#it’s okay. I will learn to enjoy and be familiar with love and joy !! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

tqlepatiia · 7 months ago

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the space between us | b. barnes & c. barton

masterlist | pt.1

summary: y/n struggles to heal after ending her turbulent relationship with bucky. in her quest for solace, she finds unexpected comfort in clint, whose genuine connection helps her reclaim her joy. as she navigates the complexities of moving on, bucky grapples with his regrets and the consequences of his actions. amid moments of laughter, heartfelt conversations, and emotional confrontations, y/n learns to embrace a new chapter in her life, ultimately discovering that it's okay to love again. can bucky come to terms with his choices and accept the happiness y/n deserves?

pairing: bucky barnes x reader x clint barton

warnings: angst, emotional distress, heartbreak, complex relationship dynamics, confrontations, mentions of mental health struggles, potential triggers related to emotional abuse, strong language, and themes of self-discovery and healing.

notes: hi lovelies! here is part 2, as requested by @idontcareforausernamesblog! <33 i can’t even tell you how emotional this one was to write – i may or may not have cried while putting this together (okay, i totally did 🥲). i poured my heart into this, so i really hope you all enjoy it as much as i did! thank you all so much for your love and patience. you guys are the best, and i can't wait to hear what you think! 💌

word count: 18.5k

Weeks had slipped by since you walked away from Bucky, and the silence in the compound seemed heavier with each passing day. Every corner of the place was filled with memories of laughter, warmth, and moments you wished you could forget. Now, all that remained was the thick air of unresolved feelings and the ache in your chest whenever you caught a glimpse of him in the halls. You had made the decision to leave, to break free from the endless cycle of hurt and frustration, but that hadn’t freed you from the weight of the heartbreak.

You pushed through the door of the training room, and the familiar smell of sweat and metal greeted you. Once, this room had been a place of comfort—a shared sanctuary for you and Bucky, filled with playful banter and moments when the world seemed to disappear. But now, it felt like a space you had to reclaim for yourself.

Standing in the middle of the room, you closed your eyes and took a deep breath, focusing on the way your muscles stretched as you prepared for the workout ahead. You had to stay present, focus on the strength you were trying to rebuild.

Hey, take a breath, doll. You’ve got this. I believe in you.

Bucky’s voice echoed in your mind, uninvited. His hands had once steadied you in this very room, his presence strong and reassuring.

You shook your head, trying to push the memory away. No. Not now. You couldn’t afford to get lost in the past again. But as you began to stretch, you could still feel that heaviness lingering in your chest. Why did everything with Bucky have to be so complicated? The lightness of being with Clint felt so different—like a breath of fresh air—but guilt washed over you at the thought of moving on so quickly. How could you enjoy this moment when Bucky was still reeling from the breakup?

The sound of the door opening broke the silence, and you turned to see Clint Barton walking in with his usual swagger. He was wearing a fitted black tank top and workout shorts, his smirk firmly in place as he spotted you. There was something about the way he carried himself, a lightness that seemed almost contagious, even when you were feeling your worst.

“Hey, look who finally decided to grace us with their presence!” he teased, though you noticed the slight hesitation in his voice. “You ready to get your butt handed to you today?”

You managed a smile, but it didn’t quite reach your eyes. “More like I’m ready to kick your butt, Hawkeye.”

Clint chuckled, his smirk widening, but there was a brief flicker of something in his expression—an awareness, perhaps, that the teasing had to be balanced carefully. You could see he was trying to keep things light for you. “Big talk from someone who's fresh off a heartbreak courtesy of the Winter Soldier,” he quipped lightly, but his eyes softened immediately, watching for your reaction.

You let out a hollow laugh, not entirely sure if you found it funny or if it was just a defense mechanism. “Trust me, I’m ready to channel all of that into training.”

He nodded, respecting your space, and you squared up, hitting the pads with more force than necessary. The sound of your fists connecting with the pads echoed through the room, each punch a release of the pent-up frustration and pain that had been swirling inside you for weeks.

But even as you punched, the memories came back. You could see Bucky’s face, the way he looked at you during those quiet moments when it was just the two of you, when you believed that maybe everything would be okay.

His hands on yours, teaching you to throw a punch properly. His voice, low and soothing, telling you to relax.

Suddenly, you found yourself instinctively moving as if Bucky were right there beside you, guiding you through a complex maneuver. The memory hit hard, freezing you mid-punch, the muscle memory overwhelming. For a split second, everything blurred around you—the pads, the room, even Clint’s presence faded into the background.

“Y/N!” Clint’s voice broke through the fog, softer this time, and you blinked rapidly, coming back to the present. “Hey, focus up. You’ve got this. Just remember, it’s not a Hawkeye thing; it’s a you thing.”

You stumbled slightly, shaking your head as you regained your balance. “Right. Sorry,” you mumbled, the weight of that unspoken moment lingering between you.

“Just take a breath,” he said, his voice calm yet steady. “You’ve got this. Just find your rhythm. You’re doing great, I promise.”

With his reassurance, you continued to hit the pads, but the memory of Bucky’s touch lingered, a ghostly reminder of what you had lost. Each punch felt heavier now, laced with the weight of your heartache. You could almost feel the tightness in your throat, the sting behind your eyes, the tears you fought to hold back.

“Y/N!” Clint called out after a while, concern creeping into his voice. “You okay in there? Talk to me.”

You paused, chest heaving as you caught his eyes, the question lingering in the air between you. His worry was palpable, but you couldn't bring yourself to meet it fully. Instead, you swallowed hard and nodded, trying to shove down the emotions clawing their way to the surface. “Yeah,” you replied quickly, a little too quickly. “I'm fine. Let's just keep going.”

Clint gave you a skeptical look but didn't push. He nodded, stepping back to give you space as you squared up again, channeling everything into the next hit. This time, you weren’t just striking the pads—every punch felt like it was trying to break through something deeper.

The sound of your fists connecting with the pads echoed sharply in the room, each impact reverberating through your body, but doing little to quiet the storm inside you. As much as you wanted to stay in the present, your mind betrayed you, tugging you back into memories you'd been desperately avoiding.

Bucky's hand, steadying yours as you stood together, his voice low and teasing as he corrected your form. The way he looked at you like you were the only person in the room, the weight of his gaze grounding you in ways nothing else could.

You grit your teeth, hitting harder. It wasn’t fair—the way those memories clung to you, even after everything that had happened. The harder you tried to push them away, the more vivid they became, like a fog that thickened the more you struggled against it. Every punch felt like a futile attempt to exorcise his ghost from your heart.

“Look at you go!” Clint called out after a while, his voice breaking through your thoughts. “At this rate, you’ll be gunning for my job in no time. Might have to start watching my back, huh?”

You smirked, catching your breath. “You’re just saying that because you’re scared I’ll take your place, Hawkeye.”

Clint gasped dramatically, putting a hand over his heart. “Accuse me of treachery? I'm wounded.” But the playful look in his eyes quickly shifted to something more serious, his expression softening as he added, “But seriously—you're tougher than you think. I’m impressed.”

For a moment, his words sank in, and you felt a brief sense of pride warm your chest. But that warmth was fleeting, replaced by the all-too-familiar gnawing guilt that surfaced when your thoughts strayed too close to Bucky. You wanted to be strong. You wanted to believe Clint’s words. But a part of you still felt like you were breaking, piece by piece, under the weight of your past with him.

You slowed down, your punches growing weaker. “You’re slowing down,” Clint said, dropping the pads, stepping closer as your breath came in ragged gasps. “Hey, you alright?” he asked softly, his earlier lighthearted tone replaced with something deeper, something understanding.

You hesitated, your guard still up. “Yeah, just… tired,” you said, though you knew that wasn’t entirely true. The emotions bubbling just beneath the surface were harder to contain.

Clint didn’t push, but he also didn’t move away. He stood there, waiting, giving you the space to decide if you wanted to open up. And as the silence stretched between you, something in you shifted. Maybe it was the way he was just there, steady and unwavering, that made you feel like maybe, just maybe, you could let a little bit of the wall down.

“It’s hard,” you admitted, your voice quieter now. “I thought leaving him would make it easier, but it hasn’t.”

As the words left your lips, a tightness gripped your throat, and you felt a sting in your eyes, the tears you had been holding back threatening to spill over. Clint’s expression shifted to one of concern, and before you could stop him, he reached out to wipe away a tear that had escaped down your cheek.

You flinched slightly at the touch, the tenderness foreign after the chaos of your relationship with Bucky. “I’m sorry,” you murmured, suddenly feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Clint’s hand dropped back to his side, his expression softening with understanding. “Hey, it’s okay,” he said gently. “You’ve been through a lot. It’s normal to feel this way.”

You looked down, feeling the weight of his words settle over you. “It doesn’t feel like the right thing,” you whispered, the guilt gnawing at you again.

He stepped closer, resting a reassuring hand on your shoulder. “Hey, you're tougher than you give yourself credit for. It’s not gonna be easy, but you’ll get there. And don’t worry—I'm not going anywhere.” he said, sincerity lacing his words. In that moment, you realized that Clint’s presence felt like a refuge, a safe space where you could process your pain without the complexity that came with Bucky. You were seen and supported, free to be yourself as you navigated the emotions swirling inside you.

You felt a swell of gratitude for Clint in that moment, for his unwavering support and understanding. As the moment lingered, Clint reached over to grab a towel from the nearby bench, his fingers brushing against yours as he handed it to you. The brief contact sent an unexpected spark through you, and you looked up to see him watching you intently.

“Drink up, champ,” he said, bringing you a bottle of water next. “I’d hate to be the one who has to drag your unconscious ass around.” He held the bottle out with a playful grin, and as you took it, your fingers lingered for a moment, the connection both comforting and electric.

“Thanks, Clint. It means a lot to me,” you said, feeling the warmth of his kindness wrap around you like a comforting blanket.

After a moment, Clint jokingly flexed, striking a mock superhero pose. “How’s this for an emotional support system?” he quipped, his voice lightening the mood, but then he quickly pulled you into a side hug instead, wrapping his arm around your shoulders in a gesture that felt intimate yet effortless.

You were caught off guard by the gesture but surprised at how comforting it felt. Clint’s warmth enveloped you, and for a moment, all the heaviness seemed to fade away.

“I can’t wait to tell Bucky how weak you are,” you teased lightly, leaning into him, your heart feeling just a bit lighter.

“Hey! No one’s supposed to tell him about this!” Clint replied, mock-horrified, but you could see the glimmer of understanding in his eyes, the way he respected your process.

As you both stepped back, a small, quiet laugh escaped your lips, an unspoken understanding passing between you. There was a lightness that hadn’t been there before, a subtle shift in the atmosphere.

As you wrapped up your session, the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting golden rays through the windows of the training room. The way the light filtered through felt almost magical, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. It mirrored your emotional journey—where dark shadows of the past with Bucky began to fall away, replaced by the warm glow of hope and new beginnings. The suffocating atmosphere of the compound started to fade, replaced by the golden promise of something better.

With each passing moment, you felt the connection with Clint growing stronger.

“Same time tomorrow?” you asked, excitement bubbling up within you.

“Yeah, can’t wait,” he replied, matching your enthusiasm.

As you stepped out of the training room, you felt lighter than you had in weeks. Maybe moving on was not just about leaving Bucky behind but about embracing the friendships and connections that could flourish in their place.

Could it be that you were starting to feel something deeper for him?

The thought lingered as you shook your head slightly, trying to dismiss it, but it wouldn’t leave you. With Clint by your side, you felt a little more ready to face whatever came next. The potential for something new and beautiful was just beginning to blossom in your heart.

The training room buzzed with energy, sunlight streaming in through the high windows and illuminating the dust motes swirling lazily in the air. Over the past few weeks, you and Clint had settled into an easy rhythm; morning sessions had become the highlight of your day—an escape from the shadows that had lingered since your breakup with Bucky. There was something comforting in the routine, the laughter and sweat shared with Clint grounding you in a way you hadn’t expected.

But today felt different.

You couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but a new energy crackled beneath the surface, a subtle charge that sent your heart racing as you warmed up. The anticipation buzzed just below your skin, and you found yourself glancing over at Clint more than usual, as if waiting for something—though you weren’t sure what.

Clint was already in the room, stretching and chatting casually with Natasha, who was overseeing the session. As you approached, Clint glanced over and shot you that familiar, easy grin. But this time, there was a warmth in his eyes that made your heart flutter—a mix of mischief and something deeper, something you couldn’t quite decipher.

“Ready to get your butt kicked today?” he called, raising his eyebrows in playful challenge, his grin widening.

You crossed your arms, narrowing your eyes with mock indignation. “Please, I’m pretty sure I kicked your butt yesterday.”

He laughed, the sound rich and unforced, but there was a softness behind it that sent a thrill through you. “Only because I let you.” His tone was teasing, yet there was a sincerity that sent a thrill through you.

Natasha, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, caught your eye just as Clint spoke. Her knowing smile widened, and her eyebrow arched slightly, a hint of mischief dancing in her gaze as she observed the exchange. You felt a heat rise to your cheeks under her watchful eye, and you quickly looked away, trying to focus on Clint instead.

“Just don’t break anything, okay?” Natasha smirked, her amusement clear. “We need you both in one piece for the next mission.”

Clint flashed her a cheeky smile. “Don’t worry, Nat, I’ve got this under control.” Then he turned back to you, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on, Y/N, let’s see if you can back up that cocky attitude.”

You squared up against him, your body humming with adrenaline. “Bring it on,” you said, your voice steady, but beneath it all, your pulse raced.

The first few minutes were easy, familiar—the two of you moving in perfect sync, your bodies weaving in and out of each other’s reach. But as the sparring picked up, the playfulness began to fade, replaced by something sharper, something more visceral.

You feinted left and struck right, your fist connecting solidly with the pad Clint held. The impact sent a jolt of satisfaction through you, and Clint’s grin widened, a competitive glint flashing in his eyes. Yet as you ducked and weaved, your mind drifted to memories of Bucky—a stark reminder of how he once made you feel, how his presence had filled you with warmth and security. You could still recall the way he had looked at you, his gaze intense, as if you were the only thing that mattered in the world. His laughter, a soothing balm in the chaos of your life, and the way he would hold you after training, his warmth wrapping around you like a protective shield.

But just as that warmth felt distant, it was replaced by a new feeling—one that had crept in gradually since you started spending time with Clint. You couldn’t deny that he was beginning to make you feel something different, something lighter. Yet with every laugh shared, with every teasing remark that fell from his lips, a pang of guilt twisted in your stomach. Wasn’t this betrayal? Could you truly allow yourself to enjoy his presence when the echoes of Bucky still lingered in your heart?

That guilt grew heavier as you continued to spar, and just as the memory threatened to pull you under, Clint’s voice broke through the haze, grounding you in the present. “Hey,” he said, his tone softer now, concern etched on his face as he noticed the shift in your demeanor. “You okay?”

You blinked, pushing the memories away, forcing a smile that felt a little too strained. “Yeah, just… got distracted for a second.” Your heart raced, both from the recollection and the need to reassure him.

“Okay,” he replied, his gaze still searching yours, lingering with a hint of worry. But there was something more in his eyes—an unspoken longing that tugged at your heart, a reminder that Clint was starting to fall for someone who was still healing. “Just remember, I’m here for you. And if you need a bow and arrow, I’ve got you covered.”

The simplicity and sincerity of his words nearly overwhelmed you. A lump formed in your throat, and you struggled to hold back the rush of emotions that threatened to spill over. You hadn’t realized how much you needed to hear those words, how badly you needed someone to offer their unwavering support, to promise you wouldn’t have to face your struggles alone. It struck a chord deep within you, bringing a mixture of relief and vulnerability that left you momentarily speechless.

“Thank you,” you finally managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper. “I really appreciate that.”

Clint nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “I mean it. You don’t have to go through this alone. Trust me, it’s way more fun with company—just ask Natasha about our last mission.”

As you continued to spar, the camaraderie and laughter returned, yet the undertones had shifted—an unspoken understanding lingering between you, blending the thrill of new beginnings with the weight of the past. With each interaction, there were subtle hints of Clint’s longing—how he lingered a moment too long after brushing past you, the way his gaze softened when you laughed, a silent acknowledgment of the connection growing between you. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Yet the emotional weight pressed down on you, the guilt that moved in tandem with the warmth you felt toward him. You were still healing, still piecing yourself together after the heartbreak, and the fear of moving on loomed over you like a dark cloud.

“Clint,” you said slowly, the words feeling heavy on your tongue. “I just… I don’t want to hurt you. You’re so… I don’t know how to explain it.”

His brow furrowed slightly, and he stepped closer, the concern in his gaze deepening. “What do you mean?”

You hesitated, the walls you’d built around your heart trembling under the weight of your admission. “I like being with you. You make me laugh, and I… I enjoy this, but I can’t help but feel like I’m betraying Bucky. Like every moment I spend here with you is a reminder that he’s gone, and I shouldn’t be moving on so fast.”

Clint’s expression softened, and he took a step closer, his presence steadying you as you spoke. “Y/N, you’re not betraying him. Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting. It just means you’re letting yourself heal.”

His words resonated with you, and for the first time in a long while, you felt the pressure in your chest ease ever so slightly. “I just don’t know how to let go. I miss him, and I feel guilty for feeling… anything for you.”

He nodded, understanding evident in his eyes. “It’s okay to feel both—what you had with Bucky and what’s starting here. You don’t have to choose right now.”

The warmth in his gaze made your heart swell, and you realized how desperately you needed to hear those words, how vulnerable you felt in this moment of honesty. “Thank you, Clint,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper, filled with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability.

As you resumed your sparring, the atmosphere shifted, filled with a blend of laughter and shared understanding. With every moment together, you felt the possibility of something new blossoming between you—a chance to reclaim your heart, even as the past lingered in the shadows. The guilt of moving forward loomed like a cloud, but with Clint by your side, you began to believe that maybe, just maybe, it was okay to let yourself begin again.

The training session came to a close, both of you panting and grinning, the laughter still echoing in the air. As you gathered your things, the moment felt suspended, charged with the unspoken words that hovered between you.

Clint picked up his towel, tossing it over his shoulder as he stepped closer, and in that moment, your fingers brushed against each other—just a fleeting touch, but it sent a spark through you, igniting a warmth that spread through your chest.

You both paused, caught in the simplicity of that shared connection. His gaze held yours, the world around you fading away, and in that silence, the moment felt intimate, laden with promise.

Finally, Clint broke the tension with a soft smile, but it lingered in your mind long after he turned away, leaving you with an ache in your heart and a flutter of hope—a quiet promise of what could be.

The training facility hummed with energy, filled with the cacophony of grunts, laughter, and the occasional thud as bodies met pads or the mat. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and metal, the faint tang of iron lingering like a shadow over the vibrant activity. Bucky stood off to the side, leaning against the cool metal of the wall, arms crossed tightly over his chest. He tried to focus on the training routines of the other Avengers, but as he locked eyes on the sparring match taking place in the center of the room, the surrounding sounds faded into a dull roar, almost as if he were submerged underwater.

You were there, your movements fluid and confident as you trained with Clint. The way you laughed, the sparkle in your eyes, and the ease with which you both interacted made something in Bucky’s chest twist painfully. The laughter felt like shards of glass, cutting into him as he stood there, paralyzed by his own thoughts. Another memory surged—the day he had held you close after a tough mission, whispering reassurances as you broke down in his arms. “I'm not going to let anything happen to you,” he had promised, the sincerity in his voice echoing in his mind. You had smiled through your tears, your trust in him palpable. How could he have let it come to this? How could he have broken that trust?

As you sparred with Clint, Bucky's jaw clenched involuntarily. He watched Clint’s hand brush against your arm as he guided you through a new technique, and a surge of frustration coursed through him, coiling tightly in his gut. Bucky's heart sank as he watched you and Clint share playful jabs, the way your laughter intertwined with his. It was the kind of easy banter he used to have with you, and now it felt like a dagger twisting in his heart.

In that moment, a flash of memory surged through him—the night you both had curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket as you watched a movie. The comfort of your head resting on his shoulder, the warmth of your body against his. You had looked up at him, eyes sparkling, and said, “I'm really glad you're in my life, Bucky. You make everything better.” The simplicity of that moment haunted him, a stark reminder of the connection they had shared and the way he had let it slip away. Each joyous laugh felt like an echo bouncing off the walls, magnifying his isolation in a space that had once felt like home. The ache inside him grew sharper, a rawness he couldn't shake, a constant reminder of what he had lost.

As you lunged at Clint, your movements were fluid and precise, catching him off guard with a swift kick that sent him stumbling back. The sight made Bucky's fists clench at his sides, his knuckles turning white as he fought the urge to storm over there and drag you back to him. It wasn't just the fun you were having; it was the way Clint looked at you—like you were the center of his universe. That was supposed to be him.

As the echo of your laughter faded, Bucky felt the weight of his decisions press heavily on his shoulders. Memories crashed over him like waves—every shared moment, every late-night conversation filled with warmth and hope, the way your smile could brighten his darkest days. Now, he felt like a ghost haunting the remnants of what they once shared, a mere spectator to the happiness he'd pushed away.

“Look at them,” Natasha said, her voice low as she joined him by the wall, arms crossed similarly. Her gaze was fixed on the two of you, and though she spoke, the words felt muted to Bucky, lost in the haze of his spiraling thoughts. “They’ve got a real connection, don’t they?”

“Yeah, it looks that way,” he replied, his voice tight, his jaw clenched even more. The world around him dimmed further, the laughter and shouts of the training session fading into a distant hum. All he could see was you, the light in your eyes brightening with each playful exchange, while shadows loomed over him, reminding him of his failures.

“Are you just going to stand there and watch?” Natasha asked, glancing sideways at him. “You know, if you want to talk to her—”

“Talk?” Bucky interrupted, his tone sharper than he intended. “What good would that do now? I pushed her away.” The weight of those words hung heavily in the air between them, and he felt a pang of shame wash over him. His fists clenched tightly at his sides, the metal of his bionic arm groaning slightly under the pressure, a physical manifestation of the regret that threatened to consume him.

“Look, Bucky,” Natasha said softly, her gaze penetrating. “You need to face what you did. You’re not the only one hurting.”

He exhaled heavily, frustration mixing with regret as he pushed off from the wall. “I know that, Nat. But what’s the point? She’s moving on. I can’t just waltz back in and act like everything is fine.”

“Maybe it’s not about waltzing back in,” Natasha countered, her voice firm but gentle. “Maybe it’s about acknowledging what went wrong and making it right. You can’t keep running from your feelings.”

Bucky watched as you and Clint exchanged another playful jab, your eyes sparkling with joy. That joy had been a rare sight during the last weeks of your relationship. All the arguments, the anger, the hurt—Bucky had convinced himself that pushing you away was for the best, that he was protecting you from himself. But now, seeing you smile, he couldn’t help but feel that he’d made a terrible mistake.

He closed his eyes for a moment, letting memories flood back. The nights spent watching movies curled up on the couch, sharing popcorn and stolen kisses; the quiet mornings where you’d both linger in bed, basking in the warmth of each other’s presence; the way you’d laugh at his terrible jokes, lighting up even the darkest corners of his mind. Those moments felt like echoes of a life that was now slipping away from him, fading like the soft morning light.

He was alone. The thought echoed in his mind, drowning out everything else. His heart ached as memories flooded back—the warmth of your smile, the sound of your laughter, the comfort of your presence. Moments that now felt like distant dreams, lost in a haze of regret.

“Do you ever think about how you might’ve messed up?” Natasha asked, her tone shifting. “I get that you thought you were protecting her, but did you really think pushing her away was the answer?”

“Of course I do,” Bucky muttered bitterly, shaking his head. “I thought… I thought it was better this way. I thought she’d be safer without me.”

“Safer? Or happier?” Natasha challenged, raising an eyebrow. “You’re not some monster, Bucky. You deserve to be happy, too.”

He let out a heavy sigh, frustration and regret coiling tightly in his chest as he pushed off from the wall. “I get that, Nat. But what’s the use? She’s already moving on. I can’t just show up like nothing happened... like I’m not the guy who screwed it all up.”

“I’ve seen the way she looks at you. She still cares, even if she’s trying to move on. But you need to take that step,” Natasha urged, her voice cutting through his reverie. “Before it’s too late.”

The fight in her words ignited something within him, stirring a long-buried determination. Maybe it wasn’t too late. Maybe there was still hope. He took a deep breath, steeling himself against the fear that threatened to consume him.

“Okay,” he said, voice steadying. “I’ll talk to her.”

“Good,” Natasha replied, her smile returning. “Just be honest. It’s all you can do.”

With newfound determination coursing through him, he took a step toward you, a surge of hope igniting within him. But as he approached, doubt clawed at his insides. The laughter rang in his ears, and with each step forward, it felt as if an invisible force was pulling him back, reminding him of the pain he had caused. He hesitated, caught in the gravity of the moment, every step feeling heavier than the last.

He could almost reach out, touch your shoulder, feel the warmth radiating from you. But the closer he got, the more overwhelming the memories became. The arguments, the tears—each one a reminder of how he had pushed you away. His heart raced as he faltered, a sickening churn in his stomach.

Just a few more steps, he thought, but then he froze. The distance felt insurmountable, filled with all the unsaid words and the weight of his own mistakes. His chest tightened, and he swallowed hard, feeling the suffocating grip of uncertainty tighten around him.

As he stood there, the weight of regret crashing down, he felt the edges of a discarded photo under his foot—one of you both at a picnic, the sun illuminating your smiles. He didn’t need to look at it to remember the way you had leaned against him, a comfortable weight that felt like home. Watching the connection between you and Clint grow stronger, he felt the pain of realization wash over him. He had pushed you away, believing it was for the best, but now he was left standing alone, haunted by the choices he had made. The thought of losing you completely loomed over him like a dark cloud, threatening to swallow him whole.

“I can’t do this,” he muttered to himself, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. “Not now.”

With a final glance toward you and Clint, laughter still ringing in the air, Bucky turned away. The cool air hit him like a slap, stark against the emotional turmoil churning inside him. Each step felt like a retreat, a surrender to the pain that had become all too familiar.

As he walked away, he could almost feel Natasha’s disappointment echoing in his mind, a reminder of the support he had failed to embrace. He imagined her rallying the others, attempting to keep the team together in the face of his absence. But how could they be whole without him? Each one of them had their struggles, their scars, and he felt the weight of the burden he was leaving behind.

The thought twisted like a knife in his gut. It wasn’t just about him anymore; it was about the team, the friends he had fought alongside, the ones who had stood by him through thick and thin. They needed him, even if he felt like he was more of a liability than an asset right now.

A deep sense of dread settled over him. The consequences of his decision would echo beyond just his heart; they would ripple through the very fabric of the Avengers. Each step he took away from the training room felt like a step further from the family he had fought so hard to protect. The thought of them continuing to thrive, to train, to bond without him gnawed at him, a reminder of the fragility of connection.

As he stepped outside, the cool air brushed against his skin, but the chill within him ran deeper. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was not just leaving behind a relationship, but a part of himself. The determination he felt just moments ago was now shadowed by despair, and the hope he had clung to began to feel like a cruel illusion.

What if I never find my way back? he thought, feeling the burden of his choice weigh heavier than before.

Maybe some things were meant to be lost forever.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the compound as Y/N stepped outside. The late afternoon air was filled with the distant sounds of training—clanging metal, the rhythmic thud of feet against the ground, punctuated by laughter and the occasional shout of encouragement. But today, the ambiance felt heavier for her, the vibrant colors around her muted under the weight of her emotions. She found herself wandering to the garden, a peaceful escape from the chaos of her thoughts, the fragrant scent of blooming flowers wrapping around her like a comforting blanket.

As she strolled along the winding path lined with vibrant flowers, she caught sight of Natasha sitting on a bench, a sketchbook balanced on her lap. The faint sound of rustling leaves above accompanied the soft scratching of pencil against paper. Natasha’s eyes were focused, but she looked up as Y/N approached, a knowing smile spreading across her face.

“Hey,” Natasha greeted, setting the pencil down. “You look like you could use some company.”

Y/N nodded, her heart heavy with unspoken words. She shifted her weight, biting her lip as memories of Bucky flooded her mind—his laughter echoing in her ears, the warmth of his hand intertwined with hers. She could almost feel the sun on her face as they sat together at the lake, splashing water at each other, his laughter ringing like music. That day had felt endless, each moment dripping with joy, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief as he pulled her in for a playful kiss, whispering, “You know you’ll always be my favorite partner in crime.” But now those memories were tinged with pain, the ache of what they had lost haunting her every thought. “Yeah, I guess I could.” Her voice was soft, laced with uncertainty, as the once-bright flowers around her seemed to dull in color, mirroring her mood.

“Want to talk?” Natasha asked, her tone straightforward as she patted the space beside her on the bench. She opened her arms slightly, inviting Y/N into her embrace. “I can put the sketchbook away for a while if you need to vent. Just don’t expect me to draw you a superhero.”

Y/N chuckled lightly, recalling a time when Natasha had accidentally spilled paint all over her favorite outfit while trying to teach her how to paint. “Remember when you tried to teach me how to paint? And I ended up looking like a color palette instead?”

Natasha smirked, nudging Y/N’s shoulder. “I was trying to bring out your inner artist, not your inner disaster.”

“More like my inner disaster,” Y/N replied, shaking her head, a smile tugging at her lips. “But I still have that painting you made—it’s one of my favorites.”

“Only because I painted over the disaster,” Natasha teased, a playful glint in her eyes. “Now, enough reminiscing about your ‘artistic’ talents. What’s really on your mind?”

With a small sigh, Y/N sank down next to Natasha, feeling the warmth radiating from her friend and the sun’s rays on her skin. Natasha wrapped an arm around Y/N's shoulders, drawing her closer. Y/N inhaled deeply, the air fragrant with lavender and jasmine, familiar scents that reminded her of happier times with Bucky. But now they felt bittersweet, a cruel reminder of love tangled with loss. “It’s just… everything is so complicated right now.” The words felt heavy on her tongue, weighted down by the confusion swirling in her mind.

“Complicated how?” Natasha replied, tilting her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. Y/N could see the sunlight reflecting in Natasha’s eyes, illuminating her concern and drawing her into the moment.

Y/N hesitated, avoiding Natasha’s gaze, staring at the ground where the petals of the flowers seemed to wilt under the weight of her thoughts. “It’s Bucky. After everything, I thought moving on would be easier, but it’s just not. I feel guilty for even trying to be happy without him.” Her heart raced as she spoke, a mix of fear and longing. What if he needed her? What if he couldn’t find his way without her? But the reality of their situation hung over her like a dark cloud, suffocating and relentless.

“Listen,” Natasha said softly, leaning in, her grip tightening reassuringly on Y/N's shoulder. “You’re allowed to feel conflicted. You can care about Clint and still process what happened with Bucky. It doesn’t mean you didn’t love him, or that you’re moving on too fast.” The strength in Natasha’s voice offered a glimmer of hope, yet Y/N felt the shadows of guilt creeping back in.

Y/N leaned back against the bench, her shoulders tense as she stared up at the sky, now clouding over slightly. “I just want to feel happy again without all this guilt weighing me down. I want to enjoy my life and my relationships without constantly thinking about him.” But how could she? Bucky’s memory loomed over her like an uninvited guest, always there, always watching. The fun she had with Clint felt tainted, overshadowed by thoughts of Bucky—would he ever truly be gone from her heart?

“Y/N,” Natasha said gently, her expression growing serious. “I get it. There was someone I cared about once, too. Someone I didn’t think I could move on from. I was stuck in the past, thinking that letting go meant I didn’t care enough. But it doesn’t. The memories don’t disappear, and neither does what you felt.” Her voice was thick with emotion, and Y/N felt the sincerity in her words.

“What happened?” Y/N asked, her curiosity piqued, wanting to understand how Natasha had navigated her own pain.

Natasha took a deep breath, her gaze distant as she reflected on the past. “I lost him on a mission. For a while, it felt like I was carrying a ghost around. Took me meeting someone new to realize... it's okay to let it change. To honor what was, without letting it define everything after.” She paused, her voice steady but softer. “It wasn’t easy. Guilt can mess you up, make you think being happy again is wrong. But moving on doesn’t mean forgetting. It just means you’re healing.” Her words resonated deeply, and Y/N could see the wisdom in Natasha’s experience, the vulnerability that made her even more relatable.

Y/N took a deep breath, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within her. “But what if moving on means losing those memories forever? I can’t help but feel that by choosing to embrace something new with Clint, I’m erasing everything I had with Bucky.”

“Those memories are part of who you are,” Natasha assured her, squeezing Y/N's hand gently. “They’ll always be there, shaping you, reminding you of the love you shared. But you need to let that love evolve. It’s not about forgetting—it’s about honoring. And only you can decide how.” The warmth of Natasha’s touch grounded Y/N, reminding her that she didn’t have to face this alone.

Y/N bit her lip, her heart racing with conflicting emotions. “It just feels so overwhelming sometimes. I remember the sweet moments with Bucky, like that day at the lake when we laughed until we cried. His laughter was like music, and the way he kissed my forehead made me feel safe. I thought that feeling would last forever.” But now, even that memory felt like a dagger, reminding her of the distance that had crept between them.

“Those moments were real,” Natasha said gently. “They shaped you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create new ones with Clint. Different doesn’t mean less meaningful. And it’s not betraying Bucky’s memory.” Natasha’s steady gaze and calm demeanor anchored Y/N, making her feel understood.

As they spoke, a figure approached the garden, and Y/N’s heart skipped a beat as she caught a glimpse of Clint. He paused at the entrance, watching them with a soft smile. The way his eyes sparkled made her stomach flutter, a warm anticipation blossoming in her chest. It was as if he could sense the shift in her emotions, the way her smile widened as she talked about the future.

Y/N turned her attention back to Natasha, her heart still racing at the sight of Clint. “You’re right. I’ve been so focused on what I lost that I haven’t thought about what I could gain. I can picture Clint and me going on a spontaneous road trip—just driving with no destination in mind, singing along to our favorite songs at the top of our lungs. I miss that carefree feeling.” Her voice began to brighten, a smile tugging at her lips as she imagined the adventure.

Clint stepped closer, curiosity etched on his face. He could hear snippets of their conversation, and a warm smile spread across his lips as he caught Y/N’s gaze. It felt as if he was a part of the moment, not just an observer. There was something about her smile that drew him in, igniting a flicker of hope in his chest.

“See?” Natasha smirked, her eyes glinting. “That doesn’t sound so bad. You deserve to enjoy those moments—without guilt. It’s okay to have hope again.”

Feeling lighter, Y/N smiled as she picked a flower from a nearby bush, twirling it in her fingers. “I think I’m ready to embrace that, to let go of the past and let it blossom into something new.” The flower felt vibrant and alive in her grasp, a symbol of her desire to grow and move forward.

“Good,” Natasha said, a hint of pride in her voice as she pulled Y/N into a brief but firm hug. “You’ve got this. And remember—you don’t have to do it alone.”

As they sat there together, Y/N felt the weight of her guilt begin to lift, the warmth of Natasha’s support wrapping around her like a protective shield. She glanced at the flowers surrounding them, their colors brightening under the sun, mirroring the lightness blossoming in her heart.

But just as her heart began to fill with hope, a fleeting moment of doubt whispered in her mind. What if she wasn’t ready? What if moving on hurt more than it healed? Yet, as she looked into Natasha’s eyes, she felt a flicker of determination ignite within her. Maybe healing was a process, a winding path filled with both joy and uncertainty, and that was okay.

“Hey, should we go see who’s losing in training?” Natasha asked, an impish smile dancing on her lips. “I’ll bet Clint’s probably tripped over his own feet again. I can’t wait to see him blame it on ‘tech issues.’”

Y/N laughed, a genuine sound that felt foreign yet freeing. “I’ll take that bet! But let’s not tell him I was rooting for him. He’ll never let me live it down.”

Clint, catching their laughter, couldn’t help but smile wider as he stepped closer, curiosity piqued. “You guys are plotting against me again, aren’t you?”

“Just discussing your amazing skills on the training floor,” Natasha replied, winking at Y/N.

“Ah, I see how it is. Just wait until I show you some new moves. You’ll be begging me for pointers—and then I might just consider it,” Clint teased, his eyes bright with mischief.

“Good luck with that,” Y/N shot back, her heart warming at the playful exchange. “I’m pretty sure I’d rather face a dozen missions than risk getting tangled in your ‘expert’ moves.”

“Smart choice!” Natasha laughed, nudging Y/N playfully as they stood up, brushing off the bits of dirt from the bench.

With renewed hope, Y/N took Natasha’s hand, feeling the warmth of their friendship radiate between them. Together, they would forge ahead, ready to find their own path filled with laughter, love, and endless possibilities. And as she glanced at Clint, feeling the way her heart fluttered, she couldn’t help but think that maybe this journey was just beginning.

The days melted into weeks, each one blending into the next like brush strokes on a canvas. With every sunrise, Y/N found herself stepping further away from the shadows of her past with Bucky. The initial pangs of guilt began to fade, replaced by a gentle warmth that blossomed each time she was with Clint. Yet, even in those moments of joy, a flicker of uncertainty lingered—thoughts of Bucky would occasionally creep in, reminding her of the pain and confusion she had felt. It was a peculiar sensation, like a fresh breeze sweeping through a room that had long been closed off, but also like a faint echo of an unresolved melody. She recalled how Bucky's unpredictability had taught her the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing her own happiness, lessons she was slowly beginning to embrace.

On a particularly crisp afternoon, Y/N found herself in the common room, sunlight streaming through the expansive windows, casting golden rays across the furniture and warming her skin with its gentle touch. Outside, birds chirped cheerfully in the trees, their songs weaving a harmonious backdrop that made the atmosphere feel alive. The light danced on the floor, creating playful patterns that invited her in. Clint was sprawled on the couch, arms behind his head, looking utterly relaxed as he flipped through a comic book. The sound of pages turning filled the air, punctuated by the soft rustle of the paper and Clint's occasional chuckle. His easygoing demeanor was infectious, and she found herself smiling just at the sight of him, her heart fluttering as his laughter lit up the room.

“Hey, you,” Clint said, glancing up at her, his eyes brightening as a wide grin spread across his face, revealing that charming dimple. “Come check this out! They’re doing a crossover with all the Avengers—like we need more drama in our lives, right?” He waved the comic, excitement threading through his voice.

“Really?” she asked, intrigued. “What’s it about?”

“Some ridiculous time travel mess. You know how these things go. But honestly? It’s hilarious,” he replied, turning the comic toward her. Y/N crossed the room, plopping down beside him, the fabric of the couch cool and inviting beneath her. As she settled in, she brushed her shoulder against his, feeling the warmth of his skin, a tiny spark that sent a rush of warmth through her.

“Okay, but I think they totally got your character all wrong,” Clint teased, nudging her shoulder playfully. “I mean, seriously, Y/N would never wear those ridiculous spandex shorts from that one comic. Remember when you called them your ‘definitely-not-for-fighting’ shorts? Classic.”

Y/N laughed so hard she snorted, her eyes widening in mock horror. “Oh my god! Yes! That was traumatizing!” She tried to regain her composure, but the image of Clint in a ridiculous costume was too much. “And how you insisted on wearing that awful Hawaiian shirt during the mission? Talk about a fashion faux pas! What were you thinking? You looked like a tourist on a budget!”

Clint grinned, feigning indignation, his smile widening into a playful smirk. “That shirt was a classic! Plus, it totally distracted the bad guys. They were too busy laughing to notice us!”

“Right, because nothing says ‘serious superhero’ like a floral print!” she shot back, laughing as his eyes sparkled with mischief, making him beam even wider. As she leaned in closer to get a better look at the comic, their knees brushed against each other, and she felt a jolt of electricity at the contact.

“Admit it, you’re just jealous that you don’t have my sense of style,” Clint joked, his grin growing even more infectious.

“Oh please, I’d rather wear a potato sack than join you in that sartorial disaster,” she countered, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress her smile. “But if you keep wearing those shirts, I might just start a ‘Clint Barton Fashion Police’ page.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he laughed, shaking his head, his whole face lighting up with joy. “You’re just trying to get me to wear it again! Next time, I’ll have to add a matching visor for the full effect.”

“Please, just spare me the vision of you in a visor,” Y/N replied, wiping away a mock tear of laughter. “You’d scare all the villains away with that look alone.”

As their conversation flowed, light and easy, Y/N felt herself relaxing more and more, though the remnants of her past tugged at her. She enjoyed Clint’s company, his humor a welcome distraction, but with each shared joke, she was reminded of what she was trying to move past. The laughter was like a balm, soothing but not quite enough to erase the scars Bucky had left behind.

In a rare moment of quiet, Y/N found herself reflecting on how different she felt with Clint compared to her time with Bucky. With Clint, there was no tension, no weight of unresolved issues hanging in the air. Instead, she felt light and free, able to laugh without the fear of being hurt. Bucky had always been a tumultuous storm, full of passion but also chaos that often left her feeling unsettled. Clint, in contrast, was like a warm breeze on a sunny day—comforting and steady. It was this realization that made her smile deepen; there was something special about the way Clint made her feel, something that reminded her of the joy that life could bring.

“Okay, but seriously,” Clint said, his playful tone shifting slightly, as if sensing a change in the atmosphere. “If you could have any ice cream flavor, what would it be?”

Y/N chuckled, the levity returning to her voice. “I’d probably have to go with chocolate chip cookie dough. Classic.”

“Solid choice,” he replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Though I’d argue mint chocolate chip is superior. What’s wrong with you, Y/N? Did you hit your head?”

“Now you’re just trying to start a debate!” she teased, pretending to think deeply. “But if you’re that passionate about it, I’m game! Just know I’m going to choose the most disgusting flavors imaginable!”

Clint leaned in closer, lowering his voice playfully. “I’ll be your personal happiness assistant. Laughter guaranteed! Just remember, if you pick any terrible flavors, I’m not responsible for the consequences.”

“Deal!” she laughed, her heart swelling with warmth. “But if you want me to choose first, you have to promise not to make a face when I pick something weird,” she replied, nudging him playfully.

“Only if you promise to at least try to keep it edible!” he shot back, grinning. “I still have nightmares about that time you thought pickle-flavored ice cream sounded good!”

Y/N burst into laughter, remembering the incident. “Okay, okay, I promise no pickles!” Y/N felt a bubble of excitement rise within her, the prospect of those silly plans igniting a spark of hope. “It’ll be a deal! Just think of all the crazy memories we could make together—like that time you nearly dropped your ice cream all over your face because you were trying to juggle it like a pro!”

Clint chuckled, shaking his head in mock embarrassment. “Hey, that was a strategic move! You just weren’t ready for my unparalleled talent.”

“Yeah, right,” Y/N said, rolling her eyes. “But seriously, you know I wouldn’t mind a little extra protection during our ice cream adventures. You never know when a rogue villain might swoop in and try to steal our dessert.”

“Don’t worry,” Clint replied, puffing out his chest dramatically. “I’ll fend off any bad guys trying to interrupt our ice cream dates! I’m basically a superhero with a spoon.” His mock seriousness made her laugh even more.

As they talked, Clint glanced at his ice cream, then turned to her with a playful grin. “You know what? You should definitely take the last bite of mine. I insist!” He held out the bowl, a cheeky smile on his face.

“Clint, you know I can’t just take your last bite!” she protested, giggling at his insistence.

“Too late! It’s already yours,” he said with mock authority, nudging her shoulder. “Besides, I can always get more. You’re the one who deserves the last scoop.” His gesture, so small yet meaningful, made her heart flutter.

Y/N couldn’t help but smile at his antics. “You really think I’m that special, huh? Just wait until you see my terrible choices! But I appreciate it, Clint. It means a lot.”

“Always,” he said, his expression softening as he listened intently. “You deserve to feel free and light. Life’s too short to be weighed down by all that baggage. And besides,” he added with a teasing smirk, “the world could use a little more of that laughter of yours.”

“Thanks, Clint,” she said softly, her heart full. “I’m really glad we’re doing this. It feels good to just sit here and laugh again.”

As they continued to talk about their dreams and plans, Y/N felt a warmth enveloping her, like a cozy blanket after a tumultuous journey. She paused to savor the simplicity of the moment, the laughter they shared lingering in her mind, a sweet melody that brightened the fading day. The soft rustle of leaves outside and the distant chirping of birds blended harmoniously with their conversation, creating a serene atmosphere that mirrored the deepening connection between them.

They laughed together, the moment feeling light and effortless, like a gentle breeze tousling their hair. Yet, even amid the joy, Y/N felt a flicker of hesitation. Memories of Bucky hovered at the edges of her thoughts, a reminder of the chaos he had once brought into her life, and she couldn’t shake the weight of those memories.

Yet here with Clint, she felt grounded, a warmth settling within her that she had thought was lost forever. There was something profoundly different about this connection, and it filled her with both hope and uncertainty. As the sun began to set, casting a soft glow across the room, Y/N found herself captivated by the depth of her feelings.

As the laughter faded into a comfortable stillness, they exchanged shy smiles, lingering looks that hinted at deeper feelings simmering beneath the surface, an unspoken understanding hanging in the air. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them suspended in this moment of quiet intimacy.

“I can’t wait to see what else is in store for us,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper yet filled with sincerity.

“Neither can I,” Clint replied softly, his gaze unwavering, solidifying the connection they were building. “But hey, whatever it is, I promise you won’t have to face it alone. Just think of me as your personal archer sidekick.”

Y/N felt a surge of hope at his words, her heart swelling with warmth. Maybe this was the beginning of something beautiful—something worth pursuing. And as she glanced at Clint, she couldn't help but wonder what adventures lay ahead, each filled with laughter, warmth, and maybe a touch of romance.

The atmosphere in the compound was thick with an unshakeable tension as Y/N walked through the familiar hallways. The air felt cool against her skin, a chill that seeped into her bones, reminding her of the weight she carried. With each step, her boots echoed softly against the polished floor, amplifying the silence that surrounded her. Memories of Bucky flooded her mind—flashes of their shared moments, the warmth of his embrace, and the laughter that had once filled the air between them. But those memories now felt like a double-edged sword, cutting deep into the wounds that had yet to heal.

As she turned a corner, her heart raced at the prospect of crossing paths with Bucky. The faint hum of fluorescent lights above was the only sound, adding to the electric tension in the air. She had been avoiding him since the day she walked away, choosing instead to immerse herself in her new life with Clint, where each day felt a little brighter. With Clint, she found solace in their shared interests, the way they could joke about the absurdity of their lives, and how he made her smile effortlessly. They spent evenings watching movies, curled up on the couch, or training together, the playful banter weaving a bond she hadn’t thought possible after Bucky. But today, something felt different. The air was charged, almost electric, and she could sense the inevitable encounter lingering just out of reach.

Lost in her thoughts, Y/N barely registered the footsteps approaching until she was brought back to reality by a familiar voice. “Y/N.”

Her heart sank as she turned to face Bucky, his expression a mix of determination and vulnerability that made her stomach twist. He stood a few feet away, his hands shoved into the pockets of his leather jacket, the faint scent of worn fabric and cologne wafting toward her. His posture screamed both confidence and uncertainty, muscles tensed and jaw clenched. The sight of him sent a rush of emotions surging through her, and she fought to maintain her composure, acutely aware of the way her hands trembled slightly at her sides.

“Bucky,” she acknowledged, her voice steady despite the whirlwind inside her. But even as she spoke, she felt her heart racing, her breath hitching in her throat.

There was a heavy pause as they sized each other up, the silence stretching between them like an invisible thread. Bucky’s blue eyes searched hers, and for a moment, she felt the warmth that had always existed between them. But it was fleeting, quickly overshadowed by the reality of their fractured relationship. She noticed the way his brow furrowed, a muscle twitching in his jaw as if he were grappling with his own internal struggle. Then she saw it—a glimmer of unshed tears pooling in his eyes, a desperate attempt to mask his vulnerability.

“Can we talk?” Bucky asked, his tone serious but laced with an undercurrent of desperation. His shoulders shifted slightly, as if bracing himself for the impact of her response.

Y/N hesitated, torn between the desire to hear him out and the instinct to shield herself from further pain. Memories of happier times together flickered through her mind—Bucky laughing with her at the small things, the way his touch felt like home, and the day he gifted her a delicate silver bracelet, intricately designed with intertwined hearts. The bracelet had felt like a promise of forever, a tangible piece of their bond. Now, it lay heavy on her wrist, a reminder of the warmth and joy they had once shared, juxtaposed with the bitterness of their current situation.

After a long moment of silence, she nodded reluctantly, and they moved to a quieter corner of the compound, away from prying eyes. The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls as the weight of unspoken words hung in the air like smoke. The faint scent of coffee lingered, a reminder of long nights spent talking and laughing together. As they entered the space, a chill crept through the air, heightening the tension that wrapped around them. Bucky ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit she recognized all too well, and she couldn’t help but notice how his hands shook slightly, betraying the calm facade he tried to maintain.

“I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a long time,” he began, his voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t realize how much I was pushing you away until it was too late.”

Another pause settled over them, heavy with the weight of his confession. The silence felt charged, each second stretching into eternity as Y/N felt her heart racing. She could see the flicker of hope in his eyes, but doubt clawed at her insides. Would this conversation lead to the closure they both needed, or would it unravel everything she had worked so hard to rebuild?

Y/N felt her chest tighten at his words, the air heavy with unexpressed feelings. For a moment, she wanted nothing more than to reach out, to comfort him, but the memory of their last confrontation loomed over them like a dark cloud, reminding her of the pain that had driven her to this point. She crossed her arms tightly across her chest, the bracelet glinting in the low light, as if mocking her. “You shut me out, Bucky. I was right there, trying to help you, but every time I reached out, you pushed me away like I was some kind of burden,” she said, her voice wavering as she fought against the urge to cry.

He looked down, guilt washing over his features, and she noticed the way his hands clenched into fists at his sides, a futile attempt to regain control. “I was scared, Y/N. I didn’t want to drag you into my darkness. But I see now how wrong I was. I should’ve let you in.” Another silence stretched between them, suffocating in its intensity. Bucky’s voice broke the stillness again, but the words felt fragile, weighed down by their history. “I—I don’t want to lose you.”

Y/N hesitated, feeling the weight of his words crash over her. Could he really change? She recalled the way Clint had been there for her, offering support and kindness when Bucky had turned cold. It was a glimmer of hope that seemed so fragile, yet so necessary. “Bucky, it’s not that simple. I can’t keep going back to the way things were. I deserve more than that.” The thought of evenings spent cooking together with Clint, sharing dreams over a glass of wine, felt like a stark contrast to the lonely nights she had endured waiting for Bucky to let her in.

“Why?” Bucky asked, desperation creeping into his voice. “Why can’t we just try again?”

“Because I’m scared,” Y/N replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m scared that the Bucky I love—the one who laughs and makes me feel safe—will be overshadowed by the demons that haunt you. I can’t lose you again, not to that darkness.” The weight of her fears hung between them, heavy and suffocating. “I can’t keep waiting for you to change. I’ve started to find happiness again, and it’s with someone who sees me for who I am. I can’t lose that just to go back to what we had.”

The room felt like it was closing in around them, the air thick with tension. Bucky’s face fell, confusion and hurt etching deeper lines across his brow. “You’re seeing someone else?” His voice was barely above a whisper, the weight of disbelief heavy in the air. Y/N noticed how he seemed to physically deflate, shoulders slumping as if she had dealt him a physical blow. She could see the tears glistening in his eyes, and for a moment, she felt her heart fracture at the sight.

“It’s not like that,” she began, but the words caught in her throat. How could she explain to him that Clint had become a source of light in her life, filling the void Bucky had left? That being with Clint was helping her heal, even as it brought her guilt? “Clint has been there for me when you weren’t. I can’t keep pretending everything is okay when it’s not.”

“Clint,” he repeated, the name falling from his lips like a curse. “You’re telling me you’ve moved on? Found someone who makes you happy? And I—” He cut himself off, swallowing hard as he struggled to keep his composure, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. Another heavy silence enveloped them, each second stretching unbearably long as Y/N felt the weight of his gaze, the hurt behind it palpable.

“I pushed you away. I made you feel like you had to move on without me,” His voice broke, and Y/N felt her own heart fracture at the sound. Tears brimmed in his eyes, and she could see the struggle etched across his face, the internal conflict battling within him. It felt like a knife twisting in her gut as the reality of their situation settled between them, sharp and unyielding.

“I should have fought harder for you,” Bucky said, his voice raw with emotion. “I should have told you how much you meant to me instead of hiding behind my fears. What if I had let you in? What if I hadn’t pushed you away?” Each ‘what if’ echoed in the silence, amplifying the regret that hung between them like a thick fog.

Y/N felt tears welling in her eyes as she met his gaze. “What if I had been stronger? What if I had stood by you instead of running away? I wish I could have been the person you needed, but I felt so helpless watching you spiral. I didn’t know how to help you without losing myself in the process.”

Bucky’s breath hitched, and she could see the pain of regret mirrored in his eyes. “I’d do it all differently. I wouldn’t let my demons dictate our future. I wanted to believe we could have it all—together.” The sincerity in his voice struck a deep chord within her, but the scars of the past were still fresh, and doubt gnawed at her heart.

“I need to let you go,” she whispered, the words tasting bitter on her tongue. She felt the world tilt, the weight of the moment pressing against her. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing with the pain of loss, a stark reminder of everything they had shared and everything that had been lost.

Bucky’s eyes widened, and she could see the flicker of hope extinguished in an instant. “No, wait,” he implored, taking a step toward her, but she felt an invisible barrier keeping them apart, a chasm formed by their shared pain and regrets.

“Bucky, please,” she said, her voice breaking. “You have to understand—this isn’t just about you or me. It’s about healing, finding ourselves again. I don’t want to lose you, but I can’t be the reason you fall apart.”

His breath hitched, and she could see the struggle etched across his face. “But what if we faced our demons together? What if we stood side by side against all this?” He took another step forward, but the distance felt insurmountable.

“Together?” Y/N echoed, feeling a rush of conflicting emotions. “What if I can’t do that? What if I get lost in your darkness again?”

“I can’t lose you, Y/N,” he whispered, his voice cracking as he reached out, but she sensed the chasm between them widening. The pain in his eyes was palpable, and for a moment, she faltered, wanting to reach out and comfort him, to tell him that everything would be okay.

But deep down, she knew that wasn’t the truth. Their journey had taken them to this crossroads, and while she wanted to cling to the hope of reconciliation, she also had to acknowledge the reality that lay ahead. They needed to heal, both of them, before they could even think about rebuilding what they once had.

As she turned to leave, the echo of her footsteps seemed to reverberate through the silence, each step a reminder of the distance that had grown between them. Behind her, Bucky stood frozen, the weight of her words settling heavily upon him. She could feel the loss hanging in the air like a fog, suffocating and thick.

Once outside, the cold wind hit her face, contrasting sharply with the warmth of the memories she carried. She fought against the tears that threatened to spill over, the ache in her heart like a storm brewing just beneath the surface. But as she walked away, she hesitated, feeling the pull to turn back, to run back into his arms and forget the pain that had driven them apart.

Maybe I made a mistake, she thought, feeling her heart break with each step. What if he really can change? What if we could find our way back? But she fought against the urge to look back, knowing that the pain of their past was too great. Instead, she took a deep breath, grounding herself in the cold air and the reality of her choice. She needed to prioritize her own healing, even if it meant leaving the one person she loved most behind.

Inside, Bucky felt a storm brewing of his own. He stood there, feeling the cracks in his heart widen as he replayed her words over and over in his mind. The warmth they had shared felt like a distant memory now, eclipsed by the painful reality of their situation. He wanted to scream, to rage against the unfairness of it all. Tears slipped down his cheeks, and he made no move to wipe them away, allowing his vulnerability to wash over him like a tidal wave.

He sank to the floor, the cool surface grounding him as he thought of all the moments he had taken for granted—how he had let her slip through his fingers while battling his own demons. The echoes of laughter, the secrets they shared, the time they had built a blanket fort, giggling like children as they reminisced about their favorite childhood memories, were now distant echoes of a life he might never reclaim.

He felt a flicker of hope—a desire to change, to confront his demons, even if it meant doing so alone. As he sat there, he realized that Y/N might be the catalyst he needed to finally face the truth about himself.

As the door closed behind her, he felt the weight of shared pain press upon him, an unspoken acknowledgment of their shattered connection. With a heavy heart, he whispered into the emptiness, “I just want you to be happy, even if it’s not with me.”

Meanwhile, Y/N stepped out into the cool night, her heart pounding in her chest. She paused for a moment, her breath catching as she fought back tears. I wish things could have been different, Bucky, she thought, a deep sorrow settling in her bones. You deserve happiness, too. With that, she turned and walked away, each step feeling like a farewell, both hopeful and heartbreaking, leaving a trail of unresolved love in her wake.

The sun had already set, leaving the sky painted in shades of deep blue and purple as Y/N prepared for the evening ahead. She stood before the mirror, smoothing down her dress and trying to shake off the unease that lingered just beneath the surface. The night felt different—like a crossroads between her past with Bucky and the possibility of something new with Clint.

Clint had become her anchor in the weeks following her painful separation from Bucky, offering a lifeline of support wrapped in humor and light-hearted moments. But even though she was beginning to enjoy his company in a deeper way, guilt still tugged at her, reminding her of what she had with Bucky. Am I really ready for this? she wondered. Is it okay to move on?

The contrast between the past and the present was sharp. She could still recall the nights she and Bucky would sit together in the quiet of their shared moments, his warmth a constant comfort. Those memories lingered, refusing to fade. But the way Clint made her laugh and forget—if only for a while—was something she hadn’t realized she needed so desperately. Maybe I deserve to feel good again.

She inhaled deeply and headed out to meet Clint.

When Y/N arrived at their meeting spot, she found Clint leaning casually against his motorcycle, a playful grin already spreading across his face. “Damn, Y/N,” he said, his eyes sweeping over her, lingering just a second longer than usual. “Looking good! Did you dress up just to impress me, or do I just get lucky today?”

Y/N laughed, her nerves melting away a little under his warm gaze. How does he do that? she thought, admiring his effortless charm. “I could say the same about you,” she teased, taking note of his clean, effortless style. “You even wore a jacket that doesn’t have a tear in it this time.”

Clint grinned, stepping forward and offering his hand as she approached. His fingers brushed against hers, lingering there, and the warmth of his skin sent a subtle jolt through her. “I aim to impress,” he joked, pulling her in for a quick hug. The moment his arms wrapped around her, Y/N couldn’t help but notice how solid and grounding his touch felt. Before she could dwell on it, he gestured dramatically toward the bike. “Your chariot awaits, milady.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her smile. He’s ridiculous, but I kind of love that. “You and this motorcycle... what is it with guys and their bikes?”

“Oh, it’s not just the bike. It’s the freedom, the wind in your hair,” Clint said, imitating a dramatic, over-the-top voice. “You’ll understand when you hop on. Just try not to scream too loud, okay?”

Laughing, Y/N accepted the helmet he offered and climbed onto the bike behind him. She hesitated for a split second before placing her hands on his waist, feeling the warmth of his body through his jacket. This feels... natural, she realized, her fingers curling slightly as she held onto him. “Just try not to get us killed, okay?”

“No promises,” Clint said with a wink over his shoulder before revving the engine. “But if we survive, dinner’s on me!”

The ride through the city was exhilarating. The wind whipped past them, cool against Y/N’s cheeks, and she instinctively tightened her grip on Clint’s waist as they weaved through the streets. This feels good, she thought, the rush of adrenaline mingling with the comfort of being so close to him. She could feel his muscles tense and relax under her hands, the steady thrum of the engine beneath them only amplifying the intimacy of the moment. I didn’t realize how much I missed just feeling... alive.

She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the sensation of the evening air on her skin, the scents of the city filling her senses—distant hints of food carts, freshly cut grass from nearby parks, and the cool, earthy smell of the coming night. It was all so vivid, so different from the numbness she had felt in the weeks after her breakup. Maybe I am ready for this. For something new.

As they reached the restaurant, Clint pulled up to a stop in front of a small, charming spot tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. It was one of those hidden gems that didn’t boast a flashy exterior, but the tantalizing aroma of roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and simmering sauces wafting out into the street promised something special.

“I hope you’re hungry,” Clint said as he helped her off the bike, his hands lingering a little longer on her waist than necessary. The heat from his palms seared through the thin fabric of her dress, and she found comfort in its warmth. “Because I’m starving, and we’re about to go all out tonight. No holding back. I’m thinking all-you-can-eat.”

Inside, the restaurant had a cozy, intimate vibe. Wooden tables with flickering candles created a warm glow, and the soft murmur of conversation and clinking cutlery filled the space. Y/N could immediately smell freshly baked bread and something sweet—perhaps a dessert cooling in the kitchen. The atmosphere was soothing, like a quiet oasis tucked away from the noise of the city.

I never would’ve come here on my own, she thought as she took in the ambiance. But being with Clint made her feel safe, like it was okay to let her guard down. I don’t have to be on edge all the time. Not with him.

As they sat down and scanned the menu, Clint’s eyes lit up mischievously. “Alright, here’s the deal,” he said, leaning across the table, his fingers lightly brushing against hers as he propped his chin up on his hand. The touch was so casual, yet it sent a spark through Y/N’s skin. “We each pick something totally random off the menu, and the other person has to try it. No backing out. It’ll be like culinary Russian roulette. What do you say?”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, amused. “You’re trying to trick me into eating something weird, aren’t you?”

“Me? Never!” Clint said, holding his hands up innocently before breaking into a grin. “Alright, fine, maybe just a little. But seriously, where’s your sense of adventure?”

She pretended to think it over, tapping her chin dramatically. “Fine, but if you pick something absolutely disgusting, I get to embarrass you in front of everyone by making you dance in the middle of the street.”

Clint laughed, his hand nudging her playfully. The small touch was enough to make her heart race. “Deal! But trust me, I’ve got excellent taste. Just ask my mom—she still thinks I’m the coolest.”

As they placed their orders—Clint sneakily choosing something he wouldn’t reveal—Y/N couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. There was something easy and fun about being with Clint, a refreshing contrast to the complicated feelings she had been harboring for Bucky. It’s different with Clint. Lighter. Maybe I need that right now. It was moments like this—silly, light-hearted, and spontaneous—that made her realize how much she had been missing this kind of carefree connection.

When the food arrived, Clint dramatically unveiled his choice for her—a strange-looking appetizer that resembled tiny fried balls with an odd green sauce on the side. Y/N raised an eyebrow. “What is that?”

“It’s a mystery,” Clint said, smirking. “But it’s supposed to be good. Go on, take a bite.”

She hesitated for a second, then bravely speared one with her fork, eyeing him warily before popping it into her mouth. Surprisingly, the taste was rich and savory, with a hint of tanginess from the sauce.

“Okay, not bad,” she admitted, trying to hide her impressed expression. “Your taste buds are safe... for now.”

Clint grinned triumphantly. “Told you! Now, it’s my turn.”

Y/N slyly handed over her selection—a bizarrely named dish that turned out to be a spicy concoction of flavors. She watched as Clint took a bite, his face going from curious to mildly alarmed as the spice hit him.

“Oh my god,” he coughed, reaching for his water. “You’re trying to kill me!”

Y/N laughed, leaning back in her chair, pleased with herself. In that moment, the world around them seemed to blur, and it was just the two of them—his laughter mingling with hers, filling the air with warmth. It felt so easy, so natural, like they were the only ones in the room.

As the meal progressed, Clint leaned in slightly, his expression turning more serious. “Hey, if you ever need help with anything, just let me know. I mean it. Even if it’s something trivial, like picking out a new dress or tackling a cooking disaster.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, touched. “You’d really help me pick out a dress?”

“Absolutely! I’d even give you my unfiltered opinion,” Clint said, grinning. “I’ll make sure you look stunning.”

She couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “Okay, deal. But only if you promise to not be too harsh.”

“I’ll try to hold back my brutally honest critiques,” he teased, but she could see the sincerity in his eyes. It made her heart swell a little more, reminding her how different this was from her past.

As they continued their playful banter, Y/N found herself completely lost in Clint’s eyes, the way they sparkled with mischief and sincerity. Time faded away, and it was just them—two people sharing a moment of joy, laughter echoing softly around them. She felt weightless, lost in the magic of the evening.

When they finally finished eating, Clint suggested they take a stroll. The evening air was crisp, wrapping around them like a gentle embrace as they stepped outside.

“Ready for round two?” Clint asked, his tone playful as he pulled out his jacket and offered it to her when the cool breeze brushed against her shoulders. “Can’t have you freezing on me out here.”

“Always,” she replied, smiling as she slipped into it. The jacket smelled like him—fresh, with a hint of cologne—and she found comfort in its warmth.

They wandered through the streets, the lights twinkling like stars above them, laughter punctuating the air as they playfully debated what dessert to get. In that moment, Y/N felt something inside her shift, a blossoming hope for the future she hadn’t dared to imagine before.

Clint paused in front of a small ice cream shop, the bright neon sign flickering invitingly. “How about we try every flavor they have?” he proposed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Y/N chuckled, unable to resist his enthusiasm. “You’re on.”

As they stepped inside, the world outside faded, enveloping them in a bubble of shared laughter and carefree joy. They decided to sample a few flavors together, joking about how they were both going to have brain freezes from the sugar overload.

“Okay, what about this one?” Clint held up a vibrant green cone, its color reminiscent of a cartoonish slime. “It’s avocado mint. Let’s see if it’s as weird as it sounds.”

Y/N couldn’t help but laugh, her heart feeling lighter than it had in ages. “Why not? Let’s do it!”

As they took a bite, Y/N’s laughter bubbled over at the absurdity of it all, their faces morphing into comedic expressions of surprise. The taste was unexpectedly refreshing, and for a moment, they were just two friends indulging in the silliness of life, their earlier worries pushed aside.

“See? Delicious!” Clint declared, grinning. “Next round—chocolate covered bacon!”

“Absolutely not!” she shot back, laughing at the idea. “That’s just cruel.”

As they stepped back outside, the cool air hit her cheeks, invigorating and fresh. Y/N glanced at Clint, a wave of warmth washing over her. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was truly moving forward. Maybe this was what healing felt like—a gradual shedding of the past, replaced by the sweet possibility of new beginnings.

They continued their stroll, talking about everything and nothing, the laughter flowing freely. When the spontaneous dance moment arrived, she couldn’t help but sway to the music spilling out of a nearby bar, letting the beat move her as Clint joined in, twirling her around with a carefree smile. It was liberating to forget the heaviness of the past, even if just for a moment.

Their laughter echoed in the night air, and in that moment, the rest of the world melted away. She felt weightless, lost in the magic of the evening, every silly dance move reinforcing their connection. With each twirl, she felt herself falling further into this new reality—a reality that didn’t include Bucky’s shadow looming over her.

As they danced under the streetlights, surrounded by the shimmering glow of the city, Y/N felt alive—truly alive.

When the song came to an end, Clint pulled her back toward him, their bodies moving in sync, and she caught the glint of mischief in his eyes. “See? Not so bad, right?”

“Okay, okay, you win,” she said breathlessly, their faces just inches apart. “This is actually fun.”

Clint pulled her closer, his arm wrapping around her waist as they both caught their breath. For a moment, neither of them said anything, their faces just inches apart, eyes locked. Y/N’s pulse quickened, her heart pounding against her ribs, not from the dancing but from the charged atmosphere between them. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her lips, the way his hand rested just above the small of her back, holding her close.

Is this it? she wondered, her heart racing. Is this where it all changes?

Clint’s expression softened, his thumb lightly brushing her cheek. “That’s what friends are for, right?” he said, though his tone held a note of something deeper. “To remind you there’s still good stuff out there. Fun stuff. New adventures waiting for us.”

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, Y/N felt like she could let go of the pain she’d been holding onto for so long. Clint was right—there was still good out there. Maybe it’s okay to lean into it.

But just as she was about to lean closer, a familiar tune floated through the air from a nearby bar—one that echoed with memories of evenings spent with Bucky, laughter shared under the stars, and moments that felt unbreakable. Her breath caught, and a flicker of panic surged through her, reminding her of the love she had lost.

Clint’s eyes flickered with concern as he noticed the change in her expression. “Hey,” he murmured, stepping closer and gently squeezing her hand. “What’s wrong?”

Do I tell him? The thought weighed heavily on her, the fear of opening up clawing at her heart. She hesitated, caught between the memories that haunted her and the promise of something new standing right in front of her. “I—”

But before she could finish, Clint’s other hand came up to cup her face, grounding her in the moment. His thumb brushed along her jawline, and the tenderness of his touch cut through the haze of confusion swirling in her mind. This is different, she thought. This feels safe.

Then, as if drawn by an unseen force, they both leaned in at the same time, their lips meeting softly. The kiss was tentative at first, as if testing the waters, but quickly deepened into something more profound. The warmth of his mouth against hers ignited a spark, a jolt of electricity that coursed through her, shattering the barriers she had built around her heart.

In that instant, Y/N was flooded with emotions—warmth, joy, and an exhilarating sense of possibility. It was different from the kiss she’d shared with Bucky, lighter yet full of promise. For the first time in ages, she wasn’t thinking about the past or what she had lost; she was simply present, lost in the sweetness of the moment. This could be the beginning, she thought, allowing herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she could move on.

When they finally pulled away, breathless and slightly dazed, Y/N felt a warmth blossom in her chest. The world around them faded back in, but it was different now. She could still hear that haunting tune in the distance, but it felt more like a memory than a weight holding her back.

Clint’s smile was wide and genuine, and Y/N couldn’t help but smile back. “Wow,” he breathed, his eyes sparkling. “I think I like this adventure.”

Y/N chuckled, her heart swelling with warmth. “Yeah, me too,” she admitted, the joy of the evening spilling over in waves. As they walked hand in hand back to the motorcycle, she reflected on the night—the playful banter, the laughter, the shared food experiments, the silly dance in the street, and now the sweet kiss. It was a night that felt like a glimpse of a future she hadn’t dared to imagine before. One where she could move on, heal, and even laugh again.

Clint’s voice broke through her thoughts, filled with playful excitement. “So, what do you say? Next week, we go skydiving? Or maybe we sign up for a cooking class and see who can create the most disastrous dish?”

Y/N laughed, the idea filling her with a sense of adventure. “I don’t think I could handle the pressure of cooking with you. But I’m definitely down for skydiving!”

“Awesome! It’s a date,” Clint said, and the way he smiled at her made her heart flutter.

As Clint handed her his jacket once more, wrapping it around her shoulders to shield her from the cool night air, Y/N realized that maybe she was ready. Not just for a fresh start, but for the possibility of something more.

Later that evening, after returning to Avengers Tower, they found themselves in Clint’s room, the atmosphere was filled with a cozy warmth as they settled onto his bed, wrapped up in a blanket together. Clint had brought a movie—a classic rom-com that made her chuckle even before it started.

As the film played, Y/N couldn’t help but lean her head against Clint’s shoulder, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest. She took a moment to appreciate how easy it felt to be near him, the way his presence made her heart feel light. “I’m glad we did this,” she murmured, glancing up at him.

“Me too,” he said softly, turning to her with a warm smile. “I needed this. You’re way more fun than I anticipated. I might have to keep you around for the next mission.”

“Oh, so you’re saying I exceeded your expectations?” she teased, nudging him playfully.

“Definitely,” he shot back, a grin spreading across his face. “I mean, who else would try avocado mint ice cream with me?”

“Right? It’s a culinary adventure!” she exclaimed, laughing at the memory.

Suddenly, Clint turned serious, his expression softening. “Y/N, listen… you deserve all the good things in this world. If there’s anything I can do to help bring a little of that into your life, you know I’m in.”

His sincerity melted any lingering doubts in her heart. “Thank you, Clint. That means a lot.”

As the movie played on, they shared a dessert—an enormous slice of chocolate cake that Clint insisted they split. The indulgence quickly turned into a playful food fight, bits of frosting smeared on their faces as they both burst into fits of laughter, the lightness of their antics echoing through the room.

“Okay, that’s it! You’re going down!” Clint declared, grabbing a napkin and wiping it across her cheek, only to smear more frosting onto her nose.

Y/N retaliated, lunging for him and finding her hands covered in chocolate icing. “You asked for it!” she squealed, launching a dollop at him. Their laughter filled the room, the sound of joy echoing in the corners as they continued to playfully toss bits of cake at each other.

Wrapped up in a blanket, with remnants of frosting in their hair and laughter ringing in the air, Y/N felt an overwhelming wave of happiness crash over her. This was the kind of moment she had been yearning for—cozy, fun, and carefree.

As the credits rolled, Y/N turned to him, feeling a rush of affection and excitement. “So, we’re officially a thing now, right?” she asked playfully, her heart racing at the thought.

Clint’s smile widened, lighting up his entire face. “Oh, it’s definitely a thing—like a fun, silly, adventurous thing. You know, the best kind.”

“Good,” she said, the sweetness of the moment washing over her like a wave. “I can’t wait for our next adventure, partner.”

They settled back into the blanket, and as Y/N snuggled closer to Clint, she realized this was just the beginning. She had found a spark of happiness again, one that promised laughter, adventures, and the warmth of a heart slowly healing. Wrapped in each other’s arms, they fell into an easy conversation, filled with dreams of the future and the promise of more sweet moments to come.

The first light of dawn crept through the horizon, painting the sky in hues of soft pink and gold. The world was still waking up, the distant hum of city life beginning to stir—a car horn blaring, the faint chatter of early risers, and the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze enveloping everything in a warm embrace. It was a time for new beginnings, a time to reflect, and for Y/N, it was a moment filled with fragile beauty that felt almost sacred.

The sunrise served as a vivid backdrop for their romantic connection, symbolizing hope and the promise of brighter days ahead. Clint had suggested a sunrise picnic, a sweet surprise he planned the night before. They gathered blankets and snacks, a cozy assortment that felt simple yet perfect against the backdrop of the awakening day. Now, as they sat together on the blanket spread across the grassy hilltop overlooking the city, the peaceful silence wrapped around them like a comforting cocoon.

Y/N watched as Clint poured two cups of coffee, the rich, earthy aroma rising in the cool morning air, mingling with the crisp scent of dew-kissed grass. The steam swirled up in delicate tendrils, dancing like wisps of clouds in the pale blue sky. As he handed her a cup, their fingers brushed against each other, sending a gentle spark through her. “Just how you like it—black and strong, like my sense of humor,” he said, his voice warm, and she felt her heart flutter at the familiarity.

“Thanks,” she replied, taking a sip and savoring the warmth that spread through her, grounding her in the present. “You really do know how to make the perfect cup of coffee.” She smiled, teasing him a little.

“Thanks, but don’t get too used to it. I might just decide to open my own coffee shop, and then I’ll charge you extra for my expertise,” Clint quipped, a mock-serious expression on his face.

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. “You’d be terrible at it. I can already see you trying to convince customers that your way of making coffee is the only way, complete with charts and graphs.”

“Hey! I’d make a fantastic barista,” he shot back, crossing his arms dramatically. “I’m talking about a coffee that could knock your socks off. The kind that has you wide awake and ready to conquer the world—unless you think you can sneak the last bite of my food, of course.”

Y/N giggled as she leaned forward, their bodies instinctively leaning toward each other as she took a bite from the croissant he offered. “Okay, not bad,” she admitted, leaning back with a satisfied smile. “You might just be getting the hang of this.”

“Ha! Told you! Next up, I’ll make you the perfect breakfast sandwich,” Clint declared, puffing out his chest in mock pride. “But first, you have to promise not to laugh when I inevitably drop the egg again.”

“Deal!” she agreed, smirking, knowing full well the last time he attempted to cook eggs, it ended with them splattered across the kitchen floor. “But I can’t promise I won’t record it for future evidence.”

“You’re the worst,” he said, shaking his head but unable to hide his smile.

The two of them continued to enjoy their breakfast, occasionally feeding each other bites of croissant, the closeness of their bodies radiating warmth as they shared the blanket. Each lingering touch, whether it was a brush of hands or a nudge of shoulders, deepened the sweetness of their connection. The intimacy of the moment enveloped them, and Y/N felt a warmth blossoming in her chest, each shared laugh drawing them closer together.

Yet, amidst the laughter and warmth, the thought of Bucky lingered, a storm cloud threatening to overshadow her fragile happiness. As they shared a tender moment, basking in the warmth of the rising sun and the blossoming feelings between them, Y/N felt a shift in the atmosphere. She instinctively turned her head, sensing they weren’t alone anymore. In the distance, silhouetted against the backdrop of the dawn, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure—Bucky.

He stood a distance away, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, shoulders hunched as he watched the scene unfold before him. The sharp intake of breath she took filled her lungs with the cool morning air, and her heart began to race, pounding against her ribcage like a caged bird desperate to escape. Had he seen her with Clint? What did he think? She had been so consumed with her own healing and the romantic relationship with Clint that she hadn’t considered the weight of what Bucky might feel as he watched her move on.

The shadows cast by Bucky stretched long and dark across the ground, a stark contrast to the vibrant sunrise that illuminated Y/N and Clint’s intimate moment. Those shadows whispered of unresolved pain and regret, memories of what had been and what could never be again. Bucky’s breath caught in his throat as he watched them, a sharp pain twisting in his chest. The laughter that flowed freely from Y/N and Clint felt like daggers, each one piercing through the shield he had tried to build around his heart. He could see the way they leaned into each other, the comfort and warmth they shared so effortlessly, and it twisted something deep inside him—a mix of longing, regret, and heartache.

He fought back tears, anger and sorrow battling for dominance as he watched her smile at Clint, a smile that used to belong to him. A memory flashed in his mind: the last time they had shared a moment like this, the last time he had held her close and whispered promises of forever into her hair. Now, it felt like a cruel joke, the universe laughing at his expense as he stood on the sidelines, a mere shadow of the love they had once shared.

Bucky’s hands clenched into fists in his pockets, his nails digging into his palms as he tried to hold back the emotion threatening to spill over. As he looked at Y/N, their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world around them faded into silence. The intensity of their lingering gaze was filled with unspoken words—each look a reminder of what they once had and the deep-seated pain of their current reality. Her heart ached at the sight of him, the raw vulnerability in his eyes pulling at the remnants of the love they had shared. I miss you, it whispered in the silence, but she couldn’t voice it.

As she held his gaze, Y/N felt the gravity of their shared history weighing heavily between them. It was a tension that spoke of longing and regret, each glance filled with memories of laughter and warmth, now overshadowed by the bittersweet reality of their separation. She was caught in the moment, a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her as Bucky’s expression shifted, his eyes reflecting the storm brewing in his heart. The depth of his feelings crashed over him like a wave, and he instinctively gripped his heart, as if to hold back the ache threatening to consume him. His breath came in shaky gasps, and he looked down, avoiding her gaze, the weight of his regret pressing heavily on his chest. What have I done? It echoed in his mind, a haunting realization that cut deeper than any wound.

Clint followed her gaze, sensing the shift in her demeanor. “Do you want me to—?”

“No,” she interrupted softly, shaking her head. She needed to face this on her own. It was time for closure, not just for Bucky but for herself as well. With a deep breath, she rose to her feet, her heart pounding as she walked toward him.

As she approached, the morning light illuminated the contours of Bucky’s face, revealing the shadows of regret etched into his features. He looked older, wearier, as if the burden of his actions weighed heavily upon him. When their eyes met, a flood of emotions surged through her—anger, hurt, but above all, a profound sense of sorrow for what they had lost.

“Y/N,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, thick with unspoken pain. “I didn’t know you were here.”

“Yeah,” she replied, her heart racing as the words tumbled from her lips. It felt like a confession, a statement of truth that hung between them like a fragile thread. “I’ve been spending time with Clint. He’s been really good to me.”

Bucky flinched, his expression shifting as he struggled to contain the tumult of emotions swirling within him. “I can see that.”

The tension was palpable, the air heavy with unspoken words. Y/N took a deep breath, fighting back the urge to retreat. “Bucky, I want to talk. I think we need to.”

His gaze softened, but a flicker of vulnerability crossed his face as he shook his head. “I don’t want to make this harder for you. You’ve moved on, and I respect that. I just—” He paused, swallowing hard, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I didn’t realize how much I needed you until you were gone. It’s like I’m walking around without a part of me.”

Her heart cracked open at his admission, a rush of empathy washing over her. “I tried, Bucky. I tried to hold on, to make it work. But it was suffocating. You were pushing me away when all I wanted was to be there for you.”

He nodded, his expression pained as he looked away, unable to meet her gaze. “I know. I was afraid… afraid of losing you, and in trying to protect you, I only ended up pushing you further away.”

The ache in her chest intensified, tears pooling in her eyes as she grappled with the reality of their situation. “I loved you, Bucky. I still do in a way. But I couldn’t stay trapped in that cycle of pain. I had to choose myself.”

“I understand,” he said, his voice cracking as he finally met her gaze again. “You deserve to be happy, and I want that for you. I just… I didn’t expect it to hurt this much seeing you with someone else.”

Y/N felt the heat of her past rush over her, a whirlwind of memories that clashed against her resolve. It’s so hard to let go of the memories, of the love we once had. But I can’t deny what I have now. She couldn’t ignore the part of her that still longed for him, for the love they once shared. But she had a new life now, one where Clint stood beside her, his unwavering support grounding her.

“It hurts me too,” she admitted, her voice trembling as the tears spilled over, tracing warm trails down her cheeks. “But I need to move forward. I want to build a life that makes me happy—with Clint.”

Bucky’s expression crumbled, and in that moment, all the walls he had built around his heart came crashing down. “I’m so sorry, Y/N. I never wanted to hurt you or lose you. You mean more to me than I can say.”

The sorrow in his eyes mirrored her own, and she felt a swell of compassion rise within her. “Bucky, you didn’t lose me because you didn’t care. You lost me because you didn’t know how to let me in. I’m with Clint now, and it’s important to me that you know that.”

He swallowed hard, nodding slowly, as if her words were sinking in. “I don’t want to hold you back, but it’s so damn hard to see you happy with someone else. I keep replaying it in my mind—if I had just done things differently, maybe it would be us.”

“Bucky, you can’t keep punishing yourself for what happened. We both made mistakes,” she said, her voice steady despite the tears that continued to flow. “You need to forgive yourself to heal, just as I’m learning to forgive you.”

A moment of silence enveloped them, heavy with the weight of their shared history. Bucky’s shoulders trembled as he finally allowed himself to feel the depth of his emotions, the realization of what he had lost weighing heavily on his heart. “I wish things could have been different.”

“So do I,” she replied softly, feeling a profound sense of loss for the relationship they had shared. “But I can’t go back. I have to keep moving forward.”

His gaze dropped to the ground, a mixture of regret and resignation clouding his features. “I’ll always care about you, Y/N. You need to know that, even if things are different now.”

“I know,” she said, her heart aching for him. “And I’ll always care about you too. But we both need to find our own paths now.”

Bucky nodded slowly, the shadows in his expression deepening as he fought to reconcile the reality of her happiness with the ache of his own loss. “Then I won’t stand in your way anymore,” he said, voice heavy with resignation.

Y/N took a step back, feeling the distance between them grow, both physically and emotionally. The sun continued to rise, bathing the world in golden light, and she felt her heart hardening with resolve. I am finding it, Bucky. With Clint. The words hung in the air, their weight settling like a heavy fog around them. She felt a wave of determination wash over her, solidifying her decision to choose her own happiness. The scent of morning air filled her lungs, revitalizing her spirit. This is my moment.

Before she turned away, Y/N lingered for a moment, taking in the sight of Bucky—his familiar features etched with a sorrow that cut her deeply. Silence enveloped them, a bittersweet goodbye heavy in the air as they reflected on the memories they once shared. Each heartbeat echoed the time lost, the love that had slipped through their fingers like sand. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she knew that this moment would stay with her, a reminder of the love that had shaped her.

“Goodbye, Bucky,” she finally whispered, the words trembling on her lips. The farewell felt monumental, and as she spoke, the weight of their shared past hung heavily between them. She turned slowly, each step away from him feeling like a small fracture in her heart.

As she walked back toward Clint, she could feel his presence just behind her, ready to support her in whatever way she needed. She took a deep breath, the scent of morning air filling her lungs, revitalizing her spirit. This is my moment.

As she approached Clint, he looked up, concern etched on his face. “Y/N, are you okay?” he asked, his voice laced with worry, the protective instinct radiating from him like a shield.

“Yeah,” she said, forcing a smile through her tears. “I’m okay now.”

Clint stepped forward, pulling her into a warm embrace. She felt the safety of his arms wrap around her, the comfort of knowing she had made the right choice. He tucked another loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing softly against her skin as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her temple. In that moment, she allowed herself to lean into him, to feel the strength of his presence soothing the raw edges of her heart.

“I’m proud of you, you know that?” he murmured into her hair, his voice low and sincere. The words wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, and Y/N felt the weight of her resolve solidify within her. She was choosing happiness, and she wouldn’t let the past dictate her future any longer.

“Remember that time we tried to make pancakes?” she asked, a smile creeping onto her face as she recalled their hilarious failure in the kitchen.

Clint laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “How could I forget? We ended up with a pancake that looked like a map of the United States. I still think it was more of a work of art than breakfast.”

Y/N giggled, the sound ringing through the air like music, lifting the remnants of heaviness from her heart. “I think you just wanted to avoid cleaning up the kitchen afterward.”

“Guilty as charged,” he admitted with a playful grin. “But at least we made it fun, right?”

“Definitely,” she agreed, her heart swelling with affection for him. “We should try making pancakes again—this time, maybe without the ‘artistic interpretation.’”

“Deal,” Clint said, nudging her shoulder affectionately. “But if they end up looking like that map again, I’m holding you responsible. And let’s be honest—you’re definitely stealing the last bite anyway,” he teased, raising an eyebrow at her.

“Hey, it’s a strategic move! I have to make sure you don’t take it for yourself!” she shot back, feigning innocence.

Clint shook his head with a laugh, leaning in closer as he fed her a piece of the pastry with a playful grin. “Here, you have to try this next. It’s not burnt this time.”

As she took a bite, the sweet flavor melted in her mouth, and they shared a moment of playful arguing over who made the best breakfast. “Honestly, if we combine our skills, we might just be able to avoid another kitchen disaster,” she teased, winking at him.

“Or we could always order in,” Clint countered with a laugh, the lightness of the moment wrapping around them like a warm blanket.

Together, they watched the sun continue to rise, marking the beginning of a new chapter—a future filled with hope, healing, and the promise of love. Y/N held onto Clint tightly, their bodies leaning into each other as the warmth of the sun enveloped them, and the fire of new possibilities ignited in her heart. She was ready to embrace the light, ready to step into the dawn of a new day, no longer haunted by shadows of the past.

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h5eavenly · 1 year ago

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Carousel┃H.HJ SMAU

Fifty-Nine- this happens once every few lifetimes.

(a/n: she's here and she's finally yours. thank you for waiting and enjoy <3)

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“You look pretty hot right now,” you tease, a similar breath of sarcasm colors the tilt of your lips into a smile. A sparkle taking its place right into your gaze that settles on the back of Hyunjin’s figure. Arms crossed on your chest as you learn on the doorframe of your kitchen. He turns to look back at you, your hello kitty headband pushes the strands of his inky hair back, it has your smile growing into an even prettier display of your emotions.

“I’m glad one of us is having fun at least.” He fights the urge to roll his eyes but it is deemed difficult when he ends up doing it anyways.

Resuming the task of scrubbing your dishes clean. It has been on his mind ever since he walked into your apartment last night. Too busy comforting the pain that has settled in your chest and wiping your tears for you he only got to finally do them this morning. Had been awake an hour earlier than you, he took it upon himself to pick up the few scattered clothes of yours. After cooking you a simple breakfast of eggs and toast. He finds himself in front of your kitchen sink, your headband in his hair and your pink dishwashing gloves covering his hands.

“I told you; you don’t have to do them.”

“Yeah? and wait for you to be eaten by a giant parasite that has formed on your mountain of dishes?”

“That’s not gonna happen Hyunjin,” you reply, a soft chuckle of yours that has his chest warming up with affection.

“Better safe than sorry baby.”

You feel warmth courses through your insides at his endearment for you. at his acts for you. It’s overwhelming. almost big enough to cover up the blue that has taken place on your heart. It has your feet following a too familiar route that leads to him. You find a rare comfort in the fact that you don’t need to fight it this time, you don’t need to hold yourself back from longing for him and so you follow, blindly and overtaken by fondness for this man. You wrap your arms around his waist hoping to have this same fondness dripping from your fingertips and into his skin. Hoping to have this buzzing comfort that settled in you just from hugging him to last, for evermore.

Hyunjin stills for no more than a second, the feeling of your alive body against his has his heart picking speed as if he’s running down a track field but he’s not, he doesn’t need to be aching to get to you anymore. He has you. in the amidst of his pain it’s more than a little flicker of succour to have you.

“You okay, princess?” he inquires, and you hum against his neck, placing a soft brush of a kiss there.

“’m okay. Just feeling thankful for you.”

“For me?” There’s a faint joy coloring his tone and you squeeze him tighter.

“Always for you. thank you for taking care of me honey.”

“it’s what I do best.” He grins, turning to wrap his arms around your waist after turning off the running water and taking off his gloves. He places a kiss atop your nose, and you giggle, caught off guard by the unexpected tenderness of his gesture.

“I know you’re sad too. So, the fact that you still took care of me despite everything means a lot to me.” one of your hands curls in his dark hair, doused in comfort.

“Having you next to me is enough for my sadness to vanish.”

When your eyes lock you stop thinking entirely, you forget the ache in your chest and instead you’re losing yourself in him. his gaze never wavering from yours and it has your heart hammering against your chest. As if falling in love for the first time you wonder how is it possible. For the world to still and stop spinning just to glance at the sparkles in his eyes. it should feel unfair for him to exist right at same time as you. or were you simply lucky enough to be here? Right between his embrace and his loving fingers that trace over your brows, under your eyes and atop your cupid bow.

“Having you next to me is enough comfort for my aching heart. You numb my pain.” Your mind almost laughs mockingly at you, at the way he manages to steal your words before you even utter them.

A different ache nestles itself upon you, in a differently painful way. It’s the way it is for him. A dalliance of your desires against his cheekbones has him closing his eyes and you lean in. with unsaid want etched on your lips when you place them on his. You hope to set free all the trapped words in you, you hope they reach him, and you hope they are meticulously engraved onto his heart. The same way his words are engraved onto yours. You hope for his heart to keep answering yours in the same way it does now.

Your moment is interrupted by the sound of your doorbell ringing. You and Hyunjin share a confused look “were you expecting anyone?” he asks, untangling himself from you and heads for the door. You shake your head, following close by.

Both of you blink in surprise when you’re welcomed by the sight of Felix, Wooyoung and Yeji right outside of your door. Bags of what seem to be junk food in their hands.

“Surprise!” Wooyoung speaks first with an overly loud whistle.

“I thought I told you we’re not doing the whistle thing, woo.” Felix sighs rubbing the space between his eyebrows.

“Fuck you, you don’t control me.” Wooyoung retorts and you can’t help the amused giggle you let out.

“What are you guys doing here?” Hyunjin asks with a raised brow.

“We thought we all need a little cheering up so we’re here.” Wooyoung declares, walking past you and Felix follows with an eyeroll. When it’s just Yeji, she lingers by the door. Fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

“I hope you don’t mind that I’m here too?”

“Oh! Not at all. Please come in.” you reply with a forced tilt of your lips, peeking over your awkwardness.

And that’s how your night passes by, almost in a blur with happiness and laughter. It all started with you five watching movies and somehow ended with you singing karaoke songs. Empty bottles of beer and bags of chips circle you in the living room. Your sadness is momentarily forgotten in between the funny stories Felix spills and the awful acting of Wooyoung as he tells you about his favorite scene from harry potter. It all ends with Hyunjin leaving to buy cigarettes, Wooyoung and Felix dozing off on your couch and you’re in your room grabbing blankets for them. It’s when Yeji finds you. An awkward smile on her face as she knocks on your open door to capture your attention.

“Just wanted to tell you I’ll be leaving. It’s gotten late.” She says and you pauses with pillows between your arms. The same awkwardness crawls onto your features.

“Are you sure you don’t wanna stay over as well?”

“Oh I don’t wanna intrude.”

“You’re not. I’m sure Hyunjin would appreciate you staying as well.” You reassure with a smile that she returns almost right away.

“I am too lazy to drive back home honestly.” She goes to silently take the blankets from between your arms and you throw her a thankful nod.

“I’m sorry about the whole Yuna thing. It’s still so crazy that it was her all along.” She speaks again when you have walked into your bathroom to rummage in your cabinet for a spare toothbrush. A twinge of pain strikes at your heart at the mention of her name, and you barely manage to hold yourself together.

“It’s okay.” You say, barely audible enough. Followed by you clearing your throat. You force a smile when you face her “part of me thinks it’s karma for what I did to you.” you attempt to joke, a strained chuckle and yet it comes out dry.

It hangs in the air when Yeji’s eyes soften in something so akin to pity you wish to shrink into.

“I’d be really sad if that was the case.” She replies with raw honesty that has you looking away, scratching at your elbow awkwardly.

“Why? You don’t think I deserve it?”

Yeji is silent for a few seconds; it ticks by slowly and you feel it weigh down on your heart. Adding even bigger weights of despondency on your shoulders and you’re weak, broken down so easily it’s the only real thing in this fable existence of you.

“I don’t know how to answer that, but I do know I never want you to suffer because of me.”

When you look at her, she smiles, raw and candid. Pushing you into a corner with how honest she is. You don’t think you’ve ever met anyone who displays their emotions so shamelessly that you once again find yourself growing jealous. Yearning to be someone that isn’t anywhere close to you.

“You’re so kind.” The words escape you before you can stop them, Yeji’s eyes widen slightly with surprise and you nervously chuckle “I just wonder how you are this kind.” You push past her, walking back into your room to grab a different pillow for her this time and she follows blunderingly “I guess I wish I was more like you that’s why it amazes me every time.” You continue, a faux lightness laces your voice.

Yeji’s hands are on yours, halting your movement to capture your wandering attention and you yield to it. Your eyes flit between hers and her hand.

“Why do you think you’re not kind?”

“I don’t think someone kind would do what I did to you.” you whisper, your voice breaks at the end and despite your promises to forgive yourself, you find yourself drowning in similar hatred instead. The same black eyes that stare at you in the mirror are constantly haunting you. reminding you of how awful you are to even be breathing.

“There is some truth to that, but you can learn to be kinder every day. Even kind people can make mistakes.” She says, and something about her tone indicates that she isn’t saying this just to comfort you. but it is like a known fact that she delivers to you instead. You welcome it pathetically, wishing to at least be worthy to take it.

Your words betray you, leaving you silent until you’re downstairs and showing her the guestroom. You’re about to leave when you still in your steps. The darkness aids the blush creeping up your neck when you ask.

“How do you do it?” You don’t need to specify what you mean, the smile growing on her face tells you she understands.

“The world has enough hatred as it. I don’t wanna add more to that.” Her words follow you for a few more days, it keeps you awake just a few extra minutes at night like a revolution. You didn’t know you didn’t need to be losing parts of you to be something bigger than your anger.

There’s relief in believing in simpler things, in knowing you also can be freed from the cages of cruelty. That perhaps if you couldn't die completely satisfied with you, you could allow yourself to leave warmed by the thought of who you tried to be. It is to leave with scabs adoring your hands because you tried rather than hideous claws drenched in blood that isn't yours.

Amidst the mess you find yourself in somehow you manage to find relief right by the corner.

“How was it?” Hyunjin asks as soon as you’re out of your therapist’s office. Your reddening nose and the growing puffiness under your eyes are enough evidence for him not wait for your answer.

Instead, he pulls you closer to him. Closing the very small distance between you two, away from the coldness of your blues and into the warmth of his. It envelopes you as his palms cup your heated cheeks. A soft empathy colors his eyes and he drinks you in, fliting across your beauty that cannot be drowned by a couple of tears. The brush of his thumbs under your eyes has you letting out a shuddering breath.

“I’m sorry. We talked about yuna and I guess everything just hit me again.” You explain, shaky and vulnerable, your ragged breath eludes against each word.

“It’s okay. No need to apologize, angel.” His quieted whispers are akin to still waters, just under the burning sun of summer. It’s profuse in warmth, affable. And you jump right in.

“I feel like a mess.” you mumble, resting your forehead against his shoulder. And his palm is now on your back, rubbing soothing circles on it. The jumbled-up thoughts in your head seem to settle one by one. Falling back into a comforting song that follow the rhythm of his hand. It’s tender and nothing like the windy weather outside.

“It’s okay to be a mess sometimes.”

“I feel like a mess all the time though.”

“Mhm. You know I love taking care of this mess.” he remarks casually. Catching your eyes when you turn to look at him. He smiles at you, a rare innocence clings to his lips, in the light swimming in his eyes and it feels like a raw display of unyielding affection for you.

Rather than a monster who destroys everything it touches, rather than a selfish being who takes, takes and takes. Swallows everything in sight you feel more like a flower that’s coming back to life. Saturated so generously with his feelings. It’s in the way he looks at you, lenient enough to have you melting between his embrace and your ever-growing emotions and intense enough to constantly ensnare your attention.

“What?” he asks with a breathless chuckle when your eyes linger on his. Overtaken by the beauty of you, only amplified by the deepening of your gaze. It’s only ever for him and it’s a trophy he will flaunt proudly.

“I love you.” you tell him, in the busy waiting room and in the amidst of the seemingly endless chatter of the people around you, you tell him.

He feels oxygen flee from his being, leaving him nothing but a mere soul that is yearning for you, unable to do anything but gaze at you. Your eyes take him back to when he was a teenager, pulled together by chaos and a rather immense need to belong somewhere. To someone. And right now, it all falls in place. He’s no longer waiting by the door, no longer cutting edges to maybe catch a flicker of you someday. By contrast he’s here, next to you and entangled with you. You’re mixing with the blood running through his veins. His partiality for you takes over every particle in his body. They morph into fragments of you and Hyunjin never had a choice. From the moment your name had stumbled from your pretty lips into his heart. Taking space, inflating and then it was only you.

He's finally home.

“I love you, always.” he tells you too and you smile.

You leave feeling much lighter, your sadness stolen by the hands of Hyunjin, and you only think about where does he take them when he’s driving in your car and his palm is sprawled on your thigh. Its tenderness courses through your body. Almost has you falling asleep if you didn’t notice the route you’re taking isn’t too familiar.

“Are we not going home?” you ask, your fingers finding realm within the spaces between his.

“I wanna take you somewhere first.” He winks at you, a glint surrounding his piercing eyes and so you only nod.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that he ends up taking you to the beach, yet you’re still overtaken by happiness as if coming home after a long tiresome day. When Hyunjin helps you of the car, his hand on the small of your back and you shiver. Due to frigid air and him being so close to you.

“Babe it’s so cold.” You whine, a pout forming on your lips, and he’s weakened by it. Leaning down to place a peck there. Your gasp hangs in the air and he only smirks at the darkening color of your cheeks.

“Shh, I know I got you.” He takes your hand in his and you bury your burning face in your scarf.

You spend your afternoon there, poorly executed jokes thrown at each other, followed by a recalling of your old high school days then eventually it ends up in a heated discussion because he insists that I didn’t start crushing on you right away! No way I did!. Ending with messy kisses that last a tad too long for it to be deemed pure. setting ablaze your entire body with the fervent touch of his hands. They’re everywhere yet nowhere close enough when they tighten around your hips.

By the time the sun sets you’re breathless with need. Aching for him and in between every shade, pink arises coloring his eyes and swirling with the whispers of love you told to him this morning. They’re almost as pretty as the colors of sunset, if anything is close to compare anyways. The sound of waves almost resembles the beats of your hearts combined. As if they’re happy their favorite couple is back.

“You’re not proposing to me, are you?” you joke when he stills, his hands engulfing yours. He blinks and you almost choke on your own spit.

“Are you?”

“No no,” he shakes his head with a choked laugh “but I kinda wish I was.”

“Don’t say crazy things.”

“I thought we got over the fact that I’m crazy about you.” You go to hit his shoulder with your freed hand, and he holds it before it makes contact with his body. A charming smile adorns his face “Besides, how is it crazy if we’re gonna end up married someday anyways.” When his fingers graze your knuckles, you grow quiet only because you know it’s true.

“Do you remember what you told me last time we were here?”

“I said a lot of shit.” You mumble, the distance between you two growing smaller and smaller and then you’re wrapping your arms around his neck. You’re close enough for him to behold the adoration you hold for him.

“You told me you want to die next to me.”

“I meant it.” You reply immediately. Easily.

“I’ve been thinking about it ever since. I’ve been thinking about everything you ever said to me on this same beach.” His gaze moves languidly across your features “there’s a lot of stuff I want to say to you, but they all feel worthless compared to the way you look at me. I’m afraid of being unfair.” he says earnestly, and you drink every word as if you were on the verge of dying out of thirst.

“Nothing you ever say is worthless to me. please tell me.” he pauses for a minute. His words faltering at the beauty of you.

“I’m so thankful you never gave up on us angel. I’m thankful I got the pleasure to fall in love with every bit of you, it’s always been you. and I always knew it but thank you for reminding me. Thank you for choosing to love the very foolish and stupid kid back then. Thank you for choosing to love me again.” Your vision turns blurry with tears, building overwhelmingly fast alongside the tightening of your throat. It resembles your feelings for him with how quick they come, how stubborn they are with leaving.

“I’d never dreamed of meeting somebody like you, but it is my reality, we’re here. It’s you and I so thank you for helping me find my home.”

Your sobs escape you forcefully, not in pain or sorrow but in a rather unfamiliar gentleness. Unknown to you but it isn’t something you can’t grow accustomed to. You realize the invisible string you felt around your ankle was not holding you back after all. Perhaps it was leading you back to him all along. And if you’ve been asleep for what feels like decades you have finally awaken.

It’s you and I .

“I feel like my soul has loved you since the beginning of time so in my next life I want to be me again just so I can meet you.” he smiles as if you’re anything akin to the light emanating from him. In the way his lips move across your cheeks, kissing your salty tears away. It’s sugary sweet like honey, like peaches and it’s so warm. Almost indistinguishable from your sixteenth summer.

“Thank you for not giving up on me, Hyunjin.” Your voice is soft enough for your words to be stolen away by the wind, however he’s only ever known to be selfish, so he takes them. Saves them in the pockets of his heart. As his lips captures yours, his love spills into you, mixing with yours and you know it too. As if the younger version of you two are watching over you, somewhere in the stars and they’re chanting. Cheering.

Because the story never ended, it was alive all along. In the stars and in the waves. It’s in the water, in the sand beneath your feet and his waters your garden love right back to life. As if not a day has passed with them dead. Just like you, they have been waiting along and just like you their waiting have finally came to an end.

It’s you and I.

Your feelings that you fought against for a long time are no longer mad at you, they’re not blaming you for not getting over the boy who’s blessed with the light of the universe in his smile. You are not too darkened for him. And instead, you’re privileged enough to matter to him. Not to be tucked away between his abandoned clothes but rather a favorite necklace that he wears around his neck.

How kind of the sun to lend its light to the moon, tinged with warmth. Apprehensively there is room for you to shine. It is thanks to him, you exist.

Your desires end up overflowing like an explosion as soon as you’re home. Hyunjin has you against the nearest wall. Lips melting against yours in a kiss that feels too good, too criminal. Like a reminder he tattoos; you were made for each other.

“You sure about this?” he whispers upon your lips, your breath mixing in all too familiar lustful song.

“I want you. please” you answer, your hands trace wordless reassurance across his shirt “make love to me please.” He groans at your choice of words, and you pull him closer into your body. Tilt your head to meet the plushness of his lips falling back into a fever-like kiss.

It is frighteningly easy to have you moaning under him even without all his teasing. He doesn’t have time to spare nor energy to drag this out. As if a need to have nestled in his blood and it takes over. An unbridle want that have you falling into your bed, and he follows. Your clothes lie abandoned on the floor evidence of your arousal. And it all spills into him burying himself inside of you with a strained groan.

“Oh my god,” you throw your head back onto your silk pillow, the length of your neck calls for him and he kisses it, sucking to leave remnants of his peach scent on you.

“Yeah? you like that?” he detaches his lips from your neck, eyes locking onto yours instead and you nod your hand scrambling for purchase in his locks.

“Yes! Yes please don’t stop.”

If this was any other day Hyunjin would still just to watch your tears spill over your cheeks beautifully. However right now his heart is beating way too fast that it feels ferocious. He wants to say he’s strong enough to resist you, that his mind isn’t growing blank with the way you seem to grow wetter the harder his cock dives in you. the way your voice only seems to grow louder and louder akin to a sweet, sweet melody. That his mind is sure to record, it will play it back to him at random times of the day.

“I-I want you more, more.” You mumble, almost incoherent.

He can’t help the smirk taking over his face at how hungry you are for him. How starved you sound when he’s here, right with you and in you. and so he’s setting a new, relentless rhythm, rocking the whole bed with every smack of his hips against yours. His fingers cradle yours lovingly, too virtuous. And then he’s kissing you, etching the same love onto your body, the marks on your neck and your breast are his. You are his and the thought only has you convulsing under him.

“You feel amazing baby. I could fuck this pussy all day.” Profanities tumble from his lips effortlessly, you are clenching around him and it is only encouragement that pushes him to grind against you faster, sweeter “So perfect.” He praises, sealing them with kisses and you could only moan his name. Like a prayer that you didn’t even need to memorize.

“I’m gonna come jin-oh god- I’m gonna come “you whine, your mouth heavy with pants.

“Yeah? come with me baby.” He rasps, fucking into you harder and you grasp at his shoulders with a breathless gasp “wanna feel you all over me.” he spits out mindlessly, his own mind turning fuzzy with pleasure.

“P-please so close.” He lines his lips over yours as he thrusts into you. untangling your hands from his neck and intertwining them with his instead.

You whine into his mouth as he deepens the kiss until your whole body is tingling, it goes taut. Your high approaches like crashing waves washing over you and he follows right behind you. moaning against your lips. his forehead meets yours as his hips rock into you until they’re coming to a stop. Your body shakes in oversensitivity. You’re breathless, dizzy and yet he keeps kissing you as if trying to find purpose in softness of your lips. His mouth opens wider, your tongues meet in the middle.

When he finally pulls back, he’s grinning down at you. There are stars in his eyes when he brushes the strands of your hair away from your forehead and places a tender kiss there instead.

“That was amazing.” He says and you can only hum back. Drained of energy but filled with a gentle affection for him.

“Tired?” he muses, the pad of his thumb wipes lightly at your lower lip and he chuckles at the way your head lolls to the side. Barely able to keep your eyes open.

“Get your dick out of me Hyunjin.” You whisper, shivering when he slightly moves, and you feel it.

“Whatever happened to please don’t stop.” He laughs and you flush like wine splashed across your cheeks. Your hands covering your face and you whine. His laugh only grows, echoing in your room and in your heart. you cannot conjure a response to say and instead you melt against the sheets and atop his chest when he rolls off you and pulls you into him.

The morning after comes with a pleasant feeling swimming across your chest. As days pass by Hyunjin spends more time by your side than anything else. Soon enough little bits of your apartment hold place for fragments of his. His toothbrush mingling next to yours and his clothes imprint their scent on yours. There’s a fervent clinging to your being, it has your heartbeat kicking upwards at the sight of him in your bed. Opening your eyes to his and closing them to his lips on your cheeks. The obstruction of your fears melts away along with the seasons. Running from winter into spring. And it’s nights when he’s in your kitchen, cooking dinner for you and you linger by the door.

Not because you’re unwelcome and not because you’re waiting for a glimpse of him. Not anymore. There’s no desperation clinging to your eyelashes when he looks back at you and instead there is only ever one feeling. Love. Strong, and more than anything hopeful.

Big enough to know that sometimes believing isn’t what you need. In between the folds of destiny, a game fate had started you believed you were deemed to lose. It carved a gaping hole right where your heart is, and you believed there was no way for this scar to close. You wish you could go back and recount the tale of you to your older yourself. You would tell her how your beliefs have withered away only with the touch of a boy. You’ll tell her all about the boy with the sun in his smile and how he helped flowers grow in the void in your chest. Little by little it closes, rewriting your beliefs into newer ones and they bloom into an even bigger specks of hope.

it’s in the way he shows you one other night his sketchbook, papers upon papers filled with pieces of you till they're completely you. He tells you about each one like they happened yesterday. As if your face was everything he was able to remember. It’s the same way that both of you admit that you still kept your bracelets all those years. Tucked away into safety just like you kept your feelings.

It’s in the light of the moon sneaking in through the window and in the smile, he sends your way when you tell him;

“I love you.”

“I love you, always.” He tells you back, a promise that shall never die and instead it lives on and on. Just like how you’re sure the waves of the ocean will tell your story someday, how the stars have always been witnesses of the day your heart was stolen away. It is these moments that have you growing into beliefs he whispered to you one night.

It’s you and I.

You know it now; this happens once every few lifetimes.

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

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Masterlist

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Taglist: @annybah @christopherisfoive @kkamismom12 @nujeskz @realrintaro

@wolfietara @luvvvash @pnkcasket @shyshyshytwice @samhomo

@babrieeeee @nhyunn @lilliansreality @enzstr @feelikecinderella

@linocvp1d @itgirlalisaa @arikazu @hyundumpling @cupkiki

@avokralaim @super-btstrash-posts @mellhwang @kaiyaba

@finnbbl @rockyhedgehog @heyhaez @amarecerasus @anjian03

@jihanniee @skvrze @enzos-shit @certified-lana-del-rey-lover @chartrucewhore

@skz1lov @dreamerwasfound @lixie-phoria @sillygoosegoose

@20crowsinahoodie @siriusly1 @iheartchaes @hyunjinhwang-23

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fourthavecafe · 6 months ago

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hi! I love your blog would you ok with writing a fic with Yuji and Sukuna? :D

i've loved your writings for jjk but I feel like this classic duo would be the best espionage the way you write being an evil ler Sukuna thanks :3

pairing- sukuna x yuji

word count-645

────୨ৎ────

Yuji found himself in Sukuna’s domain, the oppressive atmosphere wrapping around him like a heavy blanket.

The vast expanse of darkened space felt both familiar and terrifying. Sukuna’s presence loomed, a constant reminder of the curse’s power. Today, however, there was something off—Sukuna was angry, boredom radiating from him in waves.

In an instant, with a flick of his wrist, Sukuna had Yuji pinned to the floor, one arm holding Yuji’s wrist securely above his head. The weight of Sukuna’s body pressed down on him, and Yuji squirmed, feeling a rush of adrenaline.

“Hey! What’s the big idea?!” Yuji shouted, his usual loud self refusing to back down despite the position he was in.

Sukuna leaned in closer, a devilish smirk playing on his lips. “i need entertainment” he said, his voice low and teasing. “and you brat are going to provide it.”

Yuji rolled his eyes, trying to play it cool. “if you didn’t try killing people the second I gave you control of my body maybe I’d let you out more!”

Sukuna chuckled darkly, a sound that sent shivers down Yuji’s spine. “I went through your memories and I learned something interesting…” He glanced down at Yuji’s ribs, his fingers twitching with anticipation.

Yuji’s heart raced as he realized what Sukuna was about to do. “Wait, what are you—”

Before he could finish, Sukuna’s fingers dug into Yuji’s ribs, eliciting a surprised squeal from him. “Too easy,weak humans” Sukuna teased, squeezing mercilessly.

Yuji burst into laughter, twisting and squirming beneath Sukuna’s hold. “Sukuna! Stop! That tickles!” He gasped, trying to pull away, but it was no use.

“Stop? oh please brat I’m only getting started” Sukuna said with a wicked grin, moving his hands to Yuji’s underarms, tickling him relentlessly. Yuji’s laughter filled the air, a mix of surprise and genuine joy, even as he squirmed in discomfort.

“Okay, okay! You win! I can’t take it!” Yuji pleaded between fits of laughter, breathless and desperate for Sukuna to ease up.

But Sukuna only leaned closer, enjoying the moment far too much. “You know,I could this forever,keep you hostage here.” His fingers slid down to Yuji’s thighs, squeezing and tickling him there as well, pushing Yuji further into helpless laughter.

“Please! No more! I’ll do anything!” Yuji managed to choke out, his face flushed from the playful torture.

“Anything, huh?” Sukuna paused, a contemplative look crossing his features. “I like the sound of that.”

With a swift motion, Sukuna lifted Yuji’s shirt halfway, exposing his stomach. Yuji’s eyes widened in panic as Sukuna’s gaze zeroed in on his bellybutton. “I know you have a particularly sensitive spot here” Sukuna said, his tone dripping with mischief.

“Wait, don’t!” Yuji exclaimed but it was too late. Sukuna’s fingers teasingly dipped into yuji’s bellybutton.

Yuji gasped, laughter erupting once more as he squirmed and thrashed against the floor. “Sukuna! Stop! I can’t take it!” His laughter echoed in the domain, a testament to the twisted fun Sukuna was having at his expense.

Sukuna’s eyes glinted with wicked delight. “Make me” he taunted, intensifying his assault, fingers digging mercilessly into Yuji’s sensitive little bellybutton, his laughter and protests only fueling Sukuna’s amusement.

In this moment of vulnerability, Yuji realized that despite the chaotic nature of their relationship, there was an undeniable thrill in being at the mercy of the curse, even if just for a little while.

and as Sukuna continued to tickle him, the boundary between pain and pleasure blurred, leaving Yuji breathless and begging for mercy, wondering how this terrifyingly entertaining moment would end.

#tickle fic #tickletorture #jujutsu kaisen #ryomen sukuna #sukuna x reader #sukuna x itadori #jjk itadori

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williamrikers · 9 months ago

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thoughts on the first episode of 4 minutes

everyone seems to be doing these now, so i'll join in bc i need a way to process what i just saw. putting this under a cut bc of spoilers—if you are familiar with boc's other works (especially kinnporsche and dff) i strongly recommend you try and avoid spoilers before watching! i watched this episode not knowing what was coming and That Scene made me shriek so loudly i probably scared my neighbours. ANYWAY.

okay let's get the big thing out of the way first. bas and fuaiz. HOLY SHIT. i was literally pausing the whole time to text my friend just "WHAT" over and over. They Did That.

let me break this down. boc took one look at the current politics regarding shipped couples in bl, said "yeah we're not doing that" and let bas and fuaiz have a whole entire sex scene. (while gmmtv, for example, let phuwin and thor not even touch lips on wednesday club because phuwin is part of a sacred Shipped Couple.) AND WHAT A SEX SCENE IT WAS!!! i am pretty sure we're gonna see everyone's bare ass over the course of this show. if this is what they're showing us in the very first episode for a couple who i'm guessing might not be endgame?? i mean. damn. what will jes and bible get up to??? mark me down as scared and horny 🫣

sex in boc shows is usually pretty explicit but in this case it's also. just a thing two people do? it's not romanticised. it's strongly implied that tonkla is having sex with korn because korn is paying him for it. korn is older and from an incredibly rich family, and while they were sweet with each other and obviously both enjoyed it, it did feel like a transaction a little bit.

what i found most impressive about this scene was that we got to see tonkla being left alone afterwards and then visibly dealing with that. we could watch him processing—i don't think i've ever seen this kind of post sex unhappiness depicted in bl, and it was so beautifully subtle! we don't yet know whether tonkla was just unhappy with how that particular evening went or if he is unhappy with the arrangement as a whole, but Something Is Definitely Up and it is so incredibly intriguing.

while we're talking about korn, the family dynamics in this show have me in a chokehold. bas and bible as brothers was a genius casting choice, they really do feel like siblings, they have a very sweet vibe together while korn is obviously worried about his younger brother. the whole deal with their father's illegal business of which korn only learns when he is supposed to manage it, the way korn treats his father in general, korn's mother having passed away shortly after his birth and korn being raised by his step-mother (great's mom), it's all so incredibly juicy. bas just has so much presence on screen, he is an absolutely wonderful actor and at this point, i am almost more invested in his story than in the main story 🤭

speaking of which: love that bible got one of his cats to act with him 😂😂 thailand's number one cat dad. but yeah, i am Intrigued, i am seated, i am so happy to be alive to witness this. i don't think there's a lot to be said on this yet bc most of the episode was exposition and great learning about his new powers, and also the narrative tying them to near-death experiences so that we know what we're dealing with going forward. (shout-out to job here bc it was so nice to see him again and also so weird to see him as a character who is actually smart haha 😂)

the production value of this show is off the charts. the first scene of great being pulled back in time was ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING. literally the best i've ever seen out of thailand. boc are taking their craft very seriously and it is just such a joy to watch.

also, the numbers everywhere! it got to the point that i was like, oh of COURSE she is in room number 4, WHERE ELSE?? 😂😂

i am so seated for this show. like i cannot express how seated i am. BRING IT ON, BE ON CLOUD.

#4 minutes #*mine #god i love this show

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ancientgoddessofegypt · 1 year ago

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The Sun's Creator : Create Your Reality

WHICH PICTURE OF THE SUN DRAWS YOU CLOSER TO CREATING YOUR BEST YOU?

Hey so I designed a beautiful pick a card reading on how to find the best way to create a stronger bond for yourself. What do you need to know to know right now? Its best to give ourselves a chance to breathe some new light, so just enjoy the picture and the message is right below :)

PILE 1 - 'Do you get me? I'm right around the corner.'

Picking up where we left out sometimes gives us the chance to find our new wings. Because the climate is chilling, you cover yourself up to keep that warmth inside your belly, but it only keeps trying to show its weight. Because you're accustomed to the usual. You've become light headed to whats in front, but not the deepest parts in it. Change is around the corner for you, full on differences and expansions of the imagination will keep you moving forward in this horizon. Places you felt not so sure of will bring down the uncertainty you've been carrying for the past several weeks. Charming experiences will show soon as you've let out a big roar to yourself and for others to appreciate. Congratulate yourself for the work that you've BEEN doing because its been a lengthy road. That hidden joy is soon to pop through as you continue to awaken the force that continues to knock inside of yourself.

PILE 2 - 'Look at me now, I was chosen for this path.'

Pat yourself on the back boo! You're incredible. Your appearance is changing and you feel that beautiful light showing itself on a daily. Please, keep it that way. Look forward to the shifts you've been creating for yourself. You were meant to soar, forgiveness is needed and appreciated. Taking a jog and getting a full on exercise will help your mind feel more clarity. Get a camera, and take some new pictures of yourself for these next few weeks-months so you can feel the gratitude of being in the moment, being connected to a life that you could remember.

Enjoy the surface, the waves are magical.

PILE 3 - 'Can I get you something? Guilty Pleasures, & Formatting A New Love For Life.'

There's many opportunity we get to pick from, sometimes not every choice is going to get us the good one. That's okay, at least you learned something. Enjoying your familiarities and picking and choosing when to go saves you from a lot of problems in the long run. Because you've kept quiet about certain things to enjoy the love, you've made a promise to the ethers that you could forgive and for bide by a new law of justice inside of yourself. This world was created for us to become the versions of ourselves that was hidden in the shadows; There is another way to go than the ones from before. Thank the universe for allowing the lessons to bring more fullness, more creativity, more power, more love and more light in your heart. A thousand times plenty. Abundance can formulate deeper bonds inside of you, relationships, etc. Financial rewards coming in larger quantities than before. Congrats, would you like someone to get you drink? You've been eaten them up this hol' time ;)

#pick a picture #pick a card #pick a sun #pick a light #intuitive readings #tarotreading #psychic

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taeu7 · 1 year ago

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"In Tune with Love: You, the Melody of My Heart"

Part 1

Y/N had been looking forward to this day for a long time. She had finally returned to Korea after three years of studying abroad, and she couldn't wait to see her brother Jeonghan and his friends. She knew how busy they were as idols, but she hoped they would have some time to catch up with her.

She decided to surprise them at their studio, where they were supposed to be practicing for their upcoming comeback. She took a taxi and arrived at the building, where she was greeted by their manager. He recognized her as Jeonghan's sister and let her in, telling her that the boys were in the recording room.

She followed him to the door and peeked inside. She saw the familiar faces of the thirteen members, all focused on their music. She smiled and waved at them, but they didn't notice her. They were wearing headphones and listening to the playback of their song.

She decided not to interrupt them and waited outside. She figured they would be done soon and then she could hug them and tell them how much she missed them. She sat on a couch and looked around. She saw a piano in the corner and felt curious. She had always wanted to learn how to play, but she never had the chance. She walked over to the piano and sat on the bench. She lifted the lid and touched the keys gently. She pressed a few random notes and listened to the sound. She felt a sense of wonder and joy. She started to play more notes, trying to make a melody. She didn't know what she was doing, but she enjoyed it. She closed her eyes and let her fingers move on their own.

She didn't notice that someone had entered the room and was watching her. It was Wonwoo, one of the rappers of Seventeen. He had gone to the bathroom and when he came back, he saw Y/N playing the piano. He recognized her as Jeonghan's sister, whom he had met a few times before. He had always been friendly with her, but he never had any special feelings for her. He thought she was nice, but he didn't see her as anything more than his friend's sister. He had no idea that she had a secret crush on him for the past five years, ever since she saw him on stage.

He was intrigued by the sight of her playing the piano. He wondered what she was doing there. He wanted to say hello to her, but he didn't want to disturb her. He decided to wait until she finished. He leaned against the wall and listened to her music. He thought it was amusing and endearing, even though it was out of tune and random. He felt a fondness for her as a friend.

He didn't know how long he stood there, but he was snapped out of his trance when Y/N opened her eyes and saw him. She gasped and stopped playing. She felt embarrassed and nervous. She didn't expect anyone to see her. She wondered how long he had been there and what he thought of her. She felt her face turn red. She quickly got up and bowed to him.

"Hi, Wonwoo. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. I was just waiting for Jeonghan and the others. I saw the piano and I wanted to try it. I don't know how to play, I was just messing around. I hope you don't mind." She said in a rush.

Wonwoo smiled and shook his head. He walked over to her and sat on the bench. He looked at her with his calm and cool eyes.

"It's okay, Y/N. I don't mind at all. I actually found it interesting to watch you. You have a natural curiosity for music. You just need some practice." He said casually.

He reached for her hand and placed it on the keyboard. He felt a slight tingling when their fingers touched. He didn't think much of it.

"Is it okay if I teach you?" He asked.

Y/N nodded, feeling her heart flutter. She couldn't believe that Wonwoo was holding her hand and offering to teach her the piano. She felt like she was dreaming. She looked at him and saw his handsome face close to hers. She felt his breath on her cheek. She felt a surge of emotions. She loved him so much, but she didn't know if he loved her back. She wondered what he was thinking.

Wonwoo started to teach her the basics of the piano. He showed her how to position her fingers and how to read the notes. He played a simple tune and asked her to follow him. He was relaxed and confident with her. He teased her when she did poorly and encouraged her when she did well. He held her hand and guided her when she was stuck. He felt a friendship with her. He liked being with her and teaching her. He felt like they had a good rapport. He didn't realize that he was making her fall for him even more. She looked at him and saw his gentle eyes and his soft lips. She felt a sudden urge to kiss him. She leaned closer to him, closing her eyes.

Wonwoo felt her move and looked at her. He saw her face coming closer to his and felt his pulse quicken. He was confused and surprised. He didn't know what to do. He didn't know how to react. He didn't know what she felt or thought. He didn't know if he should stop her or let her. He didn't know if he liked her or not. He only knew one thing: she was his friend's sister. He hesitated, closing his eyes.

They were about to touch, when Y/N realized what she was doing. She snapped out of her trance and pulled away from him. She felt ashamed and guilty. She couldn't believe she was about to kiss her brother's friend. She couldn't believe she was about to ruin their friendship. She looked away from Wonwoo and said, "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me." Wonwoo was speechless.......!

"Stay tuned for the next part, where Y/N and Wonwoo's story takes a surprising turn."

A/n : I dreamt something similar to this and want to write it down as a memory.

For self happiness! 😁

Part 2 updated !

#wonwoo #wonwoo x reader #jeon wonwoo #jeon wonu #seventeen x reader #svt x reader #svt #seventeen imagines #seventeen fluff #seventeen #wonwoo fluff #wonwoo scenarios #seventeen scenarios #kim mingyu #mingyu #scoups x reader #seventeen fanfic #mingyu x reader

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iluvchick3nz · 3 months ago

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Hey hey hey, just wanted to tell you that everything you’ve written has been an absolute JOY to read. I was thinking about logan and how he’s from rimouski which is a kinda small town I think?for a prompt maybe logan is showing finn and leo around his hometown, where he grew up skating, and where he used to get into trouble and his highschool :)

Yikes, this one is LONG!! Apologies.

I LOVE showing people around my hometown, even though I don't get back much anymore. I feel lucky that I am always happy to go home, even if I could NEVER imagine living there permanently again, which is kind of how I think Logan feels.

I also did some research on Rimouski, just to get a feel for it. It's not a BIG city, but it's a port town, so it's fairly large. However, I have learned that a 'small town' means different things to different people, depending on where you're from. I'm from a 'small town'of 13,000 people, but there's a town next to me with 4,000. From what I understand, Rimouski has about 50,000 people. So for me, it's HUGE! But if you're from NYC or something, that's fairly small!

Enjoy some fluffity fluffy fluff!! All credits to @lumosinlove !!

TW: Mentions of nefarious activities, but no participation in said activities.

P.S. Thank you for the kind words, friend!! <3

“Finn!”

Logan watched as Finn laughed and was swept up into a hug by his sisters Sydney and Aubrey, all chatting excitedly as Logan and Leo stepped out of their rental car behind them. The flight from New Orleans was still in his muscles, and Logan stretched his arms over his head to relieve some of the tension. A hand came to rest on his lower back, and he squinted at Leo beside him, who was smiling softly.

“Salut, soleil,” Logan said gently. He reached up to twist the gray curls on the front of Leo’s forehead. “Ça va?”

Leo nodded, but his eyes were tense. “Yeah, just tired.” He flushed and looked over to where Finn had an arm around each of the girls and was still laughing. “A little nervous.”

“Regarde-moi,” Logan whispered, and lowered his hand to cup Leo's cheek. “They all love you, d'accord?” He leaned up to kiss Leo softly. “And most importantly, I love you.”

Leo nodded and took a deep breath. “Okay.” He kissed Logan quickly. When he spoke again, it was in French, which warmed Logan from the inside. “Okay, I love you, too.” He grinned. “Now let's get our bags before we get dragged away by your sisters.”

As if summoned, Sydney and Aubrey appeared behind Logan to dog pile him, and he rolled his eyes fondly as he turned to hug them. Noelle came put a bit more calmly, and Logan watched as she hugged Leo tightly. They were more familiar with each other, and Logan was grateful that she was providing him a warming presence. Still, the tension lingered in Leo's shoulders. Logan vowed to massage it out later.

“You ready to give those boys of yours a Canadian welcome?” Aubrey asked. It was reassuring, hearing his own accent after the whirlwind of adjusting to the French that Leo and his parents had spoken at home.

Sydney hummed in agreement. “Especially your Leo.” She patted Logan's shoulder. “At least he speaks more French than the redhead over here.”

“Hey,” Finn said. He’d crossed his arms and was pouting. Logan couldn't help but smile at him, gone on the way he looked standing on the steps and framed by his family home after so long. “I might not speak French fluently, but I can tell when you're talking about me.”

Sydney laughed and went over to scuff his head.

***

This was all he needed, Logan thought. They were in their rental car, Leo beside him in the passenger's seat, Finn in the middle row behind them. The wind was blowing their hair back from the open windows and they were laughing as Finn sang along horribly with the radio. The car had always been his safe space to be a little silly, a little dorky. He was earnest and fun all the time, but only Logan and Leo got to see him truly let himself go and indulge all those beautiful thoughts that were constantly running through his brain. Logan smiled at him in the rearview mirror and readjusted his hand on the steering wheel to reach over and place the other on Leo's thigh. Leo laced his fingers over the back of Logan's own.

“Allez,” Logan said, nodding out the window. “That's my old high school.”

He slowed down and pulled over so they both could see. He had taken Finn here years ago and they'd snuck around to the football field and laid out in the sun. The school itself was nothing remarkable, but Leo lit up ten different colors when he looked at it for the first time.

“Hey, sunshine,” Finn said, leaning over to rest his chin on Leo's shoulder over the back of the seat. He was smirking. “Ask Lo about what he got up to behind the bleachers.”

Leo laughed and looked at Logan in amusement. “Oh? What happened behind the bleachers?”

Logan bit his lip and rolled his eyes at Finn playfully. “Nothing awful. Just… the usual. Weed, booze-”

“Bad blow jobs.”

Leo barked out a laugh and Logan flushed. “Finn.”

“What? It's funny!”

Leo was still laughing when he squeezed Logan's fingers. His blue eyes were mischievous. “What'd you do? Get caught or something?”

“Non,” Logan said. His cheeks were burning. “I didn't even ask her! She offered to me because she had never- and I hadn't-” He huffed. “She just- her teeth.”

That made Leo laugh even harder, leaning back in his seat. Finn had his cheek on the headrest, smiling at Logan brightly. “Poor girl.”

“Was she okay?” Leo asked.

Logan nodded sheepishly. “Ouais, she was fine. It actually wasn't the last time we- well.”

Finn's eyes widened and he sat up. “Wait. Was she your- your first time, too?”

“She was nice. And she didn't care about the whole-” Logan waved his hand up and down. “-hockey thing. Lots of girls did, but she didn’t. She was first in our class and she was kind. We had history together, we got along.” He shrugged. “So we- you know. A few times. It was good, I guess.”

He smiled widely at Finn's narrowed eyes and leaned over to kiss him lightly. “Not as good as with you, don't worry, rouge.” He turned to nudge at Leo's cheek with his nose. “And your blow jobs are way better, soleil.”

Leo snorted. “I should hope so,” he said drily, but he accepted Logan's sweet kiss. “You make me practice a lot.”

Logan laughed and put the car into gear to pull away.

***

“Oh my God!” Leo gasped. He pulled his sweatshirt sleeves over his fingers. “This rink is way nicer than mine back home.”

Finn nudged him. “You're in Canadia, nutter butter. This is considered a shit-hole here.”

Logan tisked. “Non, rouge is telling lies.” He held the door to the stands open for them. “This is a nice rink. Lots of summer camps, and we've got gear for kids that can't afford it.”

Leo smiled softly as he took the ice in for the first time. “That's nice. I like that.” Without anybody there with them, he grabbed at Logan's hand to pull their bodies together. “Did you ever go to summer camp here?”

Logan reached up to play with the ends of his curls. “I coached them, mon coeur. The middle schoolers. The little kids.”

Leo's eyebrows raised. “Oh yeah?”

“Ouais,” Logan whispered. He took a quick look around before leaning up and kissing him. “I like little kids.”

“Don't say that here,” Finn scolded. He looked conflicted and his ears were red. “That’s grounds for public indecency in the bleachers.”

Leo and Logan laughed at him. Suddenly, a thought occurred to Logan, and he turned to Leo again with a smile.

“You know, soleil,” he said, leaning in. “I would’ve coached you at summer camp. In high school.”

Leo groaned and rolled his eyes. “You think you’re so funny.”

Logan just kissed his cheek. “Je t’aime.” He turned to Finn, who was watching them gently. “Ça va?”

Finn nodded. “Mm hm.” He brushed Logan’s hair out of his face. “I like you both with little kids.”

Leo snorted. “Nope, I still practically am one, according to this one,” he said, nudging Logan with his shoulder. “We are taking a rain check on this conversation.”

That didn't seem to deter Finn, who reached to play with Leo’s fingers, eyes bright. “So the conversation is happening.”

“Not yet, Fish, my Lord.”

“Not yet? Oh man.”

“Okay,” Logan interrupted with a laugh. “Allez, allez, let’s go. Home for dinner and maman is making cassoulet.”

***

Leo's laugh rang out across their backyard as he worked in the garden with Iva. They were- planting? Weeding? Picking? Logan didn't know what they were doing exactly, but he knew that he couldn't take his eyes off of Leo and the way he spoke French with his maman. His parents both loved Leo, but Iva had really taken to him because he was gentle and ready and willing to kneel in the garden with her. Logan's parents had started that garden when he'd gone off to college, and since then it had grown to an immense size. Most of their vegetables in the spring, summer, and fall came from that garden, and they spent Logan didn't know how much time and effort maintaining and caring for it. Leo's eyes had immediately got excited when he saw it, which Logan filed away in that folder in his brain for future reference. Leo deserved his own garden someday, Logan decided.

Behind him, through the screen door, his father’s soft, accented English mixed with Finn’s loud American, barking tone. They were mixing drinks, Logan assumed. Marius had invested in a bar cart the year previous, and Finn had been anxious and curious to see it. Logan could hear bottles clinking and their chatter. He felt at peace with their voices surrounding him, mixing with the cadence of the French that Leo and his maman were speaking.

“You know, Lolo,” Sydney said in French from beside him, peeking out over her sunglasses from where she was sat in an Adirondack chair. “I don’t think maman is going to let that Leo of yours go now that she’s got him in that garden.

Logan laughed. “Non, I don't thinks so either.” He sighed and settled against his own seat back. “I want to get him a garden some day.”

Noelle snorted. “You can’t just get people gardens, Lobear. You can buy land-”

“D’accord, you know what I meant.”

“Do you want to buy Leo land?” Aubrey asked suddenly.

Logan turned to stare at her. “Quoi?”

“I'm just saying…” She bit her cheek. Aubrey was quiet most of the time, and often struggled to find words. Logan related to her the most, in that respect. “I guess I'm asking if you see that. With him- and Finn.” She gestured with her hand. “The house, the garden, the future.”

“Oh,” Logan said, taken aback.

He had kind of thought that was a given, if he was honest. Leo and Finn were it for him, he knew it. They knew it, too, he supposed. They just seemed to talk about the future already assuming that they were forever. He'd never talked about it directly- not with them, not with anyone.

Aubrey's eyes were still watching him knowingly, but she was smiling. “Leo's so gentle and kind. He's so good to you, you know? Finn, too, he always has been.” She squeezed his arm. “They deserve you. Don't forget that you deserve them, too. We all want that for you.”

Logan took an inhale, lost for words. All three of his sisters, who knew him better than almost anyone, who wanted nothing but the best for him, were watching him carefully. He turned to face them.

“Merci,” he whispered. He felt his cheeks warm. “Thank you for saying that. I-” He huffed, a little frustrated, and they all looked at him amusedly. “Allez, you know.” He sighed. “I really missed you.”

Noelle laughed. “Look at our little Lolo. All grown up with his big feelings.”

He narrowed his eyes at his sisters as they all laughed. Sydney ruffled his hair. “We missed you, too.”

Logan turned back to watch Leo and Iva, who had moved onto some green looking vegetables. They were checking under the leaves- for worms, Logan supposed. He loved the way Leo's French mixed with his mother's. At first, when he heard Leo speak it for the first time, he hadn't been so sure. But now, he loved it as much as his own Quebecois accent. French meant his old home, where he was from. But mixed with Leo's voice, slightly Cajun from his parent's influence, it was home, too. Leo's French was his two worlds colliding and mixing and existing in the same plane- a new home with Leo and Finn. His forever home. Logan sighed and rested his chin on his hand to take in Leo's tan skin and blond curls.

Suddenly, a glass appeared in front of him and a hand rested on his upper back. Finn's voice was quiet in his ear. “Hi, baby. Brought you something.”

Logan tilted his head back and looked up at Finn, who looked so gorgeous with his hair pushed back slightly, more wavy from the summer humidity. He was smiling and kissed Logan’s forehead before shaking the glass. “Long Island iced tea. With peach iced tea to make it sweeter for you, sweet thing.”

Logan smiled and rested his temple against Finn’s hip. He took the glass from him. “Merci, rouge.” He took a sip. “Mm, it’s good.”

“Hey, freckle!” Noelle called from the end of the deck. She was looking at him over her sunglasses expectantly. “Where’s our iced beverages?”

Finn rolled his eyes but was grinning. “Your dad’s almost done. I had to make a special delivery.”

Noelle snorted and turned back to her book. Aubrey caught Logan’s eye with raised brows as if to say, See? Logan nodded at her and leaned into Finn’s touch.

Finn sighed from above him. “He looks so happy, doesn’t he? Le.”

Logan smiled at the way Leo took the basket of vegetables from his mother, waving her off with one hand as he walked over to the hose to wash them. She stood with her hands on her hips, caught them watching, and winked.

Logan held a hand up for Finn to take and played with his fingers. “Ouais. I was thinking…”

“You? Yikes, you feeling okay?”

Logan bonked his head against Finn’s stomach. “Fish, this is important.”

A kiss was dropped to his head. “I’m listening.” He bent to whisper in Logan’s ear. “God, I love your voice.”

Logan nudged his shoulder against Finn’s jaw gently and laughed, before settling down again. “I was thinking…” He let go of Finn’s hand to cup his jaw and look into his eyes. His beautiful brown eyes. “I was thinking that I want to get Leo space for a garden. Someday.”

Finn's smile was blinding. “Yeah?”

Logan nodded and traced his cheek. “Ouais. And maybe a bar cart. For you. And bookshelves with a library ladder. And a nice big kitchen for Leo. And a reading nook for the both of you.”

“And what'll you have?”

Logan flitted his eyes across Finn's face, then to Leo, who was washing carrots. He gripped Finn's hair and touched their temples. “I'll have you and Le.” He sighed shakily. “That's all I want.” He laughed. “Plus, I'll probably just follow you both around the house to wherever you are, anyways.”

Finn laughed into a brief kiss. “You lost puppy.” He regarded Logan carefully, still smiling. “I love you.”

“Je t'aime,” Logan sighed happily. “I love you so much.”

“Hey,” Leo's voice said softly. Instantly, they turned to look at him. He was smiling broadly and standing in front of them. He patted the basket in his arms. “Got some fresh veggies. Y'all want a platter with some dip? I could whip some up.”

“Yes, please,” Sydney said. “And some iced cold beverages, too, please O'Hara.”

“On it.”

Finn and Leo each passed a hand through Logan's hair before going inside. He sighed and tilted his face up towards the sun.

***

Later, Logan was watching Finn and Leo get ready for bed with a warm feeling in his chest. Leo's chest was still damp from his shower, and Logan’s eyes followed a water droplet down his happy trail and to the hem of his boxers. Finn must have noticed, too, because he brushed his thumb over the wet mark and licked some of the water on Leo's collarbone. Leo laughed and nudged Finn slightly, but Finn just leaned up and kissed his cheek. Logan suddenly felt a desperate wanting to have them beside him.

“Ici,” he said.

Finn's eyes on his were playful. “What? You getting jealous?” He walked over and flopped down on Logan. “I'll lick you, too, if you want. Watch.”

Logan laughed. “Non, non, rouge-”

But it was too late. Finn had bent his head to lick up Logan's stomach, running his tongue across his own happy trail before settling his chin against Logan's chest. “Don't lie, baby, you like being licked.”

Logan just traced the purple under his eyes with his thumbs. He looked up to Leo, who was putting his dirty garden clothes in the laundry hamper. “Soleil, ici.”

“I'm coming, sweetheart.” He dug around in his suitcase for a second before holding up a book. “Just getting my book out for bed, honey.”

Logan sighed and leaned against Leo's side as he sat down. “I have to tell you something.”

“Okay,” Finn said. He ran a hand up and down Logan's ribs. “Are you okay, baby?”

Logan nodded. He pushed Finn's hair back and settled underneath the arm Leo rested across his shoulders. “I just- I have something to tell you.”

Leo kissed his temple. “What is it, sweetheart?”

Logan took a deep breath. He pressed his cheek to Leo's shoulder, cool from the shower water, and cupped Finn's freckled face in his hands. “You do know that you're forever for me, oui?”

Finn's eyes closed and Leo's breath hitched against his shoulder. They were waiting for him to continue, and he didn't want to keep it in any longer.

“I need you to know that,” he said. He bent to kiss Finn's forehead, then tilted his head up to press his lips to Leo's jaw. Leo's eyes were blue and wide like jewels. “You're it for me. You're forever. There's- there's nothing after you, d'accord? Nothing. I love you too much for there to be room for anything else.”

Leo breathed shakily into his hair. “Oh.”

Logan nudged his cheek with his nose. “Soleil, do you understand? You're it, mon coeur.” When Leo nodded, biting his lip, Logan turned to Finn, who still had his eyes closed and his mouth resting beside Logan's nipple. “Rouge. Rouge do you understand?”

When Finn's eyes opened, they were warm and watery. “I've wanted to have you forever since the day I met you.” Logan's breath hitched as Finn adjusted himself to straddle his thighs. He cupped Logan's jaw firmly, a tear catching on his eyelashes before falling down his cheek. “You've been my forever since you walked into that stupid frat house with that backwards hat. I have loved you every second I've known you, baby. Every single second. And you.” He turned to Leo and smiled in that way him and Logan both did when they caught sight of those baby blues. “You were the most unexpected, beautiful gift the NHL ever gave me. I love to play hockey, sunshine, but I was made to love you. To love both of you.” His tears were falling a bit more freely now, and he brushed the ones that were falling from Leo’s eyes away with his thumbs. “Don’t you ever doubt that, Le, baby. We were made to love you.”

“Ouais, mon coeur,” Logan whispered. He tucked his face into Leo's neck and breathed his scent in deeply. “We love you so much.”

Leo nodded, but he was still sniffling. He tried to speak, but his breath only hitched with a light sob. When his shoulders started shaking, Finn moved away from Logan to settle on top of his lap and hold him. “Oh, Le, baby, it's okay. It's okay, sweetheart.” He kissed the side of Leo's head. “We love you so much.”

“I'm so sorry,” Leo got out. He leaned back to look at Finn and drew Logan close to him. “I'm sorry, it's just- I mean- I just don't know what to do without you. I'm barely an adult, and I don't know what I’d do without you, and I- it's just a lot. I just love you so- so much.”

Surprisingly, that made Finn laugh. “You're so pretty when you cry, you know that?”

Leo just groaned and pinched Finn's hip. “I just mean… I'm still nineteen. Most people don't find their forever at nineteen, or know what that forever feels like. And just- I'm younger but it doesn't feel that way? We're in love, and we live together, and I'm nineteen, and I-” He took a pained breath. “You two- you're too permanent for this to go sideways and have me come out on the other side okay.”

Logan sucked in a breath. “But that's not going to happen, d'accord?” He twisted to kneel up beside them both, taking Leo's face in his hands and looking down at him. “You’re forever, mon soleil. This is it.” He kissed his wet cheeks. “You found us, mon chou. You, okay? Finn and I felt okay to love each other because of you, because we also get to love you.”

“Lo's right,” Finn said. He took Leo's hand and kissed it. “There's no us without you. We are not anything if you're not here, too, okay, baby? I am meant to love you both or nothing at all, there's no in between.”

“Ouais,” Logan whispered. “I love you both, or nothing at all.”

Leo nodded and looked at them each carefully, lovingly. “I love you more than anything. Anything at all.” He shrugged and smiled softly. “Besides, finding you at nineteen means lots and lots of years together.”

Logan smiled widely. “Ouais. Ouais, you're right, it does.” He kissed Leo, then Finn, then flopped down onto Leo's chest with a grunt. “That was so much English.”

Finn and Leo both laughed loudly and Finn crawled over to rest on Leo's other side. “I don't think you've talked that much ever.”

Logan threw and arm across to tug at Finn's hair. “I needed you to know.”

“Mm,” Finn hummed into Leo's neck. He reached for the book Leo discarded. “Want me to read to you? Let’s see how many books we get through in forever.”

Leo leaned down to kiss him. “Yes, please.” He scooted further down the pillows and closed his eyes. “Your voice puts me to sleep. Like a lullaby.”

Finn grinned at Logan and winked before turning to gaze at Leo's relaxed face. “Oh yeah? Well, get ready, baby, because this lullaby is forever.”

Leo sighed contentedly and wiggled closer to both of them. Logan closed his eyes, too, tucked against Leo's chest. Finn's voice reverberated around his childhood bedroom, the place where Logan dreamed of having him forever, the place that he got to bring Leo to for the first time knowing he was forever. That they both were. The sheets were warm around his torso, Leo's chest heating up as he drifted off. Logan sighed and sank against Leo's skin, against the hand Finn had resting on his hip. He couldn't wait to wake up. There'd be a Cup parade, his family with him, the hot summer sun and the French conversation surrounding him on the main street. But for now, Logan was sleepy and sated, the most important things in his life were in his bed, and he was safe and sound and so, so in love. Logan took a deep breath and basked in his forever.

#lumosinlove #finn o'hara #leo knut #logan tremblay #o'knutzy #sweater weather #vaincre #coast to coast #lgbtqia #love #finn o'hara is a walking euphemism i SWEAR he's just so obssessed with them it's just hard to reel in his adoration okay?#leo knut is a *cute* angel who changed the trajectory of finn and logan's lives and he STILL sits there like 'i can't believe you LOVE me'#brave logan tremblay using his words he tries so hard for them effort is so important in a relationship he's such a sweetheart #rimouski #CANADIA #hockey boys #hockey

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