#james diamond x insecure!plus size!reader

[crazyk-imagine]

Big Time Crush

Pairing: James Diamond x Insecure!Plus size!reader Characters: Insecure!Plus size!reader, Katie Knight, Jennifer “Mama” Knight, James Diamond, Kendall Knight, Carlos Garcia, Hortense “Logan” Mitchell

Briefly mentioned: Camille Roberts, Gustavo Rocque, Kelly Wainwright, Snoop Dog, The Jennifer’s Warnings: Shenanigans, Katie being a sweetheart, the boys doing their best to help James, plans not going the way anyone planned, jerky teens, don’t mess with someone the boys, Katie, and Mama Knight like, the pool is a good place for jerky people to chill in, Mama Knight always manages to find the oddest recipes  Word Count: 4,151

A/N: I honestly have no idea what happened to Dad Knight but we’re gonna pretend that Jennifer and he went through a divorce when the kids were young, and she kept her married last name

Late Christmas gift (fic) for requester @lilacprincessofrecovery​ 

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

You sit beside Katie, Kendall’s little sister, who’s currently working on earning a quick buck or two from the “pool jockies” as you and Camille like to call them. You glance over at her cards and see that she’s close to winning another round of go fish. 

The jockies can’t grasp the basic rules of poker so you came up with a compromise and chose a classic game of go fish. 

You lean over and whisper, “the one across from you has queens and the one to your left has seven.” 

“You’re sure?” 

“I’m right about the queens. You just need one more than the one on your right and you’ll win.” 

“Okay.” 

Thanks to your little tip, she won which none of them liked. 

“If you don’t want to lose, then don’t play,” you advise. 

The one that sits across from Katie scoffs, heading back inside, most likely getting his luggage to go home for winter break. 

“It’s been a while since you had something to eat. Do you want me to get you anything from the snack machine?” 

“I think I’m gonna head inside and go play some video games. You can join me since Kendall’s at the studio, finishing up their latest album.” 

You smile, “alright. Be prepared to lose to the master.” 

“Oh, you’re on. Oh, actually can you get some candy. Mom wants to try this weird candy recipe and I was supposed to ask Kendall, but you know, I was in the zone before he left.” 

You nod, “yeah, sure. Anything specific?” 

“No gummies and no chocolate.” 

“That leaves room for a lot of choices, doesn’t it?” 

She raises her arms, “I’m not the one who made the recipe.” 

“Yeah, yeah.” 

“I’ll wait with you.” 

“You don’t have to do that.” 

“You’re the only other person here besides my brother and his idiot friends who is actually nice to me. My mom also wouldn’t like it if I came up without you.” 

“Aww, who’s a mama’s girl.” You pull out a dollar from your pocket, reaching for your bag when you realize you left it at the table. “Hey, can you do me a quick favor and grab my bag. I want to make sure I get enough for your mom. You’ve got me curious about her future creation.” 

She nods. 

You push the buttons for the candy when a shadow blocks the light, turning you find one of the guys from the game. 

“Hey, chubbs.” 

You furrow your brows, hoping he’ll go away before Katie comes back. 

“Maybe if you didn’t eat all this junk, you’d lose a pound or two.” 

“Just because I’m getting candy, doesn’t mean it’s for me.” 

“Isn’t that what they all say.” 

You furrow your brows, “you don’t have to be a jerk.” 

“You don’t have to be a jerk, cry me a river. Quite eating this crap,” he smacks the item out of your hands. “It’s not for you.” 

You don’t look up, keeping your eyes on the floor. 

“Can’t even look away from it for a second. Pathetic.” 

He walks away when one of his buddies calls him over. 

Katie stands beside you, handing you your bag. “Are you okay?” 

You put a brave face on and nod. “Yep, all good. Now, let’s get your mom the candy so she can get started on it.” 

Katie overheard what the jerk said and wants to make you feel better, but she’s never been good at it. She’s not letting you go back to your apartment until you absolutely have to, no one should be sad or alone during the holidays. Her eyes widen at the amount of candy you got. “Okay. I think we’re more than okay. This is already a lot more than what I planned on getting.” 

“You sure?” 

She nods, “definitely.” She grabs the candy from you and holds it close to her chest. “Let’s go. If she gets started now, she can be done but the time the boys get back.” 

“You guys don’t have any holiday plans?” 

“We did but then everyone canceled so we’re stuck here but now you can hang out with us.” 

“Oh, I can? I feel honored.” 

“My mom loves you.” 

“I’ve only met her once.” 

“And she thought you really nice. Wait, until she hears about you helping me win.” 

You push the elevator close door button, wanting to get to their apartment faster. “Don’t you dare.” 

“She won’t believe me anyway.” 

“Ha!” 

The young girl shakes her head, smiling, feeling proud of herself for bed able to keep you happy… even if it’s only temporary. She has an idea that maybe you don’t actually like what you see. She sees the baggy clothes you wear to hide yourself; it makes more sense with what that jerk told you earlier. “You look nice by the way,” Katie tells you, keeping her attention on the elevator doors. 

“Oh,” you whisper, not expecting her to say that. You glance down at your usual jean and sneaker combo followed by your cute festive, semi tight Christmas holiday shirt with a black jacket to keep you warm. “Thanks. I like your shoes.” 

She smirks, you had given her Christmas shoes laces as a joke not expecting her to wear them of course but here you are. “I know.” 

-

“We’re back,” the child announces, walking into the apartment. 

“Who’s we exactly?” Her mom asks, the last time she tried to get Katie a friend it turned out to be an adult who then stole her car- or rental car, it was a blur after realizing it was a car that was in her possession was stolen. “Oh,” she notices you, standing in the doorway and smiles. “Come on in. I’m so happy it’s you. How are you?” She hugs you, you weakly hug her back. 

The negative thoughts try to enter your mind again. ‘She pities you. Forever the fat pitied girl.’ You give her a weak smile. “We got the last ingredient you needed for your latest creation.” 

“Oh, that’s so sweet but I’m pretty sure my daughter was supposed to tell her brother to get it.” 

“She mentioned something like that, but I figured why not try the vending machine first. Save a few bucks, you know.” 

“I knew I liked you for a reason.” 

“We’re gonna play games.” Katie tries to pull you towards the couch when her mom stops her. 

“Oh no. You promised to help me.” 

“But-” 

“It could be fun.” 

“Don’t side with her, please.” 

“You two could make Christmas cookies.” 

“Oh, yay. I’ve been waiting make some myself but-” ‘She’s gonna think your fat, talking about cookies.’ “I- uh- never found the time.” 

“Let’s make the cookies… from scratch.” 

“I don’t like the look you have on your face, Katie,” you tell the young girl. 

The smile never leaving her face. 

“How about Mrs. Knight and I switch places?” 

“First, it’s Ms. Knight. And no, you two can make the cookies.” She turns to you, “I have faith that you’ll make sure the cookies come out right. Katie just wants to throw flour on you.” 

You nod, “I figured as much.” 

The older woman smiles, patting your arm, “you’re gonna have fun.” 

A nervous chuckle escapes you, “I don’t know.” 

“You will and while you do, I’ll be over there on the couch reading a book.” 

“Fabio?” 

The mother of the apartment says nothing. 

“Have fun with your book.” 

She nods and heads over to the couch, getting comfortable. 

“Alright,” you turn to Katie, “what flavor are we making?” 

“Chocolate chip.” 

“Excellent choice.” You order her to get all of the items and ingredients you’ll need and remind her of the sweet outcome whenever she huffs and puffs. 

“Now can we make the cookies?” 

“Yep, let’s get started.” You tell her which ingredients you need while you do the mixing. 

You two sit and play hangman while you two wait for the cookies to finish cooking. “Seriously? You used the word ambrosia. How was I supposed to guess that?” 

She smirks, “don’t order me around.” 

“Oh,” you shake your head, “you’re evil.” 

“I don’t think so.” 

“Of course, you don’t.” The timer on the microwave dings. “I’ll check on the cookies.” 

The boys enter the apartment and slump against the couch, two on each side of Kendall and Katie’s mom. “I smell cookies,” says Carlos, with a confused expression. 

“I do too,” Logan and James add. 

“Mom?” 

“Ask your sister,” she flips another page of her book. 

“Okay, Katie. I-” You scream, almost dropping the hot tray of cookies. “Geez.” You grab a towel and set it on the counter before setting the tray down. 

The boys stare at the tray of heavenly smelling cookies... all except for James, who’s jaw is open as he stares at you. 

Katie sits beside Logan who sits beside her brother, watching this whole thing with amusement. 

‘They think your fat for making cookies... even though they look like they want one.’ You purse your lips at this next thought. ‘They can eat them without the sugar going to their hips.’ You avoid her gaze and turn towards the sink, washing the dishes so Ms. Knight doesn’t have to. 

Carlos and Logan glance at one another, eyes switching between each other and the cookies. 

The brainiac shakes his head, the helmet lover nods; this goes on for a couple of minutes until Carlos reaches for a cookie and hisses. 

“The cookies just came out. You saw her take them out,” Katie points out. 

“But- it’s cookies,” the corndog lover weakly argues. 

“They have to cool.” 

“But I want cookies.” 

You dry your hands on a napkin and slowly turn around. “If I,” you pause when the five turn to give you, their attention. “If I get you some cookies, will you stop trying to grab them off the hot cookie sheet?” 

The boys nod. 

Katie gets out of the chair before you asked her to get you plates. 

You scoop a couple of cookies onto each plate and slide them in front of each boy, not forgetting to give a plate to Katie and her mom. 

A small smile tugs at the corner of your lips. 

“Don’t you want to try some?” You shake your head with a polite smile, “no, thanks for offering though Katie.” 

She furrows her brows. “But you said-” 

“I- I decided that I’m gonna stop eating so much candy.” 

She knows where you’re going with this and what thoughts are running around your mind. 

“Oh, okay. Well. I’m sure I can whip up something else,” Ms. Knight offers, collecting the boys’ plates. 

You shake your head, “it's- its fine. I should go back to my place.” You walk around the counter, grabbing your bag off the table. “Thank you so much for letting me hangout here.” 

“Do you h-ave to go?” asks James, voice cracking halfway through. “You could- we could hang- hang out?” 

An uncomfortable smile stretches across your lips. “I- I would but, I have to go. Maybe some other time?” You add even though you don’t really mean it, thinking he was just being nice to the “fat” girl. 

“Oh, yeah. Okay, next time.” 

A quiet, “bye” slips past your lips before the door closes shut. 

-

The boys or Katie’s mom didn’t see you much after that day. They couldn’t find you when it was only everyone in the apartment, Kelly, Gustavo, and Snoop Dog who were stuck at the studio. 

Katie wanted to invite you to stay and hangout with them since she knows your family always have plans, leaving you here alone. She was lucky to have found you a few days after everyone came back from break. 

“How was your guy’s Christmas?” you ask her, sitting in the cabana. 

“Not better than yours.” 

“Somehow I don’t believe that.” 

-

Just because the boys haven’t talked to you since you made cookies, doesn’t mean they haven’t seen you. 

Every time James sees you, he forgets everything he was doing or thinking. 

The others always encourage him to try and ask you out (not just because they’re tired of hearing him go on and on about you) but he always gives them some sort of excuse as to why he can’t or shouldn’t making it even weirder because... it’s James. But they see how he is whenever he’s near you and know that he has a big time crush on you. 

-

Kendall pulls together an idea, knowing that you and Katie are hanging out by the pool as usual so naturally he calls, more like yanks, Carlos and Logan with him. 

“Operation: Get James a date is happening today.” 

“Today? Like today-today? We’re not ready,” Logan tells him. 

“It happens and he will get a date with the one person who can get him to use less of his body spray.” 

“How are we gonna do that?” asks Carlos. 

“I’m glad you asked.” 

They rope James into coming over and helping them with their fake plan. 

“Okay, James. I’m gonna be honest with you right now,” Kendall starts. 

“We lied!” Logan blurts out. 

“That’s not what we agreed to do.” The leader smacks the brainiacs shoulder, who whines as he holds his arm. 

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. He should know. He needs to know what we’re doing here.” 

“What exactly are we doing here?” The pretty boy chimes in. 

“We’re helping you ask out the only nice girl here.” Carlos glances over at the offended duo and sighs, correcting himself. “Who isn’t dating anyone.” 

“What?” James eyes widen. “You’re trying to get me to ask her out?! No. No. No.” 

“You can do it,” Carlos encourages him. 

“It’s all going to be fine,” Kendall pats his shoulder. 

“Take these flowers,” Logan shoves the bundle of flowers into his friends’ hand, “and go find her.” 

James trips, using his hands to put some distance between his face and the floor, not wanting to damage his face; the flowers are a now mess on the floor. 

No one stops to help, only glancing over at him and continuing with their day. 

Luckily for you, you didn’t hear it, the music blasting through your headphones blocking out all and any sounds around you. 

He sighs and pushes himself off the ground with sad and slow movements. 

The other three reach out to comfort him but he continues walking past them and into the pool area since the kids from class were having fun first day of summer pool party. 

“She’s still there,” Logan weakly adds. “This is good.” 

“Let’s go before he floats in the pool, staring into the sun,” Carlos taps his helmet before running outside. 

-

You hide in the cabana, not wanting to see anyone or have anyone see you in the jean shorts, you haven’t worn in what feels like a millennium. You don’t even know why you’re here; you should be in your apartment watching some old romance movie that you find stupid because you haven’t been in love or in a relationship. 

You don’t even know why you left the cabana flap open, maybe it was some kind of subconscious self-torture because all you see when you look at the pool is everyone from class which consist of skinny girls in bikinis. 

Just as you pointed them out to yourself, the Jennifer’s give you a polite wave, something not everyone could get which made your harsh thoughts about yourself make you feel bad for thinking these kinds of things when they’ve been nice to you for almost as long as you’ve known them. Sure, they were a bit rough around the edges when you first met the girls but after helping them when they needed it, they’ve been nothing but kind to you. 

The smile falls from your face as you watch them settle onto the pool lounge chairs. ‘They didn’t need to buy new bathing suits. They didn’t gain anything during the holidays.’ You shake your head, sighing. ‘Don’t focus on that. You look cute too. Your shorts are perfect for your shirt.’ You tug your jacket closer around your torso, half tempted to zip it but deciding not to prevent yourself from overheating. You noticed James lazily floating on one of the bed floaties, staring up at the sky. 

Almost as if he could feel eyes on him, his head rolls to the side; he glances over at you. 

You both freeze, keeping eye contact with one another. You didn’t realize it at first but, you offer a small wave in his direction. 

He returns the slow wave. 

You quickly lower your head, trying to focus on your book. ‘Why’d you even accept their invite to this?’ You bite the inside of your cheek, letting go when the flavor of copper hits your tastebuds. ‘They probably invited you out of the pity. The fat girl friends with a child. They want something to laugh at.’ 

-

Katie draws James’s attention away from you. 

“What?” He asks, with an annoyed tone. 

“Get out of the pool and talk to her. She needs someone to talk to and I can’t do it.” 

“Why not?” 

“My mom wants to me to do something that other kids my age do.” She notices the raised brow and disbelief expression he has on his face. “Whatever that means. Go and talk to her. I’m tired of you not saying anything.” 

“I can’t talk to her,” he stresses the second word as if that would help. 

“You can. It’s easy. She likes music, you’re in a band. Find common ground.” 

“You make it sound like I’m going into battle... I’m not, right?” 

“You are and oh look, we’re here.” She shoves him in front of the cabana, hiding behind one of the oddly placed plants. 

James catches himself before he could trip, glancing back of his shoulder only to find no Katie. He sighs. 

“Hi James.” 

His shoulders tense up, eyes quickly moving onto you. 

“You know my name?” 

‘This isn’t awkward.’ You nod, “kind of hard not to when you’re the newest artist around here.” You purse your lips, since when did talking to others get to be so hard. ‘Have I always sounded like this?’ 

He chuckles, “that- uh- yeah, that makes sense.” 

You gulp before you ask him if he wants to sit in here with you. 

His eyes widen in surprise making you feel bad. 

Did you make him think you hated him because if so, that was not your intentions. 

“Yeah, okay.” He’s quick to walk over towards the unoccupied seat near you. 

-

Kendall and the other two exit the Palm Woods lobby with Carlos munching on whatever caught his interest in the vending machine today. 

“Where could he be?” Logan questions with his hands on his lips. 

This was not like their friend to just disappear for hours on end (even though it had been ten minutes. The debate between snacks Carlos had with himself was absolute hell). 

The boy with the extra accessory points to something in front of him, unable to respond as he continues to munch on his snack of the day. 

“Looks like he doesn’t need any help,” Kendall comments. 

“We can get rid of these costumes then, right?” Logan starts itching his collar bone. 

“After we-” 

“Nope,” the brainiac shakes his head. “Nope, besides Carlos already stained his so, we can’t use these.” 

-

“Are you gonna go into the pool at any point today?” James asks, with an innocent tone. 

“Uh- n- I don’t think I will.” 

“Why not?” 

You say the first thing that pops into your head. “I’m not a big fan of splashing.” 

“We could hangout near a corner... or something.” 

“We?” You turn your head to him. 

He scratches the back of his neck, a nervous chuckle slipping through the small smile he has on his lips. “Uh- yeah. I mean or we could- we could just stay here, if that’s what you want. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” 

‘If only he knew.’ “Maybe when there’s less people,” you grip the edge of your jacket, further curling it around you. “We could go for a swim,” your voice wavers at the word. 

Almost as if he knows what you’re thinking he offers something else. “Nah, I’ve already been in the sun for too long. I definitely don’t want to become one of those overly tan people, you know.” 

You chuckle, knowing exactly who he’s talking about and sadly, it’s usually the parents of the other kids that live here at the Palm Woods. “Yeah, smart move on your part,” you joke with him. 

The corner of his lip’s twitches, he got you to make a joke. He didn’t think he’d be able to make you smile much less make a joke, the butterflies in his stomach start fluttering faster than ever. 

“Have any of you beaten BTF yet?” 

He furrows his brows, “how do you know about that?” 

“It’s me. Katie gets bored when she beats the pool jockies and we’ve been practicing your guys’ video games so we can beat you.” 

He chuckles, “now that I know that you’re so going down.” 

“I’d like to see you try,” you playfully shove his arm. 

“How can you stand to be near it?” The pool jocky who was being a jerk before Christmas snickers. 

“What?” James asks, not understanding why this guy is being such a jerk to such a nice person. “Just don’t feed her, she’ll never leave if you do.” He turns around, heading towards the pool area feeling very highly of himself. 

Your brows knit together, a sad pout on your lips. “Let’s just go, James.” 

“What?” He spins around, standing in front of you. “No. He doesn’t get to talk to you like that and pretend like he didn’t.” 

“It’s fine. This isn’t something new.” 

“And I’m gonna make sure it doesn’t happen again.” 

You didn’t see anything because Logan and Carlos stop you from following him. “Would you let me at least-” 

“Nope,” the former shakes his head. “Not happening. Kendall and James have got this handled.” 

Carlos nods, “yeah. We just gotta trust them-” 

And then the quick screams of the Jennifer’s and pool splashing causes all of your eyes to widen. 

“I’m sure it’s fine,” Logan says, turning you around so your back is to the facing the front desk of the lobby as he avoids your gaze. 

James walks through the open doors, stopping in the doorway, smiling when he sees you and tries to slick his hair back. 

Kendall rolls his eyes, Katie walking up behind the two. “Please stop.” 

The two jump up, hugging one another as they let out a quick scream until they realize who it is and immediately push the other one away from them. 

“You’re fine, she won’t care if your hair is messed up-” 

“It’s messed up?” He asks, reaching for hair. 

“What? No. That’s not important. If I hear you did something to make her cry or anything to hurt, her feelings. You won’t know revenge until it happens to you.” 

A short chuckle slips past your lips as you place a hand on James’s shoulder. “Let’s not threaten people today, Katie.” 

“I’m not, just implying what could happen if he isn’t nice,” she says, a fake smile tugging at the corner of her lips. 

“Yeah, I’m not buying that.” You start to push James into the direction of the elevators. You two stare at the doors, unsure of how to talk to one another knowing that he did- whatever it is he did because he cares about you. ‘My stomach feels weird, but I don’t have an upset stomach?’ “Thank you.” 

“It was fun.” 

“Not as much as it’ll be when I kick your butt.” 

“Oh, you’re on.” 

-

Carlos tilts his head, “does anyone smell cookies?” 

“As long as you don’t smell toast, we’re good,” Logan adds. 

“Huh?” 

“Nothing.” 

“Could you two walk any slower,” Katie whines. She opens the door, shaking her head watching the two having fun. She wanders over, leaning over the back of the couch. “Any more BTF?” 

“You know it.” 

“Cookies are done,” Ms. Knight announces, scooping the cookies off the cookie sheet and onto a plate. 

Everyone runs over to the counter, wincing at the temperature. 

“What does BTF mean?” asks James as he breaks a cookie in half offering you the other half. 

You accept, “oh, that.” You chuckle, “it was actually something I use to make fun of Katie but when I tell you, I… will painfully admit that I’m a fan of your guy’s music because it means… big time fan.” 

He leans in. “Can I assume someone here is your favorite member?” 

“Nope, let’s go play some more. I’m so close to getting the scoreboard to be all BTF.”

[buckybarnesappreciationsociety]

“Just The Way You Are” Part 2

Summary: Y/N never felt comfortable in her skin. Years of bullying tore a crater into her self-esteem. After landing her dream job at Stark Industries, a certain super soldier is enamored. Will she allow herself to be happy?

Characters: Bucky Barnes x Plus size reader

OFC: Bucky Barnes, Wanda Maximoff, Natasha Romanoff, Miss Lucy, Shelby

Word Count: 1,613

Warnings: A smidge of self-doubt; fluff galore!

A/N: As promised, part two of my submission to @star-spangled-man-with-a-plan full-figured writing challenge! Hope you’re pleased!

A/N (2): 😘 😘 @goodnightwife, my beta for part 2. 

Prompt: #25 “You are beautiful no matter what shape you are”

FEEDBACK APPRECIATED! 

Y/N, Nat and Wanda formed a “sisterhood.” Just 4 floors below the common room,  and had lunch on a regular basis. Her insecurities alarmed Wanda and Nat who formed a plan: Girl’s Day Out!

Tony ordered lunch. In the corner Sam, Bucky and Steve engaged in conversation. The “science bro’s” debated F.R.I.D.A.Y.’s upgrade.

Across the room, Bucky glanced at Y/N, listening to her laugh. She’d throw her head back, scrunch her nose a bit. Angels sang at the sound of her voice.

Nat and Sam smirked. Obviously Bucky was enamored with Y/N and they knew it.

Honoring Y/N, Tony suggested a 40’s and 50’s themed gathering. Y/N vehemently objected. Tony  shushed the room. “It’s mandatory.” Y/N, Bucky, Sam and Bruce groaned. Oh well, new clothes it is.

A sense of dread washed over Y/N. Did they make formal tents?

Wanda placed her hand over Y/N’s. “Before today’s over, you’ll see your true self.” Nat nodded.

Sighing, Y/N agreed. “Time to shop.” Clapping, the ladies set their sights on a monumental shopping spree courtesy of Tony Stark.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Reclining, sipping on mimosas, hors d'oeuvre, Y/N, Nat and Wanda basked in nature’s song. Trickling waterfall, lush greenery, soothing sounds wafting through the speaker.

Overwhelmed, Y/N fought tears. Years of bullying broke her spirit. Maybe the pieces were

beginning to mend.

She couldn’t stop the fear running through her mind. What to order? Crap, this is difficult.

Nat sensed her frustration suggesting, “Have a light lunch. Salad as the appetizer; grilled salmon, steamed vegetables for your entree.”

Smiling, Y/N agreed. “Delicious and healthy.”

Wanda couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. “Found a vintage dress shop not too far from here! ‘Miss Lucy’s Dress Emporium.

The front of the shop, blue and white striped awnings hung over a huge, enticing display window. Swing dresses, shoes, vintage jewelry returned customers to years gone by; the 40’s and 50’s. While Nat and Wanda gabbed to each other about choosing a dress, Y/N played  “what if.” What if her size wasn’t available? What if they had her size and she looked like a beached whale in the dress? Hands shaking, Y/N turned the door knob.

A small bell alerted the proprietor she had customers. Shuffling to the counter, an elderly woman barely five feet with brown skin, salt and pepper hair flowing beyond her shoulders, smiled at the trio. “Ain’t y’all just pretty as can be. What can Miss Lucy do for you?”

Visibly doubtful, Y/N hesitated. “Do you have full figure vintage formal wear? I’ll understand if you don’t.”

Miss Lucy placed her wrinkled hand on Y/N’s shoulder. “You ain’t the first young lady whose visited this shop, down on herself. What’s your name shuga?”

"Y / NY / L / N."

“Baby, I’m 70 years old. Done seen a lot in m’time. Growing up, people picked at’cha. Hurt ya something terrible. It ain’t what they call ya, it’s what ya answer to. You’re a diamond in the rough. Time for shaping, polishing so the world can see the real you. Now c’mon. Miss Lucy gon’ find y’all some dresses.”

Nat and Wanda weaved through a sea of pastels, pencil and swing dresses, mirroring children in a toy store.

Shelby, Miss Lucy’s niece selected a billowing, deep wine satin swing dress with a sewn-in cape. On Y/N’s feet, low heel silver slippers.

Y/N’s delicate hands rubbed the satin material, savoring each pleat. Adorning her feet, silver open toe slippers. Rounding out the ensemble, a pair of wine stud earrings with matching necklace.

Time for the reveal. Nat, Wanda and Shelby beamed as Y/N faced the floor length mirror. “Baby girl, how do ya feel, huh?”

Staring at the mirror, Y/N couldn’t believe her watery eyes. “Wow, I feel like Cinderella going to the ball.”

Nat and Wanda agreed. “You are Cinderella. Now, time to meet Prince Charming aka James Buchanan Barnes.

“See, Miss Lucy know what she talkin’ ‘bout. Let’s get y’all rung up. Be sho’ to take lots of pictures so I can see’um.”

Nat, Wanda and Y/N kissed Miss Lucy on the cheek. “You bet we will. Bye Miss Lucy and Shelby. Thank you for everything.

<><><><><><><><>

Bucky tried on his suit for the fifteenth time, changing shirts, ties and shoes. Steve had enough. “Buck, stop!! Ya driving me crazy!! Tomorrow night’ll be here before ya know it. Listen, if ya wanna make this right, tell her why you’re a chicken.” Steve clucked. Bucky threw a pillow.

“Alright. See ya later punk!”

“G’night jerk.”

Y/N stayed the night with Nat and Wanda. Tomorrow night she would debut her new attitude. Hopefully, Bucky would take notice.

<><><><><><><><>

The ballroom was abuzz with partygoers dressed in vintage attire. Women wearing swing dresses; men dressed to the nines. Sam, Steve, Bucky, and Tony explained to Thor the premise behind their outfits. Tony mingled with the guests, while waiters served expensive champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Wanda and Nat reminded Y/N to take a deep breath, chin up and strut! All eyes were on the ladies as they entered the room arm-in-arm. Bucky turned his attention to one woman, Y/N. He’d never laid eyes on such a vision of loveliness. The way she smiled, sipped her champagne, batted those long eyelashes. Hell, James Buchanan Barnes was a goner! Only problem, telling y/n! C’mon Barnes, grow a pair!

Sam, Bruce, Nat and Wanda hit the dance floor. Viz unsure of himself, watched from the sidelines.  It was now or never for Bucky. Y/N decided to take in the warm summer night on the balcony. She loved the twinkling lights of the New York skyline. The demon of her past reared its ugly head. Dread washed over her like a tidal wave.

Breathe….breathe…..Love yourself no matter what. The road is long but the end results are worthwhile!!!

Clearing his throat, Bucky sidled next to Y/N.“Hey. Are ya okay?”

Y/N’s voice cracked, barely holding back tears.“Y-yes Bucky. I’m sorry. I’d better go.”

As she turned to leave, he reached for her hand. “Please stay. I know you may not wanna talk t’me, but m’here.”

“Can I tell you something?”

“Anything.”

She and Bucky walked over to a rooftop bench. “As a child, I endured relentless teasing. I’ve always been insecure with regards to my weight. It didn’t stop at childhood, Teen years, even in college. I’ve NEVER felt pretty. Love avoided me like the plague. Due to insecurities, I doubted any man who showed interest in me. I’m a mess.”

“If ya don’t mind me saying, you are beautiful no matter what shape you are. I don’t see weight. Y/N you’re a gorgeous dame!” Y/N blushed.

“See, look at’cha. The way those long lashes flutter like angel wings, a to die for smile, not to mention brains. You’re a total package. Any man would be lucky t’have ya as his gal.”

“Bucky, I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”

“I ain’t just sayin’ it t’make ya feel good. Uh, the day in the elevator, I really wanted t’talk to ya. Instead, I clammed up.”

“Why don’t we start over. Hello, I’m Y/N Y/L/N and you’re?”

“M’name’s James Buchanan Barnes but everyone calls me Bucky. Please to meet’cha.”

Deciding to forgo the remainder of Tony’s party, Bucky and Y/N engaged in lively conversation, raiding the rooftop fridge and liquor cabinet.

Channeling her college chorus days, Y/N belted out “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” by Ella Fitzgerald.

Stars shining bright above you

Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"

Birds singing in the sycamore trees

Dream a little dream of me

<><><><><><>

The first note from Y/N’s lips rendered Bucky mesmerized by her sultry voice.

<><><><><><>

Say nighty-night and kiss me

Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me

While I'm alone and blue as can be

Dream a little dream of me

Stars fading but I linger on dear

Still craving your kiss

I'm longing to linger till dawn dear

Just saying this

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you

Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you

But in your dreams whatever they be

Dream a little dream of me

<><><><><><>

When the singing stopped, Bucky threw caution to the wind, moving closer to Y/N until there was no space between them. Gently cupping her face, he leaned in placing a gentle kiss on her waiting lips. The kiss lasted only a seconds but felt as if it was an eternity.

Breaking apart for air, Bucky and Y/N’s foreheads touched. “Doll, m’toes curled. That was

something else.”

Clearly out of breath, Y/N agreed.

Rubbing the back of his neck, Bucky asked Y/N out on a real date. “H-how would’ya like t’go out with me sometimes? Maybe a movie or dinner?”

Blushing, Y/N accepted. “My answer is yes! I’d love to.”

“Really? Swell. Um, can I kiss’ya again?”

“James Buchanan Barnes, I thought you’d never ask.”

@star-spangled-man-with-a-plan @goodnightwife @rebelslicious @suz-123 @pegasusdragontiger  @stars8melanin @bolontiku @papi-chulo-bucky @jrubalcaba @yoyolovesbucky @crazy-little-thing-called-buck @sarahsassafras13 @saysay125 @redqueen1221 @ek823 @sebstanfanma @@theunsweetenedtruth @wxntersoldiers @httppartytattoos  @lowkeybuckyb