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lavender-annd-lilac · 2 years ago

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Right up front I need to say…

Dude, I’m sorry this happened and idk how I got so out control

Mea culpa 😩 but technically a lot of it is quotes so it’s prob only like half that tbh

Anyway let’s put all these scattered thoughts under the cut 😅

The following whatever this is contains

Opinions about sports from someone who only watches Soccer for a period of 2-3 weeks every 2 years ⚽️

Fanfiction about your fanfiction ✍️

Tangents about LOTR and Joan Jett 🧝‍♂️👩‍🎤

Many emojis👁️👄👁️

And obviously my confusing style of commentary 😵‍💫

You felt like you were going to jump out of your skin from how eager you were, but you had to play it cool.

Me, internally: omfg I’m in Nat’s car!!!🤠 Does this mean we are besties now???? Can I put her as my emergency contact?? Is it too early to suggest matching tattoos??? 👯‍♀️

“I’m glad you accepted. You said you liked motocross when it was brought up in the work chat,"

Me, looking at the group chat: WTF is motocross??? Where is the “r”??? Is that a typo??? Is it like monster trucks or something?? Yuck…

..oh wait Nat is driving ppl there???😯😯😯

*proceeds to be cringey af in the group chat*

You went to a few races back home. They were fun.

Oh nvm reader actually knows what it is haha 😆

You somehow managed to hit it off with Natasha, your coworker. She had a cool, almost intimidating, energy about her that you appreciated.

Me talking about Nat:

“What’s the sour look for?”

Me, an overly sensitive person: I feel like u aren’t enjoying the playlist I made for us 😓

(The playlist is just Old Town Road remixes and Wannabe by the Spice Girls)

“So, you brought me out here to introduce me to a couple of your guy friends, watch them race, and help get me laid?”

She waited a beat before she answered. “Something like that.”

Me, internally: wait… what does she mean??? “Something like that” 🤔 hang on…. is this… omg… are we on a DATE rn????😳😳😳 omg omg omg 😍😍😍😍

“I’m not going to hook up with some random racer,” you smiled,

Me, as reader: I need an emotional connection with someone, u know? Like, someone I would feel safe accepting a ride from…. Or like someone I know from work idk hahahaha 🫠

“I wouldn’t judge you if you did,” she said as the car began to slow down.

My brain, totally misinterpreting this whole convo: hmmmm this must mean she would definitely judge me for it. This is a test of my loyalty to her. I won’t let u down Nat!!!

“You want someone who talks back.”

Me: whoa is she flirting with me 😲😳😳😳

"That makes sense," she agreed. "Someone who gets you."

Me, for real, like me right now writing this comment: ok wait so I was just going along with the bit, but I feel this could actually be interpreted in a romantic way??? Like a friends to lovers?

Also me: uh.. closest thing I’ve watched a romcom is Red Eye and I have a lot of trouble with context clues 😅

"You're not," she interrupted. "Guys get away with being brazen all the time. Girls should be able to do the same."

Hell right!!!

“I just want someone who appreciates me. Someone who pushes back when I push, but lets me be vulnerable, too,"

Am I crazy or is Nat not like, all of these things based on the convo they just had??? The tag says BuckyxReader but like I would not be mad at all if this was a bait and switch lmao 🤣

I just feel like this could be a setup where the friend is like trying to play matchmaker for reader, and then reader is like wow, this friend understands me so well!! I wish I could have a relationship with someone like that…

And then at the end it’s like your soulmate was right in front of u the whole time 🥹

both 450 riders

Me: wait is this a new line of Levi’s jeans?

Nat doesn't seem like the type to hang out with assholes.

No one:

Me: Nat has never done anything wrong in her entire life 😤😤😤

"Fair warning. Steve is usually a bit quiet before a race, but Bucky can be a bit unpredictable," she told you.

Ok wait wait wait. So like, in my personal fanfic of this fanfic:

Nat also has feelings for the reader

She pretends to set her up on dates

but purposely chooses guys that won’t make a good first impression

reader will be like “ugh… this was a disaster. I wish I could find someone that understands me like u Nat ”

"Though I'm questioning why you thought it would be a good idea to introduce me before the race.

Ya Nat!! Why would u do that????🤔🤔🤔 For real like why? 🤨🤨🤨Is it bc u want to show reader that these other dudes are not a good match for her??? Huh???

Natasha gave you a rare smile before it quickly fell.

Me: omg I’m never blinking again so I can have that image in my eyes forever

Natasha inhaled sharply, the only telltale giveaway that she was upset. And that upset you.

Me, ignoring everything reader just thought about Bucky: it upsets her that Nat is upset 😭😭😭 they are truly meant to beeeeee

Maddox the Meager. Mediocre.

I feel like “mediocre” as a word has a bad rep lol 😟 it just means like, average or ordinary right? Not really the worst insult, right?

I mean arguably it could be a neutral to slightly negative descriptor? But then just like Joan Jett, somewhere along they way it got a bad reputation that it doesn’t deserve. #Justice for Joan and justice for mediocre!!! 😤😤😤

The author rn, probably: how can someone go so far off the rails from the original plot like what is happening 😵‍💫

Natasha let out a hum of approval

My confidence level:

“Meager, mediocre, prick,” you rattled off easily as his nostrils flared. “Well, what else should I call someone who eggs someone else on before a race?

She says, as she eggs on another racer before the race 🤣🤣🤣 I guess it doesn’t count tho bc she’s not a competitor

Okay, why did hearing that make my heart stop?

Me: ok I made a good impression with Nat’s friends ✅ our social circles should blend seamlessly when we start to date 👍

The guy’s a bully on and off the tracks, but fans and sponsors seem to love him

Lmaooooo Cristiano Ronaldo being subtweeted here 😂😂😂

(Apologies if u are a fan of CR7 😬I mean, I will be cheering for Morocco in their game against Portugal tomorrow but like… I hope both teams enjoy have fun?)

Natasha’s told us all about you

👀👀👀👀👀 oh rly

Lol Nat’s like: ya can one of y’all like date her or something I’m getting major single white female vibes and I’m this close to filing a restraining order😨

Nat really has told us a lot about you, which isn’t like her.”

AM I BEING TRICKED RN??? @navybrat817 ??? I feel like this could go either way???? Are there crumbs of NatxReader or am I truly psychotic 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

You: um no they are just good friends….

Me, foaming at the mouth: friendship is the best romance!!! No one reads/watches LOTR for Aragorn x Arwen right??? It’s Sam and Frodo all the way! Friendship conquers all!!! 🥹🥹🥹

The reality: ppl reading LOTR for Legolas x Aragorn, Legolas x Gimli, etc 😆

"Yeah, I noticed she can be a bit guarded, but she really has done a lot to make me feel welcome here."

Nat coming out of her shell for reader 💗

Friendship really is the best tho. Like, being serious for a sec, I’m actually getting a serotonin boost from Nat taking reader under her wing. That’s some real sisterhood shit. 🥹

Did you notice that Maddox didn’t raise his voice or step forward when you snapped at him? He made you look aggressive, which is probably how he wanted you to look to anyone else who saw it,”

I mean, let’s not give Maddox too much credit here. Like… I think Bucky made himself look aggressive by actually being aggressive lmao.

“For what it’s worth, I’m glad you didn’t hit him. Because he would have won and guys like him don’t deserve to win,” you said

First part of the statement, totally 100% agree. 🙌💯👌👌👌

Second part….😅 lol look, my favs have been eliminated in the group stages for the past two world cups, despite being a solid, hardworking, internationally successful (in the past haha) team.

If I were to give my opinion on anything about sports (which I know very little of outside of soccer), it’s that there is no “deserve to win” 😣

CR7 is a diva, Neymar takes a dive anytime another player so much as breathes in his direction, Suarez has bitten like 3 ppl on the pitch like a rabid animal, but they are all skilled players 😑.

Do they “deserve” to win? I mean… I feel like it would be unfair to say no? 😓

Like imagine u are the fastest runner in the world, but also a shitty person. U still trained hard and worked hard for ur athletic achievements. That’s the point of sports competitions right? Physical prowess?

Idk I just feel like “deserves” isn’t rly applicable to sports haha. But I get what u mean… bc we feel like ppl should be rewarded/punished for their actions right? Like “good” people “deserve” to be happy, and obvi doing well in their sport is prob a major source of happiness for athletes.

Kind of like a karma thing I guess…? but idk I would hope that whatever karmic justice happens outside the arena tho bc most sports are like the last objectively quantifiable competition lol

Other stuff like public opinion, “approval points”, brand deals, etc is fair game for character judgement tho lmao

“I’m sorry. I talk too much and you didn’t ask for my opinion.”

Reader: I talk too much 😖

Me: hold my venti soy green tea frapp (ya, i get the basic birch drink at Starbucks haha), u ain’t seen nothin yet *writes a 2k word comment lol*

“And to piss him off. Maybe I want to get under his skin, too.”

😒

Me: Nat would never do this to me tbh

“I'm not a pawn or chew toy for you dogs to play with."

Ya u tell him girrrllll!!!

“But if you really want to piss him off, I have another pair of lips you can kiss instead."

Wait what the heck??? is she going to make Nat kiss him??? 😟

She invited you to watch the race with her and implied that she wanted you to have a good time, but she shouldn’t have to watch you flirt with her friend.

Me, still committed to the bit: ya, for all u know, u are on a date with her rn. SMH😤😤😤

"Barnes? Barnes!" Natasha said, snapping you both out of whatever spell you were under.

Ok wait but what if Nat liked Bucky (forever mad WinterWidow didn’t happen lol), or Nat liked reader??? Idk man, I guess it makes sense bc reader says she leads with her emotions but I am very anxious and conflict avoidant so I would want to map out the pre-existing relationships/feelings btwn all these ppl first haha

"Winner gets a date with her," he declared, pointing at you.

FUCKING WHat??? 🤯🤯🤯😱😱😱😡😡😡dude this just just like in the flop sequel to the Phantom of the Opera musical where Raoul and the Phantom make a bet on who “gets” Christine behind her back. Btw at this point Raoul is literally her husband lmao

I’m glad reader was like IT’S A NO FOR ME DAWG 👎👎👎

“Consider it a payment for the unsolicited advice,”

he literally just thanked her for the unsolicited advice tho???? Wait is he saying this is his way of repaying her??? (At first I thought he meant payback for the advice haha)

So like, in exchange for giving him unsolicited advice she gets coerced on a date with either this punk ass hot head, or the guy who’s a prick???

😐

Ok this is just more evidence for my crack theory that Nat wants to show her how bad the dating scene is out there 🤔

“Nat, tell him!”

“After all that? And after I saw you check out his ass?" she smirked.

😧😧😧

Nat we are OVER. I’m leaving the work group chat and getting an Uber rn and then sending u a venmo request for the cost of that Uber. 😤😤😤 how could u do this 😭😭😭 after I made u a Spotify playlist and everything 🥺🥺🥺🥺

Bucky was her friend and you shouldn’t have let him kiss you. "Nat, I’m sorry. If I made you uncomfortable-"

Oh cool, I like this communication that’s going on 👍

"But he's your friend."

"You're my friend, too

Nvm I’m fully back on the friendship train 🤠

"To be perfectly honest, I was hoping for the two of you to hit it off,” she admitted,

Me watching all my crack theories crumble into dust:

Alexa, play

“Because I didn’t want you to feel pressured to come for that reason and didn’t want you to feel awkward if you didn’t like him. I wanted it to just happen. And if it didn’t, no big deal. You would’ve been none the wiser.”

This is some nat 20 diplomacy shit (haha nat 20, get it)

“I feel a bit hustled.”

ME TOO SIS 😅😅😅

The redhead pursed her lips. “I get why you feel that way, but don’t hold that against him.

Oh snap I thought she meant she felt hustled by Nat 🤣

“He will,” Nat’s voice was soft, but firm.

Lmao she’s like: I cut the other guys brakes and slashed his tires 😏

Oh ya so in my fanfic of your fanfic, Nat and reader and up together and two other characters also end up together in a ~surprise twist

Which two? Here’s a hint:

youtube

Starting Gate

Pairing: Motocross!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader Summary: You attract the attention of your coworker's friend who just happens to be a handsome racer who plays for keeps. Word Count: Almost 5.5k Warnings: Flirting, tension, swearing, rivalries, future explicit sexual content, motocross!Bucky Barnes (he’s a warning, okay?) A/N: Hey, lovelies! Welcome to my motocross AU! I'm excited to share the start of Hothead and Spitfire. This may expand to other racers as well. Thank you @sweeterthanthis @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog @dreamlessinparis @buckyownsmylife for letting me scream about this. Beta read by the beautiful @whisperlullaby, but any and all mistakes are my own. Banners by the talented @vase-of-lilies. Moodboard by yours truly with the incredible Bucky edit provided by Nix. Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Please reblog or comment as it means the world!

Looking out the window of the passenger seat of Natasha Romanoff’s car, you couldn't stop yourself from smiling as she drove. The sun was shining in the light blue sky, but the air was relatively warm. It's a beautiful day for a race. You felt like you were going to jump out of your skin from how eager you were, but you had to play it cool.

“You know you’re allowed to be excited about today.”

So much for playing it cool.

“I’m a little excited,” you said, giving her a smile as you looked away from the window. “Okay, I’m really excited. I’m glad you invited me.”

“I’m glad you accepted. You said you liked motocross when it was brought up in the work chat," she pointed out. You went to a few races back home. They were fun. "I’ve wanted to introduce you to a couple of the guys and I thought today would be perfect.”

Since you moved to the area a few months before, you hadn’t had time to make many friends. You somehow managed to hit it off with Natasha, your coworker. She had a cool, almost intimidating, energy about her that you appreciated. Her actions and words were deliberate and calculated, while you sometimes led with emotion. She admitted recently that she admired that, along with your grit, because it showed her how honest you were.

Not that everyone appreciates it.

You wouldn’t necessarily call yourself argumentative, but you were vocal. Your parents heard from teachers often as you grew up that you stood up for what you believed in, pushed the envelope at times, and wore your heart on your sleeve. While some thought that those were admirable traits, others wrote you off as emotional or snappy. It didn’t always hurt when that happened. A smaller circle of people who accepted you was better than a large group who didn’t care at the end of the day.

Maybe I can find that here.

“What’s the sour look for?”

“Shouldn’t your eyes be on the road?” you half teased, not wanting your thoughts to cloud your good mood.

“You’re regretting wearing the skirt, aren’t you?” her lip quirked up, not quite smiling.

“You TOLD me to wear this!” you reminded her.

“I suggested it because you said you couldn’t remember the last time you got laid.”

You huffed a little. "Boys suck. I need a man."

By definition, you weren't a jaded girl about love. Though your friends back home sometimes reminded you that you had a bit of a wild streak, especially when it came to boys. You liked the rush of excitement in the beginning and the thrill of not knowing what would happen tomorrow. Somewhere along the way, your wants changed. You still craved excitement, but also wanted the guy you fell for to stick around once the euphoria faded. You wanted to be loved.

Am I asking for too much?

"Oh, some of them here are very much boys. A few are decent men."

“So, you brought me out here to introduce me to a couple of your guy friends, watch them race, and help get me laid?”

She waited a beat before she answered. “Something like that.”

“I’m not going to hook up with some random racer,” you smiled, though getting laid did sound nice. Sex wasn’t the beginning and end of everything for you, but you hadn’t been fucked in months and you were starting to get frustrated. At least I have my trusty toy.

“I wouldn’t judge you if you did,” she said as the car began to slow down.

“Nat…” you began, turning as much as you could in your seat to face her. “I have a perfectly good vibrator at home. It’s dependable and doesn’t talk back.”

She gave you a knowing look once she parked in the grass parking lot, evident even through her sunglasses. “You want someone who talks back.”

You bit your tongue before you could say you wanted someone dependable, too. “Maybe, but not too much. I don’t want a pushover, but I don’t want an asshole either.”

“Was that why it didn’t work out with that guy back home? What was his name? Frank?”

You wrinkled your nose a bit. “He was only a partial asshole. He was also part sex god and a had a self destructive streak a mile wide,” you said.

Frank was a free spirit, always up for an adventure. You knew he was never meant to be the guy you ended up with forever, but you were drawn to him nonetheless in the beginning. Sex could only distract you so much from the lack of direction in life and occasional drug use. In the end, you couldn’t fix him and he didn’t want you to.

You still wished him well.

“Are you looking for Mr. Perfect?”

“No, I’m not. Mr. Perfect doesn’t exist because someone like that doesn't have flaws. That isn’t realistic. I just want a guy perfect for me."

"That makes sense," she agreed. "Someone who gets you."

"Exactly. I'm a lot to handle, but-"

"You're not," she interrupted. "Guys get away with being brazen all the time. Girls should be able to do the same."

"Thanks, Nat,” you sighed a little. She was right. “I just want someone who appreciates me. Someone who pushes back when I push, but lets me be vulnerable, too," you explained before you sat up straight. “Wait, why are we talking about this? This is race day.”

Natasha hummed thoughtfully as she tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear. “Okay. Let’s go.”

What is she up to?

You bit your lip as you got out of the car, replaying your words in your mind as you smoothed out your skirt. You wondered if you set your expectations for guys too high. It doesn't matter. I'm not here to pick up anyone, even if the racers look hot with their gloves and the way their asses look in their pants and everything else.

It was crowded as the two of you began to walk, but not overwhelming. It was still a bit early. You saw the track ahead before you veered off toward the trailers. "You sure they don't mind meeting me now? We could always wait until after the race," you offered.

"I promised I'd stop by to wish them good luck.”

“Remind me again who I’m meeting?”

“Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers, both 450 riders and two of the best in their class. Been best friends since they were kids," she replied. "Might see a couple of the others, but that may not be until after the race."

You remembered seeing a few photos of Bucky and Steve on Natasha's social media page. Both were handsome, but the brunette with the steel blue eyes caught your attention. From what you heard in passing, he was single.

How the hell is a guy that handsome not seeing anyone? Maybe he’s a manwhore, which is his choice. Nat doesn't seem like the type to hang out with assholes.

"Fair warning. Steve is usually a bit quiet before a race, but Bucky can be a bit unpredictable," she told you.

"What do you mean?"

"He may be grumpy or just stare at you. It intimidates a few people. Please, don't take it personally if he does.”

"I'm a big girl. I can handle it," you promised. "Though I'm questioning why you thought it would be a good idea to introduce me before the race. And no promises that I won’t make a face if he stares.”

Natasha gave you a rare smile before it quickly fell. “Shit,” she whispered, walking a bit faster. You fell in step beside her, hearing heated voices ahead. Two men, racers by the look of their outfits, were standing inches apart and the larger of the two looked ready to come to blows before a third rushed over.

“Stay the fuck away from my bike!”

“Buck, step back. He isn’t worth it.”

"I wasn’t anywhere near your bike. You’re paranoid.”

“You’re a fucking prick!”

“Hey! You boys causing trouble?” Natasha called out, trying to break the tension as you got closer.

You recognized two out of the three men as they looked your way. The one who pushed his way into the middle with dark blonde hair and a trimmed beard was Steve Rogers. He looked a bit thankful for the distraction, even though he could hold his own from the looks of him. If you had to guess his height, you would say 6’3 or 6’4. The baggy arms of the red, white, and blue jersey didn’t hide how muscular he was.

You didn’t recognize the man on the left with the dark brown hair, but you saw him give you a once over with a smirk. His eyes almost matched his hair color. Between that and the black and white jersey against his tanned skin, you were sure girls flocked to him.

Handsome. Cocky. And he's looking at me like he owns me.

And the man on the right? That was Bucky Barnes. Just as tall and broad as his best friend, but he looked like a cobra ready to strike. And seeing him in person, oh, he was very much your type. His eyes really were like steel as they bore into yours, strands of his medium length caramel hair framing his gorgeous face as he clenched his fists. He looked like sex and danger personified, the kind of man who would devour you if you let him.

Well, I’m fucked.

You were also glad you wore that skirt.

“Only trouble is this fucking prick messing with my bike,” Bucky snapped, pointing at the other brunette.

“Maddox Rumlow. Good racer, big ego, even bigger prick,” Natasha whispered to you, almost making you snort with laughter.

“For the last time, I didn’t touch your bike,” Maddox calmly spoke, smirking as he cocked his head to the side. “And I don’t need to mess with it to beat you. I can beat you on my own just fine.”

“And I can beat your face in just fine,” Bucky gritted.

That shouldn’t turn me on.

Maddox didn’t look phased. If anything, he looked amused. “If I were you, I’d worry about finishing the race and not messing up my other arm. Not unless you want a matching pair.”

“That’s enough,” Steve said through his teeth as Natasha inhaled sharply, the only telltale giveaway that she was upset. And that upset you. Bucky was her friend and you felt protective of him for that reason. “Seriously, what’s your problem? You never give Levinson or Jensen or anyone else this kind of grief.”

“I’m not giving Barnes grief,” Maddox had the nerve to look wounded, looking at a few others who had ventured over, likely wanting to see if there would be a fight. “No one wants him to get hurt. Again.”

Glancing at Bucky, you saw him clench his fists even tighter. That’s when you heard the slight whirr. Natasha didn’t give you the details, but she mentioned that he lost his left arm some time back and received a metal prosthetic in its place. You couldn’t see it with the shirt and glove covering it, but the tick in the brunette’s jaw told you that Maddox’s earlier comment struck a nerve. It struck a nerve with everyone.

Oh, fuck this guy.

“I’m sorry, your name’s Maddox?” you asked sweetly to catch his eye, looking him up and down the way he had to you moments ago.

“I am,” he answered with a charming smile, licking his bottom lip as he shamelessly checked you out again. If he eye-fucks me any harder… “Haven’t seen you before. What’s your name, sweetheart?”

Steve had to bring his arm up to keep Bucky from moving toward him, making you pause before you said your name. Is he just done with his shit? “Nat says you’re a good racer.”

“Good? One of the best,” he corrected you. “You’ll see.”

“So humble,” Natasha said under her breath.

“Are you messing with Bucky here because he’s your biggest threat?” you guessed.

“I wouldn’t call him a threat. More like friendly competition. It never hurt anyone,” Maddox smirked as Bucky glared back at him.

He’s trying to get under his skin and it’s working. Well, two can play that game.

“Right. Keeps people on their toes. I get it. But I bet he has a kickass nickname,” you said, giving Bucky a soft smile before you looked back at Maddox. “Do you have one or should I pick one for you? Maddox the Meager. Mediocre. Or should we just go with what he called you: Prick? Maddox the Prick has a nice ring to it.”

The smirk Maddox wore instantly went away as Steve’s eyebrows shot up. Natasha let out a hum of approval as you looked at Bucky out of the corner of your eye. He had a smirk on his face and you couldn’t help but clench at the sight of it.

God, if he smirked at me like that while he’s between my thighs…

"What was that?” Maddox asked, the false charm completely gone from his earlier tone.

“Meager, mediocre, prick,” you rattled off easily as his nostrils flared. “Well, what else should I call someone who eggs someone else on before a race? Doesn’t seem like 'friendly' competition to me. I kind of get it, but just because he has a couple of inches on you-"

"I'm taller than him," he cut you off.

You raised an eyebrow, "I wasn't talking about his height."

Maddox's mouth set in a grim line as you heard a couple of low whistles and chuckles. Doesn’t feel good to have someone go after your ego, does it? “You have a mouth on you.”

“So I’ve been told,” you shrugged a little.

“I like it," he grinned, but there was nothing friendly behind it. "I can think of a couple of things you can do with your mouth, sweetheart."

“I’m not your sweetheart.”

“And she’s not interested,” Bucky said, making you shiver. Unlike the fury you heard when he snapped at Maddox previously, all you heard was ice in his tone. Maybe that was the reason you didn't mind that he spoke for you. “So fuck off.”

For a split second, Maddox looked furious. He recovered quickly as he straightened up and winked at you. “We’ll see about that,” he said, taking a few steps back. “See you on the track.”

Bucky turned away from you to watch him walk away, giving you a chance to check out his ass. No, no, no. Don’t look. Fuck, I want to squeeze it. He swung back toward you as your head snapped up, giving you a full head-to-toe view of him. The red and grey of his motocross gear suited him. You noticed after a moment that he was also effectively blocking Maddox from your view as he walked away, forcing you to look at him instead. “I like her, Nat.”

Okay, why did hearing that make my heart stop?

“I knew you would,” the redhead replied, nudging you with her shoulder. “And I knew you’d make an impression, but I didn’t think you’d have fans.”

“What?” you blinked as she nodded to Steve and a couple of others you didn’t recognize. You were the center of attention. Even Bucky’s eyes were still on you. “Hi. Why are you all staring at me?”

Steve chuckled a little. “Because we’re not used to seeing someone putting Rumlow in his place. The guy’s a bully on and off the tracks, but fans and sponsors seem to love him. I’m Steve, by the way,” he said, holding out his gloved hand as he gestured to the guys behind him with his head. “That’s Sam and Joaquin. Natasha’s told us all about you.”

“Nice to meet you,” you said as you shook it, noting that he was careful not to crush your hand. “All good things, I hope.”

“All good things, but I’m a little bummed I missed the show,” Sam smiled, running a hand along his buzzed hair. There had to be something in the water since he was built, too, though he was slightly smaller than Bucky and Steve.

Joaquin, the smallest of the four men, gave you a small smile. “Care to give a repeat performance?”

“Only if Levinson gets to see it. He’ll be pissed when he hears he missed it, too,” Sam joked.

“For now, the show’s over,” Nat said, shooing them toward the trailer.

Except for Bucky.

He caught your eye as he moved closer to you. He actually looked relaxed. And he smiled at you. “I’m Bucky. Nat really has told us a lot about you, which isn’t like her.”

Oh, he has a gorgeous smile.

You repeated your name for him, a little disappointed that he didn’t shake your hand like Steve. "Yeah, I noticed she can be a bit guarded, but she really has done a lot to make me feel welcome here."

"You like it here?"

"Yeah, I do," you nodded, the small talk unexpected, but nice.

“Do you make it a point to jump in to defend complete strangers or am I the exception to the rule?”

You had to smile at the question. “You’re Nat’s friend, so you’re not a complete stranger,” you teased, making him smile more. You wanted him to smile again. “And while I don’t know the history between you two, I could tell from the small interaction that he was being an ass. I’m not exactly known for holding my tongue.”

“I don’t doubt that. Not every day people call him a prick to his face. Well, besides me."

“The shoe fit,” you shrugged, not at all ashamed. “And I’d say it again.”

“You’re a little spitfire, aren’t you?” he grinned, putting his hands on his hips.

“I guess you could call me that," you smiled. You liked it. "You know, I was half expecting to meet a grump. Nat said that’s how you are sometimes before a race.”

“I usually am,” he said honestly, lifting one shoulder in a shrug. “Until that prick showed up, hanging around my bike and looking in my trailer.”

“Why did you let him get to you?” you asked curiously.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He looked disappointed in himself. “I don’t know. I’ve never liked the guy and he never liked me. Had it out for me from the start," he explained.

"Probably because you really are his biggest threat."

"That and he comes from a family of assholes. He’s a good racer, I’ll give him that, but he plays dirty and doesn’t care who gets hurt as long as he gets ahead. Worst part is he acts like he’s a good guy when almost everyone else is looking.”

“So, he really is a prick,” you teased, kicking a bit of grass with your shoe.

“Yeah, he is. I don't think he's used to a gorgeous girl seeing through him. And I’m never going to let him live ‘Maddox the Prick’ down, so thanks for that."

He thinks I'm gorgeous?

“Glad I could be of service,” you smiled. “If I can give you one more thing? Unsolicited advice, but try not to act like a hothead to your competition."

Bucky's brows pinched slightly. It was adorable. "I'm not a hothead."

“Maybe not, but you kind of acted like one. Did you notice that Maddox didn’t raise his voice or step forward when you snapped at him? He made you look aggressive, which is probably how he wanted you to look to anyone else who saw it,” you explained. Stop talking. Why am I talking so much? “I think he was trying to goad you into a fight and or at least rile you up to throw off your game.”

Bucky’s jaw clenched and unclenched as he regarded you. Fuck, I upset him. He didn’t move away from you though and you refused to squirm or back down under his gaze.

“If Steve hadn’t held you back, would you have punched him?”

Bucky slowly nodded after a moment.

“I probably would have tried to hit him, too. Not sure if Nat told you, but I tend to lead with emotion. Act first, question later.”

He grunted in response, giving you what you assumed was his grumpy glare.

Welp, it was fun being your friend while it lasted, Nat.

“For what it’s worth, I’m glad you didn’t hit him. Because he would have won and guys like him don’t deserve to win,” you said, touching his right arm before you quickly dropped your hand. He didn’t ask you to put your hands on him. “I’m sorry. I talk too much and you didn’t ask for my opinion.”

“Who said you talk too much?” he questioned, stepping forward when you stepped back.

“I just did,” you answered.

“Well, you don’t,” he said quietly.

“I don’t?” you asked in disbelief.

He shook his head, his eyes warmer than you expected as he looked at you. “No. You tell it like it is. You should hear Steve when he goes off on his tangents. Punk acts like he’s doing me a favor whenever he does.”

“Oh,” you said, surprised as you smoothed out the non-existent wrinkle from your skirt. His eyes followed the movement, though he tried to be discreet. “Most guys would’ve told me to ‘fuck off’ after that.”

“Show me where those guys are so I can teach them a lesson,” he said seriously.

A knight in shining motocross gear armor.

“No need for that,” you smiled, feeling better now that you knew he wasn’t offended by what you said. “But I appreciate the offer.”

He moved forward another step and you instinctively leaned in closer. Something crackled in the air between the two of you. You wondered if he felt it, too, or if you simply imagined it. “Thank you for defending me and for the unsolicited advice. I shouldn’t have let him get to me.”

He smells really good. Like a woody citrus. Who smells that good before a race? “You’re welcome. Thank you for not telling me to ‘fuck off’.”

You both laughed, that electric current flowing through you again. “So you think he was just trying to get under my skin, huh?”

“I could be wrong, but I think so. And I don’t want to see you lose to a guy like that.”

Bucky looked over your shoulder, the warmth disappearing from his eyes. “I won’t lose.”

You turned your head to follow his gaze. Maddox was by his trailer a short distance away, but his eyes were on the two of you. Maybe he really was threatened by him.

Bucky gently took your wrist to turn you back toward him. "Rumlow keeps checking you out. He wants you," he stated.

"Is that a problem?" you asked, glancing over at Maddox again. He smirked in response when he made eye contact. You had no intention of doing anything with him, but wondered if Bucky cared because of his own self interest or yours.

“You acting uninterested will make him want you more. He likes a challenge.”

"Doesn't surprise me," you said. Some people liked to go after what they couldn't have.

"He's good. I'm better."

You heard the complete confidence in Bucky's voice and you believed him. "I guess I’ll see for myself," you teased.

"Kiss me."

You studied Bucky for a moment as you faced him again, waiting for him to say he was joking. He didn't. “Say that again?"

"Kiss me," he repeated slower, somehow making it sound like a suggestion and not an order.

"Kiss you? You just met me.”

“And I still wanna kiss you.”

Your gaze went to his mouth. The offer was tempting, but you knew if you felt his lips against yours that you would want more. "Why? For good luck?"

"Yeah,” he answered, his lips shifting into a devilish smirk that made you clench. “And to piss him off. Maybe I want to get under his skin, too.”

You bristled at how casually he said that, even with the heat flowing through your body. “I'm not a pawn or chew toy for you dogs to play with."

He laughed, tugging you close. All the anger you saw from him a short time ago was gone, which quelched your anger, too. "Lucky for you, I play for keeps. Also not big on sharing."

"Sounds like a you problem," you retorted, but didn't step away. “But if you really want to piss him off, I have another pair of lips you can kiss instead."

His eyes lit up as he leaned in close, his lips an inch from yours. "You offering?"

Your stomach flipped as he placed his other hand on the nape of your neck. "You accepting?"

Natasha cleared her throat as she appeared beside you, almost making you step back. She invited you to watch the race with her and implied that she wanted you to have a good time, but she shouldn’t have to watch you flirt with her friend. "You two can finish this later. You have a race to get ready for, Barnes."

"Good luck," you said with gentle sincerity.

Bucky closed the gap between you and pressed his lips against yours. They were softer than you expected, a complete contrast to his hard, muscular frame. Instead of pushing him back, you molded your body against his. The kiss only lasted another second before he pulled his mouth away. You exhaled, wishing you had parted your lips to let him explore. Judging from the flash of want in his eyes as he stared, the small kiss got to him, too.

"Barnes? Barnes!" Natasha said, snapping you both out of whatever spell you were under.

Bucky cleared his throat as he took a step back. "Just gave me all the luck I need," he grinned, licking his lips. "Mmm. Is that cherry? I like it."

You wanted to smack the smug expression off his face and kiss him again. How the fuck can a brief kiss leave me aching? "Sweeter than any pie you've ever had."

"I believe it. Hope I get another taste," he winked as he grabbed his helmet. You hoped he didn't see you shiver at the implication.

“C’mon, let’s go,” Steve said, but there was a smile on his face and Sam’s as well.

"Hey, Rumlow!" Bucky yelled.

Maddox glared over at him, no doubt having seen the kiss. "What, Barnes?"

"Winner gets a date with her," he declared, pointing at you.

Oh, fuck no. "Excuse me?"

"You're on," Maddox called back. It was like they didn't hear you or simply didn't care.

"Bucky, what the fuck did I say about not being a toy?" you snapped as Nat grabbed your arm. It was a good thing she had a strong grip because now you felt a bit volatile.

“Consider it a payment for the unsolicited advice,” he simpered at your slack-jawed expression.

"You can't bet a date with me."

“But you’re the grand prize. And I told you, I play for keeps,” he said, slipping his helmet on as Steve yanked him back by his right arm. You could see Sam trying not to laugh.

Yeah, you better put your helmet on so I don't throw something at your ridiculously handsome face.

“I’m not a fucking prize!”

"Sorry, doll!" he said, gesturing to his covered ear. "Can't hear you with my helmet on."

“Nat, tell him!”

“After all that? And after I saw you check out his ass?" she smirked.

Of course, she saw that. How does she see everything?

"You were checking out my ass?" you heard the smile in Bucky's voice as heat rose to your cheeks. “It’s all yours after I win.”

You were torn between flattery and something you couldn’t even pinpoint. "Thought you couldn't hear anything," you gritted, hearing his chuckle as the redhead pulled you away.

“Can’t wait for our date!”

Your heart nearly stopped as you looked back. His helmet shielded his face, but you could still feel his eyes on you. “In your dreams, Hothead!”

“You’ll be in my dreams tonight! And you know that isn't my nickname. It's actually-

"It's Hothead."

"Whatever you say. Spitfire."

“I hope she knocks your ass in the dirt,” Sam laughed.

You chortled as Nat continued to drag you away. “What the hell just happened?"

"I think you have a date.”

"I don't have a date yet," you huffed. "Unbelievable."

"Which part?" she asked deadpan. “The fact that he already likes you, that you like him, or that you two kissed?”

Some of your anger faded as guilt crept in again. Bucky was her friend and you shouldn’t have let him kiss you. "Nat, I’m sorry. If I made you uncomfortable-"

"Woah," she held a hand up to stop you. "Not uncomfortable with you two flirting. You're adults. Plus, I've seen much worse from some of these guys."

"But he's your friend."

"You're my friend, too, and a huge step up the girls that normally flock to him. And you managed to calm him down, which is impressive."

"So, if I made a move or he made a move on me, you would be totally fine with that?" you didn't hide your suspicion.

"He already made a move," she threw a glance over her shoulder before looking ahead again. “I’m totally fine with it.”

You thought back to the conversation in the car, how she hinted at wanting you to meet her friends and get laid. “Wait. You wanted this to happen.”

“Wanted what to happen?” she asked.

You were tempted to grab and shake her. “You know what! You were trying to set me up without setting me up.”

Her stare was impassive as she looked at you again. She had a good poker face. "To be perfectly honest, I was hoping for the two of you to hit it off,” she admitted, clearing her throat. “I may have overheard him tell Rogers that he was interested in meeting you after I told them about you. He hasn't dated in a while, so him showing even a hint of interest was a good thing."

A rush of air left your lungs as you stopped walking. Part of you took what you heard as a compliment. "That’s why you told me not to take it personally if he was moody. You wanted me to like him. Nat, why didn’t you just say so?”

Calculated. Deliberate. “I feel a bit hustled.”

The redhead pursed her lips. “I get why you feel that way, but don’t hold that against him. I haven’t seen him let his guard down so quickly for anyone.”

“How did he let his guard down?"

“He actually listened and talked to you. He flirted with you. That’s not something he does with everyone,” she swore. “Plus you defended him in a way that didn’t make him look weak by shifting the focus back to Rumlow.”

You wanted to believe her. You liked that he took you by surprise. And you really liked his brief kiss. He took a risk and, you had to admit to yourself, it paid off because you couldn't stop thinking about it. “I just don’t want to be a prop for him to beat Maddox.”

“Barnes may have said that to piss him off, but the chance of getting a date with you is extra motivation for him to win. So if the only reason you’re upset is because you want it to be a real date, believe me when I say it would be.”

“You actually think I’ll honor that if he wins?”

“Yeah, I do,” she said. "That guy you want who talks back? Pushes, but lets you be vulnerable, too? That could be him. And how will you know if you don't try?"

Why does she have to be right about that?

In the very short time you knew Bucky, you felt excited, aroused, out of sorts and more. It felt like whiplash without the pain. You wanted to know what else he could bring out of you. And the racer seemed to want to know you, at least a little. What did you have to lose?

“I want him to win,” you said in defeat, chewing on your lower lip. “I really want him to win.”

“He will,” Nat’s voice was soft, but firm.

Don’t let me down, Bucky Barnes.

*****

So, what do we think? I can't wait to share more of these two. Love and thanks for reading!

#bucky barnes x reader #natasha romanoff #obscenely long comment lol

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