#i'd say i lean “yes but i'm not gonna force it” with steve and bucky

[darthkvznblogs]

Who do you ship the main Avengers with in the Kverse?

More specifically, is Steve/Buck a possibility?

I'll preface this by saying that shipping is kinda low priority in my writing - I typically go with canon pairings if they're convincing enough to me or popular alternatives if they aren't, with few exceptions. Much like with many of the character interactions in the Kverse, romances are not one of the things I typically plan ahead for, rather playing them by ear as the stories go along. That being said, I have given them some thought, just to get an idea of where they might head in the future.

For the main Avengers,

-Tony and Pepper, as you know, are together. I know Tony's traditionally kind of a ladies' man, but it wouldn't really feel right to go that way with this version, so I don't really plan on changing up their relationship (not in a potentially breaking them up way, at least).

-Bruce, I dunno. I like the idea of eventually reconnecting him with Betty, but I wouldn't bring her back just for a romance. I'd want to give her something to do that naturally brings her back into Bruce's orbit (and solely being Thunderbolt Ross's daughter isn't enough to me, tbh). If anyone reading this is a fan of Bruce x Natasha, I do apologize, but I have zero interest in that ship. I found it bizarre in 2015 and I haven't seen anything to change my mind since.

-I guess the biggest change here, I was never a big fan of Clint and his secret family - not so much the characters themselves, I think they're fine, but Clint never struck me as the type to even pretend to try and settle down. He is currently single in the Kverse (though that's not to say Laura and the kids don't exist. Details on that will have to wait). I might've shipped him with Natasha in the very early days, but I prefer their platonic life partner schtick these days, and I don't have a planned alternative for him at the moment.

-I think Natasha's actually somewhere in the aromantic spectrum and claims to be casually fine with it - but she kinda isn't, at the core of her being. She's had no shortage of partners (regular ones and fake ones as a Widow, with all that that entails), but she's so far been unable to form meaningful romantic relationships, and I do think a big, rather frustrated part of her (understandably) blames it on the Red Room's brutal "training". I think, deep down, she wishes to eventually find a way to disappear for good and settle down with a partner, but whether or not it's a genuine desire, or her vindictively wanting to stick it to the Red Room, or something else entirely, is anyone's guess (including hers)(these guys need so much therapy).

-Thor's a difficult one. I do think he's big-time smitten with Jane Foster at the moment, but he's not stupid. Her lifespan is the blink of an eye for him, and no matter how much he might come to wish otherwise, I don't think Jane would be super down for gaining immortality - even if it is the Norse, "can get killed in battle" type. It might be a point of contention later on, but for now, they're barely starting out as a couple, so no changes there.

-I think Cap and Peggy had a really sweet thing going back in the forties, but (and I apologize for the hot take) I do think it was kind of a mistake to have him choose to stay in the past and live out a life after Endgame. It was satisfying in the moment, but upon reflection, it feels like a weird choice for Steve Rogers to make. I can see him passing on the mantle to Sam, sure, but leaving his world behind in ruins, even in victory? Abandoning his friends and fellow heroes without warning? For a lost love he'd come to terms with? I dunno, I don't hate it or anything as a conclusion to his story, but it also doesn't really work for me anymore.

(there is an interesting wrinkle regarding Cap and Peggy in the Kverse but I can't talk about it at all yet, for big spoilery reasons) As for Steve x Bucky specifically - I'm not sure. No shortage of potential or chemistry between those two (as evidenced by thousands upon thousands of fics focused on them haha), and I do like them together, but Bucky is gonna be so messed up even if he gets promptly rescued in this timeline. I don't think he'd be in a place to even consider a relationship for a while, and I wouldn't want to force it on a shorter timetable. I think there was something there, in the past, but not something that would've naturally resulted in a relationship - from the war, the time period and culture, Peggy and Steve kinda sweeping each other off their feet out of the blue, take your pick. Obviously, their circumstances will have very much changed by the time they meet again - for better or worse.

[rendevousz]

mum?

mother figure!nat x fem!teen!reader

avengers x reader

req by @teenwonder ; i absolutely love the entire teams adoration for reader skfksngnsf its so cute! could i please request one a little more nat based? maybe r treats and loves nat like a mom but nat hadn’t noticed that before, and the whole team is like listing examples of how and why 🥺🥺🥺

summary: the four times you needed nat and the one time she admits that she needed you too.

warnings: blood, a random attack out of nowhere because i'm not creative, inaccurate writing of medical situations because i have no idea how those things work, also let's just pretend bruce was around during iron man 2 when tony still had palladium in his arc reactor, also inaccurate descriptions of palladium effects bcs i just...don't know much about palladium pls forgive me thanks, and idk any hospitals in new york/manhattan or even the states LMAO so uh bear with this, and last but not least, my inability to write good endings

word count: 5426

notes: that's a long ass warning nevertheless pls do enjoy this fic <3

"i'm going now, bye!" you bid the team who were having breakfast together, walking out of the common area.

"bye, cupcake! don't get into trouble, don't do what i'd do and definitely don't do what i wouldn't do." tony advised and you rolled your eyes because tony says that to you every morning before you leave for school.

"wait, don't forget your lunch!" nat stands up from her seat and grabs your lunch that she had packed, from the kitchen island, bringing it over to you. "thanks, nat!" you grabbed it, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before leaving.

nat smiles at the action, turning around to walk back to her spot on the table, only to find the team staring back at her with knowing looks.

"what?"

"you know, you only need to sign a couple papers and the kid's all yours." tony states matter-of-factly. nat snaps her head towards the man, an incredulous look on her face. "what are you talking about?"

"we all see the longing looks on both your faces. she's dying for you to call her your daughter and you, her mother." clint explains and the others nodded in agreement.

"that's nonsense. she has wanda too," nat reasons, sitting back down. "i'm pretty sure she sees wanda as a sister considering how much she drags wanda with her whenever she's causing trouble around the tower." steve raises his brows at the redhead who was in denial.

"she sees you as her mother, nat. just accept it," wanda tells her, taking a sip from her glass. "really? name me one time she showed it." nat challenges them, not knowing that they've been watching your interactions with her for the longest time.

"you have no idea what you just got yourself into, romanoff," clint chuckles, cracking his neck and knuckles as if preparing for a fight.

"remember new mexico?" he smirks and nat only frowns, trying to remember.

i.

"no!" you screamed, dropping down to the ground. you didn't care that you scraped your knees doing that, the only thing that mattered was the overwhelming feeling of grief engulfing your whole being. tears streamed down your face as you looked at the debris on the ground, the remainder of what used to be standing in front of you; a building. blown up, now in ruins.

clint, bucky and steve watched you break down in front of them, their hearts breaking at the sight in front of them as well as the fact that their teammate had been caught up in the middle of the explosion.

"y/n/n? come on, tony's team called for back up. we gotta go," steve tried to get you to stand up, failing when you kept your ground. you screamed when he tried again and their hearts clenched at the heartbreaking sound.

"we can't just leave her! please, we have to find her," you cried, clinging onto steve's body as he ran his hand up and down your suit-cladded back to soothe you. "y/n/n, we can't. the whole place is in ruins now," he didn't want to say it but he had to. he had to in order to get you to leave. "she's gone."

"she can't be gone! she can't just leave us! we need her! i need her, stevie.." you cried into his chest and he had to control himself so he didn't cry right then and there too.

he looked up to see bucky looking at the two of you guiltily, tapping his wrist to indicate that they were running out of time. steve had no choice but to carry you in his arms, getting you to leave the site against your will. but you were too weak to fight back now. "what am i gonna do without her now, stevie?" you asked quietly.

"we're gonna be okay, y/n/n," he tells you, sitting you down on a chair and settling down next to you as clint flew the jet to your next location. the atmosphere was tense and you could tell everyone, too, was sad about this.

"what if we're not? what if we're not gonna be okay, stevie? i know i won't be." you wiped the tears streaming down your face despite the fact that your face still wasn't drying up any time soon.

"because nat wouldn't want to see us like this. she'll be angry if she sees that we're risking people's lives just because of her." he says truthfully.

"we're landing, guys." clint announces and the team prepared for another round of fighting. steve turns to you, wiping the tears on your face as he made you look up at him. "now let's save some people and make nat proud, yeah?"

you nod at him sadly, preparing your weapons. all of you got out the jet and the second battle of the day begun. boy, were these people unlucky because they were on the receiving end of your fury.

you were busy taking down a group of guards alone when you heard a familiar voice. "y/n, behind you!" and you turned just in time to take down a guard who was aiming at you.

you didn't even have time to register your shock of seeing the redhead because more guards came at you two. you guys fought alongside each other until all the men were taken down.

"nat?" you breathed out. "yes, bub?" she answers as you both carefully walked over the knocked out men. she was taken aback when you slammed into her, hugging her the tightest you ever did since you met her.

"please don't ever do that again." you mumbled into her chest. she was about to ask you what you meant when she heard you sniffling. figuring out it wasn't the appropriate moment to ask, she continued to just hug and comfort you in silence.

"wait, that was why she cried that day? because she thought i was in that building when it blew up?" nat asks after steve finished the story. "i never found out why because she never told me."

"yeah, you should've seen her when the building exploded. completely shattered my heart, dude." clint states, remembering the broken down state you were in that day.

"wait, did you guys not grief over my supposed death then?" nat glares at clint, bucky and steve. "in our defense, they were about to blow up about a hundred people, we didn't have much time to process the whole situation." clint tries to convince his best friend, only to receive a glare again from her.

"alright but just because she cried when she thought i was dead, doesn't mean she sees me as her mum. i'd cry too if any one of you guys died," she states, still in denial.

she did love you like how a mother would love her child. but she didn't want you to feel that she was forcing the title onto you. after all, you had so many other adults around you, who's to say that you saw someone else as a parent figure instead of her? she didn't want to make you uncomfortable.

"woman, are you serious?" sam exclaims, throwing his hands up in the air dramatically. "need i remind you that the girl sacrificed her life for you?"

ii.

"nat, watch out!" you stood right behind her where the man was about to attack her. you gave him a harsh kick to the head and that was all it took for the man to go unconscious.

the redhead turned around, not having enough time to comprehend what had happened before you dropped into her arms. you two were lucky the last of the men had already been taken out.

"bub? what's wrong?"

at this point, you were fully leaning against her. she was holding up your whole weight, hands wrapped around your middle to support you. that was when she felt it. the familiar thick substance on her fingers, leaking from the back of your suit.

her eyes widened, pulling one hand away from you to look at it. red. her breathing picked up as one of her hands felt around your back, finally feeling the handle of a knife sticking out from your back.

your eyes were already drooping by now and she lightly shook you awake, careful to not hurt you. she lowered you down and you were both sat on the floor now.

she presses a finger to her ear and you could hear her voice echo in your ear from your own comms. "can someone come please," she paused, exhaling shakily. "y/n's down."

if it had been any other person, she probably would be bringing them to the jet by now but it was you. she didn't know what came over her but when she saw that you were injured, it was like her whole body shut down. her knees felt weak and she couldn't bring herself to move.

"hey, hey, keep your eyes open. can you do that?" she asked gently and you nodded weakly. "bub, why did you do that?" she cried softly, moving your hair away from your face as you leaned sideways against her. the action caused your face to be smudged by your own blood from her hands but she didn't care as she caressed your cheek.

"he–he was gonna hurt you. i–i couldn't..." you paused a while, the pain getting too much for you to bear. "y/n, don't strain yourself. you need to stay awake," she tells you as tears streamed down her face.

"rather me than you," you whispered. nat's eyes widened at this. "don't say that, bub." she scolds gently.

you smiled weakly at her. "i've grown too dependent on you, nat. it's to the point that i," you coughed and nat worried that you were straining yourself but you continued. "that i'd rather die than live without you. you probably can go on with life without me but i can't without you. i need you, nat." your eyes closed and nat panics, shaking your body.

"y/n?! bub?! stay awake, please, they're coming!" nat cries out loud, holding onto your limp body.

"did we not agree to not mention that to me anymore?" nat glares at sam for bringing that up.

the night of that incident had been one of the worst nights for nat. she sat by your bed all night after you had been treated. she had been the first one you saw after you woke up. she had been the one you broke down in front of after you admitted the full reasoning behind your actions. she had been the one who opened her arms for you to make yourself at home in.

"i'm sorry but you must be blind if you can't see how really she sees you for the past years," bucky states. nat turns to him with a glare. "you don't know what you're talking about."

"oh really? who does she call whenever she has a really bad nightmare?" bucky questions rhetorically with his eyebrows raised.

iii.

"no, please, don't!" you begged, asleep and thrashing around in your bed. quiet whimpers turned into heavy breathing as you plead for your life in your nightmare. "please," you whispered, inhaling and exhaling harshly.

FRIDAY, noticing the amount of distress you were in, alerted the closest person to your room, that being bucky who was returning from a late night trip to the kitchen for some water.

he quickly went into your room, only to see you shivering and thrashing around in your bed. "doll?" he approaches slowly, finding you still asleep, though sweating a lot. nightmare, he realised.

"doll? wake up," he gently shakes you and you immediately jolt awake, breathing heavily as you register what was going on. "it's okay, it was just a nightmare," he soothes you, holding you close as one hand rubbed up and down your back while the other held your head to his chest.

none of that helped as you were still in the same state as you were when you woke up. "are you okay?" he asks, worried. "nat... i need nat.. please i need her," you whimpered, shaking in his hold. you were having trouble breathing.

"FRIDAY, get romanoff."

within minutes, nat arrived, looking panicked and disheveled like she had just woken up, which she just did. "what's wrong?" she asks bucky, approaching you two.

"she was having a nightmare and woke up and i think she's having a panic attack. she asked for you," he informs her and immediately moves away when she approaches, so that she could take his place.

"bub? it's me," you look up to meet natasha's pretty green eyes. "you're okay, bub. can you tell me five thing you can see?"

you looked away from her eyes, looking around your room. "i–i see my book on my nightstand, my lamp, my jacket on the chair, my laptop and the painting on the wall." you told her after some difficulties.

"good, that's good. four things you can feel?"

"i feel the socks on my feet, my fluffy blanket, the pillow i'm leaning on and your hands around me."

she smiles softly at you. "three things you can hear?"

"i hear your voice. a–and the faint noise from the ac and i can also hear bucky's breathing." you look up at the man and he smiles sheepishly at you, standing around awkwardly. you gave him a small smile back.

"two things you can smell?"

"i can smell my own shampoo..and my room's air freshener." you told her more calmly now, feeling the panic attack already going away.

"one thing you want to taste?"

"i wanna taste wanda's blueberry pancakes." you pout and the two adults couldn't help but chuckle. "you can have them in the morning. right now you need to sleep so you can have the energy to devour them tomorrow, okay?" you nod at the woman as she tucks you in.

not long after, you fell asleep. she then presses a kiss to your forehead before leaving with a less worried bucky now. and sure enough, the next morning, wanda made you blueberry pancakes.

"okay, so what? we all need someone to help us through panic attacks?" nat rolls her eyes. "did you miss the part where i came in and tried to help but she specifically asked for you? she needed you, nat."

"guys, i... i love her with my whole heart but she has all of us. i don't wanna make her feel like she's restricted to only one of us. you all love her too," nat reasons.

"yes but she doesn't have anyone to call her mum and frankly, i think you'd be perfect for it." wanda encourages the older woman.

"i—" before she could continue, her phone rang loudly and she thanked whoever it was that called her because now she didn't have to make up excuses about her doubt of becoming your official mother.

iv.

she looks down at the caller id, sighing when it was you, meaning the team had more against her now. of course she didn't mind you calling her, you could call her when she'd be asleep after a mission and she'd still pick up with a smile on her face. but it was the fact that the whole team could see how she softened when she realised it was you who called that bothered her. she really didn't want them to let her have hopes that you'd accept her as your mother.

"bub?" she said into the phone and half the team smirked at her while the other half gave her knowing smiles. "aren't you supposed to be on your way to school?"

"yeah but uh are you busy right now? i um, i need you."

nat immediately stands up, worry etched onto her face and the team frowned at this. "what happened? are you okay?"

"you know how i told happy i wanted to walk to school today? yeah, i just remembered why i don't walk to school anymore."

"what do you mean? what happened? are you hurt? did someone hurt you?" she bombards you with questions out of worry. at this point, the team had also stopped their chatter and teasing looks, equally worried for your well-being.

"yeah, i am. wait, maybe not. i mean, i was just being dramatic but uh, i tripped on who-knows-what and now i have a sprained ankle. i can't walk now so i'm standing in an alley right now so i'm not in the way of people. can you come get me?"

nat sighs in relief, thankful that it wasn't anything that she was thinking of. "you are unbelievable, y/n." she chuckles in disbelief at your clumsiness. "can you tell me where you are? i'll come get you now. i'll have the school know you're not coming today." you told her your location and she immediately leaves after telling the team what happened to you.

you were expecting nat to call again, to tell you she was around the corner but instead you heard a whoosh of air beside your head, followed by a crack sound. your head followed the sound, eyes widening when you saw that a dart had struck the wall beside your head. you looked ahead, trying to see where that came from.

if it hadn't been for your fast reflexes being an avenger for the past few years, you probably wouldn't have ducked in time when another dart came flying right for your head. "what the hell?" you grunted, staying low but still looking around for the source. you squinted when you looked up, the sun blazing but you managed to catch a glimpse of a man on a rooftop nearby. he had blonde hair and was dressed in all black, donning a same coloured mask that covered the bottom half of his face.

"you had one job! how could you miss her twice?!" the blonde hears his colleague hiss in his ear through the earpiece. "i'm sorry! i'm no hawkeye, how was i supposed to get her in one try?!" he scolds back.

"you didn't even get her in two!"

"shut up and just let me work! you're distracting me!"

"hurry because i see the redheaded one nearing the alley. boss'll kill us if he finds out we didn't get her in her vulnerable state."

"i'm trying, i'm trying!" the blonde closes one eye, his sight now locked on your crouched state. he saw you move once you saw him and he cursed under his breath, his weapon following your movements. "she's moving!"

"just take the shot and be done with it! you have to go now!"

and shoot he did. after he shot the dart gun, he immediately fled but it wasn't like you were going to be able to chase him down or anything. a scream left your lips as a dart pierced through your skin, right under your shoulder.

you dropped down to the ground, right in the middle of the alleyway. you cried when you felt the burn in your flesh. you had been stabbed multiple times before with much bigger objects so why did this feel different?

"y/n?! is that you?!" you heard nat's voice yell from a small distance away. "i'm here," you croaked out, feeling your body grow weaker at an alarming rate.

"oh my god, bub, why are you on the ground? it's dirty, c'mon let's get you up. which foot did you sprain?" she places both her hands under your arms, pulling you up on your feet before accidentally dropping you back when you let out a shriek, crying out in pain.

"oh my god, did i hit your ankle? are you okay?" nat assumed that your tear-stained face was because of your sprained ankle but then you wheezed, your eyes drooping the longer she stood there.

your right hand slowly reached across your left shoulder, the butt of the dart sticking out of your skin now in between your shaking fingers. nat's eyes followed your hand movement's, a gasp leaving her lips.

"y/n, what happened?!" she panicked but before she could even get an answer from you, you had already blacked out. her eyes widened, knowing it was the dart because why else would you pass out that quick from a simple penetration in the shoulder. you had dealt with much worse than that and she knew your tolerance level.

she took off your bag, careful to not move the dart. she then placed her hands under your knees and behind your back, easily picking your unconscious body up and rushing back to the tower.

when she arrived, she was met with many confused yet concerned looks from the tower staff, seeing the black widow, rushing in with the youngest avenger unconscious in her arms. they had seen you leave the tower for school about half an hour ago so they knew something must've happened on the way.

"get bruce in the hospital wing. tell him it's urgent." she tells the woman working the front desk, hurrying into the elevator and telling FRIDAY to get her to the floor she so desperately wanted to arrive at quicker. black lines appeared on the left side of your neck, slowly spreading to the right side and she assumed it was from that damned dart in your left shoulder.

"natasha! what's wrong? they said it was an emergency," the doctor spoke in a panicked voice when nat entered, immediately going quiet when he saw you in her arms, neck lined with seemingly black veins.

nat laid you down on the surgery table, frown growing when black lines steadily spread to your arms now. though she was too worried to think, she managed to at least tell bruce what was outwardly wrong with you.

"dart. left shoulder." she blurted, incapable of forming proper sentences now that she had seen more of you. the black lining your skin got her speechless and anxious. bruce got ready with medical gloves, removing the dart from your flesh before analysing the pattern of your skin. it looked familiar.

"FRIDAY, get tony down here. it's urgent."

"bruce, please, what's wrong with her?" she cried, tears now freely streaming down her face. she didn't cry much in front of anyone but when it came to you, you always managed to get her to do just that.

"hey, what's going on? FRIDAY said there was an emergency here, who's hurt?" nat heard tony's panicked voice but she didn't make an effort to reply. her gaze was fixed on only you.

tony's jaw dropped, frowning when he saw you on the bed, upper body covered in black lines. "what the hell happened?!"

tony stepped beside bruce, taking a closer look at your skin. his frown deepened. "wait, it looks like.."

"yeah, looks exactly like when you had palladium instead of vibranium in your arc reactor."

"does that mean—"

"palladium's been running through her veins for about twenty minutes now. FRIDAY, how high is her blood toxicity level?" bruce asks, sampling a drop of your blood from when he took out the dart.

"53% and it is still steadily increasing."

"tony, at the rate it's going, if she's not treated in the next fifteen minutes or so, she'll.." bruce pauses, not wanting to say it out loud.

"no, she just needs lithium dioxide. that's how fury and i cured your palladium poisoning, tony." nat finally speaks.

"SHIELD probably has them but they're all the way in dc. they're not gonna reach here in time," tony states solemnly, reaching over to move your hair out of your face, looking down at you sadly.

but he was immediately pulled aside, nat grabbing his collar and looking him straight in the eyes. "you have your stupid iron suits that can probably travel faster than the speed of sound if you try. you can go down there yourself and get the damn thing. i swear to god, tony, i'm literally going to destroy those stupid suits myself if you don't put them to good use." nat threatens, glaring at the billionaire.

tony's eyes widened, the genius having not thought about nat's idea yet. "yeah, yeah, you're right, i'll go now."

he left immediately and nat approached your bed hesitantly, not wanting to see the black lines making home on the skin on your upper body. "do you think tony'll make it back in time?" she sniffles and bruce's worried frown on his face softened. "of course he will. he won't let anything happen to y/n. we won't let anything happen to y/n." he assured her.

there was nothing they could do now but wait for tony to come back with the lithium dioxide. nat sat beside your bed, hands gingerly grasping one of your own. despite the black staining it, nat held it to her face and her tears rolled past the back of your hand.

bruce decided to give her some privacy, opting to inform the whole team of the situation instead of standing around idly.

nat pulled your hand away from her face, rubbing her thumb over the back of it, crying even more at the sight in front of her. "y/n, please. i've never told you this but i need you." she pauses, breathing in shakily. "i've always needed you and i'll always need you. you can't leave me, please. you said i could go on with life without you but you're so wrong, y/n. you're the reason i'm still here and you're the reason i still want to be here. if you're not here then it's as if i have no reason, no purpose. i need you, y/n. so much more than i'd like to admit. heck, probably much more than you need me. so please, don't leave me. i can't do this without you." nat sobs out, watching the patterns on your skin spreading and growing bolder.

at this point, the whole team had now gathered outside of the room, watching nat cry over you. they wanted so bad to get a closer look at their beloved baby avenger but they respected nat and instead, waited for her to finish talking to you. once she stood up and looked around, bruce knew she was done so he entered, followed by the team.

"status, FRIDAY?" bruce asks, sampling a bit of your blood again. "blood toxicity at 96% now."

the team looked your unconscious body in apprehension, some crying and some worried out of their minds.

"goddamnit! where the hell is stark?!" nat growled. her eyes were now puffy after having spent the last half an hour crying. the team had never seen her lose her cool like this but they figured why.

as if on cue, tony's iron man suit crashed through the windows of the room but he couldn't care less. his main priority was to get to you quickly. in his hand was a silver briefcase that he passed to bruce.

bruce opened the case before wasting no time in plunging the syringe containing lithium dioxide, your supposed cure, into you. immediately, the black patterns on your skin started disappearing. it was slow but noticeable. it started from the tips of your fingers, going up towards your neck.

everyone sighed in relief, and to tony's surprise, nat hugged him tightly. "thank you. you have no idea how much this means to me." she whispers. tony pats her back gently. "hey, i care about her too, okay? of course i'd do this for her. any one of us would."

nat smiles at him when she let him go, turning back to you and almost crying out in joy when your skin had finally turned back to normal. she let the medical assistants set your bed up and handle your sprained ankle before going back to sit by you. the team left her alone with you once again.

it was only about an hour later did you wake up, squinting when bright lights shone down on you. you moved around but you felt hands around your left and you heard a familiar voice.

"and remember when you dragged wanda to pull that prank on me with you and after you did, i grounded you like i was your mum or something?" you hear her chuckle, still not noticing that you've woken up.

"i didn't mind, though. frankly, i don't think i would ever mind if you continued acting like my mother or something," you spoke and she immediately tore her gaze from your hands, looking at you, now wide awake.

"bub!" she hugs you so tightly you didn't think you could breathe. you still returned the hug though, laughing. "i was worried you might still have some palladium in your bloodstream."

"wait, palladium?" you asked her in shock. "yeah, the dart that got you in that alley, it contained palladium. it's highly toxic so we used lithium dioxide to counter it. speaking of the dart, i'm going to find out who did this to you and they're never going to see the light of day for putting us through all of this." nat says, disturbingly calm.

"yeah...you do that," you tell her, slightly scared. "but palladium? in my blood? how cool is that? i had literal metal in my blood! i could've become like tony but like...palladium woman or something." you said excitedly.

"you do know we already have metal in our blood, right bub?" nat questions in amusement. "oh." you say dumbly. "and palladium don't belong in our body and you literally almost died because of it." your mouth opened but no words came out.

"speaking of, can you please not do that again? i really thought i was gonna lose you." she whispers, stroking your hair. "oh yeah, of course. i'll just announce to the whole world to not target the youngest avenger," you joke, smile dropping when nat gave you a stern look.

"nat, being part of the avengers at my age undoubtedly means i'll be a target for the bad people out there, but i don't care because while i get to kick ass, i know all of you have my back when it's my ass that's kicked. and i think that's the best part of being an avenger; the sense of security i get having you amazing people as my teammates." you tell her honestly and she smiles softly.

"oh come here you," she pulls you in for another hug but this time it's better because you could still breathe. you make yourself comfortable, snuggling into her.

"did you mean it?" she asked and you look up at her in confusion. "mean what?"

"when you said you wouldn't mind me acting like your mother."

"of course i do, you're like the mother i never had. i wouldn't even mind you being my actual mother." you say without a second thought, eyes widening when you realised what you had said. you swore under your breath, knowing you've just made it awkward between you two.

"i– really?" despite the teams efforts to make her see the truth, it was much more meaningful when she heard you say it yourself. "y–yeah.." you admit sheepishly.

"then you wouldn't mind if i actually adopted you?" she asks carefully, gauging your reaction. your jaw dropped, eyes going wide once again. "are you serious?!"

"yeah." she smiles at you fondly. "no! of course i won't mind!" you hug her tightly, tears forming in your eyes. you had gone all your life without parents so this was a huge thing for you. not only were you going to finally have a mother, but the most amazing woman you knew was going to be your mother.

"mum?" you tested the title, smiling when she acknowledged it. you were now crying in joy.

"hey, don't cry." she soothes you, running a hand up and down your back. "no, no, i'm just so happy. this is the best day of my life." you tell her. "me too, bub."

you stayed in her arms until you fell back asleep, nat tucking you in before going back to sit down on the chair. she looked down at you fondly.

sure, she was scared of the big step she was about to take with you but she had you with her and she knew that was enough. "i love you, y/n." she whispers, planting a kiss on the side of your head.

taglist <3

@amourtentiaa @rqmanoff @abitofeverythinggg @andreasworlsboring101 @cay-writes-fan-fiction514 @teenwonder @sevenmorningstars @fleurlovesbucky

[ratofthemedievalsewers]

Memento Mori - Part I

James "Bucky" Barnes x Male Reader

*CAN BE READ AS A ONE-SHOT*

Word Count: 3K

Warnings: Brief mention of homophobia, angst

Link to the Song within this chapter: https://youtu.be/UC_VzbtRGr0

April 17th, 1937

"C'mon Buck, these are the third girls this week." Steve was already exhausted with Bucky's antics, doing best to ignore his grinning companion leaning against the bar. The lime soda in his hand was making it wet with condensation, as he drew lines in the moisture with his thumb.

"Well you haven't gotten anywhere with any of the others, so I'm trying to find out your type, that way I can narrow it down a little." Bucky took a sip of his drink, trying to conceal the face he pulled at the taste. "Listen... I got a blonde and a ginger, what do you think?"

"I think neither."

"I'm not letting you die alone Stevie," Bucky raised his arm towards the entrance of the bar, signalling over to the two dressed up girls who just walked in. They came rushing over to him, clearly ignoring Steve. "Evening ladies."

Steve didn't know why Bucky bothered, no matter how many girls Bucky tried to throw at him, none of them stuck. The closest he had ever gotten to speaking with one of them was a small smile. It could be worse he guessed.

"Steve here would like to offer you both a dance," Both the girls looked at each other hesitantly as Bucky shoved Steve forward, clearly giving no one an actual choice in the matter. The two girls shrugged as they walked over to the bar's dance floor, Steve following behind.

"Another round?" Bucky jumped slightly when the Bartender speaks up, holding up a bottle of whiskey to refill his glass with.

"Christ, yes please. Make it a double, would ya?" Bucky gives a slightly pained smile as he pushes his glass forward, catching the eyes of the bartender for a little longer than necessary.

"How many girls is this now? I've lost count." He filled the glass, giving his a little more than a double, feeling as though the poor man needed it.

"Me too," He shot half the drink and leant forward onto the counter, letting his head drop. "Its just... I don't want him to be left alone if something happens to me, he's too good to just be kicked to the side. None of them can look past his appearance though. As he says, no one wants a dance partner you might step on."

"It takes a while to find the right partner. Let him find some one himself, forcing him onto some one will just push him further away." Bucky's grim smile turned soft as he turned to look for Steve, only to find the two girls dancing together and Steve on the side lines watching and politely clapping. "Give him a chance to make his own path."

"You a bartender or a shrink?" Bucky turned back to the other man, finishing the rest of his glass and pushing it forward once more.

"If I were a shrink I'd be getting paid more than forty cents an hour. A tip would be nice though."

"What's your name?"

"Y/N. Enjoy your night Bucky, don't make your buddy do all the work, at least help him entertain those girls."

*****

The night was a lot calmer than usual, most likely helped by the light drizzle of rain urging the city to get home early and cuddle up inside. But this was Brooklyn, it never truly slept. It was almost half eleven, the bar should close spot on eleven o'clock, but there was always one last stain to scrub and a last glass to clean.

"If I try putting these chairs up any louder they're gonna break, could you please take the hint that I'm trying close up." Y/N had been tidying around Bucky for the last half hour, watching the other man from the corner of his eye as he slowly sipped on his whiskey, which had now become mostly water as the ice completely melted.

"And here I was thinking you were enjoying my company," Bucky softly chuckled as he turned to Y/N, giving him a small, half smile to indicate he took no offence.

Y/N stopped and sighed, drumming his fingers on the chair's legs he had just put up, thinking for a moment. "There's always worse company." He went back behind the bar and took the drink in Bucky's hands before pouring it down the sink.

"Hey! I was drinking that." He stood with his hands out, genuinely surprised by the action.

"You're killing me, sit back down and I'll make you something you might actually like." Y/N spoke while pulling out two clean martini glasses from the shelf beneath the counter and a metal shaker. He cringed as he filled the shaker with ice, hating how the noise disrupted the peace.

"Are you making me a cocktail?" Bucky raised an eyebrow as he watched.

"You look like the type. I might shoot myself in the foot if you pull that face again. Its every time you take a sip, you're not very good at hiding it. I'm beginning to think you're a masochist." Y/N pushed one of the two glasses forward. "Have a taste."

Bucky hesitated at first, eyeing the drink cautiously before taking a sip.

"You didn't pull a face, I'm going to take that as you liking it."

"... Fine, I'm a cock man. What's in it?"

"Never say that sentence again, please or next time I'll add rat poison." Y/N finished his drink in one motion, using it to hide a faint tint to his cheeks. "It's called a Maiden's Prayer. Its a mix of London dry gin, Cointreau, lemon and orange juice."

"Fancy."

They fell into a relatively calm, yet tentative quiet, the radio playing softly in the background to fill the space. There was a moment of silence as the last song faded and the next played, Bucky shifted in his seat, his eyes flicking between his glass and Y/N.

"Dance with me."

"...Okay." It took a moment for it to sink in what he had just agreed to, but not a ounce of regret crossed his mind. His footsteps were nervous as he made his way around the bar to where Bucky stood, a hand outstretched for Y/N to take.

The lights were low in the bar and outside was quiet with the exception of the continuing downpour, but nervousness still settled within Y/N's stomach. If they were to be caught they could get into some serious trouble.

Bucky moved slowly to interlace their fingers and rest his hand on Y/N's lower back, giving the other every chance to back away if he became uncomfortable or reconsidered. Instead the other man let his hand rest there and held his other hand slightly tighter, wanting to assure him he was okay with this.

"I... don't really know how to dance," Y/N whispered, feeling as if he spoke too loud the moment would shatter.

"I'll just have to teach you." Bucky took the lead, gently guiding him with the hand on his back. "just don't hesitate and you'll be fine."

Y/N let the tension fall from his shoulders, but couldn't bring himself to look Bucky directly in the eyes, his nerves keeping his eyes trained down at his feet.

"Hey," Bucky untangled their fingers and used his now free hand to lift Y/N's chin up, "I've learnt over the years that if you expect yourself to trip then you will, trust yourself a little more, doll."

*****

They both sat on opposite sides of the bed, their backs facing each other and a heavy silence in the air. Y/N fiddled with the loose string on the cap that matched his uniform, running his fingers over the material in his hands. Bucky sat in his daily clothes, tie now pulled away from his neck and the collar of his shirt unbuttoned. They both had tears in their eyes, but neither acknowledged them.

"When do you leave?" Bucky broke the silence first, trying not to choke on his words.

"A... erm..." Y/N voice cracked, he cleared his throat before trying to speak again, "The train leaves a few days from now. I'll be in New Jersey for about a month and then we're given our orders and shipped off."

There was quiet again, "You shouldn't be going."

"I've got no choice James."

"It's not-" Bucky's voice cracked and tears began to fall from his eyes again. Y/N stood and sat by his side on the bed. "It's not fair."

"It's war... its not exactly fair on anyone." Y/N sighed, tears rolling down his cheek as well now. He took Bucky's hand in his and squeezed it tight. "Whatever it takes, I'll come back to you."

They sat there for another moment, just holding onto each others hand, trying to stop the flow of tears.

"Dance with me."

*****

The music was too quiet to be heard over the sound of singing and cheering soldiers. The ice in Bucky's drink had long since melted, but the taste of ration whiskey was worse than what he used to drink.

"Stevie, can I ask a favour?" Bucky turned to his friend, still dressed in the questionable uniform Stark had fashioned him. It was certainly... patriotic. Steve turned, a look of concern knitted in his brows but a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"Of course, what do you need?"

Bucky swallowed. "Do you remember Y/N?"

Steve paused a moment to let himself think, "Y/N... The bartender from the place back home you insisted on going to nearly every night?"

"Yeah, I was wondering. If he's still..." He stopped himself, "Could you transfer him? Here I mean?"

For a moment Steve looked a little stunned, "To join the Howling Commandoes?"

"Yeah, I mean. If your fine with it and everyone else is? Its just been a while," Bucky took a swig of his drink to try and stop himself from rambling, immediately regretting his action as the taste hit him.

Steve let out a small chuckle. "I take it you miss the cocktails he always made you?" He paused for a moment and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I'll see what I can do Buck."

*****

"I'm freezing my fucking ass off." To say it was cold on top the mountain side was an understatement, it was well below zero. Captain America and the Howling Commandoes had been stood around waiting for the past half an hour, listening into the Hydra radio chatter, making it hard to keep warm.

"We'll be moving in on them soon," Steve patted a hand on Y/N's back as a sign of reassurance. "Just gotta hold on for a little while longer."

"Easy for you to say, super soldier," He did his best to smile through chattering teeth, as he pulled the thin, military issue coat tighter around himself.

Bucky was staring down at the tracks, trepidation clearly spread across his face. "Remember when I made you ride the Cyclone at Coney Island?"

Steve followed his gaze, "Yeah, and I threw up?"

"This isn't payback is it?"

"Now why would I do that." Steve chuckled as he eyed the wire that crossed the two mountains and ran overtop the train tracks below.

"You all good?" Y/N came to stand at Bucky's side, a gentle hand on his arm.

"Fine... Could be worse?" He shrugged, trying to play off the uneasy feeling that had settled in his stomach.

"Drinks are on me when we get back, I'll even make you a Maiden's Prayer... well try to, the army aren't exactly fussed about lemons and oranges."

"Then we'll go dancing?"

Y/N opened his mouth to reply, but was interrupted by Jones, "We were right, Doctor Zola is on the train. Hydra dispatcher gave him permission to open up the throttle. Wherever he's going, they must need him bad."

The peace was immediately broken and the nerves that had only just settled in everyone flared again. Even after doing this so many times, pulling down so many Hydra bases, it always felt like the first time all over again. The fear of becoming another yellow telegram with K.I.A next to their name hung in the air.

Steve pulled on his helmet while Y/N and Bucky readied their guns, slinging the straps of the weapons on their shoulder and fitting them to rest on their backs.

"Lets get going because they're moving like the devil."

"We've only got about a ten-second window. You miss that window, we're bugs on a windshield." Steve readied himself to jump as the others stood behind him, waiting.

"Mind the gap."

"Better get moving bugs."

Dernier spoke out his own phrase in French.

Steve let himself fall, Bucky following behind on the wire, then Y/N, then the rest following.

The wire jumped and pulled, making it hard to keep tight grip on the handle, but they each made it, landing with their feet solid on the top of the train.

Y/N could feel the harsh, cold winds hitting his face as he followed Bucky and Steve down the ladder and inside of the train, the immediate temperature change hitting him all at once. His ears and nose tingled with the cold.

It was quiet inside, the only other noise was the muffled sound of the train's wheels moving along the tracks. The unease grew within Y/N as he lifted up his rifle, looking down the nose of the gun as he slowly made his way through the carriage, finger on the trigger.

Steve and Bucky were in front when the carriage doors shut, separating them both from Y/N. He saw the bullets hit the wall beside him and immediately ducked to cover, losing sight of the both of Steve and Bucky through the portal window.

Y/N shot at the two soldiers that had entered the carriage from the opposite end, using the cargo boxes as a shield. The gunshots were deafening in such a closed in space, making his ears ring with pain.

One down.

The other soldier was hid behind the racking, making it barely possible for Y/N to hit him from where he was crouched down. He shot at him again, but nothing happened as he pulled the trigger.

No ammo.

The door to his carriage opened beside him and a pistol was tossed his way. Steve counted on his fingers as a signal before running and shoving one of the smaller creates through the racking, forcing the Hydra soldier out of his hiding place. Y/N shot him.

"I had him on the ropes," Y/N threw his arms out as he spoke.

"Sure you did, doll." Bucky followed in behind Steve, resting his gun on his shoulder, a cheeky smile playing at his lips. The sound of a gun powering up broke through the carriage.

"GET DOWN!"

Steve jumped in front of them as the weapon was fired and a hole was blown into the side of the train. Both Y/N and Bucky opened fire, with Bucky holding Steve's shield. Then the Hydra soldier fired again and Bucky went flying and so did his Shield.

Y/N shouted out and ran for Steve's shield, throwing it at the soldier and hitting him square in the chest. Only when he turned did he see Steve reaching for Bucky.

Then Bucky falling.

Then the sound of him screaming.

Then nothing.

Steve held onto the broken side of the train before Y/N pulled him back inside, but still staring down at the snow Bucky had fallen into. He knew he wouldn't be able to find him, not when they were already so far away, yet he couldn't take his eyes away from the vertical drop.

He felt a strong hand pulling at his arm, trying to drag him away from the open side of the carriage. "Y/N, we gotta go."

Y/N took great pleasure punching Zola when they finally found him at the front of the train. He took even more pleasure when he held him up off the floor by his collar and punched again. Then for a third time.

Zola fell to the floor as Steve dragged Y/N away, barely breathing and with blood dripping from his broken nose that was quickly beginning to bruise.

*****

Music flowed from the radio that on the end of the bar counter, every one else was quietly drinking, almost as if they knew. But it was the war, everyone had their own dead bodies to mourn.

Y/N sat in the corner of the room, back resting against the wall as he sat sideways in the chair, fingers brushing around the rim of his martini glass. He didn't know if the bartender had given him a weird look when he asked for his drink, he was too beside himself to care what the others thought. He could barely see the faces of others anyway, his eyes were too red and puffy from how much he had cried since the taxi had dropped him off.

The other commandoes had offered to come with him, but he declined. He wasn't a part of their group really; he hadn't met them when they had all been captured, he hadn't met them when they were all locked up together, he hadn't met them when Steve had saved them all and broken them out. He had met them when Bucky had asked for him.

James.

He was gone.

Y/N's eyes began to water again with what few tears he had left, but he did his best to blink them back.

Another customer stood and made his way over to the radio, turning it up just a little more. The song flew around the room with its melody until it hit Y/N.

It was the song from the first night they had danced together.

And he wept.

*****

Part ii coming soon....

[babygirl-diaz]

Little Too Late

I have a problem and that problem is writing fics where either Steve or Bucky pine over Sam *shrug*

Summary: Steve is a little too late.

***

"Are you happy?" Steve asked as they sat by the pool watching others jump in and either swim or relax.

Tony argued that they all came back from the verge of death, so they were allowed to behave like kids and host a pool party. So here they were.

Steve was trying to be happy, but he couldn't. Not when he just found out two days ago that his best friend and the man he was in love with were together.

Sam was with Steve for two years while they were on the run. Steve could have made his move and asked him out anytime, but he waited and now he had lost him. Bucky had swooped in and stolen Sam's heart.

"Where did that come from?" Sam asked, looking over at him.

"You didn't answer my question."

"Yes, Steve, I am happy," Sam replied and looked over to where Bucky was relaxing in the pool and blew him a kiss.

Bucky caught it and pressed it to his heart.

"Good," Steve said, swallowing back his emotions. "That's good."

"Are you okay?" Sam asked. "You just- you seem a little lost since you gave me the shield. You don't regret it, do you?"

Steve could hear the sadness in his voice, and it broke his heart.

"No, of course not!" Steve quickly assured him. "I can't think of a better person for the job."

"Then what's wrong?"

"I'm leaving in a couple days," Steve replied.

Sam frowned at him. "Leaving? Where are you going?"

"Traveling," Steve replied. "Now that I don't have the responsibilities of Cap. I can go wherever I want."

"So you're just gonna leave me on my own?" Sam asked.

"You have Bucky," Steve pointed out.

"It's not the same. I need my best friend." Sam replied. "Besides, we did nothing but travel for the two years we were on the run."

"That wasn't traveling, Sam. Like you said, we were on the run."

"Why do you have to go?" Sam asked, sounding so sad and small.

"I can't be here. I don't want to be here."

"Is it because Bucky and I are together now? Did I steal him from you?" Sam asked worriedly.

Steve couldn't help but humorlessly laugh at that. "No, Sam. You didn't steal Bucky from me. He is all yours."

"I feel like it is something I did that's driving you away," said Sam.

"Trust me. It's got nothing to do with you," Steve lied, and offered him a small smile.

"Sam!" Bucky called out from the pool, forcing them to thankfully end this conversation.

"I'll be right back," Sam said and got up, leaving Steve by himself.

Steve watched on as Bucky pulled Sam into the pool, causing Sam to curse out loud. Bucky tried to make it up to him by kissing him, which made Steve look away.

"Hey, big guy." Natasha sat down beside him, taking Sam's place. "You okay?"

"Why does everyone keep asking me that?"

"Maybe because you've been distant for the past couple of days," Natasha replied. "So what's wrong? Did you get your heart broken or something?" She chuckled, but then the laugh died on her lips and she stared at Steve, making him squirm under her gaze. "Wait, a second... you really got your heart broken..." she trailed off. "So whose ass do I have to kick?"

"Natasha..."

"Is it Sharon?" She just couldn't give up.

Steve looked over to where Sam and Bucky were.

"Kiss me," Bucky was saying.

Sam leaned in to kiss him on the lips but then bypassed it and kissed him on the cheek instead.

"Oh, come on, I want a real kiss," Bucky pouted and Sam wrapped his arms around Bucky's neck and kissed his pout away.

"Oh," Natasha said beside him.

"What?" Steve asked.

"It's Sam, isn't it?"

"That obvious, huh?"

"With the heart eyes you're giving him, I'd say so, yes," Natasha replied.

"I was a little too late," Steve said sadly.

Natasha put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry."

"Nothing I can do now. I always thought after the whole thing with Thanos was over, I would ask him out, but Bucky beat me to it."

"What are you going to do now?" Natasha asked.

"I'm leaving for Asia in a couple of days. Going to finally do some traveling," Steve replied.

"So you're running away?"

"I'm not running away." Steve couldn't help but. feel offended.

"Then what are you doing?"

"I can't stay here and watch them together. It hurts too much."

"You ever think of just telling Sam?"

"I'm not a home wrecker," Steve informed her.

"No, but you ever think maybe they have a place for a third person in their relationship?"

Steve looked at Sam and Bucky again. Lost in one another, they were impervious to the rest of the world. "I don't think there is room for a third person in that relationship."

[bumblesimagines]

Green Thumb

Part 9

Request: Yes or No

Almost at double digits y'all. Can someone be an angel and send me the ages of every one between civil war and endgame? Ik Wanda was 18-19 in Age of Ultron and Civil war and Sam was probs in his mid to late twenties in Civil War.

~

You frowned, touching the collar around your neck. It made you feel like an animal. It was to prevent you from using your powers. Rhodes had mentioned it would shock you if you attempted to use your powers. You weren't sure if it was instantaneous or if someone controlled it but you didn't feel like finding out.

"You like cats?" Sam asked T'Challa, prince of Wakanda.

"Sam." Steve called, glancing over his shoulder like a disapproving parent. You snorted softly, biting your bottom lip.

"What? Dude shows up dressed like a cat and you don't want to know more?" Sam asked, looking at Steve.

"I like cats." You mumbled, looking at Sam with a small smile. Sam turned towards you with a small grin.

"Of course you do, Animal Planet." You rolled your eyes at the new nickname, shifting slightly. You really didn't want to trigger the collar.

"I'm a dog person."

"You look like a dog person."

"And what do dog people look like?"

"Morons." You answered, giving a slight shrug as Steve cracked a smile, trying to bite back a chuckle. Sam huffed lightly, looking away from you. A moment of silence passed before Steve spoke.

"Your suit.. Vibranium?" Steve asked T'Challa. The prince turned his head slightly.

"The Black Panther has been the protector of Wakanda for generations. It's meant to pass from warrior to warrior. Now, because your friend murdered my father, I also wear the mantle of king. So I ask you.. How long do you think you can keep your friend safe from me?" T'Challa asked, finally looking at Steve. Steve stayed silent, looking forward. You sighed through your nose, feeling the tension return. You wondered if Clint had been notified of your arrest yet. The van pulled into a parking garage, officers opening the door once it came to a stop. You got out, following Steve to the man and blonde.

"What's gonna happen to him?" Steve asked. You turned your head, looking over at him. You made eye contact with him again, holding it for a minute before looking away.

"What was that?" Sam asked quietly. You frowned, brows furrowing.

"That- That little staring contest."

"Oh, shut up." You huffed, looking away from him.

"Same thing that's gonna happen to you. Psychological evaluation." The man replied.

"This is Everett Ross, CIA operative and Task Force Commander." The woman, Sharon Carter, introduced him. Her gaze flickered to you.

"The shock collar will be taken off after the evaluation." She said, voice stotic but gaze pitiful.

"What about a lawyer?"

"Lawyer, that's funny. See their weapons are placed in lock up." Ross instructed the officers. Sam scoffed, following the officers. Steve spared one last glance to Bucky before following Ross and the officers. You walked besides Sam, being escorted through the building.

"You'll be placed in offices instead of cells. Do me a favor and stay in them." Ross stared straight forward as he spoke. T'Challa moved to walk beside him.

"I don't intend on going anywhere." T'Challa said. You spotted Natasha, feeling some sense of relief.

"Clint was informed and I assured him I'd keep an eye on you." Natasha told you, giving a small reassuring smile. She looked at Steve, addressing him. The relief went away upon hearing Tonys' voice. He finished his phone call, approaching you and the guys.

"Consequences?" Steve questioned, staring at him. You looked around the large room, noticing the screens and everything going on.

"Secretary Ross wants you three prosecuted." Tony said, motioning to them and you. Your brows furrowed slightly. There were two guys with the last name Ross who looked vaguely alike. That definitely wouldn't be hard to remember.

"I'm not getting that shield back, am I?" Steve asked as Tony and Natasha walked away.

"Technically, it belongs to the government. Wings too." Natasha said, shrugging.

"That's cold." Sam muttered.

"Warmer than jail." Tony called back. You looked at the security cameras, noticing the room Bucky had been moved to.

"You got the hots for him or something?" Sam asked. Steve turned to look at you, blinking a few times. You shot Sam a look, raising your brows.

"No, Samuel. I do not and if I did, why would you ask infront of his longtime bestie?" You asked, almost gritting your teeth. Sam raised his hands in surrender as Tony pulled Steve into a meeting room to talk.

"Why have a meeting in a glass box?" You asked quietly. Sam shrugged, looking it over.

"To prevent fighting." Sam answered. You watched at Steve and Tony seemed to argue. You looked at Sam with an amused smile.

"Physical fights." Sam clarified as Tony stepped out and Sharon had you and Sam enter. You took a seat across from Sam, looking at the security camera footage. Sharon entered, placing a paper infront of Sam.

"I'm sorry about the collar." Sharon apologized softly. You leaned back in the seat, shrugging lightly. She pressed a button, allowing Steve to listen to the footage. Sharon slid over some photos over to Steve.

"Why would the Task Force release this?" Steve asked. Sharon gave a shrug.

"To alert the public, I guess."

"Right.. A good way to force a guy into hiding. Got seven billion people looking for The Winter Solider."

"You're saying someone framed the guy to find him." Sharon mused quietly. Sam seemed confused, looking at Steve. You looked back at the footage on screen.

"Steve, you looked for the guy for two years and found nothing." Sam reminded him.

"We didn't bomb the UN."

"That doesn't guarantee that the person who framed him knew that we'd get him." Sharon looked at Steve. She suddenly frowned, brows furrowing as Steve turned towards the footage. You looked up as the power went out, seeing the staff begin to freak out and try to locate the source. You looked at Sam, slowly standing up. Sharon took out a key, sliding it over to you.

"Level 5 east wing." She said as you unlocked the collar, tossing it to the side as running out of the room with Sam and Steve. Whoever had framed Bucky had found him. You followed the two down the hall and down some stairs. You reached the area, finding guards on the ground. The interviewer lied on the ground, calling for help. Steve approached him with you hesitantly following. You noticed movement out of the corner of your eye, dodging Sam when he was thrown towards you.

"Hey, dude." You breathed out, swallowing. Bucky had a deep frown on his face, blue eyes holding nothing but bloodlust. He looked downright terrifying. You thrusted both hands forward, shooting a fireball that sent him flying back against the wall. Steve quickly stepped between you and him as you turned and rushed to Sam.

"Sam? Sam!" You shook his shoulders, shakey fingers pressing against his neck. You felt his pulse, relieved to feel his heartbeat. You slapped his cheek, waking him up.

"I've always wanted to do that." You muttered, watching him wince. He groaned, turning his head. You followed his gaze, seeing the guy from before looking down where Steve had been thrown. You stood, helping Sam up and following him up a set of stairs. With Steve out of commission temporarily and Bucky in a frenzy, the guy was the only hope of stopping everything.

"Can you try to stop him or trip him up?" Sam asked, rushing up the stairs.

"I can't see him and I'd rather not make this whole building collapse on accident." You replied, almost tripping over your own feet. Sam found an exit, following the crowd of people running.

"He looked like any other guy." You said, taking in deep breaths. Sam shot you a weird look.

"We just ran up like five flights of stairs." You breathed out, hands resting on your knees. At least the chilly weather provided some help. Sam noticed a jacket, jogging over and picking it up. You stumbled after him, looking it over.

"I really need some water." You whispered, lightly fanning yourself. Sam rolled his eyes, following the crowd of people. You sluggishly followed, giving him a small smile when he stopped by a shop to get you a bottle. He took out his phone as you drank half of it.

"Come on." Sam pulled you along, following direction and entering warehouse. Steve had Bucky laying against some machinery, unconscious and metal arm trapped in a wedge.

"You two okay?" Steve asked, looking you and Sam over with a concerned frown.

"Yeah.. Someone over here needs some more training." Sam glanced at you with a teasing smile. You rolled your eyes, licking your lips as you heard the sound of a helicopter.

"Could you ice over his arm?" Steve asked.

"He broke a stone wall. Ice won't hold him but sure, I'll do it." You shrugged, approaching the unconscious man. You licked your lips, splashing the rest of the water on the machinery and touching it after. The ice creeped down, covering over the metal arm. You looked at him, finally getting a proper look. He was handsome. Brown hair that barely reached his shoulders, facial hair just growing in, those icy blue eyes that either swirled with sadness or anger.

"You're giving him bedroom eyes again." Sam called, his voice echoing slightly. You clenched your jaw, looking at him.

"What? I can't admire something that looks nice?" You asked, watching his demeanor change. He looked alert yet amused. You frowned, looking back at Bucky and finding him staring right at you. You rolled your lips into your mouth, clearing your throat.

"God, that's so embarrassing." You whispered, speedwalking towards Sam as he cracked up. You ignored your burning face, arms crossing. Sam calmed down, wiping away a tear. Steve walked over, watching Bucky grunt and sit up. He looked at Steve, calling out his name in a hoarse voice.

"Which Bucky am I talking to?" Steve asked, staring at him intently. Bucky stayed silent for a moment before speaking.

"Your moms' name was Sarah... And you used to wear newspapers in your shoes." Bucky said, smiling softly. Steve relaxed, gaze softening.

"You don't read that in a magazine."

"Just like that we're supposed to be cool?" Sam asked, giving Steve a slightly wide eyed look.

"What did I do?" Bucky asked, looking between you, Steve, and Sam.

"Enough." Steve answered. Bucky shut his eyes tightly, shaking his head as he hung his head.

"I knew this would happen.." He whispered. "Everything HYDRA put inside of me is still there. All he had to do was say the god damn words."

"Who was he?"

"I don't know." Bucky answered, though you weren't sure if it was truthful or not. He didn't seem like the type to lie, at least not to Steve.

"People are dead. The guy did all that just to get ten minutes with you." Steve pointed out, watching his old best friend. Bucky looked defeated and confused. "I need you to do better than 'I don't know'."

"He wanted to know about Siberia. Where I was captain." Bucky said quietly, gaze flickering around as he tried to remember.

"He wanted to know exactly where."

"Why would he need to know that?" Bucky stayed silent, licking his lips as he stared at the ground. He looked at Steve.

"Cause I'm not the only Winter Solider." He revealed. You looked at Sam in confusion and surprise. Bucky was strong and deadly on his own but a whole army could overthrow governments all over the world.

"That's terrifying." You whispered, leaning against the wall and sliding down so you were sitting down. Steve chose to lean against the wall after letting Bucky's arm free.

"Who are they?" Steve asked as Bucky brushed some hair out of his face.

"Their most elite death squad. More kills than anyone in HYDRA history and that was before the serum." Bucky responded.

"They all turn out like you?" Sam asked. Bucky looked at him, swallowing.

"Worse."

"The doctor... Did he control them?" Steve tilted his head. Bucky looked down at his lap.

"Enough."

"Said he wanted to see an empire fall." Steve told you and Sam. Bucky looked up at his words.

"These guys could do it. They speak thirty languages, can hide in plain sight, infiltrate, assassinate. They could take a whole country down over night and you'd never see them coming."

"Color me impressed." You whispered, playing with the strings of the jacket you were given after getting to Berlin. Sam slowly walked towards Steve.

"This would've been a lot easier a week ago." Sam said quietly, arms crossing. You stood up, dusting off your pants and approaching them.

"If we told Tony-"

"He'd have him locked up." You cut off Steve, glancing back at him.

"Plus, he'd never believe us." Sam added.

"But if he did-"

"It wouldn't matter and who knows if the Accords would let us help him." Sam stared at him. Steve let out a defeated sigh, looking away from you and Sam.

"We're on our own."

"Not completely. Dad would help." You pointed out. Sam nodded, glancing at you.

"And, I know a guy." Sam said with a light shrug. You looked at him with a raised brow.

"You have friends?"

"I said I know him, not that we're friends but to answer your question, yes. I have friends that aren't you. Jealous?"

"Imaginary friends don't count."

~~~~~~~~~~

The drive was silent, Steve and Bucky occasionally reminiscing about the old days.

"On a scale of one to ten, how impressed is Clint gonna be when he sees you?" Sam asked. You smiled, letting out a chuckle as you watched the snowflake float inches above your hand.

"Probably an eleven, but he'll give me the typical dad speech infront of mom." You answered, lightly blowing on the snowflake and watching it disappear. Bucky turned his head to look at you. His muscular figure was semi cramped in the backseat. Steve picked the worst possible car to hijack.

"Hawkeye's your father?"

"Adoptive. He has a tendency of taking care of strays who once tried to take down the team." You told him, giving a small smile. Bucky hummed, nodding.

"Speaking of strays, how are you and Wanda?" Sam asked, glancing in the rearview mirror.

"Uhm, good? We're still good friends, even after the kiss." You shrugged lightly.

"Woah, kiss?" Steve repeated, brows raising.

"Yeah, we kissed but it felt.. Weird. There was no spark or overwhelming emotions. The love I have for her is the same love I have for Lila and the boys. She'll always be like a sister to me." You told them, glancing at Bucky. Bucky was still a bit on edge but you could tell he was trying to get adjusted.

"What are your powers?" Bucky asked, attempting to get comfortable in the car.

"I'm like the avatar, I guess."

"Who?" Bucky furrowed his brows. You blinked, lips parting as you stared at him. He was from the 1900s and worked for a criminal organization, obviously he wouldn't know a kids show from the 2000s.

"It's- It's from a show. An avatar is someone who controls all four elements and they basically save the world, I guess." You explained, growing a bit embarrassed at how silly it sounded. Bucky didn't seem to judge, giving a small smile.

"We could watch it together, if you want. It's a nice show." You offered, smiling. Sam raised his brows.

"Wonder what Clint will think about that." He muttered as Steve glanced at you and Bucky through the rearview mirror. You shot Sam a small glare, reaching out and touching the back of his neck with cold fingers. He hissed and leaned forward, pouting as he rubbed his neck.

"Yeah, I'd like that." Bucky said softly, nodding. You looked back at him, a smile appearing on your face. Bucky was incredibly attractive and you couldn't deny having a small growing crush on him but you didn't want to cross a boundary. He was from the 1900s afterall.

"How'd you end up fighting the Avengers?" Bucky asked, focusing all his attention onto you.

"The orphanage I grew up in threatened to kick me out since I had turned 18. I freaked and caused an accidental forest in the orphanage so the team was called." You told him, chuckling softly. Buckys' gaze softened, a hum leaving him.

"You've got some pretty cool powers, doll."

"Doll?" Steve and Sam repeated. A flustered smile appeared on your face, giggling softly. Bucky glanced at the two, wondering if he had crossed a line or said something wrong.

"Thanks." You looked forward, biting back an even bigger smile. You weren't completely sure if he was flirting or not but it was nice to get a compliment from an attractive guy, even if he had almost broken your friends' back an hour before. Steve slowly parked the car, getting out to greet Sharon.

"Could you move the seat up?" Bucky asked Sam, arm moving so it resting ontop of the carseats. His metal fingers lightly brushed against your hair but you weren't bothered by it.

"No." Sam replied. Bucky let out a deep sigh. You bit your bottom lip, looking at him.

"We can switch." You shrugged lightly.

"It's fine-"

"No, you shouldn't be squished back here." You faced him, feeling him gently grab your waist. He was incredibly gentle and cautious, moving you onto his lap briefly before he scooted to the side. You sat behind Sam, lightly kicking the seat. Sam moved it forward ever so slightly. You looked over at Steve and Sharon, blinking when they kissed.

"Oh? When did that happen?" You asked, brows furrowed. You knew there was some attraction between them but you didn't expect them to already be at the kissing stage.

"A while back, I think."

"Huh.." You whispered. Steve returned to the car with Sam's wings and his shield, putting them in the trunk. He drove to an airport parking lot, pulling up beside a van. You smiled widely, quickly getting out when Sam pulled the seat forward.

"Thanks for keeping my kid safe, Cap." Clint said, opening his arms as soon as he spotted you. You happily hugged him, feeling a sense of relief and safety wash over you.

"About time you started causing me trouble." Clint grinned as he pulled back. You noticed Wanda, pulling her into a hug as well.

"Saw it on the news. You okay?" She asked softly. You nodded, pulling back and brushing some of her red hair out of her face.

"Vision let you go easy?" You asked. Wanda shook her head, chuckling softly. Sam approached you, glancing back at Bucky.

"Might want to keep an eye on these two." Sam said, motioning to you and Bucky. Clint stared at him before looking turning to look at you. Wanda tilted her head, looking at you as well.

"You're such a dick." You muttered. You knew Sam was just being protective. He had always seen and treated you like a brother.

"Bad boy and older, huh? God, I hoping you had skipped those phases." Clint sighed heavily. You were partially suprised he hadn't mentioned or pointed out that Bucky was a guy. You hadn't really spoken about sexuality and attraction with him but knowing Clint, he'd be supportive about it.

"Not bad." Wanda said quietly, giggling softly as she smiled. You gave her a playful smile.

"I've got good taste."

[alirhi]

This is oddly fun lol

Let's see how many of these I can churn out before I get distracted or need a break! (pff. like I need an excuse to watch the show again. Despite its flaws, I really, really love TFATWS, guys)

Without further ado, let's get down to it!

Episode 2: The Star-Spangled Man

I'm pretty sure I'm on record when it comes to my undying hate for John Walker, yes? So obviously, Bucky's grumpiness 100% stays 😂

I'm not really a fan of how much emphasis they put on the shield. I can see it as a catalyst for Bucky to go confront Sam, yes, but he wouldn't keep going "shield shield shield" like a broken record. Bucky has consistently been shown to be an empathetic man. I can't believe for a second that he'd be barking at Sam about having no right to give up the shield; he'd ask why. Sam's got shit to do, so he'd get impatient and not answer.

"Why'd you give up so easily? If you were overwhelmed, I could've helped you-" "You've been ignoring me. Like now, how you're ignoring me walking away from you." "Well, you weren't texting me about this." "You think I needed your permission?!" "No, but I was right there with Steve while he was learning what it meant to be Cap. I wouldn't mind helping you get used to-" "Then go teach him." A vague gesture toward the "Cap is back" posters. Bucky makes a face. "Steve passed the mantle to you. You fought with him. You earned it. That little shit didn't." "What do you want me to do about it?" "Just tell me why, Sam. I mean it. I just wanna understand." "Not now, Buck. I've got shit to do. You see me heading for a plane right now, right?" "This is important!" "So is this." Sam tells him about the Flag Smashers, we get our silly Big Three/Gandalf conversation.

I'm sorry, but that whole jumping from the plane scene is funny as hell, and I love all the nods they added in to jokes from the press tours that brought us this show in the first place (like ripping the sleeve off his jacket lol). I don't think I'd change a single thing from the Big Three convo to Bucky joining Sam in the warehouse.

"You're doing the staring thing again." "You're staring at your watch," Bucky points out. He knows it's linked to Redwing, he's just pointing out how dumb that line is in that situation. They're there for recon lol. They're meant to be looking around.

I don't...particularly care about the other common gripe here? Meaning, "Bucky's a civilian, so why is he allowed to randomly jump in on a military mission?" Bucky's also known in this universe as an Avenger, just like Sam, so I don't think anyone would really bat an eye at him joining. Also, I have my own agenda related to Bucky's apparent freedom to walk in and out of military/government things.

What does bug me (as funny as it is) is Bucky's animosity toward Redwing. Again... Bucky is a certified nerd. Always has been. If anything, he'd be fascinated by Redwing and Sam would constantly have to slap him away because he's leaning in too close trying to see the tiny watch monitor. "I don't trust Redwing" is just old man griping "I don't trust your newfangled technology" and that... that's not Bucky.

And that "we're not assassins" dig, and then laughing when Bucky gets upset? That's not Sam. Both of these men have shown a remarkable amount of empathy, and Sam has a background in helping traumatized vets. If he cared enough about Bucky to be texting him after Steve left, he'd care enough not to make callous jokes about his time as The Winter Soldier, whether he knows the full story or not.

The fight on top of moving trucks looks cool, but makes no logical sense. I keep trying to think of a way to explain this from a story perspective, rather than a lazy "it looks cool!" filmmaking one, and I'm coming up blank. Anyone with half a brain would have pulled over, had the fight, and then taken off. It was a fun sequence, though... Eh. I'll leave it.

When Karli breaks Redwing, Bucky doesn't say "I always wanted to do that." Again, it's funny - I love the jabs about that stupid robo bird XD - but not Bucky. In my version, he smirks and says "You're so gonna regret that."

"You were kinda getting your asses kicked before we got there." Is immediately followed by Bucky staring him down and asking, "And... how did that fight end for you?" Sam adds, "I don't see them in custody. Are-are they following in a van?" He looks around, sarcastically searching for another vehicle. Walker and Hoskins grimace at each other, grudgingly conceding that point.

credit to @dailycelebs

Seeing Walker, and having to listen to his stupid pro-government rhetoric, makes Bucky think about Steve. When we cut from the Flag Smashers back to Bucky and Sam and the closeup of Bucky's pensive face, we hear 1940s Steve angrily telling 1940s Bucky about how the higher ups in the army had already written off the POWs and were going to leave them to die. "I love our country, Buck," he laments, "but what do I do when I'm not too sure anymore about the people who run it?"

"What you always do," is young Bucky's answer, "stand for what's right, not who's in power."

Perfect lead-in to the conversation about handling things themselves.

When Sam meets Isaiah, and hears his story, not only is he horrified and heartsick for him, but he also begins to see Bucky in a new light. He's seeing Bucky's face, the way he tries to hide his emotions and not make this conversation about him, and he's putting things together. He's still upset at being out of the loop, but he's seeing more of the situation than just "omg black super soldier". When Bucky says "he'd already been through enough," Sam asks quietly, "like you?"

The racist cop comes back before Bucky can answer, to arrest him for missing his appointment with Raynor.

ngl guys, I was so moved by the difference in how that cop treated Sam (before knowing he's Important) vs how he treated Bucky (knowing that the government views him as a violent, if pardoned, criminal). He approaches Sam with his hand on his gun, eager to defend Bucky; "is this guy bothering you?" Just because they're having a heated conversation. Then, when he sees that there's a warrant for Bucky, he approaches timidly, apologizes, treats him gently and politely. By "moved," btw, I don't mean "it was so sweet." I mean "this is fucking sick, and very, very realistic." White cops see a white guy and treat him with respect regardless of his actual criminal record, while being openly hostile towards an innocent black man without even knowing who he is, just because he's black. Moments like this made me applaud Spellman.

"You, too, Sam - That wasn't a request" is Sam's first sign that there's something off about Raynor.

Look, again... The couples therapy banter is funny because Sebastian and Anthony are funny, but that scene, from a storytelling and a mental health standpoint, is atrocious. Without some underlying reason behind her actions, Raynor is just a pointlessly terrible therapist.

Rather than insulting Bucky from the outset, Sam is angry with Raynor for violating Bucky's privacy by not only introducing herself as his therapist, but forcing a "couples" session without her patient's consent. With his background pre-Avenging, he knows this shit shouldn't fly. He immediately points out how unprofessional she's being.

Raynor doesn't bother listening - the fuck does she care, really? She shrugs and casually admits it's "slightly unprofessional" but proceeds anyway.

"Whatever's eating at him?" Sam scoffs. "Did you really just say that to a WWII veteran and the world's longest-serving POW with complex PTSD? Did I hear that right? I've had, maybe, like five conversations with this man since we met, and even I know he's been through some shit and-" "Sam," Bucky tries to interrupt, looking uncomfortable. With his crushing guilt, he has an easier time dealing with insults than someone coming to his defense. "No," Sam snaps. "If the HIPAA Slayer over here wants to drag me into this, she's damn well gonna hear what I have to say!" He turns back to Raynor and demands, "Is this how you've been treating him this whole time? Downplaying what he's been through and making a grown-ass man sound like a sulking teenager?" Raynor keeps her cool, but barely. Visibly frustrated and annoyed, she ignores Sam's tirade and tries to force the conversation back onto the track she wants it on. Bucky's embarrassed and doesn't know how to react to any of this, so he still makes that little "he would talk less" jab. Sam, seeing that he's not going to get anywhere with him until they're away from this bitch, glowers and plays along. We get our silly/angry banter.

After their argument with Walker, Sam finally confronts Bucky about what really happened to him.

"He meant HYDRA; HYDRA used to be my people." "Were they?" Sam asks, stopping him and looking him in the eye, not letting him look away or deflect. "Steve was under the impression that they were your captors. I was under the impression that the Wakandans spent two years deprogramming you so no one could use you the way HYDRA did ever again." "I-" Startled, not expecting that, Bucky stutters a little and admits, "Yeah, I... That's true, I guess." "You guess?" "Does it matter? Sam rolls his eyes. "I dunno, does it matter that you were a slave for most of the 20th century?" "I doubt it matters much to my victims." "HYDRA's victims," Sam corrects firmly. "Just like you." Bucky fidgets; he doesn't know what to do or say. No one since Steve has even so much as insinuated that Bucky wasn't 100% culpable for what he did while under HYDRA control. "Look," Sam sighs, "I don't particularly like you. I don't hate you, but I'm not your biggest fan." "...Thanks?" "I just need you to know where I stand-" "Yeah, got it-" "-So you know I'm not biased like Steve when I say you had no choice. I don't know your story, but I know no one flips on a dime from docile and plagued with guilt to an unstoppable killing machine and back without some serious psychological damage behind that. I'm not saying you're an innocent little bunny, but I don't think you're a monster." "Thanks," Bucky croaks, more sincerely this time, and a bit choked up. He clears his throat and looks distinctly uncomfortable as he grumbles, "but to catch these guys, we may need to talk to a monster." Sam cringes. "I was afraid you'd say that."

[bettercallsabs]

After Dark

Here we go peeps.I'm back with some new trash! Here's a new unedited series (yes another one). This was an original story converted to reader insert so it does contain character descriptions, if this bothers you, don't read any further. Otherwise, please enjoy! Sorry, I'm a bit rusty. Haaaa

Warnings: language, swears, things.

Word count: 1.5k

Steve Roger's x Plus Sized Reader

My tag list is open, so never miss a post!

I dropped out of college my first semester after my father disappeared  leaving me to care for my teenage sister.

My name is Y/N.  I'm 20 years old. I'm working at a trendy night club as a waitress. 

…..

"Y/N, get a fucking grip." Grace yells as she stomps down the hallway.

"No Grace, I won't! You're 15 years old, christ! You shouldn't even be having sex." I snap back at her.

It had just been my sister and I for nearly two years. Ever since the disappearance of our father, raising my sister alone had proven to be a real walk in the park… not. 

Was I ever this bad as a teen? Holy shit. 

"Sorry I'm not a prude like you." 

Grace's tone is sparky, as she rests a hand on her hip. 

I fold my arms across my chest, shifting my weight onto my right leg, rolling my eyes so hard I thought they might fall out of my head. 

 "I am not a prude."

"You're 20 years old, and a virgin…"

I let out a long sigh, shaking my head as I stared hard at my baby sister. 

"That doesn't make me a prude. Christ, Grace! I'm just concerned! You're being reckless! Do you know what could happen? God forbid you get an STI or worse..  You're not even on birth control!"

"He used a condom dummy."

I clutch my face in my hands,  letting out a heavy breath in frustration. Why is my sister the way she is?

"Enough. This is obviously a pointless discussion, or lack there of.. I'm taking you in on Monday to get you on birth control, because lord knows you need it." 

Grace scowls at me as her eyes roll hard in her head. "Whatever Y/N."

I glance at my watch 6:32 p.m. Shit. I'm going to be late! 

"I have to go to work. Please…. Just behave, okay?" 

Grace turns and gives me the middle finger before trotting her way up the stairs.

That girl is going to age me 10 years.

Shaking my head, as I breathe out a soft sigh, I quickly grab my keys and purse from the counter, rushing out of the house. The last thing I need today is to be late to work…

……

"Alright ladies listen up." 

Terrance, more commonly known as Terry, the owner of the club, stood before us, his chiseled jaw tight as he leaned against the bar. 

"My son has a meeting here tonight, so be on your best behavior. I expect the utmost professionalism from my ladies. Y/N and Charlie, you're working the VIP section tonight."

"You could have given some warning Terry, I would have dolled up more!" Charlie, a fellow waitress, looks in Terry's direction, a playful frown peaking on the corners of her full lips. 

I feel my stomach churn, I've never worked the VIP section before… it's a big deal. Bigger clients, bigger tips… 

I swallow hard, forcing myself to speak up. I wish I was as outspoken as Charlie, she really has that 'I say what I want, when I want' attitude. 

"Terry... I never work VIP... if this is an important meeting, shouldn't Lydia or Tanya-"

"Charlie will show you the ropes. Now let's make some money." 

Terry claps his hands before heading off to his office. No one wastes anytime. The convened staff disperse in every direction, hurry back to work to finish preparing for the club to open. 

"Don't worry hun!" Charlie squeezes my arm in support. "We're gonna make some good money tonight! Steve  and his boys are so damn fine and gracious tippers. It's a win win. Eye candy and stacks baby." 

"Really?" 

I nervously fidget with my fingers before running them through my long blonde hair.

"Yeah girl, of course! So, Papa Terry is putting a lot of trust in you tonight. Word of advice hun, obviously by now you know this club is a special one, so what you see and hear tonight, keep your mouth shut, and you'll do just fine." 

I nod, understanding fully what she means. Afterall, rats have never made a good name for themselves.

There's a lot that goes on in the club that terrifies me, but the money is too good to pass up.

Charlie smiles at me, a soft genuine smile, as she wraps her arm in mine. Something about her makes me feel oddly safe and at ease.

"I like you Y/N, so I'm going to give you some more advice here. Stop being such an uptight girl!"

"I can't help it."

"Yeah Y/N, lighten up a little, jeez.  When was the last time you got laid?" 

Lydia, another waitress appears from behind us as she jumps into the conversation. 

My eyes immediately deflect to the floor, suddenly feeling more self conscious than usual. 

"I should really get back to it."

"Oh come on Y/N, don't be such prude."

Lydia laughs, but I feel the irritation building within me.

"Why does everyone call me that? I am not a prude!" 

My voice is harsher than I intended it to be. 

"Woah girl, chill." 

Lydia looks at me, seemingly shocked by my outburst. 

"Sorry. I'm really not a prude though. Just because I haven't…" I trail off mid sentence, my gaze now focused on the floor in front of me. 

I can feel the blood rushing to my cheeks. 

"Y/N, babe, are you a virgin?" 

"Lydia, keep it down.."

"It makes so much sense... You being a virgin explains so much." 

"What's that supposed to mean Charlie?" I huff, folding my arms over my chest. What did she mean by that? Was being a virgin a bad thing?

"Who's a virgin? I sure as hell know it's not Lydia." 

A booming laugh echoes from behind me, my blood running cold with embarrassment.

Lydia's head snaps in the direction of the laughter, a scowl now pasted on her full lips.

"Oh shut up Bucky, you old windbag!"

Lydia smacks the large bicep of a tall tatted man hard enough that the sound echoes off the club walls..

 I shyly duck behind Charlie, trying to make myself invisible, the last thing I need right now is to embarrass myself any further.

"Lydia, you need to work on your strength, hit the gym or something." The one called Dawson smirks at Lydia, who sticks her tongue out. "But seriously, who's a virgin, my curiosity has peaked."

"Pfft, I don't think any girl that works here could be. They are just fucking around."

A rich baritone voice fills my ears. I peer my head around from my very obvious hiding spot, Charlie. The man that belongs to the dreamy voice is even more so. He is tall, so deliciously tall, and his eyes are blue like icy glacial pools. Lord, he is like sex on two legs.

"Hey now! Don't be making those kinds of assumptions. Some of us very well could be. Just because we work here doesn't mean a thing. We dress like this for the tips baby." Charlie rolls her eyes at the two men, resting a hand on her hip. 

"Ha ha Charlie, you've got jokes I see. Who knew you were such a comedian?" 

"Who is that?" I whisper in Charlie's ear. 

"Ah yes, introduction time." Charlie points in the direction of the ridiculously handsome men.

"That's Mr. Roger's  son, Steve ." She points to the one with the mesmerizing blue eyes. "And the stupid one is Dawson." 

"Hey! Watch your damn mouth Charlie!" Dawson glares at her playfully, before his eyes land on me… so much for being invisible. 

"Who do we have here? Fresh meat?"

Charlie pulls me forward, resting her arm on my shoulder. "This is Y/N. She's been around for a bit now, but tonight is her first night working VIP, so be nice to her!" 

My eyes instantly flick to Steve , who is looking me up and down. Butterflies build in my just, as my heart flutters. I bite at my lower lip, trying to contain the wave of anxiety washing over me. When his eyes met mine, it was like the earth stopped turning, there was no one in the room but us. I could truly lose myself in those hypnotic blue eyes. 

"Damn! She thicc! I'd like to-"

"Watch your mouth Dawson."

 Steve 's voice is low as he scowls at Dawson through gritted teeth.  Dawson takes a step back, settling himself behind Steve . 

Steve 's eyes fall back to mine capturing my full attention with his intense gaze.. And just for a moment I'm lost in those icy pools.. 

As quickly as they came his eyes left mine, giving their focus to Charlie. 

"Tonight's meeting is important, so you will need to be extra courteous. Feel me Charlie?" 

"Aye aye Captain." Charlie jokingly salutes Steve , who doesn't look the slightest bit amused. 

"Come on ladies, we have jobs to do. Let's get ready to get this money. It's going to be a good night!" 

Charlie smiles, looping her arm in mine, as we head into the VIP section. I glance over my shoulder, dying to get one last peak at Steve . Our eyes meet once again, and I feel my heart shudder in my chest… shit.

…….

ForeverTags:

@letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked

@itsanerdlife

@sea040561

@dsakita

@princess-evans-addict

@mariekoukie6661

@flashfanfics

@patzammit

[tuiccim]

Santi (Part 2)

Pairing: Bucky X Reader

Words: 4430

Warnings: Fluff, flirt, 

Summary: The team leaves for a mission leaving you and Bucky alone at the tower. 

Santi Masterlist

After bidding the team goodbye the next morning you and Bucky head to the kitchen for breakfast.

"How was your first night in the new place?"

"Good. Slept okay. How'd you sleep?"

"I have a hard time getting to sleep any given day but once I did last night I was good."

In the kitchen you pull out a frozen breakfast burrito to heat and grab an apple and peanut butter.  Bucky fixes a huge bowl of cereal. 

"Why aren't you on the mission?" Bucky asks.

"You want the official answer or the truth?" You ask.

"The truth, always."

"Steve didn't want you to be alone so he asked me to stay."

"You were okay with that?"

"Well, you know, my 'particular skills are not needed for this mission'" You say imitating Steve.

"You don't mind being my babysitter?"

"Well, first, I'm not your babysitter. You're a big boy and can wipe your butt all by yourself. Second, I don't mind having some time to take it easy. It's usually hard to come by. And, lastly, the rest of the team has worked with you before. I like that it gives me the chance to get to know you. Not the file or news reports or rumors, but you as a person." Bucky seems taken aback by your answer. "You said you wanted the truth, always." You smile and Bucky seems to relax a bit.

"Thanks." He pauses for a minute but then smirks, "Wipe my own butt? You always had that mouth on ya?"

"All my life." You smile at him.

"Apple and peanut butter?" Bucky asks as he watches you eat.

"It's delicious!" You pick up a fresh slice, scoop some peanut butter onto it. Leaning over the table you hold it up for Bucky to take a bite. "Try it." He eyes you as he bites into the slice you are holding out to him.

"Okay. Weird but good "

You giggle at his expression and pop the other half into your mouth. 

"Are you always happy like this? You always seem to be on the verge of laughing." He asks suddenly.

"No. But, I don't know, I guess I've had the privilege of living my life unlike you and Steve. It's given me the time to work through things, figure out what makes me happy. I guess I've just lived long enough to learn contentment. And I think that's the basis of happiness."

"Lived long enough? You're what? 25? 30?"

Your face falls. "You haven't read my file."

"No."

"Have you read any of them?"

"No. It feels... invasive. Like I'm prying."

"It's not. It's just basics. Nothing overly personal. Abilities. Skills. Things you need to know in the field." You say emphatically. "For example, let's say we're on a mission. I get shot. Femoral artery hit. Bleeding out. What do you do?"

"Apply a tourniquet. Determine if I can complete the mission without you dying."

"Wrong. You just wasted time and possibly cost us the mission. You do nothing. I don't need medical attention." You take a deep breath, "I'm a Gifted. I have healing abilities. My body will force out the bullet and the wound will be repaired within 90 seconds. Blood supply restored in minutes. You and Steve heal fast but I put your abilities to shame there."

"Do you have any other abilities?"

"Additional strength, not your level but decent. Increased metabolism. Slow aging." You pause and look directly into his eyes, "And empathic telepathy."

"Like Wanda?"

"Wanda's a little different. She's more telepathic in the sense of reading minds and forcing waking dreams. My ability allows me, if I choose to, read people's emotions. And I can imbue people with emotions."

"Force them to feel things?"

"Ye...yes." You say hesitantly and then look him directly in the eyes, "Look, I have read your file and I know you've had your mind messed with enough. I will never, NEVER do that to you without your consent. Never."

You stare at each other for a moment before Bucky gives a slight nod.

"Is it helpful?"

"My specialty was deep cover. Being able to force trust, calm, caring. It makes getting to the inner circles easier. But after doing it for so long I had to get out. I was other people so much I started to lose myself. So, I told Fury that I wanted out. And then the world blew up and I ended up right back in the middle of it. I think I'm where I'm supposed to be now."

"How do you do it?"

"I just think it and I kinda push it to the other person. It's even easier when I'm touching them. If a person can somehow resist me mentally, once I touch them the resistance fades."

"What all can you make them feel?"

"Any emotion. Several if needed."

"Fear? Panic?"

"Yes."

"Pain?"

"Emotional pain, yes."

"Love?"

"Yes."

"Pleasure?"

You look at Bucky and raise an eyebrow at that one before replying in a low voice, "Yes."

"Have you done it to me?"

Voice strong again, "No. Never without your permission."

"Our teammates?"

"Only with their consent. Most people want to try it at least once."

"I have nightmares sometimes." Bucky says quietly.

"Yeah." Your tone softens.

"Could you calm me if that was happening?"

"I can, yes. I can also help you sleep. Do you want me to?"

Bucky stares into his bowl of cereal for a moment. When his eyes flicker up to you there is a tinge of red to them. He gives a slight nod. Reaching over you curl your hand around his wrist. "You're my teammate, my friend. I'll do anything I can to help you. Anything, okay?"

Bucky gives a small nod.

"Okay. Time to get some training in. Don't want Steve to think I'm slacking the first day without him." You start clearing your breakfast dishes.

"He's a real drill sergeant, huh?"

"Sometimes." 

"Wait, how old are you? I take it, older than 25."

You laugh, "That's sweet, Buck. I'm 62."

"So Sam was including you in his geriatric patients?"

"I think you have to be over 65 to be in that category. You and Steve are still the geezers of the place." You smirk at him. "I'll catch up with you later."

"I'll see you in the training room in a bit."

"Sounds good." You say as you walk to the elevator. Your heart hurts a little for Bucky knowing it had to be hard for him to ask for help. You hope he knows how strong he is, how brave to ask.

Before Bucky heads to the training room he detours to his room. Going to the desk he pulls out the stack of files Steve had given him and quickly located Santi's. Flipping it open he read:

Name: Bella Santi Delarosa

Last known address: Stark Tower

Date of Birth: November 1, 1957

Place of Birth: Mobile, Alabama

Status: Active

Title: Agent

Aliases: The Saint, Lucia Roman, Marie Frances, Eve Lastra, Elana Romano.

Document Citizenship: United States

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 140 lbs

Gender: Female

Hair: Black

Eyes: Brown

Languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, German.

Identifiable Markings: Triangle shaped birthmark right shoulder.

Family: Parents, Marco and Giulia Delarosa, deceased. Brother, Luca Delarosa, deceased.

Classification: Gifted

Abilities: Healing. Increased strength, stamina, reflexes, balance, and accuracy. Decreased aging. Empathic telepathy.

Skills: Multiple forms of Martial arts, acrobatics, expert marksmanship, espionage, infiltration, tactical coordination.

Bucky closes the file and heads to the training room. He spots Santi lifting weights and joins her. "So, 'The Saint', huh?"

You laugh, "You read my file?" 

"Yeah."

"That's what you took away from it? My code name?"

"Bella Santi Delarosa. Beautiful Saint of the Rose?"

"I was born on All Saints Day. My parents were Catholic." You shrug. "Any other questions?"

"I noticed the slight southern accent so Alabama made sense. Did you grow up there?"

"Until I was 13."

He wanted to ask what happened but knew it wasn't the right time to get into it. Deciding on a subject change, "Expert marksman?"

"You bet your ass."

"I was gonna bet lunch, actually."

"Knives or guns?"

"Knives."

"Yay!" You clap your hands as you move to the weapons cage to pull out knives. "Let's start with a target and we'll see if we need to get to trick shots to determine a winner."

Bucky glances at the body shaped training target at the end of the range, picks up a knife, and says "Right eye." The blade finds its mark with barely a glance. 

"Left eye." Hit.

"Left shoulder." Hit.

"Right shoulder." Hit

"Center mass." Hit.

"Same." Hit within millimeters of his knife.

"Nose." Hit.

"Mouth." Hit.

Getting an idea you move in a bit closer as he says "Forehead" and aims. As he's preparing to throw you reach on tiptoe and blow in his ear. The knife hits the target's groin. 

"I'm sorry. Did you say forehead or foreskin? If it was forehead, you were a little low on that one, weren't you?" You say still right next to Bucky's ear. Bucky turns eyes wide and swallows hard. You smile innocently up at him. 

"Wouldn't you call that cheating?" Bucky's voice is gravelly as he stared down at you.

"I'd call it winning. After all, out in the field there's all kinds of distractions. You have to get used to them." You say in mock innocence with a sweet smile.

Bucky tries to keep a straight face but a chuckle slips through. "Fine. I'll give you this one, Doll."

"I accept your defeat. There is this great diner right by the Museum of Natural History. They have phenomenal burgers and then we can go to the museum."

"I thought the bet was for lunch."

"Well, I figured I'd take you to the museum as a consolation prize. After all, I did cheat."

"I'm not taking you away from any plans?"

"Those were my plans. Now, you get to pay for lunch though."

Bucky laughed and his heart warmed a little at the thought that you had planned out the day with him. 

"Let's finish training and then we can get ready to head out." You say heading back to the weights.

Three hours later, you arrive at the diner and both order burgers and fries.

"Can I ask you something? Personal?" Bucky asks, glancing at you nervously.

"Anything. I'm kind of an open book. Which is unusual in this group."

"Yeah." Bucky says on a short laugh "What happened to your family?"

You knew it was coming at some point. "You want the short or long version?"

"Long if you're comfortable with telling it."

"Yeah." You pause to collect your thoughts. "You read my file so you know I grew up in Mobile, Alabama. My parents were Marco and Guilia and I had a brother named Luca. He was two years younger than me. My parents wanted more kids but it just didn't happen. We were a big Italian family. Steve always says he knows I'm Italian because I'm loud, always eating, and am touchy-feely."

Bucky laughs "Sounds right. You've never shied away from touching me."

"Sorry." You say feeling a slight blush creep up. "Please let me know if I make you uncomfortable. I just don't think about it much."

"No, I like it. Most people don't get very close to me. Keep going"

You smile blushing a little more but continue with the story. "My grandparents, my dad's parents, had a bakery. Most of the family worked there. I loved it. I had 8 aunts and uncles, a million cousins. Big, big family. Nice life, ya know. Lots of love and lots of drama. Then when I was thirteen, we were driving home from my cousin's birthday party and our car was hit by an 18-wheeler. My parents died on impact. Luca…" you pause and swallow hard willing the tears away. Clearing your throat you continued, "Luca died while they were trying to get us out of the car. He was such a sweet kid. Tender-hearted and quiet. I should have died too. My injuries were severe but that's when my mutation kicked in. Before they even got me out of the car my injuries healed. I didn't understand what happened. The doctor explained the mutant gene while I was in the hospital. I was so wracked with guilt that I lived. I didn't want to hear anything about it. Then my family… they were scared of me. I could feel it. They turned me over to the state. They didn't want anything to do with me. I was put in a group home and first chance I got I ran. Ran for nine years before SHIELD found me. They took me in. Taught me that my mutation was a calling not a curse." 

The food came at that point and you both dug in hungrily. Bucky looked up after a few bites. "What'd you do the nine years you were running?"

"Petty theft, lot of trespassing, might have been a grand theft auto somewhere in there, and then I joined the circus."

Bucky laughed, "Serious?"

"Yeah. I got a job helping set up and take down for a circus and when they left I kinda stowed away and they let me stay. I grew up dancing and doing gymnastics, so they taught me aerial silks and rope tricks. I ran errands, took care of the animals, cooked, and eventually even performed."

Bucky narrows his eyes at you, "You're pulling my leg."

"No. It was the 70s. I'll show you some pictures when we get back."

"What exactly are aerial silks?"

"They're sheets of silk you use to perform contortions while kinda flying in the air. I'll show you one day. I still love doing it." Bucky still looked skeptical. "What?" You finally ask when his face was still scrunched up.

"You really have pictures?"

"Yes. Tell me about when you and Steve were kids." Trying to get the subject off of you for a minute. 

You looked across at Bucky and saw a genuine smile on his face for a moment. He launched into a story and was more animated than you had seen before. It was endearing the way his face lit up talking about pre-serum Steve and their antics. He looked young and happy for a few minutes. 

The spell was broken when the waiter delivered the check. Staying true to the bet, Bucky paid and then you walked to the museum a block away. You had already purchased the tickets online and went right in. It was only 12:30 and it seemed to be a slow Tuesday as you were nearly alone in every exhibit. Bucky was enthralled. He went from display to display pointing out observations, wondering at the discoveries, and fascinated with the history. Sometimes even grabbing your hand to follow him. You were enthralled by him. It seemed like for a few hours the weight lifted from his shoulders. 

You stay at the museum until closing and then head back to the tower. Bucky talks nearly the entire way back about the museum exhibits. You thought your heart would burst that your outing made him so happy. 

Heading to the kitchen you look in the fridge. "What do you want for dinner?"

"You pick."

"If I pick, we're ordering pizza."

"Sounds good to me. What movie do you want to watch?"

"You're not sick of me yet?" You smile, amazed that he wanted to spend more time with you.

"No! I mean, you don't have to watch a movie with me. I just thought, ya know, pizza and a movie. You had, uh, mentioned the Star Trek movie yesterday, so I thought maybe..." He trailed off.

"Sounds good to me." You echoed his earlier sentiment and he smiled at you.

You sat on the couch eating pizza and watching the movie. After a while you ended up shifting to lean into Bucky and rest your head on his shoulder.

"You okay?" He asks.

"A little cold. I'm sorry, am I making you uncomfortable?" You say, moving away a little. He doesn't answer. Instead he grabs his hoodie and drapes it and his arm over you giving a little squeeze. You snuggle into him. It's a little harder to concentrate on the movie enveloped by his warmth and smell. 

After the movie was over, Bucky looked over at you, "Tired?"

"No, not really. You?"

"No."

"What'd you think of the movie?"

"It was interesting. I'd like to see the next one. Right now, I'm interested in seeing some pictures someone told me they have."

"Oh, yeah. Let's go to my room and I'll find them." You stand and stretch your arms over your head bowing your back. When you look at Bucky still sitting on the couch his eyes aren't quite on your face. You clear your throat ostensibly and his eyes snap up to yours while his cheeks gain a little pink tinge. "Come on, Buck." You turn away smiling to yourself. 

You get to your room and find the photo album with pictures from the Seventies in it. Placing it on the bed in front of both of you, you skip the first few pages and flip until you find pictures from the circus. They're starting to fade with age, but there you are riding an elephant, another showing you contorted in the silks, one where you are surrounded by clowns, cooking in a tent, and a few more showing your circus life. 

"You weren't kidding!"

"Of course not! It was actually a pretty fun time in my life. It was easier being accepted there. Once I got past being first of May."

"First of May?"

"Green. New. Takes awhile for circus folk to warm up but they're good to you once they do. They were like a big family." 

"Why'd you decide to leave?"

"SHIELD. They could help me learn to control my powers. And to be able to use them for something good."

"What are these other pictures?" Bucky asks as he flips back to the beginning of the album. 

"Oh!" You say in surprise. You reach for the album but Bucky is already looking at the pictures. Resignedly, you explain, "That was the last family portrait we took."

Bucky looks up at you sorrowfully, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have." He goes to hand you back the album.

"No, it's okay. It's been a long time since I looked at them." You point to the next photo. "That was my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary."

"Is that the entire town of Mobile?

"No, that's just my grandparents, their kids, and all my first cousins."

"First cousins?!?"

"Yeah, they were prolific. What can I say? My parents were picked on because they only had two of us."

"How old are you here?" He points to a picture of you holding a stuffed bunny.

"Three, I think." The next picture is you holding a baby Luca. You reach out and touch his little cherub cheeks but only feel the cold plastic covering the photo.

"You miss him?"

"Yeah. I guess you never stop. Losing a sibling sucks, ya know? They're the ones that are supposed to be with you through it all. You expect grandparents and parents to die, but your siblings are supposed to be there. Do you?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I miss Rebecca."

"Sorry. I shouldn't have brought that up."

"No, it's okay. But I probably should get some sleep."

"Yeah."

Bucky gets up and puts the album back on your shelf. "Night, Santi."

"Night, Bucky." You say in a small voice.

"Hey." He waits until you look up at him. "You okay?"

You force a smile, "Yeah, I'm good."

He hesitates, studying you. 

Finally, you give in to yourself. "Actually, can I have a hug?"

"Absolutely!" He walks over to you taking your hand and pulling you up before wrapping his arms around you. You put your arms around his waist and your head on his shoulder. After a minute you feel a soft kiss pressed to your forehead. "Sweet dreams, Doll."

"You, too." You say as you reluctantly let go. You change into a sleepshirt and get ready for bed. Knowing sleep won't come for a while you pick up a book.

A couple of hours later you feel your stomach twist in knots and a loud grunt issues through the wall followed by "NO!" Getting up quickly you knock on Bucky's door, "Bucky, are you okay?" You listen for a second but only hear another grunt. You knock again, "Bucky?" You say a little louder. 

"Стоп!" Hearing the Russian word from Bucky made your decision. You turn the knob and walk in. Bucky is thrashing a bit on the bed. His right hand is clenched around the sheets.

"Bucky, wake up. Hey. Come on, Buck." You put a knee on the bed and lean over to shake Bucky. The moment you touch his shoulder he sits up. The knife in his left hand lands with a thunk in your side. You hiss at the pain but stay still. "Buck. Bucky, hey." His eyes are far away and you know he hasn't come out of it yet. You put your right hand over his hand gripping the knife and your left on his shoulder suffusing calm into him. "Buck, I'm calming you. You said it was okay. Look at me, darlin'. Hey, hey." You see his eyes begin to focus. Finally, he looks at you. "Good. Hey, love, I need you to let go, okay?" You gently nudge his left hand which is still firmly holding the knife in you. You see him glance down and panic blanches his face. Suffusing calm again you take your left hand and touch his face drawing his attention to yours. "I'm okay. I just need you to let go. Bucky, talk to me."

"I'm so sorry!" Comes out in a panicked whisper as he lets go. 

"Bucky, I'm fine. Healing ability, remember?" You gather the ends of your shirt and brace to pull out the knife. "Mmmm...had to be a serrated one, huh?" You press the shirt to the wound to staunch the blood flow and look at Bucky. He looks shattered. "Bucky, everything's okay."

"I stabbed you." He whispers.

"Better me than anyone else." You give a humorless little laugh. You wipe the knife on part of your shirt and set it down on the nightstand. 

"I stabbed you."

"90 seconds, Bucky. 90 seconds and I'll be healed. No harm, no foul."

"I stabbed you and you're laughing." He looks at you incredulously. 

"What's a little stab wound between friends?" You smile but he still looks lost. "Bucky, another empathic part is I can let you feel how I'm feeling. Can I show you?"

He nods and you put a hand on his. "What do you feel?"

He looks in your eyes finally, "Calm. Caring. Worry for me."

"Exactly. I'm fine. Now, are you okay? You were having a nightmare."

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay." You pull him into a hug keeping your bloody side away from him. He puts his right arm around you and runs his left hand up your arm to your neck. Pulling away he looks into your eyes, glances down to your lips, and then back with an almost questioning look. It doesn't take empathic ability to know what he's feeling and your heart twists a little. You raise up a bit and kiss his forehead like he did for you earlier that night.

"I'm gonna get cleaned up. Can I borrow a shirt?" You stand up and that's when Bucky notices you had bunched your shirt up to stem the wound exposing your legs and a pair of peach colored panties. 

Tearing his eyes away he stands up quickly and pulls open a drawer. "Yeah, here, Doll." 

You look in the drawer and pull out a black ribbed tank from the top. "This will work." You say as you head into his bathroom. 

Bucky watches you walk away thinking with the peach colored underwear it almost looked like you weren't wearing anything down below. He shook the thought away. Nice, Buck, you stab her and then ogle her, he thinks to himself. 

You take off the shirt you are wearing and grab a cloth to clean off the blood. After washing your hands you slip on the tank. It comes down just past your butt and almost looks like a dress on you. A very short dress. Staring at yourself in the mirror for a second you can't deny the feelings developing in you. Bucky is...you can't even describe it. Beautiful inside and out. But too often your empathic abilities had interfered with real feelings. You had wanted to kiss him in that moment but the emotional charge was too much. What if that's all it was? The heat of the moment? It was too soon. You'd known him for less than 48 hours. Sighing, you shake off your thoughts and walk back out. Bucky eyes you from where he is sitting on the bed. 

"You okay?" He asks. 

"Yes. See? No harm, no foul." You lift the tank up to show him. 

He raises his left arm and touches your side. The cool touch from his metal hand breaks your skin into goosebumps. You cover his hands with yours and for a moment get lost in his eyes when he looks up at you. 

Breaking eye contact you pull the shirt back down, saying softly "It's late. You should go back to sleep." 

"I don't think I can." He says.

You sit next to him on the bed. "Lay down. Get comfortable. I'll help you."

He lays on his side and hugs his pillow. Running your hands through his hair, you suffuse calm and see the tension slip away a bit. Giving him a minute before suffusing lethargy, you watch as his muscles start to relax. Finally, you suffuse a sleepy feeling. You can't force sleep but have found that when these three feelings combine they make a fairly good sleep cocktail. Bucky's form slowly relaxes and you continue to run your hands through his hair suffusing the sleepy feeling until his breathing evens out. You retrieve your ruined shirt and bloody cloth from the bathroom and the knife from the nightstand. You don't want him to have any reminders when he wakes. Switching off his lamp, you reluctantly head to your own bed. 

Part 3

[nothingbutfangirlsmut]

The Girl Out of Time

Pairing: Bucky x Reader and Sam x Reader

Background: Willow Roffe was born and raised in Brooklyn. She lived her life as happily as she could with her two childhood best friends Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers. When they both left her to join the military she tried to continue with life but that didn't get to happen for her for the simple fact that she meant something to James Buchanan Barnes.

Rating: Story will be overall MATURE but not every chapter. There will be strong language, talk of both mental and physical abuse, some good ole angst, and smut. There will be a warning at the beginning of the chapter when it includes smut.

Chapter 26

After Nat left the church Steve, Sam, and I went on to our hotel suite. I was quick to fall onto the couch. I felt so drained. Sam lifted my feet so he could sit down then placed my feet on his lap. Steve started pacing the length of the room. We had only been there for a few short minutes when a knock sounded on the door. Steve was quick to open it. In walked Sharon Carter looking completely frazzled.

"Steve. There's something you gotta see." She said quickly.

She grabbed the TV remote from the table then turned on the TV. It was already on the news channel. I bolted upright as I saw the building in Vienna with a giant hole blown in it. Many were injured in the blast. I pulled my phone out instantly texting Nat. Please let her be okay.

I bounced my knee nervously as I continued to watch the TV.

"Authorities have identified the suspect as James Buchanan Barnes. The winter soldier." The news castor stated.

I shot to my feet turning to face Steve. He looked surprised but suddenly determined.

I sighed in relief at Nat's text.

"Nat's okay. Why would he do this?" I asked Steve.

"I don't think he did." Steve said simply.

Sharon gave of what details she knew then the three of us set out for Vienna. When we arrived the place was still in total chaos. Steve sent Sam and I ahead into the hotel bar to wait for him.

"He's calling Nat." Sam said as we both sat at the bar.

We ordered drinks then waited on Steve to reappear. It wasn't long before he was standing next to Sam leaning on the bar.

"She tell you to stay out of it? Might have a point." Sam asked then took a sip of his drink.

"He'd do it for me." Steve said simply.

"1945, maybe. I just want to make sure we consider all our options. The people that shoot at you usually wind up shooting at us." Sam told him.

"I have no worries." I said simply then downed the rest of my drink.

Sharon suddenly appeared next to Steve. She kept her face forward as she spoke.

"Tips have been pouring in since the footage went public. Everybody thinks the Winter Soldier goes to their gym. Most of it's noise. Except for this." She slid a folder to Steve.

"My boss expects a briefing, pretty much now so that's all the head start you're gonna get." She added quickly.

"Thank you" Steve told her as he opened the folder.

"You're gonna have to hurry. We have orders to shoot on sight." Sharon said then walked away.

Sam finished his drink quickly then the two of us followed Steve back outside.

"Where to Cap?" I asked as we walked quickly down the crowded sidewalk.

Steve gave me the folder. I opened it to scan the page quickly. Romania. He's in Romania?

"What's the plan?" Sam asked as we climbed in the car.

"Looks like an apartment building. A bit run down. Sam you'll take the roof. Willow, I need you on top an adjacent building. You two are my eyes for any company." Steve ordered as he drove quickly.

"So you're gonna face him alone?" I asked softly.

Both men sitting in the two front seats knew I had all my memories of James back. They knew I understood the feelings I once had for him. Those feelings felt like a memory too but I still actually cared about him now. Steve looked at me through the rear view mirror.

"Yes Will. I think it's best I confront him alone. We don't know what kind of state he's in." Steve said softly but sternly.

"But we know for sure he remembers me and won't harm me. Don't you think it'd be safer if I was with you?" I asked.

"No" both men said in unison.

Steve's no was soft and understanding but Sam's was sharp and final. I slumped back in my seat. I didn't feel like I should be on the side lines. I remembered what James meant to me so everything we do now means so much more. It was just as important to me as it was to Steve but there would be no arguing with the Captain. I knew that much. So I sat silently in the back seat until we arrived at our destination. Steve and Sam both took a minute to suit up while I surveyed the area.

"There's a smaller building there. I'll take that roof." I told them pointing to said building.

Both men nodded in agreement. Steve left to head towards the building James was in leaving Sam and I alone.

"You still choose me right?" Sam asked softly.

I smiled up at him. I grabbed his shirt pulling him down so I could kiss him.

"Yes Sam, I may remember my feelings for James but they're just a memory." I told him.

He nodded then kissed my forehead. Once he took to the sky I hurried to the roof of my building. I perched myself on the edge so I had a perfect view of the entrance. Sam did that same on top the much taller building. It wasn't long before the vehicles started rolling in. This wasn't looking good already.

"Heads up Cap. German Special Forces approaching from the south." Sam said over the coms.

"Understood" Steve said simply.

I watched as the vehicles surrounded the building. More and more armed men got out. There's way too many.

"They've set the perimeter." Sam informed over the coms.

I watched the group form then kick in the front door.

"They're entering the building." I told them.

"They're on the roof. I'm compromised." Sam said quickly.

I looked up to see him fighting someone off then flying off the building. I stepped back from the edge so I wouldn't be noticed. I just had to wait for Steve's orders now. He was inside somewhere with James.

"Five seconds" Sam said as he flew around the building.

I held my breath. My anxiety skyrocketed as I waited.

"Three seconds" Sam said.

Please let them make it out of this.

"Breach! Breach! Breach!" Sam shouted.

I gritted my teeth as I listened to the chaos erupt in the building. I couldn't see anything but I could hear an array of different sounds. There was definitely one hell of a fight going on. As I waited for any sign or word something flew out of a window then landed on the roof a few feet in front of me. It was a backpack.

"What the hell?" I questioned aloud.

I walked over to it slowly. I kicked it to make sure it wasn't going to explode. When nothing happened I picked it up then stepped back against one of the stone walls. Another crash had me looking up to see a body jumping over to this roof. They landed in a roll then got to their feet quickly. It was James. He looked around most likely for the back pack.

"Looking for this?" I asked stepping around the wall so he could see me fully.

"Willow" he said in surprise.

"Hi Jamie" I smiled at him.

"Come on doll, I really need that bag." He said reaching out to me.

"I remember Jamie." I said simply keeping the bag in my tight grip.

His eyes seemed to light up as he smiled at me.

"That's fantastic doll but as much as I'm dying to kiss you breathless I really do need that bag." He said taking a step forward.

Before I could say anything else a man in all black tackled James to the ground. It was a instant fight. The moment James was able to break free he ran for the other edge of the building.

"Jamie!" I shouted.

He turned in time to catch the bag I'd thrown at him. He winked at me then jumped over the edge. The man in the all black, cat like outfit moved to follow him. I lunged forward knocking him to the ground but he was quick to get away from me. His only focus was James.

"Sam Southwest rooftop." Steve said through the com.

"Who the hell's the other guy?" Sam asked.

"About to find out." Steve said.

As soon as he landed on the roof I went over the edge to follow James. I could hear Steve close behind me. The chase was on as we all tried to catch up to James. I kept my eyes on the new comer in front of me. I knew he was hot on Bucky's trail. They jumped into an opening that lead into a tunnel. We ended up jumping right into traffic. Steve was right next to me as we ran around the cars. Sirens wailed behind us but we paid them no mind.

"Stand down! Stand down!" They yelled from behind us.

Steve jumped folding his body to lay on the shield as it hit the car's windshield. The car stopped then Steve rolled off the hood. He opened the door then pulled the driver out. I was climbing in the passenger seat as he knocked out the windshield completely. I held onto the dash as Steve sped around the other cars. I felt the jolt to the car making me look back.

"Cat guy is hitching a ride." I told Steve.

He instantly sped up then started to swerve trying to get the guy off the back of the car.

"Sam, I can't shake this guy." Steve said in frustration.

"Right behind you" Sam answered.

I looked behind us to see an army of police cars gaining on us. As they pulled up on each side of our car Steve started to swerve into them. We are so fucked for this.

"Steve there!" I shouted pointing at James.

Steve swerved the car driving right through the barrels to follow our friend. I watched in absolute awe as James grabbed hold of an oncoming bike knocking the driver off. He effortlessly turned in around then jumped on it taking off. It was one of the most badass things I'd ever witnessed.

"Shit" I breathed as the cat guy jumped on the back of the bike.

He tried his best to get James off of it but James was much better than that. With help of his metal arm he kept himself from crashing then kicked his attacker off. Just as we got to the exit of the tunnel an explosion went off.

"Get out now!" Steve shouted.

I didn't have time to think as I jumped out of the car instantly picking up in a run just as Steve had done. The car started to flip behind us as James was finally knocked off the bike a few feet in front of us. Steve tossed his shield knocking the attacker away from James. Once we reached him we both stood protectively in front of him. Seconds later we were surrounded by sirens and flashing lights then the war machine dropped in front of us. His arms were held out with his weapons at the ready.

"Stand down, now!" He shouted at us.

Steve sighed but put his shield on his back. Sam was led over to us at gun point.

"Congratulations Cap, you're a criminal." Rhodey told him.

As an officer grabbed each of us to put us in shackles the man in the black cat suit took off his mask. It was that Wakanda prince or king now that his father was killed in the bombing.

"Your Highness" Rhodey said with a small nod.

—

[queenofslytherin71]

Quickie

"Don't worry about it doll. Now Stark and Wilson can finally shut up about our sex life. And as for the briefing, Steve can wait till tomorrow, because tonight you're mine."

You giggled and replied, "I like the sound of that."

"Fuck..."

"Miss Y/F/N, Captain Rogers request your presence for a mission briefing on the third floor in five minutes," Friday chimed over the intercom in your room. You groaned. You have been so busy on missions lately that you hardly had time to relax or do something remotely stress free to relieve your... tension.

"Dammit Rogers."

It was no help that your boyfriend was away on a mission. So you had to do something about your pent up frustration yourself. You pulled your hand out underneath your underwear and pulled your sun dress over legs before you slipped off the bed and left your room.

The elevator dinged to a halt and you stepped out with a grumble. You weren't very hasty to get to the briefing. Deep in thought, you wondered down the hall that led to the boardroom, when you collided with something hard. You were ready to bite their head off until you saw who the bulky chest belong to. You raised your head and your heart jumped out of your chest. "Hey doll." He was smiling down at you. His blue eyes were sparkling and his hair looked damp.

"Bucky!" You squealed with delight and you happily threw your arms around him. He laughed, pulling you up and spinning you around, holding you tightly to his chest. "I missed you Buck," you muttered into his neck. The familair scent of his bodywash invaded your nostrils. He must've been in the shower moments ago. "I missed you too, beautiful."

He set you down, but his arms remained around you. "When did you get back?" You asked.

"Thirty minutes ago. I had to shower first. Couldn't come and see my girl smelling like blood and sweat," he murmurred. You raised a brow, but before you could ask Bucky spoke up. "Not my blood," he reassured. Your shoulders relaxed with relief. "Kiss me Bucky," you whispered and he complied. He cupped your face lovingly and leaned in, pressing his lips to yours.

His hands slipped into your hair as his lips moved over yours hungrily. The kiss was sweet yet psssionate. You moaned softly when he slipped his tongue into your mouth. Next thing you know is that you're pressed against wall, running your hands all over his body as the kiss deepened.

"I... missed you so much. Missed you kissing me," you said breathlessly between kisses. Bucky stopped kissing you and placed his lips to your ear. "Is that all you missed?" His voice was dangerously low. You could feel the heat pool between your legs. His teeth grazed your earlobe and you moaned, feeling his hot breath on your neck.

"Need you so bad now Y/N. Couldn't wait to come home, so I can fuck you into oblivian." You were getting wetter and wetter by the second as he spoke. His fingers toyed with the seam of your dress, before his hand slipped underneath it. You muffled a moan by biting your lip when his metal fingers rubbed over your clothed clit.

"Bucky-" you whined. "We're still in the hallway. Steve... Oh, or Sam could walk by any minute. Let's go to your room." Bucky shook his head. "Too far." He looked around and his eyes fell on the library door. "Come on," he said briskily, pulling you along. Adreniline coarsed through your veins.

He opened the door, checked to see if it was deserted. He smirked and he motioned you inside. When you were both in the room, he locked it. Bucky turned to you and you could see the bulge in his jeans. He was primal, eyes dark with lust as he stepped closer to you, like a predator stalking his prey. In an instant Bucky picked you up, your legs entangling around his waist. The mission briefing long forgotten.

He sat down on the black leather couch near the window overlooking the green plains of the compound. With you straddled in his lap, Bucky kissed you again, much more intense than before. Your fingers tugged on his locks and he groaned into your mouth. He moved his lips down to your neck, leaving open mouth kisses. "Gonna fuck you so good. Make up for all the time we've been apart," Bucky mumbled against your skin. You threw your head back as he bit into your skin, marking you with purple marks. "Oh, Bucky..." You moaned. His hands kneaded your breasts through your dress and you involuntarily arched your back.

You started moving your hips back and forth over his erection, desperate for any kind of friction against your throbbing clit. Bucky groaned, enjoying the sensation of you grinding on him. "Shit doll," he muttered, squeezing your breasts once last time, before his hands dissapeared beneath your dress.

"You're so fucking wet doll." His fingers grazed over your clit and you moaned. "Could just slip right in..." He was teasing you and the cold touch of metal against your clit made it very difficult to think clearly. "Bucky please," you begged, still moving your soaking cunt over his jeans.

"Please what? What do you want doll?" He asked, rolling his thumb over your clit again and again. The coil in your abdomen tightened, threathening to snap. You whined, but you knew he'd want to hear you say it. "Bucky I need you to fuck me, please Buck. Need your thick cock inside me," you panted. He growled and tore your underwear from your body, throwing the torn material to the floor.

"You drive me crazy Y/N." You unbuckled his belt and undid his jeans. He lifted his hips and you pulled his jeans to his knees. His cock stood proudly against his abs, leaking precum. You gripped his shaft and he groaned, placing his hands on your hips, bunching your dress up to expose your pussy. "Are you gonna ride me sweetheart?" He inclined.

You nodded and hovered your dripping pussy above his length before sinking down. You threw your head back and moaned out his name as his cock delved into your wet heat inch for inch. Bucky let out a carnal moan. "You feel so good inside me James," you breathed out when he was fully inside you, stretching your walls deliciously.

"Fuck baby, so warm and tight," he groaned blissfilly. You held on to his shoulders and lifted yourself up, until only the tip of his cock remained inside you. You sank back down, your juices running down your thighs. Bucky gripped your hips harder. He controlled your movements as you moved up and down his lenght.

"Shit Y/N, you take my cock so well doll." Your soft moans were driving him crazy, but he wanted more, he wanted you to scream. Your eyes were closed as you moved your hips in a circular motion, your eyes flew open when Bucky lifted his hips and fucked into you. "Yes, yes, yes," you chanted with each hard thrust of his hips.

You bounced up and down his cock, your juices creating a erotic sound as his cock drove deeper inside of you. You could feel your orgasm nearing. "Oh fuck you close doll? Pussy is squeezing the shit out of my cock. Fuck I'm gonna come." Bucky's lewd language made you moan.

"Buck I'm gonna come," you screamed laying your head on his shoulder, your body too tired as Bucky continued thrusting up into you with an animalistic force. "Bucky!" You screamed as you reached your peak. Your eyes rolling to the back of your head, pleasure coursing throughout your body as his cock drove into you over and over again, making you ride out your orgasm.

"Shit I'm coming, fuck- Fuck!" Bucky's hips stuttered into you and stilled as he came, hard. He groaned, feeling your walls clench around his throbbing cock as his seed spilled inside of you.

After a long moment of heavy panting and hearts beating rapidly, the both of you finally calmed down from your highs. "I needed that," you muttered into his neck. He chuckled, carding his fingers through your hair. "Me too."

"What do you say to us spending the rest of the day in bed? No missions, no training, no meet-"

"Oh fuck! The briefing! I forgot about the briefing. Steve's going to kill me," you stated. Bucky snickered.

"Miss Y/F/N, I was said to give you a message from Captain Rogers and I quote..."

"Y/N once you and Bucky's done 'fondue-ing' I'd like to start the briefing. And next time go to your room where the whole team can't hear the both of you." Your cheeks turned deep red.

[phantomofsilence]

Title: It's hard, but it's worth it.

Word count: 2188 words 11283 characters

Warning: None,really.Maybe some grammar mistakes?

A/N: I saw this gif and i had an idea. I got a little carried away thou. Gifs are not mine.

"How long has he been like this?" entering the room I looked over at sleeping Bucky and over exhausted Steve. Exhaling loudly, he closed his eyes rubbing them. Coming closer i nudged his shoulder handing him a cup of coffee.

"The same. Thank you." Besides a little bruise under his eye, Bucky looked as if he was just sleeping and not in a coma for the past three days.

"He's strong, you know that, Steve it's just taking him longer to heal. You heard Shury. He just needs time."

Convincing others he's going to be okay was a piece of cake, but convincing myself now that's another story. God i miss him so much. I'd give anything just so he opens his beautiful eyes.

Neither Steve nor me slept since he fell into coma, we convinced ourselves that watching over him somehow kept him alive. Even when i tried to get some shut eye i couldn't,the bed felt wrong, to spacious, to lonely.

"Steve, you're a mess. Go rest. I'll stay with him." turning towards me he opened his mouth to speak, i guess to argue with me but last minute decided against it and closed them nodding in agreement.

"Call me if there are any changes or you need rest. You hear me. Don't hesitate to call me." He squeezed my shoulder and turned to leave. "Thank you, Steve." he stopped at the door, but didn't turn around. "You know he made me promise if anything happened to him I'd have to take care of you."

His words surprised me, Bucky wanted him to take care of me? Now that made me miss him even more than i thought possible. Gazing at him with tears slowly filling my eyes i took my index finger and ran it genly down his left cheek.

"He did?" I chuckled shaking my head trying to stop myself from crying. Steve chuckled as well seemingly remembering their conversation.

"Yeah, he said you listen carefuly. If something happens to me, you take care of my girl, you hear me punk."

Tears now freely fell down my face while i laughed. It's like i could hear him say that.

" Still, you didn't have to be here here for me the way you were for that past three days. I know we never talked much before this, but in this short time that i got to know you, i realised that you are the most stubborn, self sacrificing, dramatic, loyal and the best person i have ever had pleasure knowing. And i wanna thank you for everything. I mean it Steve. "

I hoped i could convey how grateful i was to this man before me. In this short period of time this man has become my world, i depended on him, and he depended on me.We fulfilled each other, when he stopped i pushes us forward, when i stopped he was there to catch me.

I know it hasn't been long, but when the person you love is hurt and there's nothing you can do to help them you can feel every second as it passes. The worst kind of torture is feeling helpless.

"And they say i'm the dramatic one." he gave me a smile and left, i understood the smile, it said thank you, i'm grateful for you to, you are my friend. I loved how he managed to say so much without having to say anything at all.

Oh my Bucky, i hope you're still in there. And i hope you're fighting to get back to me. I miss you. I love you.

I sat in the chair next to his bed, placed my hand over his and leaned into the chair resting my head and i closed my eyes. The warmth of his hand gave me comfort. I had to take what i could get.

This waiting game is like warfare, constant nerve wracking feeling in my gut. All i could do is stay strong for him and Steve, hold on to hope for as long as i could. I had to stay strong, giving myself an option to be week was not negotiable, i couldn't fail him or Steve.

It's hard, but it's worth it, it has to be.

For the next five days Steve and I exchanged shifts watching Bucky praying for any sign of progress.

Now you were sipping on your seventh coffee cup staring into one dot at the wall. Five minutes ago i chased Steve out of the room to take a shower and eat something.He didn't want to eat and although I got why, i made him go eat, i lost my appetite as well but we had to eat. Forced on not, food was food. And we needed it.

"Oh my God." Bucky groaned next to me and begrudgingly opened his eyes. The light bothered him.

"(Y/N)?" he said, his voice raspy from lack of use. "Yes, Bucky?" wait what? Bucky? Bucky's awake! Bucky's awake. Oh my God! I need to breath! Oh God, he's awake. "Bucky? Oh God please don't let this be a dream! If this is a dream it's too cruel. Bucky, please, say something, love." he looked at me with those baby blues and for a second i forgot how to breath.

Clearing his throat he gaze was set on me, oh how i missed the way he looked at me, it's as if i was the last drop of water and he was a man in a desert dying of thirst." Hey, doll. You missed me, baby?"

I felt so many emotions at the same time it rendered me speechless.All i could do was reach my hand towards his face caressing him softly.

With a small smile on my face i gazed at him lovingly, soaking him in. I was afraid to blink fearing i might break the spell and he'll disappear.

"Hey baby. Talk to me my love. Let me hear that sweet voice of yours." he whispered gently as if not to spook me, taking my hand in his, he squeezing it and said with a shaky voice. "Hey, i love you, my love. I thought I'd never see you again. You're my girl, you're my girl."

His words turned me into a mess, crying and shaking while squeezing his hand harder. "Bucky?" he smiled at me and bit his lip. "Yes, baby. What is it?"

Everything was suddenly too much, the way he was looking at me left me chasing my breath. I before i could think i said the first though that entered my mind. "You need a shower." at first he looked at me shocked before laughing wholeheathedly.

Before i knew i was laughing with him, it was one of those laughs you couldn't contain, one of those laughs that made your stomach hurt.

He brought the hand that he was holding to his lips and kissed it."Damn, doll, i think i ripped couple of my stitches, though i think i'll need a little more recovering to do before i can shower. I guiess you 'll have to put up with me like this a little longer."

I brought my other hand to wipe my eyes, i smiled shyly at him. "I'm sorry i don't know why i said that." he chuckled and kissed my hand again. "Oh, don't go shy on me now, doll. If you didn't ruin the moment like you always do, you wouldn't be my best girl."

Man, he always knew what to say and he was right i always had to ruin it. "It's annoying how well you know me." He grimaced and tried to cover it with a smile.But i noticed immediately. "Where does it hurt?" I asked but Bucky being Bucky tried to play it off as nothing. "Why? Are you gonna kiss it better?"but i wasn't falling for it." James, i'm serious. "sensing the urgency in the tone of my voice and the use of his first name made him realise i was woried and terrified for his well being.

" Don't panic, but I really think i pulled something when i laughed. "taking a deep breath i tried my hardest to look calm and collected. What now? Oh, right, Shury! I took the call button in my hand but before i could press it to notify someone, a lady doctor and two nurses walked into the room.

"As soon as Sargent Barnes woke up we were notified, but decided to give you two some privacy. Though now that needs to be cut short. If you could please wait outside, Miss (Y/N)." The doctor explained and i nodded and left the room giving Bucky a smile.

It's been twenty minutes since i was asked to leave the room. Every second I'd look over towards the door expecting someone to tell me what was wrong. I know that they are just doing their job and that i need to grateful, and i am but i am also worried. Please be okay.

Steve walked into the hallway disheveled, clearly he had been sleeping prior to this. He saw me and sat next to me bouncing knee.

"A hey, Steve! He's alive would have been nice, you know." I know the jab was on purpose but well meaning. "I'm sorry, i should have called you. I was just so happy that he was awake i didn't think about anything else." i still should have call him, i wasn't the only one worried about him, but I just forgot. "I know." that's another thing that made Steve so amazing, his understanding nature.

The doctor came out of the room along with the nurses, their expressions unreadable which made me worry. " You can relax, Miss (Y/N). Sargent Barnes is stable, he heals faster than a normal human being so the recovery should pass without a glitch. But. "I knew there had to be a but. Why is there always a but? " Sergeant Barnes needs rest and a peaceful environment,so nothing to dramatic. "like with everything when it gets to real i have to make a joke. "Alright, well then Steve, he'll see you when he recovers." he gave me a look of confusion.

"But why?" he asked with a small voice. "Well you heard the doctor , she said nothing dramatic."

"You know what, (Y/N)." before he could finish i cut him of. "Go." I pointed towards the room. "What?" he asked. "Go, see him. I'll wait here, and remember nothing to dramatic. I know it's hard since it's you, but hang in there."

"You just can't do something sweet and not ruin it with words." he smirked at me, got up and moved towards the door. "No, not really that's not my style." he chuckled and disappeared as he stepped into the room.the doctor moved to leave. "Wait. Thank you." she turned and nodded. "It was my pleasure."

Ten minutes later Steve stuck his head out of the room. "He's asking for you." Standing up and stretching my legs i entered the room. Both men smiled at me and i couldn't help but smile back at them. Steve gave me a side hug and kissed my forehead mumbling about giving us some time alone.

"Hi." I said,weirdly now i felt nervous to be alone with him and he could sense it. "Hey. I hope my confession isn't the reason you are so freaked out." He said half joking, half being serious. "No, it's not that. I don't know why i am so nervous. "he visibly relaxed after my reply." Well i am glad that i can still make you nervous."of course he wouldn't be James Buchanan Barnes if he didn't try to lighten the mood. And i loved him for it.

"Come here, doll." he moved a little wincing while trying to make room for me so i could seat near him on the bed.

Carefully i sat next to him, i didn't want to accidentally push him. "James." I said. "Yeah?" It was now or never, while i wanted for him to wake up i realised i never said it, and i might not get to chance to ever say it, And that thought alone made me feel even worse. Here goes nothing.

"I love you, James Buchanan Barnes. I love you." He looked up at me as if he couldn't believe that i said it and it just made me feel more stupid for not saying it sonner."Say it again." he pleaded. "I love you." grinning like a cheshire cat he replied."Again, please." now i was also smiling, i looked down in embarrassment. "I love you." this time i said it, i felt myself blushing. God what was wrong with me?

"Again?" deciding to tease him a bit i gave him a smirk and said. "If this is gonna be a recurring thing maybe i shouldn't have said it." rolling his eyes at me with a smile on his face he said. "See, here you go again ruining the moment." I giggled at his statement.

"Say it again."

"I love you James Buchanan Barnes."

"Again."

[borntobewinterbyjessieb]

The Truth Revealed

                     -Steve's POV-

I couldn't wait for tomorrow. Deporting to the camp. Darcy stayed by my side yesterday and today. And tomorrow I'd have to say goodbye.

What a sad and joyous occasion. Saying goodbye and yet saying hello to a whole new adventure. Going into the army. I stood in Bucky's or our living room staring at Darcy waiting for any word from Bucky. Part of the 107th infantry.

I sighed running my hands through my hair. Darcy seemingly sensing my frustration came to my side nudging my hand to her nose.

"Darcy what am I going to do? I wish you could come with me..." I said squaring my shoulders.

She nuzzles my hand and put a paw on my knee.

-Darcy POV-

It was now three days past Steve's departure. I was still in my wolf form and pacing back and forth.

'I have to get to him. There's no way he would survive without some sort of support system!' I thought.

I have to! But I can't go like this! Well maybe I can...

I ran to the nearest recruiting tent. I snuck in as a wolf. When someone noticed me!

"Eeeek!! It's a wolf!!! Get it out!!!" Some woman screeched. They shoo'd me out. Well that didn't work...

I went to a back alley and transformed into my human form. I ran back to the recruiting tent.

A young man greeted me with a smile.

"What can I do for you miss?"

"I'd like to volunteer my services to the army." I said in full confidence.

The young man just laughed at me.

I would do whatever it takes to get into the army. So I went back around the tent and saw a doctor smoking a cigarette. While I didn't quite understand why a female doctor would be smoking, I did see an opportunity.

I made my way to her and I asked. "Hey doc, why do it think it's so hard for us women to join the military?"

She shrugged, "Don't ask me. I don't care about going into the military I just check em out and check them up."

"Thank you for your time doctor." I said turning back around to walk away.

"Wait!" She yelled.

I turned back around immediately alarmed by her sudden outburst.

"I might know a way to get you in." she said

I looked up at her in confusion.

"I saw you come in and talk to Lewis. When he laughed at you... well that pissed me off and I may not want to join myself, but that doesn't mean I think women shouldn't join." She sighed. "What I'm trying to say is... a couple days ago one of my colleagues took in a boy just wasn't cut out for the military life. Yet he helped that young man and made his dream come true. I want to be like my colleague in that way so I'll help you."

"Thanks I think..."

She laughed, "By the way the name's Janine. Janine Iwensky. Nice to meet ya." She held out her hand for me to shake.

I hesitated but I took her hand and shook it.

"I'm Darcy... Darcy Dolohov." I smiled.

"Do you have a place to stay in the mean time? I mean I can tell your not from around here your accent is different. Alaskan? Maybe? Anyways I have a spare room at my place. You could bunk there until we figure this out." She smiled sweetly.

"Yeah how did you know?!" My eyes immediately sparked. No one could ever tell where I'm from. So it was pretty awesome that she could. "It would be great  if you could do that for me! But I don't want to be a bother..."

"No sugah don't you worry bout a thing!"

————2 years later 1943—————

-Steve's POV-

"We have a surprise for you Cap!" One of the lieutenants said. "We figure Captain America could use a sidekick. Well a mascot more like. And don't worry it's fully trained and tamed!"

"What's going on lieutenant?" Said the Colonel.

"Well we have a surprise for the Cap."

"Alright let's see it." Said Colonel Phillips.

The lieutenant whistled.

And in came a white wolf wagging its tail.

It looked vaguely familiar. "Darcy?!" I gasped.

The wolf ran up to me, and pounced on me licking my face.

"H-how is this possible?!" I asked.

"Well one of our higher ups, she's a doctor, said that you always had this here wolf with you, and she'd had one of our cadets train her. She figured you'd like to have her back." The lieutenant grinned.

"Thank you very much lieutenant. Colonel is this fine by you?" I turned toward Colonel Phillips.

"Are you sure this thing is tame and has been trained enough for the fields?" Asked Colonel Phillips.

"Yes sir, and she is a beauty. Might I say sir." Said the lieutenant.

"What's your name lieutenant?" The Colonel Asked.

"Lieutenant Derrell Lewis, sir!" He saluted.

"Well lieutenant Lewis you are dismissed!" Said the Colonel.

"Yes sir" Lewis said as he left.

"It's alright son, you can keep it." Colonel Phillips stayed blatantly.

"Alright back to work Rogers." He said leaving the tent.

I was alone in the tent no one but me and Darcy.

"Darcy how did you get here?!" I asked knowing there would be no reply.

Suddenly I heard a ruckus outside of the tent. Peggy came up to me.

"Don't worry about it Steve. It's just the production manager wanting you to know he needs you back at the plane to go to your next performance." She said.

I'm getting tired of these little concerts and advertisements for bonds. I want to be doing more. I wanna be out there on the battlefield!

- a week later-

Peggy met me backstage after I had just performed for the 107th.

"Hello Peggy. What can I do for you?" I asked.

"That was one heck of a performance captain." She smiled.

"Yeah well bonds buy bullets, bullets kills nazis, each kill closer to ending this war."

"You sound like senator Brandt." Her smile fell.

"Well its that or Phillips was gonna stick me in a lab..." I said

"You were meant for more than this Steve." Peggy looks at my sketch.

"Are those really your only options? A lab rat or a dancing monkey?" She smirks at me.

"All I've ever wanted was to be out there on the front lines. To be a hero so suddenly... after all those years of people telling me I'll always be nothing." I paused as a platoon of men come out of an army vehicle, catches my eye "They look like they've been through hell..."

"These men more than most." she said as I was watching them. I noticed Darcy sniffing through the soldiers as if looking for someone.

"Hydra?" I asked expectantly.

"Not officially." She explained.

"Back home that's a yes." I say nodding my head.

She looks at me at if debating with herself, then leans in. "Schmidt was moving a force through

Azzano. 200 hundred men went up against them, less than fifty came back. Your audience contained all that's left of the 107th. The rest were killed or captured."

My head snapped to attention and my eyes alert. "The 107th?!"

She nodded. "Yes, What is it?"

"Come on." I said as a scowl passed on my face. I whistled to Darcy and she bolted by my side.

-Darcy's POV-

I ran to Steve as he called. I needed time to prepare seeing as how I think I know what's going on in his mind. I used my teeth and lightly tugged in Peggy's skirt.

She looked down on me with a expression of shock and confusion.

"Steve?" She said sounding unsure.

"Darcy stop!" I huffed he clearly didn't get the message.

I began pawing at the dirt, knowing Peggy would understand.

"I need alone time with Peggy I need to pee. And I don't like Steve watching me pee." I said in Morse code.

As realization finally sunk in Peggy laughed and tossed her head back.

Steve looked at her like she was crazy.

"That is one smart wolf you got there Rogers!"

"What? What is it?!" He asked bewildered.

"She needs to use the bathroom and she doesn't like going to the bathroom with you around." She chuckled at the thought.

Steve turned red for a moment and then said, "well okay I'll be at the Jeep."

She waved him off.

"Aren't you a smart girl?" She smirked as I lead her over to a secluded area with a tent. I went inside her following. I checked the perimeter making sure no one could hear or see us.

Then I transformed right in front of her knowing I could trust her and she wouldn't hold it against me for waiting to long to tell her like I did Steve.

She gasped nearly falling over as she backed away.

"Hey, hey easy now... easy. I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm still Darcy but I'm just... me... now."

"Wait so you're like a werewolf?" she gaped.

"Technically Yes, But my kind prefer the term Shayde." I said and thus leading into a thirty minute explanation.

"Well I'll be darned. That sure is quite the story and I'd not believe it had I not just seen you turn into a human..." she said seemingly fascinated.

"You can't tell anyone! Please! I need to be here just as much as Steve. I think I just told you this but I cast a shadow on Steve and well I felt a connection between me and Steve's childhood friend, Bucky. Bucky is in the 107th."

Her eyes widened And she gasped.

"You need to tell Steve." she said with an all too knowing look. I don't think I like the look of it either.

"I know but after waiting this long I don't know how." I said looking down and feeling ashamed at all my secrecy.

"Well we'll just show him now. I'll come back with you instead of Darcy that could also help the situation a bit. And on our way to camp you can explain it to him in more detail than you told me." She said confidently

"You make it sound so easy..." I said smiling.

We walked out of the tent with our arms linked in a show of support. And we walked right up to Steve and he looked shocked.

"What are you doing here Darla?!" Steve nearly yelled.

I smiled sheepishly, "My real name isn't Darla it's.... its Darcy." I said as I shifted back into the form he is so used to seeing me in. I then shifted back into human form. And hugged him as he stood there mouth agape.

"I'm so sorry Steve!" I said and burst out in tears. And with that we rode off as I explained EVERYTHING to him.

[phantomofsilence]

Title : Stuck Between A Rock And A Hard Place

Word Count : Honestly who the hell knows?

Warning : Sad Bucky, sad Steve, you can see it from the request.

A/N :

Alright so i already posted this request but Tumblr somehow deleted it. So i had to do it all over again. Well thankfully not the story, i fortunately wrote it in the notes, i learned that lesson the hard way. Anyway along with a story the request itself was deleted. So i think this is how the request went, if it was your request message me if it was wrong. Also i had a really hard time with this request, i don't know why i just wasn't inspired, well probably more tired from college than inspired, but that's why it took so long. I wanted to do it right. Also for anyone else who send me a request i saw it, and i will right it as soon as my obligations allow me some free time. Also i did the P. O. V. thing so don't get confused. Okay, enough rambling, i hope you like it. And also i believe there was a compliment in the request for gif usage, thank you for that. 😘😘😘❤️

Request : Can you do a fic where you and the new agent are getting closer to the point where the team suspects that you are falling out of love with Bucky? (angst to fluff).

Steve's P. O. V.

As soon as he saw her enter the kitchen Chris was out of his seat smothering her in a hug, but Natasha and Steve, hung back and watched with frowns on their faces.

They stayed quiet during their conversation occasionally sipping coffee.

Their stubbornness and Steve's persistence in making sure both him and the team stay out of this complicated and deeply personal situation, rendered them mute, as they stood there cold and stoic, as they sipped on their coffee.

Many would say the intimacy in the embrace, those gentle smiles, and completely unnecessary gazes they were curently being subjected to were highly inappropriate and Steve would have to agree with them.

The more he��watched, the more sorry he felt for his friend. But no, Steve wasn't angry at her, he was hurt. How could such a sweet girl be so uncaring? No one deserves this kind of treatment, his friend the least. He's been through so much already, Steve thought you out of all people understood this.

He lost so much, did he have to lose you too?

You were the rock that kept thing moving, a force anyone could fall back on if needed to be. And you want to abandon it all, for this Chris, a man you barely know compared to his friend.

Steve knew he was letting his feelings cloud his judgement, and you haven't really done anything but spent time with a man you claimed was your friend, a man that was your partner. He knew he spent just as much, if not more time with Natasha and she was one of his most valued friends.

Also, Chris seemed like a nice guy, the kind of man if you were still single he'd advise you to go for.

But that's it, you weren't single. In fact you were in a committed relationship with the most important person in his life.

He was stuck between a rock and a hard place, and he didn't know what to do. Invade his best friend's privacy or let his best friend be hurt when he could at least cushion the blow.

One more look at the 'lovely couple' and he decided, privacy be damned, his friend deserves honesty at least and he was gonna make sure he got it for him.

"Steve.." a voice trailed off cautiously, he looked over the see Natasha leaning on the counter facing them, with her head turned towards him looking at him.

"I know, Nat." he knew he shouldn't have snapped, it wasn't her fault. She sighed.

"Steve it should be one of us, I know it sucks to hurt him like that, but it's even worse if he caught them, and we knew but didn't tell him."Like always the redhead was right, but he still tried to reason with her.

"But she hasn't done anything yet Natasha, we can't make things up when they didn't happen."

She rolled her eyes at his statement. "Yes, Steve, she hasn't done anything, yet Steve. The key word being yet. Come on, Steve! They've known each other for only two months, and they are joined at the hip. If you think Bucky didn't notice you are mistaken. Dude's been giving her the kicked puppy eyes for days now and she hasn't even noticed choosing to ogle at her new beau. This calls for revenge! "The redhead took a deep breath and said.

" He is your best friend Steve, if the rolls were reversed wouldn't you like him to say something? "

Steve didn't respond, it wasn't necessary, they both knew the answer. Instead of pushing him, Natasha gently squeezed his shoulder and left him in the kitchen to think it over.

An hour later Steve was letting out his anger on a punching bag. The more he thought about it, the more conflicted he got.

This wasn't his relationship but it was his friend. Thou you were his friend too, after Peggy's death you along with Natasha were there for him, hell you've spent the whole day making jokes just to make him forget.

You were like Bucky, the Bucky from before, not just before The Winter Soldier, but before the war. The guy that got him in a lot of trouble and the guy that stood by him and protected him when he took a bite too large to swallow.

The man that took him to many unsuccessful dates, his companion, his family, it's what drew him to you.

You were a sense reality in the world that no longer made sense, a familiar face in a strange place.

Although he wanted to protect his friend, he also felt oddly protective of you. He couldn't betray your trust, but he couldn't betray Bucky either.

Why did this has to be so hard? He thought and punched the punching bag so hard it ripped and fell few feet away.

"What did that punch bag ever do to you?" Said a man Steve was successfully avoiding since this morning.

"Oh, hey Buck. What's up?" he said trying to act nonchalant. "I could ask you the same thing. Why are you avoiding me? Did i do something?" Bucky demanded.

"I'm not avoiding you." Steve mildly shrugged. Glaring at him he got closer almost to his face. "What the hell is going on?"

Steve could hear the anger in his voice, but also hurt, trying to protect him he's the one that ended up hurting him.

"Nothing, Buck." Steve said. "Listen here, punk!

"It's bad enough the love of my life could possible be cheating on me right now, now i can't even trust you!? What the hell man?"

Steve looked at his best friend, his eyes were puffy, tears threatening to spill, but he refused to let them fall, he had dark bags under his eyes, he hasn't been sleeping well, his hands shaking in anger, this was a man already hurt.

"Look i wanted to tell you about her, but I didn't want to betray her either so I've been ignoring you both so i don't hurt anyone. I guess that ship sailed." He said, his friend deserved honestly at least he can get it from him.

"You think she's cheating on me?" asked Bucky. "I don't know, man. I did not see her so anything, from all we know we're just making stuff up."

Steve frowned, even thou he shouldn't do it now, he was defending her. "You're a good friend, Steve. But i didn't ask what you saw, i want a yes or no answer." Bucky said.

"Why do i matter, why are you asking me? If you really wanted to know you'd ask her. But you're asking me because you know i will never give you that answer. So why are you asking me, Buck?" Steve demanded.

Bucky glared at him, before he grabbed his shoulder giving him a smile." You're a punk, kid."Bucky said, paused to inhale and exhale before continuing." It's because i don't really wanna know. I love her, Steve. If fact i love her so much that even thou, she 's literally ripping me in half, my brain is still finding a reason to forgive her. That she loves me and it's all a mistake. I'm pathetic."

Bucky lowered his head, squeezed his shoulder again, let go and turned to leave.

At the door Steve voice halted him in place.

" You're not pathetic. You love her. Knowing you my whole life, you were never soft on a dame like that. I'm sorry it had to be like this."

Without turning around Bucky whispered. "Me too." And left.

Steve could see it bright as day this man was a mess. He had to do something, you might be his friend, and it wasn't his business , but he was about to confront you.

Steve knew you, you were not a coward.

He would get you to tell the truth, perhaps it wasn't too late. You need to be honest and you might even work it out with Bucky.

Taking his phone out of his pocket he texted you to meet him in his room.

Your P. O. V.

After the workout Chris suggested you go to the diner you always go after a successful mission.

"Come on it's been some time since we been there." Snorting at that statement you replied. "We literally went there two days ago."

Groaning Chris whined. "Exactly, too long, come on i know you can practically taste those fries and that strawberry and vanilla milkshake you like. Eh, it will be fun and if i may say so i make great company."

Although the offer was tempting, and you really could taste those fries and that delicious milkshake, you had to go home to your boyfriend.

You missed him so much, and judging by those sad eyes he's been giving you he missed you just as much, if not more.

The missions you were being sent on this past month left little to no time for your relationship, and now having to prepare for an undercover mission of great importance and you weren't allowed to speak about it with anyone according to Maria, you were forced to spend all your free time with Chris.

Well forced was a harsh word, Chris was a great man and an amazing partner, but he wasn't your boyfriend.

"Sorry gotta take a rain check." You mumbled apologetically. Chris smiled and pulled you in for a hug.

"Hey i get it, if i had a hunk like that waiting for me at home, i wouldn't even bother talking to you. Scram, kid." You arched an eyebrow on chuckling. "Is that so? "

"I'd fuck him."

As you were nearing your apartment your phone buzzed. Looking at the screen you saw you had a text from Steve. Opening it read' We need to talk, met me at my place'.

Steve was not the best texter but he never sounded this urgent and formal. If this was about the mission he would have asked meat at The Tower, this was personal.

Something was wrong.

All it took was three knocks to be met with Steve's hard gaze, he stood aside allowing you to come in.

"So we need to talk?Are you breaking up with me Steve?"A light-hearted joke that was meant to brighten the mood was met with a glare. Okay, not the right crowd.

"Listen, i know it's non of my business and you're my friend, but this needs to end. What the hell is going on with you and Chris? "

Steve asked firmly before placing his hands on his belt buckle. You knew that stance, you've seen it a million times, it was meant to frighted and send a message that he met business.

You never thought you's see it being used on you. But you weren't so easily scared.

"You're right, Steve it's non of your business ." You replied defensively. Who was he thinking he could question you?

"You're right, but i don't care. I'm the one who has to watch my friend heartbroken when you leave with Chris, so excuse me if I'm a little protective. Just don't. Own up to it." Steve said.

"Own up to what, Steve? Heartbroken? My Bucky? What the hell is going on?" You demanded. You have done nothing to Bucky. What the hell is he talking about?"You hurt him and..." Steve began but you cut him off. "Hurt him i haven' t even spoken to him!" You piped up.

"Exactly."

Bucky's P. O. V.

Knowing he couldn't stay cupped up in his room with all those thoughts swearing in his head Bucky decided to take a walk, and by walk he meant a run, muttering angry at nothing and panting wildly.

He wasn't sure if he was panting because he was tired from the aggressive run or the work his mind put him through.

He decided the latter.

As if he was cursed to suffer today, he ran into the last person he wanted to see. Chris strolled up to him, a bright smile on his face, as if he wasn't the cause to his misery. Some nerve on this guy!

"Hey, Buck right?" he said to Bucky holding his hand for him to shake. Bucky just looked down at it frown.

"Not a hand shaker? Alright, i get it. I'm getting used on it myself.Also some say it's unhygienic."

What pissed of Bucky even more was that Chris wasn't even fazed by Bucky unfriendly stance. This guy!

"Anyway i just wanted to meet the man my partner won't shut up about. I mean that woman's got you on a pedestal you'd think your shooting rainbow out of your ass."

Keep rubbing salt to an open wound, Bucky though. This dude was something else.

"Look man, i don't really know her for that long, but she's kinda grown on me. She's one heck of a woman. She means a lot to me and... " Bucky cut him of. "I can imagine." He remarked through his teeth.

"No, you really can't, she has been there for me after the war, you know when you get back everyone keeps walking on egg shells around you, it's a strange place, even the bed feels wrong, too soft. But she made me feel human."

Suddenly the anger for the man was gone and all that was left was confusion. Chris was a marine? It would explain his posture.

" She's not afraid to hold me, i thank God or whatever is out there everyday for a friend like her. "

Bucky knew what he was talking about oh to well, she made him fell the same. She was comfort, she was peace, she was his home.

" Why are you telling me all of this? "Bucky asked.

" Because I'm not blind, i know a jealous man when i see one. She holds me because it helps me relax, not because she is in love with me. Don't even try to deny it. I know what it feels to love her, but you know what it feels like to be loved by her. If anyone has the right to be jealous, it's me. Don't screw this up, man. See ya. "

Before Bucky even had the chance to process what Chris had said, he turned and ran the other way.

Walking into your room you felt oddly nervous. You didn't even know it but you've made the man you love, a man in doubt.

He now questioned your love and you did not even notice. Sure you saw a bit of sadness but regarded it as him simply missing you.

Not a man heartbroken and riddled with insecurities. He probably hasn't even slept right and you didn't see it.

There was no reason for your fear, the room was empty, no Bucky in sight. Footsteps in the hallway made you turn around. Walking out of the room you followed the footsteps into the hallway, outside your apartment, down the stairs and only when you were outside did you catch the glimpse of the man of our.

Gathering enough courage you called out Bucky who at the sound of your voice turned and froze.

The tension was high, you could feel it in the air as you stared at one another.

Just as you opened your mouth to speak not even knowing what to say Bucky crossed the distance, grabbed you by the back of your neck and kissed you.

It only took you a second to respond, the kiss was desperate, teeth clashing, tongues fighting for dominance, while hands roamed all over, pulling, squeezing.

Pulling away for air you kept your eyes closed. "Tell me you love me." Pleaded Bucky, making you feel even more guilty.

Opening your eyes your hands sneaked themselves around his neck pulling until your forehead touched his own.

"I'm not sure about a lot of things Bucky. But there is one thing i am sure about and that is that i love you, James Buchanan Barnes, i love you and i always will. I'm sorry i ever made you doubt my love. "

"No, i am the one that's sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you in the first place. I got so stuck in my own head. I'm sorry. I love you so much, doll."

"I love you. Let's just forget about it and agree that from now on we will talk about this things. No holding back. "

"You're right. From now, we talk. But please be patient with me. And do me a favor, will you."

"Anything."

"Don't quit on me. I know it can be hard to be with me sometimes, but I love you as much it is possible for this broken man to love. "

"You're not broken, just bent. And don't act like I'm a walk in the park, i know i can be frustrating. But this is a relationship, we work together, we compromise, we fight, we make love. We don't quit on each other, we fight for us."

"I love you."

"And i love you."