#but it's ok because they had soft times by the lake in wakanda

[shackleton2]

There's so many awesome thoughts about this right here ^ and in fanfic

Just reread The Curious Incident of the Gun in the Microwave Oven by morningwar (T) which is a ridiculously good post-WS fic in which Bucky and the Winter Soldier are a super intense case of Dissociative Identity Disorder that was subtly in evidence during the Howling Commando days.

I can't name all my faves that deal with how much his first captivity changed Bucky and whether it was the psychological origin of the Soldier, but I wanna also mention the awesome series that got me locked in to WS fandom: The Search for Bucky Barnes by Tyranusfan (gen). Along with lots of other cool excellently written stuff going on, the Winter Soldier in the process of recovering memories, circling Steve and Sam like a feral cat, and he asks Steve the question, "Did you know?" about how he was physically different after Zola. He's not angry or vindictive, he's genuinely curious because he can't remember everything from the War but he remembers some weird isolated incidents of combat skill and healing beyond what he was able to do before Kreischberg.

There would have had to have been something Steve could have noticed that might have convinced him to look harder for Bucky after the train. He doesn't sound that shocked or confused in the Winter Soldier movie in the van when he says that Zola's experiments must have made it possible for him to survive the fall. -And I don't mean this as Steve-bashing in the slightest!!! There are a million reasons why he might not have noticed! It was war, he was leading people for the first time, he was in his element being able to actually stand up to the bullies for the first time, something something Peggy something, not to mention Bucky being determined to keep it a secret from Steve and maybe from himself, too. And I feel like that multiple-possibilities thing is such awesome fertile ground for storytelling.

And I imagine however it happened and they remember it, that's a gnarly load of guilt for Steve to be carrying post-2014 :( I'm trying to write about him talking about it with Sam and I really want to do it justice.

[afewmarvelousthoughts]

My Only Valentine

Master List: @afewmarvelousthoughtsadmin​

Pairing: Bucky X Reader

Summary: Your first Valentine’s Day in Wakanda turns out to be more eventful than either of you expected. (This is in the Only For A Moment world but can be read as a stand-alone.)

Warnings: None. Just fluff.

A/N: Well. I wasn’t expecting this to happen but it did. I just couldn’t stop thinking about these two even after wrapping up part one. I hope you all enjoy! 

Bucky woke with the sun, heart already racing. Even the peaceful view of the lake and the soft morning sounds of the countryside waking around him couldn’t calm his nerves. 

Courtesy of his enhanced ears he listens as you wake and shuffle around your small home, pour a cup of fresh coffee. Simple sounds, simple everyday actions, but knowing it’s you doing them makes him smile. 

He turns toward the door as you step out into the morning light, eyes blinking in the light. His anxieties fall away for now as a smile overtakes his face. 

“Good morning baby doll,” he coos as you rest your head on his chest, your hands curled around your mug. 

“Mmm,” you hum response, never quite one for early mornings. 

“Full day?” He asks before pressing a kiss to the crown of your head. 

“Surprisingly so,” you say on a sigh. You take a deep drink before continuing. “Okoye popped a bunch of last-minute drills on the schedule yesterday. So I’ll be tied up there until later in the day.” Silently he thanks Okoye once more. 

“What about your class?” You’d been taking classes at the university in the city, learning all you could about your new home and it’s history. Afternoons spent with coffee, lounging in the hammock, eyes glued on the spectacular sunset while you shared new bits of knowledge with him were his new favorite thing. 

“Drills before, drills after.�� 

He rubs your back with his hand, “Well, don’t push yourself too far.” It was an empty warning, he knew your day would be light despite the time it was taking up. 

“I’ll tell Oko I’ve got Sergent’s orders to go easy,” you laugh. 

“She outranks me, don’t think she’ll listen.” 

You smile up at him. Rising from the ground until you’re at eye level with him you place a kiss on his lips. He shudders with pleasure, cupping your cheek to hold on to the kiss a little longer. 

“I gotta shower,” you say breaking your connection. 

“Want company?” He asks smirking. 

“Always,” you purr into his ear before nipping playfully at his earlobe. 

He takes care to be sure you aren’t even a minute late heading out the door, despite his aching desire to toss you onto the bed and have you again after the shower. 

As you tear off toward the city on your bike you blow him a kiss, sending a puff of your power with it so he actually feels when it touches his cheek. The moment you’re out of sight that anxiety begins to creep back in. 

In the house, he glances at the time. Still a few hours to go. Thankfully there was always work to be done on the farm.

He may have been born a city boy but he could spend the rest of his life on this small farm with you by his side and die a very happy man. Just the thought of it keeps a smile on his face while he works up a sweat and the hours, and his worries, slip away. 

Before he realizes it’s time he sees Shuri cresting the hill, waving from her hovercraft. He waves back, always happy to see her. 

“Ok,” Shuri starts to rattle off before she’s even off the craft, “everything is a go on Okoye’s end, got all the stuff you asked for here - and a few more things I thought you’d both like - and this-” She holds up a garment bag. “And trust me, it’s gonna be perfect.”

He swallows hard, hoping she’s right. 

-

“Again,” Okoye calls and you can hear the machine readying to launch more sand figures your way. 

You groan, “Oko, come on, we’ve been at this for literal hours.”

“What,” she asks with a grin on her face, “too easy for you?”

“Yes actually,” you say as you dismantle three of the figures before they’re within five feet of you. In the months since you’d been here, your ability had only gotten stronger as you honed it both through practice with Okoye and through Shuri’s insights into just what makes you tick. 

Without warning, all of the black sand is drawn back into its container before exploding into the shape of a panther about three times your size. This was new. You glance to Oko who just shrugs at you with a smug look on her face.

You send out your power, invisible tendrils trying to permeate the figure and tear it apart but it’s too dense to do in one fell swoop. Before you can do anything else it charges at you, forcing you to take to the air before a massive paw can knock you to the ground. This was gonna be a hard one. 

Forcing yourself up higher you propel yourself over the big cat’s head before it can react. You land on its back, intending to try and sever the head. But in an instant, there’s nothing left for you to stand on as you tumble toward the ground in a cloud of black sand. 

Just barely, you catch yourself before your ass smashes into the hard floor of the training room. Okoye’s laugh fills the space as you glare at her. 

“You should have seen your face!” She bellows. In response, you flip her the bird. 

“Ah, don’t be like that sister,” she says throwing an arm around your shoulders as the sand resets itself. “Besides, it’s time to call it a day.” 

“Thank god,” you sigh.

As you walk into the locker room you notice something large and black hanging in your cubby that you knew for certain wasn’t there before. 

“What the-” your fingers pluck a card from a pocket on the bag, your name in Bucky’s hand on the front. 

Y/N,

Meet me at sunset. 

-Bucky

You look back to Okoye who’s suspiciously leaning in the doorway with a smile on her face. 

“What do you know about this?” You ask with mock severity. 

“I don’t know a thing,” she lies. “But I do think you should open that bag.” 

After giving her one last sidelong glance you snag the zipper and slide the garment bag open to reveal a dress that truly takes your breath away. 

Your fingers reverently run across the smooth black satin of a dress straight out of time. The neckline is that quintessential 1940’s sweetheart you can’t help but adore, the waist cut perfectly before falling into a full skirt. On the left, just above where your heart would be, was a red heart brooch. Only then does it hit you what day it is.

“Oh,” you say touching the beautiful, clearly vintage brooch. “I forgot.”

“He didn’t expect you to think about it,” Oko says behind you. She nudges you with her shoulder. “Come on, get ready. There’s a ride to take you home.” 

Home. The word brought a smile to your face. 

Bucky, unsurprisingly, thought of everything. Your makeup bag had been brought from the house, he even picked out shoes that went perfectly with the dress. Quickly you shower before trying your best to wrangle your curls into something that seemed like you put in some effort. Eyes lined and lips in a deep red pout you take a look at yourself in the full-length mirror. 

The woman who stared back at you was someone you never thought you’d see again. You had buried her along with her family, chalked her up as yet another loss at the hands of Hydra. Yet here she stood, in defiance of fate.

It felt like a lifetime ago that you’d seen him across a busy street in Bucharest even though it was just over two years. In that short time loving him, being loved by him, had brought you back to life. You smile at your reflection, resurrection looked damn good on you. 

-

Bucky glances at the sky, the sun peeking just above the horizon. He turns his focus back to the mirror, tucking a stray strand of hair behind his ear and straightening his tie. 

When Shuri was helping him gather everything for tonight she insisted that he had to have the whole suit, jacket and all. Of course, he’d given in and even gave her the satisfaction of seeing him in it. Now though it was slung across the bed, leaving him in just his slacks, a white button-up, a tie, and suspenders. He always left his jacket at home because it was better than losing it in the night - either on the dance floor or on the floor of some gal. 

How many nights had he headed out in an outfit almost identical? He could remember so many of them now. 

“Hey,” Shuri hisses from the front door. He pokes his head out of the bathroom. “They’re about ten minutes away. Come make sure everything looks ok!” 

Once more she walks him through how the trays the food is on will keep everything perfectly warm, how the wine should be just right, how to work the music player - it’s speakers tucked all around the farm. Once more he tells her it all looks perfect. 

“Ok, you’re sure you don’t have any questions?” 

“I’m sure, Shuri,” he laughs. “Thank you.” He’d be thanking her for the rest of his days. 

“I already said you don’t have to thank me!” She bats at his arm playfully before giving him a quick hug. “Have a good night!” She tosses over her shoulder as she heads to her hovercraft to disappear before you arrive. 

-

You hear the music, soft in the distance before you even crest the hill. It takes all your control to not just fly, following the music straight to him. But you wait, and you’re oh so glad you do. 

As you come over the hill you’re struck breathless at the sight. 

The sunset makes the whole world look surreal with its incomprehensible colors. Lights are strung in the trees and seem to float on nothing in the air, twinkling in the growing twilight. Just barely, you can make out a table set for two, candles flickering around it. Now you can make out the words of Dream A Little Dream Of Me being carried on the breeze. 

All of that is lovely, still, it’s nothing compared to seeing Bucky. 

He stands in the center of a low platform - that certainly wasn’t there this morning - hair in a half ponytail, looking almost like he stepped from the many old films you loved. Your handsome soldier with a heart of pure gold welcoming you home. 

You can’t take your eyes off him as you step off the hovercraft. 

He holds his hand out to you as you approach, “Care to dance?” 

“With you?” You ask playfully. He smiles and your heart rabbits in your chest. “Always.”

The steps are second nature to you now, even the alterations you’d made to accommodate the loss of his left arm. Together you swing across the dance floor, your skirt spinning out perfectly, your laughter filling the evening air with the sound of the brass. As the song ends Bucky twirls you into his chest, kissing you breathless.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, darlin’.” 

It is the most perfect night. After a few hours of delicious food, wine, and dancing, you both lay on the dancefloor, the lights dimmed, and stare up at the endless starry sky above you. 

You look over at his drowsing eyes, unable to keep the smile from your face. God, you loved him. 

“Bucky?” 

“Hmm?” He says sleepily, his hand shifting in yours. 

“If this was 1940, what would you do after a night like this?” As more and more of his memory returned you loved hearing about his life back then. 

He laughs a little, “Ask you to marry me.” 

“Only in 1940?” You ask the question without even thinking about it. His hand goes tense before pulling from your grip.

Leaning up on his arm he looks down at you, face framed by the night sky, lit just enough by a couple of candles you brought to the floor for you to see his expression. Is it fear there? Wonder? Excitement?

“Would you?” He asks breathlessly. 

“Would I-”

“Actually marry… me?” There’s a flash of pain in his eyes at the last word. Somehow he still struggled to believe that you loved him, all of him, from time to time. 

“James,” you sigh. You rarely used his first name but it seemed fitting now. For just a moment he wilts, thinking the worst, eyes looking away from yours. You cup his cheek so he’ll look at you. “Do you really not know the answer to that?”

That goddamn smile of his crinkles his eyes and lights his face. He shoots to his feet before pulling you up to yours. 

“What are you-”

“To get the answer I gotta really ask the question, huh?” 

You’re a little slack-jawed as he takes a knee before you, looking up with eyes starrier than the sky above you. 

“Y/N, would you do me the honor of marrying me?” Bucky asks all sincerity. 

Your head falls back in a laugh rooted in pure joy before saying, “Yes, you ridiculous romantic. Yes!” He whoops into the night air and stands, gathering you to him and spinning you around.  

“Let’s just do it now.” He says setting you down 

“Now?!” 

“Why not?” He shrugs. “We’re both international fugitives, not like we could have a big shindig. And…” He seems bashful suddenly, “I just wanna call you my wife.” Immediately you take his hands in yours, he stares at you with wide eyes.

“James Barnes,” you take a deep breath, “I can’t promise I will always be easy to love-” he opens his mouth to protest - “nope. It’s my turn,” you tell him. “But I can promise that I will love all of you for as long as I live, no matter what comes our way.” 

Tears glitter in his eyes and you watch his adam’s apple bob hard as he swallows. 

“Y/N…” His thumbs stroke your knuckles. “I’ve waited a few lifetimes to find you. But all that time, all that hell, was worth it to find myself standing here with you. There is so little I can promise to provide you with-” his voice cracks a bit. “But I swear I will always protect you. I swear I will always love you,” he smiles, “and baby, you’re so damn easy to love.”

You sniff, a tear tumbling down your cheek, “Damn you. I shoulda made you go first.”

He laughs, “Y/N, will you take me as your husband?”

“I do.” You smile, “Bucky, will you take me as your wife?”

“Absolutely.” You watch a tear sneak out of the corner of his eye, “May I kiss the bride?”

“Always.” 

TAGS

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[buckybarnesbingo]

The second game of 3 Prompt Summaries!

Here’s the example rounds, and the rest are under the cut!

Prompts by @rebelmeg - blanket, "don't touch that", roommates

Summary by @psychiccatpanda - Generally speaking,  Bucky really loved having Tony as a roommate.  He liked to have fun, enjoyed movies, shared some musical tastes, you know - important things.

One of the drawbacks, though, was walking into one of Tony's experiments.  They'd had the fire department out more than once... in the last month.  As he walked in, there was no sign of his roommate - just a large blanket-covered lump in the middle of the living room.  When Bucky started to lift the corner to peek at the project underneath, Tony shouted, "Don't touch that!"

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Prompts by @rebelmeg - blanket, "don't touch that", roommates

Summary by @writing-mermaid - The blanket is lying in the middle of the couch. "Don't touch that !", Saskia yells at Winnie and Morgan. Sam sighs, how his daughter, Bucky's and Tony's will be roommates for three days, if they are already fighting over a blanket ? Sam, alone with a bunch of 5 years old, will have to figure this out all by himself.

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Prompts by @rebelmeg - red, angst, safehouse

Summary by @dreaminglypeach - The door to the safe house is unlocked when they get there. It’s unlocked, open, and there’s blood everywhere. Bucky tries very hard not to panic.

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Prompts by

@psychiccatpanda - "Oops."

@blurockets - Winterwidow

@writing-mermaid - "It was an accident"

Summary by @magicadraconia16 - When your partner is the famous Black Widow, the very last thing you want to hear in the middle of a black op is "Oops". Closely followed by an uncharacteristically sheepish, "It was an accident." He should have picked Clint after all.

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Prompts by @psychiccatpanda - Sam Wilson, Red Thread of Fate, and "Oops."

Summary by @rebelmeg - "Oops." Bucky muttered the fateful word a split second before alarms started going off, prompting Sam to whirl around in disbelief. "Did you seriously just trip the lasers?" "I'm sorry! I don't have the fancy birdbrain goggles like you do." "YOU CAN SEE THEM WITHOUT GOGGLES, BUCKY, THEY'RE NOT INVISIBLE RED THREADS OF FATE OR SOMETHING!" Okay, so their sneaky infiltration was ruined now. Here's hoping their extraction plan will still be intact by the time they finish their mission.

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Prompts by @rebelmeg - Blanket, "Don't Touch That", Room mates 

Summary by @blurockets - "Touch that and you lose vital fingers," a tired voice said from the depths of the couch. Clint stared back at the knit blanket that was draped from the recliner he wasn't even using. When you’re trying to build a blanket fort with your niece and nephew on the compound while it was a mass space mission you had to get creative if you didn’t want to break locks. Or Where the former Winter Soldier has a blanket and Clint is stuck rooming with him and has questions about it.

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Prompts by @rebelmeg - Angst

Summary by Angst_BuriTTo  - There was a saying he had heard somewhere, he wasn't sure where, not that it mattered now, anyways, but one he thought fitting: "The sound of silence is the loudest sound of all". It felt fitting, stuck in this miserable place, for god knows how long, waiting to be rescued. there was no sound here, in the soul stone. and the other dusted couldn't speak either. just... silence.

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Prompts by @rebelmeg​ - red, angst, safehouse 

Summary by @writing-mermaid - Red, this is red, red and thick. And he doesn't know if they'll have time to reach the safehouse. And the more he's waiting, the more her blood flows on the ground. But will they make it safe, especially with all those HYDRA guards on the way. But he must past through them, it's a matter of life and death.

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Prompts by @magicadraconia16 - "Hand on heart, I will kill you", T'Challa, kitten

Summary by @rebelmeg​ -  "Heeeeere kitty kitty kitty," Bucky whispered to himself, peeking out through the slat in the vent, lying in wait for his prey. Unfortunately for Bucky... T'Challa was finding the cat jokes less and less funny. Bucky had about three seconds worth of a head start when T'Challa looked him right in the eye through the wall vent, and said in a dangerous tone, "Hand on heart, I will kill you.

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

Prompts by

@dreaminglypeach​ - Race Cars

@writing-mermaid - Tony

@psychiccatpanda - Sam Wilson 

Summary by LLightz - Tony's idea of "team bonding" this month was to hire everyone a top of the range sports car and act out some street racing movie Steve had never seen but everyone seemed very excited out... especially Bucky who always had a thing for speed, and well, Steve wasn't going to deny him, plus Natasha was already throwing down challenges, and Clint was always up for any crazy stunt... So, it came as no surprise when the 2 ex-Russian-assassins and a man who regularly failed to use parachutes ended up practically playing chicken with cars that were definitely not legal, and even then ... "how do I make this car go faster Tony????? came Bucky's shout into his headset... yep, someone was definitely gonna get hurt! Flying overhead and easily keeping pace, Sam was filming every moment...

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Prompts by @rebelmeg​ - Red

Summary by Angst_BuriTTo - Red. a color that covered his hands and his past, a ledger full of that scarlett color that haunted his nightmares and his waking hours. when an oppurtunity comes to change the red from ever staining his fingers, will he take it?

OR

Bucky Barnes has a really shitty century -- but it's starting to look a little brighter.

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Prompts by @psychiccatpanda - Red Thread of Fate:

Summary by Angst_BuriTTo - the moment HYDRA found out about his thread, they were determined to snip it. too bad for them that it was tied to a man whose serum enhanced the strength of everything, down to that thread.

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Prompts by

@blurockets - Lake House AU

@dreaminglypeach​ - Wanda

Angst_BuriTTo - "It's ok, It's my time."

Summary by @magicadraconia16 - He thought he'd been stood up. And he had to admit, two years was a long time for her to catch up to him. But instead, oh, instead, that terrible accident that had finally burnt him out... that had been her. He tried to tell her, to warn her, to demand that she actually stand him up, but her only response was, "If it's my time, then that's okay." No, it was NOT okay!

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Prompts by

Angst_BuriTTo - FBI AU

@dreaminglypeach​ - Wanda

@psychiccatpanda - oops 

Summary by @blurockets - "So your definition of messing with probability is asking the universe what if this happened and you make it happen?" Agent Barnes asked as he sat beside a woman in a red outfit that would not be remiss on a stage in Las Vegas. "And my powers make it happen" She corrected "And the iron man suit just happening to crash on top of the ferrari?" Bucky asked pinching the bridge of his nose wondering just how he was going to file this report. "Oops?"

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

Prompts by @your-ginger-angel​ - Historical AU

Summary by Angst_BuriTTo - Pharaoh Buchanan was known throughout Egypt for his kindness and his generosity, but also for his fierce skills in battle. When an Assassin is sent to kill him, his subjects are surprised that instead of disposing of the small blond would be assassin, he takes him to his bed.

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Prompts by

@dreaminglypeach​ - Wanda

@writing-mermaid - "It was an accident" "What ? You just tripped and fell on his lips ?" 

@psychiccatpanda - Sam Wilson 

Summary by @writing-mermaid - "I'm telling you, it was an accident !"

 Wanda runs behind her brother. "What ?"

 Pietro answers, "You just tripped and fell on his lips ?" 

At those words, and without knowing about who they were talking about, Sam Wilson bursts out laughing.

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

Prompts by

@rebelmeg - Angst

@psychiccatpanda oops

@writing-mermaid - Tony

Summary by Angst_BuriTTo - "oops." that's all that Thanos said when he dropped the lifeless body of Steve Rogers to the ground of Wakanda. Tony could do nothing but stare in disbelief -- he never got to apoligize. he never got to have that talk. he never got to get to know this new, harder Steve Rogers. he felt just as broken as the neck of the man staring sightlessly into the sky.

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Prompts - FBI AU, vacation, "it was an accident" 

Summary by @your-ginger-angel​ - When Steve agreed to this vacation, it was with the understanding that Bucky would be putting his FBI badge in a drawer and leaving his work phone at home. He made Bucky swear that they were going to keep work at home this time. But when Bucky comes back from the corner store and the local cops are in tow, he knows that there's no way Bucky can keep out of trouble. "What do you mean you managed to catch a drug dealer just by going for soda?" Steve whispers, trying to keep himself from blowing up in front of the cops. "It was an accident?" Bucky replies with a pleading look in his eyes.

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Prompts by

@rebelmeg - Safehouse, red, angst

@magicadraconia16 - Kitten, "Hand on Heart, I will kill You" 

Summary by LLightz - Bucky could barely see through the red mist of anger in his head, but he could still hear the soft pained meaows coming from behind the restaurant, and he made his way towards the tiny kitten he'd spotted, injured and hiding under a dirty tossed-out rag... Scooping him up into his big warm hand, he hoped he never came across whomever had hurt his defenceless little creature because "Hand on Heart, I'll Kill You" he muttered out loud. Cradling his new friend to his chest he made his way back to the safehouse...

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Prompts by @your-ginger-angel​ -  Historical AU 

Summary by @writing-mermaid - (ancient Greece au) Y/N is a priestess, sold by her parents at a young age. She's born to serve the God Apollo. Bucky is a soldier, and he's send to Apollo's temple after a war the king he serves won. Since the beginning, Y/N and Bucky aren't getting along, but they will have to, because here he is and here he'll stay, following his king's orders. But the more they spend time together, the more they are longing and pining for each other, craving for each other's touch, despite their hate. With one question in their mind, must they do war to please each other, make love and stay quite or silence their difference ? (and the thing is that the question in question comes from a French song from a musical and I was keeping it in French as the title haha)

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Prompts by @writing-mermaid - "It was an accident" "What ? You just tripped and fell on his lips ?", Big bro, Tony

Summary by @dreaminglypeach​ - Warning for abusive relationship ”I didn’t mean to,” Tony says. “It was- it was an accident.” Rhodey scoffs, folding his arms as he stares at the dumb kid who has metaphorically glommed onto him and doesn’t seem inclined to let go anytime soon. “Right,” he says flatly. “You just tripped and fell onto his lips. Sure, that happens to me all the time.” “It wasn’t like that!” Tony looks almost too pathetic for Rhodey to continue berating him, his left eye puffy and ugly, purple fading to blotchy green around the edges. “It just- Ty apologised, he didn’t mean to, Rhodey, it won’t happen aga-” “Tony,” Rhodey interrupts, as calmly as he can. “Tones, no. You gotta break up with him.”

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

Prompts by @rebelmeg​ - bot fic, "catch", ceiling

Summary by @themadhalewrites - After Tony had lost mini robot Bucky to a ceiling fan he created humanoid robot bucky who develops feelings for his creator.

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Prompts by @magicadraconia16 - Rhodey, cuddling, cheeseburgers 

Summary by @rebelmeg​ - It wasn't the WEIRDEST thing Bucky had ever seen. Though it was kinda up there. Seeing Tony and Rhodey in the armors, it definitely gave off a BAMF sort of vibe. Like you definitely didn't wanna mess with them, like, ever. But when Bucky happens upon them in the communal living room one night, curled up on the couch and sharing a blanket while they eat their way through a big takeout bag of cheeseburgers... he starts to reevaluate his thinking. Especially when they offer to share their blanket and burgers.

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Prompts by

Angst_BuriTTo - SPN AU

@your-ginger-angel​ - Christmas

@magicadraconia16 - Rhodey 

Summary by @blurockets - It's the road trip from hell where Rhodey and Bucky on the way to a Christmas wedding. Run over a demon and have to deal with possession, learning the supernatural is real and have to still try to reach their best friends wedding in time.

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Prompts by LLightz - on fire, rivals, forgotten 

Summary by @rebelmeg​ - "I can't believe you set me on fire!"

"THERE ARE NO FRIENDS IN GAMING!" 

In which Bucky gets really into gaming, is a terrible team player, and occasionally forgets to eat or respect basic hygiene.

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Prompts by

@rebelmeg​ - bot fic

Llightz - on fire

@your-ginger-angel​ - Christmas

Summary by @magicadraconia16 - He usually spent the latter half of December getting blackout drunk to forget... well, to forget. This year, however, he'd promised to stay on the wagon and had locked himself in his lab to keep that promise. Trying to roast chestnuts over a bunsen burner didn't really work, though. Especially with DUM-E on fire watch.

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

Prompts - SPN AU, cuddling, ceiling 

Summary by @your-ginger-angel​ - Steve as Dean and Bucky as Cas. "It was horrible, Bucky," Steve whispered as he buried his face in Bucky's neck. "I haven't had this dream in years, but there she was, on the ceiling and burning." "Steve," Bucky cradled Steve in his arms and swore he would keep this man safe. "I'm sorry I couldn't save your mother and I'm sorry I couldn't save you." "But you did, Bucky," Steve replied as he looked up into Bucky's eyes. This angel had done everything for him and what had Steve done to thank him? Nothing, that's what. Well that would change, starting today. Steve wasn't much of a cuddler, but this felt so good that he's pretty sure that he can't go back to the way things were before. And it seems that Bucky doesn't want to either.

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

Prompts by

@themadhalewrites - Murder

@writing-mermaid - "he's my friend" 

LLightz - Forgotten

Summary by Angst_BuriTTo - "He's my friend". those words rang through his mine, no matter how many times he tried to forget them and move on. 

It had been 6 months since that fateful day, and Tony had done a lot of thinking, some soul searching, and had, recently, come to one conclusion: He had attempted to murder Bucky Barnes. He had tried to do the same thing to Barnes what HYDRA had forced the poor bastard to do to his parents. He had dropped the charges a week ago against Barnes and Rogers -- they were acting in self defense after all. sure, Steve could have told him about his parents-- but Tony knew Steve enough that the blond had probably not told him because he wanted to protect him from bringing up old demons. How many times had Tony complained to Steve that his father was a cold hearted drunk and his mother, while kind, wasn't around as much as she should have been? Steve had probably thought that bringing up those memories would reopen scares that had only barely healed. 

hence why the 'rogues' were back, and why tony was hiding in his workshop. 

he didn't know how to apologize. Rogers had already given him a heartfelt one, along with Barnes, and then Tony ran away after a stuttered acceptance.

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

Prompts by

@writing-mermaid - Mermaid

@themadhalewrites​ - Stolen Organs

@rebelmeg -  "catch"

@your-ginger-angel​ - Farming AU 

Summary by LLightz - The catch of the day was the finest specimen they'd ever seen; not another mermaid but a mountain of a merman, not like the tiny useless weakling they currently held but finally a strong one that they could breed the others with so they could begin their organ harvesting operation...

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

Prompts by @your-ginger-angel​ - Mechanic AU 

Summary by @writing-mermaid - A forest, in the middle of nowhere. Bucky's car refuses to start. He's waiting for a tow truck for an hour, when one finally stops near his car. "I've ask for a breakdown mechanic, not his girlfriend", he says at the girl going out of the truck, "I'm the breakdown mechanic", she answers, "but, if you want a man to take care of your car, you'll have to wait for more time", she adds, wiping a stain of grease of her nose.

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

Prompts by @themadhalewrites - Luna eclipse, murder, stolen organs

Summary by @dreaminglypeach​ - It’s a dark night when Bucky goes to let the dog out, the way it always is here when it clouds over. He likes it here, far from the city and all those vulnerable regular humans, but if the moon isn’t out, it’s goddamn dark here. Still, dark or not, Bucky is very much not expecting to trip over a body.

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

Prompts by

LLightz - rivals

@writing-mermaid - mermaid

@themadhalewrites​ - lunar eclipse

Summary by @writing-mermaid - The Lunar eclipse, that time of the year all mermaids are waiting for this to go on Earth. This year, two rivals, Natasha and Y/N, both of them fighting for the same man.

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

Prompts by

@magicadraconia16 - Cheeseburgers, cuddling

@writing-mermaid​ - Europe

@themadhalewrites - Lunar Eclipse 

Summary by LLightz - As they sat watching the lunar eclipse with their friends, eating cheeseburgers and enjoying the companionable silence, they took advantage of the darkness to sidle further towards each other until their legs pressed tightly, sending each other looks and smiles hidden in the night that promised more of these soft moments in their future... He could imagine retiring somewhere in Europe, maybe Iceland, he always wanted to see the Aurora Borealis, and it had a small population... he could dream of cuddling out on the open grass under the stars without a care in the world... but for now, as the light flooded back to them, they moved an acceptable distance apart once more.

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

Prompts - Ghost au, fluff, pancakes 

Summary by @your-ginger-angel​ - Bucky missed pancakes. As a ghost, he could smell, he could see, and sometimes he could even touch, but since he didn't need to eat, he couldn't taste anything that passed his lips. In fact, it just looked gross when he tried to eat. But Steve, the new guy renting Bucky's old apartment, was the sweetest ever because he took the time to describe exactly how his pancakes tasted. And if Bucky tried to catch a taste of those pancakes on Steve's lips despite the fact that he couldn't taste, well, Steve didn't have to know.

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

Prompts by @your-ginger-angel​ - domestic avengers, ocean, chef AU

Summary by @themadhalewrites - The team had brought a restaurant on the beach but the only two working were tony and bucky. Bucky had been trying to do knife tricks a knife slipped and now while the rest of the staff were playing in the ocean Tony was stitching up bucky.

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

Prompts by Angst_BuriTTo - Once Upon a Time AU

Summary by @writing-mermaid - "Papa !", the little girl shouts looking at Bucky from head to toe. "Wha... What ?", the later says, his mouth opening and closing like a goldfish out of his bowl.

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

Prompts by LLightz  - Identity Porn, wrong door, pancakes

Summary by @dreaminglypeach​ - Bucky is tired, hungry, and fucking fed up of trying to find the place he’s supposed to be meeting Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. He gets that they’re young and use the google for absolutely everything, but that is no excuse for giving him such craptacular directions. He finally thinks he’s got the right place, but the teenage boy who opens the door with a plate of pancakes in his hand looks unaccountably surprised to see him.

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

Prompts by @themadhalewrites - Pregnancy 

Summary by @writing-mermaid - “Penny for your thoughts”, Steve says, coming silently behind me. “I’m pregnant, Steve”, I say, still looking outside. “Is it Bucky’s ?”, he questions. “Of course, it’s Bucky’s, who else would it be ?”, I shout, turning to him, rushing out of the room.

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

Prompts by

@your-ginger-angel​ - Chef AU

@themadhalewrites - New Love 

@rebelmeg - Fluff 

Summary by @blurockets - (stuckony) Watching Tony argue with the new food prep robots he was fiddling with trying to make Bucky's life easier while they were still fiddling with his arm had to be one of the cutest things he'd ever seen. Watching Bucky throw a peeled clove of garlic into the processor with his good hand while he used 'The Beast' to hold the the wayward robot in place. Steve took a photo quickly trying to preserve the moment. He was going to draw it later. He was going to preserve it as best as he can. They were covered in flour and giggling and there was no where else he'd want to be. From being yelled at by one man to the other man invading his kitchen and fixing everything. This still was a whirlwind. It was amazing.

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

Prompts by

@blurockets - Ghost AU

@your-ginger-angel​ - Ocean

@writing-mermaid - snow

Summary by Angst_BuriTTo - There was a legend, down by the ocean docks, that if you sailed in snowfall, that the Winter Siren would sing and drag your body to the ocean floor, and use your bones to make its nest. 

Steve Rogers didn't believe in such nonsense.

OR

"So, the legend is true."

"What gave it away -- the razor sharp teeth, or the tail?"

"In hindsight, it's 1932, and fairy tales are just that, TALES. I didn't expect that my mother's fairy-tale would be TRUE."

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

Prompts by @rebelmeg - Body Swap, Fluff, Heat 

Summary by LLightz - Bucky loved to cuddle up against the soft and ridiculously warm furry expanse of Steve's body, feeling completely safe wrapped up in his best friend as they licked each other clean before falling asleep. So when he woke up one morning, feeling oddly large and clumsy, with a small kitten under his paws that looked exactly like he used to, he was terrified... feeling terribly exposed in this new body, and why were his thoughts so muddled and slow?

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

Prompts by @rebelmeg - body swap, fluff, heat

Summary by @lbibliophile-mcu - The first thing Sam notices as the fog of sleep starts to clear, is the warmth. He usually prefers to keep the bedroom cool while sleeping - read somewhere that it helps convince the body to slow down and conserve energy. The second thing he notices, is the bed - and he is so glad that it is a bed, that drastically reduces the potential consequences for waking up somewhere unfamiliar. The mattress sinks under his weight, cradling him in a totally different way to his own firm bedding. Combined with the several fuzzy blankets and veritable mountain of pillows surrounding him, he is feeling more than a bit smothered. The third thing, he notices when he runs his hands over his face and finally blinks open his eyes. Because those hands... he squints at them blearily, waves them around a bit to make sure, then sighs and flops back. Two hands, one pale and one metal. Well, at least that explains why he is waking up in Bucky Barnes' bed.

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

Prompts by @steverogersnotebook - Mutual pining 

Summary by @writing-mermaid - (2nd part of the ancient Greece AU) Bucky left a year ago, during this time, Y/N became the High Priestess of the Temple of Apollo. When he left, she told him she had desire for him but they couldn't give in to their passion. One year later, will the passion still be here and will they succumb to it despite the fact that physical love and desire is forbidden for a High Priestess.

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

Prompts by @rebelmeg - Body swap 

Summary by @writing-mermaid​ - Who never dreamed of living in the body of the opposite sex just for one day ? Not Y/N, anyway, and especially not when she finished in the body of an Avenger.

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

Prompts by Angst_BuriTTo - Northern Lights, Russia, Once Upon A Time (TV Show) AU

Summary by @fightingforcreativity - The lights were beautiful. Natasha remembered faintly her father taking her up north. As north as Russia gets he had told her when she had asked where. They would sit, freezing and waiting until finally the night sky lit with northern lights. A beautiful arrangement of all colours, vivid and tangible in a way nothing else was. She was reminded about one of those rare childhood memories, when clint zapped through the channels from one station to the next until landing on the once upon a time. The show, despite not playing there, tugged at her memory. She felt like she knew, livid, the characters life.

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

Prompts by @blurockets - Winteriron, Ghost au, SCI FI au

Summary by @fightingforcreativity​ - Tony was not afraid. He was not. Ghosts were a story for old folk and kids and there are no ghosts in his fucking home. Nope. Science told him differently. And Tony would know, as leading scientist on the Stark-Space-Ship 'The Winter Soldier'

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

Prompts by @rebelmeg - body swap, fluff, heat

Summary by @fightingforcreativity​ -  Hot. Hot hot. It was too damn hot for this to be his bed room. Why was it so hot? Tony blinked his eyes open, fearing to find himself in a cave. But instead he was in an opulent room. The bedsheet felt like silk and the ceiling looked like one of those in palasts and- "What the hell?!" Tony stared at his hand. At his black hand and then his brain caught up with the voice, which was not his!

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

Prompts by @writing-mermaid - Phantom of the Opera AU, mutant, snow

Summary by @fightingforcreativity​ - Snow used to be his favorite form of water. Bucky had loved to play in the snow. To have snowball fights with his sisters and if Steve was doing well with him too. He had adored snow. Then, something changed, he changed. Now all that snow did, was making him uglier, disposable, worthless. He hides away so that snow never touches his frame anymore. So that the snow won't burn anymore of him. The catacombs were his home now. One day though, the most beautiful voice he ever heard made him risk it all. He needed to know who that brunet opera singer was.

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

Prompts by @themadhalewrites - Pregnancy, new love, "not my baby"

Summary by @fightingforcreativity​ - It was said that every woman would fall in love at least once in her life and then could never love another man like that anymore. Peggy strongly disagreed. She had felt love for Steve. She had felt love for her husband. But... the love she felt for the child growing in Maria Stark, the love she felt for this tiny baby which was not born yet, that was a love she wouldn't be able to feel again. "You're not my baby, darling, but I love you like your mine already." She whispered to the belly while Maria smiled softly.

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

Prompts by LLightz - Identity Porn, wrong door, pancakes

Summary by @fightingforcreativity​ - Steve was not panicking. He was Captain America after all. He can't panic. Steve was just.... not expecting his neighbor to look so much like his ex-boyfriend. He was totally not expecting a James Buchanan Barnes look alike as a neighbor. When Steve had seen the man first, he nearly choked up and barricaded himself in his home, cooking the one meal he always had found comfort in, pancakes. The blond refused to acknowledge that he might be indeed panicking, when said neighbor broke in the following night, looking around confused and just mumbled, "Shit, I'm sorry. Wrong door. Gimme a call alter about the costs." and vanished again. He was god damn Captain America and he- ok. Fine Steve was panicking.

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

Prompts by @steverogersnotebook - Mutual pining; stargazing; single parent

Summary by @fightingforcreativity​ - Every night at 11 pm on the dot, the blond would step outside his tiny apartment and look up, hoping to see the stars he was used to. Every night at 11:05 pm, a brunet with his daughter would step on their balcony, (way bigger over in the better parts of the town) and would look in the sky hoping that the pain of losing his wife would one day stop. Every day at 11 am sharp, Steve Rogers would connect his business laptop to a meeting with his best friend and secret crush, Bucky Barnes. They would talk and they would argue and they would do business and then they shared something from their lives. Bucky shared stories of how Natasha was developing and Steve would listen and sometimes talk about that nice old lady from three doors down the floor. Neither man would ever say something, until they do.

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

Prompts by @your-ginger-angel​ - domestic avengers, chef's Au, and Ocean

Summary by @fightingforcreativity​ - As a chef, Bucky prided himself to know where his ingredients came from. So when the family known as the Avengers asked for the best, Bucky was suggested and found himself in the position to cook for them. The brunet had always dreamed about cooking for those big names like Romanov and Stark and Rogers and Barton, but the things those heathens wanted to consume turned his stomach. So he took it as a challenge. He had the perfect recipe. He just needed to catch that rare fish from the coast of Hawaii, easy, right?

[tpwk-and-bnf]

I just really miss him

(Peter Parker x stark!daughter)

DURING ENDGAME

Summary: you fighting with you dad and Peter and suffering your dad's loss.

A/n: hope you like it!

~- passage of time

Not my gif

You remember it like it was yesterday, "I don't want to go, Mr.Stark." it is engraved in your memory, with a sight of your best friend and boyfriend getting dusted away in your father's arms. It has been 5 years since you lost not only the war but many loved ones with it.

You needed to get him back, you didn't know how but you knew it had to happen.

~

You were back, fighting the Titan that took away half of the universe. Your dad was down, Thor was helplessly laying on the ground. Uncle Steve's shield broke. You were alone in this one, trying to find a way to distract Thanos so your family can heal, even for a second.

"You took someone really important from me, and now you will suffer the consequences." You yelled slowly standing up, as your helmet begins to reappear.

"You? You are going to fight me? You are all alone, just give up. I won, again." He said slowly making his way to you.

"As long as there is a man standing in front of you, you have won nothing." You said getting ready to take Thors axe and chop off his arm.

"Well, the victory will be easy then. Because you are just a human in a metal suit."

"And we are just the Earth's mightiest heroes." You hear a familiar voice from behind you. It was Falcon flying in next to you.

As you turn around you see one of many Dr.Strange's portals with which everyone traveled to. And there he was Spiderman your boyfriend.

Your smile grows as you see all of your family members and all of the Wakanda's warriors walk out ready to risk their lives once again.

Your smile fades and you turn to your uncle Steve and give him a securing nod.

"Avenges.....assemble." Cap said, standing up, strapping his shield and all of you started attacking Thanos' army.

~

You were hit, you didn't know what it was but it sure hurts like hell. You couldn't get up, you felt like your whole body was telling you to stop. Every inch of it hurt. As all the pain took over your body, you decided to shut your eyes, not forever but just momentarily as you tried to gather some power to fight back.

"Y/N!" A familiar voice yelled all across the battlefield. "NO! PLEASE! Y/N!" The voice is getting closer and closer.

You open your eyes and see Peter standing about you. "Are you ok?"He asked.

You smiled and he gave you a hand and helped pick you up.

You were looking at him amazed. He didn't age a year. He was still your sweet innocent Peter. Same Peter you missed for 5 years. You were always 2 years younger than him which always made a big difference to your dad, but now you were almost 3 years older than him.

"I missed you." He said.

"You have no idea how tough was it living without you for almost 5 years now." You said hugging him as tight as possible "I missed you like crazy." You whispered burying your head into his chest.

"Hey. Love birds. No time for a reunion. The big mad purple guy is trying to kill us with his rock collection again." Your dad said as both of you pulled away from each other and laughed a bit.

~

"I am inevitable."

"I....am.....Ironman."

"NO! DAD! PLEASE! DON'T DO THAT!" you yelled struggling to release yourself from Peter's arms that were protecting you from getting hurt. Big white light appeared around your father as he groaned in pain.

"NO!" You screamed and punched Peter to realize you from him. He let go and you ran to your father who was laying on the floor ones again, but this time you knew he wasn't getting back up.

"Dad, do you hear me? We did it. You did it. We won." You said between your sobs.

"It is over Tony. You can rest now." Pepper said kissing him on the cheek.

"Mr.Stark. it's me, Peter. Don't worry, I will take care of all them. Thank you for everything." He said. He knew that he needed to be strong because of you.

You walked over and hugged him tightly turning your back from your Dad. You just couldn't look at him anymore. Everything hurt when you saw him totally helpless.

~

Everyone was at the funeral. Nobody could believe that your dad was gone. Especially Peter and you.

Morgan was loosely holding onto Peter's neck as he made sure she didn't fall from his tight grip.

You were buried into his other side sobbing uncontrollably.

"I need to get away from here." You whispered to him.

He nodded as you left to go into the small house near the lake where Pepper and your dad lived after the snap.

Peter handed Morgan to Happy and left right after you.

"Babe I know this is hard for you. But just remember how proud he is of us."

"I know. It is just hard right now."

He walked closer to you, hugging you by the waist. You put your arms under his onto his back pulling a bit on his shirt as you fall more into him.

"It will be ok, sweetheart," he said, now not holding back any tears. He wanted to be strong for you but couldn't he missed him as much as you did.

You brought your hands together behind his back (gif) holding onto him for a while.

"We both miss him darling, but let's be strong and stop crying. For Morgan." He said placing a kiss on top of your head.

"Ok. For Morgan." You said lifting your head and placing a soft kiss on his salty lips.

And then the two of you walked out hand in hand greeting everyone with a big part of both of you missing.

[itsbuckysworld]

HELLO SPRING: DAY 2

Pairing: none romantic but the implication and interaction is bucky x reader as almost all of these will be. Category: Fluff Warnings: None i think Word Count: 829

(Wrote this on mobile as I’m away on a trip. The pieces that come out while I’m away will be edited and linked properly when I return/get hold of a computer)

Day 2: Stroll for my Spring Short Story Writing Event.

It was weird, the feeling all over his body. He barely remembered what it felt being defrosted – thawed like a pack of food you’ve taken out of your refrigerator –way back when.

But now? Well now it just felt like a long relaxing sleep, and though the tips of his fingers felt cold to the touch and the clear absence of his left arm was... well that was inexplicable yet – he was weirdly warm, weirdly human.

The best part was that he couldn’t remember anything. As scary as that may sound it comforted him. He didn’t remember the long sleep, meaning he didn’t remember nightmares, or sweet dreams for that matter, but he’d take that. Whatever he did remember felt familiar, like his own memories and not mumbled things that felt more like lucid dreams than actual facts. He remembered what brought him here, to Wakanda, to the beautiful open planes of green and wildlife and bright skies.

Shuri had basically rebooted him not long ago and before all the science talk got too much for him in the lab, he excused himself to clear his head, stretch his legs and breathe in.

A short stroll through the thick green foliage, turned into hours and who knows how many steps, and then he found a green patch and sat down in front of a lake. The still waters were almost crystal clear and he enjoyed the echo of birds in the distance. The soft breeze whipping his long strands back and forth as he took in the view, suddenly interrupted by a little goat.

He reached a shaky hand to pet the small animal, which in return gave him what he thinks might be the goat equivalent of a soft smile.

“Hey buddy” he said, scratching underneath the animal’s chin. A quick bleat from the goat let him know to continue.

“Oh! There you are!” Came a voice from behind him, startling him mildly, and a woman approached him from over the small hill. His brain was quick to deem her a threat until he saw her soft features and worried look directed towards the small animal in his hands – well, hand. “Thank you for finding him!” She said, kneeling next to the goat in front of Bucky and petting along its back. Another bleat from the goat as it almost hopped on the woman’s knees.

Bucky didn’t know what to say, but he tried his best to communicate, after all, if there was one thing he understood before fleeting the lab was that all the doctors thought he should try to return to some normalcy, act like a human, like nothing happened, that eventually he’d grow comfortable in his own body like he used to be. Some distant memory playing in the back of his head made him think the old him would interact, so he did.

“It’s ok. I think he found me really” the woman giggled, and it made Bucky want to smile back.

“Well thank you for keeping him here. Took off running earlier from my farm, and I thought I’d lose this little bugger before I even named him”

“Farm?” She nodded eagerly.

“Yeah! That’s what I call my small hut where I’ve reverted back to agriculture and taking care of these rascals. Come! I’ll show you!” she picked the goat up, standing on her feet and Bucky followed suit “Coming to Wakanda to find peace? Not if you care for these. But it’s nice” she joked and it felt natural to laugh along with her, and fall into step towards her farm with her, continuing a conversation with her. Normalcy... it was a dream come true. It was nice not to overthink every small decision. Bucky liked it, the feeling of being carefree and somewhat independent. He liked it a lot.

“I’m Y/N, by the way” it took him a while to answer, not only because the way she looked up at him, smiling and pulling back strands of her hair, made his breath hitch for some reason, but also because he had debated silently who he was. A soldier? A machine? An asset?

With a big gulp, he tried to apply the same process to answer this as he had the rest of their interaction: normalcy and not overthinking.

“James... Bucky, really”

“Hmmm...” her sudden stop made him nervous. Did he fail some test? Was he supposed to say something else? She raised the goat to eye level “Bucky... You reckon that’s a good name for a goat?”

Bucky laughed out loud, a pleasant sound to both his ears and Y/N’s, whose cheeks felt warm looking at the tall man. As the laughter died down between the sounds of her small farm and the chirps of birds overhead and the peacefulness that came from Wakanda’s wonderful nature, from being this free, this normal, Bucky wiped a fake tear from under his eye.

“Yeah, that’s a great name for a goat”

Feedback is greatly appreciated and encouraged! Thank you so much for reading! Again I’m without a laptop so I’ll link proper whenever I can and edit this as all the other pieces for this event. RN I’m using my cousin’s laptop but I don’t have much time as a family reunion is happening right outside my door. See ya!

[starryknight09]

Whatever It Takes Ch. 17/18

Summary:  Peter’s struggling to cope after the loss of Mr. Stark. Everyone keeps telling him it’ll get better and that he needs to move on, but Peter doesn’t want to. He can’t envision a life without his mentor. So when an idea comes to him, he doesn’t hesitate, no matter how crazy it is. He’s going to get Mr. Stark back.

“What exactly are we going to do?” Ned asked.

“Whatever it takes.” Peter answered.

Read on AO3.

________________________________________________________

“And we have amazing news this morning, although you might’ve already heard it since it’s all anyone has been talking about ever since Pepper Potts—”

“Pepper Stark.” Tony mumbled the correction to himself as he sat on the couch, coffee in hand, watching the network newsperson speak.

“—CEO of Stark Industries, revealed in a press conference last night that Tony Stark is in fact alive.  It bears repeating, so let me repeat it.  Tony Stark, Ironman, the hero who orchestrated the return of all those who had been dusted, myself included, and subsequently prevented the world’s destruction—”

“The universe’s.” Tony corrected again.  They really needed to check their facts.

“—is miraculously alive today after the world has spent the last seven months believing he was dead.  As revealed at the press conference last night, Tony Stark had in fact been in a coma in Wakanda, thought unlikely to recover, until those assumptions were proven incorrect last week.  Mr. Stark has in fact awoken and is currently at home recovering here in New York.  No word yet on if or when he will be addressing the public.  But I’m sure I speak for all of us here in New York and around the globe when I say, thank you Mr. Stark from the bottom of our hearts.”

Tony’s lip twisted in a part smile, part grimace.  He always hated being thanked for things, especially when it was something he actually deserved to be thanked for.  And he knew he should be thinking about when he was going to return to the public eye and give his own press conference, because he’d have to eventually, but right now all he could think about, could worry about, was his kid.

Peter had been making progress in therapy, at least according to his therapist.  The kid himself remained completely mum when it came to the subject.  He never talked to Tony about what they discussed in therapy even when Tony tried to gently prod.  And even though he thought it might help the kid to share with him, he respected Peter’s wishes and his privacy.  Well, Tony respected his privacy as much as he could, given that the therapist shared information with him and then he, in turn, shared it with May. He wasn’t quite sure if Peter knew that part or if he thought May and Tony were completely out of the loop, but he didn’t want to risk the possibility of rocking the boat to find out.

Tony sighed and checked his watch.  It was almost ten in the morning.  He glanced over his shoulder down the empty hallway.  No sign of Peter.  Tony was surprised he was still asleep.   Pepper and Morgan had left hours ago, although they didn’t have to leave as early as they used to when they’d been commuting from the lake house. That was one thing Morgan loved about their new penthouse apartment.  No long car rides.  But it was one of only a few things.  Leaving the solitude of the countryside had been a rougher adjustment for her than he and Pepper had anticipated, but they were making progress.  Tony, for one, loved the new digs.  He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed living in the city until he was back.

And they had found the perfect place.  The location was ideal and the layout was nearly a mirror image of their old penthouse at the top of Stark Tower except homier and sans bar. Peter had spent his first fifteen minutes in the apartment staring out the floor to ceiling windows at the city. Tony had almost forgotten that Peter had never been to the Tower before it’d been sold, and even though the compound had a nice view of nature, it was nothing compared to this.  

The change in location had done nothing to stop Peter’s nightmares though.  Whether at the lake house last week or here in the penthouse this week, Tony had spent every night in Peter’s room, comforting him from nightmares.  He liked to think maybe they were getting less severe, but he was probably deluding himself.  Still, Peter had to be doing somewhat better since his therapist had given him the ok to re-start school on Monday.  Which meant Tony had five more full days with his kid.  And he planned to take advantage of them.  If his kid would ever wake up…

“Hey Tony.” Peter’s soft voice interrupted his thoughts. Speak of the devil.

“Hey kid.” He said back, craning his head around so he could see him.  Peter still had his pajamas on and his hair was sleep mussed, but he looked well rested for once.  Good.

“You hungry?” Tony asked as he turned off the TV and stood, planning to make his kid breakfast or lunch or whatever he wanted.

“Yeah but I just want some cereal.” Peter flashed him a smile.

“You sure?  I can whip something up or we can order something.  Whatever sounds good.”

“Cereal sounds good.” Peter said as he grabbed a box of Lucky Charms out of the pantry.

“You know there’s more sugar than nutrition in that, right?” Tony pointed to the box as he sat back down on the couch.

“Tastes better than the old man cereal you eat.” Peter said, pouring half the box into a mixing bowl.

“Hey who are you calling old?  And oatmeal squares are not old man cereal.”

“Next thing you know you’ll be eating Grape Nuts.”

“What’s wrong with Grapes Nuts?”

“Oh god!  You’re hopeless.” Peter said dramatically with a grin as he finished pouring milk over his cereal.

“Hmm, maybe, but keep it up and I’m going to buy only Grape Nuts from now on.” Tony teased.

“I have four words for you.” Peter glared.  “Cruel and unusual punishment.”

“I prefer to call it creative.” Tony smirked.

Peter rolled his eyes as he crossed the distance between them and plopped down on the couch at Tony’s side.

“What were you watching?” Peter asked around a mouth full of cereal, nodding toward the now black TV screen.

“News drivel.”

“Anything good?”

“They’re celebrating the fact that reports of my demise were greatly exaggerated.”

Peter huffed out a laugh.  “That’s right.  Pepper told everyone you’re alive last night.”

“She did.” Tony nodded and watched with a smirk as Peter continued to eat his cereal from the ridiculously oversized bowl in his lap.

“So…” Peter frowned and paused to finish chewing. “What’s the cover story again?”

“Um something about being in a coma in Wakanda that I somehow miraculously woke up from.  Or whatever. I don’t know.” Tony waved a hand.

“Shouldn’t you probably know the details?” Peter raised an eyebrow at him.

“I will when I have to.  I’m sure I’ll have to do a press conference at some point, but since I’m still recovering,” Tony sank back further into the couch, “I get a temporary stay of execution.  No public appearances for me in the near future.”

“I think it’ll probably be sooner than you think if Pepper has any say.” Peter joked.

“Maybe.” Tony scrunched his nose.  “She did say something this morning about needing to get me out of the house because I was starting to get underfoot.  But in my defense, this place is a little more cramped than the lake house.”

Peter snorted.

“Hopefully she’ll be happier now that I finally got all the wiring done for the downstairs workshop last night.” Tony smiled.  They not only had the entire top floor, they had the floor below it as well for Tony to use as his personal workshop, or as Pepper liked to call it, his tinker space.

“Awesome.” Peter said, smiling around a mouth full of Lucky Charms.

“Yep, so what do you say we head down there when you’re done with breakfast.”

“Sounds good.” Peter nodded and finished munching on the rest of his cereal in silence while Tony looked over a couple e-mails on his phone.

“Um actually there was something I wanted to run by you.” Peter said with a slight furrow of his brow once he swallowed his last bite.

“Ok.  Hit me.” Tony said.  He slid his phone back in his pocket and then frowned when Peter got up and started walking away toward the kitchen.

Tony automatically stood and followed.  He waited, leaning against the kitchen countertop as Peter rinsed off the spoon and bowl before putting them in the dishwasher.

Peter turned and held his hands up, keeping the kitchen island between them as he said, “Ok so hear me out.”

“I’m already sensing I’m not going to like this.” He said, raising his eyebrows.

“Tony.” Peter gave him a frustrated look that was so uncannily similar to the ones Pepper gave him that he almost laughed.  He and Pepper definitely hadn’t donated any genetic material to Peter like they had for Morgan, but they’d been parenting him all the same, and he’d been hanging around with them so much lately that it was starting to show.  He was starting to pick up some of their nuances and mannerisms.  It was freaking adorable.

“Ok I’m listening.” He said, crossing his arms but unable to hold back a smile at the love swelling in his chest at the adorableness that was Peter Parker, thinking nothing could put a hinderance on his good mood.

“I want to go out as Spiderman tonight.” Peter said in a rush.

Ok.  So almost nothing.

“No.” The denial passed his lips without a thought.  It was instant and automatic.

“Tony—” Peter started, borderline whining.

“No Peter.” He repeated, more firmly this time since it seemed like his kid actually had the audacity to argue about this.

“But—”

“You’re not allowed to go to school right now, why in the world would you think I’d let you go out as Spiderman?” Tony interrupted again, frowning.

“But Spiderman’s different than school.” Peter argued.

“It is.  It’s more dangerous.”

“I can handle it.  I just-I need the distraction.  I think it would help with…everything.”

“Like it helped last time?” He asked.  Didn’t Peter get what he was asking?

“That’s not fair.”

Tony could say a lot of things in response to that like how it also wasn’t fair to have to watch your kid almost become a pancake on the ground, but he knew that was the wrong thing to say, so he held back.  He was angry, but he didn’t want to hurt Peter.

So instead, he took a deep breath and tried a different approach.  “Why do you want to go out as Spiderman?”

He tried to ignore the hopeful expression on Peter’s face as he answered, “It helps me get out of my head.  It helps me process things.  And I feel…more alive I guess, more like myself when I’m Spiderman.  And I-I just want to feel like myself again Tony. Please.”

“The answer’s still no.” He said, shaking his head.  “Sorry.”

Anger darkened Peter’s countenance.  “Why’d you even ask if you weren’t going to change your mind?”

“Because I wanted to know.” Tony answered and the bluntness seemed to piss Peter off more.

Peter opened his mouth, probably to yell at him or spew some other deluded rationalization, but Tony held a hand up to stop him before he could.

“Listen kid.” Tony said, keeping his tone even, not letting any of his own frustration bleed in.  “I get what you’re saying.  I do. But listen.  Rule numero uno of superheroing is you don’t go out and risk your life unless you have all your ducks in a row.  That means you’re completely physically and emotionallywell.”

Peter frowned “But—”

Tony could guess what he was going to say.  Tony and every member of the Avengers had personally broken that rule numerous times, so he cut him off before he could.  He held up a finger.  “Let me finish.”

Peter stopped but with a frustrated huff.

“The only time you can break that rule is if it’s truly life or death or if there’s a real possibility of the world ending.  Do get what I’m saying?”

“But people in Queens are dying all the time.” Peter argued.  “They need Spiderman.”

“It’s not the same.” Tony shook his head.

“How is it not?” Peter asked, and Tony could tell he genuinely wanted to know, he wasn’t just trying to be difficult.

“The theoretical possibility of maybe saving one person’s life is not worth yours.” Tony explained.

Peter frowned but seemed to be thinking about Tony’s words.

“If Thanos,” Tony paused to wince, “appeared right now. I’d say, fine.  You’re in.  Because that’s an all hands on deck kind of situation.  Going out on a routine patrol as Spiderman is not the same as that.”

Peter’s face twisted, but he didn’t argue.  Tony skirted around the island and grasped Peter’s shoulders as he looked into his stormy eyes.

“Listen, there are responsibilities we take on as heroes. One of them is accepting that there are going to be things we need to risk our lives for.  Sometimes there are things bigger than us worth dying for. That’s part of the gig.” It hurt Tony to say it because he never wanted to envision his own kid in that type of situation.  “And…some things are worth that sacrifice.”

Peter paled.  No doubt he was thinking of Tony’s own sacrifice.

“But most things are not.  Patrolling as Spiderman is not.” Tony continued, not keeping the harshness out of the words.  “Risking your life when you’re not completely ok isn’t brave.  It’s stupid.  Do you understand?”

Peter nodded reluctantly.

“Good.” Tony nodded.

“When you’re not on your A game you’re not focusing as well.” Tony said, wanting to hammer the point home.  

“And all it takes is one second of distraction and just like that,” He snapped his fingers, “a knife or a bullet slips through and suddenly you’re bleeding out on the ground.”

Peter’s eyes went wide and he jerked backwards, out of Tony’s grasp.

“Pete?” Tony blinked.  He didn’t think his description had been that gruesome, not enough to garner that type of reaction.

He watched as his kid took a few staggering steps back before his feet caught together and he crashed to the ground.

“Pete!” Tony crossed the distance and knelt down beside him in an instant.  He went to grab his shoulder but his kid kept flailing his legs out to propel himself backward and out of reach, as if trying to escape some terrifying threat.

Tony didn’t think he was trying to escape him but the fear was still unsettling to witness.  Peter ran out of space a few seconds later.  His back slammed against the bottom of the kitchen cabinets, and then his head cracked against them when he tried to throw himself further away even though there was nowhere to go.  Tony winced at the sound of it.

“Jesus.” Tony mumbled and moved to Peter’s side.  He put a hand up between his kid’s skull and the cabinets in case he tried to do it again.  

“Hey Pete.  Peter. Look at me.”  He ordered, and palmed Peter’s cheek, trying to direct his gaze toward him.  It didn’t work.  Peter kept staring straight ahead, eyes wide with terror as his breaths came out in short, rapid pants.

“Oh shit.” Tony swore as he finally realized what was going on. Some type of flashback or panic attack. Maybe both.  He couldn’t believe it’d taken him so long to recognize it given his own experience with them.  He hated the thought of Peter suffering like he had, but he put that emotion on the backburner for now and focused on trying to help his kid.

When Peter didn’t seem to be at risk of cracking his head open anymore, Tony shifted so he was kneeling directly in front of him, face at eye level.  He cradled his kid’s face in his hands and spoke, keeping his tone soft and soothing, “Hey kiddo.  You’re safe. You’re here with me.  You’re not there.  You’re in New York in this awesome penthouse Pepper found us.  And I’m here with you.  Do you hear me Pete?  Peter?”

The glazed over look in Peter’s eyes slowly started to fade, and after another handful of seconds, he blinked and refocused on Tony’s face in front of him.

“Tony?” He whispered, sounding scared but hopeful at the same time.

“Yeah.” Tony gave him a wan smile.  “Are you with me?”

Peter glanced around in confusion, taking in his place on the kitchen floor, before meeting Tony’s eyes again.  “I think so?”

He looked a little more with it but his breath was still coming out in pants.

“Ok.” Tony dropped one of his hands from Peter’s cheek to grab his kid’s hand and bring to his chest.  “You’re still breathing a little fast there buddy.  Can you feel my breathing and try to match it to yours?”

Peter nodded and Tony brushed his hair back with his other hand and then left it planted at the base of his neck.

“Ok.  In…and out. Good.  Deep breath in…and out.  You got it kiddo.  Good job. In.  Out.  In. Out.” Tony coached him, ignoring the pain in his knees from the position.

“There.” Tony said once Peter’s breathing had finally gotten back to normal.  “Better?”

Peter nodded.  “Yeah. Sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” Tony said seriously before asking, “Do you know what happened?”

“Yeah.  I-I kind of freaked out.”

Tony hummed.  

“This time was a lot worse than last time.”

“Last time?  What do you mean last time?  When was there a last time?” Tony frowned, unable to keep the alarm out of the questions.

“Remember that time I texted you from the bathroom at school?”

“You mean the time you said you were fine.  That was after something like this happened?”

“Um…yeah?”

“Jesus.” Tony pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Are you mad?” Peter asked anxiously.

“No.  I’m not—” He paused to take a deep breath himself.  “I’m not mad.  I’m just…this is the kind of thing you need to tell me about.”

“I texted you.”

Tony shook his head in disbelief.

“And like I said, it wasn’t this bad.” Peter added.

“I told you I’d pick you up.”

“I didn’t need you too.”

“Peter,” Tony said with exasperation, “you had a panic attack and you stayed in school.  That’s the sort of thing you take the rest of the day off for.”

Peter’s face pinched with skepticism, which almost would’ve been cute if the topic hadn’t been so serious.  “A panic attack?”

“Yeah.” Tony nodded and brushed a hand through Peter’s hair again.  “That’s what that was kid.”

Peter blinked and looked at him with wide eyes.  “How do you know?”

“Used to get them myself.”

“Really?  You did?”

“Yeah.  After New York.” He didn’t bother specifying since he knew Peter would understand what he meant.  “And then again later…after Thanos.  After losing you.”

Peter sucked in a breath of air.  “Oh.  I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Tony gave him a tight smile and held out a hand. “But what do you say we get off the floor?”

“Ok.” Peter took his hand.

Tony grasped it and stood, pulling Peter up with him and wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

“Let’s sit down and talk.” Tony said, guiding them back toward the couch.

“But the workshop.” Peter protested half-heartedly.

“The workshop can wait.  This is more important.”

They sat down and Tony kept an arm draped around his kid.  Peter leaned into his hold.  They’d gone from arguing to practically cuddling in the span of under ten minutes.  It was enough to give Tony emotional whiplash.

“How many of these have you had?” Tony asked quietly.

“Just the two.” Peter snorted, unamused.  “Isn’t that enough?”

Tony hummed in response, and after a few seconds of silence he asked, “Does Ruth know about the other one?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know.  I didn’t think of it.” Peter shrugged.  “I didn’t think it was a big deal.”

Tony took another calming breath.  He didn’t know how his kid could have a panic attack and then label it in his mind as not a big deal even if he hadn’t known what it was at the time.

“Do you want to tell Ruth about it or should I?” Tony asked. Peter’s therapist was coming over later that afternoon.

“Um…can you do it?”

“Sure kid.  Do you know what set it off?” He asked.  He knew Ruth would want to know and he wanted to know himself.

Peter nodded against his shoulder.  “Yeah, um, it was the same thing both times.”

Tony frowned as he tried to figure out what he could’ve said or done to trigger that kind of reaction.  

Before he could ask him, Peter asked hesitantly, “Can you maybe try not to snap your fingers around me anymore?  At least for a little while?”

Tony’s breath caught in his throat and he stiffened. Peter sensed it and turned wide eyes on him.

“Um is that ok?” He asked anxiously.

“Yeah.  Of course it’s ok.” Tony answered quickly and then shook his head in frustration at himself. “Shit kid.  I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Peter mumbled.

But it wasn’t.  Tony should’ve thought of that, but it hadn’t even been on his radar. Probably because even though he’d watched the video playback, he hadn’t actually been the one to do it.  Other Tony had, or his later past self, or whatever.  Regardless, the last time Peter had seen him snap his fingers, he’d ended up subsequently dying from it.

“That’s what happened at school too?  Someone snapped their fingers?”

Peter nodded.  “My teacher. And I know it’s stupid.  I know it shouldn’t bother me so much, and it’s completely irrational, but when it happens it’s like everything disappears and all I can see is you.  Snapping. And…dying.”

Tony could tell just talking about it was getting Peter worked up again, so he shushed him and ran a hand down the back of his head. “It’s not stupid.”

“Sure feels like it.” Peter mumbled.

“Well it’s not.  Shit kid, after the alien thing in New York, if someone just said the word space or wormhole around me, I’d freak out.”

“Really?”

“Yep.” Tony kept running fingers through Peter’s hair.

“How’d you get better?”

“Time.  Therapy. Lots of therapy.”

Peter snorted.

“But it gets better kid.  I promise.  Hey, I ended up in space with you, and I completely held it together, remember?”

“I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say that.” Peter teased, obviously feeling better.

“Well no panic attacks at least.” At least none that the kid had seen.  There’d been a couple close calls and one definite breakdown when he’d been stuck on that ship with Nebula on their way back to Earth.

“Yeah.” Peter sighed and Tony could hear the desolation in it.

“Hey.” Tony tapped Peter’s chin with his finger.  “Chin up Underoos.  It’ll get better.  Just give it some time.”

“Seems like it’s taking forever.”

“It’s only been a couple weeks Pete.”

“Yeah weeks.” Peter complained.

Tony smiled.  “Give it a few months and then see where you’re at.  I bet how you feel now compared to how you’ll feel then will be a lot different.”

“I hope so.”

“I know so.”

Peter sighed again but instead of continuing the conversation, he changed the subject and asked, “Can we go down to the workshop now?”

“You sure you’re feeling up to it?”

Peter nodded.

“All right.  Whatever you want kid.” Tony said as he stood.

That got a small smile out of Peter as he followed a step behind him while they walked to the elevator doors.

“I’m going to ask one more thing and then we don’t have to talk about it anymore, ok?” Tony said once they stepped into the elevator.

“Ok.” Peter agreed begrudgingly.

“Do you understand why I don’t think you’re ready to go out as Spiderman yet?” He asked, reaching over to squeeze Peter shoulder so it wouldn’t feel like he was asking to be mean spirited.

“Yeah.” Peter mumbled, staring down at the elevator floor as the doors closed behind them.

Peter mouth twisted.  “I guess it’d be pretty embarrassing if Spiderman died because he was too busy having a meltdown from some bad guy snapping his fingers to defend himself from getting shot.”

Tony’s chest clenched in fear at the visual of that exact situation before he had the wherewithal to chastise Peter.  “Hey.  Don’t talk about yourself that way.”

“Sorry.” Peter said, not sounding sorry at all.

Tony squeezed his shoulder again.  “Remember what I said.  It’ll get better.  Give it time. You’ll be out swinging again in no time.”

“Yeah.” Peter didn’t seem so sure.

“You will.  I promise.” Tony said and patted Peter between the shoulder blades as the elevator doors opened to the workshop.  “Now come on. You can help me with some suit upgrades I’ve been thinking about.”

“Really?” Peter asked with hopeful eyes.  He and Peter had worked together in the workshop all the time before Thanos but he’d rarely let him help with the Ironman suit.

“Yeah.” Tony said as they walked out of the elevator.

“Ok.” Peter grinned, eager excitement lighting up his face.

In that moment, he looked exactly like the old Peter that Tony remembered.  Tony smiled back.  Yeah. His kid was going to get better. He just needed a little more time and some TLC.  And Tony had plenty of both to give now.

[storibambino]

If It Ain’t Broke Ch. 2

A/N: Here we are for chapter 2. I went back and changed some things because inspiration changed so I apologize for the delay guys. Please enjoy it! Thank you so much again to @wakanda-inspired for this request. This is 9,528/30,000 for the challenge that apparently I’m still doing. 

Still no beta so all mistakes are mine

Pairings: ErikxNakia OkoyexW’Kabi, T’ChallaxOroro(Storm) featuring our merry band of BP characters

Warnings: None 

Chapter 1

Chapter 2 - It’s a Secret

“How is it I’ve never heard of any cousin?” Nakia asked over the speaker on her phone.

“None of us had until about this time last year,” Okoye responded. Okoye followed Nakia in her own car on their way to meet the mechanic T’Challa suggested, “None of us ever saw it coming.”

“That doesn’t sound ominous at all.”

“Eh, it’s not really my story to tell. It’s the building on the left. You can pull up to the garage,” Okoye stated quickly and hung up.

The shop was a fairly large black building with ‘Golden Jaguar Repairs’ written ornately above the doors. Nakia pulled up to the open garage doors and hopped out to meet Okoye at the door of the lobby area.  Okoye threw the door open and called out to signal their arrival. Quite the feat over the music playing throughout the area. Heavy bass and playful strings were the only response until a man dressed in a black coverall with gold detailing to match the rest of the décor emerged from a side door. He swaggered over to greet them, rag in hand.

“Wassup General,” He nodded to Okoye.

“Stevens,” Okoye responded politely but Nakia noticed a tightness in her tone, “This is Nakia. She is the woman T’Challa called you about.”

Nakia extended her hand but the man didn’t take it.

“No offense ma, but I’m covered in grease and I would hate to dirty up those lovely hands of yours,” he said with a wink.

Nakia pulled back her hand and crossed her arms over her chest, regarding the stranger. Okoye only rolled her eyes.

“The car is why we’re here,” Okoye interjected.

“Yeah, yeah you can follow me to the office Princess to get this paperwork done,” Erik said and gestured for Nakia to follow.

Erik led Nakia to his back office while Okoye stayed in the lobby. The office was decorated much like the rest of the building. There were papers strewn all over a spacious mahogany desk, spilling onto the floor. Two black leather office chairs are the only other furniture in the room. Nakia took a seat in one of the chairs while Erik stood behind the desk. He opened a drawer and pulled out a few forms then handed them with a clipboard and pen to Nakia.

“Your filing system is a little unorthodox for someone’s that ex-military,” Nakia while eyeing the forms.

“You got jokes I see. The price just went up,” Erik shot back.

Nakia held up her hands and laughed, “I’m just saying. You might want to invest in a file cabinet.”

“I have several out in the garage and behind the front desk but that’s not your business is it?”

“I guess not,” Nakia went back to read over the papers.

“Who told you I was ex-military?”

“You did. The general joke was kinda obvious,” Nakia smiled to herself but didn’t look up from the documents.

Erik took a step back and looked the attractive woman up and down. He took in her soft features and deep brown skin. Her beautiful hands made quick work of all the signatures needed and her eyes scanned the pages effortlessly.

“All these say is I’m leaving my car with you and a payment agreement. You haven’t even looked at my car.” Nakia said finally looking up from the papers.

“True. I didn’t need to look at it to know you need the works,” Erik sat down next to Nakia and took the paperwork, “I could hear you coming from a mile away, princess.”

“I am no princess.”

“Car like that. You’re someone’s princess that thing is a work of art.” Erik clapped his hands and stood up swiftly, “Let’s go get a look under the hood.

Fifteen minutes later Erik had pulled the car into the garage, looked under the hood, and was currently under it checking oil pans or something else. He moved quickly and with precision, jotting down notes here and there. Nakia and Okoye stood nearby chatting idly about their plans for the rest of the day and trip. Okoye kept one eye on Erik at all times. Which Nakia noticed but kept to herself.

“Ok Ms. Nakia I’m all finished with your assessment,” Erik slid from under the car and stood to face the women.

“What’s the damage, sir?” Nakia responded.

“Don’t call me that. I might like it,” Erik gave her another wink.

Okoye cleared her throat rather loudly.

“All work no play General,” Erik gave Okoye a brilliant smile, all white teeth and a bit of gold, “Back to you. You need brakes, spark plugs, ya transmission flushed and a whole gang of other shit. She’s pretty but her personality needs some work.”

“So it’s scrap metal?”

“I ain’t say all that. All she needs is some love and she’ll be rollin’ smooth. I can get started first thing in the morning,” Erik finished.

“What time?” Nakia asked.

“I usually roll in here bout 7. I don’t have any others to finish myself,” Erik answered.

“Ok, I’ll be here.”

“Excuse me?” Erik and Okoye answered in unison.

“I want to be here while you’re working on my car,” Nakia responded nonchalantly. She looked between the two of them for a moment before Okoye pulled her off to the side asking Erik it excuse them.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Okoye pressed.

“I’m getting my car fixed,” Nakia deadpanned.

“I mean with him. Why would you want to spend an entire day here? With Erik.”

“I will not leave my dead father’s car in the care of a stranger without being observant,” Nakia stated. Okoye didn’t budge, “I’m curious. That’s all Ye.”

The nickname wasn’t fair. Nakia only used it when she didn’t want Okoye to ask any questions about her actions. Like when they went on their first joyride or got into their first fight. It was always ‘That’s all Ye’ and she would immediately back off. Okoye studied her for a few more seconds then sighed and walked back over to Erik who wasn’t eavesdropping at all.

“Y’all settled up then?”

“I’ll see you in the morning,” Nakia answered. Okoye stayed silent. The two women headed toward the open garage door.

“How you gonna get here?” Erik called out, “I got your car ma.”

“You’re picking me up. I’ll be ready at 6:30. Okoye texted you the address. Don’t be late.”

Nakia didn’t look back to confirm Erik agreed to her terms. However, she didn’t need to in order to know he would be at her door the next morning.

At her door, he was indeed. Well, not technically her door but the door of one of T’Challa’s many properties in which she was staying at the moment. He insisted a luxury condo was better than a hotel and she was not about to give him the satisfaction of agreeing with him openly.

Erik was inexcusably chipper at 6:30 in the god damn morning. He greeted her with coffee and a chocolate chip muffin.

“I don’t drink coffee,” Nakia said through a yawn although she took the cup.

“I know. That’s mine princess. I got tea for you in the car,” Erik gently slid the cup out of her hands and stepped aside so she could exit the condo. She didn’t quite glare at him but it was damn close. A smug little smile and nod were all he offered her then followed her out and let the door shut behind them. Neither of them worried about locking the door. Shuri installed automated locks and biometrics on all the Udaku properties.

Outside Erik’s truck was waiting. It was exactly what Nakia had expected, black on black with gold details. As she slid into the front passenger seat she noticed the body was reinforced and the glass bulletproof. Maybe not exactly what she was expecting after all. Erik got in and gestured toward the lidded paper cup in the holder closest to her. She took it and sampled the tea he brought for her, lavender chai. It was perfectly (but not too) sweet and complemented the muffin well, of course, none of his business.

“This isn’t from Starbucks,” Nakia stated plainly.

“Nah. That shit is terrible. I got a spot around the way I like,” Erik kept his eyes on the road and Nakia kept hers on him, “I can show if you like.”

“How did you know I like tea opposed to coffee?”

“I’m observant,” He quipped and flashed his too pretty white and gold smile.

Nakia didn’t respond just kept a calculating stare at his profile, enjoying her gifted breakfast.  Erik reached down and turned on the radio. Nakia braced herself against the impending bass but was greeted by horns and keys.

“Jazz?”

“Jazz,” Erik confirmed.

“Jazz?” Nakia repeated.

“I grew up in Harlem for the most part,” Erik shrugged, “So yes, jazz first thing in the morning is good for the soul.”

Nakia made some non-committal noise and sat back in her seat. By this time she had eaten half of the muffin she the other half she sat on the center console. Erik picked it up, taking a large bite and mumbling something about crumbs in his whip. The rest of the ride passed in an easy silence. They arrived quickly at the shop, Nakia memorized the route for future use.

Erik pulled into one of the bays at the far end of the garage. Erik disappeared into the office leaving Nakia to wander around alone. She went to her father’s car, her car now. The last piece of him she had with her in the physical world. She ran her fingers along the hood. Anyone else looking at the car would think the custom paint but Nakia knew better than that. There was the faintest scratch on the hood near the grill.

When she was a little girl her father would take her to sit by the water on Lake Shore. He would lean against the hood while she sat on the car listening to the waves and counting the clouds. On those evenings fights were rare but not completely eliminated. On one warm summer afternoon, she kicked the hood in anger. She had begged her mother for converse with little studs in the toe and she got them for her, one of the last gifts she received from her before she passed. Naturally, Nakia wore them every day. The fight was started small but snowballed when he asked her not to wear the worn shoes anymore. They were old and a proper little lady should have new shoes.

How could he ask, no how could he tell her that she had to throw away all she had of her mother left? Of course, the shoes were not the only part of her mother she had left, but when you’re fourteen your logic isn’t exactly rational. When she kicked the hood of her father’s prized car she meant it. All she did was leave a small scratch and severely bruise her toes, which caused another argument. She touched the scratch again and smiled fondly.

“I can get that out for you,” Erik startled her from her memories.

“No,” She answered a bit too quickly. Erik raised his eyebrow but didn’t say anything. Nakia began to explain herself but stopped. She hadn’t noticed Erik enter the room but now she looked at him and a smile spread across her face, “Those are adorable.”

“Hush,” He scowled at her from behind is gold frames, “I was doing paperwork.”

“You don’t have to explain anything to me. I’m just saying I think the glasses are a good look.”

“Yeah, yeah. Have a seat and don’t touch my shit,” Erik had donned a pair of navy coveralls and gestured to a workbench near the vehicle. Nakia took a seat and Erik got to work raising the car on a lift and examining it piece by piece, “You sure you wanna chill here all day?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Nakia glanced around the garage again, “Where are your employees.”

“It’s just me.” The hush was heavily implied.

Hush she did, for a while anyway. She texted Okoye and let her know she was ok and she definitely did not need to come and get her. After asking more and more invasive questions Erik shooed her away into his office. While in there she checked her email. The contact she’d reached out to for files on Erik had gotten back to her.  The files were thin but it was a start. She spent the next two hours or so doing research on the man in the other room.

Erik came and got her right around when she finished her snooping, “Ordered us some lunch. Should be here in a few.”

Nakia followed Erik back out into the garage area. The tires were off her car and various tools were strewn about. She took up her previous seat on the workbench. Erik went back to his work sliding under the car to finish something she couldn’t see. She watched him for a moment analyzing his body language, looking for an opening. Leaning forward she decided on a plan of attack.

“Tell me, Erik. How does someone go from Special Ops, a SEAL no doubt, to a mechanic in Oakland?” Nakia asked from her perch on the workbench near Erik’s feet.

“I came home. After the…incident my pompous cousin offered to welcome me with open arms. Be a part of the family business, Thanksgivings, and all that shit.” Erik rolled out from under the car and looked up to Nakia, “But it didn’t feel right. All this time I thought I wanted revenge or some proverbial piece of the pie. I guess what I really wanted was for them to see me.”

“You wanted a family,” Nakia leaned down to meet Erik’s eyes. They were a little glossy but she didn’t mention it. She wasn’t expecting this level of honesty from the man. She was looking forward to some form of mental chess before getting any kind of emotional realness from him, it was refreshing but it felt far too intimate for what she needed to accomplish.

“Yeah, I guess now I got one. They are a complete pain in my ass but mine all the same,” Erik said before standing up. Nakia leaned back to give him room.

“I’m sure they would say the same about you,” She smiled and eyed him closely as he wiped grease from his hands. Erik didn’t return her smile.

He drew his eyebrows together and tilted his head to the side slightly, “So tell me Nakia what’s an active CIA operative doing in my shop?” Nakia’s mouth fell open, “You ain’t the only one with friends.”

Nakia quickly regained her composure, “I’m here because while visiting a friend my car broke down. That same friend was kind enough to suggest you, his cousin, for the repairs.”

“Does your friend, my cousin, know why you’re really here?” Erik was playing a very dangerous game and he knew it.

“Friends in high places I see,” Nakia responded, avoiding a direct answer.

“Low places too. Why didn’t you tell him?”

“That isn’t your business is it?” Nakia dropped her façade for a moment and became serious, “I couldn’t, not yet. Question is: Are you gonna tell him?”

“Nah, like you said it ain’t my business but watch yourself things like this get real messy real fast”

“You worried about me? I think that’s cute,” Nakia teased.

“I protect my family,” Erik said looking at Nakia directly, “By any means.”

Before Nakia could respond there was a loud knock followed by the voice of a man announcing delivery. Erik’s demeanor changed and he smiled at Nakia again, “I hope you like Thai.”

Nakia nodded and watched him leave to get the food. She had so many decisions to make. Could her mission be compromised? How much did Erik know about her? Could she protect her friends? More important at this moment was a different question. How did Erik know she loved Thai food?

Tags:  @ovoxosavage @therevolution-willbelive@mamipeachy @wakandas-vibranium @wakandan-flowerz@texasbama @randomwordprompts @bartierbakarimobisson@maya-leche @theultimateblacknerdwithglasses @great-neckpectations @kumkaniudaku @blackgirloneshots@soldierandawar @babygirlofwakanda @to-the-water-ixazaluoh@sithlordslut@thorsthot @stevesthot@thattinycookiemonster @killmongersaidheyauntie @sunigyrl@daytimeheroicsonly @unholyxcumbucket @melaninmarvel@skysynclair19@pocmarvelworks @wildaboutchrisevans @non-stop-imagines @alanastormborn @tutufufuface @killmoncoochie@chefjessypooh @inlovewithmakeupcomicsanimelove @bakarisangel

[the-tormented-writer]

Stories For Monday pt. 2/2

Catch up here: http://the-tormented-writer.tumblr.com/post/163922695701/stories-for-monday-pt-12

“About time you came back from fishing! I thought something had happened to- Steve?” Sam questioned looking back and forth between the two of you.

You clear your throat, “Oh yeah! Steve came down and decided he wanted to fish after all.” You quickly scan the room evading Sam’s disapproving expression.

“Really?” Natasha eyed Steve then over to you.

“Maybe that’s what the doctor ordered?” Scott spoke eagerly grabbing the cooler from your clammy hands, smiling and making his way towards your stove.

Sams eyes squinted at you then shifted to Steve. ‘What?’ You silently mouthed. You laid the rest of your belongings down against a closet door and went to Sam.

“What is that all about?” He took the fishing poles and yanked the blanket from your shoulders, grumbling looking over in Steves direction once more.

“What’s what? You can’t honestly think… Sammy, as much as that is every Steve Rogers fan dream- no. Hate to disappoint ya but it was just us talking and fishing.”

“Mm hmm. I’m on to you.” He pointed, resting his hands on his hips.

“You know me Sam, that tortured soul thing doesn’t work on me.” You turn to follow the others gathering in the kitchen.

“Yeah she seems more of the wounded animal type, if I had to guess.”

“Scott she literally was talking to me-”

“I know I know! If you want me to butt out just say so.” He puts up his hands in surrender.

——-

“Hey soldier…” Natasha smiled, leaning on the doorway into Steve’s room. “So what was going on with you and Y/n?”

Steve sat up from his bed, rubbing his eyes, “Nat, I really-”

“No, I want to know. I mean, last time I heard you were sucking face with Agent-”

“Don’t go there. Y/n- She- it was nice. For a moment,” he looked up at Natasha. “All of this disappeared. I didn’t have to be on high alert, making sure others were safe and assessing possible threats. At that moment, time stood still. My thoughts were silent, I was calm and enjoying -”

“ ‘Enjoying’? Wow. Steve Rogers you might have a crush.”

“Yes to enjoying but no to the crush. Sorry Nat, you don’t win this round.”

Natasha entered his room, sitting at the foot of his bed, “Steve, you don’t have to be tough all the time, you know. You can let me in. You can let all of us in and help you carry what must feel like a burden to you. You’ve got me, Wanda, Sam… and I can’t believe I’m saying this- Scott. You’re not alone.” Steve glanced over her as she looked away from him, leaving her spot and walking back towards his doorway. “I’ve always told you that you were blind to a woman’s affections towards you. Y/n… she’s something else. I can’t put my finger on it but you’re different around her. We’ve all noticed it and these few weeks we’ve been here, she’s changed the total direction of our team.”

“Really now?”

“You might not want to admit it to yourself, you’re different yet the same all at once. As easily as I can put it- you’re Steve Rogers around her, not this Nomad-”

“Alright. I get it.”

“So what are you gonna do about it?”

“Nat. If things were different.”

“But they’re not. Look at it this way, maybe we don’t go back to what life was before. Barton already proved that any of us can have a successful relationship, start a family-”

“Why would I want to do anything with anybody while I’m a fugitive? Sometimes I ask myself why did I make us leave Wakanda…”

“Because, you simply didn’t like it there. You don’t want others 'protecting you’ or 'hiding out’. This laying low thing was never for you. You want to be out where the action is. How do you put it- 'fighting the good fight’?. ”

“I’m done being okay with everything. I need to be able to scream! And- and hit things and flip tables" Steve sits up, nibbling the side of his cheek. Feeling like this was different like the world was on his shoulders and he was close to dropping it. He lets out a long exhale resting his arms on his knees. “But it’s what was working, I mean for one, Buckys safe.”

“True. Though on the other hand, and you may not admit it but you want to reconnect with Stark and the others as well. I know you, you always have that ancient flip phone on you incase he calls. You know I’ll back you no matter what you choose. Just think first.”

——–

“Hey- do you care for some company?”

You look up by the doorway to the study seeing Steve with his arm propped up on the door frame. “Uh yeah I’m due for a break anyway. I’ve been staring at this screen for far too long.” You lean back in your chair slowly spinning it to face him.

“So what are you writing about?”

“Oh well. That’s a loaded question.” You laugh suddenly feeling shy. You could not believe that Steve Rogers was interested in what you were writing. You had read how he enjoyed drawing but this felt different. “Let’s see. I’m writing about a girl,”

“Of course.”

“and a guy,”

“Naturally.” Steve licked his lips as his sparkling eyes met yours waiting patiently for you to continue.

“And they’ve got nothing in common. They meet unexpectedly actually.”

“Alright I’m listening.”

“Anyway umm… they become close as the story goes on and one thing leads to another and ..”

“And- ”

“it gets complicated, like most relationships do.” You unconsciously drum your fingers against the oak wood table. “I dunno you’ll have to read it when I’m done..”

“Complicated huh.”

“Yes.”

“Well answer me this, when it’s gets difficult for the two main characters what do they do, just give up?” He questions wondering if this was a writing from your own life experiences.

“Oh no. But like I said you’ll have to read it. I’ve just been having a touch of writers block and I’ve been wanting to atleast devote a few hours to it each day while I’m here.”

“Yeah..” Steve turns away from you as it hits him once more that you will be leaving him, them and the feeling of comfort you provided.

“Remember I don’t live here. I’ll have to go back in two weeks. Then I’ll be out of your hair.” You sigh smiling up at him. Steve looks down and his clasped hands. Your concern shifts observing his body language. “Are you ok? You look a little down. ” “No I - was just thinking how will we survive without your cooking.” You laugh as he joins in. He could not possibly burden you with his feelings for you and how he truly felt about you returning home.

“I’m sure you’ll all figure something out.” You say with no real conviction in your voice. The laughter between you dies down. You feel yourself being bought back to reality and the seriousness of his situation. “You know Steve, I know we aren’t close like you and the others..and I’m not really someone who… I just want you to know you can’t run forever, you know this right? At some point you’re going to have to pick yourself up and fight for what you believe in. Wether you end up fighting with or without your team.” You wait patiently for his response as he mulls over the shift in the conversation moving from weirdly awkward to serious.

“That’s what-”

“You’ve tried to do, I know. I also believe that Steve Rogers never backs away from a fight. So while you’re regrouping for the time being, keep that fire burning in your heart for what you stand for. What you’ve always stood for.” You smile and he nods, licking his lips. You let out a soft breath unsure what to say next, afraid the air between you would become stale. Then the most unexpected thing happened, Steve leans in towards you. You can see him drawing closer moving painstaking slow and cautious. You thought about what to do with your hands as Steve Rogers put his lips on yours. You were surprised beyond belief! He was gentle and smooth. His fingers sweep against your cheek, resting a hand on your thigh. Softly you rest your hand upon his shoulder. As you bliss out his motions become needy, he raises both hands to the sides of your face. Letting out a moan he pulls himself back, while you feel a rush of cold air on your moistened lips. When you finally opened your eyes he was gone.

——

“Steve?”

“Wanda.” Steve dries his hair with a towel, letting it rest on his shoulders. He thought taking time in the shower, away from you, would calm him. It just made it worse. His cheeks showed a faint blush embarrassed at the thought that Wanda had heard him in the shower relieving his tension.

“She likes you, you know. It’s like a warm tingling feeling she has spreading throughout her mind when she sees you.”

He took a deep breath, realizing what she was in his room for. Dropping his head he knew he would be unable to avoid the subject at hand. “Wanda I told Sam I- I can’t help it, she’s so-”

“Entrancing? Because that’s how you look. Like you’re under a spell.” She smiled, quickly bringing up her fingers to cover it.

“Trust me Wanda you don’t want to be in my head right now.” Steve chuckles, sorting through a pile for laundry.

“I know the others must see it too.”

“Wanda.”

“It began the night beside the lake you know, that’s when I first sensed it. I just thought you’d like to know.”

He rubbed his hair again, tossing the damp material to the side of his bed. “Thank you. I appreciate you looking out. I believe I’ve got a firm grasp on this, whatever it is and…” He trailed off, looking to the doorway yet Wanda was gone.

————-

You awake to a buzzing sound on your nightstand. Quietly you slide the drawer, containing your phone, open. It’s screen was blinding. You start to have butterflies rising up in your stomach touching the answer button. “Y/l/n, please tell me you’re done with that sacred book!”

“Charlie! How are you?”

“Are you sleeping on the job?”

“Hey it’s five in the morning, and you’re calling me for what exactly?!”

“Do you happen to still be locked up in that Amityville horror?”

“Calm your tits! Yes I’m still here.”

“I can’t calm what I don’t have! Remember You’re suppose to be returning in a few days, refreshed and raring to go!”

“Yeah I know, it’s just-”

“Just what? Arent you ready to rejoin civilization, sweetness?”

“Of course. Yeah.”

“Well I’m glad to hear it!”

“Yeah.” You sigh, “me too.” You begin fiddling with a corner of the bed sheet. You could picture him now, his tall lanky body bent over his desk looking over papers and scribbles of notes long since forgotten.

“Don’t sound so down and out, I’ll be coming out to rescue you Saturday-”

“What? uh…no!” You about drop your phone at his words, “That won’t be necessary!” You fight with your bed covers attempting to dislodge yourself from the mass. “I’ll just trek into town and go from there! No worries!”

“Nonsense! Come on! It’ll be like the good ol days- think of it, I’ll pick you up in my jet….”

“No! Really, I don’t need or want that attention. I like how quiet it is out here. Honestly I have gotten to be one with nature.”

“…Wine and dine you all the way back to New York. Huh? Maybe even throw in-”

“CHARLIE! Listen, ” you took a calming breath fighting the image of his stormy blue eyes and jet black hair. “I’m good. It’s been … interesting here.”

“Really, out in the wilderness?”

You could note the smirk in his voice, you knew him so well. “Yes. And I don’t want your obnoxious mouth and your aura out here.”

Aww I’m hurt sugar..you’ve never had a problem with my mouth before.“

You roll your eyes at the comment, walking around your room as softly as possible.

“Fine! have it your way.” He clears his throat placing a hand in his dress slacks pocket.

“Just let me meet you in town. Ok?” You plead, “you can’t see me but I’m giving you the puppy dog face.”

“Geez so defensive…So on to more important matters, you miss me?” Charlie rubbed his chin clicking his tongue.

“Somewhat..” you look at yourself in a mirror making a gagging face.

“That sounds like a 'yes’ and I’ll take it!”

“Sounds like a plan!” you exhale, tossing the phone into your covers.

“Ok I’ll see you then!” Charlie speaks with a laugh quieting it instantly when the figure who had been patiently waiting in the shadows stood, thrusting a briefcase full of money onto the dim lit desk.

——–

“So I wanted to let you all know, as much of a pleasure it’s been cooking, cleaning and being a mom for you all, sadly all good things must come to an end.”

“What are you talking about? Don’t you live out here?” Scott questions looking to Sam. Sam nods running two fingers up and down his wine glass, “That’s right. I knew you were acting weird. This means you must have finished your book?” leaning on his elbows his eyes shift to you .

“Ha..yeah… actually, I’m on the last chapter BUT my time here is coming to a close.”

“What’s going on?” Steve asks looking from one end of the table to the other.

“God sis. Don’t say it’s Charlie.”

“Who’s Charlie?” Nat asks with a devilish wink.

Scott snaps his fingers, “Oh! Charlie from Charlie’s angels?! I love that movie!”

“My EDITOR, Charlie, Scott! What in the world-”

“ 'The porn on legs’ as she dubbed him the first time she saw him.” Sam huffs rolling his eyes.

“Oh is that so, Y/n?” Natasha lifts and eyebrow at you, you make eye contact with Steve with your mouth slightly agape, then turn towards the others unsure how to continue. “He’s coming to pick me up Saturday. Don’t worry, I’m meeting him in town. So you’ll still continue to have all the privacy you all need. AND your secret is safe with me.”

Wanda glanced over to Steve feeling waves of jealousy emitting from him. 'Are you going to tell her how you feel?’ she projects into his head while the others continue to tease you.

'She’s better off.’ He replies taking a drink, looking back at Wanda.

'Is she really or is that what you’re telling yourself?’

He swirls his drink around, placing it on the table. Suddenly he had lost his appetite.

“So we need to have a going away party right?” Scott changes the topic clapping his hands together.

“No it’s ok. It’s not every day a girl gets up close and personal with super heroes. No matter what Steve says, you all are great and I for one am thankful for everything you’ve done.” You raise your glass to toast the others over the pizzas spread over the dinning table.

———–

“Hey Natasha, is everything alright?” You stay seated at the edge of your bed looking over a few rough drafts.

“Yes, everything’s fine. Um, do you have a second?” She bites her lip rubbing her hands on her hips.

“Of course!” You say enthusiastically stacking the papers haphazardly on your nightstand.

“I wanted to talk to you about Steve.” Natasha takes a seat besides you while you watch her. “Oh, I’ll try my best. What’s going on? Is it about staying here? I mean you guys can stay here as long as needed. I only try to come out here twice a year to make sure everything’s working and hasn’t been damaged. But-”

“Relax it’s not that. You and Sam have been more than accommodating. It’s…He likes you and I think you like him too.”

“Nat-”

“You don’t have to say anything. I know. That and Wanda told me.”

You roll your eyes and Natasha giggles to herself how much you look like Sam. “I’d appreciate you not saying anything to Steve. I mean you’re right I do. But neither of us are in a good spot right now. I mean you guys are - and I am-” your arms flail a bit trying to come up with the words to describe what you were feeling.

“I understand.”

Your heart felt like it was breaking. “Thanks. So yeah, I gotta finish packing.” Looking away from her you get up and make your way towards the closet. It’s not everyday one would hear that someone such as Steve Rogers had taken an interest in little ol you.

“Of course.”

“Goodnight.”

Shortly after Natasha leaves you hear another knock at your door. You get up, placing an unlit cigarette behind your ear. Cracking the door you expect to see Natasha. Steve looks up at you with sad eyes, “Can I come in?” His words are soft and pulling at your heart. He scans the hall, “I need to talk to you.” He shoves his hands into his pockets feeling like a school boy. Unsure of what is happening your mouth drops at the surprise. “Yeah. Sure!” You slowly motion him to enter. You move to the side letting him pass cringing that your space was in such disarray.

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah it’s just something’s I gotta get off my chest.” He states before shutting the door behind him.

——–

“Hey,” Sam waves leaving his other hand on the doorknob. “Steve, have you seen or heard from Y/n? She gets up at the same time every day.”

“Uh no actually.” He nervously clears his throat, pulling up his collar just abit hiding a hickey you left, “Maybe she’s down at the lake?”

“Hey her car is gone. Where would she go without any of us noticing?” Nat questions she begins looking around the kitchen.

“Calm down, I mean I agree but maybe there was a few things she needed to get before leaving.” Steve sighs continuing with his reading.

Scott walks towards the screen door headed to the dumpsters carrying an empty yellow box, “Yeah like restocking the eggos.” The others glare at him.

Sam shook his head feeling uneasiness wash over him. “No she would have told somebody. She knows how I get…”

“Hey, why is y/ns stuff out there by the lake?” Wanda squints taking in Steve’s nervousness. Her eyes glow using her telepathy, 'You were with her, weren’t you?’

'Wanda not now-’

'Did she say anything?’

'She was asleep when I left her room this morning.’ He thought while sipping his coffee.

“There’s more than one set of foot prints out here. Did I miss something?” Scott asks letting the screen door slam behind him.

Steve made his way to Wanda , “Can you sense her?”

“I can’t, she might be knocked out”

Steve is furious now. He knew the minute he let his guard down.. “How was someone up here and we miss it?”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions. Y/n She’s a smart girl. She can handle herself.”

The rest of the group looked at one another. “Sam, when was Charlie suppose to pick her up?”

“That idiot? Tomorrow.”

“How well do you know him?”

“Well he’s an ex of hers and I pretty much hate him. But I’ll tell you one thing, he can’t fight himself out of a paper bag.”

“What If we’ve been found, Steve?” Natasha rests a hand on his shoulder.

“Ok. Let me think.” It had happened all over again, letting his emotions control his choices. Now a woman that he cared about had been possibly taken and it was all his fault.

“There’s only so many places in this town to go.” Sam whispered.

Wanda stands struggling to receive a clear image of you, “Steve-”

Sam begins plucking weapons hidden around the home, “Charlie has a private jet, so if he did take her, which I doubt-”

“Steve-"Wanda tries again getting cut off once more.

"He could have been a lure?” Wanda questions clearly unsure where to begin the search for you.

Scott sips some coffee moving towards the others, “But no one knows we are here”

Wanda yells, “Steve!” Clearly getting the attention of the others. She was afraid of loosing the familiar feeling of you attempting to reach out to her.

“WHAT IS IT?!” He yelled, resting his hands on the counter. Many emotions were rushing through him, he was close to boiling over. Just when he had let go of all his inhibitions with you last night, this proved he was never meant to be happy.

Wanda smiles faintly relieved that you are alive, “I think I’ve found her.”

——–

Your vision is spotty and everything hurts. You weakly move a hand to touch your throbbing head.

“Please y/n forgive me. You’ve got to forgive me.”

You try to turn your head in the direction of the voice. Pain shoots up your spine causing you to grit your teeth.

“Some men saying they were from some government FBI or homeland security- I don’t recall. They found you, they were coming …they said you wouldn’t be hurt as long as you and I …cooperate. They know about the lake house. That damn freaky ass house of yours. What have you got up there that they want? The money the promised me, babe. They only have given me half so far then the rest after this. I will be rich. We would be rich. I could hire those who would protect us, we’d never go through this again. There’s something in that house they want….”

You frown trying to shake yourself out of your daze attempting to remember the last thing you did. Steve. You were with Steve. You had been talking and he kissed you, passionately and hungrily. You blink as flashes play behind your eyes. His hands were roaming everywhere, your clothes thrown haphazardly around the room, his scent filling your senses.

“Earth to Y/n?! Can you get us out of here? Didn’t your brother teach you anything from his military days?”

Your eyes land on Charlie, wide eyed and covered in who knew. “Will I get used to being held captive? I never understood injured birds so well before”, he mumbled. His bottom lip was busted and a purple bruise was forming on his left eye. Tracks of dirt starting at his eyes trailing to his chin let you know at one point he had been crying.

"Where am I?” You manage to ask, groaning from being jostled about the space.

“We are in the back of a truck. I’m not sure how long. My two hundred dollar watch got damaged in the scuffle.”

You set your head against the side of the trailer, feeling it sway from side to side, listening to Charlie ramble on. You began worrying about Sam, Steve and the others, not knowing what would happen next. If this was about them, if they would get out and away before they were caught. You hear Charlie mention something about being bait before you pass out again.

——–

“Y/n- oh god.”

“What happened?”

“Sam- what’s going on?”

“ I don’t know. There’s so much blood?”

“Where is it coming from, Steve?”

“I don’t know? Sam?”

“Is it hers?”

“I DONT KNOW!”

“PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER!”

“I think her legs have been broken.”

“Romanoff she’s not breathing!”

“What?”

“What did he say?!”

“Move!”

“Y/n! Breathe for me baby come on!”

“Fuck, no. She’s not dying like this. Sam-”

“No! You’re going to save her. She’s the only family I’ve got left so the hell with your rules and shit. You’re going to save her!”

Steve switched places with Sam while he did chest compressions on you. Your hands were beginning to feel clammy like that night on the lake.

“Don’t quit on me”, Steve whispers breathing into you. You cheeks fill and deflate with each of his breaths. He gets more irate with every unsuccessful attempt to revive you. “Fuck. I can’t just get a fucking break. Just one break!” That second he lands a punch to your chest you begin coughing. Your hands fly up to the first thing you can hold on to grounding yourself. Steve chuckles breathing heavily. He whispers into your hair, surrounding you with his body holding you tightly, “I can’t loose you, Y/n I just found you.”

You look up at him with a smile. Tears roll off his cheeks as he grins at you, “How could you think I would ever be ready to let you go?”

——–

“How long can we linger around here before people get suspicious?”

“I just want to make sure she’ll be alright. This is my fault -”

“If it’s anyone’s it’s mine. I didn’t know she was at the lake-”

“Stop blaming yourselves, Wanda’s trying to wake her.”

“Is that safe?”

“I just want to say goodbye.”

“We all do, but her body needs to heal. She’s been through a lot.”

“I know I can’t just sit here, Nat! I’ve got to do something.”

“You’ve got to calm down Steve!”

“We can’t tell her where we’ll go, that might put her in-”

“Look she’s my sister ok! You all mean a lot to me but she’s. She’s been with me through everything and I can’t loose her- not like this.”

“Sam- I. Y/n and I, we-”

“Man I don’t want to know about it-”

“You’ve gotta believe me I never intended-”

“I know. Hey You’re a good guy Steve and y/n’s a big girl, I trust you.” Steve shakes his head in understanding, while Wanda and Natasha can’t help but smile. “So what now?”

“You guys, she’s awake.”

——–

“Can we start from the beginning again? I really don’t remember much.”

“Where should we start?”

“Somewhere because I’ve got two broken legs, a black eye and a broken rib… or four.”

“I guess I’ll go first. Somewhere along the line someone tracked down your editor- Charlie. And got a bug in his ear by building up his ego with promises of money.”

“Honestly that’s not even surprising.”

“So with someone knowing where you were they put the two together tracking you then the rest of us.”

“That was quite a shot in the dark they took thinking that Sam would contact me.”

“Desperate times..”

“Who was it and what do they want?” I look around at the group as they avoid my sight.

“They wanted us, remember- fugitives?”

“Riiight.”

Steve breaks in the conversation grabbing your hand, “It no longer matters. What matters now is you get some rest.”

“But I’m worried about you guys. Where are you gonna go now since the lake house has been compromised? What are you gonna do in general! Who’s going to cook for you?!” Scott and Sam laugh. You try to sit up when Natasha and Sam push you back down onto the hospital bed.

“We can talk later, right now we need you to get better alright?”

You nodded thinking about all the questions you had that were going unanswered. Scott hugged you then Natasha. You could not rid yourself of the feeling that this was goodbye. Wanda nodded secretly telling you she’ll be keeping her thoughts open for you. Sam hugged you tightly rubbing your arms. “Sis I love you.” He kisses your cheek, “when I can-”

“When it’s safe, drop me a line this time.” You wink with your good eye.

“Will do.” He licked his lips smiling, dismissing himself with the others.

Steve bit his lip, hearing Wanda in his thoughts, ’ I’m releasing her mind, she needs to rest- without you.’ He shuffled his feet making his way to the side of your bed and picking at the fabric of your blankets.

“I feel like this is you- all of you, are saying goodbye?” You look at him, your eyesight begins to become hazy. “You don’t have to be strong around me, not anymore.” You choke out, wiping your tears before they leave your eyes.

He sighs wearing a steel expression “Y/n you don’t know. You almost. Sam almost lost you.”

You yawn feeling unusually tired. Your mind drifted to the whispers you had heard when they had found you. Steves voice drifting through your head. You look up at him, “Did you almost lose me, too?” He nods, leaning over you he kisses the top of your head, inhaling the smell of your hair. “I’ve lost so many, I couldn’t take- I’m in over my head with you and I really like you and I’m sorry about your ribs.”

“It’s ok. If it was nessary to keep me going, I trust your judgement .” You blink, feeling groggy. “My bones will heal. Everything will be fine.” You run your hands against his check. He holds it kissing it gingerly. As your eyes become heavier, you feel someone tuck the covers around your body. Steve places your hand beside you, when you turn to look at him one last time. “Steve don’t leave please?”

He closes his eyes briefly before facing you. This was already hard enough for him. Hadn’t he put you through enough? You almost died for him.

“Stay.. just for a while.”

He looks around the room before pulling up a chair.

“So you won’t need me anymore?”

“Oh y/n, I’ll always need you.” He feels the familiar chest tighten, forcing himself to stay strong for you, he exhales long and loud. “Go ahead and rest. I’ll stay as long as I can.” He holds your hand in his. The warmth traveled up your arm as the lull of the machines in your room sent you to sleep.

——–

You push open the front door of the Lake house, using your new cane to assist yourself through the doorway of the lake house. You were hoping to be welcomed with open arms at your arrival but you knew better. The house looked empty, everything back in its proper place. Your expression fell slowly making your way throughout the vacant rooms one by one. You finally come up on the study, noticing a nicely folded paper resting on your desk. When you move to sit, a hiss escapes your mouth feeling pain from your healing ribs. You prop your cane against the desk, gliding the pads of your fingers across the front of it. A smile tugs at the corner of your mouth while eagerly you begin tearing at the envelope. You unfold the letter, laying down in front of you.

Y/n,

Words cannot express how much your kindness meant to us. You have kept us together not only as a team but as a family. Our bond is now stronger than before and with our new found strength we must go on and face the trials that lay before us now. To put your mind at ease, we have a place to go. It may not be filled with the caring and compassionate atmosphere that you provided but it will do and we will be safe.

You gave up so much- including your life, to protect our own. There is nothing that I can do to repay you for that undeserving sacrifice. You’ve taught me so much and I wish we had more time. I wanted you to get to know the real me. But I could never live with myself if I put your life in jeopardy again.

I hope you don’t mind but I read your novel, Stories For Monday. It’s pretty good, and I really liked the ending. I hope you’ll sign a copy of it for me- in person, one day.

Till we meet again-

Steve.

———–

T'Challa walks out to greet Steve and the others, keeping along the landing strip.

“Your timing is impeccable, I trust you accomplished what you set out to do in the states?”

“Not really but that’s a conversation for another time. I received your message, Where is he?”

“Barnes is fine. He’s been awake for a day or two and has been well fitted with an vibranium replacement. Clint Barton has come in seeking refuge as well.”

“Really?”

“Apparently you all weren’t the only ones targeted. We have a lot to discuss you and I. There has been a new threat detected…”

[wibblyrose]

it’s been a day and my brain has been clogged with avengers endgame thoughts at work, so. i’ll write them down, very incoherently. spoilers, obviously

- as i said on twitter, it should be illegal to hire hiroyuki sanada to make him LOSE a KATANA fight. AGAINST HAWKEYE !!!!!!!!! the disrespect !!!!!!!!!!

- talking about disrespect. the russos really hate thor huh ? they just turned him into one very long, very uncomfortable fatphobic joke thru this movie that supposedly wraps up the OG avengers’s arcs, huh ?

- im glad i saw korg tho. and frigga. valkyrie screentime wasnt nearly enough.

- endgame!thor is like... loki who ? wild.

- HAWKEYE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE ONE WHO DIED. he’s a criminal. racist. he’s awful. he has no character. his actor is even shittier than scarlett. why does HE get the happiest ending ?

- god natasha really deserved better. where’s HER funeral. for 5 years she WAS the avengers. how did rocket, rhodey, okoye, carol, nebula react ?? they’ve seen her a lot more than these whiny men who throw benches into lakes for the last few years !!!!!!!!!

- goood That One “girl power ! see we have a lot of female superheros other than black widow now so it’s fine ! they kick ass and help one another !” Sequence was SO unsubtle sdbjdfjgkgf. i mean i ate it tf up but still.

- the final battle....... yeah. YEAH OK. ALRIGHT. thor, tony, and steve fighting thanos ? wig. all of captain marvel ? WIG. wanda finally getting to show off her immense powers ? good for her. i could go on.

- while on the topic of good things. tony, scott, and steve praising steve’s ass. ok. i felt seen.

- i felt so relieved when tony died sjldfgklhfh please don’t hate me. rhodey, rescue!pepper and peter were the highlights of his death

- the russos said sambucky.... has some rights !! we out here

- you know when joe russo came onscreen i was like “hey!” and then he said “he” about his date and i was like “nice!” but when i left the movie and realised... that was their “first openly gay character in a marvel movie”........ i HAD to laugh. carol’s haircut is RIGHT THERE

- black panther was wildly acclaimed... so they marketed the hell out of wakanda for infinity war... but ultimately there was very little screentime for it VS captain marvel was very well received... so they marketed the hell out of her for endgame.... but ultimately she has very little screentime. makes u think

- okoye was alive THIS WHOLE TIME. was it too much to ask for a quick scene of her running damage control in wakanda or something ? WHY WAS I DENIED DANAI GURIRA

- so the people that were dusted then came back effectly jumped 5 years into the future from their perspective. that HAS to have some repercussions like ?? I FEEL LIKE THIS SHOULD BE IMPORTANT and dont say it’ll probably be treated in future films ! maybe yeah ! what of it ! i watched THIS movie

- i don’t know when i started to feel this strongly about that, but @ scott lang : you are my daaaad (you’re my dad!) boogie woogie woogie. he saved everyone

- the fuck is up with hulk and bruce. i dont get this development.

- me @ endgame!steve : who the FUCK are YOU

- the time travel bullshit gets a pass because it’s time travel bullshit. but steve’s ending ?? THAT SHIT WAS WACK AS HELL. IT MAKES NO SENSE !!!!!!!! i did feel soft at peggy and steve finally getting their dance but that’s it ! like steve’s whole arc has been about moving on, finding new friends and family, he JUST GOT SAM AND BUCKY BACK and he’s just like. bye lol. im gonna let hydra do their nazi shit and torture bucky and stuff. if i understand the laws of time travel in this universe, old!steve shouldn’t have been able to come back exactly where he left US without anything changed, he should be in an alternate timeline.

- and we’re just supposed to accept that he returned the stones just like that ?? what happened when he returned the soul stone ??? to red skull ?????? did he INJECT JANE with the aether ??????

- when bucky saw steve and stood back while telling sam to go to him... like, i know he’s not an emotional person, but...... me @ endgame!bucky : who ARE you

- sam’s gonna be cap tho !!

- steve’s arc : he moves on. steve’s ending : he doesn’t. thor’s arc : he matures and leads his people. thor’s ending : he doesn’t. im so mad. the russos said fuck R’s rights ESPECIALLY.

- there were... really really cool moments sprinkled in this goddamn mess. but it’s still a goddamn mess

EDIT : ALMOST FORGOT BUT STEVE LIFTING MJÖLNIR !!!!!!!!!! MY ASS WAS GONE but also wtf at it calling lightning. it channels thor’s power if cap wields it it’s just gonna be a powerful hammer shdldfkgmgk the russos HATE taika waititi