#i would give anything to get a crisp high five from buck

[nerdy-frog98]

I’ve been trying to pinpoint why I love Buck so much, and I think I’ve got it figured out now.

I have a thing for complex characters- I’m sure most people do. There’s something really appealing about learning a character with negative character traits has reasons and a backstory, and it’s even more appealing when they have character growth.

Buck is a complex character. He has very real flaws and insecurities. He is also insanely strong and still manages to be good-humored and relatively optimistic despite all of the shit he’s gone through. Buck is the kind of guy that feels deeply and loves hard, which sometimes gets him in trouble.

I don’t know, I just…I love Buck because he CARES so deeply about everyone around him. He loves his sister, he loves the 118, he loves Christopher.

I’ve been noticing in my watch that he has self destructive tendencies, and others always talk to him about it like he thinks he’s invincible. I love that Eddie pointed out that it was because Buck thinks he is expendable. It’s hard seeing a character you love believe that he doesn’t deserve as much of the love that he gives. I’m also glad that his family makes sure to reassure him of the opposite (when needed).

He’s also just so…complicated. He’s so selfish sometimes, but there are other times when he’s so selfless. Everything he does makes sense to me though, and it’s because he is a hotter, way more traumatized male version of me 😭

anyway. His character growth is important to me. S1 Buck and S7 Buck are so vastly different and it’s so 🥹❤️

I want to gently kiss Oliver Stark on the forehead because it’s obvious to me how much he loves this character.

[maturemenoftvandfilms]

The Senator from Montana

CHAPTER FIVE: Down on the Farm-PART 2

Featuring Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT)

I had come down to Sen. Jon Tester’s Family Farm, a 1,800-acre ranch outside Big Sandy to sign some very important papers. I was only supposed to be there for a few hours. An in and out, but after some alone time fun with Jon. I unknowingly missed my flight back to D. C.. Now I was rescheduling a flight back and trying to find a place to stay for the night.

"You can stay here in the spare room." Jon and his wife offered.

I accepted this generous offer, needing a place to stay! The spare bedroom was exactly that, spare. It had a single bed in the center of the room and nothing more. I wasn't really tired but there wasn't much else to do, so I began undressing for bed, slipping out of my clothes to my underwear. I pulled my shorts off and lay on top of the bed with my legs slightly spread. I ran a hand down my chest and stomach. It felt good. I was so overcome with lust, I grabbed my cock and began jerking it real slow. All while imaging myself fucking Jon's ass. Before long I was spewing a fresh creamy load all over the sheets covering the bed.

I had fallen asleep watching TV when I was awakened by Jon snuggling up behind me. I tried to turn over.

“Hold still until I get it in.” Jon called out, “I want to fuck you again.”

"Sharla is asleep already. She took a sleep aid and she won't wake up till morning." Jon said as he put more pressure on his cock and sent it deep into my hole.

"Oh shit! Give it to me!" I cried out as Jon immediately started fucking me hard and fast.

I reached around and grabbed his head and pulled it toward mine as I turned it to the side. We kissed each other, sliding our tongues together as his cock worked its way in and out of my ass. He began to move left and right with is dick, opening my asshole. With each twist I moaned of pain and pleasure. He lifted my right leg into the air, holding it in place so he could get better access to my tight ass.

“Damn boy, take my cock! Take it all!” Jon called out as he pushed his dick as far up my asshole as it would go and held it there.

“You like it, Boy? You like my cock up your ass?” Jon asked.

“Yes.” I admitted.

"Damn right you do!" Jon called out as he started pounding my asshole harder with his thick dick.

I began to fuck him back, rocking on my side pushing my hungry hole farther on to his cock. We were both moaning as it felt so good that I didn't want it to end.

Suddenly Jon pulled out leaving me empty. The next thing I knew he flipped me on my back and got between my legs lifting them high in the air. And then in one smooth motion, raised my butt up off the bed, placed his cock at the hole. He wasted no time to get his dick all the way up my ass, feeling my own dick go extra hard as Jon's tip buried itself deep inside. Placing my legs over his shoulders, Jon began to pump his hips slowly making sure to give me the full length of his cock with each stroke.  

"Yeah, fuck me Jon. Yeah!!!!!" I called out looking straight into his ruggedly handsome face.

I couldn't say anything else except to moan and enjoy the pleasure. I knew that he was not going to cum, not yet. He wanted to work my ass until I begged him to fuck me harder, faster. I wasn't ready for that quite yet either. I wanted to feel his cock move inside me, making love to me.

"I might fuck you all night. What do you think of that?" He asked with a hint of a smile on his face.

“Yes, Sir. Fuck me, senator! I want to be your boy.” I told him.

“You are my boy, my fuck boy!” Jon said as he pulled his dick out of my asshole until only its head remained inside. Then looking straight into my eyes, he rammed his dick back inside as far as it would go.

“Damn if your ass it’s hotter than Sharla’s pussy.” Jon told me as he started pumping his dick in and out of me with powerful strokes that had me bucking and moaning.

By now my ass was wide open and no longer resisted his pushing in and out. The wetness of my love canal was exciting him as he started to gyrate his hips to give me the full effect of his cock rimming me out. Looking up, seeing his large body starting to glisten with sweat and his cheeks flushed made me hot. Jon was almost sobbing with sheer pleasure his dick was giving him and accentuated by me playing with his nipples dangling in front of my face.

Then right in the middle of the brutal fucking, he leaned forward and kissed me again, so I passionately kissed him back. His balls were bouncing against my ass cheeks and his mouth was kissing my mouth. He again began to move left and right with is dick, widening me up for a grand slam, which he managed to build up to. My legs were lifted onto his shoulders as his hands gripped my hips, holding them in place, giving him a tight ass access. Pumping in and out, making his chest muscles pop, and his sweat drip on to me.

Jon was using me as his fuck toy and I fucking loved it!! My cock was rock hard and dripping with pre cum as I reached down to press it against my senator’s big belly. I was like a doll in his big rough hands and rode his cock like I was in the Derby. By now, my load uncontrollably squirted all over the space between us. The sensation seemed endless, it was the most amazing orgasm ever!

Then with the thrusting reaching fever pitch I felt his dick throbbing inside me. His eyes were squeezed shut and I could tell he was holding off with all his might, but finally the tide came.

“Get ready for it!” Jon warned as he slammed into me three quick times.

Then with a grunt, I finally felt his cum shoot through his cock into me as waves of ecstasy swept his body. I held him tight while his body convulsed with his orgasm. And with a final few thrusts he fell on top of me panting with sweat dripping off his forehead. We smiled at each other for a few seconds before our lips connected in a post-coital kiss.

"Jack," He said in a short breath, "I can't thank you enough for doing this with me."

"I'm here to serve senator." I whispered softly to Jon.

Now noticing I was still hard, Jon moved down, grabbed my dick and started sucking the last few drops out of me. I felt myself fixing to cum again when he suddenly took his mouth away from my cock.

“You near cuming?” He asked. When I nodded yes, he said. “I want you to fuck me. I want you to shoot off in my ass.”

Damn if that wasn’t exactly what I wanted. As good as him sucking me had felt, the thoughts of fucking him had been in the back of my mind all the time. Without saying a word, Jon climbed on top of me and kissed me, his big body pushing into me as his tongue explored my mouth. It started off rather slow, but a minute into it, we were both huffing and puffing. The passion returned to both of us as he was rubbing his dick against me as hard as he could. The friction of our dicks rubbing together was fantastic.

Lifting himself up off me, Jon reached behind himself, raised up a little and started playing with my cock. He started running my dick up and down his crack before pushing his butt down on my shaft. Without warning, I reached down and pulled his buns apart and slammed my cock in him really hard making a loud slapping sound as he let out a bear-like groan.

"You really want this ass huh? Well, you can fuck me as hard as you want." He said as he started bouncing his big beautiful body up and down on my cock.

I let him take control, riding my cock, stopping whenever he thought I was getting close to coming so we could kiss some more. After teasing me and prolonging the excitement, I was desperate to cum. So I grabbed him by the hips and started pounding his ass furiously.

By the time I was getting close, this respected three-term democratic senator, father of 2, married for almost 43 years was begging me to fuck him harder. This was the few times where he could truly let go and be himself, to surrender all of himself to the pleasures that he had always sought after. His cock was leaking all over me and I knew from the look on his face that he was getting close himself. I doubled my effort and pounded his butt even harder, knowing exactly where to hit in his bowels.

"Shit, you’re gonna fuck the cum out of me, stud!" Jon cried out loud as he felt the first wave of his climax hit him.

I picked up his pace even more, slamming Jon’s butt even more rapidly. This heightened Jon's pleasure as spurts after spurts of married cum splattered on my chest and stomach. His body convulsed with each spurt as he emptied out his seed onto me, still pumping up and down on my dick. The contraction of his ass on my dick while he went through his orgasm brought my own climax. I shot my small load into him. After the previous day when he had drained the biggest loads, I thought this one felt as good if not better, but I didn't have much left in me.

He smiled at me and said, "I guess I know how to take care of my assistant." Followed by a wink as he climbed off the bed and grabbed his boxer shorts. I watched as he got dressed then slipped out of the bedroom.

The next morning, I awoke to the smell of wonderful coffee, bacon and toast filling the room. So I got up, showered, dressed and wondered into the kitchen to find Mrs. Tester shoveling piles of fluffy scrambled eggs onto three plates, along with wonderfully crisp bacon strips and buttered toast. Jon was sitting at the table drinking coffee. He hadn't noticed me yet as I stood in the doorway admiring that beautiful butt again.  

"How was your night? You slept OK?" Mrs. Tester asked bringing me back to reality.

"I slept great. Totally satisfied." I said as Jon smiled with a hint of pride behind her.  

[wefoundloveunderthelight]

Mystery Of Pixie Hollow by GleefullyCaptainSwan

Chapter 1/11

Read on AO3: | Chapter 1

Or on FF

Stacy's Tortured Crew: @teamhook @kmomof4 @stahlop @lfh1226-linda @ilovemesomekillianjones @itsfabianadocarmo @mariakov81 @qualitycoffeethings @zaharadessert @jrob64 @jonesfandomfanatic @natascha-ronin @tiganasummertree @xarandomdreamx @therooksshiningknight @batana54 @superchocovian @onceratheart18 @ultraluckycatnd @snowbellewells @karlyfr13s @the-darkdragonfly @xsajx @deckerstarblanche @jonesfandomfanatic

Chapter 1: Neverland

Emma stood at the register, a pile of coins and dollar bills sitting in front of her as she began counting her tips. She had been working nonstop for the last three weeks to save every dime she earned in order to take Henry on a special treat for his birthday. He had seen the flyer in the window of the diner after school one day, immediately calling the carnival to her attention. A traveling amusement park themed to the story of Peter Pan was visiting their town. Henry hadn’t stopped asking questions about it since.

Do fairies really exist?

Can Peter Pan actually fly?

If I really believe do you think I can fly when I’m there too?

With his birthday approaching, Emma knew the best birthday gift she could give him was a trip to the park when it came to town. It was only visiting for three days, and Henry had been completely gutted when they fell on Emma’s weekend at the diner. He had been putting on his best face when she got home from work, her feet tired from standing all day, reciting to her his day, and trying to pretend that he wasn’t disappointed after sitting all day listening to the sounds of the park lofting through his window.

She could barely contain her secret last night when she tucked him into bed, and he told her that he got to spend the day watching Peter Pan skip through the park and it was just as good as being there.

Henry was such a sweet boy, he never asked for things he knew he couldn’t have. He knew that money was tight for them. Emma had been on her own ever since she gave birth to the boy, his father was long out of the picture before he was even born. It wasn’t that the boy was ever without something important, Emma made sure that she saved her money to spend it on things he needed, and when she couldn’t afford it, her best friend, Will Scarlet always pitched in to help her out.

Which was what had happened with Henry’s birthday gift this year. Emma had saved almost enough for the admission price but knew that Henry would want tickets to ride the rides and play a few games, and of course Will tossed some money into the pot, so that the three of them could enjoy the last day of the park together.

“Did you save enough?” She turned to see her boss Mrs. Lucas approach her from the kitchen.

“I made $25 bucks today, I should be able to get him some dinner while we are there.” She said with a smile.

“Get him something from me too while you’re there.” She responded as she held out her hand, a white envelope in her palm. “It’s his birthday after all.”

Emma tentatively took the envelope, lifting the top to see a crisp $20 bill tucked inside. “Gran, you didn’t have to do that.”

“I know, but it’s his birthday, just be sure to tell him it’s from Gran.” She reached out and hugged the woman, a smile growing on her face. The bell above the door made a sound and they both turned to see the customer walk into the diner. “Get out of here, you’re off the clock.”

Emma looked at her watch. “I still have ten minutes left in my shift.”

The woman shook her head and pulled out her notepad to assist the man who sat down at the counter. “Clock must be slow.” She said with a grin. “Get out of here. Take that boy of yours on an adventure.”

“Thank you, see you tomorrow.” She hollered back as she ran out the door to her yellow bug parked outside the diner. She couldn’t wait to get home and tell Henry they were going to Pixie Hollow.

When she opened the door to her apartment, Henry was running circles around the couch as Will chased him through the living room. “You can’t get away from me, mate.”

“You’re too old to catch me.” Henry hollered and Will stopped in his tracks and grabbed his chest.

“Oi, that was quite rude.” He said in a feigned outrage. “I’m not that old.”

Emma laughed and they both turned toward her. “Mom!” Henry ran and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“The lad is being hurtful on his birthday.” Will scoffed.

“Tell your Uncle Will that you’re sorry for calling him old.” She leaned over and whispered. “But say it loudly because his hearing isn’t what it used to be.” Henry fell to the ground in a fit of giggles.

“You know he gets his mean spirted nature from you, right?” Will complained.

“We love you.” She teased as she ran her hand through his short locks and pinched his cheek. She turned and faced Henry.

“Why are you home? I thought you had to work tonight.”

“I wanted to surprise you!” She grinned. “Thought maybe we could go see this Peter Pan you keep talking about.”

Henry’s face brightened. “Seriously? Oh my God.” He squealed “You mean it?”

“Happy birthday, baby.” She smiled. The boy launched himself into her arms. “Ok we gotta get ready to go, get your jacket in case it gets cold after the sun goes down.”

Henry disappeared in a fury to his room to collect his jacket, just as Will’s phone rang.

“Don’t answer it.” Emma protested as he held up the phone and Will groaned.

“It’s work, I can’t ignore it.” Emma groaned as he greeted his boss, a chorus of “Yes, sir” “I know, sir” “Of course, sir.” Carried through the room.

“Yes but I was planning to…” He frowned. “I understand, of course, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He said sadly. Henry came bounding into the room as he disconnected the call.

“You’re going in to work now?” Emma complained.

“I’m sorry Em, it can’t be helped. They had some sort of emergency, and they need me there right away.”

“So, we aren’t going?” Henry said sadly, looking up between them. Will hesitated, staring between the two. Emma knew he wouldn’t disappoint Henry if it couldn’t be helped.

“I’m sorry lad, I don’t have a choice.”

“We’re still going Henry.” Emma announced.

“Emmie, you can’t go alone.” Will began to protest.

Emma rolled her eyes. “Stop it, I’m an adult. I don’t need you to babysit me everywhere we go.”

“I’m not there to babysit you, I just don’t like it when you and Henry are out late at night without someone else with you.”

“Without a man with me, you mean. I don’t know if you realize this yet, but I don’t need a man, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

“Are you sure you two will be alright?”

Emma chuckled. “I think I can handle a carnival for children on my own.”

“Alright, but text me when you get there, and again when you get home.”

“Ok dad.” She teased and he slapped her playfully on the arm.

“Happy birthday, Bub.” He picked the boy off the ground and squeezed him. “Don’t have too much fun without me.”

“That’s impossible.” The boy replied.

“Did I tell you that you’re my favorite six-year-old out of all the six-year-old kids out there?”

“But I just turned six. You don’t even know all the six-year-old kids.” Henry wined with a playful smile.

“I don’t have to because you’re still my favorite.”

“You said that when I was five.”

“And I’ll say it when you’re seven or fifteen.” Will said as he sat the boy back on the ground.

“I love you, Uncle Will.”

“Love you too Bub.” He raised his hand, and they exchanged their ridiculous handshake that they had made up when Henry had turned four.

Two taps, spin around, tap down low, shake your booty, tap up high.

It was ridiculous and heartwarming and a reminder of how lucky she was to have such an amazing best friend. Even when she showed up on his doorstep, a positive pregnancy test in her hand, tears streaming down her face, Will simply pulled her into his arms and promised he would always be there for her. Over the years he had been her shoulder to cry on, her Lamaze coach, her sounding board, and her support system. Even with the one drunken misstep that neither of them ever spoke of again, there wasn’t anyone that Emma relied on more than Will.

“Ok I’m off, have fun tonight.” He smiled and left through the front door. As soon as the door closed Henry jumped up and down in front of her.

“Can we go now?” Emma chuckled and pushed him toward the door.

“Of course, let’s go.”

“You have to say it mom.”

“Say what?” She asked, confused on what he was meaning.

“Second star to the right.” He began excitedly.

“And straight on til morning.” She continued as they closed the door to the apartment and made their way to the park across the street. The lights shone bright into the sky with all the rides and attractions that had their own music playing all around them as soon as they entered the park.

Henry could barely contain his excitement as he bounced about from ride to ride. More than once Emma had to remind him to stay close by, not to get too far ahead of her, but the boy was hard to be contained.

“Mom, look, it’s a house of mirrors, can we go, can we go?” He jumped up and down in front of her.

“Ok, but don’t get too far ahead of me.” Emma laughed as he handed his ticket to the man at the front of the attraction. She didn’t like the way the man glared in her direction, there was something about him that made her uncomfortable in a way that caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end. Henry ran ahead into the building and Emma yelled for him to wait as the man seemed to take an extra-long time to allow her to enter behind her son.

When he finally raised the gate, she ran toward the fun house, entering the building and exhaling when she saw Henry standing at the corner waiting for her. “Come on mom, this is so cool.”

“It’s very cool.” Emma replied, looking around the disorienting room. The mirrors at all angles making it appear that Henry was in more than one place in front of her.

“You could get lost in here for days.” He joked as he stepped into the room, his arms outstretched in front of him to avoid running into anything.

“Let’s try and avoid getting lost, I’m starting to get hungry.” She joked.

“Come on mom, I bet you can’t find which one is really me.” Henry yelled, rushing forward, and turning a corner until she couldn’t see him anymore.

“Don’t get too far ahead of me.” She warned, turning the corner he was just at and seeing three versions of him in front of her. “Ok which one is my Henry?” She questioned as she stepped forward, her hand coming into contact with a mirror. She then touched the one next to her but that was a mirror as well.

“I’m right here.” Her son mimicked, before running around the corner again.

“You’re too good at this.” She chuckled, turning, and chasing after him until she ran into one of the glass mirrors. She really hated this attraction. “Ok Henry, I’m really getting hungry. Which way did you go?”

“I’m over here.” She heard him toward her left and she turned to stumble in that direction as she caught a glimpse of him just as she turned the corner.

“Henry, can you just stay in one place until I get to you.” Her tone was starting to sound agitated as she felt her way through the glass around her, dipping in and out of the crevices until she reached a dead end.

“Henry, where are you?” She yelled.

“Mom.” She heard him shout and then it got quiet.

“Henry?” She hollered toward the last place she heard his voice. She felt her way through the attraction until she heard music and felt the breeze of the outside, stepping through the small doorway, she found herself on the other side from where they entered. She looked around for Henry, but only saw other children, families standing around the exit area.

“Did you see a little boy come out of here?”

“I’ve seen a lot of little boys.” The guy grumbled and wandered away from her.

“Henry, where are you?” She yelled, trying to control her voice as the terror started to race in her heart. “Henry?” She ran toward the entrance and the man who took her ticket. “Where is my son, did he come back out this way?”

The man frowned, “No one comes back out the front ma’am. Did you check the exit?”

“Of course, I checked the exit, you idiot, how else did I get out here!” She yelled and he turned to take a ticket from another family.

“I need you to find my son.” She grabbed at the lapel of his jacket and turned him back toward her.

“Hands off lady.” The man warned. “I’ll get my manager.”

“Good, get your manager. I need to find my son.”

The family tried to push past her, and Emma stood in front of them, blocking the exit. “My son got lost in there.”

“It’s not my problem that you can’t keep an eye on your boy, get out of my daughter’s way.” The man pushed around her, leading his daughter into the entrance of the attraction.

Emma ran after them, and the ticket idiot was on her heels. “You can’t go in there without another ticket.”

Emma shoved his hands off her, “Get off me, I’m going in there until I find my son.” She screamed, wandering back into the fun house, her heart racing as she turned in every direction screaming her son’s name. “Henry, where are you?” She yelled, pushing forward through the maze. There was no response except for the grumbling of the people in front of her who she continued to push aside in her quest to find her son.

When she reached the exit again she immediately screamed his name, grabbing at random strangers to ask if they had seen her son, a photo of him pulled up on her phone. Suddenly she was grabbed from behind and she turned quickly to see the ticket asshole with a man. “You can’t go around grabbing our customers.” The man sternly growled at her.

“My son is missing. He went in the hall of mirrors, and he didn’t come out.”

“That’s impossible. There is only one way in and one way out. He must have come out; you’ve just lost him.”

“I didn’t lose him.” She cried. “Don’t you have something you can do. Call the cops, make an announcement, just find my son.”

“Of course, I’m Felix. I’m the assistant manager. Let me make a few calls.” He said with a grin that certainly didn’t set her at ease. There was something off about the man, something menacing and scary, and Emma just wanted to get her son and get the hell away from all of them. “Come with me.” He didn’t ask but tugged at her elbow. “Nothing to see here, she just lost her child.” He announced to the people who had suddenly taken an interest in the commotion.

Emma was too concerned about her child to admonish the bystanders for gawking at her, their looks of contention and disappointment apparent on their faces as if they just watched an irresponsible parent simply leave their child by the side of the road instead of the fact that her son vanished without a trace.

“Ok ma’am can you explain to me what you think happened to your son?” The man closed the door to the trailer and gestured for her to take a seat in the dingy office.

“What I know” she paused, “was that my son and I went into the Hall of Mirrors and when I got to the exit, he wasn’t there.”

“Do you normally let your son run off without you?”

“Excuse me?” She stood up from her seat. “He did not run off without me, he was playing in the goddamn funhouse with me in the room.”

“Yes ma’am so you said, however if he was simply playing with you, then you would know where he was, isn’t that correct?”

Emma was done with this man’s treatment of her, she was done with people not ripping that god forsaken fun house to the ground until they came upon her little boy. She pushed her way past the man and shoved the door open, ignoring his plea for her to stay put. As soon as she stepped out of the trailer, two men approached her.

“Are you the woman who lost her son?”

Emma recognized their badges and the names on them from the Sherriff’s station. “Thank God you are here, these idiots won’t do anything to find my son.”

“I’m officer Nolan, and this is officer Locksley, can you tell me what happened?”

Emma took a deep breath, “My son, Henry, he just turned 6, it’s his birthday today.” Tears started to fall down her cheeks. “We went into the Hall of Mirrors, he was playing hide and seek and trying to get me to find him, but then he called out for me, and I couldn’t find him anymore. When I got to the exit, he wasn’t there, and no one can tell me where he is.”

“So, he wasn’t with you in the Hall of Mirrors?”

“Did you just hear me? I told you we went in together. He was only a few feet in front of me, it’s not like I let my fucking kid just run around alone.”

The man held up his hand. “Alright ma’am, there is no need to get upset.”

“No need to get upset.” She stated, shocked at the audacity this man had standing in front of her like everything was normal that was happening to her. “I lost my son. My baby is out there somewhere, and no one will fucking help me.”

Officer Nolan stepped forward and took her by the elbow. “Ma’am, if you keep cursing in front of the children here, we are going to have to take you down to the station to discuss this matter.”

“Matter!” She yelled. “My son is missing; I don’t give a fuck what you think about my goddamn cursing. Find my son!”

“Is it possible that he simply ran away?” The other man asked.

“Ran away? Why would you even think he would run away?”

“Is his father here with you?”

“Why does that matter?”

“I’m simply asking if the boy could be with his father.”

Emma shook her head. “No, his father isn’t around. He’s most definitely not with that asshole.”

“So, the situation with the father, it’s contentious then?”

Emma couldn’t believe the crap she was hearing. “This has nothing to do with his father. He’s lost, he’s probably scared and all you can do is sit here and ask me stupid questions that aren’t doing anything to find him.”

The men looked at each other and nodded, Officer Locksley stepped into the trailer and shut the door behind him. “My partner is just going to talk to the manager and find out if they know anything else.”

“He’s the assistant manager and he knows jack shit.” She said as she rolled her eyes.

The door to the trailer opened and he gestured for his partner to join him. They whispered at the door for a moment and then returned in front of her, closing their notebooks. “Ma’am, I’m going to give you my business card, we can’t do anything about a runaway until after 24 hours. If he still hasn’t come home by then, give us a call.”

“I already fucking told you he’s not a goddamn runaway.”

“Ok ma’am, we’re going to have to take you down to the station if you can’t control yourself.” She felt their hands on her arms and she pulled away from them, holding her hands in the air.

“I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“Well, you can’t stay here.” He announced, looking back at the ridiculous assistant manager who was glaring at her.

“So, I’m supposed to just leave my kid?”

“Most times, they show up in the morning, a little scared, hungry, and apologetic for causing a scare. Go home and get some sleep, they usually show back up at home.”

Emma couldn’t believe this was happening, that she was just supposed to go home and leave Henry out here, lost. She looked toward the fun house, wanting to make a run back to it, wanting to search frantically for anything she could find, but she knew he wasn’t there. Something had happened to Henry.

“Ma’am. We need you to leave or come with us.” They stepped toward her, and Emma backed up from her spot. She surveyed the crowd and then paused.

“I’m going.” She announced, turning on her heels and storming toward the exit. When she got to her house she climbed the stairs, screaming her son’s name, hoping he would answer and explain that he got lost and simply went home, but the house was still, dark, and ominously quiet. She went into Henry’s room and pulled open the curtains, the lights from the fair spilling into the window. She pulled the chair over to the wall and sat down, staring at the scene in front of her. She would wait there until she found him, until he made his way back to the house.

Looking down at her phone, she sent another text to Will asking him to call her immediately. Pulling a blanket around her she sat and waited.

Henry, where are you?

~*~

Henry woke with a start, a painful beating in his head. He reached up and winced at the swollen knot on the back of his skull. He looked around in the dark, trying to figure out where he was. Just moments ago he was in the Hall of Mirrors with his mom, they were playing a game. He remembered seeing her, just a few feet away and then his back hit something solid and then it moved. Arms reached out and grabbed him and then everything went black.

He felt around on the ground below him, dirt digging into his fingernails. There was a small light coming in from a tiny opening up high in the room. He groaned as he tried to sit up.

“Don’t sit up too quickly, I’m sure you’re dizzy.”

He jumped at the sound of a female in the room. “Who’s there?”

A face came into view, the light streaming into the dark onto her golden hair. “It’s ok, just give it a minute. You can see in the dark after you get used to it.”

“My head hurts.” He groaned.

“It will only hurt for a couple of days. Then it will go away.” The girl moved closer to him, sitting down next to him.

“What do you want with me?”

“I’m a friend, I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Where are we?”

“Underground. I don’t know really. We move around a lot.”

“Who’s we?”

“Pan’s crew.” The girl said softly, and Henry almost started laughing.

“As in Peter Pan? I must be dreaming. That’s what’s going on. This is a nightmare.”

“I wish it were, but sadly this is real. What’s your name?”

Henry peered at the girl in front of him. “I’m Henry.” Suddenly the shadows moved behind her and he pushed back against the wall.

“Don’t be afraid, they won’t hurt you.”

Henry stared at the faces of the children staring back at him. “Who are you people?”

“We’re the lost ones. Just like you.” She said sadly.

[ohpsshaw]

~DFS Christmas Special~

No desire to draw lately, so I’ve been doing little prose sketches instead.

Just in time for December, here’s what turned out to be Uncle Jack taking Al Christmas shopping. This would be circa 199X B.G. (Before Glenn), making Al in his early 20s.

(Watch out if you have high blood sugar, cos this gets KINDA SACCHARINE.)

It had finally stopped snowing, thank goodness. The fresh white blanket reflected crisp light in through the windows, making him feel chilled inside. Luckily Pop was a comfort creature who kept a stock of hot chocolate mix in the pantry. Al never seemed to reach for it back at his apartment, but something about visiting home in the winter months made a warm mug feel as essential as a limb.

Uncle Jack had asked Al to accompany him for some holiday shopping later, and a chocolate briquette would be good to have heating his gut. He took it to the couch in the living room. Someone had dug up the old photo books and left them on the coffee table a few days ago. Flipping through, he noticed that half the pages were completely empty— photography had never been a popular concept in the Czar household. The preserved moments were of family trips and landmarks, rambunctious sepia-washed office parties, Al’s school portraits. Rarer was anything taken inside the house. One shot of himself at four or five years old, standing on the yellow-sunlit staircase and showing the camera a toy car, surfaced a memory of being coached to keep his mouth closed so as not to alarm a 1-hour photo developer. Thinking on it, it may have been more than coincidence that most of these were instant Polaroids.

Through the window, he heard the muffled sound of a car door, then: “What the fuck are you doing!?” Hey, Pop’s home. Al pulled back the curtain to watch the drama unfolding at the end of the driveway, where Uncle Jack had been chipping at the wall of powder the afternoon snowplow had left. Xav had just returned from morning errands and parked in the street, storming over the slush to stop his brother from working.

Cold air blasted from the foyer. Snow crunched as Xav shook out the snow shovel behind him. “Why was he doing this by himself? Did you become a quadriplegic when I wasn’t looking?”

Al flipped through the Rolodex in his head for the answer that would earn him the least amount of grief. He shrugged, as if confused by the absurdity of the question. “He didn’t ask.”

“I didn’t ask, Max.” Jack took the shovel back. “But you’re right, I should have. Reckon it was my vanity what did me in— I can’t stand to be upstaged by some young buck doing the same job in half the time.” He winked at his nephew. “Well, three-quarters.”

“Oh, fuck off,” Xav spat, the corners of his mouth curling up against his will. “You both know I’m not being unreasonable. You’re not a guest, Alan Henry. As far as I’m concerned, you still live here. You earn your keep during the day, and MAYBE I’ll consider putting on my robe and letting you suckle dinner from my left tit.”

Al choked on his hot chocolate.

“Shit. Careful on the carpet. I’ll get you a paper towel.” Xav left for the kitchen, grumble-exorcising demons as he walked. “If Papa caught one of us sitting on our ass while the other did chores...”

Why did Pop have to save his best lines for when people were eating? Bent over and lapping chocolate out of the crevices of his palm, Al thought he saw a piece of marshmallow among the bubbles. Heh... hope that didn’t come out of his nose.

“You still need me to shovel?” he asked Jack.

“Son, I would be honored,” Jack nodded, holding the shovel on the doormat like a knight leaning on an orange sword. “Gitcher boots on and you can finish the job before we head out. I’ll make sure your Pop watches the show from inside.”

Xav returned with the towels and a smirk. “Talking shit about me, Jack?”

“I was just sayin’ how you’ll hate to see us go, but you’ll love to watch us walk away.”

“Got that fucking right.” Al cleaned his face while Xav dabbed each of his fingers individually. An oddly tender gesture. “What are you two going out for, exactly?”

“Juuust... shoppin’. I need Alan’s opinion on somethin’.”

“Uh-huh.” Secrets being a rare and dangerous thing in this family, there wasn’t much question as to what this was really about. Especially between brothers who were as close as twins. But the holidays were about giving, after all, so Xav seemed to decide to give them the benefit of the doubt. A game is more fun when everybody plays along.

Truthfully, even Al wasn’t sure what they were going to get for his father. A successful family man hitting his sixties doesn’t want for much. By this point, Xav had enough neckties and “#1 Dad” mugs to be buried surrounded by them like a pharaoh. Jack could always steal the show by reaching into his deep D.D.S. pockets or by making a new piece of furniture, but the son was held to no such standards. Xav had simple hobbies, and he seemed to have the house exactly how he wanted it. Was Al too old to make a coupon book, redeemable for hugs and remembering to use a coaster?

Or maybe his gift to Pop could be giving college another shot. Dropping out had caused some... friction, a flint-strikes-wood situation that had led to Al moving out of the house, and eventually out-of-state. He had to admit, the independence felt good. Putting his shoes on the coffee table, not having to tell anyone where he was going... he’d definitely become more promiscuous. No independent murders, though, which was starting to grate on him. He’d realized lately that he had always expected to be allowed to do more, without his father and uncle. Maybe if he did what Pop wanted, things would calm down so he could move back to Michigan and use the cabin. But the idea of sitting in another classroom, taking notes on a subject he didn’t care about, all for the promise of 50 years chained to a desk... It made him want to sleep forever.

When the car pulled up to the mall, Al was not surprised at all by the entrance his uncle had chosen. “Mind if I peek in Sears?” Jack asked, as if wild horses could stop him.

Home improvement and appliance stores were another phenomenon Al only seemed to experience at home. The dusty, unvarnished smell and high ceilings had been a frequent backdrop during his childhood— for Jack, they seemed to be akin to a candy store. He was talented as a carpenter and repairman, and sincerely relished something going wrong with the house if it meant he could pull out his toolkit. He also liked to make things go wrong with human bodies on occasion, but there was a separate box for those tools waiting up at the cabin.

Two steps in the door, and a weary-looking holiday hire hit them up with a canned pitch: “...and I’m happy to help you find whatever’s on your list!“ Aggressive customer service, the bane of the paranoid shopper. Jack was the front line for shaking off overly helpful greeters, which Xav had called “the second-worst thing to come out of the 80s after Iran-Contra.”

“Just lookin’, God willing— I brought my conscience with me to make me behave,” Jack looked to his nephew. “Don’t let me buy a single screw, y’hear?”

“Got it. Bulk purchases only.” That earned Al a shove.

Salesperson successfully deflected, Jack ducked toward his usual corner: the big ticket carpentry goods. When Al caught up, he was running his hand over a table saw. As much as he loved his uncle, Al wasn’t particularly interested in watching him fantasize about cutting wood, or even bone. “You have a project in mind?”

“A bit of a science experiment, next time we play cards,” Jack’s pupils darted along the equipment, still in reverie. “I’ve been readin’ a book about crucifixions, and how they affect the body.”

“Oh, that’s seasonal.”

“‘Course, I won’t be able to try it ‘til next year. You think your Pop would let me pick out a rabbit by April?” Jack chuckled. He was not talking about the Easter bunny. “We can see if she comes back to life after three days.”

Al snorted. “Jesus.”

“Precisely. Y’know, Christ is usually depicted with holes in his hands, but in actuality, the Romans would have put the nails through his wrists.” Jack picked up Al’s arm to demonstrate, dancing fingers across his palm. “Ain’t much to take hold of in here. It’s too fragile and open-ended. But if you move up the arm,”— he pressed his thumb into the straightened portion of Al’s median nerve— “You can hook the radius and the ulna. Much better support.” Jack’s eyes flickered with glee. “And it hurts like a bitch!”

“Wait, are you going to go first, or last?” Playing cards was usually a once-a-year affair, and the night Al looked forward to the most. If Jack snuffed her out before he had his turn...

“Oh, don’t worry, son. Done right, she could last for days.” Not that she would, since Pop would probably have something to say about that. “I just want to try, er... doin’ as the Romans do. And who knows, maybe you’ll like it. Every bachelor eventually needs to have a girl nailed down!”

They cackled and then shushed each other, wincing like sneaky little boys at the idea that someone would hear them over the store’s ambient shopping muzak. They really shouldn’t talk like this in public, even with code words and euphemisms. Though over the years they’d learned that people can be experts at ignoring what’s right under their noses. Certainly none of the men had ever overheard anyone else planning a murder.

“It’s just a pipe dream, I’m still in the plannin’ stages,” Jack added. “Ain’t even got the lumber yet. So if you wanna put some packages under the tree that are, say, 4-by-6 and 72 inches long... I promise to be shocked when I unwrap ‘em.”

Al’s attention shifted over his uncle’s shoulder, to a shelf of handheld orbital sanders. Al was more of a hands-on kind of guy— he still got a little queasy thinking about Jack’s experiment to see which sandpaper grit was the best at removing skin.

“So what was it you wanted me to look at? I don’t think Pop needs a crucifix for Christmas.”

“Oh, I’m just killin’ time before our appointment.”

“Appointment?”

“At the photo studio. I want you to give your Pop a picture.”

“...of us?”

“Naw, just you.”

Al loved that. “Yeah, that’d be hilarious. Merry Christmas, Pop, I got you me!”

A pause. “Oh, you’re serious.”

“As a heart attack, son. It’s just what he needs.”

“Do you have, I don’t know, a backup plan?” Al faltered. “Something less self-centered? I’m not exactly his favorite person right now. He kind of thinks I’m a failure.”

“Alan, you are not a failure. You are...” Jack patted his nephew’s cheek. “An unbroken mustang who has not yet found his ranch. And your father is just tryna keep you from bein’ sold as horse meat.” He slid them into a far aisle for more privacy. “He worries about you a lot, and he misses you somethin’ fierce.”

Al chewed his cheek. “Well, talk to him about showing it sometime.”

“No, son,” Jack took him by the shoulder, looking around to make sure they were alone. “Your father cries. At night when he talks about you, he starts wellin’ up like a waif. He doesn’t need to hear that you know about it, but it’s the God’s honest truth. All he talks about is wantin’ you back home.”

“I think movin’ out has been good for you, and I’m happy you did it. But it wounded him to his core. You’re his heart, kid.”

Al wasn’t sure how he was taking this information, but he knew how he was supposed to. He scrunched his eyes closed and took a deep breath.

“Okay... If you’re completely sure he won’t think it’s stupid.”

“Are you kiddin’? He’ll put it on the nightstand.” Jack grinned. “And if you smile for it real nice, I’ll take you to that steakhouse in the plaza after.”

Al cocked an eyebrow. “You were gonna go there anyway.”

“Yes. Yes, I was. But won’t you enjoy your ribeye that much more knowin’ you’ve earned it?” Mmn, maybe. “Besides... did you have any better ideas?”

⬥ ⬥ ⬥

Come Christmas Day, Xav had unwrapped the waist-up portrait and just said “thank you”— which was worrying because he was usually much more verbose than that— and gone silent in his chair. At least he wasn’t mad. Al looked to Jack, who smiled knowingly and handed him a package to keep the gift exchange going.

Al figured it was because Jack had given him something funny, but then he heard his father breathe in sharply.

“Maudit tabarnak... you fucking assholes,” Xav’s voice sounded high and squeaky, like it was being squeezed through slabs of rock. He ducked his chin into his bedshirt collar to hide his face.

“You, fucking... why’d you have to...” He shook his hand at the framed photo. Oh boy, he really did hate it. The whole idea was idiotic. Al had sat in front of that artfully-mottled green backdrop and squinted for a man with a bow tie and no indoor voice for nothing, except for the sheer discomfort of it. And a ribeye steak with a baked potato.

Xav blinked up at the ceiling and gulped, his Adam’s apple fluctuating grotesquely. Eventually he seemed to find his voice again. “Why didn’t you tell me you were having pictures taken, so I could make sure he had his fucking hair combed?” He showed them the photo. “Look at his bangs— they’re all over the fucking place.”

Al had to admit, they did look a little wild. “Aw, shoot. Sorry, Pop,” he laughed.

Jack tutted. “I think it looks nice. Rugged.”

“That’s because you don’t know how to comb your hair either, Jack.” Xav brought the photo back into his lap, looking it over. “Looks like he fought a bear before sitting down. But don’t worry, I still like it. You look handsome, kid. Maybe I can find some space on my nightstand.” Al and Jack exchanged victory grins, and didn’t catch Xav wiping tears from both eyes.

[delicatelyherdreams]

Pragma(tic) 10: She Sees the World in a New Light

Pairing: Persephone!Bucky Barnes x Hades!Reader

Summary: In a world where the old gods never truly died, you must learn to navigate your way through the ups and downs of immortality. And if living forever wasn’t hard enough, an ancient evil is now threatening to break free after centuries of silence. And as if that still wasn’t hard enough for you, now a pesky and infuriatingly handsome god is trying to wedge his way into your life. Gods, work, love, and conflict—what more could a goddess need? [Hades & Persephone AU]

Word Count: 4272

Warnings: Language

Pragma(tic) Masterlist

Previous 9: The Past Comes Back to Haunt Her

It’d been years since you’d actually gone out into the Mortal World and stayed for any amount of time. You used to make trips daily to reap your own souls before Pierce came to work for you and Clint agreed to help you out. But that was during the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans; way before any of the modern technology came out.

Back then, people went to sleep right as the sun went down. They were quiet, reserved, timid, and shy. You were free to roam the streets of the villages, hardly a soul to join you. You’d enjoyed the silence of the Mortal World.

But now?

You couldn’t believe how much the world had changed.

The city was set ablaze with neon lights and lamps. You could hardly tell that it was nighttime anymore. People bustled around, talking to each other, talking on their phones, or not talking at all. Some walked with friends, others alone, but all were awake and lively. The colors from the street lights and glowing signs bounced off their skin, turning them different shades and making them ethereal and strange. You hadn’t seen anything like it in a long time.

Sure, Olympus had mimicked these mortal cities, but there was something unique about the Mortal World that Olympus simply didn’t have. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but it was beautiful and comforting and it made you happy.

The atmosphere was warm despite the piles of snow on the ground. White fairy lights were strung from lamppost to lamppost. People talked with animated gestures, a smile on everyone's face.

Sipping on your frappuccino, your eyes traveled from person to person, taking in their clothes, their hair, their facial expressions, everything. You were able to gauge what kind of a person they were within moments and garner a bit of insight into their life by mentally scrolling through the registry of souls and taking a peek at their file (that was the good thing about being the Queen of the Underworld—because every single soul was technically your subject, you were able to access every bit of their information).

A hand squeezing yours drew your attention away from the people, and you turned your eyes to the man beside you.

Bucky smiled down at you, his eyes sparkling in the dim light. “You enjoying yourself?”

Pulling your lips away from the rim of your drink, you nodded and smiled up at him. “I haven’t had a night like this in forever. I think I was in my early five hundreds the last time I got to roam the Mortal World. It’s changed so much.”

“It has, hasn’t it?” Bucky took a sip of his latte and looked forward. “I’ve been coming here for decades, and every time I come, I find it astonishing.”

“Here? As in New York?”

“Heh, yeah.” He paused as he slowed to a stop at the corner of the sidewalk, a red stop hand commanding pedestrians to halt. “Steve and I love coming to Brooklyn. We practically grew up here. My mom spent a lot of time here before it got built on, tending crops and stuff. She moved away when the city sprang up, but I still love it here.” A happy sigh escaped his mouth. “It’s a beautiful city. I love coming here, especially in the winter.”

“Do you come here often?”

“At least once a week or so. I’m considered a regular at some shops.”

The stop hand turned into a walking man and you and Bucky followed the crowd across the sidewalk. Your voice quieted as you asked, “Isn’t that dangerous though? Won’t the mortals realize you never age and get suspicious?”

He shrugged. “Some might, but they hardly pay attention enough to realize that I still look the same as I did years ago. And the ones that call me out on it, well they deserve to know the truth.”

Your eyes bulged out of your head. “You told them?”

He laughed. “Relax, (y/n). I don’t tell everyone, only some. I think I’ve maybe told five people the truth in my 1,385 years of existence, and most of them are elderly at that. In fact, you’ll be meeting one of them tonight.” His grin was sly as he tugged you across the street by the hand. “He runs a pastry shop I’ve been dying to take you to. His cinnamon rolls are the absolute best.”

You followed Bucky down the street, eyeing the path ahead warily. “So, he knows about you and what you… are?”

“Yeah. I told him a few years ago when he called me out on not aging.”

“So then he knows you’re the real ‘Persephone,’ as the mortals call you?”

He breathed a laugh. “Yes, he does. And the first words out his mouth were, ‘I knew you were a flower child,’ and the second ones were, ‘Wait, you’re not a lady.’ Gods, it was mortifying to try to explain to him that the myths were wrong and that I was, indeed, not a woman despite the feminine name given to me by the mortals.”

“So am I to assume that he knows about me too?”

Tilting his head from side to side, he pursed his lips in thought. “I think he probably knows you exist, but I’ve never had reason to tell him about Hades, the goddess of the Underworld. I didn’t think it was important or necessary until I befriended you. But I’ll introduce you tonight. He’s a cool guy, and I think you’ll like him.”

Gods, you hoped you would; but you hoped he’d like you more. Mortals were not very hospitable to the gods that resided in the Underworld and dealt with death. They were afraid of you and that made them abrasive, hostile even. The last time you told a mortal you were Hades, she blanched with fear and ordered you (the best she could with her trembling voice) out of her house.

Bucky led you through the city, down another block or two, and stopped outside an old fashioned pastry shop. The red and white awning had faded to a salmon above the store, but the gold lettering that read “Pop’s Pastries” on the window was still crisp and neat as if it had been painted on yesterday. Bright lights illuminated the shop from the inside, casting a glow over the endless display cases of pastries and cakes as well as an elderly man sitting behind the counter on a stool with a book in his hand and reading glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose.

“Come on,” he said, tugging you in by the hand. A little bell over the door jingled as Bucky pushed the door open and passed through the threshold.

The old man behind the counter looked up, his green eyes sparkling with amusement. “Well well well. Look who it is.” He fit a bookmark in between the pages of his novel and set it down so he could give his undivided attention to the pair of you. “If it isn’t my favorite celestial being. And who is this you’ve brought with you, Persephone?”

Bucky chuckled. “It’s Bucky, not Persephone, Arthur. We’ve been over this.”

“I know, but I don’t care.” Arthur’s eyes glistened with amusement. “Now answer my question: who’s the pretty lady. A goddess perhaps? She’s pretty enough for it.”

You giggled and shook your head. “I don’t know about pretty, but yes, I am a goddess.”

“Ah-ha! I knew it! Now, which one are you? No no, wait, let me guess.” He leaned back in his chair and eyed you, scrutinizing your entire figure. “You’re… Aphrodite.”

The laugh that tore through your threat was louder than you had intended and you quickly slapped your hand over your mouth. “Oh gods. I’m so sorry. I don’t mean to laugh. But no, I am not Aphrodite. That name belongs to the lovely Pepper.”

“Artemis then.”

“Nope. That’s Wanda.”

He hesitated. “Hera?”

Your lips curled up in a grimace. “No, that’s my sister’s wife Maria.”

“Your sister’s wife… You mean your sister is Zeus?”

“Carol, actually. But yes, the mortals call her Zeus.”

“So then, if your sister is Zeus, then you’re…” You could see the gears turning in his head.

You smirked. “You’ve got a fifty-fifty shot at this, mister. If you get it wrong, you’ll hurt my feelings.”

“Alright… My guess is…” He sprinted and turned his gaze up to the ceiling. “Oh, lord; you’re wearing black. You are… Hades?”

A smile took over your lips. “Ding ding ding. We have a winner.” Bowing to him with an ounce of flounce, you said, “Allow me to introduce myself. I am (y/n) Aidoneus, the unseen one, eldest daughter of the titans Kronos and Rhea, goddess of the dead and wealth, and Queen of the Underworld, at your service.”

Arthur whistled in appreciation. “Those are some pretty impressive titles, your majesty. I am honored to be in the presence of one of the big three. Just, one question.”

“Shoot.”

“Why you hanging around with a minor god like Bucky here?”

“You know, I’ve been asking myself that for weeks.”

“Hey!” Bucky narrowed his eyes. “You love me and you know it.”

“Yeah yeah yeah, keep telling yourself that, Springy.”

Arthur snickered, his voice ringing out through the otherwise empty shop. “Oh, to be young and in love. I swear you two act like an old married couple already.”

Your head snapped towards him and you lost even more color if that was even possible. “In what? No no. We’re not… I mean… No. We’re not a thing.”

“Oh, my mistake your highness,” Arthur said. “I only assumed that you were together cause Buck here has never brought anyone here unless they were special to him.”

“We’re just friends, Art,” Bucky said, holding up his hands. “Nothing more, nothing less. Believe me, I just barely got to be friends with her; she almost had my head the first couple times I broke in and she only just gave me the keys to the kingdom.”

“Ah, that is right. You were a little trespasser up until a few months ago, right?”

“Mhmm. He was.” You shot Bucky a glare. “However, I have learned to tolerate his presence in my kingdom. There are still places he’s not allowed to go, but he can come into my house so long as he has my permission first. Now.” You rolled your shoulders back and sauntered over to the display cases of baked goods. “Bucky tells me you have the best cinnamon rolls in the world and I’m curious to see if he’s right.”

Arthur popped off his stool and walked behind the cases, pulling a small plate out of seemingly nowhere. “I sure do. It’s an old family recipe, dating back to when the first cinnamon rolls were created in Sweden. I sell nothing but the best here.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

Arthur pulled two cinnamon rolls from behind the case and set them on two small plates that were just the size for the pastries.

Mumbling your thanks, you took your plate over to one of the tables that stood in the vacant shop. You took your seat elegantly, sitting up straight with the posture that only royalty seemed to have. Ever so carefully, so as to not dirty your hands, you wrapped your fingers around the roll and lifted it up to your lips. As soon as the sugary icing touched your tongue, you were hooked. “Oh my gods, this is amazing!”

Arthur bowed his head. “Thank you, milady. I’m glad that they have your seal of approval.” He moved back over to his spot and plucked his book from the counter. “Well, I’ll leave you two youngins to it.  I’ll be in the back reading. Holler if you need anything.”

“Will do. Thanks, Arthur!” Bucky sat down at the table across from you and smirked. “So what did I tell you? Best cinnamon rolls in the world, am I right?”

You bobbed your head as you chewed. “Yeah, yeah. I guess you’re right.” As you swallowed your bite, you dragged the back of your hand across your face to wipe away the crumbs that had undoubtedly made their home in the corners of your mouth. Smiling down at your roll, you couldn’t help but feel satisfied with your current situation, though a bit saddened. This place—as quaint and lovely as it was—felt like one you should be sharing with a lover. Naturally, the only lover you’ve ever had fell into your mind. You could just barely imagine the naiad sitting in the chair across from you, his brown eyes sparkling as you covered his nose with frosting. It would be the perfect date. You would’ve loved to have brought him here. A mellow sigh left your lips and you murmured, “Gods… Brock would love this.”

“Who’s Brock?”

You blinked. Holy fuck, had you really said that out loud? Welp, shit. Time to roll with this. You gulped. “He’s my… Uh...”

“Boyfriend?” Bucky’s voice was timid, cautious, perhaps a bit scared. He spoke the word like it was bitter on his tongue.

You breathed a laugh. “No. I don’t know what he is to me.” Your lips formed a thin line as you averted your gaze.

His brows furrowed. “How do you mean? How can you not know?”

“Well, our relationship… It’s complicated, you know? Like, we obviously have some sort of feelings for each other. He’s been there for me for centuries and he’s loved me for that long too. But it… It doesn’t feel like love exactly. I don’t know what it is.”

Bucky’s lips pursed, but he let you speak.

And you spoke. You told him about how Brock was the only one who treated you like a queen and goddess in the beginning, going so far as to pledge his undying fidelity to you and vow to serve you with his life. You hesitated as you started to get into your relationship with him, talking about the late nights you spent together with only the vaguest detail. You didn’t know why, but it felt wrong talking about it in front of Bucky, and you were almost ashamed of it. No, scratch that, you were ashamed of it. You felt like it was almost betraying him to admit what you and Brock had done in the dark. But, swallowing the lump in your throat, you continued with your pathetic tale, telling him about how in recent centuries, Brock hardly ever came around anymore unless it was to satisfy his own desires. He never stayed for the morning after or to actually talk to you anymore and it left you confused and hurt.

Bucky listened with solemn interest, staying silent until you finished. He frowned, his brows pinching together and his lips turning down with an agitated air. “Permission to speak freely?”

“Always.”

He took a deep breath before starting bluntly with, “It sounds like he’s a dick.”

You snorted.

“No no no, hear me out! From what you’ve told me, this asshole is using you and doesn’t seem to care about your feelings. All he wants you for is someone who will give him what he wants and someone whom he can just take and take from.” He shook his head with a growl that surprised you. You’d never seen the god of spring so… angry and dark. “He sounds like a dick who only cares about himself and he’s hurting you in the process. He’s using you and it’s not right. Who does he think he is to abuse a literal goddess such as yourself. You don’t deserve that shit. You don’t deserve someone who will use you and leave you. You deserve the world. You deserve all the stars in the heavens. You deserve love—not that fake lust—true love. You deserve someone who will take care of your emotions and treat you with respect and adoration. You deserve someone who will stay with you through thick and thin, treating you as if you’re a precious gem. You deserve someone—”

“Someone like you?” The words were gentle as they escaped your mouth; hopeful, sincere, begging. They surprised you, but their implications that you wanted him surprised you more. How could you imply that? You hadn’t even known each other for a year yet, and you were insinuating that he wanted a romantic relationship with you and you wanted one with him. What the fuck were you thinking?

How could you think such? You didn’t know him. He didn’t know you. He was just a friend and hardly even that. He’d only been down to your domain a handful of times.

But then again…

Each time had been more blissful and lovely than the last. Sitting with him in the garden… Strolling through Elysium… Picking flowers in the Meadow… Each time he visited drew you closer and closer to his light until you considered him close to your heart.

He turned to you, his astounding blue eyes looking at you with an ounce of surprise and, for a second, you feared you overstepped. But then his gaze turned kind and he smiled a smile so kind, so genuine, and so real that you lost your breath for a second. And he reached for your hands—both of them—and took them in his. His hands dwarfed yours, but they fit together perfectly. Holding one, he brought the other up to cup his face, to hold his cheek. He turned into you and pressed his lips against the palm of your hand.

You could feel his breath ghosting over your skin and it sent shivers down your spine in the best way.

And then his lips moved, and even the slightest twitch was enough to take over your senses. “If you’d have me,” he said softly, his voice just barely above a whisper. He turned away from your hand to gaze into your eyes. “I know I’m a young god—naive, stupid, innocent to the world—but I also know my feelings. And I do have feelings for you, (y/n). I know that we don’t know each other the best, but that’s the great thing about immortality, right? I have all of eternity to get to know you.”

You gaped at him, your mind on red alert as the meaning of his words kicked in. He wanted a relationship with you. Suddenly, your thoughts went on autopilot.

This is wrong. This is wrong. This is wrong.

He was less than half your age. He was a young god. You didn’t know him. He didn’t know you. He doesn’t know what he wants.

This is wrong. This is wrong. This is wrong.

What were you thinking? You’d just met him. You couldn’t possibly be interested in pursuing a relationship. You would be insane. You couldn’t take advantage of him like this, no matter how badly your subconscious wanted him. And even then, he was the god of spring, of life, and you were the goddess of the dead and Queen of the Underworld. There was no way that those two things mixed. How could they? They were polar opposites.

This is wrong. This is wrong. This is…

But what if it wasn’t? What if he wanted you just as bad as you wanted him? What if he wanted to know you like you wanted to know him? What if?

This feels right. This feels nice. This feels right.

Maybe there was a reason you felt safe and secure around him. Maybe there was a reason you called him instead of Brock when you had your nightmare. Maybe there was a reason he stayed in your mind, always lurking in the corners no matter the time of day.

This feels right. This feels nice. This feels right.

Your eyes traced his face and your heart hammered in your chest. If you were being honest, you wouldn’t mind trying to pursue something with him. He was kind, sweet, and genuinely wanted to know you. That was more than any other man had been in years.

But there were other factors than just what you and he wanted. What about the age gap? You more than doubled him in age. And then there was also the fact that you were practically ostracised by most of the gods and immortals on Olympus. Would he join you in exile from the others if he associated himself with you? And then what about his mother? She despised you with a passion, and there was no way that she would approve of you two dating. And what about…

Brock…

There were just so many fucking factors to it, way too many for you to work out in one day. You might’ve been a goddess, but that didn’t mean you weren’t without responsibilities that had to come before your love life.

You hung your head, removing your eyes from his body. “Bucky, I just… I don’t know…” you whispered, your voice cracking with strain. “How could we work? How could the world let us work? There’s just so much that needs to be accounted for and I… I just don’t see how it’s possible.”

“So long as we try, so long as we both want it… Anything is possible, really—even us being together.” He gave you a lopsided smile. “The Fates would not have had us meet if it wasn’t.”

You barked a bitter laugh. “The Fates could not be so cruel as to interweave our futures, Bucky,” you said in a shallow whisper. “It’s a curse to be stuck with me.”

“See, you view it as a curse, but I would see it as the greatest blessing they could give me. To be so lucky as to spend all of eternity with you who cares so much about people and who gives so much of herself so selflessly is all that I can ask for. You are so much more than what you give yourself credit for, (y/n). Let me be there to remind you of your value.”

“But what about Brock?”

He sighed and tightened his grip on your hand. “You can let him go. You don’t need him. He’s abusing you, (y/n), I know you can see that too. Just let him go.”

“I… I just… I can’t let him go that easily, Buck.” You hung your head. “I think that, deep down, I know the words you speak are true, but I… He’s been there for me—with me—for hundreds of years; I can’t just let him go. I know I should, but I can’t…” It was toxic, what you had with him; you knew that, but he had planted his weeds so deep in your heart that you could not tear them out so easily.

“What if I helped you?” he asked, his voice lifting an octave as he thought aloud. “I can be there for you, occupying your time so that way you wouldn’t have to see him. I have no obligations or responsibilities other than bringing Spring to the Mortal World once a year, and so I could be down there for you. No one says that you have to cut him from your life all at once; you can do it little by little and I will be there to help you every step of the way.” He bit his lip as he let go of your hand and reached up to hold your cheek.

You closed your eyes at his touch and leaned into him. His hands were worn and smooth and filled with warmth that filled you to your core.

“I can help you, (y/n), but you have to tell me you want this. I won’t make you decide one way or the other; this is your life, you’re in control. I am but a tool for you to use to help you along. You tell me what you want and I will help you make it happen. Okay?”

What you want…

You had virtually everything you could ever want: a kingdom, loving family, millions of subjects who respected you, power, wealth, good friends, the best dog ever, and security. But that wasn’t everything you wanted.

You wanted love. You’d never admitted it before, but you really wanted love. Not the stuff Brock gave you, but real love. If you remember correctly, the Greeks had given a name for the love you craved.

Pragma: long-lasting love.

You knew that you were never going to get that with Brock. You were chasing him down a one-way road that led to a dead end. There was no future of growth for you, no practicality whatsoever, only the same for years, decades, centuries to come. There was nothing more he could offer you, nothing he could give to you that you didn’t already have.

But with Bucky? Gods, there were so many options; he’d already proved to you time after time that he was invested in you and more than willing to stay with you. He’d risked getting flayed alive by his mother and his own safety just to get closer to you. With him, there was a chance that you could find what you wanted. No matter how minuscule the chance was, it was still there; a single thread hanging in the middle of the room that you were going to hold onto and climb until it either turned into rope or disappeared.

You had nothing to lose, so why not take a chance on him?

Next 11: She Takes a Stand

[bottleofspilledink]

God’s Watching, Put on a Show || Chapter XI

The air was cool and crisp, blowing by her and carrying with it the lingering scent of teenage rebellion and the joy that was momentary liberation. Her feet moved swiftly as she waded through waist-high grass, it’s dew caressing the sliver of skin between the end of her pant leg and her sneakers.

The long walk over to the partly hidden, run-down shack they had made their hideout gave her time to think, mind wandering, thoughts racing. And yet, the thirty minutes she walked wasn’t enough for her to sort said thoughts, not enough to know what to do with them, anyways.

She was excited. Who wouldn’t be giddy if something they had waited on for a year now was coming closer with every day, with every passing second, with every step?

Under that, though, there was a sense of dread, Lilith instinctually doubting all the good that was happening to her. Again, I ask, who wouldn’t doubt all the great things that came to them if it were drilled into them everyday that they simply weren’t deserving of it, too sinful to be worthy of anything other than guilt and scorn?

And even deeper than the dread, there was fear.

What if there wasn’t enough money? While Colette’s parents had told her to expect about a few hundred thousands, it was a known fact to all of them that because they were the ones to set the fund up, they could access, and consequently take, money from it as they wished.

What if there was no money at all? Colette not being granted access to her trust fund for some superficial reason was always a real, daunting possibility, leaving her as the one the whole group would have to rely on.

Lilith arrived at their hideaway, almost hesitant to knock at the door, fearing what she could find inside it. This was the one of the two nights that would determine their future. Should she not fear or fret, to a certain extent, that something could go wrong?

Regardless, she soldiered on and knocked.

“Who’s there?” Asked Joan, voice wary and gruff, a slight creak coming from her end probably due to her leaning on the door to make sure no one who wasn’t supposed to get in was able to.

“It’s me.”

The girl’s response was the clicking and clacking of deadbolts before swinging the door open and ushering Lilith inside. It was an unspoken, sorrowful truth the five of them shared, that all the locks they’d placed on the shack weren’t a mere sign to others looking for a place to hang out that it was taken, but an unfortunate, and necessary precaution they had to take due to the simple fact that they were them, that they were gay.

It was so that – if it ever came to it – they could buy themselves a few seconds more.

To hide what they had to, be it alcohol or forbidden books or money.

To come up with a lie, unconvincing as it may be.

To say their dreaded, tearful goodbyes to one another before the inevitable consequence for being them came to claim them.

They wouldn’t have to worry about that for much longer, though. Not if tonight went well. They would never have to worry about it again.

“Where are the others?” She looked around the space they’d made their own, devoid of people save for her and Joan. The time they’d agreed on drew closer and worry slowly made it’s way into the cavity of her chest that seemed to exist for such unpleasantness alone, the part of her she didn’t want, that ever constant fear.

Maybe it would go away once they were out of this town. She hoped it would.

In a better world, she wouldn’t have to feel like this to begin with.

She tried not to think of that too much.

“They came here, pooled together ten bucks, and went back out to buy a pack of cupcakes and a candle for Colette.”

Relief flushed out most of the concern and Lilith allowed herself to plop down on one of the beanbag chairs they got for relatively cheap at a yard sale.

“What about Colette?”

“She’s not here yet,” Joan said, sitting in a near-identical chair from across her, wiggling a bit to try and get comfortable, legs shifting constantly, much more accustomed to the hardwood floor.

“And you guys are sure she’s back from her trip?”

The girl stood up took to leaning on the door again after hearing rustling from outside.

“God, I hope so. It’d be a waste of cash if not.” The girl stood up took to leaning on the door again after hearing rustling from outside. “She said she’d be back on the twentieth.”

A series of knocks came from the other side, panicked, frantic.

“Open up! Colette’s almost here!”

The familiar clinking of metal reverberated around the shack once more, the two girls coming in not even a second after.

“What’s with all the rush?” Joan locked the door once more despite knowing their friend drew nearer by the second. Better safe than sorry. “Doesn’t she know we’re waiting for her?”

Paula gave her no mind, instead sticking a small, pastel blue candle atop one of the cupcakes.

“Joan, dear, your lighter.” She held her palm out, expectant, Joan fished it out from her pocket and passed it over. If Paula wanted to surprise Colette, she might as well indulge her.

Meanwhile, Julia took a lacy tablecloth she had smuggled away from her house during laundry day and smoothed it over the wood of the table, she got the remaining cupcakes from the box, putting them on top of the soft fabric in a short line, careful, making sure none of them touched.

They handed stripped, sparkly party hats to Lilith and Joan, leaving the only one with a small pompom atop it on the table, for Colette.

The set up was modest, intimate, even nostalgic in a sense.

It looked like a child’s tea party. Food just enough for the five who were coming, the silly party favors, the simple decor that could hardly be considered such. All they needed now was a few plastic cups, a teddy bear, perhaps a tutu, and they were good to go.

There was a second after everything was set up before Colette came knocking.

“Guess who’s back from the Bahamas?”

Hushed, excited whispers came from them before they giggled and let her in.

The creak of the door was drowned out by the party horn that Paula had bought.

“Happy birthday!”

“Holy shit, thanks, but I need to tell you guys that those hats make you look like Christmas elves!”

The giggles they had momentarily stifled returned when Lilith put one of said hat on Colette, playfully tugging a strand of her sand coloured hair along the way.

“Then you’re an elf too!”

They cackled and squealed as Colette screamed bloody murder, exaggerated and theatrical.

Julia then held out the cupcake for the girl as the laughter died down and they sang for her, jolly, off-key, filled with love.

“Happy birthday to you!”

They were acting like teenagers. Carefree, joking, happy.

Granted, they were teenagers.

It just wasn’t very often that they felt like one.

“Happy birthday to you!”

As they sang, jovial, unselfconscious of their pitch and tone, Lilith felt all the misery of the day’s happening fade, giving way for their merriment and warmth.

She felt safe.

She felt comfortable.

She felt loved, unconditionally, by this group of misfits, her friends.

Her family.

“Happy birthday, dear Colette!”

There was happiness in the very air they breathed tonight. It wasn’t something they felt often especially nowadays, this sort of infectious joy, this infrequent, sought after euphoria. And yet they basked in it now, fueled by each other’s warmth, feeding off of each other’s joy. This rare, coveted high they had so little of, but shared nonetheless.

“Happy birthday to you!” The final notes were dragged out to a comical extent, punctuated by guffaws and giggles, laughter and lack of breath halting it.

Lilith wished, as Colette blew out the candles and made hers, that the song could have kept going.

She wished her lungs would grow as if they were pufferfish so they could continue that final note til the end of time.

She wished that tonight would never end.

She wished for an eternal, permanent happiness, for all of them.

They settled down after the song, eating cupcakes as they chatted, asking Colette about her trip.

“There were a ton of cute girl in bikinis,” She said in between bites, a bit of green frosting smeared on her pale, chubby cheek. “You guys should come with me on my next trip!”

“Sure, lemme just pull some cash out of my ass and we can fly there on a private jet when Christmas break hits,” Joan cackled, crumpling the polka-dotted wrapper of her cupcake, slightly jostling Paula who sat in her lap.

“Okay, but speaking of money…”

Reminders of their other reason for being here effectively put a damper on everyone’s mood except Colette, who from her skirt pocket took out a crisp, pristine check.

“Will five hundred thousand be enough for us?” She smirked, sliding across the cloth covered table.

The rest of the girl shared glances, incredulous.

“Holy shit.” Julia said, the first to break the for once not terrible silence.

The sentiment was echoed and they all cheered, hugging and crying and hopeful, Colette in the middle of it all, receiving thanks and cheek kisses and hair ruffles, all of them getting pulled down from each other’s weight but refusing to let go, the girls now in a giddy pile on the hardwood floor.

“Well, that was at least nine tons off my shoulders…” The blonde said, finally being released from the tight hug, breathless, short, wheezing laughs coming from all of them as they lay unmoving, tired but happy.

None of them bothered to get up, content to lay on the floor, on each other.

They talked about the future, what they needed to do to reach it, what they wanted to do once they graduated and left town, some serious, some silly, some plans mixed in with some wishful thinking.

“I’m gonna shave all my hair off right after graduation.” Joan declared, flat on her back, eyes fixed to a certain point in the ceiling where the colour of the wood became lighter, large hands holding Paula’s dark ones.

“Yeah?” The voice was Julia’s, but Lilith couldn’t see her, the girl probably above her, just outside her peripherals along with Colette.

“Yeah! I’m not even gonna wait til we get to San Fran. We can just shave it off in the back of my pick-up truck and huck it at whatever car passes us.”

This earned a snicker from the girls, some of them adding what they’d do if whoever they threw it at decided to pursue them, coming up with outlandish excuses for what to tell the cops ranging from ridiculous ones like “she was shedding” and “the wind just blew it away” to outright slander against whoever the hair hit like “they were following us so we tried to throw them off” and “they actually tried to throw that at us, but it backfired.”

“In all seriousness though, we are not cutting your hair while the truck is running. I don’t want my girlfriend ending up with scissors in her skull.” Paula flipped herself over to lay on her stomach and reached over to twirl a lock of Joan’s hair, not caring enough to prop her body up, letting her cheek press against the ground while the others burst into laughter at the mere mention of scissors.

“We chop it off at some gas station bathroom or we wait til we pull over somewhere to camp for the night and do it there.”

“Aww…” They all lamented the loss of a prank before Colette spoke up.

“We can still chuck it at someone if we braid what we can, cut that off, and shave the rest. Then we can hang the braid from a tree and scare hikers!”

“Hell yes!”

The question of what they wanted to do the moment after graduation made it’s way around the circle, the answers varying from things like “take a nap” to “get wasted” and “yeah, getting wasted sounds good!”

“Hey, Lilith! You’ve been hella quiet, dude.” Julia coaxes from somewhere in the room. “C’mon! tell us about whatever the fuck you feel like doing!”

“Hmm… I think I’m gonna give my grandpa the middle finger and fuck his study up,” She nods to herself, the others made her carry on, telling her to stick it to the man and too count them in with her.

“Yeah!” Lilith laughed, throwing her head back as much as the floor beneath her would allow, adrenaline rushing through her at the mere thought of getting back at the man who had made her life a living hell. “I’m gonna get a knife and just stab his armchair and straight up vandalize all his books and smash that stupid paperweight on his desk!”

The girls cheered and jeered, shouting curses at the man and his bald spot and his cock, joking about everything from erectile disfunction to micro-penises til they devolved into fits of manic, belittling laughter.

From there, they bounced from topic to topic, though they always drifted back to thoughts of tomorrow. It was what made life worth living after all, at least for them.

The sights of the city, the courses they wanted to take, possible part-time jobs, the girls they hoped to meet. (Or at least, the single ones did. Joan and Paula added to this by suggesting cute places where they could go to on dates.)

Eventually though, the question was asked.

“So, anything interesting happen while I was out.”

Lilith could immediately tell that those who could see her from the corner of their eyes were staring, leaving her to recount the week’s events.

She sighed, long and loud and long.

“Buckle up. This gets shitty and it gets shitty fast.”

 …

 It took a good hour and a half to get through everything, the occasional comments from Joan and Julia not very helpful in keeping it short.

“So, let me get this straight-”

“We’re not!” Julia cut Colette off, giving Joan a high-five while the rest of them groaned.

“As I was saying, in the two weeks that I was gone,” she took a deep breath and spoke again, “Lilith started a fire and met a girl and fell in love and told the girl that she started it because she felt bad about fucking sandwiches also the girl is gay and can’t cope with it, which is why when you almost kissed, like, five days after you met, she freaked out and cried and threatened to blackmail you if you told anyone about what happened, then proceeded to act like nothing happened literally this morning and freaked out again cause she saw your boobs and again, couldn’t cope and had a panic attack during lunch and is now actively rebelling against her mother.”

“I wouldn’t say the panic attack and maybe gay realization and acceptance happened cause of Lilith’s hotness, but like, cause we human?” Paula interjected, still somewhat puzzled on how to put all the admittedly intense happening into words, but being the only one with Eve during the majority of her breakdown, the burden fell to her. “I think she saw how the fact we were lesbians doesn’t change how we’re human and how we weren’t evil like what some sermon taught her or something and had a crisis of faith because of it.”

Colette and Julia, who hadn’t been able to hear this part of the story earlier, stood in stunned silence, jaws dropped, socks knocked off.

“Oh wow. Well, that was…”

“A lot?”

“A mood killer?”

“A really bitchy thing to do?”

“All of the above.”

Lilith only shrugged, the “I-told-you-so” more implied than anything.

The night was drawing to a close, the girls knowing and dreading that soon, eventually, in the next thirty minutes, they’d have to go home.

“I think that’s enough for tonight. They’ll turn the lampposts off at three and it’s not safe out without it.”

“Okay, but one last question, is this girl on our side now or what? I mean, we already know she won’t tell anyone we’re gay cause then Lilith could just tell them that she’s gay too, but is she one of us now?”

They exchanged glances before reaching a unanimous “no.”

“She could be, though. If she apologizes for being a dick and accepts the fact she’s gay, all our problems with her are gone.” Joan added, albeit rather begrudging.

The girls nodded, agreeing once more. They felt sorry for her, yes, especially since they all knew what it was like to be in Eve’s place, but it was no excuse.

With those final statements filled with pity, the night was over.

Dusting themselves off, they sat up slowly and stood on wobbly, somewhat numb legs, they helped each other up, some being pulled to their feet, some leaning on other’s for support. Even when their legs didn’t feel like that of a newborn deer’s, their movements were sluggish. No one wanted the night to end, not even Paula, the one who suggested it. They wanted to stay here and sleep and cuddle and feel safe with each other. But so many good things had already happened that night, and no one wanted to push their luck and potentially jeopardize the plan by getting caught.

They left silently, not a single goodbye uttered, not so much as a wave given.

It was probably for the better.

Lilith knew she’d end up in tears if they had to vocalize their parting. It wasn’t like the other nights where they themselves knew that they had not the means to leave, no matter how much they wanted to. This was different. They enough money to leave whenever they wanted, the only things keeping them back were themselves.

She tried not to dwell on it during the walk home, mind shutting off all internal debates about whether it was sadder to be locked up with no choice or to willingly stay, making what was once a cage you were forced in to that of your own.

Instead, she remembered her friends’ echoing laughter, the familial warmth of their company, memories made not even an hour earlier already filtered with fondness and tinted with nostalgia.

It only served to accentuate her sorrow.

_____________________________

Taglist: @anon-nom-nom95 @leahstypewriter @madame-ree @phillyinthebathroom @melpomenismask @littlemisscalamity @gaypeaches @pirateofblood @i-wanna-be-a-rock @extrabitterbrain

[phobiadeficient]

Hello! I'd just like to start off by saying I love LOVE your writing dude. I have a hard time keeping attention when reading, but I never struggle with yours. I'm always so captivated by it! :D I was also wondering (and this could be a stretch so I apologize in advance) if I could request a speedingbullet snippet that involves some knife play? If not that's totally understandable, I know a lot of people aren't always for that. Non the less thank you!! Have a wonderful day dude!!

and we high five abt not being able to keep attention enough to read and it’s a crisp high five

(warnings for consensual knives and a general sense of panic)

-

His hands were shaking, and the rise and fall of his chest with his breathing was more like a series of tremors than anything else. And everywhere that Scout made contact—quite a lot of places, considering how heavily he was leaned back against him—he was damp with sweat. He couldn’t have looked more stressed, more panicked, but apparently that was part of the draw.

Even just having Scout so thoroughly trapped was a treat. Hands tied behind his back tightly to allow no room for movement, sat practically in Sniper’s lap, Sniper using his own legs to keep Scout’s too spread apart to get any sort of leverage. The rest of the work—getting Scout to lie so tightly against his chest—didn’t need to be done with any kind of bondage. Instead he kept him there with the knife in his hand, pressing slow lines into his skin.

Scout was such a scrawny thing. It made the planes of his body, his meager musculature, his ribcage and hip bones and the veins of his neck, all stand out all the more starkly. And Sniper found it was almost soothing, tracing over every ridge and line and edge with the sharp tip of a knife. Never pressing hard enough to cut through skin, just hard enough to leave a little line, first white then pink then a pale sort of red.

He shifted his grip on the knife. For a second, Scout trembled hard.

He moved to trace along Scout’s pectorals. Scout’s response to that was to arch against Sniper all the harder, which was to be expected, he knew Scout’s chest was fairly sensitive. He found himself very much enjoying following along with the rise and fall of Scout’s chest, amused by how Scout seemed to be trying to control his breathing, trying not to move at all, even.

A brief pause before Sniper let the blade graze inward, trailing briefly against his sternum, before finding the skin just to one side of Scout’s nipple and starting to apply more pressure, more, just ever-so-slightly-more before letting up again.

Scout’s breath was short and uneven, and as Sniper trailed the tip of the knife in to just barely make contact with the sensitive skin of his nipple, a whimper rose up in Scout’s throat. It made Sniper grin.

He shifted his grip on the knife.

Scout froze stock-still—might have even stopped breathing—as the knife pressed flat against the front of his throat, then slowly slid upward until the sharp curve was nestled in just beneath his chin.

Scout slowly tilted his head back as a kind of innate survival instinct, trying to escape the knife, and had to stop when his head made contact with Sniper’s shoulder and he had nowhere else to go. And he was left arched uncomfortably, chest heaving, neck so very exposed, just the way Sniper wanted him.

He dipped his head down to graze the stubble of his cheek against Scout’s comparatively smooth one, his only warning before lips found his pulse point and latched on. A few moments to let the trembling man in his lap get used to that before Sniper opened his mouth and bit down, harder than he’d been pressing the knife, even, albiet with his teeth not being quite as sharp.

Barely a second’s pause before a short wail of noise left Scout’s mouth, almost startlingly loud after so long of subtle changes in breathing broken by whisper-quiet whines. In an instant Sniper’s free hand snapped up to cover his mouth, muffling the sound and making Scout freeze up again. Sniper released him from the bite, but not the hand, not the knife.

“You said you’d be quiet, love,” Sniper reminded him, voice low and rough and even, and for a few seconds Scout was left whimpering on the exhale of his near-panic panting. “Don’t you want to be good for me?”

A tiny little noise into Sniper’s palm, albiet a much quieter one, following an almost apologetic slide of tongue against the lines there, a hot throb that made Sniper’s pulse hammer. Sniper gave him another moment before shifting the hand on his mouth, sliding his index and pointer finger between Scout’s lips. Scout opened his mouth to suck on them obligingly, now gone quiet and still again, and Sniper decided to reward his good behavior, even if only a little.

He shifted his grip on the knife. Scout shivered.

The knife trailed down to lie flat against the space just below Scout’s ribs, and Sniper unfortunately had to remove his fingers from Scout’s mouth before they could move forward. He reached to tug Scout’s briefs out of the way, taking hold of him—so hard he was surely aching, already practically throbbing in Sniper’s hand—and taking a few moments longer just to tease.

Scout’s hips bucked forward and Sniper’s grip on the knife shifted.

Scout went stock-still as the knife shifted to instead lie with the sharpest part just across the space above his hipbones, and he seemed to quickly realize what Sniper had done.

He was forced to stay completely still as Sniper slowly, steadily tugged him off, unable to buck or shift or do any of the general writhing and squirming he tended to do in bed, giving and taking in equal measure. Instead he had to stay entirely still or else risk hurting himself on the knife across his body.

And Sniper could feel the strain it put on him, the tremble migrating down his thighs, the sweat slicking his hair down against his neck. And all he could do was try and breathe through it, try and control his noises, his everything.

And it took a while before Scout finished, but not quite as long as Sniper had thought it would. And Scout managed to choke down his noises even as he twitched hard in Sniper’s hand, even as it clearly hit him so much harder and longer than even Sniper was used to seeing, and he continued to throb for long moments even after the crux of it was over.

And then Scout was relaxed against him, and Sniper traced the knife in loose circles against him for just a few more moments to hear his overwrought little hitches of breathing before pushing Scout to sit up and slicing the ropes from his wrists.

“Good?” Sniper asked, and the fact that Scout couldn’t even get the words back to reply properly was proof enough for him.

[lustresky]

make me feel [bi!bucky barnes x bi!f!reader]

summary: Let’s just say that you and Bucky aren’t as bright as you both think you are. (Or, a story in which you both find out that the other isn’t actually completely over the fence— If you know what I mean.)

wc: 2800ish.

themes: reader and bucky are both bi disasters, misunderstandings, pining, a lil’ bit of angst?, crack? (idek at this point lmao), happy endings, not so subtle the witcher references, everyone else in the team getting tired of reader n bucky’s dumbasses.

a/n: title is a song by janelle monáe! also this is inspired by seb saying ‘bi rights!’ and well... also by me being a dumbass bi. this felt like the longest x reader i’ve ever written when in reality it’s the shortest one i’ve ever written lol. :’) oh well!

if you have any questions about this fic, feel free to send me an ask! c:

“Isn’t she just—“ You sigh dreamily, one of your arms coming up to rest at the table; your head then promptly laying on it. “God, I’m like— so gay.”

Bucky just laughs, ignoring the twinge of emotion in his chest. He sips his coffee, eyeing you through the corner of his eye.

Your eyes had been stuck on the Russian spy for the past ten minutes, now. Natasha, however, hadn’t noticed it all; which Bucky finds both funny and depressing.

Funny, because seeing the usually alert assassin being oblivious to your feelings is amusing; and depressing, because he knows that he’ll never be the object of your affections.

The reason isn’t even because of his past— you had made it clear to him numerous times before that you don’t think any less of him because of his history. It isn’t even about his arm— you had called it “Cool.” and “Awesome!” a handful of times before.

No; the reason that he’ll never be able to be with you is because you swing your bat for your own team.

Bucky just lets out a quiet sigh, blowing his coffee to cool it down some more.

When Natasha turns her head to give you both a smile, he doesn’t contain the small chuckle coming out of his throat when you suddenly flinch in your seat.

He wants more, he always had, but he knows better than to hope for things that he can never have.

I’ll just have to settle for this.

Bucky takes another sip.

“Damn.”

You look up from the TV; your view being greeted by Bucky as he sits next to you on the sofa, metal arm gleaming from the dim light of the screen.

The said television currently displays a very delightful and deliciously naked scene of Geralt of Rivia; the camera panning up from his thunderous thighs to his thick upper body— the only thing keeping the whole moment ‘Netflix-Show-Friendly’ is the white cloth haphazardly thrown across his waist, covering his dignity.

You snort as Bucky continues to hungrily stare at the fictional character, unashamed. His eyes are wide, pupils blown and you can’t help but feel the knot in your stomach tighten.

“Looks like someone’s a lil’ gay too, huh?” You laugh, trying to swallow down the feeling of heartache.

Bucky just chuckles back, eyes still focused on the screen. “You can say that…”

You tear your gaze off of the super soldier, doing your best to keep your disappointment at bay.

It isn’t his fault; you of all people know that you can’t exactly control what and who you’re attracted and not attracted to.

In fact, it’s your fault for falling for someone who’ll never like you that way.

Bucky will never look at you like that— you know that— but there are times, times like this…

Times where his arm is wrapped around your shoulders, times where your head is tucked under his chin, times where your back is pressed against his chest…

That you fool yourself into the idea of maybe you two can have something more.

Even if you know better.

Bucky hears the clacking of heels behind him, followed by the familiar whistling of Sam when he sees something he likes.

“Goddamn, Y/N!” He hoots, promptly making Bucky turn around from his area on the stove upon hearing your name.

His breath hitches up in his throat as he sees you: a form fitting and long sleeved black dress hugging every part of your body, ending quite high above your knees and showing off a garter on your left leg. Your hair is tousled, framing your face. The whole outfit is paired with black heels, and Bucky knows for sure that anyone else who’ll see you in it will do a double take.

You laugh at Sam. “Sorry, honey, but you know that I don’t see you that way.” You give him a wink, eyelashes fluttering as the eye-shadow on your eyelid glitters. Bucky can slowly feel his knees turning into jelly.

He quickly brushes off the butterflies in his stomach, trying to regain his composure.

Bucky clears his throat and sends you a smile, which he hopes doesn’t look too strained. “You look great, Y/N.”

Whatever his complicated feelings are, he isn’t going to let them stop him from giving you a genuine compliment. Bucky knows how happy it makes you whenever he gasses you up.

As he had expected, you give him a huge smile. “Awh— thanks, Buck.”

Before Bucky can reply, Sam slides back into the conversation. “So what’s all this for, then?” He asks, one eyebrow up. After a beat, he smirks. “Got a date?”

Bucky ignores the heart wrenching feeling in his chest.

You laugh, and that’s when he notices the folded flag in your hands. You unfold it and wrap it around your shoulders. “Nah, just got a parade to go to. You know how it is.” You send him another wink.

The flag has a tricolour design.

Bucky had never seen it before.

Sam just laughs, bright chuckles filling up the otherwise empty space. “I see you, honey. I see you.”

You tie the flag into a knot around your neck, giggling. “Well,” You say, arranging your hair, grabbing a clutch from God knows where. “Enjoy yourselves boys, I know I will.”

With a final wink— and even a salute— you step out of Bucky and Sam’s view, heels clacking once more as you make your way to the elevator.

Bucky’s trance gets broken as soon as he hears Sam snickering. He turns, feeling his cheeks flush with heat.

“What.” He says, furrowing his eyebrows, trying his best to look annoyed even if embarrassment is slowly eating away at him.

Sam just laughs. “God, you need to tell Y/N that you’re into her. I’ve been seeing you pine over her for months, dude. You gotta tell her the truth.”

Bucky scoffs and turns back to the stove, seeing his food now burnt to a crisp. Great. “Yeah, no thanks.” He says, embarrassment now being replaced by exasperation.

Sam groans back. “She’s clearly into you—“

“No, she isn’t,” Bucky cuts Sam off before he can even say anything else; annoyance quickly turning into rage.

He looks back at Sam. “I know she isn’t.”

After a beat, Sam scoffs. “As much as you think you know shit,” He starts, shaking his head.

“You don't know shit.”

You can’t help but let out a small whimper once Bucky’s fist collides with the boxing bag.

The way his muscles flex at every punch, the way the veins in his neck pop out at every grunt, the way his tank top clung to everything…

God. He looks absolutely appetizing.

Wanda snickers from beside you. She passes you a water bottle and you take no more than five seconds to chug it all down. “Well,” She laughs. “Someone’s thirsty today.”

You wipe your mouth, groaning. “Shut up.”

Wanda just giggles. “Awh, come on Y/N, you can be honest with me.”

You turn to look at her, being greeted by her wiggling eyebrows. “Ugh, I don’t wanna talk about it, Wanda.” You roll your eyes and turn your head back again.

Which is a mistake on your part— because as you do so, you’re welcomed by the sight of Bucky’s toned stomach; his hands grabbing onto the bottom of his tank top, rubbing the sweat off of his forehead.

You proceed to choke on air.

Wanda just cackles harder and louder— but at least she has enough empathy to pat your back.

Bucky, upon hearing the boisterous laughter, drops his hold on the tank top. His eyebrows furrow for a moment, before his eyes land on you; his lips then curling up into a small smile.

The heat in your cheeks becomes even hotter, but you manage to compose yourself just for a second to send him a grin; albeit crooked and a bit awkward.

Thankfully he doesn’t notice anything.

As Bucky turns back around to face the other side of the gym, you turn back to Wanda— face fuming.

“Be quiet!” You hiss, irritation and embarrassment settling in. “He can’t know that I’m into him, okay?”

Wanda raises an eyebrow, face contorted to a look of incredulity. “Why?” She proceeds to poke you on your shoulder. “It’s clear that you guys both like each other— just confess already. I’m tired of it.” She groans and rolls her eyes.

You scoff and let your eyes fall downcast onto the wooden floor.

“Trust me…” You sigh, feeling the disappointment bubbling in your stomach. “He doesn’t like me that way.”

Wanda lets out a noise of disagreement. “I don’t even need to get in his head to know that he’s into you—“

“Wanda just—“ You cut her off, lifting your eyes up from the floor to stare at her fully. The disbelief in her eyes upon hearing your words is clear, but it isn’t enough to erase the feeling of heartache in your chest. “Just trust me...”

“I’m sure of it.”

“Oh come on— Y/N!” Tony shouts, sounding exasperated, making you lift your eyes from the chicken on your plate and onto his upon hearing your name.

You cock an eyebrow at him, hands paused midway into cutting your meal. “Yeah, Tony?”

Steve raises a hand up to cover Tony’s mouth, but the billionaire manages to swat it out of the way. “Would you— as in-eloquent as this may sound— bang Mr. Barnes?” He asks, face determined and jaw set tight.

The rest of the chatter on the dinner table promptly stops. Natasha and Wanda both look amused, but the rest of the team just looks either: A) Confused, B) Disgusted, or C) An equal yet unfortunate mix of both.

You don’t say anything for a few seconds, caught too off guard to even answer. After a minute your mouth opens, but it closes back just as quick— open and close just like a fish.

Tony groans, arms crossing around his chest like a child. He leans forward to your direction. “Well? Yes or no?”

You force your lips to part with the intention of saying a reply, but Bucky beats you to it.

“Stark, I think we all know that Y/N would never say yes.” He says, voice dark and unamused.

“Well, I— for one— don’t,” Tony replies, not even letting you speak. His brows are furrowed as he shakes his head. He lifts one hand up, a finger going down as he says, “First off, and I say this totally platonically, you’re jacked. Second, we’re not blind— we see you both cuddling at the sofa when you’re watching The Witcher; and third, as a super soldier, your stamina in bed—“

Bucky cuts him off before he can even continue. “It’s because I’m a man, Stark.” His eyes narrow, annoyance and anger clear on his face. “Don’t you see that Y/N’s not into that?”

Your eyes widen, and before anyone else can interrupt you, you say, “Hold up— what?”

Bucky just stares back at you; and you notice the irritation on his face slowly morphing into hopelessness. “Aren’t you— you know…” Bucky lets out a sigh, metal hand waving in the air. “Gay?”

“What?” You respond back, eyebrows now knit together in confusion and surprise. “I mean yeah, but— no?”

Bucky just looks back at you in confusion.

“I’m not— I’m not gay. Not exactly,” You shake your head. “I’m bi— you know, as in bisexual?”

Bucky doesn’t say anything, eyes wide in shock.

A silence reigns over the table before Tony breaks it again.

“Well that means that that lil’ reason is unjustifiable, then!” He claps his hands. “So what is it, Y/N? A yes? A no?”

You roll your eyes, trying to ignore the feeling of rejection starting to bubble in your stomach. You know your answer, but it didn’t matter in the end.

“I don’t think what ever I’ll say will be worth it in the long run, Tony,” You try to play off the heartache by turning back to your plate. “Besides, I don’t have a chance, anyways.” You laugh half heartedly.

A beat passes— even Tony doesn’t reply to your words— until…

“What do you mean you don’t?” Bucky asks, low enough to be a whisper, but loud enough for you to catch it.

You look up, staring back into his cerulean eyes. “Well...” You try not to show your feelings as you shrug your shoulders. “Aren’t you gay?”

A pause, then— Bucky snorts. Actually snorts.

“Doll, I’m not—“ His eyes are crinkling, smile stretched wide. “I mean, yes, but I’m… I’m into women just as much as I am into men.”

You let your jaw drop.

Wait… So that meant…

This time, Steve interrupts. “Okay… I think I’ve had enough of dinner, how about we watch a film?” He stands up from his seat, his own chair loudly scratching against the wood as he tries to act nonchalant.

Everyone else— except you and Bucky— stands up, a chorus of “Yeah, sure.”‘s and awkward coughs filling the room. The team heads out in a straight file into the communal space.

Tony, before disappearing into the corner, sends you both a wink; Steve promptly whisks him away.

You look back at Bucky.

The two of you just stare at each other wordlessly; still reeling over the fact that you two had both been absolute idiots.

For a few minutes, silence engulfs both of you, until Bucky coughs.

“You still—“ He lifts up an arm and rubs the back of his neck, a nervous tick that you instantly recognize. “You still haven’t answered Stark’s question…”

You sit straighter in your seat, surprised at his words. The heat creeps up to your cheeks; and although you know now that you actually have a chance, the weight of rejection is still heavy.

After all, you had already accepted being turned down because of his ‘supposed’ attraction not including your sex— which, truthfully, hurts less than being rejected because of anything else.

You let out a chuckle, but it doesn’t end up sounding as happy as you had wanted it to be. “It’s not that important, Buck— you don’t want to know, trust me.” Your eyes fall down to your unfinished meal once more.

Bucky lets out a sigh, and for a few seconds he doesn’t say anything. Until…

“That’s the thing, Y/N… I— I want to.”

You look up, making eye contact once more.

“I want to know,” He says, eyes full of hope yet also doubt. “I’d rather know now than never.”

Your breath gets caught in your throat.

“So?” Bucky smiles, a small, unsure one. “Do you— as per Tony’s words— want to bang me?”

The laugh escapes your mouth as soon as Bucky pronounces those words, and you just take a second to compose yourself. God, isn’t this night just eventful?

As the last few giggles come out, you shake your head, feeling the courage to say the truth run up your veins.

Fuck it.

You fix your gaze into Bucky’s eyes— those cerulean blues that you can get lost in for days.

“I do want to bang you, Sergeant Barnes,” You say, and as his eyes flash with joy as your mouth quirks into a grin.

“But I don’t want just that…”

Before you know it, you had stood up from your seat and are now walking towards him; the fearlessness in you becoming bigger and bigger with each step you take.

Once you reach him, he stands up from his seat as well. He towers over you easily, but instead of being intimidated, you feel comforted.

“I want to… I want to go on dates with you, I want to cuddle with you, I want to talk about everything and nothing and just—“ You look up at him through your eyelashes, ignoring the butterflies in your stomach as you grip onto your nerves.

“I want you.”

Bucky doesn’t respond for a moment, prompting you to worry that you might’ve misread the situation, but instead of words he leans down— capturing your lips with a soft peck.

It’s quick, chaste— but it’s enough for your heart to soar.

You gaze back into his eyes, feeling your cheeks burn and the butterflies in your stomach having a party.

Bucky smiles, lips quirked so high upwards that his eyes crinkled. You think— no, you’re sure— that you’d never get enough of the sight.

“I want you too.”

“Buck, how in the hell did you not know that I was bi? I walked around with a whole ass pride flag on my back!”

“It isn’t my fault that we didn’t have those back in the day— and besides, I’ve never heard you talk about having a crush on another guy!”

“That’s because I had a crush on you, dumb-ass. Plus, what about you? You spend all your time ogling at Geralt, I’ve never even seen you stare at a woman!”

“That’s because the only woman that I have my eyes on is you, doll!”

thanks for reading! as always, requests are open! & pls don’t forget to like and reblog, thank you! c:

[pietromaxi]

you’re a bad guy

request: @fashionlive15 Hi Sahar!! How are you? I saw that you were taking much request, solo can I please have o me with the reader being Tony's daughter and dating cap during civil war and she is on caps side until she learns that Bucky killed her grandparents and then Steve almost kills Tony and she is so sad and feels betrayed (it could be more that one part if want) Hope you have a great day!

hi angel! i really really love this concept, i highkey went overkill with this one but i like the way it turned out. hope you like it!

warnings: violence, ANGST!, like one (1) kiss?, blood?? cursing

——

for the first time in your life, you and your dad seriously butted heads. you would argue over small things, like: tony putting empty orange juice containers back in the fridge, or tony putting a red sock in with your crisp white clothes, or tony- okay so it was usually always tony’s fault.

but this time, who’s fault was it? neither of you could help that you believed in something so strongly you sided against eachother.

“i’m not signing that shit!” your chest heaved up and down as you and your father had an intense stare down.

“Y/N Y/M/N stark, sign the goddamn papers or so help me you will be grounded until you’re in an old lady home!” tony was basically foaming at the mouth. it was a serious hit to his ego knowing his baby wasn’t with him. his baby was with cap.

but here you are now, leaning on the side wall of the quinjet, listening to your beloved boyfriend and best friend talk about their past.

“you remember that time we had to ride back from rockaway beach in the back of that freezer truck?” bucky snorted and looked over at his best friend.

“was that the time we used our train money to buy hotdogs?” now it was your turn to laugh, both boys looked at you and smiled, steve pressing a kiss to your head.

“you blew three bucks trying to win that stuffed bear for a redhead.”

“oh god, bucky. three bucks? wasn’t that like three-hundred-dollars back then?” bucky looked over at you with a dopey smile, “something like that. what was her name again?”

“dolores. you called her dot.”

“she’s gotta be a hundred years old right now.”

“so are you boys.” you clapped a hand on each of their shoulders, moving to stand in between them. “real funny, y/n. real funny.”

the doors on the quinjet opened and you walked with bucky and steve up to a door, slightly ajar, hidden in some rock.

“he can’t have been here more than a few hours.” steve turned around to look at the two of you.

“long enough to wake them up.” you and bucky uttered the words at the same time. the three of you lauging lightly at the realization.

steve led the three of you into the cast bunker. you traveled down into the depths inside a caged elevator. you’ve always hated elevators, sighing, you moved closer to steve. he welcomed you with open arms and leander down to press a firm, but soft, kiss on your lips. “i love you.” he whisphered. steve had a bad feeling about this.

the elevator stops in the bowls of the bunker, the doors slide open with a high-pitched screech. steve reluctantly lets go of you, then nods to both you and bucky and heaves the cage door open. bucky readys his machine gun while you focus on the fire beginning to seep from your fingertips. the three of you walk down into the depths of a corridor, alongside a wall. bucky turns his head to look into an alcove along the corridor wall, it appears to be nothing but old technology so the three of you keep moving.

going up a small flight of metal stairs, steve shoves his way in front of you, earning a grunt in protest. “what? i don’t like you leading the way, you could get seriously hurt, doll.” sighing, steve clutches your hand just a little bit tighter. bucky stays behind you with his gun drawn.

at the sound of a large groan behind you, the three of you spun around, “you ready?”

“yeah.” immediately after bucky mumbled the one-word reply, iron doors were forced apart by none other than your imbecile of a father, his mask was currently off, he was holding it inbetween his hands. both you and steve lowered your weapons and stared in shock. bucky stayed stiff.

“you seem a little defensive.” of course your father would say that. you cautiously approached your father, steve followed closely behind, shield now being held up in front of his chest. “it’s been a long day.” you embraced your father tightly, smiling when he hugged back.

“at ease solider. i’m not currently after you.” tony held his hands up in defense as you went to stand beside steve, his pinky immediatley wrapped around your much smaller one, a simple gesture, but you two seemed to do it on every mission when holding hands seemed like a bit too much.

“then why are you here, daddy?” steve gripped your hand tighter, as you stared forward at your father.

“could be your story’s not so crazy. maybe. ross has no idea i’m here. i’d like to keep it that way. otherwise, i gotta arrest myself.” tony raised his eyebrows and shrugged, looking down at you, “i’m sorry this split us up, kiddo. you know i loved you through all of this.”

your dad’s words brought a wide smile to your blood and dirt caked face, “i love you too dad.”

steve glanced at you, and then to your dad, “well that sounds like a lot of paperwork. it’s good to see you tony.” steve lowered his shield, bucky flinched in reaction, but refused to lower his gun, eyes watching your fathers every move. 

“you too, cap. hey, manchurian candidate, you’re killing me. there’s a truce here. you can drop the huge thing you’ve got pointed in my face.” tony stared straight at bucky as steve signaled you can lower it.

cautiosuly, the four of you stalked down the corrdior, your pinky still held tightly in steve’s. very quickly, you approached a vast chamber, filled with standing capsules. tony stopped abruptly, “i got heat signatures.” 

steve’s eyes shot up immediatley, “how many?”

“uh, one.” your father’s confused eyes trailed over the three people standing before him, before looking back in front of him. 

as the four of you enter the chamber, dust bunnies dropped from the ceiling when the dim, yellowish lights flickered to life. a hazy, yellow mist begining to fill the capsules on the far wall. the four of you looked around, bewildered.

“if it’s any comfort, they died in their sleep. did you really think i wanted more of you?” a squeaky, russian voice filled the vast room, “what the hell?” bucky lowered his weapon when you lightly placed your hand on his forearm.

“i’m grateful to them, though. they brought you here...” suddenly a rat-like man wearing glasses appeared in the control room window. without thinking, steve hurled his sheild straight at the man, it hit the wall with a loud sound and flew straight back into steves hand. “...please, captian. the soviets built this chamber to withstand the launch blast of UR-100 rockets.” 

your dad scoffed, stepping up infront of the three of you. cracking his kneck, he spoke, “i’m betting i can beat that.”

the small man spoke again, “oh, i’m sure you could, mr. stark. given time. but then you’d never know why you came.” tony scoffed again, even though you couldn’t see, you just knew your dad was rolling his eyes. classic move, dad.

“you killed innocent people in vienna just to bring us here?” steves grip on his shield and your, now bruised, pinky finger.

and again, the little man spoke, “i thought about nothing else for over a year. i studied you. i followed you. even your silly little girlfriend, there. but now that you’re standing here, i just realized... there’s a bit of green in the blue of your eyes. how nice to find a flaw.” 

“there’s actually some amber surrounding his pupil if you look close enough, guess you didn’t study well enough.” the first time you spoke, of course it would be sarcastic. after all, you are tony stark’s daughter. your dad held his suit-covered hand behind his back, silently saying ‘oh i know you didn’t just say that, give me a high-five, that was a good one.’ 

everyone else in the room seemed to ignore your little comment, steve continued his arguement, “you’re sokovian. is that what this is about?” 

you turned to face bucky, “i thought he was russian?” bucky cracked a tiny smile and turned back to the newly-named sokovian man.

“sokovia was a failed state long before you blew it to hell. no. i’m here because i made a promise.” 

steve’s lips tightened into a straight line, studying the man in front of him, “you lost someone?”

little sokovian man looked grave. after a few silent moments he clicked his tongue, “i lost everyone. and so will you.” after he began speaking an ancient tv roared to life, static, then nothing, then a date. december 16th 1991. you all stepped towards it. “an empire toppled by its enemies can rise again. but one which crumbles from within? that’s dead... forever.” the small sokovian disappeared right as the video began. 

the video plays, a car is forced off the road by the winter solider. bucky gulped loudly behind you, you could feel his heartrate jump. the winter solider rises and gets off his motorcycle. a man lies on the ground beside the car. a soft gasp leaves your lips. its grandpa howard. 

he whimpered, blood seeping from a cut on his head, “help my wife. please. help.” you closed your eyes tightly, you could hear the grandfather you’d never met crying out for help, anything. 

“sergeant barnes?”

“howard!”

you heard grunting, the crunching of bones, squelching blood, crying out. tony slumped to the ground, head in his hands. your eyes slowly opened, “did you know?” 

steve looked deep into your eyes, “i didn’t know it was him.”

“don’t bullshit me, rogers. did you know?” steve swallowed harshly, he was in deep shit. 

he looked up to meet your eyes, a fire blazed, brightly. your powers trying to come to the surface, he come see you fighting it, “yes.”

a hard punch went straight to steve’s nose, a shove to his chest, a kick to his shin. and he took it all, he knew he deserved it. bucky watched in horror, this was his fault. you turned straight to him, ignoring your boyfriend apologizing profusly, “you! you- you killed them! my family, bucky! how could you?” bucky looked at you pleadingly, his eyes said it all. “you. bucky barnes. you disgust me.” 

you lunged at him only to be grabbed by the waist, metal fingers doug into your waist, “dad! put me down now! stop! let go!” shouting everything you could, you tried your absolute hardest to get him to drop you. all to no avail. he opened a door and threw you inside, slamming it behind him. quickly, he held out the palm of his hand and welded the door frame to the door. you’re not getting out anytime soon. “this is my fight, y/n. don’t you dare try to get out.” 

your fists pounded on the door as you screamed, pleading your father to please just let you out. let you fight, let you avenge. 

you heard slight sentences through the door, after your screaming subsided. it was clear he wasn’t going to let you out, ever. “move!”

“it wasn’t him!”

it had been fifteen minutes. fifteen minutes of listening to the people who were once closet to your heart fight to the death. you’d been trying to burn a hole through the door, but like little sokovian man said, it was strong. 

the door started thinning, little by little. but this wasn’t going fast enough. you’d have to take another approach, would it be safe? you’d only tried this a few time during training and every time it almost knocked you out. serious naps always followed suit. 

taking a deep breath, you circled your hands much like when trying to make a fireball, but the motion was a bit different. it became slightly windy in the room, a light breeze blowing through your hair, not enough. thirty more seconds and you’d be busting this door down, concentrate. you could hear your dad and cap shouting, but bucky was silent. could he be... dead? 

after thirty seconds the small storage closet was becoming so windy all kinds of things were blowing off shelves. with one final breath and an outwards push of your arms, a tunnel of wind blew straight at the wall. blowing the door clean off. 

a cracked doorknob rolled past your feet, picking it up, you threw it straight at the back of cap’s head, hard. he let go of your dad, stepping back and cradling his neck, “baby?” he looked in your directon, wind whipped your hair around, fire spirting up from your fingertips, irisis bright red and glowing. steve had never seen you so angry, not at him at least.”dont. you. dare!” a ball, spitting fire was thrown straight at him. he held his sheild up and the ball exploded, much like a firework. 

you stared at him. red flashed inside your head, he had hurt your dad. he had lied to you. you screamed out and threw fireball after fireball at him. eyes burning bright red, tears of black pouring down your face. you looked like something straight out of a movie, and for the first time, steve felt scared. 

he dodged or blocked every fireball that fell from your fingertips, “y/n, please. don’t make me.” his eyes pleaded with you, as he looked from you to bucky’s gun, disgarded on the floor.

tony knew what he meant. oh no, he is not touching his iron baby. he lunged for steve, the two rolled on the floor throwing punches and kicks. blood spewing from their noses and mouths. bloody fists and crackes knucles coming in contact time and time again.

you fell to the floor, would steve really shoot you? would he really kill you? would he really-

“he’s my friend” 

“so was i.”

final punches and throws were thrown. steve had the upperhand, his shield was directly above your dad’s arc reactor. “no!”

with that, steve plunged his sheild into tony’s arc reactor. crushing it. blue light flickered and dwindled down until there was a dull glow. he left it there, standing tall and proud. straight out of your father’s chest.

“you’re a monster!” you sobbed vicisouly and crawled over to your father.

“y/n, dont.” steve whimpered as he helped bucky up.

“you-you could’ve killed him.” you grasped your fathers metal hand, holding it close to your chest.

steve shuddered. you sounded so broken. worse than the time he watched you cry as your father fell straight out of the wormhole in new york. that was the first time he met you. he wanted wanted nothing more than to hug you and apologize, but he couldn’t. much like now.

“you, steve rogers, are a bad guy. you’re just as bad as any other villian we’ve ever fought, you broke me. you broke us.”

he dipped his head low and wrapped his arm tighter around bucky, stablizing him. he grasped his shield and turned away. you scowled, after kissing your father on the head. 

“that shield doesn’t belong to you. you don’t deserve it. my grandfather made that sheild.”

and with that, he dropped his shield and limped away from you, and all your history together.

steve rogers was dead to you.

——

a/n hi!! i hope u guys like this. it’s my first fic so be nice please! xx

[smileyjaeminies]

The dancer, with passion you had never seen before

Synopsis: You and Yangyang find yourselves dancing to slow songs… the tension is high, what will come of it?

Word Count: 3,4 k

Genre: slow burn, angst, fluff

Warnings: strong language, cursing, attempted assault

Member: 00z, ft. Yangyang

A/N: Huge delay for this one but… Hopefully it was worth the wait.

~Series Masterlist~

  Mid-terms were upon you and they came and went like a hurricane. Your grades weren’t half bad, but still nothing like Renjun’s. You turned in your last paper the previous Friday which meant you finally had a whole weekend to blow off steam and relax.

  And that’s exactly what you did. You spent the rest of Friday lying in bed and moving only when absolutely necessary. Saturday was Elena’s day, which was spent in the local mall, not only shopping but also playing games, bowling and eating anything and everything you could get your hands on.

  Sunday was, of course, dedicated to the boys. Jaemin had proposed the idea of a skate park and all the boys were quite keen on it. You had a very brief experience ice skating so you and Yangyang opted for roller-skating… Big mistake. Despite your “experience” and Yangyang’s grace, roller-skating wasn’t a good match for you. Before long, you gave up, standing in the sidelines and watching the other boys skate.

  As you watched them, each and every one seemed to burn with his own unique flame. Renjun was clumsy but determined, trying again and again until he succeeded. Jeno was almost dancing on the skateboard, his movements sure and precise. Yangyang was still unsure, but he tried his very best. Jaemin’s movements were effortless and he looked as if he was surfing instead of skating.

  And then there was Donghyuck. You stole glances at him and noted how he talked and laughed while on the skateboard. He was calm and careless, just having fun with his friends. One time, he caught you staring, but you couldn’t look away. He returned the look, asking you with his eyes what the hell you wanted. You only shrugged lightly as a reply, finally breaking eye contact.

  Your mind was racing, remembering the way the light hit Donghyuck’s eyes and made Jaemin’s hair glow. However, you were abruptly snapped out of your reverie as you heard your name being called. You, Renjun and Elena were eating lunch in the cafeteria, enjoying some moments of peace before being slapped back into classes.

  “What?” you asked, looking at the both of them.

  “Bet you five bucks, she didn’t hear the last five minutes” Renjun said to Elena.

  “You better keep your money boy, I’m certain she was miles and miles away” Elena teased you.

  “Yeah yeah I’m miles away boo boo poor Y/N gets stuck in her head all the time. What were you talking about anyway?” you mocked them, slightly irritated.

  Renjun and Elena shared a look and burst out laughing. You joined them without thinking, laughing along with your big demise. You had gotten heated very quickly and for no apparent reason, you really needed to relax..

  “As I was saying” Renjun repeated, giving you a pointed look to make sure you were listening, “Yangyang is all worked up again about this new choreography”

  “He is? He hasn’t mentioned a thing” you said.

  “He has been meaning to, I think he’s just too shy to ask Cat for help” Renjun said.

  Oh. Cat. All of you barely knew the girl that had Yangyang’s thoughts tied up in knots. You’d seen her around school and you knew that she was in the same group as Yangyang but that was about all the information you had about the girl.

  Minus Yangyang’s reveries. He came to you often, asking to ramble because every time he mentioned it to the boys, they wouldn’t stop teasing, not even to listen. But despite Yangyang’s rambles, you didn’t feel like you knew her. After all, you found seeing people through someone else’s eyes was highly disingenuous, for the lens of love or hate would blur your vision.

  “Maybe I could help?” you said at last. “What’s the dance?”

  “Oh don’t look at me. You know I can’t tell to save my life. It’s this slow thing, couldn’t remember what it’s called even if I wanted to” Renjun replied.

  “Well then, I’ll just have to find out on my own” you said, taking out your phone and texting Yangyang to meet up for coffee later. He was still in class so you didn’t expect him to reply soon. But he’d be there, you were almost certain he would.

--------------------------------------------------------------

  You were going to meet Yangyang after class in a café near your school. The warmth of the café was welcome, as the air was still crisp outside. You looked around for your friend, but he was nowhere to be seen.

  Going up to the register, you ordered both your usuals and waited on the side for the barista to make them. Mindlessly scrolling on your phone, your head shot up at the sound of your name.

  Yangyang walked up to you, giving you a quick hug. For a boy so loving, it was a shame he didn’t feel comfortable with skinship. He had only started to hug you months after you met, but you let him take his time.

  Your mind drifted back to the other day at the skate park, when he had walked up to you asking cutely “is that seat taken?” while showing your side. You had laughed and replied with a simple “no”. Your heart warmed up when you saw him lie down, placing his head on your lap and asking you to play with his hair.

  “I took the liberty to order your iced Americano, sir” you joked, getting back to reality.

  “My lady is too kind, how will I ever repay your generosity?” he shot back, both of you giggling like idiots.

  After getting your drinks, you shuffled in a booth opposite of Yangyang. The conversation was easy- going as you talked a bit about school and how both your days went. You felt the conversation drift away from the matter that interested you, so you decided to step in.

  “Wait, wait. Before all that, I want to ask you something” you said.

  “Oh. Is something wrong?” Yangyang asked perplexed.

  “No, not at all. It’s just, Renjun talked to me about and I quote ‘this slow dance’ you needed help with. I thought I could step in and help, if you’d like” you explained.

  “It’s not an intervention?” he asked.

  “An intervention? What on earth for?” you answered with a question.

  “The boys had been talking about staging an intervention and setting me up with someone new if I didn’t talk to Cat” he confessed and you laughed.

  “Well, if this is their idea of pushing us towards each other… It ain’t very good is it?” you asked and Yangyang shook his head.

  “I have been meaning to ask you, you know.” He said after a moment of silence. “It’s just you were so stressed with mid-terms I didn’t want to add another thing to your plate. It felt like a really bad time to call in a favor”

  “Thank you for looking out for me. And I’m sorry if it felt like I didn’t have time for you, but mid-terms are now over and I have all the time in the world. I promise” you said.

  “Thank you. Really Y/N, thank you.” He said, and you could tell he meant it.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

  The ‘slow dance’ Jun talked about, ended up being Rumba, one of your favorite Latin dances. You and Yangyang managed to work out a schedule that suited the both of you, so you could give him a feel at least of what Rumba was.

  Dancing to Rumba with Yangyang was entirely different to the sharp hip-hop you had associated him with. Yangyang was full of grace and had learnt how to control his body perfectly. But Latin dances were not about that. Latin is about letting go, losing your own self in the music, feeling it and allowing it guide you. He would always get too caught up in perfecting the moves and lose the point.

  You had only a couple of days left until Yangyang’s group started preparing the new choreography and he had made great progress. His moves were well calculated and precise and you had been able to make a small routine.

  You were practicing now, counting for him as he moved through the small dance studio you had rented out.

  “One AND two and three AND one AND two and three” you said loudly. “Now one on your own!”

   You watched him move without your count, watched his lips move without him knowing as he counted to himself. You saw him staring at his feet in the mirror and nagged him for it. Stopping the music, you went up to him with his water bottle.

  “Stop stressing about your feet. They’re perfect. You’ve gotten the moves down, you just need confidence.” You repeated the words you had told him numerous times.

  “I know Y/N, I know… I just want to be sure.” He said.

  You looked at him as you both took a break. He was sure, you realized. He knew he could do it, he knew he was good but something was holding him back. So the idea came to you without you even realizing. You went up to your things and retrieved your scarf.

  “Break’s over, let’s wrap this up” you said, walking back to him.

  “What’s that for?” he asked, pointing at your scarf.

  “Confidence” you said, smiling up at him. “Now don’t move”

  He was about to protest, when your stormy eyes made the words die at his lips. He sat still as you wrapped the scarf over his eyes and made him wait for you as you picked a new song.

  You remembered about an edit of Ed Sheeran’s ‘The A Team’ so after looking around for it, you pressed play. You went up to Yangyang and you got into position.

  “When I walk all over your legs, don’t scream in my ear” Yangyang said quietly and you knew it was because he was looking for the tempo in the new song.

  “Five, six, seven, eight” was your short answer.

  You danced. Obviously, Yangyang knew the routine perfectly and so did you. He breathed rapidly, all of his senses heightened to make sure he was giving his best result. You kept a straight face, looking over his shoulder and following as he led you.

  When the routine was over you reached for his neck and hugged him.

  “See? You didn’t step over my feet. Confidence” you whispered.

  You were about to break the hug, when Yangyang felt you break away. He pushed your back, bringing you close again.

  “No. Stay.” He said, reaching up and untying the scarf from his eyes.

  A new, unfamiliar song was playing as he threw the scarf somewhere and led you back into his arms. You were quiet, dancing a short of blues, lightly moving your legs and bodies.

  “Thank you, for this. I know I can do it. It’s just… I was supposed to ask Cat for this. To have her here in a moment like this, to celebrate. To have her in my arms and to confess. But I’m scared. I’m so scared she’ll have some kind of high expectations for me, ones I cannot meet. Do you know that I haven’t ever kissed anyone? Never liked someone? Not like this at least…” he let the words trail off into the distance.

  “I know it’s hard. Relationships are… tricky. You put your heart out into the world for a person to do with it what they will. But look where it got me. An asshole managed to gift me five good friends. You lose some, you gain some. You can’t expect yourself to never get hurt, that’s just impossible, that’s just life.” You finished.

  You stayed quiet for a while, enjoying the song and dancing to it. You could feel his pulse racing under your fingertips and if you listened close enough, you would almost hear the gears moving inside his head.

  When the song was over, you moved back. A new song started playing, one of the rappers Yangyang really liked. Without thinking, you reached up and brushed your lips to his. A mere peck, a ghost of lips touching. But it was enough.

  “And now you’ve been kissed” you told him.

  You untangled yourself from him, grabbing your things and making for the door. He watched your movements from where he was, frozen. You stood in front of the door when you turned around to face him.

  “She’s good for you Yangyang. I really think she is. And you’re good for her. So take the next step, okay?” you said, letting the answer be heard in the deep breath Yangyang took and the way his eyes changed when you talked about her.

  You took your leave, slowly making your way home. Earplugs were in your ears, music flowing through them, but your mind could not process them. No, it was too occupied for that.

  Yangyang was having no cares for the world. Yangyang was sharing looks and smiles from afar. Yangyang was working hard and dancing, sweat dripping from your bodies. Yangyang was sitting close together but never touching, walking side by side, your hands brushing momentarily.

  Yangyang was knowing your coffee order and your favourite foods. Yangyang was talking about music and dancing, sharing videos and experiences. Yangyang was realizing just how similar you truly were, and yet... He was an enigma of his own, and you loved him for it.

  As your train of thought raced past you, you let yourself be lost in it. Unwanted, a distraction brought you back into reality. A forceful hand spun you around. You looked up and were met by two doe like eyes, ones you couldn’t mistake for anyone else. Kyle. His eyes were burning though, in a state you had never seen them before.

  “What do you want?” You asked, trying to break free from his hold.

  “Stop twitching, I just want to talk! I heard you were giving it to everyone now, so I was wondering if I could get some myself.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about? Are you crazy?” you asked, still trying to push him off of you.

  He grunted, a sound coming deep from his throat as he hauled you up and pushed you into an alley.

  “Oh, that’s the thing. I saw you kissing dancer boy back in the studio. Did you fuck him too? I’m pretty sure you fucked little eye-smiled Jeno, no wonder he was so good at the game. Saw you walking away from the locker rooms that day, smiling like the little bitch you are. Did you fuck everyone of that little club? Did you miss me?" he asked, forcing himself on you, your lips meeting in a kiss that radiated anger.

  You bit him, bit down his lips as hard as you could. He shouted in pain and anger, walking back from you. He moved back towards you, his moves animalistic and boiling with anger. You gathered all your strength to push him off and miraculously succeeded. Without a second thought, you turned around and ran out of the alley.

  Your body collided with someone and hands were around you, helping you get back on your feet. You were surprised, eyes looking around, waiting for Kyle to emerge from the alley for his revenge.

  You felt yourself being shaken, heard your name being called which led you to finally look at the person you bumped on. To your surprise, you found Donghyuck opposite from you.

  “Donghyuck? What are you doing here?” you asked.

  “What am I doing here? What are you doing here running like someone is chasing you!” he said.

  “Donghyuck please, please, not now. I need you to take me home. Can you walk me home?” you asked urgently, grabbing the front of his jacket in your fists.

  Donghyuck only took one good look in your eyes and nodded. You knew Kyle probably cowered somewhere when he saw Hyuck. He was much bigger than him and could totally take him in a fight. But you couldn’t be sure. You needed to get home safely and you needed time to think.

  But you couldn’t. You were shaking, knees buckling and Donghyuck nearly had to carry you home. He didn’t speak, didn’t utter one word until you got to your house.

  “I…” you started but he cut you off.

  “Do you want me to come inside?” he asked.

  You were shocked by his question. You looked in his eyes, looked for the smiling, teasing boy you knew, but you found nothing of the sort. His eyes screamed out his worry and his hand never left your side.

  You broke down. You let all the tears and spill out as Donghyuck wrapped you up in his arms and whispered in your ear. You had never seen this side of him, never even imagined the way he would softly run his hands over your back.

  “What happened? Come on, Y/N you can tell me” Donghyuck whispered.

  “I… He, he” you stuttered.

  “Did he touch you? I swear to God, I’ll kill him, whoever he was” Donghyuck said after your crying died down.

  You shook your head. “No. No, he was just… I…” you croaked out.

  “Don’t. You don’t need to say anything right now. I shouldn’t have asked. Just go inside and rest.” he whispered back.

  You felt relief rush over you. You didn’t feel ready to talk about it. Not yet. You nodded at his words.

  “Sorry for… this” you said.

  Donghyuck looked at you. He looked at you and his eyes flashed with emotion after emotion. You longed to read his mind, to know exactly what he was thinking about.

  But alas, nothing about Donghyuck could ever be that easy. He composed himself, taking a step back from you and giving you a sharp nod. Without another word, he turned around in his heels and walked away.

  “Donghyuck!” you called after him.

  He turned around, his expression still closed off to the world, or maybe just to you. You tried not to feel hurt and said:

  “Don’t… Let’s not talk about this, okay?”

  He gave you a small smile as he answered.

  “Oh sweetheart, you know I don’t kiss and tell” And he was off.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

  The next few days were… Difficult. You didn’t know how to talk about what had happened or who to talk to. So you didn’t. You did your best to forget and leave it as a thing of the past. Nothing had really happened after all… right?

  Kyle seemed to be thinking the same thing. He avoided you as if his life depended on it and you were glad that you were finally left alone. You questioned your choice in men as Kyle’s doe like eyes had transformed for you once and for all.

  One Thursday afternoon, you were working on some homework when the sound of your ringtone interrupted you. Looking at your phone, Yangyang’s contact name shined on the screen. You smiled as you accepted the call.

  “Hello~” you said in a sing-song voice.

  “Y/N!” Yangyang screamed on the other side of the phone.

  “Calm down idiot, I can hear you!” you said.

  “NO, Y/N YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND, I DID IT! I DID IT FINALLY! I’M NOT A COWARD!” he announced.

  “Yangyang, what are you talking about?? What did you do?” you asked.

  “I kissed her!!! And she kissed me back! Y/N do you understand what this means??? I’m taking Cat out for dinner tomorrow night! I did it!” Yangyang repeated happily.

  “Yangyang oh my God! Oh my God you really did it! I need to know EVERYTHING spill, spill, spill” you enthusiastically answered.

  Yangyang did as instructed, walking you through every step that lead to him asking Cat out. By then, the sky had already assumed its dark colours, clouds blocking the stars and moon. You looked out of your window, longing to see the stars, even for a little while. Spring had many faces, and this was a cloudy one.

  You wrapped yourself in your blankets and thought about the easy happiness Yangyang brought in your life. You were happy to see him happy and you hoped Cat knew of the treasure she had wrapped around her fingers.

[hardlylo]

como la flor

 ch. 2: amor prohibido

synopsis: best friend’s dad!luke (ft. lawyer!luke) and montserrat think the they finally have the world at their feet-until...shelley.

warnings: swearing, smut (18+ ONLY), drama (i said telenovela and i meant it)

tag list: @tamystardust, @m-xrphineinjectixns, feel free to message to be added!

“what was this called again?” luke hummed, his eyes glancing over the woman’s face as he enjoyed the food before him.

“los huevos revueltos.” Montserrat mused, sipping her black coffee as the two held eye contact. Her brown hues took in his features: the light scruff growing along his jaw, the way his dimples appeared if he smiled just a little wider, and the way his hair fell perfectly on his shoulders with ease.

 He let out a contented sigh, allowing his fork to fall onto the empty plate. “forgive me, but for the life of me, I can’t remember what that means.”

 Her body leaned forward, arms resting on the cold marble top. “if I tell you, promise me you won’t think less of me.” Luke used his finger to draw a small ‘x’ over his chest, a wink leaving his eye. Her hand came up to her mouth as if to shield the conversation from anyone else. He sat up in interest, bringing his body closer to ensure this secret was kept from prying ears. “scrambled eggs.”

 Luke’s head fell back as a hearty laugh erupted from his chest. Whatever he was expecting, it certainly wasn’t that. The brunette couldn’t help but giggle at his reaction. The sound of is laughter brought butterflies to her stomach. Hell- even just a small twinkle of his eye made her fall into a pit of adoration. It had only been a week since their confessed moment in the living room. They had spent a couple nights at each others’ places, but nothing ever crossed a line. They took things slow, treating each other delicately. Neither wanted to immediately scare the other away. They were grown adults not looking for a hookup-for once.

 His hands clasped hers, his smile still beaming as he came down from his giddy high. His heart hadn’t felt so warm in such a long time. He had seemingly grown colder as the years went by-dealing with the harsh realities of his life. He was growing older. His only child was all grown up, living with her boyfriend half an hour away. His job was grueling, being a prosecuting attorney was never easy. Not to mention the fact that his marriage ended exactly five years ago. Luke had fallen into the same, dull, daily routine. He really didn’t see much to live for, other than the sake of living, until he had the one constant in his life that changed all those feelings. Having Montserrat in the office every day brought laughter and beauty, he found himself waiting to watch her walk past his office to give him his daily ‘buenos dias’. He actually wanted to go to work every day. Everyone could tell there was something different about him-a pep growing in his step. She was a light at the end of the tunnel, and he was desperately reaching for it.

“Qué estás pensando, dulce,” Montserrat hummed, her fingers playing with his, “what are you thinking?” Her eyes searched his, wanting to know what went on in that mind of his. Montserrat might be lower in age, but she had been through things most people her age would never experience in their lifetime. She had a bruised heart. She had experienced utter heart break time and time again. It wasn’t exactly easy to adjust to an entirely different culture, being nearly abandoned in a country that wasn’t originally her own. She had no one in this world but herself. The hard times made her ready to take on whatever the world could throw at her. She prayed the universe would throw Luke directly into her arms.

All different types of answers popped into his head. He wanted to be gentle with her. He wanted to give her a break from all the hardships, but he knew that she could handle whatever. “What do you expect from me?” His voice was soft, almost as if he were whispering.

The question set her back, her lip jutting out in a small pout. It wasn’t something she was expecting, but it was easily answered. “Well,” she sighed, pulling her hands away to run them through her hair. “If you think about it, yo no sé nada de ti. I don’t know anything about you, at the end of the day. I mean- I know the basic things. I don’t know you past anything as a boss, or an acquaintance really.  I know there is a lot I must learn about you, ay dios mio, but I want to.  I want to learn all of it. And I don’t care how long it takes.” She graced him with a soft smile, confident in her words. She was never one to hide her feelings, no matter how rude, sweet, or opinionated they may sound to others.

Luke let out a breath he hadn’t even known he was holding. His smile mirrored hers, his hand coming out to cup her face. “That sounds like a plan to me, honey.” It was a giant relief off his shoulders. It had been so long since he faced the possibility of commitment. He swore after his marriage fell apart, he would no longer be a man ‘tied down’. Yet the idea of Montserrat waking up in his bed every day, as she did this morning, wasn’t too terrible to picture.

A small plop from the hardwood signified her hop down from the island stool. Her hand brushed his as she walked towards the hallway, trying her best to pull him with her. “And I know just how to get it all started.” The soft cheeriness in her eyes now hazed with lust, she made her way towards the steps, purposefully snaking her hips overdramatically just to make her point. The brunette had decided he’d done enough waiting. She was confident in his feelings for her, at least enough to know that he wouldn’t immediately ditch her after he got what he wanted-she hoped.

She turned around at the base of the steps, checking to see if he had followed. Yet again he was able to sneak up on her, a loud yelp leaving her lips as she found herself being dumped over his shoulder. “Don’t even try that game with me honey,” he warned, placing a smack to her ass to signify his seriousness.

The two bodies crashed into the bedroom, Montserrat’s sudden weight on the bed making the furniture groan from the pressure as he threw her down. Luke snaked up between her legs, bringing their lips together. His hand was large enough to pin her two smaller ones above her head, the other free hand immediately sliding to her hip.

Her legs wrapped around his hips, pulling them towards her. “Do your worst, papi,” she smirked, trying her best to push him to his limits. Sex had always just been sex to her, just a quick way to get off and that was it. If it lasted more than a few minutes she was more than ready to just finish the deed herself. Yet this-this was going to be an experience. This would truly be a rollercoaster ride that she never wanted to get off of; literally.

His breath hitched, her voice sending shivers down his spine. His body slid back down, his hand dragging down the length of her body to rest on the hem of her shorts. Soft lips placed quick kisses to her thighs, his eyes flicking up to hers, “may I?” She quickly nodded her head in approval.

Without another second to waste, her shorts were quickly tugged off her body, the crisp air hitting between her legs making her shiver. His lips returned to her thighs, guiding just up to her core before retreating. Her hips bucked in protest, growing antsy at the anticipation.

“Don’t be such a fucking tease,” she whined. Before she could protest more, a finger pressed to her already soaking core, the friction from the panties creating a new sensation. She took in a deep breath, an exasperated sigh leaving her lips.

“Let’s get these out of the way,” he grumbled, pulling off the blue silk panties from her waist. He let out a gasp of adoration, the sight of her below him leaving a pit of warmth in his stomach. His hunger grew stronger, his lips immediately pressing to her heat to satisfy him.

Montserrat wiggled beneath him, pitiful whines filing the air. His tongue drew imaginary letters into her clit, reaching every possible spot he could. Her hands landed in his hair, earning a large growl from him-something learned. He almost couldn’t believe the taste on his lips. The sweet droplets lapped into his mouth, his thirst being quenched. He could feel her thighs beginning to shake, the knot in her stomach getting tighter and tighter.

His mouth left her heat, the sudden feeling of cold air again making her hiss. “Can’t let your pussy get all the attention, baby,” he hummed. She answered with a nodded, her thoughts clouded with lust. Luke pressed kisses back up her stomach, his hands coming to play with the hem of her shirt. She didn’t even need a hint, the clothing instantly being discarded.

“Opps,” she chuckled, his face registering the fact that she was already without a bra. His lips cracked into a grin. Their eyes met, intently focused on each other. The contact never broke as his head dipped back down, his tongue flicking over the pink bud of her nipple.

Her eyes nearly stuck in the back of her head, her cheeks beginning to flush with heat. His tongue teased, switching between her nipples, pulling and sucking with ferocity. Her legs returned around his waist, her feet trying desperately to push down his shorts. “Someone’s impatient,” he growled, using a  hand to pinch at one of her nipples.

All she could do was whine, “so unfair.” Luke pushed himself off, standing up to remove his clothing in return. Montserrat lay there, her golden body being devoured by his eyes. Two of her fingers came up to her mouth, her tongue giving them a quick lick before she plunged them down, rolling slow circles over her clit.

He nearly fell over trying to pull his leg out of his shorts, the sight of her making the erection in his briefs grow more-which felt nearly impossible. “Fuck, princess,” he groaned, crawling back up through her legs, “you’re going to be the fucking death of me.” She giggled, bringing her soaking fingers up to his lips. His tongue licked off every last drop of the excess juices, not wanting to let the sweetness go to waste.

His hand flew to the nightstand, fumbling around the drawer-looking for the golden wrapper. “What a gentlemen,” she cooed, watching him fall back on his knees, teeth ripping the tiny package open. The condom slipped onto his length, the rubber fitting tightly over his thickness.

“I’m all about responsibility, baby” he smirked. He positioned himself over her again, their lips coming together gently. They didn’t need words at this point, their eyes and grunts doing the talking for them. He stared down at her, his eyes looking for permission. “Are you just going to sit there or are you going to fuck me?” she teased, reaching her hand down to bring his cock to her entrance. That was all that he needed. His hips clicked quickly, sending him deep within her.

Montserrat arched on the mattress, her legs already quivering from the sensation. He was stretching her to the brim, his cock the thickest she’d ever felt. He filled her up completely, so much so that she could feel his vein as he flexed inside of her. Luke groaned, her cunt so tight on his member he was seeing stars. He gave her a minute to adjust before her hips rocked, signaling that she was ready. His hips circled, trying to hit that certain spot. “You’re such a good girl for me,” he praised, absolutely enamored by her at the moment.

She whined, gasping for air as his cock hit every angle so perfectly. She was running out of air, her orgasm building. “You fuck me so good, papi,” her voice cracked. Shivers ran down his spine, making him hit just a little bit deeper.

The moment was almost too much. Their bodies feeling perfectly made for each other, their voices whispering praises back and forth. Her fingers gripped to his arms, his hands resting by her head. Both of them were reaching their peaks, sweat beginning to gather on their skin. “I need you to come for me, princess,” he begged, holding out on his release until she was taken care of first.

“Fu-“ her head dug back into the pillows, eyes squeezing shut. She wanted to last so long, but the euphoria she felt was making her body almost convulse. The room was filled with the sound of skin slapping skin. He pushed himself to the brim, her taking all of him with every thrust.  “Just like that, baby, just like that.” He could feel her tightening around him, a small ‘o’ forming on her lips. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, the look of her alone making him want to release.

“That’s it, pretty baby,” he praised, adoring every inch of her skin. Another thrust and he could feel himself releasing into the rubber, slowly pulling out of her so as not to risk anything. They were both panting, skin gleaming from the sweat. Luke tied the used condom, tossing it into the sidebin before rolling over to sit on the edge of the bed.

He grabbed a new pair of briefs from his drawer, tossing her a shirt to cover up with. That was another thing he had learned about her-she loved laying around in his shirts. Why, he couldn’t understand. But the sight of her in them made his stomach do flips. He sat back on the corner of the bed, trying to gather his breath and his thoughts.

Montserrat pulled the loose tshirt over her shoulders, breathing in the scent. She propped herself on her knees, sliding over to wrap her arms around his neck from behind. She rested her head on top of his, rocking them side to side. “What a stud,” she giggled, still on top of her high.

A grin fell to his lips, a hand coming up to rub on her arm. “You flatter me too much, baby.” His heart was still racing, now just from the feelings in his stomach. He pulled away from her, turning his body to face her. “Why don’t you lay down? I’m sure you’re a little sore.” His aftercare instincts instantly kicked in, wanting her to be as comfortable during as after sex.

“Only if you lay with me,” she hummed, pulling him with her to lay back in the bed. They fell into each other, their legs instantly intertwining again. She was so used to immediately rolling out of bed to grab her clothes and shower, always feeling disgusting afterwards. This time, she felt as if she was glowing- a deep radiating good energy was emitting from her. At this point, she only felt a growing soreness-for good reason.

He was about to ask her if she was thirsty, but the sound of a car door alerted both of them. “Were you expecting someone?” she asked, panic growing in her chest. Being caught together definitely wasn’t something they wanted. They were just getting around to finding out each other-it would only be complicated with more people knowing. This was a slow process, if they could even consider themselves on that level of process.

“Not that I know of.” Luke shrugged, assuming it could be the neighbors. He didn’t want the other to sense his slight nervousness. His hand ran through her hair, pushing it away from her face. He understood her paranoia. Things with them were….complicated-for lack of a better term. They were in a good place, but only with their knowledge. He couldn’t imagine the look on Lynnly’s face if she could see them.

As if on cue, the front door creaked open, a loud “Dad?” following in return. The two stared at each other, their pupils dilating in fear. “What the fuck is she doing here?” Montserrat hissed, throwing herself off of the bed in panic.

Luke jumped up, the shock making him useless. “Shit-“ he sighed, running a hand through his curls, “she needed to switch cars for the weekend. I told her and Peter she could take my car on their road trip since it was a hell of a lot safer.”

Lynnly Hemmings made her way around her father’s house. She knew he was home, it was obvious wth his car parked outside. The blonde walked through the hall, not hearing the television that would usually be on on a Saturday afternoon. She turned to check out the kitchen, instantly noticing the two empty, dirty plates resting on the island counter. Her head nodded, knowing just exactly what was happening. “Dad?” she yelled again, hearing a thump coming from upstairs.

Luke could hear the footsteps on the stairs growing louder with Lynnly’s voice. His eyes darted around the room, trying to think of a quick escape. “Bathroom,” he whispered loudly, damn near shoving Montserrat towards the master bath.

The brunette didn’t need to fight back, she ran into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Her heart was leaping out of her chest. This was not a good feeling: nauseous, heart racing, head pounding, ears ringing. She was never one to stay quiet, fear washing over her. Out of instinct, she threw on the shower faucet, hoping the spraying water would drown out any sound she accidentally made.

Lynnly lightly knocked on the bedroom door, cracking it open. “Are you decent?” she asked, afraid of what she might walk into. Luke quickly threw on his shorts, pushing hair back from his face as he went to grab the door.

“Shut up, squirt.” He teased, opening the door to his daughter. The younger Hemmings could see the clothes on the floor, hear the shower in the bathroom running. He prayed and prayed that she wouldn’t recognize the clothes laying on the floor. The girls seemed to know everything about each other, it would be an amazement to him if they didn’t know each other’s closets in and out.

“Let me guess?” Lynnly hummed, placing a finger to her lips, “Shelley’s over again?” The minute those words were spoken, Montserrat removed her ear from the bathroom door-the look of hellfire written all over her face. Who the fuck was Shelley?

Luke moved awkwardly to the side, giving the other girl an awkward chuckle. “Yeah, sorry. Forgot you were coming over. Let me go grab the keys.” He placed a hand on her back, ushering her from the room so maybe Montserrat could get a minute to calm her nerves.

The two quickly exchanged car keys, Lynnly figured her father’s rush was due to the woman upstairs-which she had understood at this point. With a kiss goodbye, Luke watched from the door until the car was down the street, not seeming to turn around for any reason. He bound back up the stairs, ready to rescue Montserrat from her jail sentence in the bathroom. “You’re so lucky I picked you up yesterday,” he laughed, trying to brush off the scared feeling, “she would’ve seen your car in the driveway all the way down the street.”

His heart was starting to return to even pulses, the adrenaline in his veins slowing down. He never thought he would come so close to such a bomb and leave unscathed. He was so ready to crawl back into bed with Montserrat, holding her until they could fall asleep. He could only image how Monte could be feeling at this point. She was probably still in a panic of her own. But she didn’t need rescuing. There she stood, arms crossed, the look of anger painted perfectly on her features. He wasn’t greeted with a victory kiss, or even a smile. “Who the fuck is Shelley?”

[patricianandclerk]

AZIRAPHALE: I am proud to say that, on a very real level, the Antichrist child is now being influenced towards the light. 

Gabriel claps, politely. The other angels copy him, moments later. 

GABRIEL: Very commendable. Excellent work, Aziraphale. As usual. 

MICHAEL: Yes. But Aziraphale. We will be most understanding when you fail. After all, wars are to be won. 

URIEL: Not avoided.

so, i want to say a few things about this little bit - firstly, i’m really engaged in the way that gabriel’s management style is depicted. gabriel is meant to be beautiful but utterly insufferable, your typical american (although i’m aware he was originally meant to be like, an english cunt, but he works very well as an american) 

and the thing is... it lends a very different tone to it

when you think of gabriel as a prissy english manager, clapping “politely” comes across as utterly insincere - it’s done for the sake of appearances, it’s so polite as to be cutting

as soon as you transplant this character trait of politeness into an american figure, it becomes entirely transformed - american politeness isn’t anything like the politeness of an english guy, and it comes across as eager and overearnest, but more than that, it comes across as more sincere, because of the different language/communication styles americans use to get across their insincerity. an american saying “very commendable, excellent work” comes across as lauding someone, whereas some brit cunt doing it can be utterly devastating, because it’s delivered in a crisp, clipped manner

i love this thing of gabriel’s management style being typically american in this manner though - it’s earnest, it’s eager, it expects and requires what an american might call a “can-do attitude”, and what your average denizen of the UK and ireland would call being an absolute bellend. enthusiasm is a requirement, and it has to either be genuine, or it has to be faked to such a degree as to be infallibly read as genuine. there’s always something very comedic in the enthusiastic manager whose staff don’t measure up to his level of hype, but with heaven, when there’s that dreadfully crucial line between obedience and forced nonexistence, it becomes that much more important

in regards to michael and uriel, i’m really engaged with michael’s whole thing - i would say of the three archangels and sandalphon, she’s the one that comes across as like... idk, most sensible and most aware of what’s going on, and really is the one holding the real power as opposed to the figure head stuff that gabriel has

but the thing is, she’s... comforting here. it can come across two ways - as genuine comfort, bolstering aziraphale’s potential insecurity over doing “bad” as an angel (and thus serving as a complement to gabriel’s overeager management style by instead providing more targeted support that focuses on specific problem areas, rather than gabriel’s catch all high-five every problem style), or it can be read as a subtle knife, digging in at aziraphale’s failings. it depends on how much you perceive the angels as considering aziraphale one of them, or as a lost cause, separate from them.

i personally think it’s somewhere in-between, but with the understanding that aziraphale is one of them as the most important thing - heaven values cohesion, and they don’t want to lose another of their own to getting upset about all these humans with the apocalypse

and URIEL! her dialogue is. short. sharp. she doesn’t give a fuck about comforting aziraphale - her thinking is task-oriented and bullet-focused, and although she’s acting as a chorus to sort of buck up michael’s dialogue, this isn’t the dialogue of a hanger-on - this is someone who wants to drive the action.

although i also do like the natural pair-up of gabriel-and-sandalphon and michael-and-uriel. MM. 

[mydearestreaderfanfics]

Labor and Longing (Allura x Reader)

Warnings: N/A

Word Count: 1,914

Prompt/Request: First day of the October Special: Fall Festival Fundraiser.

Summary: Reader has a busy schedule for the fall festival fundraiser, but their friend Allura makes it a lot easier to bear.

Author: Mod Alex

You didn’t originally intend to be vice president of the student government at Garrison University. In fact, you didn’t really want the position at all at first. But, when Allura came over to you looking distraught and talking in a frenzy, practically begging you to join in her campaign after her last VP dropped out, well you couldn’t exactly say no. Not that you would have anyway; Allura was basically your kryptonite and everybody but she knew it. So, instead, you agreed through a weary smile. The bone-crushing hug she gave you made it all worth the while- which brought you to where you are now.

Where you are now being the Fall-A-Palooza, an annual festival held by the school clubs to raise money for the upcoming year. Since Allura and you had won the election earlier on in the year, it was your job to fundraise for the student government. Allura was out trying to attract people, a task that wouldn’t be hard as everyone who met Allura was instantly dazzled by her charm, and you were sat at the booth overlooking the activities. For a donation of the person’s choice, they could paint a pie pumpkin, or if they preferred, for the low price of five bucks they could carve a prepped Jack-o-lantern pumpkin to enter the pumpkin carving contest. The culinary department had even worked together with the student government to turn all of the pre-prepped pumpkins into bags and bags of roasted pumpkin seeds, the proceeds being split 50/50. You were having a surprisingly good turn out and, truth be told, you were quite pleased to get to make the example pumpkins. So far you’d painted a cemetery scene, a funny face, and a pretty simplistic fall based pattern on several pie pumpkins hoping the variety would inspire different people. You’d also carved a classic Jack-o-lantern for the contest display. You’d just finished getting a little kid set up at the painting station when Allura made her return.

“Wonderful! It looks as though our hard work is paying off. Oh, um…” She giggled and you cocked your head to the side inquisitively. “It’s just, you’ve got a little something right there.”

You wiped at your cheek where she was pointing at on herself. “Did I get it?”

“Not quite. Here.” She dabbed a paper towel into the clean water before moving over to you, gently cupping your jaw, holding your head in place with one hand and dabbing at the paint on your cheek with the other. You flushed; her face was so close to yours. And her hand, oh my god her hand was so soft and the way she held your face was like she was holding a fragile antique doll- with a great deal of care. “There. Much better.” She spoke softly, voice barely above a whisper just loud enough for the two of you to hear- it felt intimate. She smiled at you but it wasn’t the usual broad grin she would share with the world- this one was different, more affectionate and it made your knees week. Her hand lingered before she hesitantly stepped away. “We should, um, get back to work.”

You still felt a little dazed. “…Yeah.” Just then someone coughed, drawing your attention to the front of the booth where your mutual friend Romelle stood, a smug smile on her lips. You blushed, looking down at the table while you walked over. “What, uh, what can I do for you, Melle?” Your voice cracked and you did your best to recover, despite your cheeks still being obviously flushed. Allura, despite you being too caught up in your own bashful state to notice, wasn’t faring much better, however, she was shooting Romelle a look that said: “say something and I will quite literally stab you”. Romelle giggled, looking smugger than either of you appreciated.

“Oh, nothing really. I just wanted to stop by and see how it was going. Get an idea for my shift tomorrow.” She spoke clearly like what she was saying was obvious, but the ever-present satisfied grin made her words feel less than true.

“Yes, well, things have been going quite well. We've stayed consistently busy. You should do fine tomorrow, just bring spare brushes.” Allura spoke as if she wasn’t as flustered as you and you felt stupid suddenly for getting so worked up. Allura hadn’t meant anything romantic by her gesture, you were friends nothing more. Your head snapped up as you heard one of the kids calling for you. No time for self-pity, there was work to be done. You left Romelle and Allura to talk while you set up more paint and handed out a new pumpkin kit. A little while later Allura gave you a hasty goodbye so she could return to her previous task. After that, you didn’t have much time to sulk as the oncoming crowds left you busy, too busy to remember, much less think of the turmoil you felt from earlier.

The festival dragged on later than expected and you’d be lying if you said you weren’t ready to drop. Allura didn’t seem to be faring much better. At some point in the day, she’d haphazardly done her hair up in a ponytail which now looked to be more of a hair down look than an updo. Still, she offered you a genuine smile.

“Good work today, (Y/n).”

“Thanks, Lura, you too.” You two packed the pumpkins up in silence. Although it wasn’t necessarily an uncomfortable silence, you felt the need to break it. Just as you opened your mouth to speak, Allura spoke up.

“Would you like to ride together? I know you came with Romelle, but she had to hurry home a bit earlier.”

“That would be wonderful actually. Thank you.” You flashed her a smile, tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear. She nodded, smiling as you both loaded the last few crates into her car. You were closing the back hatch, ready to get into the car when you saw Allura had already opened your door for you. She smiled, waiting patiently and you felt your heart pound. She really was going to be the end of you at this rate. You slipped into the passenger seat, giving her a soft ‘thank you’ with fear of saying any more leading to a sudden profession. And yet, you noted that her voice mimicked the softness of yours when she responded to you.

The drive to your house was filled with stolen glances and shy smiles. You couldn’t help but notice the way the light of the street lamps shone through the window bathing her in an ethereal glow. It made you breathless. She looked like a goddess. You felt like a wreck; just the image of her at the forefront of a crisp fall night had you reeling. You looked away abruptly, as you saw her start to look at you- you definitely didn’t want to be caught staring. You didn’t expect her to take your hand in hers, though. The simple act made your tummy erupt in butterflies again and you dared not move for fear of her letting go. She didn’t. Instead, she laced your fingers together, staying like that all the way to your house. Friends didn’t do that… did they?

The following day you had fair duty again, albeit for the Theatre Society this time. You among several of the other students were dressed in possessed scarecrow and farm zombie costumes hidden throughout the haunted corn maze. It had been a lot of fun scaring people throughout the day. Most people weren’t that nervous with the sun blazing high in the sky, but as the sun lowered, so too did the patrons’ bravery. Soon enough you were in the zone, scaring people left and right. You’d just finished chasing a couple out of your restriction when you came across a familiar face at your waiting point. Allura looked incredibly nervous. You felt bad scaring her, but you guess she had paid for the cheap spook. You walked toward her, dragging your limbs with a heaviness that had been perfected throughout the day. At first, she looked ready to bolt, but she paused her retreat when she looked at you closer.

“(Y/n)? Is that you?” You nodded, grinning from behind the horror makeup. Student government may not have been your first choice but the Theatre Society had. Needless to say, you had a knack for the theatrics. Not to say you regretted joining the student government, you’d grown to enjoy it. Just not quite as much as the theatre.

“Yeah. You want me to show you the way?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble.” Despite her protest, she looked visibly relieved by the offer.

“Nah, it’ll be fine.” You offered her your arm and she took it gingerly. “You don’t have to be nervous, Lura, it’s just me.” She didn’t say anything, but you did feel her grip on your arm tighten more assuredly.v

As you navigated your way through the maze with ease, you and Allura made small talk. Your section of the maze was decently big with no one else in sight. If you hadn’t offered to show her the way, Allura was quite sure she would’ve gotten lost for a good chunk of time. That wasn’t the only reason she was happy to be clutching onto your arm, though.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course. You can ask me anything, you know that.”

“Right of course. Umm, it’s just I thought you hated being scared. Why would you come through here?” Allura choked on air, looking at you startled.

“Well, you see… I-“ She took a deep breath. “I came to see you.”

“Me? Thank you! But why subject yourself to all this?”

She looked away and despite the lack of proper lighting from the cloud-covered moon, you could still see the trace of a blush on her cheeks.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d be here tomorrow and I needed to ask you something.”

“Ask away.” You felt touched that she wanted to ask you something enough to put herself through something she disliked so much.

“I wanted to know if you might want to accompany me to the fair. I mean I know we’re here already. What I mean to say is, would you be interested in joining me tomorrow?… Just us?” A date, she was asking you on a date.

“I’d love to.”

She smiled, hand slipping from your upper forearm to your hand. The action reminded you of the night before and you found yourself grinning right back at her. Before long you’d found yourselves at the end of your section.

“Here. Tell the other actors that I gave you this and to let you through.” You tugged your necklace off, placing it over Allura. It was something you always wore and the other actors were sure to recognize. She touched her fingers to the pendant.

“Thank you.” You were about to tell her it was no problem when she pressed a kiss to the corner of your mouth. It was teasing almost, but you didn’t mind. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, see you.” She giggled at how wonderstruck your voice sounded. With a hop in your step, you went back to your waiting point, a certain excitement for tomorrow sticking with you the rest of the night.

[wonderlandmind4]

Café Crema Chp. 5

Summary: The first time was an accident. The second time was coincidence. The third time is just unlucky. The fourth time is getting out of hand and the fifth may or may not be with intent. Otherwise known as The One Where He Spills Her Coffee.

Pairing: Bucky x fem!Reader

Warnings: Language. Buckets of fluff. Alludes to Infinity War and the Snap as this takes place afterwards (so please, if you haven’t yet seen the movie, please do). Implied Smut…maybe…eventually. IW spoilers for this chapter

Words: 6.6k This is for @captain-ariel-barnes 4k writing challenge, which, congrats! This is my first ever writing challenge, with my first ever reader insert, so please let me know what you think. (gif not mine)

Fic Writing Challenge Prompt: “You Owe Me Dinner”

When Y/N wakes up a few days later, she’s nearly tempted to go right back to sleep. The temperature dropped during the night and she didn’t have her extra layer of the thick fuzzy blanket atop her duvet. She could feel the cold radiating off her bedroom window, and all she wanted to do was snuggle back up into the warmth of her bed.

She couldn’t though. Today was the day that YouTube Band and their demanding, prima-donna manager who finds it beneath her to organize events with lesser known therapy centers, were coming in. The band themselves seem to be super excited about it. It was just the horrible woman Y/N had been dealing with for the past few weeks that made her dread the day.

Forcing herself out of bed, Y/N got ready for the morning. She decided on a thicker pair of black pants, a cream colored long sleeve shirt, a quilted tan leather jacket with matching knee-high boots and a thick white scarf. She would be inside for the majority of the day, hoping to avoid the crisp weather despite how much she loves it sometimes.

Y/N arrived at the Center earlier than usual, making sure everything is set in stone before the band comes in. Colin is already there, usually when her sister has early work meetings, she brings him by. Y/N greets her nephew with a tight hug, signing and asking him if he wants to help her color a thank you card for the band. He nods excitedly.

After the card and coloring is finished, Colin spots Millie coming with her parents and heads off to see her with one of the other OT’s. Y/N takes this as her chance to find Elizabeth in her office, an orange crayon still in her hand. She knocks on her door frame, pulling the blonde-haired therapist’s attention away from her notes.

“I rode on Bucky’s motorcycle.” Y/N informs her as a greeting.

The OT quirks an eyebrow. “Is that a euphemism?” She deadpans. Y/N throws the crayon at Lizzie. She cackles when it bounces off her arm and lands on her desk.

“Why do I tell you things?” Y/N questions aloud.

“Because you seem to be incredibly infatuated with Bucky and you don’t know what to do with yourself.” Lizzie states, leaning back in her seat.

Y/N opens her mouth to deny it, but Lizzie beats her to it.

“Dave told me what happened that day. Don’t you think there’s something strange going on here?”

Oh something strange is going on alright, Y/N thinks happily, but she doesn’t voice it.

Lizzie continues. “Some mischievous version of fate messing with you both. I mean, it’s like you’re magnets or something being pulled towards each other. I’ve always been good at reading your face, Y/N. You like him.”

She’s about to deny it, but she can’t. Y/N sighs in defeat. “I think you’re right, Lizzie. Christ, that’s fucking terrifying.”

“Because he’s the former Winter Soldier, pardoned, now one of newest avengers, also dubbed White Wolf and has diplomatic immunity because of Wakanda?”

Y/N gives her a flat look. “Because I’ve never fallen for someone this quickly before. Somehow it feels…it almost feels like I’ve known him for months already.”

Her friend shrugs. “Sometimes it just happens like that. When you have a connection, you have a connection. I mean, you’re a grown woman, Y/N. It’s different to fall for someone quickly now, then it was when you were younger.”

Y/N remains silent, thinking it over. Sometimes people can just be enchanted by someone, and it can be so simple to just start a friendship; hell, even be blindsided by a spark of something more.

“Why did you ride his bike?” Lizzie questions after a minute of silence, pulling Y/N away from her thoughts.

“He said he was looking for someone to at look it.” She answers. “Which, he never answered my question about Tony Stark not looking at it or something. Anyway, I told him about my uncle’s shop, so we took an impromptu trip to Coney Island. We ate funnel cake and talked for a while. Then he brought me home and I-“

She clears her throat. “I kissed him on the cheek, said goodnight then practically ran inside.”

Laughing brightly, Lizzies says, “Y/N. That sounds like a date!”

“It was not.” Y/N disagrees vehemently.

The OT just shrugs, knowing she can’t convince her. “Well, did you finally get his number then?”

“No?” She asks confused.

Lizzie rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “I swear.” She mumbles amused.

Y/N chooses to change the subject then. “Anyway, I came here because I’m running to Ella’s, before the band arrives. Want anything?”

“I’m good.” She declines, tapping her travel mug. “That reminds me. The place providing lunch called to confirm again.”

“That’s three times.” Y/N shakes her head. “I’ll call them back, thanks.” She turns to go.

**

Arriving at the café, Y/N is relieved to find the line to be short. She’s only behind two people, glancing at the menu board as she waits. Her eyes light up when she sees the option for maple lattes, a sign that November has officially rolled around. She beams at Pete when it’s her turn to order, but he just glares at her.

“You tell Bucky I’m giving back his money.” He demands, pointing a nonthreatening finger at her. “A hundred bucks was too much.”

“Pete,” She chuckles, “it’s been like five days. He’s not going to take it back.”

“Well, maybe if you stopped distracting him, coffee wouldn’t haven been spilled and I wouldn’t be standing here trying to find ways to give it back to him.”

“Distracting?” She frowns.

“Yes, honey. Haven’t you seen the way the Sergeant looks at you?” Pete smirks, then pats her hand on the counter. “It’s the same way you look at him.”

Y/N is taken aback by his statement, and she can feel her cheeks warming up. “Please tell me what you’re talking about.”

“In all of your meet-cutes, each time ends with the both of you giving each other heart eyes.” Pete laughs softly. “It’s kinda adorable, actually. You’re both so smitten with each other. Coffee soul mates and all.”

“That’s not a thing Pete, and I have no idea what the hell you’re going on about.” She says.

Although her stomach has been filling with butterflies this whole time. She suddenly recalls her earlier conversation with Lizzie. She just didn’t know how obvious it was.

“He’s just…I just…shit.” She glares at him. “I hate you.”

Pete throws his head back, cackling. “I knew it!” He chirps gleefully. “You like him, Y/N.”

“I’ll have the maple latte, extra, extra large to help me deal with my irritating friends, please and thank you.”

He’s still laughing as he punches in her order.

“And the pumpkin French toast.” A saccharine smile on her lips.

Finally, he stops laughing and groans. “Dammit.”

“You said if I were to ask for them you’ll make them. I know just how much you love making them.”

“It’s a good thing you’re my best and favorite costumer.” He tells her fondly taking her card as payment.

Beaming at him, Y/N takes her card back and goes to sit at the same table she was at when Bucky crashed into her life. She clearly didn’t realize then how much they would see each other after, and how weeks later, they’re somewhat friends, and Y/N has developed a crush. She shakes her head at the memory and waits for her food.

Once she’s finished eating, she brings her plates to the counter, Pete scolding her for doing so. She bids him goodbye, grabbing her nearly empty cup of coffee and steps outside. For some reason, she can’t help the feeling of disappointment as the cold fall air greets her. 

Y/N is only several feet away from the café when she realizes why. She had been expecting to bump into someone, and that someone wasn’t there. Abruptly, her side purse is buzzing, so she pulls her phone out to answer.

“Hey Liz-“

“They canceled!”

Y/N stops in her track. “What?”

“They cancelled, Y/N! That prissy manager called and pulled out! Said the band was above doing performances they aren’t getting paid for.”

“Are you fucking kidding me!?” Y/N spits into the phone. She isn’t directing it at Lizzie. “We are paying them! I’m so- oh my God, I’m so mad right now, what the fuck.”

“What the hell are we supposed to do? The kids are expecting entertainment today, they were so excited.”

“Of course she didn’t call me, she knew I’d lay it into her.” Y/N sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Y/N. What do you want me to tell the children?”

Dropping her hand away from her face, Y/N shakes her head in disbelief. “I don’t kn-”

She abruptly stops talking. Up ahead, halfway down the sidewalk, Y/N spots an all too familiar head of shaggy drown hair, and broad shoulders despite the black leather jacket. Her mind races, and it only takes 0.5 seconds for her to come up with an idea.

“Lizzie.” Y/N focuses her attention back on their conversation. “Don’t worry about it. I think I’ve got a solution.”

“What? Really!?”

“Tell everyone that the band couldn’t make it, they’re sick or something. But tell them I have a surprise instead. I hope I have a surprise. I’ll call you back.”

She hangs up, sticks her phone in her pocket, and starts brusquely walking back towards the café with determine, confident steps. Y/N downs most of her coffee only leaving a little at the end; four times of spilled liquid being enough to last her a lifetime. 

She hopes this works, and she hopes her plan will go her way. Y/N is able to sneak behind a small group of women, and just as they pass the shop, she side-steps them, and knocks straight into a solid, vibranium made arm.

The purposeful impact causes her cup to tumble from her hand, and she makes no effort to stop it. Bucky however, reacts quicker this time, as if he was also expecting for this to happen again. His left hand shoots out so fast, Y/N can barely spot it. He catches the drink and his fingertips break through the thin material of the cup.

Bucky looks as if he’s about to be horrified again, embarrassed almost. Except when he realizes only a few drops of coffee are dripping to the ground, he tilts his head in bemusement. Y/N was rather impressed by his reflexes this time around, and she has to hide her amusement by rubbing her lips together. Bucky glances up at her, offering her a sheepish smile.

“Impressive.” Y/N quips. “How come you couldn’t do that the last two times?”

Bucky fish mouths for a few moments, it’s endearing. He seems to snap back to it and smirks. “Been adding coffee spilling prevention to my workout routine.”

The response makes her laugh. “Committed to your work, are you?”

“Absolutely.” His smirk evens out into a full smile. “What are you doing here at this time? Don’t you have that event today?”

“Actually, that’s why I’m here. I was wondering, if you aren’t busy or anything.” She bites her lips nervously for a moment, noticing the way Bucky’s eyes light up. 

“That band I was telling you about, apparently their manager just decided to cancel the last minute and now they aren’t showing up. Which means there’s no entertainment for the kids today. Which sucks because they’re expecting a fun day, and I just really hate to disappoint them.”

Bucky reaches forward, gently placing his hands on her shoulders. “Y/N, take a breath, darlin’.”

“Right, sorry.” She grins shyly.

He returns it and she takes a deep breath. Satisfied, Bucky drops his hands away.

“Right. I was wondering if you could do me a huge favor? I was thinking, maybe having some superheroes come by instead? You, I’m asking if you can fill in for that band?”

Her eyes slip past Bucky’s shoulder. Steve has been standing there the whole time, arms crossed in a relaxed pose. His eyes are dancing with amusement and there’s a ghost of a smirk on his lips. His blue eyes shift between her and Bucky.

“Um, you too, Captain. If that’s alright?” Y/N shifts her gaze back to Bucky. “I mean, if you aren’t busy saving the world and all.”

Chuckling, Bucky says, “There’s not a pressing need for it at the moment, I don’t think.” He pauses for just a moment. “I’d love too, Y/N. I mean, we would- yes.”

Y/N feels her heart swell, and she swears it’s because he agreed and not because of the way his eyes reflect off the sunlight. Her bites her bottom lip, attempting to keep her smile tampered down, but it beats out. She beams at him, her mouth spread so widely her cheeks ache.

“Really!?” She confirms excitedly.

Bucky nods, opening his mouth to speak, but Y/N launches herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He releases a soft grunt of air, catching her around the waist, the coffee cup falling to the ground. The all too familiar, comforting smell of leather and forest fills her nose, and Y/N realizes belatedly that she just fully crossed the line of personal space.

But then she’s thinking back to the few nights ago, when she pressed her chin to his shoulder, and when he caged her against his motorcycle at Coney Island. 

Before she can get lost in the rhythm of his heartbeat against his chest, Y/N slowly pulls away. She doesn’t miss the way Bucky’s fingers linger and graze her sides though, and she needs to snap back into work mode before she can think too hard on it.

“Thank you!” She squeals, pulling out her phone again. “Seriously, you’re saving the day.”

“Glad I can help.” Bucky smiles, his cheeks looking a little darker in color. He pushes his hair behind his ear. “Is there a time you want us there?”

Y/N glances at her phone. “It’s almost nine now, so around 11? You can have coffee or breakfast. It’ll be for maybe two hours as well if that’s okay. We’re providing lunch too.”

“We’ll be there.”

“Great!” Y/N bends down to pick up the cup from the ground. “It’s six blocks from here, right on 15th and 7th.” Her phone begins to ring, and she shoots Bucky an apologetic look. “I have to run though, but I’ll see you in soon?”

“Wait.” Bucky takes a step forward to grab her hand before she can leave. “What if we get lost or something? Can I have your number just in case?”

Y/N moves her gaze briefly again. Steve Rogers just snorted behind his friend’s back, his head dropped back and staring up at the sky. His reaction makes her curiosity spark, but she ignores it in favor of smiling at Bucky.

“Yeah,” Y/N answers almost breathlessly. She mentally scolds herself; his touch and his question and his incredible cobalt eyes are affecting her. “Yeah. Here, give me your phone.”

He releases her to pull out his phone and unlocks it. Y/N takes it, her fingers grazing his as she does so. She quickly adds her number to his contacts, choosing the coffee mug emoji to put next to her name and sending a text to herself. She smirks when she hands him the phone, Bucky laughing under his breath.

“I really have to go though,” She tells him, beginning to back away. “Prepare things, and uh- I’ll see you soon.”

“Yeah, Y/N.” Bucky agrees, a rather soft tone to his voice. “See you soon.”

She waves at him. Abruptly she remembers Captain Rogers there as well, aware of her surroundings more now that Bucky’s scent isn’t clouding her head. She smiles awkwardly, then heads down the street. When Y/N is about to turn the corner, she glances back, sees Steve laughing with his hand on his stomach and Bucky punching his arm.

**

“Holy shit, Y/N, you’re amazing.” Dave whispers excitedly at her. “We’ve never had an Avenger come in before. How did you manage that?”

Y/N makes sure the little kitchen area they have is set up correctly. As she’s handing Dave a food receipt she answers.

“Helps when you literally run into one of them.”

“Oh my god,” Lizzie giggles from the doorway, catching their attention. “That’s what you did?”

“What, what did she do?” Dave questions, looking annoyed that he’s left out of the loop.

Clearing her throat, Y/N informs him. “I may have run into him. On purpose. With my coffee.”

“You’re going to give that man an ulcer from all the stress you cause him.” He shakes his head.

“This is, what-” Lizzie starts, “the fifth time now? Did you at least get his number this time? Or a real date?”

Y/N ignores them both as her phone vibrates. She pulls it out of her pant pocket, a spark of excitement igniting in her stomach. Instead of answering, she shows them both the screen.

“Now, if you are quite finished.” Y/N rolls her eyes fondly, “I’m going to greet them, and bring them up. Everyone’s ready?”

“Yup.” Lizzie nods, a proud smile on her face. “Go get your man.”

“I’ll hide any and all coffee.” Dave pipes in.

“If we weren’t surrounded by children, I’d say something rude to the both of you.”

**

As Y/N steps out of the elevator onto the main lobby floor, free of her leather jacket and scarf, she spots Bucky instantly. Next to him is Steve, dressed in his Captain America uniform, or rather, an older version. She holds back her chuckle, stopping by the front desk to allow them access and give them guest passes.

“Hi again.” Y/N greets brightly, stepping directly in front of Bucky.

He isn’t wearing that navy blue vest that he usually does in battle, but he did change from his casual gray shirt from two hours ago into a dark blue button up. It makes his already enthralling eyes pop vividly against the color. He’s kept his chestnut hair out of the bun, but tucked behind his ears.

“Hi.” He chirps back, a nervous tilt to his smile.

“I just want to thank you again for agreeing to this. Honestly, this means so- oh. Hello.”

Y/N stops mid-sentence, because suddenly several other Avengers walk through the doors. She can’t help her mouth from dropping in surprise. She glances at Bucky and Steve, then back at the others. Wanda Maximoff, Clint Barton, Spider-Man in his full suit since his identity is still secret, and Sam Wilson.

“Bucky?” She questions softly, “What-“

“I called them.” He interrupts her gently. “I figured the children might enjoy the day even more than just with a couple of 100-year-old men.”

Warmth begins to seep into her veins, and Y/N knows it has nothing to do with the heaters inside the building. The cheek aching smile is back, minutely shaking her head because she can’t really handle how thoughtful Bucky was. She only asked him and Steve, a last minute thing, and here he was, calling in his friends as well. Their little moment of just staring at each other is broken when a rich dark hand nearly shoves Bucky aside.

“Sam Wilson.” Sam introduces himself, a genuine smile on his lips but a spark of mischief in his eyes. “Nice to finally put a face to the name.”

Bucky winces, then quickly turns to introduce Y/N to everyone else. She shakes their hands, greeting them all brightly, then grabs extra passes. After Y/N hands them all out, she escorts them to the elevators. Before she presses the button to call the elevator to bring them up, she turns to give them the run down.

“First,” Y/N commences, “There’s about twenty-five children today. They’re all super cute and sweet and they have no idea you all are here, so thank you again for coming. It means a lot to us. Second,”

Y/N points to Bucky. “If they ask you to show them how to take your arm off, feel free to tell them no.”

A laugh startles out of Bucky’s mouth, the rest chuckling as well. “I’m assuming that’s not the first time they’ve asked someone?”

“They ask Lizzie, and Kristen, two of our Occupational Therapists, to show them all how to do it. They always try to trade their own prosthetic’s, but as they’re each individual and uniquely fitting, you can see the problem.”

“Tell them no, got it.” Bucky agrees, still laughing.

Y/N moves on to Wanda. “If they ask you to make them float in the air, say no.” To Spider-Man she says, “same if they ask you to web them to the ceiling so they’re hanging upside down.” To Steve –“ If they want you to bounce them on your shield-“

“Say no.” Steve answers for her.

“Basically, anything you think a child wants to do that’s even remotely a bad idea or dangerous, say no.”

“So, no darts then?” Clint pipes up sarcastically.

“Unfortunately, their throwing skills aren’t up to par to the great Hawkeye, so no.”

“I like her.” He whispers to Bucky, who just elbows him in the ribs with is left arm. Clint winces then glares at him.

Y/N shoots Bucky a triumphant look. “We have some activities set up, coloring and puzzles, that sort of thing. But this is just mainly a hangout session. Most of these kids are here every day, and the therapy can get grueling on them, so we like to give them something that’s fun and makes them happy. They all love you, by the way, so I hope this will make their day.”

Finally, Y/N hits the button and the doors to the elevator ding. She allows them to board first, following after Bucky. As the doors slide shut, she subtly taps the back of his hand, his skin warm and smooth. They share a quick look, Y/N mouthing thank you once more. Bucky’s fingers graze over her knuckles briefly, before pulling back and disconnecting their contact.

Anytime, He mouths backs.

**

The surprise goes over much more enthusiastically than they all expected. Each kid is ecstatic, all taking turns and hugging each Avengers several times. Once the hugging and the loud chirps of names calm down, a few of the kids begin to take each different hero’s hands and tugs them to a corner or table to the center.

Bucky lingers behind Y/N. He looks a little apprehensive around the kids, as if he isn’t quite sure what to do exactly. She proves herself right when Bucky leans closer to her.

“I haven’t really done this before.” He confesses in a whisper. “What if they don’t like what they see? What if they don’t like me at all?”

“Impossible.” Y/N says way too quickly. She catches herself too late, and clears her throat, ignoring the heat in her cheeks. “They love you, Bucky, honestly. A superhero who helps save people, who helps save the world, who also shares something that is apart of them?” She glances at his bionic arm, half on display of dark blue and lines of gold with his sleeve rolled up to his elbow.

“You think so?” He asks, like he needs reassurance.

Y/N nods her head to a different part of the room. “I do, Just Bucky. See?”

His gaze follows hers. An older girl, Maliyah who is eight, is shyly waving at Bucky. She’s one of their newer kids to the center, sitting in a wheelchair as she is only just beginning to learn how to walk again with her new prosthetic right leg.

Bucky shoots Y/N an inquiry glance, and she nods encouragingly. Bucky walks over to Maliyah, meeting her half ways as she was coming over to them. She gestures to the wheels of her chair, showing him blue and gold design of the wheels, modeled exactly in the pattern as his arm.

Y/N stands there for a few minutes, watching the interactions. None of the children seem disappointed that the band didn’t show up, and she’s just glad that she was able to bring other people in to make their day. The smiles and giggles of the kids in the center reminds her of just how much she loves her job.

Unfortunately, she still has emails to answer and phone calls to make, so Y/N is in and out of her office for the next hour. Between phone calls for future events, including the upcoming holidays and fundraisers, she leans against her door frame to view the Avengers entertaining the kids.

Wanda is twirling her fingers, showing off some of her powers as she lifts crayons and markers into the air. Some of the younger children clap, and a few of the older boys stare in awe at her. One little girl is attempting to braid Wanda’s hair, and bless her soul, the Avenger sits there patiently.

Sam is making a group of older kids laugh hysterically as he retells a story of him flying through the air. Apparently, he had taken flight and some how forgot it was Fourth of July and was dodging fireworks all night. He’s animated in his storytelling, and with permission from Lizzie, picks up one of girls and zooms her around to demonstrate.

A light tinging noise pulls Y/N from looking at Sam to the other corner of the room. Captain America’s new shield is sitting on one of the coloring tables, and Steve is just allowing one of the youngest kids to tap out a beat with his prosthetic hands. Steve smiles over the boy once and a while, then he goes back to drawing pictures with the four other kids surrounding him.

Clint has found Colin, and they are sitting quietly in the corner playing with Legos. Every once and a while, Colin will take pieces from Clint’s pile and throws them a few inches, giggling every time Clint dramatically crawls over to get them. They make a game out of it, and he even surprises her when he signs to her nephew.

Spider-Man has a group of girls and boys, all asking him questions. They range from how he can stick to walls, to if he can control spiders like Ant-Man can control ants. He shows off to the kids by flipping backwards and they all clap giddly and laughing.

Y/N moves her gaze around the room until she spots Bucky. Millie has attached herself to his side, marveling over their shared left arms. Maliyah is still next to him, holding a smaller boy, Jacob, in her lap. He allows both Jacob and Millie to play with his arm, curling his fingers and tracing along the lines of gold. Maliyah, who is extremely bright for her age, seems to be asking Bucky about the scientific making part of his arm, and he seem just as intrigued to answer her the best he can.

“This is amazing.”

Dave’s voice pulls Y/N from her thoughts, ripping her eyes away from Bucky. She has no idea how long she had been staring at him for, but the look on Dave’s face says it was a while. She nods in agreements.

“Careful, Y/N.” He jokes quietly. “Your fond is showing.”

“Hush.” She hisses at him, elbowing his side. “This is strictly for the children.”

He goes to respond, when the phone rings in her office. Y/N sighs tiredly, beckoning behind her. Dave nods his head in understanding as she goes back to work.

**

There are times when Y/N wonders how she has so much patience when it comes to seemingly heartless people. She’s been on the phone for the past hour now with a big sponsor of Loving Arms. She listens to their rambling, her leg bouncing rapidly, her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose. Her stomach is churning, and it’s beginning to make her patience ware thin.

“I just don’t understand why your company has abruptly decided to drop our Center.” Y/N repeats for the tenth time. Her voice is harder, colder at this point. “You’ve been a sponsor for us for years, and suddenly we’re too small a scale for you?”

“We’re sorry.” The man Y/N has been speaking with doesn’t sound apologetic at all. “There just isn’t enough publicity.”

“Alright, so tell me. How am I supposed to let these children and their families know that they can no longer afford therapy sessions and prosthetics because you decided to give up on them? That you dropped us because, what, we aren’t good enough? Sorry, we only care if your facility is rich because that’s the only way we’ll even remotely associate you with us. You guys are doing a stand-up job there.”

“Well, unfortunately, Ms. Y/L/N, that isn’t our problem. That’s yours and your Loving Arms-“

“I’m going to stop you right there.” Y/N snaps, a fierce protectiveness washing over her. “You do not have the right to drop us, pulling your sponsorship away, then bad mouth my Center. We care about our patients here, and we don’t heartlessly hound them for every last one of their pennies. Thank you for your business, but I think we’ll be fine without you now. Have a lovely day.”

Y/N hangs up the phone rather harshly, smacking it back down on the receiver. She leans back in her chair, dropping her head back and growling at the ceiling. A soft knock on her doorframe snaps her head forward again.

Bucky is standing there, holding a plate of food as an offering. There’s a slight look of guilt on his face as he walks in.

“Brought you some food because Dave said you’ve been cooped in here for an hour.” Bucky explains, setting the plate down on her desk. “I was wondering where you were.”

“How much did you hear?” Y/N sighs deeply.

“Enough to know that people suck?” He shrugs offering her a sympathetic grin.

She chuckles and he takes that as his cue to enter her office. He hands her the plate of food, but as his arm moves closer to her desk, she makes a point of moving her empty coffee mug to the opposite side. Bucky glares playfully at her before his mouth morphs into a smirk as he sits in the chair across from her.

“I got you everything because I didn’t know what you liked.” He explains, pointing to the array of chicken nuggets, fruit, a wrap and a sandwich.

“Thanks, Bucky.” Y/N smiles appreciatively at him, popping a grape into her mouth. “How’s it going, Mr. Popular?”

Bucky chuckles softly, and the noise makes her heart flutter a little in her chest. He pushes back his long hair with his hands, his eyes lighting as he just stares at Y/N for a few moments.

“You were right.” He answers quietly. “They seem to love me.”

“You’re an inspiration to them.” She tells him truthfully. Bucky scrunches his nose. “Do you not believe that?”

That same look appears in his eyes again, the same one that she noticed when he returned her shirt. The one he had when he invaded her personal space and caged her between his arms against his motorcycle. The one that makes her heart beat just a little bit faster.

“I do when you say it.” Bucky whispers, suddenly twisting his fingers together. “Because I think that’s what you see in me.”

Confidence seems to take over Y/N, because her response is something more of a confession. “I see a lot more in you, Bucky.”

He blinks in surprise. “Y/N-“

She doesn’t get to know what he was going to say, because the phone rings. Y/N has to tear her gaze away from Bucky, something much harder to do, and glances at the ID. She rubs at her temples with her fingertips, shooting him an apologetic look.

“I have to answer this.” She winces, already dreading talking to those sponsors yet again.

Standing, Bucky nods. “Good luck, I’ll try catching you later?” He asks, hopeful.

Y/N nods, smiling brightly at him before picking up the phone.

**

Needing another round of coffee after that second phone call, Y/N make her way to the kitchen. What she sees in the activity room halts her in her tracks. She hides herself half behind the wall, leaning against the frame.

Bucky is kneeling so he’s on a closer level to Colin. Her nephew is pointing at his arm as he tries to speak, but can’t form the words properly. Colin begins signing quickly in his excitement. To her amazement, Bucky smiles brightly and signs back to him. Colin makes a happy, enthusiastic sound, throwing his hands in the air.

The little boy proceeds to grab Bucky’s hand, allowing Colin to play with his arm as Bucky gently pokes at his cheek, making the boy laugh loudly. Y/N watches on fondly, that damn warm feeling coming back and spreading throughout her body. When Bucky looks up for a moment he meets her gaze, and he’s calm and bright and any reservations are long gone now. 

It makes her heart flutter. She bites her lip to contain how big her smile is, and Bucky blinks, then looks away, a light tint to his cheeks. Y/N turns away, leaving them to have their cute little time together.

**

Y/N sighs as she gets off the phone once more, proud at herself for not yelling at the band’s manager, but also happy that she was able to put her in her place with sharp words, and that they will no longer be reaching out in the future. When Y/N leaves her office, the center is missing several super heroes, and one in particular.

“Where’d Bucky go?” She inquires aloud.

“They left remember?” Dave answers, holding a trash bag. “You were on the phone when they were saying goodbye?”

She vaguely remembers someone stopping by her office, but then leaving when she was in the middle of talking. Y/N hurriedly makes her way downstairs, hoping she can catch him. When the elevator doors slip open, Bucky is already out the door. Y/N quickens her pace, catching the door before it closes and nearly stumbles outside. Thankfully, he isn’t far at all, so she leans forward to catch his left hand.

“Bucky, wait.”

He turns, eyes wide in surprise, but a smile on his lips. Steve motions the rest of them will be waiting and continues walking. Y/N releases his hand, waving goodbye at the rest of the Avengers.

“Sorry, Y/N.” Bucky begins with a small shrug. “I was looking for you, but you were on the phone. We got called for an urgent mission.”

“Oh, I won’t keep you them.” Y/N says lightly, about to go back inside.

“No,” He shakes his head quickly, stepping closer. “I wanted to say goodbye to you.”

She ignores the anxious flutter of wings in her stomach. “I just really wanted to thank you again. For agreeing to come in the first place, and you didn’t have to call anyone else, but you did. You made them all so happy, Bucky. Thank you.”

“I was happy to do it.” Bucky tells her, “and if you ever want me- us- to come again, we would in a heartbeat.”

“I appreciate that.” She expresses honestly, smiling. “They really did love you, I hope you know that.”

“Thanks.” Bucky chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. “They’re all amazing kids. Colin’s your nephew, right?”

“They really are.” She agrees wholeheartedly. “And yes, he’s the light of my life, that one. Well, I’ll let you go hero it away then. Thanks again.”

“Anytime, Y/N, really.”

She nods. “Well, you have my number now, so, y’know. Warn me when you want to meet up and spill my coffee again.”

“I promise I’ll warn you ahead of time.” He laughs. “Have a good day.”

“Have a good mission.”

They linger for just another moment, then she waves because apparently she can’t stop, and turns back to go inside. Except, the shy expression on Bucky’s face just now, and the genuine, good heartedness of the man standing before her reminds her of everything she’s been feeling lately. 

It’s slow, but it’s there. It sparked on the day they met, and it’s been burning like embers. It’s growing, and as Y/N has told him before, sitting on that bench sharing a funnel cake, she’s not going to hold back. She gains confidence and spins around.

“Actually.” Y/N pipes up. Bucky turns around as well walking towards her. “That reminds me.”

Bucky raises his eyebrows in question, waiting for her to elaborate further.

“It’s been like, five times and like twenty coffees at this point, spilled in various ways and the majority of it on me.” Y/N pauses. “I think you should make it up to me.”

Bucky goes from looking slightly guilty, to bemused in two seconds. He opens his mouth to speak, but she beats him to it.

“You owe me dinner.” Y/N states lightly, but with confidence she is faking because she’s nervous as hell.

He frowns, looking like he’s trying to comprehend what she just said. It only takes a few moments for realization to dawn on his face. A slow smile stretches across his full, pink lips, crinkles appearing at the corner of his eyes.

“Come again?” He asks, but there’s mirth dancing in the water that makes up the color of his eyes.

She bites her lip briefly before letting it go. “I think you owe me dinner.”

Then, Bucky laughs, a softy breathy little noise. “I think you’re right, Y/N.” He steps closer to her. “That, I would love to do.” Suddenly, his face falls. “I can’t tonight though.”

“I know,” Y/N nods in understanding. “Avenging and stuff. I get it. No rush. Just, let me know when.”

She waves once more, and attempts to leave again, but fingers wrap around her bicep. His grip carefully pulls and spins her back around.

“7:30.”

“What?”

“Tomorrow. 7:30. Is that alright?” Bucky inquires nervously.

Y/N beams at him, her heart rate speeding up. “Yeah.”

“Good. It’s a date.” He smiles, then reluctantly let’s go of her arm. “I really should be going now.”

“Is…” Y/N starts, “is it dangerous?”

Bucky scrunches his nose. “Might be, we don’t know for sure yet.”

She frowns fleetingly, concern flooding her chest. Y/N raises her hand to touch his chest. She realizes her little move, then quickly removes her hand in favor of grabbing his left one. She squeezes his fingers, the cool, smooth vibranium reminding her that he’s more than capable of taking care of himself. It doesn’t stop her next words though.

“Be careful.” She tells him quietly. Her eyes locked on his to convey how serious she feels about it.

Bucky comes closer, lifting his right hand. His fingertips graze along her cheekbone, before tracing the length of her jaw, sending a thrill of goosebumps scattering across her skin. His gaze drops to her mouth for a second, before snapping back up.

“I will, Y/N.” He promises, offering her a private smile.

Altogether, Bucky ceases contact, dropping his hands and stepping away. He waves once, then turns and follows Steve who had been waiting for him. Y/N catches the smug, yet proud expression on the Captain’s face as he wraps his arm around Bucky’s shoulders.

A cold breeze picks up right at the moment, and Y/N ran outside without her jacket or scarf on. However, she doesn’t feel the bite of the weather, just the blooming touch of heat leftover by Bucky.

****************************************************************

Previous  Chapter 6

If you would like to be tagged, please send me an ask/message

@justreadingfics @doritoevansxwinterschildren @125bluemachine125 @loislp@buckys-amethyst-world @kat-lives @wheredid-ileavethe-tardis @aurajitsu@jazzcarr3006 @the-nargles-made-me-do-it @sophiealiice @srhls @demonkitkat

[sweet-barnes]

Forgotten Memories - Bucky Barnes

Pairing: Bucky x reader

Summary: Bucky starts to rebuild his life in Bucharest, and starts to feel a little normal again, until an old friend turns up and shows him not everything is as it seems.

A/N: so this is kinda an AU, basically Civil War doesn’t happen in this but Bucky still ends up in Bucharest just to get away from his past. If you have any questions about anything if something is unclear, feel free to ask! Hope you enjoy!

“Baby, you gotta let go,” Bucky chuckled. “No,” a mumbled whine came from you, as you clung onto Bucky’s large frame. “We said we’d go to the market place though,” Bucky said softly, bringing a hand up to run his fingers through your hair. You let out a hum at the motion.

You were currently laid on the mattress on the floor, your body curled against Bucky’s as he attempted to leave the comfort of the cocoon you had made. It was 8:30am, Sunday Morning, and you had both agreed the previous night that you would make a trip to the market place and pick up some fresh supplies. However, when you woke up this morning, you had other plans, the warmth of your boyfriend was enough to convince yourself you should stay in bed all day and cuddle. The only trouble was, your boyfriend had other plans.

Maybe it wasn’t just the warmth of Bucky that was keeping you in bed though. Maybe it was the feeling of guilt in your stomach that wanted to keep him close, to keep him sheltered from this lie you were holding him under. But it was for his own safety, right?

An undercover mission. A whole new identity. But was it really the best idea to send the wife to look after and protect the husband that didn’t remember? You were willing to take full advantage of the opportunity though.

“Maybe five more minutes then,” Bucky’s words brought you out of your thoughts, and you smiled up at him as he shifted so he was facing you. You giggled as he leant down and nuzzled his face into your neck, placing small kisses where his mouth could reach.

“Do you ever think of what we’re going to be in the future?” You question caught yourself off guard but Bucky took it in his stride as if it was as normal as commenting on the weather. “Still together, I hope,” a loving grin spread across his face, causing a similar one to spread across yours. “Hopefully, married,” Bucky mumbles this part, but you catch it clearly and your heart nearly jumps out of your chest. “I’d love that,” you whispered, small tears forming in your eyes, but you rest your head on his chest to hide your face, drawing gentle patterns on his bare skin.

“With a little family of our own,” Bucky continued, and you let him go on and on about what he wanted for you both. “We can have our own little dog too, I was thinking a husky, they’re lovely dogs and I think they’ll get along well with our children.”

Throughout Bucky’s daydreaming, you never realised a second super soldier had made his way into your apartment, slowly stepping his way around until he heard the voice of his long lost friend. You were too busy feeling a growing pit in your stomach at Bucky’s words. Knowing deep down that he didn’t want this with you, he wanted this with your new identity. She’s the one he fell in love with. Not his wife, he didn’t even know she existed - that you existed.

The sound of a floor board creaking set Bucky on high alert and he jumped up out of bed, holding his fists up in front of his face. His eyes looked up to meet Steve’s soft ones looking back at him from the opening to the spare room - your make shift bedroom. “Buck, it’s okay, I’m not here to hurt you,” Steve said firmly but calmly. His voice must have altered Bucky’s thinking as he soon realised who was standing in front of him and let down his guard. Still, he didn’t approach Steve, staying by the bedside at all times.

While this interaction was occurring, you slowly lifted yourself out of bed, standing behind Bucky for a second before Steve stopped talking, and then stepped out next to him.

“Y/N?” A hint of shock let through in Steve’s voice. Confusion overtook Bucky’s features as he looked between you and Steve. “Y/N? Who the hell is Y/N?”

- - - -

The ride on the quinjet was silent as Bucky sat with his back towards you for the majority of the ride.

The apartment had soon filled with raised voices and the sounds of you crying as you tried to explain what had happened. Eventually Steve took over, explaining to Bucky you were there to protect him, but things escalated due to ‘previous feelings.’

“Previous feelings?” Bucky nearly shouted, “I’ve never met her before this, and suddenly she walks into my life, lights up my whole world and now she’s not even real!” The words pierced through you like knives. “I thought this was my shot at normal Steve, after all the nightmarish things I’ve been through I found the one good thing and I wanted to hold onto it.” His voice had calmed now, and he was talking lowly, but that didn’t stop the tears running down your cheeks. He was talking about you as though you weren’t even there.

“I understand Buck, but hear her out,” Steve tried to reason, but it was no use. “She lied to me, Steve! How can I listen to her? How do I know she’s telling me the truth?” Bucky’s pitch had risen again. Steve’s patience had snapped, “she’s your wife, Bucky!”

- - - -

It had been a week since the three of you had arrived back at the tower and nothing had improved. Bucky refused to speak to you, avoiding you most of the time, which only caused you more heartbreak. You knew this day would come but you clearly underestimated how painful it would be. You spent most of your time in your room at the compound, listening to old records and laying in bed, staring into space.

A soft knock on the door interrupted your state, causing you to look up as Steve walked into the room. He offered you a small smile as he sat on the bed next to you, allowing you to move to rest your head on his lap.

“How are you feeling?” He asked quietly, running his hands through your hair. “I miss him,” you mumbled. “I know, he’ll come round soon enough,” Steve assured. You hummed, not fully believing him. “I left a little something in his room, trust me.”

- - - -

Bucky shut his door gently, letting out a sigh as he tugged off his sweaty t-shirt from the 2 hours of training in the gym. He flopped onto the bed but quickly sat up when he felt something hard stabbing into his stomach. A worn out photo album laid underneath him, causing a peak in his curiosity.

He sat up and placed it in his lap, opening it up to the first page, which read in cursive hand writing, “James and Y/N, an eternal promise.”

His heart rate picked up as he turned the page. The first photo revealing you both stood under a blossom tree. A crisp white lace dress hugged your body as Bucky stood in his tux, looking down at you with a loving smile, while you smiled towards the camera. As the pages went on, more photos appeared of the two of you stood together, some posed and some candid. In most of them, Bucky was looking down at you, a glint of adoration clearly showing in his eyes.

He stopped on one page in particular, in the middle sat a photo of you, him and Steve. Bucky in the middle with his right arm around your waist and his left arm around Steve’s shoulders, holding you both close to his sides. Steve was still his small, sickly self, but his radiant smile made him look like the proudest friend on earth. A smile pulled at Bucky’s lips and it clicked in his mind exactly what he needed to do.

You were laid on your bed again, Steve had left a while ago but you still laid there, drowning in your own guilt and upset. You heard the click of your door handle as the door was pushed open, you assumed it was Steve so left him to his own devices.

“Doll?” Your head perked up at the familiar voice, and you sat up, turning your body to face Bucky, who was stood at the edge of your bed. Your breathing became uneven as you took him in. He hadn’t changed one bit, apart from the dark circles under his eyes indicating his lack of sleep. He would always tell you in Bucharest that he could only sleep when you were wrapped up in his arms. “Hi,” you whispered out, sending a small smile his way.

“I realise I made a mistake,” he mumbled, suddenly finding his shoes very interesting. When he didn’t carry on, you patted the spot next to you on the edge of the bed, and moved to dangle your legs over the side. Bucky took a deep breath before speaking again. “Steve left an old photo album on my bed, from our wedding, and I was just looking through it.” You knew exactly which one it was, you had helped Steve put it all together to give to Bucky after your honeymoon together. However, that time never came.

“It all started coming back to me, stuff from the 40’s, but not everything, and then I realised how stupid I was to let you go so easily a week ago.” He took a moment to breath. “I know I’m hard work, you knew that before Hydra got to me, but you stuck with me, even when you weren’t you, you managed to get me to fall for you again, so I guess it’s just meant to be,” you watched as Bucky moved himself from the edge of the bed into a kneeling position on the floor. He reacher into the pocket of his joggers and pulled out a simple black box, opening it to reveal a silver ring with a small diamond in the centre of it.

“I was actually planning on proposing to you the day Steve found us in Bucharest, but in some ways I’m glad I was made to wait until now, so Y/N, for the second time in this lifetime, will you marry me?” Tears ran down your cheeks from his outpour of emotion and all you could do was nod. You reached your arms out to him and kneeled in front of him to cuddle into him, crying into his shoulder.

“I love you, I promise I’ll never forget us again.”

[your-dietician]

Best 4th of July sales from across the web 2021

New Post has been published on https://tattlepress.com/lifestyle/best-4th-of-july-sales-from-across-the-web-2021/

Best 4th of July sales from across the web 2021

Yahoo Life has received compensation to create this article, and receives commission from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Stand up and salute! The biggest sales of the summer are here — and we’ve gathered all the best deals for you. (Photo: Getty Images)

It’s 4th of July weekend — a time to celebrate freedom. This year, it has a special meaning, as we all emerge to hang with friends and family, exchange hugs and high-fives, and launch a summer of appreciation and joy. 

Before you fire up the grill or head to the beach, take a minute to benefit from the celebratory sales. No need to open a thousand tabs and peruse sites of countless retailers — we did the legwork for you, combing through the options and pulling together one list of can’t-miss opportunities below. 

As for the sales themselves? They’re absolutely massive. You’ll find amazing discounts on tech, small appliances, home goods, and more. There’s no shortage of steals and deals this holiday weekend.

So let’s get to it: Here are the July 4th sales you absolutely can’t afford to miss, from across the web. 

Best TV sales

We have seen the future, and it’s this Sony 4K TV. (Photo: Amazon)

This Sony X80J 65-inch 4K Ultra HD LED Smart Google TV is the latest from a manufacturer that’s long been at the forefront of top-notch home video. No shocker, then, that the display on this set is dazzlingly vivid and detailed. Originally $1,000, this beauty is available for only $898 for the 4th of July.

Sony’s state-of-the-art Processor X1 is the power behind its true-to-life visuals, while HDR (High Dynamic Range) settings make sure colors stay bright and black levels are dark. Get ready: It’s going to feel like you’re sitting in the middle of all the action.

This 4K TV includes Google TV with instant access to hundreds of popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock and much, much more. It even has built-in Chromecast for slinging videos and music from your phone or tablet to the TV. Also: The remote has a microphone that lets you use Google Assistant for voice search and hands-free navigation. And shoppers just love it too.

Story continues

“In one word: Awesome….,” raved a five-star reviewer of this Sony. “It can be adjusted to give you absolute black even in a dark room; 4K and HDR are amazing…”

Check out more 4th of July TV sales below:

Insignia NS-32DF310NA19 32-inch Smart HD TV — Fire TV, $150 (was $200), amazon.com

Insignia 55-inch NS-55F301NA22 F30 Series LED 4K Ultra HD Smart Fire TV, $400 (was $500), amazon.com

Toshiba 32-inch Smart HD TV — Fire TV Edition, $160 (was $200), amazon.com

Toshiba 43-inch 43C350KU C350 Series LED 4K Ultra HD Smart Fire TV, $320 (was $370), amazon.com

Sony 55-inch Class X80J Series LED 4K Ultra HD Smart Google TV, $750 (was $950), bestbuy.com

Sony 65-inch Class X80J Series LED 4K Ultra HD Smart Google TV, $900 (was $1,150), bestbuy.com

LG 65-inch Class 4K Ultra HD NanoCell Smart TV, $997 (was $1,200), walmart.com

LG 65-inch Class CX Series OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart webOS TV, $1,900 (was $2,200), bestbuy.com

LG C1 65-inch Class 4K Smart OLED TV, $2,100 (was $2,500), qvc.com

Samsung 70-inch Class 7 Series LED 4K Ultra HD Smart Tizen TV, $680 (was $750), bestbuy.com

Best headphone and earbud sales

Save over 40 percent on these Beats beauties. (Photo: Amazon)

On sale for $199 — an incredible $151 off! — the Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (in Matte Black) mix style and performance in one sleek design. These are Beats’ premium noise-canceling headphones that work seamlessly with just about any Apple device, including the iPhone, iPad and MacBook. The way they sync to your Apple products, thanks to Apple’s W1 chip for instant pairing, is magical. And Amazon shoppers are hooked.

“These are the best headphones I’ve ever had,” shared a delighted Amazon shopper. “I travel 99 percent of the time for work and am on planes twice a week. I am exhausted and don’t want to talk to people. These are perfect for when you’re feeling anti-social on the plane, in the airport….hell, anywhere! The 22-hour battery life and noise cancellation are mind-blowing. Definitely worth the money!”

Check out more 4th of July headphone and earbud sales below:

Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones, $145 (was $200), amazon.com

Beats Solo Pro Headphones, $149 (was $300), walmart.com

Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds, $39 (was $50), amazon.com

Bietrun Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, $26 (was $130), walmart.com

Apple AirPods (wireless charging case), $160 (was $199), amazon.com

Apple AirPods Max, $490 (was $549), amazon.com

Philips Wireless In-Ear Headphones, $30 (was $60), walmart.com

JBL Tune 115TWS True Wireless Headphones, $50 (was $60), kohls.com

Beats Flex All-Day Wireless Earphones, $40 (was $50), target.com

Samsung Galaxy Buds+, $100 (was $150), bestbuy.com

Meidong Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones, $35 (was $70), walmart.com

Best smart-home sales

Start building the smart home of your dreams with this bundle — save nearly 35 percent! (Photo: Lowe’s)

For the 4th of July, Lowe’s is giving you a chance to score the Google Nest Mini (second generation) and GE Smart Plug for just $40 (was $60).

The next-gen Nest Mini packs the Google Assistant into a sleek design with really great sound. Enjoy crisp vocals and balanced bass while you stream songs from Spotify, YouTube Music, SiriusXM, Pandora, Apple Music and more. Want a smart home? Now’s the time! If you have a phone in your pocket and a Wi-Fi network at home, you’re well on your way to building a smart home.

Plus, the bundle includes the GE Smart Plug (a $15 value), which can easily pair with the Google Nest Mini. Simply plug into a wall outlet, then plug in anything like a lamp, a TV or even a coffeemaker.

Then connect the plug to your Wi-Fi network and use your phone to sync to the Google Home app (for Android smartphones and Apple iPhones). That’s it! Now you can control just about anything in your home with your phone or just the sound of your voice via the Google Assistant. Fun!

“I am amazed at how much sound can come out of this little bitty device,” said a five-star Lowe’s reviewer. “The ease of setting it up via Wi-Fi was a breeze…I would recommend this little device for not only sound, but also ease of use. It can make your life simple and up-to-date if you carry a busy workload. Set a reminder and it will remind you even with a little music.”

Check out more 4th of July smart-home sales below:

Kamep Wireless Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Camera, $65 (was $130), amazon.com

TP-Link N300 WiFi Extender (TL-WA855RE), $17 (was $30), amazon.com

Moen 7594BL Arbor One-Handle Pulldown Kitchen Faucet, $289 (was $500), amazon.com

Govee Smart Light Bulbs, $11 with on-page coupon (was $22), amazon.com

Google Nest Mini, $35 (was $49), lowes.com

Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat, $199 (was $249), lowes.com

Google Nest Hello, $149 (was $229), lowes.com

Google Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera, $130 (was $200), walmart.com

Honeywell RLV4300A1005 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat (renewed), $10 (was $35), eBay.com

TP-Link Wi-Fi Mini Smart, $10 (was $18), target.com

Beats Pill+ Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, $140 (was $230), kohls.com

Philips Neopix Ultra Projector with Wi-Fi Screen Mirroring, Bluetooth & Built-in Media Player, $380 (was $400), kohls.com

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential, $30 (was $50), lowes.com

eufy Security eufy Wireless Smart, $170 (was $200), lowes.com

Brookstone PhotoShare Digital Picture Frame, $110 (was $130), lowes.com

Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness & Activity Tracker, $100 (was $130), kohls.com

Defender Ultra HD 4K Wired Outdoor Security System (1TB), $260 (was $450), walmart.com

Monoprice Wireless Smart Outdoor Dual Socket, $25 (was $38), target.com

XODO Smart Wi-Fi HD Video Doorbell, $90 (was $150), walmart.com

DHcamera Wired Spotlight Cam HD Security Camera, $150 (was $230), walmart.com

Garmin Vivosport Fitness Tracker (renewed), $70 (was $200), eBay.com

Love Spotify and Pandora, but still want to play your beloved CDs? Bose is here to keep physical media alive. (Photo: HSN)

If you can’t let go of your old CDs and love listening to the radio, the Bose Wave Music System IV is the ticket. And for the 4th of July, HSN has temporarily dropped the price of this gem from $500 to just $300. That’s the lowest price we’ve found on the web right now — a savings of 40 percent.

This Bose speaker system projects crisp sound, and comes equipped with a Bluetooth receiver add-on, so you can wirelessly sync your smartphone or laptop to it. The design is elegant, minimal and slim, making it a seamless addition to your entertainment center or on its own in a bedroom, kitchen or living room. It also comes with a remote. If you enjoy waking up to the sound of music or the radio, you can program the system’s timer to sync up to your preferences too.

“Perfect sound system for the home,” wrote a five-star Bose reviewer. “The sound is simply stunning and fills the entire room. The radio reception is superb and the ability to play Internet radio via TuneIn brings this product firmly in the 2020s!”

New to HSN? Score an additional $20 off with promo code HSN2021 at checkout — and bring the price down to just 460 bucks. And if you’d rather not pay all at once (we get it), HSN lets you opt for five “FlexPays” of just $60, with no interest at all. Plus, free shipping!

Best smartphone and tablet sales

Forget the Apple iPad! This Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is a better bargain — and it can do more too. (Photo: Amazon)

On sale for $170 (was $230), the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 weighs just over a pound and features 32GB of storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD card). That’s got it all over Apple’s entry level tablet, which isn’t expandable. And unlike the iPad, the Tab A7’s 10.4-inch display has a full HD widescreen for immersive viewing.

Also out-Apple-ing Apple? The A7’s camera set is better than the one that comes with the iPad. It has an eight-megapixel selfie cam with a five-megapixel rear shooter on the front for video calls. “Mostly use for mobile gaming. Tried to play PS4 remote play, and it worked,” reported a satisfied gamer. “Sound is great and build quality is better than iPad. Speed is seamless.”

Check out more 4th of July smartphone and tablet sales below:

Apple iPad (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB), $299 (was $329), amazon.com

Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB), $699 (was $749), amazon.com

Linsay Android 10 Tablet with Marble Case, $98 (was $325), macys.com

Moto G Stylus Smartphone, $180 (was $218), qvc.com

Linsay 10.1-inch New Quad Core 32GB Tablet Android, $100 (was $169), macys.com

Core Innovations 7-inch, $54 (was $70), bhphotovideo.com

onn. 8-inch Tablet Pro, $79 (was $99), walmart.com

Samsung Galaxy A11 (Net10), $99 (was $149), walmart.com

Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, $170 (was $200), bestbuy.com

Visual Land Prestige Elite 10QL 10-Inch 16GB Android Tablet, $90 (was $120), kohls.com

Best gaming sales

Half price: The Last of Us Part II for PlayStation 4. (Photo: Walmart)

On sale for $30 (was $60), The Last of Us Part II for PlayStation 4 is set five years after the first game and follows Ellie and Abby as they continue to survive in a post-apocalyptic United States. This is one of the best games of 2020 and it’s half off at Walmart.

“I have played it three times now,” shared a delighted gamer. “On each play through, I found something new, which I most likely missed because of the insane attention to detail in this game. It all started to make sense after my second play through. I think that The Last of Us Part II is one of the best storytelling masterpieces out there.”

Check out more 4th of July gaming sales below:

BioShock: The Collection, $19 (was $50), amazon.com

NBA 2K21 (Xbox Series X), $20 (was $70), amazon.com

Mafia: Definitive Edition (PS4), $20 (was $40), amazon.com

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (PS4), $15 (was $40), amazon.com

The Sims 4 (Xbox One), $5 (was $50), cdkeys.com

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege (Xbox One), $13 (was $35), cdkeys.com

Minecraft (Xbox One), $10 (was $30), cdkeys.com

Outriders: Day One Edition (PS4), $40 (was $60), walmart.com

Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB with Xbox Game Pass and Accessories, $636 (was $700), qvc.com

Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition (PS4), $20 (was $60), walmart.com

Madden NFL 21 (Xbox One), $20 (was $60), walmart.com

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (Xbox One), $30 (was $60), walmart.com

The Pillars of The Earth (PS4), $29 (was $45), walmart.com

Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled (PS4), $34 (was $40), walmart.com

PlayStation Plus Membership (12 months), $38 (was $60), cdkeys.com

Playstation Plus Membership (three months), $20 (was $25), cdkeys.com

Best vacuum sales

This vacuum sucks…and that’s a very good thing — save nearly 30 percent! (Photo: Walmart)

Do you have hair-shedding pets? Do you want to keep a clean home but are just too busy during your week to make sure it stays neat and tidy? If your answer is yes, then you need the EcoVacs Deebot U2 Robot Vacuum Cleaner. It’s on sale for an impressive $179, a sweet $71 off at Walmart.

The robovac makes it easy to keep your hardwood floors or carpet clean, even if you’re not at home. Just sync the vacuum to your smartphone via the Ecovacs app and let the Deebot do the rest. This vacuum uses “Smart Navi 2.0” technology to map your space, so it can keep your home free from crumbs, debris, pet hair and other icky things.

“Meet my new maid,” chirped a savvy Walmart shopper. “This mop and vac saves me a precious hour each evening I spend with my family after work instead of cleaning my floors. Easy to fill and I hand wash the mop attachment each night and air dry it for the next evening. Attractive design. Thorough cleaning. Can’t beat the price. It holds a charge for at least 110 mins. I’m completely satisfied.”

Check out more 4th of July vacuum sales below:

Dyson V8, $350 (was $450), dyson.com

Lefant M210 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, $140 with on-page coupon (was $400), amazon.com

OKP Life K2 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, $124 (was $300), amazon.com

roborock E4 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, $210 (was $300), amazon.com

Kenmore 31510 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, $150 with on-page coupon (was $259), amazon.com

iHome AutoVac Eclipse G 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop, $179 (was $400), walmart.com

Shark RV2001WD AI Robot VacMop Pro, $480 (was $799), macys.com

Shark ION Robot Vacuum RV750, $149 (was $299), walmart.com

Trifo Maxs Robot Vacuum, $400 (was $667), macys.com

iRobot Roomba E6 Vacuum Cleaning Robot E6198, $200 (was $380), eBay.com

Eureka Groove 4-Way Control Robotic Vacuum, $129 (was $200), walmart.com

Simplicity Sport Portable Canister Vacuum Cleaner, $109 (was $277), macys.com

Mighty Rock Robot Vacuum and Mop, $73 (was $130), walmart.com

Best home office sales

Take note of the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 — and save $164 during 4th of July weekend! (Photo: Amazon)

For the 4th of July, the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 convertible laptop is on sale for just $386 — that’s 30 percent off for a model so popular, over 800 reviewers gave it five stars.

The sleek, incredibly thin Samsung Chromebook is actually more than just a laptop. It has a brilliant 12.2-inch HD touchscreen display (at 1900×1200 resolution) and flexible 360-degree hinge, so it can rotate to any angle for use as a tablet.

“I wanted both a tablet and a computer. I love that you can download apps and use them for both the computer and the tablet form,” reported a delighted five-star reviewer. “The stylus makes using Lightroom and other creative apps a breeze. Being able to use the cloud is a must because the storage would fill up pretty quickly…The large screen is also a good thing for activities like editing photos, drawing, and taking notes. Start up, web browsing, and apps are quick. The battery life is really great for everyday use…”

Check out more 4th of July home office sales below:

Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine, $240 with on-page coupon (was $340), amazon.com

Renpho Neck Shoulder Massager, $30 with on-page coupon (was $50), amazon.com

Vybe Percussion Massage Gun, $150 with on-page coupon (was $200), amazon.com

DamKee Massage Gun, $69 with on-page coupon for Prime members only (was $110), amazon.com

WorkEZ Rise Aluminum Laptop Stand, $30 (was $33), qvc.com

Samsung 27-inch Smart Monitor, $300 (was $329), qvc.com

HP OfficeJet Pro 8035e All-in-One Printer, $220 (was $249), qvc.com

Asus Chromebook C223, $265 (was $340), hsn.com

Bell & Howell Adjustable Laptop Desk, $32 (was $50), hsn.com

Embassy NanoShred 8-Sheet Paper Shredder, $100 (was $124), hsn.com

OttLite Wireless Charging Desk Lamp, $35 (was $61), hsn.com

Apple MacBook Pro (mid-2020), $1,099 (was $1,299), bhphotovideo.com

Microsoft Surface Pro 5 (renewed), $540 (was $800), eBay.com

Ousgar 47-inch White Desk, $100 (was $266), walmart.com

Hemu Fashion Bamboo Laptop Lap Tray, $38 (was $80), walmart.com

Best kitchen sales

Make smoothies, soups and more. (Photo: Amazon)

When anything Instant Pot goes on sale for over 50 percent off, it’s time to take notice. The Instant Pot blender is a kitchen hero you’ll love at first sight. It easily whips up smoothies and soups, plus it can make delectable chunky dips and salsas, too. Love nut butters? This machine will turn out the creamiest toppings ever. It has over 10 presets, so you’ll find no shortage of uses for this whip-smart blender.

“This is, by far, the nicest blender we’ve ever owned,” one shopper shared. “Motor is powerful and blades have perfectly blended everything we’ve thrown in it. Almond nut butter was creamy and smoothies were the smoothest. Glass pitcher is, as advertised, professional quality. Big fan of the tamper as I have ruined more than my fair share of spoons with other blenders.”

Check out more 4th of July kitchen sales below:

Vitamix 5200 Blender, $390 (was $550), amazon.com

Farberware Millennium Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set, $104 (was $260), amazon.com

Staub Pure Grill, 10.5″, $120 (was $243), surlatable.com

PowerXL 5.3 Quart Power Air Fryer, $91 (was $180), wayfair.com

Cuisinart Cordless Rechargeable Mini Chopper, $64 (was $80), bedbathandbeyond.com

Kalorik 26 Quart Digital Air Fryer Oven, Stainless Steel, $200 (was $280), wayfair.com

15 percent off orders over $100, ninjakitchen.com

Lodge Enameled Cast Iron, $57 (was $93), wayfair.com

CRUX Artisan Series 7-Speed Blender, $40 (was $100), bedbathandbeyond.com 

Ninja FD401 Foodi 8-Quart 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker, $150 (was $250), amazon.com

SodaStream Sparkling Water Maker (Rose Gold) Bundle, $88 (was $111), walmart.com

Three-Piece Heart Cake Pan Set, $20 (was $30), walmart.com

The Pioneer Woman Sweet Rose 3.2 Quart Baker with Tote, $19 (was $26), walmart.com

Best beauty sales

Reveal your megawatt smile! (Photo: QVC)

Dreaming of white teeth but don’t want to invest hundreds of dollars into getting them professionally whitened? This kit will help. It comes with two toothpastes — one charcoal coconut and one packed with B12 — to eradicate stains and leave your pearly whites…white. 

You’ll get 28 whitening strips (that’s two weeks’ worth of treatments!) for just 50 bucks. Simply leave the strips on for 30 minutes, then remove and brush away the gel. Check out incredible before-and-after photos here.

Check out more 4th of July beauty sales below:

Obagi Medical 360 Retinol Moisturizer Cream, $40 (was $74), amazon.com

Tan-Luxe Hydra Mousse Self-Tan Mousse Duo, $55 (was $98), hsn.com

Up to 50 percent off select items and free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIP, sephora.com

Up to 20 percent off select items and kits, charlottetilbury.com

Calista Perfecter Pro Heated Round Brush with Embellish Spray, $94 (was $131.50), qvc.com

Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey Duo, $20 (was $32.50), qvc.com

Korres Body Firming Serum Spray, $20 (was $36.50), hsn.com

20 percent off NuFace, skinscarerx.com

Items up to 60 percent off, nordstrom.com

Beauty finds starting at just $9.50, marcjacobsbeauty.com

Up to 75 percent off clearance, skincarerx.com

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Lightweight Ionic Hair Dryer, $65 (was $85), walmart.com

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Eau De Toilette, $38 (was $72), walmart.com

Better Not Younger Lift Me Up Hair Thickener, $25 (was $34), hsn.com

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max Moisturizer, $43 (was $53), amazon.com

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, $20 (was $24), walmart.com

Best style sales

You’ll never want to take these off. (Photo: Amazon)

Whether your summer plans include traveling, hikes, or strolling around town, comfy shoes are a must. Pick up Amazon’s No. 1 bestselling sneakers while they’re on sale, and you’ll be good to go. Adored by podiatrists and nurses alike, the slip-ons have a chunky, supportive sole and feel absolutely divine on your feet. Choose from 28 colors and sizes 5.5 to 11.

“These shoes are so great for nurses who stand on their feet for long periods of time,” a shopper declared. “Better than my $150 pair of shoes…medical professional healthcare providers, these are worth trying! They are like walking on bubble bouncing cushions.”

Check out more 4th of July style sales below:

Up to 50 percent off sitewide, oldnavy.com

Extra 40 percent off markdowns, gap.com

Up to 50 percent off styles, stuartweitzman.com

60 percent off apparel with code GEARUP60, reebok.com

30 percent off select styles, vionic.com

1/10 Carat Diamond Solitaire Necklace, $28 (was $300), walmart.com

Extra 30 percent off sale items, spanx.com

Extra 15 percent off, coachoutlet.com

Skechers GOwalk Joy Washable Slip-On Sneakers, $52 (was $63.50), qvc.com

Dresses starting at $10, target.com

Tees and tanks, two for $14, target.com

Avia Women’s Summer Romper, $7 (was $14), walmart.com

Athletic Works Women’s Active Racerback Tank, $9 (was $15), walmart.com

10 percent off select styles and free shipping, newbalance.com

Up to 70 percent off sale, jcrew.com

Extra 25 percent off sale with code EXTRA, toryburch.com

HUE Short Sleeve Tee & Modern Classic Skimmer PJ Set, $38 (was $46), hsn.com

OURS Women’s Summer Dress, $22 (was $40), amazon.com

Up to 50 percent off hundreds of styles, adidas.com

Leggings Depot High Waisted Solid Yoga Leggings, $13 (was $20), amazon.com

Up to 50 percent off summer collection, aerosoles.com

Up to 50 percent off select styles plus extra 20 percent off, colehaan.com

Best mattress and bedding sales

If your mattress alone isn’t doing it for you, this topper might help. (Photo: HSN)

If your mattress is feeling a bit blah but you don’t want to invest in a brand new one just yet, try this Concierge Collection topper on for size! The high loft fill is dreamy, and it’s quilted, which keeps it from bunching up — plus a stretchy skirt ensures the topper stays nice and snug. Can it get any better? It can! The moisture-wicking fabric stays cool on even the hottest nights. And it’s treated with an antimicrobial coating, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and other nasties.

Check out more 4th of July mattress and bedding sales below:

Rest Haven 2 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper, $55 (was $80), walmart.com

2 Pack Plixio Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, $40 (was $50), walmart.com

4earth 2-Pack Eco-Friendly Organic Cotton Standard Bed Pillows, $15 (was $25), bedbathandbeyond.com

Farm to Home Organic Cotton Waffle Knit Comfy-let with Shams-Full/Queen, $100 (was $170), qvc.com

Scott Living HygroCotton and Tencel 400TC Sheet Set with FlexiFit, $62 (was $99), qvc.com

Casper Original Mattress, $931 (was $1,095), casper.com

beegod Pillows for Sleeping, $33 (was $58), amazon.com

Casper Sleep Pillow for Sleeping, $55 (was $65), amazon.com

AllerEase Cotton Euro Pillow, $13 (was $19), walmart.com

Extra 25 percent off select home items, nordstromrack.com

25 percent off sitewide plus $250 gift set, bearmattress.com

Best pet sales

Your cat is going to love this scratching tower. (Photo: Walmart)

Tired of pleading with your cat to stop scratching the sides of your couch? This pole just might be the temptation she needs to stay away. It’s covered in thick sisal rope, and has a wide base so it won’t topple over as she digs her claws in. At the very top, a rotating feather (or mouse, or ball — the scratcher comes with plenty of options) ensures she’s fully engaged. You can even adjust the height of the pole, so smaller cats and kittens can get in on the fun.

“Our cats have been obsessed with this thing since I set it up!” a shopper shared. “They immediately went crazy for the toys it came with and are now scratching the post instead of my furniture! Amen!”

Check out more 4th of July pet sales below:

Buy three, get one free — toys, grooming and more, chewy.com

WAG Dental Dog Treats, $10 (was $23), amazon.com

Up to 50 percent off food, treats, furniture and more, petco.com

Animals Favorite New Rectangle Pet Bed, $33 (was $45), amazon.com

EMME Dog Bed for Small Dogs, $35 (was $55), amazon.com

Morpilot Pet Travel Carrier Bag, $31 (was $40), walmart.com

Kadell Professional Quiet Electric Pet Hair Clipper, $27 (was $54), walmart.com

Read More from Yahoo Life:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.

Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Life’s newsletter.

Source link