#he’s constantly surrounded by highlighter yellow huh

[russilton]

Frederik Vesti after Qualifying p5 at the F2 Bahrain Grand Prix

(Image via IG vesti_archive)

[buckysbest]

CHAPTER FOUR: EASIER PAIRING: ex!Bucky barnes x reader Warnings: swearing, drinking (a lotttt) , smooching Series Summary: Bucky realizes one can only run from their problems for so long before they must returns home but he sure as hell wasn’t expecting her to be there when he did. Word Count: 1.7k A/N: this series is based off the album ���calm” by 5sos. if you want to follow along in the album, listen to Easier while reading this! 

series masterlist // masterlist

Immediately after the meeting ended, you slipped out of the conference room and headed toward the front to check in with Max. There was no need for another disruption to your day and at this point, avoiding him was the foremost thought in your mind.

 Nat looped her arm through yours as you rounded the last turn into the lobby. “How is this the first time I’m seeing you in like… a month or something?”

“Hello to you too Natty” you chuckled, finding a seat on one of the many sofas lining the walls. “Wanna accompany me to my next appointment? I’m just waiting for Max to pull the car around” you wiggled your eyebrows prompting the return of your chuckle and pulling one out of Nat.

“Sergeant Barnes? Oh… you mean Bucky” The short brunette at security caught the attention of both you and Nat with her remark as you both turned your head toward the comment, almost in sync. “Yeah, no it's ok, he’ll know who it is!”

“No, Ma’m, I need your name for security clearance”

The woman gently smacked her forehead,”oh yeah! Duh! Camila Monroe!” Nat and I both made eye contact before returning to our suspicious stare-down of the intruder. “Bucky!” She threw her arms in the air and a shriek filled the open chamber that was the lobby as she jumped into the arms of a very unsuspecting Bucky. 

He caught her just in time and his large arms embraced the girl, “Camila?”

“Yeah silly goose! I wanted to surprise you!” she exclaimed, placing a steamy kiss on his lips. Knowing his hatred of PDA, your jaw to drop slightly at the length of their little interaction. Steve interrupted the two, clearing his throat and beginning the introduction process.

Nat pulled your shoulder closer to you and whispered into your ear, “who the fuck is Camilla?”

“Beats me nat…”  you sighed, excusing yourself and making a beeline for the exit, hiding your escape under the distraction that called herself Camilla. You  reminded yourself that you only needed to endure this for the week before you were back to your tiny apartment in the city. The kiss played in your mind like an excruciating highlight reel making your nail appointment feel years long. Despite your heart crumbling, you were never one to let down appearances so you sat through your nail fill with a dull smile on your face the entire time. Determined to hide out the rest of the day in your room, you left your nail tech an extra $200 tip for her silence and access to the back door. Your nail appointment ended about 20 minutes early so you could at least get a head start. Your tight dress clung to the brick wall of the salon as you ordered an Uber under the alias Nat had helped you create when you first got to know her. After it dropped you off at the compound, you used the west wing exit and snuck through the training compound, eventually ending on Nat’s balcony, directly next to yours. Your legs pushed off the edge of her balcony and came down rather gracefully on the landing of your concrete terrace. Pulling your phone from your pocket, you texted tony.

Y/N: Look tony, I need a break. This schedule I was given... It’s not happening today so call off your goons. If I see another one today, I will cause more damage than Steve his first night on Asgardian Liquor

Desperate for some reprieve from the day, you resorted to the books that lined your walls. Re-reads mostly but you never really minded that. By the time it reached midnight, you figured it was safe to exit and grab a snack. Gently opening the door, your bare feet pattered into the kitchen. Opening the freezer, you reached for your secret stash of ice cream only to realize it was completely gone. To be fair, it probably would have been gross after sitting in there for over a year. Opening the fridge, you were only met with further disappointment and it had never been more clear you lived with superheros. Green vegetables and other health conscious foods lined the shelves. It wasn't like you could cry over your ex while eating a head of freakin’ lettuce. You let out a groan and closed the door, abandoning your mission to find anything sweet in the kitchen and settling for a cup of water to take back to your room.

The next morning came and you awoke groggy from the lack of sleep to the loud knock that pounded on your door. 

“Miss.Y/N, do you know what time it is?!” Max exclaimed, a panicked look holding claim to his face. 

Your arm lazily came up to shield your eyes from the bright lights of the hallway as you quipped back, “No, Mr. Max, I do not know what time it is,”

“It's nearly 1! The banquet starts in 4 hours and you haven't even started getting ready! I’ve never seen you oversleep like this!”

You quietly groaned as 12 or so people invaded your room holding makeup, dresses, shoes, and hair supplies. “You’ll have to forgive me max, it's been a rough weekend,” you grumbled under your breath.

Almost instantly, you were swept away and worked on vigorously until almost 5pm on the dot. Your was makeup done to absolute perfection and your hair matched in both flawlessness and elegance. The yellow dress fit you a little too snuggly for your liking but its beautiful floral designs captivated your senses, distracting you from the corset that sucked the wind from your lungs. Yellow pumps adorned your feet with matching polish on each toe. You looked put together, key word being looked.

Insisting on escorting yourself to the ballroom, you snuck in the back door attempting to blend in with your surroundings. This plan was foiled almost instantly.

“Damn girl! You look good!” Sam exclaimed, gathering the attention of those around him. Heads swung around toward you and suddenly you were battling the compliments of Nat, Steve, Bruce, and Tony. Wanda was quick to grab your arm and pull you away, saving you momentarily.

“Where are you taking me?” 

You laughed, as her plan became more clear. She plopped you down at the open bar and took her seat next to you. Swinging around to the handsome barkeep she gathered his attention, “Can we get some shots please and thank you!” 

“Wanda, you know I don’t do shots.”

This time it was Steve's voice that caught your attention and rang over the noise “Bucky!!! Nice for you to join us!”

You peered over your shoulder to see him clad in a fitting suit and tie sporting the brunette, who was practically glued to him, on his side. Her perfectly curled hair hung over her bare shoulders, leading to a dress that must have been designed by the gods themselves. She looked stunning and her smile was far brighter than yours. 

“I’ll take a fucking shot” you groaned.

“’Atta girl” Wanda complimented. After a shot or two, Vision grabbed Wanda to introduce her with some important head of the company or CEO or something, leaving you to the mercy of strangers who bought you drink after drink, pitying you and the downward spiral that was quickly engulfing you. 

This vicious cycle was only broken when a familiar voice sounded from behind you, “Can I have whatever whiskey you are serving, please?” 

Your head slouched in your hand and you had a childish mope on your face as you struggled to place the voice and control yourself long enough to leave on the high barstool that you found yourself stuck on.

“Y/N?”

Sliding off your chair slightly, you mumbled a quiet uh-huh.

“Are you here with someone?”

You sadly shook your head, taking another sip from your drink before the man grabbed the drink from your hand.

“Love, don’t drink that..”

His hand grasped your arm gently, steadying you and offering to walk you back to your room. All you could do was nod so he lightly lifted you from your chair and led to the elevator, only releasing you when he placed you on your bed and leaned down to take off your shoes. As your eyes met his for the first time, you sobered up slightly when you realized who had escorted you up to your room.

 “Woah, W-woah, D-don’t touch me” you slurred, pushing Bucky back slightly with your foot. 

“Y/N, please. You’re clearly not ok, let me he-”

You leaned down and pulled his hand off of you, crawling back toward the safety of your bed.. 

“Y-yeah Bucky! I’m not ok! I’m stuck in this s-stinking city at this dumb party with these d-dumb people all because I got dragged back to this stupid compound which made everything freakin hurt because as soon as I enter those fucking doors, I see the life we could have had if you loved me half as much as I loved you! But nooooo, Barnes couldn't commit! Couldn’t say he fucking loved me and instead opted to leave me, on my ass, and move to a different fucking country! Now I have to look your stupid face every day! So yeah, I’m not ok! Every time I look at your stupid face I cant fucking breathe because I love you so much that I hate you. And to top it off, you completely blindsided me with, the girl you have, uhh C-Camilla or whatever her name is, and she is by your side constantly. Then you come into the party and I cant even stay mad at you because you look so fucking good.” Your sudden confession brought tears to your eyes. You pulled off your other heel and stood in front of him, whispering,“Can you just tell me what she has that I didn't?” 

His hand reached up to rub his neck as his line of sight stayed on the ground. “Y/N, it wasn't like that..”

You threw your arms in the air and rolled your eyes before crossing your arms.“Then what was it James? Cause I can't seem to piece it together” 

“I-I don’t know Y/-” 

“What was it?!” you screamed, the tears you previously held back now freely streaming down your face. 

“It was easier to go! Ok?!” he yelled back, causing you to jump slightly. “It was easier for me to run from you! I loved you so much that I couldn't fucking take it! Camilla means nothing to me! I can play her game as long as I fucking want because I don’t care about the risk! I couldn't risk you breaking my heart because if you did I would have NEVER recovered fr-”

He was interrupted when you threw your arms around his neck and slammed your lips into his.

[babygirlofwakanda]

Sweet Treats

Characters— Black Reader X Erik Killmonger

Content— Chocolate Fluff, Sweet Looks, Tasty Touches and Sprinkled Kisses

Plot— For my girl @soldierandawar happy birthday 😭✨ Based off of the song, “Trip” by Ella Mai. In addition, I STRONGLY suggest listening to this song on REPLAY while reading to get further feels, but hey..

Narrative— Swirls of cream colored icing filled Jay’s vision while she circled her wrist around forming a perfect swirl ontop of the warm cupcake.

Placing the transparent frosting bag on the counter she reached over and dug her hand in the chocolate shaving sprinkling them over the frosting. Doing the same a couple more times Jay completed the dozen before wiping away the sweatbeads on her forehead with her forearm pushing up the hairnet keeping her braids in tact. “—fuck.” She rasped, once the cool air made contact with her open pores.

Realizing her edges curled up from the perspiration she harshly exhaled. Sitting the dozen cupcakes into the white box Jalah completed the order and sat the box into the fridge savoring the design and order.

Cleaning up her station with a hot rag she wiped up the messy icing, sweeped away the fallen sprinkled and flipped the opened sign around once it reached six o’clock. The yellow rays reflected over her as she counted her tips; being the employee of the month at one of the most popular bakeries at the capital of North Carolina had it’s perks and benefits.

However, her focus was quickly interrupted when she heard the clattering of multiple pots and pans in the kitchen along with muttered curses following the commotion. A giggle escaping from her mouth Jalah immediately knew it was her fellow employee, Erik in the kitchen. Rising up out of her seat Jalah turned on her heels to check out the scene, but the view of the muscular chestnut man rounding the corner stopped her movements.

The view of the flustered black man clad in a white apron with an arrangement of chocolate cream on it and cream icing smeared across his left cheek along with his dark dreads falling around his face created a faint heartbeat to form in Jalah’s lower regions.

Watching the rise and fall of his shoulders and the thin layer of sweat covering his face only indicated that he was working on something. Huffing, “Jalah, you got a minute?” He questioned, still slightly out of breath from his previous activities.

Raising her eyebrow out of curiosity she nodded, “Aight, go ahead and take a seat in the front and wait.” He instructed, before disappearing again.

Tilting her head slightly to the side Jalah untied the knot to her apron and hung it up on her hook before walking to the front of the store. Taking a seat on the white chair next to storefront Jay tapped her nails on the matching white table while looking at her view of people walking and cars driving through the pier.

“Jay! Do me a solid and close your eyes.” He yelled, with his back pressed against the wall of the hall as he glanced at his coworker. “What is this? Erik quit playing with me, you have five minutes until I clock out.” Jalah retorted, with a lengthy eye roll. Hearing the smacking of lips Jalah turned her head to spot Erik’s head peeking around the corner.

Shaking her head she obliged, “Okay, okay! My eyes are closed, I’ll even put my hands over my eyes just so you can quit playing.” Jalah exclaimed, once she covered her eyes. Losing one of her senses Jalah’s hearing increased as she heard the shuffling of his feet approaching her and the loud shrieking of the chair legs gliding against the tilted floor.

“You can open your eyes up now.” He announced, making Jalah futter her eyes open. Dropping her jaw in a instant Jay covered her mouth before a replacing her shock with a genuine smile.

“—aw, Erik! You did remember!” Jalah beamed, as she looked down at the multiple ice cream sundaes with sprinkles and a cherries all ontop of a cupcake.

Gazing at her wide smile Erik couldn’t help but to feel warm at the gesture he committed towards the sweet girl. After coming from a long troubling family history and enduring the rough climate of Oakland there wasn’t a lot of people Erik could lean on.

Deciding to change his surroundings Erik moved to the southern state of North Carolina for a fresh start.

After constantly receiving hard stares from strangers he found the one person who wouldn’t judge him on his flaws and instead embrace his loving side. Going from job to job Erik stumbled into the bustling store in desperate need of help. With the line increasing Erik made a good impression as he snuck behind the counter, put on an apron and assisted Jay at the front counter and started taking orders.

Within six months the two were inseparable, making great partners and employees the pair quickly grew closer. From spending eight hours a day together to closing the shop and having multiple flour fights the two were damn near best friends. “I couldn’t forget your birthday girl.” Erik grinned, as Jay grabbed a cupcake licking the melted chocolate.

“Well, thank you. Now I don’t have to give you the cold stare the rest of the week.” Jalah winked, at Erik before biting in the dessert. Moaning as she chewed Jay fluttered her eyes close as she was temporarily placed in a sugar coma.

Shifting in his seat Erik watched with intense eyes as Jalah’s lips were smeared with ice cream. He wanted nothing more than to reach across the table and lick the dripping milk from her lips. Instead of acting on his impluse he just clenched his fist under the table.

Finishing her cupcake Jalah crumbled up the polka dot foil and looked at Erik. “What is it?” She asked, once she caught a glimpse of his staring.

Shaking his head, “Nothing, you’re just cute.” He winked, causing a shy grin to cross her face. “Stop it.” She chuckled, avoiding his face and settling her gaze out the window. “—so, birthday girl what you getting into tonight?” Erik questioned, making Jay shrugged while she watched the sunset.

“Nothing much, I was just going to throw on my favorite romantic comedy, order some take out and call my mom.” Jalah continued, causing a chuckle to escape from Erik’s larynx. “Damn, girl. You sound like a middle aged woman living with her cat named Sam not a vibrant twenty-two year old living her best life.”

Glancing at her friend Jalah released a giggle realizing how boring her plans seemed. “What you need to do is let me take you out tonight, huh?” He asked, in a flirty tone. Snapping her head Jalah saw that he was serious and nodded, “I don’t see any harm in a couple of friends hanging out, okay.”

“Ight, you send me your address and I’ll pick you up around nine?” He confirmed, with a toothy smile on his face. Packing up her cupcakes Jalah nodded as a smirk was also present on her face. “Ok, nine it is.”

Locking up shop the two parted ways as Erik and Jalah got in separate cars and drove off. Reaching her high rise apartment Jalah immediately kicked off her shoes and released her bra tossing it into her dirty hamper once she got into her bedroom.

Stripping off the rest of her clothes Jalah took a long shower scrubbing away the scent of flour and fresh icing. Completing her daily hygiene routine Jay wrapped a towel around her body and went into her closet with small droplets of water trailing behind.

Digging into her closet she repeated the words of Erik’s text describing to her where he was planning on taking her. “—a grown, but sexy and lively club.”

Within ten minutes of figuring out the perfect outfit Jalah stood infront of her vanity mirror as she put on minimum makeup. Opting out of foundation Jay only put on a thin layer of concealer, darkened her brows, applied a stroke of highlighter and smeared the thick gloss on her lips ontop of the burgundy lip pencil.

Interrupted by the bell of her front door Jalah swiftly rose up from her table side desk before running her palms flat against the sleek material to her porcelain white colored jumpsuit. Shuffling out of her bedroom Jay walked towards her foyer before briefly stopping infront of the door to check her appearance one last time. Angling her head side to side she checked her jumbo braids, freshly laid edges and gold highlight poppin’ on the tip of her nose and cheekbones.

Hearing the ding of her front door again Jay harshly exhaled as doubled checked her reflection and took a step back to unlock and open her door. Pulling the wooden door back Jalah’s breath hitched as she let the door hit the back of her wall revealing a grinning, smell good and casually dressed Erik Stevens.

This was another side of Erik that Jalah has never seen before; the casual but sleek dressed Erik. As his usual loose dreads framing his head in a carrot top style it was braided back into four sections.

In addition, his normal fashion of black forward thinking quotes, symbolic symbols and historical black known and unknown figures on his hoodies and t-shirts was replaced with a thick ivory white crew neck that which was accessorized with gold necklaces. The rest of his outfit consisted of dark blue denim jeans with small rips to the knees and black jordan’s. “—damn, Jalah. This is how you stepping out tonight, just for me?” He teased.

Bashfully dropping her chin down to the floor Jay pushed her teeth into her bottom lip in attempt to disguise her shy antics. “Oh, please. You probably spit that game to all the girls you take out.” Jalah disregarded, with a hand wave in air.

“Nah, you got it all fucked up.” Erik corrected, with a simple shake of his head. Standing in the same spot Jalah studied his face for any indication of a lie, but detected none and went to grab her clutch purse.

Returning from her kitchen counter Jalah locked her door following Erik down the stairs of her apartment building. Assuming he hit the locks Jay watched the white chevrolet camaro light up to the sound of Erik hitting the locks. Walking ahead of her Erik opened the door and waited until she was inside with her seatbelt across her chest until he shut the door.

Traveling around the front of the car Erik situated himself inside before clicking his seatbelt and pulled the gear into drive. Reversing out of the parking spot Erik hit the road before pulling up to a red light.

Hearing the brief static of the radio before music followed Erik snapped his head at Jalah innocently touching the dial to the radio. “What you think you doing, girl? Touching my radio and shit.” Erik asked, with a smile tugging at his lips. “Just drive and allow me to control the music.” Jalah taunted, with a wink.

Turning his head just in time to press the gas petal Erik couldn’t help but chuckle at Jay. Within seconds he heard the soulful seventies inspired artist Childish Gambino’s Redbone vibrating through his system.

“—ay, leave it on that.” The Oakland native rasped, as he began tapping his thumbs against the steering wheel. With the song playing throughout the car the friends found themselves belting out the lyrics and doing the best two-step they could do in a seated position. “Go Erik, ah! Get it, get it.” Jay hyped, as she recorded Erik on her instagram stories.

The friends shenanigans continued until Erik pulled into the parking lot of a local restaurant. Hitting the locks when they walked away from the vehicle Erik held the door open for Jalah. “—ah, Erik. How are you holding up sweetie?” The cheesing hostess asked, with two menus in her hand.

Exchanging a faint smirk with Erik before clutching onto his forearm Jalah trailed behind him and looked around the booming restaurant. The multiple shades of melanin talking over wine and seafood, to the live band grooving and couples moving in sync to the music captured Jalah’s attention.

Still caught off guard by her surroundings Jay didn’t realize she was still in awe as she subconsciously sat in the chair Erik held out. Taking his own seat across from her Erik watched the scarlet red lights cascade on Jalah’s facial features as she still looked around.

“—I’m guessing you never been here before.” Erik stated, his baritone voice interrupting the music and clinging of silverware. Focusing her eyes on the man across from her Jalah’s cheeks rose as she realized that she hasn’t muttered a single word towards him.

Exhaling, “That obvious, huh?” She spoke, with a tilt of her head and rise of her eyebrows. “It is, but that’s straight. I’m glad I’m the nigga who got the pleasure to show the birthday girl something new.” He teased, making Jalah roll her eyes at his slight cockiness.

“I would have found out sooner or later, don’t get arrogant nigga.” She weakly retorted, with a flatlined smirk. “Ya’ know you have a smart ass mouth, if you keep that shit up imma have to show you something new what you could do with it.” He taunted, with his eyes dropping from her eyes and to her shiny lips.

“Nah, I’ll do you one better. How about you show me exactly what you want me to do then I’ll consider it.” Jalah winked, causing Erik to brush his large palm over his mouth in attempt to hide his smile.

“Aight, I see we have jokes now.” He laughed. Within a few minutes the waitress took their orders breaking up the sexual tension leaving the friends to converse about any and everything. The rest of the night went smooth as they laughed over a big bowl of crab legs and plates of shrimp, potatoes, corn and broccoli.

In addition, throughout the course of the dinner the friends continued to exchange flirtatious comments and touched hands even with the dripping of juices.

It was undiscovered love at it’s best.

Settled back into the car the two employees sat with their backs against the leather seats listening to the old bops of late night radio. “—it’s been real Erik, but we both have to get up early for work.” Jalah yawned, as she sat up and unlocked the door.

Quickly breaking out of his trance Erik shifted in his seat as he swiftly exited his car and jogged to stop Jay from walking any further. “Ay, Jay! Hold up for a minute.” He yelled, causing Jalah to pause her steps.

Pivoting on her heels Jalah stopped to see Erik coming up from behind. “Ye—?” She asked. Jalah’s question was briskly cut off as Erik suddenly gripped her soft face and pressed his plump lips against hers causing a whimper to escape her pharynx.

The kiss was short and sweet. Placing her hands on his ridge chest Jalah pushed away breaking the kiss before she sauntered away leaving Erik to stand there with low eyes and a heavy breath.

Confused at her motives Erik watched as Jalah reached the first step to the public stairs. Watching her intensely Erik saw her turn around to look at him.

“—hey Erik, how does a nightcap sound?”

Author’s Note— Breaking the stereotypical Erik day by day, lmao. However, writing this Erik shit won’t be a normal thang! I do this purely for friends only, lmao.

Anyways, everyone wish a happy birthday to Jalah on her page or below in the comments!

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