#hey uso x original character

[440mxs-wife]

Songbird

Pairing: Bucky x F!Reader. Other Characters: Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson, Natasha Romanoff, Wanda Maximoff, Tony Stark, Thor Odinson. Mentioned: Loki Laufeyson, Bruce Banner.

Word Count: 10,170 (including lyrics)

Warnings: Friends to lovers, mutual pining, a bit of angst, misunderstanding, self-doubt. Fluffy ending (of course).

Summary: For the past 8 months, Reader has been working as the manager for the Avengers. During that time, she and Bucky develop feelings for one another, though neither one knows about it. One day after his workout, Bucky hears someone singing through the vents in the women's locker room, but he doesn't know who it is. He comes close a couple of times to finding it out, but just barely misses her. Tony somehow convinces Bucky to let him throw a fancy birthday party with a 1940s theme, complete with entertainment from that era. When Bucky finds out that the entertainer is his mystery girl, how will he react?

A/N: Happy Belated Birthday, James Buchanan Barnes. This one's for you.

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Hold me close and hold me fast The magic spell you cast This is "La vie en rose"

When you kiss me, heaven sighs And though I close my eyes I see "La vie en rose"

Bucky was gathering his clothes from his locker after his shower, but paused when he thought he heard....singing? He stopped for a moment to see if he could figure out where it was coming from and whose voice it was. He hadn't heard singing like that since the traveling USO shows during WWII. Hearing his type of music being sung by someone so talented brought a smile to his face and had him momentarily rooted to the spot.

With his advanced auditory capabilities, he determined that the voice originated in the women's side of the gym. Thus far, though, its identity eluded him. He quickly shoved everything into his locker, slammed the door shut, and bolted out the door towards the sound. On his way over, he ran into Natasha, who stopped him at the entrance.

"Whoa, Barnes, what do you think you're doing? You can't go in there, this is the women's locker room. Your side is over there," she pointed out, her slender fingers gesturing to the doorway behind him.

"I know, but just listen!" he exclaimed. They both stood still as the last notes of "La Vie en Rose" faded away. Bucky's shoulders slumped in defeat, as he had thoroughly enjoyed the impromptu concert. He strained his enhanced ears to hear if a new song had started, then frowned when he didn't hear anything. He curled his hands around Natasha's biceps. "Will you please go in there and, I don't know, ask around? See if anyone can tell you who was singing? I gotta know, Nat," he begged.

Natasha studied him for a moment or two, then smirked as she eventually gave in to his pleading face. "Oh all right, Barnes, keep your shirt on. Please. I'll go in there and see what I can find out," she agreed. But before she could check out the area, you walked out with a towel draped around your neck and your bag over your shoulder.

"Hey, Natasha! Sorry I didn't see you," you remarked as your eyes slid over to the handsome super soldier to her right. "Oh! Hello, Bucky," you murmured with a shy smile.

The corners of Bucky's mouth slowly inched upwards until it was stretched into a wide grin, complete with a display of his perfect pearly teeth. "Hiya, doll," he replied softly.

Natasha rolled her eyes at the two of you. "When you were in there just now, did you hear anyone singing?" she asked.

"Singing?" you parroted. "I heard music of some kind, but I thought someone had their playlist on speaker or something."

Natasha narrowed her eyes as she regarded you with a bit of suspicion. "No, that wasn't a recording, we heard somebody's actual voice. Bucky asked me to go in and take a look around, see if I can figure out who it is, but--"

"No!" you exclaimed, holding up your hands to stop her. "I mean, that's okay, I'll go in and see if I can find out who it is. Be back in a flash!" Before either of them could protest, you had already dropped your bag and ran back into the locker area.

Once inside, you chanced a quick look over your shoulder to see if you were being followed. You paused at the sink and caught your reflection in the mirror. That was a close one, you thought. Gonna have to be more careful next time. 

After glancing at the mirror one last time and taking a deep breath, you counted to ten and walked back to where Natasha and Bucky were standing. "There were a couple of people inside, but nobody knew anything about any singing. Welp, I'm going to head to my room but I'll see you at dinner!" You picked up your bag and waved as you walked away from Nat and Bucky.

Natasha waited until you were out of earshot to ask, "Did that seem weird to you? Like she was hiding something?"

Bucky continued to stare after you with a dream-like smile on his face. Natasha elbowed him in the side, breaking his trance. "Oof! What did you say?" he grumbled.

"I said, did she seem weird to you, like she was hiding something from us," she repeated.

"'Weird'? Nah, I wouldn't say that, I mean we all have our own little quirks, don't we? Besides, hers are kinda cute," he chuckled.

Natasha looked Bucky up and down before throwing up her hands in exasperation and marching into the gym. She turned around just in time to see Bucky look longingly at the women's locker room entrance, then retreat into the men's side to grab his bag.

***

For the past eight months, you have been the unofficial "manager" for the Avengers. If someone were to write down a list of all of your duties, it would likely span multiple pages. One of your favorite responsibilities involved grocery shopping and general food preparation. That included, but was not limited to, snacks. That meant Thor got his Pop-Tarts, Loki got his tea, and Tony got his energy drinks. You could usually find whatever anyone asked for, no matter how exotic.

Except that Bucky rarely, if ever, asked you to get him anything special. He was a little like you in that way, meaning you didn't want to be a bother. To you, it seemed silly to have someone traipsing all over the city to find that one special thing you really wanted. Too often, you convinced yourself you could live without it. But that didn't stop you from picking up a few boxes of Junior Mints, or the occasional jar of bread-and-butter pickles for Bucky. 

As you'd gotten to know Bucky, you'd developed a crush on the super soldier. He was definitely a good-looking man, especially when he smiled. Your heart fluttered every time you heard him laugh, which wasn't often, thus you would do anything to hear it on repeat. Despite what had been done to him in his past, he didn't let that erase his kindness, his sense of duty, or his willingness to protect those he cared about.

Sometimes he'd wander into your office to see how your day was going, bring you some coffee, or to ask you out to lunch. You always sat next to each other at dinner or on movie nights. At times you could swear there were signs that he considered you as more than a friend. Those thoughts were quickly dismissed, because you were certain that current only ran in one direction. As gorgeous and kindhearted as he was, he had loads of women and even some men falling all over themselves for him. What kind of chance would ordinary you have with someone like him?

Today, you made an extra stop at the Farmers' Market being held in Union Square, where there was something for everyone. You picked up honey for Loki's tea, lots of hearty fruits and vegetables, assorted baked goods, and various cuts of meat from the butcher. To brighten up the Tower, you picked out some fresh-cut bouquets of flowers to put in vases. A wine vendor even persuaded you to add a few bottles of his best wines to your wheeled cart.

Out of all your purchases, the one you looked forward to unpacking the most was a bag of plums. The seller assured you that hers were the best, no blemishes or soft spots to be found. She gave you a few samples and explained which varieties should be used for baking and which ones were for enjoying right away. As you were handing over your cash, she tucked a few recipe cards into your bag with a wink. You thanked her with a smile before moving to the next stall with a spring in your step, eager to show Bucky what you had found for him.

***

Two hours later, you returned to the Tower and wheeled your cart into the building. As the door was closing, you heard shouting for you to hold the door. Quickly you pressed the button and you tried to maneuver your cart closer to your side to make room for the new passengers. It turned out to be Steve, Bucky, and Sam, who happened to be returning from a run.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," you greeted them. Bucky stepped on first, but with the cart, it looked like it would be a tight fit if Steve and Sam also tried to get on. "Oh, I'm so sorry, guys, elevator's kinda full with my cart in here," you remarked.

Steve and Sam gave each other a knowing look before grinning at Bucky, who in turn was trying to give them a murderous glare. "That's okay, Cap and I will catch the next one," Sam smirked. He reached in and pushed the one for the appropriate floor. You heard his cackling laughter fade as the doors closed.

Don't stare, don't stare, oh my God, he's so handsome and sweet--wait--don't stare, you chanted to yourself. "Did you have a good run?" you asked, then internally face-palmed yourself for the inane comment.

Bucky gave a brilliant smile before replying, "Yeah, it was good to be able to go outside and for once, it's not raining." Don't stare, don't stare, God, she's so beautiful and kind--wait--don't stare, he repeated to himself. "Looks like you bought out the whole farm, doll," he chuckled, gesturing to your nearly overflowing cart.

You followed his eyes and burst into laughter. "Yes, I guess I did! It's just that everything looked so good today, I couldn't pass it up. There's a little something for everyone in there," you noted. Bucky's face brightened. "Even for you, Bucky," you added, gesturing to the bag of plums in your cart.

His cheeks briefly flashed a dusting of pink. "Aw, thank you, sweets, but you didn't have to do that for me," he replied.

To catch his attention, you took his hand in yours and gazed into his baby blues. "I know, but I wanted to. It's okay to want things, because you deserve them and so much more," you swallowed hard to get your feelings back under control. "If there's ever something specific you want, please let me know. I'll be happy to go wherever I need to in order to find it. I don't mind, especially if it's something that would bring you good memories," you promised.

"That's really thoughtful of you, thank you. I'll try to remember that for your next trip. You going to need a hand with any of this?" he wondered.

"Nah, it's on wheels, so pretty easy. Oh! I'm making a beef stir fry and chicken fried rice later with some of these amazing veggies. You could....um....you could hang out in the kitchen while I cook? I-If you want to, b-but you don't have to. I'm sure you have more important--" your rambling was silenced by his left index finger on your lips.

"Let me take my shower and I'll be right there with you, doll," he grinned as the elevator dinged for your floor.

A warmth settled into your own cheeks despite the feel of cool metal on your lips. "Okay," you agreed, then backed out of the elevator, towing your cart behind you. "Meet you in the kitchen, Sarge," you smirked.

The elevator door started to close, so you didn't hear his reply. But you did see the genuinely surprised look on his face at the nickname, which caused you to laugh. As you turned to walk to the kitchen, you were stopped by Natasha, who stood with her eyes trained on you and her arms crossed over her chest. "Nat! What's up? And why are you looking at me like I'm in trouble?" you asked cautiously.

"No, no trouble," she replied slyly. "What was all that about, telling Bucky to meet you in the kitchen?"

You rolled your eyes. "That? Nothing," you answered with a shrug. When she didn't look convinced, you sighed in exasperation. "Ugh! Okay, I might have told him he could join me in the kitchen and watch while I cooked dinner for you all. We're just friends. No big deal, Tash," you muttered.

She relaxed her stance, but didn't give away any clues as to what she was thinking. Wanda caught up with the two of you and asked what was going on. Natasha explained what she saw when you exited the elevator and about Bucky watching you cook dinner.

Wanda's eyes widened and a huge smile graced her face at this development, and was only seconds away from breaking out into a happy dance. Before she could start, you held up your hand and reminded them that you and Bucky were "just friends" and it was "no big deal". Then you yanked on the handle of your cart, dragged it to the kitchen and grumbled under your breath about having so much to put away all by yourself.

Behind you, Natasha and Wanda were chattering back and forth, no doubt plotting your next move regarding Bucky. You paid them no mind, because you had more important things to worry about. Like how you were going to keep from cutting your fingers off with him watching your every move.

***

Bucky hastily kicked off his shoes the moment he crossed the threshold into his room. He rushed to the bathroom, shedding his clothes as he went and tossing them in the hamper. You had invited him to the kitchen, your sanctuary, to hang out and watch as you prepared the evening meal. He had to hurry because he wanted to spend every available minute he could in your presence.

When you were first brought on board as the team's manager, Bucky instantly thought you were the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. He could tell by the way you carried yourself that you had a kind and compassionate heart, which made him fall even faster. You had a way of making everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the room when talking to them. Not exactly something he was used to having in his life, nor was having someone care about him the way you did.

Over the past eight months, Bucky has been learning about you by being around you as much as he can be. He listens when you talk about your past, your family, and your friends. He knows of your love of reading, because he hardly ever sees you without a book in your hands, even if it's a cookbook. And though you are usually up for a trip into the city with Nat and Wanda, you're much more comfortable staying in and watching movies.

He loves that you choose to sit next to him on the team's Movie Nights, and that you share your popcorn, but only with him. He appreciates that you respect his space and try not to crowd him, but lately, all he's wanted to do is get closer to you. More than a few times, you've fallen asleep on his shoulder, with his arm around you. Whenever that happened, it made his heart race and nearly sent him into the stratosphere from happiness.

But as much as Bucky would give anything to call you his girl, sometimes the doubts creep in and squash those thoughts. He had enough personal baggage to run his own airline, and what woman would want to deal with all of that? There's no way he wanted to drag you down into the deep rabbit hole that was his life, or, worse yet, expose you to any danger. He would be content to have your friendship, and it would have to be enough.

As he dried off after his shower and got dressed again, his thoughts drifted back to the singing he heard in the locker room. It was his type of music, with vocals that were nearly perfect, and it took him back to a happier time. He was going to make it his personal mission to find out who was behind the angelic voice and ask her to be his girl.

***

Never know how much I love you Never know how much I care When you put your arms around me I get a fever that's so hard to bear

You give me fever When you kiss me Fever when you hold me tight Fever In the mornin' A fever all through the night

The words and melodies from the song flowed from your lips as you chopped the various vegetables for dinner. You set them aside for the moment, along with the chicken and beef that were in a separate bowl, waiting for the wok to heat up. The rice simmered away in one of Tony's fancy, fool-proof rice cookers on the counter.

Sun lights up the day time Moon lights up the night I light up when you call my name And you know I'm gonna treat you right You give me fever When you kiss me Fever when you hold me tight Fever In the mornin' A fever all through the night

"Ah HA!" you hear someone exclaim from behind you. "I knew it was you!" Natasha declared. She had returned from her room, where she'd left her phone.

Clutching your chest at the sudden intrusion, you slowly turned around to face your friend, a panicked look in your eyes. "What?" you gasped.

"It was you, singing in the locker room a few weeks ago," she elaborated. "Barnes wouldn't stop talking about it, said he had to know who it was. I caught him roaming the halls the other day, thinking he'd figure it out by accident. Now I can tell him," she added with glee as she turned to leave.

"No, wait Tash! You can't tell him!" you blurted out. "Nobody knows about this, my singing, and I don't even think I'm that good. But....it's kinda my way of telling him how I feel about him." Your gaze dropped to the floor. "He's my friend, and if he finds out I wish it were more but he doesn't return my feelings, I....I don't know what I'd do."

She pivoted to face you and took hold of one of your hands in hers. "Trust me, you've got talent, my dear. As far as the situation with Bucky goes, I'll do what I can to help you keep your secret. But you should tell him how you feel, because you might be surprised at what happens." She gave your shoulder a pat then took a seat on one of the chairs at the island to keep you company. "Now, will you please keep singing, sweetie?" she grinned.

***

Bucky had just stepped off of the elevator and was headed for the kitchen when he ran into Steve. "Hey, Buck, where you headed?" he asked.

He explained to Steve that you had asked him to hang out while you cooked dinner, and he had accepted. He tried his best to escape before Cap could ask any more questions, but luck was not on his side. Right before they went their separate ways, Steve held out a hand to stop him and took a sniff of the air. "Wait. Are you wearing....cologne?" he wondered.

Bucky scoffed. "No, I'm not wearing cologne. Well, maybe just a little, but it's only 'cause I don't wanna risk goin' in there, reeking like the gym. I wanted to smell nice for her," he mumbled the last part, but it didn't escape his best friend's super hearing.

Steve had an inkling it was you who Bucky was trying to impress. He'd seen signs of sparks flying between the two of you and decided to dig in a little deeper. "Wait a minute. You like her, don't you?!" Steve exclaimed. He started to laugh but stopped when he saw the faraway look on his best friend's face. "What? What's wrong, Buck?"

"Shh, nothing. Just listen," Bucky whispered, breaking out into a wide grin.

Now you've listened to my story Here's the point that I have made Chicks were born to give you fever Be it Fahrenheit or Centigrade

They give you fever When we kiss them Fever, if you live you learn Fever 'Til you sizzle Oh, what a lovely way to burn Oh, what a lovely way to burn What a lovely way to burn And what a lovely way to burn

"It's that voice again," Bucky remarked in awe. "A couple of weeks back, I heard someone singing in the women's locker room. The sound came through the vents--it has to be the same woman!" He was nearly shaking with excitement that today might be the day he finds out who belongs to that enchanting voice he keeps hearing. When he heard the sound of clapping, he bolted away from Steve and around the corner to the kitchen.

"Brava! Bravissima! You were magnificent, darling!" Natasha gushed, still clapping.

When you looked up from your skillet, you saw Bucky standing in the doorway, with Steve peering around him. "Hey, guys! Come on in, have a seat," you gestured to the open chairs around where Nat was sitting.

"I heard it again, that heavenly singing," Bucky noted, his eyes darting around the room, seeing only you and Nat. "Which one of you was it?"

Your eyes locked with Nat's as you silently begged her not to share your secret. "Wasn't us, Barnes. You must be hearing things," she replied, though she didn't look pleased to be lying for you.

"Well, if it wasn't you two, what was the clapping for?" Steve asked. Bucky crossed his arms over his chest, clearly wanting to know as well.

"That was....that was because I was doing my best lip-sync of the song and showing off my best dance moves. Nat was kind enough to applaud my performance, then you guys walked in," you responded. Mentally you were crossing your fingers, hoping they were convinced.

"Oh," Bucky murmured. "Need any help, doll?"

"Um, yeah, this is almost ready. If you and Steve could please set the table, that would be great," you answered, then handed him a stack of plates and utensils.

As soon as they left the room, your shoulders sagged in relief that the matter seemed to be dropped, at least for the moment. "That was a close one," you whispered.

"Yes, it was, and it's the last time I'm going to cover for you. Either figure out a way to tell him, or I will," she warned, then her demeanor softened. "Honey, that man is smitten with whoever belongs to that sweet, sultry voice he keeps hearing. That means you, sweetie. Give him a chance, hmm?" She squeezed your shoulder on her way out of the kitchen with the serving bowls of rice.

On her way back to the kitchen, she spied Tony standing against the wall, scrolling through his phone. "I hear you had a cancellation in the entertainment section for Barnes' birthday party."

Without glancing up from his phone, Tony replied, "I did have a cancellation, what about it?" he inquired.

Natasha checked her surroundings for any eavesdroppers, then sidled up to Tony. "What if I told you, I have the perfect substitution for your entertainment? A hidden talent will be revealed, and you'll get to see the resolution to a certain birthday boy's love life," she remarked cryptically.

Tony's eyes shot up from his phone to give Natasha a sideways and wary glance. "You have my attention," he stated coolly. "What is your plan, and how much is it going to cost me?" 

Nat chuckled. "It'll only cost you a shopping trip for a dress, shoes, hair, etc. Here's what I'm thinking," she added.

***

"You did WHAT?!?!?" you exclaimed. 

"I found out Tony had a last minute cancellation in the entertainment part of Bucky's birthday party, and I told him you'd fill in for it," Nat replied with a shrug.

"Without asking me first, you told him I'd do this?" you asked, pinching the bridge of your nose as you tried to keep your composure.

Wanda took your hand and guided you to sit on the couch. Tonight was "Girls' Night", where you, Nat, Wanda, Yelena, and even Pepper joined in to decompress and have fun. "Listen, I know you're scared for him to find out how you feel about him. But he's already enamored with your voice. He's just as crazy about the rest of you," she stated.

"We've all seen the way he looks at you and vice versa," Pepper chimed in, loosened up after already being a couple of drinks in. "Believe me, you have nothing to worry about in that regard. Frankly, I'm surprised Tony hasn't done anything more about it before now to push you two together," she added as she finished the rest of her drink. "You know what a meddler he is."

"Besides," Natasha added, "if you don't do it, I'll tell Thor that you forgot his Pop-Tarts that one time and didn't feel like going back out to get them. He still believes that story you told him that they were all sold out in every store. You remember how badly he sulked and pouted, how we had five straight days of thunderstorms?!?"

You gasped sharply in panic and disbelief then narrowed your gaze at her. "Ooh, low blow, Romanoff. C'mon, I was tired that day! If I remember correctly, Tony had me running all over town, picking up parts for some doohickey he was working on. You swore you wouldn't tattle on me to Thor. Huh. Some best friend," you frowned. After a minute or so, you heaved a deep sigh. "Fiiiiinnnne. You win. I'll do it."

"Honey, you have an amazing voice. And when Bucky hears it in-person coming out of the stunning figure you'll be on stage, he'll hardly be able to restrain himself," Wanda grinned.

You fidgeted with your hands in your lap, letting your friends' words sink in. You hazarded a glance at the faces of the women around you, seeing nothing but love and support. Maybe this could work, you thought. It'll have to be just the right song, though. "But what will I wear?" you smiled, then shrieked as they all threw their arms around you.

"Don't worry about that, Tony already agreed to splurge on the best: dress, shoes, hair, makeup, accessories--the works," Nat assured you.

"And trust me, we'll make sure and give Sergeant Barnes a birthday present he'll never forget," Pepper declared, raising her glass. "To Operation: Bombshell!" You and the others repeated the toast and clinked your glasses together. "Now, when are we going shopping??"

***

True to his word, Tony had pulled out all the stops for Bucky's birthday celebration. The best food, an open bar with the most talented mixologists, and a top-notch serving staff. For the entertainment, he secured a band to accompany you as would have been in the 1940s. 

Preparation for it kept you at work until late at night, more often than not. Because your job didn't always have regular hours, Tony set up an apartment for you in the Tower. That way, you wouldn't have to be concerned about safety on public transportation late at night. Nor would you have to worry about not getting enough sleep before an early morning meeting. You were grateful for the close quarters, because getting in before midnight was becoming a rarity.

On one of your many long shifts, you had forgotten something in your office, which was on the same level as the Avengers' living quarters. To get there, you had to walk past the common room, then head down a couple of hallways. Usually there wasn't anyone around this late, but tonight was the exception.

The elevator dinged to indicate you had reached your desired floor. As you approached the common room, you heard the voices of your favorite super soldier and his best friend. The closer you got, the better you were able to hear their conversation. Curious, you decided to eavesdrop a little, which, in retrospect, may not have been your best idea.

"What's the matter with you lately, Buck? Is it because your birthday is coming up, old man?" Steve teased.

"Old man? May I remind you, you're nearly as old as I am, punk," he muttered. "Anyway, nothin's the matter with me."

Steve rolled his eyes at the obvious untruth. "To put it mildly, you've been a real grump-ass lately, and I wanna know why," he paused. "It's your girl, isn't it?" Steve had confirmation of Bucky's feelings for you and wasted no opportunity to encourage him to confess to you about them.

"Language, Cap," Bucky sneered, then sighed deeply. "Yeah, it's my girl. She hasn't been able to be around very much these past few weeks. I miss her and it's starting to wear on me. I'm so used to seeing her amazing smile every day, hearing her sweet voice wish me good morning, feeling her hand on my shoulder."

You turned away from the two men, still deep in conversation, covering your mouth to muffle the sobs before they could burst out of your throat. Of course Bucky has a girlfriend, you thought. I guess the girls got it wrong this time. Those looks everyone says they see on his face are from those times he's thinking of her, not me. Whoever she is, she's one lucky lady, you noted somberly. With that last thought, you turned the corner and rushed down the hallway to your office.

***

At the sound of quick footsteps, Bucky scanned the area in time to see you dart around the corner to your office. Now's my chance, he grinned to himself. He leaped over the back of the couch and headed in your direction.

You unlocked your door and when the lights kicked on, you caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. Tears had streamed down your face, leaving mascara tracks for anyone to see. You hurried into your executive washroom to clear up the damage.

With a wet washcloth, you began to wipe away the evidence of your heartbreak. Good for him, I guess. I hope whoever she is, she makes him happy. But this changes nothing, you reminded yourself. Bucky is my friend, and it's his birthday. I'm going to get up there and give it everything I've got. He deserves nothing less than the best, and this is the best gift I can give him, you resolved.

When you stepped out of the washroom, Bucky swore his heart skipped a beat with how beautiful you were to him. Though his brow furrowed a bit at your red, puffy eyes, and melancholy expression. Had you been crying? What happened? Who hurt you?? he wondered grimly.

Your eyes landed on your visitor, causing you to let out a gasp of surprise. "Sergeant Barnes! I wasn't expecting to see you here," you mentioned as you crossed the room to your desk.

Bucky moved towards your desk as well, wanting to get a better look at you, to be close to you. "Me and Stevie were hanging out in the common room, talking. Are you all right, doll? You look a little upset."

"Me? No, I'm okay, Bucky," you replied nervously. "Just a little tired, that's all. Tony's got me working on a project that's taking up a lot of my free time. Sorry I haven't been around much," you added with a brief smile.

"Must be an important project if Tony's got you involved. I did kinda notice when I haven't seen you as much as usual," he rubbed the back of his neck to calm his nerves. "Maybe after you're done with whatever you're working on, we can get together and make up for lost time?" he asked tentatively.

The look on his face held so much hope that you didn't dare turn him down. Above all, Bucky was your friend, and friends spent time together, right? "How about I get back to you about that after the project is all over, hmm?" you suggested.

Your response must have been the right one, as his face relaxed and broke out into that smile of his that you loved. "Great! Well, you be sure and let me know when it's all finished, and we'll find something to do together," he promised. You nodded in agreement.

Bucky stepped around your desk to stand at your side. He reached up with his right hand to trace his index finger along your cheek. "Get some rest, doll," he ordered softly. Your eyes closed involuntarily, right before he pressed his lips to your forehead. When your eyes finally opened again, you watched Bucky walking to the door. He paused in your doorway and looked back at you. "Sweet dreams, angel," he murmured.

As soon as he was gone, you dropped into your chair, placing your head in your hands. This was going to be harder than you thought, trying to manage a friendship with Bucky while he has a girlfriend. You decided to focus on your performance for his birthday party and hopefully everything else would fall into place. Once you picked up the file you came for in the first place, you re-locked your door and headed for your apartment for a night of restless sleep.

***

Two days before the party, Pepper persuaded Tony to give you the day off so she could take you and the rest of the girls out shopping in the city. In your mind, you pictured a long, slinky dress, straight out of a 1940s nightclub. You wanted something a sultry songstress would wear while crooning into a microphone, accompanied by an ensemble band.

You found the dress in the third boutique your group visited. As soon as you tried it on, you knew it was the right choice. It was a sparkly navy blue, A-line gown, floor-length, with spaghetti straps in the front that crisscrossed in the open back. It had a slit on the left that ended halfway up your thigh, revealing more leg than you were normally comfortable with. However, it was for Bucky, so it was added to the day's purchases.

Back at the Tower, Bucky had just finished his shower following a particularly intense sparring session with Steve. Before settling in the common room, he stopped in the kitchen for a plum muffin, which you had recently baked, and a bottle of water. Also in attendance were Tony, Sam, Peter, and even Thor was on Midgard after a long absence. "Lord Stark, I have not seen any of our lady friends around today. What is going on?"

"Well, you see, Asgardian Barbie, this morning, Pepper gathered up the ladies and took them shopping in the city," Tony replied. "Barnes' birthday bash is happening in a couple of days, and they all needed new dresses for the occasion," he explained.

Bucky heard Tony mention the shopping trip and realized he hadn't seen you at all today. He wondered if you had accompanied them, and if you would be at his party. He was walking from the kitchen, but in a moment of distraction, he bumped into Steve. The water bottle flew out of his hands and crashed to the floor, creating a puddle of water. He swiftly grabbed some paper towels, and as he cleaned up his mess, he asked Tony if you would be there.

Tony shrugged. "I don't know, Barnes, why don't you ask her yourself?" he gestured with a tilt of his head. Bucky's eyes followed the sound of giggling and other happy noises from you and the others as you exited the elevators.

In addition to your dress, shoes, and some accessories, you had brought back pizza for dinner. You and the girls had a late lunch, complete with cocktails, which had started to wear off in the car on the way back to the Tower. "Hey, guys! How's everything going? I shopped 'till I dropped, and I really didn't feel like cooking tonight. So, pizza it is, dig in!"

You left the pizzas on a table and headed for the kitchen to get some plates for everyone. Bucky stealthily followed you to see if you needed any help. After removing the right number of plates from the cabinet, you turned to leave, only to run straight into his chest.

"Whoa there, doll, careful. Here, I can help you with that," he chuckled as he took the stack of plates out of your hands.

"Thank you, Bucky. I'll put some drinks on a tray and bring them in," you told him.

Bucky passed out some of the plates to those already eating, then left the rest of them near the pizza boxes. He returned to the kitchen to see you still pulling drinks from the refrigerator. "So, um, my birthday party's in a few days," he started. You hummed and nodded in response. "Was kinda hoping--er--wondering if you were going to be there?" he asked.

He's so cute when he's all flustered and shy. I wonder if he's that way with her, you thought wistfully. You mentally shook off the negative notions and graced him with a smile. "Of course I'll be there, Bucky! I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Great! If you're getting ready here, I can stop by whichever room you're in. And I'd be honored to escort you to the party," he offered.

"That would normally be great, Bucky. It's just that I have a prior commitment that night, so I'll be a little late. However, I promise that I will be there to help you celebrate," you affirmed as you carefully placed the tray on the table. "Think it's time to collect my shopping bags and head to my apartment," you added while trying to stifle a yawn.

He looked around and pointed at the stack, which you nodded to confirm they were yours. "I've got them for you, sweets. Lead the way," Bucky replied. He picked up your bags with one hand, then held out his other elbow for you to take.

"Thank you, Sarge," you giggled as you slipped your arm around his and waved goodbye to everyone with your free hand.

As you walked the halls towards your apartment, you chatted about how you'd spent your day shopping, while he was training with Steve. All too soon, you reached your apartment, thus it was time for you to part ways. You were insistent that you could carry your bags inside, but Bucky would have none of it. He was equally as adamant to fulfill his duties as a gentleman and wouldn't let them go, placing them on your couch.

Bucky realized that he'd never been in your Tower apartment before today. In looking around, he noticed the personal touches you had scattered about the space, which were perfectly you. There was a soft-looking quilt draped over the back of the couch, a pair of fluffy slippers under a chair, and some photos in frames on various flat surfaces.

His eyes soon landed on the stuffed bear he'd won for you at Coney Island, sitting on a small, cushioned chair near your bookcase. He smiled to himself at the black sleeve with the gold thread woven through it that you must've stitched to the bear's left arm. There was no mistaking that the bear was meant to signify him, which warmed his heart. He kept his thoughts about it to himself while he waited for you to return to the living room area.

"So what's in the bags, doll?" he grinned mischievously as he started to peek into one of them.

You reached over and nudged him out of the way so he couldn't snoop in any of the other bags. "Oh, no you don't, mister," you interjected. "This is all 'top secret' girl stuff. You'll have to wait and see it at your birthday party, not a minute before," you added loftily.

Bucky pretended to be shocked at your refusal, then switched to giving you puppy dog eyes as a way to sway you. "Aw, come on, sweets. Please?"

You laughed at his attempts to convince you, but you waved him off. "Does that really work on your girl, the puppy dog eyes?" you asked in what you hoped was a playful tone.

A confused look briefly crossed Bucky's face at your question. "Must need to work on it a little harder, then," he murmured. "If it's okay, I'm going to head back to get some pizza before Steve and Sam eat it all," he chuckled.

Suddenly you realized he'd completely bypassed the food you'd brought in so he could walk you back to your apartment. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Bucky! Of course you don't need to stick around here with me. I've got it from here."

"Not for nothing, but if I wasn't so hungry, I'd stay here with you for a while. Have a good night, and I'll see you around, angel," he remarked.

You walked him to the door and when he had taken one step across the threshold, you called his name. He turned around to face you and in a moment of impulse, you reached up on your tiptoes and pressed a lingering kiss to his cheek. "Good night, Bucky," you whispered, then gently closed the door.

On the other side, Bucky stood and stared at your apartment door. His right hand reached up and touched the spot on his cheek that still tingled a bit from when you kissed him. A smile slowly crept across his face until it stretched from ear to ear. He didn't recall how he got back to the main living area, but he definitely remembered how it felt when you'd kissed him good night.

Bucky's dazed demeanor didn't escape Sam's notice, and he certainly wasn't going to let it go. "Get some sugar tonight, did you, Bucky?" he cackled. When Bucky didn't react, Sam commented further. "Look at him, he's so in love, all he can think about is his girl."

That seemed to snap Bucky out of his trance, because he rolled his eyes at Sam's comments. He grabbed a plate and started piling it high with slices of pizza. "Besides, a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell," he smirked, which started Sam's laughter again. Bucky rolled his eyes and took a seat next to Steve on the couch.

"So.....?" Steve prompted.

Bucky swallowed his bite of pizza and turned to meet Steve's gaze. His neutral expression gave way to a broad smile. That told him all he needed to know, that something had happened with you to make his best friend happy. Steve was sure that the two of you belonged together, and he was more than content with the notion.

***

On the night of Bucky's birthday party, your room was a flurry of activity. All the ladies decided to get ready there, except for Pepper. She promised Tony she would arrive at the venue a little early to help him greet people. You agreed that before the end of the night, a picture would be taken of all of you, dressed in your best.

Down the hall, Bucky was putting the finishing touches on his suit. Truth be told, he'd much rather be wearing something a bit more casual for his birthday party. Since you told him you'd be there, he decided to make an effort to dress up, but chose to skip the tie.

The suit was all black, with satin peak lapels on the jacket. He left the first two buttons undone on the shirt to show off his dog tags. He'd swapped out his regular boots in favor of a pair of well-polished dress shoes.

Bucky gave himself one last look in the mirror and was adjusting the collar of his shirt when Steve popped his head into the room. "Hey, Buck, happy birthday," he grinned. "You about ready to go? Stark's already there, greeting people with Pepper."

A final check of his overall appearance and Bucky declared himself ready to go. He was feeling a little nervous, especially since he normally didn't make such a big deal of celebrating his birthday. But Tony insisted, and Stark's parties were rarely, if ever, boring so he gave in. Besides, he was looking forward to seeing you there and hopefully steal a dance or two with you. "Yep, let's head out, punk," he smirked.

***

Natasha and the other girls had somehow snuck you out of the Tower and down to where Happy Hogan was waiting with the car. He shuttled you over to the venue where Bucky's birthday party was being held. Once there, he hurried around to your door to help you out of the car and wished you good luck.

Behind the stage curtain, you nervously paced back and forth, waiting for your cue to take your place out front. You ran through the lyrics in your head and practiced some of your dance routine. One by one, the band members arrived and took their places, then worked on tuning their instruments. 

About ten minutes before your performance was to start, Natasha and Wanda found you doing some last-minute rehearsing. Nat informed you that Bucky had arrived and that he was sitting at the far end of the dance floor, with everyone else filled in on either side. Before they left, they each offered some words of wisdom.

"You're going to do great, honey," Wanda assured you. "With that voice of yours, you'll probably knock Thor and Loki all the way back to Asgard." The three of you shared a laugh at the image.

"Nah, there's only one man out there she wants to impress, and he has been checking the doors like a hawk for you every time they open. And Barnes isn't my type, but let me tell you, he is looking like a delicious snack and dressed to kill," Natasha remarked. "Now get out there and use that beautiful voice of yours to tell him how you feel, sweetie," she nudged with a kind smile.

You gave each of them a hug and told them to let Tony know you were ready for everything to start. The band was putting the last minute touches on everything, adjusting their ties, or making sure the music was open to the right page. With a deep breath, you walked to your mark on the stage and waited for Tony to start the show.

"Good evening, good evening, good evening, everyone," he greeted. "We all know why we're here tonight, so let's give a warm birthday greeting to our favorite Tin Man, Bucky Barnes!"

Everyone around Bucky wished him "Happy Birthday" with a handshake, a shout-out, or even just a wave. "To commemorate his 107th trip around the sun, we have some first-class entertainment for everyone. This particular act was chosen specifically with the Birthday Boy in mind." Bucky gave Tony a puzzled look at the remark. "Without further ado, I give you your elusive Songbird."

As Tony took his seat, the house lights dimmed until they finally went out. The curtain drew back to reveal a '40s-type band, with men dressed in black pants and white jackets. There was a horn section, a string section, complete with a stand-up bass, and a percussion section.

You stood in the middle of the stage, with your back turned to the crowd. A deep breath, then the opening verse:

Birds flying high You know how I feel Sun in the sky You know how I feel Breeze driftin' on by You know how I feel

It's a new dawn It's a new day It's a new life For me And I'm feeling good

The last line is said while looking over your left shoulder. As soon as you say the last word, the band's horn section kicks up and a spotlight turns on to highlight you and your sparkly dress.

Bucky's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. There you were, his girl, his songbird, standing before him. You were dressed like he would've seen you in a nightclub from the '40s, complete with the red lipstick and the Victory Rolls in your hair. He sat on the edge of his seat, thoroughly hypnotized by your performance.

Fish in the sea You know how I feel River running free You know how I feel Blossom on a tree You know how I feel

With the microphone in one hand and your dress in the other, you sauntered down the steps in the front of the stage. Hips swaying, you first approached Bruce and laid a hand on his cheek. As you walked away from him, you gave him a finger wave. Then you sashayed over to where Thor was sitting on the other side. He reached out, but you stepped away before he could make contact. You wagged your finger and tossed him a wink over your shoulder, bringing a mischievous grin to his face.

By this time, Bucky was having a difficult time sitting still as he watched you flirt with his fellow Avengers. His eyes never left yours, focusing on your every movement as you worked your way across the floor to him. His hands itched to pull you onto his lap and lay claim to any part of your body you would let him explore. He longed to whisper about his feelings for you in your delicate shell of an ear.

Sam and Steve were keeping a close eye on Bucky, enjoying the effect you were having on him. At one point, Sam stood up from his chair and started walking towards you as if he were getting in on the act. Before he could take two steps, Bucky grabbed his jacket and forced him to return to his chair, Bucky's eyes never straying from you. Sam knew his point had been made, and mostly behaved himself for the rest of the number.

It's a new dawn It's a new day It's a new life It's a new life For me

And I'm feeling good I'm feeling good

Bucky was perched on the edge of his chair, entirely under your spell. Once you were finally close enough, you draped one arm around his neck and with your first two fingers, you tilted his head up. You gazed deeply into those baby blues you loved so much and noticed that only a thin rim of color was visible. When you leaned over, you put your lips close to his right ear, and whispered, "Happy Birthday, Sarge."

"It was you," he whispered back. You nodded, finally providing him with confirmation that it was your voice he's been hearing in his dreams for the past few weeks. Almost reverently, he grazed the knuckles of his right hand along your cheek. You pressed a lingering kiss to his left cheek, then turned back towards the stage, your hips swaying as you went.

On stage, the band was finishing up with the last few measures of the song while you resumed your mark, keeping your back to the crowd. As the band continued to play, you replaced the microphone in its stand and locked eyes with Bucky over your left shoulder. You gave him an exaggerated wink and blew him a kiss. When the last few notes died, the area thundered with applause, all except Bucky, who was still in his chair, stunned into silence.

As the curtains closed, you quickly exited the stage, thanking the musicians for their fabulous performance. Natasha and Wanda were waiting in the wings, where they watched the entire show and couldn't wait to congratulate you.

"Oh my God, that was amazing!!" Wanda shrieked and enveloped you into a bone-crushing hug. She bounced up and down a couple of times until she finally released you, a beaming smile on her face.

Natasha strolled over to you, gave you a wink and a knowing smirk, then pulled you to her side in a half-hug. "Knew you could do it. Bucky had his eyes on you the entire time, couldn't look at anything or anyone else but you. Still think he considers you two as 'just friends'?"

You sobered a little at her remark, remembering the conversation between him and Steve from that night you stopped at your office. Before you could tell her about it, you heard the sound of a throat being cleared. The curtain was pulled back to reveal Steve, a sheepish grin on his face and his eyes locked on you.

"Um, excuse me, but the guest of honor requests your presence for a private conversation. I have been sent to escort you to the balcony, where he's prepared to wait all night if he has to," Steve explained.

Glancing nervously at your best friends, you were met with nothing but encouragement and assurance from their gazes. Though you were nervous to hear what Bucky had to say, you felt that you owed him a chance to say his piece and let the chips fall where they may. "Okay, Steve. Lead the way, please," you replied.

Steve grinned as you curled your hand around his offered arm. "By the way, you were wonderful up there tonight. Just like the sirens me and Buck used to see on stage in the nightclubs. You know, back when we were young and full of hormones," he joked.

You lightly swatted his arm as you joined in his laughter. "Thank you, Steve. That was probably one of the bravest things I've ever done. So far, anyway. I sure hope Bucky liked it," you added.

He snorted in response. "Oh, trust me dollface, he loved it. Couldn't stop staring at you," he assured you.

On the walk over to the balcony area, many of your friends congratulated you on your singing and performance. You smiled and thanked each of them for their comments. All too soon, you were standing at the doors that led you to Bucky. A flight of butterflies took off in your stomach at full speed as you desperately tried to regain your composure.

Then you remembered what awaited you on the other side, out on the terrace. A man you were grateful to have met and considered to be one of your closest friends. A man who had always been kind to you, despite what life had put him through. Someone that made your world a better place by being in it. You couldn't see your future unfolding without him in it, nor did you ever want to.

"He's waiting for you," Steve gently reminded you. He untucked your hand from his side and kissed the back of it before returning to the party. You pushed down on the handle and swung the door open.

Bucky was standing with his hands clasped behind him, staring out over the ledge at the horizon. The noise volume from the traffic and other sounds of the city wasn't as loud as it was at the lower levels. His face lit up at seeing you, as the echo of your high-heeled shoes on the patio surface caused him to reverse his position.

"Hello, Bucky," you greeted.

"Hiya, doll," he replied, a shy smile gracing his lips. "Probably shoulda known it was you that day I heard the singing in the locker room," he grinned. His hand slowly reached up to brush his knuckles along your jawline. "You were incredible up there, sweetheart."

"Thank you, that's kind of you to say. I'm glad you enjoyed it," you replied shyly.

"I absolutely, 100%, loved it, doll. Reminds me of those clubs me and Steve used to sneak into so we could go dancing. Where'd you learn to sing like that?" he wondered.

"My grandparents kept a large vinyl collection of music from that time. My brothers and I used to spend summers with them, and it was in all the old movies we used to watch. I guess it kinda grew on me," you giggled with a shrug.

Bucky threw his head back and laughed. "Well, I'm certainly glad it did, because that was one of the best birthday presents I've ever received in my life." His hand brushed back a stray lock of hair and tucked it behind your ear, while his eyes shifted their focus from your eyes to your lips. He slowly leaned closer to you, giving you every chance to resist what he was about to do.

Suddenly your index finger was pressed against his lips, halting his advances. "Bucky, wait. Not that I haven't thought about this, but what about your girl? Isn't she here with you at the party tonight?" you worried.

Bucky gave you a puzzled look. "My girl?" he wondered. "What are you talking about, sweets?"

"I heard you and Steve in the common room. It was late and I had forgotten something in my office. You said you missed your girl and that you were so used to seeing her 'amazing smile every day'. How it was starting to wear on you about not hearing her wish you good morning or feel her hand on your shoulder," you explained.

Bucky saw how your gaze had dropped to the floor and felt you slipping from his grasp. As he racked his brain trying to recall what conversation you were referring to, you continued.

"I mean, until I heard you talking that night, I thought 'maybe....', and the girls all seemed convinced as well. But after what I'd heard...." you trailed off. "All I would ever want is for you to be happy with someone, Bucky. Even if that someone isn't me," you whispered.

You started to feel the burning of tears behind your eyes and started to move towards the door. No way did you want to break down in front of the man you loved, on his birthday, for something that wasn't his fault. You were determined to hold back until you had returned to your room.

But Bucky had other ideas.

He was still holding your hand as your steps took you closer to the exit. He gently squeezed it, which caught your attention and halted your escape. You turned to face him and when your watery eyes caught his, you saw only compassion and a hint of another emotion you couldn't quite name.

"Now, darlin', there's only one girl I can think of that I want to call mine. She's smart, funny, a bit sassy, but sweet. She's thoughtful, always thinking about others before she thinks of herself. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever met, and has the voice of an angel. I have missed her these past few weeks, but I'm guessing it's because she wanted this to be my best birthday ever. And that's made me fall even more in love with her," he declared.

As Bucky was giving his speech, he inched closer to you, step by step, until there was barely any space between you. His right hand drifted upwards to curl around your neck, his thumb brushing gently along your cheek. "You love me?" you whispered.

Bucky nodded, a tender smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Oh baby, ever since I met you, I've wanted to call you mine, but never thought you'd feel the same. Nor did I think I deserved to be with someone as wonderful as you."

Now it was your turn. "Bucky, you deserve all that this world has to offer and more. I've had feelings of more than friendship for you for a long time, probably since we met. Thought you were way out of my league, though. Parts of this world haven't been kind to you, but you haven't let it destroy the best parts of you. Past and present, all of it makes you the man I've fallen in love with. I love you, James Buchanan Barnes," you affirmed.

Bucky surged forward, crashing his mouth into yours with a groan of satisfaction. At first, the kiss was dominant, his lips moving almost feverishly against yours. Then he slowed it down, wanting to convey every ounce of passion he felt for you. He draped your arms around his neck, then pulled you closer into his embrace until you were flush with his body. Your fingers played with the short hairs at the nape of his neck, causing him to shudder. You smiled against his lips, which created an opening for Bucky's tongue to slip in and deepen the kiss, taking you by surprise.

The need for oxygen finally broke the kiss, leaving both of you panting, trying to catch your breath. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," he remarked. "Definitely worth the wait."

You giggled in response. "You don't know how many times I've imagined or dreamed about kissing you. Reality is so much better," you replied.

The two of you stood, perfectly comfortable holding each other, until the balcony door opened to reveal Steve on the other side. He cleared his throat to get your attention, averting his eyes but not before you noticed a teasing smirk on his face. "Uh, Tony wanted me to let you know that it's time for cake and for you to open your gifts. Although...." he trailed off with a grin.

"Hey, punk, show some respect for me and my girl," Bucky playfully growled. Then he turned his attention to you. "You ready to go back out there and show 'em who you belong to?" he asked in a seductive voice.

"Only if you're okay with showing 'em who you belong to," you countered through half-lidded eyes and a sultry smile.

"Absolutely," he agreed. After one more searing kiss designed to make Steve a little uncomfortable, you separated. Bucky took your hand in his, intertwining your fingers and led you both back to the party. When everyone saw your joined hands, cheers arose throughout the crowd in celebration of your happiness. You both laughed when you saw money change hands between a few of your friends, Tony with Natasha and Sam with Steve.

You turned to face Bucky, resting your palm on his cheek and sighing when you felt him lean into your touch. "Happy Birthday, Bucky," you whispered.

Bucky tilted his head to kiss your palm. "Best birthday ever, doll," he remarked.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Tags:

@katelyn--renee @lassie-bird @emoryhemsworth @hintsofhoney @wayward-dreamer @never--doubt @akshi8278 @rooweighton @phoenixisred @krazykelly @imherefordeanandbones @missvelvetsstuff

[imeanitplsmorenamifics]

hihi !!

can you do an Usopp X reader where reader is a much better liar than he is and it always sounds believable—and honestly sometimes it is the truth, so no one realizes until either Y/N tells them it was a lie or it’s too late and they’ve already fallen for it and USO’s just like “… AH—WAS THAT A LIE? YOU LITTLE!” but it’s cute? I dunno how but it’s all silly silly banter

bonus points if despite this, Y/N somehow always falls for Usopp’s lies even when they’re shitty asf 😭

Hey! This was such a great idea! I had a lot of fun writing it. I hope I did it justice for you! I tried to brainstorm and be original with it. Hope you enjoy reading! Summary: When a lying competition gets a little out of hand. Characters: Usopp, GN!Reader, Sanji, Zoro, Nami, and Luffy. Pairing: Usopp x GN!Reader TW: Nothing that I know of.

Liar, Liar

.·:·.✧ ✦✧.·:·.

There is a week that the Strawhat crew officially calls the worst week in hell. Now, you might be thinking that something horrendously bad happened. Maybe there was a series of bad events during that week? Maybe they were stranded on an island for a week and couldn’t leave? Something bad. You would be wrong. Nothing horrible happened during that week… Unless you count a lying competition as something horrible.

It all started with the two resident liars on the crew, Usopp and (Y/N). To say that lying was their specialty would be putting it lightly. They were experts. If anyone could convince you of anything, it would be them. This was useful on multiple occasions, especially with their pirate lifestyle. It was an absolute hindrance when that ability was used against you.

One day, a conversation took place between the two. It was a day like any other day. It was another day out at sea. The crew was bored to death. It was a while before they would reach the next island and they had zero entertainment. They all did things to keep them occupied in the meantime. Zoro polished his swords, Sanji was cooking their lunch, Nami was studying the Grand Line map, and Luffy was sitting on the mast. This left the last two additions of the Strawhat Crew.

“You have a tell when you’re lying,” (Y/N) was on one of the crates on the deck of the ship. Their legs were crossed, and so were their arms. They were giving a stern look to Usopp.

Hearing this from them made the man make a face. This expression clearly said, ‘You’re lying.’ Usopp scoffed with a smile on his face, “No, I don’t. I’ve taught myself to remain perfectly normal,” He locked eyes with them, “If anyone has a tell, it’s you.”

That wasn’t true. They had zero tells whatsoever. They stared at him with a questioning look, “Oh, really? Then what is it?” They knew he wouldn’t be able to name anything. They were confident in their lying skills.

For a few moments, Usopp stumbled over his words, “Well, uh… You do the thing-” (Y/N) hummed, urging him to continue. All that came from him was jumbled-up words that didn’t make sense. It wasn’t long until (Y/N) started giggling. This was all it took to set Usopp off. He nodded to himself and leaned forward, “Okay. How about this… We have a lying competition,” Now (Y/N) was interested. “Whoever can make everyone believe the most outrageous lie wins.”

A smirk took over (Y/N)’s features, “You’re on.”

Just like that, the week started. Both parties started off with small lies. Things like shoes being untied or lying to get out of doing stuff. Then, it started to get bigger. They would lie about forgetting something important or being sick. That’s when (Y/N) decided to take it up a notch. They knew exactly what they could do to win.

In the morning, while they were docked at a new island, everything was calm. The crew was eating breakfast and chatting over what they were going to do that day. The only one not there yet was (Y/N). This wasn’t surprising. They always overslept. What was alarming to the group was when they walked into the room with a panicked expression. With wide eyes, they said, “I can’t find the map.”

The group froze. Nami slowly looked up from her food, “Which map?”

“The Grand Line map.”

Everything went to chaos. They all freaked as they looked furiously around the ship. They came up with nothing. This made them panic more. What could have happened to it? They rarely took it off the ship. When they did, it was always with one of them. They would never take the risk of having it out in the open for someone to take. After more moments of freaking out, one of them took charge.

“Who had it last?” Zoro inquired.

Only one person spoke up, “I was, but I would never lose it.” It was Nami. That wasn’t surprising. She had the map on her at all times. Though, everyone knew she wouldn’t be dumb enough to misplace it somehow.

“Let’s retrace your steps!” Usopp suggested. “If we can find out everything you did yesterday, we can find the map.”

This gave (Y/N) an idea. They pulled out the container the map was usually kept in and looked inside once more. That’s when something caught their eye. They pulled it out for everyone to see. It was a slip of paper. Everyone stared at the slip of paper curiously. (Y/N) scanned their eyes over it before they sighed, “It says that it was taken. They’ll give it back for a ransom.”

“Ransom?” Sanji questioned.

“Maybe we can take it back by force!” A smirk appeared on Luffy’s face.

Shaking her head, Nami asked the question on everyone’s mind, “Does it say who took it?”

Once again, (Y/N) looked down at the note. Their eyes stopped on a particular part of the note, “Hold on, I didn’t notice this before. It says..,” Everyone waited, worried for what they might hear them say. “It says that I lied,” (Y/N) looked up from the note with a grin. They pulled the map out of their bag. “It was right here the whole time.”

All hell broke loose from three people.

“Not this again!” Sanji.

“Can you guys cut it out already?!” Nami.

“This lying competition is getting out of hand.” Zoro.

And Luffy was laughing at the reactions of their crewmates.

Meanwhile, Usopp had a shocked expression on his face, “SO THAT WAS A LIE?” (Y/N) hummed, rocking back and forth on their heels. “YOU LITTLE-”

He was quickly cut off by (Y/N) saying, “I guess this means that I won!”

No response was given. Usopp shook his head with an amused expression. He walked up to them and took the map from their waiting hand. He opened up the map and suddenly froze. He looked at (Y/N) with a serious face, “(Y/N), this isn’t the map.”

Fear filled (Y/N). Everyone else froze when they heard him say this. (Y/N) didn’t know what to say when they heard his words, “But- It should be. I didn’t lose it- I wouldn’t lose it- I had it with me the whole ti-” A grin grew on Usopp’s face. “OH, I HATE YOU!”

Lying competitions were banned after this incident.

[raenizza]

Post-Workout

Sypnosis: Jey pulls up to the house after his long workout with his brothers. He originally planned to be home at an earlier time to help the Reader prepare dinner, but it has been over two hours since. In order to make up for it, he bought her flowers and her favorite candy to sweeten her up for his lateness while also laying down another surprise for her.

Characters/ Pairings: Jey Uso x Reader, Jey Uso x Black Reader, Jey Uso x OC, Jey Uso x Black OC, Jey Uso x Y/N

Word Count: 2,688

Warnings: Cursing, WAP, a little bump and grind, creamy glizzy, and some good ole luvin’

Author’s Note: Hello my loves! It has been a while since I’ve written something so I decided to surprise yall with something short and sweet to read over the weekend. Enjoy 😊

~~

“Aight y’all, I gotta hit the road” Jey says to his brothers after placing down the weights and moving towards the lockers to get his gym bag. 

“Already? Bro we just started” Jimmy chuckles. 

The boys planned to do a quick 3-hour session in, but then 3 hours quickly turned into 5, due to their competitive nature. Jimmy and Solo stopped their routine and stood up from their machines as they watched their brother gather his things. 

“Uce it's just 30 more minutes. It won’t take long” Solo spoke out. 

“Nah man, I gotta go. I promised y/n that I’d be home like 2 hours ago.” Jey responded to them heading in their direction.

“Maaan she goin be aight, we just got finish up this one last set-”

���Listen, yall can get it done without me, aight, I really gotta go. Plus I promised her” 

Jey said to his brothers as hugged them goodbye and sprinted tothe front of the gym.

“Uggggh, fine. But you owe us!” Jimmy said.

“I know, I’ll see y’all later, Love u!” he shouted as he opened the gym’s door.

“Love you too!” They both shouted back.

~

Jey realized how late it was getting and knew that he was going to have to make up for it big time. As he drove out of the gym's parking lot and headed down the main road, he pulled out his phone to give you quick call.

“Hey baby,” he said with such softness.

“Well Well, look who finally called. I was wondering when I was gonna get my husband back” you giggled on the other line.

“Look baby, I am on my way home now, aight. Imma be there in about 15-20 minutes tops.” He responded. 

“Mmhmm you said that, lemme check. about 3 whole hours ago.”

“I know I know I know things just got outta hand at the gym, you know competitive me and my brothers are plus we-” He stopped for a moment as he sat at the stoplight staring at the Target sign that lit up just a few miles down the road. 

“You know what baby, on second thought, make it 30 minutes.”

“THIRTY MINUTES?!?! Why?”

“ Don’t worry, I gotta surprise for you okay, just be ready when I get home.” 

You let out a deep negro sigh.

“Okay, just please come home safe, love” you ended the call. 

You wondered why he was so hesitant to end the call. Hoping that it was an actual surprise and that nothing actually happened to him on his commute home. You got up from the couch and entered the kitchen, looking at the mess you made from the meal you prepared. A small wave of sadness flooded you as you set aside his plate of food. The food looked amazing and came out great, hell it would’ve been perfect if he was here to enjoy it. You and Jey agreed that after his workout session, he’d come straight home and help make dinner, together. Like you always do with him, but sometimes things don’t work out as planned. And that’s okay, but when becomes a frequent occurrence, things start to change.

It’s not that you don’t mind your husband working and getting the things that need to be done, it’s just that some days you want him all to yourself. You want to feel his presence, his love, and warmth but due to the change in his schedule things have been quite difficult. You started to miss your man more often and try to spend every second with him as much as possible. 

After washing the dishes and putting dinner away, you swept up the kitchen making it as clean as possible. As you headed towards the staircase, you heard the machine for the garage door, open, indicating that your man has finally reached home. Excited as you are, you rushed towards the garage eager to grab the doorknob. But it sprung open before you could even get the chance. Jey’s beautiful face pierced out from the doorway. 

“IM HOMEEE!!” Jey said with his arms lifted in the air and the biggest smile on his face. Showing his bottom grills. He hugged and then picked you up all at the same time, flooding you with kisses and nibbles all over your face and neck.

“Ahhh!” you yelped out once he started to playfully bite your cheeks. You pushed him back, looking at the object in his hands.

“Are these for me?” You grabbed the large bouquet of flowers in his right hand.

“They most certainly are. They didn’t have any Roses, so I got these.” You looked at the beautiful bright pink carnation flowers and smiled at the kind gesture. Jey proceeded to go down on one knee, holding the flowers, and looking up to you. 

“Baby, I would like to apologize for my lateness, tonight. It won’t happen again, I promise you.” He handed the flowers to you. “Oh and one more thing.” Held in his other hand were three of your favorite candies. 

“I know you’ve been craving these for a minute now.” He said with a chuckle.  You laughed, grabbed the bouquet and kissed him deeply. 

“Thank you so much, baby. Your apology is accepted and I sure have” Trying to open up one of the candy bars. For a brief moment, the both of you stood there in each other's embrace, his cologne was so strong that even a few hours of the gym couldn’t stand a chance. All you could think of at that moment was how much you missed him. 

“I have one more surprise for you.” He said in a deep tone. Jey lifted you up, bridesmaid style and carried you up the stairs and into the master bedroom. He grabbed the bouquet and your candy from your hands and placed it on the dressing table. He placed you gently on the bed and started to undress you pulling off your sweatpants and t-shirt (his t-shirt to be exact) and worked his way from your beautiful brown thighs all the way up to your gorgeous face covering you with kisses, love bites, and massages. Before he reached your neck, he stripped himself of his clothes, leaving him with just his bright red briefs. You stopped him quickly.

“Wait, hold on baby. You’re not tired from the gym?” you asked with a concerned look.

“I got one more session in me.” He responded, going right back down to you. He finally reached your lips and started to kiss you slowly and intimately. The tip of his tongue swirls against yours as he exchanges saliva with you. You moaned in his mouth with every kiss, feeling him press his body against yours. You felt his dick harden in his undergarments as it grazed perfectly on your entrance. Jey slowly started to grind himself into you, without even stripping you down to your full nude. Kissing you still he grabbed his left hand and slid inside your damp panties, rubbing your already wet folds.

“Mmhmm baby, look at you. Already wet for me,” he said in between kisses. You couldn't help but only moaned as he spoke to you. It’s been a hot minute since you’ve felt like this, his heat mixing in with yours. He continued to rub your entrance, teasing you as his fingers would slide over your clit. You wanted him to pick up the pace just a bit more, and within a second he did. You grind your hips against his thick large fingers. ‘Fuck this feels so fucking good’ you thought. His breath was on your lips as he tempted to slide just one finger in, but he backed down instantly. He pulled his hand out from you and sucked your juices off his fingers. 

“Mmm you taste so good, baby girl,”  he says to you looking at your full lips. “Come taste it” as he kisses you again crashing his tongue once more into your mouth. It felt so good to have him in your face again. You closed your legs and started to shift your position a bit so you can kiss him even deeper. You feel yourself getting warm and hot as he slid his hand underneath grabbing your ass.

“I wanna cum so bad” you whispered on his lips.

“Mhmm, you wanna cum? Mmmmm” he moaned out

“We haven’t done anything yet baby, just kissing makes you wanna cum huh” he moans in your ear. You nodded your head in agreement. 

He pulled away and got up. Positioning himself right in front of you, Jey went straight to taking your panties off to unclasping your bra with the swiftness. He pulled his member out and began smacking it against your pussy lips.  As he slides the tip in, he let his spit fall directly on his shaft before fully entering and then making direct eye contact with you. Growling as your walls start to expand on his girth.

Jey started with slow and steady strokes, making you feel every inch of his dick, watching you moan in pleasure. 

“Oh you taking it baby, you taking that shit.” He says passionately on your lips. You felt him pump in and out of you slowly, making sure you adjust to his size just right. “Mmmm you feel so good.” you moaned out to him, as you dig your nails deeper into his tatted skin. Your eyes began to roll back as his strokes quickened. Moving at a much faster rate, you feel him holding your waist down as he fucks deep into you. You glance at the ceiling for a moment and then look back up to him in awe.  His gold Cuban link dangling over your face. 

“Mhmm mhmm, how that shit feel bae,” he said breathlessly in your ear.

“It. feels. So- mmmmhm.” You replied biting down on your lips and in between his strokes. Him pounding your shit felt so good you couldn’t even get any words out.

Jey slowed down a bit so he can reach his hand down to your pussy to rub your clit. He gently wrapped his free hand around your throat. This sent you over the edge, him pleasuring in ways only you could only imagine. Your pussy felt so good wrapped around his dick, taking him in. He watches you tense up at his strokes and as you moan in ecstasy. 

 “FUCK!.” he groaned to seeing your juices covering his dick, the room filled with wet noises coming from his deep strokes and his thighs slapping against you.

Jey then pulled you closer to him and decided to slow down for a bit, he lowered his head in the vape of your neck kissing it. He pulled back looking at you. 

“Look at my eyes.” You divert your attention from watching his waist and movement to his beautiful face, avoiding eye contact.

“You see how good you make me feel. Just look in my eyes. Can you see my desire for you?” he said in a breathy and lustful tone. You stared at the grills in his mouth, still not looking directly at him like wants you to.

“You see how bad I wanna fuck you. LOOK. AT. ME.” He grabbed your face instantly, forcing contact. You finally looked into his eyes. His beautiful dark chocolate brown eyes. He fucked you even deeper now that he made you look, his pelvis making a deep connection to yours. 

“That’s right baby, Look at me.” He says to you. You sensed your body feeling warm again, as you felt yourself coming close. Jey sensed this too and immediately stopped. “No baby don’t stop please don’t, keep goin.” You begged. 

“Mhmm, baby you gotta put in some work too,” he said as he slid out and laid on his back next to you. 

“C’mere. Come ride me.” He patted his lap signaling you to come. You quickly took position facing him. 

“Uhn Uhn turn around.” Shocked by this you turned yourself around, ass facing him. You arched a bit, so you can grab his tip gently placing it at the front of your entrance.

“Look at that. Look at that,” he says in between slaps on your ass, adoring every inch of you. He grabs your waist pulling you down onto him making it easier for the both of you. You started off slow, moving up and down at a good pace. 

“That’s it, baby. Keep going.” Jey started to grunt and moan. 

“Fuckkk” he whispered under his breath, watching your ass bounce on his dick made felt so fucking good. You felt his dick pulsate inside you, you started to pick up the pace.

“Mmmm yes, Daddy.” You breathed out to him, gripping your hips tiger, keeping that rhythm flowing. Riding him was always a favorite position of his and yours as well. You loved the satisfaction it gave you, his grunts and moans as you bounce on his dick, turns you on the most.

“Mmmhm That ass taking this dick. Gimme that ass baby” Jey growls under you. You proceeded to follow his request, giving him what he wants. Hell he deserves it. 

“ Ooouuu fuckkkk, that ass sounds so good on my dick baby! Shit!” He moaned out, this time slamming himself into you, fucking you right back, deeper and harder. 

From the sounds of your ass clapping echoes in the room, turning you on even more. Then on to the sounds from his Cuban link, heaving on his chest as he watches your ass shake all in his face.

His balls slapping against your clit made you cream so hard that it kept slipping out.

“Get it back in. Get. It. Back. In” he said through gritted teeth. You placed his dick right back at your entrance sliding it in. “Mmmmmm” you moaned out

Jey continued his pace from before but then quickly change positions. Instead of laying on his back, he got up and began hitting you from the back.

“Ouuuu Jey please-” you bawled out as your face is mushed in the mattress. Jey pounded himself into you, ignoring your cries. 

“Baby pleaseeee, please” You shifted your head forward looking at the full-length mirror on the wall in front of the bed. 

You watched your man focused on fucking you from behind. You started to feel yourself reach your climax. He glanced up at you through the mirror.

You try to pull back just for a quick second because of how close you are. 

“You tryna push me away huh.” He says feeling your pussy grip on his dick. He knows you are close.

“Don’t run, cum on this dick baby.” He spoke to you through the mirror.

“Fuccckkkk.” you looked at him

“Cum on it baby, that’s it.” He says grunting. “Ouuu shittttt!!!” you screamed out, closing your eyes and gripping the sheets. You came at the exact moment, as he started to fuck you even harder, reaching his own climax.

“That’s it, baby bust your fucking nut. Let that shit out.” He said fiercely. Jey felt himself reach his breaking point after watching you cum all over him. 

“Fuck I’m close as shit. Damn!” He looks down at the creamy substance covering his dick.

 You realized how much work he was putting in, and wanted to help him out a bit. So you fucked him right back, with the same steady pace. You turned your head around to face him, now locking eyes.

Jey bent down and gave you a quick sloppy kiss. 

“I'm bout to nut! Im bout to fucking- uhhhnnn uhhnn FUCK!!” he whined out grabbing your hips and putting you to a stop.

 “Fuck!” Jey pulled himself out and collapsed right next to you, taking a minute to catch his breath. You follow suit, laying on his tatted chest. Both of you panting on the bed, staring at the ceiling. 

You looked up at him giving him soft kisses on his face. He held you in his arms, kissing you right back. You both stopped and gazed at each other for an instant, embracing each other’s love.

[joshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh]

What I’m Watching - Fall 2022

Remember last season when I just straight up didn’t do this

Chainsaw Man - I think this show’s popularity speaks for itself really

Spy x Family Part 2 - I liked part 1

Mob Pyscho 100 III - AOTY

My Hero Academia Season 6 - Groan.

The Eminence in Shadow - Could be very droppable and is an isekai but from a friend’s description who read the manga adaptation long before the anime was announced this sounds fun, MC more of a chuunibyou that’s hyped as shit to be isekai’d than anything else.

Do It Yourself! - original cute girl anime with fucking dope character designs, actually my second most hyped anime behind Mob

Koukyuu no Karasu - episode 1 of this is already out and I’m gonna watch it shortly so we’ll have a real first impression, but mostly this just sounds pretty interesting and very different so I’m curious really

Bocchi the Rock! - Right behind DIY in terms of hype, read 15 chapters of the manga on the anime getting announced and it seems mostly quite standard cute girls in a band anime which I love, though the fact that it’s Cloverworks specifically has me extra hype because hey they love going lavish with their productions, and I’m all for cute girl shows getting that treatment.

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury - uh-oh I’m watching my first Gundam

Cool Doji Danshi - not really seen many cute boys doing cute things shows so gonna give this a shot because easy to do so plus it airs on a fairly calm day for me plus it’s only got 15 minute eps so hey why not

Management of Novice Alchemist - girls are cute, that’s literally it.

4-nin wa Sorezore Uso wo Tsuku - Honest to fuck this seems very droppable, especially considering it airs on a Saturday as well, but it technically has cute girls and it most certainly has a great voice cast, so I’m gonna give it a shot.

Akiba Maid War - how hype does the title sound alone

Eternal Boys - I will literally die if I don’t watch every idol anime that airs every season

Pui Pui Molcar: Driving School - MOLCAR SEASON 2 BABY WOO

And that’s all of them. They’re fairly spread out over the week for me and there are a fair few there that I wouldn’t mind dropping if they turn out to suck, so this feels comfortably doable. I have no other observations to make here.

[midnight-in-town]

Can you ecommend me any good mangas for these days? If you have also hardly anything to read I can recommend you Fire Punch, Monster and Jiro Taniguchi's works. Stay healthy. Je te souhaite une belle journée

Hey Anon. :)) Sure I can, but aside from recommending you all the series I’ve ever posted or reblogged about, I can’t do much if you don’t tell me what genre you’re looking for? :3 

As for me, I’m good, thank you so much! I have a lot to read (I haven’t read Fire Punch but I know it’s good and I already read Urasawa Naoki’s Monster). (^3^)/ 

First of all, if you’re into animes, here’s a list of anime originals that I can recommend. As for new manga to read, my blog is full of different titles, but again it will really depend on what you enjoy reading?  

I’ll try though, by sorting them into categories and linking to summaries. :) 

The Shonen™ holy trinity + TG

a.k.a Kuroshitsuji, Shingeki no Kyojin, Ao no Exorcist and Tokyo Ghoul. These are titles that you must have seen on my blog if you pass by sometimes, because they’re some favorites of mine. 

They’re not similar stories but still, in my opinion, they are titles that I would recommend to someone if they told me that they enjoyed at least one of these four (see here why).

Anyway, they’re all good series with a mysterious plot & plot twists, a good cast with lots of character development. Also TG is over but the other three are still on going. Check the summaries and don’t hesitate to ask if you’re interested!

The Seinen Must-Read

Yet another batch of favorite titles that I’d recommend if you read either of these three: Berserk, Vinland Saga and Blade of the Immortal (I’m putting Urasawa Naoki’s Monster in this category too).

Please watch out for graphic violence sometimes, but these are famous and popular series, known for their incredible writing & artstyle and they’re truly a delight to read. 

10/10 would recommend, just make sure to check the trigger warnings first, if there are some things that you really can’t read about. 

My weekly series

These are the weekly series that I enjoy checking out: none over, but all very very good and I’d 100% recommend!

Check their summary and see if they can be your next manga to read: Beastars, Golden Kamuy, Chainsawman.

Special rec: if you read & enjoyed Tokyo Ghoul, then you’ll most likely enjoy Beastars. :))

The hilarious series that actually have a serious main plot 

You know what I mean: the kind of series that makes you laugh like crazy with short funny arcs and that you don’t necessarily expect to have a real plot at first, but when it turns out that they do… well, it is very powerful . x)

These series are Gintama, Katekyo Hitman Reborn, Cuticle Detective Inaba and Beelzebub.

I’ll add Spy x Family on the list too, which is a year old by now, but which is of the same type and very enjoyable. :) 

The slice of life series

Best rec of this category gotta be Chihayafuru without a doubt, but if you enjoy the slice of life & chill genre with sometimes comedy and romance, I also have other titles: Yotsubato, Gokushufudou, Koi wa ameagari no you ni, Shimanami Tasogare, Amaama to inazuma and Barakamon.

I don’t know why but these are series I usually read during summer haha, must be their vibes or something. x))

The hidden gems

Don’t know why I’m grouping them together (again, must be a vibe thing because it makes a lot of sense to me, despite the very different plots), but I sure recommend them: these series all have a mysterious plot, some action, slow-building romance, amazing worldbuilding, hella beautiful artstyle… in short I love them. :D 

=> Akatsuki no Yona, Witch Hat Atelier, Song of the long march, Otoyomegatari

Special mention: Blade of the Immortal that I mentioned above could actually fit in this category too (same vibes++), it’s just slightly more violent sometimes.

Did anyone ask for lots of action, as well as sword & gun fights in modern settings?

Because if that’s what you’re seeking, it’d be calling for these series: Gangsta., Black Lagoon and Until death do us part. 

For real, if you’re looking for good & dynamic plots, some adrenaline rush and complex characters, these are the series for you!! Bonus: sexual tension or romance are a thing. 👌👌

The psychological thrillers

a.k.a series that mostly deal with uneasy, difficult and controversial themes like sexual & child abuse, depression, suicide tendencies, murder, etc. ://

Please only check these series out if you feel comfortable with their summary, because they can be disturbing: Oyasumi Punpun, Killing Stalking, Sensei no shiroi uso.

Also don’t hesitate to stop reading if it turns out that they’re not your thing!

Others a.k.a series I read when I was younger so I don’t remember them so well, but I do remember enjoying them

Who knows, maybe they’ll be stories you’ll want to check out, haha: The Breaker, Zombie Loan. :))

TL;DR

…That’s about it? Nah, I’m probably forgetting some titles here and there, but you already have a good list to focus on. Most of these series have a tag on my blog anyway, so feel free to look around. ;)

Also please note that I’m sleep deprived because I worked all night, so I apologize if this is too much and it doesn’t make sense ^^” but I hope you’ll find something worth your time amidst all these titles. :3

Merci d’être passé Anon, je te souhaite une très belle journée également! ^3^ Porte toi bien!!

[thesurpriserollup]

Re-Drafting the 2020 WWE Draft

Note: I will only be putting the superstars who should’ve switched brands or stayed in their respective brands and why. If you don’t see your favorite superstar here it means I agree with the booking decision that was done to switch them to another brand or the decision to let them stay on the brand they were already on. I will be throwing in NXT into the mix just for fun. But it’s Raw & Smackdown superstars going to NXT via free agency.

Billie Kay

Drafted to: RAW/NXT

Okay, I’m already cheating a little bit but hear me out. Imagine Billie in “The Robert Stone Brand” that would just be the perfect match. That team with Billie and Stone, and as long as they recruit more credible talent, would be a fun angle. And if not NXT, I wanted her to stay on Raw. For two reasons. First, I just want “The IIconics” to reunite. Like it was beyond weird to see them split up for no good reason. The second one is, If we don’t get a reunion I want a heated Gentlewoman’s Match between them. Her and Peyton don’t have to have an issue. They could meet in a # 1 contender’s match or a tournament final. I just want them to face off if they’re not gonna reunite soon.

Andrade

Drafted to: NXT (Via Free Agency)

This has been speculated on social media since the draft happened. He’ll probably comeback to NXT and do a Moose-like angle reminiscent of what Impact is doing. Have him comeback with the NXT Title and claim he’s world champion out of the blue. Let me add a little something, I hope he comes back with the original NXT title design with the big “X”. that would be so cool. This booking could thrust him into the main event scene right off the bat while Finn Balor recovers for 6 weeks, at the time of writing, and Kyle O’Reilly as well.

Sasha Banks

Drafted to: RAW

I just want her and Bayley to be apart until the Rumble or ‘Mania. I’m not a big fan of this storyline, I honestly think it should’ve happened years ago so it doesn’t personally appeal to me as much. But, if we’re gonna do it right. Let Sasha win the Women’s Rumble and challenger for the Smackdown Women’s Championship and win it. It’s easy to book. But WWE decided to put her on the Blue brand. Hopefully this storyline doesn’t run out of steam at least until ‘Mania time.

Heavy Machinery

Drafted to: RAW/Smackdown

I’m gonna keep this short and sweet, that’s why I bundled Otis & Tucker together. No offense to both men, but they’re only good as a Tag Team. Otis’s win at MITB was different but realistically he’s not gonna beat whoever’s champion whether it’s McIntyre, Reigns, Orton, Etc. They should’ve stayed together on whatever brand. And Otis should cash in on a Tag Team and let them win the tag titles TOGETHER. Apart both men are gonna flounder in the lower singles card.

Big E

Drafted to: RAW

“The New Day” shouldn’t have split up it’s as easy that. And I know they wanna push Big E to the top but read my “Wave of the Future - Fantasy booking WWE” post here on Tumblr and you’ll know it could’ve been possible still without breaking them up.

Ricochet

Drafted to: NXT (Via Free Agency)

It’s time “The One and Only” comes back home. Imagine bouts with the likes of Damian Priest for the North American Title or better yet a showdown with Santos Escobar for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship. I hate how they book him on the main roster. Just let him come back to where he belongs.

Matt Riddle

Drafted to: Smackdown

I just want his real life animosity with Seth Rollins to become a storyline. As we’ve seen with the Edge/Hardy feud. Real tension makes a good storyline. No other reason than that. I want a hard-hitting but professional contest between these two. They’re professionals after all, I’m sure like with Matt and Edge. They could’ve acted civil enough with each other to put on high-quality matches. And a little side note, Goldberg seems to be on Smackdown so the door is wide open for them still fight each other at a big showcase.

Rey Mysterio

Drafted to: NXT (Via Free Agency)

I just want to see Mysterio Vs. Escobar at a Takeover in a 2 out of 3 falls match for the Title. Is that too much to ask? Santos is running out of opponents, well, credible opponents. Why not inject the Cruiserweight division with probably the Greatest Cruiserweight of all-time in Rey.

Dominik Mysterio

Drafted to: Smackdown

As you might have noticed I split up the Mysterio Father-Son duo. know, I know. He was drafted to Smackdown. But with his Father. I want him to go there alone, on his own. Let him do his own thing, since Smackdown is known as the brand for work horses. Let him have spectacular matches with the likes of Sami Zayn, Shorty G, Daniel Bryan, Etc. This kid needs to pave his own way.

Keith Lee

Drafted to: Smackdown

For the full story, read my Fantasy booking piece. But TL;DR. He could have amazing matches with Sami Zayn and capture the IC title. Defend it until he’s ready to conquer Reigns at the Showcase of the Immortals. I don’t know how they’re screwing him up on Raw but it’s so easy to book “The Limitless One”.

King Corbin - 

Drafted to: RAW

Corbin has done everything he can on Smackdown. Let him be a nuisance on Monday Night Raw. A change of scenery. Fresh matches and just a brand new stomping ground could remedy his already stale character.

Mickie James

Drafted to: NXT

As much as I want her to have a legacy run with either of the Blue or Red brand’s title. It’s not gonna happen. So let’s just put her in NXT. Like Rey, she could elevate young talent like Shotzi Blackhart or Dakota Kai for example. Have amazing matches for the rest of her career maybe even win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles with an up and comer from the yellow brand. Just let Mickie do her thing and end her career in a good way.

Bo Dallas 

Drafted to: NXT (Via Free Agency)

I wanted to “Bo-lieve” that he was the insurgent. I really did. I loved him as NXT Champion. Well, as we know now “The Insurgent” is Ember Moon. But we can still have come back to NXT. Be a mentor to the younger guys. Maybe even be a top contender for the North American Title. Or if Andrade doesn’t want to come back as a sham delusional champion. Why not let Bo Dallas do that, with the original big “X” NXT title design of course, that would be amazing. Just let us #Bolieve again.

Carmella 

Drafted to: RAW

Like Corbin, Carmella needs a change of scenery. She’s doing nothing at the moment. She’s about repackaged as like an “Emmalina” type of character. I think it’s going to work better on Raw since the Red brand is known for having outlandish characters anyway. Maybe a “Fabulous Truth” reunion is in the works too.

Humberto Carrillo

Drafted to: NXT (Via Free Agency)

Humberto had a decent start on the main roster when he first got there but I think he needs to go to NXT. He’s floating around Raw doing random matches. He was part of the Mysterio-Rollins angle but he was nothing more than a footnote. I feel he could be a major player in the Cruiserweight division in NXT. I like the kid he’s so talented. They just have to let him do what he does best and that’s wrestle actually meaningful matches.

Charlotte Flair

Drafted to : NXT (Via Free Agency)

It’s far-fetched in real life or storyline for either main roster brands to not draft Charlotte. But she’s on the shelf right now and it’s quite cool to think that she’d want to sign with NXT because she has unfinished business there. Her NXT Women’s title run was too short for my taste, although in hindsight it resulted in Io Shirai winning the title so that’s good. But I would’ve loved to see her had an extended run in NXT with the crop of talent they have there. She would put on great bouts with Storm, Kai, Lerae and of course Rhea Ripley as well as a one on one rematch with Io Shirai would most likely be in the cards. And hey, Andrade most likely will sign with NXT anyway and they’re a couple and WWE is more open to keeping couples together so that might be a huge factor as well.

Braun Strowman

Drafted to: Smackdown

Reigns needs a credible enough threat after this Jey Uso feud is over. At least until the Royal Rumble. Strowman is the main man to do that. He’s a former Universal champion who didn’t get his due diligence in terms of having the opportunity to earn a rematch to reclaim his title. It’s enough of a reason for him to stay on the blue brand. And besides I don’t want to see him face off against “The Fiend” again over on Raw. It ran it’s course far too long ago.

[deliciousloafbread]

Top Gun (Bubbline-AU) *Top Gun Movie inspired

A/N- I don't own anything of the following: *Adventure Time *Top Gun

Also, i dont know shit about flying but was just entranced at the idea of Bubbline as Top Gun characters- some of you may have noticed but some lines in the movie are also here to contain its originality.

rate and review

this is the first part- second part will be up soon

fanfiction link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12661898/1/Top-Gun

-x-x-x-

TOP GUN

The temperature was good, too good for the US Naval Operator, she was already in her mid-twenties but she still loathes the very existence of the sun. LT. Marceline (Red Fury) Abadeer likes to fly her Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, one of Ooo's fastest strategic reconnaissance aircraft. There were only 3 produced and is yet to be released for mass production. How did she acquire this 33,000,000 USD treasure? All thanks to her father who is the Captain of Nightosphere Airbase. She doesn't want to become like him, she only wants to fly and play her music—but having to boss people around was also a tempting idea to her.

"Hey, Marcy!" her Radar Intercept Officer LTJG Lisanna (Lumpy or LSP) Peterson called her as she glanced around the ship that they were into. She looked at her purple haired partner who was zipping her jumper and said, "Nice of you to join me," she grinned at her who grimaced at her in return, "I certainly don't enjoy this but we have a mission to do." She took out her phone and frowned, "We still don't have the confirmation yet?" Marceline asked as she ran a hand to her hair before tying it to ponytail, "Nope," popping the 'p' "We probably have to finish this in order for us to be one of the tops and to join Top Gun, you know how our fathers feels about this—oh mah glob, so crazy! Like their whole life would be over if we're not able to be at the top!" she whined dramatically at her monologue at Marceline who nodded. Of course, she knows it's hard—LSP's father is the current senator who was a former Captain at the Lumpy Space Airbase, her father and LSP's had a long way back then.

"Where's Bongo and Keila?" Marceline asked LSP who shrugged, "I don't know, man—Keila's been acting pretty weird lately, don't cha think?" she asked Marceline, trying to fish another gossip in which Marceline glared at her, "I don't know, let's just board this thing and wait for our orders to fly." She rolled her eyes at her partner who muttered, "You are such a fun sponge, Marceline—I swear to glob!"

Marceline and LSP were partnered up for the most obvious reason: because of their fathers. And it's a burden that they have to carry for the rest of their lives even though Marceline wants Keila to be her navigator—Keila is Marceline's bestfriend, and among all people, she's the one who could understand her the most.

The both of them were already in their jet, waiting for others when they saw Keila and Bongo got inside the hangar, Keila and Marceline grinned at each other before Marceline closed her hatch (the windows of her aircraft were highly tinted for security reasons) when the two pairs are now aboard with their respective aircraft, they received their orders from the radio and it rarely occurred to them but the orders were directly from the Captain.

"This is from USS Devil's Wing" Marceline cringed at the name of their ship, "I repeat this is from USS Devil's Wing CV 666, we have two hostile aircrafts on our airway, I repeat, two hostile aircrafts on our airway. Scare them off, do not fire unless fired upon. I repeat, do not fire unless fired upon, Devil's Wing out."

There was a static before everything went silent. The jet started ascending, flying into the clear sky of United States of Ooo, this was Marceline's favourite part in flying—the ability to fly in the sky like a god looking at his creation, she smiled at her view. She looked at her monitor and noticed a dot moving towards her center.

"LSP, let's do this," Marceline said, her voice turning husky and deep with the oxygen mask, her eyes full of confidence and thrill, she was wearing the prescribed flight suit, black jumper, with her wings—a pin, or privilege that they always bring with them—their pride, her name tag was knitted on her left side of the chest and the other side was the USO's air seal. (United States of Ooo)

LSP looked at her monitor and radar as she stated, "contact 20 left at 25, 900 closures." She then proceeded to follow the direction of the dot that was in her screen, "I still can't see the other one."

Marceline nodded, "I'll I.D. him, and you guys hook him." She ordered to Bongo and Keila who were boarding the Modified M14-A Tomcat. "Copy," Bongo immediately responded as he peeled to the left side of the sky while Marceline flew to the right where the sighted hostile jet was.

"This is Nightwing," LSP said over to the speaker, Nightwing was the name of their Lockheed SR-71 "We are closing fast." She said as she looked at her monitor and noticed that they were very close at the enemy's area of flight, "This is Nightwing, contact one Bogey, 090 at 15 miles, 900 knots of closure!" Marceline on the other hand kept her eye on the sky, still waiting for the hostile jet to appear.

"Look for the trailer," Keila said on the other line, LSP looked around, at her radar and to the transparent window, all she could see were the white clouds in their vicinity, "I don't see anything, you have a trailer, Red Fury?" she asked her partner, "Flying in combat spread, 1 mile abeam, uhh—" she looked at her Airspeed Indicator and repeated, "Flying in combat spread, 1 mile abeam and we're actually higher now."

She could feel her father hissing at her sudden loss of thought but she couldn't blame him, she was starting to feel nervous about the unknown aircrafts that were nowhere to be seen but are already detected in their radars.

"Negative, Red Fury," LSP interjected her thoughts, "Looks like he's single!"

As if on cue, a MiG 18 (Northrop F5E, a single seat mini-aircraft) appeared, there were no flags, no identity at the moment since it was all jet black, it passes on Bongo and Keila's Scream Queen and out of impulse, Bongo maneuvered the aircraft to the direction of MiG 18.

Marceline saw what happened and sees another MiG 18 following Scream Queen on her tail, she gritted her teeth, "Who the hell are these people?" she swings after the second MiG while LSP calculates their next move.

Then all four aircrafts—jets spring into power dive with each onto each other's heads, Marceline cursed inside her head when a sudden blip-blip-blip rang in their monitor when she was about to close to the 1st MiG 18.

"Fuck! I got six strobe; I think he's locked on us!" LSP cursed under her breath as she looked at Marceline who remained silent.

"It's a fucking MiG 18—they don't have missiles!" Bongo cursed back as he stayed still; panic already rising in his body.

"Let's just hope you're right, like oh my glob!" LSP panicked when she saw in the radar that the other MiG 18 was already close to them.

Bongo swings mad spinning, cutting back and forth across the MiG's tailpipe, trying to disengage the lock the MiG has on their jet. "Damn it!," he cursed, "I can't shake him!" He snapped his neck trying to calm himself. Marceline looked at Scream Queen bewilderled, what are they planning to do? Can't they understand the situation?!

"What's he doing?" Marceline asked to her partner who sighed, "I don't know, man—you know how Bongo is when he's panicking," she said as she looked back at her monitor after glancing at the jet before them.

They were still following the one tailgating Scream Queen when they heard another load of blip-blip-blip a warning that they are in great danger. "Fuck! It's a missile lock!" LSP cursed; again as she glanced at Marceline who nodded, beads of sweat are already sliding on her pale face.

"I got you, Scream Queen." She said as she flipped the jet up and was now missile locked at the two MiG 18. It was what she calculated when the other MiG 18 who was tailing her came close, LSP, relieved grinned at their victory, "Good one!"

"This is Nightwing to Scream Queen, these hostile jets are turning away." She said over the line but the Scream Queen lunged forward, following the two hostile planes.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS HE THINKING!" LSP exclaimed as Marceline bit her lip, "We need to follow them," she said as she maneuvered to her right following the three jets—the two MiG's were now at the tail of Bongo and Keila's jet as they separated at the center and met at the back of Scream Queen. Bongo's Tomcat disappears into the thin cloud while the two MiGs followed, Marceline completely on their tail.

Breaks out of cloud, looks around, The MiG18 pilot is startled. There is nothing, no jets. He scans the sky frantically, while rolling the aircraft. ...Suddenly, he feels a presence. He looks straight up and behind him. A few feet away, a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird slides into position canopy to canopy, an incredible feat of flying. Red Fury stares at him. Marceline slides even closer, canopies nearly touching. The MiG pilot acknowledges them with a weak wave. Mareline stares for a moment, and then flips the MiG pilot off in which LSP cackled.

The two MiG's flew back to where they came from and Marceline smirked, "That was fun," she exhaled the stress and worry that she felt earlier and she can hear Keila on the radio, "Speaking of fun, fuel's down to 4.0—we need to go down," she said to Bongo who remained silent.

Marceline nodded at the communication and said, "I'm hungry for some red, let's all go down!' she said happily as she prepared for landing when they almost reached the deck she then noticed that Bongo and Keila's communicator were off. "Where the hell are they?" she asked LSP who shook her head, "Bongo must have had a panic attack!" she shouted, Marceline turned around and said, "Let's turn around—give me the proper angles and numbers!" she calmly said at LSP when her father's voice resonated the radio, "This is Devil's Wing—do not fly back to Scream Queen, DO NOT fly back to Scream Queen—failure to do so will be deemed punishable and is unfit to go to Top Gun, do you understand?" he said sternly, Marceline was never a listener, she was a doer, "Nope, this one's on me." She smirked at her reply when she didn't get any response from LSP who remained frozen—she was afraid of Hunson Abadeer for sure but Marceline isn't a fan of her father—so to speak.

They went back in the air despite her father's orders and their state of fuel but Marceline's main goal was to save her colleagues who remained frozen in the air when she noticed that they were flying still, but inverted.

"What the hell are you guys doing?!" she shouted on her radio when Keila spoke, "We are running out of fuel and it seems like Bongo is out of his mind!"

Marceline flew higher above Bongo who stopped; his jet floating below Marceline's who was now also inverted.

"Look buddy," she said at the radio, "We're also inverted!" she joked, "You're gonna be fine, okay?"

She asked him, "Red, I don't think I can land—I forgot!" he said as he ran a hand to his hair, "I don't know what's wrong with me!" he bit his lip—so much that it bled. "What should I do? It feels like I'm dying!"

Keila on the other hand blinked, "Bongo, we're fine," she puts a hand on his shoulder, Bongo starts shaking, "I don't know, man-"

Marceline nodded in understanding, this could be the cause of his anxiety earlier. "Okay, Ghost" she called him using his code, "We got your back," she looked at her fuel and sighed when she heard her father on the monitor, "Marceline for God's sake you-" she turned the communication system from the tower and heard LSP gasped, "You did not!"

"I can't risk the lives of our friends over his selfish request, he just don't want to ruin this beautiful jet," she rolled her eyes at the cowardly LSP who squirmed, "Whatever you say, let's just do this." She sighed in defeat, there's no way arguing with Marceline—she always wins.

"Can I just eject?" Bongo asked out of desperation, he completely forgot how to ride the jet and Keila can't fly since her training was all on navigation.

"Are you stupid?" LSP screamed, "Look at the weather and try to eject! There's zero chance that they'll see you! Just put the goddamn airplane down and we'll lead you to it!"

Keila gulped, "Just follow them, we'll be alright."

Bongo blinked, "If I land this thing—you'll have my ass, Abadeer." Marceline smirked, "Sure I'll do."

They landed the plane with Marceline's instruction and LSP's constant yelling over the monitor but the time they landed, Marceline was greeted by her father who was wearing his uniform (suit) and glares at the four of them, "On my office, now!"

-x-x-x-x

The four of them were in the office of Capt. Hunson Abadeer, his office was huge—medal and trophies of his achievement were adorned like they were some sort of a rare treasure to mankind in which Marceline never dreamed of having. Hunson shook his head in disbelief when he looked at Bongo, "What the hell are you trying to do?" he asked him who remained still, "You almost got your colleagues killed by following the MiGs and your anxiety attack!" he yelled, "You and Keila are our top students who will go to Top Gun! If the superior hears about this-"

"We're not going," Bongo stopped Hunson's monologue, Marceline blinked, "What?!"

Keila held Bongo's hand in support, "I'm pregnant—" she broke off the news, Bongo gripped hers tighter, "And what cause my attack was that—I almost got my girlfriend and child dead."

Marceline blinked, again. When LSP took out her phone already typing the gossip that she was about to spread to her classsmates in flight class, this is gonna be so juicy! She thought, two of the high ranks were humping and nobody knew a thing until now? This is so the gossip!

Keila and Bongo took of their pins and saluted at Hunson, "We're sorry for this, sir." They said as if they already practiced the confession, "But I think they deserve it more." Keila glanced at Marceline who was still in shock, "They worked their asses off to impress their fathers, I think it's time to let their light shine through Top Gun," she winked at her best friend who grinned at her, Hunson on the other hand stood still, and sighed.

"I have no choice then," he said as he gave Marceline a stern look, "Don't mess things up, I will not be there to clean your shit."

Marceline rolled her eyes, if I know, you chose them because you don't want to embarrass the Abadeers who worked hard in the airforce for 50 decades.

LSP hugged Marceline, "Oh. my. glob," she paused for a dramatic pause, "We're going to Top Gun!"

-X_X_X_X-

Marceline and LSP entered the airbase with smug look on their faces, they were donning their Top Gun flight suit which was in color navy green, on their chest was Nightosphere, below it was their name tag, and the other side of the chest were their position. On their shoulders were their epaulets and the left collar were their pins, Marceline's hair was on a ponytail while LSP's was on a bun. They opened the room towards their classroom and saw the pictures of the Top Guns of each batch. She saw her father's and frowned at him, Don't force yourself into something that you don't want Marceline—you're just here to have fun. No pressure. She said to herself as she tried to calm herself down, in the first row of the seat was where Finn Mertens was seated and from what LSP (the town gossip) had told her this morning, it was his brother who was seated next to him, which was his partner.

Marceline and LSP were seated at the back of the class when their instructor came in, he was tough-looking, in a blue flight suit, his hair has strips of red and white—he was the Legendary Peppermint Butler. Marceline's father had told her about him, how he fought an army of jets and survived, alone and unharmed—he was one of Marceline's inspirations into flying.

"Welcome," he greeted them who smiled at him enthusiastically , "Welcome to Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School—you guys are the best of the all the best, each year we produce highly equipped and elite students who are all accomplished in their chosen route of flight, for this year there are only 10 of you." He looked at them one by one and Marceline couldn't help but feel giddy when she made eye contact with him. Peppermint looked around at the 10 students, this would make up 5 flying units, "Listen up!" he exclaimed at the class, "You're the best of the best, the elite of all the elites, and we're gonna make you better!" he paused to breathe his old age finally catching up with him, "With the tensions in the world today, the potential for confrontation is greater than ever, and carrier pilots will be the first ones there. Air combat excellence is vital. Someone once asked me if training men for air combat made the world less safe-flying loaded guns... an accidental confrontation and so forth."

Marceline looked around to see Finn smiling at her coldy, "My answer is: the dangerous thing is being unprepared. You want trouble, that's what you get when things don't work out, when you can't do what you say you can. When you don't know what you can do. And when your opponents aren't sure either. We are not policy. We don't make policy. Elected officials ...civilians, do that. We are the instrument of policy. The tip of the spear. So we had best be sharp." Marceline then looked at the back and there were men who were in blue flight suit just like what Peppermint was wearing, they were clearly the instructors that they had to face, Marceline came back to her senses when LSP pinched her leg to realize that Peppermint stopped talking, "You," he pointed at her and she stood up,"Do you think you're gonna be the best?" he asked her, completely referring to his speech in which Marceline had blacked out.

"Yes sir," she said, proud.

Peppermint nodded in amusement, "Of course, we've got to know who's the best too," he then pointed at the wall were the portraits of each elite were posted, "That's why we have those plaques hung over there, with the Top Gun crew from each class. You see someone familiar there?" he asked again, Marceline nodded.

She saw Finn's eyes widened for a moment and it was a first time that she felt proud carrying her father's blood within her.

"Considering your bloodline—that's pretty arrogant don't you think?" he asked her, again, she was being belittled in his vision but she paid no mind, instead she shrugged her shoulders and smirked at him, "I must be,"she replied coolly.

Peppermint smirked, "I like that in a pilot." Which erupted laughter from the class, "You have to be confident even in times of danger, also keep in mind the other component of success and that is teamwork, you may take your seat." Marceline let out a sigh of relief as LSP rolled her eyes at her, "Listen up, will you?!" she scolded Marceline who remained impassive.

_X_X_X_

To commemorate their success, they went to party in a bar named Gunter's Bar where they saw their classmates in Top Gun—What is Top Gun? The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is where the best of the best were enrolled in each airbase all over the country to refine their elite flying skills. One knows that one goes to Top Gun when the student wears another pin next to their original one, it was a pin of the wings of jet stuck together in the middle it's made of silver and it is pinned below the pilot's gold pin.

Gunter's Bar is where mostly pilots would come to have a drink or party. LSP arrived wearing a purple dress, her pins where on the side of her left chest and was already clung on another pilot's arms when they arrived. Marceline on the other hand was wearing her white uniform (since she believed that a pilot's uniform is their business card in which she agreed since most people in the bar were in their uniforms), white short-sleeved polo with her respective 3 star epaulets, wings with a star pin (the same as LSP's) and her Top Gun pin, when she arrived all eyes were on her. Every year the new students of top gun would only range to 14-16 per class and it was indeed a privilege to be part of it. She smirked at those who looked at her in fascination or with jealousy.

She was sitting alone in a bar when a sandy boy offered her a drink and saw his pins, he was also a student at Top Gun, "You must be the infamous Marceline Abadeer," he said as Marceline accepted his drink and smirked at him, "You'll never know." He shrugged his shoulders and looked at her, "Pleased to meet you, I'm Finn Mertens from Ooo's Center of Aviation," he offered his hand, OOOCA was the other big thing next to Nightos and Marceline took the hand of her rival, "Nice to meet you, too." She said as she shook his hand briefly before letting go. She stood up and noticed the height difference between them, she was taller and it was clear that she was older than him. This kid must be a prodigy. She said to herself when he talked, "You know that pink lady over there?" he asked as he pointed at the direction of a woman sitting at the farthest corner opposite to them, she was wearing a leather jacket, white cotton shirt underneath, her hair on a ponytail, she was also wearing a white Gucci shoes, she was holding her phone completely looking disinterested at the people around her and Marceline swore that she was the most interesting thing here tonight.

"Yeah, what about her?" Marceline asked, trying to keep her cool as she drank the whole drink Finn has given to her. "She rejected me the moment I came up to her as I offered her a drink—can you come and talk to her?" Marceline glanced at him, trying to give him a Are-you-serious-look , which he dismissively said, "I'm not trying to use you or something but I've been told that you're great with the ladies," he then smirked at her, "I'm not just so sure about that." He said as he drank his drink, smiling—no grinning as if he was provoking her.

"Wanna bet, you pussy?" she asked him, Finn raised his brow, "Sure, what would it be?" he asked her as he sat on the stool next to Marceline, "If I get her number tonight, you'll be my training partner for tomorrow's activity."

Finn nodded as it was the easiest request, "Sure,"

-X_X_X_X_X_X-

Marceline kept her cool when she sat next to the pink haired woman who continued sipping her drink; Marceline ran a hand to her hair when she asked the bartender to get her usual drink.

"You're not a regular here," she said to the pink haired woman who glanced at her briefly before going back to her phone, "I sure am, I don't usually go here." She said when she noticed Marceline's pins, this is it! She smirked to herself now that she got the interest of the pink haired woman.

"That must be it then," she said as she now looked at her and was more than mesmerized at the pink haired woman's beauty because of her eyes, her eyes were of cold blue—nothing like she had seen before unlike her gray, dull, eyes.

"I'm Red Fury," she grinned as she introduced herself, in which the pink haired woman nodded, "I see—you must be that pilot who does nothing but object and willingly disrespect the orders of her senior—the daughter of Hunson Abadeer?" she asked, trying to tick the girl off her. She clearly doesn't have any time for this.

Marceline blinked at the information that the woman have, how is she able to grasp such infos?! She laughed, "That is me- I must be really infamous, huh?" she asked her and the pink haired woman smiled, "Must be," she replied. The two were left in silence except for the loud music oozing from the dance floor, "What's your name?" Marceline finally asked.

"Bonnie," she stood up as she leaned towards Marceline and fixed her insignia, "It's been fun to be here and chat but I have to go," she lets go, teasingly and winked at Marceline who was about to chase her "Can I walk you out?" she asked, but the pink haired woman whose back was facing her said, "I'm with someone," she paused to look back at Marceline, "I'll see you around.", then disappeared in the crowd.

She looked at Finn who was smiling at her smugly and kept it within herself that he's not worthy of punching his stupid face. But Marceline isn't the type to easily give up; she gave Finn the finger before going outside to follow the pink haired woman.

-X_XX_X_X_X_X-

Outside the bar, she was assisting her friend towards her boyfriend who did nothing but smiled at her offering her a small thanks as he slid her into his car and drove off. The pink haired woman sighed at the rudeness and got inside her car, she started it and was about to drive off when a figure appeared from behind.

"Hi, I thought that you're with her—" the figure said as they rose from the back, the pink haired woman yelped, "What the-" she almost hit the car into the nearby pole, she then pulls up and glared at her, "You!" she yelled, "What the hell are you doing here?!"

"Everyone's got to be somewhere." She smiled at her trying to charm her but it didn't work, instead she was being glared at, "If you don't get out of my car I'm going to tell the police about this!"

Marceline blinked, feigning defeat. "Fine—" she said as she ran a hand to her hair, "I'm sorry—it's just that I never met someone so pretty and elegant before and it's only you who got me like this." She mumbled as an apology but she then rolled her eyes, "I overheard you and Mertens betting on me, so whatever you're saying—it won't work, good night!" she raised her brow at Marceline who sighed, "You can think that my intentions are unpure, Finn just ticks me off and I don't want to look like a stupid face. I'm sorry if you thought about that." She said as she got off the car and the pink haired woman drove away into the night.

-x-x-x-x-

Marceline was sitting on the front row when LSP sat next to her it's been a week since their classes had started and they have yet to meet their final instructor, "I heard you got rejected last week," she whispered, the raven haired girl jolted at the news, "Who told you that?" she asked in a whisper and her partner just shrugged, "I hear everything, Marcy," she replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Simon Petrikov came inside, silencing the whole class, he was another flight instructor who pioneered the formation of fighter jets in USO, he was also Marceline's uncle. He smiled at her in which she did in return.

"Good morning, class." He greeted courtly, "In this class we will be dealing with F-5's and A4's, as our MiG simulators. Technically the F-5 does not have the thrust to weight ratio of the MiG-18-it also does not bleed energy below 300 knots like the MiG-18 does. The A4 does not turn as well as the MiG-17 but has significantly better visibility." All eyes were on Simon that they didn't notice the back door opening, he noticed the new instructor came and beamed at her, "Hello, Princess" he called the woman who entered the room, except for Marceline who is still engrossed with her notes. LSP looked at the center of attention and gaped, she ribbed Marceline who glared at her and looked at the one who she was looking at she stares at her as she walked passed her without acknowledging her presence and Marceline turned her head down in embarrassment, it's her!

The pink haired woman stopped in front next to Simon, she was wearing a pink button up with white collar, black blazer with a black pencil skirt.

"Class, this is Bonnibel Bubblegum—codename Princess," he glared at the class who were looking at her intently, "Now she's not your ordinary pretty looking fellow, she has a Ph.D in Astrophysics, Masters in Thermodynamics—she's our civilian contractor so don't salute at her, alright?" he asked the class who nodded at him—some were staring at the beautiful woman in front of them.

Marceline on the other hand nodded and directed her attention to the powerpoint presentation presented to them by Princess, Marceline diligently took notes as she talks about the machine's technicals, tactics, and the MiG's—she was directly intent into learning something and it wasn't a new thing to LSP, Marceline was very studious when it comes to things that she likes, and part of her wants to know what's with the weird tension surrounding her and the pink woman but couldn't make herself ask.

"I think I have some new data for you...Now a MiG 18 has a problem with the inverted flight tanks. It won't do a Negative G push over. Even below one G, they risk a flame out. Operationally, they will do a zero to one G only." She paused for a moment when she saw Marceline shaking her head, disagreement was written all over her face. But she decided to continue, "The latest intelligence shows that the most they will do in operation is one…" Finally she stopped when Marceline whispered something to LSP who nodded, "Is there something wrong, Lieutenant?" she asked the raven haired woman who nodded, "There is," she started as she glanced at her partner, "I don't think that your information is correct—about the MiG 18," she rubbed her neck.

She tilted her head in confusion; all eyes were on Marceline as Simon who was in the back observing, blinked.

"I beg your pardon?" she asked, it was a first of her to be corrected by a mere student—it was a first of her to be questioned, to be proved wrong.

"I saw two MiG 18s," she replied coolly as she spun her pen using her fingers, her elbows propped on the desk while the other hand was on her knees, Marceline was leaning on her desk and Princess couldn't help but thinkat how cute this student of hers looked.

"And?" she asked, trying to make Marceline elaborate what she saw.

Marceline looked at Finn who was glaring at her, he was probably jealous at the attention that she was getting from the hot teacher—she couldn't blame him, she was one hell of a head-turner.

"I saw a MiG 18 do negative dive," she proclaimed like it was a daily occurrence to her to see a MiG 18 do a flip, but Bonnibel Bubblegum doesn't believe her. "Where did you see that?" she asked.

Marceline smirked, "That's classified information," she said coyly as LSP grinned at her.

"It—It's what?!" Bonnibel couldn't believe the nerve of this woman, she was still playing Ms. Romantico and she even looked proud at her flirting skills, she shook her head when she saw in her peripheral view that Mr. Petrikov stiffened.

"If you'd know, then I'd have to kill you," she said slowly, trying to seduce the pink haired woman who remained still, the men in the back chuckled, and Simon blushed from embarrassment because of his niece, "Red Fury!" he stood up from his seat, "What the hell are you trying to prove here?!"

Marceline glanced at him for a mere 5 seconds before looking back at her teacher who stood still, expression on her face remained stoic, like she was thinking of something.

You can handle this, Bonnie—you just have to be calm and overbearing, do not let this stupid love-struck student get into your nerves, she glanced at Mr. Petrikov who sat back on his seat, shaking his head in disdain. She has been warned at the arrogant and cocky behaviour of his niece but didn't think that it would go this far.

"Lieutenant," she started, her voice was commanding but still gentle, "I have a special clearance. The Pentagon sees to it that I know more than you." She looked at Marceline's eyes with seriousness and determination—she has to know this information, whether it's real or not.

"I was on his six when it happened," she answered her briefly, Bonnibel blinked, how is that possible? "You were on his six while he was doing a negative 4 G?" she disseminates, Marceline shrugged her shoulders, "Yup, I was directly above him."

She bit her lip, "If you were directly above him, how did you see him?" she asked, again, hands on her hips—completely doubtful at the statements given to her by the pilot.

"I was inverted."

The whole room erupted into laughter at how ridiculous Marceline sounded.

But Bonnibel remained stoic, there were to things that was on her mind right now. Either Marceline is a good liar or she is an outstanding pilot.

"You were in an inverted dive with a MiG 18?"

Marceline and LSP looked at each other, Marceline nodded.

"At what range?"

LSP answered with a proud, "2 miles," before Bubblegum could ask more, "one and a half meters—I even have a photo!" she said as she was about to fish her phone from her pocket but was stopped by Bonnibel with a dismissive wave.

"What were you doing up there?" Bonnibel sat on her seat, Marceline leaned out from her desk and answered, "I was giving him the finger for being an ass to my colleagues," she smiled, "he just waved at me. It was weird."

The class laughed as Bonnibel shook her head in amusement—this Marceline girl is something. She thought as she thanked Marceline for her- pleasant participation and continued her lecture about aerial physics.

-x-x-x-x-

Class had ended and Bonnibel directly went out, Marceline followed after her—"Bonnie!" she called, Bonnibel blushed at her nickname and the other flight instructors looked at her weirdly—it was a rule in Top Gun that you should and only be called with your codename and you should never reveal your nickname to a student, she looked at them in embarrassment as she halted, "What do you want?" she asked Marceline who smiled at her, "Why didn't you tell me that you're an instructor? If so, I shouldn't have followed you to your car and snuck in there—I should have just waited for this day instead of moping that I didn't get your number." She pouted, trying to act cute at her instructor who remained unfazed, she pulled her inside her office as she avoided the curious gazes that she received from the other instructors. She then locked her door and looked at Marceline who is still pouting.

"It never came up," was her answer as she settled her things on her table, Marceline who was still pouting answered, "You make me look like a fool."

Bonnibel smiled, "You seem to be determined to do that anyway," she laughed as she sat on her table and looks at Marceline who was leaning on her door, arms crossed. Bonnibel scrunched her eyebrows at the crooked collar on Marceline's flight suit and walked towards her, reaches for her collar and fixed it, she could hear Marceline ragged breathing, "Why can't you get this straight?" she asked her as she looked her in the eyes and was happy that she still got her effect.

"You better prepare for your stimulation," she winked at her as she got out leaving a furiously blushing Marceline.

-x-x-x-x-

Marceline was inside the Stimulation Control Room with LSP following her, she asked LSP about Bonnibel Bubblegum in which LSP directly gave her details about the pink woman—too much details.

Bonnibel Bubblegum is a class A pilot who decided to quit because it was just a passing passion—and she was only 16 at that time—she took her Ph.D in Astrophysics in Princeton University and at the same time was with her Masters in Thermodynamics in Harvard University—she graduated at the age of 23. Marceline shook her head at the genius who she was pining for—how the hell am I going to top that?! She asked herself as she arrived at the SCR, Bonnibel was already there—since it was her creation after all.

"Hello," she greeted them, "the others were already done for this activity and we'll compare your scores with them after your stimulation, alright?" she was wearing her outfit earlier but this time she was also wearing her lab gown.

"Abadeer," she called her last name at the same time smiling, "you go first," she ushered her to the seat. She examined the room and in front of her were 6 computers, filled with tapes and other wires that she couldn't trace where it belonged to. She looked at the cockpit and started doing her usual thing. Bonnibel was at her back giving her directions, "Now show me what you did with the MiG 18."

Marceline barely nodded as she did what she was told and Bonnibel watched in awe. To say that Marceline is good is understatement, she is a prodigy.

The jet lurches and bumps, the noises and bumps felt real and Marceline was amazed at the technology, She saw a MiG—got to its tail and everything happened fast—in a blur the MiG exploded as she was forced to stop by Bonnibel who looked amazed. Too amazed for her own liking.

"You—you broke the whole damn thing!" LSP exclaimed—somewhat happy that she doesn't have to do the stimulation anymore. Her phone rang and then excused herself.

Marceline rubbed her neck in embarrassment, she hates this feeling—the feeling of overdoing things. She frowned at Bonnibel who was still in shock, "Sorry about this, Princess." She said as she looked at the ground, feeling guilty.

Bonnibel shook her head, eyes still wide, "You—you broke the template, no one ever did that before." She said slowly, as if she was trying to wake herself up.

Marceline laughed nervously, she was used to the compliments and praises but it felt weird coming from the pink haired woman.

"What—what is it about you?" she asked her as she looked her in the eyes, they were only a meter away from each other.

"I don't know," she shrugged, Bonnibel leaned out and checked the wirings of the stimulator, "You're far too aggressive." She said as she sighed, "Well, it is combat." She said, trying to make a point, "Every second counts."

Bonnibel puts her hand on the pocket of her lab gown while the other one was on her hips, "The hottest moves in the world aren't gonna help you if you wind up alone. Your wingman's got to be able to follow you. Trust you. Know that he can depend on you. It's more than just fancy flying." she bit her lip as she examined Marceline's expression—her face was now red—either from blushing or embarrassment, she couldn't tell.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, Bonnibel blinked as she tilted her head, "What for?"

"For earlier, for being so forward with you. I shouldn't be doing this—I should have respected our grounds with each other—you are my instructor and I am your student, I should have not acted that way with you. We are in a learning ground," she looked her in the eyes, "I am sincerely sorry."

Bonnibel smiled, "Apology acknowledged and accepted."

Marceline blinked, fazed at the instant forgiveness, "That's it?" she asked.

The pink haired woman laughed, "What else do you want?" she crossed her arms at the same time tapping her right feet.

Marceline smirked and exhaled, "You." She winked, Bonnibel shook her head, "There you go again with your moves."

"Was I too agressive?" she asked her as she wiggled her eyebrows.

"I work here, Red Fury" she rolled her eyes, "Let's keep it professional."

Marceline looked at the ceiling, to the ground, before meeting the eyes of her instructor, "Come on!" she whined as she walked towards her instructor whose other brow was raised, "I'm asking you out! Why could you say no to someone like me?" she playfully teased Bonnibel who chuckled, "How about this," Marceline started, "How about anything—anything that you wanted to do," she started listing the things that someone like Bonnie would want, "coffee, walk in the park, a drink.." the list goes on as Marceline continued talking until Bonnibel stopped her, "How about the plane?" she asked— it wasn't the first time that Bonnibel was asked by another pilot—"What plane?" she asked her, "You know—most of the pilots that would ask me out would take me to their plane, make me play with the buttons and levers," she stated.

Marceline made a disgusted face, "Are those men really that cheap?!" she exclaimed, "No-uh, Princess," she waggled a finger, "I'm not like them, like I told you." She grinned at her, "You're actually slow to engage but I know you'll come around."

Bonnibel looked at the time and gasped, "I still have a lot to do!" she started pushing Marceline out towards the exit but failed since Marceline is stronger, "Let's make it at eight, alright?" she smirked at her as she let Bonnie drag her off, "Make what?!"

"Anything." She stopped when she was only three steps away from the door, defeat reigned on Bonnie's face as she sighed, "Okay, tomorrow at eight. Now go! I have work to do!" she finally was able to push Marceline out of the room and leaned on the now- locked door.

Marceline was hard as a rock—a first for Bonnie to encounter—and she's loving it.

[andinewton]

Healing the Hurt - Avengers Redemption Series - Part Two - Chapter 60 - Epilogue 6

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

Pairings: Bucky x Amelia (ofc)

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

Word Count:  151372 (complete with additional epilogues added)

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

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

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

Master List

Chapter 60 - Epilogue 6 - Christmas Take Two!

Summary:  It's Bucky and Amelia's second Christmas together and the team are planning on spending it together, of course we all know how well their plans go by now...

Warning:  Slightly more detailed, yet still not too graphic, portrayal of Georgie’s birth.

This year they were having Christmas. This year there would be turkey and all the trimmings. There would be presents under the tree. There would be arguments over stupid little things, and they would all spend it together…so long as there were no emergencies this year they would all spend it together. Everyone on the team had a drawn different task for the event; a different aspect of the meal to prepare, or on recycling duty, or clean up. Bucky had pulled mashed potatoes, Amelia had been told she was on baby watching duty with Sigyn, her original task of making stuffing having been taken by Nat when she saw how pale Amelia was Christmas Eve. It wasn’t that she was ill; she still had her appetite, she felt a little nauseous, but as the baby was lying in an awkward position the medics had warned her she may feel some discomfort if the little one didn’t move from her current position. Everyone was preparing in stages so the kitchen was never too crowded, and Bucky was currently peeling his potatoes while Steve polished silverware.

‘Remind you of the old days?’ Steve asked him as he slid the “Y” shaped peeler over the skin of another potato. ‘If we’d had one of these it wouldn’t have been so bad.’ Bucky smiled. ‘Spud bashing with a blunt knife was never fun.’ ‘Never experienced it.’ Steve smirked, concentrating on his hands. ‘America’s freakin’ golden boy.’ Bucky shook his head. ‘Still, I think I’d rather do this than have to wear tights and dance around a stage every night.’ ‘Tights?’ Loki asked from where he was assisting Wanda with the turkey. ‘You haven’t seen the footage?’ Nat asked. ‘I don’t believe I have.’ ‘Oh, two secs, you’ll love this.’ Nat wiped her hands. ‘FRIDAY, play Steve’s USO footage.’ ‘Of course.’ ‘Can we not?’ Steve asked. ‘Nope.’ Bucky replied as the grainy footage started on the wall-mounted TV. ‘Are you sure you don’t want to go lie down?’ Sigyn asked Amelia, noting she really didn’t seem her normal cheery self. ‘Honestly, Sig, I think I’m better off with people.’ She smiled from where she sat on the couch in the rec room. ‘Just don’t feel you have to keep me company.’ Sigyn smiled knowingly as she raised Narvi onto her shoulder to wind him after his feed. ‘I don’t. Plus these little ones are great to spend time with. They can cheer you up without even trying.’ ‘They can that.’ She agreed. ‘They can also scream so loud I have to cast a soundproof bubble over them at three in the morning.’ ‘Still worth it though?’ Amelia checked, knowing babies were hard work and she was only six weeks away from having one of her own. ‘I wouldn’t swap them for anything. Your life will change in so many ways but it’s totally worth it.’ ‘Good to know.’ She smiled tiredly. ‘I’m going to get some water, can I get you anything?’ ‘Get one of them to bring it to you.’ Sigyn nodded towards the kitchen, knowing there were too many cooks as it was. Amelia shook her head. ‘I need to stretch my legs.’ ‘Go easy.’ Sigyn said as Narvi let out a hearty burp, turning her attention to the spit up he had created. ‘I will.’ Amelia said as she got to her feet. No sooner had she finished straightening than her head spun, the head rush of getting up too fast, but it didn’t pass, instead she felt the room tilt around her, her vision dimming at the edges, and it closed down completely as she toppled forwards. Sigyn saw Amelia fall out of her peripheral vision, shifting Narvi quickly and throwing out her hand to stop her hitting the floor with an arc of power that curved to the contours of her body. ‘Loki!’ Sigyn screamed automatically, making Narvi jump as she carefully lowered Amelia to the floor, not knowing what else to do. ‘What is it, sweet?’ He called, only half listening as he watched Steve in a knitted costume strut across a stage filled with dancing girls. ‘Bucky! Quick! Anyone!’ Sigyn changed her tactic to someone who might listen as she laid Narvi on the rug next to his brother and dropped to her knees beside Amelia, checking her pulse. ‘What’s up?’ Bucky’s voice came from the doorway and he realised he couldn’t see either of the girls, assuming they were sitting on the floor with the babies. ‘Down here! Amelia fainted!’ Sigyn said as he got close enough to see his wife out cold on the floor, Sigyn carefully pressing her fingers to her neck. ‘Oh God, Amelia!’ He breathed and was over the couch in a second and beside Sigyn on the floor. ‘What happened?’ ‘I think she got up too fast. Has she been having blood pressure issues?’ ‘No, she’s been doing great.’ He brushed her hair back from her face. ‘Do we call the docs?’ ‘Just in case.’ Sigyn nodded before turning back to the door. ‘Mischief, get your ass in here!’ ‘Yes, petal…what happened?’ The second his eyes fell on what lay before him he lost all lightness from his tone. ‘Just call medical, we need a stretcher, or something.’ Sigyn said as more of the team appeared in the doorway. ‘Let’s try get her onto the couch.’ She said to Bucky as Loki called to FRIDAY to get an emergency med team here on the double. Bucky’s eyes were wide and panicked but he nodded as fear clenched his gut. He was absolutely terrified. Amelia looked so pale and fragile, he wasn’t used to seeing her like this. Sigyn helped him get his arm around her shoulders and he reached under her to lift then paused, bringing his flesh hand back out as his face grew more worried. ‘She’s bleeding.’ He sputtered as he looked at the damp patch on his hand and Sigyn suppressed a gasp. ‘It’s okay, Bucky, don’t worry. We’ll have medical here in no time.’ The next few hours were a mixture of a blur of activity and a worrying stillness when nothing seemed to be going on. The med team had hit the floors just before Tony, who was almost as terrified as Bucky once he saw what was going on; his Angel out cold, talk of bleeding, he wasn’t sure he had felt fear like this in a long time, fear of being helpless. She was breathing and her heartbeat, while a little high, was good and steady, and Bucky, Steve and Tony took another elevator to meet them on the med ward. They were kept out in the waiting area, a place far too familiar to all of them in the last year or so, while the emergency team checked her vitals and ensured she was stabilised, and it was a long hour before anyone could tell them what was going on. She was conscious again, which was the good news, her blood pressure a little elevated, but she was still suffering bleeding. A scan had shown a medical condition earlier ones had missed and meant that not only was a normal birth out of the question but she was at risk of going into labour early, something that was still a possibility given the results they were seeing on the trace. The Tower just wasn’t equipped for this kind of thing and they wanted to transfer her to a more specialised hospital across the city. Bucky agreed, he wanted nothing but the best, and after signing some paperwork he was allowed in to see her. Amelia sat watching the trace machine beeping next to her in a steady rhythm along with her daughter’s heartbeat. It was strong and steady, a good sign, they had told her, but the bleeding and the cramps she was suffering, not so much. The door opened and she sighed, turning towards it, expecting another medical professional of some sort. She had been poked and prodded so much as it was in the last few months, the scientists and doctors all wanting to know just how the child of a super soldier and someone imbibed with super healing might develop differently, but she was sure more blood draws and scans weren’t far away. She was so relieved when Bucky came in she actually almost started crying. ‘Hey, sweetheart.’ He said quietly, coming to sit beside her hip, taking one of her hands in his while cupping her cheek with the other. ‘You doing okay?’ ‘I feel a little stupid.’ She admitted with a sad smile. ‘You don’t need to.’ He assured her. ‘I fainted. That’s stupid.’ He laughed unfunnily. ‘No, darlin’, it’s not.’ ‘I’ve never been a fainter.’ She argued. ‘It just feels like weakness, you know? I know it’s not, and there’s a reason for it, but it still doesn’t…’ She shook her head as she huffed out a breath. ‘It doesn’t matter, anyway.’ ‘No, it doesn’t. That you’re both okay matters. They tell you what’s happening?’ ‘They want to transfer me to another hospital, just in case, and when she’s due I’m going to have to have a planned c section.’ ‘Is that so big a deal?’ His thumb caressed her cheekbone before he slid his fingers behind her neck, threading into her hair. ‘I guess not, it’s just not what we were expecting.’ She shrugged. ‘And I probably messed up Christmas. They think I’m going to be in at least one night.’ ‘Christmas isn’t messed up.’ He promised her. ‘As long as we’re together it doesn’t matter.’ She smiled appreciatively at his words. ‘Thanks, Bucky.’ ‘I don’t need thanking, darlin’. I just need what’s best for you and our baby.’ ‘Me too.’ ‘I’m going to come with you in the ambulance to the hospital, you want me to get anything together first?’ ‘I guess an overnight bag. I haven’t finished packing my hospital bag yet, but it’s mostly done. Need a toothbrush, my book. Probably something else I’m forgetting.’ She sighed. ‘You mind if I send Steve for the stuff? I don’t want to leave you.’ ‘I don’t really want you to go.’ He smiled and leant in, kissing her softly. ‘I’ll speak to him, then be right back. You want me to send Tony in while I do? He’s in the waiting room too.’ ‘Grandpa on high alert? Sure.’ She shrugged, grimacing as he back twinged painfully. Stupid fall. ‘Okay, don’t go anywhere.’ He winked at her as he got up. Maybe a minute later Tony came through the door and gave her a look she hadn’t had directed at her in a long time; now what did you do? ‘How you feeling, Angel?’ ‘I’m okay, Tony.’ ‘Lying to your father is a ground-able offence, you know.’ He pulled a chair over and sat beside her. ‘Bucky says they want to send you to the hospital across town.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Well, you’re not. There’s a private specialist centre not far from here with a room waiting just for you. Daddy’s orders.’ ‘I feel like I should argue but I really don’t feel up to it.’ She sighed. ‘Just don’t start the daddy thing again.’ ‘Okay.’ He smiled at her. ‘It would be easier to be here though. Apparently they weren’t prepared for my awkwardness.’ ‘You’re not awkward. Well, no more than usual.’ He sat back, crossing one ankle over the other knee and folding his arms. ‘You want me to get anything for you? I know Bucky won’t have listened to a damn word you said.’ ‘He listens.’ She said defensively. ‘Not when he’s this panicked he doesn’t.’ ‘I didn’t mean to worry him. I didn’t mean to worry any of you.’ ‘We’re family, we worry anyway.’ He dismissed her concerns with a wave. ‘So, I have been thinking,’ ‘That can’t be good.’ She wrinkled her nose. ‘Shush.’ He held up his finger to silence her. ‘Anthony for a boy, Tony for short. And for a girl, Antonia.’ She closed her eyes and laughed softly before looking back at him. ‘Tony, we discussed this.’ ‘Yeah, I know, naming after dead parents, not living ones, but hear me out.’ He sat forward with a smirk on his face and she knew he was trying to distract her but appreciated it all the same. ‘I want to get another one up on Steve, and this would be the perfect way.’ ‘You already make trouble by reminding him you’re legally related to the baby! You don’t need more ammo!’ She started to laugh but was halted by a sudden pain low down in her abdomen. ‘And don’t be funny, it hurts.’ She complained as it passed in a wave accompanied with nausea. ‘You okay?’ He frowned as she tried to put on a brave face. ‘Think I pulled something in the fall. It stopped now.’ She reassured him. ‘Yeah, no. I’m getting the doc.’ Tony got to his feet, frowning his disapproval at her. ‘No, really, it’s okay!’ She argued but he went for the door anyway and she sighed as she rolled her eyes. What a fuck up. The next hour was a hive of activity; Steve and Tony went about getting some things together for the hospital trip and relayed what was going on to the rest of the team; Nat immediately abandoned the common room kitchen in favour of charging into medical to double check on her Milly, and no one was going to stop her; the ambulance was called and waiting; and Bucky and Amelia did little but wait around, listening to the beep of the trace and the little communication the doctors gave them. There was nothing wrong, they assured them, but there was a sense of urgency neither one could ignore. ‘So, no one is talking?’ Nat folded her arm from where she stood by the bed, watching the trace as the needle jumped across the paper. The doctors had only wanted one visitor in the room at a time but no one had the guts to enforce it on Black Widow or The Winter Soldier. ‘They are, just really non specifically.’ Amelia said through gritted teeth, trying to hide her discomfort but Bucky squeezed her hand reassuringly while Nat gave her a raised eyebrow. ‘They aren’t in enough of a hurry to rush us to be transferred but they’re being overly attentive. Precaution is the word they keep using.’ Bucky added. ‘And they don’t think these are contractions?’ Nat pointed to the ups and down on the paper. ‘It’s too soon for contractions.’ Amelia dropped her head back into the pillows. ‘She’s not due until February.’ Nat’s face split into a grin. ‘She?’ ‘Fuck, I shouldn’t have said that.’ Amelia screwed up her eyes as Bucky chuckled. ‘You’re suffering, sweetheart, I’ll forgive you.’ ‘A girl? Really?’ Nat laughed quietly. ‘Well, shit, now I’m doubly excited.’ ‘So are we.’ Amelia looked up at her friend. ‘Pinky promise I won’t tell.’ Nat offered her finger and Amelia linked it with her own. ‘I am so over the moon for you guys.’ ‘Fact remains she’s not due.’ Amelia reminded her. ‘And if they were contractions surely they’d be panicking more?’ Nat shrugged. ‘What do I know? But I’m going to find out.’ She went for the door and neither one of them wanted to stop her. ‘The docs are screwed.’ Bucky murmured. ‘At least we’ll know what’s happening.’ Amelia replied. ‘No one will argue with her or veil the truth. Can I get some water?’ ‘Course. You want me to wait until Nat gets back?’ ‘I’ll be fine.’ She shook her head. ‘Okay. One glass of water, coming right up.’ He got up and leant over her, kissing her forehead before going to the door. ‘Love you, baby doll.’ ‘Love you too.’ Bucky found Nat with one of Amelia’s doctors. He was backed against a wall, looking panicked, despite Nat’s casual stance. ‘And you don’t know anything else?’ She asked and he frantically shook his head. ‘It’s not straightforward, she needs a specialist hospital, and we’re going to move her just as soon as we can.’ ‘Why isn’t it straightforward?’ Bucky asked as he approached, not wanting to know but needing to all the same. ‘Mr Barnes, your wife is showing all the signs of a preterm labour. Given her dates the baby, and perhaps even Mrs Barnes, will need specialist care. The centre Mr Stark has organised is much more suited for a case such as this.’ ‘But she’s not in any danger, right? Either of them?’ Bucky checked. ‘As long as there’s no advancement in her symptoms they should be able to give her an injection that will stop the contractions.’ ‘Wait, she is actually having contractions?’ ‘Irregular but yes.’ The doctor confirmed. ‘It’s not uncommon and no need to worry.’ ‘But by not telling her you’re scaring her anyway.’ Nat pointed out. ‘That wasn’t our intention.’ He said apologetically. ‘We should be ready to…’ A buzzer began to sound and he looked down the corridor. ‘Excuse me.’ And trotted back to Amelia’s room. Nat and Bucky shared a look and followed. A nurse reached the door as they did and asked them to stay outside. Unlike the doctor she wasn’t afraid to put her foot down where her patients were concerned and it was a few minutes before the doctor came out again, looking more worried than we had before. ‘Okay, we’re going to move her.’ ‘What is it? What happened?’ Bucky asked desperately. ‘She’s just feeling a little nauseous, but as a precaution we need to get her to the specialists.’ ‘Can I see her?’ Bucky asked desperately. ‘Just let the nurse finish with her, I’m sure they won’t be long.’ He smiled encouragingly before leaving them, Bucky running his hand into hair as a million different scenarios danced through his head. ‘She’ll be fine. They’re doing all they can.’ Nat assured him, putting her arm around him and moving him away from the door. ‘But what if she’s not, Nat? What if something happens?’ ‘She’s in the best hands, and she still has the healing serum running through her. Stay positive, Buck. Worrying when there’s nothing to worry about isn’t constructive.’ Bucky turned to her, letting her see that he was beyond worry, he was terrified. ‘She’s my world, Natalia. I can’t lose her.’ ‘You won’t.’ She said angrily. ‘And you won’t go in there and scare the hell out of her either. You’ll be there and support her and stow this, because it won’t do either of you any good.’ ‘I know.’ He groaned. ‘But…’ ‘Ah!’ She snapped, stopping him. ‘No buts!’ Bucky didn’t want to argue with her so he just nodded, agreeing that it wouldn’t help, even though his insides were knotted horribly.

Within an hour Amelia was settled into a private room in the specialist birthing centre Tony had insisted they take her to. Nothing but the best for his little girl. Amelia was now feeling very ill, her temperature spiked in a fever that had her feeling a million times worse than the nausea alone. Bucky never left her side, Steve having promised to follow on with the bag as once she became ill they didn’t wait any longer to move her. She groaned in the bright lights as yet another doctor left, having inserted a cannula in her hand with fluids and antibiotics, fearing an infection despite their assurances she held healing serum. ‘You okay, sweetheart?’ Bucky asked for what felt like the hundredth time since they arrived, knowing she was anything but. ‘Lights are bright.’ She grumbled and he got up and dimmed them without her having to ask. ‘Thank you, Buck.’ ‘Anything for you.’ He smiled at her despite how worried he was, her skin pale with black smudges under her eyes. He had never seen her look so rough, even during her first trimester when she had been sick all the time. ‘You got a headache?’ She shook her head, but it was more a rocking back and forth among the pillows. ‘Not my head. My eyes.’ She shivered and he noticed, frowning as he pressed his hand to her forehead. ‘You’re still burning up.’ He remarked on the fact her temperature had been elevated since they arrived, her skin clammy. ‘Can I change my mind and not have a baby? Is that an option? Because I feel like shit.’ She complained, closing her eyes again as he swapped to his metal hand in the hope it might be cooler. ‘You know you don’t mean that.’ He sat beside her on the bed as she leant into his touch. ‘No, I don’t mean that. But this is it. I’m an only child and so is this pest. No more babies. Double wrap it, have me fixed. Anything!’ He laughed and she glared at him. ‘I’m not joking! This is horrible!’ ‘Okay, darlin’, no more babies, if that’s what you want. We know this one is a miracle, like Nat said.’ ‘She doesn’t feel like a miracle.’ She mumbled as pain began to grown again, followed by; ‘Fucking hell!’ ‘Breathe through it, sweetheart.’ ‘You breathe through it.’ She growled through her teeth. Bucky pressed his lips together to keep from laughing again. He knew she was responding to the pain she was in but she was still the cutest thing he had ever seen. Tony and Steve travelled to the hospital together and with minimal disruption, selfies, and autograph signing they were able to get to the waiting area outside the ward Amelia was on. Security was tight and even two of The Avengers couldn't be permitted to bend the rules. One of the nurses told Bucky they were here and he went to speak to them and collect the bag. ‘Any idea what’s happening? They won’t tell us squat.’ Tony asked as he and Steve got their feet when Bucky approached. ‘I don’t know. She’s started running a fever so they have her on an IV of antibiotics in case she has an infection.’ He ran his hand into his hair. ‘We could be a while, you don’t want to hang around indefinitely.’ Tony and Steve shared a look. ‘You head home, I’ll stay.’ Tony said casually but Steve gave him narrow eyes. ‘No, I’ll stay too.’ ‘Guys, it’s Christmas Eve, go home, make sure everyone knows Amelia is okay and I promise to call if anything changes.’ ‘Did they even say how long she could be here?’ Tony ignored his attempt to get them to leave. ‘We have to see how long the injection they gave her takes to work, but definitely until tomorrow. Chances are we’ll be home in time for dinner.’ He smiled hopefully. ‘So why don’t you head home and make sure everything’s ready?’ ‘You’re trying to get rid of us, you jerk.’ Steve said as he realised. ‘You think word of you two sitting out in the corridor on a maternity unit ain’t gonna get around?’ He looked between them. ‘The press will figure out something is going on but at least if Amelia and I are in a room we aren’t going to get spotted too much by the public, and the staff are all held by confidentiality agreements. The last thing we need is nosey ass reporters trying to bust in for a scoop.’ ‘I hate it when he’s right.’ Tony looked at Steve. ‘Don’t you?’ ‘So much.’ Steve shook his head. ‘Okay, if anything changes you call us.’ ‘You know I will.’ Steve hugged him briefly. ‘Give my love to Amelia, tell her we’ll save her a plate.’ ‘You’d better save me one too.’ Bucky said warningly. ‘If you’re lucky.’ Steve teased. ‘Take care of her.’ Tony patted his arm. They weren’t quite on hugging terms, Tony was still a little bitter Bucky had tried to shoot him in the face, but he had forgiven him for the sake of the team, plus he was married to his little girls so, yeah, peace reigned. ‘Always will.’ He promised, picking up the bag off the floor and heading back to the security door onto the ward. They buzzed him straight in and he slung the bag over his shoulder as he walked, but the closer he got the more aware he became of some activity happening near Amelia’s room. That couldn’t be good. He picked up his pace, not quite running but more urgent, and a doctor came out of the room and spotted him, rushing towards him. ‘Mr Barnes?’ She asked as she approached. ‘Yeah, what is it? Is Amelia okay?’ She nodded but there was no ignoring the concern in her eyes. ‘She is but we need to take her to theatre. I need you to go with one of the nurses to get gowned.’ ‘Theatre? What happened?’ Bucky’s heart clenched with fear and worry as his imagination raced. ‘Your wife’s water broke. We need to prep her for an emergency c section. Your daughter just won’t wait.’ The next few minutes were some of the longest of Bucky’s life, and that was saying something, all things considered. He found himself quickly in a gown and hair cover, and was ushered into a theatre where Amelia was being prepped. He could tell she was scared half to death by what was going on but he reassured her, knowing she was in the most capable hands in the city. The staff were all calm and reassuring, which helped, but Bucky still couldn’t stop his mind from thinking over what Amelia had voiced; their little girl would be so small, not dangerously so nor underdeveloped, but it was still so early. He smiled for her, stroked her forehead and made sure she knew he was here with her, that everything would be fine. He sat beside her head and it was so much faster than he imagined, only minutes before there was a sudden, small bleating cry. Amelia gave a relieved sob of her own as they were introduced to their baby. She was wrapped up and handed to Bucky, a tiny little thing that actually had Bucky well up with tears as he held her close enough for Amelia to touch her. She didn’t even span the length of his forearm she was so small, but she had a hell of a set of lungs on her. ‘Georgie.’ Amelia whispered as she stroked her cheek with her finger. ‘Georgie.’ Bucky agreed and she gave him a warm but tired smile. ‘I love you, Buck.’ ‘I love you too, darlin’, both of you.’ He leant forward and kissed her forehead, her eyes closing as his lips met her skin. He leant back but her eyes didn’t open again and he frowned. ‘Amelia?’ ‘Heart rate dropped!’ Called one of the nurses and suddenly he was being ushered away, out a side door. ‘What’s going on? What’s happening?’ ‘I don’t know, but they’re going to do what needs doing and you’re going to come with me while we clean up and weigh your baby, okay, Mr Barnes?’ ‘What about Amelia?’ He didn’t resist but he was far too aware of all the activity going on in the room they had just left, calls for o negative to be brought up scaring him even more. ‘She’s in the best place.’ Bucky watched and helped when he was asked as their tiny little girl was cleaned, weighed and dressed, just under six pounds of the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, but his mind still kept creeping back to Amelia, still on the table, her eyes closed, the last thing she said was that she loved him. It seemed so final. He felt sick to his stomach, he hadn’t realised pain like this was possible. It was over an hour later before he got any news. He had seen their baby girl have a feeding tube fitted, although they insisted it was just a precaution, and they had kept him busy. When the doctor came into the nursery she smiled at him and he felt relief wash over him. ‘She’s fine.’ Were the first words out of her mouth and he found himself overwhelmed with relief, his throat constricting as yet again he found himself crying, kissing Georgie’s forehead where he held her to his chest as the doctor spoke. ‘She suffered a lot of blood loss from the surgery and we had to give her a transfusion but she’s responding well, you can go see her as soon as you’d like.’ ‘Can I bring Georgie?’ ‘Of course. We’ll bring a cot through. Just buzz if you need anything.’ ‘Thanks, doc.’ He sighed as the doctor nodded to the nurse, letting her know she should encourage him to go through. The first day they met Bucky had seen Amelia in a hospital bed but somehow this was different. She was almost grey, her natural complexion drained. She seemed so small, partially propped up, the sheets pulled up to her chest over the hospital gown she wore. The lights were dim, she was still connected to an IV, and a monitor beeped a steady rhythm along with her heart. ‘She’s sleepy but conscious.’ The doctor said quietly as the cot was put at the end of the bed. ‘Call if you need anything.’ She insisted before leaving. Bucky approached the bed slowly, Georgie still in his arms. It was almost painful to see Amelia like this and he hated to disturb her. Amelia didn’t stir, but Georgie did, murmuring unhappily and he shushed her, holding her closer and speaking quietly. ‘You know, you’re as impatient as your mommy? Just couldn’t wait to get here, huh?’ He asked her as he walked across the room in case he disturbed Amelia. ‘Well, we’re pretty pleased to meet you too, but you did start out a little dramatic, so no more excitement, okay? Your old man can’t take it.’ She grumbled some more, her bottom lip quivering and he shifted her to his shoulder, amazed by how easy it was and how he didn’t feel as afraid as he thought he would. ‘Hey, come on, muffin, I’m not telling you off, just asking, you know? How about this?’ He bounced her softly as he moved around, singing quietly as he moved. ‘You are to me everything, my life to be everything; When in my sleep you appear; the skies of deep blue appear.’ ‘She stole my dance partner already.’ Bucky turned at Amelia’s tired voice to find her smiling weakly at him. ‘Stole our song too.’ ‘It’s a family song, sweetheart.’ He said as he came and sat in the armchair beside her. ‘We’ll all be dancing to it together in no time, and she’ll know all the words before she can walk.’ ‘I don’t doubt it. Is she okay?’ ‘She’s perfect, doll. What about you? How’re you feeling? You gave us a hell of a scare.’ ‘I didn’t mean to.’ ‘You never mean to.’ He gave her a sideways smile. ‘Have to keep you on your toes somehow.’ She swallowed, her throat dry. ‘Can I hold her?’ He suddenly realised she hadn't had the chance yet, that so far she hadn’t held her own baby, and he was on his feet in seconds. ‘You don’t have to ask, you know that.’ He helped her into a comfortable position and sat beside her, helping her support her as she shook faintly. ‘God, she’s beautiful.’ She whispered just loud enough for him to hear and he pressed his lips to her hair, just staying there, taking in the feel of her, the scent of her shampoo. ‘How did we make something so beautiful, Buck?’ ‘Do you even have a mirror?’ He chuckled. ‘She looks like her mommy.’ ‘I don’t see it.’ She admitted. ‘You’re still tired.’ He assured her. ‘What did Steve say when you told him?’ ‘I didn’t tell him yet.’ She leant away from him just enough so she could see him. ‘You didn’t?’ ‘I didn’t tell anyone.’ He smiled before quickly kissing her. ‘I had to know you were okay first.’ ‘I’m good.’ She said but he knew she wasn’t, could tell how tired she was. ‘You want to call him now? See if you can get him and Tony together?’ ‘Sure.’ He took out his phone without getting off the bed and did a double take at the display. ‘Hey, Amelia?’ ‘Yeah?’ ‘Merry Christmas.’ She just stared at him for a moment. ‘You’re kidding, right?’ He shook his head. ‘Georgie was born at one-oh-four, it just didn’t click with me until I saw the date. She’s a Christmas baby.’ ‘Well that’s not memorable at all, is it?’ She looked at the baby in her arms who had nuzzled into her and fallen asleep again. ‘What time is it now?’ ‘Almost two-thirty.’ ‘Oh teleconference them both, definitely wake them up.’ Amelia smirked. ‘I don’t think they’d want to wait for this news.’ He admitted as he set up the call, switching it to speaker. It rang a couple of times before Steve answered. ‘Buck?’ His voice proved he had been asleep, groggy and deep. ‘Yeah, it’s me. Just waiting on Tony joining us.’ ‘Everything okay?’ He asked, turning on his light. ‘This’d better be good.’ ‘There’s Tony.’ Bucky laughed. ‘And yeah, it’s good.’ He smiled at Amelia before he said the next. ‘It’s a girl.’ ‘You picked now to share?’ Tony said as Steve asked; ‘Wait, what?’ ‘She’s just over an hour old and is the most gorgeous thing you will ever see.’ The silence on the line lasted for several seconds before Tony yelped; ‘Yes!’ ‘She’s here? A girl? Really?’ Steve asked. ‘She’s here, she’s tiny, but perfect.’ ‘She’s so early!’ Tony all but screamed as he started rushing around the lab where he had fallen asleep on the couch. ‘How’s Amelia?’ ‘I’m fine.’ She replied. ‘She is now. Touch and go for a while.’ Bucky reminded her. ‘What happened?’ Tony sobered his excited mood on hearing that. ‘She lost a lot of blood, had to have a transfusion. We’ll give you the full story later, but she scared the shit out of me.’ ‘Language!’ Steve sputtered. ‘None of that in front of my niece.’ ‘Quiet, punk, she doesn’t understand yet.’ ‘And once she is old enough to start repeating things the phrase is папенька идиоt.’ Amelia said as Bucky’s mouth dropped open. ‘You can’t teach her that!’ ‘Sure I can. And if I don’t, Nat will.’ ‘What’s it meant?’ Tony asked. ‘Daddy’s an idiot.’ ‘Oh I’m learning that one too. I’ll be with you in ten minutes. Eight if I bypass the stairs.’ ‘Tony, no!’ Amelia said as firmly as she could. ‘You are not to Ricky Rocketman your way over! You get in a car with Steve and you drive here, no oneupmanship over this, no racing!’ ‘Aw, Angel, you ruin all my fun. We’ll be with you in twenty.’ ‘No speeding!’ ‘Okay, thirty. Sheesh, you can tell you’re a mommy now.’ She smiled having got her way. ‘I don’t think it’s exactly visiting time, you guys know that, right?’ Bucky added. ‘I don’t think they’re going to be able to stop us, pal.’ Steve grinned, he didn’t seem to be able todo anything else. ‘You want us to tell the rest of the team?’ ‘Nah, let them sleep. Tell them when they wake up.’ ‘I’m messaging Nat.’ Amelia added. ‘She’ll kill us if we don’t tell her.’ ‘Okay, we’ll message Nat, you guys come over, and I’ll apologise to the staff for the incoming Avengers invasion.’ Bucky sighed. He had hoped they could have had the rest of the night to themselves, everything was still so new, but he should have known otherwise. They hung up and Amelia rested her head against his chest. ‘I’ll message Nat in a minute.’ ‘In your own time, doll. You want me to take baby?’ ‘Please.’ She realised just how tired she felt and didn’t want to drop her. He carefully took her out of her arms and she watched as he carefully laid her in the cot and tucked a blanket around her snugly. ‘You’re a natural, babe.’ She murmured. ‘And you’re beat. Get some sleep. I’m not going anywhere.’ ‘Good.’ She said quietly, settling down in her pillows as he came and kissed her softly. ‘You’re a star, darlin’, you know that?’ He asked her as he still leant over her. ‘I didn’t do anything.’ She argued sleepily. ‘More than you realise.’ He stroked her cheek with his palm. ‘Now get some sleep before Uncle Stevie and Grandpa Stark get here. You’re gonna need your energy for those two.’ ‘Goddam human puppy hybrids.’ She muttered as her eyes drifted closed, her cheek leaning into his touch. He laughed softly at her reply before taking his hand back and settling in the armchair beside her, looking between her and the sleeping figure in the cot. His life had changed so much, and hadn’t turned out at all how he had expected or even dreamt it could. He knew one thing for sure though; this was the best damn Christmas ever.

Chapter 61