a dramatic flare, "If you want some proper answers, why don't you go ask that lovely death goddess you made a deal with?"

He then held up one finger, "And no, I'm not telling you cause I don't want you yelling at me for the next hour."

“I- I made a vow of no magic. Would she even come to see me?”

"You don't have to use magic when you go to her temple, just a sacrifice of blood." Modoc reminded Leere, "There's one here in Hyrule, in Omisha, or in Lorleidi."

Leere took a breath. “Can I ask you to look after Sunny while I go to a temple? Or is that too much to ask?”

"Of course I can look after dear sunshine," Modoc stretched lazily and then slithered down from the hayloft. "She's tolerable, unlike you. And she's nice to me."

“You don’t have to be so cold.” Grabbing a horse by its reins and leading it out of the barn, Leere mounted herself up.

"And you didn't have to suddenly avoid me when you wanted to play house all those years ago, but you did." Modoc snorted at her words, the bitterness evident in his voice. He was close to ranting. "I was there for you, and you just... forgot about me. Forgot about us. Shunned me and the others because you were so afraid of 'monsters' influencing your precious baby girl." He scoffed, "Didn't even want us around. So, do forgive me if I'm still a little salty about that, not to mention the fact that, oh, I don't know, you brought me back from the dead?" 

He waved the conversation away in dismissal, "I'll keep an eye on Sunny and help her into the house. You go." 

Leere felt her mind race with over a dozen retorts. But they didn’t matter. She doubted he would listen. With a lash of the reins, she rode out of the barn and jumped over the fence to ride towards the temple of death. 

On her journey, Leere felt a sense of looming dread come over her. Frowning, she tried to shake it off as she arrived at her destination. Getting off and tying her horse to a post, she thanked some of the temple clerics for letting her in so late. Asking for some privacy, Leere was led to the central chamber. Here, she was handed a knife before the clerics left her to her dealings. 

Carefully, Leere took the knife, cutting her finger open. She let the blood drip down into a bowl. “Zarazu. Black as the night, cold as death. I summon you to answer my prayer.”

The goddess of death did not expect to be called upon by Leere so soon. Of course, time was different for deities than it was for human beings. To the heavens, time passed by so slow, while to the humans, it was fast. Rising from the black water, the goddess was accompanied by her beloved poes who existed to serve her and the rest of the afterlife.

"Shadow Sage," Zarazu floated in front of Leere with an expression of surprise mixed delight, "What brings you to my temple?"

Leere noticed that the poes that flew around the Goddess of Death this time were different this time. Instead of two brothers, four sisters flew around her. Red, Blue, Green, and Purple. Giving a customary respectful bow of the head, Leere spoke her mind. “Zarazu. I haven’t been a Sage for over a decade. I haven’t even practiced any magic. Yet I have not aged a single day. Time marched forward for my brothers, my sisters, and my wife and my daughter. Some have even been taken by your embrace. But time has danced around me. Thy own flesh has not wilted. My hair has not turned grey. I am watching those I love progress around me, while I stand still here. What is happening to me? Why am I still not growing old?”

The Poe with red flames laughed harshly. “This fool doesn’t know.”

The one in blue cackled in return. “I don’t think she does Joelle.”

“Maybe her brain has rotten Beth. What do you think, Amy?”

The Poe in green spun her flames around. “I think the goddess of death should break the heart of her 4th favourite mortal.”

"Now, now, calm yourselves and remember your manners," Zarazu told her poes with a soft chiding to her voice, "Remember, mortals feel and experience emotions and life differently than us." Turning to Leere, the beautiful goddess supposed that the recent Shadow Sage did not truly understand the details of her previous deal regarding Modoc. The Anagari shaman had definitely blasphemed against her and her counterpart, Ba'puu, many times since he was revived, so it was no surprise he did not elaborate upon the inner workings of Leere's 'punishment'.

She held up a hand, palm upturned, "Leere, do you recall the deal that you made before the war of Chaos?"

“Yes. We needed a powerful warrior that held knowledge of long forgotten magics that could be used against the forces of Chaos. Modoc was wrongly taken before his time, dying as a host for a God. He deserved another chance at life, as well as a chance to avenge his family. I took the oath after resurrecting him. That Modoc and I would be bound till death. If one of us were to die, the other would quickly follow. Come old age or combat, given the war.”

"Yes, exactly that." Zarazu still saw the confusion in Leere's eyes, so the goddess realized she was going to have to clarify. "Leere, if one of you were to die. Echidnans live several hundred years. Humans do not live so long." The goddess saw Leere's expression slowly start to change. "You tied Modoc to yourself, and in doing so, you also tied yourself to him." She gave a soft frown at the sudden realization dawning on the poor woman. "You will not age because Modoc is not aging."

Leere’s red eyes opened wide, the revelation hitting her hard. Her mouth left a gap, Leere couldn’t find her nerves for the moment. “I- I can’t-“

Flying around her, Meg, the sister in purple cloth and flame taunted the woman. “You can’t age. You won’t age. And we both know you don’t have the nerve to take your own life. Leere Dragmire. Did you think you were free from consequences? You made a point to live a long life, to deny Death of the flock she deserves. I’m surprised you are upset. You cheat death often enough. You will have a long, healthy life ahead of you. And when you die, Hell can have you.”

Leere looked to the Poe sister, anger being the first emotion to come back to her. “No! That’s not my fate!”

Meg split herself into four copy images, dancing around Leere. “In your youth, you destroyed the souls of others to keep yourself young and powerful.”

“Criminals! Murders! Rapists!”

“You denied them redemption or an afterlife. You are not a Goddess or a Demon. You never had the right. And then there is your friend. You tore him away from his afterlife.”

“To save the world!” Leere looked back to Zarazu, somewhere between pleading and yelling. “I don’t deserve this! I’ve done so much good in the name of others! Please! Let me grow old! Let me be with my family in the afterlife!”

"Leere, what's done is done," The goddess of death hated to see the woman so distraught, but it was part of the terms of the deal. The magic was already sealed. The deed was already done. It could not be broken. "You have done both wrong and right, bad and good, all which argues your case, but to mess with the soul of someone who has lived their time, comes with a price." 

She reiterated, "Sharp and Flat both agreed that your deal was fitting. It gave you the results you wanted, but also came with a downside for you. That downside... was being denied death yourself." Zarazu stated slowly, "Just as you denied Modoc his eternal rest."

Leere gripped her fists, shouting out towards the Goddess, her voice full of desperation. “Then sever the link! We both want to die and be with those we love!!! You have that power!”

"I do have the power to take the souls who are ready to pass on, Leere," Zarazu corrected the Mortuus with a sad smile, "But you have reset the clock. My touch," Her hand wafted through Leere as she was a specter, having no effect on the woman, "Cannot collect your soul until it is time. I cannot sever any links. I cannot give you death while your soul is still in the hands of my counterpart."

“I’m not a fucking martyr! I heard what Klinge did. He’s your servant. I’m not going to wait hundreds of years till natural death to be your puppet for another hundred!”

"Klinge made a deal to have the souls of the dead as an army," Zarazu told Leere, crossing her arms, "Not to bring back a loved one. In exchange, he is to be my servant until all of his line passes." She shrugged her shoulders, "Who knows how many hundreds of years that may take." Then she waved a finger in front of Leere's face, "No, not my puppet, my dear, you made no such deal. When you pass, then you have no work left to do."

The poes grew restless, each of their flames burning with anger, spite, and petty cruelty. Meg once again taunted Leere, cackling with her sisters. “She’s going to deliver you to the gates of nothingness, Leere. A fitting Hell for the empty woman.”

“No! I don’t accept that!”

"No one knows their fate until it is their time," Zarazu told the poes, "You can quit antagonizing her now."

“But it’s so fun.”

Leere scowled, looking up at Zarazu with a hatred burning in her. “After everything I did, this is my reward. When I see you again, I’m spitting in your face. Goodbye.” 

Angry, Leere turned the bowl over to sever the connection. Watching the Goddess disappear from sight, she held out a hand to say something, but was unable to. The poe sisters vanished alongside her as Leere stormed out of the temple. She would not accept this.

Back on the farm, Modoc had kept Sunny company after she woke from her nap. The Anagari was being good company to the old woman. Currently, she was laughing at a tale from the shaman's youth.

"Ah, I see how it is, laughing at my pain?" Modoc could not help but chuckle a bit too, "Yes, I know that it was pretty funny that I fell out of the tree into the river while I was spying on Akihara." He gave a small snort, "I never had the courage to talk to her, so I figured the best thing I could do was watch her from afar. Never thought the first time she talked to me, I'd be covered in algae and mud."

The old woman chuckled, rocking back and forth in her chair. “She had a sharp eye for certain. Sometimes playing the fool can have its benefits.”

"I certainly felt like a fool," Modoc gave a hearty laugh, "But I was a fool in love. It took me nearly a decade to woo her, you know?" He fixed the blanket on Sunny's legs with his tail, just in case she was cold. "I was training to be a shaman then. I didn't even have these yet," The Anagari rubbed underneath his eyes at the white tattoos there for emphasis, "She told me that she would be my mate once I became a shaman. You bet your ass I learned magic as fast as I could."

“I just had to scoot up beside Leere to win her heart. One look at me and she was head over heels.”

"Of course she was," Modoc grinned widely, "Leere has always had three weaknesses over her life. One, a pretty face. Two, a sweet personality. And three," He gestured in front of his chest, making a huge boob motion. "A huge set of tits."

Sunny merely smiled in response. “I’m glad I still have the first two.”

"You know that Leere was so smitten with you," Modoc rested his chin on his arms, lounging in front of Sunny. "That you were all she talked about for weeks. Of course, when I said I wanted to meet you, she vetoed that idea." He admitted to Sunny, "I'm still pretty salty about her saying I'd be a bad influence." The Anagari held up his nose, pretending to be super offended, but making light of it for Sunny. "Saying that 'monsters' have no place with humans." He then flicked his tail, "Joke's on her, I met you anyway."

“She never said that. It was a time of uncertainty. Raising a daughter during… that calamity. She never wanted Joy to be scared. But she never stopped caring about you Modoc. Leere just… you know how stubborn she can be. She doesn’t get everything right, but she tries her best.”

"Being stubborn never gave her the right to be a jerk." Modoc shifted his coils a little, "I should know, I was the biggest dick on the earth. Even when Prama was not influencing my mind, there were times I regret it as well. Even so," The Anagari sighed, the tip of his tail twitching back and forth, "Joy is happy. Napochi is happy. Sometimes, I wish Leere would just be..." He paused for a moment before managing to say, "Content. Always looking for, always expecting, always thinking of the worst. I used to be that way."

Before Sunny could reply, Leere galloped towards the two. Immediately jumping off her horse, her body was completely ready for a fight. Pointing at Modoc, Leere thrust her finger toward him, as if she could cut through as easily as a hot knife through butter. "Did you know? Did you know the truth?!"

Sunny called out, feeling the storm that was raging in Leere. "Know what? Leere, what's wrong."

"Modoc. He's the missing link on why I'm not getting any older. The bond we made is so that I share his lifespan. And because he can live for over a thousand years, I will too." Leere’s face was contorted with pain unlike anything she felt before. "Zarazu didn't tell me, when I made the deal with her. You can never take the word of a god, spirit or fey at surface level. But you could have saved me a lot of grief if you gave me time to process this. I'll ask again. Did you know?" 

Modoc already felt highly annoyed at Leere's anger. While the Anagari had always cared for Leere, and considered her a part of his family, after she brought him back from the dead, he was a bit more callous. More bitter. Definitely distant. Yet, he figured that he had to make the best of the situation for the time he was stuck here. The shaman figured he could at least watch after Joy and his nephews once more.  With an irritated sigh, Modoc rose upward from his comfortable, curled coils position and turned to face Leere.

"And what if I did?" Modoc retorted, his arms crossed, more so out of aggravation than any other emotion. "Why do you think I made you swear not to bring me back? I know the price of necromancy, the price that the goddess of death demands, I've seen it happen to others. I did not want that for you."

"I didn't have a choice. I wanted to save the world. And- and I wanted my friend back." Leere felt incredibly light, admitting her reasons; both selfish and selfless. "How could you not tell me?"

"How could I tell you?!" Modoc raised his voice a little, sounding a bit broken, even a touch desperate. His scales flickered across his body, an obvious sign of distress. It was clear this subject was bothering him. "How could I tell one of the people that I treasured the most that they're going to be stuck here?! Because of me?!" He threw his hands up, "And that there's nothing I can do to change it?! To make you hate me less!!!"

Leere's emotions boiled and boiled, and like a switch, all her magic she repressed started coming back to her. Dropping to her knees, she curled her hands into fists. Raising them in the air, she let out a primal scream of agony, slamming them into the earth. As she did, black ghastly energy surged out, screeching like exposed exhaust. 

Using her strength, Sunny found the courage in her to approach her wife. Kneeling down to her, she gently took hold of her. "Leere. I'm here."

Raising her face, Leere held an expression of complete defeat. "It's not fair. I'm going to lose you. And I won't get you back." 

"I'm here now."

"I'm so sorry Sunny. I'm so sorry for doing this to us."

"You did what you thought was best." 

"The spirits hate me. You should too."

"Hylia's light will always love you. And so will I."

"What- what do I do? What can I do?" 

"You cry. You cry..."

The Necromancer looked to her wife, listening to the softness of her voice. The comfort amidst the pain erased the woman’s guard around her emotions. It was in that moment of Sunny’s comfort that Leere's red eyes spilled over with tears. She held onto Sunny, afraid that she would lose her if she let go. Not since the loss of her mother, did she wail so much in her life. 

Modoc had no words for Leere. One of the benefits of being an Echidnan shaman was exposure and mastery of all kinds of magic, with the exception of necromancy and celestial. A downfall, however, was knowing all of the consequences. Now, since he and Leere were connected by their souls, his time was hers. It was a curse for the woman. There was no deal to be made with deities which did not have a price to pay.

As Leere sobbed and held onto Sunny, Modoc did not move from his spot on the porch. What could he do? He had been in Leere's position before when his family was taken from him. He wanted to die... but he could not.

~

Seven more years passed. In that time together,  Sunny’s strength started to whittle away. A much smaller woman, her hearing had started to go. Then her ability to travel far on her own. 

Every day, every single day, Leere would do her best to be happy and lively for the both of them. She would sing to her, dance when Sunny had the energy, and tell stories. 

Joy, a much older and experienced woman herself now, would visit often to check on her mothers health. She didn’t take to Leere’s curse with any enthusiasm. There was a day she stood side by side with her parents for a photo op. After looking at the photos, Joy felt her heart ache when she saw how old Sunny was in appearance compared to Leere and how she was older than her other mother, Leere, in physical health. Leere knew it too, and whenever they stared at one another for too long, a deep sadness grew between the two. Despite the familial bonds, truth was, Leere was starting to lose that sense of connection with her nieces and nephews as well. Both her and Joy were sometimes thankful the latter chose to not have any children. How would they ever explain to them the curse that had a hold on their grandmother?

One day, after Sunny was found slipping in and out of consciousness, Joy performed an examination on her. As Sunny slept, Joy sighed, looking at Leere. “Mom… I’ll be blunt. I don’t think mama is going to make it to tomorrow.”

Leere squeezed her daughter's hand, slowly nodding in agreement. Her voice was silent of any emotion. “Okay…”

Joy took a deep breath, squeezing back. Getting down on her knees, she made sure to look her mother in the eye at the same level. “Mom. I’ve made peace with Mama. She’s going to find peace in the Goddess’ Light. Have you found peace with it?”

Truthfully, Leere saw nothing she could do to fight this outcome, to change it. She wouldn’t force her family to stay young with her, even if it was in her ability to do so. Sunny cherished the life she had been given, and she wouldn’t want to alter it in any way. Despite this, Leere knew no amount of preparation would make her feel ready to say goodbye. “I wish I could have more time with her.”

Joy nodded, kissing her mother’s knuckles. “If she wakes up, spend whatever time you have left with her.”

Leere looked her beautiful purple eyed daughter in the face. “Joy. You can be here.” 

“I won’t be far. And you need this closure. Please mom.”

Leere nodded. Two more hours passed, the Necromancer sitting next to her wife. Every second that clicked by on the clock in the hallway felt like an eternity. Stirring in her bed, Sunny slowly opened her eyes. With a light creak of her voice, she smiled towards Leere. “Hello beautiful.”

Leere turned to her, returning the smile. “Hello sunshine. You have some energy in you for an adventure?”

There was still passion in Sunny’s voice, but the energy was long gone with her youth. “You want to tell me a story?”

“I was thinking I could carry you to the oak tree actually. Are you up for it?”

Sunny’s lips curled into the biggest smile she could muster. “For you. I could do anything.”

Carefully, with the help of Joy, Leere got Sunny dressed into her wonderful yellow sunflower dress, placing her sunflower hat upon her head. With a little piggy back, Leere gently carried Sunny onto her back. “Let’s go.”

Opening the door to the rest of the ranch, Leere didn’t have too far to travel. Just behind her, Joy trailed along. 

The sweet summer air blew through, with an orange sky that would set for another two hours above them. Leaning into her, Sunny murmured. “Leere?”

“Sunny?”

“You stay happy and full of happiness. You and Joy both.

“… I will.”

Leere didn’t need magic to know the moment was fast approaching. Sunny’s breathing grew lighter and lighter with every minute. Gently, Leere maneuvered her, cradling her in her arms. “We’re here.”

Sunny’s eyes gently rested on looking at the gorgeous shades of pink, orange, and purple that filled the sky. “That’s… good.”

“It’s a beautiful sunset, isn’t it Sunny?”

Gently, Sunny closed her eyes, a small murmur her only response. “Mmm.”

Looking out over Hyrule, Leere just watched the glorious colours over the mountain tops. Beside her, Joy settled down, holding Sunny’s hand. 

Leere felt a change. And tears silently streamed down her face without her knowing she started to cry. “It’s as colourful as you Sunny… Sunny?”

Looking down, the beautiful smile on Sunny’s face remained, but her life was over. Taking  Sunny’s hat off, Leere gently caressed the face of her wife. Her voice broken, Leere mustered all the love she could through the sorrow she felt. “Sunny? … I love you.”

Joy looked to her mother, her own tears staining her face. Gently, she did the only thing she could do. She hugged her mom, still holding her mama’s hand. For the Ingo’s, the sun had finally set. ________________________________________________________________ Leere and Modoc’s link keeps them bound, age not affecting the Necromancer. Despite peace being achieved for the world, can Leere face the price of this peace with the cost of time bearing down on her?  A collaboration with @ridersoftheapocalypse. I wrote the last section of this chapter on my own accord. Giving Sunny her send off was one of the hardest, emotionally difficult goodbyes I’ve had to make with a character. I hope you’ve come to enjoy her character as much as I have, and the light and love she represented for Leere. I am going to miss her terribly. 

Art by @s-kinnaly​. Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/712433336649400320/the-long-years-ahead-ch-2-moving-on

[ao3feed-stevebucky]

Together Forever: "ALN" Story (Pre-Serum Omega!Steve and Alpha!Bucky Modern Domestic AU)

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/dEJURjc

by loveforpreserumsteve

"Settled in the backseat, Bucky rested his hand on the center console, palm up. A simple gesture that let Steve know that he wanted to hold his hand. It didn't take even half a second before Steve was placing his hand in his mate's, lacing their fingers together. Steve knew that he didn't need a big party to celebrate their marriage, he just needed this. Together forever, till the end of the line."

-Modern Stucky AU -Smut and other mature content

BOOK 14 OF 14: GREEN SERIES

***I don't own Marvel or the characters of Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes, nor any of the other Marvel characters

Words: 1016, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Series: Part 15 of Green

Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America (Movies)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: James "Bucky" Barnes/Steve Rogers

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Domestic, Domestic Fluff, Domestic Bliss, Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Fluff and Smut, Kid Fic, Grandparents & Grandchildren, Non-Serum Steve Rogers/Winter Soldier Bucky Barnes | Shrinkyclinks, Pre-Serum Steve Rogers, Omega Steve Rogers, Alpha Bucky Barnes, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Omegaverse, Old Steve Rogers, Old Bucky Barnes, Anniversary, 50th Wedding Anniversary, Golden Anniversary

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/dEJURjc

[knotheaddesignstudio]

Wood and Felt Barn Owl

I decided to create a felt barn owl out of the scrap piece that I had from my lion. It was already cut in the shape that I needed, so the first step was staining it with a golden oak stain and adding poly to bring out the coppery undertones of the wood. I always finish the wood before I start felting so that I can color match my wool.

Stained and polyurethaned slab ready to go Next comes building up the head and body with core wool and a bit of wire armature. This takes a while. You need to felt it pretty solid and dry fit it into the wood as you go. I tend to sculpt with the core wool as I go, adding and dry fitting. In this case, my core wool was gray. This was only because I have a crap ton of it and not for an artistic reason!

Head and Body Build out From there, I build out feathers that match the wood. I included a picture of all of the different colors that go into a single feather. This is my favorite part of any wood and wool project. It may be why I am drawn to creating owls too. This is the second felt barn owl I have created. They are masters at camouflage! 

6 different wool color variations in a single feather

felting feathers that match the wood The final steps are layout and gluing (where felt meets wood) and then spot checking for additional ways to highlight the spalting in the wood.

Barn Owl getting finished Once I hung this sweet girl on the wall, I realized that her mate was nearby. These two remind me so much of my parents, who embody their personalized mugs (Grumpy and Happy), that I think I will name them Grandpa and Grandma. Hopefully we can convince someone to buy them together - their namesake just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary so lots of good luck will come with them!

Grandpa and Grandma Owl Read the full article

[jenhedgehog]

Barn Mates - One Year On

Barn Mates was first aired exactly a year ago today... and what a monumental episode it was for both Lapis and Peridot!

For those of us who were already shipping Lapidot, it was a dream come true – and for some of those who weren’t, it opened their eyes to a whole new (and now completely canonically viable) ship.

I’ve written about this episode a few times in the past, but it feels fitting to look back on it again today; for day one of Lapidot Anniversary Week!

So, without further ado...

The episode opens with Peridot wistfully speaking into her tape recorder about sharing her new home with Lapis.  Only a couple of episodes prior to this point, Peridot had made the decision to stay at the barn by herself whilst the other Crystal Gems returned to the temple. The fact that she now so enthusiastically wants to share her home with Lapis (as opposed to going back with the other Gems or staying by herself in the barn) just shows that she already has some level of admiration for Lapis.

Peridot says:

“Why don't we watch the sun come up and figure out what we're going to do with all this time, eh Lazuli?”

Watching the sun rise with someone is an old romantic tradition/cliché, so the fact that Peridot specifically mentions wanting to do this with Lapis certainly speaks some volumes.   And it also transpires...

...that this line was foreshadowing a scene that came later in the show – in Room For Ruby, not only are they watching the sun rise together (just as Peridot wanted to do), they’ve actually been sat together all night stargazing prior to this point, which is another activity that has obvious romantic connotations.

After Peridot has finished speaking into the tape recorder in Barn Mates, Lapis expresses her desire to live in the barn all on her own. Steven suggests that the barn be split down the middle, with each of the two Gems having their own “side”, which leads to a very interesting shot of the pair of them:

Notice how they’re effectively framing a picture that’s behind them.   This picture is of the barn’s previous owners – Greg’s aunt and uncle, who Greg described back in Space Race as follows:

“My aunt and uncle had a great love for aviation, and each other.  They cherished the years they spent together, and they held on to every belonging they ever owned.”

It’s interesting, then, that a picture of a happy couple has been placed directly in-between Lapis and Peridot in this shot.  This becomes something of a trend as the show progresses, with the picture being placed in-shot with Peridot and Lapis on occasion in a fair few other episodes, such as these:

This could well be foreshadowing a romantic relationship between Lapis and Peridot.  The fact that Greg mentions “aviation” is also something interesting to think about, considering that Lapis can fly and Peridot was the pilot of the Hand Ship back in Jailbreak.

Lapis isn’t keen on the idea of splitting the barn, telling Steven that Peridot is the problem:

“I can't stand the thought of looking at her everyday!”

This statement is now somewhat ironic because, in the episodes since Barn Mates, Lapis almost always has her eyes on Peridot – and gives her some extremely suggestive looks, too!

Peridot and Steven both try to assure Lapis that Peridot has changed, but she doesn’t want to hear it. Steven thinks it’s “sweet” that Peridot wants Lapis to see how much she’s changed since their last encounter, and he helps her to make an apology card which has a very interesting picture drawn on the front of it:

Steven may well have the intent of getting Peridot and Lapis to be friends, but he’s drawn them looking like an actual couple here; they’re even holding hands.

Eventually, after some persuasion from Steven, Lapis joins them – and a beaming Peridot hands over the card.  This still fails to win-over an unimpressed Lapis, much to Peridot’s disdain.

“It took me over an hour to compose [the message in the card], and I was the most sincere as per Steven's instructions!”

The fact that Peridot put so much time into her apology message gives us an indication of how highly Peridot thinks of Lapis – and how much she wants to make her feel better. She then spends some time deliberating what she could give to Lapis as a gift (upon Steven’s suggestion), and they come up with an idea...

“H-2-Oh my GOSH!” … “It’s a gift for you!  You know, ‘cause water’s your thing.”

Peridot’s mannerisms and tone of voice here are very flirtatious.  However, given Lapis’ previous traumatic experience of being trapped on the bottom of the ocean, this is another idea that falls completely flat.

And what does Peridot do?

“A pool?!  What a cloddy idea!  Of course she wouldn't like that!”

She actually blames herself for the mistake.  This is very uncharacteristic of Peridot, who normally has a very lofty opinion of herself and her intellectual capacity – which, again, shows how highly she must think of Lapis.  She even uses the word “cloddy” to describe her own idea; with “clod” being an insult that she usually only ever levels at other people when she’s at her most angry.

She then decides to make a very grand gesture...

...and offers her most prized possession – the tape recorder – to Lapis as a gift.

She’s very flirtatious in doing so here, as well.  With a wink and a smile, she tells Lapis:

“See, the ribbon is even blue.  I got yo’ number!”

Peridot has offended all of the other Gems at some point in the past, but she’s never been seen to perform as grand a gesture as this one in order to win them over. 

Peridot is, in a lot of ways, incredibly materialistic - she has been shown on more than one occasion to hold her very few possessions really closely to her.  By Peridot’s standards, handing the tape recorder over is essentially the biggest thing she could do for someone, which is a very clear indication of her feelings towards Lapis.

This gesture is completely lost on Lapis, however, who proceeds to crush the tape recorder in her hand.

Usually in these situations, Peridot would be distraught that one of her possessions had been destroyed (see, for example, Peridot on her knees begging Amethyst not to throw away her beloved tablet in Too Short To Ride).  However, this time, she actually seems to be upset by the fact that she’s managed to upset Lapis once again, exclaiming:

“What, were you trapped in a tape recorder too?!”

Peridot is exasperated by this point, and gives a very heartfelt speech which, I believe, really gets to the root of one of the key reasons why a relationship between Lapis and Peridot just makes perfect sense:

“Look, I get it, you know?  You’re confused!  You can never go back to Homeworld.  This place doesn’t exactly feel like home yet.  You’re alone, no one could possibly know what that feels like!  Oh wait, I do!  We’re the same, except…  you don’t have to be alone.”

She and Lapis are going through the exact same thing at basically the same time; namely, being stranded on earth with no way of returning to Homeworld.  There’s literally no-one else who they could bond with over this, except for each other – it’s a common ground that they share with each other and only each other.  It’s logical and sensible storytelling, therefore, to have these two characters stick together and share the experience with each other.  It puts them on equal ground, gives them both an acute understanding of each other, and enables them to both support one another as they adjust to life on earth.

At this point in Barn Mates, however, Lapis still isn’t having any of it.  Peridot, clearly at her wits end, asks what Lapis wants from her.  Lapis angrily tells Peridot that she wants her to leave... and that’s exactly what Peridot does.  She wants Lapis to be happy so much that she’s even willing to give up her home so that Lapis can live there instead.

As she walks away, Steven reprimands Lapis for treating Peridot so badly.  As he’s talking, Lapis folds her arms and shifts on the spot, her gaze meeting the crushed tape recorder on the floor.  Everything about her body language in this scene exudes guilt.  

Peridot comes screaming back towards them moments later, however – being pursued by a Roaming Eye that she’s convinced is after her.    

The trio flee from the ship, but eventually come face-to-face with it, which causes Peridot to cower behind Steven in fear.

However...

...Lapis steps forward, and glances back at a wide-eyed Peridot.

This scene is very important because it’s the first time we ever get to see that Lapis does actually care about Peridot, despite the pair of them getting off to a very turbulent start.  She steps up to defend the helpless Peridot from the Roaming Eye, and makes sure to specifically ask Peridot if she’s ok after the threat has been neutralised – proving that she didn’t only have Steven’s interests at heart when she took out the Roaming Eye.

What happens next needs no introduction...

Peridot has still, to this day, never looked at anyone else with such love.  The way that her hands are clasped to her chest makes it the typical “cartoon character looking at their love interest” pose.  That smile on her face is literally the biggest one that she’s ever given.  And Lapis’ deep blush, that she actually turns her head away from Peridot in an attempt to hide, is also a reaction from her that’s unique to this scene – and very much implies that the apparent feeling of attraction is mutual.  There appears to be some symbolism behind the sun coming out as Peridot smiles, too.  This could well be an indication that Lapis is warming up to Peridot and seeing her in a new light.  It also has a somewhat poetic quality to it, with the storm clouds (both literal and metaphorical) dissipating at this very moment.  

Steven picks up on what’s going on, giggling to himself as he looks at Lapis.  It’s also very interesting that Peridot’s loving look is still lingering even after the camera angle has changed – this is no fleeting “micro expression”, it’s a very prolonged and deliberate look...

...which was the first of very, very many that the pair of them have since gone on to give each other (the above images being a small handful of examples).

All in all, Barn Mates was the start of a very beautiful relationship between these two Gems, which has well and truly endured throughout the past twelve months – and has gotten ever stronger with each episode that they’ve appeared in together.

[giffing-lapidot]

It’s been 3 years since Barn Mates aired leaked!  (May 21, 2016)

[especdreamy]

Lapidot Anniversary Week—Day 2: Barn Mates/Selfie day

≪The two of them got caught up in taking pictures, playfighting for control of the camera and laughing as they made funny faces at each other.

Once they’d worn themselves out, Peridot stuck a cord into the tablet and wasted no time in using up all of the printer ink she had available to make copies of their pictures, even the horrendously blurry ones.

They didn’t really know what to do with them once they had them, so they ended up lying on the floor with a messy array of paper around them.

“I like these,” Peridot declared happily.

“Yeah,” Lapis agreed with a small smile. It was a little odd to see herself frozen in time in so many of the images, but it wasn’t bad, just a reminder of the fun they’d had earlier. It was a nice way to remember things, she thought. And a safe way to share them.≫

— Set Me Free by Cym70

It’s funny because I made the sketch of this like one month ago with the intention to “start already” but then I completely left it alone and now I ended up rushing the lineart/coloring.

As you may have noticed, this was based on a fanfic! And I gotta say that this one is literally one of my favorite Lapidot fanfics of all time, it also was the one that officially made me full-on Lapidot trash, so it means a lot to me.

@lapidot-anniversary-week

Extra:

[ladylazuli97]

Happy @lapidot-anniversary-week, lapidot shippers! 💚💙

Day 2: Lapidot selfie day 😄

[friskyfurball]

Lapidot Anniversary Week Day 2: Barn Mates/Selfie Day

I had so much merch, but sadly I procrastinated and I wanted to make it up for missing day 1 ^^; I took this pic months ago sporting Holic Mode’s keychain charms :3 I still wear them daily during and off work, I love these two. <3

@jenhedgehog @lapidot-anniversary-week

[furashuban]

I T S T H A T T I M E O F T H E Y E A R

HAPPY LAPIDOT DAY

[themangledsans0508]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Steven Universe (Cartoon) Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Lapis Lazuli/Peridot (Steven Universe) Characters: Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Peridot (Steven Universe), Steven Universe Additional Tags: Barn Mates Anniversary Week, Barn Mates Anniversary Week 2018, lapidot - Freeform Series: Part 2 of Anniversary Week(s) (SU) Summary:

A collection of the stories from Barn Mates Anniversary Week 2018

I’m a bit late with this one. Sorry it’s crappy cause I wasn’t in the fandom during the crackship days

@lapidot-anniversary-week

[gala-galore-blog]

rest in the summer 

[oitommothetease]

Long Story Short (3/3)

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x female reader (Modern AU)

Description : 

Long story short, it was the wrong guy Now I'm all about you I'm all about you

Word Count : 2.2k words

Warning : fluff, ex Steve, Bucky Barnes my beloved, Just Bucky being an amazing partner

Bucky Barnes does not do relationships. Well, to put it in better words; Bucky Barnes did not do relationships until he met you. As a marriage counselor, he had advised many couples to just get a divorce, and even though he had saved a lot of marriages, the bad ones always hurt him more. To be the person to witness unhappy couples was not the best profession. But again, to be the person to save a marriage or bring back the lost love made his profession the best in his mind.

He did not have hope for a future relationship. He tried dating, it did not work out, and then he became the man who always left after the night and never stayed over. Not only that, but he thought his life would remain the same, and he would become a miserable 60 years old that hated lovesick teenagers and would die in his bed alone.

Bucky’s life changed when he met you on the flight. You, with your obvious shittier life, changed everything for him that weekend. And that was two years ago.

He fell in love and that changed it all, things just started falling into place perfectly like a domino effect going smoothly. He called you the moment you landed and asked you out. Likewise, he was scared that what happened back in his hometown was some sort of escape for you. Luckily, it wasn’t, you said yes and he was ecstatic. 

The date went splendidly, you talked about everything from your careers to your embarrassing high school moments that still sometimes haunt you at night. He told you about his family and he came clean about what went down with Dot (She wanted a relationship, he didn’t and then he bolted). It scared you, Bucky was so different, you’ve never been with someone who didn’t plan everything out, but it was exciting nonetheless. He assured you that he wanted a relationship with you because and let's be honest, he was already very smitten.

He thought that was the best weekend of his life. You proved him wrong, every day with you was the best day of his life.

“This is technically our third date,” you suggested.

He gasped, dramatically placing his hand on his chest. “This is our first date to me and you’re already trying to get in my pants. Give me some respect, lady.”

You laughed, shoving a hand on his arm playfully, and he held your wrist, bringing your body closer to his. He wrapped his other hand around your waist and leaned down to leave a longing kiss on your lips. “ As much as I would love to stay the night. I wanna do right by you, doll.”

You smiled and leaned in for another kiss, foreheads pressed together, before you jokingly said, “FYI, I have already been in your pants before.”

That was the moment Bucky knew you were the one for him. 

***

Alpine fell in love with Bucky quicker than you could. On the fourth date when Bucky finally let you take him home, Alpine came from her hideout in the kitchen and sat on his feet. Alpine never did that with anyone, your friends had told you that you had the most hostile cat ever. Whenever a new person entered your apartment, Alpine either ignored them or attacked them, but with Bucky, she was affectionate.

For you, it wasn’t one moment that made you realize you were in love. Unlike Bucky, you had a lot of issues to deal with before you could give yourself completely to him.

Bucky never judged you, he gave you the time you needed and never pushed you when he was ready to acknowledge he loved you. 

Of course, the insecurities were also present, you’d have urges to go throw his phone or stalk everyone he follows on Instagram. You told Bucky, hoping he doesn’t call you crazy, but instead he gave you his phone’s password. Yes, now your face could unlock his phone too. He told you he trusted you, and you were it for him so if that’s what you needed to be sure, he would happily oblige and wait for you.

It took you six months to finally acknowledge your love for him.

When you were working on a divorce case, the wife told you that when her husband walked into a room, she didn’t feel anything. You got lost in her story and told her how when your boyfriend, your Bucky was nearby you felt calm, lighter even. She smiled and told you she would like to have a love like that. And your mind just went, ‘Holy shit, I am in love with Bucky’. After wrapping up for the day, you immediately rushed towards Bucky’s office, you couldn’t wait to tell him about your recent discovery.

You sat across from him at his office, anxiously fiddling with your finger. “Bucky, I need to tell you something important.”

He looked up from the file on his table and closed it before giving you all of his attention. He always did that which made butterflies erupt in your stomach. “Go ahead, doll. I’m all ears.”

 “I... I need to tell you something important.”

He nodded his head, encouraging you to go ahead.

You exhaled and said, “I don’t know how to tell you this.”

Bucky studied your features, concern quickly replaced intrigue. This is it, he thought. You’ve realized that he was a rebound and now you were breaking up with him.

“Are you breaking up with me?”

 “I love you.”

You both said at the same time.

“What?” you queried, standing up from your seat and moving towards his chair.

You settled on his lap, cradling him, one of his hands rested on your thigh and the other on your lower back, holding you still on his legs. “What?” 

“I love you,” you confessed, taking his cheeks in your palms and you gently pressed a kiss on his lips.

“Say that again,” a grin spread across his face, the corner of his lips almost reached his ears.

“I love you,” you said, beaming with adoration in your eyes.

“God, doll. I love you so much.”

***

After dating for a year, you decided to move in together. Every day with you had been the happiest day of Bucky’s life. It had been exactly two years since you met Bucky and he was so head over heels for you that sometimes he couldn’t even voice it. Maybe that is why he had a velvet box in his pocket, so that he could express his love for you without gathering the courage to say it.

Both of you decided that for your second anniversary, you were going to have dinner in your shared apartment that you made home. You planned to order take out with movies followed by lovemaking, whereas Bucky planned to make you his fiancé by the end of the night - which was also followed by intense lovemaking.

While on his way home, he stopped to pick up your favorite flavor of the cake. His phone vibrated in his pocket and he quickly picked it up without checking who it was.

“Hey, pal,” Steve’s voice greeted him, taking him by surprise. Bucky hadn’t talked to his best mate since - well, since he found out what he did to you. Bucky was furious that he hurt you like that and made you doubt yourself. The selfish part of Bucky was thankful, not for hurting you, but for leaving you because Bucky couldn’t imagine a life without you. And hopefully, after the proposal, he wouldn’t have to.

“Steve,” Bucky said. A silence lingered where both of them could hear the other breathing, but none of them knew what to say, if anything was even left to say. Both of them broke the silence together at the same time.

“Peggy and I are getting a divorce.”

 “I’m going to propose to Y/N.”

 “You what?” Steve asked.

“No, you what?” Bucky countered.

Steve exhaled through the device connecting two old pals and spoke, “Yeah, we tried, but it just didn’t work out. I don’t even know why I went back after the first time. I lost so much by just doing that.”

Both of them were aware of what he was talking about; you. Steve lost you from falling into old patterns with his ex-wife. Steve regretted it. Peggy’s pregnancy wasn’t planned and when she told him, he tied down the knot for the sake of his future family. It took Steve two months to realize that he loved you and not his wife. He didn’t contact you, you asked him not to. The only reason he invited you to his wife’s baby shower was so that he could win you back. He hoped seeing him would make you want him again, but when you walked in with his best friend’s hand in yours, he didn’t know how to react. He had lost you to Bucky of all people and he hated his mate for this, for taking away the best thing in his life. 

“Are you sure about her?” Steve questioned, hoping to raise some doubts and second thoughts in his best pal’s mind. He knew that was wrong, but he desperately wanted you back. 

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” Bucky answered dreamily and Steve could feel his heart crack.

Steve should have stopped, he shouldn’t have relented but Steve wasn’t a good man like you thought he was. Good men don’t cheat on women, good men aren’t selfish. “It's gonna change everything between us, pal. Is she worth it?”

 “Yes.”

Bucky didn’t hesitate in his answer and hung up the phone instantly. He realized quickly that anything that separated him from you or even tried to was not going to be in his life. Bucky was a possessive man and he would die rather than give up his two best girls, you and Alpine.

***

When Bucky came back, you didn’t expect him to kiss you so feverishly, as if he let you go, he’d lose you. He would never lose you, that you were sure of.

Your anniversary went down as you planned. Eating pizza and talking while the movie became a background noise was peaceful, domestic and everything else you desired. You could spend the rest of your life like this. Just you and him — and Alpine, obviously. 

Bucky was hiding something that much you could feel. You both always knew when something was up with the other. A tiny part of your brain panicked that maybe Bucky was cheating on you. He wasn’t; there were no signs, but your brain always mustered up the worst condition as a defense mechanism.

So, when Bucky got down on one knee with a ring in his hand as you were bringing the cake from the kitchen, tears welled up in your eyes. Bucky gently took the cake from you and placed it on your dining table before getting a hold of your hands in his.

“Doll,” he started, and tears were already starting to stream down your face. “ I love you so much that it physically hurts me sometimes. I never thought I would be fortunate enough to be happy, but God, you make me so happy and I can’t even…”

A lump formed in his throat and he tried again, “I had this whole speech planned and now I can’t even get a sentence out without crying. They make it look so easy in those rom coms.”

You chucked, stifling a sob that was threatening to break out. ” Nothing about us has been conventional. I mean, from the way we met to the way I’m proposing, but that is what I like about us. You are already my home, my family, my everything and I would like you to be my wife too. So, Y/N Y/L/N, would you make me the happiest man alive by marrying me? ” 

“Yes! God, yes, Bucky.” you beamed, holding his palm tightly, supporting him to stand up. He situated the ring on your finger before claiming your lips in his. He kissed you with so much passion and adoration that you felt that even if the earth swallowed you whole at that moment, you still wouldn’t mind. You’ll be glad because you got the opportunity to know and love a man like Bucky. 

After the very anticipated and passionate lovemaking, you settled your head on Bucky’s chest, limbs tangled together, and his arms wrapped around you, igniting you with warmth and love, so much love.

“Alpine is gonna get mad that I took her man,” you remembered, repeating the words you said all those years ago in a hotel room. You did not know where it was going then but God, you wanted it to go somewhere. Somewhere like this, engaged to him.

Bucky chuckled, reminiscing that night and weekend before pulling you closer, placing a kiss on top of your head and promised, “Alpine is not the love of my life, my future wife, my everything, doll. You are.”

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