#hayley'sbirthday

[youbloodymadgenius]

Yours (Vampire!Ivar x reader)

A/N: This is my entry to @geekandbooknerd​‘s Birthday Challenge. Happy Birthday, Hayley 💝

The prompt We are all someone’s monster (Leigh Bardugo, Six of Crows) is in bold.

@bluearchersstuff​ - Thank you for beta reading this for me 💖 It was the first time, it won’t be the last 😉

Let me know if you want to be tagged 😊

Moodboard made by the talented @gearhead66 ♥️

Summary: You hate Halloween and of course you hate Halloween parties. But who’s this handsome guy who’s looking at you?

Warnings: not my best work, I’m sorry.

Words: 1821

You roll your eyes, sighing at your own stupidity. For the umpteenth time tonight, you're wondering what you were thinking about when you agreed to come. Of course, Sofia is your best friend, and she is the one who asked you to go with her.

 Yet, you should have known better.

 You dislike Halloween. Scratch that. You hate Halloween and everything about it with a passion. You hate dressing up. You hate cobwebs, fangs, zombies and skeletons. You even hate squash soup, and that's saying a lot!

 But yeah, your friend can be convincing when she has a mind to be. And that's why you're here – almost against your will, so to speak – at Ben's house. Ben with whom Sofia slipped away over an hour ago. Probably upstairs. You don't even want to think about what they're doing right now.

 Anyway, you're here, and that's all that matters…

 The pounding music is too loud, the people too drunk, the place too crowded. If it wasn't for the handsome stranger who hasn't stopped looking at you since you showed up, you wouldn't be here anymore.

Nervously pulling and tugging on the little black dress borrowed from Sofia – oh no, not a simple black dress, a black dress with fucking skeleton print – you make up your mind and head toward the makeshift bar. You need a drink if you intend to stay. Something strong, possibly.

 A 'Vampire Cocktail' in hand, you slowly cross the room. With every step, you can feel the stranger's gaze upon you; and you know with unsettling certainty that if you look back at him, he wouldn’t lower his eyes.

 He was apparently alone, does not talk to anyone, or dance, and didn't look at anyone but you.

 You should feel embarrassed, or even upset, but you aren’t. Knowing that his eyes are staring at you like that is surprisingly pleasant. And you can't help but feel hopelessly drawn to him, almost magnetically, or magically. Because strangely, wherever you are in the room, the man is there, never more than a few steps away from you.

 The room may be dark, but you still can see the otherworldly blue of his eyes. You're entranced, fascinated, mesmerized.

 Giving him a shy smile, you quickly avert your gaze, blushing. As you raise back your head, the man is gone, but when a gloved hand brushes against yours, you know it's his, without a doubt.

 "Shall we go out?" He asks with a sultry voice that sends shivers down your spine. Even if he gives you a questioning look, his hand gesturing toward the large patio door, you know it's a rhetorical question. You don't have a choice and you don't mind it. The stranger wraps a strong arm around your waist, leading you toward the backyard.

 You follow him willingly, almost obediently, a small smile playing on your lips. He leads you without saying a word, and as soon as the patio door closes behind you, the only sound you can hear is the thud of his cane on the gravel.

 "Better here, right?" He takes a seat on a porch swing, inviting you to do the same.

 "I have been dreaming of this moment for so long." His voice is hoarse as he slightly leans toward you, boldly resting a hand on your knee.

 Confused, you want to ask him what he means. After all, you met for the first time less than two hours ago. But you don't get the chance, since he speaks again. "Very nice dress, by the way."

 Scrutinizing you in the bright moonlight, he looks at you shamelessly, his gaze stopping first on your neck, then your cleavage, your breast and finally your fishnet stocking-clad thighs.

 Intimidated, you blush and say the first thing that pops into your head. "Your… your Halloween costume is a piece of art. It's so… real…"

 "My… what?" Quirking a brow, the man looks at you in disbelief.

 "Your…," your shaky voice gives away your nervousness, "Your Dracula costume is… magnificent."

 You're not lying. His clothing is stunning. From his three-piece suit – obviously made of luxury fabrics – to his silk cape of extremely high quality, everything suggests that his complete outfit is undoubtedly very expensive.  As for his cane, you're willing to bet that its snake-shaped handle is made of… gold, no less. In any case, it's impressive and the handsome stranger makes a vampire truer than nature.

 Visibly taken aback by your last assertion, the man just stares at you with wide eyes. It's as if what you just said didn't make sense to him. When an icy wind swirls suddenly around you and makes you shiver, he eventually speaks sternly, almost as he were scolding you, his jaw tight. "This is not a costume."

 You're baffled, puzzled, confused. 'This is not a costume?' What does he mean?  

 "What… I don't… Wha–" You sputter, unable to gather your thoughts. Your heart hammering in your chest, you feel a knot growing in your stomach. Something feels wrong. Something feels very wrong.

 His piercing blue eyes staring into yours, you want to avert your gaze, overwhelmed and slightly scared. But when he speaks again, it's with a velvet like voice that soothes you immediately, erasing your discomfort. "Shh… It's okay…"  You wonder for a brief moment how someone can change their mood so quickly. You don't dwell on it though, because when he gives you a closed-lips smile, gentle and sweet, it melts your heart and you realize that, as if by magic, your fear is gone, replaced by desire and attraction.

 What strange power does this man have over you?

 Slowly, one finger at a time, the stranger takes off his gloves and places them on the swing next to him, while staring at you the whole time.

 As he reaches out, his hand just inches from your face, you can't resist, and you don't want to. The pull is too powerful, the longing too strong. You want him to touch you. You need him to and so you lean forward, craving for his skin against yours.

 But as soon as his fingers graze your cheek, you freeze, bemused and appalled.

 They are cold. Abnormally cold. Ice-cold. Colder than… death. You swallow loudly and then get up hastily. "I… I sh… should… go…" You stammer, panic flooding your body. You want to run away but the man doesn't give you the chance as he grabs your wrist, squeezing it tight. " That would be extremely rude when we've only just met, don't you think?" His voice is a whisper, his tone soft but you know you don't really have a say, nor a choice.

 Slowly getting up, he leans on his cane, wraps his free arm around your waist and draws you closer. He's so unnaturally strong, you can't even move as a cold wave washes over you. "I'll be gentle if you do as I say." He mumbles, his mouth against your ear.

 Questions plague your mind suddenly. Why is he so pale? Why can't you feel his breath on your face? Why are his eyes bloodshot? Why didn't you notice anything earlier? You're terrified now, aware of the danger with absolute certainty.

 "Who… Who are you?" You don't even know how you manage to babble those words. You feel weak and unsteady on your shaky legs. If it wasn't for his firm grip, you would certainly have fallen down by now.

 "It's okay, Y/N…" He says once again, and you want to believe him, despite your fear, despite the… cold. A little voice in your head whispers that you never told him your name, but it doesn't matter, not when he's looking at you with so much tenderness.

 What is he doing to you?

 "I'm Ivar." His reassuring voice is gentle, as is his smile. "Ivar Ragnarsson." He doesn't say anything else but it's enough. That's all you need to know. You're relieved. He's Ivar. Of course. Who else – what else – could he be? You've been so silly. All those strange things… The cold, his eyes, his breathing – or his lack of – there is necessarily a pragmatic explanation for each of them. The truth is you don't care. He's Ivar. A handsome and very considerate stranger that you want to get to know better, and that's enough. Everything is fine. It's okay, he's right.

 "Ivar…", you eventually repeat softly, and you love the way his name rolls off your tongue. Chuckling, you can feel yourself relaxing in his embrace. "You're going to think I'm dumb, you know? I wondered for a moment if you weren't a…", you gasp, feeling shy and embarrassed, but Ivar just looks at you, patiently waiting for you to carry on, and that's what you do. "… A vampire, you know. But obviously you're not. You're just a guy my age, with a fantastic Halloween costume, and it seems that I can't think properly, because who would think you're some kind of monster? That's insane, and I'm so sorry, and now I'm going to shut up because I'm pathetically rambling and if I continue I'm sure you won't want anything to do with me and that would be a shame because I– Oh my god, sorry!!" Covering your mouth with your hand, you blush as you realize what you were going to say. 'Because I'd love to kiss you, touch you, feel you…'

 What is he doing to you?

 Ivar keeps quiet, a semi-amused smile on his face. Eventually, he closes his eyes and then tilts his head back. "So, you thought I was a… how did you say?... a monster…" You can almost hear his grin.

 "I know," you say shamefully, "that's stupid! You're allowed to laugh at me, you know? I won't get mad, really. I don't know what went through my head. A monster! What a ridiculous thought!!"

 Ivar giggles while keeping his eyes shut. "Maybe not. You know what they say… We are all someone's monster…"

 And then, he opens his eyes. And everything goes faster.

 His eyes turn black. A feral growl escapes his lips. His smile is a predatory one.

 You can clearly see his pointy fangs.

 And you feel weirdly calm. You're not surprised, and you're ready. You need him, all of him.

 "I don't know if it's true…", you don't recognize his voice, hoarse and raspy, but you don't mind, as you don't mind when he pushes your hair away, his teeth already grazing the delicate skin of your neck.

 "However,” He mutters as you arch against him unwittingly, "there is one thing that I can say for certain. I'm definitely yours."

 And right after that, sharp fangs piercing down into the flesh of your neck, a burning pain lances through you, fading soon into an aching pleasure. You release a gasp, bucking your hips.

 "Please, unravel me, Ivar."

 What did he do to you?

🛡⚔️🛡

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[lauwrite1225]

Candide Crush || Modern!Finan x reader

For @geekandbooknerd birthday!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN QUEEN !! I hope you'll like it !

Prompt : You said I am a good man," he said. "But I am not that good a man. And I am--I am catastrophically in love with you.

Warnings : Fluff, a little bit of angst and SMUT

You dropped your bag on one of the amphitheatre's tables before falling yourself on the chair. It was 8am and definitely too early to start a long day of classes. As you took your notebook and pencil from your bag, your two friends joined you.

"Wow, Y/N, you look like you haven't slept." Gisela commented, sitting at your left. 

"That's because she hasn't." Aethelflead chuckled. 

You frowned, not understanding what she meant. "I've slept." 

Aethelflead sat down and started to search her things in her bag. "My brother told me Finan didn't sleep at the collocation, again." She looked up to you, with a mischievous smirk. 

A million insults popped in your head, all destined to Osferth, as you felt your face turned red. Your reaction made Aethelflead smile even more. 

"For how long have you been sleeping with him?" Gisela asked, shocked by the news, but you could see she was excited about it. 

Since you met Finan at the library a year ago, a terrible story of him spilling coffee on your shirt, you haven't stopped going from surprise to surprise with him. Before that day you've never seen him, and now he seemed to be anywhere you go. From an absolute stranger, he went to Osferth's flatmate and Gisela's boyfriend's best friend. Not to mention that he had some classes in common with you. 

You couldn't tell what the universe had planned for you two, but he was determined to make it happen. And you were thanking him for that. 

The minute you laid eyes on him, your heart stopped and you hadn't even heard him excusing himself as a coffee stain was spreading on your t-shirt. That day, he had given you the red plaid shirt he was wearing above his t-shirt to replace your top.

"Y/N?" Gisela insisted.

"Two weeks." You mumbled.

"Two weeks!" She exclaimed, students turning their heads towards your small group. 

"Jeez Gisela!" You whisper - shouted. "Tell it to the whole earth as long as you're at it." Aethelflead was chuckling again.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Gisela continued her interrogatory, much to your dismay. 

"Because… There's nothing official. We are just... having good times together." You tried to explain but you knew Gisela wouldn't agree. 

"Nothing official? You're in love with him, Y/N." 

"That I know." You sighed. 

While you were speaking, the amphitheatre got full of students and the teacher took place at his desk to start the lesson. 

"You should clarify this situation, and soon." Gisela whispered. "Or it'll hurt you even more if it doesn't work." 

You hated when Gisela was lecturing you, but she was right. 

…

"Osferth!" Aethelflead shouted through the cafeteria. 

Her half brother turned away and smiled at both of you. He joined you, his lunch in a small bag, with him Finan and Sihtric. 

"Where's Gisela?" Sihtric asked, visibly not used to see you without her at the university.

"She's lunching with Uhtred." You answered. Uhtred and Gisela were together for what seemed forever and loved never faded between them. 

You started to talk about each of your classes this morning. Regularly, you could feel Finan's eyes on you, and each time you couldn't help but have images of your last night. He was smirking, as if he was knowing what was happening in your mind. So you decided it was a better idea to avoid his gaze. 

"What if we go out tonight?" Aethelflead proposed. 

"I can't, I promised my mother I'd spend the weekend with her." Osferth answered, disappointed. 

"Great, I've the flat on my own." Finan grinned before biting in his sandwich. 

"Do not dare to make any party." The blonde warned him, narrowing his eyes in a threatening way.

"Ya're not funny, Baby Monk." He complained, but Osferth was right to forbid him, last time, the flat wasn't looking as one anymore. 

"Anyway, Sihtric? Y/N? Finan? You're coming?" Aethelflead asked again, staring at each one of you. 

"Why not?" You shrugged, closing the box where used to be your food. "I don't know if I'll stay long though, I'm hella tired." 

"Are you?" She pretended to be surprised. "God, Y/N, you should stop working so late." She gently patted your shoulder, fakely emphatic, but you turned red and you're pretty sure you heard Finan choking while drinking water. 

There was a big silence during which Sihtric seemed to be the only one to not understand what was happening. "Hum, I can come tonight." He said to ease the awkwardness. "I might propose Ealswith to join." 

"Excellent idea!" Aethelflead exclaimed. 

…

The pub was already full when you arrived with Aethelflead. Fortunately, Sihtric, Ealswith, Gisela and Uhtred were already at a table with enough space for the missings. You were late thanks to Aethelflead who asked you hundreds of questions about Finan and you. You had to tell her about that night they spent in a club with your usual group of friends and how Finan proposed to walk you back to your flat and finished to literally sleep in your bed.

"Sorry to be late." You said taking the empty place at Gisela's left. 

"Don't worry, Finan is still missing." Uhtred waved his hand, smiling at you. 

"That wouldn't be Finan if he was in time." You joked. "You all have already ordered something?" You noticed, pointing the cocktails and beers already on the table.

"We did. It's the happy hours for the mojito." Gisela winked, knowing it was your favourite. 

You stood up and walked to the bar after Aethelflead asked you to take one for her. You waited patiently at the countertop for your order, until you felt someone behind you. 

"Ya're beautiful tonight." You didn't even need to turn around to recognize Finan's heavy irish accent. 

You looked down to your dress, a light pink with little flowers printed on it, and smiled at him above your shoulder, hoping the redness of your cheeks wasn't too noticeable. 

"Thank you." 

He came to lean against the bar, his fingers lightly grazing your waist as he did so. He ordered a beer and you let your eyes detail every inch of his face. His hair was brushed, at least he visibly tried, and a thin beard was covering his cheeks and jaw. His deep brown eyes seemed to spark under the pub's light and his usual smile was curving his lips. You bit your lower lips, to restrain your want to kiss him. 

"So… Aethelflead knows?" He raised an eyebrow and turned his head to you.

"Well, Osferth noticed you weren't sleeping at the flat and Aethelflead noticed how sleep deprived I looked this morning." You explained and Finan seemed to be amused. 

"It was inevitable, they are too smart for their own good." He shrugged.

You frowned for a second. He didn't seem to bother him that your friends knew you were fucking together. You didn't really know how to interpret it. You thought back about what Gisela told you this morning, and somehow, it gave you a little hope.

The barman gave you your orders and you walked with Finan back to the table. Once back at your place, you tried to participate to the conversation. You spent a goodnight, laughing and talking coming to your mind.

Around midnight, all of you left the bar. Aethelflead was clung to your arm, giggling at anything she found funny in the street, even if it wasn't. She was too drunk to go back alone to her flat. You decided to accompany her and Finan proposed to join. Once in Aethelflead's flat, you put her to bed, letting a bottle of water on her nightstand, knowing she'll need it in the morning. 

Finan was waiting for you in the doorway. "We can go." You smiled, closing the door. "Do you accompany me to my flat?" You asked him as you walked back in the street.

"Well, I thought we could go to my flat instead." He said, innocently smiling. 

"I thought Osferth asked you to not organize a party." You raised an eyebrow and he started to laugh. 

"I appreciate that you think havin' sex with me equate a party, but I think it should be fine if you don't tell him." He elbowed you slightly making you giggled. 

In a short matter of time you were in his flat. The moment his door was closed, he kissed roughly, his hand brushing the soft skin of your thigh. His hand was cold and you hummed against his mouth, a shiver running along your spine. His fingers played with the string of your knickers and you quickly worked on the buttons of his shirt. He removed his hands a moment to let his cloth drop on the floor and you took this time to get rid of your underwear. 

"Are ya in a hurry." He growled against your neck.

"Are you?" You teased him, following the invisible line between his belly button and the button of his trousers. 

"I thought about it the whole day." He admitted and it made your heart beat faster. 

He firmly grabbed your thighs and lifted you as you were a feather. Your legs around his hips, your mouth on his, he walked to the couch to sit on it, you on his laps. He groaned, pressing yourself on his hips, desperate for his touch. And he waited no time to please you, his fingers finding their way between your legs. It had been just two weeks since you started laying together, and yet it felt like he already knew your body by heart. His thumb brushed your sensitive spot and two of his fingers were inside you, curling in an enchanting way, your hips following the rhythm.

"Fuck!" You moaned, your breath short. Your lips searched his, but he preferred pressing them along the line of your jaw. "Finan, please…" You begged him and you felt him chuckle.

"Ya're the one in a hurry it seems." He smirked, removing his hands from between your thighs. 

A frustrated sigh escaped your lips while he took his wallet out of his pocket and took a condom in it. You left his laps for him to remove his trouser and rolled the condom on his cock. He then took your hand and guided you back on his laps. His palms on your hips, you slid on him slowly, provoking a low groan from Finan. You established the rhythm, holding the back of his neck, your thigh tightened against his hips. He touched your breasts through the fabric of your dress and you regretted not removing it before. But the thought quickly faded as you felt the warmth of pleasure taking control of your body. You moaned, quickening your pace as you felt his breath getting heavier against your neck. 

You lost yourself when he started to thrust back, his hands falling down on your ass, his name falling from your lips. He came not long after, groaning and his fingers tensing and digging your skin. Your forehead fell on his shoulder while you tried to steady your breath. His fingertips gently caressed your thigh and when you lifted your head, he pressed a tender kiss on your lips, creating butterflies in your stomach. 

"Are ya stayin' for the night?" He asked you as you left his laps.

"Do you want me to?" 

"I wouldn't complain if you stay." He said, removing the condom and putting back his boxer and trouser. "Just to know if I have to walk ya back." 

"Oh! What a good man." You teased him while he walked to the trash. 

He rolled his eyes and leaned against the kitchen's counter. "So are ya stayin'?" He asked again. 

"Well, if you insist." You smiled but honestly, you could have said yes right away  

…

You ended up spending the whole week-end at Finan's flat. It was the first time you spent so much time alone with him and you couldn't deny that you wanted it to happen again. You two had laughed, watched movies and studied together, in between some unholy distractions. Any person could think you were just a simple couple, but you weren't and it made your heart squeeze to realise it when you finally left the flat. 

"Why do you look so sad after you have spent the week-end fucking with the man of your dream?" Aethelflead asked as she sat in front of you in the grass. It was midday and Gisela had proposed that the three of you spent the two hours break in the park next to your university. 

"Did something happen?" Gisela put a hand on your knee and squeezed it lightly.

"No, nothing particular. I mean… You are right Gisela…" You sighed, your fingers playing nervously with a bracelet around your wrist. "I can't continue like this with him." 

"Then you must talk to him." 

And it's what you tried to do for the whole week, finding the right moment. But there was no moment when you were just the two of you. You've been ignoring his message as well, but Finan was no fool and the following Monday, he sat next to you during one of your common classes. 

"I started to think you died during the weekend." He said, taking his laptop out of his bag.

"Ahum… Sorry I was busy." He narrowed his eyes but he didn't insist.

"Are you coming to Uhtred's party this weekend?" He asked you. 

"Oh yes, Gisela told me about it. Are you going?" He nodded and you smiled, maybe you'd finally have the moment you waited for the whole last week. 

…

"What if he doesn't feel the same?" You asked probably for the hundred times, making Gisela roll her eyes as she closed the zipper of your dress. 

"Then he is stupid." She said, looking you in the eyes in the mirror. 

"I'd feel more like the stupid one." You sighed and Gisela pinched your side. "Ouch! What was that for?!" You yelped.

"Do not pity yourself, Y/N. Uhtred talked to him this weekend, he was worried that you were avoiding him." She explained to you while walking to take her jacket on your bed. 

"Did he?" You couldn't help the smile to curve your lips and the flush on your cheeks. 

"He cares for you." 

With Gisela's words in mind, you made your way to Uhtred's flat. Tonight would be the night and you were determined about it. Gisela's boyfriend greeted you with a huge hug after kissing your friend. 

"Finan is late as usual, but he shouldn't be long." He winked at you. 

You smiled at him and walked in. Barely a minute passed before Aethelflead almost jumped on you to welcome you. At the smell of her breath when she kissed your cheek, she had already drunk some alcohol. 

"Come Y/N! You need to taste this rum! It's fucking good." Aethelflead dragged you by the hand to the table with the drinks and foods. 

As much as you were determined to keep your mind clear until Finan arrived, Aethelflead was certainly even more to make you join her in her drunkenness. You were anxious about the discussion and you were glad to feel alcohol effects on you. You were joyful, dancing and singing with Aethelflead and you forgot the main purpose of this party.

Until you perceived him at the other side of the room. Maybe it was the alcohol, but you found him more handsome than ever. He was smiling and laughing with someone you had briefly perceived at university, a girl with light red hair. 

"Y/N!" Your friend called you and looked back to Aethelflead. "What are you looking at?" 

"There's Finan." You said, under your breath. 

"Oh my god!" She gasped. "Go! Go get your man!" She pushed you in his direction making you laugh. 

You walked through the crowd, seeing only him as your heart was threatening to explode. You opened your mouth to call him but you got suddenly aware of the closeness of the girl talking to him. Her hand ran from his chest to neck, pulling him to her. You stepped back the moment her lips touched his. 

You felt the first tears blurring your vision as you stood in the center of a dancing and shouting crowd, feeling as your whole word was falling apart. 

Finan pulled his mouth away from the girl and he met your gaze. You couldn't describe the emotion behind his eyes, maybe surprise, but you were sure your deception was clear behind yours. 

You started to run away to Uhtred's flat's door, not even stopping when you heard Finan calling after you. You rushed down stairs and you walked in the streets, wiping the tears with the back of your hand. When you finally made it to your house, you were angry at yourself, for having imagined that there could be something more between the two of you. But you were just a fuck to him and you'd been stupidly in love with him. 

You only fell asleep when your body couldn't handle your sobs anymore. When morning came, you didn't even have the courage to get out of your bed. You reached for your phone on your nightstand and sighed at all the messages and missed calls you had. You briefly took a look at them and you got surprised when you saw that Finan had tried to call you and sent you texts. 

Finan 23.45

Y/N, please, answer me

Finan 23.56

I'm in front of your building. Please let me in.

His last message was sent at 1 am, telling you he was going back home. A part of you melted to see he cared about you enough to come and wait for you in the street for an hour, the other part was still angry and didn't want to hear any of what he had to say. You just locked your phone and put it aside, wrapping yourself in your covers again. 

You finally put a foot out of your bed when you heard your phone ring. You sighed, seeing Gisela's name appear on your scream

"What?" You said as you picked your phone. 

"It's about time! The hell have you been doing!" Gisela shouted, making your head hurt. 

"Don't yell at me, please." You mumbled and you heard her exhale through the phone. 

"I'm in front of your building, can you open?" She asked you more kindly. 

"Let me dress up." 

You ended the call and dressed up with a jogging and a sweatshirt before going downstairs. You opened the door, expecting to meet Gisela's angry face but instead, she took you in her arms, hugging you tightly. It felt good after spending your night alone with your heartbreak. 

"I've been so stupid." You whispered as she pushed away from you.

Gisela rolled her eyes. "Yes, you've been stupid to run away without letting him talk to you." 

"You know?" You frowned. 

"Of course I know, Finan didn't stop blaming himself." She explained you and your heart tightened hard in your chest. 

"But that girl kissed him." You replied, crossing your arms against your chest. 

"Damn Y/N, you're probably not the only girl in love with him." She sighed and you felt your face turn red of shame. 

"I'm even more stupid then." You mumbled, your gaze locked on the floor

"Well, you'll have an occasion to catch up." You looked up to her, raising an eyebrow. "Finan told me he would come in two hours to talk to you. So you should hurry and prepare yourself because you look like you just stepped out of your grave."

You followed Gisela's advice, rushing in the shower and trying to look decent, but your eyes were still a little swollen and red. You dressed yourself and dropped on your couch. Now you had to wait, and it felt like hours before your phone finally rang. You walked down your building again and took a deep breath before opening the door. 

Finan was standing just in front of you, a shy smile on his face. He seemed embarrassed, which looked strange on him. 

"Hi!" He said.

"Hi, come in." You replied, making space for him to enter. 

You walked back to your flat. Once you closed your door, a heavy silence settled in the room. You didn't know if you should be the one starting the conversation, you didn't even know what to say.

"Do you wan-" You started but he cut you.

"I'm sorry." He declared stepping toward you. "I've fucked up."

"Don't say that…" You looked down to the floor, avoiding his eyes. 

"It's the truth Y/N." 

"You didn't mean to kiss that girl." You briefly raised your gaze to see his surprised gaze. "Gisela told me this morning." You explained to him, your hands rubbing the back of your neck. "I've acted stupidly."

"It wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been a coward all this time." You frowned, about to ask him why he was saying such things, but he spoke before. "You said I am a good man," he said. "But I am not that good a man. And I am… I am catastrophically in love with you."

Your lips parted and your heart missed a beat as you tried to take in what he just told you. "Are you serious?" 

"Of course I'm serious! I should have told ya a month ago, before we started this." He raised his hands in the air before letting them fall back on his sides. "I'm so sorry, I've hurt you." 

You stepped forward put your hands at each side of his face. You met his brown eyes and everything that happened last night seemed to wash away from your mind. One of your hands slid on his hair, pulling down to you, until your nose touched his and your breaths mixed themselves. 

"Kiss me." You whispered and he slowly pressed his lips against yours. 

It was a breathtaking kiss, like none you had shared before with him, nor anyone, and yet, you felt more than alive at this moment. It was as if all your senses were sending warnings in your head, all of them remembering you that he was kissing you. 

His hands on your hips, he pulled you closer and you wrapped your arms around his neck. You left his mouth a brief mouth, breathless. 

"I love you too. Since you spilled your fucking coffee on me." You smiled and he heartily laughed, his chest rumbling against yours. 

"Sorry about that again." He smirked before kissing your cheek lightly. "But I'd do it again, if it's the only way to have ya in my life." He said between the kisses he pressed until he met the collar of your t-shirt. 

"But was it worth it?" You hummed, teasing him, his hand sliding under your shirt to curve on your waist. 

"Oh, it was." He growled in your ear. "The best thing I've ever done." You could easily imagine his smile as he was still kissing your neck, his fingers teasing your side. 

"Show me then." He lifted his head, meeting your eyes, not making another move for a few seconds.

He took your mouth in a deep kiss, his lips dancing with yours as he grabbed your thighs to pick you up. He walked to your bedroom, gently dropping you down on the bed. He knelt in front of you, removing his shirt as you did the same. He leaned down to kiss you, your lips parting to let his tongue meet yours, deepening the kiss. 

His palms were all over your skin, goosebumps appearing after the shiver his touch provoked you. His right hand curved your breast while he kissed the other. You sighed in appreciation, his mouth hot on your nipple. Your owned fingers tangled in his hair as he was kissing down on your stomach. He briefly looked up to you, waiting for your approval to unbutton your pants and pull it down your legs, your underwear following. He did the same with his own and then rolled a condom before touching you again. 

He was slow, his hand sliding between your legs, taking the time to feel every inch of you. And you would be lying if you'd say you didn't like it. It has alway been some sort of rushed sex between the two of you, and you never really had the time to let your hands touch him. But now you could, discovering the way his muscles tensed under your fingertips.

"Oh fuck." You gasped as he pushed a finger inside you. 

You grabbed the back of his neck, pulling him in an urgent kiss as he worked on growing the warmth in your belly. Your lips parted when his thumb brushed your most sensitive spot and he bit playfully your lower lips. 

"Stop teasing me." You almost begged under your breath but he didn't stop, kissing your neck instead. "Finan, please… I want you." He looked up to you and his eyes seemed to spark in response to your words. 

He removed his hands, making you hummed in frustration. "Say that again." He grinned. 

"Oh god Finan." You sighed. "I want you. I need you." You whispered and he smiled even more. 

In a short matter of time, he was in you, his thrusts deep and slow as his fingers dug the flesh of your hip. It was hard to keep your mind in order when this felt so right. Everything seemed to fit perfectly, his palm on your hip, his lips on yours, his fingers tangled with yours and him in you. Everything was perfect, even the sound of your name escaping his mouth as he came, your own body tensing by the hot wave exploding in it. 

Finan fell on his back next to you, breathless but a huge smile spread on his lips. And you couldn't help but chuckle lightly at how good you felt right now.

He turned his head to you, raising an eyebrow. "You were right, it was definitely worth it." You said, looking at him. And he joined you in your laughter. 

And strangely, everything in your life, even the simplest thing, felt right as long he was with you.

Tags : @obipoelover @cocchamscrew @geekandbooknerd @othermoony @limenal @poguesmaybank

[loureadsandreviews]

This is for the lovely Hayley for her 30th Birthday. I hope you enjoy!

Summary: FinanXFemReader You are new to Coccham, and you seemed to have caught Finan’s eye. 

Warnings: Fluff, Sex, Smut, parental death

Word count:  4230

“Ya new here now, ain’t you.”

You look up from where you knelt on the bank, your knees resting on the cold wet earth as you’re bent over washing a dress in the river.  You had been lucky to be taken in by Lord Uhtred’s household after your hamlet was burned by Danes.  Only you and your Sister survived, but she had decided she wanted to fight the Danes, and had asked to join the Dane Slayer himself.  She was an inspiration, but you had seen enough killing now to last a lifetime.

“Yes, Lord, I am.”  You offer him a small smile, admiring the width of his shoulders and the way his armour always fit him so very well.  Your Sister knew you liked his dark eyes and irish accent, and she liked to tease you about it.  She kept telling you to make yourself known to him, but how were you to do that?  He was Lord Uhtred’s second in command, his right hand man and seemed to be his closest friend.  He was not the kind of man you just wandered up to and tried to flirt with.  Or maybe he was, but that did not mean that she was the type to wander up and just flirt openly with someone.  There were names for girls like that after all.

“You’re Naira’s Sister, right? She has a wicked temper.”  He chuckled and rubbed a large hand over his beard.  You had not moved, your hands still rubbing the material of the dress together.  You still had a pile of washing to go, but you were trying not to just sit and stare up at him.  Was he not already snapped up by someone?  He was so handsome.

“Yes Lord, she can be a little on the fiery side. It’s our Da’s temper, or um was our Da’s temper.”  You look down at your hands, already pruned in the water, and at the blue dress there.  Your Da had been all you and your Sister had, after your Ma had passed away trying to give birth to your Brother, though he had then passed on two days later after.  Your Da had raised you right though, and he tried to protect you and Naira when the Danes had come, but they had killed him as he stood with his log axe in hand in the doorway.  You and Naira had managed to hide up in the rafters, he had given you the time to do that safely.  And he had died for it.

“Ah, yeah, I am sorry to hear about that.”  His accent had seemed to get a little thicker as he looked serious, and you could not help but actually pull your hands up out of the water and rub your cheeks, at least then if he noticed your face was wet, he would think river water and not tears.  After all no man wanted a girl who would cry all the time.

“Thank you Lord.”  Your voice was soft, hardly above a whisper as you managed to look away from him.

“Hey now Y/N, don’t be calling me Lord. I work for my silver.”  She looked up and couldn't help but giggle to the smile (and the quip) he had aimed at you.  He did not wear arm rings like the Danes who worked for Lord Uhtred, but you did notice his gold rings, as he tucked his fingers into the leather chest piece of his armour, at his neck.  

“Sorry, um… what should I call you then?”  You are looking up into his dark eyes, one damp hand brushing back your hair, the wispy bits that always escaped from the simple tie back. As you were unmarried you were not expected to braid it down your back like most of the women here.  She had noticed that even most of the Saxon women were doing it now, though you had no idea if you would.  Not that you had to worry about it anytime soon.

“Finan, just Finan.”  

“Then I shall, Just Finan.”  You can not help giving him a cheeky smile, the kind of smile that her Sister claimed either meant she had done something wrong, or was thinking about it.

You were rewarded with a bright smile and another one of those deep rumbling chuckles.  The sound of it sent a pearl of pleasure down your back and into your core.  It makes you shiver, and the way he laughed a little more makes you wonder if he noticed it.  He was leaning a little to the side, before he ran his free hand over his beard once again.

“I’ll let you get back to your fun task.”  He tells you, with another smile and a wink this time.  This has to be the Finan charm you had heard about.  Of course there were rumours that he had been with half the women in Coccham, but then he was a man, and that was what they did.  And if he had, none of the women here spoke ill of him, so that had to mean something right?

“I’ll let you get back and hold Lord Uhtred’s hand.”  You tell him, your voice a little high, a flirty tone, before you look back down at the dress that luckily was still there in the water.  You would have caught hell if Stiorra’s dress had drifted off down stream.

You did not look up again until the sound of his footsteps had drifted off, along with the chuckle.  When you did look in his direction again he was heading through the gate, both thumbs tucked into his leather armour at the sleeve holes.  He looked back at you, caught you looking at him, and then paused to give you grin (or what you thought of as a grin, it is hard to tell from his distance) before he vanished inside the palisade gates, leaving you to wonder if you would catch him later some time, or if this had been your one and only chance and you had blown it.

========================

A week later, and you had bumped into Finan more often than you had thought you would.  He would just seem to appear whenever you were doing some of the more mundane tasks around the estate, you would share in some witty banter, and then one of you would head off and usually with a backward glance.  Naira had been teasing you about him, saying that he kept mentioning your name at the most strange times and asking her what sort of things you liked.  And apparently even Sihtric and Osferth had even started to tease Finan, bringing up your name in the middle of practise to trip him up or beat him in sword moves.  And that seemed to drive him crazy, and made you smile as it meant that he may well really like you.

But you had no idea how to take that next step and show him you liked him too. After all, you did not want to be hurt. You had lost the strongest and only male figure in your life not long before, and while you were not looking for Finan to fill that particular role for you, you did not want to be just another hump in the hay, cause if you were then he could continue to look around for someone else. Your Da always said that you and your Sister were worth more than that. 

There was to be a celebration that night, as one of the girls in the village was marrying one of Lord Uhtred’s men. He was throwing the feast, to show how happy he was for the couple, and everyone was invited. You had been working on your dress all week in your spare time, which there wasn't much of as it was harvest time, and that meant all hands on deck, as it were. Your dress was a deep blue, you had dyed it yourself, again and again until you had gotten the colour just right. You had also dyed Niara a tunic to match, as you knew she would not wear a dress now. You then had embroidered small yellow and white daisies around the neckline and cuffs, and in amongst the flowers you had placed some celtic love knots. They were not obvious, the thread was a dark grey colour, but if someone were to look closely, then he would see. You wore a light blue under dress, and then your newly embroidered dress over the top. Niars claimed you looked beautiful with your hair all brushed out until it gleamed, and coming from your beautiful sister, that meant the world. 

You attended the feast with your Sister, though it soon became clear that she wanted to go and be with her warrior friends. You tell her to go, that you have your own friends to go sit with but it's a lie. You haven't made any friends here yet, but you knew that if Niara knew that then she would not leave your side. And you want her to have a night of fun. 

One of you had to, right.

You did notice that Finan kept looking your way during the feast, but he is seated on the main table with Lord Uhtred, and the happy couple. And the two newly weds do look so happy that you feel overcome with emotions and a sudden sting of loneliness. You excuse yourself from the table, not that anyone around you is paying attention to you, and you take your cup of wine out of the main hall and into the cool evening air. 

As the sun is setting, it has painted the sky in purples, pinks, oranges and reds, colours that had no business being together all blended in like that. It was striking, and you find yourself absorbed by the sight, it being one of the most beautiful sunsets you had ever seen. 

"Breathtaking," a voice behind you makes you jump, a hand going to your chest as if that would calm your racing heart as you turn to see Finan with a semi serious look on his face.  "Sorry, did I make ya jump?”

“No, well yes actually Just Finan, you scared me. But it is fine, your apology is accepted." You look back over your shoulder at the sunset and smile wistfully. "Yes, it is breathtaking."

"Yeah, the sunsets alright though when you've seen one then you've seen them all." He gave you a smile that seemed to be mischievous in nature but also shy at the same time. "I was talking about the view I had." He was still smiling, but there was something in his dark eyes that seemed to be serious too. 

He walked towards you, and joined you where you leaned against the handrail that led into the main hall.  You were blushing after his compliment, and you did not miss the fact that he was standing close enough to you that you could feel the heat from his body against your arm.  His large arms were folded over his chest, and for once he was not in his armour, but just a green tunic with a striped pattern on it.  It suited him, browns and greens did seem to suit him, and she could hardly imagine him in blue.  That would just look weird.

“What are you doing out here anyway, you are missing the festivities.”  You ask him, trying to make small talk, but you know you are terrible at such things.

“Oh, I know, but I saw this vision of loveliness slip out the hall, and I thought I would come out and see if they were well. Have you seen her, the vision of loveliness I followed out? I'm sure she is around here somewhere."  

His tease made you laugh out as you knocked your elbow into his ribs, which then made him let out a small yelp, a sound that was so unlike him that you stopped and just stared at him in that moment. He was chuckling to himself, shaking his head at you. 

"What on earth was that? Did someone sit on a mouse? Or maybe spill ale down Osferths back again? Surely the great Finan, Dane-Slayer, did not just yelp like a small child?" You tried to sound serious as you spoke, but your words were interspersed by the giggles that were bubbling up from your chest. You also realised at some point that he had taken a step towards you, and you had taken a step back. And again and again. 

"Come now, Y/N, I think you know it wasn't nae like that." He was still grinning, taking his slow large steps towards you, as he ran a hand back through his hair. Your eyes watched his hand, and you found you wanted to know if his hair was as soft as it looked. 

"Oh, I think you'll find it was." You tell him, still grinning and only them feeling the wooden wall behind your back. And yet he still kept coming. "Maybe I should send word to the Danes, that the way to bring you down is by tickling your ribs, or maybe the King can use you as a distraction, make you squeal and while the Danes are laughing he can slaughter them all." 

"Oh lass, I'm going to make you squeal." He was still an arms length away, though when he moved to you, you never saw him coming. You had never seen someone move as fast as him, Finan the Agile indeed. His hands went to your own ribs, teasing out where you were ticklish. Which was everywhere. You try to stop him, but alas he was too quick, and far too strong to be put off. You laugh, and beg, and threaten, and then went back to begging, as tears of laughter rolled down your cheeks. 

And by the time you were breathless, leaning up against the wall, with Finan standing almost against you, his hands on your waist, his head angled down towards yours, it was then that you knew you were going to kiss him. You could see it coming, as clear as day follows night, and while you were trembling to feel his lips on yours, you wanted to prolong the moment, the build up, something to remember him by when he moved on to someone else. 

"I wonder where else you are tickl--" 

That was as far as he got before you grabbed the font of his tunic and pulled his mouth down to yours.  If he was taken by surprise he didn't show it with how his hands moved from your hips around your back though neither moved lower than your lower back you realised, as his lips moved against your own. His beard tickled your cheek and upper lip, making you smile into the kiss. You had no idea how long it lasted but when he drew back from your mouth you were almost panting for breath. A reaction that he both shared and seemed to like. 

"Ya just full o'surprises, ain't ya."

"Why don't you see if you're good enough to find out?" You just can't help the banter with him, and before you can wonder what else he is going to say, his mouth was on yours again, though this time you opened your lips to him, and he deepened the kiss enough to make your toes curl. His tongue began to dominate your mouth, tasting, exploring, licking, you find it hard to keep up, though he was very alert for when you moaned in pleasure at a certain touch, especially when his hands finally slid down your hips to cup your buttocks in his strong hands. 

When his mouth finally tore itself from your own and began kissing down your cheek to your jaw, you moaned against him, a hand moving up into his hair. It was as soft as you thought it would be, and you run your nails over his scalp and smile as he moans, though then you feel his teeth at your throat, and in the midst of the stinging pleasure you know he has left a mark there for all to see. 

"So tempted to take you back to me rooms, just to see if you taste this good all over." His voice had dropped lower, and you can't help but shiver in pleasure. 

"Take me there."

Finan paused and looked up at you from where he had been trailing kisses and bites down your neck. "Y/N, ya Ben drinkin, and I don't need ya Sister coming for me balls cause I took advantage of her drunk sister."

"Firstly, she is not my keeper, I do what I want. Secondly, I had one ale, too bored to drink more. And lastly, I'm not a maid, so you wont be doing nothing to me that wasn't done before."  

There had been a boy in your town, Alresford, and the two of you had decided in the spring that if the Danes attacked you would rather not die virgins. It had been quick, awkward and fumbly, but you know from other women it got better with practise. Your sister didn't know, she would have killed Alresford if she did, though the Danes had already done that deed when they had taken your village. 

You could see the surprise and no little amount of delight on Finans face at the news. "As long as ya protect my balls from your Sister, Y/N, then it seems I am in for a night of exploring and tasting…" His words died off as his lips found yours again, and with his hands still on your bottom, he picked you up as if you weighed nothing at all. It made you cry out in surprise, which just made Finan laugh as he kissed your breasts through your dress, before moving to carrying you in his arms as he moved quickly around the hall and towards his house. 

You remember little of the journey there, other than you made use of the time to kiss and nip at his throat and side of his neck.  The little hitches of breath and the following moans told you he seemed to like what you were doing, and it also added to the pleasure that was making its way straight down to your core.  You were feeling a need to have him buried deeply inside of you, and you hoped it would happen sooner rather than later.  

Arriving at his house, you felt him kick the door open, then closed, and a hand moved from your side to flick a latch, before it was back on you, and he moved through to his bedchamber.  The waiting bed was large, covered in fine cotton sheets, and rolled up furs you would assume would be for winter.  He placed you on your feet, and then began to kiss you once more.  You were kissing him back, your hands going the hem of his tunic as his hands went for your dress ties.  And your hands just seemed to get in the way of one another.  You both laughed, before he drew back and pulled his shirt off, while toeing his boots off before sitting on the edge of his bed.

“Undress for me.”  It was a request and an order, and you smiled as you turned your back to him, and began to unlace your dress, so it fell to the ground, and your underdress soon after joining it.  You took off your shoes, then looked over your shoulder, naked, and looked at him.  The look of pure arousal you were greeted with was almost your undoing, turning to him you wondered if he could smell your own arousal building.  “Sweet Mary, Jesus and Joseph, but you are a sight.”  His hands moved to your hips, and pulled you to stand between his legs as his mouth went to one of your breasts, kissing, caressing with his mouth, and nibbling the sensitive underside.  His hands kneaded your buttocks, before he spun you around to leave a teasing bite on one of them.

“Sit down and hook your legs over mine.”  Again, not quite a request and not quite an order.  But you do, and he moved his legs wider, opening you up.  “Now I want to hear you moan.”  He told you, as one arm hooked around you, his hand moving down to start teasing your damp folds with his fingers as they searched out your most sensitive of places.  His other hand seemed content to tease your hard nipples, cupping your breasts as his mouth started at your ear and began to kiss and nipple its way down to where your neck and shoulder joined.  His fingers began to play you like a harp, each twitch and movement bringing you closer to your pleasure, that heated pressure that was building inside of you.  His thumb began to rub the sensitive nub hidden in your folds, as his first two fingers teased at your entrance, sliding in to you, but only slightly.  

That was enough to send you over the first time, and you cried out to god, to the gods, to Finan, and really anyone else who was listening about how good that felt.  He chuckled in your ear, though did not stop until he had his fingers all the way inside of you, and then wiggled them just slightly until they found the place they seemed to have been searching for, and that touch alone sent another shocking wave of pleasure through your body, as you trembled in his lap, head laid back on his shoulder, sweat slicking your body as you tried to fight for breath.

“Now that was a chorus for God.”  He whispered in your ear as he withdrew his fingers, leaving you feeling horribly empty.  You watched as he raised those fingers passed your head and heard him suck them clean with a hum and a groan that made your inner muscles clench all over again.  “Sweet Jesus you taste like heaven. Or maybe the nectre of the gods.”  He teased, before his hands were scooping you up and laying you on the bed.  She smiled up to him, and watched as he pressed off his breeches, exposing his length, more impressive than you would have dreamed, and giggled as he began to crawl up your body, his hands tickling your sides as he did.

“Are you sure, Y/N? This is what ya wont?”

“Yes, this is what I have wanted since I first came here.”  You told him in a whisper, and could not help but smile as he was fully above you now, and your legs were open for him.

“Then why, by all the holy saints, did you not say so before now?”  There was humour in his voice, and as he leaned down to press his mouth to yours once again, you felt his tip at your entrance.  And with his tongue sliding into your mouth, his length pressed into your depths.

Your hands gripped his biceps hard, your nails biting skin, as Finan began to move inside of you, still kissing one another as he did.  Your moans mixed with his, the small noises that escaped your mouths as the kisses became something harder, all teeth and tongue, as his hips began to pick up a steady rhythm, one you both could work to.  It had been nothing like this with Alresford, but then neither of you had known what to do then.  All you knew was that with each hard thrust into you, you felt more full, more pleasure and it was becoming too much.

“Oh Y/N, you feel wondrous,” he whispered against you as you felt your climax building once again, almost painfully fast as his hips moved in a different way, faster, making you whimper out.  “Come undone for me again, Y/N, please.”  He whispered, and you could almost hear the strain in his voice now.  It only took a couple more thrusts and you arched under him, your breath lost as you cried out once more as that red hot heat filled out, seemingly exploding from your core outwards through your body.

You were almost too far out of it to feel Finan pull out of you, but you caught him spending his seed into his hand as he lay on his side next to you.  You met his eye once he was done, and once you could both breath normally again.  “I did no ask ya if I could spend myself into ya.”  He explained, and you knew it was a lordly thing to do, not to assume, and you watched as he wiped his hand with a rag from the side of the bed.

“You are a good man.”

Then he was pulling you into his arm, so your head was on his chest, his hand ran through your hair.  You could hear his heartbeat, and you closed your eyes to listen to it’s strong beating under your head.

“I can see ya becoming an addiction.”  He told you, before kissing the top of your head, his eyes closed and a contented look resting on his face. When he spoke next, he sounded half tired, and you were not even sure if he knew what he was saying.

“You said I am a good man,“ he said. "But I am not that good a man. And I am–I think I am falling catastrophically in love with you.”

I hope you enjoyed, and happy birthday!

@waiting4inspiration​ @tephi101​ @fandomfic-galore​ @whenimaunicorn​ @laketaj24​ @simsadventures​ @maggiescarborough​ @saldelys​ @youbloodymadgenius​ @inforapound​ @oddsnendsfanfics​ @ucancallmechlo​ @lauwrite1225​ @pokeasleepingsmaug​ @cocchamscrew​ @hecohansen31​

@flowers-in-your-hayr​ @gearhead66​ @naaladareia @geekandbooknerd 

[mrsalwayswrite]

Sunlight (Bucky Barnes x OFC)

I wrote this for @geekandbooknerd​ birthday challenge! Yay! I know its a bit early but happy birthday! 

My prompt was “If there is anything, there is us. You and me. No one else.”- Jennifer L. Armentrout, Onyx. 

It kind of turned into a Avengers/X-Men crossover. So some mentions of X-Men characters but mostly about Bucky & OFC. 

Warnings: slight angst, brief mention of torture, all the fluff! 

Words: 3400

"WHERE IS SHE?!" Bucky stormed up to his best friend, leaving terrified SHIELD agents in his wake. He did not care about the scene he was making in the hallway of the Avengers Compound. His fear and fury overrode his concern to stay calm.

 "She ran off. Soon as we touched down, I tri…."

 Bucky turned on his heels, ready to sprint. He had to find her. He could listen to excuses and rational later. His mind and body drove him towards only one thing- to seek her out and offer comfort...until a hand clasped his shoulder, keeping him still. 

 "I'm sorry, Buck. We thought...I thought…" Steve sighed, running a hand through his hair. He still wore his dirty uniform, not even having had a chance to clean up from the mission yet. "Things didn't go as planned. She did well. She...she was a help to have on the mission. Please let her know that."

 The brunet could only nod, every cell in his being screaming at him to go find his girl. Soon as Steve removed his hand, Bucky took off. 

 People practically leapt out of his way...which was smart on their account. He was not above running people over right now. He was used to his friends teasing him about his murder strut- their term, not his- about how it made people either run in fear of their lives or hyperventilate with lust. He tried to not think about it too much. Although it did have its uses on occasion. 

 Bursting out the nearest outside door, he ran using all his super soldier speed. He knew where she would be. More than one time she had called it a safe place, especially when it was sunny out. The buildings for the Avengers Compound flew by him. He vaguely thought he heard someone call his name but it did not matter. He had to get to his girl. 

 The first hints of autumn could be seen in the trees surrounding the Compound. Most were still green but swatches of color peeked through with their yellows and oranges. The underbrush made each step he took in his combat boots sound like a herd of elephants walked by but now he did not have to focus on moving silently. He wore tactical pants and a black t-shirt, having been working on extra security measures for the Avengers building when Steve called him. Immediately he dropped the StarkPad and ran, ignoring those he had been working with. 

 He passed the giant elm tree that always seemed otherworldly to him...then he could see her. He always wondered what made this spot special. There was nothing unique about it in the forest surrounding the Compound...except for a giant ass boulder. Deciduous trees surrounded the spot, creating an almost nature-made barricade around the small open area with the boulder in the middle. Sunlight shown directly on it, uninterrupted by branches or leaves. It almost looked like the eye of a hurricane, and maybe that was why she always came to this spot. It was peaceful. 

 And there she sat looking like a fairy from a children's story, minus the wings. Her Nordic blonde hair danced about her in the slight breeze, the long stands almost hypnotic in their movements. Her face was turned upward, facing the afternoon sun, like a flower seeking its warmth. Her slender arms were wrapped around her legs, her alabaster skin on full display with her bare feet, black leggings and navy tank top. She must have ditched the outer part of her uniform and ran, not even bothering to go back to her room to change first. 

 Standing just on the edge of the tree line, he could only stare, taken back by her beauty once again. He wished he was artistic like Steve to paint or sketch her. That he could somehow show her how gorgeous she was to him, to erase all those self-doubts she harbored still. Instead he strove to remind her every day in whatever way he could. 

 "Leyna!" He called out, having moved out of the trees into the open area surrounding the boulder. 

 She turned her head briefly to meet his eyes then turned her face back upward, soaking in the sunlight. 

 That quick look had been enough for him to see the dried tear streaks on her cheeks. He clambered up the rock, continuously amazed at how she was able to navigate the damn thing when she was so small. He was almost a foot taller than her and the stupid rock was tricky for him between the lack of handholds, lichen and moss that covered it. It was at least twice as tall as him, and three times as wide in some strange skinny oval shape. It vaguely reminded him of the kind of stones that were good for skipping rocks on top of water, but on a giant scale. 

 Once up, he walked towards where she sat in the middle, feeling the heat of the sun hitting him anew. Without a word, he sat behind her, placing himself so her back was to his chest, his legs outstretched and his flesh arm wrapped around her waist. Silently she leaned back into him, still facing the sun, eyes closed. He laid his cheek against the top of her head, his metal arm outstretched to stabilize them. 

 The only sounds were those of the birds singing around them, the occasional shout coming from the direction of the Compound and their own breathing. It was peaceful. Something both of them craved instinctively. 

 He waited for her, knowing this was more than just a quiet place to be. There was her place to "recharge", as she liked to call it, both physically and mentally. After several minutes, a faint golden shimmer surrounded her hands. Slowly she held out one of her hands and moved her fingers as if in a dance. 

 Watching her use her powers was one of his favorite things to do. She tried to explain it to him once, how her powers worked. Something how she could manipulate light photons and atoms to change their structure to become whatever she wished, either a solid creation or an illusion. It was about three PhD degrees above his head but he got the gist. He smiled remembering when she first met Bruce Banner and how the man almost wet himself, he was so excited to run experiments and lab tests on her and her powers. Bucky had never seen the man so thrilled. Then the time she met Loki and he learned she could do illusions also. He had jumped at the chance of a competition between them that left the Compound in a strange golden, greenish haze for two days because of the amount of magic used and atoms/photons messed with for the insane amount of illusions created. 

 Using both hands, she twirled and manipulated them in front of her, using the direct sunlight to create something. Sunlight was her life source. Yes, she needed to eat and drink like anyone else but she always joked she was like a solar-powered being. Without sunlight her powers faded to nothing and she would wither away. 

 His eyes remained glued to her hands as she worked, curious as to what she was making now. With a final flourish, a long dagger lay across her palms, dwarfing her hands. The handle was the deepest black while the blade itself had a slight curve and shone a brilliant silver in the sunlight. It had a slight etching on the silver that looked like artistic flames running along the outside. 

 "That one might be my new favorite." He nuzzled her neck, thoroughly enjoying the way she squirmed and giggled. He loved when she made him shiny, sharp things. 

 "Maybe I'll make you a matching set."

 He took the dagger from her, eyeing it hungrily before slipping it into his boot. Good thing the training room was open at all hours. He planned on experimenting with it later. 

 They sat in silence for a few more minutes before she spoke, drawing lazy circles on his arm still around her waist. 

 "Steve call you?"

 "He was worried." He kissed her hair lightly. "Wanna talk about it?"

 He could feel her hesitation then the story was whispered into the wind, her voice shaky. "There was a cell...I got separated from the others...Some...um, a few HYDRA soldiers managed to taze me, get me down...they covered my eyes...and got a chain on my wrist…" She took a deep breath, he squeezed her, knowing how hard this was for her. "Steve found me at that point, he took them out and helped me get away."

 "Oh baby, I'm so sorry." It was only after she mentioned her wrist, he peeked over her shoulder to see her right wrist that looked raw and red. Seeing her injury, he clenched his metal fist. Fury rolled through him like a steam train, anger at both HYDRA for trying to take her from him and himself for not being there to protect her. He pulled her closer to him with both arms, needing the reassurance she was still here, with him. 

 "I don't think I can do this anymore, Bucky." She suddenly choked out, tears falling afresh. "I don't...I can't go through that again. I'm not strong enough."

 "Leyna…we all have our triggers that remind us of our pasts. No one blames you."

 "I put the mission in danger."

 "Steve said you did well and that you were a help."

 She shook her head. "I don't think I can keep doing this."

 They sat in silence. He understood what was going through her mind. Hell, he dealt with it himself on a regular basis. The question of how much of one's past could still haunt their future. 

 Leyna had been found by the X-Men when they took down a cult who were kidnapping mutants. She had been chained to a wall in complete darkness, refused any source of sunlight or artificial light for months on end until she either gave them the information they wanted or she died. The X-Men had brought her back to the mutant school where she stayed to recover, since when they found her, she was barely conscious. When Charles examined her mind, he discovered she was not a mutant but an enhanced like Wanda Maximoff, though where she got her powers was unknown. Just over two years after being rescued and residing at the mutant school, Charles thought sending her to the Avengers would be the best for her and to begin creating a working relationship between the Avengers and the X-Men. Leyna was to be a sort of liaison between the two groups constantly saving the world. 

 It had been a year since she joined the Avengers and everyone acknowledged how quickly she fit it. Almost like she had been a missing puzzle piece that they had not realized was missing. 

 "Do...do you think they'll send me back? To Charles? He sent me here to help but…" Her voice dropped off, fear and uncertainty evident. 

 "I am sure the Professor would understand. And there are more ways than one to help. You don't have to be out in the field to be useful. I know I prefer when you don't go on missions. Sam had to sit on me this time so I wouldn't stow away on the ship and come with you."

 She giggled, her head resting on his shoulder. "I feel the same way when you leave for a mission. Wanda and I used to get drunk but after the...electrical incident, we're not allowed to anymore."

 He chuckled, "so that's what happened, huh? You guys said you tried to combine your powers or something."

 "Remember, we were drunk and apparently decided we wanted to have a dance party. So, I tried to create a disco ball and stroke lights while she was trying to do something with the music...but it all backfired."

 He openly laughed at that. "Doll, the two of you managed to blow out all the electricity in the Compound and even put FRIDAY offline for a bit. Tony was furious. Hell, I heard Wanda's room had to be completely renovated because of the power surge that went through it. Thankfully it had reinforced, special walls or whatever Tony calls them."

 "Why do you think she's been sleeping in Vision's room?"

 "That was...what, three months ago? And it's still not fixed?"

 She shrugged. "She doesn't feel rushed to return to her own room. "

 They lapsed back into silence, his arms still around her. Her face was still upturned, soaking in the afternoon sun. He watched her profile, in awe that someone as pure, selfless and fun would ever look at him twice. As he stared, he could see her lips pursing slightly while her brow furrowed. It broke his heart that she still struggled with such self-doubt. 

 "Leyna, turn around." At her hesitation, he ran his lips softly over the corner of her jaw. "Please."

 Slowly, she did. Turning around to straddle his waist, she wrapped her arms around his neck while his own hands gripped her hips to hold her. 

 "Look at me."

 It was only after his quiet command that she finally lifted her gaze from his chest. Her violet eyes always enthralled him, calling to some deep primitive part that wanted to bask in her light for the rest of his life. 

 "We're not gonna kick you out if you come off the field. Hell, you are one of our best at recon and observation. If that's all you want to do, the others will understand. Natasha will probably buy you a bottle of that Russian vodka that she loves cause she won't be the only one sent on those kinds of missions anymore. And even if that is too much, you have a great mind for tactics and seeing things others don't. You would be a benefit for working in the control room while we're on a mission. You'd have our backs still and could keep an eye out for things we might miss."

 "Charles sent me to help…" She hedged but he was having none of that. He gripped her chin, holding her gaze, hoping she would believe him and stay. Not just for the Avengers...but for him. 

 "And you would be. You've always been a huge help… Or would you prefer to go back to the School? Is that what you would prefer? I'm sure Logan would prefer that. He still hasn't forgiven me for having you be my girl."

 "He hasn't tried to kill you though."

 "What do you call what happened last time he came to check on you?" He demanded, eyeing her smirk. "Just a misunderstanding?"

 She laughed, massaging the back of his neck. "He only destroyed the couch. It could have been far worse."

 "Yeah, and I had been sitting on that couch! His claws were inches from my head!" 

 "Mmm...good thing you have such great reflexes." She leaned forward and pressed a teasing kiss to his lips. 

 His hands tightened on her hips. "Babydoll, you do that again and I'll show you what other great reflexes I have."

 "Outside?"

 "What? Ain't nobody around?"

 She swatted his chest, laughing before laying her head on his shoulder. "And if I just wanted to be with you? Not do anything...just be here with you?"

 "If there is anything, there is us. You and me. No one else." He lifted her chin to gaze into her eyes, the sunlight making them glow. "We can do whatever we want. Go wherever we want. Just us."

 "Mmm...and Steve." She hummed, tracing a finger lazily on his chest. 

 "What?"

 "You and me...and Steve. There is no way Steve would let us go off alone. He would miss his best friend too much and is too stubborn to let you go. He'd leave the Avengers first. Then Sam would be all offended and come along too since he and Steve are also best friends and I think secretly you and Sam are best friends but neither wants to acknowledge it. Natasha would hunt us down next. You know Peter would send us more of those little videos but they would be all sad and puppy eyes since wherever we are, I'm sure his Aunt May would not let him come. Plus, he's like the little brother I've always wanted… If Natasha finds us, Clint will show up eventually. Then Scott would too since Steve is with us. I swear I've never seen a bigger fangirl than Scott. Tony would crash at some point because well, it's Tony…"

 He cut her off, chuckling because however much he wanted to deny it. It was true. "Ok ok, I get the picture. Christ. I think we need some new friends."

 "Like Logan?"

 "I still can't believe you dated the Wolverine. I feel I should question your taste in men."

 "Hey! It was short lived and we both realized we were better as friends. Sides, if we're worried about my taste in men, what does that say about you?" She teased, a smile on her lips. 

 "You go for the tall, dark and handsome." 

 "That applies to Logan too...mmm...maybe I just prefer old guys?"

 "Alright, that's it!" He stood up, throwing her over his shoulder. "I come out here to take care of my best girl and what do I get...insults!" Carefully he jumped down to the ground, making sure not to jostle her too much with the impact. He started back towards the Compound, trying to control the smile on his face while listening to Leyna laughing over his shoulder. "See if I share my ice cream with you tonight."

 "Bucky…" she whined, wiggling against him, "that's mean."

 "Old guys...you've been spending too much time with Sam. Really need to get some new friends." He muttered mostly to himself. 

 "Put me down, Bucky."

 He set her on a nearby stump so she was actually eye level to him. Carefully he ran a hand through her blonde hair, loving that she let him play with it. "You know I meant it, what I said earlier."

 "I know, love." She cupped his face and pressed a kiss to his lips. 

 He eagerly kissed her back, diving into her affections without hesitation. He loved the way she fit in his arms, the way her lips glided against his, how his heart threatened to explode with joy with just the mere thought of her. Although they had not yet said those three little words to one another, he knew it was true for him. She was perfect for him, and although she had her quirks that annoyed him and her own haunted past that gave her nightmares, he would not change anything about her.

 Finally, they broke apart, both breathing a little more heavily and dopey smiles on both their faces. He would love to stay here with her, just the two of them and kiss her senseless or until he removed any self-doubt she still struggled with. The Avengers' part of his mind reminded him that she had run out to the forest before the debrief which would be a headache in itself if they did not return soon. He sighed, lamenting that this moment had to end. "Come on, doll. Let's get you back. Steve will want to check in with you."

 "Ok…"

 He stepped away for her to jump down but she did not move. 

 "Doll…" That grin on her face spelled trouble, he just knew it. 

 "I'm tired...can you give me a piggyback ride?"

 He raised an eyebrow at her. 

 She smiled sweetly, hands clasped in front of her and swaying slightly. Between the delicate features, small stature and purple eyes, she really did look like a damn fairy. 

 "Fine…"

 She squealed as she climbed onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck. Just as he thought about protesting loudly, she smacked a loud kiss on his cheek then giggled. Who was he kidding, he would do anything for her. 

 If he had to give a few death glares and mild threats in the future to suppress jokes about the Winter Soldier giving piggyback rides…that was not his fault.