#bucky makes his grand debut

[whowantsnachos]

Strawberry Champagne

Pairing: Helmut Zemo x Original Fem!Character (or you can insert yourself if you want)

Summary: After Madripoor, Zemo thinks Lydia should stop drinking. This is the result. (set post episode 3 FATWS)

Warnings: Swearing

Word Count: 2.4k

A/N: Lydia, my character, has like this fire magic thing that HYDRA implanted in her. She has a lot of scars because of all of the experiments and the injections, but she covered them all after she got out with different tattoos. Another thing, her hair does this thing where streaks of it will turn into like a brighter red / ginger than her regular hair color [kinda like Tonks is a good way to describe it] when her body temperature goes up. The language that is occasionally spoken is Serbian, but it’s supposed to be Sokovian, and I heard they were similar. Anyways, feedback and stuff is always accepted, given this is the first thing I wrote officially. Enjoy!

Lydia was sitting in bed, wearing an oversized Metallica hoodie with her knees close to her chest. Her dull, red hair was a mix of slightly messy and living hell. She thought about everything she had just witnessed in the past couple of hours with one arm wrapped around her legs and the other holding champagne. Lydia sat in the same position for about an hour or two, either thinking, spacing out or drinking. A sudden knock on her door made her jump in surprise.

“Yeah?”

“Can I come in?” she heard Zemo ask on the other end.

“Um, yeah, sure,” she said quietly.

He opened the door and stepped inside. He raised his eyebrows in slight shock seeing her so distraught.

“Are you alright?”

“Oh, I’m over the moon,” she said sarcastically.

“I apologize, I probably should have warned you ahead of time what we were getting into.”

“Yeah, you think? I can’t really blame you though, I should’ve expected all of that. I mean, it’s you, Sam, and Bucky, how could it have been any different? Anyway, it’s more my fault for agreeing to get into all of this shit again.”

“It’s not-”

“No, wait, that’s right! It's not my fault. It’s you three that dragged me back into this shitfest. Why am I blaming myself? I guess I agreed… regardless! Why am I the one to fix your guys’ messes, huh?”

“Ok, that’s enough champagne,” Zemo said as he grabbed the glass from her, sensing her getting mad.

“I wasn’t done with that yet,” she said sternly, reaching for the glass.

“Yes. You were.”

Lydia glared at him, and Zemo rolled his eyes out of annoyance, grabbing the champagne bottle from the side table next to her. He went into the bathroom and poured the rest of it into the sink.

“Why do you have to ruin my fun all of the time?” she asked, crossing her arms.

Zemo raised his eyebrow and said, “I’m not. I just think you would rather not have a hangover first thing in the morning.”

“How would you know? Tomorrow hasn’t happened yet,” Lydia cockily stated.

“Trust me, you wouldn’t.”

“Oh, you’re trustworthy now?”

Zemo gave her a death stare and Lydia looked down, realizing she might’ve hit a nerve.

“Sorry,” she murmured, playing with the edge of her sleeve.

Zemo softened his gaze a little and leaned on the doorway of the bathroom. He noticed the tattoos near her wrist, each one a different pattern or idea than the other.

“What are those for?”

Lydia quickly put her sleeve back down and said, “Nothing.”

Zemo titled his head to the side and narrowed his eyes at her but shrugged it off.

“Where did you find that champagne?” he asked.

“Um, I may or may not have stolen it from that club...”

Zemo’s face lit up in amusement, and he asked, “You stole two thousand dollar champagne?”

“Possibly,” Lydia said with a smirk.

“Impressive.”

“I can be spectacular sometimes.”

Zemo laughed breathly but didn’t say anything. Lydia wanted to thank him for helping her out when the shooting broke out, but she didn’t know if now would be the appropriate time or not.

Well, it couldn't hurt.

“Um, I wanted to thank you. For helping me out back there. It really means a lot to me, I mean, I know that I’m not your favorite person in the world, but-”

“What gives you that impression?” Zemo asked.

“You’re kidding me, right? You’ve shut down half of the ideas I had about how we were going to execute Madripoor, and look where we ended up!”

“I knew it better than you did.”

“Apparently not! We could’ve died, Helmut.”

“If we would have done it your way, that fate would have been met sooner.”

“You don’t know that.”

“And neither do you,” Zemo responded.

Lydia cocked her head and put her hands on her hips. Raising her eyebrows at Zemo, she went into the bathroom to grab something from under the sink. Lydia also noticed that some streaks of her hair lit up, but she hoped that he hadn’t noticed.

“What are you doing?” Zemo asked.

She answered him by holding up another bottle of champagne with a strained smile on her face as she was walking out of the bathroom. As she was about to open the bottle, Zemo grabbed it and put it on the bathroom counter. Lydia gave him a mock pouty look, and he rolled his eyes.

“You need to stop drinking, I’m serious. You giving me that look isn’t helping you,” he said.

“You sure?” she asked as she emphasized her look.

“Lydia. I’m serious.”

Her ears burned at the way that he had said her name, and she could only pray that her hair hadn’t betrayed her now. 

“And,” Zemo continued, “For the record, I don’t hate you or anything like that. To be honest, you’re the only one I can stand out of the ones I’ve met.”

Lydia raised her eyebrow slightly, and he quickly added, “Not that you’re the best of the worst, it’s just, how should I put this… I guess it’s more around the lines of ‘you’re smart and they’re not.’”

“Wow, harsh,” Lydia said with an amused look on her face.

“Well, it’s true,” Zemo said with a smirk on his face. 

“Well, if I’m so smart, then that means… my plan was the best.”

“Eh, I wouldn’t go that far.”

Lydia rolled her eyes playfully at him and walked back into the bathroom, but Zemo stopped her by closing the door halfway.

“Lydia,” he said with a warning tone.

Now, Lydia could see her hair quickly turn into a brighter red color, and she cursed herself in her head silently, hoping he didn’t notice, but she wouldn’t bet on it.

“Does your hair always do that?”

God damn it.

“Do what?”

“Change color like that when your name is said.”

“Um, no. Not to my knowledge, no,” 

Zemo narrowed her eyes at her while his attention seemed to turn to her hair. Lydia felt slightly embarrassed by his staring, but this only led to it turning brighter again. He smiled a little and said, “It’s a nice color; it suits you.”

She could feel her face burning mainly out of embarrassment and something else she couldn’t describe. Lydia jumped a little when she felt Zemo touch her arm. She felt her skin burn up, and he said, “I apologize, but I recognize this one.”

Zemo went to touch her arm again, but before he did, he asked, “May I?”

Lydia nodded, and he lifted her sleeve, intently scanning the dragon on her forearm. He carefully traced the outline of it, and Lydia felt her skin heat up with each trail he left. The way that he was looking at her tattoo sent shivers down her spine, but surprisingly, it was a nice feeling, considering she hasn’t felt anything cool in a long time.

“Змај,” (“Zmaj,”) Zemo whispered.

“What?”

“Змаj, correct?”

Lydia nodded, and Zemo hummed, “Yeah, I remember that story. My parents used to tell me that all the time.”

“My parents weren’t into the whole legend thing, they always said it was just a bunch of lies people tell to poison our minds, but I have heard it a few select times.”

“Your parents were quite the people, huh?” He laughed.

She laughed with him and said, “Yeah, they were definitely something, alright.”

“Well,” Zemo started as his hand traced bits and pieces of her tattoos before stopping at the palm of her hand, his fingers slowly intertwining with hers. “They raised well.”

Damn you.

She felt her skin heating up with every second, but she tried to contain it as much as she could. She looked over at the bathroom mirror that was mostly covered by the door, but she could see that dozens of streaks of her hair were lit up bright orange like crazy. He glanced back at her hair, and his smirk grew.

“Does it usually change when people touch you as well?”

“A-again, not to my knowledge, no.”

Zemo hummed again and began tracing the tattoos on her other arm before grabbing her other hand and running his thumb over her wrist. He carefully moved his hands up her forearms, tracing the shapes of her tattoos more fully this time, while pulling her closer to him. Lydia’s heart picked up even faster, not that she knew how that was possible. To her, it felt like they’d been spending an eternity standing in the doorway, but at the same time, it felt like no time had passed at all.

“Lydia?”

She took a breath in, and looked up at him, asking, “Yeah?”

It wasn’t until that moment that she realized how close they were to each other. Zemo’s breath lightly fanned her face, and his hands let go of her arms, slowly wrapping them around her waist instead. Lydia swallowed discreetly from his stare, and Zemo tilted his head to the left slightly and smirked at her.

“Do I make you nervous?”

“N-no, why would you? I could beat your ass into next year if I wanted to, what would I have to be nervous about?”

“I don’t know, you tell me. I’m sure your hair doesn’t light up around other people every time you stand next to them, or they talk to you.”

He pulled her closer and leaned his head down just enough so that he was only inches away from her face. 

“Unless… it’s something else that makes your hair light up whenever I'm around.”

After he said that, he backed up a little and looked at her hair. Several streaks of it were brightening up, lightly illuminating the aura around her head. He smiled and laughed lightly through his nose.

“If I remember correctly, ‘Miss Vesta’s abilities cause her physical appearance to change as well. Her hair will change into different shades if she has any sort of strong emotions, including, but not limited to: anger, stress, sadness, and attraction.’ Does that sound right?”

Lydia squinted at him in confusion, and Zemo chuckled, saying, “SHIELD’s not very good at hiding things like they think they are.”

Lydia sighed and looked to her right and then down at her feet.

“So, again, I must ask,” he started. “Lydia…”

He removed one hand from her waist and lifted her chin up to meet his gaze.

“Do I make you nervous?”

Lydia licked her lips and said, “...no.”

Zemo leaned in closer, guiding her face to his slowly. He stopped centimeters before her face, just like before, and she could smell his expensive cologne radiating off of him.

“Are you sure? Your skin is burning.”

‘Ко��иле.’ (‘Bastard.’)

“Maybe I shouldn’t-“

“Ох, забога.” (“Oh, for God’s sake.”)

Lydia put her hand in the back of his neck, pulled him down, and their lips met. Zemo’s grip on her waist tightened, and moved his hand from her chin to the side of her face, the extreme heat of her skin slightly burning his hand. He furrowed his brow and backed her up onto the doorway, allowing him to close any distance between them. The smell of strawberry champagne intoxicated his senses, and he couldn’t get enough of her. 

Lydia could feel every part of her body start on fire, whether she knew that’s what was actually happening to her or not. Her heart felt like it skipped ten beats at once, and heat filled her chest. She felt magnetized to him, and every break for a quick breath of air filled her with a sense of longing for more. Lydia thought her knees were going to collapse from underneath her, and she was grateful for the doorway behind her. She felt ripples of chills go up her spine for the second time that day, and the sensation of his thumb grazing her cheek only made it harsher. She felt her fingers become white hot, and she quickly retracted her hand to his shoulder, not wanting to burn him. She felt every bone and muscle in her body become the same temperature, and she felt the texture of the material of his shirt change. She removed his hand from her cheek and pulled away from him, catching her breath.

“I-I’m sorry. My skin… I can’t-”

Zemo shrugged and said, “To be honest, I never liked this shirt anyways.”

“No, you don’t understand, I don’t want to hurt you.”

Zemo tilted his head and raised his eyebrows quickly. He looked down and put his hands in his pockets, taking out the pair of gloves he was wearing earlier that day and putting them on. After he did that, he put his hands up and smiled at her.

Lydia lightly laughed and said, “I appreciate the gesture, but that’s not gonna do you much good. I’ll just burn-”

Zemo cut her off by saying, “I’ll take that chance.”

He kissed her gently, not wanting to make her skin burn back up again.

A sudden knock at her door caused Lydia to jump and separate from him, turning her head towards her door.

“Lydia? We need to discuss the plan for tomorrow. Have you seen Zemo anywhere?” Bucky asked through her door.

Lydia turned back towards him with a devilish look on her face. She whispered, “Play along,” and quickly pushed him away from her, a glare forming on her face.

“Yeah, he’s trying to steal my champagne.”

Bucky opened the door to the pair glaring at each other with murderous intent.

“You mean, I’m trying to take away the champagne that you stole from the club,” Zemo quickly countered, getting the message.

“Well, it’s mine now, isn’t it?”

“Alright! Look, she can keep the champagne, it doesn’t matter,” Bucky said.

“James, that was worth probably around two thou-“

“I don’t care,” Bucky said while giving Zemo a death stare before continuing. “We don’t have time for this anyway. We have to figure out the plan for tomorrow, come on.”

He left the room, and Lydia turned towards Zemo, raised her eyebrows, and dramatically put her hand out. He rolled his eyes and took the champagne bottle off of the counter and gave it to her.

“You’re only getting this because he likes you more than me.”

“And who’s fault was that?” Lydia retorted.

Zemo gave her an annoyed look as she laughed, and they both walked out of the room.

[elibabayblog]

Master list Pt.2

So, Tumblr has a 100-link limit on posts, and I didn't know that. So welcome to my second master list. I'll be updating this one all day as well. This list will include.

Sabrina Carpenter

Tummy Aches

Sebastian Stan

Dating Sebastian Stan

Dating Bucky Includes

Shirtless Bucky

Sharon flirts with Bucky

Sex with Seb = Baby

Mission gone wrong

Last date night

I'll wait as long as needed

The wait is over

Keep my man's name out ya mouth

"I don't deserve you"

Ariana Grande

She gets cheated on

Beach date

You and Ari get coffee

You tell her you are Poly

Valentine's Day

She plays in the snow

Undeserved Jealousy

Dancing the night into a proposal

You braid her hair

She is being used

Michael Jackson

Short

Family Time

Car Crash

Stalker

Missing

Loved

Suicide

The Effect of Suicide

Orgasms not Wanted

Home for Good

Meeting the Fam

Dove Cameron

Attack of the paparazzi

Runaway

Beaten and rescued

You surprise her at the studio

Locking eyes

She helps you get over a fever

You are lonely

She steals your blanket

Harry Styles

Cuddles

Meeting the guys for the first time

He has a bad day

He misses you

You get insecure

He leaves for tour

He posts you on Instagram

You have a make out session

He brings you flowers

You meet him after his concert

Adore you

Harry saving you from a creep

Pool party

Cheater? Maybe, maybe not

Graduation

"Can we kiss under the moonlight?"

Alone on Valentine's Day

Elliot Page

He hurts you

You are pregnant

He finds you wearing his clothes

You visit him in set

He meets your conservative family

He takes you on a date

He walks through the house naked

They tell you their new pronouns

He is sick

He asks you out

You are cold

He smacks your butt

He tells you he is trans

I have a proposition; marry me

Snowy Weather

Olivia Rodrigo

The Debut

She gets you ice cream

She falls asleep on you

She posts you on her Instagram

You find out she is pregnant

Cuddles

I hate you, I love you

First Date

Deja Vu

He doesn't love me, does he?

Lending a helping hand when needed

Donut Date

Cobra Kai

First Meeting- Miguel Diaz

Protective- Robby Keene

New Years Kiss- Eli Moskowitz

Opposites Attract- Robby Keene

Lost Scarf- Johnny Lawerence

Elizabeth Olsen

Billie Eilish

[vocaloightmares]

(fyi: this will NOT be applied to the SW mobile simulator concept, since it's just for fun to think about)

Soooooo a TW-related event that exclusively takes place on October until the first day of November.

The story starts off like this: on one of his missions/during his slice-of-life moment, Jerome saw a flyer about "the greatest show on the planet" taking place in Shanghai. This excites many of the SWs and they head over there to meet the director of the performance. However, Lance has a problem: some of his TTroupers, including his "star performer," went missing and this sparks an investigation led by Paul (including Kim, Badge, and "Shelia"). Throughout the story, the SWs gather the missing TTs that tell of a figure sweeping them and their identity later on.

-Lance is premium, Teen Wing and Rakumo can be unlocked as the player progresses near the end of the story. All three characters can be playable after the event, when the player gets them.

-TTroupers and KCarnies are included few by few before the debut of the October event, since some TTs are used in it. So, this makes Teen Wing, Lance, and Rakumo the only characters that are event-unlockable above.

Sisters Karakumo and Norogure (new name for the main "Kirby eldritch" antagonist of TW) are for something else...

-Teen Wing has certain activities with the following Super Wings: Jett, Jerome, Paul, Astra, Kim, Astro, Sunny, Lime, and Ellie

-Rakumo has certain activities with the following Super Wings: Dizzy, Donnie, Bello, Scoop, Remi, Bucky, Goldenboy, "Dee," and Goldengirl

-Lance has certain activities with the following Super Wings: Jett, Jerome, Paul, Grand Albert, Astra, Poppa Wheels, Astro, Sunny, Tino, and "Shelia"

[escapingreality1992]

Birthday Among Family and Love

Tony Stark x OC (AU where Happy Hogan and Pepper Potts end up together) - Jodie has seen her crush Tony Stark feign happiness during his wild birthday parties. Five years ago, tenderness and vulnerability is shared and they almost kiss, being interrupted by Thor. Present day, she plans a surprise party while he’s at a wedding. More tenderness is shared and feelings are revealed.

My foot tapped impatiently against the dark hardwood floor waiting for Tony to leave for the wedding. I needed most of the day to prepare the compound for the celebration. Something he wasn’t aware of. A party for the birthday boy, which in this case happened to be Tony. I know what you might be thinking. This party would be huge.

           Guests from all over the country would attend. They’d invite their friends and their friends would also invite their friends and so on. Bright lights and loud music would be seen and heard from miles away. It would be the talk of New York. Hell, the talk of the world. The extravagance of it would draw people in. Loads of money would be spent on him. He’d be showered in gifts.

           What you’re expecting to happen…wouldn’t be the event you’re hoping for. I’d seen the extent of his typical parties, including the ones he usually threw for his birthday. They were wild, fun and given the right circumstances would involve a bit of nudity. Fun for everyone. Except him. Are you surprised? I bet. Every year I watched as he threw away money on lights, on food, on anything he wanted to make his guests happy. Including us, his family of Avenger friends.

           I watched as he put on a huge smile and a flashy outfit to greet those guests. Watched as Tony made a grand toast with champagne and cake receiving lots of cheers when it came to an end. I saw him - when everyone turned their undivided attention to the party afterwards – slip away hours later. He disappeared onto one of the many private balconies, a somber expression on his face and it broke my heart. It didn’t help, either, that I had fallen in love with him. Though, I didn’t expect him to return my love.

           I don’t think anyone noticed his disappearance. Like I said, they were too focused on the party to care about him. All those guests seemed to care about was what he gave to the world as Iron Man. I almost think they preferred the hero to the man. The man with a heart of gold. An Avenger who couldn’t seem to rest.

           I’d been on the receiving end of his unhappiness one night. A night that brought clarity for him. I had wandered onto one of the balconies to catch a bit of fresh air away from the loud music and boisterous people. I had no idea it was the same one Tony took solace on.

           “Are you enjoying the party?” he asked. His voice startled me, and I spun around in his direction; my hand clutched my chest in fright, relaxing when I saw him. There Tony stood, leaning against the railing; he looked out onto the city, taking in its beauty or watching over it, maybe both. He had taken off his suit jacket, his black vest and white button up shirt - rolled up to his elbows - remained. He had pulled out the shirt from his trousers; a more relaxed look from how he normally dressed.

           “Jodie?” he questioned. I’d been too caught up taking him in, I failed to answer him. The moonlight on his features made him look handsome; more so than he already was.

           “I…I am having fun if that’s what you’re asking. Thank you,” I answered.

           “But? I sense a but coming,” My lips curled into a small smile. He knew me too well.

           “But I was hoping it was going to be a small get together. Only the Avengers. Not a hundred people crammed into a small building,” I told him. Tony chuckled and shook his head.

           “Everyone loves to come to my birthday parties. They’re so full of excitement and music and games. It’s the biggest event of the year. I’m surrounded by my friends. Who cares if they invite their friends as well?” he said, gesturing to the people gathered inside dancing to the music that played.

           “You do. I think you care a lot,” I stated. The fake smile he held for the world to see – and one I had seen past – faded from his lips. He turned back to gaze at the moon and the stars. I went to stand beside him, placing a hand on his arm. I slid it down to lace my fingers with his. Nothing was meant by it – only a friendly gesture; a comfort shared between two close friends.

           “It’s okay to want to be with those you love. Those who you love as well. I know you feel alone. I’m telling you that you are not alone. You’re never alone. You have us, you have me. I know these parties make you unhappy,” I said. The wind ruffled my hair, the strands coming to rest in the middle of my back.

           “They love my reputation. Iron Man. If given the chance, they would never recognize the man under the suit. The real me. I don’t think they would care about him,” he paused to glance at me. “How is it you see everything? How do you know what I want? How can you stand to see the real Tony Stark?” he continued.

           “It’s my job to see the things other people can’t. If I didn’t, then how could I protect the world? As for seeing the real you. Well, because he’s the one I love most. He’s proof that you have a real heart. You’re a good man with a heart of gold,” I answered. I leaned up to place a kiss on his cheek, one hand cupping his jaw. I felt the palm of his hand cover mine and I pulled back.

           He tilted his head, leaning in, his lips mere inches from mine. I wanted to close the distance, to kiss him; only a breath away…

           Loud banging from the sliding glass door made us both jump and break apart. We turned to see Thor with a goofy grin on his lips. He opened the door, loud music pouring outside, and stuck his head out the door to talk to us.

           “Karaoke time! You promised to sing a duet with me Jodie. Everyone’s excited for the debut. Come back inside. Rejoin the party,” he said. He left the door open, walking away and leaving us alone once more.

           “Jodie…” he began, but I shook my head. I cleared my throat, carding a hand through my blue-green hair, blinking back tears from my gray eyes.

           “He’s waiting on me. On us. We should go back inside,” I said. I stepped back from Tony to keep from giving into my feelings and returned inside the compound. I didn’t notice Tony’s shift in stance, my heart hammering in my chest as I realized what could have occurred between us.

               A hand covered my knee, distracting me from Tony. I looked up into the eyes of Steve Rogers.

           “Calm down. He’s about to leave. Don’t give him a reason to stay longer than he should,” he said. I nodded and concentrated on relaxing my nerves. If Tony saw my nervousness, he might question it and try to comfort me; my big mouth could spoil everything I worked hard to conceal.

           “Anybody need anything while I’m out? Cap? Jodie?” Tony asked, passing through the living room.

           “No. We’re good here. Enjoy the wedding,” I said. He gave a thumbs up and left. I released a relieved sigh, getting up to start the preparations for the party.

           “Who knew it would be Happy and Pepper getting married? I thought it would’ve been Tony and Pepper in the end,” Steve said. I shrugged, looking over the space in the living room. The party I had been reminiscing about happened five years ago. I managed to put the almost kiss out of my head for a few months, but my crush on him remained. A year later, my heart hurt when I learned he had gotten back together with Pepper Potts.

           People gushed over the relationship, questioning when they’d get married, if they would have any kids; I kept to myself for six months, thinking the same. It would always be them…until it wasn’t. Apparently, things didn’t work out with them as she had ended things once more deciding she’d had enough. I’d been there for him following the heartbreak, still keeping my feelings hidden. Six months later, we learned Pepper had started seeing Happy Hogan, Tony’s bodyguard. To everyone’s surprise. I think it hurt Tony, but he only wanted the best for them. Today was their wedding and he would be preoccupied with it not expecting to come home to a party among friends.

           “Is everything ready to go? The lights, the food, the drinks” I asked, ticking off the checklist in my head.

           “Natasha and Wanda will be back from the store in twenty minutes. I’ve got Sam picking up the lights and Bucky’s getting the alcohol,” Steve said.

           “Great. That’s great. What time will Clint be getting in? Thor, Bruce?”

           “Clint said it should be another two hours before he arrives. Thor is grabbing…more like kidnapping Loki and Bruce should be here any minute with Rhodey,”

           “Okay. Alright. Hmm. Want to help me move the furniture to seat everyone in here. Bring out a table to put the gifts on,” I said. We spent a half hour rearranging the sofas and chairs to be able to talk to each other without difficulty. A table was placed near the bar for gifts, another for the cake to be visible to all.

           Wanda and Nat came in and unpacked the groceries for the feast; some homemade items to create a cozy atmosphere in the compound. An Italian meal – spaghetti Bolognese – would be the highlight of the dinner; Wanda’s chicken paprikash and Natasha’s stuffed mushrooms would be secondary to the evening. Steve wanted to make chocolate fudge brownies while I set out to make a red velvet cake, the ultimate dessert to the party.

           Bucky was the next to arrive, toting two cases of alcohol; rum, bourbon, vodka, tequila and whiskey. He even picked up wine and beer in case someone preferred those to the other options. He lined them up on the bar for easy access later. Sam arrived next and I helped him hang the lights while waiting on the three layers of cake to cool.

           “What time is Tony expected to come back?” Sam asked.

           “Seven. Steve will be guarding the door, so he doesn’t walk in before we’re ready,” I replied.

           “I smell chocolate,” a voice commented.

           “Clint! You’re here,” Natasha shouted.

           “Miss me? I saw Bruce and Rhodey on the way in,” Clint said, giving Nat a giant hug. Everything was going to plan even Thor and Loki’s arrival; though Loki appeared as if he was about to have teeth pulled.

           “Lighten up mischief maker. It’s supposed to be a fun party,” I told him. He rolled his eyes at the nickname and went to stick his fingers in the frosting. I smacked his hand with the spatula making him blink in surprise.

           “Ow,” he said, feigning pain in the limb.

           “Please, it didn’t hurt you that much. Fingers out. You can have some after I’ve finished with the cake,” I said.

           “My, you’re bossy this evening. Has something made you anxious? You’re usually not this frazzled,” he said, scowling.

           “I’m sorry if I want everything to be perfect and I. Am. Not. Bossy,” I snapped. I narrowed my eyes at him. He only laughed at my outburst.

           “I wish you would relax, Jodie. It’s going well so far,” Steve commented.

           “So far. Don’t jinx it Rogers,” I warned.

           “I still can’t believe Tony broke up with Pepper. I thought for sure he loved her. I guess not,” Natasha said, swiping some frosting before I could stop her. I spun the cake to cover it evenly, pausing when her words sank in.

           “What do you mean he broke up with her? I thought she was the one who called it quits,” I said.

           “No. As I understand it, Tony was the one who called the relationship off. Something about being-,” she answered, breaking off when Steve elbowed her in the ribs.

           “Being what? Is there something you’re not telling me? Is there something more to the story? Oh, god, did someone cheat? It doesn’t seem like him. Not anymore, anyways,”

           “No. Sorry. I misspoke. Nothing horrible happened. Don’t worry about it,” Natasha replied. She shot Steve an unreadable look and went to set up the plates and cups on the dining room table. Now I was suspicious. What weren’t they telling me? I finished frosting the cake, placing it on the designated table.

           “Tony texted. He’s on the way back,” Steve said.

           “Okay, good. Go to the entrance. Keep him from coming in. Hide, everyone. I’ll get the lights,” I ordered. Everyone hid behind sofas and counters; I switched off the lights surrounding us in total darkness. I got the text from Steve, which read Tony had pulled up to the compound. I texted Steve to bring him inside and waited for the sound of approaching footsteps.

           “Why is it dark in here? Did we lose power?” I heard Tony ask. I hit the lights; everyone popped up and shouted, ‘Happy Birthday!’ Tony broke out in a huge smile and the party began. We plated food and sat around talking, letting go of the façade of being heroes. We were allowed to be ourselves, not the people the world expected us to be. Tony told us about the wedding and how he gave Pepper and Happy our well wishes. We laughed at the pranks Loki used to pull on Thor, listened as Clint told stories about his family.

           As the night grew late and we had our fill of cake and brownies, we poured our drinks of choice and stretched out on the couches.

           “I can’t being to tell you how great this has been. A quiet birthday with only us,” Tony said.

           “Thank Jodie. She planned the entire thing,” Steve stated.

           “Really? You did this?” Tony asked. Heat flushed my face as I nodded.

           “I thought you might like it. To celebrate with a version of family. To be with those who care about you,” I explained. Tony smiled one of those special smiles reserved for us only. One that melted my heart, turning it to mush. He stood up, drink in the air.

           “To Jodie,” he said. Everyone mimicked his actions. “To Jodie,” they called out. The heat grew more intense on my face. Tony sat back down, and we continued talking, eventually turning off the lights and settling for the ambience of the fireplace. One by one, each Avenger fell asleep curled up on the couches, until Tony and I were the only ones awake.

           He angled his head to the balcony upstairs. I nodded my approval and followed him up there.

           “Thank you for the exquisite evening,” he said. He slid the glass door closed.

           “You’re welcome. I hope it was a good birthday,”

           “The best. Who knew we had a talented group of crafters?” he replied. The gifts had ranged from wrist cuffs to beer steins, each one a unique style from each Avenger. There were some artists in the group; Wanda had impressed him with her quilting techniques. The only gift that hadn’t been opened yet was mine.

           “I’ve saved the best for last,” I said, handing him a box. He opened it, revealing a picture of him glancing at the moon. He didn’t know it, but I had taken a picture that night five years ago. Before he had turned to face me. In the corner, I had a custom-made replica of his arc reactor but in photo form, which had our names circling around the center; the words “my family” were etched in the center of the reactor itself.

           “I love it. Thank you,” he said. I nodded and pulled him into an embrace. Natasha’s words echoed in my head and I felt I needed to ask him to tell me the truth.

           “Did…Pepper really break up with you or is that something you only told me?” I asked. He shook his head.

           “No. She didn’t. I’m the one who ended it with her,” he confessed.

           “Why did you tell me something different?”

           “I don’t know. I guess I was afraid of admitting something I figured out a few years ago,”

           “Afraid of what?”

           “Admitting my feelings. For you. Five years ago, I realized I was in love with you. I pushed them back because I thought it was only the heat of the moment when we almost kissed. I was feeling vulnerable and worried those feelings might not have been real. When Pepper wanted to get back together, I wanted to give it another try. To make sure. I thought I had missed something,”

           “But…in the end, I didn’t feel the same way about her as I did with you. So, I ended it and spent the next few years trying to figure out how to tell you I loved you,” he said.

           “Did you? Figure it out?” I asked. My heart was hammering so hard in my chest, I worried he might hear it. Tony nodded.

           “I planned on telling you tonight. Before I knew about the party you surprised me with. After the wedding, I was going to pull you aside and tell you. That I love you. So, here it is. I love you, Jodie. There’s something I’ve been wanting to do. Ever since that night five years ago,”

           “Which is?” Tony answered me by placing his hands on the back of my head and pulling me into a kiss. It was soft and gentle, the prickliness of his beard making my chin tingle. It was full of untamed passion and I carded my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer to me as we kissed for the second time. His arms wrapped around my waist, clutching me close to his body.

           “Go out with me? Let us begin a relationship. See where we end up,” he said, pulling me in for another kiss. I nodded, pulling back to answer him.

           “Let’s end up together forever. I love you too. I have for a while,” I confessed. Tony kissed me again before holding me as we looked out upon the city, beginning a romance to outlast them all.

[jamie-leah]

War of Wolves

SEASON 1

EPISODE 1-His Ears Only 

Bucky x Reader

Summary: You have been on the streets for the past two years, ever since your accident that left you with the ability to tell if someone is lying. You work as an informant for the white wolf and his mob but you had never met him…until you overhear a phone call that leads you to saving his life. Now he wants you to work for him. Its an offer you couldn’t refuse…right?

Word Count: 1,219

Warnings: Mild Violence and swearing in this part, slow burn? 

A/n: My Mobster!Bucky fic is finally making its debut, hope you like it, all feedback is welcomed and tags are OPEN 

<---Teaser      Episode 2--->

War of Wolves Masterlist   Series Masterlist  One Shot Masterlist 

You were waiting in the alley between a small bakery and a dry cleaner. It was that time again, to meet up with your ‘handler’ for a lack of a better word. You were picking at your dirty nails thinking back to the beginning of it all.

You had been homeless for about six months when Ray had approached you. He had offered some money in exchange for information, gossip, sightings of certain people. You had accepted. The money wasn’t much in the grand scheme of things, but it would help you get some food to live off or some clothes to replace. Sometimes you’d even save up for a whole in the wall motel and have a shower and a bed.

Two years later and you were meant to meet Ray here in the alley like every two weeks. You were leaning against the wall, looking casual, but feeling nervous. These guys were dangerous, you were aware of that, but you needed the money.

You saw a guy from across the street in the same attire that all of the White Wolf mob wear. You just had a knack for spotting them now after working with them for so long. He was wearing black fitting combat trousers, but they looked almost normal. A black shirt was tucked inside the trousers and a leather jacket. His hair was blonde. This was not Ray.

You could feel your body tense. Your flight or fight was kicking in. This has never happened before, Ray has always turned up for your meet ups. You stay leaning against the wall as the man approaches.

When he reaches you, you can see the distain on his face for someone like you; homeless. He looks around before focusing on you, “you Y/N?”.

You just nod, keeping your mouth shut as he speaks again, “I’m Blake. Ray is busy with a new informant right now, told me to come here before you get too nervous and leave”. You study him and see no lie in what he says, so you relax ever so slightly.

You were just about to speak when Blake’s phone rings. He doesn’t spare a look at you as he pulls it from his pocket and answers it. You stay leaning against the wall, pretending to fade into the background. If you concentrated hard enough, you could get glimpses of the other side of the conversation.

When you heard the name ‘Bucky’, your ears really perked up. That was the White Wolf himself. You heard Blake saying, “he doesn’t know anything”. You then heard him say, “I swear I’m on board”, followed shortly by, “he’ll regret what he did to me. And as soon as he’s gone, you can take it all over”. There was some more conversation that didn’t make sense before Blake rolled his eyes in exasperation, “I’ve given you this information a thousand times. He’s going to a deal tomorrow with a new buyer…yes that’s the place. There’s going to be seven lower level men, him, Steve, and Sam…yes all three of them are going, that’s why it has to be tomorrow”. He ends it with, “keep me updated”.

Your heart is hammering in your chest. You’ve seen some of Bucky’s men complain about him before, even going as far as to say they would kill him, but you always detected the lie. This guy…he was seriously going to try and murder Bucky.

Blake walked back over a little towards you. You made it look like you were daydreaming, not paying attention. The great thing about being homeless is that people never thought you were listening. Most people forgot you existed.

Blake looks at you, bored, “what have you got?”.

You shove your hands into your pockets to try and stop fidgeting with nerves. This guy was a traitor and that made you even more weary of him, “I got information for Bucky”.

You try and keep it casual, not like you just came up with the information or the plan to speak to Bucky directly. The guy laughs, “yeah, that’s the point, all the information is for him. Dumb bitch”.

You don’t react to his comments, “I mean information for his ears only”.

Blake shakes his head, “I don’t have time for this. Just give me the information before I lose my temper”.

Your stomach twists. You’ve had a few beatings on the streets over the years, but that doesn’t mean you want one. But it’s not like you can tell this man what you need to tell Bucky, and if he really is scheduled to die tomorrow then you need to tell Bucky today.

You stand your ground, “I said it was information for his ears only”. His hand comes from nowhere, a slap so hard that you feel your lip slip instantly. The sting of your cheek and the warm blood dripping down your chin was nothing compared to the hammering of your heart in your chest. He grabs your shoulders and slams your back into the wall you were leaning on. You couldn’t help but cry out as he spits in your face, “you trying to be funny with me? Just give me the fucking information-“.

He was cut off by another voice echoing down the alley, “what’s going on?”. You both look over to see a taller and bigger build of a man, dressed the same as Blake and had sandy blonde hair. You knew enough to know that was Steve, Bucky’s right hand, the closest you’ve ever gotten to meeting Bucky.

Blake lets you go, and you crumple to your knees. You can feel your body shaking with adrenaline and fear. Blake speaks to Steve, “she’s messing me about. Won’t tell me the information she’s got”.

Steve glances over at you and you make yourself small under his gaze. You hear his reply, “get back in the car. Since you can’t deal with this, I will”. Blake shoots you a glare as he walks out of the alley.

Steve walks slowly towards you, “why won’t you give up your information?”.

You look up at him, your mind screaming at you to let it go, but your heart is stubborn. You study Steve for a second, “the information I know needs to be for Bucky only”.

Steve reaches a hand down to you. You look at it for a long time, but still Steve keeps his hand there. You think it must be a mistake, but as time goes on you tentatively reach your shaking fingers up to his hand. You leave it just outside of his hand, so he has time to back out, but he grabs your hand and pulls you to your feet. You’re surprised at how gentle he is.

Steve nods, “I’m his right hand, I’m sure you can give me the information and I’ll-“.

You cut him off, you were getting frustrated with the situation and didn’t think, “no. I need to tell him. I can’t be sure of anyone…I need to know he gets this information…its life or death”.

Steve studies you. He was surprised at your interruption, but his face became serious when you mentioned life or death. He nods at you after what felt like eternity, “follow me to the car”.

Permanent Tags: @glimmering-darling-dolly , @justakpopfan4 , @overlywhelmedfangirl , @marvel-th

WoW Tags: @crazyblonde124 , @summerwelsh (Let me know if you want to be taken off Lovelies!) 

[wazafam]

Following an out-of-character stint in Falcon & The Winter Soldier, could Sharon Carter be an MCU Skrull in disguise? Skrulls have been bothering the Marvel comic universe for decades, but finally made their formal big screen debut in Captain Marvel, where a band of refugees led by Talos were saved from the Kree by Carol Danvers and Nick Fury. Possessing the unique ability to shape-shift, Skrulls are natural infiltrators, rather adept at blending into their surroundings, and Nick Fury uses this to his advantage, recruiting Talos and others into his SWORD organization.

Talos and Soren later pose as Fury and Maria Hill throughout Spider-Man: Far From Home, and another Skrull approaches Monica Rambeau in the final moments of WandaVision. If that wasn't evidence enough of the Skrulls' increasing importance to the MCU, Secret Invasion is lined up to stream on Disney+ soon, currently assembling an all-star cast. The Marvel comic arc of the same name saw Skrulls launch an invasion from within, infiltrating Earth by posing as key figures and superheroes. It's safe to assume that enemy aliens are already hiding in plain sight on MCU Earth.

Related: Falcon & Winter Soldier Season 2? Everything We Know

After featuring in the Captain America sequels, Emily VanCamp made her return as Sharon Carter in Falcon & The Winter Soldier, but felt drastically different compared to how fans remember her. With strange behavior and plot inconsistencies abound, could Sharon be an MCU Skrull in hiding?

As Falcon & The Winter Soldier explains, Sharon Carter was exiled from the U.S. following her crimes in Captain America: Civil War, causing the SHIELD agent to break bad and become the Power Broker, dealing weapons and abilities to the criminals of the MCU. Even after America humbly pardons Miss Carter, she plans to exploit her SHIELD privileges and source even more dangerous goodies for Madripoor's black market, but this murky scenario leaves much unanswered. Why was Sharon punished so harshly when other Civil War participants were forgiven? What are Sharon's motivations as the Power Broker? And if Sharon got snapped by Thanos (which we know she did), how is the Power Broker's empire still standing after 5 years unattended, especially since Falcon & The Winter Soldier takes place a scant 6 months or so after Avengers: Endgame?

All of this would make perfect sense if the Sharon Carter seen conspiring against Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes in Falcon & The Winter Soldier was a Skrull. For this theory, let's assume the Sharon of the Captain America movies was an ordinary human. Thanks to the opening sequence of Avengers: Endgame, we know Sharon was snapped out of existence for 5 years by Thanos, so this means she either became the Power Broker before the snap, then slipped right back into her old position after the Blip (pretty unlikely), or she only became the Power Broker after the Blip and established herself within six months (even more unlikely).

Thanos' snap would've been the perfect opportunity for Skrulls to infiltrate - millions of lost identities to steal, and chaos everywhere. A Skrull could've taken Sharon's face during the Blip, settled in Madripoor and built the Power Broker's criminal empire. When Hulk's snap brought everyone back (a major inconvenience to the invasion effort, presumably), the Skrulls must've kidnapped the real Sharon, so their agent on Earth could continue the charade. This fits with several hints that suggest the Power Broker was active during the Blip. Firstly, Dr. Nagel was approached by the Broker after he came back to life, which hints Sharon was already up and running in Madripoor, and secondly, the Flag-Smashers (who weren't snapped, that's their whole deal) worked as the Power Broker's security. If the real Sharon was dusted, but the Power Broker was in operation, then the current Sharon must be an impostor. Furthermore, the inherent secrecy surrounding the Power Broker's identity would conveniently cover up why she looks exactly like a former SHIELD agent.

Related: How Did Marvel Get The Falcon & The Winter Soldier So Wrong?

As Bucky Barnes rightly points out, Falcon & The Winter Soldier's Sharon Carter is a whole new woman - bitter, angry and materialistic. This isn't just a turn to villainy, it's a wholesale personality transplant. Sharon has no qualms about killing folk, even via torturous methods such as the mercury cocktail gas, and not only is Power Broker Sharon cynical of superheroes, she also laments being apart from her family, saying, "my own father doesn't know where I am."

Again, these changes make far more sense if Sharon Carter was secretly a little green visitor from outer space. Assuming these evil, invading Skrulls are the antithesis of Nick Fury's peaceful pal, Talos, it follows that "Sharon" would hate do-good heroes. After all, Talos' people were rescued and relocated by Captain Marvel, the original Avenger, so any Skrull who stood against Talos would naturally take an anti-superhero stance. The lack of mercy Sharon demonstrates toward Flag-Smashers would come naturally to a Skrull insurgent, and the gas she deploys in the season finale could contain chemicals more other-worldly than Sharon lets on.

If Falcon & The Winter Soldier's Sharon Carter really was a Skrull, being separated from her family would suddenly track logically. Her appearance in the finale proves Sharon can slip into the U.S. without raising alarm, so why hasn't she sneaked a visit to her loved ones equipped with one of those nifty face masks? Perhaps when "Sharon" claimed to miss her family, it wasn't due to any American exile, but because they're on a different planet altogether.

As far as viewers know, Sharon Carter is 100% human in Falcon & The Winter Soldier, but a couple of wrinkles in her visual presentation don't sit quite right. In the final episode, Sharon uses a hi-tech mask to change her face and voice, surprising Bucky by joining the final mission in New York. Although it looks like the mask is responsible for altering Sharon's appearance, the apparatus could be a prop to hide the shape-shifting process, with the hidden Skrull transforming from random woman #7 back into Sharon Carter. It's good enough to fool Bucky, so the decoy could be how Skrulls use their special ability without raising suspicion.

Related: Falcon & Winter Soldier Proves Tony Stark Was Wrong In Civil War

In the standoff between Karli, Batroc and Sharon, the latter receives a bullet to the stomach courtesy of the Flag-Smashers' leader. Curiously, Falcon & Winter Soldier doesn't provide a close look at Sharon bleeding - possibly a deliberate move to mask her green Skrull blood. Sharon then recovers from the gunshot with remarkable speed (we know the Carters are double-tough, but come on), and this only adds to the suspicion.

Falcon & The Winter Soldier leaves Sharon's Power Broker motivations frustratingly vague. Why, even after being pardoned, is she so intent on shifting more weapons? Is it revenge? The love of danger? Money? Instead, Sharon's dealings could be part of the Skrulls' grand invasion plan. Infiltrating Earth in the wake of Thanos' snap was phase 1 of the plot; destabilizing Earth's defenses would be the logical next step. To this end, it makes perfect sense for Skrull Sharon to work as an arms dealer. Not only would she curate and keep the most destructive pieces for her own army, but creating other super-villains keeps Avengers and governments busy, clearing a path for the Skrulls to strike. Falcon & Winter Soldier proves this, with the Flag-Smashers managing to occupy Falcon, Bucky, and the U.S. military. Accessing SHIELD weaponry, Sharon can continue arming criminals across the world, distracting the Avengers from the true threat lying within.

The landscape of the MCU makes a Secret Invasion storyline tricky. Unlike the comics, it's impossible to suddenly declare major characters such as Captain America, Black Widow or Hawkeye secret Skrulls, waiting for their call to arms. Fans are already invested in those heroes, and a twist of such magnitude would play havoc with an already fraught MCU timeline. The likes of Sharon Carter, however, are perfect. Sharon is important enough for her Skrull reveal to be shocking, but not so pivotal as to disrupt the fabric of the MCU.

Falcon & The Winter Soldier's season 1 finale proved a relatively divisive affair, with some storylines hitting the mark, and others missing by a mile. Sharon Carter's Power Broker twist falls firmly into the latter category, as Falcon & The Winter Soldier offers no convincing idea of her purpose or motivations, nor any real explanation of why her character underwent such a drastic change of outlook, especially after the government's  red-faced apology. If Emily VanCamp really is playing Sharon Carter in Falcon & The Winter Soldier, then the Disney+ series has left the character desperately short-changed, retconning a much-loved figure for a relatively inconsequential shock twist. When the post-credits confirm Sharon has no intention of leaving her illicit activities in the past, her moral stance is so confusing, it's impossible to know whether she's a villain to worry about, or a wronged antihero we shouldn't give up on.

Related: Falcon & Winter Soldier Ending Explained & MCU Future Setup

Making Sharon a Skrull in Secret Invasion would retroactively nullify the criticism of her character from Falcon & The Winter Soldier. The MCU wouldn't have pointlessly muddled a popular MCU heroine, but cast VanCamp as an entirely new one. Rather than an inexplicably awful Sharon Carter, the audience is meeting a Skrull we'll come to know better in the future. While you can certainly question the wisdom of cramming Skrull setup into an already packed Falcon & The Winter Soldier, it's preferable to Sharon Carter becoming a baddie because she got punished for a crime committed in full knowledge of the potential consequences.

More: All 14 Marvel Movies Releasing After Falcon & Winter Soldier

Falcon & The Winter Soldier Theory: Sharon Carter Is A Skrull from https://ift.tt/3xqOXov

[youngavengersfeels]

Survival of the Fittest

Pairing: Stucky

Chapter: 1/?

Summary: Drowning in student and credit card debut and unable to find a real job, Bucky has to find alternative ways to earn some money. Getting offered a spot on 'The Challenge', a survival competition show with a grand prize of $250k seems like an amazing opportunity expect for the fact that the show is a couples competition and Bucky is perpetually single. Good thing Steve's always willing to help Bucky out.

Read on AO3

Bucky was stressed as fuck. Even though he was working two part time jobs he was seriously in danger of not being able to pay the bills. His dad said he wasn't working hard enough, because surely if he was really working as much as he claimed he was, he would be making enough money to pay the bills. Bucky kind of thought working 60 hours a week should be considered working hard enough but apparently his employers didn't agree. His mom said he was just bad a budgeting and offered to look over his finances to see what he could cut out. Maybe it was all of the avocado toast he was eating she had suggest forwarding him a facebook news article.

Steve wasn't really any better off; in a lot of ways he was worse off. After being laid off from a long line of part time jobs because he got sick so often Steve decided to just give up and do freelance work while he tried to find a full time job. There was no denying Steve was talented, but so were so many other people. When Steve did make money it was good money but there could be long dry spells in between work. His only saving grace was the fact that he was under 26 and able to stay on his mother’s health insurance. With Steve’s long list of pre-existing conditions they were all worried about what he was going to do when he got kicked off her plan.

So yeah they were kind of screwed. Bucky’s parents had grumbled about him living with Steve instead of finding a wife but Bucky didn't have time to date let alone try to find a life partner. Also there was no way in hell he would be able to afford even the shitty apartment he shared with Steve by himself and sure as heck didn't want to live at home, not that his parents wanted him there anyway. So yeah, he would really appreciate it if his family stopped making snide comments about his lifestyle.

Only once in a blue moon did Bucky ever get to sleep in. He wasn’t a morning person by choice but working customer service jobs sure taught him how to fake it. So when his phone woke him up on his one day off in the last month Bucky was about ready to murder the caller. He answered the damn thing with a barely understandable hello.

“Hello, I’m calling for James Barnes?” A voice Bucky didn't recognize asked. He only ever put his real name on job applications, which dear god let it be the Stark job, he would kill to work at Stark Industries. Bucky sat up because if this was a potential job interview he didn't want to be laying in bed.

“This is James,” Bucky said starting to pace. What was it about being on the phone that made you start pacing?

“This is is Phil Coulson with the Challenge. Your sister Rebecca submitted an audition tape for you and your partner. We would love to have you on the show.” Phil said.

“Wait what?” Bucky said dumbly because he had no idea what was going on. The Challenge was a reality tv show competition for couples. Bucky wasn't even dating so why would his sister submit him for that particular show out of all the competition shows.

“As I'm sure you know we've never had a same sex couple on the show before so this will be groundbreaking. We think you and Steve would be perfect,” Phil said completely bowling over Bucky’s confusion.

“Oh no, I don't think…” Bucky sputtered because there had to be some misunderstanding. Becca had to be playing some stupid joke on him.

“We’ll send you plane tickets and all the necessary paperwork. We start filming in three weeks, I look forward to meeting you and Steve in person we really this will be an amazing opportunity to get some diversity on the show.” Phil said hanging up before Bucky could say anything else.

Bucky just stood there phone still up to his eye for a second wondering if it had been a prank. If it was a prank call the person making it was very good since they didn't even give Bucky time to react. His phone vibrating letting him know he had an email jolted Bucky out of his stupor. He looked and sure enough it was from Phil Coulson of The Challenge sending him over a contract to sign as well has a basic itinerary of the six week filming schedule. Bucky tried to read the contract but he was no good at lawyer speak so it was as useless to him as the Apple terms and conditions.

Knowing that this was the real deal and not just some elaborate prank, Bucky quickly called his meddling sister. He was totally going to chew her out because why the fuck did she think sending in an audition tape to the Challenge was a good idea. Also when did she even find the time to make a tape, she had a full time job and two kids, didn’t she have better uses of her time?

“Becca what the hell? You submitted an audition tape for me and Steve to The Challenge? We aren't even a couple. Why would you do that?” Bucky yelled into the phone as soon as Becca answered.

“So I take it you made it in, congrats. You are always stressed about money and the winners get $250,000 so all you have to do is win. If you really don't want to do it just don't sign the contract, but have you even talked to Steve about it yet?” Becca asked totally unphased by Bucky’s anger. When they were little it was so easy to rile her up, but since she became a mom apparently nothing phased her anymore. Bucky wished he had that kind of self control, or better yet Steve. Maybe that would keep him out of the fights he always got mixed up in.

“Why couldn't you have signed me up for American Ninja Warrior or America’s Next Top Model? What made you think signing us up for a COUPLES competition show was a good idea?” Bucky said changing tactics because she did make an excellent point. He had been working his ass off since he graduated high school first to finish college and now trying to find a full time job and so far all that got him was a shitty apartment with his best friend.  How sad was his life that he had a better chance of winning a competition show then landing a full time job?

“Wow, you're really hung up on the couples thing,” Becca said with a laugh that irritated Bucky to no end. “Bucky, most of our extended family is convinced you are dating Steve, he'll even out parents are half sure you are and are lying about it, you get in that show and act like you normally do with Steve and the world will believe it,” Becca cackled. Bucky had force himself not to think about any of what she just said because that was going to lead him down a road he really didn't want to be on. “But seriously Bucky, this could be a good opportunity for you and Steve, at least talk to him before you delete the email,” Becca said in a much more serious tone.

“Fine, but he's probably going to punch or something for even suggesting it,” Bucky said half heartedly before allowing Becca to shift the conversation to talking about her son’s first t-ball game which Bucky had been forced to miss because of work.

Bucky couldn’t focus for the rest of the day, he kept thinking about what it would be like if they actually agreed to be on the show. Part of him thought it would be super cool and fun, because they would get to go to an exotic place and do some really fun things. The other part of him was terrified of being humiliated on national television. He was a pretty secure guy but he didn’t really want the whole country to see he at his worst.

His biggest problem with being on the show was the who couples aspect. The idea of fake dating Steve wasn’t really bad in itself because they had done that before to bail each other out of unformatable situations in bars all the time. But this was the first time a gay couple would appear on the show and it would be a lie. That made Bucky feel kind of shitty for potentially taking the opportunity from an actual couple.

The idea of potentially winning $250k was also very tempting. Even after taxes that was a lot of money that would really help them out. If nothing else they could pay off their student debt and credit card debt and just start over with a clean slate. It was kind of sad that he was fantasizing about winning a competition show just to pay off his debt.

Becca was right though, he needed to actually talk to Steve about it. He really didn’t know how Steve would react. On the one hand Steve didn’t know how to say no to a challenger and on the other he would probably be just as hesitant as Bucky to take the opportunity away from an actual gay couple. If the show was going to start trying to include more representation of gay couple it would probably be better if their first gay couple was actually in a romantic relationship.

Steve had been out all day meeting with a big client but still came home and immediately pulled out another project he was working. Bucky always tried to get Steve to relax and take some time for himself, but whenever Steve could find work he tended to go overboard with it because he was so worried about finding that next client. Bucky worried that Steve was going to overwork himself and make himself self sick, but Steve just said it was like the pot calling the kettle black since Bucky was over working himself too.

They were both chilling in the living room, just existing together in the same space. It was nice but Bucky was also trying to figure out a way to bring up Phil’s call. He wanted it seem natural but there was really a natural way to suggest they pretend to be a couple on national television to try and win $250k.  

“I’m going to put on a show for background noise,” Bucky said pulling up netflix. Steve just made an affirmative grunt because he really didn’t care.

Bucky pulled up The Challenge on Netflix because that would set the mood for the conversation. He watched the show for a little while slightly horrified by the actual challenges. None of the physical stuff looked too bad, but there was no way in hell he would make it through any of the challenges where they had to eat something for shock value. Bucky wasn't really a picky eater but still even he had his limits.

“So Steve, have you ever wanted to be on the show?” Bucky asked. Steve looked from his work and squinted at the tv, he probably hadn’t even noticed what show Bucky put on he was that engrossed in his work

“I mean that would require me to be able to date someone long enough to even want to do the show but I guess it would be fun,” Steve said not even looking up from his work.

“Would you really want to do all that stuff on national television?” Bucky pressed.

“Why are you asking?” Steve said studying Bucky.

“Phil Coulson called and offered us a spot on the show,” Bucky said.

“Wait are you serious? What do you mean us, we aren't a couple? Did they change the rules?” Steve asked finally putting aside his work. That’s how Bucky knew he had Steve’s full attention.

“Becca submitted an audition tape for us as a couple. Apparently the crew believed it because Coulson called and offered us a spot, sent over a contract and everything.

“Why would she do that? It isn't a very funny joke,” Steve said confused.

“She pointed out that the winning couple for $250k which would be awesome but It doesn't really matter that show is always filmed in some remote location I doubt you'd be able to handle the whole six week season,” Bucky said as if it was a checkmate.

“What do you mean I wouldn't be able to handle it,” Steve said eyes narrowing in a clear warning for Bucky To watch himself.

“I'm just saying they leave you out in the wilderness and make you survive on the land. With all you health issues it would be hard is all I'm saying,” Bucky said. Steve pursued his lips and Bucky knew he made a fatal mistake. He knew better than to every even imply that Steve couldn’t do something because of his health. That was a sure fire way to make sure he did whatever stupid thing Bucky didn’t want him to do.

“Fuck you Bucky. I can survive just as well as you could. We are going to sign that contract and we are going to win that stupid tv show,” Steve said finality in his voice. Steve tended to have the last word in these kinds of matters and all Bucky could do was follow him and make sure the idiot didn’t get himself killed.

“You know we would have to pretend to be a couple right?” Bucky said as a last ditch effort even though he knew they would be signing that contract.

“Because dating me would be so horrible,” Steve spat. Bucky's wanted to smack him because now Steve was being obtuse on purpose. That wasn't what he and meant and Steve knew it.

“Now you're just being self deprecating to be self deprecating. I'm just saying if we do this the whole world is going to think we're dating, is that something you can live with?” Bucky asked.

“I know you extended family already thinks we're in a secret relationship so might as well give them a show. Besides if we won that money would really help a lot,” Steve said with a shrug.

“Alright, I guess we're going to be on The Challenge,” Bucky said in resignation.

[jwesulm]

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Our award-winning, record-setting, sexy debut music video, A Hustler's Tale, has been retouched and re-released at the link at the top of our IG page! Be sure to like and subscribe,, cuz there's lots more coming soon on our band's YouTube channel and you don't want to miss it. To mark the completion of editing for our second official music video, for the hit single Things Said While We Dream, as well as our cover videos and the first songs of ourr upcoming second EP, we're putting out a remixed release of our trailblazing debut on the music and short film scene. A Hustler's Tale won a grand total of 10 prizes on the festival circuit, the most ever for a debut music video by a new band! This short clip is from a video segment corresponding to the song's outro, featuring the beautiful and talented star in the making Emily Soria and a skilled and resourceful cast and crew. We're so proud of all of them for their stellar performances amid some trying circumstances on filming day, so if you like the video, please make sure to follow and support them too! Other cast members in this clip include Bryan Carter as gang enforcer Luke Milosz, Kevin Tuftie as his fellow enforcer Lenny Swanson, popular actor Scott D. Gold as gang kingpin Tony "the Terror" Wales, and me as Hank "the Hustler" O'Neill. In the hotel scene are rising star Samuel Whitehill ( @samuelwhitehill ) as proprietor Benjamin "Bucky" Schultz, innovative actress and creative artist Keli Rowley ( @kelirowley ) as co-proprietor Anna Buchanan, and Michelle Claire Moffat as speakeasy bartender Sadie Lee. Also a shout-out to our always brilliant editor T'nia Harris ( @red2greenlightproduction ), our outstanding and versatile cinematographer Nick Saldivar ( @nsaldivar95 ), our diligent and ever on-the-ball 1st AD Chrystal Kim ( @chrystalmkim ) whom I literally can't say enough awesome things about, key grip Joshua Stephenson, grip Joshua Goldstein ( @rawemotionpictures ), 1st asst. camera Rashaun Richardson ( @rashaunrichardson ) and 2nd asst. camera Candice Torres ( @ _can_dice ). More to come! We are #KantKon Come join the hypno-intox musical revolution! (at Riverside, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzEDw1yHT6A/?igshid=2bdwzh0bycq5

[scotwresnet]

Photo credit Insane Championship Wrestling

It’s been an incredible year in Scottish professional wrestling and ‘The Oddity’ has been one of the best wrestlers in the country. BT Gunn has collected titles all over the United Kingdom this year and earned the number one spot in our Top 10 Scottish Wrestlers in 2017.

January

Gunn’s year started with a debut at WhatCulture Pro Wrestling defeated Travis Banks in Edinburgh. A quick defense of the Main Event Wrestling Tag Team Championships with Chris Renfrew over Alexander Henry and Joe Rage at Planet of the Primate and a return to WCPW to defeat Gabriel Kidd.

February

His luck continued into early February with a win over Austin Osiris at GPWA followed by a tag team victory with Stevie Xavier over Chris Brookes and Travis Banks. Coming up short in the ICW Square Go!, over at PBW he successfully defended his PBW Heavyweight Championship against Davey Blaze. Teaming with Jack Jester and Stevie Xavier to defeat Wolfgang and The Purge at Rock N Wrestle, then teaming with Chris Renfrew in a losing effort against The Bucky Boys in a Street Fight at ICW.

Two loses in seven days to Joe Coffey followed, first at WCPW then at ICW. It wouldn’t be the last time these two would get into the ring together. After coming up short in a four way over the TNT Extreme Division Championship a win over Michael Parks at GPWA rounded off the month.

March

Back to back title defenses kicked off March at BCW against James Drake and over at PBW against Jack Jester and Wolfgang in a triple threat match. He teamed with Stevie Xavier to defeat The Titans of the North at Source Wrestling, returning to ICW to trade wins with Joe Coffey in Bristol and Glasgow along with falling short in capturing the ICW World Heavyweight Championship in a four way including the champion Trent Seven, Chris Renfrew and Pete Dunne.

After retaining the PWE Tag Team Championships with Chris Renfrew over Ashton Smith and Rampage Brown at The Elite Rumble. Gunn spent the remaining of the month at WCPW, losing a seven way elimination match, teaming with the rest of The Prestige to defeat Bullet Club before making his way to the quarterfinals, defeating Lewis Girvan in the first round (watch here), in the Scottish qualifier of the WCPW Pro Wrestling World Cup losing to Drew Galloway.

April

On April Fool’s day, Martin Kirby scored the win over Gunn at WCPW State of Emergency which was bookended at the end of the month with Martin Kirby winning a 30 man rumble match for the WCPW Heavyweight Championship that included Gunn at No Regrets. He was part of Team Discovery Wrestling with Lewis Girvan and Joe Coffey in a losing effort against Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks. Three loses in ICW to Joe Coffey, Tyler Bate and a seven way for the ICW Zero G Championship. He successfully defended his BCW Heavyweight Championship against Pete Dunne and four defenses of the PBW Heavyweight Championship turning back Lou King Sharp, Krieger, Davey Blaze plus Lionheart and Sha Samuels in a three way.

Photo credit David J Wilson

May

Gunn defeated El Ligero at SWE Speed King to win the SWE Heavyweight Championship and teamed with Stevie Xavier to defeat Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz to start the month off with a bang. Despite a loss to Zack Gibson at the start of the ICW Fight Club Tour, Gunn fought back with wins over Lionheart, Davey Blaze and Kid Fite. A loss in a six man tag match at IPW:UK, teaming with Chris Renfrew and Jimmy Havoc, against DND and Tom Dawkins was quickly forgotten with a trip to Spain to win the RCW Heavyweight Championship over La Pulga the next week.

May was a very exciting month, two title wins plus a tryout with WWE at the O2 Arena in London. A great moment, sharing it with his Juzt Uz tag team partner Stevie Xavier.

June

Wins over Mark Davis at WCPW, then a PBW Heavyweight Championship defense against Jack Jester then a BCW Heavyweight Championship defense against Jason Prime (watch here). Following Drew Galloway re-signing with WWE, Gunn got a second chance to join the WCPW Pro Wrestling World Cup but was defeated by Kenny Williams. Another PBW Heavyweight Championship defense when he defeated Krieger again was followed by a loss to Grado at ICW and a loss at Fight Club Pro in a three way tag team match when he teamed with Wolfgang against Extra Talented and, the eventual winners, The Hunter Brothers.

June would end on a high with winning a qualifier over Gabriel Kidd, Davey Blaze and Kenny Williams at ICW to move one step further to getting a WWE UK Championship match then going to Inverness to become the inaugural RNW Tag Team Champion with Stevie Xavier when they defeated The Purge.

July

The month didn’t start well with The Prestige losing to Gabriel Kidd, Primate, Rampage Brown and Martin Kirby. It picked up with a double pin against Wolfgang which meant that both were added to the WWE UK Championship match at ICW Shug’s Hoose Party 4. A win over Scott McManus at Source Wrestling then four loses in three days, losing the PWE Tag Team Championships to The UK Hooligans on night one of PWE anniversary weekend then failing to recapture them the next night as Polo Promotions picked up the win causing the split of The New Age Kliq in Pro Wrestling Elite as BT Gunn attacked Renfrew following the loss. A lose to The London Riots and failing to win the battle royal at IPW:UK wasn’t making July a great month. Gunn bounced back with a win over Kez Evans at GPWA and although he didn’t win he put in a great showing in the WWE UK Championship match on night one of ICW Shug’s Hoose Party 4 (watch here) before winning the ICW Zero G Championship from Kenny Williams the next night to become the first ICW Triple Crown winner.

August

Another month starting with a mixed set of results at Southside, Gunn and Xavier lost to Chris Tyler and HC Dyer at SWE Menace II Society VII but teamed with Xavier and Kay Lee Ray to defeat Tyler, Joseph Conners and Lana Austin at Day of Reckoning 18. Plus successfully retaining his SWE Heavyweight Championship against David Starr. The Prestige lost to War Machine and Marty Scurll on night one of the WCPW Pro Wrestling World Cup.

It was a month of title defenses defending his PBW Heavyweight Championship against Davey Blaze, the BCW Heavyweight Championship against Tucker which retaining the ICW Zero G Championship in a triple threat against Stevie Boy and Wolfgang, following up with another successful ICW Zero G defense against Jody Fleisch. Along with that, he picked up the WCPW Hardcore Championship by defeating Primate before losing it back to Primate six days later.

September

Another win over Krieger to retain the PBW Heavyweight Championship started September before heading back to Southside to lose to Hardcore Holly at the aptly named Chop Gunn event. Another BCW Heavyweight Championship retention by beating CJ Banks and teaming with Stevie Xavier for a loss to The Underdogs at Source Wrestling.

While they were split in PWE, The New Age Kliq defeated The Kings of the North and Polo Promotions to qualify for the Discovery Wrestling Uncivil War match to crown the 2017 Disco Tag Team Champions.

The New Age Kliq continued to team in PCW but suffered a loss to Sha Samuels and Lionheart at Bigger On The Inside. Before facing each other at PWE the next night in a grudge match that saw Gunn victorious. A TNT Extreme Division Champion win over Sean Only (watch here) looked to end September on a high but two loses at SWA scuppered that, first in a triple threat Paisley Street Fight against Jack Jester and Wolfgang then teaming with Kasey in a loss against Wolfgang and Molly Spartan.

In September, after a successful ICW Zero G Championship defense against Karim Brigante in Italian Wrestling Association (watch here) he appeared on the screen at ICW Fight Club and challenged the ICW World Heavyweight Champion, Joe Coffey, to a Champion vs Champion winner takes all bout at Fear & Loathing X in November.

October

An undefeated month in ICW for BT Gunn, defending the ICW Zero G Championship against Jordan Devlin, Kid Fite and Jimmy Havoc in singles competition plus a victory over Wolfgang who gave his endorsement for BT Gunn as ICW World Heavyweight Champion.

A loss to Primate at WCPW Refuse to Lose and a victory over Bullet Club and The South Coast Connection & Will Ospreay at Loaded meant for a mixed month in WhatCulture Pro Wrestling.

After a loss to Krieger and Lou King Sharp at PBW, Gunn attacked his tag team partner Stevie Xavier and the fans in the process. Retaining the PBW Heavyweight Championship against TJ Rage then escaped past Lucha DS by disqualification, keeping his title in the process.

The month ended with his SWE Heavyweight Championship reign coming to an end with Ethan Page winning at Masked Mania in a seven way match.

November

Another ICW Zero G Championship defense against James Drake started a monumental month for BT Gunn in ICW. Over at Discovery Wrestling, The New Age Kliq failed to become the first Disco Tag Team Champions as The Buffet Club reigned supreme. He retained the PBW Heavyweight Championship over Stevie Xavier and defeated Kieran Kelly at Source Wrestling.

The night before ICW Fear & Loathing X at France ’98 he teamed with Lionheart, Rob Van Dam and Chris Renfrew to defeat Zack Gibson, Bram, Joe Coffey and Mikey Whiplash. At Fear & Loathing X, BT Gunn successfully won the ICW World Heavyweight Championship by dethroning Joe Coffey to become the first ICW Grand Slam winner.

The month wasn’t over with a successful retention of the MEW Tag Team Championships with Chris Renfrew over Liam Slater and Primate before losing the PBW Heavyweight Championship to Stevie Xavier at PBW Maximum Impact 2017.

December

BCW No Blood No Sympathy arrived with Gunn leaving both nights with the BCW Heavyweight Championship first defeating Doug Williams then winning a four way that included Ring of Honor wrestler Johnathon Gresham, Joe Coffey and Stevie Xavier.

He teamed with Joe Coffey at the newly renamed Defiant Wrestling, formerly known as WCPW, winning a number one contender match against The South Coast Connection but fell short against Jimmy Havoc and Primate.

At Discovery Wrestling, BT Gunn faced Cody Rhodes, a match that was initially a non-title bout but Cody Rhodes put his Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Championship on the line. Cody won but it was hailed by many as match of the night.

Photo credit David J Wilson

Gunn’s year ended with a no contest against Lionheart to retain the ICW World Heavyweight Championship with injury seeing him sit out the remaining of 2017.

What a year for BT Gunn. As we move into 2018 we know that he will face Red Lightning in January at ICW’s It’s Always Raining In Glasgow event and if he wins will move onto defend the ICW Undisputed Championship against Bram at the 7th Annual Square Go! on February 11th. A guy that has been in the title picture wherever he goes, winning titles and flourishing in championship situations, with his WWE tryout and being included in the WWE UK Championship match at Shug’s Hoose Party then winning the ICW World Heavyweight Championship it wouldn’t be too crazy to see Gunn be picked up for the ever rumoured WWE UK programme, especially with all the WWE-ICW connections.

‘The Oddity’ is an extremely popular wrestler with letting his actions speak more than words. Famed for his blistering chops and stiff kicks, Gunn is one of the premier wrestlers in the country.

Thanks to Cagematch.net and Wrestle Ropes for match information.

BT Gunn: A Year In Review It's been an incredible year in Scottish professional wrestling and 'The Oddity' has been one of the best wrestlers in the country.

[almost-a-whig]

Superheroes and the Rise of PTSD

Amid the spectacle of our modern superhero craze, with Marvel movie budgets running in the hundreds of millions and pulling in billions in box office revenue, it’s easy to forget that the western superhero genre was born less than a century ago. The “golden age” of superhero comics began in 1938 with the creation of Superman. In the years following Superman’s big debut, comic book heroes were popping up left and right, and due to the pre-World War II era, the popularity of these new heroes quickly became a way to promote the war effort.

The first superhero with an explicit connection between his story and WWII was Captain America, a sickly young man named Steve Rogers who underwent a dangerous experiment to become a super-soldier so he could fight for his country. Captain America’s depiction as an analogy for the US military is made painstakingly clear. He wears an American flag as a costume, he carries an indestructible shield that he uses as a weapon, and he directly fights Hitler and the Nazis in his comics before the US even gets involved in the war. Captain America was everything a classic hero should be – noble and brave, strong physically and morally, and distinctly masculine. He was a dazzling piece of propaganda, helping to sanitize the war and turn it into a cause for people to get behind.

(source)

The Captain America of today is a very different individual. Like most modern superheroes, he has a grittier, more human edge to him now. He shows emotional vulnerability. He struggles with guilt. Captain America remains an allegory for the United States, but now he represents the people, rather than the military, and nowhere is that clearer than in his changed reactions to war.

In the modern Marvel movies, Steve Rogers is tired of war, and for excellent reason. At the end of WWII, he crashes a plane into the ocean, staying alive but in stasis due to his superhuman physiology, and is woken seventy years later to a world where everything and everyone he has ever known is gone, but war hasn’t changed a bit. Horrible things are still happening all over the planet, and it’s clear to Rogers that all the death and destruction of WWII didn’t make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things. In a more direct statement, Roger’s closest friend in the present day, Sam Wilson, is a counselor for veterans. Moreover, it’s strongly implied that Rogers himself has some form of PTSD from his experiences in the war, shown through Roger’s hyperactivity, inability to sleep, and vivid battle flashbacks.

This may seem like a dramatic departure from Captain America’s origins as a hyper-masculine pro-war propaganda machine, but Steve Roger’s narrative arc actually follows shifts in public perceptions about war quite closely. Before the advent of modern warfare with WWI and WWII, the beloved archetype of a valiant warrior charging fearlessly into battle was the predominant image associated with American soldiers. But in the aftermath of the World Wars, as soldiers came home with amputated limbs and deadened gazes, or in huge numbers didn’t come home at all, popular culture began to associate war with pain, shell shock, and death. As Dr. Tracey Loughran put it in her review Masculinity, Shell Shock, and Emotional Survival in the First World War, “The martial hero no longer took centre stage unchallenged. Instead, he was superseded by, or at least jostled for space with, the coward, the frightened boy, and the shell shock victim.”

Increasingly, modern superhero franchises are taking that shift in stride. Beyond Captain America’s handling of PTSD, other popular heroes have stories dealing with trauma as well. Iron Man is shown to have violent nightmares, Batman’s entire persona is crafted as a result of his trauma from his parent’s death, and torture was the catalyst that turned Bucky Barnes into the Winter Soldier. It would seem that the modern preoccupation with damaged superheroes is a reflection of society’s pessimistic outlook on conflict. Gone are the bright, virtuous heroes of the 40’s, replaced by grimmer visions of the consequences of war.

And for the most part, audiences are reacting really well to the change. Comics were long regarded as “junk entertainment,” as Jon Hogan puts it in his essay The Comic Book as Symbolic Environment: The Case of Iron Man. But, he continues, in recent years the added maturity of the tone and subject matter of comics have helped people “respect the medium as a means of telling stories of great depth.” And the record-breaking opening weekends and mushrooming fan engagement and transformative media are further evidence that the darker flavors of the modern superhero touch modern audiences imaginations like little else can.

I am curious to see if and how superhero narratives will reshape themselves as warfare becomes increasingly technological and remote. Perhaps it is overly optimistic to think that the US will never engage in a war the likes of WWI and WWII again, but it is doubtless that as the US military increasingly relies on drones and robotics, soldiers will be more detached from physical danger, and attitudes about soldiers and wars will change once again. Will the battle-fatigued specter of the modern war hero persist, or will we make a return to the idealistic, courageous warrior of last century as personal danger is removed from the equation?