#fellas is it weird to wrap someone elses gifts for them

[climbdraws]

living with my mom as an adult is so unhinged...she just wrapped presents I bought for MY niece from ME and put tags on them saying they're from me. She treats me like I'm an uninvolved dead beat dad lmao

[justreadingfics]

It’s a Deal (Chapter 7)

Chapter Summary: How you and Bucky feel about the presence of your ex-boyfriend.  

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Words: 4.3k

Warnings:+18 only, mention to smut, overdrinking, embarrassing behavior due alcohol consumption, Natasha knows stuff, ex-boyfriend, minor jealousy, minor angst, floof, Bucky has a somewhat creep confession, but give him a break, he’s never been in love.

A/N: Another smutless one, I hope you don’t mind. Thank you to my sweet Les for having my back. The link to my masterlist, where you can find the other chapters, is on my description. Feedback is highly appreciated.

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Previously:

Your shoulder brushes against him as you walk past Bucky and he turns his body around, following you with his gaze. He takes a long sip of his drink and places a hand inside his pocket, watching as you approach your ex-boyfriend.  

He tries hard to bury deep down inside him the tug on his chest.

“Oh, fuck…”

Natasha’s curse makes him turn to her and he realizes she’s been watching him, with a dumbfounded expression he’s not used to see on her face.

“What?”

She scoffs and shakes her head, seeming in an estate of disbelief, “This whole time I’d been worried with the wrong person.”

No point. Bucky sees absolutely no point in trying to make it like there isn’t  turmoil twisting inside of him. Not for Natasha, anyway, it would be to no avail. Also, he’s pretty sure there’s a kicked puppy look on his face to make it harder for him to put on any kind of façade.

“Fuck,” he sighs and run his hand harshly over his face, “What the hell is this, Natasha?” He whines, failing at trying to not sound as helpless as he does.

“You tell me, buddy.” She points at him with her glass of vodka, tilting her head with interest.

“Shit,” he exhales, looking down, before his face snaps up at her, “I’m … just weird, I’m not myself these days.” Bucky bites his lower lip as if trying to somehow refrain from spilling the words, but he just can’t, he’s dying to let it all out. He steps closer to her and lowers his voice as much as he can with the loud music beating around them, “I’ve spent almost every day of the last month with her. I have absolutely no desire to see or think of another woman and I have to restrain myself constantly, cause if I had it my way I would call her every five minutes to check in on her, and… and when I’m thinking about her - which is all the time, I fucking swear - I wonder if she’s thinking of me, and now? I mean, right now? I feel like snatching the blade right now on my ankle and shooting it right on that fella’s throat.” Finally taking a breath after his rambling, he points in your direction, before turning to see you right when you’re letting out a small laugh at something the punk has said.

“Wow…” Natasha lets out a whistle.

“A few days ago,” he turns back to his friend, “I snuck into her closet to find out the name of her perfume. And you know what I did next?  I bought a large bottle for myself, like a fucking creep,” sheer frustration plasters on his tone.     

“Oh my…,” Natasha snorts at the same time a mix of incredulity and amusement shines on her eyes, “That’s definitely creepy and it’s even worse than I imagined. The almighty Bucky Barnes, the I’m a whore and proud,” she thickens her voice playfully, moving her arms in a mimicking way, “The I don’t do romance and attachments king is a tiny lost puppy with big blue heart eyes, aww,” she inclines her head as if she’s thinking of him as exactly how she’s just described him.

Bucky tries but he can’t actually find the amusement in all of that. The fact one single woman is making him feel that way is entirely new, unpredictable and… scary as hell. He has no clue where to go from there.

Natasha seems to swiftly catch on his little inner self torment and, after letting out a deep sigh, she puts on a small smile and shakes her head, “Don’t worry Bucky, it’s probably a crush. A big one. But only a crush,” she places her hand on his arm, giving it a squeeze, “Y/n is one of my best friends and I know how delightful it is to be beside her. Maybe you’re just infatuated…”

“Maybe…” he exhales and shrugs, “I wouldn’t know… all I know is I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Not that I remember…. but I’m pretty sure I would.” He looks at you again while you’re still talking to the Eddie guy.  

“They have history,” Natasha says in a kind voice, following your gaze.

“I know.”

“He was her first and only boyfriend.”

“I know.”

“She thought she was going to marry him.”

“Damn Nat…” he breathes out his frustration, dropping his head for a moment, before raising his downcast gaze at her again, “Yeah, I know that, too.”

“But you’re Bucky fucking Barnes,” she snaps in a more cheerful voice shaking his arm with a enthusiastic force, “Don’t forget that, buddy,” she shoots him a warning glare, “Also, I’ve never seen a brighter smile on that woman than when she’s talking about you,” she beams.   

Bucky’s heart jumps and a quick breathy smile surges on his lips before he takes in a shuddering breath, “I’m not sure what I should do, though.”

“Well, figure it out,” she lets go of his arm and taps on it, “My advice for the night if you should accept it is let it flow,” she shrugs. “Go on with your thing and see what happens. Just try not to hurt you or her on your way, though,” Nat warns.

“I’m not even sure I-Wait,” he frowns after his gaze is drawn to the spot where you are again, “Did that fucker just leave her alone?”

He instantly struts towards you, ignoring Nat’s snicker.

~~~

“Hey,” you smile, gulping down the nervousness down your throat as you approach your ex-boyfriend. The one you haven’t seen ever since he broke up with you months ago.

“Hey,” he offers you a tight but kind smile back.

You halt on your way, the awkwardness building up a barrier on your way as you’re not sure what to do next. Should you give him your hand to shake? Hug him? Do nothing at all? Not once before you had thought that moment would play out between you and Eddie.

But he seems a bit more resolved than you and shrugs, leaning forward and wrapping an arm around your shoulders, “Congratulations again,” he says, still holding you, “You’re the best and most hard working person I know, you deserve it.”

The small smile in your lips grows wider and you accept the compliment, relieved that the awkwardness seems to be tamed. While you’re so close to him after all that time, you notice he’s wearing the same perfume he’s been wearing for years, the one which would make you sneeze all the time, but you never really said anything.

“Thank you,” you lean back, sniffing discreetly to suppress the sneeze threatening to come out, “I’m happy you could make it,” you add. The fact he’s arrived all by himself grasps your interest, considering how everyone around you would tell you he was probably seeing someone else… however, if he did have someone, he wouldn’t bring them to your party, would he?

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it,” he says with a gentle tone, but the formality is still there, you notice.  

You two engage in some small conversation and you can’t help but to take him in and realize that, just like the perfume, Eddie looks exactly the same with everything else. The same hairstyle, same grey t-shirt you gifted him on your last Christmas together, the same constant half smile while he talks… he still speaks quietly, letting out just a few small words, which has always forced you to be the one to push on the conversations…

It’s… familiar… even comfortable, you dare say. But if you’re going to be honest with your own feelings, ever since he walked away, you thought you would be yearning to feel that familiarity again, that it would lead you to a sense of… home.

Why it isn’t quite like that, though?

“You look different,” he says as the subjects of small talk seem to come to an ending point.  

You put your previous thoughts aside for later consideration.

“Oh…Different good or bad?” you ask, tilting your head with a small pull in the corner of your lips.

“I don’t know... just…different, I guess,” he frowns and quickly puts on that half smile of his.

“Oh, well… it’s been a while…“

“Yeah… I guess you’re right,” he says, regarding you with a wondering look in his eyes that makes you shift on your knees, “Listen,” he clears his throat, “I was wondering if we could meet to talk one of these days.”

“Oh,” you draw in a breath. Talking to him, having a real conversation, is something you’ve been wanting to do for a long time. It still feels like you don’t fully understand why you’re broken-up. Regardless the time it’s passed, you still feel attached to him somehow, like, no matter how exciting and new, you’re now living someone else’s life and not the one you had planned for you years ago.

“I mean,” he adds before you can give him a proper answer, “We still need to figure out what to do about the condo.”

The words are like cold water thrown at your face. There you are, thinking he wanted to talk about your relationship, but what’s really on his mind is the condo you’ve bought together. Swiftly, you work on putting a small smile on your face, “Yeah… sure, you’re right,” you nod.

“Hey! Eddie!”

Both of you look towards the female voice and your eyes fall upon a beautiful young woman you recognize as one of the members of SHIELD’s tech team. You’ve worked with her on a joined project of the two organizations before. Chloe… you believe her name is Chloe.

She’s waving at Eddie excitedly, calling him over the little group she’s with. She doesn’t seem to notice you’re standing next to him until her gaze meets yours. The wide grin on her face drops into a quick cringe before she nods in a respectful manner and shifts her look away, whispering something at one of the guys in the group.

When you set your attention back on Eddie, you tighten your lips just as you notice how the bone on his throat bobs right before his flustered eyes meet yours again.

“I-I, ahm, gotta go,” he runs his hand on the nape of his neck, “Can I call you later?”

“Yeah, sure.” Your voice comes out calm and controlled.

“It was good to see you,” he says, before placing his hand on your shoulder, “Congratulations again.”

After you give him a small nod as a thank you, keeping the tight smile on your face matching his, he walks away towards the group and the woman. The one your friends kept warning you about, apparently, given how uncomfortable he seemed to be in front of you after you saw her. As soon as he gets there, you see the two of them talking in hushed words. He keeps a safe distance from her, but his hand on her arm is where your gaze sticks on. 

You don’t have the slightest idea of what’s happening with your feelings right now. Minutes ago you were realizing the familiarity of Eddie wasn’t what you expected it to be anymore, but now, seeing him so close to someone else… a beautiful woman, to be more specific, with her long black straightened hair and fancy blue dress holding each one of her beautiful curves…It just crushes you.  A lump grows in your throat and while your gaze flicks around, you feel small… lost… picturing ways you could flee away from your own party at the same time ten years of your life flash in your mind.

The cold, yet gentle touch of metal in your elbow is what takes you out of your own head, “Hey, everything alright?” says the silky and soothing voice.

Your gaze meets Bucky’s while he stares at you with concerned eyes. Those gorgeous blue eyes of his…There’s already a bit less  turbulence inside your chest and mind. You think nothing of it, though.

“Yeah, yeah…” you smile, “He, ahm… Some friends called him. He had to go.”

Bucky just lets out a hum – which sounds more like a groan – staring over your shoulder to where the little group stands.

“He said he wants to talk…“ you start, and don’t see when Bucky’s breath hatches catches on his throat, his eyes back on you, “About the condo,” you press your lips, “He said he’ll call me.”

While your gaze gets lost ahead, you have no idea that the sadness in them pinches deep inside Bucky’s chest. If you could read Bucky’s mind at that moment, you would find out that the fact your reencounter with your ex-boyfriend hadn’t ended up in some sort of hope for reconciliation hasn’t left him sad at all, but the lost look in your eyes… makes him wanna hold you in his arms and never let go. Not before punching a douche in the face, of course.

“Oh, come on, sweetheart,” he wraps his arm around your shoulder, side hugging and pulling you closer to him, “You’re the fucking boss now and, look around, ” he gestures with his glass of whiskey to the crowded and jazzing place, ”You have a damn Stark party just for you. We’re all here to celebrate the badass motherfucker you are. You’re not just going to let anything ruin your night, will you?” The corner of his eyes crinkle as he grins at you.

You let out a small laugh, the heaviness inside you slowly slipping out of your body as you allow yourself to synchronize with Bucky’s vibe. You can always trust  the upbeat way he presents the world to you to lift whatever mood of yours up.  You look down at your empty glass and shrugs, “I might need a refill, though…or two,” you shoot him a warning look.  

Bucky’s smile stretches even wider and he lets go of your shoulders to offer his arm, nodding towards the bar, “Shall we?”

You gladly accept his suggestion by wrapping your hand around his elbow and walking with him, not even noticing that Eddie’s gaze follows you with piqued interest.

~~~

Quite a few more drinks later and after listening to Tony’s very nice and very Tony speech on his toast to honor you, you’re already fully invested in your party again. Bucky stays by your side most of the time, but you also come across with a lot of your friends from work and a few others, who are all more than happy to put you high on a pedestal for your promotion and party with you. It stings a bit when Camilla, your friend from work, tells you she heard Eddie and Chole are really together, but two or three more drinks after, you end up hitting the dance floor with a few friends by your side, not even seeing when Eddie leaves the party early, right before Chloe.

You’re happy to see that Amanda, one of Bucky’s friends you met that night in the club, has made it to the party, but you’re already too tipsy and it slips from your attention when she comments on how Bucky has been quite distant from her and the other girls for almost a month now.

If you’re going to be honest, you end up not truly noticing a lot of stuff since you’ve been drinking a great deal more than you’re used to, probably due the drill of having a kickass party thrown for you mixed with the unexpected sight of Eddie with a potential new girl - after months without seeing him. As the alcohol does its thing in your senses, you don’t notice the way Bucky looks at you, the way he holds you a little bit stronger when you’re dancing together, how he glares at the guys who tries to approach you or the fact he only leaves your side when he knows you’re comfortable and safe.

All you see and feel now is the music and the lights as you sway your hips to the beats. The party is almost coming to an end, but there’s still a small crowd of people enjoying their last moments there. The alcohol, the music and your friends, more precisely Camilla, Olivia, Amanda and Nat – the last two in the middle of a flirting contest you fail to notice, as well – are the ones around you. The buzz clouds your mind in a delicious way until your back bumps into a hard wall. Your weakened knees give in but before you hit the floor the wall wraps around you and holds you still.

Oh, you know that hard wall of muscles… You know it pretty well.

“Hey, there.” A foolish smile plasters on your lips at the same time the back of your head leans against the wall so you can see his face. His gorgeous and ungodly sexy face, “Your face is sexy,” you decide it is a very good idea to tell him that now.

“That right?” Bucky smirks, holding your gaze.

“Oh, yeah,” you clumsily turn around to face him, prompting him to grab you tighter since you stumble a bit on your toes. You curl the hand holding your glass around his neck, “And you’re big, too,” you don’t even notice but you’re a slurring mess as you speak and look to see your running hand down his broad chest, roughly probing his muscles, “Very, very big,” you exaggerate a sultry tone, the alcohol erasing any kind of subtleness or refinement in you or the notion that there are people around you, while your hand explores further down his body to say it’s not just about his muscles you’re talking about.

“Sweetheart.” Not making a big fuss about it, he gently grabs your wrist over his lower stomach to place it around his neck along with the other one, ”I’m very flattered to hear that, you’re one very nice piece of ass yourself, too,” he engages with you, keeping the playful tone.

You let out a girlish giggle, turning your face towards your friends, the trio now whispering and laughing among themselves as they watch the both of you, “He said I have a nice ass,” you shout, not realizing how loud you actually are as you lift and shake your hips, making your friends laugh harder and causing you to trip on your toes once again. But of course Bucky catches you before you fall.

“How many drinks, so far, huh?” Bucky chuckles, keeping the hold of his arms and eyes on you.

“Three or four,” you answer with nonchalance, bringing the glass to your lips as you hold yourself on his neck, only to pout when you notice it’s empty.

Your friends scoff at your lie behind you, “You can add at least ten more to that count, sweetheart,” Natasha shouts from behind you, punctuating the word sweetheart with a teasing pull on her mouth. 

You make a dismissive face only Bucky can see, “Nonsense, check out what I can do,“ You step back from Bucky with the intention to put on a yoga pose you’re sure will convince your friends of how ok and steady you are and as soon as you lift your leg, you trip again and this time Bucky is not fast enough to catch you before your ass hit the floor.

The four of them rush to help you out as tears fall down from your eyes at how much you’re laughing, holding your glass up. It’s Bucky who ends up picking you up, though.

He and your friends shower you with questions to check if you’re ok but it all falls like a blur sound to your years.

“Ok, I guess it was a bit more than three or five,” ignoring the curious eyes around your group, you laugh making an ok sign with your hands before your stomach churns and you grimace, placing your hand over it, “Oh…” your face drops.

 “Alright, come one, let’s go,” Bucky supports you with his hands and urges you to walk with him.

“Where are you taking me?” You frown, sounding almost offended as he takes your glass from you and hands it to Natasha, gently pulling you along.

“My place… let’s freshen up, come on,” Bucky patiently says, nodding at the girls to say goodbye, who just nod back, knowing you would be in good hands.  

“Ooooo, bye girls, we’re going to his place to freshen up,” you wink exaggeratedly and make air quotations with your fingers, addressing your friends as you clumsily walk away with Bucky.

~~~

“Bridal style,” you loudly announce stretching your hands and legs to the air as soon as he steps inside his living room with you in his arms.

Bucky can’t help but laugh as a snorting giggle follows your words. If he had his way he would’ve carried you from the party, but he didn’t want to attract even more attention to your state. So, on the second trip on your own feet inside the elevator he picked you up. It would be easier that way.

Bucky carefully puts you standing on the floor and, as soon as he’s convinced you can stand on your feet without stumbling or falling, he turns to shut the door, only to have you jumping on him as soon as he faces you.

“Hey, hey,” he manages to say softly, placing his hands on your hips as you shower his mouth and face with sloppy kisses which taste strongly like fancy champagne.

“What? Let’s freshen up,” you answer in a log slur, dragging your lips on anything of him you can reach.

Bucky laughs, pushing you away with a gentle yet steady touch, looking deep into your eyes, “That’s not what I meant… not when you had so much to drink, sweetheart.” He flicks his thumb on your chin.

It takes a moment or two, but realization – and disappointment- finally dawns on your face, “Oh… you meant freshen up for real…” You shut your eyes and tap your hand on your forehead.

Bucky thinks you’re too damn cute for your own good.

You focus on him again, “Are you sure, though?” You insist, shoving a finger in your mouth and tilting your hips, putting on before him the unsexist pose Bucky has ever seen.

Yet, it’s the most adorable thing and his annoying heart swells inside his chest for you as you keep your attempts of seducing him, “Yeah, I’m sure,” he nods unrelentingly, holding back a laugh and waiting to see the follow up of your shenanigans.

“But I’m horny and I wanted to suck your big dick,” you pout, crossing your arms and thumping your foot against the floor.

Bucky takes in a deep breath. He is only human and can’t help that his poor cock twitches at your bratty whine. But your glossy half open eyes and dragged voice reminds him he’s the only one sober enough to make decisions in the room and therefore, his buddy down there needs to chill, “I’ll be more than happy to allow you to do so,” he’s amused when your face light up, “But not tonight, sweetheart,” he puts his hands on your shoulders and turns you towards the kitchen, not without spotting the dirty look you give him.

“You’re no fun,” you complain, barely able to put one foot in front of the other before you stop and swirl around, trusting on his strong hold to not let you fall wearing a devilish little smirk on your face.  

Bucky cocks an eyebrow, waiting for whatever mischievous pearl will come out of your lips now.

“What if…” you start before a hiccup interrupts you, “I show you my boobies?” You offer, leaning over and pressing your breasts together through your dress, “You looove my boobies,” you wiggle your eyebrows suggestively even if your eyelids can’t even remain wide open.

“I do love your boobies,” Bucky can’t deny, not hiding his amusement.  

Apparently, that’s all you need to hear before you throw yourself on him again. Bucky swiftly catches you with a huff, but you can’t do much more than circle your arms around his neck and rest your head on him.

“Love your muscles,” you mumble quietly against him, “There are so many of them.”

“Come on, sweetheart,” Bucky tries, “As much as I love your boobies and you love my muscles, now it’s not the time. Now it’s time to get you some water, maybe a sandwich, huh? Then I can prepare you a shower and you can rest a bit and… Y/N?” Bucky calls when you’re too quiet- not even making a sex innuendo when he mentions a shower.

He listens a not so soft snore as a response and looks down to see you completely dozed, with your mouth agape against his chest. He sighs… still the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, goddammit.

“Guess we can skip right to the resting, then,” he whispers through a fond smile.

Taking you in his arms he walks towards his bedroom and places you on his bed. You only stir a bit when he gently removes your shimmery and apparently uncomfortable dress and unties your heels. He dresses you in a t-shirt of his so you can rest comfortably. He manages to make you drink a little bit of water, to which you whine graciously enough, and, after covering you with a thin blanket – because he knows you’re never really that cold at night, no matter the temperature in the room –  he moves to get up and maybe take a shower for himself.

“Bucky,” you mumble and, without opening your eyes, you move yourself to nuzzle against his metal hand sprawled on the mattress, “You’re not going to leave me, are you?”

Bucky is absolutely sure you have no idea of what that question really means to him, how it falls upon the rising tangle of feelings inside him… which is all for you. Wonderful and beautiful and special you, who came unannounced and stirred up something in him he never thought possible. Something he just doesn’t know what to do with.

Moving meticulously slowly not to pull his hand and wake you up again now that you’re deep back into slumber, he lays down beside you. For your question… he doesn’t say anything. Simply because he doesn’t know the right answer yet.

~~~

To be continued. 

[lokidrabbles]

Perfect Fit (Loki x Reader)

Peter Parker tells reader about what Loki thinks of them.

A/N: Another oneshot, this time featuring Spiderman as the medium for Reader and Loki. Also, my headcanon remains that Loki refers to Peter as Spider Boy. As always, Gender Neutral Reader!

Warnings: None! Fluff n’ such!

Your eyes peered up from your paperwork to catch sight of the fidgeting teen sitting in front of your desk. You empathized with him. It was always some sort of hell fire when Tony or any of the Avengers reprimanded one of the outlier members for failing to complete a mission in time, or failing to follow a inward duty to protect others. Although the consequences of the damage the young Spiderman had left behind were very minimal (extensive property damage, but no one seriously hurt), Tony still upheld his duty as Peter’s pseudo guardian, and laid it hard on him.

As part of the process, you were in charge of filling all the damage reports and costs left behind by the throws of battle, and Tony ordered Peter to witness the extent of his mistake through financial eyes. Or maybe through boring clerical work. Whatever the matter, Peter looked absolutely nervous, probably dreading to hear just how much his antics caused the city (or Tony).

“You know I’m not actually going to tell you how much cash Tony is going to have to fork out, right?” You asked him, causing him to jump slightly.

“What, really? I mean, are you sure? ‘Cus I’m sure Mr. Stark wanted me to, uh, witness the depth of my carelessness.” He stuttered in response.

“I mean yes, you definitely want to be more cautious. But this, in comparison to Tony’s own damage cost analysis, is almost nothing. I’m sure this is just his weird way of wanting to make sure you’re keeping the citizens and yourself safe out there. Also I feel if I tell you, you’re going to be harder on yourself than you need to be.”

Peter let out a nervous chuckle. “Yeah, I guess you’re right about that. I really am sorry about what happened, I did try to be as careful as I could.”

“I’m sure you did kid. The important thing is that building was insured, and that no one was seriously hurt. You good?”

“Yes, yes!” He responded hastily, and you almost felt the weight being lifted from his shoulders. “I’m just glad you’re just as nice as Mr. Loki mentioned you to be.”

You shot a quizzical look at Peter. “Uh, Mr. Loki?”

“Well, yeah? Mr. Thor’s brother? I’ve seen you both together a lot here at the facility.”

Of course you knew who he was talking about, but the fact that Loki made his chipper self into this conversation was odd at best. From your documentation, you found out Loki had been assigned to this small escapade in the outskirts of the city. It actually made you content to see Tony’s mistrust in him begin to dwindle, allowing him to participate in the Avenger’s daily heroism. You could almost see his sour face once he found out this precise squad would be lead by Tony himself. But it made sense.

“What’s Mr. Loki doing gossiping about me to you?” You asked teasingly.

“Nothing bad! I can swear by that!” Peter said, putting his hands up in defense. “I think he just wanted me to feel better.”

“That’s a good one kid.” You chuckled. “It’s a miracle on it’s own to have Loki talk one word to anyone. You have no idea how long it took me to have him say a simple hello to me.”

“Really?” Peter asked, slowly pulling his hands down. “I know Mr. Loki is always very reserved, and he was a little scary at first. But he’s actually kind of, really nice too.”

“You must have a very skewed definition of nice.” You said sarcastically. You jested however. You had experienced Loki’s ‘niceness’ firsthand, in his own bizarre way. Loki’s form of nice didn’t really fall under your typical definition of it. Nice was, for example, telling someone thank you, bringing thoughtful gifts, buying someone lunch. Loki’s nice more so included telling you that you were being stupid and foolish for failing to believe in yourself, and that you should be ashamed of yourself, blah blah blah. He got the right intention, but his delivery was horrible. You cringed at the thought of poor little Peter having to go through that.

“I mean, maybe? He was very helpful during the mission, and his strategy at the whole thing. I was like, wow! He moved so fast in between everything, I had such a hard time keeping up. Though, maybe that’s why I got so distracted in the first place.” He sighed, still blatantly defeated for his error.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself though. For what it is, I think you’re a pretty talented kid too.” You said with a toothy smile. “Loki’s just a big show off though.”

He laughed in a much more relaxed manner. “Thanks, that means a lot. But I must have really taken it hard when Mr. Stark raised his voice at me. Mr. Loki approached me and told me I’d be sent over to your department and how you’d be very welcoming, nice and easygoing.”

You were slightly irritated at how Loki found it so easy to tell Peter all these likeable things about you, yet still failed to do so with you in person. Yet, you knew his reason’s to do so with Peter. Again, Loki wasn’t the most approachable man in the universe, but that didn’t mean he was completely heartless. His words with Peter, while few, were carefully chose to make the young teen feel less anxious. You mentally reminded yourself to give a him a big smooch the next time you saw him.

“I’m actually really happy to hear that.” You said, leaning against the back of your chair. “It looks like he found someone who he’s comfortable with, so that gives me some peace at mind.”

Peter became obviously confused at your comment. “I’m not sure I get that.”

“You said it best at first. He’s a scary fella. But it seems you got to him somehow. So trust me, from now on you got another set of eyes keeping watch of you, making sure you’re safe out there.”

“Actually, I think that make’s me a little more nervous.” He said sheepishly.

“Oh well yeah, be very wary of the God of Mischief.” You said ominously, followed by a snort and giggle.

“Oh, wait. Are you and Mr. Loki dating?”

Your giggles soon stopped, as your mouth remained agape in shock. Again, this was not where you expected a conversation about Loki to go to. You now felt like the nervous teenager in the room instead. Through its entirety, both you and Loki did well at keeping the relationship under wraps, understanding the impending chaos that would ensue if anyone (Tony and Thor) would find out. Well, maybe Loki could care less, but you still had a job and income to maintain. While inner work relationships were not uncommon here, there might be some adherence to having a relationship with someone who used to be on the blacklist.

“No.” You said lowly. Even you wouldn’t have believed that no.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insinuate anything like that. It’s just, Mr. Loki seemed to have talked fondly of you, and I do see you both together quite a bit. Also you both look really good together, but like not to mean you are dating or anything!”

“Okay Peter! I think we’re done here. I’ll take care of the rest, tell Tony you learned your lesson and all BS, and you can be on your merry little way, yes?” You said, rummaging through you documents, and handing Peter a crumpled up slip with your signature on it.

Peter took the slip slowly, unsure of what he hand uncovered with his innocent introspection. “Are you okay?”

“I’m super.” You feigned through a false smile. “Thanks for dropping by, but I got some more work to do.”

The young teen, still bewildered by your sudden agitation, took it for nothing and soon tip toed out of your small office. You let out a heavy breath and slumped in your chair. It seemed you were in the clear for now, and you figured Peter would be a smart kid and avoid spreading unnecessary rumors. Also for the sole fact that his life would be at risk if Loki were to ever find out he’d tattle at Tony. Still, your mind raced back to the encounter Peter had told you about, and how Loki made a worthwhile impression on the young teen. It warmed your heart knowing someone else seemed to have approved of your gloomy partner.

Towards the end of your shift, you were visited by said partner in efforts to soon spend a relaxing evening at your home. Loki casually seated himself on the seat in front of your desk, arms crossed over his chest.

“I hear the Spider boy paid you a little visit?” He asked playfully.

“He did in fact. He’s a sweet kid.” You responded, eye still glued on your computer screen. “A little naive, but sweet.”

“Stark was relentless on him today. Dare I say, I felt sorry for the lad. He looked like a scared puppy.”

You hummed in a chipper manner. “Yeah, he told me all about it. He also told me how Mr.Loki made him feel a whole lot better today.”

You heard Loki grunt, a way for him to avoid talking about it. You figured it was still awkward for him to hear about his ‘good deeds’ with the type of shit he’s gone through.

“He was very impressed by your skills set. You may have a little fan boy in the making.” You grinned, finally closing your laptop. “I think we should adopt him as our child.”

“You’re hysterical.” He responded flatly.

“I’m mad at you though.” You said as you began to gather your belongings.

Loki raised an eyebrow at you. “Pray tell why?”

“How come you tell Peter all of these nice things about me, yet you always avoid doing so to my face?”

Loki remained quiet, draw back by the nature of your question. You meant to approach the subject in a playful manner, still understanding how Loki had his own special way of showing affection. Yet, you saw how Loki rested his chin at the top of his knuckles, analyzing and concocting an appropriate answer. He looked adorable.

“I suppose I really haven’t done so.” He said admittedly. “What would you like to hear?”

You felt your face heat up. “It doesn’t really work if I tell you what I want to hear. Also, that’s embarrassing.”

“Ah. Of course.”

“Peter told me all the good things though.” You began. “It does make me happy that you think that way about me, instead of an absolute bother.”

He rolled his eyes. “I do hate your incessant ability to self-deprecate. However, everything else the Spider boy mentioned is absolutely true.”

“How lovely to hear.”

Loki stood up and began assisting you with your bags and belongings. You smiled with a strong sense of satisfaction, promptly turning off the lights in your office.

“I also forgot to mention to him that you’re amazing, and incredible.” He whispered behind you. “That I love your smile, and I love how your hand fits so well into mine. That I always look forward to seeing your bright eyes every single day, that I-”

You felt your lips begin to twist in both joy and uneasiness. You jabbed Loki slightly at his side, urging to promptly stop before you explore. “Cut it out. I can’t tolerate this level of cheesiness.”

He smirked mischievously at you. “Then I will have to draw out my admiration for you with the Spider boy if you aren’t able to tolerate it. I’m sure he would be more than happy to hear about it.”

“You better fucking not.”

---

Later in the evening, a young Peter Parker, overseeing the block from the top of a building, took note of Mr. Loki firmly leaving the facility with you, hands hidden, side by side. Upon further inspection, Peter deducted it would be best to keep quiet about this encounter, sensing how distressed you had been about it earlier today. He felt correct about his assumption however; both you and Loki looked good together.

[evathenovice]

Shelter

I has a story here! A gift for @tyraeltheapprentice​ I hopes you like it! Just some soft interaction between Eva and Tyrael. Aand..y-yeah sooo- *Shoves here and hides*

Just my luck, Tyrael huffed. And it was usually her luck; storms and weird weather happened rather often when she traveled. Not even the thick lush of the forest could hold back the rain drops or icy winds that bombarded her. No, there was no traveling in this kind of weather. “We need to find shelter, and fast.” she groaned to her two familiars, who were unseen if any other were to come across her, but their presence was felts. 

Trudging through the woods with both hands to her hood to keep it in place despite the battle with the wind, through the bramble and the bush that was lessening,  seemed to be a small clearing. Normally the opposite of shelter from a storm, the small cottage that was giving off light and smoke made said clearing much more appealing. The woman lowered her head to push through the storm challenges and made her way to the door, banging on the wooden circle since someone had to be home if there was a fire going. 

“Coming!” A lighthearted voice came from the other side as the sound of metal latches and the creak of the wood followed suit. “Hello, this isn’t the best weather to be out in- wait! Tyrael?��� 

“Eva?” Her golden eyes widened as she looked down at the redhead at the door. This was the last person I was expecting to find

“Oh my gosh get in here!” Eva’s small hand reached out to grab Ty’s wrist and bring her into her home, “Get in front of the fire, quickly” the shorter woman kept pulling deeper into the home and right to the fire. “You are soaked to the bone!” “I-Uh, yeah. The storm hit pretty hard,” Ty honestly didn’t know how to handle the other woman’s attention. Not that it wasn't appreciated of course, but it was just not the common treatment she expected from the former apprentice of her mentor. Heck they had only met perhaps a handful of times when Eva would come to the shop looking for Asra or drop off something. 

“Wrap up and then have a seat,” The redhead instructed, gesturing to her blanket and chair by the fire before stepping away to another room.

“Oh uh, thanks” Tyrael mumbled, wrapping the blanket around herself before sitting as she was told to. Looking into the fire as she scooted closer for warmth, a small smile touched her face as the salamander rolling around in the embers looked up at her in a brief pause before continuing its play, “hey there little fella.” Perhaps it was how tired she was, or the focus on the little creature in the firepit, but the traveler didn’t expect the warm fluffy towel that was dropped on her head. “W-what are you doing?” Eva’s hands started working the towel through her hair, gently patting and ringing out the water trapped in the strands, “We need to get you dry, or you could catch a cold” The other woman’s tone gave off the feeling that this was the most natural thing for her to do. 

However it was far from what the blue haired sorceress in training would say was natural. Such kindness, and unabashed care…. A small blush formed on her flustered cheeks as she sunk deeper into the cozy chair, wrapping the blanket tighter around herself. “T-Thank you.” she stammered, eyes going back to the little critter in the fireplace. 

“Not at all!” Eva hummed with a smile, patting and gently floofing Ty’s hair. “Hey Sausage, would you be a dear and go heat up the bathtub? I bet our guest could use a nice hot bath to get the cold out of her bones.” 

“Oh, uh, you don’t need to do that,” The guest tried to say, “I’m okay.” “You sure? I don’t want you to get sick, and your face is a bit flush,” Eva knelt down in front of the chair, gently pressing the back of her hand to Ty’s forehead to check for a fever. 

“I guess...That would be nice” Ty’ felt her face heating up even more at the gentle touch. Normally she would say she could tough it out, but the soft doe eyes staring at her.. It was hard to say no to. 

The salamander with a small gurgle of a noise crawled out of the fire, steam coming off its body as it made its way across the stone floor to the bathroom in the back of the hut to do the task. 

The redhead’s smile grew, “There we go. Now, how about something to drink, I was just stirring up some caramel apple cider. Definitely will warm you up from the inside out.”

“Oh uh,” but before the other woman could ask about what exactly *cider* was, Eva had scurried into the kitchen to get them some mugs, as well as a bowl of hot oatmeal for her guest. Ty arched her neck to look over the chair to try and see what was going on in the kitchen, hearing the shuffling of dishes and the hissing of a teapot. “Everything okay in there?” 

“Huh? Oh yes yes, I was just getting something warm for you to eat too. It’s just oatmeal, but I have honey and stuff I can put in if you want.” "Oh you don't need to add that for me. I like it simple.... Do, uh... Do you want to have some too?" She would have felt a bit odd eating alone in another person’s home. Besides, eating together and talking sounded rather nice. 

“Well I think I could have a little.” Eva chuckled, adding an extra spoon to the bowl before bringing it all out on a tray. “It will still be a bit hot, so careful not to burn your tongue, okay” She winked, pulling one of her bean bag pillow cushions to sit beside Ty. 

“I’ll be sure to be careful,” Ty chuckled softly, a soft hum spilling out with her exhale as she took a deep whiff of the cider, enjoying the mix of slight sweetness and spice, as well as the heat that was spreading into her fingers. 

“I gotta say I am so relieved you found my place,” The redhead said between small sips of her drink, “If I found out you were in my neck of the woods and had been out all night in this storm I would have felt so guilty.” 

“It wouldn’t have been your fault though, you didn't make the storm happen,” Ty raised a brow, a rather amused smile on her face at how… well, coddling and doting on her. It was rather confusing to try and comprehend why the girl was doing these things for her, but also it warmed her heart to see how caring and adamant she was, rambling on about how Ty could have gotten sick or lost and so on and on. “Well I didn’t, I am here so we don’t have to worry about that.”

Both the women chuckled a little and decided to change the topic of conversation, whilst sharing in the oatmeal, which Eva had thought had cooled down enough, but the sudden huffing and fanning of her mouth proved that wrong. “You okay?” Ty asked, sitting up in concern and reaching a hand to touch Eva’s shoulder. Getting a small thumbs up and a half smile, Ty chuckled a bit with a sigh, “And here you are telling me to be careful of my own tongue. Seems you need to be careful too.” “Hehehe, w-well I thought it was cooled enough for a little nibble” Eva giggled, “Now anywho, I was gonna ask, what were you doing out in this crazy weather anyway? You are a bit of a ways away from the shop, needless to say” The question brought a small frown to the taller woman’s face. Well, not so much the question, but the answer to said question. The memory of the argument, one of many, she had gotten into with Asra before storming off, not caring where she went so long as it was away from him. “Hey” Eva put her hand on top of Ty’s, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have pried. We can talk about something else if you want.” “N-no.. no it isn’t that it is just…”She let out a deep exhale, trying to quell some of the frustration that was growing in her again just by remembering the fight. “Asra. Let’s just say Asra…” “Awe geesh, I could have expected that” Eva rolled her eyes, patting Ty’s hand before leaning back in her bean chair, “That man might know a good collection of spells, but the way he talks to people is not as charming as he thinks it is.” “No kidding,” Ty tsked, but a small smile came back to her face knowing she was sharing her grievances with someone who could relate. 

Their talk went on, Ty sharing the details of her most recent argument with her mentor. Which led to Eva’ sharing her own issues she recalled when being an apprentice. Back and forth the women shared, finishing their bowl of oatmeal and going through two or so refills of warm cider as they laughed, groaned and confided in each other. Their latest bit of chuckles interrupted by a little gurgle of a noise.  

“Hm? Oh Sausage,” Eva reached and collected the salamander, who was now a few shades darker than he previously was to signal he was cooled down a bit. “That is right, your bath must be ready. It would have been painfully hot if you had gone in before, but you better take the chance before it gets too cold.” Eva set the little creature on the hot brick that bordered the hearth, “I can get some kind of pillow bed set up by the fire for you. Well, unless you want to share the bed with me. It is downstairs so it is nice and warm.” 

“Oh, no thanks I am sure out here will be fine” Ty shook her head and let the blanket around her fall off her shoulders.  “You sure? I mean I want to make sure you are comfortable” Eva started collecting various pillow seat cushions she had and a few blankets from a chest, “I don’t mind cuddling and Persephatta actually loves the rain so she won’t be coming in tonight, so it won’t be too cramped.” 

With a soft smile, the tanned woman shook her head again, “Maybe next time, but I feel I will be pretty comfy out here. And maybe Sausage can keep me company.” She looked down at the salamander that was already starting to get a little brighter in color from the hot bricks. 

“Well he does make a very good hot water bottle,” Eva chuckled, “Okay then, I will see to a nice makeshift bed. Should be ready by the time you are done. And feel free to use my robe in there, it should fit you as a nice thing to sleep in for the night while we have our clothes taken care of.” With a small nod, Tyrael found her way to the bathroom, which wasn’t very hard considering the small size of the cottage. Dipping her finger in the water to check the temp one more time, she went about adding a few of the bath salts and herbs that were set on a shelf for cleansing and calming purposes. For a while she let herself soak, sinking down till the water was just past her chin as she closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift. What a crazy day it had been indeed, but not without a happy ending. Her thoughts drifted to Eva’s kind words, and how they made each other smile. 

I could get used to such conversations... this feeling.... I hope we can meet up like this again. okay maybe with a little less storm. 

End?

[deeeelightfuldee]

What’s the earliest you could go to bed at night and feel okay about?

in my best dreams id love to go to bed at like 745/8. but my brain doesnt shut down like that, and i tend to be very productive at night. Maybe one day tho

What is you favorite type of lunch meat?

uhhhhh turkey

What time of the year do you dislike the most?

summer heat.

Do you put ketchup on your scrambled eggs?

ew no.

What is your favorite color to wear?

so I have historically worn a lot of darker colors but I’m trying to be intentional about making my life romantic and I need to introduce more color.

Are you an overachiever?

in most respects, yes

What physical feature do you wish you had (i.e. freckles, curly hair)?

smaller size, sharper jawline, thicker hair (not a LOT thicker, just mildly)

What fictional character (i.e. Bambi, Scarlette O'Hara) would you marry?

mr. darcy omfggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg.

Did you ever go through a phase where you wrote bad poetry?

no. never

What is your favorite thing about your life?

that no matter what, God has always provided and had a better plan

Have you ever painted a picture of somebody?

as a kid, all the time.

Did you enjoy your past relationships?

in most respects. each of them was good for a time.

Name a comedy that you like.

four christmases

Could you wait until marriage for sex?

that was the plan

What was the last thing that impressed you?

ummm that the plumber was able to get the roots out of the drain as easily as he did.

When was the last time you were in a pet store?

last summer. We were going to get benny a little bro/sis but with covid everyone was adopting animals like crazy out here.. so the ones they had were on these enormous wait lists where you would go thru an interview, a HOME INSPECTION, and had to bring all your other animals in to meet said rescue. it was ridiculous. 

What nationality is your last name?

dutch

What’s your favorite kind of chips and dip?

ems crack dip with uhhh the wavy lays

Who was the last boy that you saw cry?

uhh hm. hmmmmmmm... I honestly can’t recall

Does your mom know you do surveys?

I dunno, tbh

Have you ever had a serious injury?

I mean, somewhat. Not anything I discuss tho lol

What was the last thing you achieved?

surviving vid!

Would you enjoy being famous?

i doubt it. I’m pretty introverted and even though I get along very easily with people, my batteries charge best when im by myself or home. I would very much like the income though lol.

What’s under your bed?

I plan to go thru it soon! I’m trying to gather all my kile memories and I know I have like jewelry paperwork, cards from flowers, letters, etc. that need to be pulled. :(

Do you enjoy travelling?

Love it.

Have you ever belonged to a club? If so, what was it?

absolutely. thats a long, long list. lots of academic, Christian, honors, volunteer, and youth group types.

When was the last time you drank strawberry milk?

oh geez, maybeeeeeee 15 years?

Have you ever managed to collect all the fast food toys in a set?

no. that was never my thing. 

Do you have a clock in your room?

No. My old cable box had the besttttttt time light. I miss having a small clock. I mentioned this to mom how we spent like forever looking for replacements after we changed cable providers. We didn’t want red or green, but the white. Now this makes me want to find one for my room. mom has a google device so shes set lol.

Did you have a good driver’s ED teacher?

I had the most phenomenal teacher. tho when it came to actual driving appointments (after the class periods) I often got paired with this older fella who constantly berated me over being homeschooled and telling me he was going to report me to the state. eventually I stood up to him, handed him the HSLDA contact card (home school legal defense association) and encouraged him to report me all he wanted. he stopped attacking me finally. it was awful. but the other gentleman was hilarious and fun.

Which of Britney Spears’ songs is your favorite?

ohhhhhh mer gersh i love so many of her songs. this answer would definitely change depending on the week but this week its a tie between gimme more and circus. 

Does mind over matter work for you?

in most respects

Are you paranoid?

i can be at times.

What is the best thing about winter?

OOOOOoo good gravy this is a long list. I love the calm. I love the way the air is thick and cold and how quiet it becomes. I love hearing the sound of snow falling. I love the glitter haze it leaves. I love the way it feels like the house wraps you up in a warm hug when you come in from the cold. I love the way candles and a fire in the fireplace make everything so cozy. I love the glow of twinkling lights, white and colored, just casting the most beautiful and dreamy cast on the neighborhood. I love the food and drinks that make you feel full and ready for a deep sleep. I love the clothes and the bundling up, the scarves, the hats, the mittens. I love the music and the way no matter where you go, there are carols playing the sweetest love songs. I love the way decorations come up and people display their much-loved memories in the form of ornaments on their trees. I love seeing the elaborate wrapping styles of packages around the tree and filling up the stockings. I love seeing the snowmen and igloo designs displayed with pride in the front yards around town. I love the way the world gets dark so early, yet.. there is light reflecting off the mounds of snow. I love the way the early night allows for early comfy flannel pajamas and thick wool socks and sleep. I love the curling up under a giant mound of blankets and reading a book. I love thinking about the joy on other’s faces when they open gifts that were cultivated for their happiness. I love the rereading of the beloved passages of scripture where we recall the reason for the season. I just love it all. 

Have you ever been truly in love?

yes. 2 times, how lucky I was. 

Are you currently planning a trip?

I was not. I probably could stand to be home for a bit. 

How many plants are in your home?

honestly, no clue at this point. I’ve been locked away coming up on a month. I dunno how many we have right now.

What is your favorite possession?

hmm. boy this is hard. It used to be my ring kile got me. I feel weird saying my favorite things are from him lately, so maybe my stained glass lamp. 

Have you ever felt like you were too nice and way too often overlooked?

I am a nice person majority of the time and I would say I have been overlooked from time to time but I definitely do not behave nicely in order to be noticed.

What movies have tripped you out?

eh, I’m not entirely sure. 

Did you rollerblade as a kid? Do you still rollerblade?

nope. I was so prone to breaking my ankles that it just absolutely was not for me. I tried a couple times, but couldn’t grasp the hang of it.

Would you ever settle into a relationship that wasn’t right for you? Do you know friends who are in relationships just so they have someone to sleep with at night?

no. this life is way too precious and too short to be spent laying next to someone who isn’t right for me. I have no intentions of settling. I do know of friends who have settled just to have someone near. It makes me so sad. The thought of settling like that just destroys me. Not to mention how unfair it is to the other person. Idk. Just sad sad sad.

Would you take a dirty picture of yourself for someone you are dating?

no nudity. 

Do you use earplugs or a sleeping mask when you sleep?

no. I would be way too distracted by that. I also don’t like things touching my face.

What summertime treats do you love?

ummm watermelon. popsicles.

How picky are you when it comes to choosing who to kiss or not kiss?

oooo boy im so ridiculously picky about it. In fact, one guy i was seeing for a few dates... i was like unsure of him and he wanted to kiss so bad and I just avoided it everytime lol.

What do you hate most about moving?

I’ve only done a temporary move. I don’t know that it’s the same. 

Do you feel that having sex anywhere but a bed is more exciting?

I think that I’d be down for it if I were married, but I think its most intimate when its in private lol

Do you drink 5 hour energy drinks or any other kinds of energy drinks?

Nope. It’s just not my thing. I’m never lacking that much energy.

Has anyone ever whistled at you?

yes. 

Do you like scarves?

love them. 

Is your father homophobic?

I’m not sure. I haven’t got a clue. 

Do you take gummy vitamins?

sometimes. its my preferred method

Have you ever applied make-up on a guy, for any reason at all?

not that I can recall. ohhhhhh maybe when i was in theater and we needed to put like color on their faces to ensure they wouldn’t be washed out by the harsh lighting.

Who would you like to meet before you die?

no one. those who want to meet me, should meet me lol

If your dream was to be a model, and a big opportunity came up, but you had to be nude, would you take it?

nah. 

What’s the most ridiculous conspiracy theory you’ve ever heard of?

oh there have been so many. I just ignore them. I don’t see sense in letting my mind be corrupted by that 

If Heaven and Hell exists, where are you going when you die?

heaven!

Who is the person that you are afraid of losing, above everyone else?

mom!

What is one thing that pisses you off pretty much everyday?

the bathroom lol

Is there anyone you know that you feel should consider therapy?

everyone. everyone and anyone would benefit from therapy.

Do you like any of the songs on Twilight, or the actual movie/saga itself?

I’ve never seen it so I couldn’t tell ya.

How old was the first person you kissed?

at the time? I was 16 he was ...... 19 

Will you be a strict parent one day?

strict? no. I’ll have rules and such but I’m a very loving caregiver... not to be cocky

Last person to stand up for you?

I wish i could tell you. I��ve never been the kind that requires someone else to protect me like that. but man, it has to feel good to know someone else is willing to go to those lengths.

Have you been to a baby shower?

many times.

Who were you with the last time you went to the movie theater?

My sister

What’s your favorite high school memory?

hmm, there are so many i loved.. probably the trips.

Do you like relationships, or do you prefer to be single?

i love being single, but miss the connection from a relationship

What is one adventurous thing you’d be willing to do?

hot air balloon.

What subject at school did you absolutely hate?

freakin math

Italian food or Chinese food?

Chinese. ugh, I’d kill for some if they had GF soy sauce options

Do you like to make flash cards when you study?

sometimes, it depends on what I’m using them for. often I’ll just write like Question Answer type patterns in my notebook and then use a coversheet. I hate losing notecards.

Has anyone ever told you that you’re a good singer?

yeah but I don’t sing like that anymore.

Do you ever watch TED talks, live or online?

I used to a lot,not anymore so much. 

I dare you to write the name of a person you strongly dislike.

no thank you

Biggest trouble you’ve ever gotten into at school?

none really on my behalf. one girl completely plagiarized my work and that led to some drama, but beyond that nothing.

Do you own one of those “professional” DSLR cameras?

no, I’m not that sort of wealthy.

Does it bother you when you see a 6th grader with a bunch of gadgets?

I mean, part of me thinks that its just kinda sad for the kid to not have simple pleasures instead of needing all the finest gadgets, 

Did you buy yearbooks every year in high school, or did you not bother?

n/a

Do you have Restless Legs Syndrome?

No

Jalapeños: yay or nay?

yay most of the time.

Did you ever play Minecraft?

uhhhh only when my nephews ask me to for like 5 mins lol

Did you ever have a Club Penguin account? Were you a member?

I didn’t.

Do you know anyone that seems to not have any common sense?

yes. some people just seem very... unaware.

What do you think is the biggest injustice that was ever done to you?

assault

What type of person angers you the most?

those who feel it is OK for them to assault another person in order to gain what they want or to release what they desire to release

If you could change your appearance, how would you alter it?

I’d want to be smaller. thicker hair. probably invisalign so I can correct my bite. 

Describe your first relationship?

he was ... fascinating to me. He allowed me to have my guard down. He made me laugh, he made me blush, but he made me feel like I was constantly safe. He was wounded from his previous marriage but he was.. so worth mending. However, we were long distance and he just wasn’t able to do that. He needed more than I was able to offer him at the time.

Describe your last relationship?

OK so relationship is such a widely defined word. I’m going to describe the last person I was personally committed to. He was my other half. He was pretty vain and conceited when I first got to know him. Constantly concerned with his work and nothing but his work. However, along the years he developed into the most kind, generous, patient, extremely loving man. He changed all sorts of his former ways. He began investing in his character and taking the time to better himself. It was so incredible to watch. We created a bond where he was my world. I thought I was his. but we ended over him having a relationship for years that I knew nothing about. it’s weird, this quote from jane eyre reminds me of him...

“I have a strange feeling with regard to you. As if I had a string somewhere under my left ribs, tightly knotted to a similar string in you. And if you were to leave I'm afraid that cord of communion would snap. And I have a notion that I'd take to bleeding inwardly. As for you, you'd forget me.”

Can you honestly say that you always practice safe sex?

I didn’t get the option to do so when it was happening. 

Why do you think your most favorite film touches you so deeply?

ps i love you just tears me to shreds over how effing painful it is to lose someone you love.

What do you want people you meet for the first time to think about you?

that I was kind and friendly, warm and inviting.

Do you feel protective over someone?

yes. my loved ones. my family members. my close friends.

What perfume/cologne do you wear?

ummm either very sexy night, or refuge.

What was the color of the bridesmaid dresses of the last wedding you went to?

a very deep, dark red/maroon. super lovely

What is your favorite way to eat chicken?

CHICKEN SANDWICH< preach

It is your birthday. You hope the cake is:

omg i crave regular birthday cake. gluten free cake so far has been quite disappointing. 

What were you doing at 8pm last night?

nothing.

[vantablackcap]

in 4 easy steps

A (REALLY LATE) birthday gift for @awesomesnafu​, with aggressive apologies for being the worst fucking girlfriend on earth <3

“Maybe the event is cancelled,” Sam said hopefully. The bar was dark, and although he could see people moving around inside, he hoped that Sarah wouldn’t notice-- “There are people inside, Samuel. Nice try.” “It was dark! I thought--” “You thought I was born yesterday. We’re going in.” “I don’t want to go to no damn speed-dating event.” “And I don’t wanna hear you complaining about being single all winter. You said you’d try one of these things.” “I hate you.” “I know. You look good!” Sarah said the last part encouragingly as she all but shoved him towards the doors.

The first guy was an immediate write-off, dragging his eyes over Sam in a way that left no doubt as to what he was here for. “I don’t usually go for black guys--” he started, cutting off when Sam got up from his seat. “Do us a favour and keep not going for us,” Sam said, disgusted.  “Sam, come on. That date was 5 seconds,” Sarah sighed. She was nursing a cranberry vodka by the bar, waiting for her boyfriend to show up (and make sure her stubborn older brother didn’t slip out of the event and go home.) “Yeah, well. He was looking to sample some chocolate,” Sam muttered angrily. Sarah’s eyes narrowed.  “Who?” “No, nope, you’re going to cause a scene.” “I won’t! I just want-- to talk to him.” “You’re going to kill him.” “Probably.” “Can we go now? This is a bust.” “Okay, one more date and then we’ll go when Richie comes.” “Fine,” Sam groaned. He sounded like a teenager bickering with his little sister again, but he didn’t care because this SUCKED.

“Steve,” he offered shortly, brushing his blond fringe out of his eyes. He was doing it again, freezing up and sounding snippy when he didn’t mean to, but this guy was-- wow. There were some people that Steve knew he’d be sketching as soon as he saw them because they were interesting in some aesthetic way, and then there were people who needed to be sketched because the world needed to know how gorgeous they were. This was one of those guys.  And Steve could barely make eye contact. His speed date-- Sam-- was toying with the straw in his drink as the uncomfortable silence stretched on. Get it together, Rogers. Ever since he’d come out to his friends, they’d been trying to get him a date. Well-meaning, but pushy-- and if that didn’t often describe Steve himself, he’d be really annoyed by it. But they’d noticed him looking longingly at couples holding hands in the park and decided to give him a little nudge. Well. A shove. “So,” Sam was saying now, “what do you do?” He let out a huff of breath between his lips and flashed a quick grin, and Steve saw that he had a cute little gap between his teeth and just about died right there. Which would have been pretty traumatizing for Sam.  “Sorry, that was a pretty weak question. You, uh... don’t seem like you wanna be here much,” Sam continued, shrugging one shoulder.  “I don’t,” Steve immediately burst out. He knew he was going red (dammit, Rogers) because it had sounded like he didn’t want to be there with Sam, which wasn’t at all true.  “Lucky for you, we only got 2 more minutes on the timer,” Sam said dryly and oh no, Steve had fucked up. “We can just sit here--” “Can I draw you?” “What.” God, even the flat way Sam drawled the word was kind of beautiful.  “You-- no, not-- I’m an artist-- I mean, I draw and--” “I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt that you didn’t mean to seem like a huge creep with that comeon,” Sam said shortly. Steve shook his head and puffed out his skinny chest. He wasn’t one to give up-- and he didn’t want Sam to think he was some kind of creep. “No, really, I am. I’m... can I be honest?” Sam’s only answer was a slow, elegant raise of an eyebrow that somehow made Steve’s feel butterflies.  “You’re gorgeous.” There, he’d said it, and hopefully it didn’t sound too weird. “And here I thought you were shy,” Sam chuckled. He folded his arms and Steve couldn’t help but admire them briefly.  “Well... I’m not. I was kinda stunned, to be honest. When you sat down.” “My beauty took your breath away?” Sam said jokingly, but Steve didn’t laugh “Pretty much. I w-- The timer went off. “Okay, folks! Switch partners!” Sam and Steve shared a glance that went on too long to really be called a glance.  “Hey, fellas-- looks like you’re having a good time, but we gotta move along, hey?” the organizer was at Steve’s elbow now, and Sam seemed to come back to himself. When they stood to shake hands, Sam noticed that the guy was-- small. He was a little shorter than Sam, just a little past the threshold of hipster skinniness with a mop of unruly blond hair that was definitely hipster.  “Steve. I’ll be around,” Sam said, holding out his hand and winking quickly. The guy had the bluest doe eyes behind his thick glasses, and the fingers that slipped into his were strong and calloused.  Uh-oh.  Sam felt a little light-headed when Steve’s mouth quirked into a smile. 

“I’m counting on it, Sam.”

“What do you mean, you didn’t get his number?!” “I dunno! I was trying to wrap up my stupid speed date so I could find him but when I looked up he was gone.” “I saw you two idiots, you were staring at each other like you got smacked with a trout! You didn’t get his kik or nothin?” “His what?” “You suck, Sam.” “Thanks, sis.” Sarah at least took pity on him and bought him a tequila shot. And then another. And then, another. 

“What do you mean, you didn’t get his number?!” “I was gonna ask, but he was ... talking to someone else and it looked like they were hitting it off--” “You just spent the last 5 minutes describing the exact shape and colour of his fucking eyes!” “Okay, but--” “And then 5 more minutes talking about his smile!” “Buck, hear me out--” “No, Rogers, you just did the same thing you always do. Reject yourself before someone else does.” “... well... I mean, when you put it that way...” “You suck, Steve.” “Thanks, Buck.”

Sickening amounts of wings and beer helped, but only a little. The tipsier he got, the more Sam’s laughing face swam in front of Steve.

It was only 4 steps. Steve felt like they were 4 miles, because Sam was at the bus stop that he’d been heading towards, and he was arm-in-arm with a tall man. Laughing.  It had been almost 3 months since they’d met, and Steve had thought about Sam probably more than was healthy. He certainly sketched him a lot. And here it was -- the spring sunshine slanted across Sam’s face and Steve felt sick with jealousy. But what right did he have? He’d left the damn bar-- “Are you gonna just glare daggers or you comin’ to say hi?” Sam called. Steve blinked. Both Sam and his-- boyfriend? -- were looking at him with no small amount of amusement.  Just 4 steps. Or Steve could turn and leave, hope he never ran into Sam again. He walked over to the bus stop, trying to make himself smile. He wasn’t quite sure he managed it.  “Hi, Sam. Been a while,” he said, at least managing to inject his voice with self-deprecation instead of self-hate.  “A while,” Sam repeated, shaking his head. “Here I was all excited to be an artist’s model and you ghost on me.” “I didn’t--” But he had. “Wait, what?” “Is this artist boy?” Sam’s companion asked, not even pretending to hide how entertaining he found the whole thing. To Steve’s surprise, Sam immediately became flustered, sputtering a little.  “Riley, shut the fuck up!” In the bright sun, Steve could just make out a flush touching Sam’s cheeks. A tiny bloom of hope dared to unfurl in his chest.  “Oh my fuck, he’s been talking about your beautiful hands and your voice for months,” Riley said, speaking loudly over Sam’s indignant squawks. “Can you please fuck him already so I can have some peace?” “Can I wh-- uh, aren’t you? You two?”  “Me and Riley? I’ve known the guy all my life and I would die for him, but that’s fucking gross,” Sam finally managed to get out, looking actively repulsed. Riley levelled a flat look at Sam.  “Thanks, man.”  But Steve was too busy smiling, because Sam was looking right at him. And he was biting his lip shyly, almost as if he wanted to stop himself from grinning back at Steve. Oh.  “Bus is here!” Riley said suddenly, making the two of them jump. “Uh-uh. My bus is here. I ride this,” Riley continued, gesturing to the bus, “and you ride him.” “RILEY.” But Riley was already on the bus, and Sam didn’t make any move to leave.  “World’s best wingman,” Riley said just as the doors closed. Steve felt his heart kick into high gear when Sam turned to look at him.  “Do you wanna grab a coffee?” Steve surprised himself by asking.  “Sure, if you’re buying with your fancy artist money,” Sam replied. Steve felt like the two of them would never stop grinning at each other and didn’t even care that they probably looked like idiots to passers-by.  This was gonna be perfect.

"I forgot that this place is closed on Sundays,” Steve sighed. Of course. Sam half-shrugged, not seeming much put out.  “Wasn’t really about the coffee, anyway.” Steve might not have been on a lot of dates, but he knew what the thrill through his body meant when Sam gave a slow and frankly, sexy smile.  “I got coffee at home? My apartment is kinda far but it’s nice out,” he said faux-lightly. “And I could, uh, draw you. If you still wanted to be my muse.” “Oh, bold.” “No pressure--” “I didn’t say no,” Sam interrupted softly. They didn’t even notice that the walk was almost an hour. Nothing else existed but them.

“Sorry for the mess,” Steve murmured. His room/studio was a fucking disaster and he hoped it wouldn’t put Sam off.  “You creative types,” Sam said, laughing as he sat gingerly on the edge of Steve’s bed. God, Steve could live the rest of his life off of that laugh.  “I can start the coffee,” Steve offered. He had a suspicion that-- “Why don’t we skip the coffee?” “We can go straight to the drawing,” Steve continued teasingly even as he walked over to Sam.  “We could, or...” “Or?” Sam’s fingers were warm in his and Steve needed no urging to sink down, sweeping his leg over Sam’s lap to straddle him.  “Oh,” Sam breathed, his deep brown eyes slightly widened.  “No?” Steve asked softly. Sam laughed again-- and Steve knew he wanted to be someone that made Sam laugh every day.  “Definitely yes,” Sam murmured against Steve’s lips.

1 year later. Sam snored. Not loudly, just a cute little snuffling noise really. Nonetheless, Steve roused from sleep, pleasantly achy and loose-limbed. Sam was curled up in a patch of sunlight like a cat, and Steve’s heart ached with how beautiful he was where the sun made his brown skin glow. He had a smudge of charcoal on his nose, though, and Steve couldn’t help a little snort of laughter at that. Sam’s eyes fluttered open, catching a sunbeam, and-- wow. Steve was going to spend hours trying to find that exact shade of firey orange-brown, like carlisle honey.  “Morning, artist boy,” Sam murmured, face still soft with sleep.  “You’re a work of art,” Steve said in almost a whisper. He reached out to trace the shape of Sam’s soft lips with his fingers, and Sam leaned into the touch for a few moments-- but he suddenly burst out laughing.  “I’m s-sorry, I can’t pretend that wasn’t corny as hell,” he wheezed. Steve felt a laugh bubbling up as well as he thought, yes. He wanted to hear this laugh for the rest of his life. 

[andinewton]

Healing the Hurt - Avengers Redemption Series - Part Two - Chapter 57 - Epilogue 3 - Bucky’s 100th Birthday!

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Amelia Richards (OFC), pretty much everyone from the MCU appears at some point!

Pairings: Bucky x Amelia (ofc)

Warnings:  Chronic pain, physical disability, implied smut, eventual smut, swearing, fertility issues, pregnancy, angst with a happy ending, Stark has a heart.

Word Count:  151372 (complete with additional epilogues added)

Summary: 
Everything is going well at Avengers Tower, Bucky is integrating into the team slowly but surely; he longs for his confidence back but knows it's going to be a long road, never more than when he meets the new secretary at his doctor's office.

Amelia Richards is a career SHIELD agent, recruited straight out of college into the "company" but now she finds herself passed around from department to department, her latest position as a secretary at Avengers Tower proving monotonous compared to her former life, but when James "Bucky" Barnes walks into her office one Friday evening everything changes…

Join Bucky as he rediscovers parts of himself he had thought long lost with someone who considered herself broken for a long time, helping one another heal in more ways than one…

Master List

Chapter 57 - Epilogue 3

Summary:  Bucky is turning 100 and he wants nothing more than to spend it with Amelia, no Stark party, no big deal, just the two of them, lunch with Steve, and maybe a good deal of cuddling!

I originally published this on Ao3 on Bucky’s 100th birthday, and to help with the atmosphere I’ve included some links to the songs played!

Everything I Love by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra

It’s Always You by Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra

Just so you know, this contains the closest thing to smut in this story so far, although there is smut coming in later epilogues, including their first time, but for now just sit back and enjoy Bucky’s birthday celebrations!

Bucky wasn’t sure he wanted to think about it. Before the train he and Steve had joked about being “old men” of almost thirty, and here he was turning one hundred. He laid in bed in the half light from around the curtains, the sun having risen just over an hour ago, and he knew the small change would soon wake Amelia, curled against his side with her head on his chest, one of his arms wrapped snugly around her, the other behind his head as he looked at the ceiling. They were having the whole day together, unusual for a Friday when the team always tried to get any pending paperwork out of the way to free up the weekend, and Amelia wouldn’t tell him what she had planned, other than it was in keeping with his wishes to keep it low key. He knew she had argued Tony out of a party, he used any excuse to break out the bubbly, and it wasn’t every day your teammate turned a century. A century. The word sounded weird, even in his head. How the hell was he a century old? He knew why, obviously, it just didn’t seem real.

Amelia gave a small murmuring purr as she began to wake, one of her little quirks he adored, and he turned far enough to watch her features change; the deep breath she took as she nuzzled against his naked chest, her arm across him tightening as her fingers pressed into his ribs, and finally her hazel eyes fluttering open and focusing on him, a small smile creeping across her face. ‘Happy birthday to you.’ She sung quietly. ‘Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Bucky. Happy birthday to you.’ ‘Thanks, doll.’ He lowered his head as she tilted her face towards him, their lips meeting in a soft kiss. ‘Can you reveal what’s on your top secret agenda now?’ ‘Mmm.’ She managed as he shifted onto his side, putting her on her back as he nuzzled at her neck, his scruff scratching her skin as his lips pressed to her pulse. ‘Nothing.’ ‘Nothing?’ He leant up on his elbow and gave her an amused smile. ‘You’ve been plotting for weeks, sweetheart, I don’t think it’s nothing.’ ‘What I mean is no agenda, no schedule, until dinner tonight. I booked a table for eight o’clock.’ She pulled him down and kissed him firmly. ‘I have a few things for us to do today but not a one is held to a certain time. We just please ourselves, as and when we want.’ ‘And one another, I hope.’ He murmured against her lips and she chuckled. ‘That’s not what I meant, but yeah, that too.’ ‘So what is on your to do list with this old fella?’ ‘Breakfast.’ ‘I know what I want to eat.’ He wiggled his eyebrows as he kissed his way down her neck. ‘That won’t fill you.’ She said, halfheartedly. ‘It’ll fill you.’ He grinned up and she had to bite her lip because of the look he was giving her and his position, her legs twitching as she pressed her thighs together automatically at the heat pooling inside her. ‘What else?’ ‘Presents. Got to have presents.’ ‘I’m already unwrapping one.’ ‘Some of your presents you can play with.’ She realised what she said as soon as the words were out of her mouth and she dropped her head back in the pillows with a small laugh. ‘Already am.’ He pressed a soft kiss between her breasts then looked up at her. ‘Okay, you get my undivided attention for thirty seconds so you can tell me what else we have to do today and then I can tell you that we aren’t going much further than this bed.’ ‘Not fair!’ She argued but he gave her puppy dog eyes and she groaned. ‘Can I keep a few of my ideas?’ ‘Tell me what they are and we’ll decide.’ ‘Okay, presents, with plenty of time for examining them. Steve wants to come over for lunch and I said we’d tell him when we were ready for him. Cuddle times whenever we want, and I’ve managed to book out the common room for the entire day so you and I can bake.’ ‘Birthday cake?’ He quirked his head to one side, his sleep mussed hair falling in his face and she swept it back with her fingertips. ‘I know you’re not the biggest cake lover.’ She shook her head. ‘Apart from that vanilla cream sponge they make at that little patisserie we go to. So I thought we could make a plum crumble.’ ‘Crumble cake?’ He checked, remembering Steve’s mom making them with whichever fruit was in season. ‘Not quite. A bit. This is an English dish, no pastry on the bottom, just beautiful stewed fruit with a deep crumble layer on top. And cream. You have to have cream.’ ‘You’re making me drool, darlin’.’ He smiled at her. ‘And it does sound better than just any old cake. But first,’ he gave her a wink and disappeared under the covers, making her giggle as he kissed over her ribs. This was exactly why she hadn’t set any definite times for the day.

Breakfast was over, eaten in bed, before they dressed, choosing casual for now, jeans and t-shirts, Amelia sporting a black Stark Industries shirt, Bucky the grey Henley she had bought him. He loved all the gifts she had bought; some quirky, some useful, and she was right, there was something he wanted to play with. She had promised that tomorrow he and Steve could take his new drone out to the park for a spin. Steve was game too, and after lunch together he left them to make the crumble. They had already halved, stoned and sliced the plums, laid them in the bottom of an oven proof dish and sprinkled them with cinnamon, sugar and a small amount of water. Amelia was now trying to show Bucky how to make the crumble, the mix of sugar, butter and flour in a large bowl. ‘You just have to be really light fingered. Think you can handle that?’ She asked as she carefully rubbed the mix between her fingers and thumb to incorporate the butter. ‘I now get why I had to wear the glove.’ He smiled, knowing there would have been a reason he had a disposable glove on his left hand. This mix in between the plates could have led to a cleaning nightmare. ‘Don’t need you any stickier than you already are.’ She dusted her hands and stepped aside, letting him put his hands into the bowl. ‘Like this?’ ‘Perfect.’ She put her arm around his waist and leant her head on his bicep. ‘You’re a natural. Maybe we should open a bakery and blow off this whole Avengers thing.’ ‘Nah, it would lose it’s charm, make moments like this less special.’ He leant down and kissed her. ‘In case I don’t say it later, I’m having a great day, sweetheart. I couldn’t have planned it better myself.’ ‘You aren’t missing hanging out with Steve?’ She asked, knowing she had checked with him, repeatedly, if he wanted Steve to be a bigger part of the day, worrying she was pushing him out. ‘Nah, lunch was good, and tomorrow we have a playdate. Might even invite Wilson.’ ‘Oh, you're such a good boy, playing nice with the other kids.’ She ruffled his hair, a rain of flour falling off her hands and into his face. ‘Did you just…?’ He blew at the dust that settled on his nose and she laughed at him, now sporting what looked like white freckles. ‘You know, this means war, right?’ He shook off his hands, angling his body towards her as she took a step away from him. ‘Don’t waste that mix!’ She pointed a finger at him as he grinned. ‘I don’t have enough butter to make another!’ ‘I won’t waste the mix, promise.’ He jumped towards her and she made a small squeak before taking off around the counter but he followed her, grabbing her from behind around the waist and pressing his hand against the stomach of her black t-shirt, leaving a perfect imprint that soon smudged as she turned, trying to get out of his grip but he just pulled her closer, his smile not slipping as he wiped his other hand down her cheek. ‘Ugh! Bucky, no!’ She giggled as he pulled her flush against him. ‘You had butter on your hand!’ ‘You’ll wash, doll.’ He laughed as she squirmed against him, but it put him in mind of something other than cooking. ‘Well, so will you!’ She wiped her own hands over his scruff, leaving more white in their wake, laughing as she did. ‘You’re in so much trouble.’ Bucky pushed her back until she hit the side of the refrigerator and his lips were on hers, tasting her hungrily, a mixture of her vanilla lip balm and sugar from the flour blend. Either way she was incredibly sweet on his tongue. Amelia murmured as Bucky’s tongue swept over hers, her stomach butterflying as her arms curved around his neck, his hand pulling up her shirt so his fingers could knead at her skin and she arched into him. ‘Crumble can wait.’ He said quickly as he pulled her shirt over her head, throwing it to the side, his lips falling on her neck immediately and kissing to the mounds of her breasts, tracing the laced edges of her bra with his lips as his hands spanned her ribs. She pulled at his henley and he stepped back far enough to let her pull it from him, the glove with it, dropping them beside their feet, his hands sliding over her denim clad hips to her thighs and he lifted her, wrapping her legs around his torso, his lips back on hers as he strode out of the kitchen and into the rec room where he laid her on one of the couches, his hands finding her button and undoing her jeans rapidly as her hands started on his. In no time they were in their underwear and Bucky settled his knee between her thighs, her legs bent, leaning his body over hers as he smiled, a combination of awe and lust on his face. ‘So beautiful.’ He murmured before kissing her fully, her hands trailing over his chest to his back as she nipped playfully at his lips. ‘You’re pretty hot yourself, you know, for a centenarian.’ ‘There’s still life in this old guy yet.’ He assured her. ‘I noticed.’ She ran her hand under the band of his underwear, letting her nails gently graze his skin and he pressed her into the couch, his hips responding on their own to her touch and he kissed her again. Their bodies took over, her knee draping over his thigh as he nestled down between her legs, how she affected him blatant, and she kissed across his shoulder as his hand slipped behind her, raising her back to unhook her bra. ‘Angel?’ Tony’s call of her codename made Bucky jump which resulted in them overbalancing and falling off the couch, landing on the carpet with a soft thud between the couch and coffee table, giggling like idiots, Amelia now on top of Bucky and she buried her head in his shoulder for a second before leaning up. ‘What’s wrong, Tony?’ She called, hoping he didn’t come to the door because if he looked over the couch there would be no doubt as to what was going on…of course their shirts in the middle of the kitchen and dining area would tip him off first. ‘Just wanted to drop off…whose shirt is this?’ Tony toed the black material with his boot, frowning at the white marks over it. ‘Uh, what colour is it?’ ‘Black.’ ‘That would be mine.’ She replied hesitantly as Bucky shifted her to sit on his hips and slid her bra off before sitting up and kissing down her throat to her breast and she leant back, fighting a groan as he pursued her, his tongue flicking over her nipple. ‘You’re a messy cook.’ His voice got louder as he got closer. ‘Whose is the grey shirt?’ ‘Bucky’s. Tony, you really don’t want to come any closer.’ She pleaded, knowing her voice was even more strained because of just what Bucky was doing to her. ‘Why, what…Oh God.’ Tony changed direction pretty quickly, as he was almost to the rec room door. ‘Yeah, bad Angel! We eat pizza in there!’ ‘Pretty sure we’re not the first .’ Bucky called before turning his attention back to her. ‘I’ll just leave this…’ Tony put a small gift on the table as he left the room, muttering to himself. ‘Thank fuck leather wipes clean.’ ‘He’ll never let me live this down.’ She groaned as Bucky lathed her with his tongue. ‘Worth it.’ He murmured into her flesh before leaning his head back. ‘FRIDAY, initiate privacy protocols on the rec room.’ ‘Consider it done, Bucky.’ The AI replied and he leant towards Amelia but then paused, his brows furrowing. ‘She didn’t call me Tin Man.’ Amelia grinned. ‘Happy birthday.’ He laughed and licked his lips. ‘You hacked the AI so I don’t get called Tin Man any more?’ He correctly guessed. ‘I know Tony means it as a joke but I also know it bothers you.’ Her fingers absently tracked over where his metal arm met his flesh, something he didn’t mind as she found it comforting, in a weird way. ‘He’ll just change it back.’ She shook her head. ‘If he tries his new song will be the My Little Pony theme.’ ‘God, I love you.’ He smiled as he kissed her. ‘Good. Because I love you too.’

There was one last surprise for Bucky, but it had to wait, until the right time. They shared some crumble, having showered while it cooked, knowing they probably wouldn’t eat until much later in the evening, and got ready to go out for dinner. Amelia insisted he didn’t need a tie, his white shirt, and black suit were fine. Amelia came out of the bathroom wearing her little black dress, fitting where it touched with a round neck and cap sleeves, stopping two inches above her knee with a small slit at the back to allow a bigger range of movement. Bucky had seen the dress before, remembered her buying it, he hadn’t realised it wasn’t just for meetings and the like, but she had added a slim scarlet belt and high heeled red shoes, making her legs rival that of any pin up he had ever admired. Her hair fell in soft waves around her face and shoulders, her eye make up smoky, her lipstick the same shade as her shoes and belt. ‘Holy fuck, doll.’ He said from the desk where he had been fiddling with his new toy. ‘Good holy fuck?’ She dusted at her skirt as he got to his feet, shaking his head. ‘The best holy fuck. You look amazing.’ ‘You’ve seen the dress before.’ She reminded him as she went to the wardrobe but he managed to intercept her before she reached it. ‘On the hanger.’ His eyes trailed over her appreciatively. ‘I have the most beautiful date in the city.’ ‘You’re too sweet.’ She cupped his cheek and kissed him, barely a brush of her lips in case her lipstick rubbed off. ‘And those heels.’ He wrapped his arm around her waist. ‘They make me taller, that’s for sure.’ She leant into him, liking the way they helped her reach him easier. ‘And I spent the last two weeks wearing them around the lab to get used to the height.’ ‘Let’s stay home instead.’ His hands spanned her back, holding her close. ‘We can have more crumble, watch movies in bed.’ ‘You are a temptation, Barnes.’ She smiled as she pushed at his chest, finishing her walk to the wardrobe and pulling out a red biker jacket and slipping it on, untucking her hair as she continued to speak. ‘But I promise you, you will enjoy this evening, and you don’t have to meet Steve tomorrow until eleven which will give you plenty of time to do whatever it is you’re thinking about.’ ‘I’m thinking about that jacket, those shoes and the underwear I know you have on under that dress.’ ‘I’ll dress up for you another time, when we don’t have a reservation to keep. A reservation I’ve had booked since new years.’ She grabbed her bag from the chair and slung it across her body, liking to have her hands free now that she could. ‘You spoil me, darlin’.’ ‘Someone has to.’ She offered him her arm and he chuckled before changing sides and tucking her arm over his vibranium one. ‘Let’s get this over with, I want dessert at home.’ ‘Is dinner out such a hardship?’ She asked as they went for the door. ‘Nothing with you is a hardship, but I’d rather we didn’t go anywhere.’ ‘You’ll enjoy yourself, I promise.’ She leant into him. ‘I always do, as long as you’re there, sweetheart.’ He flicked off the light and they left.

Amelia told the taxi driver where to go and soon they were pulling up outside one of the classiest hotels in the city. Bucky buttoned his jacket as he got out and regretted her convincing him not to wear a tie. He felt underdressed. ‘You look perfect.’ She told him as she straightened from paying the driver, lacing her arm through his. ‘I don’t know, this is above my class grade, let alone pay grade.’ He pulled the bottom of his jacket consciously. ‘You’re a decorated war hero, Bucky, one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, and, more importantly, my boyfriend and I think you look amazing.’ He smiled at her after thanking the doorman who let them in. ‘Your opinion is the only one that matters to me, sweetheart.’ ‘That’s not true but I appreciate it.’ She smiled back. ‘Okay, we have a table in their secondary dining room. Couldn’t get the primary one, already fully booked.’ She explained as she angled them towards the back of the large, luxurious foyer. ‘Are we sitting in the kitchens?’ He joked as her heels beat a steady staccato on the floor. ‘I hope not, after the deposit I had to put down.’ She joked. ‘Darlin’, you spent enough on me. I’d have been happy just go to Angelo’s, or that little diner we went to on Valentine’s.’ ‘You mean the night you forgot to book a table at Angelo’s like you promised you would?’ ‘You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?’ He asked. ‘Bucky, you were on a mission, you know I don’t blame you, and the burgers at that place were fantastic.’ ‘Best in Brooklyn.’ He beamed. A maître d’ stood by the doors to the secondary dining room and smiled as they approached, greeting them both. ‘We have a table booked in the name of Richards?’ Amelia said and he checked his list. ‘Of course, right this way.’ He went ahead of them to open the door and Amelia leant in as they followed him. ‘Sorry.’ She murmured and he had a moment to wonder what she meant as they followed the man through…to be greeted by a round of applause and a band beginning to play; “For he’s a jolly good fellow”. Bucky stopped dead just inside the doors as he took in what greeted him. Balloons and banners, wishing him happy one hundredth birthday, an actual big band in the corner, rows of cooking stations and a bar, and his friends and colleagues, more people than he thought he knew, and in the middle of it all, walking towards him was Steve, a sheepish grin on his face, applauding with the rest of the room. ‘You punk ass little bitch!’ Bucky sputtered as Amelia stepped away from him to join in the applause, Steve reaching him and pulling him into a hug. ‘Happy birthday, pal.’ Steve said. ‘He had no clue?’ Nat asked, coming to stand beside Amelia. ‘Not a one, but I think I’m going to pay for this later. He wanted a quiet night in.’ ‘You had all day together.’ She reminded her. ‘And from what I heard it wasn’t quiet.’ ‘I’ll kill Tony.’ Amelia looked at her feet in embarrassment. She should have known he would tell someone. ‘I think it’s cute you can’t even get through simple recipe without it dissolving into something else. You both deserve happiness, after all you’ve been through.’ ‘Thanks, but I still think he’ll want revenge. He was complaining about having to go out right up until we left.’ ‘You can blame Steve for tonight though.’ Nat said as the applause died down, photographers snapping Captain America and his best friend, dressed up to the nines and smiling. ‘I still kept it secret from him.’ ‘Because Steve asked you to, and he’s your friend.’ Wanda came over then, looking stunning in slim leg pants and a fitted jacket. ‘Did he suspect?’ ‘Nope.’ ‘You are such a good secret keeper.’ Wanda hugged her briefly. ‘Come on, let’s get drinks. These men will be preening their feathers for the press for a while.’ It was over half an hour later that Bucky was finally able to track Amelia down again, having seen her being led to the bar by Wanda and Natasha pretty early on in the proceedings. He had spoken to all of the team, even Nick Fury and Maria Hill had turned out for the occasion, the press had got their quotes and photos, the most sought after being one from T’Challa whose attendance perhaps surprised Bucky the most. He was grateful to the Wakandan King for all he had done and he really wanted to introduce him to Amelia. The girls had staked claim to a large circular table and had a bottle of wine in a bucket on the table. She had taken off her jacket and her smile broadened when she saw him approaching. ‘Here’s the man of the hour.’ Nat smirked at him as he stopped beside Amelia. ‘How’re you liking your party?’ ‘I think you’re a bunch of conniving assholes, but I can’t complain too much. This is amazing. You’ve all put a lot of work into it, and I’m grateful.’ ‘You honestly thought Rogers would let your hundredth go by without a bang?’ ‘Should have known better.’ He shook his head. ‘Can I steal my date? There’s someone I want to introduce her to.’ ‘You want to be stolen?’ Nat leant towards Amelia, who was already getting to her feet. ‘By him? Any time.’ Amelia took the hand he offered. ‘But keep the wine coming, I’ll be back.’ ‘Not for a little while. I want to dance with you too.’ Bucky said as he led her across the room. ‘So, was this really all Steve’s idea?’ ‘Mostly. Pepper helped with the organisation, I only helped with some food suggestions, the guest list, but I can’t take any credit. It was all Steve and Pepper.’ He smirked at her. ‘That’s not what Steve says.’ She pulled a face, knowing Steve would have told him just how much she had done and she really had wanted it to be Steve’s baby. ‘He’s over-exaggerating, I’m sure.’ ‘So you didn’t do all the research for the band? Or insist Angelo got an invitation? Or make sure they ordered the cake from my favourite store?’ ‘No, of course not.’ She said, knowing he would know she was trying to avoid the subject. ‘And you aren’t keen on cake.’ ‘Except for that one. Is that the real reason we made crumble?’ She shook her head. ‘I had the plum crumble planned already.’ He leant in and whispered in her ear. ‘I liked that even better than the cake.’ ‘Thank you.’ She smiled, knowing the cake would be better than their crumble, but appreciating his words. He moved her through the crowds of well-wishers until he reached T’Challa who had seen him coming and ended his conversation, ensuring he was free. It took Amelia a moment to recognise King T’Challa and when she did her eyes went wide. ‘You must be Miss Amelia Richards.’ He said in his heavy accent, taking her hand and placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. ‘It is truly a pleasure to meet you, although the many times Bucky has mentioned you he failed to describe just how beautiful you are.’ ‘Um, thank you?’ She said, glancing at Bucky in something close to panic. She hadn’t been prepared to meet royalty. ‘And it’s an honour to meet you too, Your Highness.’ ‘Just T’Challa, please. Any friend of the Captain and Bucky is a friend of mine. Congratulations on such a successful party. It is quite a stunning venue.’ ‘Oh, this was Tony’s idea.’ She explained away the compliment with a nervous laugh. ‘He knows all the good places. I’m not as experienced in the finer things like he is.’ ‘You do not like compliments?’ The King smiled at her. ‘I hear a lot of this evening is your doing.’ ‘So people keep saying.’ Bucky squeezed her hand, knowing she still, even now, liked to keep a low profile, but people were beginning to realise she was involved with the team in a more than just dating one of them way. ‘Then allow me to change the subject.’ T’Challa offered as a photographer approached. ‘Excuse me, could I take a shot of the three of you together?’ ‘Oh, no. Just take one of them. I’m nobody special.’ Amelia tried to back up and let go of Bucky’s hand, but instead he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. ‘Don’t listen to her. She’s the most special person here.’ Bucky smiled at her and the photographer took a couple of snaps, first of him looking at her lovingly, then once he turned to the camera, Amelia between the two men, smiling nervously. He thanked them and moved on. ‘I know you hate it, sweetheart, but you don’t have to worry about anyone finding out who you are, you know that, right?’ ‘I know. I’m just not used to the attention.’ She smiled apologetically and he kissed her forehead. ‘You do not appreciate the spotlight, Miss Richards. I understand completely.’ T’Challa said as they were offered a tray of champagne, each taking a glass. ‘I’m used to hiding, not being on public display.’ ‘You live with an Avenger, you were going to hit the public radar eventually.’ Bucky reminded her they had discussed this more than once. ‘You might not be out on the missions with us but you’re an important member of the team too.’ ‘I like being behind the scenes, you can keep going out there and being the pretty face.’ ‘I believe you are their new tech expert?’ T’Challa asked and she nodded as she took a sip of champagne, missing the rush it would have given her just months ago, helping calm her nerves. ‘I help Tony in the computer lab.’ ‘Doll,’ Bucky prompted, ‘he knows you’re more than that. Take credit where it’s due.’ She gave a small sigh. ‘Okay, yes, I am their new expert. Happy?’ She glanced back at Bucky who winked at her. ‘I have heard a lot about your skills at a computer too, Stark often refers to you as his technical angel.’ ‘Not as angelic as he thinks, but I do know my way around a computer.’ ‘We in Wakanda have a great respect for technology. I would love to hear your thoughts on some of our recent breakthroughs, if you have time?’ ‘I’d love that. I love new tech.’ T’Challa nodded, glad he had found a topic she was happy to discuss without trying to avoid the subject or getting embarrassed. ‘I am in the country until Monday. Would you have time this weekend?’ She nodded. ‘Bucky has a date with Steve tomorrow but I’m free.’ ‘I will send a car for you at midday, with your permission?’ ‘Please, and thank you.’ ‘The pleasure is mine, Miss Richards.’ ‘Amelia.’ ‘What are we talking about?’ Tony made Amelia jump as he spoke so close behind her. ‘T’Challa was inviting me to discuss Wakandan technology.’ ‘You can’t steal her out from under me, Top Cat, so don’t even try.’ Tony pointed his finger at him. ‘He’s protective of his toys.’ She turned back to Tony. ‘Are you here to harass me on my night off?’ ‘Actually, I’m here to steal my little sis.’ He took her glass out of her hand and passed it to Bucky. ‘I’ll have her back in about, oh, seven minutes?’ ‘That’s pretty specific.’ Bucky said as Tony pulled on Amelia’s arm. ‘Time me and let me know.’ Tony grinned as he led Amelia away. T’Challa turned to Bucky, looking at the man who had been so damaged when they first met, smiling softly, obviously so in love with this girl. ‘She is quite lovely, Bucky. You have my best wishes.’ ‘Thanks. She’s something, alright. I don’t know how I got so lucky.’ ‘She looks at you in a way that is very rare these days. Do not let her slip through your fingers. ’ ‘I don’t intend to.’

Bucky finally reclaimed Amelia after six and a half minutes, tapping Tony on the shoulder and taking his place on the dance floor. Amelia was much happier dancing with Bucky, they still did it every day, so this was the second time, but being able to do so to a big band, dressed up and with all their friends, wasn’t something they got to do often. ‘Have you had a good day?’ Amelia asked as they turned in time with It’s Always You by Frank Sinatra. ‘I’ve had the best day, darlin’.’ He raised his hand so she could twirl but he soon had his arm around her again. ‘You don’t mind the party?’ He shook his head. ‘I should have known Steve would do something like this. It’s actually kind of nice, having everyone here, instead of at The Tower. I didn’t realise I knew so many people.’ ‘It’s always nice to get out and about. We should eat after this, try some of the food.’ ‘Hungry?’ ‘Well, someone keeps using all my energy in incredible ways. A girl has to keep her strength up.’ He chuckled and pulled her close as the song changed to Ev’rything I Love by Glenn Miller and Bucky sung along, just loud enough for her to hear. ‘You are to me everything, my life to be everything; When in my sleep you appear; the skies of deep blue appear; each time our lips touch again; I long for you; oh, so much again. You are my favourite star, my haven in Heaven above. You are everything I love.’ Amelia closed her eyes, her head rested on his chest, listening as the words repeated, Bucky again singing along and when the song finished she pulled him down for a soft kiss. ‘You have a lovely singing voice, Buck.’ ‘Don’t tell everyone.’ He stage whispered. ‘Come on, doll, let’s go get some food.’ They spent the rest of the night in and out of groups of friends, talking and laughing, then dancing, Bucky relinquishing her long enough that she could dance with Steve and Sam, he himself dancing with Nat, which the press lapped up almost as much as the fact he had a girlfriend. Towards the end of the night Steve made a speech, thanking everyone for coming and telling a few stories of he and Bucky back before the war, then the cake was brought to the front and Bucky had to first pose with it with Steve, then alone, then blow the candles out. ‘You make a wish, pal?’ Steve asked as the cake was taken away to be cut. ‘Yeah, I did.’ He said, not taking his eyes off Amelia who was laughing with Sigyn about something. ‘You don’t need to wish for that.’ Steve put his hand on his shoulder. ‘She’s not going anywhere.’ ‘I hope you’re right.’ He smiled, watching the most beautiful woman he had ever known turn and smile back at him, the love in her eyes making this the best birthday he had ever had.

Chapter 58